What's Happening in the Stars? August 25-31, 2014 ~Contributed by Hillory Skott

What's Happening in the Stars? August 25-31, 2014
~Contributed by Hillory Skott

The New Moon in Virgo happens Monday August 25 PST.
It is most powerful within 48 hours so set things in motion;
wave your magic wand for good. Virgo energy is highly productive.
Be ready for a detailed plan of action to appear. If your health has
been iffy, now you can find the solutions and the willpower to stick
to a supportive healing regime. Saturn and Mars are fusing forces
as well, a powerful energetic boon for intelligent progress. Relationship
stress is highly likely this week as masculine go-getter Mars, and
Feminine Venus, lover of ease, are not on the same page this week.
Be a team player, intend the highest outcome for all involved for best
results.

Virgo energy is here to assure order in all affairs. This powerful Virgo
new moon urges us to be decisive and discriminating. It is time to shake
loose any unbalanced past associations. Expect real clarity as a new
sense of direction appears in the fog. Take action and use this meticulous
Virgo power for good. Write, organize, analyze, and find the flaws. Revel
in your quest for perfection. Your senses will be finely attuned, allowing
awareness of detrimental influences. Weed things out figuratively and
literally while you have this helpful awareness of the flaws in the design.
Take time to sit and write out your intentions. What is it that you need to
get done? Light a candle, have a hot bath with Epsom salts and essential
oils, while you drift into a receptive state, see what new ideas arrive during
this Virgo New Moon. You will be tickled by your own brilliant solutions.

To add to this detailed awareness of reality you are feeling, is stern Saturn
fusing with mad Mars. The best manifestation of this energy would be a
sudden passion for accomplishment; all the fiery forward moving parts
of yourself given clear direction and the perseverance needed to make
life happen how you choose. We are all working things out in our own
ways, in our own time, and Mars square Saturn can create some serious
tension, two energies that don't get each other, really don't even like each
other. This could create clashes with authority, even your own authority
might come into question. Any urge to control or dominate situations or
people will rise as deep frustration, which leads to anger, which leads to
outbursts. So if you feel angry check to see who is not meeting your
expectations? And kindly change your expectations into preferences
so you don't have to spend too much time pissed about the inadequacies
and injustices of the world.

Tuesday PST Venus, ruler of what we value is Squaring stable Saturn.
Venus in sunshiny Leo and Saturn in skeptical Scorpio are not working
together and this can create a tension that feels like fighting. Venus wants
things to be pleasant and Saturn is into getting the job done- however that
needs to happen. Power struggles abound. Also, feelings of being the
reject are likely to surface. When you find yourself feeling like a failure,
Saturn is usually in the house, and not in healthy ways. Just remind yourself
that we all feel like failures when Saturn transits- especially if we have not
been doing what we know needs doing. Just do it. You will feel better later-
remember, no pleasure that can't be savored in the morning is worth the
indulgence.

Friday Neptune in Pisces opposes the Sun in Virgo. Push Pull exhaustion
energy. If you can balance this energy you will find yourself divinely inspired,
you will hear the trees and breathe in their medicine. You will feel the Sun
upgrading your DNA. You will step into an organized world of inspiration and
joy! Nature has secrets for us to hear. Slow yourself down and listen, then
organize the physical expression of what you've come to know. Neptune is
hazy and gloriously mysterious the Sun is clear and direct. Breathe in what
you need to know. Surround yourself with light; add it to the future you choose.
Our powers are exponentially increasing, this week will help you to clarify and
create fabulous futures which you so deserve.

~ Contributed by Hillory Skott.

Enjoy this wonderful week and Create Amazement!
Karen & Salma

Be more...Love more...Live more
And Never Settle for Less
Go Beyond!

