Category: Astrology

Aquarius New Moon: During a silent hour…

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology8 Comments

Hello my readers, friends, visitors, and spiritual buddies,

                 Breathe,

                           Breathe,

We’ve got some interesting times up ahead in the next couple of weeks (and you thought they were already interesting)!  On January 30st, we’ve got the new moon in Aquarius.  On January 31st, we’ve got the celebration of the Chinese New Year. It’ll be the year of the wooden Horse. On February 2, we’ve got the festival welcoming the beginning of spring, called Imbolc (pronounced “IM-bulk” or “EM-bowlk”) or Candlemas. Finally on February 6, Mercury will go retrograde for 3 weeks–we are currently in it’s retrograde shadow.

New Moon in Aquarius

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First, let’s look at the new moon. The Sabian symbol for this new moon is, “During a silent hour, a man receives a new inspiration which may change his life.”

There’s a reflective quality to this Sabian symbol that literally directs us to sit down for meditation. The new moon is the time for planting the seeds of your intention. Pause, and sit in silence, as you are called into meditation. Take this Sabian symbol, coupled with the observant style of Aquarius, and you’ve got yourself a date with perfect quietude.             

(surrendering to sweet silence…………and hope you do too!)

If you happen to receive any messages… and you would like to share them, please do.

Moon trine Pluto in the Earth Signs: Dig? How deep?

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology, Pluto4 Comments

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It was in the process of attempting to write a new blog post for Fiesta Estrella a couple of days ago, when I realized I need to write a book. So, I am. I’ve recently begun this awesome task, and I’m letting it lead me. It requires some level of unearthing the tap root. This is quite like current planetary configuration’s theme.

Moon trine Pluto in the Earth signs: finding the root of the situation

A few keywords about what the moon represents:

nurturing, the past, the emotional body, unconscious, feminine

A few keywords about what Pluto represents:

Occult, resurrection, unearthing depth, psychology, transformation

With the moon in Virgo we have a chance to analyze the depths of things, gain deeper awareness about our physical health, and perhaps even tap into the root of our psyche with regard to our relationships (Pluto conjunct Venus). Venus is also in Capricorn, and in trine with the moon, so I consider them buddies.  Other possibilities could be a time where we can gain deep insight (Pluto) into our finances and our spending habits.  Virgo also is a supportive sign (it likes to help others, and be of service) so maybe this also a time where we are more aware of our contribution, our need to make a contribution, or our need to impact the bottom-line (Pluto) in Capricorn (business) and in Virgo (human concerns). What is the health of our finances, and could this be related to the depth of our relationships? Pluto asks us to go deeper into things—and rarely will leave any stone unturned.

You never know what may turnip?

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Sometimes this energy can be frightening to people because the Plutonian urge can be experienced as compulsive or intense (Scorpios should be very familiar with this energy, as Pluto is the modern ruler of Scorpio).  Also with Pluto is a marked capacity for resilience, not entirely unlike Capricorn, the sign Pluto has been currently residing.  The difference in Scorpio/Pluto (from Capricorn) is the depth. Capricorn relates to systems of all kinds, crystallized methods and processes. In the face of Plutonian transformation, this can leave one feeling on the verge of death—usually in terms of ‘psychological deaths.’ As one door closes and another door opens, the saying goes. This is the understanding that change and transformation is just another type of birth, or doorway to walk through. Transformation is also a re-organization of essential energies.

Photocredits:

For the shovel, is from a wonderful blog post (http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2013/04/the-eight-types-of-shovels-everyone-should-know/) by Andrew Tarantola about “The 8 types of shovels everyone should know.”

For the turnip goes to Niki Jabbour, a blogger who writes about her adventures as a professional garden writer, radio show host and obsessive veggie gardener. She’s working on her second book, check her out at: http://yearroundveggiegardener.blogspot.com/2011/02/you-say-rutabaga-i-say-turnip.html There you will find more images of turnips. The images, she says, “…are some of my beloved Hakurei turnips that mature in just 38 days!”

‘Mothering,’ January 15, 2014, Full Moon in Cancer

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology2 Comments

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Zodical Cancer as an Archetype

The archetype of Cancer is a nurturing energy that seeks to care for and protect the young ones by focusing on the “roots” of the living, and housing the growing spirit (seed) in a protective structure like a shell, or deep within the earth. Cancer is one of the 3 water elements in Western astrology. The other two are Scorpio and Pisces.

 

Water Element in Chinese Philosophy/Medicine 

In traditional Chinese medicine, winter is the season for strengthening the water element. “The Kidney Qi rules in the winter, a time when living things are contracted with cold. Like a seed deep in the cold ground, Qi is dormant, waiting for the time to sprout.”  

