Jonathan Pearl - Star Pearls Column

Star Pearls 1*8*07

Odysseus in Capricorn
Star*Watch
Wandering Stars

Dear friends,

Like most of us try to do at New Year, Odysseus starts off the Capricorn chapter of the Homer's classic tale with burst of good fortune. King Aeolus, master of winds, tied up most of them in a special sack and left just one warm West Wind to gently take the long wandering Odysseus home to his island at last. They sailed 9 days and nights - Odysseus was so bent on making it that he manned the helm non-stop without a break. On the 10th they came within eyeshot of his beloved Ithaca, but exhaustion set in and he fell asleep.

The jealous crew starts muttering: "Our captain gets gifts everywhere he goes - let's see what's in that sack!" They open the bag of winds, they rush out, and the ship is blown all the way back to the island of King Aeolus. When Odysseus awakes and sees how far they had strayed he wants to die.

He decides to stick it out among the living and returns to the King for help. Aeolus is not amused: "Away from my island - fast - most cursed man alive!"

If you have ever experienced tough times with the Sun in Capricorn, at least you can relate to Odysseus. He starts out so well but then suffers so much. Why? Because he pushed himself too hard! If he let just one of his crew take the helm for just 1 night of sleep in one of those 10 days, then he wouldn't have conked out when Ithaca was so close.

Of course the other reason was the jealousy of the crew. I confess that I notice more of what others have that I do not with Sun in Capricorn - how about you?

Without any winds, Odysseus and crew row 6 days and nights non-stop (they didn't learn their lesson about taking a break). When they arrive at land, they set out and explore and run into the Laestrygonian giants who promptly eat some of the men and wreck most of the ships of the squadron. Rushing back Odysseus commands: "Row or die!" He and his ship are the only ones to escape - everyone else is lost.

If you or someone you know is a Capricorn, do you have job 'deadlines' all the time? That you must work - or else? Homer is craftily telling us that sometimes we really do have to work (row or be eaten by giants) but earlier has shown us that overwork and jealousy are the root of many a problem.

Homer isn't pulling any punches here; Odysseus is having a dreadful time in the Capricorn chapter. Trials continue next week!

Here's an uplifting New Year's wish from Australian astrologer Kelly Surtees that sums up the very essence of the planets: "May Jupiter's bounty inspire you, may Saturn's discipline hold you, may the Moon nourish you and Venus bring you love. May Mars motivate you and Mercury inform you. May the Sun shine light and confidence into all the corners of your world.

And glad to add another testimonial to the growing list:

As a colleague and friend of Jonathan’s for four years, I’ve often turned to him for off-the-cuff astrological advice on anything from "should take a trip down south with a new friend?" to "should I accept this job offer?" Of all the questions I’ve presented, he’s never failed to call a situation, reading the complex nuances of a question with complete accuracy. So when it came time for me to choose a date for my wedding, he was the first astrologer I consulted. We confidently chose a date, but as it grew near and I heard wet weather predictions for my outdoor celebration, I quickly called Jonathan. Yes, he confirmed, there would be a sudden change in the weather, but no rain on my big day. Sure enough, a cold fog cloud rolled in shortly after the ceremony began – but everyone stayed dry. The wedding was perfect: we danced on clouds all evening, and the magical romantic mood guests walked away with (and continue to mention months later) had everything to do with the astrology of the day. Jonathan’s special gift is his versatility. His ability to apply the ancient science toward any question is the essence of divination. Jessica Shepherd, Astrologer.

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. Their website will soon be updated with info.

Learn how I do accurate astrology at The Blast Astrology Conference.

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Star*Watch - More info here.

Sun * in Capricorn. After our Sag free-for-all, we work hard on our path of self-realization. Capricorn means ambition and putting in effort to achieve results, but with ruler Saturn in Leo the aims have to be true to our hearts. Monday to Thursday we are oriented towards revamping structures in relationships, allowing ourselves to desire differently and enjoying technology; then from Friday over the weekend we will be more seriously focused on things we have to do.

Moon * Last Quarter Moon in Libra on Thursday. Capricorn has great personal ambition, but Moon in Libra pulls us towards partnership.

Monday 1/8 * Moon in Virgo, Mars trine Saturn. We are more assertive than over the weekend, especially after Moon passes South node exact at 9:40. With our drive (Mars) in sync with efforts (Saturn) we are happy to work hard - but as Homer tells us, just don't overdo it. We are feeling more optimistic about our business plans. The potent astro energy driving various expansions: Jupiter on royal star Antares.

Tuesday 1/9 * Moon in Virgo, into Libra 10:15 am. Either Apple has a very good traditional astrologer scheduling their key events, or they are simply in the groove. Steve Jobs announces his vision today for the future of his company - do your own version as well. Like Apple think different, but especially think big.

Wednesday 1/10 * Moon in Libra. It's worth getting up early to catch some of the particularly lush happy energy of today. If you sleep through it, at least you'll have good dreams! The usual morning is sweet too, but as the day goes on our minds feel heavier. The astro take on today: be inspired by the morning, then do the work to put those plans into action in the afternoon.

Thursday 1/11 * Moon in Libra, Venus sextile Jupiter. Moon in Libra means relationships, and we're especially optimistic about our romance loves or friendships. With Venus in Aquarius, we can easily have both!

Friday 1/12 * Moon in Scorpio, Mars conjunct Pluto late night. A more serious and intense day where we are likely to push ourselves to an extreme. Get sweaty-physical tonight and cathart your way out of the depths.

Saturday 1/13 * Moon in Scorpio. With the edge of Mars-Pluto past, we can enjoy exploration at a less driven pace. We are still serious and perhaps somber today, but relationships offer new opportunities and some pleasant escape.

Sunday 1/14 * Moon in Scorpio, into Sagittarius 10:10 am. After the last few heavy days, Sunday will be much more optimistic. Go somewhere new, especially by water!

Have a stellar week!

Peace and love,
Jonathan Pearl

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Wandering Stars - the planets

Mercury * in Capricorn. Our minds work hard for real results, and we put in the brain-time to achieve our goals. Capricorn can accomplish much but the hidden secret of the sign is fear. Mercury in Capricorn through through January 15.

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 * * *