Anne Massey, C.A.P., is a professional astrologer. Anne is the current and founding president of the Fraser Valley Astrological Guild. Anne is a member of I.S.A.R, O.P.A. and the Finnish Astrological Association (SAS).
Read Anne's Bio or visit her website - Astrologically Speaking
To find out about the astrological courses scheduled for September call Anne at 604-888-9552 - upcoming Saturday workshops are also listed.
To schedule a personal astrological consultation call Anne's office at 604-888-9552 or 604-889-4820 (secretary Malonie) or send an e-mail. - See listing of archived Articles by Anne.
"I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances." - Martha Washington
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Every
year I pull out a list of major astrological events and then take a look at
what these cycles brought in the past and what is likely to happen in terms
of events for the year. Note all times are Pacific PST or PDT.
The celestial compass now points toward Aries until mid-2006. There is extra inspiration in the ethers this coming year to light that proverbial fire in our belly. We also get new kinds of input into the practical and pragmatic side of life throughout the second half of the year.
Last year we had the huge Venus Occultation, which launched a New Venus that culminates to full in 2008. Issues that were pronounced all of last Summer launched a process that unfolds slowly over time. When reading this year's write up think back to the years given for clues on how the five Venus intertwining cycles of change are unfolding for you. I have broken the column into segments by the stellar events, and the individual horoscopes are on separate pages. This year I have broken each write up into three sections. Number one is what might it mean and the basic timeline. Number 2 the timelines (note the clock face image) and when they last occurred with some astrology. Number 3 (look for the astrological wheel image) astrological points to consider.
• The Nodes of the Moon - The Needle of the Compass
• Mercury in Fire - Looking for Inspiration
• Venus in Capricorn for three months - It is about
our values and it is time
• Mars in Taurus for six months - A review time
with how we expend effort
• The four Eclipses - The Timers in the Zodiac
To skip intro just read signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.
"The significant problems we have cannot be solved at the same level of thinking with which we created them." - Albert Einstein
Timeline: December 25, 2004 - June 20, 2006 (technical note - the true nodes)
The nodal axis shows where the eclipses will occur and has the role of showing us where we need to be headed. You will find that most astrologers use the words Dharma and Karma to illustrate the basic meaning of each end of this axis. I often see luck and obstacles also assigned to this pair. The nodal axis shifted from Taurus-Scorpio to Aries-Libra at the end of 2004. These shifts take place at about 18-month intervals.
The Nodes are always an axis of two opposing signs and until mid-2006 that is Aries and Libra. Oppositions are closely linked to relationships, two polarized views and to the concept of compromise. Doubly so this time as the South Node is in the sign of Libra. Libra is the sign we know likes harmony, balance, equanimity, and cooperation. Aries on the other hand, is the sign we associate with spontaneity, the impulse to be a forerunner, the first even onto thin ice, and ACTION. Aries is linked to ME and Libra to WE. This year Aries and Libra individuals, in particular, will feel either a nudge toward the future and a slight realignment in their path toward it - (Aries) or be pulled back to revisit some of the issues or events from the past that were not completed at the time (Libra).
The eclipses last a moment, but two areas in our charts will be illuminated by this axis for the next year and a half. We need to learn independence, spontaneity and at some level create something new in the area of our charts (and lives) where the North Node in Aries is found. At the opposite end we need to let go, and learn to recognize and acknowledge innate talents we have not owned.
I like to refer to these as the needle of the compass; we each have a pair in our natal charts. As with the compass the one pointing to North shows us the direction in which we ought to be headed; we can stay focused on one guiding direction and find our way home. Our natal charts are a snapshot of the heavens at our birth, but the motion of the planets does not stop. The nodes are reflective of the path of the Sun, which astrologically represents our ego, our identity and show us how we need to be or become in order to live to our full potential. The Sun is a rational and logical facet of our identity. The other part of the nodes is linked to the Moon, which astrologically speaking, represents our instinctive reactions, emotions, memories and our innate habits. From this perspective the North Node is linked to the Sun and the South Node to the Moon. Karma, which means action (reaction) of the South Node, simply shows us that if we keep on doing what we have always done we cannot move forward. Life hands us issues whether we are prepared for them or not, and we cannot solve problems by using the same approach we did in order to create the issues in the first place.
