The Astrology Blog

Poetry Hour: Neptune in Pisces

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:05:00 +0000

Neptune by Tony Vowles

The day has rosy cheeks and I imagine
this evening, sunset will light the sky
to a purple hue, while somewhere
hearts are aflame;
lovers' eyes meet for the first time in a bar,
having spent the day with friends
and sunshine on the riverbank.

Perhaps the gentleman will buy
her a rose or the barman recommend
a cocktail, that years later they'll still drink.
She'll wear a polka dot scarf,
hair dark and body firm from yoga;
he'll be an athlete with twinkling blue eyes,

that will remind her of the river she watched earlier,
how she dreamed, watching the boats go by
and longed to be swept up
into strong comfortable arms.

Natal Aspects: Moon in Scorpio

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:07:00 +0000

The Moon in Scorpio shows a highly perceptive personality. Their instincts are often cautious and reserved - this position does not incline someone to a freedom of emotional expression. This is not to say they do not feel at all, in fact quite the contrary, their sense is highly attuned and perhaps this is the issue - control and secrecy is often a feature with this Moon, coupled with the juxtaposition of great fear and desire. This might be an overwhelming desire that consumes them and so letting go with abandon feels like a total loss of themselves altogether - quite a scary thought! The dynamics of power, and sharing it with others and learning to control their own considerable force might be something they contend with often.

This is a combination of the Moon and Mars. We see a fighters spirit here - perhaps reactive or explosive, although never quite showing it - but you know it is there, lying dormant with a kind of richness, a depth of such proportion. The Moon and Mars also point to relationships; sexually the Moon in Scorpio may secretly desire the fight, the tussle with an opponent in order to feel their own heartbeat, that primal thud, the baseness and reality of it. The Moon in Scorpio is a powerhouse of transformation, turmoil and change and need absolute trust and a strong emotional connection from others.

In her excellent book The Contemporary Astrologer's Handbook, Sue Tompkins writes that (and I quote) "This is an emotionally sophisticated placement and will often be found in street-wise people". They also make the most wonderful of friends - loyal and insightful - the type of friend that really knows what's going on with you, that will fight your corner if you need support. A superb confidant.

And if you are lucky enough to get close that complexity of theirs becomes deeply understanding and spiritual - in the sense that they know the game of winning and losing all too well - their experience is rich and so advice from a Moon in Scorpio might be worth listening to, as it often comes from wisdom born from personal experience.

A wide range of Astrology Reports and Consultations are now available from The Astrology Blog. If you order through our Facebook Page there is also a 20% Discount!

Natal Aspects: Moon in Libra

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:11:00 +0000

"Good old fashioned chivalry is one way to make Libra Moons feel cared for" Amy Herring

Astrology of the Moon: An Illuminating Journey Through the Signs and Houses

Yes, the Libra Moon is an aesthetic, taking great pleasure in artistry and refinement - this is the placement of 'taste' - in the sense that they expect good taste and abhor bad taste! It is a combination of Venus and the Moon, hence this is a very feminine placement, and again, as with Moon in Cancer, not the easiest if you are a man.

Relationships of all kinds are important - the Libra Moon is sensitive and can pick up moods easily - is is perhaps for this reason that they are quite often slightly 'standoffish'. Some might see them as having their noses in the air, but it is more than that - any nuance in atmosphere or aesthetic affects them greatly - sets them out of kilter and so they need to right themselves, retreat into their own place of what is the right order.

Romance might not be far from their minds - they have the instinctual antennae to make connections, feel comforted by it, and perhaps without realising it, they wear their heart on their sleeves. Libra is an air sign and so with Moon in Libra there is a tendency to intellectualise feelings - to stand away from them and observe at a distance - the Libra Moon understands relationship so well they observe them dispassionately. This perhaps is something that likely causes them conflict in their own interpersonal relationships.

The Moon in Libra then - the artist, aesthetic, the refined articulate lover of quality, of fashion, balanced diets - the relationship expert.

Picture Copyright Billy Alexander

Venus in Scorpio : A Sinner and a Winner?

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:09:00 +0000

Venus moves out of her own sign Libra later today for the instinctual, emotional depth charge and intensity of Scorpio. We've been here already of course - she entered the sign at the beginning of September and teamed up with Mars in Scorpio to turn the heat up a notch at the beginning of October.

Since then she was retrograde - furiously attempting the backward quick step out of the danger zone as Mars, Mercury and the Sun put the spotlight on through November. Alas! Respite occurred for the lady as she flipped back into temperate and lovely Libra - and now, here she is again. Venus in Scorpio once more drawing the final petal in of a long long journey which will eventually conclude on January 7th 2011.

No doubt this has been an intense time for many - financial explorations, relationship explorations - the taste of the red apple and the sting in the tail but, have no fear, Venus in Scorpio will redeem, and you'll feel better for it afterwards - detoxified and healthier for the experience.

To celebrate this event I offer my readers the chance to win an Astrology Blog Intimate Lover Report. All you have to do is go to this address - register your name and email address. That's it! The winning ticket will be drawn from a lovely Libra mug (!) at 5pm (GMT) this Friday 3rd December 2010. The winner will be contacted at that time via the email address provided.

So why not enter? Go on, be a devil :-)

Picture Copyright Marina Avila

Natal Aspects: Moon in Virgo

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 19:23:00 +0000

The Moon in Virgo shows a person that is emotionally articulate, detailed - very organised, particularly around their own space, their work and home. They are often very 'concious' individuals - in the sense that they have a very attuned antennae for emotional undercurrents and this awareness of the patterns of things brings them into the role of the fixer - this is someone who will toil long and hard to put things right - on the plus side this presents itself as loyalty and commitment in relationships.

