Jonathan Pearl - Star Pearls Column

Star Pearls 12*11*06

Think bigger
Star*Watch
Straight to the Moon
Wandering Stars

Dear friends,

After several columns on Homer and last week on the ancient Antikythera mechanism, this week I'll cover something current.

The bi-partisian Iraq Study Group headed by James Baker, secretary of state under Bush senior, recommended this week to pull out nearly all US troops by 2008.

GW Bush's response: Forget it, we're staying.

This column isn't about politics; I am really writing about Mercury. While most people - even some Republicans - are baffled by Bush's persistence to 'stay the course', this makes perfect sense from the astrological point of view.

Mercury is the cosmic messenger and relates to how we think. GW Bush has Mercury in Leo, a fixed sign. The positive side of Mercury in Leo is an optimistic confidence. The downside is exactly what we see above - *I* don't care what everyone else says, *I'm* doing what *I* say that *I* am going do to do and that means we're staying in Iraq!

This Mercury in Leo is so dramatically strong in Bush's chart because it is at 9 Leo, just 2 degrees from the Ascendant at 7 Leo, and conjunct Pluto at 10 Leo. This two together make it Mercury in Leo times five. For you readers who also might have Mercury in Leo, I doubt that you also have it rising and conjunct Pluto but if so you might not listen to anyone else either!

How do you think? Where is your Mercury? First, is Mercury in a cardinal sign (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) that initiates, a fixed sign (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) that endures, or a mutable sign (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) that is more adaptable?

Then check the element: fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sag) will be impulsive and action oriented, earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) will think about material, air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) will be very conceptual, communicative and generally quick, water signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces) more intuitive but easily influenced by feelings.

This is just the beginning. If you are beyond the basics check the ruler of Mercury, speed and aspects.

Right now Mercury is in Sagittarius clipping along quickly and heading towards the Sun - we all are thinking more broadly now. We have lots of ideas and expand our point of view - even (hopefully) GW.

Here are a few expansive announcements.

I'll be talking on my fave topic 'Homer's Odyssey Through the Zodiac' at the January meeting of the San Francisco Astrological Society on 1/25/07. Watch next year for more details.

I've been invited to be a featured speaker at The Blast Astrology Conference. Info here.

And an article I wrote on the astrological election of Baghdad for an special interest journal has been picked up for the Autumn issue of NCGR Geocosmic Journal. NCGR members check it out!

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Sun * in Sagittarius. We act to expand horizons, experience what is further out and go beyond all limits. Most of this is good but easy to overdo.

Moon * Last Quarter Moon in Virgo on Tuesday 12/12.

Monday 12/11 * Moon in Virgo, Mars conjunct Jupiter. Everything Mars gets a big boost - action, assertion, exercise and for those interested, men!

Tuesday 12/12 * Last Quarter Moon in Virgo. Virgo takes care of the details, Sag likes the larger perspective. When we are in a forest we like, taking care of each tree is a joy. Yet our main challenge with Mercury is Sag is that there are just too many trees!

Wednesday 12/13 * Moon in Libra. We're serious about partnerships today. With Venus in Capricorn, the relationships that count are ones that last.

Thursday 12/14 * Moon in Libra. With all the recent emphasis on splurge-Sag, today (like yesterday) we're more aware of limits. We want to give gifts to the ones we love, but not as comfortable going overboard. If you notice something similar to this, then you know a key difference between Sagittarius and Capricorn.

Friday 12/15 * Moon in Libra, into Scorpio 2:40 pm, Mercury square Uranus. Mercury in Sag is already thinking bigger; aspecting Uranus in Pisces means our ideas take interesting innovative twists. Scorpio Moon brings emotion, but not too much - we're still in Sag season! If in a holiday blue-stew, exercise into endorphins.

Saturday 12/16 * Moon in Scorpio, Sun trine Saturn. A take-it-easy weekend for family, traditions and old-style holiday enjoyments. Some like carols and tree decorating, others prefer gingerbread, yet others go for the eggnog.

Sunday 12/17 * Moon in Scorpio. With Sun conjunct Pluto early the next day, we'll have ample energy - the question is where it goes. Pluto in Leos might entertain a bit too much, Pluto in Virgos might prefer the annual apartment purge and donate any clothes that haven't made it out of the closet, and Pluto in Libras will be all about their partnerships.

Have a stellar week!

Peace and love,
Jonathan Pearl

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Wandering Stars - the planets

Mercury * in Sagittarius. Mercury in Sag wants to learn, explore and experience a variety of concepts and forms of communication. The main difficulty is that we have one good idea after another! Mercury in Sag through December 27.

Venus * in Capricorn. We're serious about partnerships now and value things that last. We're more willing to put in the work hours too. Venus in Capricorn until January 4.

Mars * in Sagittarius. Mars in Sag means men act like the confident archer - more upbeat, assertive, athletic and always in pursuit of prey. This placement energizes the thighs. Mars in Sag through January 17 2007.

Jupiter * in Sagittarius. Jupiter is opportunities and expansion and in his home sign of Sag, improvements and abundance come easy. Jupiter in Sagittarius through December 2007.

Saturn * Retrograde in Leo. Concrete Saturn is moving into the 2nd pass of an opposition with destabilizing Neptune. All long term structures are not as solid as they seem. Saturn in Leo through September 2007.

Dragon's Head * in Pisces. We advance towards peace, arts and spirituality, and partnerships are also a must. Without the sweet embrace of love, substitutes can be not just an occasional indulgence but a routine.

Dragon's Tail * in Virgo. As placements go, this is a bit tough. The Dragon's Tail is like the tai-chi master doing quiet movements but little else. How does this function in the sign of accomplishment through detail & perfection? We let go of ways we are unnecessarily restrictive. Hard work is a virtue, but unless guided by a Pisces wholeness will never bring us true peace.

* * * MAY ALL BE AUSPICIOUS * * *