Continued from a previous AstroCurrents page. The following events were in previous AstroCurrents but are listed below because their expected time of influence is still in effect.

June 13 Pluto re-enters Sagittarius until 11/26
Whenever Pluto changes signs (or forms a major aspect) it creates ripples through our psyche as it pierces deep below the surface into areas we usually just don’t think about too much, or may even try to avoid. This is a good time to revisit your personal “doctrine”, if you will, and then instigate the necessary changes as you recognize the need for them. It is very likely that some of these are things you have been thinking about for the past couple years. And now, and for the next few weeks, you may notice that you are thinking more about those areas of your life, and find that what is needed to create new vitality and enthusiasm is long over-due changes and maybe even an overhaul or two. Sometimes shaking things up is a good thing and taking the appropriate action can actually save us grief down the road.

“Do not believe everything you think.”
~Unknown

This aspect especially pertains to your beliefs and ideologies and essentially any doctrine that you adhere to that influences your decisions and actions. Hence, this is a good time to question what you think or want to be true verses the actual reality of a situation. It is time to look at what is so rather than what you would like to be so…and to look at what how those things do, in fact, govern your thoughts and actions. Then make the necessary adjustments towards what it is you really want and aspire to. How do you want to live the rest of your life…or even the next few years? What needs to be changed in order to make that happen? These are good questions to ask now, while the mind is more open and inquiring and willing to see the truth with greater clarity and sense of purpose.

“Man need only divert his attention from searching for the solution to external questions and pose the one, true inner question of how he should lead his life, and all the external questions will be resolved in the best possible way.”
~Leo Tolstoy

May 26 Neptune SR at 24°15' Aquarius until 11/2
Whenever one of the three outer planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) station, the effects are subtle, yet very real. Meaning, you may sense things, get impressions, have changes in your sleep patterns and have intense emotions that may not have a known origin. And this is all especially true when Neptune, the planet that rules things unseen, stations retrograde.
During the several days, even weeks, surrounding this station, you may feel any of the following:

• spacey and ungrounded
• a vague sense of apprehension, anxiety or hopelessness
• tired, unmotivated at times, lethargic
• drawn to things that are more “imaginary than real”
• want to/need to/feel compelled to escape the realities of life, feeling things are “just too much to bare”

But wait! There is hope! You just have to turn your attention in a higher direction. Here are some things to either try or at least keep in mind (where you focus now is critical):

• Neptune is often telling us we need to take a break from “reality: So, take some time off…rent a movie, color or paint, listen to a symphony
• Neptune rules spiritual practices and so take time to meditate, pray, read things that inspire you, call on your Angels.
• Ponder the mysteries of life. Look at the night sky. Consider what is magical and miraculous about Life.
• Seek out help and support if you feel you need it. Don’t try to “do it alone”.
• Miracles are ruled by Neptune and so open yourself to them, and be willing to not have a picture of how that might look. Expect the unexpected.
• Have Faith, have Hope, Believe. All is well.

"All the way to Heaven is Heaven.”
~St. Theresa of Avila

“And this, too, is God.”
~Unknown

May 9 Mars enters Leo until 7/1
It is interesting that Mars is entering Leo on the same day that Jupiter is stationing…it is rather like having one foot on the brake and the other on the gas at the same time. Mars in Leo is fiery and dynamic and can get us all enthused about something, whereas Jupiter’s station will send the vibes to slow down, and think through forward movement. So how do you reconcile this?

• pace yourself and don’t take on too much as there may be a rush towards the gate now
• direct some of this fiery energy towards those tasks that upon completing you will feel like you accomplished something constructive and “fruit-bearing”
• try not to bully others into what you want…be sure to consider their feelings and desires
• if you do force your will onto those around you, expect to get some strong opposition as others are feeling the urge to get their way as well
• use this surge of energy to break through inertia and lethargy that may have set in while Mars was in Cancer (Mars is very fire-like and Cancer is a water sign—get the picture?).

And speaking of Mars in Cancer, other than January and February, Mars has been in Cancer since late last September, which is a very long time for it to stay in any sign. This has been an ultra-sensitive placement for Mars that has had many feeling quite uncomfortable and vulnerable, at times over-reactive and emotionally more intense than usual. Because of this, Mars now entering Leo will feel like a welcome relief as our focus and energies are stronger and feel more natural. This fiery placement of Mars will help you to direct yourself in more productive and creative ways.

