Tomorrow is the Vernal Equinox, a time for renewal and resurrection. Astronomically and astrologically it is when the Sun is at zero degrees in the constellation Aries. Astrologers call Aries, the baby of the zodiac, the first sign of the twelve...the beginning of things anew.
I remember being shocked at the first Passover Seder I attended when I saw hard boiled eggs on the table. Eggs? Isn't that for Easter? How little I knew. We all have the same concept- eggs, fertility, rebirth and resurrection - they are all celebrated at the Equinox.
It is all about eggs - The Druids dyed eggs red - the color of the "returning" Sun. The Celts dyed their eggs blue in spring and the Ukrainians started dying eggs thousands of years ago. Spring is the time when the Earth comes back to life. It is symbolized by the goddess at her youngest - sowing seeds that will bloom in a few months.
In fact the word Easter comes from the Anglo Saxon goddess Eostre. Now there are two stories about Eostre. In some parts of the ancient Saxon world she was a goddess in the maiden stage who wandered the country side with her hare sowing seeds. This is also the beginning of the Easter bunny legend. In other parts she was a goddess who transformed herself from maiden to hare as she brought the return of spring and promoted the growth of crops. However, you get the general drift - spring is the time for renewal and growth.
The concept of resurrection was not new to the Christians - check out Osiris and Isis for the Greeks and Oden for the ancient Norse. Sorry, but there just is nothing new under the Sun - in any season.
But be a part of the ancient tradition, dye some eggs, plant some seeds - it is SPRING!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Dolley Madison - A Total Taurus.
Recently, the local PBS channel ran a biography of Dolley Madison, a woman who ruled Washington, D.C. in her day and still lives in our folklore (and kitchen cabinets in the form of cupcakes) to this day. This First Lady, married to one of the most reserved and bookish of our Presidents, transformed the White House and Washington society both physically and psychicly, twice.
While watching the show I chuckled when the spoke of how she scandalized her Quaker family by wearing dresses that were low cut and revealed what they felt was too much of her bosom. "Taurus" I said to myself. "She had to have a lot of Taurus in her." Taurus rules the chest and many people with Taurus ascendants and Suns have strong well-developed bodies and chests. When I looked at her chart, I was stunned at how strong was the Taurus influence on her!
Born May 20 1768 at 3:45 AM at Guilford, North Carolina - we see the first taste of Taurus in her Sun Sign, which was in the first house of her chart. In addition, her rising sign - the sign on the first house cusp - was also in Taurus. Remember that the ancients paid much more attention to the rising sign (or ascendant) than the Sun Sign. So even had her Sun been in another sign, they would consider her a Taurus. In addition, her Mercury, Ceres, Venus and Uranus were all in Taurus and all clustered around the first house and first house cusp. She could not help project Taurean qualities!
Taurus rules the second house, the house of possessions and how they relate to our self worth. Taureans seek comfort and warmth in their homes -- the key is comfort. Think of the Bull (the symbol of Taurus) sitting in the pasture on the comfortable grass just soaking in the beauty of life and nature.
Yes, she was a sparkling hostess but look deeper. What was the first thing she did as First Lady? She charged James Hoban, the architect of the White House to redesign all of the public rooms. It was she who made the Blue Room blue - the Red Room red -etc. and who decorated them to ensure the best use for socializing and the comfort of her guests. Do you see the Taurus influence? She was not just a great hostess who made her guests at ease and then introduced them to her shy husband; she transformed the possessions around her. She changed the surroundings.
When the War of 1812 broke out and the British were marching toward Washington with torches in hand, Dolley reacted in a total Taurean way. She ordered the dinner table set with the finest of china. She was not going to appear afraid and harried. According to William Seale's "The President's House", "Several kinds of wine in handsome cut-glass decanters were cooling on the sideboard; platters stood by the fireplace, filled with dishes and plates awaiting immediate use; everything in short was ready for the entertainment of a ceremonious party." No matter how terrified she was of capture, Dolley Madison would not betray those fears to the British and reminded them that this was a home of comfort and grace.
Of course, before she left the White House, she had the Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington taken from its frame and removed. That was the most prized possession of the White House - and that good old Taurus knew how to save it! She had a sixth sense about what had value. (Of course, she also stuffed silver and china in the carriages before they escaped but hey, a girl has to have her bling.) That too was Taurean- she was not saving papers or mementos -- she was saving the good stuff.
