Thursday, April 01, 2010

Astrology for April 2010 Pluto retrograde

This month sees two planets turn retrograde. A planet is said to be in retrograde motion when it appears to travel backwards from our earthly perspective. All the planets do this periodically and the faster moving bodies do it more frequently. The Sun and Moon, also known as the Luminaries are the exception and always move in a direct or forward motion. Astrologically a planet in retrograde will express itself in a more inward and personal way.
Mercury will be in a retro phase from 18 April through to 11 May. Mercury is the planet of communication, acting like quicksilver, fast and hard to pin down. It also rules local travel and our thinking process. Although it has become popular to expect everything to go wrong during a Mercury retro phase this is far from the truth of the event. The slowing down and backward motion provides us with an important chance to re-evaluate, re-negotiate or re-consider where we might otherwise have pressed ahead only to have to return to it later. Use this phase to catch up with the paperwork.
The slow moving Pluto is also about to turn retrograde, 7 April through to 14 September. The nature of this heavyweight ‘planet’ is to purify and transform all that’s not working towards our best interests. It does this from within and will often bring to light previously unrecognised problems that have been blocking our progress. Pluto acts as a purging agent and can sometimes feel uncomfortable. We are often quite attached to the things, habits, beliefs, relationships or structures that need to be cleared out to make way for a new and improved version! This is a great time to undertake any kind of psychological therapy, diet cleanse or detox programme. Pluto turning retrograde in Capricorn will remind us that our outer world is only as good as our inner world and that there is work to be done. Specifically it will show us where things are not working within our social systems, governments, financial and other institutions as a result of our collective human failings. Though we may have already seen the result of failures in our social structures we may not have seen much change in their way of operating. This important retrograde period is a big ‘reality check’ and will initiate a deep reconsideration about the long term sustainability of these organisations. Attention will have to be given to our personal social responsibilities and obligations to the wider community. During this Pluto retrograde phase we will see the beginnings of necessary change at the very grass roots of our society.

Monday, March 01, 2010

Astrology for March 2010

The Month starts in the wake of the “full on” Full Moon of February. With the Sun conjunct mighty Jupiter there was the feeling of it all being a bit extreme. Big events grabbed our attention and seemed to bowl us along as the high energy reached a peak. The rest of the month looks like it will be quite eventful too. A whole new wave of energy is released as Mars begins its forward motion again on the 10th. This fiery planet represents our drive towards our goals, desires and achievement. Whilst Mars, our warrior energy has been moving backwards there has been the need to postpone things or wait with some impatience. There maybe reason to be pleased that you didn’t push forward as the chance to re assess situations now proves its usefulness. Try to use the days around the 10th when Mars is at a standstill to gather your resources and don’t allow frustrations to turn into confrontations. People with planets in the first degree of the fixed signs, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius and Taurus are particularly affected. As we move towards the New Moon on the 15th life might seem to be buzzing with news, ideas, conversation and revelation. Both Mercury and Uranus join up with the Sun Moon combination to form a very sparky dynamic in mystical Pisces. Mercury is quicksilver and always flitting from one thing to another, making connections and bringing new information whilst Uranus can act like a lightning bolt and give “eureka” moments. Expect fast witty exchanges as the whirlwind energy whips up new thoughts and exciting future plans. More new beginnings are possible as the Sun makes its annual entry into the first cardinal sign of Aries at the Spring Equinox on 20 March. The start of the new season is marked by a tense combination of planets that echo the transforming qualities of the whole year. Both Mercury and Uranus together with the Sun receive strong challenging aspects from Pluto and Saturn. To get the best from these powerful influences remain centred and avoid being drawn into arguments of ideology or conflicts of interest. Use the energy to tap into a creative stream of inspired thought whilst testing insights with sound reason. If you can reach up to embrace the “bigger picture” rather than focus on personal trivia, then you have achieved something worthwhile.

