The Astrology Blog – w/b 13 October 2014
All times stated are in BST.
Well it feels like a long time since I saw such lovely astrology unfolding but, in answer to recent questions, I’m going to start on a cautionary note with regard to recognizing the difference between universal astrology – the stuff of blogs and columns – and natal astrology – the stuff of your individual horoscope. It is sometimes nothing short of astonishing to see how universal astrology plays out, in events unfolding for us and around us, and the bigger backdrop events out in the world, but this doesn’t overrule the planetary activity in your own chart. If you are, for example, having heavy going Saturn or Pluto transits then you still have to do battle with those, in your own scenario and in your own way. However, when we get a week of stunning aspects such as this one ahead of us it can still be an oasis or an opportunity to rope in the kind of help you need, or it will bring experiences that you will look back on as formative, even if you didn’t think they were that great at the time.
The week starts with a harmonious link between Venus (traditionally the Lesser Benefic) and Jupiter (the Greater Benefic) –
Tuesday Venus sextile Jupiter (09.34)
The 24 hours before an aspect is exact is when the symbolism plays out at its strongest so this means that this aspect is in operation throughout Monday. This gets the week off to a positive start, especially as Venus is currently travelling through her own sign of Libra, sign of partnership, and Jupiter is blazing away in bold and fiery Leo. This aspect happens when both planets are at 18 degrees of their respective signs so if you have air or fire planets at or close to this degree then this aspect will be especially pertinent to you.
What might this mean? Apart from the obvious message of enjoying your relationship – there is hardly a better showing for love and passion than this – look out too for themes of generosity, growth and optimism within all your close and important relationships with a small “r”. If you need help then ask for it, if you see where help is needed then offer it – unconditionally. Under this aspect we have the chance to do what is right for a loved one even if, or especially if, it’s a departure from our normal way of being and thinking. Jupiter rules freedom – claiming it or giving it. Jupiter in Leo, the sign that rules the heart, is all about being wholehearted and creative. How can we be fully creative individuals if we are tethered to others through any kind of dependency? Working with a client last week we were remembering the basic spiritual truths of human relationships, especially marriage, as encapsulated by Kahlil Gibran in The Prophet. It’s a beautiful read if you don’t know it and the main point is the healthiness of separateness. “The oak and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow”. The Venus – Jupiter message spans the whole spectrum from being a fully fledged individual within a solid relationship to the liberation of cutting ties if you’re unhappy with someone who is wrong for you.
If you’re unattached clock who you meet this week, or how a connection is developing with someone you’re already attracted to. Also note the same in business scenarios. Jupiter absolutely loves sowing seeds and work contacts or business ideas are full of promise. I’ve commented before that positive Venus – Jupiter contacts nearly always bring good news for me on the work front.
The second aspect of the week is also a sextile –
Wednesday Sun sextile Mars (08.20)
Again, note that this aspect is likely to be at its most powerful throughout Tuesday. Also note that this aspect forms when both planets are at 21 degrees of their respective signs – Sun in Libra and Mars in Sagittarius – so again if you have air or fire planets at or close to this degree then this aspect will be especially significant for you.
The Sun (the life force) and Mars (god of war) are a formidable combination. However it’s always necessary to consider the nature of the signs they occupy. With the Sun in partnership Libra all plans needs to be tempered with a “stop and think” policy, especially in relation to how your words, decisions or actions may impact on others. Healthy relationships are characterized by constant negotiation – the continual consultation of it’s your turn to do this, it’s my turn to do that, what do you think, what do you want – whether you’re talking about the evening meal or life changing plans for the future.
This message is powerfully underlined by the fact that Mercury is currently retrograde and also in Libra, having reversed back into this sign last Friday. This is potentially a troublesome thread as this puts all communication issues on red alert. If you feel as if you’ve been missing the point then you probably have. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification with regard to any important matter currently under discussion and avoid making final decisions, at least not without a get out clause. Also avoid major purchases, especially in relation to the textbook Mercury ruled concerns of “communication and transport.” No astrologer would ever buy a computer or a car under a retrograde Mercury!
Worst case scenario is deception. Note that this planet rules the hands and dexterity and is therefore the archetype of the magician – but also of the trickster and thief. When Mercury is retrograde it takes a lot longer to get at the truth or for the penny to drop.
Best case scenario is going back over old ground and working with second chances. It’s the ideal time for retrieving ideas and plans that somehow slipped the net first time around, to say what you wish you had said first time around, or for reworking agreements that have sprung leaks. Look closely at what is not working for you and identify what needs to be changed. Also note that past experience can be called upon.
Look out for all of these themes in the second half of the week as Mercury links with the Sun, Mars and Venus in quick succession –
Thursday Sun conjunct Mercury (21.41)
Friday Mercury sextile Mars (02.50) and Mercury conjunct Venus (18.57)
This adds up to a very lively combination. Good news, meeting new people, going for interviews, developing financial ideas, making plans, heart to hearts, writing, catching up with friends, making or receiving invitations – you get the picture. If you want to make changes in your work or social life this is a wonderful time to get busy or simply to grab the chances that present themselves.
If you’re looking for love or building a new romance this week is ticking a lot of boxes, especially as we finish with the love planets aligning with each other. This aspect will be exact –
Next Monday 20th – Venus sextile Mars (06.20)
Therefore this aspect will be “applying” – in the making – over the coming weekend. Focus on having fun. With the thread of retrograde Mercury the time is not right for expecting certainty or commitment too soon or if someone isn’t ready, or available. Anyone who is extricating themselves from a previous relationship will still have a lot to deal with. Mercury will be turning direct again on the 25th so I’ll be talking more about this next week, but for now there’s still a way to go and nothing can be taken for granted.
yes, I’m that stupid astrologer who bought a new mobile under Mercury retro and the SIM card won’t go in. Bought it off the internet so had to make premium phone calls to get it fixed. Seller blaming Orange and Orange blaming seller. So annoyed with myself! Waiting for new SIM but if phone slot damaged even that won’t work and more premium calls required! Sigh …