May 9 Jupiter SR at 22°22’ Capricorn until 9/7
Jupiter rules the principles and energies of expansion and growth. Under its influences we can more easily manifest what we want. During this time of retrograde, this ability may slow down, making manifestation a bit trickier. What you can do is give some careful consideration to what it is that brings you a true sense of joy in your work. Introspection and reflection can help you to review the times in your life that have brought you a sense of accomplishment and positive rewards. And during this time it would be good to see if you want to perhaps recreate those things in your future.

To best utilize the energies of this retrograde time, consider the following:

• be realistic
• look into your past for answers to your current dilemmas
• use the resources you now have if possible
• keep things simple and practical
• consult with those wiser or more experienced than you as needed
• think long-term and be patient and persistent
• In general, this is a good time to reevaluate your resources and come up with a game plan for creating a more secure foundation and fulfilling future.

“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.”
~Epictetus

May 2 Saturn SD at 1°40’ Virgo until 12/31
Saturn has been retrograde since 12/19 and during this time, many have been regrouping and perhaps rebuilding in some way the foundations of their personal or professional life (either voluntarily or not!). Saturn rules the place we stand, the rules we are governed by and the boundaries we must live within. And while it was retrograde, all of these things have very likely gotten your attention in some way. And now that it is stationing and moving forward, it is important that you review what has occurred since it went retrograde last December, as this will help you to build your foundation even stronger as time goes on.
Saturn in Virgo is all about what is most essential and basic to your life. It has great influence over our daily routines and habits. Thus, issues such as diet, nutrition and health are getting a lot of focus from many people. During this station and in the weeks to come is a wonderful time to implement the changes necessary for greater health and well-being.
In some ways this is like going back to the first of the year and sorting out and setting intentions for the remainder of the year. It is important to avoid feeling remorse or guilt as that can arise now since Saturn in Virgo can be prone to being self-critical and judgmental. Just take what you have learned from this time of review and rethinking the plan, make the necessary revisions, and then take the steps towards the goal you now have greater clarity about.

April 2 Pluto stations retrograde at 1°08’ Capricorn until 9/8
Pluto will be stationing retrograde today until September 8th. The impact of this station is approximately mid-March to the end of April. Some things will feel intense and perhaps out of your control during this time. While this may be true, it is most important to notice what these events are asking of you, as it is likely that they are catalyst for changes that can be transformative at deep levels. Read on…

Each sign rules different areas of our life, and whatever these are go through great upheavals and transformations when Pluto is in that sign, which as of late January is Capricorn (it will be there until 2023, except for a few months later this year when it re-enters Sag). Hence, while Pluto is in the sign of Capricorn, we can expect major changes to occur in those areas ruled by this sign. And during Pluto’s long stay in Capricorn, there will be times when its impact will be more strongly felt than others. And this first station of Pluto since entering Capricorn in January is one of them. As you read on, keep in mind that the influence of this event is going to be felt most of March and all of April.

Let’s recap what Capricorn rules, and thus the areas most likely to be impacted:

• the economy, corporations and business,
• government policy, influence and actions at all levels (local, national and world),
• societal laws and regulations,
• the basic structure and foundation of your life, that which you rely and depend on, providing you with a sense of security
• what gives you purpose and direction
• your career, work, goals and plans

As Pluto begins its long journey through the sign of Capricorn, there will be many existing systems that will go through Plutonic-like transformations. Agencies and organizations that have been trying to keep certain aspects of their dealings and intentions “hidden” or away from public view will very possibly find themselves in the midst of a scandal or investigation. Those that are especially in need of transforming, yet resist this, may very likely crumble or cease to exist altogether under the pressure. Since Capricorn rules the most basic foundations of any existing structure, Pluto’s influence here will bring about events of a huge significance as time goes on. Further, the sign of Capricorn also rules karma and the results of past actions. Nothing goes unaccounted for and so now, and in the next few years, is surely to be a time of atonement for past actions.

At esoteric and spiritual levels, Capricorn has rulership over the Universal Logos* and how they manifest on our physical plane of existence. These laws and principles are eternal and unchangeable, and very often are either are not known by most, or if they are known, ignored as one tries to interpret them in such a way as to validate their behavior and beliefs. What is most important to consider now is that these Universal Logos will always “self-correct” at some point in time, restoring balance and re-establishing equilibrium; meaning, whatever occurred that was not in accordance with these fundamental Laws will be revealed and then a process will ensue that will eventually reinstate the natural order of things. This is a very complex topic, and one I am not going to expand on at this time, but that I will be addressing further in future AstroCurrents.

