Steps to follow for best timing when planning projects or events

• 1^st step: if the event or project involves publishing, launching, opening a new business, or such, see if MERCURY is in its positive and supportive phase: http://www.croftastrologer.com/e_astr_news.php#good_dates
• 2^nd step: to pick the best hour of the day that will serve your project best you need to take into account the MOON. It should NOT be Void of Course (VOC): http://www.croftastrologer.com/e_moon_void.php
• 3^rd step: if the event or project involves investing money, buying or selling, or beginning a new romantic love, see if VENUS is in its positive and supportive phase: http://www.croftastrologer.com/e_retro_planets.php Some reading on Venus retrograde: http://www.croftastrologer.com/e_astr_news.php#venus_retro_2007
• 4^th step: if the event or project involves construction, the use of tools, motors, engines, buying a new car, physical fitness, or starting a potentially physical relationship, see if MARS is in its positive and supportive phase: http://www.croftastrologer.com/e_retro_planets.php Some reading on Mars retrograde: http://www.croftastrologer.com/e_astr_news.php#Mars_Retrograde

• May 11th, 2008, to July 4th, 2008: NURTURE
• July 4th, 2008, to September 3rd, 2008: GO
• September 3rd, 2008, to October 31st, 2008: NURTURE
• October 31st, 2008, to December 26th, 2008: GO
• December 26th, 2008, to February 21st, 2009: NURTURE
• February 21st, 2009, to April 22nd, 2009, GO
• April 22nd, 2009, to June 15th, 2009, NURTURE
• June 15th, 2009, to August 17th, 2009, GO
• August 17th, 2009, to October 14th, 2009, NURTURE
• October 14th, 2009, to December 9th, 2009, GO
• December 9th, 2009, to February 3rd, 2010 NURTURE
• February 3rd, 2010, to April 4th, 2010, GO
• April 4th, 2010, to May 28th, 2010, NURTURE
• May 28th, 2010, to August 1st, 2010, GO
• August 1st, 2010, to September 27th, 2010, NURTURE
• September 27th, 2010, to November 22nd, 2010, GO
• November 22nd, 2010, to January 17th, 2011, NURTURE
• January 17th, 2011, to March 16th, 2011, GO
• March 16th, 2011, to May 11th, 2011, NURTURE
• May 11th, 2011, to July 15th, 2011, GO
• July 15th, 2011, to September 10th, 2011, NURTURE
• September 10th, 2011, to November 5th, 2011, GO
• November 5th, 2011, to January 1st, 2012, NURTURE
• January 1st, 2012, to February 27th, 2012, GO
• February 27th, 2012, to April 23rd, 2012, NURTURE
• April 23rd, 2012, to June 27th, 2012, GO
• June 27th, 2012, to August 22nd, 2012, NURTURE
• August 22nd, 2012, to October 18th, 2012, GO
• October 18th, 2012, to December 14th, 2012, NURTURE
• December 14th, 2012, to February 9th, 2013, GO
• February 9th, 2013, to April 17th, 2013, NURTURE
• April 17th, 2013, to June 10th, 2013, GO
• June 10th, 2013, to August 4th, 2013, NURTURE
• August 4th, 2013, to October 1st, 2013, GO
• October 1st, 2013, to November 27th, 2013, NURTURE
• November 27th, 2013, to January 22nd, 2014, GO
• January 22nd, 2014, to March 20th, 2014, NURTURE
• March 20th, 2014, to May 22nd, 2014, GO
• May 22nd, 2014, to July 31st, 2014, NURTURE
• July 31st, 2014, to September 13th, 2014, GO
• September 13th, 2014, to November 10th, 2014, NURTURE
• November 10th, 2014, to January 6th, 2015, GO
• January 6th, 2015, to March 3rd, 2015, NURTURE
• March 3rd, 2015, to May 4th, 2015, GO
• May 4th, 2015, to June 27th, 2015, NURTURE
• June 27th, 2015, to August 28th, 2015, GO
• August 28th, 2015, to October 24th, 2015, NURTURE
• October 24th, 2015, to December 19th, 2015, GO
• December 19th, 2015, to February 14th, 2016, NURTURE
• February 14th, 2016, to April 14th, 2016, GO
• April 14th, 2016, to June 7th, 2016, NURTURE
• June 7th, 2016, to August 10th, 2016, GO
• August 10th, 2016, to October 7th, 2016, NURTURE
• October 7th, 2016, to December 1st, 2016, GO
• December 1st, 2016, to January 28th, 2017, NURTURE

When it comes to plan life projects and events it is helpful to do it when the planetary energies support what we intend to do. Topics covered here are:

What is RETROGRADE

What is PRE or POST retrograde

In “Good Dates for your Planning” only Mercury is indicated

Venus Retrograde

Steps to follow for best timing when planning projects or events

What is RETROGRADE

When looking through the window it is as if Earth is not moving. It is an optical illusion, of course. From this point of view, though, if one was to measure the movement of the planets each night every now and then it would seem that some of them slow down, stop, move backward, stop again and move forward. It is not a question of hours but rather of weeks and months. This is what we call Retrograde (moving backward) or Direct motion (moving forward or normal direction). Every planet will do this except Sun and Moon.

What happens to us when a planet is retrograde? It seems as if their energy becomes chaotic or unsupportive somehow. It all depends on which planet is retrograde, of course. If exuberant Jupiter is retrograde one tends to become a bit more lazy; if active Mars is retrograde one tends to become more irritable; there is a detailed explanation and the dates for each planet retrograde in my website: http://www.croftastrologer.com/e_retro_planets.php

Most people were born with one or more planets retrograde in their natal chart. Their effect act as a special Sometimes it represents a degree of blockage or trauma unresolved before entering this life. Sometimes it represents a deep and complex quest that the person didn’t have time to complete before and they return to continue on from where they previously left.teaching for the entire life of that person. The retrograde planet’s energy in one’s natal chart seems to be more introverted. It is as if this person needs to “review” the archetype of expression for the planet in question.

Mercury – planet of communication, signing contracts, buying and selling, short trips, education – it is the planet going retrograde the most at an average of three times a year for two-three weeks at a time: http://www.croftastrologer.com/e_astr_news.php#good_dates

What is PRE or POST retrograde

When a planet prepares to be retrograde it’ll slow down (optical illusion only). This is PRE-retrograde and it is as “bad” as during the actual retrograde phase

·         When a planet turns direct after the retrograde phase it’ll appear to move really slowly at first and will gain speed until it reaches its normal “cruise speed”. That is POST-retrograde.

In “Good Dates for your Planning” only Mercury is indicated

“Good Dates for your Planning” (http://www.croftastrologer.com/e_astr_news.php#good_date) is an excellent rule of thumb. It would have made it too confusing to include in this list all other possibilities coming from the planets but… your favorite astrologer comes handy to decode it all for you.

This year Venus retrograde will happen in a time when otherwise Mercury would have been good but this time it won’t (see dates in 4. below).

Venus Retrograde

Venus is the planet of love, beauty, harmony, the arts, money, values, and finances.

When Venus goes retrograde it is better to avoid engaging into something new related to those themes. Investing money under Venus retrograde could cause a loss in value in the long run or the object could cost more because of needs for unexpected repairs, for instance. A new love relationship starting when Venus is retrograde could be a repeat from the past in order to complete the lessons, or could be based on an idealized perception causing the relationship to fizzle out with time

Someone born with Venus retrograde will tend to be very sensitive and would need much reassurance about their worth during childhood in order to function with strong self-esteem as an adult

Venus rules Taurus and Libra. Those two signs are likely to feel its effect more when the planet goes retrograde.

Here are the dates for Venus Retrograde this year and below you’ll find Mercury Retrograde during the same period. The dates in RED indicate the overlap and one should NOT engage into something new:

VENUS:

Venus will be pre-retrograde : September 4th to October 8th, 2010

Venus will be RETROGRADE : October 8th to November 18th, 2010

Venus will be post-Retrograde : November 18th to December 20th, 2010

MERCURY :

            NOW :

Pre-retrograde : April 4th to 18th, 2010

Retrograde : April 18th to May 11th, 2010

Post-retrograde : May 11th to 28th, 2010

THEN :

Pre-retrograde : August 1st to 20th, 2010

Retrograde : August 20th to September 12th, 2010

Post-retrograde : September 12th to 27th, 2010

Pre-retrograde : November 22nd to December 10th, 2010

Retrograde : December 10th to 30th, 2010

Post-retrograde : December 30th, 2010, to January 17th, 2011

Steps to follow for best timing when planning projects or events

1^st step: if the event or project involves publishing, launching, opening a new business, or such, see if Mercury is in its positive and supportive phase: http://www.croftastrologer.com/e_astr_news.php#good_dates

2^nd step: to pick the best hour of the day that will serve your project best you need to take into account the Moon. It should NOT be Void of Course (VOC): http://www.croftastrologer.com/e_moon_void.php

3^rd step: if the event or project involves investing money, buying or selling, or beginning a new romantic love, see if Venus is in its positive and supportive phase: http://www.croftastrologer.com/e_retro_planets.php Some reading on Venus retrograde: http://www.croftastrologer.com/e_astr_news.php#venus_retro_2007

4^th step: if the event or project involves construction, the use of tools, motors, engines, buying a new car, physical fitness, or starting a potentially physical relationship, see if Mars is in its positive and supportive phase: http://www.croftastrologer.com/e_retro_planets.php Some reading on Mars retrograde: http://www.croftastrologer.com/e_astr_news.php#Mars_Retrograde

As mentioned in Newsletter - Part 1 of 3, powerful action seems to be preparing astrologically speaking. Here are the topics explored in this Part 2:

May-June 2010: explosive movement

The Cardinal T-Square

Reminder for Earthquake preparedness

May-June 2010: explosive movement

June-July eclipses

http://www.croftastrologer.com/e_new_full_moon.php

Eclipses occur about three times a year. Their effect is deep and mysterious. They seem to amplify the conditions in place.

