INsight

April 2010

 

Saturn shifts back into Virgo

Pluto Stations Retro

8th April

 

April brings a timely reminder that Pluto in Capricorn is fundamentally altering the way we perceive and manage the material world. Saturn, ruling planet of Capricorn, emphasises the necessity to adjust to this new reality as it moves back into earth sign Virgo, while Pluto stations retrograde.

 

When planets station retrograde, they challenge us to become more conscious of their message, often creating obstacles, or tests for us to surmount.

 

Saturn’s return to Virgo is timely, helping to finalise structural changes to the health systems in both the US and in Australia. This requires a major overhaul of current systems, just one of the many challenges reflected by the square between Saturn and Pluto.

 

This square is also asking us to adopt a more conservative approach to the way we use the Earth and will continue to emphasise issues such as diminishing resources; challenging us to live within our means. As well as resources, credit and time are limited. With Saturn and Pluto now retrograde, the cosmos is asking us to consider which material objects we can do without.

 

April 14

Aries New Moon

 

 

New Moons symbolise new creative potentials within us. When we align our conscious mind (Sun) with the unconscious (Moon) new ideas and concepts have their genesis.

 

Creating what we want becomes possible when we still the mind and listen to our instinct and intuition, which are more active in the days before a new moon, when the moon is its balsamic phase.

 

 

The balsamic Moon phase occurs before the Moon disappears in the sun’s radiance at New Moon. Before it vanishes, the moon is last visible in the 12th house, that mysterious zone of the sky which paradoxically represents the collective unconscious and yet it’s also the place where the planets rise into the light of conscious awareness each day.

 

At this Aries New Moon, with Mars (its ruler) now in direct motion, there is burgeoning potential for the creative release of enormous stores of energy which have been germinating for several months. However, Mars is still moving rather slowly, which reminds us not to jump the gun, but to remain in touch with unconscious signals which can guide us on the right path if we listen closely.

 

This will help us tap into the creativity of this Aries New Moon, to be in the right place at the right time, and act in accordance with the Sabian Symbol for this New Moon, which is: A double promise reveals its inner and outer meanings.

 

April 18

Mercury retrograde

 

Mercury retrogrades three times every year for three weeks at a time. This time he retrogrades in Taurus. The key message here is to be patient.

 

Mercury always stations retrograde when in its Epimethean phase, or occidental to the Sun. Those who attended my talk in Brisbane on oriental and occidental planets will know that the occidental planet (the planet which rises immediately after the Sun) is important because we tend to have difficulty accessing it consciously, and yet it is also the planet we are bound to encounter whether we want to, or not.

 

It is often met in the form of other people; especially those who possess the qualities we don’t have.

Sun in Aries needs to learn patience and to listen to others, so this Mercury retrograde will speak loudly to those who most need to hear this message.

 

April 28

Scorpio Full Moon

Saturn Uranus opposition (4th hit)

Chiron in Pisces

 

This is an intense full moon because Mercury retrograde is aligning with the Sun, the Moon and the Earth. Communication difficulties may cause hurt feelings, either through misunderstandings, or because we have not considered how others might feel about our actions or words.

 

Emotions, like the tides, always run high at Full Moon, and especially when the Moon is in Scorpio. This tendency to overreact, a common problem with water full moons, is also boosted by Mars’ ego which is squaring the Sun, Mercury and the Moon. Mars has been struggling to be heard of late, and frustration mounted during his lengthy retrograde cycle. The result could be a full blown temper tantrum, or worse.

 

Added to this is Saturn’s 4th opposition to Uranus, a cycle which commenced in November 2008 which is a time of major change which is still unfolding.

 

Meanwhile, Jupiter is in close proximity to Uranus, which is set to shake things up too. An urgent, restless desire to escape and be free from restrictions, responsibilities and limitations often accompanies this cosmic signal.

 

Jupiter and Uranus are a highly volatile mix which can lead us to take big risks. We feel so positive, it’s as if nothing could possibly go wrong, but this is often when they do, for important details are often overlooked in haste. Saturn in Virgo may help us keep a level head, but the potential still exists for some sudden, highly charged, even explosive events and reactions, especially since Uranus, Jupiter and Saturn are forming tense aspects to the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury and of course the Earth.

 

A peaceful solution may be offered by Chiron, which has just moved into compassionate Pisces. No matter what transpires, if we can find it in our hearts to forgive, we can heal.