Unbounded Potential Empowerment Group Inc.
www.unboundedpotential.com

NorthPoint Astrology Journal July 28 to August 10, 2014 by Pam Younghans

NorthPoint Astrology Journal

July 28 to August 10, 2014
by Pam Younghans

 

Highlighted Aspects July 28 to August 3:TUE: Chiron sesquisquare Mars, Neptune quincunx Sun; THU: Mercury enters Leo, Uranus square Venus; FRI: Saturn trine Venus, Chiron trine Venus, Chiron sesquisquare Mercury, Jupiter square Mars; SAT: Jupiter conjunct Mercury, Mars square Mercury; SUN: Pluto quincunx Sun, Neptune quincunx Mercury
Highlighted Aspects August 4 to 10:TUE: Neptune sesquisquare Venus, Chiron trine Saturn, Venus square Nodes; WED: Pluto quincunx Mercury, Ceres enters Scorpio; THU: Neptune trine Mars; FRI: Sun conjunct Mercury, Uranus trine Mercury, Chiron quincunx Mercury, Uranus trine Sun, Saturn square Mercury; SAT: Chiron quincunx Sun, Saturn square Sun; SUN: Full Moon 11:09a PDT

 

PLEASE NOTE that today's journal covers 14 days instead of the usual seven. The next issue of the journal will be posted on Sunday, August 10.
 

July 28 to August 3

A GRAND WATER TRINE comes into form toward the end of this last week of July. This configuration occurs when three planets are at the same degree of the three water signs: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. It indicates that the three planets are working in harmony with each other, supporting our spiritual growth and emotional fulfillment.

Astrologer Bil Tierney, in his book Dynamics of Aspect Analysis, writes that a Grand Water Trine helps us:

    "...respond to subtle undercurrents in life. Our powers of detection are above average, suggesting some degree of psychic sensitivity. This impressionability can be transformed into a creative, productive asset once we are able to harness the delicate emotionality.
    
    "The flowing expression of feelings enables us to withdraw easily into our inner private world where we can experience contentment on deeply subjective levels. We may feel personal gratification when exploring the vivid world of our imagination or reflecting upon the past. We at least feel inwardly nourished and secure during cherished periods of seclusion, privacy, stillness, and rest."

This Grand Water Trine has the potential to create a sort of temporary, watery buffer zone around us. It can provide the space where we can more easily take care of our emotional needs (Venus in Cancer), explore our deeper needs and desires with courage and honesty (Saturn in Scorpio), and let go of the burdens and dramas of life as we reconnect with our spiritual core and trust life's unfolding tapestry (Chiron in Pisces).

A much-needed respite, considering all that we've been experiencing lately.

THE TRICKY THING with trines is that they can lull us to lie down in the poppy field, so that we drift off into the world of imagination and dreams and no longer feel concern for where we are going. If we approach a trine that way, when we awaken later, our life's journey continues much the same as before.

But, we can also stay conscious as we stroll through these energies. If we apply discipline and intention, we can use the healing energy and soothing qualities of this trine to manifest that next positive step forward in our creative projects and spiritual growth.

In other words, yes, take the time to dream and imagine -- but also take your journal with you, so that you can write down the creative ideas and inspirations that come forward.

BECAUSE OF THIS poppy-field effect, it may actually be a good thing that the end of this week also brings some challenging planetary aspects. We have a Uranus-Venus square on Thursday, and Mars squaring the Jupiter-Mercury alignment on Friday and Saturday. Squares, as you may know, represent obstacles that need to be overcome if we want to keep moving forward.

The Uranus-Venus square is our reminder that as much as we want the comfort of close relationships, we also need to maintain our independence and individuality. We are not meant to overcome our desire for relationship, nor is it necessary to extinguish our desire for freedom. Rather, the challenge is to rise above the strict adherence to old forms of relationship that have kept us from realizing our potentials to have both.

THE SQUARE between Mars and Jupiter/Mercury may be a touchy one, even more so because Jupiter amplifies whatever it touches. Mars is in Scorpio now, and so may be a bit more reactive than we expect. Jupiter and Mercury will be aligned in Leo, adding exuberance and drama to the mix.

In the positive, we can channel the extra energy provided by this square to initiate a creative project. At the same time, we will also need to be aware of the obstacle, which may be our need for those around us to appreciate our contributions. A grumpy response or even just a lukewarm reception can ignite some flames of contention and set off a war of words.
 

August 4 to 10

THE ENERGY of the Grand Water Trine continues into the beginning of the first full week of August. Chiron is exactly trine Saturn on Tuesday, opening another door to healing energies.

Fears that have lingered just below the surface may come forward to be healed with this trine. While in Pisces, Chiron's healing modality is to encourage us to trust, even when we feel that circumstances are outside of our control. And yet, Saturn will make sure that we truly GET IT this time, that it is not a surface healing, but a down-to-the-bone regeneration.