Monday, February 01, 2010

Astrology for February 2010

Mars and Saturn are known as the two “malefics” in traditional astrology. This is partly because they are the planets most likely to cause us trouble. Both are currently in retrograde, or seeming to travel backwards. Mars changes to forward motion once more in early March whilst Saturn turns again at the end of May. This is a period when we have to stop trying to make “stuff happen” and review what has already occurred. If we try to push ahead with our projects, deals or enterprises, chances are we will have to return to the planning stage soon anyway. Saturn represents business generally, rules, plans, strategy, structure, “the system” and authority. This is our chance to press pause and take stock. Rethink your plans and renegotiate your contracts or commitments now. Rewrite rules and amend regulations. Repair structures etc. Mars as the planet of action, retrograde, means we can examine our past actions and reconsider the consequences. This gives us the benefit of hindsight whilst we can still do something about it. Personal energy is at a low point and our focus is inwards. If we don’t like the mess we find ourselves in or the restrictions that “bad” decisions have placed on us then these few weeks are our time to work out a new strategy so we can do it differently when Mars and Saturn start to move forward again.
Saturn and Mars act as a backdrop to this month whilst the highlights occur at the two major Moon phases. The Sun conjuncts Neptune at the New Moon on 14 February. This might add a romantic glow to St Valentines day. Neptune can blurr the edges of our perception for good or bad. Joined with the Sun which is our vitality and essence or identity we can become disorientated, confused or just a bit woolly. The New Moon is the start of a new cycle and a good time to set a new course but it might not bode well for clear forward direction. Yet Neptune can also blurr distinctions in a beneficial way, dissolving boundaries that set us apart form others. A great deal of compassion or empathy can be experienced now. Placed in altruistic Aquarius we could see people moved to various humanitarian acts of kindness. We can afford to be fairly optimistic with the great benefic Jupiter, now very happy in its own sign, Pisces. The Sun moves to join Jupiter at the Full Moon phase on 28 February. Expansive Jupiter conjoined with the brilliance of the Sun at a time which is a natural climax in the Sun-Moon cycle could mark a major moment. Expect it to be big and bold. Jupiter is intrepid in its determination to move into new territory and will sometimes be carried forward on a wave of righteous belief in its cause. The energy will be vibrant and expectations grand. It’s certainly a good moment to manifest some of your highest ideals.

Friday, January 01, 2010

Forecast for 2010 & the Future for Ireland, an Astrological Outlook

The Astrology of 2010

The Astrology of 2010 shows us that it is not just another year. As the leading governments of the world resolve for us to recuperate from the recession, our personal lives are changing at an accelerating pace. This year prepares the way into 2012 and beyond. During these next few years our way of life as we now know it, will be radically transformed to embrace a new paradigm of thought and social conduct.

As 2009 drew to a close there was a general sense of having come through something. It was a difficult year for us at home and far worse for many in other parts of the globe. If you’re still here then it means you must have survived. Throughout last year the most powerful astrological configurations of the first decades of this century have been shaping up. Most of us have seen a huge change in our everyday lives as the “boom to bust” set in. It’s been hard to make plans for the future as the present circumstances are demanding that we give them our best attention. We’ve begun to acknowledge the reality of the economic situation which started to reveal its hard hitting impact in late 2008. Since then there has been a lot of water under the bridge – in many senses! For 2010 the main theme is ending the old and beginning the new. We reach a critical peak in a pattern that continues to play out and set the scene for the next several years. A dominant and tense T-square formation involves the potent planets Saturn, Uranus and Pluto. This rare and significant configuration activates three vital degrees in our Zodiac. This is a momentous year for us all.

A Critical Time for Ireland

While Saturn opposes Uranus in the sky they are both square to Pluto and they each touch critical points in the 1949 chart for Ireland. Saturn the traditionalist is holding the position of authority and public status. Uranus is the revolutionary and is making its opposition from the “grass roots” level of the chart. Pluto is the seat of power between them, challenging them both and it sits directly on Irelands Moon which represents the mood and response of the nation.

The first of five Saturn Uranus oppositions was during 2008 in Mutable signs Virgo and Pisces. This created the changeable conditions we’ve seen through 2009. The final opposition of 26 July is at zero degrees of Aries and Libra. These points mark the spring and autumn Equinox. Together with the Solstice points of Cancer and Capricorn they make up the Cardinal cross of the Zodiac. Cardinal signs mark the seasons and signify new trends, fresh starts and renewal. People with personal planets here will be most strongly affected by the transformation. This complex astrological pattern symbolically represents a dramatic period of upheaval and a turning point for the majority of the world’s population in which political, social, cultural, and economic challenges of the last decades reach a peak and demand resolution. The stresses involved in this dynamic will ensure we can’t carry on repeating our mistakes. We have to find a new way forward now. This is the beginning of a new era.

A New Cycle of Experience

The last time we saw a similar pattern was during the early 1930’s when the major financial systems of the world experienced a collapse. What followed was the Great Depression, which then led to a radical new direction in many world governments.