When the nodal axis travels with Aries as the guiding direction, the individual emphasis is stronger than the relationship emphasis. Can we go it alone? Any opposition is always about relationships and compromise. In the south node we have our tools and skills. People born with an Aries North Node need to learn to stand on their own two feet, and be pioneering in an area of their lives defined by the house position. People born with a Libra North Node need to learn to share and cooperate, and to be in a relationship despite the innate need to be independent. At these turning point years when the order is reversed, there can be a lot of letting go of issues and things in our lives that serve little purpose in terms of personal growth. I will discuss this for each of the signs in the individual write ups.
In terms of the real estate markets, this nodal pairing will foster market growth and the mortgage rates (and interest rates) are going to start climbing up. The market peaks typically occur when the nodes are through Capricorn-Cancer, which will be in 46.5 months (starting late 2009). Think back to 1990-91 when mortgage rates were peaking above 10%. Real estate prices don't escalate as quickly as the interest rates. The latter part of the year might bring some good deals to be had for those in a position to seize them.
At
age 18.5, 37, 55.5 and 74 the nodes in transit (planets in the ever-changing
sky) return to the same position as they were at birth. These are the years
when we re-evaluate our direction in life. As we begin our adult lives around
our 18th birthday we need to decide what we are going to do with our lives.
At 37 the question is am I still headed in the right direction. At 55.5 we
are reviewing what we have done thus far and wondering if we are personally
feeling fulfilled with our efforts as we are in our elder years period. What
do we need to give back, what have learned that we could share with our community?
Those born in between these dates have their north node
in Aries (mean node):
June 18, 1930 - January 6, 1932
January 27, 1949 - August 17, 1950
September 9, 1967 - March 28, 1969
April 20, 1986 - November 8, 1987
November 29, 2004 - June 19, 2006
At age 9, 27.7, 46.5, and 64.7 we have the transit North Node on our natal South Node. The order is reversed. These are like the mid-terms of the previous set, we can quite clearly see what we have done so far, and this helps us reconnect with our direction. We can never go back, so regrets are wasted; we can only return to a changed set of circumstances. These tend to be turning point years, naturally there are other planetary configurations helping nudge us toward the right direction.
Those born in between these dates have their north node in Libra (mean node):
February 26, 1921 - September 15, 1922
October 8, 1939 - April 27, 1941
May 20, 1958 - December 7, 1959
December 29, 1976 - July 18, 1978
August 10, 1995 - February 27, 1997
Every
Year we have an average of four eclipses. These occur near the lunar Nodes,
which moved onto the Aries-Libra Axis late 2004. Solar eclipses take place
at New Moon and Lunar Eclipses at Full Moon. North Node is linked to the Future
and South Node to the past.
Timeline: April 8, 2005 -19° Aries 6' - New Moon at the North Node
Early October 2004 we had an eclipse at the opposite point of Libra (21°).
What was the new issue or event in your life back then? How could you be moving
toward the future more independently with that foresight? This new Moon is
about boldly going where you haven't before. It is about collecting your tools,
recognizing your strengths and being innovative and pioneering. Jupiter is
in Libra at the South Node this year, and the scales are not balanced. Letting
go is not an option, it is more about acknowledging what you have, what you
have done and building upon that. If you were born between April 4-12 and
October 4-12, you are more likely to feel this one more personally. Luck happens
when opportunity meets with preparation.
Timeline: April 24, 2005 - 4°Scorpio 20' - Full Moon - Moon at South
Node
In October we had an eclipse at 5° Scorpio the pair for this one takes
place at the end of April, both of these are lunar eclipses. The first one
in October was perhaps more potent but as that time frame is fresh in our
minds we can look back to see if anything happened back then. If the answer
is no, then chances are nothing will take place at the end of April either.
If your recollection or view is a little myopic as this event was too close,
then think back to the Spring of 1986 (or the other years listed above). If
you were born October 26-29 or April 26-29 your Sun is singed by this eclipse.
It is a nudge to move on into uncharted territory. If you know the house position
in your chart, look to that for clues as to what this might entail. In the
9th for example, this might have you moving to a distance or bring about interesting
travels; perhaps just a lot of contact with in-laws who also belong to this
part of the chart. Full Moons always represent culmination, and letting go
of the past.
Timeline: October 3, 2005 - 10°Libra 19' - New Moon at the South Node
This eclipse is about balancing two conflicting needs, typically within relationships.
All of our interactions with people and things boil down to a relationship.