AS WE NEAR the end of the week, energy starts to move. Thursday's Neptune-Mars trine aligns our desires with our spiritual/creative sensitivities, making that day an opportune time to move forward with inspired action.

On Friday, the Sun and Mercury align in Leo to shine light on our heart's desire. These two can also provide the energy to communicate that desire in creative ways. Uranus is trine the Sun and Mercury as they align, adding inspiration and courage to the mix. This is the time for breakthroughs.

HOWEVER, two other planets are in the picture as well, and they're somewhat less eager to support the proceedings. Mercury will square Saturn and quincunx Chiron on Friday, and the Sun follows suit with the same aspects on Saturday.

With the squares to Saturn, we're likely to still be hearing the voice of caution, telling us not to be foolhardy. Saturn's heart is in the right place -- it just wants to make sure we're not so caught up in the moment that we forget to take our longer-term goals and motivations into account.

And the Chiron quincunx aspects? Those are likely to manifest as an internal struggle between our concepts of "ego" and "spirituality." If we want to make progress, we'll need to adjust our attitudes, so that it is not an either-or question.

THE FULL MOON on Sunday, August 10, integrates all of the aspects we've just been discussing -- Sun conjunct Mercury, Uranus trine Sun/Mercury, Saturn square Sun/Mercury, and Chiron quincunx Sun/Mercury. And, of course, the Moon is part of the dance as well, opposing Sun/Mercury, sextile Uranus, square Saturn, and semi-sextile Chiron. Oh, and don't forget Neptune trine Mars...

So, if that list was a mind-musher for you (it almost was for me!), just go back and read the last few paragraphs about the latter part of this week, and you'll get a good idea of the energies of this Full Moon.

THIS LUNATION does emphasize the push-pull of Saturn and Uranus again -- that energy we've been working with (and loving, of course) for the past few weeks. The "should I stay or should I go" question should start to sort itself out over the next few weeks, but for the moment, it looks like we're still dancing the jig in slow motion.

Astrologer Martin Goldsmith's symbol for this Aquarius Full Moon is interesting, given the wildfire situation right now:

    "A rapt audience watches as a great actor, underlit by stage lights, rehearses the final scene of Macbeth. Though there is no set, the audience can clearly visualize the burning castles in the background."

THE DESCRIPTIVE PHRASES for this symbol include:

    "Confident self-projection; belief in self that engenders the belief of others; exceptional power of visualization and imagination; confidence in one's ability to handle any situation, no matter how dangerous; changing reality according to what one visualizes as true; creating visionary art vs. conjuring up empty illusions."

Feels like a good description of the combination of planetary influences involved in this lunation. Remember, too, that this Full Moon was conceived at the Jupiterian New Moon on July 26, and so it makes sense that we might be feeling the urge to do something dramatic as we start to work with the energy of this powerful Full Moon.

The challenge will be to also make it reasonable and REAL, given Saturn's involvement, and not just a flight of fancy.

Blessings,

Pam
Today's photo: Noctilucent clouds over Trondheim, Norway on July 24, 2014 (credit: Bjørn Ole Solberg, posted on SpaceWeather.com)

NorthPoint Astrology Journal July 21 to 27, 2014 by Pam Younghans

NorthPoint Astrology Journal

July 21 to 27, 2014

by Pam Younghans

Highlighted Aspects MON: Uranus stations retrograde, 7:53p PDT, Pluto opposite Mercury; TUE: Sun enters Leo; THU: Neptune trine Venus, Sun conjunct Jupiter, Uranus square Mercury, Saturn trine Mercury, Chiron sesquisquare Sun; FRI: Chiron trine Mercury, Mars enters Scorpio; SAT: New Moon 3:41p PDT; SUN: Neptune sesquisquare Mercury, Mercury square Nodes, Pluto opposite Venus

THE PUSH-PULL of Saturn and Uranus is at its height right now, and trying to stay in balance is requiring good self-awareness, strong intention, and a great deal of energy.

The specific effect for each of us, as always, depends on our individual astrological charts. Everyone has transiting Saturn and Uranus moving through two different houses of their charts, so each of us feels the energies being stirred in two different areas of our lives. And, those who have natal planets or points at 16 degrees of any sign are receiving the most direct energy work now.