Forces of light and forces of darkness

As explained in previous newsletters (http://www.croftastrologer.com/e_astr_news.php#New_Human) forces of Light (New Human emerging) and forces of Darkness (Pluto in Capricorn square Saturn in Libra) are pretty much neck and neck in 2010 as they were in 2009. Crises in global structures, powers, organizations will continue and will not allow a return to what was familiar to us before. Instead a major revolution will come to replace everything – perhaps quite suddenly and not necessarily in the most gentle way – as of Spring 2011 when Uranus will be moving into Aries. So, basically, the same state of relative chaos will continue until a radical break forces all of us to “reconstruct after”. It is important to CHOOSE where we stand now. Those opting for the Light will make it through with a greater understanding of the forces in action. Those who don’t may live through much fear because they’ll see only the outer appearances of reality. Those in the Light will rejoice in understanding that the intense changes are the birth of an Ascended state for all of humankind and even for the whole planet itself.

Pisces rules the oceans

Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac out of 12. Each zodiacal sign contains all the previous ones to which it adds its own uniqueness. This creates an evolutionary journey through the zodiac leading to deep and deeper awareness. The most profound and spiritual of all the signs is Pisces. It represents our gateway to experience communion with the cosmic ocean, spiritually speaking, and it also symbolizes the vast and mysterious oceans on the planet.

Bold and impulsive Aries  

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. If we’d imagine an energy entering the sign and needing to make it through to the last sign, Pisces, it would have to be really intense and powerful. It would need to have enough stamina to complete the journey and to surrender quietly and silently at the very end of Pisces.

In Astrology we speak of the “famous” zero point of Aries as being the most driven and untamed of all. It also corresponds to the Spring Equinox when the whole nature pushes forward with fertility and great life force.

Unpredictable Uranus and magnifying Jupiter

Uranus is the planet of fastness and unpredictability. Its effects tend to come from the side where one is not looking, so to peak. It is associated to lightning, electricity, sudden and turbulent events. It also is the planet of reforms, liberation, and enlightenment. Groups and crowds also belong to Uranus vibration.

Uranus will move out of Pisces and will occupy the “famous” zero point of Aries at the end of May and during all June 2010. This occurs together with Jupiter. Jupiter has the ability to make bigger or to expand what it touches. Jupiter is the most beneficial planet and, surprisingly, it’ll often be instrumental at the time of someone’s death, for instance. How can we associate an apparently sad event with the very planet of joy and good luck? Well… it seems to make the inevitable passing sweeter or perhaps more easily accepted by the person in question.

What can we expect from the Uranus-Jupiter conjunction hitting together the “famous” zero point of Aries? Let alone that everything seems to be intensified by the presence of eclipses during the same period… we certainly can count on the unexpected. It is easy to imagine that sudden events could emerge from underneath the oceans since the two planets are coming out of Pisces. Would there be more seismic or volcanic activity? Perhaps. That’s when it could be helpful to gather and offer prayers to the nature spirits to ask that they be as gentle as possible – as suggested in Newsletter – Part 1 of 3 of this series.

From another point of view… new revolutionary inventions, breakthrough or discoveries could also emerge during that time. They could be in all possible fields associated to medicine, technologies, sciences, and all. Surprising partnerships with the most unlikely individuals or groups could occur as well perhaps to try taming the rapidly spreading effects of these new events. Uranus also rules Internet for one and just in the past few days large groups of people connected on Facebook have gathered on the spurt of the moment just to spend the night together. When we say large spontaneous groups gathering we mean up to even 7,000 people sometimes… It is a new experience and it offers every possibilities for more development – for better or worse. It is all open at the moment. With Uranus-Jupiter moving into the very beginning of Aries in May-June we can count on fast and very new developments in as many styles and directions as our imagination can create. It is an extremely fertile time for humankind’s advancement and evolution - or the opposite. What can we imagine that we could push forward when the planets strike into Aries? Global celebration of love and humanitarian associations would certainly fit very well – especially if it never was conceived that way. The newest, the better!

Flash in the pan and April 2011

From May-June 2010, the series of events set into motion may not be able to really find their proper ground or form or resolution. They also are likely to cause various degrees of reaction, enthusiasm or fear, an impression of chaos could keep the world on attention and on their toes until the spring 2011. Both Uranus and Jupiter will remain in Aries only in May and June 2010. They’ll almost immediately become Retrograde and will return in Pisces as if their brief hit in Aries was like a “flash in the pan”. They would have left an impression though. It is in the spring (April and on) 2011 that they’ll return again and, this time, even more aggressive since Aries ruler, warrior Mars, will be with them.

The possibility that tensions may be rampant throughout the year could lead to the use of force in the spring 2011 to resolve power struggles or a handful of social movements bringing most likely quite the cultural revolution. Some of this turbulence could also be due to the 2010 natural cataclysms. The land thus destabilized could complete a final “shake” to restore its stability. The urge to act or to take a stand could also be due to rivalries between mighty organizations be they political, economical, or even religious. It is hard to really predict what is around the corner with such forces but certainly praying nature spirits to be gentle will not be too much asking.

The Cardinal T-Square

In the past few years astrologers have been writing abundantly about the Cardinal T-square. It consists of a challenging relationship between Pluto in Capricorn, Saturn in Libra, and Uranus in Aries. The former two are about a profound destructuring and restructuring of most everything in our culture, politics, economics, society, medical system, education, arts, religion, and all. Their action tends to be slowly pushing forward but when Uranus enters the game - briefly in May-June 2010 and for good in April 2011 - it will show no patience and will try to wipe the table in a flash to start fresh “right now” if not sooner, so to speak.

Are these phenomena part of the speculation about the Mayan calendar and the Winter solstice 2012? Probably. We are at the end of a long Earth cycle (26,000 years) and what was must ascend toward its next natural phase of evolution. If the outer reality seems challenging or chaotic one can still be in the best of all places by remaining centered and attentive to the heart powers, not to the fear powers. Uniting in human and spiritual love can turn out to be a miraculous medicine taming the intense forces out there so they can manifest what is needed without unnecessary suffering for the living beings.

Reminder for Earthquake preparedness:

The following link was sent to me recently and perhaps would you benefit as well from taking a look: MBA classmates designed an app for Earthquake preparedness for the i-Phone – the site has interesting resources too: http://quakeaware.org/about.html

In the following Newsletter – Part 3 of 3 we’ll look at Venus Retrograde in the fall 2010 and how it’ll affect money and finances.

Global attention has been drawn toward the devastating Haiti and Chili earthquakes in the past few months. More earthquakes also occurred in Malaysia and other Asian regions. Astrologically there could be more turbulence ahead and I’ll try to present it to you as simply as possible in this 3-part series of Newsletters .  

After the Chili earthquake occurred on February 27^th, 2010, a severe tsunami was expected in Hawaii and people were evacuated. Meanwhile a group emailing was sent all over the world (from Adam Dreamhealer: http://www.dreamhealer.com) to invite people to meditate and to ask the Ocean Spirit or Consciousness to be very gentle in its movement. Is it because of this global prayer or just coincidence that when the wave hit Hawaii it was barely noticeable? Who knows!

It might be helpful to continue gathering in group meditations in order to ask Earth Spirit and all of nature spirits to be really gentle during the inevitable and most likely planetary changes ahead. More about this in Newsletter – Part 2 of 3. For now I’d like to introduce a wonderful musician and lyricist: Blair Hebert. Born in New Brunswick, Canada, Blair now lives in Vancouver and draws his musical inspiration from Native spirituality and traditions. One of his songs, Medicine Wheel, seems to be appropriate for the needs of our changing times and perhaps it’ll inspire you as well. In Medicine Wheel the native drum and voice are by Canadian Cree spiritual teacher Phil L’Hirondelle. His words: “Hay Hay Mushum, Hay Hay Kukum”  mean “Hello Grandfather, Hello Grandmother”, and he adds “All My Relations” meaning “we are all One!” or “there is One existence!” Blair Hebert’s website is: http://blairhebert.com/

The lyrics of the song  are below and, with Blair’s permission, here is the link to the original:

TO DOWNLOAD: click on the link below and, then, right-click on it to download to your preferred location. Most people like to save it into their “My Documents”. If you’d like to share it with someone, just send them that link:

http://reading.croftastrologer.com/blair/

LYRICS FOR THE SONG “MEDICINE WHEEL”

Walk in balance on the Earth Mother.

Heed the calling of your birth

Red sister and brother.

Ancient keepers of the land,

Lead our hearts and healing hands

To the face of Mother Earth.

Medicine is calling us to heal.

Gather with open hearts

Round the sacred wheel.

In spirit we are sister and brother.

Together we must tend Mother Earth

This is the call of the Medicine Wheel.

Walk in balance on the Earth Mother.

Red, yellow, black and white,

All sisters and brothers,

Together we must work as one,

Healing time has begun

On the face of Mother Earth.