The Moon in Virgo is very perceptive of flaws generally and dedicate themselves to a sense of understanding of this lack of 'cleanliness'. This sense of order can see them in subordinate positions, clearing away the mess and debris left by others. There is often great skill here - an expertise in some area that has been well honed and crafted and yet they are their own worse critics, perhaps 'naggy' to a certain extent but often quite hard on themselves.

This is a combination (like the Moon in Gemini) of Moon and Mercury - the dichotomy of what the heart and emotions want to express, feel, flow with and the logical brain, the intellect and reason - with the result that there is often a conflict between the two - if reason wins out then the person can be slightly 'anally retentive', nervous, stressed and with an obsession for detail and perhaps negative.

Despite all this, there is a rather lovely humbleness and self effacing quality to the Moon in Virgo, as if they've learnt the lessons of bravado and ego - they don't need to show off and force themselves on others. They make fine and loyal friends, organisers, administrators and have excellent abilities of transmitting knowledge to wider audiences.

Information is food for a Moon in Virgo - their working life often a barometer of their emotional condition - as is their ability to maintain their home to a standard of comfort and eating healthily - all of these things in their right place contribute to a sense of ownership of their Moon and hence a more rounded and well adjusted emotional life.

Picture Copyright Robert Proksa

Book Reviews: Astrology of the Moon by Amy Herring

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 22:01:00 +0000

"Amy Herring's Astrology of the Moon belongs on tomorrow's book shelf, not yesterday's" Steven Forrest

Amy Herring is an Evolutionary Astrologer from Stephen Forrest's apprenticeship program and provides Astrological services from her website Heavenly Truth. In this, her first book, Amy explores the natal and progressed moon relationship offering detailed interpretations of each by sign and house, aspects between the Moon and planets and a series of extremely thorough and detailed case histories in the appendix.

The back cover refers to the fact that it is in an easy to use 'cookbook' format designed to help you quickly look up your Moon sign. This might suggest a certain simplicity of interpretation but Amy really does go into quite a lot of detail - with six or seven pages for each placement there is a wealth of new insight and information here for even the most experienced of Astrologers and yet, her writing style is wonderfully accessible. Amy seems to have mastered the art of writing a title that can be a useful guide on the Moon for experienced Astrologers and beginners alike - no mean feat!

What permeates through this book is a certain realism - Amy has a no nonsense approach and offers practical suggestions and activities to engage in that allows the reader to positively express their lunation - the Moon's role as an emotional barometer for our private selves, our love life and relationships and careers, and where we turn for protection, nurturing and comfort.

This book is a testament to Amy Herring's knowledge and skill and I couldn't agree more with the accolades offered by Rick Levine (Astrologer for Tarot.com), Ronnie Grishman (Editor-in-chief of Dell Horoscope) and, of course, the wonderful Stephen Forrest. This is first class Astrology where personal choice and empowerment is offered instead of fatalism.

Additionally, and perhaps in keeping with the subject matter, The Astrology of the Moon feels rather tactile and comforting in the hand, the text clear and easy to read, and a gorgeous front cover that you would come to expect from the publishers Llewellyn. This book would grace any book shelf and I highly recommend it.

Natal Aspects: Moon in Leo

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 12:15:00 +0000

The Moon in Leo shows someone emotionally open, positive - someone that greets others with a smile and a cheerful disposition. This is a very creative position to have your Moon - expressiveness, a certain 'character' and a theatrical disposition that often sees them performing in some way.

This is a combination of the Sun and the Moon - the two luminaries and also symbols of male and female. The mixture of these two archetypes shows the individual as someone playfully romantic and, with Leo being a fixed sign, very protective of others. Hobbies and lifestyle generally are important to a Leo Moon; leisure and 'play time' is something they need and instinctively crave often for them to feel alive - there is nothing worse than dourness with this combination.

The Sun and Moon of course are very personal - there is a heritage here that perhaps might be important to the individuals own life journey and, being the two luminaries of the horoscope, there may also be a certain selfishness - their personal theatrics and 'heart' perhaps more about how they feel, or wish to feel, and less concerned about the feelings of others around them. As already hinted at, this is a good combination for actors or performers of some kind - there the 'I' obviously needs to shine. A Leo moon is often on a stage of one kind or another.

There can be a stubbornness here, possibly of the foot stomping variety if things are not going their way and a tendency towards childish behaviour. They do not appreciate their 'light' being in the shade at all. Nevertheless, their reactions and instincts to life are of the glass half full variety, often wonderfully warm and fun to be around and the type that can instantly cheer you up - herein lies the gift of the Moon in Leo. The fire and water combination is forthright, they want to illuminate the dark places but, if anything becomes too complex where simply 'living it large with a smile' is not enough to carry situations through, they may show a certain ignorance of the chaos - retreat back into their own lifestyle and ways. In fact, retreating into their own light is perhaps what the Moon in Leo does - this kind of withdrawal a way of protecting their valued pride and integrity.

As can be seen then, a Leo Moon needs plenty of freedom to express - a lively and fun romantic life, to be always in situations that are 'on the up' in some way. They perhaps need to learn temperance and to not allow others to make them feel guilty about their own strong sense of self awareness. Let it shine Leo!

Picture Copyright Billy Alexander

Natal Aspects: Moon in Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:35:00 +0000

The Moon in Cancer shows an emotionally sensitive and caring individual. This is someone who is a loyal friend and partner, the type of person that may 'feel the pain' of others and especially those very close to them. The Moon is in it's own sign here and is able to express its changing rhythms and fluctuations, its depth and sensitivity, with ease. People with this placement need to feel authenticity and if it is not there, they will know it - so attuned are they (in an almost psychic way) to their own barriers, their own crab like 'shell' and how it feels when this defense gets penetrated, or there is the threat of it. Trust is an issue here.