Water energy is a generative force in the lower belly or lower Dantian, the sea of Qi, also known as the “the golden stove.” About 3 finger widths below the belly button, this center of balance and gravity is one of the focal points for meditation and Qi Gong practice. It is said that our Prenatal (Yuang Jing) is housed in our lower Dantian, interacting with the Kidney energies and forming Kidney Jing.

“When the Kidney Qi is strong, a person is fearless, determined, and can endure many hardships in pursuit of their goals. Persevering by will power is characteristic of those with strong Kidney Qi. Longevity is also considered to be associated with healthy Kidney Qi, signified by large, elongated ear lobes, like those of the Buddha.”

“In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Kidney energy is also said to be responsible for healthy teeth, bones, and bone marrow. Because the ancient Chinese medical scholars considered the brain and spinal cord to be extensions of the bone marrow, the Kidney is thought to rule over the skeletal structure and function and, consequently, over intelligence, reason, perception, and memory.”

 

Western Astrological Correspondences

In Western Astrology, the sign of Cancer is associated with memory and the retention of water. It rules areas such as the mammary glands and the abdomen. Its complementary sign in Capricorn is associated with the structural components of life, such as bones and teeth.

During a full moon, the Sun is in the opposite sign from the Moon. Therefore, we can learn something from looking at the interaction of both archetypal signs, the signs for both the Sun and the Moon. In this case, it is the complementary (and opposite) signs of Cancer and Capricorn.  Also, looking at the Chinese traditional understanding of the water element sheds light on the existing focal point for strengthening our bodies and spirits during the season of winter.

 

Reference:

http://www.acupuncture-online.com/

http://fiveelementhealing.net/winter-the-season-of-water-element/

http://www.ichikung.com/html/dantians.php

THE SECRET LIFE OF KAREN CHRAPPA

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology2 Comments

…..loved this so much I had to re-blog…..<3….for the travelers and those experiencing New Earth.

karen chrappa's avatara structure for spirit

It seems Walter Mitty and Bees are not the only ones with secret lives; the kind where we step out of consenual reality into a dimension woven from idealistic visions and waking dreams.

As we crossed the threshold to a new year, a brief and magical glimpse from the moutaintop parted the veils between what has come before and what is to be.

It started with a computer glitch.

I was looking to book a flight from LGA to SAV on New Year’s Eve. I stared at my computer screen in stark disbelief.

$30.00?

Did I get that right?

Apparently a computer malfunction created crazy airline deals. I inadvertently stumbled into the window of opportunity.

As much as the deal saved me good money I was hauling some pretty heavy baggage so I knew I would make up the difference in pretty heavy fees.

I arrived curbside to check my…

View original post 436 more words

New Moon in Capricorn on New Year’s Day: Constructing the New Earth

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology5 Comments

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“The pottery wheel is symbolic of what he builds his ambitions on. When he feeds it a lot (“colossal” amounts) of clay, he is being ambitious.” Image and quote from Aesop Rock Lyrics page @ rapgenius.com

As I look forward to this New Year 2014, I know I am not alone. I know that there’s this whole blogging universe of conscientious people.  As I read many blogs in the blog-o-sphere, I begin to notice that I can relate to a lot of writers in ways I hadn’t even realized. It’s true; I feel most connected with those who are on a spiritual journey, especially in the context of many lifetimes, serving humanity from places of much personal and spiritual exploration.

I feel SO connected to all these beautiful-hearted people, who just like me, are sharing a bit of their experience, knowledge, and inspiration!  I see some really beautiful things happening with many co-creators who are acting from source. It’s SO exciting.

As we move into 2014, and I look at the Cardinal Cross pattern in the sky on the new moon date, January 1, 2014. I feel very much encouraged to see a time period of much forward momentum and tremendous creativity.  I feel so grateful to be part of this evolving consciousness here on Gaia – and it’s only going to get better.  These patterns are calling for dynamic change. Changes will be very purposeful as the cardinal signs indicate direction, and the grand squares, act to send us on our way…making and creating our new earth.

January mentionables:

This month has 3 different lunations. The new moon on January 1, 2014, in Capricorn, the full moon January 15, 2014 in Cancer, and the new moon on January 30, 2014 in Aquarius; all these dates are based on PST.  Throughout the new moon and the full moon Jan 1-15, there will be a cardinal cross pattern (since this occurs on New Year’s Day, this pattern sets the tone for the whole year).

If you’ve noticed the need to clean your closets, and dig deep within your relationships for the real substance, Pluto has been particularly active; with transits to Uranus and Venus, and now with the new moon on January 1st conjunct Pluto.

“Unless there’s an underlying attractor pattern, nothing can be experienced,” says Hawkins in Power vs. Force. This is a reminder while Pluto shows us our shadow side. It’s often something we project onto others – so whatever sticks, and is bothering you externally, is likely to be a part of your own psyche or energy field.