This is the call of the Medicine Wheel.

Spirit opens when the time has come

Healing hands work as one for Mother Earth.

Great Spirit, keeper of the sky,

Create your dreams and visions

In our hearts and minds.

Following our animal guide,

Lead us to the other side

From the face of Mother Earth,

On the path of the good Red Road.

On the face of Mother Earth.

On the spokes of the Medicine Wheel

(Blair Hebert)

*

In Harold Ramis movie, The Groundhog Day, Phil Connors (played by Bill Murray) desperately wakes up every morning to find himself in the exact same day, repeating itself over and over again. He feels stuck in this strange loop where time doesn't progress beyond that very day. This situation grows on him though. He is an insider, an initiate, even though he can't convey to others the deep and intimate experience of this unique journey. At first, he rebels, feels like a victim, and then he abuses it, he uses it to manipulate, and on and on. Since the repetitive opportunity doesn't go away he becomes more and more creative, develops some of his talents too, and most importantly he begins to feel other people's feelings, his compassion awakens and his heart opens. Through the obsessive repetition of the same day he was able to evolve from deeply self centered to being a loving and king human being. The opening of the heart liberated him from this repetitive cycle. When love became real for him he woke up the next morning and it was a New Day!

Repetitive cycles are in our lives too. Each day the Sun rises, reaches its zenith, and declines toward setting while we withdraw into a deep mysterious place called sleep. And again... every day! Each year too piles up the wheels - so to speak - through the repetition of the seasons. We are the insiders and the initiates of a very private experience as we move through these repetitive cycles. Sometimes we just slide through them barely conscious until life throws us a curve ball that gets our attention. We cannot move to new levels of experience until we have mastered the art of living where we are.

What does that mean? We all carry layers of conditionings, habits, beliefs, and various degrees of fear and trauma, all that keeps us blind and held back, and away from inner peace and enlightenment. As long as these self centered "realities" are not resolved we will manifest the same type of experiences, over and over again, until we have an epiphany causing us to ask "why is it ALWAYS like that for me" (in love relationships, in the manifestation of money, in social life, and such). When that question occurs it is the beginning of liberation. The quest starts and will not stop until one's consciousness expands through the transformation and healing of those shadows. The end of this quest always culminates in the opening of the heart. It is then and only then that our repetitive cycles disappear and new opportunities present themselves allowing us to function from a higher place of consciousness. And on and on for... eternity!

In this Newsletter:

1.       Current Eclipses

2.      Venus and Saturn

3.      Saturn versus Pluto

4.      The Earthquake

5.      Blessing in disguise

6.      High frequencies in Aquarius and Pisces

ALL OR NOTHING

1.       Current Eclipses:

Eclipses occur about three times a year in pairs or trios. At the moment we are having the trio:

1) Moon eclipse at the Full Moon on December 31^st, 2009, 11:12 am, PST;

2) Sun eclipse at the New Moon on January 14^th, 2010, 11:10 pm, PST;

3) Moon eclipse at the Full Moon on January 29^th, 2010, 10:18 pm, PST.

Eclipses will amplify what is in place. The good gets better; the not so good gets worse.

2.     Venus and Saturn

Sweet and loving Venus was in Capricorn for the first two eclipses and, then, in Aquarius for the last one of the trio, while stern and strict Saturn sits in Libra. We have here what is called a "mutual reception". If you follow this lead you'll see that Venus in Capricorn and in Aquarius rules Libra. Saturn in Libra rules Capricorn and Aquarius. They are in each other's sign. There is great power in such exchange.

When in Libra Saturn is "exalted" meaning that it is visiting a sign considered his best friend. From there Saturn probably expresses in the most positive manner expected from such a dutiful and testy planet. Saturn and Capricorn always carry layers of sorrow and sadness to a degree though - even in the best scenario. Their presence enhances the areas where sorrow is old and deep and, in the present case, with a genuine desire to put an end to it, to heal it, to uplift it, to bring the stagnant energy to life again. We can count on this unique and special alliance between Saturn and Venus to be seeking good and only good even if it should hurt to get to it.

3.     Saturn versus Pluto

The planet of powerful transformation, Pluto, also is in Capricorn since the Autumn 2008 and for about 18 years. Pluto's technique to bring about a new order always is to create chaos first. As we said above Saturn rules Capricorn and from a really comfortable place in Libra it commands over Pluto. Saturn is likely to use the presence of Pluto in his sign to take care of business. Libra is the sign of grace, harmony, justice, refinement and sophistication. Capricorn rules the structures in society, in systems, in corporations, in our life, and even in our body through the bones.

Libra and Capricorn are not a natural alliance. If they have to work together it'll be done awkwardly. Libra wants to ornate and embellish what is done; Capricorn just wants the job done effectively. They could come to appreciate each other but only if they have to.

The relationship between Saturn in Libra and Pluto in Capricorn is a difficult one but one that is definitely working toward as good as possible improvement wherever it manifests. Saturn represents the leaders in politics, particularly, but also any leader. Whatever the responsibilities in their hands any leader must be fully aware that they must tread lightly and carefully nowadays. Any quick move could raise intense reaction and perhaps control loss. It probably is more difficult than ever to assume leadership especially if the system beneath one is huge. Leaders have no choice but to be in the highest state of integrity. This is the magic code to wander safely through the mazes of global change. Pluto in Capricorn is a growling panther reluctantly letting Saturn hold her on a leash but if Saturn is not fully attentive... the panther will turn against him!!!

4.     The Earthquake

On Tuesday January 12^th, 2010, at 4:53 pm, EST, a great earthquake destroyed Haiti. As we mentioned above the eclipses amplify what is in place. Why Haiti? It is situated on one of the earth fault lines, for one. Why there and not somewhere else where there are fault lines too? Perhaps nobody can really answer that but when the energies are very high, astrologically speaking, there always will be a "sacrificed lamb". Let's use the thunderbolt as a metaphor. When it strikes it'll land in one spot and not everywhere. That spot receives all the energy and, by resonance, will affect to various degrees all what is around it.

At the time of the earthquake Saturn was Stationary. This means that it was not moving (only optical illusion, of course) which causes the energy of the planet to become extremely intensified. This could be likened to the effect of the Sun through a magnifying glass and capable to set a fire, for instance. Saturn had a very strong connection with the coming eclipse since it did turn Retrograde on the 14^th! Lovely Venus in Capricorn was at 22° - that is on the same degree as the Sun also at 22° and both were very near the North Node (21°). The North Node shows the direction; it is evolutionary. It makes things evolve to their natural next place. Mercury was still Retrograde until January 15^th - also Stationary and quite connected to the New Moon on the 14^th. Mercury is the planet of communication and good understanding. When Retrograde delays, mistakes, errors can occur.

Such powerful influences were as heavy as heavy can be and Earth responded with a violent release.

5.     Blessing in disguise

In Haiti, the intense chaos and destruction (including death and grave wounding) is such a dramatic and literal demonstration of Pluto's style. In the 48 hours following the earthquake, although the whole world rapidly came together to help there were insurmountable delays (Mercury Retrograde) in getting water, food, and medical help due to destroyed or partially operative buildings and infrastructures supporting communication by air, land or sea.

Saturn held a strong hand in this situation and was dominant in the strategies to reorganize Haiti. Libra is mainly an artistic sign too. It is no coincidence that artists from all over came together to participate either in fundraising events or in answering the phone to collect donations. Millions of dollars were gathered very quickly. We still need to keep an eye on how it'll be used and managed - Pluto is a panther and can take control if the controller looks the other way!

The planets in Capricorn mentioned above really give the impression that much can be done for Haiti. It'll be lots of work and it'll take time before life returns to normal but what an opportunity to plan everything newly in order to avoid returning to the previous limiting conditions. Haiti could perhaps turn this catastrophe into an opportunity to soar into a better and greater future.

6.     High frequencies in Aquarius and Pisces

The signs Aquarius and Pisces carry the highest frequencies and are mainly of a spiritual nature. Jupiter-Neptune-Uranus continue to hold the energy in their midst for global awakening and ascension (http://www.croftastrologer.com/e_astr_news.php#New_Human). No doubt that the last events in Haiti have demonstrated how much love and generosity we all have for one another. It is not personal love; it is humanitarian Love which is the Love coming directly from the Soul. We are one people! Our loving actions today create a world of peace and harmony for those coming after us! Love heals! Love unites! Love transcends any crisis, lack or losses. Let's use this opportunity to revive our ability to reach out to give and also to receive Love. It is easier than we think sometimes (http://www.croftastrologer.com/e_astr_news.php#keith_bosworth).

1.      Our soldiers:

It feels impressive and even moving to watch young soldiers preparing for a mission. Their attitude reflects courage and nobility. They are going to fight for a good cause. They stand and salute in a perfectly trained manner in their uniform impeccably clean and fitting. There is grace in such moment. They stand at the gate of a journey and there is no way to know what really is ahead. All they'll have as they go is their wit, their training, and themselves. Sometimes the outcome will be rather easy and peaceful. Other times it'll be overwhelmingly horrific. Nobody knows who will return and in what shape. Everything is possible: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The above describes well what planet Mars is about and how it manifests in our life. Mars is masculine, fiery, bold, courageous, and needs action. When used properly it allows vibrant accomplishments. When repressed or misused it'll create accidents, rage, fire, and destruction. An example of unfortunate Mars expression: forest fires.

