NorthPoint Astrology Journal: Your weekly guide to planetary influences September 28 to October 4, 2020 by Pam Younghans

NorthPoint Astrology Journal Your weekly guide to planetary influences September 28 to October 4, 2020 by Pam Younghans Aspects of Note This Week   All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.    MON: Venus quincunx Saturn, Venus trine Mars, Saturn stations direct TUE: Sun opposite Chiron, Mars square Saturn WED: Mercury sesquiquadrate Neptune THU: Full Moon in Aries, 2:05 p.m. PDT FRI: Venus opposite Ceres, Sun quincunx Uranus, Venus enters Virgo SAT: Jupiter parallel Pluto, Mars conjunct Eris, Mercury quincunx Chiron SUN: Pluto stations direct   THERE'S a storm a-brewin'. At times like these, our efforts are best focused in setting boundaries and staying calm. We realize that our main work is to maintain our balance, since we cannot stop the incoming waves, nor stem the tides that are turning.   The two tides that are in the process of turning are Saturn and Pluto, both of which go direct this week after being retrograde since April. When planets come to a standstill to change direction, we feel their influence more strongly -- and in a year that began with the life-changing Saturn-Pluto conjunction, to have both planets at a standstill at virtually the same time makes this a pivotal week in a very pivotal year.   We can expect delays and frustrations (Saturn) this week, as well as more evidence of dysfunctional systems that must be either renovated or scrapped completely (Pluto).   ADDING to the complexity of these days, Saturn is tightly square warrior Mars as the Ringed Planet stations direct on Monday. If we've been feeling controlled by circumstances recently, the pressure of this square may feel especially oppressive. It represents obstacles to the fulfillment of our desires, and tempts us to drink from a deep well of futility, if we take it all too much to heart.   One key to navigating this square is to call upon the qualities of wisdom, detachment, and objectivity. The more we are able to keep events in perspective, and not overreact, the easier our passage through the storm will be.   A SECOND TACTIC is to take things quite literally one step at a time. If there's an issue to be resolved, just find the next piece of the puzzle, rather than trying to figure out how the whole picture will come together. It will be too easy to go into overwhelm if we have that expectation.   Basically, we can't see around the corner with a square aspect. We are mostly aware of the obstacle in front of us. That obstacle can evoke irritation at one end of the spectrum, fear at the other end, and anger somewhere in the middle.   Actions motivated by any of these lower-vibrational emotions are likely to backfire. If you're feeling impatient, like you have to do it NOW or you will burst, stop. Take a breath. Take your time. Consider that it might be your instinctive reactions, not the situation itself, that are creating the sense of urgency.   IT MAY HELP to remember that with Mars retrograde right now, we are meant to be going inward to discover our true motivations. Certain obstacles may be in the way specifically to give us the time to reconsider where we are going, and why. We are also learning not to base our well-being on whether everything goes according to plan, nor on whether we feel our individual desires are being met.   One of the take-away lessons of this Mars-Saturn square is that our well-being need not be controlled by external events. Another learning is that the fulfillment of our desires may not depend on the manifestations we once thought were essential to our well-being.   WE HAVE two Full Moons on the calendar for October. The first occurs this Thursday, October 1, at 2:05 p.m. PDT (9:05 p.m. GMT). The Moon will be at 09°08´ Aries, with the Sun at the same degree of Libra.   Emotional responses are always elevated around the time of a Full Moon; with this lunation in impatient Aries – and with Mars, the natural ruler of Aries, square Saturn – we can expect that feelings will be running hot, but will not necessarily be channeled maturely or to best advantage. Given that Mars is retrograde, the anger that is released now may be the result of impulses that have been repressed for quite a while, which means that the response can be out of proportion to current triggers.   