I feel like I have savvy readers and they know much of that already.

By the new moon on January 30, in Aquarius, the square between Mars and Jupiter weakens, but Venus will be conjunct Pluto, opposing Jupiter. The solstice Venus retrograde is still an active theme until the 31st. As an astrologer, I feel like I’m growing bored talking about the Uranus square Pluto transit, and I’m looking forward to the last exact square to end this pattern, March of 2015. In the meantime, we still have it active in 2014. On the super plus side, Pluto is *really* helpful with deep healing. Pluto will clear out anything that needs to see the light – and help cleanse that etheric body.

My favorite period to work with intention is a New Moon. This is potentially because I was born under a balsamic moon phase (the phase right before a new moon).  I find that the new moons are the times where silent energy patterns are woven and we are most able to affect and direct our affairs by setting intentions.  Since traditionally many will be thinking about their New Year’s resolutions at this time, I see us potentially having a more *conscious* new year – all the better for our new earth creation!

Wow! I’m just so excited and looking forward to seeing this marvelous potential play out. Each one of us is here on earth at this time to bring with us the vibrations of all that we are and have ever been. When I connect with a client, a lot of times it is about understanding that we are not here to predict the fate of our lives without sincere consideration for how our actions and expectations shape our realities. It’s imperative that we recognize our power and act accordingly. There’s something unique and purposeful here for each one of us; we are all contributors and are contributing to this new earth. Let’s be mindful and clear about it (smiley face).

So, here are my New Year wishes for you:

Have a deliciously mindful New Year, experiencing and cultivating much creativity.  Find times to reward yourself, but work consciously.  Relax and experience the satisfaction of knowing that you are already beautifully manifested, and are a necessary co-creator of the new earth—that we continuously sculpt from our actions and intentions. We are blessed to be equipped with freewill, foresight, and hindsight!  Om Nama Sivaya

Venus Retrograde: revisiting old flames, loves, and daemons

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology, Venus12 Comments

“…How I longed to be over there with you…”

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http://househistoryman.blogspot.com/2012/02/love-letter-mystery-from-capitol-hill.html

Dear Readers,

In lieu of Venus going retrograde, I thought I’d write you a letter and tell you about it. No matter what happens, I want you to know that the goddess of love is even closer to our hearts now than she is at any other time…

 

“Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.” ~Washington Irving

Venus turns and dances backwards on December 21, 2013—she’ll be doing a foxtrot for her winter solstice celebration.  Retrograding just about every 20 months or 1.6777 years, this is not a terribly uncommon style for Venus.  But just because the planet of love is reverting to her former astrological turf in the sign of Capricorn, does not mean that her love shall -in any way- wane.

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During this period, she will re-cover her retrograde shadow – last visited on November 20, 2013—at 13 degrees of Capricorn.  Check your charts. Check for other planets, midpoints, or other degrees of note at that point or by aspect to your natal chart. See if Venus left anything there for you to pick-up during her revisit from now until January 31, 2014 – for afterward, she will turn forward and proceed with dignified manner, lessons learned.

Like good jazz dances up and down the pentatonic scale, Venus was here and back, potentially making some swanky (or not so swanky) artistic moves along the way.  After all, Venus rules everything sensual – music, art, and the fine things in life. It may not be just an old flame you revisit; it could be that you are given the opportunity to get in touch with your artistic muses.

Regardless, what makes this Venus retrograde period so tantalizingly interesting and profound is that her return period takes her right back into the thrall of her Pluto mate – perhaps for one last dance—one critical opportunity to choose transformation over stagnation.

The whole idea of the goddess of beauty, Venus, dancing next to the god of the underworld, Pluto, got me thinking about how Persephone was wooed into the underworld.

“Persephone was picking flowers … but these weren’t earthly flowers … these flowers were the work of Zeus and put there for “a girl with a flower’s beauty.” The flowers were there to ensnare Persephone in a trap, a beautiful, divine trap. The trigger for the trap was an irresistible flower with one hundred stems of fragrant blossoms. When Persephone reached out with both hands to pluck the flower, the earth opened at her feet and Hades roared forth in his golden chariot and seized her before an alarm could be raised.”  http://mythagora.com/bios/persephone.html

So much for temptations.

You will be interested to know that Venus retrograde period lasts approximately 40 days and 40 nights. Does this sound familiar to you? Well, it’s very likely that it does, both Jesus and the Buddha were “tempted” and fasted during periods of 40 days and (40 nights) –and in some legends Quetzalcoatl, too!