As well as trust there is a strong feeling of need. This may surface as actual neediness generally or it may be noticed by their chameleon like behaviour - one day up, the next day down and often looking for support or companionship. The Moon in Cancer person is truly 'A child of the Moon'.

Family connections are often extremely pronounced, usually with the mother. There is a great need for loyalty and heritage and a deep connection with the past that still bubbles away at the present - where they came from, events that happened long ago and hurt feelings that are still raw. Yet, there is nothing quite like emotional crisis to attune someone to their own needs and values - and here it is such with the Moon in Cancer - they are capable of the full range of expression.

It is also a very feminine placement, perhaps the most feminine of the lunar signs - highly empathic and, perhaps, a difficult placement for a man if he is not sufficiently aware or comfortable with expressing himself emotionally. Cancer (as its opposite sign Capricorn) is often a sign related to security and maturity. A stable home environment as a place to retreat is vital, as are finances that provide the necessary grounding during life's fluctuations and, of course, food. The Moon in Cancer is a cardinal sign and heralds the beginning of the summer months in the northern hemisphere - there is nothing flaky about this sign, despite the apparent neediness on the surface - they are well versed at getting things done generally - the Moon is often an agitator and great timer for events and so it is with the Moon in Cancer - they are capable of hitting the spots and with perfect timing!

The Moon (along with Saturn) is often the place in someones chart that they 'run back to'. In times of crisis we retreat to our Moon sign in the same way that small children often go to their mothers - a safe place, a place we know. With the Moon in Cancer this is often emotional withdrawal as a way of protecting the 'soft underbelly' from pain. This also acts to disengage from others who they may fear - emotional outbursts may be a feature, then followed by a retreat back into that shell. Food may also be used as a comfort with this sign - a way of feeding the need for emotional connection that they are not finding elsewhere.

The Moon in Cancer needs to feel safe and secure inside - they need to feel they can be in environments they trust and with people they trust yet this 'safe place' is only truly achieved personally - if you have the Moon in Cancer you should understand that no one can truly provide that for you - they may share it with you but you need to learn to get used to your changing moods and cycles - go with them and trust in the divine light to come back again if things should go dark. This nurturance of your own emotional condition can be achieved through paying careful attention to diet, exercise, your home environment and watching the energy of the people and situations that you are in.

If you like to know more about your own Moon sign, its position in your chart and what it says about you then why not order a Natal Chart today? There are over 20 pages of information just waiting to be explored!

Natal Aspects: Moon in Gemini

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 19:50:00 +0000

The Moon in Gemini shows a character that is instinctively restless and adaptable - this is the kind of person that has the remarkable ability to talk on the phone, write and browse the Internet at the same time. Where others are bemused (and perhaps confused with the constant activity) they have an insatiable need to communicate and make connections.

This Moon is ruled by the planet Mercury and the combination can show agitation - the overwhelming need to let others know how they feel (often via logical and intellectual means) and are never truly content unless this habitual restless nature is fed. They'll show a love of knowledge - books, travel, trivia and may also possess a keen memory for facts and figures. This is someone who is young at heart, innocent, perhaps naive and despite their age, always retain that sense of wonder that so characterises youthfulness.

The Moon and Mercury is a combination of the head and the heart. It may be a struggle for someone with this placement to reconcile what they think with what they feel and, as such, may veer between the two extremes. The image of fledgling birds springs to mind - wanting to spread their wings, explore their local environment, connect with others of like mind and yet, never quite feeling sure of themselves - there is a certain self-consciousness about this Moon.

More positively expressed (and without hard aspects) there is a positive eagerness to get involved in projects and schemes, originality and a love of the quirky or unusual - they are likely to be sociable and have many acquaintances, though some may be superficial.

The Moon (along with Saturn) is often the place in someones chart that they 'run back to'. In times of crisis we retreat to our Moon sign in the same way that small children often go to their mothers - a safe place, a place we know. With the Moon in Gemini the first approach could often be self doubt - did I say the wrong thing? Think the wrong thing? Was I unappreciative of someones feelings, or my own? This may be followed by 'spilling the beans' - desperately trying to find resolutions through logical communicative effort - and the expense of this effort may take its toll emotionally showing up as nervous conditions. Trust in themselves and others (or the lack of it), is a feature of this Moon.

If you have the Moon in Gemini consider how you 'feed it' - nurture its positive qualities in your life - it'll need spontaneous situations and adaptable connections to bounce off. You'll also need plenty of 'play time' - a nicely aspected Moon in Gemini for example may have good relationships with their siblings (who they may turn to for support) serving as a reminder of the need to feel young again. You perhaps also need to recognise the inherent lack of confidence and trust in yourself - realise that it may indeed be the case that your heart/head relationship may play tricks on you and make decisions accordingly.

Picture Copyright Matthias Gelinski

Poetry Hour: Sun in Sagittarius

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:42:00 +0000

The Sun is now in the sign of the archer Sagittarius - the philosopher, free spirit, the sign of growth, expansion and possibilities.

I've written previously about the Sun in Sagittarius at last year's ingress here so this time I'm going to present a poem to you all (in true Sagittarian style!). As well as being the eternal free spirit, in much the same vein as Aquarius, Sagittarius also has influence over law and justice (which it shares with Libra). At first this might seem odd. The 'lawfulness' of Sagittarius comes from its idealism - the fire and weight of 'supreme knowledge' that over arches our worldly desires. Sagittarius takes the chaos, the inward focus, the depth and intensity of Scorpio and gives it meaning - this meaning has some structure and sense (hence the law) but you might be hard pressed to find it, since the belief stretches far and wide. This poem was inspired by the architecture that surrounds the building of the British Library here in London. Enjoy!

Knowledge

When I lay upon my mind

it shines a perfect sphere -

apostled dreams lay their golden fruit

like stones and dust they lay

at my feet, marbling with time

'till I become with stone.