During 2010 though, we have another dimension to the configuration which suggests this is not just a repeat performance. From mid April, Jupiter joins up with Uranus in this hard aspect formation. Both planets will be moving back and forth between Pisces and Aries through to 2011. Pisces and Aries are the end and beginning of the zodiac reinforcing the theme that we are moving into a new cycle of experience.
To fully understand the astrological significance of the momentous events taking place throughout this year we need to look at the key players and their positions in a little more depth.
Jupiter - Uranus
Jupiter is the planet of expansion, opportunity and speculation. The big planet is generally beneficial to all it encounters bringing good fortune and optimism. Increase is a good description of its action. Jupiter’s urge to increase can also lead us to excess and overindulgence or rash and foolhardy risk taking. The influence of Uranus also makes a risk taker but with a different twist. He will fight fearlessly for the freedom to be an individual. A rebel, he is capable of overthrowing the existing regime without a care for what is discarded in the name of the cause. Uranus can be a sudden bolt from the blue that shakes things out of a rut. It can be eccentric and stimulate thinking outside the box. Jupiter and Uranus in combination are a mighty force for change. This pairing can create entrepreneurship, individualistic thinking, ingenuity and long range speculation but can also represent radical extremism in all its guises. Watch out for a major scientific leap or breakthrough this year that will change our thinking and transform our lives for the future. Whilst in the sign of Pisces there is an imaginative element or otherworldly quality. This can vary from the inspired to the escapist. In Aries the energy is very different. There is a strong competitive and assertive energy which doesn’t take much time to think of consequences. It’s all action, impulsive headstrong and forceful. As this pair move into Aries and team up in early June expect some sweeping and extreme responses to the old established order which Saturn represents.
Saturn
Saturn also represents due care, responsibility and hard work. He is the ‘party pooper’ who opposes any extravagant or ‘accumulation at any cost’ attitude of the reckless Jupiter-Uranus in Aries combination. Sometimes he operates out of fear of change and sometimes it’s to prevent a disaster. Though whenever Saturn makes an appearance you can be sure there are hard lessons to learn. The lessons are described by Saturn’s journey through Virgo and into Libra. In Virgo since 2007 the lesson has been about our understanding of the Planet Earth as nurturer of life. The environment, our natural resources, food quality, and our vulnerability to the climate have all been major issues in the news headlines. At the end of 2009 Saturn moved into Libra but will just turn back to Virgo briefly this spring. The Saturn in Libra lesson is all about our relationships with others. Libra has equality and sharing on its mind. The sign of the scales is weighing things up and seeing how far it tips in one direction. We will have to address the balance now. Global inequalities will be shown up, and closer to home we have work to do too.
Pluto
At right angles to the Saturn opposite Jupiter-Uranus combination is Pluto. His position is challenging both ends of the argument. Pluto is symbolic of our two worlds, the inner, underworld or private life and our outer public life. Pluto’s dual characteristic is there to challenge our will. It shows us where we hold on to power to keep control and highlights where we have failed to take responsibility by giving our power away. It brings to light what we have hidden. Deep shame, guilty secrets and deception are all exposed. Any concealed self-seeking behaviour is revealed in its relentless task of purging and transforming. In Capricorn, Pluto is methodical and measured, he is practical and patient and he has a goal. The goal is that through diligence, utilising the tested and true methods which honour mankind’s higher principals, a more sustainable, durable way of living will be established. With Pluto you can choose to go along willingly or resist and struggle painfully. Whichever way you choose, Pluto is taking you anyhow.
The Year Unfolds
The year starts whilst energetic Mars is retrograde (appears to move backwards). It’ll be hard to get things moving. There’s a sense of enthusiasm to make a fresh start but this is hampered until Mars starts forward again on 10 March. Saturn also goes retrograde on 13 January and we revisit some of the same issues we had last autumn. If what we fear or can’t face has been suppressed and buried then the Saturn-Pluto combination forces it into the light.
Saturn started to make this difficult square angle to Pluto last October and repeats it in late January and Mid August. It insists that the dirty secrets of any underhand, self-seeking or exploitative behaviour are ousted from within, exposing those in authority that once held our respect. People used to being in control will resist for as long as possible but the power of Pluto ensures that we might see more figures in authority, the church and politics under close scrutiny. Many who feel let down will abandon their church, institution or political party and become increasingly cynical.