Mara’s daughters

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Temptation of Christ

http://ericarmusik.com/temptation_christ.html

 

Venus is also known as “morning star” and “evening star.” The morning star, or the light bearer, was named Lucifer. Originally, the two different appearances of Venus, one as morning star and one as evening star, were thought to have been two separate stars. This has to do with the perception of Venus based on its planetary orbit in relationship to the Sun. http://www.universetoday.com/22570/venus-the-morning-star/

It’s interesting to see how the period of temptation (40 days of Venus retrograde) aligns with a planetary body originally named Lucifer, only later to be associated with satan or the devil. More on that Lucifer name, here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucifer

In classical literature, daemons (a term not always negative) were benign beings of inspirational nature. They could even be spirit guides. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daemon_(classical_mythology)

 

Venus retrograde may be a time for temptation and for old demons visiting, but it also just may be a time to explore what value we obtain from stories and myths, a time to consider what really inspires us and urges us to make music, write poetry, or make a painting.  At best, these “temptations” that attempt to break us from our higher natures, also serve—once conquered—to strengthen our bond with those drives and motives that go beyond the senses. That is, it is actually by the hand of temptation that we come to seek spirituality, God, and the clarity of reason as a means for our redemption. Remember, in the words of Shakespeare,

 

“Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind. And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.” 

Love always,

Ka Malana

 

Gemini Full Moon: Perceiving ease and grace during challenging times

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Aspects, Astrology, GeminiLeave a comment

December 17, 2013 ; 1:28am PST/convert to timezone

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Artwork from Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/61856610/butterfly-print-monarch-girl-wall-art?ref=market; Please consider visiting the artist’s site.

Before I write about the upcoming full moon in Gemini, I wanted to share some facts about butterflies.

I’ve highlighted a few here:

Facts about butterflies

1). Butterflies drink from mud puddles

2). They cannot live without their mouths, and they are born without their mouths fully formed (in 2 pieces).

3). They are cold-blooded, and cannot fly when it’s too cold. When it’s below 55 degrees, they are rendered immobile.

4). “A newly emerged butterfly can’t fly.
Inside the chrysalis, a developing butterfly waits to emerge with its wings collapsed around its body. When it finally breaks free of the pupal case, it greets the world with tiny, shriveled wings. The butterfly must immediately pump body fluid through its wing veins to expand them. Once its wings reach full-size, the butterfly must rest for a few hours to allow its body to dry and harden before it can take its first flight.” http://insects.about.com/od/butterfliesmoths/a/10-facts-butterflies.htm

Now about that Full Moon:

Here’s the chart drawn for San Diego, where the ascendant will be in Libra.

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The red lines, those are squares. A square is a 90 degree, challenging aspect between two planetary bodies; in astrology, this includes the sun and the moon. A challenging aspect is one that can cause anxiety, but also creativity. There are a lot of these squares in this full moon chart! Energy can spawn action and and bring expansion, and when it gets “bunched” up like it does in a square aspect, it’s like there’s a kink in the hose of energy flow. That kink builds and builds and finally there needs to be a release.  A release can be anything you want it to be, but mostly it’s what happens naturally based upon your experiences up until now.

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The squares

Jupiter in Cancer squares Uranus in Aries, Uranus in Aries squares Pluto in Capricorn, Pluto in Capricorn squares Mars in Libra. Mars in Libra squares the Sun in Sagittarius.

The oppositions

An opposition is also considered a challenging aspect in astrology. The energy can get stuck in duality and polarity.

The oppositions: Pluto in Capricorn is opposite Jupiter in Cancer. The full moon in Gemini is opposite Sun conjunct Mercury in Sagittarius.

How to survive

I think right now, the best thing to do is to just ride the energy. Ride it like you are at a rodeo, and you are determined to stay on-board. But, in case you don’t… just brush yourself off, take whatever moments you need in peace and silence, and get right back up there again.

Ease and Grace

I shared some facts about the butterfly because it’s a beautiful creature from our perspective as humans. It’s EASY to see the BEAUTY and GRACE in the butterfly, and make all sorts of lovely metaphors about butterflies. But, let’s use these facts to illustrate all the hard work that butterflies do in order to exist as the beautiful creatures we perceive them to be, full of grace, ease and movement. To be a wind-rider requires skill and dexterity. That’s something to appreciate any season 😉

May you all have what you need this holiday season! Many blessings, and much aloha from my heart to yours.

The planet Jupiter: Guru & Teacher, Nelson Mandela

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology, Jupiter, Sagittarius5 Comments

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Leader and Teacher

Nelson Mandela has passed away today. He left us a legacy of wisdom, beyond any words.

The voice of Sagittarius manifests as optimism. Nelson Mandela had both Sagittarius Ascendant and North Node.