When the War was over, and the White House just a shell, she and Hoban started from scratch and redid the interior. Could we have had a better-equipped First Lady to do the job?
Sadly, Dolley would lose all of her possessions to an unscrupulous son and his gambling debts. She lived long enough to see the invention of photography and in all of those shots, she is wearing the same dress and blouse -he literally took the clothes off her back. She has an intercepted fifth house, which vibrates to creativity and children. That means that the sign on the cusp of the house does not extend through the whole house and another sign cuts the house in half. That is always a pause for karma. She has Leo intercepted in the fifth house indicating in past lives she was placing her needs about others and always got what SHE wanted regardless of how. There was no idea of WE it was all about ME. Sadly, her son chose to pay back that karma in spades. I just hope they do not continue on that cycle.
With her Moon in Cancer, the ultimate sign of mothering, gave into him and smothered him with a love that did neither one of them any good. It was not until the very end of her life when her friends in Congress passed legislation to pay for her memoirs on the condition that he could not get access to that money did she wise up. Her son was furious about losing the gravy train and when he attached her verbally for it, she finally had enough of him. I just hope that at some point they get over this tit-for-tat anger and stop following each other in lifetime after lifetime playing the game of give me your money!
Dolley’s North Node (the indicator of where a soul should progress) is in Capricorn in the ninth house and boy did she progress into it. Capricorn is the sign of the government power – power structures in general – and the ninth house is all about reaching out to people beyond our immediate environs. Stories are legendary about her diplomatic efforts. Again, I quote Seale. “Washington life was greatly spiced by the diplomatic community…the diplomats entertained frequently…touches of foreign finery came to characterized Washington interiors.” She brought the world to Washington and Washington to the world – bingo –North Node Capricorn ninth house.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Rise of Ceres and the Feminine
Hi there - Happy March!
You know that I always look at the four "girls" - the asteroids, Ceres, Pallas, Juno and Vesta. Well, now Ceres is a dwarf planet because of her size and gravitational pull. While this brings back bitter memories to me of the downgraded of Pluto from full planet to dwarf, I will put away my rage for a few minutes to praise Ceres.
Ceres is the largest object in the asteroid belt, which lies between Mars and Jupiter and appears to have some water frost activity on the surface. We won't know much more about what is really going on until the unmanned Dawn Mission arrives there in 2015. Launched by NASA in 2007, the mission will also explore sister asteroid Vesta in 2011!
When the Greeks ruled the Western world, they prayed to Demeter, the Goddess who is the equivalent to Mother Nature. She made the trees and flowers bloom and the crops grow and when she went into the underworld to rescue her daughter, the blooming stopped and winter was born. In a deal to get her daughter released from the God of the Underworld, Pluto (boy they always picked on Pluto even then!) -- she would return once a year thus bringing the winter every year. The Romans swiped the concept and renamed her Ceres.
More than two millennia later, the asteroid named after this archetypal mother energy is being elevated to planet just at the time the concept of the sacred feminine and the balancing of the male energy so dominate for so long. What a "coincidence." The interesting part to me is that we are discovering a planet that deals with rather traditional female roles - that of nurturer and mother. That would seem to be incongruous with the rise of the power of the sacred feminine. However, think about how the power women have as creators, as those who keep life flowing, has been (and continues to be) undervalued. Indeed, it has been the fear men have for this ability they do not share, that has lead to the marginalization of the female for so long. You know the old joke that if men could give birth it would be done in the town square with cheerleaders- but because it is a female task, it has been consigned to scary dark rooms. Remember the days when a pregnant woman was not seen in public?
As the power between man and woman - yin and yang balance on a universal scale, woman must be mindful not to lose or themselves diminish that power which makes us so separate from the male. We don't need to become men or lose what makes us uniquely female.
You know that I always look at the four "girls" - the asteroids, Ceres, Pallas, Juno and Vesta. Well, now Ceres is a dwarf planet because of her size and gravitational pull. While this brings back bitter memories to me of the downgraded of Pluto from full planet to dwarf, I will put away my rage for a few minutes to praise Ceres.
Ceres is the largest object in the asteroid belt, which lies between Mars and Jupiter and appears to have some water frost activity on the surface. We won't know much more about what is really going on until the unmanned Dawn Mission arrives there in 2015. Launched by NASA in 2007, the mission will also explore sister asteroid Vesta in 2011!