BUT, this Full Moon also represents a major healing opportunity, with the Moon just two degrees away from Wounded Healer Chiron. If we find ourselves acting out of insecurity or fear – the shadow side of Chiron in Aries – we are being directed by the universe to take a break, to sit with the part of us that is feeling these emotions, and to hold it lovingly in our awareness while we tell it that we understand, and that we're sorry it's afraid.   This inner child work, when done purposefully – and out loud – has a healing effect deep within our psyches. It is a powerful way both to help heal a fearful part of our nature, and to strengthen a part of us that knows it is competent and able to handle any situation that might arise.   MARS is at the same degree as the dwarf planet Eris at the time of the Full Moon, with their exact conjunction occurring on Saturday. The alignment of these two warrior planets is highly energizing, especially for those who have felt ignored, disrespected, or victimized by the ones who appear to have power and control.   However, with both Mars and Eris currently retrograde, actions taken under this influence may not have the expected results. The advice once again is to take your time. If taking action, be sure you are inwardly composed and in alignment with your soul. Our soul speaks to us in a voice that is calm and calming, even if it is guiding us to take steps that require courage.   JUPITER AND PLUTO are exactly parallel by declination on Saturday. This is a similar energy to a conjunction, but calculated based on their distance from the ecliptic (celestial equator), instead of according to their zodiac degree. Some astrologers believe that the declination is the most potent type of alignment, so this event is another important factor this week.   When working together with a higher vibrational intent, Jupiter and Pluto can manifest as strong determination and will. They enhance our ability to align with our higher destiny and support a passionate commitment to what we believe in. But, when used without integrity, they can also result in excessive pride and self-righteousness, and a relentless drive for power. How we use this energy is up to each of us individually. PLUTO stations direct in Capricorn next Sunday (October 4), which means that its transformational energies are heightened this week and next. Throughout this year, Pluto (with the help of Saturn and Jupiter) has been making it very clear which systems and structures do and do not work. It has also helped expose corruption in governments and social institutions. As the dwarf planet begins to move forward over the coming weeks, it will be taking us to the next level of transmutation.   With Pluto, it is always helpful to remember that it is the planet of both death and rebirth. Its process is aptly symbolized by the legendary Phoenix, which is reborn only after being consumed by fire. The disintegration phase is a necessary step, and requires that we release what has been so that we can embrace the new life that lies just ahead.   IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: This year, it is especially important to notice where you do not give yourself equal rights, where you habitually deny your own needs or postpone your own agenda. Libra is highly motivated by the desire to help others feel welcome and supported, but can sometimes be less aware of its own needs. Chiron's influence in your life this year asks you to pay attention to when your mouth is saying "yes" but your gut is saying "no." Give yourself the freedom and space to get in touch with what you really feel and think. Make the commitment to be as kind to yourself as you usually are to others. (Solar Return Sun square Pallas Athene, opposite Chiron, quincunx Uranus)   In Gratitude and Light,   Pam   NorthPoint Journal © 2020 Pam Younghans. All Rights Reserved.  About the NorthPoint Journal   Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this NorthPoint Journal based on planetary influences and insights received. Her hope is to offer perspectives to assist you in utilizing current energies to enhance your life experience and accelerate your spiritual and personal growth.   Feel free to share this issue of the NorthPoint Journal with others who may enjoy it! When doing so, please forward it in its entirety, including all contact and copyright information.   To learn more about private astrology sessions, please visit the "Personal Readings" page at www.northpointastrology.com. To schedule a reading, please email pam@northpointastrology.com.   NorthPoint Journal copyright 2020 Pam Younghans. All Rights Reserved. NorthPoint Astrology, 15000 Block 75th, Kenmore, WA 98028, USA