Have to learn from the past but can go back. Going back always involves returning
to a changed set of circumstances. When we accept something new into our lives
it typically also involves letting go. I look at this eclipse as the most
potent for this year. If you were born around this date in October or April,
life gets mighty personal. Compromise is also required; having your way is
not an option rather you need to take the needs of others into consideration.
Timeline: October 17, 2005 - 24°Aries 13' - Full Moon - Moon at North
Node
The Sun and Jupiter are at the South Node and the Moon does not reflect the
light of the Sun at a Lunar eclipse. The indication might be that rational
thought is challenging and our desire nature rules almost instinctively. Normally
at full Moon we have culmination and we can clearly see where we are now;
this October that might not be the case. We always get more than one opportunity,
the pair for this eclipse rolls around next year.
Last year I had several emails regarding an eclipse on a personal point in the chart such as the ASC or the Sun. The eclipses themselves are neither negative nor positive; they are simply timers that sound an alarm to alert us to things we have done our best to ignore. Alternately they are timers to sound applause when we are doing what we are supposed to be doing with our lives. However, if an eclipse is within 2 degrees of a personal point especially applying, ask yourself have you been paying attention to your well being? You can't go ignoring potential diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. indefinitely. Health matters aren't limited the two I used in the previous sentence, rather I wanted to also show that those two ailments are treatable. Eclipses are sort of a wake up call. Unless these points are active in your chart and other previous planetary alignments have already brought issues close to the surface these may be a total non-event.
I am always reluctant to give pat answers with eclipses; I view these as the timers in our astrological tool box. The point in the chart has been activated over an extended period of time - 18 years to be precise. Then along comes an eclipse to the point, and we reap what we have sown. The buzzer goes off on that timer or alarm clock; heads up what have you been doing? To get some clues for you personally, take a walk down memory lane to the year 1986, and to Spring time and early Autumn. What were the changes happening in your life, remember that with eclipses these are memorable ones. The next topic addresses the underlying process, which astrologically speaking, is to do with the nodal axis - our internal compass being realigned so that we stay on course with our lives.
April
8, 2005 @ 13:47 PDT - total solar eclipse at 19°Aries 6'
April 24, 2005 @ 14:46 PDT - penumbral lunar eclipse at 4° Scorpio 20'
October 3, 2005 @ 3:33 PDT - annular solar eclipse at 10°Libra 19'
October 17, 2005 @ 5:03 PDT - partial lunar eclipse at 24°Aries 13'
Eclipses repeat at 19-year intervals (1929, 1948, 1967, and 1986). The previous ones in 1986: April 8, 1986 -19° Aries 7'; April 24, 1986 - 4°Scorpio 0'; October 3, 1986 - 10°Libra 16' and October 17, 1986 - 24°Aries 05'
Technical Note: The Saros cycle is 18 years long as basically all the variations of the lunar cycle align at that point. Both of the solar eclipses this year belong to the old, fading and less potent category, however, there are now eclipse trips you can take, the one next year is in Turkey where the visibility is good.
Venus moves with precision through the Zodiac. Her meetings with the Sun take place only in five out of the twelve zodiacal signs; Aries, Gemini, Leo, Scorpio and Capricorn. These five signs have hosted these meetings for several decades now. Through the end of March Venus is completing her Morning Star phase, which began with Occultation on June 8, 2004 at 17°Gemini 54'. We are busy collecting information and knowledge. We are talking and analyzing what it is we'd like to have. The Gemini cycle culminates to Full on June 8, 2008 at that same degree in Gemini.
Full
Venus in Aries, astrologically known as the superior conjunction of Sun
and Venus takes place at 10°Aries 26'. This Venus cycle launched
in the Spring of 2001 culminates with this seemingly brief event. The Sun
and Venus have a meeting, astrologically speaking a conjunction, once every
nine months only. The Full Venus arrives without the fanfare of the New Venus,
just a moment in time it would seem. In order to think about what this might
mean to you, think about what you were focused on all Spring long in 2001.
Venus spent four long months in Aries back then, did you start something?
If you have worked toward that goal, now is the time to reap those rewards.
The time frame in reality is the weeks around the Full Venus. This can be
a particularly auspicious time if you have a planet at 7-12° Aries, Leo,
or Sagittarius. Venus is always a benefic planet - even when she moves retrograde,
which takes place later this year at which time her reign as a brilliant Evening
Star concludes.