When the Greeks ruled the Western world, they prayed to Demeter, the Goddess who is the equivalent to Mother Nature. She made the trees and flowers bloom and the crops grow and when she went into the underworld to rescue her daughter, the blooming stopped and winter was born. In a deal to get her daughter released from the God of the Underworld, Pluto (boy they always picked on Pluto even then!) -- she would return once a year thus bringing the winter every year. The Romans swiped the concept and renamed her Ceres.
More than two millennia later, the asteroid named after this archetypal mother energy is being elevated to planet just at the time the concept of the sacred feminine and the balancing of the male energy so dominate for so long. What a "coincidence." The interesting part to me is that we are discovering a planet that deals with rather traditional female roles - that of nurturer and mother. That would seem to be incongruous with the rise of the power of the sacred feminine. However, think about how the power women have as creators, as those who keep life flowing, has been (and continues to be) undervalued. Indeed, it has been the fear men have for this ability they do not share, that has lead to the marginalization of the female for so long. You know the old joke that if men could give birth it would be done in the town square with cheerleaders- but because it is a female task, it has been consigned to scary dark rooms. Remember the days when a pregnant woman was not seen in public?
As the power between man and woman - yin and yang balance on a universal scale, woman must be mindful not to lose or themselves diminish that power which makes us so separate from the male. We don't need to become men or lose what makes us uniquely female.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Neptune and Chiron- What a Pair
Have you been having odd dreams that you cannot quite understand or are you waking up with a disconcerted feeling but you don't remember dreaming? Are you thinking about things from the past -- I don't mean Christmas I mean long ago and far away before you were born? Is there a period in history that you can't stop thinking about - way back in your mind - yes, right there where you normally never go? If so, blame it on the current conjunction of Neptune and Chiron in 26 degrees Aquarius.
Neptune, the planet of illusion, the one best suited for dealing with matters spiritual and karmic instead of physical is sitting right on top of the asteroid Chiron right now - and both are 26 degrees inside the constellation Aquarius. Chiron indicates where we hold a deep physic wound, so deep and painful that we don't want to go near it but we must if we are ever to heal the wound.
These two giants now in the constellation Aquarius that is full of highly charged energy can cause quick insights into the wound patterns that we have long forgotten but are deep within our subconscious. We can suddenly remember days that we may have lived 1000 years ago or feel drawn to the history of that time. We can have odd dreams or wake up in the middle of the night frightened by something although we don't have a clue what it is. We can suddenly have fears arise from situations that we never thought twice about before.
All of these reactions are possible in people whose birth charts have a great deal of interaction with one or both of these planets. If you have many aspects to either you will be feeling these effects. While this can be a bit nerve wracking, however, just remember it is helping clear old karmic patterns to make way for new life!
Neptune, the planet of illusion, the one best suited for dealing with matters spiritual and karmic instead of physical is sitting right on top of the asteroid Chiron right now - and both are 26 degrees inside the constellation Aquarius. Chiron indicates where we hold a deep physic wound, so deep and painful that we don't want to go near it but we must if we are ever to heal the wound.
These two giants now in the constellation Aquarius that is full of highly charged energy can cause quick insights into the wound patterns that we have long forgotten but are deep within our subconscious. We can suddenly remember days that we may have lived 1000 years ago or feel drawn to the history of that time. We can have odd dreams or wake up in the middle of the night frightened by something although we don't have a clue what it is. We can suddenly have fears arise from situations that we never thought twice about before.
All of these reactions are possible in people whose birth charts have a great deal of interaction with one or both of these planets. If you have many aspects to either you will be feeling these effects. While this can be a bit nerve wracking, however, just remember it is helping clear old karmic patterns to make way for new life!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Native American Flute Festival 2010
My good friend Karen Rugg is organizing the Native American Flute Festival this year (March 26 -28.) One of her mantra's "Music Will Save the World." While I have not been given the music gene this go around I do appreciate those who do. Check out her blog and information on the festival. http://www.karenrugg.com/
You don't have to be musical to meditate with the sounds of fantastic music and Festival will provide a great deal of that!
You don't have to be musical to meditate with the sounds of fantastic music and Festival will provide a great deal of that!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Ah Venus ---
You didn't think I was going to let Valentine's Day pass without a little talk about Venus now did you?