Jupiter in Pisces

Jupiter encourages growth and moves into his own sign of Pisces on 18 January staying there until early June. In compassionate Pisces we’ll notice a greater tolerance for differences, a better understanding of human frailties and shortcomings. In Ireland, throughout the first half of the year there will be a strong emphasis on strengthening community ties. People will make more of their immediate surroundings, travelling less distance and getting more involved in local networks. We could see an increase in local initiative groups. Goodwill extends to our neighbours as we find new ways to share and give needed support.


Low Point for Ireland
When Saturn Squares Ireland’s Moon in mid March there is no doubt that life is not a bed of roses and the country is feeling it. The demands of the country’s financial responsibilities may seem heavier than ever and there are no external supports. The mood is low. People have lost faith in their leaders and pressure builds for the government to take whatever practical steps are necessary to move forward. This will create tension as there is still a need to rake over the past before we can move on.


With Saturn moving over the area of Ireland’s chart which signifies our political and financial status the emphasis is on the task of rebuilding and restoring the country’s damaged economy. During March through to May, attention will tend to turn towards internal affairs as the country tries to understand and make sense of its new direction. There are clashes as the government traditionalists want to continue to prop up the financial institutions and the reformers want radical changes to take place. There will be difficulties later if those in power don’t give some time to re-inventing our identity as a country and listening to the “common man”.

Sustainable Growth


As Ireland continues to work harder than ever before to strengthen its position the whole population will shoulder more of the responsibility. Mid March and early August events could bring home the reality of the situation. Sacrifices made now will be worth it in the long-term. The country’s leaders need to act responsibly and honourably at this time, because our international reputation is at stake. If those responsible fail in their duty there is a very real danger of falling from grace and damaging our political and financial standing in the eyes of others.

During late March and late July we have the opportunity for careful and sustainable growth. This can be a good time for expanding in business, or investing in property or real estate whilst there is a good balance between caution and optimism. This is when it is less likely to over-extend either financially or physically.

During mid June we experience the beginning of a new fourteen year cycle of opportunity. Although the effects of the new phase won’t become apparent for several years, now is the time to invest in entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable long term projects. Throughout June there is a greater sense of optimism and investments are better rewarded. We have the opportunity to make long term investments in energy technologies, using our natural resources and developing community initiatives.


Social and Economic Struggle


The lunar eclipse of June 26 at 4° Capricorn conjuncts Pluto and activates the approaching grand cross involving the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter, Uranus, the Moon, and Saturn - all within 5° of the four cardinal points. This is a momentous event and likely to have a far reaching impact on the global situation as new information, technologies and discoveries show us new possibilities. The full effect of the eclipse will emerge as events unfold in various places throughout the world during late September.

During July and August, Saturn and Uranus will be completing the last of their five oppositions. At the same time, Mars will have just entered Libra to join Saturn whilst Jupiter moves into Aries with Uranus. This is the major Astrological configuration of the year and although it acts as a trigger point the events during these months will be unpredictable and unexpected. Expect though, a major social and economic struggle between the new and the old, the traditional and the radical, in which both sides spar and harden against each other. It is very much a time to choose one and leave the other behind. Prejudices increase, along with paranoia and general fear of the unknown, leading many to cling to false idols either defending or advancing them dangerously. What is needed now is a movement that leads us to what is “right” and also profitable. In the enthusiasm for a new cause or idea a little too much or ill-placed force can undermine everything. There is a general climate right now for making judgment errors. Unfortunately once made, there is usually no going back.
For Ireland the struggle is between the needs of its domestic life and its global presence.


New Innovations

Whilst Jupiter makes its retrograde journey from 23 July to 18 November across the area of the chart for Ireland that deals with communications don’t be surprised if you detect a lot of “spin” and insincere talk coming from every direction. This is a time when any spurious talk becomes apparent and the current mood could be quite damning. Jupiter moving backwards is also a great opportunity to do restoration work or revitalise failing businesses but not great for initiating new enterprises. There may be the need to put a lot more investment into projects but don’t expect the returns during this phase.

During late September and into December there is a chance to review and rebuild. Ireland has now been forced to realise the burden of national debt. This in turn is a challenge to rejuvenate the country’s economy. The major financial institutions will now have to operate in favour of smaller business and community ventures.
Into early 2011 there will continue to be struggles as opposing forces grapple with new ideas versus old systems. Many long range sustainable projects and new innovations start to emerge.

By the time Uranus forms a square to Pluto in Capricorn in 2012-2013 there will have been tremendous cultural, social and political upheaval which will further transform governments and political structures. The paradigm shift is underway.