THE ORACLE REPORT: Thursday, September 28, 2017

"NEST" BY WISE OWL NESLIN

THE ORACLE REPORT: Thursday, September 28, 2017

First Quarter Moon Phase:  take action, step out of comfort zone

Moon in Capricorn

Sun: 06 Libra - "a man watches his ideals taking concrete form before his inner vision"

• True Alignments:  ideas made manifest (and often tested), the powers of visualization and will, seeing what is truly valuable, facing something, the inner brought to the outer

• Catalysts for Change:  devalued, unsatisfactory, unable to see self clearly, delusions, emotional challenge/instability

Earth: 06 Aries - "a square brightly lighted on one side"

• True Alignments:  thinking outside of the box, seeing what is missing, ability to transform, objectivity, making needed changes, bringing things together

• Catalysts for Change:  lacking discernment, fear of change, seeing only one side, feeling boxed in or trapped, frustration, power and control issues

Today the powerhouse that is Pluto stations direct (appears to move forward) in the sky once again! 


This is a happy thing!

Pluto will station direct at 3:36 pm ET/7:36 pm UT at 17 Capricorn, "a girl surreptitiously bathing in the nude."  Pluto has been retrograde since April 20, 2017 - a lifetime ago, it seems - and it retrograded at 20 Capricorn, "a hidden choir singing during a religious service."  Since April, Pluto has been working to help us unify our voices and release ourselves from limitations and restrictions.

The day a planet (especially an outer planet like Pluto) stations retrograde or direct can be chaotic and intense.  Pluto is "underworld" energy, so things can come up from the depths.  As the planet stations direct, it has a slingshot-like effect, releasing things that have been pent up, blocked, withheld, or concealed.  Things that no longer serve the highest and best are being "thrown off" and cast to the four winds.

The locations of the Sun and Earth today add ample power to the cast-off.  The Sun brings us the power to make things a reality, and the Earth brings us the power to see something clearly or solve it.

It is hard not to overuse the word "power" with Pluto.  I have already used it four times in this report.  Pluto's power is the power to transform.  It forges inner strength through a gauntlet of tribulations.  It brings about "the ultimate."  Those born between January 4-14 have been under tidal forces of pressure to transform into something much greater than they were when Pluto began its transformation for them in 2014 (yes, it takes that long for Pluto to do the job).  These wise owls have earned their Wisdom Wings.  We salute you and the services your newly-transformed self will bring to the world!

The Moon will make conjunction with Pluto at 10:27 pm ET/2:27 am UT, completing Pluto's transformation.  It is important to know that with Pluto, the sharp stinger of Scorpio is present.  This means that Pluto stationing direct may incite the Scorpionic themes of anger, withdrawal, darkness, depression, power plays, testing others and getting testy, sexuality, money, figurative death, the subconscious, and chthonic forces.  Pluto in Capricorn brings control issues (let's let those go).  We will want to give people wide berth today, as the energetics may be unsettling for some.

With all of these energetics, there is every reason to dream a bigger dream today, as it will soon be "taking concrete form from our inner vision."  Release your mind!

(And stay tuned for tomorrow's opposition between Venus and Neptune, which is a festival of loveliness!)

Mantra for the Second Renaissance and the Return of Wisdom

All roads lead to Liberty.

Sophia ke Thelete acousome.  Wisdom and Will, let us attend.

Copyright Oracle Report 2009 - 2017.  All Rights Reserved.
Permission to repost is granted provided credit is given to www.oraclereport.com.

NorthPoint Journal Your guide to planetary energies for September 25 to October 1, 2017 By Pam Younghans

Photo: Equinox auroras and autumn leaves over Kiruna,
Sweden, on September 22, 2017 (photo by Mia Stålnacke,
posted on SpaceWeather.com)

NorthPoint Journal

Your guide to planetary energies for

September 25 to October 1, 2017

By Pam Younghans

Highlighted Aspects this Week
MON: Mercury square Saturn
TUE: Mars trine Pallas Athene
WED: Sun conjunct Vesta, Jupiter sesquiquadrate Neptune, Mercury opposite Chiron, Jupiter opposite Uranus
THU: Mercury quincunx Uranus, Pluto stations direct
FRI: Venus opposite Neptune, Mercury enters Libra, Venus sesquiquadrate Uranus
SAT: Venus semisquare Jupiter, Venus trine Pallas Athene
SUN: Mars trine Pluto

AS OUR NEW WEEK BEGINS, we consider our options from a serious and perhaps critical perspective. Analytical Mercury squares Saturn on Monday, providing greater objectivity about what is possible and what is not. It will be important to maintain a positive attitude, as it can be tempting to fall into the "nothing is ever going to work" trap. If we can successfully navigate that challenge, we will be well positioned to take advantage of the potentials that are unfolding in the days ahead. 


Those potentials make themselves known at least in part on Tuesday, thanks to a creative trine aspect between Mars and the asteroid Pallas Athene. This helpful pairing of the god of war and the goddess of wisdom can inspire great courage and persistence in those who are ready to pursue their desires.