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http://www.astro.com/astro-databank/Mandela,_Nelson

 “I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.”  ― Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom: Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

I want to spend a little time and attention on Jupiter just now. In astrology, Jupiter is the ruler of Sagittarius. He’s the guru and teacher – a benefactor. He helps us to make use of knowledge (his complement on the zodiacal dial is Gemini, knowledge).  Jupiter is wisdom, and is pretty relevant right now. We’ve got the Sun and Mercury transiting in the sign of Sagittarius (per the tropical zodiac).

The word “guru” means to remove ignorance, or darkness. Guru is a benefactor by helping to support that which leads to the enlightenment of the student. A teacher arrives when the student is ready, they say. I say *also* that the teacher lives in you, and assumes external manifestations as the student realizes itself as the teacher. This is important, for the student to see the teacher outside of himself first – this part of the process is not to be skipped, for this is how we realize our ideal.

Sagittarius has a special understanding for nature…

Nelson Mandela on the nature of leadership:

 “When you want to get the cattle to move in a certain direction, you stand at the back with a stick and then you get a few of the cleverer cattle to go to the front and move in the direction that you want them to go. The rest of the cattle follow the few more energetic cattle in the front, but you are really guiding them from the back. Nelson Mandela then added: That is how a leader should do his work.”

“We have laid the foundation for a better life. Things that were unimaginable a few years ago have become everyday reality. I belong to the generation of leaders for whom the achievement of democracy was the defining challenge.” — Speech to Parliament in Cape Town, March 26, 1999

With his sun in the sign of Cancer, he acted as guru to the whole consciousness of the human family, centering his energy strongly at home working for freedom from apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela helped guide people through truth and reconciliation (healing) out of the ignorance and darkness of apartheid.

“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” — Statement at the opening of his defense in the Rivonia treason trial, April 20, 1964.

His chart’s ruling planet Jupiter (Guru) is currently transiting his solar home sign in Cancer – just as a hero/leader/guru returns home beyond the veil of the material plane. May he be eternally in peace.

Photo credits are from http://www.voicesfromhaiti.com/2013/07/nelson-mandelas-gift-written-by-irmina-ulysse/. Please see the link in honor of his birthday. A day when humanity was given a tremendous gift through his life and his deep and enduring wisdom.

The “Do It Yourself” Lunation: Be your own teacher

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology, Sagittarius, Uranus7 Comments

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 Artwork by Pridescrossing, available at http://pridescrossing.deviantart.com/art/Reach-For-The-Stars-286706760

Sun conjunct Moon in Sagittarius trine Uranus in Aries. December 3, 2013 UT 00:23 in @ Sagittarius 10.59

Sagittarius has this special ability to follow a star. A star can be a hope or a vision, and it can also be an unknown destination. It is an inspired direction, much more than an urge. Compared to the other fire signs,  it’s not like an Aries-type impulse, and it doesn’t have the Leo-type leading style. Sagittarius is the adventurer, the one who throws caution into the wind, because breaking free of the world, and being spontaneously oneself while seeking the divine is a necessity–the only true necessity.  Sagittarius doesn’t look back to see who follows.

Sagittarius knows that there’s something bigger “out there,” something inextricably worth the journey.  What Sagittarius understands better than any other sign is that “experience is the teacher.” You will learn as you go, just follow the signs.

Because there is a part of the centaur that is wild and untamed–and Sagittarius is the centaur–here is in Sagittarius, the representation of a being who traverses at least two worlds. One world is wed with instinct, and the other is embedded in reason. This is a powerful combination of innate talent and perception. It is a true recipe for the visionary and explorer – equipped with the talent, the vigor, and the courage to complete the quest, to recover and to uphold the divine mystery.

A true Olympian on one hand, and an epicurean on the other…Sagittarius is super sagacious about human problems and yet so completely unbothered by any mundane affairs, preferring either to contemplate expansive questions about the meaning of life – or toss out a good laugh about the absurdity of it all.

This new moon is perfect for letting loose and experimenting with building new traditions. If you’d thought of jazzing up your holiday celebrations this year in new ways, this moon will help you hitch your wagon to a star, and plan out something enjoyable for an eclectic group (Uranus). If you’re missing loved ones this year, you may find it easier to connect with them by looking up at the stars, and feeling his or her presence in your heart. If you just aren’t “feeling it” this year, then this new moon can help you to let go of trying, and just ease into whatever it is that you really do feel–with no need to push, or go beyond what is true for you.

However this new moon manifests for you in your life (and in your natal chart), Sagittarius offers up the possibility to see a chance and take it – to connect with something seemingly distant and beyond ourselves, and at the same time that which is deeply within.

Uranus square Pluto is activated. These are the times we are in.