2.    What is "Retrograde":

All the planets including Earth follow their own orbit around the Sun, nonstop, and always in the same direction. Now... if we look through the window it is as if Earth is not moving. It is an optical illusion, of course, but still... how we perceive the movement of planets in the sky from this point of view will create the impression that they will stop and go backward for a while, and then stop again and move forward. It is not a question of hours but rather of weeks and months. The appearance of backward movement is called Retrograde. When a planet is Retrograde its archetype of expression doesn't function as easily. The energy tends to go backward or becomes introverted somehow.

3.    Mars in Fire sign Leo:

Mars will be in the sign of Leo from October 17^th, 2009, to June 8^th, 2010. Usually the planet will remain only six weeks in a given sign but this time it'll stay longer because of its Retrograde motion. Leo is the sign of famous people such as Queens, Kings, Stars, Divas, and people shining with their personal uniqueness. Leo rules the heart and tends to be generous, passionate, dramatic, artistic (stage arts mainly), and could be arrogant or dominant on occasion.

4.    Mars Retrograde:

Mars will be Retrograde from December 20^th, 2009, to March 10^th, 2010, and will go "back and forth" between 0° and 19° of the sign. The first half of any sign is younger and calls for guidance. The powerful heat generated by this combination could create rash and impulsive actions or choices in some instances. When Mars is triggered its action is so immediate that it won't care for consequences. It specializes in the present moment. We'd benefit from remembering this in due time. Acting as if there is no tomorrow prepares for a surprising awakening - happy or unfortunate, depending.

5.     Mars versus masculine energy:

Mars represents our inner masculine - no matter if we are male or female. When Retrograde it calls for review in how we assume courageous or diplomatic self assertiveness. Are we taking a stand for what we value? Are we facing reality efficiently or are we avoiding responsibility? Are we passive-aggressive? Are we brave or coward? Are we supportive or selfish? How do we own our passion, vitality, drive in life? Are we satisfied or frustrated? What action should we cultivate to bring our inner "Mars" where it belongs, i.e. independent, confident, autonomous, and capable to relate with self respect as well as respect for all?

When Mars is Retrograde it often brings back people in our life because, perhaps, something must be completed or even taken up to continue from where we left. It becomes a good opportunity to resolve old conflicts, for instance. When the planet is Retrograde it usually is not good to engage in "new" beginnings because they may not complete properly in the end. It is better to work on something already in place to finish it, to empower it further, to refresh it somehow too.

6.    How to benefit from Mars Retrograde in Leo:

What triggers our passions? What triggers our anger or even rage? It is time to review where we are at with integrity, nobility, honesty, and the courage to be who we are meant to be. Under such circumstances we can expect to do and have to re-do lots of what we undertake. It is a good time to reconstruct what is not working well in our life. It is time to explore and work hard toward possibilities dear to our heart that was abandoned before. Is there a dream that was left on the back burner for you? It is time to "go back", re-examine it, invite your inner child to go play with you while you help this dream coming true. Mars rules fitness and muscles. If you neglected your exercise program it is now a good time to return to it.

Have fun but "don't break a leg!" Until next time take a good care!

New Human Emerging

List of topics:

1.     Centaur and human reality

2.   Leak between 6^th and 7^th chakras

• From cavemen to eternity
• From Aries to Pisces
• 6^th and 7^th chakras versus Aquarius and Pisces
• The "leak"
• The babies born in 2009

3.   Grace versus way of the cross - redemption

New Human Emerging

1.     Centaur and human reality

According to Greek mythology centaurs were creatures composed of a human form joined at the waist to a horse body. The zodiacal sign Sagittarius is represented by a centaur holding a bow and arrow pointed toward the sky. The centaur probably is the most precise symbol of human levels involved in one's full realization.

In the human trunk a large horizontal muscle - the diaphragm - creates a separation between the upper and lower organs. What is below the diaphragm represents the "horse" part of the centaur - that is the animal nature or instinctive ways for survival and reproduction.

The three lower chakras: root, sacred, and solar plexus specialize in the manifestation of such. Their respective connections within the physical body are in this order: adrenals, ovaries or testicles, and spleen.

Above the diaphragm we find the heart and throat chakras respectively linked to the thymus and the thyroid. These represent the human part of the centaur where we can relate to the outer world with kindness and intelligence.

In most centaur reproductions the story stops here but in Astrology we came to put something in the hands of our centaur: the bow and arrow pointing toward the sky. The aspiration toward higher, toward more... this relates to our divine nature associated to the 6^th and 7^th chakras connected to the pituitary and pineal glands.

When one finds the key to utilizing all three levels in harmony their work here is ready to begin! Prior to this stage one only is preparing through the school of life ascending slowly from darkness to Light.

2.   Leak between 6^th and 7^th chakras

From cavemen to eternity

Each chakra vibrates faster than the previous ones and, accordingly, the style of consciousness attached to each will also expand the potential for perception and awakening in a given person. As most of you know the seven main chakras are wheels of energy located in the etheric body and appearing to be along the spine. Their function consists in connecting our subtle bodies with the physical form.

          Cavemen were functioning mainly from the "horse level" of the centaur. When societies started to take form in some sort of structural organization humankind had evolved to the human part of the centaur. And now... we may be transitioning toward reaching target in the "bow and arrow" level of the centaur.

 From Aries to Pisces

          In the twelve zodiacal signs we find an evolutionary journey as well. It begins with the first sign Aries and completes with the last one Pisces. Each subsequent sign adds upon the potential of the previous ones moving from a passion for the external life (Aries) to the deep detachment and silence in divine communion (Pisces).

          The planets offer a similar idea too. The inner planets within the solar system atmosphere are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn; the outer planets outside that atmosphere are Chiron, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Pluto being within the Kuiper belt composed of a vast number of small bodies - called "centaurs" in Astrology!!! The inner planets represent our basic archetypes used on a daily basis in relating to self, to life, to others. The outer planets offer possibilities in the exploration of the invisible, the intuitive, the psychic, and the spiritual.

Any quest toward mastery always begins with what is most elementary. In school we first learn the alphabet and, progressively, we learn how to put letters together to form words, and then sentences. Have you ever noticed that now, when reading a text, you are connecting with the "thought" expressed without actually consciously seeing the letters used to render the message? What an evolution!

          The early human experience begins with being totally dependent as a baby to the delivery of wisdom at the end of life. If one returns many times into human forms through the process of reincarnation their learning process begins ever more deeply (or vastly) each time. Eventually this presents possibilities that are of such high nature that one can merge consciously with the divine within.

6^th and 7^th chakras versus Aquarius and Pisces

          The evolutionary plan makes its way from the mastery of outer life (Aries) toward the highest inner realization (Pisces) while the human potential becomes awakened in larger numbers of people. When the masses have reached the human part of the centaur their next focus becomes higher and internal.

The signs Aquarius and Pisces are linked to the activity of the 6^th and 7^th chakras as are the planets Uranus and Neptune, their rulers. These two planets slowly made their way through the zodiac to finally reach the above mentioned signs in recent years.

From February 1998 to March 2003 both Uranus and Neptune were in Aquarius activating powerfully the 6^th chakra. The babies born then carry and hold that vibration for the rest of us during their entire life. Then Neptune remained in Aquarius while Uranus moved to Pisces where it'll remain until March 2011 carrying the activation up to the 7^th chakra.

Uranus in Pisces rules Aquarius. Neptune in Aquarius rules Pisces. If you follow this lead you'll notice that they are in each other's sign. We call it "mutual reception". This is a powerful and important phenomenon. Planets in mutual reception behave differently than in any other position. They act as if they want to go back home to their own sign, and back and forth. As time goes by this creates some sort of energetic channel between the two signs and, eventually, it is as if there is no longer a separation between the two. They make something else out of the signs in question. A new creation emerges!

The "leak"

There is a veil between the 6^th and 7^th chakras allowing them to function as two separate levels of consciousness. The 6^th chakra is the seat of the Soul where we perceive reality at the energy level through intuition, instant knowing, originality and uniqueness, through higher values such as global justice and humanitarian interests. The 7^th chakra is the gate toward cosmic awareness where we perceive reality through inspiration, vision, compassion, inner peace and detachment, recognizing the oneness in everything.

Now that high frequency planets are in mutual reception in high frequency signs they create an energy circulation of extraordinary nature. Nowadays lots of people experience stress in those chakras because the pull of the mutual reception causes them to leak into each other. This weakens the veil between the two. What consequences can one expect from this? Well... certainly some sort of explosion of Light! When these two chakras begin to merge together the repercussions are amazing! The Light body of Ascension takes up residence in replacing them. This condition is visible to the clairvoyant eye as a large halo of bright white Light around the head and going as far down as the navel and sometimes even bigger.

The Light body emerging transforms the human part of the centaur (Ego perceptions) and one experiences the death of illusion and the birth of the real. It truly is the phoenix emerging more glorious out of its own ashes. This high initiation seems to be the most desirable opportunity but it is not necessarily easy to receive. In 2009, particularly, other planets have added great and positive pressure to this process causing lots of fatigue, light headedness, or groundlessness in lots of people. It is paramount perhaps more now than ever to live as healthy as possible not only physically but also both in thoughts and emotions. Inner tranquility remains a rule of thumb to understand how we are making and how to remain on board in the ascending ship - so to speak.

The babies born in 2009

The babies born in 2009 carry this high frequency one way or another depending on what day or at what time they were born (http://www.croftastrologer.com/e_astr_news.php#babies_born). Some mystics call their "category": Diamond Souls.