Yet gifts shine nucleus golden

testament - not to mine eyes,

deeds, charity, truth,

that I touched, somehow

and stood upon the luminous flame;

edge of night and day,

rode the unforgiven tread,

of loss, and redeemed.

My face, a thousand face before.

Deed, of no particular quality,

for knowledge is loss

and justice prevails all.

Picture Copyright Leonardo Marroquin

Full Moon in Taurus

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 11:06:00 +0000

There is the second of five Full Moon's at 29 degrees of the signs today - this one being a Full Moon in Taurus.

With the celestial light full and bright upon Taurus we are being made acutely aware of all things Taurean - our sense of personal values, our bodies and physical health, financial health and self esteem. Taurus is the sign of the zodiac that needs consolidation - it senses the 'tipping over the edge' provided by the Scorpio Sun and therefore wants to put a stake in the ground and affirm its position. A Taurus Full Moon is a perfect moment to erect foundations that provide us security to enable further growth - setting boundaries and voicing our relationship needs or drawing in financial plans for example - anything that helps maintain of sense of affirmation about who we are, what our abilities are and how we'd like to further those ideas by providing enough fertilisation for them to grow.

With the Sun and Moon at the tail end of the signs we get the full spectrum of energy - this may be a good thing of course - what you really need to do is highlighted very clearly at these Full Moons. They do however, also bring in some confusion, pain and endings. A sens of perspective helps - know that these are perhaps accelerated periods of growth - what went before gets 'wiped out' for something anew. The Sabian Symbol for the Moon reads 'A peacock parading on the terrace of an old castle' and the Sun reads 'Children in Halloween costumes indulging in various pranks'. The peacock is proud, doesn't want to let go - is only interested in displaying his colours and his rich heritage - Taurus is a sign steeped in traditional value, well skilled at standing and simply 'being' and, of course, ruled by Venus - displaying. This lunation however is pointing towards moving on - letting go of the past - it shows in its disguises that old patterns may be nice but do they serve us?

And so, we turn to the aspects here. The Sun and Moon are in a t-square with Neptune and Chiron in Aquarius. Again, there is a sense of negative Piscean energy at work here - self doubt, being plagued by old hurts and associations that are still lingering, but no longer serve. The 29 degree Full Moon is pointing these things out and saying 'Look, you still have this inside you - why exactly are you continuing with this path?'. This is challenging for sure.

It seems the thing to do now is to maintain and grow by letting go. Good luck and Happy Full Moon to you all!

A Natal Chart/Year Transit Forecast Report will enable you to take a look at those places you excel, and those places you hide from, and what you can learn from your planetary aspects for the next year. With a 20% Discount for the bundle why not order now?

Picture Copyright Vasant Dave

Mercury Conjunct Mars

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 07:22:00 +0000

Planet of mind, travel, communication and the transmission of energy Mercury is in exact conjunction today with planet of action, creativity, directness Mars.

The combination of Mercury and Mars brings a speed of thought - a quickening of the intellect - there will be a need to take swift and decisive action based on thought processes - to 'get things moving'. Yes, Mercury and Mars do not like to hang around and in Sagittarius, as they are at present, which is a fire sign that enjoys expansiveness and pushing the boat out, this is especially so. Mercury and Mars in Sagittarius can incline us to a speed and originality of thought, a hopefulness that the actions we take will be for the better - that we have learned from our mistakes and actions are now based from an elevated, higher position.

The flipside of Mercury/Mars in Sagittarius is that of the 'blabber mouth'. Someone who blurts out very quickly what is on their mind. There should perhaps also be some caution over travel arrangements too but essentially this combination will enjoy getting out and about in new territory.

Mercury and Mars are currently in Sextile aspect to Saturn in Libra. This brings in temperance - something that Mercury/Mars in Sagittarius much needs - not to dampen enthusiasm, but to make the most of the opportunities they create from their positivity and enthusiasm.

A number of very affordable Chart Reports are available that investigate your innate character, love life, childhood and transit forecast for the year ahead. Why not order one today and put your future in your hands.

Picture Copyright Julia Freeman-Woolpert

Venus Direct, Jupiter Direct

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:42:00 +0000

Today sees two planets stationing into direct motion, Venus and Jupiter.

Venus turned retrograde in Scorpio on October 8th and got rather caught up in a 'Scorpio sandwich' - an intense time for relationships, finance - the retrograde imposing a need (or perhaps in this case, desire) to re-evaluate our own sense of worth; what is just, true to our core, inner complex and nature - Venus in Scorpio has been serious, intense with strong survival instincts.

Now however she has backtracked into her own sign of Libra - she is home and powerfully stationing into direct momentum on the Sabian degree 'A man alone in a deep gloom. Unnoticed, angels are coming to his aid'. This is a nice symbol for Venus pointing to a short period where we can rely on the support of others - partners, associates, friends - situations here may have a 'just in the nick of time' quality about them to lift gloomy spirits.

Jupiter has been retrograde since July 24th - at that time in Aries, moved back into Pisces on September 9th where it now stations on the degree 'The tiny island seems lost in the broad ocean, but its happy inhabitants have created a world of their own'. Jupiter represents growth, learning, the law - qualities of expansiveness and hope. The effect here may have been less noticeable than Venus but provided a background theme of questioning - how you'd like to move on, what needs to be released in order to do so and, in Pisces, some inner soul searching - perhaps a confrontation with a release or death of some kind. Jupiter in Pisces is a signature of faith primarily and the station very much speaks of creative imagination - being happy in your place, satisfaction with your circle of friends and routines. Both Jupiter and Venus echo these themes. With the Sun currently in challenging Square aspect to Neptune and Chiron it is important to utilise these expansive feelings of hope and not allow ourselves to be drawn in to fear of the past or allow complacency to hold you back - creatively visualise where you want to be and who with!