The shorter nine month cycle of Venus as the Morning Star also concludes at this date. Venus becomes the Evening Star on March 30, for nine months, or perhaps we should call her Sophia of Wisdom. Venus represents illumination, and she is at her most brilliant as an Evening Star. The symbol of her cycle is the pentagram, which is spirit over the four elements. The Spirit point is the quintessence, which represents the purest or the most perfect. The Venus cycle is about bringing us ever closer to our own beautiful spirit or essence.
The previous time line for the Full Aries Venus was March of 1997. Venus
like the Moon only displays the same side to us here on Earth, the other remains
hidden. Our inward journeys are not public, and this evening star phase starts
an inner journey, so that we can assess what we desire for ourselves from
here on out. Unless, this position of the Zodiac links with your chart, you
may not notice much. The New Venus is more action and activity oriented going
after what we desire. During the Evening Star phase we are more focused on
what is good for us personally, and with whom do we want to relate to from
this point onward. I think the biggest difference between a Morning Star and
Evening Star is that the Morning one is more materialistic, desiring things
and accomplishments and those Taurus related things such as money, possessions
and things that satisfy the senses. The Evening Star is more related to our
relationships and to what we need in order to feel content, but not in terms
of material things rather whom do we wish to spend time.
Venus
weaves the pattern of a rose in her travels around the Sun (the adjacent graphic
is an image of the Venus cycles). He is the centre of our Solar system; in
fact, the only Star in it. All of the planets dance to his tune with a few
bold statements. One oft ignored themes of the inner planets moving retrograde,
is the fact that they spend extended periods in one sign when they are about
to shift and change phase. Later in this write up you will notice that Mars
is spending six months in Taurus and even quick-footed Mercury will spend
almost four months in the element of fire (Aries, Sagittarius, Leo). Venus
is no different, except this time she is splitting her long visit between
two signs - Capricorn and Aquarius; and Capricorn gets to host her for three
months.
November 5 - December 15, 2005 and Jan 1, 2006 - Mar 5, 2006
I think a good way to look at planetary transits, is to think about a house guest coming for an extended stay. Venus in Capricorn is very conscious of societal norms and likes to uphold these. She likes quality over quantity, and can be very business like in her approach. She truly is a Queen in this disguise, and has utmost respect for traditions and customs. Capricorn is a sensual Earth sign, not just the sign to do with business. Capricorn is also a cardinal action sign, not the kind to sit in the background and wait for things, rather the one to go after what she desires.
During this time Mars will be doing his dance in Venus' own sign Taurus. Capricorn is one of the signs Mars prefers (his exaltation sign). The element of Earth is strong now. That is practical, pragmatic, let's roll up our sleeves and tackle chores kind of energy. Despite the differences the two will work together to bring about concrete results. Venus naturally governs money and Mars governs the resources of others and those assets we share. This can be a tumultuous time for politicians and/or governments as they may be called to the carpet to explain where the money is going. We could also see the battle about which currency is the one we measure the rest against. Once upon the time it was the German Mark in Europe, the the US greenback won out, now the challenger is the Euro. While the nodal axis shift discussed earlier tends to increase interest rates, this Venus-Mars pairing, could foster incredible deals to be had with investments in real estate in particular. The last time period Venus spent this kind of time in Capricorn repeat from 1998 and 1990, prior to that we need to look at 1762-63, which was the early days of the Industrial Revolution.
Do you love it? That is the question Venus poses, when she pops in for an extended visit. Are you following your bliss, and are you pleased with each and every moment? In order to get specific, we need to know if she talks to the other characters in your life's play and what area of your life is she scrutinizing. The issues become more pronounced during her retrograde period of 40 days; from Christmas Eve through February 3, 2006.
• Venus is the character in your life's play, who characterizes your
values, priorities, your attitude toward possessions and your desires.
• She plays a significant role in your relationships; she is the mirror,
which reflects your image back to you.
• The sign she is in is the clothing she wears
• The spot she occupies on your stage, i.e. the house, illustrates what
is important to you. She knows what you like and dislike, she is your connection
to how something feels, and she is your sense of touch.
Venus in Aquarius 48 days
December 15, 2005 - January 1, 2006 and March 5 - Apr 5, 2006
The theme switches slightly when Venus moves into Aquarius, that is where the retrograde station takes place - at 1°Aquarius 27'. That is the degree of the Sun for those born on January 21-22. When planets station, they appear to stop in their tracks, and the points in the Zodiac where this happens become 'activated'. Thus the date marks something significant in our lives, provided that it activates our personal charts.