When the structures of the society become outdated, in regards to the natural evolutionary journey, then it is not the leaders of the time who will know how to make the change. It'll come from the different set of values and visions of the new born. They'll soon take over and the new world will appear. The New Human is here!

3.   Grace versus way of the cross - redemption

During the Pisces era - the last 2000-ish years - the general theme was the law of punishment or the law of karma. This process would keep us on the path of suffering and limitation - probably necessary and inevitable for the time being. This was when we were transitioning from the "horse" to the "human" parts of the centaur. Our lack of vision or lack of understanding that our true nature is divine would keep us limited in a cycle of pain. We were functioning with parts and not the whole of who we are. This was the "way of the cross" (no longer necessary) as described by Eckhart Tolle in his book The Power of Now.

Times are changing as seen above and human beings mutate. When they'll finally own their Light body they'll have realized the full symbol of the centaur. As long as we live on planet Earth it is part of the deal to function with the instinct of survival, with the human creativity, and with the perfect power of manifestation from the upper levels. In understanding the codes given to us through the "3-level" centaur mean that we don't have to sacrifice anything about ourselves but, instead, we need to use and enjoy all we have. The trick is to master the art of doing so with expertise.

In such times of transition what was is inevitably transformed. The process could appear intense and even painful from an external point of view. From an inner point of view, though, it is the end of darkness! The shedding of the old can feel quite confusing but the appearance of limitation exists only in the eye of the "spiritually blind".

International teacher and author Tanis Helliwell speaks about the power of grace to redeem us from our "sins" in her recent (and brilliant) newsletter (http://www.iitransform.com/PgArticleNov09.html). The time is NOW to embrace our liberation. We are no longer prisoner in the wheel of reincarnation if we choose to embrace our Light body. This is a gift of the time!

"When the wishes are few, the heart is happy. When craving ends, there is peace". The Buddha!

List of content – Their Story:

1.      The Short Story (for everybody)

2.     The Long Story (for those wanting to know the astrological details)

a.     New Moon on December 26-27, 2008

b.     New Moon conjunct Mars and Pluto

c.     Saturn trines Mercury

d.    Venus and Neptune conjunct at 22 degrees in Aquarius

e.     Neptune and Uranus in mutual reception

f.       The plot tightens

g.     Jupiter-Neptune-Chiron at 26 degrees Aquarius versus Uranus at 26 degrees in Pisces

h.    Global polarization

i.       Last but not least: Venus-Mars conjunction

Their story:

1.      The Short Story (for everybody)

ew Souls have come into the world in the first trimester of 2009 when rare and powerful planetary combinations occurred. Amongst them we can safely say that some Ascended Masters also have incarnated and we are changing their diapers for now!

It won’t be long before we begin to perceive the unusual and extraordinary spiritual powers of the recently new born babies. They started arriving around the New Moon in Capricorn on December 26-27, 2008. It got better and better to reach its peak in February 2009, although they continued arriving until the beginning of April 2009. Then things started to level out but only to continue with the high note thus created as opposed to returning to where we once were. Humankind’s energy  has been raised several notches in the process.

As soon as they entered the physical plane their vibrations blended with our collective energy. They permanently hold these high frequencies for all of us, no matter how their physical life might be. They come as a gift to humankind and support beautifully the ascension process.

They’ll tend to be highly intuitive, mystical, and psychic. Most of them capable to perceive reality from a multidimensional point of view including what’s beyond time and space. Some of them will be wise beyond their years during childhood. Others may suffer health problems due to a hypersensitive physical body. Some may also be unable to achieve any coherent and realistic connection with the physical world. In a nutshell we can expect the unexpected because they’ll tend to dwell in their higher chakras mostly (higher levels of consciousness). This will cause them to probably experience a certain degree of resistance about descending fully into the physical form. Their general “problem” will be a lack of grounding. Their parents and caretakers can assist them immensely by using the support of healers to help them descend and stabilize into their human body. When the time will come for them to embrace their adult life these treatments will prove to have been of great value toward their effective and realistic management of responsibilities.

      In the past forty-ish years counselors have described the profile of a different type of consciousness in the youth of the time. They called them Indigo children. They probably were the ice-breaker for more to come since they are not coming anymore. Following them we have observed two more sets of Souls described as Crystal and Rainbow children. In early 2009 there seems to be yet another wave and the naming for their group has not come up yet.

            Now, for those who would like to know the astrological details behind this story, let’s go to the “long story!”

2.     The Long Story (for those wanting to know the astrological details)

a.     New Moon on December 26-27, 2008

he New Moon always marks the beginning of the Moon cycle. Whatever are the conditions at the time they’ll unfold and bloom according to their unique nature. On December 26-27, 2008, several other indicators accentuated the new beginning theme as if a new era was taking place.

In Astrology when two or more planets meet on the same zodiacal degree it is called a  conjunction. The New Moon is a conjunction of Sun and Moon, for example. Conjunctions always indicate the beginning of a new cycle and its length depends on the speed of the planets involved before they meet again. Venus-Mercury’s cycles will last about one year; Jupiter-Saturn cycles will last about 20 years, for instance. Conjunctions will fertilize a potential which will become apparent later as the cycle grows. Always in such encounters one of the planets involved will travel faster and, consequently, will “carry the news” (on the nature of their meeting) further into the zodiac. The proper astrological terms for this being “carrying the light.”

As we’ll explain below, not only did we have the Sun-Moon conjunction but we also had Venus-Neptune in Aquarius, as well as Pluto-Mars in the first degree of Capricorn. The first degree of any zodiacal signs also marks new beginnings. In view of all this we seem to be pushed ahead into a new time!

Those were some of the active conditions for that New Moon. Let’s now go deeper into the plot.

b.     Mars and Pluto conjunction

Mars and Pluto were conjunct in Capricorn’s first degree. In the few days prior both the Sun and the Moon had met with them and were now “carrying the light” further into manifestation.

Capricorn represents maturity, experience, practical wisdom, effective organization and structures. It represents the old and savvy.

Mars and Pluto are good friends. Actually they have such a natural connection that we consider Pluto as Mars’s higher octave! Mars also particularly likes Capricorn.

Mars represents boldness and courage, including hard work in this sign. Pluto cares about thorough change and transformation. When they come together we can imagine a jack hammer effect on the global structures and traditions in the society, an iron fist, a determined commanding drive that can be ruthless. From the old or conservative ways only the purest will survive. Anything shady, abusive, dysfunctional or such will be trashed without looking back. Yes, it’ll hurt a bit sometimes – but only where the actions are self-serving.

c.     Saturn trines Mercury

Virgo’s ruler, Mercury, was in Capricorn while Capricorn’s ruler, Saturn, was in Virgo. If you follow this lead you’ll see that one is in the sign of the other.  It is called a “mutual reception” and it enhances the benefits of both signs allowing a greater circulation of their mutual energy from one to the other. It causes Saturn to behave as if it were back in Capricorn and Mercury as if it were back in Virgo, then back and forth. What’s interesting about this mutual reception is that the two planets also are connected by a Trine – the most positive and masterful relationship between two planets.

Both signs are dedicated servants and value justice and effectiveness. Their rulers are about decision making and communication (Mercury) and their application (Saturn). No doubt that lots of thinking and planning was going on behind the scenes at the time. In December there were no leaders leading at least in Canada and the USA – because the new elected ones were transitioning into their position.

Mars-Pluto’s powerful charge will make it necessary and inevitable that the world leaders – at all levels – will have to modify the old ways to include a global vision leading to a progressive fair share of the common wealth with each and every human being. Not an easy task but one that is an inevitable responsibility for all of us, either in the near or far future.

The current conditions on the planet (global warming, economy, health, Eastern countries’ developing power, renewable energy and resources, and such) are unusual and they impose their natural laws. People in charge seem at a loss sometimes because new conditions require new methods and there are no role models to guide their decisions. The natural tendency seems to try to reform what is changing in a manner to bring it back to what it once were. That won’t work because the now is no longer in the same conditions as the past. We can’t fit an old frame on a new image that has a different shape.

Capricorn represents the leaders and Virgo represents the people. The mutual reception clearly indicates that both leaders and people must now work together, hand in hand, in collaboration and mutual support. The time when leaders would take charge and the people would follow blindly (or even irresponsibly at times) is over. We all stand on the same ground in a tightly knit team. It is so new that we could still tend to lean back on the old ways of (perhaps) passivity until another jolt puts us back on our feet. This reality will become more and more apparent in the coming few years and it’ll be much easier to negotiate with it if we embrace it now.

d.    Venus and Neptune conjunct at 22 degrees in Aquarius

Above we spoke about the natural friendship between Mars and Pluto. Venus, planet of love and affection, also has her higher octave: Neptune, planet of mystical and unconditional love. When octave planets come together a synergy occurs and the end results becomes much larger than the parts. Do you begin to perceive the incredible uniqueness of the powers in place at this December New Moon?

There is a spiritual evolution in the twelve zodiacal signs beginning with Aries and finishing with Pisces. Each sign contains all of the previous ones added to its own quality. The journey through the signs only gets fuller, larger, and deeper. For that reason the 11^th and 12^th signs, Aquarius and Pisces, are considered those having the highest frequencies. They correspond to the 3^rd eye (6^th chakra) and the Crown (7^th chakra).