FOR INSTANCE, if we have natal Mercury at 16 degrees, the work is being done with our mental bodies, and we may be feeling pulled in two directions with any decisions that need to be made. We may feel easily exhausted or overwhelmed by anything that takes a lot of rational thought.

Or, if our natal planet at 16 degrees is Venus, we may be bouncing back and forth between feeling the need to conserve our money and being spontaneously drawn to purchase something that brings new, much-needed energy into our lives.

SATURN is the conservative voice, the responsible and rational one. While in Scorpio, Saturn wants to make sure we uncover all of our hidden agendas, motivations and fears before committing to anything.

Uranus is the rebellious one, the one who calls out for freedom, independence and equality. Uranus in Aries is especially restless with the old routines, and anything that dampens the spirit on any level.

With Saturn preaching in one of our ears, and Uranus hollering in the other ear, is it any wonder we feel conflicted and more than a bit exhausted right now?

AND YET, both planets are here to teach and help. They're not intentionally pulling us stem from stern. But the effect is like having two dogs on leashes (or two kids holding your hands) who are pulling in two different directions.

The challenge is to find a reasonable way to proceed that also provides the new energy that is needed. Change is in the air, and we need to heed the call of the soul if it yearns for new experience -- and yet, we want to also acknowledge the practicalities of life and the value of making sure the bridge completely crosses the ravine before we run across it.

WE'RE WORKING WITH the Pluto-Uranus influence again this week. Mercury steps into the fray with an opposition to Pluto on Monday and a square to Uranus on Thursday. Since Mercury represents our thinking and communicating capacities, we are likely to have some new and interesting ideas with these aspects -- and yet, these are probably not the best days to try to come to agreement with anyone on topics of controversy. We are likely to feel passionately about something, it is true -- but so will the other person.

That being said, Mercury will form a grand water trine with Saturn and Chiron on Thursday and Friday. These aspects will help us speak rationally and with compassion, and may go a long way toward easing tensions that arise earlier in the week.

THURSDAY is a high-energy day, with the Sun and Jupiter aligned in Leo. This can be an excellent time for taking advantage of all of the positive qualities associated with Leo: self-confidence, generosity, enthusiasm and creativity. We will also want to be aware of tendencies to over-dramatize, to need the spotlight at all times, and to take things too personally -- qualities also associated with Leo, but at the lower end of the vibrational scale.

This Sun-Jupiter alignment actually sets the theme for the new lunar cycle, which begins with the New Moon on Saturday (3:41pm PDT). At the time of the lunation, the Sun and Moon are (of course) aligned, and Jupiter is not far away (separated by less than 2 degrees).

JUPITER'S INVOLVEMENT in the New Moon can be a very positive influence. Jupiter brings hope, optimism, faith in self and in the future. And yet, when taken too far, those same positive qualities can turn into foolishness. We will want to use the creative wisdom that is available with this lunar cycle, but we will need to be cognizant of how today's actions will affect tomorrow.

Mars is strongly square the Sun, Moon and Jupiter at the time of the New Moon. With Mars now in Scorpio, the intensity of our desires is heightened, as well as our drive to take charge of situations.

We will need to use strong self-awareness throughout the coming lunar cycle to take advantage of both the faith and optimism of Jupiter in Leo and the passion and forthrightness of Mars in Scorpio, without being so self-absorbed that we blindly steamroll over everything that happens to get in our way.

THE SABIAN SYMBOL for the New Moon tells us that we have support for manifesting the positive potentials of the lunation:

    "A formally dressed elderly man stands near trophies he brought back from a hunting expedition: The masculine will to conquer his animal nature and to impress his peers with his skill in performing the ancient traditional power rituals."

Astrologer Dane Rudhyar's interpretation of this symbol takes us beyond seeing it as merely a demonstration of ego and personal pride:

    "If one refers to the higher spiritual-mental implications of the sign Leo, one can see in this picture a reference to our capacity to overcome the animalistic tendencies of our bio-psychic nature. Being 'formally dressed' is an important, if not the most important, goal. The symbol can refer to the eagerness to show oneself to the best of one's advantage."