Both Capricorn and Aquarius are connected to the planet Saturn. Saturn is the planet of responsibility, obligations, limitations and he is the ultimate taskmaster of the Zodiac. Venus is somewhat more sombre in these two signs, more practical and pragmatic. Saturn offers rewards only after we have earned them. In this long period of Venus performing her dance, we should place our heart desire first. The heart knows what the heart wants, and logic takes second place.
This is one of the five New Venus points launching a new cycle, which is a repeat from January 1998 and 1990 and which reaches the Full Venus phase in January 2010 at 20°Capricorn 32, which repeats from January 2002 and January 1994.
With this new cycle, the best way to identify the themes in your life, is to take a look at what you started with the New Venus in 1990 and 1998. Then take a look at what you received as a 'gift' around January 2002 and 1994. We are talking about the sign of Capricorn, which means that you had to and have to do the work.
Venus
Data: Venus in Capricorn:
• November 5, 2005 @ 0:10 PST to December 15, 2005
•Jan 1, 2006 @ 12:18 PST - Mar 5, 2006 @ 0:39 PST
Venus in Aquarius:
• December 15, 2005 @ 7:57 PST - January 1, 2006 @ 12:18 PST
• March 5, 2006 @ 0:39 PST - Apr 5, 2006 @ 17:21 PST
• Venus stations retrograde December 24, 2005 @ 1°Aquarius 27'
• Venus inferior conjunction January 13, 2006 at 23° Capricorn 40'
• Venus turns direct February 3, 2006 at 16°Capricorn 01'
Venus has five unique cycles that repeat with precision over an eight year period split into five 18-month periods, which are further split into two nine month periods. And once every forty years the Sun and Venus align to repeat the relationship the two have in our natal charts.
In
2005, I think, we will be offered renewed inspiration to tackle the tasks
in our life differently. Periodically we need to be reminded that we should
feel more excited about what we do. Aries likes excitement in life and is
always ready to try something new, at least once. Aries energy incites us
to - 'Just Do It'. If you don't like, try something else but always keep looking
for new things to get thrilled about. Leo has a child-like exuberance to have
some fun in life. Astrologers talk about how Leos love being the centre of
attention; the Sun is the centre of attention in our astrological scheme of
things. The Sun's natural abode is Leo. The Sun warms us, nurtures us and
without it we'd have limited amounts of anything as it feeds our crops. We
all feel so much better when the Sun shines, especially during our rainy or
snowy seasons. Sagittarius is the explorer of the Zodiac and loves to venture
into new situations, countries and to meet people from other cultures. Astrologers
talk about Sagittarius as an untamable energy; not willing to settle down
until all those wild oats are sown.
Fire signs are full of vitality and have an expressive, excitable nature - and this year Mercury brings this gift to all of us in mega doses.
This year we have three two-month long periods where we can regain inspiration; in total Mercury is in the element of Fire 193 days out of 365 - just a bit over half the year. Time frames listed above. The last time we had these periods in fire was 1998-99; yes, back then we had twice the time. Fire is an interesting element; it not only singes, but also burns away collected debris. It brings water to boil, manages to heat the earth and air. Mercury's natural abodes are air (Gemini) and earth (Virgo) - so he is out of his natural elements in Fire. Fire is linked to the intuitive, idealistic temperament (choleric). It is the time to rekindle those flames of passion within us; what have you stopped doing or being that you truly miss? This mischievous planet is associated with talking, learning, communicating, and travel. Mercury is a highly logical planet who connects with the other planets (or characters in our life's play) frequently collecting data. I will discuss these three time frames in the individual write ups.
I have written a separate article on Mercury about his travels through the
element of Fire and his 21-day periods of going against the grain every year,
those are listed below. Click here to read it.
I will also post a Mercury Alert on the index page of my site when the periods
repeat.
Mercury
Retrograde Times: • November 30, 2004 - December 19, 2004
• March 19 - April 12, 2005
• July 22 - August 15, 2005
• November 13 - December 3, 2005
There are alerts as what not to do during these time periods (see the separate article); but we cannot stop living just because ... I think that these periods are nature's way of giving us catch up time. Life moves on at an ever-increasing pace, just ask anyone who is older, and they do say time has taken on wings. When I hear people stating that I cannot believe it is already Xmas or whatever time frame, I cannot resist saying that what shocks me that it is already the year 2005 (or any other year). This year, get excited about life - it is a gift!