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology, Pluto, Uranus8 Comments

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                This is the current planetary configuration. Bare with me, it is more than a mouthful: Moon conjunct Jupiter in Cancer, which is opposite Venus conjunct Pluto square Uranus in Capricorn. (by the time I finish this, the moon will be in loose conjunction with Jupiter—hopefully)

I’ve been writing a bit about how Uranus square Pluto is a major planetary transit (a longer term cycle) that is revolutionizing our culture (the world’s culture).  I’ll briefly elucidate, but first: An aspect is formed by at least two bodies or mathematical points of value in an astrological chart. You know, like in music, you need a couple of notes in unison to define a chord.  Well in astrology, you need at least two to form an aspect. You can also think about geometry.  In geometry you need two points to make a line, or a straight line joining the ends of an arc. Think of an aspect as a line between two points that may be connected loosely, or fairly taut—varying degrees of tension. Now imagine a line where both ends are getting pulled but neither end is gaining, and the string still doesn’t break.  What you have with this square is a “push-pull” feel to it.  With the push-pull energy, we’ve generated a lot of energy, like a sort of gravitational potential energy.

What’s being pushed/pulled you might ask? (Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn)

So the individual energies that I’ll discuss, as the signs, are undergoing a period of what I call renegotiation, but with a deadline.  With the square, there’s a sense of urgency, and what we are talking about is a revolution from 2012-2015, a revolution, literally, that just keeps us working on certain energy-patterns, or planetary themes.  This is our collective work, to ascend the stairs of 7 exact squares. Aside from that longer-term collective job, we have our own individual relationship to the current transiting planetary configurations, and those were established at the time of our birth. That said, let’s stick just a few more moments with the basic story before we go into sub-stories (I’d need to study your chart to look at your personal stories, anyways). For now, I’m going to continue with the Uranus/Pluto square.

First, Capricorn is the sign of worldliness, it relates to the values that the world holds at large, and here’s a laundry list of terms associated with Capricorn: serious, businesslike, tried-n-true, dealing with the public image, discipline, anything associated with the planet Saturn, the sign’s ruler. It’s not really an endless list, but there are some specific key terms that you’ll see on repeat no matter where you go to look for Capricorn key terms. After a while, you internalize them and sometimes, as with any language, you develop your own special relationship to the meaning of those words and start to work with nuance. We are not talking about nuance here. Not now.

Ok, so Pluto, the once-called-planet and symbol of underworld destroyer or as I like to say, “Provocateur of deep transformation” is transiting the sign of Capricorn which is the structure of government, business, policy – you know from the previous paragraph—Capricorn stuff.

Moving right along we’ve got the planet Uranus that stands for everything nouveau, advent garde (seems I can’t find a suitable English word). Uranus is referred to as “the awakener,” by many astrologers. Imagine a gong, or a bell rang in the middle of your meditation. The Tibetans have some really nice examples of crashing sounds to awaken your mind from any form of drifting from the present moment. Also with Uranus, think of the Tesla-type of person (Uranus is in charge of electricity), think of another inventor, Elon Musk. Elon Musk has Aries rising—with Uranus in the 7th angular house. Houses of angularity (1, 4, 7, 10 are the major defining points of the chart).

Shall I not digress, I will proceed with a brief mention of the sign Aries. Aries is the fire and the force of starting all things, spring comes into action by a seemingly spontaneous process. Aries is a good placement for Uranus, for in Aries, Uranus is said to be exalted. The essence of Aries is ME!  I AM, ME!  So you have the individual struggling for existence, fighting back for the RIGHT to not be consumed by huge corporations that swallow individuals whole after gutting them of all their money and talents—inspiration and essence. You have the growth of entrepreneurs, and people looking to the “flame” or Aries fire, the spark of spirit to guide them back into a meaningful experience on Earth (if perchance they have danced away from the life-breath of the flame of their own inspired life).

Finally, the sub-stories:

Transiting Venus conjunct Pluto will activate the Uranus/Pluto square but by adding an additional theme of love relationships, transforming values, possessions, and deeper experiences of beauty. If your birth chart shows planetary squares from Venus to Saturn or other uncomfortable aspects (which I shall not go into here) you likely *feel* it now, especially your trials with relationships and experiences with money over the holiday season. Just remember, this is another opportunity to transform this challenging energy into constructive energy. The key with square is to *use creativity.* The square’s dynamic forces us to find a constructive outlet… otherwise, you’ve got the old, karmic routine.

Jupiter conjunct moon in Cancer is also activating the Uranus/Pluto square (this is why I spend so much more time on the larger theme of the story—it’s getting activated), the experience of Jupiter (abundance) alongside the experience of Moon (emotions, past, family) brings embellishment, this can be overwhelming or fulfilling, but the energy of Jupiter brings expansion to longer lasting experience of Uranus/Pluto square. That is, Jupiter will expand or make larger anything it is “seen with” in the sky.