Neptune in Aquarius (3^rd eye) rules Pisces (7^th chakra). Neptune naturally associates with inspiration, spirituality, compassion, and unconditional love. At the time of the New Moon both Venus and Neptune were conjunct at 22 degrees in Aquarius. Venus moving faster than Neptune carries the light further and her message is one of higher love.

In contrast with the harsh Mars-Pluto style, Venus-Neptune become the “velvet glove upon an iron fist”. Human love has become inseparable from the powerful reforming action put into place. It has become a common denominator blending into the new leadership style emerging in the world. At first we might notice resistance and even (possible) attacks coming from the old school but, in the end, those (desperately) hanging on to the former ways can’t succeed because they hold on to something that is no longer here.

e.     Neptune and Uranus in mutual reception

The ways of higher love have started to take place meaningfully in the past several years. As mentioned above the signs Aquarius and Pisces are holding the highest frequencies. They allow people to access higher perceptions such as intuition, extrasensory perceptions, mystical achievement, and such.

From March 2003 to March 2011, we have Pisces’s ruler Neptune in Aquarius and Aquarius’s ruler Uranus in Pisces. Once again we have a “mutual reception” (i.e. rulers in each other’s sign). As explained above this particular condition is highly favorable because it maximized the potential of the signs involved to a much greater expression.

All the children born during this mutual reception carry its potential into their own life one way or another.

f.       The plot tightens

Keeping in mind the evolution of our story so far let’s see where it is taking us.

As the days went by more planets started to gather into the sign of Aquarius during the month of January 2009 raising even higher the natural frequency of the sign. The peak has been reached during the whole month of  February with even greater emphasis around Valentine’s Day!

Perhaps will you remember that several people did mention then the famous 1967 song Aquarius (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM5dU-oKFes&feature=related) which suddenly appeared as a prophecy of this time.

The planets gathering into Aquarius were all the “good ones”… Mercury, Mars (carrying the light from its Pluto conjunction mentioned above), Jupiter, North Node, Chiron, Neptune, Moon, and Sun. North Node indicates a movement forward, an evolution, an advancement. Chiron brings healing and initiation. Jupiter carries generosity and seeking the truth. Mercury represents the mind, ideas, communication and it is highly elated when surrounded by this unique crowd.

The high frequency of such gathering caused lots of people to feel light headed, ungrounded, even tired or sick without any clear symptoms. Somebody described such sensations like so: “I walk forward and my energy goes sideways. It is as if my energy bodies are floating within and around my physical one”.

At another level spiritual Masters described the effects of those high frequencies as being part of the Ascension process believed to be the effect of human evolution toward advanced realization.

Babies born between the December New Moon and (more or less) the first half of April 2009 carry these unique energies in their field and consciousness, and perhaps even more so those born in February. The purity and high power of such rare planetary configurations suggest that Ascended Masters probably chose to incarnate during that time in order to offer their guidance more directly amongst us human beings. We probably are changing their diapers for now. It is certain that Souls of an unusual and high nature have come into the world during that time. Just like we did for the Indigo, Crystal and Rainbow children we’ll soon know what their general name is.

g.     Jupiter-Neptune-Chiron at 26 degrees Aquarius versus Uranus at 26 degrees in Pisces

From May 22^nd to July 11^th, 2009, Jupiter-Neptune-Chiron are at 26 degrees in Aquarius when Uranus is at 26 degrees in Pisces.

We mentioned above the mutual reception between Uranus and Neptune. Now this exchange is made even more potent because of Jupiter conjunct Neptune. Of course we know that Neptune rules Pisces but we have not mentioned yet that Pisces has two rulers, the other being Jupiter. As you can see the mutual reception has become even richer because all the rulers are in place. Wounded healer Chiron adding its touch is quite amazing because it supports the initiation into higher levels of awakening! As Eckhart Tolle wrote in his book The Power of Now we don’t need to suffer anymore to reach enlightenment.

Understanding the full effect of such extraordinary planetary connections certainly is beyond our reach but let’s put a few words together in the hope they’ll trigger some inspiration and even epiphanies.

In the seven chakras system we have the three lower ones representing our instinctive (animal) nature. Then we have the 4^th and the 5^th representing our human nature. The 6^th and the 7^th represent our divine nature. There is a thin veil between the 6^th and the 7^th chakra allowing them to function as two distinct levels of consciousness. Human beings are encoded to reach their full realization and when that occurs the veil DISSOLVES causing the 6^th and 7^th chakras to merge. An explosion of Light then occurs and the person becomes surrounded by a bright halo.

The mutual reception between Aquarius (6^th chakra) and Pisces (7^th chakra) has been so activated in the past few months that it is as if humankind is experiencing an acceleration which dissolves that veil. The babies born at this time will certainly have it rather thin if they have it at all. Their presence amongst us while they carry such high frequencies will only continue to accelerate our own initiation into our higher levels of existence.

If that is great news in a way it also comes with its own challenges. The issues that might become most problematic in the coming years will be those related to being grounded. The new born will need the help of healers to be able to descend fully into all their lower chakras. Most people will also benefit from such help as well.

h.    Global polarization

The above mentioned high frequencies affecting all of us will act powerfully where we dwell the most. People devoted to goodness will become even better, mystics will advance faster into enlightenment, artists will be inspired even more deeply, and so on. Those cultivating mostly the powers of the lower chakras (instinctive nature or self serving goals) will also grow faster along those lines because the energy feeds and empowers what is in place.

In a little while we’ll begin to see a dramatic polarization between those in an upward and those in an downward evolution. We could say “Light versus Darkness”. The war between the two could lead to unfortunate turns of events in the society but the upward evolution will make it clear and free… into the Aquarian Era.

i.       Last but not least: Venus-Mars conjunction

Remember that at the December New Moon Mars-Pluto and Venus-Neptune were conjunct. Mars and Venus moving faster are carrying the light into the signs to apply the manifestation then seeded. Venus travels faster than Mars but she had a Retrograde phase (March 6^th to April 17^th, 2009) which allowed Mars to catch up with her while they travel relatively at the same speed for a while. Both planets are conjunct from April 22^nd to June 20^th, 2009.

What does it mean? Exactly what the December New Moon has agreed upon… acting courageously (Mars) into the reform while holding on to the love (Venus) included in the mix. The world is tired of wars and while serious reorganization needs taking place it wants to be done in a humanitarian, collaborative, and just manner.

It is a new era! We may fall back now and then into our old habits but not for long. We can’t afford to live unconsciously anymore.

In a few years we may judge ourselves as barbarians because we have allowed our society to leave some of its members in a state of poverty and even homelessness. That’s when we were unconscious!

The three Full Moons of the spring season are the most powerful of the year.

1.   Full Moon: in April: Its energy supports the opening of the 4^th Chakra or Heart Chakra. In some traditions it is customary to gather water before sunrise – that is, if you have the opportunity to be near natural and clean springs. This water is charged up with ascending life force and creative power for the year ahead. Such ceremony can be performed from two days prior up to two days after the actual Full Moon. This water can be used to cleanse the aura, body-mind-spirit, sacred objects, jewels, and everything that you’d like to refresh or revive. Water is symbolic of fertility. That’s a good opportunity to commit again to the manifestation of dreams, goals, hopes, and whatever else that can enhance your experience of joy and happiness. Drinking this water and to continue using it at home for as long as it lasts only reinforces the power of intention that you have created for yourself. (Moon in Libra)

2.   Full Moon: in May (Wesak): Its energy supports the opening of the 6^th Chakra or 3^rd Eye. Now that the Heart Chakra has been opened one can call upon the messages of one’s Soul and Divine Spirit as a source of inspiration, wisdom, and general effectiveness in choice making as well as in the manner one embraces responsibility toward self, family, community, the world. (Moon in Scorpio)

3.   Full Moon: in June: Its energy supports the opening of the 5^th Chakra or Throat Chakra. Now that the Heart and 3^rd Eye Chakras are open one can speak the language of wisdom, inspiration, love, and oneness. The face radiates beauty and the general person attracts goodness and gifts that life has to offer with surprising ease. (Moon in Scorpio)

In love and gratitude…

"Nonviolent Communication//A Language of Compassion" by Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D.

In his wonderful book "Nonviolent Communication//A Language of Compassion" Dr Rosenberg presents long lists of human needs. (http://www.cnvc.org/)

In his view wars could be avoided if only we were able to understand our own individual needs.

Let's imagine the following situation...

• Claude: "Frances, you make me so mad when you keep your boots in the house!"

What's wrong with this statement? Many things! Actually pretty much everything! First... it is impossible for Frances to "make Claude mad". Why? Because Frances can't open Claude's head and press the "mad" button. If Claude feels mad it only is his own making. Funny situation, isn't it?

It is true that Claude feels mad though. This feeling is uncomfortable enough for Claude to want to see some changes in the situation. That's why he is reacting to Frances's action. The reaction is in the form of an attack though "YOU make me so mad". It doesn't seem a good start to obtain a win-win outcome. Instead Frances will become defensive which is not the point of the situation. The point is to find a solution and not to have to defend oneself.

Now, from a "need" point of view, how could such a situation best be handled to reach maximum efficiency? Let's go inside Claude's head for a moment, shall we?

"When Frances keeps her boots in the house I FEEL mad. Why is that? I realize that my NEED FOR CLEANLINESS is not met."

Already Claude begins to relax because clarity has come. Now we can speak about relating to a situation instead of reacting to it. This time Claude could address the situation thusly:

• Claude: "Frances when you keep your boots in the house I feel mad because my need for cleanliness is not met".
• Frances: "Thank you for letting me know, Claude. Perhaps we should install shelves near the door where my house shoes could be ready for me as soon as I get into the house".