It is more than apparent that many, many events have occurred in the past that were not in accordance with these Laws. And now that Pluto, The Great Transformer and Bringer of Light, is in the sign that in essence rules those very Laws, a time is at hand for this cycle of transformation and cleansing resulting in cultural, economic, governmental and environmental change to begin.

We can already see the signs of this happening. An economy is now in existence that is not based on either the Earth’s or its inhabitants essential well-being~which are primary aspects of the Logos~is starting to break down under these Plutonian energies. And we are only at the start. It is important, and perhaps hopeful, to remember that to the degree our lives are founded in these natural Universal Logos*, is the degree we will feel secure, at peace, contentment and connected to life.

This station of Pluto is occurring at the “critical” first degree of Capricorn, which will intensify the energies. If you have planets or certain points in your chart that are being impacted at this critical degree, then you are likely feeling this intensifying in very personal ways. A reading will reveal this, and also give you information as to not only how long this will last, but ways to work with the present influences.

If you are not experiencing a “direct hit” from this station, and are feeling this intensification, one of two things could be occurring. First, you may have some other planetary transit impacting you. And second, you may be picking up the overall energies in a less personal, but still potent, way.

Here is a recap of the influence of this Pluto station:

• things come to the surface that have been hidden
• what you have outgrown, or that no longer serves your spiritual journey and evolution, comes to light
• increased feelings of overwhelm, panic or fear or a general, non-specific unease may occur during this time
• it becomes increasingly clear that some basic restructuring of your life is necessary
• themes that come to your attention now are completions, atonement of karmic cycles, death, rebirth, renewal, deep healing, regeneration, and a focus on what is most essential to you feeling alive

“Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what
makes you come alive. And then go and do that. 
Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
~Howard Thurman

Keys to dealing with or making the most of this powerful energy (many of these apply during any strong Pluto influence):

• know that all things must end and that includes times of difficulty
• move in the direction of greater simplicity and away from complexity as is possible
• develop a strong faith in the benevolence of the Universe (“This is happening for me not too me” is a great motto now).
• release, let go, and most important, be willing to change and evolve
  
• surround yourself, your loved ones, your work and decisions and thoughts and feelings in Light as this will raise the frequency and bring you into greater alignment with Universal Law and Principles
• see this as a chance to reinvent yourself!

*NOTE: The Logos of the Universe have been stated as the basic precepts in many, many formats throughout man’s age-old attempt to understand the Universe and his/her place in it. While I do not pretend to have anything close to a thorough understanding of them, I have personally found that studying certain teachings have helped me to grasp these principles, thus giving me a sense of them. Again, there are many such teachings in every tradition and culture known. If you are interested in pursuing these, a good place to start is The Science of Being, by Baron Eugene Fersen (you can check it out here). Also, the basic precepts of any world religion each offer their own take on this. I will add that in my own exploration of these things, it is critically important to enter such studies with two things in mind: one is to stay open-minded and two is to seek the common themes and essential truths between all great teachings, as they are certainly there.

December 18 Jupiter enters Capricorn at 12:12 pm PST until 1/5/09.
Jupiter will be in Capricorn all of 2008 and for the first time since 1996. Since Jupiter is the planet most associated with good fortune, and even luck, and Capricorn the sign most associated with business, this may well be helpful for the economy in general. A profitable year is especially likely for those businesses that offer a genuine service or product based on solid business practices. In fact, this placement is wonderful for establishing or expanding a small or medium sized business whose foundations are based on honesty, simplicity, truth and incorporating a back-to-basics approach. Success may well be found through studying and implementing the business ethics and practices of a few decades ago. The buying public will more and more be seeking out those products and services that are sound, of high quality, well built, safe, genuinely helpful, a good value and/or will basically perform as promised.
Personally, Jupiter in Capricorn will be a time of reward and success for those who have put forth honest efforts in the past, or who do so throughout this year. In other words, your hard work and sincere efforts may well pay off at some point during this year. Some keys are to take those great ideas you came up with, or thought a lot about, during the past year or two, develop a plan and then stick with it. You will find that this years planetary placements are going to be most helpful towards being able to bring your plans and schemes into existence.
While this is certainly true for business ventures, it is also true for other things requiring concerted effort, such as regaining health or loosing weight, getting on a budget and out of debt, getting a job you like, making a move you’ve been wanting, etc. What is most important to think about as the year turns is:

• what do I really do want
• what would I like to accomplish at this juncture of my life
• and what do I have to do to realize these things.