One theory of why astrology works + some thoughts

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology, Read Me First1 Comment

Hello everyone 🙂

Astrology still remains by the mainstream a largely controversial topic, and it is greatly misunderstood. I thought it’d help to share Das Gorvani’s theory about, “The Physics of Astrology,” by linking to it here. This is just one theory, one that this man worked on developing to explain the physics for astrology.

Throughout the years, I’ve really found astrology to be a valuable tool for introspection–and, by consulting astrological charts throughout the years, it has lent itself to practical value.

I believe that what is beneath it all is tied up with existing metaphysical questions (and nowadays quantum physical questions, too) about consciousness, spirituality, and the design or “not-design” of the universe. I think free-will and not-free-will can exist simultaneously, simply depends on what we are talking about and if we have symbolic language to describe the phenomena.

Enjoy this. For me, “the truth is out there.” If physics can overcome the time travel paradoxes, I’d be happy to enjoy some time chatting with Kepler. I continue to be amazed by how well astrology works as a developmental tool and in understanding one’s own consciousness and connections with others, regardless.

I’m also “chewing on” this article in Stanford’s Encyclopedia of Philosophy called, “Quantum Approaches to Consciousness.” First published Tue Nov 30, 2004; substantive revision Tue Jun 2, 2015. As a person who is also studying Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM), it’s of interest to me to one day understand how consciousness and acupuncture work from a physics standpoint; it is certainly not a prerequisite to practicing it and experiencing the benefic results.

I don’t think that we can understand consciousness until we have a unified theory in physics. Still, we may never understand consciousness.

(if you received this via email newsletter, you will need to click on the link to see the video)

November 17, 2013, Taurus Full Moon, Relationships, Art

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology, Taurus4 Comments

 

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Image credits:  Candlelight and Wine, by Ralph Hocker, Acrylic ― 11″ x 14″ www.sevenlivelyartists.com/hocker.html

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ARIADNE, VENUS AND BACCHUS BY TINTORETTO (1518-1594)

“Beautiful colors can be bought in the shops on the Riato, but good drawing can only be bought from the casket of the artist’s talent with patient study and nights without sleep.”   ~ Tintoretto   (such is the tenacity of Saturn and the depth of Pluto, influencing this full moon)

As I sit to write about the full moon in Taurus on November 17, 2013 PST at 7:16am and UT 15:16, I’m savoring some wonderful aspects. Mercury is trine Neptune after just turning direct in the sky on the 11th, providing forward momentum in the mental clarity department. Mercury and Neptune are conjunct the North Node (the future direction), and so some of the fog and uneasiness of the solar eclipse experience is lifting. Also, Neptune will be turning direct on the 14th of the month—bringing some “AHA” moments and spiritual insights during a time of continued dramatic and dynamic change (Uranus square Pluto).

*Sigh* Taurus is an energy for sensuality.  It is the experience of the material world of the senses, of the sounds, of tastes, the smells, and the touches. It is the ability to savor a thing or two.

Sure, we still have Saturn conjunct the Sun, keeping us busy working and keeping us from indulging too much (Taurus). Saturn is, however, sending super-friendly trine vibes to Pluto/Venus (which are currently side-by-side), Jupiter, and Mars at the full moon. I try to remind everyone that Saturn isn’t “the bad guy.” In this case, Saturn is still keeping things strong while other planetary actors are involved in some ruckus. Whenever Venus is aspected like it is, relationships are effected.In this case, it looks like relationships are being re-arranged. With Venus square Uranus, the keyword is WEIRD.

Huge transformations in the relationships department–not just romantic, these are transformations that are long overdue and likely to be long-lasting.  Mars in Virgo is where to put the energy, into exercise, work, and analysis. Virgo symbolizes the mentality, using discretion and clarity. It is also an earth sign which goes so nicely with our earthy Taurus full moon. One way or another, this full moon will stir your senses to eat, decorate, and/or make love. ~maybe even desire chocolate 🙂 Taurus (by itself) is a lazy energy, a slow moving and reliable sort of settle-down-and-get-cozy, energy. It’s a good time to write poetry, enjoy music, savor good cooking, and take in all the smells of autumn…

Solar Eclipse in Scorpio, November 3, 2013: Aglow in the Dark

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology, Scorpio2 Comments

camel eclipse boston globe photography

In astrology a solar eclipse is considered stronger than a new moon. It is still a new moon though, and has similar astrological meaning in the sense that it is about planting a seed for something new, for something yet to come. Historically, a solar eclipse brought fear, especially in areas where it is can be seen, for temporarily there is an obscuring of one body of light in the presence of another. Not just any light, but that of the sun: the most necessary and important light of all. Eclipses generally corresponded to big events and turning points in people’s lives – not unlike a rite of passage. Also, astrologically speaking, eclipses have a wider range of impact than a new or full moon, and can be felt up to a week or more before and after the eclipse date. I’ve heard astrologers quote longer time periods as well.