You may have noticed I've used this occasion to redesign this website. I am now offering a range of pre-written Astrology reports for individuals, couples, parents and combination packages at discount prices. At this Venus, Jupiter station, and with a passionate Aries Moon at the moment why not check out the packages for Lovers?

These reports are a fabulous way to attune to your own chart. I am now also offering private 1-2-1 Consultations via Skype/MSN for a more in depth look at your Astrology. Please see my consultations page and contact me with any questions or enquiries you may have.

Enjoy Venus and Jupiter, the two great benefics!

New Moon in Scorpio

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:41:00 +0000

There is a New Moon in Scorpio on November 6th at 03:52 Universal Time.

A Scorpio lunation feels like a double dose of darkness - the New Moon being literally in the dark and about to start a new birthing cycle and of course, the sign itself undertones a powerful, highly receptive to signals and focused instinctual drive - a loss of self as it merges with something else.

The Sabian symbol for the Sun and Moon reads 'Telephone linemen at work installing new connections'. Despite the Scorpionic energy present, this lunation is heavily influenced by communication (possibly unseen), making new connections and new trains of thought rising like the phoenix from the flames. Mercury in Scorpio is the active planet here which reads 'Amercian Indians making camp in new territory' highlighting the theme of settling into new places and looking back wistfully on the ones of old.

And here is where it gets interesting as we have two planets stationing into direct momentum at this New Moon - Chiron and Neptune, both conjunct in Aquarius and making a challenging Square aspect to Mercury. Their symbols read 'A garage man testing a car's battery with a hydrometer' and 'An ancient pottery bowl filled with fresh violets'. The extreme focus of the stationing energies, and the square, may produce some confusion in thinking, perhaps some painful words spoken by friends or associates. It seems that the 'new territory' may bite for some. Shifting gears and testing new waters always leaves a trail, a wake of residual energy gets left behind - at this lunation this 'wake' might voice itself as we proverbially rise like the phoenix into new ways of expressing.

The Mercurial story concludes with an easy Trine to Jupiter/Uranus in Pisces - the need to transition ourselves (transition is perhaps the keyword of this New Moon) - to realise that we are still small fish in a big pond and continue to need the support, acceptance and love of others to get along - even if we are walking new pathways into a more fertile moon.

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Picture Copyright Michael Lorenzo

Poetry Hour: Happy Halloween!

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 20:54:00 +0000

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my readers and followers a very happy Halloween!

As usual for this time of year we have a lot of planetary activity in Scorpio. Mars has only just left its sign to enter Sagittarius finally bringing some much needed Fire and energy into situations. Mercury still remains in Scorpio, as does the Sun and a retrograde Venus. The powerful conjunction of the Sun and Venus during this week was quite a seminal moment, bringing relationship values and financial obligations to the surface. Scorpio is a water sign - a signature of emotional depth, power and loss, instinct and survival. Intensity and digging deep to expose core truth has been the watchword, and continues to be until we see a gradual shift into Sagittarian action during November. For now, its Halloween and celebration time of the great cauldron that is Scorpio. Here is a poem just for this moment.

Great Witch

Coming, simply and swollen like early morning.

She writhes in the mirrored follies of the vain. Impenetrable.

Licking the lips of dawn with her sullen hues.

A one track mind on an unfathomable lurch.

Smiling, beguiling - her myriad conundrums

blank; open as a mime, yet the deepest,

darkest swim in her treasured breast

with their odd legs and pinned expressions -

gawping - dragging in and out - getting nowhere.

And the queen on her blanketed throne

is everywhere - elder - treacling the gaps with her silvery lips.

The Sun is in love with her.

Comes with his childishness,

rigid limbed and hopeful on his chariot.

She humours him, offering his reflection.

Cavorting with the Moon she bays;

whips her elemental furies

at all that refuse to bend, shape shift, flex.

Great witch - the stories she must have.

Picture Copyright http://pictureinstock.com

Full Moon in Aries

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:36:00 +0000

On 23rd October at 01:36 Universal Time there is the second Full Moon in Aries in succession.

The previous New Moon occurred in Libra, sign of partnership and lovers, emphasised further at that time, by the planets bunched into pairs. Now, two weeks later this Full Moon occupies the very last degree of Aries/Libra whereas the previous Full Moon in Aries occupied the first degree! Endings and beginnings, endings and beginnings!

This lunation might be less subtle than they often can be - energies coming to a fruition point are the hallmark of Full Moon's; the opposition aspect emphasises relationships to others and the final degrees of any sign brings its whole energy with it - this is rather like a smorgasbord of partnership themes.

The 'conjoined' feel of the New Moon two weeks ago may now see a split of some kind - an awareness of separation - this may be a time where people pull together, embraced with the understanding of give and take, self and other in harmony, or end associations and relationships that have run their course.

The Sabian symbols for the Sun ('3 mounds of knowledge on a philosophers head') and Moon ('A duck pond and its young brood') emphasise associations - the image of family and/or patterns of behaviour handed down and then handed on - something that is, of course, human nature - the foundation stone for security. Moving away from this place of comfort might be scary - extending boundaries can be a fearful experience, we feel exposed, naked, almost young and inexperienced again. It can be a vulnerable place but also bring forth creativity and potential for growth. People 'step into themselves' here, individuate and step up to the metaphoric next rung of the ladder. Sure, it might be uncomfortable at first but eventually holistic decisions made to consider and accept risk often prove worthy.

The position of Mercury in Scorpio, just past its conjunction to the Sun with the Sabian symbol 'A youth holding a lighted candle in a devotional ritual gains a sense of the great other world' and the Moon's nice trine aspect to the Pluto/North Node conjunction suggest a certain amount of 'skin sloughing' at this Full Moon - into transcendence, light and purity of purpose - if we choose to accept the challenge.