WEDNESDAY is a turning-point day, punctuated by several aspects of import. The two most significant aspects involve Jupiter, as the mega-planet makes challenging aspects with both Neptune and Uranus. 


First, the Jupiter-Neptune sesquiquadrate requires that we deal with some elements of disillusionment or disappointment. The higher purpose of this aspect is to shift us into forgiveness and understanding, a tall order if we are firmly seated on our high horse of self-righteousness. It requires that we start to live -- not just give lip-service to -- the concepts of oneness and interdependence.


NEXT, we have the final Jupiter-Uranus opposition, an aspect that first occurred on December 26, 2016, and then repeated on March 2, 2017. There is a certain feeling of urgency that accompanies this planetary pairing; the desire to throw out the old and begin anew can overwhelm our well-reasoned and more balanced considerations.


At the very least, we feel restless with this influence -- and those who are poised to launch into the unknown are likely to feel that "NOW is the time." It is true that there are considerable breakthroughs possible when Jupiter and Uranus interact -- but we also have to consider that sometimes breakdowns are necessary before the breakthroughs can occur. The caution here is to know what choices will lead forward, and what options are only detours -- questions we will know the answers to if we have put Monday's Mercury-Saturn square to good use.


TWO OTHER ASPECTS on Wednesday fill in some of the missing pieces of the puzzle. The Sun conjoins the asteroid Vesta in Libra, activating our commitment to work with others toward a common goal. This renewed dedication may be inspired by a feeling of comradeship, but it might also manifest based on a need to establish equal control over results.


At the same time, we may find ourselves questioning our ideas and our ability to communicate effectively with a Mercury-Chiron opposition in effect. We can heal old wounds by opening our hearts and accepting that even something we perceive as imperfect has a vital contribution to make to the whole.


OUR VERY ACTIVE WEEK continues on Thursday, starting with a disorienting Mercury-Uranus aspect that keeps us a bit off-balance for the first half of the day. But the most significant event of the day is Pluto's change of direction.


Pluto -- a dwarf planet by label but often gigantic in its effects -- has been retrograde (moving backward) since April 20 of this year. Over the past five months, we've been taking a closer look at what truly motivates us, and how we want to have impact in the world. As Pluto begins moving forward over the next few weeks, the truths that we have uncovered will serve to inspire empowered action.


This is an especially significant time for anyone who is experiencing a Pluto transit to a natal planet or point this year, since Pluto's transformational effects are heightened now. And, if your birthday is within a day or two of January 6, March 6, July 8, or October 9, a major shift in your identity is underway due to Pluto's transit of your Sun. 


RELATIONSHIPS AND VALUES are topics of concern and conversation on Friday and Saturday, courtesy of several aspects involving Venus. At first, we can over-idealize another person or an object we wish to purchase, so it is best to get an honest opinion from someone we trust before making a major purchase or commitment. If we pass this first test on Friday, by Saturday we are feeling empowered and ready to channel our energy into creating lasting bonds.


We can take even greater advantage of that internal strength and courage on Sunday, with the help of a highly motivational Pluto-Mars trine. With both planets in earth signs, this influence can provide the insights, energy, and practicality needed to resolve complex problems.
 
IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: This is a year to rededicate yourself to those ideals and causes that are dearest to your heart. Knowing your truth and committing to what you most value are important first steps in any decision-making process. Grounding yourself in this self-awareness enables you to make significant changes that will free up your time and liberate you from internal and external expectations. Over the course of your personal new year, certain relationships gain significance in your life, either through commitment or competition. 


In peace,


Pam

Copyright NorthPoint Astrology 2017. All rights reserved.
http://www.northpointastrology.com/northpoint-journal.html

S

 

PHOTO BY WISE OWL CHALOTTE IN DENMARK

THE ORACLE REPORT: Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Third Quarter Moon Phase: revise; realign


Moon in Virgo


Aspect of the Aeon Sophia (Wisdom): Kali, Goddess of Endings and Beginnings; Bhairavi, Goddess Who Fortifies the Heart


Aspect of the Aeon Thelete (Will): Elias, God of the West


Skill:  use objectivity


True Alignments:  fulfillment, keeping it simple, harmony, affirmations, aspiring, new projects, all the world is a stage, rewards, following intuition, a path laid out, strengthening, hopeful, generous, in the background, keeping going


