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)
Pam
NorthPoint Journal © 2020 Pam Younghans. All Rights
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