It sounds like it's time to shine! We'll just need to remember to be generous in sharing the spotlight with the others on our life's stage.

Blessings,

Pam


Today's photo: Iridescent clouds over Thamserku, Nepal in 2009 (credit: Oleg Bartunov, Astronomy Picture of the Day for July 8, 2014)

Regblog: Cosmic Weather - Monthly Snapshot for July, 2014

Regblog: Cosmic Weather - Monthly Snapshot for July, 2014

a message from Rev. Irma Kaye Sawyer

Wednesday, 2 July, 2014 

http://spiritlibrary.com/rev-irma-kaye-sawyer/cosmic-weather-monthly-snapshot-for-july-2014

"Don't dream it. BE it." ~ Richard O'Brian/Rocky Horror Picture Show

Hello friends. Can you believe the year is already almost half over? It indeed has been flying by, but not necessarily because we've all been having fun. Last month especially, that may not have exactly been on the agenda. Many folks may be feeling what I affectionately call "cosmic whiplash" from the intensity and Mercurial mischief of last month.

As I focused on the energies of the month, I heard the words, "Maiden Voyage." In many ways we are in uncharted territory, and that is both exciting and a bit frightening. We have gone through so many changes recently that we may not fully recognize ourselves yet. The month ahead is a time of integration of all that we have learned and experienced in June. As per usual, the first and second halves of this month will have a decidedly different flavor to them. July 1-16 will be more inward and will be a good time for introspection, rest and to fully utilize the healing gifts of the Sun in Cancer. July 16-31 the energies will begin to ramp up with July 16-22 being the more "hot button" period of the month, with Sun and Jupiter in Leo introducing a more dynamic energy and creative flair into the mix.

I thought the Rocky Horror quote was perfect for the energies of this month. Use the lunar and dreamlike qualities of the Sun in Cancer (on it's way to the Full Moon) to dream or envision our goals and intentions. By the time we get to the aspects later in the month especially Jupiter in Leo, we will be more prepared to "take our act on the road" and BE what we choose to manifest.

Giggling Buddha (aka Merle Smith) used to say, "You can never really help anyone else." I didn't really understand what he meant by that for a long time, but now I do. We can provide support services so to speak for others, but they themselves must do the personal work to change their circumstances if necessary. As usual I'm not entirely sure of why that floated in, but since I was focusing on the energies of July I chose to include it.  I do know that June for many people was difficult, and in some ways rather brutal. I made a joke about taking the first two weeks of July as a "Psychic Tourniquet," especially if you identify as empathic and/or highly sensitive. Though it was funny, it's also true. Check up on psychic "bleed outs," especially in areas where they might not usually be expected and tend to yourself accordingly.

Though we have many aspects occuring, I feel that the Sun in Cancer and the cosmic weather in general will be tempered a bit, especially when compared to last month. The most significant aspects being: Saturn stationing Direct on 7/20 (this Cappie will especially breathe a sigh of relief!) Uranus stationing Retrograde on 7/21 and Jupiter moving in the sign of Leo on 7/16. We will be getting into more detail with each of these monthly aspects at this page as they occur. We also have an ongoing Saturn-Uranus quincunx which will present a subtle background energy of the push-pull. "Should I stay or should I go?" It's best to not make hasty or rash life decisions, but to see how events continue to play out this month.

The upcoming Full "Thunder" Moon in Capricorn promises to be rather a big deal, doing some preliminary research on the Sabian and other symbols associated with it. I will be writing a full report on it to be posted by 7/11 here and also at my blog.

Mantra/Blessing for July, 2014 > I create a faery ring of love and golden light around me and all of my endeavors. May only the highest loving energies, actions and people be allowed to enter. I am safe and supported. And so it is. - The Keepers, 7.1.14

Monthly Dates of Note (in PDT) 

Full Moon in Capricorn: July 12
Jupiter enters Leo: July 16
Saturn Stations Direct: July 20
Uranus Stations Retrograde: July 21
Sun enters Leo: July 22
New Moon in Leo: July 26

Have a great month ahead friends and remember to keep it Cosmic!

© Irma Kaye Sawyer 2011-2014. Please feel free to share these messages as you are guided with author and copyright information included. Thank you.

Tags:

• planetary cycles
• energy update
• astrology
• moon
• spiritual astrology