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Pluto Conjunct North Node in Capricorn

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 10:22:00 +0000

On November 9th Pluto, the planet of transformation, survival, inner emotional depth and chaos makes a conjunction to the North Node of the Moon.

The conjunction of Pluto and the North Node doesn't happen too often - the last two occasions were 22nd February 1994 and 31st October 1977. It is perhaps needless to say, that this is quite a turning point astrologically, and with the nodes involved, some change in the fabric of our society as a whole is inevitable. This has been brewing, and occurring, for some time of course - Pluto entering Capricorn in 2008, the Saturn/Uranus oppositions and this summer's Cardinal Grand Cross have all proved pre-cursors to fundamental shifts. From a global perspective the financial crisis has already had major impact. Here in the UK, Pluto in Capricorn went to work with our politicians - expenses scandals from most of the leading political parties helped produced distrust in the established order and we now have a very odd bedfellow coalition government as a result. This, we already know - but what now?

There's that old saying that the shit rolls downwards - the politicians and bankers have had their beating (for now) and now that their power structures are once again entrenched, the cost of everything is going to be squeezed out of us - the general public. In a matter of days, the UK government will announce its 'comprehensive spending review' and, if you haven't felt the squeeze already, in time, the slashing cuts and change will wield its jagged blade upon us all - jobs lost, home ownership threatened and identity - where we've come from and where we are going to, could alter quite radically.

All sounds pretty grim huh? Well, there is no point in sugar coating things but what can we do as individuals? The nodal axis of Cancer/Capricorn is essentially about maturity. This is a period to wise up and grow up - to recognise that the well beaten path, perhaps, is coming to an end and a new way of contributing, to our own karmic journey, our history and potential futures, and to wider society is necessary. When the chips are down you normally see the best and the worst in people but there is always a new beginning of some kind - how would you like that new start to play out? Looking ahead, planning where you would like to be in the next 5 years might be a valuable exercise right now rather than succumbing to reactionary, survivalist tendencies. As I've mentioned before on this blog, the Grand Cross can give rise to short-term thinking - in my opinion, this should be avoided.

The positive messages of the Cardinal Grand Cross also play a part - Saturn in Libra (working together), Uranus in Aries (innovation) and Pluto in Capricorn (change from the inside out) can all play a part in helping to shape and mould a more productive, honest and realistic future. Good luck!

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New Moon in Libra

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:01:00 +0000

The Sun and Moon pair up today giving us a New Moon in Libra. The sky is awash with coupling at the moment - Jupiter/Uranus, Venus/Mars, Saturn/Mercury, Neptune/Chiron and Pluto approaching the Moon's nodes and this New Moon in the sign of partnership offers opportunities to reflect on these themes in the days ahead.

In a way, Libra is the fulcrum sign leading us into maturity. It is the point at which realisation dawns that, in order to get along, we have to let a part of ourselves go and incorporate 'the other'. Libra is a broker and deal maker. Taking advantage of this energy means action needs to be taken and this New Moon is the seed point of those actions; to put away self serving childishness and step up to the maturity plate - broaden our shoulders, our ideas and relationships with others.

The Sabian Symbol reads 'Circular Paths'. Recurring thoughts and emotions and individual and collective patterns of behaviour may be noticeable now. If there are any events 'going around in circles' then the task with this lunation is to step away from negative cycles - this may involve letting go of something or using Libra's logical faculties to understand what part we play in those dramas. With a retrograde Venus approaching and Mars/Venus in Scorpio this action may simply amount to a chance to analyse exactly how you feel - taking stock of situations, assessing the energetic contributions that fuel them and metaphorically (or even literally) balancing the books.

As the leaves in the northern hemisphere begin to brown, so to must we approach this autumn season with grace, maturity and collective and individual responsibility.

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Sun Conjunct Saturn

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 15:14:00 +0000

The Sun in Libra comes to perfect a conjunction with Saturn on 1st October (dependent on timezone) to begin a new cycle of authority - towards our own sense of self and our power and its reflection in our lives and relationships.

Leading into this conjunction can be an odd time. As with any two planetary bodies approaching a seed point, there is a certain amount of 'skin sloughing' that occurs prior to the event. In the case of the Sun and Saturn the approaching feelings could present themselves as low energy levels, depression and vacillation. We may feel like hibernating like bears - the 'fight' of outside circumstance a little too much to take on, and henceforth, there is a need to retreat. The approaching Mercury opposition to Jupiter doesn't help in this respect either - Mercury in Virgo wants to get to work (especially now that it has come away from the shadow of its retrograde phase) but Jupiter in Pisces just wants to drift and dream. At the moment, drifting and dreaming wins out. This feeling is again emphasised but a complete absence of fire (as in planets in fire signs) in the sky and the only planet at the moment with any 'oomph' - Mars in Scorpio, is tied up with an inner battle with Venus in Scorpio.

The Sun and Saturn presents a chance to put a stake in the ground - used positively it is an aspect of 'affirmation' - a practical, pragmatic and logical step to achievement of future success - a chance to overcome our fears and inhibitions. The emphasis is also very much upon relationships too with a new Mars/Venus cycle happening this weekend. If you've been toying with the idea of some change, some new creative angle or new personal regime in any way, then the beginning of October might be an opportune moment.

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Sun in Libra

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 15:10:00 +0000

The Sun moved into Libra yesterday triggering the autumnal equinox in the northern hemisphere - the midway point of the astrological zodiac.