On February 11, Venus moved into Pisces, that wonderful sign that really symbolizes our connection to the cosmic unconscious - the universe - whatever you call the great goo of spiritual origins. I love when Venus is in Pisces - because it is a time of spiritual love. There is nothing superficial about Pisces - it is a deeply mystical water sign that demands that we search our soul for meaning.
With the horrible weather we have been having and the current economic conditions, it is more likely that people will want to forgo a materially oriented Valentine's Day and make more soulful, more meaningful gestures toward their loved ones. If they don't, both partners will feel empty and dissatisfied at the end of the day.
Venus in Pisces is a time to go beyond the mask and make true connections. It is a time of seeking the spiritual connections we have with one another....it is also a great time for joint past life regressions and an examination of joint astrological charts to find our karmic connections.
One of my favorite Venus Pisces people by birth is Mikhail Baryshnikov, a man who in his sixties, still dances with grace, beauty and magic that seems otherworldly. Every time I see him leap from the stage, I think he is trying to reach the Piscean heavens but it is his soulfulness and depth of performances that truly epitomizes the meaning of Pisces.
On February 11, Venus moved into Pisces, that wonderful sign that really symbolizes our connection to the cosmic unconscious - the universe - whatever you call the great goo of spiritual origins. I love when Venus is in Pisces - because it is a time of spiritual love. There is nothing superficial about Pisces - it is a deeply mystical water sign that demands that we search our soul for meaning.
With the horrible weather we have been having and the current economic conditions, it is more likely that people will want to forgo a materially oriented Valentine's Day and make more soulful, more meaningful gestures toward their loved ones. If they don't, both partners will feel empty and dissatisfied at the end of the day.
Venus in Pisces is a time to go beyond the mask and make true connections. It is a time of seeking the spiritual connections we have with one another....it is also a great time for joint past life regressions and an examination of joint astrological charts to find our karmic connections.
One of my favorite Venus Pisces people by birth is Mikhail Baryshnikov, a man who in his sixties, still dances with grace, beauty and magic that seems otherworldly. Every time I see him leap from the stage, I think he is trying to reach the Piscean heavens but it is his soulfulness and depth of performances that truly epitomizes the meaning of Pisces.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Mars Venus Opposition.
Feeling cranky, out of sorts? Energy low? Having even more trouble with money as usual? Blame it on Venus - or Mars or both. Right now Mars and Venus are in opposition to one another in the sky. (They will remain at odds until March 11.) Venus is in Aquarius - the sign of freedom and independence and unconventionality - and Mars is in solid and self-focused Leo. Can you see the fireworks?
To make matters more fun, for the rest of this week, the Sun and Venus are in conjunction with one another. So we have the solar power and energy of the Sun fueling the Aquarian desire to break the bonds we feel around us.
How this energy plays out with each of us, of course, depends on our personal charts. If you have Mars and Venus in a disharmonious placement natally, you are going to be really feeling the desire for independence, the demand to put yourself first. This could make for some unpleasant times with loved ones. Happy Valentine's Day All!
Because Venus deals with resources, there is a desire to break lose - spend a little more than you should - be a little more carefree - spend on yourself. Aquarius freedom and Leo self centeredness can convince us this is the perfect time to buy the latest really expensive gadget even though we know it will be cheaper six months down the road.
Even if you aren't feeling the negative effects of this placement, this is an excellent time to work on balancing your male and female energy - meditate on the two planets the feminine Venus and masculine Mars and how to align those forces. Check out the SoulSign website - for Adam's Mars/Venus attunement meditations.
To make matters more fun, for the rest of this week, the Sun and Venus are in conjunction with one another. So we have the solar power and energy of the Sun fueling the Aquarian desire to break the bonds we feel around us.
How this energy plays out with each of us, of course, depends on our personal charts. If you have Mars and Venus in a disharmonious placement natally, you are going to be really feeling the desire for independence, the demand to put yourself first. This could make for some unpleasant times with loved ones. Happy Valentine's Day All!
Because Venus deals with resources, there is a desire to break lose - spend a little more than you should - be a little more carefree - spend on yourself. Aquarius freedom and Leo self centeredness can convince us this is the perfect time to buy the latest really expensive gadget even though we know it will be cheaper six months down the road.
Even if you aren't feeling the negative effects of this placement, this is an excellent time to work on balancing your male and female energy - meditate on the two planets the feminine Venus and masculine Mars and how to align those forces. Check out the SoulSign website - for Adam's Mars/Venus attunement meditations.
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