Here are some keys and things to consider as to how to best tune into and use this most auspicious celestial shift to your benefit:

• Adopt the attitude that those things worth having may take time. Have a plan. Be patient. Stay on task. And don’t be afraid of rolling up your sleeves and doing some extra work. This does not mean work harder, but rather work smarter and more diligently.
• Create a system for monitoring your steady growth. Using graphs, diaries and calendars will help you to see progress and help to keep you on track and encouraged.
  
• Consider seeking out the advice of those more experienced than you who have traveled the road you about to embark on. They may well be able to offer a most valuable perspective.
• Be practical and use common sense. Avoid excess. Quality counts a lot more than quantity now.
• If you are feeling as though you just don’t have the necessary resources to accomplish any given task, look at what you have in your immediate environment to see if what you need is right in plain site. Jupiter in Capricorn is very resourceful and will often provide just what you need right when you need it. Remember: ”seek and ye shall find”.
  
• During those times you feel as though you may not “have enough”, practice being grateful for what you do have, as this will only create an opening for greater abundance in your life.
• There are other astrological events currently taking place that will further support the shift towards this being a most fruitful and productive year, though this will require some focused work on your part.
  

“Life is mostly froth and bubble, but two things stand like stone:
kindness in another's trouble and courage in your own.”
~Princess Diana

September 2 Saturn enters Virgo until 10/29/09. Saturn is now changing signs for the first time in 2 1/2 years. This is always a significant event that many feel quite strongly, even if you do not know exactly what may be creating this.

Whenever Saturn changes signs we sense that our life is moving into new territory; that we are closing the book on one phase of our life and that a new one is about to emerge. The sign it is occurring in gives us dictates what is next on our agenda. And the house that transiting Saturn is in will give information as to the area of your life most affected. A reading will enlighten you as what this is and how to be better prepared for this important event. But let’s take a look at what Saturn entering Virgo will be emphasizing for us all.

The sign of Virgo loves order and efficiency. And Saturn is all about purpose, intention and goals. Hence, this combo will increase our desire, and need, for creating a basic structure that supports our Goals and Purpose. The basic structure of your life has Saturn’s prints all over it. So while Saturn is in Virgo, we will be drawn, even compelled, to get our lives in order and to create structures and systems that will support that happening.

While Saturn is in Virgo, its primary purpose(s) will be:

• to help us get our house/office/business/health in order so that it “runs smoothly” and efficiently
• to give us tools, means and ways to accomplish this very thing
• to clear out the clutter, both physically and mentally
• and through these things, to help us to find meaning in how we spend our time and our days

Saturn energies, when used in constructive and positive ways, can help you to:

• evaluate where you are (honestly),
• eliminate habits and ways of doing things that are counter-productive to your goals (it is the planet of discipline)
• help you to define your purpose and intentions, in any given area of your life
• to teach and/or show us the value of Living on Purpose, the degree to which is our choice

Remember, Saturn will be here over two years, and so you will have time to make all this happen. I will say that I have already noticed that many are feeling this shift to “get their life together”, starting with getting more organized in some way. And in fact, the early weeks and months of Saturn’s presence in Virgo are going to be particularly strong in this way. So don’t be surprised if you, too, will look around your office or your home and say “Enough! I simply cannot live with this clutter and disorganization any longer!” If this is you, get excited that you are tuned into this planetary shift and that you are ready to take charge of your life in this way.

Here are some questions to ask in the coming weeks that will help you to best take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to “get it together”!

• what makes me feel most frustrated and ineffective?
• how do I waste my time? My money? My resources?
• what have I been meaning to do forever and haven’t gotten to?
• what can I eliminate from my life that is draining my time, energy and resources?
• where do I want to be in one year? In three years? (etc.)

© 2008, written by Elizabeth Jones. All rights reserved.
www.starpathways.com
Feel free to forward this article onto others, but please do so without change or alteration, and giving credit to Elizabeth Jones and StarPathways.com.

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~Astrocurrents~