Why heads up for the fire signs? Because for you this gets personal, especially, during the time frame Mercury is in your Sun sign. The Sun also represents our vitality, and the period might be one where you are feeling somewhat depleted of energy. Might not be a bad time to pay attention to your health and to ensure your continued well-being.
Mercury
Timelines and Retrograde Periods: Mercury in Sagittarius November 4, 2004 - January 9, 2005
Retrograde November 30, 2004 at 4:17 PST - 26° Sagittarius 43'
Direct December 19, 2004 at 22:28 PST - 10° Sagittarius 27'
Mercury in Aries March 4, 2005 - May 12, 2005
Retrograde March 19, 2005 at 16:14 PST - 14°Aries 06'
Direct at 1° Aries 45' around midnight April 12, 2005
Mercury in Leo June 27, 2005 - September 4, 2005
Retrograde July 22, 2005 19:00 PST
Direct August 15, 2005 19:51 PST
Mercury in Sagittarius October 30 - November 26, 2005 and December 12,
2005 - January 3, 2006
Retrograde in Sagittarius November 13- November 26, 2005
Retrograde in Scorpio November 26 - December 3, 2005
Direct December 3, 2005 in Scorpio
Mars
is in Taurus, a sign we link to material comforts and money for six months.
Mars, astrologically speaking, represents our actions - think of all of the
verbs (action words). In terms of personal charts (read lives) there will
be one area where you have to expend energy with slower than usual progress
and with persistence. Taurus is a stubborn sign, not ready to give up, so
determination to follow through is strong.
This repeats from 1926, 1958 (involved Gemini as well), and 1973 (direct station in Aries). Mars, however, hasn't spent this long a time in Taurus since 1926. Note Mars travels through the zodiac in about 26 months, during which he spends six months (avg. 780 days) in one sign or a 10-20° stretch of the zodiac, when two signs are involved. This leaves 20 months through the other 11 signs, which equals about six weeks per sign.
Mars remains in one area of your chart for six months and propels you to take considered, sustainable and unwavering steps to improve that area of your life. What that area is for each sign will be discussed in the individual horoscopes for the year.
In
2003 we experienced a close encounter with Mars as he was closer to us than
in the last 60,000 years. During Mars retrograde periods, he always comes
closer to Earth. I remember being in the desert area of British Columbia watching
Mars arc across the sky against the backdrop of smoldering forest fires of
2003. Mars was in Pisces for six months back then and Uranus of thunderbolts
was in the same sign; so chances of a repeat are slimmer as Mars and Uranus
won't share the same stretch of the sky this time.
Mars is impatient, masculine energy linked to vehicles and machinery through the motors; to tools and instruments through the fact that it rules iron. People tend to be more accident prone when Mars is moving against the grain. I write weekly horoscopes, and during these times lace it with advice - heads up, stay alert in traffic, watch your step, don't rush, and stay cautious around machinery. Ironically everyone in my family had had a little incident with the last Mars retrograde period. My son fell and threw his back out, while not paying attention. I landed on my "fanny" while walking too briskly across a slippery deck, and had the bruises to prove it. Another one of my sons nicked a piece off his thumb off using a saw. My husband fell of the ladder while using a hedge trimmer. You get the picture. So pay attention.
Another popular theme is that the world appears to be moving at a slow pace. No one is willing to act too fast. We tend to get frustrated when we cannot initiate action or when it becomes painfully slow to get anything done. It is as if we are bugs caught on flypaper. One reason is that we need to relearn how to do things better. Perhaps something we skipped in the past, and now have to learn to do it right.
What is wonderful activity to help alleviate the tension during these times is to work with tools and machinery, with due care of course. When Mars was retrograde in Pisces (water sign) I spent time pressure washing rugs. It was almost like holding a gun (the nozzle does look like one) and just beat the dirt out from within the fibers. Some years I have opted to knit up a storm (the needles are metal), and have several sweaters to prove the fact. I am talking about metal tools and/or motorized equipment. Baking can be productive; knead that dough with all your might. All of the preceding 'jobs' are more productive than venting your anger at the first person who strokes your fur in the wrong direction. Taurus is an Earth sign, perhaps digging dirt in the garden, tilling the soil and tending to land are good uses of this energy. Or re-pot your houseplants - use a metal implement.