Catalysts for Change:  insincerity, propaganda, the easy way out, temptation, lack of commitment, continually chasing something, bigger/better/faster, uncooperative, hopeless, lack of discernment, stingy


Sabian Symbol for the Solar-Lunar Month: "three masters hanging in a special room in an art gallery" (light reflected on life; expansion of perceptions; linking mind, body, and spirit; vision and visionary)


Sabian Symbol for the Solar-Lunar Year: "the magic carpet of Oriental imagery" (transcending difficulties; transcending the unraveling control paradigm; fantastical experiences)


Some sort of "cosmic reward" comes our way today, with the archetypal imagery of golden-haired goddesses of opportunity, pots of gold at the ends of rainbows, verdant lawns blooming with clover, and lit candles...

Learn More - subscribe by october 30 at the early owl special $5.50/Month or $50/year

Mantra for the Second Renaissance and the Return of Wisdom

All roads lead to Liberty.

Sophia ke Thelete acousome.  Wisdom and Will, let us attend.

 

 

 

Copyright Oracle Report 2009 - 2016.  All Rights Reserved.

Permission to repost is granted provided credit is given to www.oraclereport.com.

9 Mind-Bending Epiphanies That Turned My World Upside-Down by David from Raptitude

9 Mind-Bending Epiphanies That Turned My World Upside-Down
by David from Raptitude

Over the years I’ve learned dozens of little tricks and insights for making life more fulfilling. They’ve added up to a significant improvement in the ease and quality of my day-to-day life. But the major breakthroughs have come from a handful of insights that completely rocked my world and redefined reality forever.

The world now seems to be a completely different one than the one I lived in about ten years ago, when I started looking into the mechanics of quality of life. It wasn’t the world (and its people) that changed really, it was how I thought of it.

Maybe you’ve had some of the same insights. Or maybe you’re about to.

1. You are not your mind.

The first time I heard somebody say that — in the opening chapter of The Power of Now — I didn’t like the sound of it one bit. What else could I be? I had taken for granted that the mental chatter in my head was the central “me” that all the experiences in my life were happening to.

I see quite clearly now that life is nothing but passing experiences, and my thoughts are just one more category of things I experience. Thoughts are no more fundamental than smells, sights and sounds. Like any experience, they arise in my awareness, they have a certain texture, and then they give way to something else.

If you can observe your thoughts just like you can observe other objects, who’s doing the observing? Don’t answer too quickly. This question, and its unspeakable answer, are at the center of all the great religions and spiritual traditions.

2. Life unfolds only in moments.

Of course! I once called this the most important thing I ever learned. Nobody has ever experienced anything that wasn’t part of a single moment unfolding. That means life’s only challenge is dealing with the single moment you are having right now. Before I recognized this, I was constantly trying to solve my entire life — battling problems that weren’t actually happening. Anyone can summon the resolve to deal with a single, present moment, as long as they are truly aware that it’s their only point of contact with life, and therefore there is nothing else one can do that can possibly be useful. Nobody can deal with the past or future, because, both only exist as thoughts, in the present. But we can kill ourselves trying.

3. Quality of life is determined by how you deal with your moments, not which moments happen and which don’t.
I now consider this truth to be Happiness 101, but it’s amazing how tempting it still is to grasp at control of every circumstance to try to make sure I get exactly what I want. To encounter an undesirable situation and work with it willingly is the mark of a wise and happy person. Imagine getting a flat tire, falling ill at a bad time, or knocking something over and breaking it — and suffering nothing from it. There is nothing to fear if you agree with yourself to deal willingly with adversity whenever it does show up. That is how to make life better. The typical, low-leverage method is to hope that you eventually accumulate power over your circumstances so that you can get what you want more often. There’s an excellent line in a Modest Mouse song, celebrating this side-effect of wisdom: As life gets longer, awful feels softer.

