AT TIMES, the old patterns may seem so entrenched, the barriers so impenetrable, the
problems so complex, it can be hard to see how we're ever going to break through them. No
doubt we're experiencing the Saturn half of the Saturn-Pluto combo when
the feelings of discouragement and hopelessness arise. Both planets can
bring up fears, but Saturn's impact can be especially weighty
in this regard.
The
good news is that we are not destined to be stuck forever. But with
Pluto in Capricorn involved in this process, transformation must go very
deep, and the changes must be integrated at profound levels. Merely
working on individual symptoms will no longer suffice. Root causes must
be unearthed and entire systems
renovated.
FOR PERSPECTIVE, the
last time Saturn and Pluto aligned in Capricorn was in January 1518.
Just two months before that date, the Catholic monk Martin Luther posted
his “Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences" on a church door in Wittenberg, Germany. This document, which came to be known as "The 95 Theses," called
out the corruption that had taken over the Catholic Church.
At
that time, the Church wielded great authority and political power.
Luther's seemingly minor act of rebellion ignited the passion that grew
into the Protestant Reformation, a movement that over time substantially
changed the political and religious landscape of the Western world.
One
of my favorite parts of this bit of history is the title of Luther's
paper. While I don't know for sure, I doubt that he was thinking
astrologically when he wrote it. But it is stunning that he used the
words "Power" and "Efficacy" in the title, concepts that link directly
to Pluto (power) and Saturn
(efficacy).
MARS moves
into Capricorn next Sunday, a transit that will last until March 30. On
a personal level, Mars in Capricorn can help us apply effort and
determination to achieve long-term
goals. Progress is slow but sure, and requires determination,
discipline, and patience.
The
shadow side of Mars in Capricorn can manifest as aggressive displays of
authority, and single-minded focus on a goal with a lack of regard for
the feelings of others. It will not be surprising if the political
antagonism increases over the next six weeks, especially while Mars is
out of bounds (February 9 to March 12) and
expressing more maverick-like qualities.
WHEN MARS
enters Capricorn, it joins fellow planets Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto,
the asteroid Pallas Athene, and the South Node, already in the sign.
This is a lot of Capricorn energy,
which can feel pretty heavy at times.
If
you feel overwhelmed, remember that the North Node is in Cancer. The
North Node is our signpost, revealing the evolutionary path that will
help us successfully navigate current challenges. It is more important
than ever to focus on being heart-centered. This means having empathy
for others, trusting in the process,
allowing your heart to guide your decisions, asking for help when
needed, and making self-care a priority.
RELATIONSHIPS benefit
from the planetary influences that begin the coming week. Venus aligns
with healer Chiron on Monday, and is in harmonious aspect (sextile) with
nurturing Ceres on
Tuesday. Both of these aspects provide opportunities for us to bring
greater compassion and acceptance into our relationships with loved
ones, friends, and family.
At
the same time, both aspects also require that we allow others and
ourselves independence and autonomy (Venus/Chiron in Aries, Ceres in
Aquarius). The healing comes as we are able to trust that being an
individual with personal needs does not preclude being in loving
relationship with others. Instead, being true to self can
enhance our connections, as each person is able to bring their most
authentic self to the interaction.
MERCURY
begins its retrograde (backward) phase next Sunday. For the ensuing
three weeks, until Mercury goes direct on March 9, we are encouraged to
be more introspective than usual. This is
usually a time when we benefit more from reviewing our plans than from
implementing new ideas.
However,
life goes on, and we often need to make decisions during a
Mercury-retrograde period. If this is true for you, just take your time.
If you feel pressured to make a decision, do your best to delay action
until your mind is clearer and you are able to breathe calmly. Intuition
may actually be stronger during Mercury
retrograde, but it can't be rushed.
The
only time I've had real problems with a Mercury retrograde was when I
was rushing to get a project finished just hours before Mercury
stationed. I was so intent on getting it submitted before that exact
minute when Mercury went retrograde, I didn't take the time to
fully understand the instructions. The results were not
pretty! But, the problems that followed could have been avoided if I had
taken the pressure off myself and taken the time that was needed – even if it meant hitting the "send" button while Mercury was already moving backward.
THE MESSENGER PLANET
is in mystical Pisces right now, so we may already be feeling some of
that call to be more inwardly focused. Mercury in Pisces is
happiest when it is writing poetry, meditating, expressing compassion,
doing dream work, or similarly applying the logical mind in creative or
spiritual pursuits.
Retrograde Mercury will revisit Aquarius for about twelve days, from March 4 to 16. During
that time, we may be more able to receive higher-level insights, to
think outside our usual parameters, and to allow ourselves to conceive
of
entirely new and perhaps audacious ideas.
It
may be harder to be especially clear-headed on practical matters while
Mercury is retrograde. But be sure to record the insights and intuitive
hits you receive. Like dream images, they can fade quickly if we don't
capture them in some way. Then give your ideas time to germinate. The
best time to implement them may be once Mercury enters proactive
Aries on April
10.
FOR THOSE
who are taking note of when the Moon triggers the Jupiter-Saturn-Pluto
effect, I'm listing below the days and times for this week. Lunar
aspects are not as powerful as outer-planet
transits, but they can activate events related to longer-term
influences. When the Moon forms hard aspects to these three planets in
Capricorn, we may see "next steps" in the process of transmutation that
is already underway.
If
you're feeling especially emotional around these times, it can be
helpful to know that it's related to the collective experience, even if
it feels very personal. And it is often reassuring to know that the Moon
moves quickly, so that its aspects are usually in effect for only a few
hours.
Exact aspects this week, while the Moon is in Libra:
• Moon-Jupiter square: Wednesday, February 12, at 5:54 p.m. PST
• Moon-Pluto square: Thursday, February 13, at 6:20 a.m.
• Moon-Saturn square: Thursday, February 13, at 10:46 a.m. PST
WEBINAR REPLAY: If
you missed my recent "After the Tornado" webinar, no worries! You can
still purchase the replay of the class and learn about the
transformational influences we're working with January to June 2020.
You'll also receive a pdf of the slideshow, and calendars showing the
important
planetary aspects. Simply send an email with "Webinar Replay" in the
subject line to pam@northpointastrology.com, and I'll reply with details.
IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: This
year, you have many opportunities for new adventures, and have the
courage to travel new roads. Some of these journeys may be
independently-inspired, but you also may be inclined to work with a
partner. As an individualistic Aquarius, you may surprise yourself at
your increased ability to accommodate another person's perspective. If
you connect with the right partner, each of you will feel supported in
being your authentic self, while also being willing to cooperate. (Solar Return Sun sextile Mars, trine Juno)
Pam
NorthPoint Journal copyright NorthPoint Astrology 2020. All Rights Reserved.