As you probably know by now Libra is ruled by Venus and is a sign renowned for balance, artistry and fair play - they are the lovers and procrastinators of the zodiac. One curiosity of the sign is that it is masculine by polarity (an outgoing 'yang' type nature) and yet ruled by a feminine planet. This idiosyncrasy is very evident in Libra natives - the men have a natural charm with women, identifying strongly with 'Venusian' qualities themselves, and may come across as slightly effeminate in this regard. This gender confusion can be a source of conflict for him - Mars lies in his shadow and, if not expressed easily, it can surface as flakiness. With Libra women, the opposite tends to be the case - they shun the rather shy, demure, retiring aspect of femininity, instead displaying a certain direct and bold nature. In truth, for both sexes, the interplay of Mars and Venus by sign, aspect, polarity etc. is a major determining factor in their personality makeup. As I write this, Mars and Venus are in conjunction orb in Scorpio and hence will be in effect for all solar returns for Libra's this year - a year to get to grips with the shadow.

It is important to remember that any sun sign makeup has 'qualities' derived from the other signs. To illustrate this let's trip through the zodiac for Librans:

2nd House Scorpio/8th House Taurus:

A Libra has material concerns (note - not necessarily materialistic, merely that it is of upmost importance and value to them). They are perhaps possessive or secretive with money and stubborn when required to share themselves emotionally - that melting pot of truth might scare them somewhat. Sexuality and sensuality are a joy and their relationship with their own feelings is very complex.

3rd House Sagittarius/9th House Gemini:

Open and cordial relationships with siblings. They might enjoy the thrill of travelling - nothing fancy, trips to the shops for indulgence maybe. At school they may be athletic and fiery and have wider interests in history, geography, philosophy or theology. They are often broadminded and flexible with their beliefs.

4th House Capricorn/10th House Cancer:

This rather ties in with the gender difficulties (for want of a better phrase) mentioned earlier. They are likely to have an unusually strong (positive or negative) relationship with the parent (or caregiver) of the opposite gender. Proverbial mummy's boys and daddy's girls. In later life this dynamic could surface as a rigidness about where they live - a stable and secure home base is very important whilst their career and outer persona may be sensitive and easily hurt (particularly socially).

5th House Aquarius/11th House Leo:

Librans are highly sociable - mixed company with lots of friends around that they relate to well. They may have eclectic hobbies, fight for some justice or perhaps their offspring may be the source of the unusual. In groups, when comfortable, they show themselves as expressive, gregarious creative thinkers.

6th House Pisces/12th House Virgo:

This is where the term 'lazy Libra' comes in. Finding routines tiresome they'd much rather drift off into a fantasy world (usually romantic). They do however recognise that long term growth comes with the price of hard work and craft. The combination of Pisces/Cancer on the career points suggest an up and down working life - never quite satisfied.

And of course, last but not least (for a change) - Aries rules the 7th House. They are attracted to daring, bold and spirited individuals that provide excitement and are able to hold their wandering eyes!

So, Libra is a strange conundrum. The zodiac is turned on its head for them (notice how each sign is in its opposite house). Gaining understanding and perspective of this innate duality is key - in a funny sort of way, they are quite radical, yet you would not think it.

Happy Birthday Libra :-)

Full Moon in Aries

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:42:00 +0000

This Thursday sees a Full Moon in Aries at 09:18 Universal Time. This also coincides with the Sun moving into Libra hours earlier and henceforth the Autumnal Equinox in the northern hemisphere.

This Full Moon is especially potent. This time of the year is normally the point at which we harvest - and the symbolism of a Full Moon is the same - a time of fruition in the monthly lunar cycle. However, as some other commentators have noted, this Full Moon feels very much like a New Moon. Occurring at 0 degrees Libra and Aries it sits on the Aries point (or sometimes known as the world degree) and therefore is either conjunct, opposite or square all the major planets in the Cardinal Grand Cross.

This then is a time of endings and beginnings. The Aries Moon urges us to break free from restrictions, seek new emotional landscapes - to dare again and find the path that leads to our own autonomy - freedom. Of course, as well all know, freedom often comes at a price and with this lunation there is a price to pay for sure. The dispositors of the Aries Moon and Libra Sun - namely Mars and Venus are currently conjunct in Scorpio which rather adds to the feelings of depth - depth of creativity and of fighting spirit. The Sabian Symbol for Mars reads 'A gold rush tears people away from their native soil' and for Venus 'A fellowship supper reunites old comrades'. Mars certainly backs up the emotional release of the Aries Full Moon - the gold rush implying moving on, seeking riches elsewhere and trodding uncharacteristic or perhaps less conventional pathways. Venus adds a slightly less reckless tone to proceedings - her symbol speaking of togetherness, friendship, agreements being made or perhaps people from the past entering your life at opportune moments to help the movement along.

With all the intensity that this Full Moon brings there is respite offered by Venus and Mars in nice aspect to the karmic effects of the Moons Nodes. The North Node reads 'An angel carrying a harp' and the South reads 'A small naked girl bends over a sparkling pond trying to catch a fish'. The over-arching message is one of faith - the harp giving us the opportunity to lift our spirits in times of great challenge and adversity and perhaps putting our childish illusions to bed.

So, potent it is and a major point in the cycles of our lives for 2010. I read in the current edition of the mountain astrologer magazine that the next 5 Full Moons will all occur at the final degrees of their respective signs which is quite something! There is so much collective change occurring - just when you think it's over, something new occurs. Interesting times indeed! Good luck :-)

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Picture Copyright Macin Smolinski

New Moon in Virgo

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:08:00 +0000

There is a New Moon in Virgo on 8th September 2010 at 10:29 Universal Time.

Virgo is a sign of analysis. The traditional image is of a handmaiden sorting the wheat from the chaff and this is what the sign does - analyses what has been presented, sorts through what is needless and can be discarded from what is useful to preserve. It is a sign of agriculture in this sense - a practical, pragmatic and efficient energy - an energy which works at an inner level. The mental dexterity and processing is an act of refinement and purity. From a wider perspective then, by definition, Virgo has associations with daily routines, work, health etc. Those things that require movement, adjustment and processing towards an achievable goal.