Problem solved! A win-win situation occurred. Frances didn't feel attacked and was open to co-create with Claude toward a satisfying outcome.

Understanding one's needs and how to properly address them become an important key toward successful human relationships, and a sure step toward happiness.

Culturally, though, proper communication techniques are not often part of our general education and, perhaps, if more people would use Dr Rosenberg's method we could rapidly see the end of conflicts - private or worldly.

In any uncomfortable situation, it is pretty certain that no positive outcome will result if the address begins with "YOU... did or didn't do something". That's when paying attention to our needs and understanding which one of them is not met will help addressing any issues efficiently, while maximizing chances for mutual satisfaction. Generally speaking if one says "I FEEL... when this or that happens" it is much more productive because one TAKES RESPONSIBILITY for one's side of the story. It leaves the door open to effective communication and creativity because respect is present.

Is it healthy or just too selfish to pay attention to our needs?

It could be both. It all depends! If it is not in our habit to honour our needs then we run the risk of becoming needy.

In Astrology the Moon will indicate the type of needs specific to each person. As a species we all share the same fundamental needs for food, shelter, safety, and love. On top of those basic needs each person will have unique and specific needs as well.

Let's imagine that our need for food is not met... surely, we'll die! This proves how important it is to take care of our needs. If our need for shelter is not met we may not die but we'll certainly become dysfunctional.

            The Moon also represents what is unconscious. The great psychiatrist Carl Jung used to say that anything unconscious will tend to become conscious. Whatever was once repressed and shoved into the unconscious is no longer available to the conscious mind. One can retrieve those fragmented parts though and restore a conscious "relationship" to a situation (and not a "reaction" to it).

In order to achieve it one must cultivate attention and calmness. When a negative emotion emerges it becomes a precious opportunity toward healing and, ultimately, self realization.

The Moon represents nurturing and nourishment. Remember our example above... "if one's need for food is not fulfilled"... Any need indicated by the Moon will lead to various degrees of integrity loss if not met. In the end one can become pretty needy. This is an indication of a progressively dysfunctional relationship to the self. Our human constitution owns the ability to feel NEEDS. It is our inner compass to keep on track toward our highest good. When we take care of them we live peacefully and confidently.

"Needs" provide guidance toward accurate choices and healing

As soon as our spirit incarnated into this physical body the pull of gravity caused the life force to flow through the five senses to connect with external reality. We became thus so captivated by this plane that we forgot our multidimensionality. We forgot that we are cosmic beings engaged toward full realization.

Since this state of forgetfulness seems inevitable and yet, we still have a plan for the current human life - it is called "destiny" - we must be equipped in such manner that we'll find our way even if we don't remember the ultimate reason for this incarnation.

That's when "needs" come into play. If we pay attention to our needs we can negotiate every aspect of life with greater efficiency and satisfaction.

Where is your natal Moon and what sort of NEEDS are you likely to feel

            If your natal Moon is in:

• ARIES some of your needs are: independency, fastness, right in the moment
• TAURUS some of your needs are: stability, physical comfort and abundance, connection with nature
• GEMINI some of your needs are: communication, education, lightness and simplicity
• CANCER some of your needs are: warm home, belonging to community, faithfulness to beloved ones
• LEO some of your needs are: being appreciated, being admired, expressing creativity and generosity
• VIRGO some of your needs are : being in service, healthy living, harmony with the environment
• LIBRA some of your needs are: harmonious relationships, grace and beauty, artistic expression
• SCORPIO some of your needs are: deep connections, transformative experiences, achieving
• SAGITTARIUS some of your needs are: seeking, philosophical quest, travel and expanding horizons
• CAPRICORN some of your needs are: long term success, good reputation and respectability, leadership
• AQUARIUS some of your needs are: freedom, uniqueness, humanitarian values and passion for justice
• PISCES some of your needs are: mystical, profound dreams, solitude

Of course these are just summary examples, and they can be nuanced infinitely by all the other factors in your Natal Chart but, hopefully, it will give you some food for thought. If you are not sure where your natal Moon is, just ask your favourite Astrologer!

In conclusion, the Moon's deeply rooted energy into one's unconscious will trigger all sorts of REACTIONS based on the situations at hand. If we are "reacting" it is wise to stop and pay attention BEFORE doing or saying anything. A "reaction" is not an accurate reading of what is really happening. Instead it is a projection of deep (unconscious) issues. First, let's seek what "need" was not satisfied allowing the appropriate epiphany to emerge. It'll leave us calmer and more apt to create a conscious relation to the situation, and then to solve it in an easy win-win outcome.

• Venus pre-retrograde: June 23rd to July 27th, 2007
• Venus retrograde: July 27th to September 8th, 2007
• Venus post-retrograde: September 8th to October 12th, 2007

1. On a period of several days, you may want to explore the practice a deep meditation on taking responsibility for the mistake of having indulged in expressions of no-love, again and again, for many lifetimes. Then, profoundly asking forgiveness for the hurt done in that manner, to millions of people as well as to yourself in each lifetime. Continue this meditation for as many days as necessary until an epiphany occurs. Such a process is the very Initiation that purges the old and creates an inner upliftment, liberation, and awakening which contain its own rules and guidance
2. Upon completion of taking full responsibility, and demanding repair by the action of asking forgiveness, another step is necessary. The second phase of this Initiatory process consists in a deep meditation to offer full and total forgiveness to the millions of people having hurt oneself by committing the mistake of no-love expression. Continue this meditation for as many days as necessary until an epiphany occurs. Such a process is the very Initiation that purges the old and creates an inner upliftment, liberation, and awakening which contain its own rules and guidance
3. The last part of this process is to continue living with the full awareness of one’s own thoughts, feelings, and action in order to cultivate lovingness, positivity, kindness, compassion, acceptance, tolerance, in order to become an incarnation of the cosmic love flow. The power of this cultivation reverberates throughout the world and creates upliftment, safety, security, protection, and enlightenment.

1. Introduction
2. Saturn cycles or Saturn returns
3. Saturn in Leo in opposition to Chiron in Aquarius + Star of David (6 pointed star)
4. Leo rules love, joy, CHILDREN, creativity
5. What about people born in Leo, Taurus, Aquarius, and Scorpio?

1. Introduction
   
   Saturn in the natal chart shows the lessons we are to learn by our deep and total participation. Some call it a planet of Karma. Everything is energy. What we put into motion by our thoughts, feelings, actions, reactions create an energy movement that will reach a periphery before returning to its place of departure (the Self). This is the law of cause and effect called Karma.
   
   A human being is made of an earthly body and consciousness as well as a cosmic and immortal consciousness. At the end of life, the immortal consciousness extracts itself from the earthly body which then returns to recycling into Earth. The immortal consciousness wants to master the human experience. Through a system so complex that no-one can explain it in full, it appears that there is a plan to a human life: the destiny. In this plan, there are opportunities to play and have fun; there are also opportunities to reproduce the species, as well as to understand and master natural laws.
   
   In the human or earthly dimension of a person, there are five senses allowing for awareness and relation to the outer world. This produces a powerful attraction to it, and one is lead by desire most of the time. In the early stages of human experience – from the point of view of reincarnation, for instance – it is desirable to just go out there and splurge in the exploration. Then, there comes a turning point when we have become sufficiently invested in the outer exploration. It is now time to begin remembering who we truly are; that is, eternal beings! Not human beings.
   
   Saturn’s style of energy manifests strongly in those moments when a human being must detach from the quest to a certain degree, in order to find a deeper connection to physical reality. In the end, it is Saturn who leads the path to self-realization by, first, calling one into the outer world to learn the basics of human life, then to remove any attachment so the Soul can gain total freedom in the mastery of human experience.
   
   Of course, most of the time when Saturn manifests in any department of our life, the first reaction would be to resist the lessons offered; then “fear” of change, “fear” of the future, “fear” of lack, “fear” of whatever is a predictable reaction until the person bows to what they can’t control, then “detachment” manifests and we begin to see from a different perspective what is happening; this is “liberation”.
   
2. Saturn cycles or Saturn Returns
   
   Saturn takes 29-30 years to complete one single trip around the Sun. Yes, this means that every 29-30 years it’ll return on the same degree where it was at birth. This produces a deeply felt experience or maturity transition as a cycle finishes and another begins; one feels as if sitting between two chairs, so to speak. It is a time of reflection, awakening, and planning. Often there are endings – either we produce them or they happen on their own. This opens a space for new ingredients necessary for the next cycle of exploration to manifest or to be picked. During the Saturn return transition it is wise to go with the flow as opposed to struggle against all odds. Indeed, it is not life as usual; it is a rite of passage, an initiation, and one must relate to it with intuition and surrender, as well as with attention and creativity.
   