This year the Sun-Mars opposition takes place mid-degrees of fixed signs, and at that time a fixed grand cross involving Neptune and Saturn is formed. October - November can be a challenging period for Taurus, Scorpio, Leo, and Aquarius, especially those born middle of the sign (or with natal planets at these degrees). Inflexibility and stubbornness are the biggest obstacles; it is either bend or break at its most potent. It is pointless digging in your heals at this time, rather consider how you can compromise. This can be very dynamic energy when directed in the right direction, allowing for major accomplishment.
Mars in Taurus July 27 @22:12 PDT - February 17, 2006 @ 14:44 PST
Retrograde October 1, 2005 @15:04 PDT at 23°Taurus 02'
Mars opposite the Sun, ie. the Full Mars - November 6 @ 23:57 PST at 15°Taurus
01'
Direct December 9, 2005 @ 20:03 PST at 8°Taurus 14'
This repeats from 1926, 1958 (involved Gemini as well), and 1973 (direct station in Aries). Mars, however, hasn't spent this long a time in Taurus since 1926. Note Mars travels through the zodiac in about 26 months, during which he spends six months (avg. 780 days) in one sign or a 10-20° stretch of the zodiac, when two signs are involved. This leaves 20 months through the other 11 signs, which equals about six weeks per sign.
Planetary
Stations and Ingresses Jupiter through PlutoFebruary 1, 2005 @18:26 PST - Jupiter Retrograde at 18°Libra 52'
March 21, 2005 @18:54 PST - Saturn Direct at 20°Cancer 24'
March 26, 2005 @18:28 PST - Pluto Retrograde at 24°Sagittarius 31'
May 19, 2005 @ 16:36 PDT - Neptune Retrograde at 17° Aquarius 36'
June 5, 2005 @ 0:20 PDT - Jupiter Direct at 8° Libra 56'
June 14, 2005 @15:38 PST - Uranus Retrograde at 10°Pisces 46'
July 16, 2005 @5:30 PDT - Saturn enters Leo until September 2, 2007
September 2, 2005 @3:51 PDT - Pluto Direct 21°Sagittarius 49'
October 25, 2005 @19:51 PDT - Jupiter enters Scorpio (13 months)
October 26, 2005 @16:24 PDT - Neptune Direct at 14° Aquarius 49'
November 15, 2005 @16:08 PST - Uranus Direct at 6° Pisces 51'
November 22, 2005 @1:01 PST - Saturn Retrograde at 11°Leo 19'
All calculations for planetary changes, ingresses, stations, etc. made using Kepler 7.0. If you'd like to have more information about this incredible astrological program, drop me a line or call me as I am one of the distributors for this software. All times listed on this site use the 24-hour clock and reflect Pacific Time, which is -8hr of GMT. PST is -7 hrs from GMT.
If you are looking for more information about your year personally consider one of the two Solar Return Reports available online. These are written from your birthday to birthday. The one by Horacio Valescia is the most popular with my clients, the one by Mary Shea explains some of the astrologic behind the delineation. In addition I added a new predictive report by Gina Ronco on transits, which is like a personal horoscope, and I am getting a lot of requests from my clients for this one. There are also natal reports available for your child, yourself, your relationship and the latest addition is a Karmic Insight Report. The reports are insightful but cannot replace a personal consultion with an astrologer. To find more astrologers in British Columbia check out the listing at www.astrologyguild.com/resourcedirectory.htm.
Anne Massey, C.A.P. is a certified professional astrologer. For consultations with Anne phone 604-888-9552 or 604-889-4820 (Malonie) or e-mail Anne at anne@astrologicallyspeaking.com.
© Anne Massey 2004 All Rights Reserved
1. The Nodes are mathematically derived points, the Mean Nodes move steadily backward, the true nodes also move direct. The True Nodes used by most astrologers in North America. A technical discussion of this can be found on the Swiss Ephemeris Website. - back to text.
Current Column - 6th House - Aspects - Zodiac - In Search of Dharma - Saturn into Gemini - Void of Course Moon - What is a flat chart? - Year 2002 - Year 2003 - Year 2004 - Calculate chart by hand - More articles on Anne's own website
© Anne Massey 2004, All Rights Reserved
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