The New Moon in Virgo then is a seed point in the lunar cycle to take care of some of these themes. This is as much a time for pruning as it is for new beginnings. These acts of course signal endings inevitably - sorting the wheat from the chaff means that at some point there is a requirement to let go of something. The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon reads 'Delighted children crowd around the orangutan cage in a zoo'. This symbol perhaps highlights differences during this New Moon - the Semi-Square to Venus in Libra shows that from a communicative perspective, coming to compromises over those differences may feel like banging your head against a brick wall - as if 'the other' is simply not taking in what you say or feel. The New Moons dispositor is a retrograde Mercury in Virgo with the symbol 'A Harem'. Being a small cog in a bigger wheel may be the issue - perhaps there is too much information to sift or it isn't being presented in the way necessary to sort - there are also issues here of hierarchy - who is holding the cards and power strings to effect endings and beginnings.

It is perhaps advisable to look inwards with this lunation - continue to process, prune what you can - if it proves ineffective let go and concentrate on what can be achieved - small baby steps in other words. The month of August was a very powerful one astrologically with the Cardinal Grand Cross in full swing - September will prove just as interesting with the following Full Moon (in 2 weeks time) across Aries/Libra a particularly potent one. Rather like the last Full Moon in Pisces - just chill baby - it'll all come out in the wash soon enough.

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Picture Copyright ilker.

Full Moon in Pisces

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:24:00 +0000

There is a Full Moon today in Pisces at 17:03 Universal Time.

A Pisces Full Moon presents an opportunity to let go, to give into situations that have built up and relax - to realise that nothing good will come from holding on to fear. Ultimately it means letting go of our ego selves and merging with a greater spirit - namely compassion, universal consciousness and hope.

The Sabian Symbol for the Full Moon reads "A squirrel hiding from hunters". This rather implies that this might not prove easy. The squirrel is rather a dextrous and anxious figure - very sensitive and aware that at any moment danger lurks around the corner. He is surrounded by 'hunters' and therefore has to be stealthy. The symbol also shows that because of the stress around him he hides and retreats - it is an image of great sensitivity, easily hurt and damaged, knows this, and hence chooses to hide - to turn away.

The Sun is now in Virgo and its dispositor Mercury is retrograde. There is perhaps a requirement at the moment to let go a little and retreat - to gather nuts in the nest as a squirrel does. If stressful situations have built up so much that anxiety has become a problem then this active passivity may be a good option for you - try not to see it as giving up and surrendering, rather as stockpiling energy for future transmission.

Lynda Hill (author of 360 degrees of wisdom) in her Sabian Symbol blog talks of humour being a good release at this Full Moon. The dispositor of the Pisces Moon is Jupiter in Aries which currently reads "A comedian entertaining a group of friends". Humour is a nice release of tension and anxiety and I like Lynda's approach that this is a positive way of harnessing the current stresses. Indulging in creativity is another good option for release with Venus and Mars still conjunct in Libra. Good Luck!

Picture Copyright Guillermo Ossa

Sun Opposite Neptune

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:16:00 +0000

The Sun in Leo Opposes Neptune in Aquarius today, the mid point of a Sun/Neptune cycle that began with their conjunction on February 12th 2010.

The Sun is a representation of our life force - our quest, joy, our essential solar self with its journeys and destiny's - it is our paint that is splashed upon the canvas of life. Neptune represents compassion, dissolving and merging like the ethereal all powerful seas. The opposition here then could promote some confusion - desires being thwarted, feelings of being like a very small vessel in a tempestuous ocean - just when you think you're on course the landscape changes.

The Sun/Neptune Opposition however is a wonderful aspect for artistry, for letting go and merging spiritually, compassionately with others - it is also highly creative and this is undoubtedly the best way to use this at the moment. The Sabian Symbol for the Sun reads "Many little birds chirping on the limb of a large tree" - a symbol ripe with images of get togethers and socialising - proverbially getting everyone around the campfire singing songs and reading poetry.

This weekend in particular is particularly ripe for this type of nostalgia - there is creativity and dynamism offered by the Venus/Mars conjunction and Mercury turning retrograde to point us towards looking within, letting go and rethinking. Perhaps this might be an apt moment to take stock, chat things over with friends, be creative and different and most importantly, at peace. Saturn and Pluto also perfect their Square this weekend which is somewhat of a challenge - look within for the answers.

Picture Copyright Billy Alexander

Mercury Retrograde in Virgo

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Vowles) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:30:00 +0000

Mercury stations into retrograde motion on Friday 20th August 2010 for a 3 week backtrack until September 12th 2010 (depending on timezone).

This marks a period of re-evaluation. Mercury in Virgo is a mind of analysis, the little details that make up the whole. Those things we toil over painstakingly and where the devil usually resides! During a retrograde there is a reversal, an inner expression and reworking required - an evaluation of details and routines for a later presentation.

The Sabian Symbol for the station reads "A swimming race" - a symbol of competitiveness, struggles with others over differing ideas and plans and therefore being in the deep end - sinking or swimming and striving to get ahead.

Mercury in Virgo can be mentally obsessive, so intent on 'doing it right' that the wood gets missed for the trees. This is what needs to be watched for now; getting caught up in spirals of thinking that create more inner and outer conflict culminating in the opposite desired effect - more chaos and confusion. Success at the moment can be found in the background - putting the ducks in a row so to speak, contemplation of your next moves, re-examining your routines, health, habits and perhaps learning just to let go if things aren't going the way you want them - relax. Any overly ambitious attempts to 'fix' might prove difficult.

As is usual with Mercury retrogrades communication streams can get cranky - computers, the internet, travel plans and all manners of correspondence are being put metaphorically into reverse gear. So...get your ducks in a row.

Picture Copyright Kriss Szkurlatowski