   Here are the dates when Saturn is found in the sign of Leo. Depending of your current age, if you were born with Saturn in Leo, this will be your 1st, 2nd or 3rd Saturn Return:
   • October 17th, 1916, to December 7th, 1916; then from June 23rd, 1917, to August 11th, 1919
   • August 2nd, 1946, to September 18th, 1948; then from April 3rd, 1949, to May 29th, 1949
   • September 16th, 1976, to November 16th, 1977; then from January 4th, 1978, to July 26th, 1978
   • July 16th, 2005, to September 2nd, 2007
   
   
3. Saturn in Leo in opposition to Chiron in Aquarius + Star of David (6 pointed star)
   
   On July 16th, 2005, something unexpected is happening. Indeed, as Saturn jumps over the fence between Cancer and Leo, Chiron does the same thing on the opposite side from Aquarius to Capricorn. Yes, this means that Chiron is Retrograde and returns into Capricorn for a last visit. As they both cross the line between two signs, not only are they in exact opposition but we also observe a brief Star of David formation in the sky at 10:56 am, Pacific Dailight Saving Time. This is not the most potent of the Stars of David because it lasts only minutes but, still, it is a mystic magic figure adding flavor to the combo. One of the triangles of the Star is very powerful with Mars in Aries (its own sign) trine Mercury-Venus in Leo, trine Pluto Retrograde in Sagittarius, all brushing degrees 22-23 in their own placement: a powerful figure indeed!
   
   What does it mean? (I hear you asking!) Well… let’s imagine a long line up of people having camped at the door to make sure they’ll be first at buying tickets for their most favorite rock band. Meanwhile, just as the tickets place opens, the rock band unexpectedly drives by and offers free tickets to the crowd. See what I mean? The happy crowd may think that they died and are in heaven! At least they run and rush and scream and beg and walk over one another – perhaps – to get the manna from their gods. Then… well, this is food for joy for a while, that’s for sure. Then what? Well, one still need to flow with the reality of time and space, and wait until the due date to attend the show.
   
   Leo and Aquarius is an axis specializing in love (affection and generosity//Leo) and higher love (group consciousness and humanitarism//Aquarius). No doubt that the theme of Saturn’s travel in Leo will bring back into focus love, fun, generosity and also taking a look around to see if everyone is having it with the same ease. The Star of David as well as wounded healer Chiron suggest that the human heart is going to evolve toward a greater understanding of the experience of love; a new maturity in the love power seems to be put in place.
   
   
4. Leo rules love, joy, CHILDREN, creativity
   
   Saturn has been in Cancer from June 2003. As it prepares to leave we already notice indications of the coming themes that will be taken care of when it’ll be in Leo. One obvious one is CHILDREN!
   
   In Quebec, performer Natalie Simard recently made an exclusive interview on Radio-Canada television to share about her years of sexual abuse, by her career agent, going back to when she was only 11 years old. The man was arrested and put in prison months prior to her coming out. She became famous as a child and throughout her young adult life as a talented singer and performer. For quebecers this is a very touching story since they watched her growing up as an entertainer; in a way she is like everone’s child. Her story is even more troubling because we may begin to think that, perhaps, we are around children, on a daily basis, who are prisoners of the heavy secret of sexual abuse! Imagine the loneliness and powerlessness!
   
   The reason that helped Natalie finding the courage to expose her misery this way was her love for her daughter which she extended to all children. In the interview she made it clear and important for any child suffering of any form of abuse to BREAK THE SILENCE. She explained to children watching the interview that there is help, that they are not alone, that they should not continue suffering in silence. The impact of her comments created a huge wave in the following weeks; children came out to seek help!
   
   After Natalie Simard’s interview, the Minister in charge of children’s welfare in Quebec included the topic in their work for restructuration toward a more effective help, support and protection for children.
   
   As of mid-July there is a quebecois movie coming out with great publicity around it: Aurore. This is the true story of a quebecois girl, Aurore Gagnon, born in 1909 who suffered such intense physical abuse by the second wife of her father that she died from her bad treatments at the age of 11. Again the movie brings out the same message: let’s be aware of children suffering of any form of abuse and let’s help them. Saturn is about taking responsibility.
   
   Now I am reporting on what I have been aware of in Quebec (because I was born in Quebec) but you may have notice the same theme appearing in other parts of the world as well. Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie – to name only her - is talking about the condition of African children having become orphans when their parents died of AIDS, and she encourages adoption. And on, and on, and on…
   
   Let’s take a minute to really imagine what it must feel for a child to be without the basic stability and security. What can we do? We can at least sponsor a child if we can’t adopt one.
   
   On July 16th, the theme of Saturn’s journey into Leo is laid out with the Star of David and wounded healer Chiron suggesting that a lot of healing is likely to happen on the planet, with a surge of loving generosity similar to what we have seen after December 2004 tsunami in Asia. The healing of our own inner child as well as the healing of children will probably be the “top topic”. By the time Saturn is done with Leo, wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was not one single child on the planet left without a safe home, food, education, and LOVE? Let’s think about it as it will be in our face in a way or another for the coming 26 months.
   
   
5. What about people born in Leo, Taurus, Aquarius, and Scorpio?
   
   Saturn represents “father figures”, “authorities”, “teachers”, “structures”, “limitations or restrictions”, “tests”, “discipline”, “work your way through”, “your reward is the work well done, not the trophee”, “patience”, “trust or distrust”, “judgments as in having good judgment or being judgmental”.
   
   When Saturn enters the sign we were born into – here we think of all those born in Leo – we are brought back to ourself. A degree of identity crisis occurs where we need to redefine who we are from what we have become since Saturn’s last visit here. Often we become aware of a certain dissatisfaction or discontentment in the quality of our individual experience. Time to refresh or to weed our garden, sort of. It is not uncommon to feel a bit minimalist at that time. Lots of people find it helpful to go through their storage room and closets, to revisit what they have there that, perhaps, they forgot they owned. It is a good time to either give away or to do a garage sale. In discarding what is stagnant in material belongings, we also help what is stagnant within to find a new directions as well. A general feeling of rebirth or regeneration is likely to take place and off we go for another 29-30 cycle of evolution.
   
   There must be some shedding of a kind or another during Saturn’s return on one’s natal Sun. Change is inevitable and endings give way to new beginning. When a person doesn’t recognize this as a necessary step of their own evolution, there could be resistance to change. Under Saturn’s influence resisting could cause great misery and suffering. Saturn is a planet of Moksha, a Sanskrit word meaning “renunciation to desires to reach enlightenment”. If we accept and detach from what is causing us misery, miraculously we find that a state of inner peace establishes itself causing the occurrence a the delicious spiritual power called “wisdom”.
   
   At some point from July 16th, 2005, to September 2nd, 2007, Saturn will spend some time on the natal Sun of every Leo person on the planet! Indeed, it is another opportunity for you, Leo, to set the themes of who you really want to become and get busy acquiring these qualities during the 29-30 year cycle ahead. During the same period of time, Taurus, Aquarius, and Scorpio people will feel the grind as well.
   
   Taurus had Saturn in their sign from June 1998 to April 2001. That’s when they started their 29-30 year cycle which now will come to its First Quarter. For Taurus it is an opportunity for re-adjustment and restructuring. In the light of what has happened so far in the pursuit of your goals you get a chance to refresh – through sustained efforts – what is right for you. What is not right will be indicated by tremendous resistance to move on as planned. “Weed your garden” and empower only what works.
   
   Aquarius had Saturn in their sign from February 1991 to February 1994. For them this is “half way” into Saturn’s 29-30 year cycle. It is their time of climax when they can see in full light the result of what they have started then. This is a time of much awakening and maturity when they can reap the rewards of the experience acquired along the way. Now they understand better the value of pushing and working when if feels right, and to detach and let go when it is not fulfilling. Either they enjoy success or failure at this time, their priceless gift remains “experience!”, not only on the physical level of reality but also in the acquisition of self-knowledge. If they are facing success then there is great fertility in their projects; they can grow “branches” and expand meaningfully the themes of their journey.
   
   Scorpio had Saturn in their sign from December 1982 to November 1985. For them Saturn forms its Last Quarter into the 29-30 year cycle. Last Quarters are equivalent to the Winter when nature goes to rest, or to the night when the body goes to sleep. It is a time to withdraw, to become the journey, to detach, to call upon a vision for the next cycle, it is considered the most spiritual part of the journey. One doesn’t feel as eager as at the beginning; “being there, done that” so to speak. If the choices made at the beginning of the cycle were accurate, the projects are sufficiently alive and healthy to continue existing in a way that gives more freedom and time to Scorpio so they can enjoy a deeper intimacy with themselves. If on the other hand they persisted against all odds in the pursuit of inaccurate choices, this could be a time when they find themselves empty handed. Yet, there is always the choice of Moksha (renunciation and detachment to obtain enlightenment).
   
   

• September 25th, 2003, at 12-13 degrees Cancer-Capricorn
• August 10th, 2004, at 21 degrees Cancer-Capricorn
• December 26th, 2004, at 25 degrees Cancer-Capricorn
• July 16th, 2005, at 0 degrees Leo-Aquarius
• February 20th, 2006, at 6 degrees Leo-Aquarius
• June 20th, 2006, at 9 degrees Leo-Aquarius

1. In Cancer: September 10th 1912 to June 14th 1939 (with a brief brush into Leo from August 4th 1938 to February 8th 1939)
2. In Leo: June 14th 1939 to June 11th 1958 (with two brief brushes in Virgo from October 19th 1956 to January 15th 1957, and from August 19th 1957 to April 12th 1958)
3. In Virgo: June 11th 1958 to July 30th 1972 (with a brief brush into Libra from October 4th 1971 to April 16th 1972)
4. In Libra: July 30th 1971 to August 28th 1984
5. In Scorpio: August 28th 1984 to November 10th 1995
6. In Sagittarius: November 10th 1995 to November 28th 2008 (with a brief brush into Capricorn from January 27th to June 15th 2008)

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