NorthPoint Journal:  Your guide to planetary energies for November 7 to 13, 2016 By Pam Younghans

NorthPoint Journal 

Your guide to planetary energies for November 7 to 13, 2016 By Pam Younghans Photo: Pondering the mysteries of the Milky Way and aurora borealis in Saaremaa, Estonia (photo by Mmika-Pekka Markkanen, posted on Spaceweather.com)  Highlighted Aspects MON: Sun sextile Pluto, Pluto semisquare Juno, Venus trine Ceres TUE: Neptune semisquare Ceres, Mars enters Aquarius WED: Mars semisquare Saturn THU: Saturn semisextile Pluto FRI: Mercury semisquare Jupiter, Venus enters Capricorn SAT: Sun square Pallas Athene, Mercury enters Sagittarius, Sun trine Chiron, Mercury semisquare Pluto SUN: Sun quincunx Uranus WE BEGIN THE WEEK under the influence of the First Quarter Moon, which occurs on Monday at 11:51am PST (7:51pm GMT). At this phase of the lunar cycle, we are clearing out the old and building our energies so that we can be in full bloom at the time of next Monday's Full Moon. We become especially aware of what is not working so that we know what needs to be torn down to make way for the new. In his book The Zodiac by Degrees, astrologer Martin Goldsmith includes this symbolic image for the degree of this First Quarter Moon: "Sitting at his desk surrounded by phones, a film director fields calls from several people simultaneously -- an actor, a producer, his wife, and an excitable stranger." This image is encouraging in that it portrays the ability to juggle many concerns at once, from a place of relative groundedness and calm. In these times of uncertainty and even chaos, we can well use the support of this imagery! Mr. Goldsmith's description of this symbol includes these phrases, offering us insights into how the influence of this First Quarter Moon will manifest, and our choices in how we use its energy: Organizing varying elements of experience into a meaningful whole Feeling competent to handle whatever curveball reality may throw vs. feeling overwhelmed Remaining openminded vs. simplifying reality by shutting people out (bigotry) Absurdist humor that deconstructs conventional reality by showing it up as a flimsy construct Emotional detachment from the results of one's efforts that allows one to coolly improvise if one's schemes fall apart It's clear that the directive of the New Moon still holds true: Remain calm, even when life appears to be in disarray. And, of course, being able to see the absurdity of it all can be helpful, too. MARS, the planet associated with action and re-action, assertiveness and aggression, enters forward-thinking Aquarius late Tuesday (9:51pm PST). In its most enlightened expression, this influence can be used to advance a social cause that we strongly believe in; on the other end of the spectrum, we can throw tantrums or withdraw when events do not unfold in accordance with our ego's expectations. Mars will journey through Aquarius for six weeks, so we may continue to see eccentric and unpredictable activity for a while. Since Mars in Aquarius can tend to have difficulty with authority figures, some will be in rebellion mode until mid-December. PLANETARY ASPECTS midweek are technically "minor" influences, but they indicate some discomfort and challenging circumstances. The Mars-Saturn semisquare on Wednesday is a clash between ideologies and realities, and the Saturn-Pluto semisextile on Thursday represents the tension we feel when events are outside of our control. Saturn's involvement in any aspect requires us to grow in maturity and discipline. With these specific planetary interactions, we find out what happens when we don't act as adults. We also are required, if we want to be successful, to be objective and reasonable in how we approach the challenges that arise. VENUS begins her four-week journey through serious-minded Capricorn on Friday. We're less likely to take our relationships lightly during this time, and want to make sure they are working well. We are willing to work harder at the relationships that are the most important to us, but we may also decide to discontinue those associations that do not have a future. Mercury also changes signs this week, entering impulsive Sagittarius on Saturday for a short three-week stay. While Mercury in this sign can increase our ability to laugh at ourselves and see the humor in life situations, it can also scatter our thoughts so that it's harder to focus on just one plan or idea. We will also want to be aware that Mercury in Sag can be judgmental and has a tendency to be blunt, speaking whatever comes to mind without considering how words might be construed by others. IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: You have the ability to manage whatever comes your way this year, due to an enhanced sense of purpose and an ability to trust in unseen outcomes. The challenge will be to be clear about your motivations for change, and to have the courage to tear down and rebuild as needed, without attachment to what has been. In peace, Pam   Copyright Pam Younghans 2016. All rights reserved.