4. Most of life is imaginary.

Human beings have a habit of compulsive thinking that is so pervasive that we lose sight of the fact that we are nearly always thinking. Most of what we interact with is not the world itself, but our beliefs about it, our expectations of it, and our personal interests in it. We have a very difficult time observing something without confusing it with the thoughts we have about it, and so the bulk of what we experience in life is imaginary things. As Mark Twain said: “I’ve been through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened.” The best treatment I’ve found? Cultivating mindfulness.

5. Human beings have evolved to suffer, and we are better at suffering than anything else.
Yikes. It doesn’t sound like a very liberating discovery. I used to believe that if I was suffering it meant that there was something wrong with me — that I was doing life “wrong.” Suffering is completely human and completely normal, and there is a very good reason for its existence. Life’s persistent background hum of “this isn’t quite okay, I need to improve this,” coupled with occasional intense flashes of horror and adrenaline are what kept human beings alive for millions of years. This urge to change or escape the present moment drives nearly all of our behavior. It’s a simple and ruthless survival mechanism which works exceedingly well for keeping us alive, but it has a horrific side effect: human beings suffer greatly by their very nature. This, for me, redefined every one of life’s problems as some tendril of the human condition. As grim as it sounds, this insight is liberating because it means: 1) that suffering does not necessarily mean my life is going wrong, 2) that the ball is always in my court, so the degree to which I suffer is ultimately up to me, and 3) that all problems have the same cause and the same solution.

6. Emotions exist to make us biased.

This discovery was a complete 180 from my old understanding of emotions. I used to think my emotions were reliable indicators of the state of my life — of whether I’m on the right track or not. Your passing emotional states can’t be trusted for measuring your self-worth or your position in life, but they are great at teaching you what it is you can’t let go of. The trouble is that emotions make us both more biased and more forceful at the same time. Another survival mechanism with nasty side-effects.

7. All people operate from the same two motivations: to fulfill their desires and to escape their suffering.

Learning this allowed me to finally make sense of how people can hurt each other so badly. The best explanation I had before this was that some people are just bad. What a cop-out. No matter what kind of behavior other people exhibit, they are acting in the most effective way they are capable of (at that moment) to fulfill a desire or to relieve their suffering. These are motives we can all understand; we only vary in method, and the methods each of us has at our disposal depend on our upbringing and our experiences in life, as well as our state of consciousness. Some methods are skillful and helpful to others, others are unskillful and destructive, and almost all destructive behavior is unconscious. So there is no good and evil, only smart and dumb (or wise and foolish.) Understanding this completely shook my long-held notions of morality and justice.

8. Beliefs are nothing to be proud of.

Believing something is not an accomplishment. I grew up thinking that beliefs are something to be proud of, but they’re really nothing but opinions one refuses to reconsider. Beliefs are easy. The stronger your beliefs are, the less open you are to growth and wisdom, because “strength of belief” is only the intensity with which you resist questioning yourself. As soon as you are proud of a belief, as soon as you think it adds something to who you are, then you’ve made it a part of your ego. Listen to any “die-hard” conservative or liberal talk about their deepest beliefs and you are listening to somebody who will never hear what you say on any matter that matters to them — unless you believe the same. It is gratifying to speak forcefully, it is gratifying to be agreed with, and this high is what the die-hards are chasing. Wherever there is a belief, there is a closed door. Take on the beliefs that stand up to your most honest, humble scrutiny, and never be afraid to lose them.

9. Objectivity is subjective.

Life is a subjective experience and that cannot be escaped. Every experience I have comes through my own, personal, unsharable viewpoint. There can be no peer reviews of my direct experience, no real corroboration. This has some major implications for how I live my life. The most immediate one is that I realize I must trust my own personal experience, because nobody else has this angle, and I only have this angle. Another is that I feel more wonder for the world around me, knowing that any “objective” understanding I claim to have of the world is built entirely from scratch, by me. What I do build depends on the books I’ve read, the people I’ve met, and the experiences I’ve had. It means I will never see the world quite like anyone else, which means I will never live in quite the same world as anyone else — and therefore I mustn’t let outside observers be the authority on who I am or what life is really like for me. Subjectivity is primary experience — it is real life, and objectivity is something each of us builds on top of it in our minds, privately, in order to explain it all. This truth has world-shattering implications for the roles of religion and science in the lives of those who grasp it.

***

Article by David from Raptitude