This solar eclipse is taking place in the sign of Scorpio. The sign that has everything to do with espionage and subterfuge, maybe this is why we have a lot of news right now internationally regarding the spying that the U.S. has been doing. 

The Sabian Symbol for Scorpio 12 is, “an official embassy ball.” According to Nicholas Devore’s, Encyclopedia of Astrology this is a degree of business. Well, perhaps this is a ball by sheer number, not so much celebratory. It definitely points to a lot of movement among international dignitaries, not too cheery.

What strikes me about this solar eclipse chart is the series of trines (120 degrees) which show a lot of zippy energy into the Scorpio Eclipse (Sun/Moon). This sort of aggrandizes, or jacks up what’s happening here in the sign of the scorpion. Also, Jupiter, the planet of abundance is also a symbol for pomp and regalia –he will be retrograding on November 7th, introverting any assumed air of entitlement.

The Neptune-involved T-square aspect at the full moon in Taurus on November 17, communicates back to this Solar eclipse that there’s something removed from reality about the Neptune in Pisces trine sun/moon conjunction in Scorpio. There’s a bit of shock about it all, or confusion about “why’s this happening?” Some ideal is being unmet, or unseen. There’s some muddy water surrounding it, illusions (Neptune). More will be revealed at the Full Moon, or at least, what’s going on will become clearer then. Neptune undraws lines. But, lines will still be drawn.

Saturn is conjunct the Sun during this solar eclipse on the 3rd. Themes of father, fatherhood, authority, the establishment, and constraints on time come up. There is also awareness of discipline needed to reach goals and navigate intensity surrounding the eclipse. This is Saturn speaking to those well-trained. Otherwise, it’s like black paint’s been smeared all over your new blueprints – push-back onto old habits and structures. Perhaps the new blueprints aren’t ready until they are fully tested. Like, how well did you have them memorized? Can you redo them?

Yod

Another notable aspect of the solar eclipse chart is Uranus’s yod Aspect. A yod is also referred to as the “finger of god,” and it sometimes gets distinction with astrologers as an “aspect of fate.” Essentially what it is is an arrow pointing to one planet that marks it as the point of adjustment between two other planets, which form quincunxes (150 degrees) to it. The two planets are sextile (60 degrees) to each other. So, taking all 3 points together, it looks like a long, skinny piece of pie. The tip of the pie, the part that would touch the pie’s center, that’s where the yod points to –the adjustment point.

In this case, in the solar eclipse chart, you have Uranus in Aries at the adjustment point. Mars in Virgo (point 1) and the Sun/Moon eclipse (point 2) both quincunx Uranus in Aries (point 3). Generally speaking, let’s look at the U.S. healthcare plan. The website for the healthcare program (Mars in Virgo) needs a lot of work if it’s going to revolutionize (Uranus) how individuals get insurance coverage (Scorpio deals with the insurance stuff, and loans, and taxes). In fact, the key to making this whole new healthcare system work is the internet/technology (Uranus) facilitating its start (Aries). The yod (the finger of god) points to Uranus.

The “Finger of God” aspect sounds pretty dramatic when taken by itself, but there are bigger or longer patterns in effect. Uranus is involved in the ‘Uranus square Pluto’ transit lasting until 2015, which is part of the larger Uranus/Pluto cycle which started with the conjunction back in 1966.

Uranus/Pluto

Scorpio is ruled by Pluto. Pluto continues to be in and out of exact square aspect with Uranus up until 2015, with another exact square on November 1, 2013, 3:30 PDT (Rx Uranus in Aries @ 9’26’’ and Pluto Direct at 9’26’’ Capricorn). The history of this Uranus/Pluto cycle began with the conjunction of the planets on January 7, 1966. That’s when Uranus and Pluto were side by side, in the sign of Virgo. We are talking about a 138 year Uranus/Pluto cycle here, ending at the beginning of the next one, in 2104 in the sign of Taurus. What we are currently experiencing is a square. A square is a tough aspect, it creates friction, hardship, and requires some creativity, some testing. We’re dealing with the square part of the cycle for about 4 years, from 2012-2015. Personally, I prefer a square to the quincunx. The quincunx looks like nothing is happening but the energy is all frustrated (which can run amok). With the square, at least something is happening, there are sparks, and it’s creative.

A solar eclipse in the sign that is ruled by Pluto is gonna bring on this pattern with greater potency, especially since an exact square of Uranus/Pluto is within 2 days of the Scorpio Eclipse. This should make for a very interesting and particularly ghoulish Halloween. Have some fun with it. Dress up like your alter ego or something, bring some levity and some treats, everyone will appreciate that. Be careful with the caramel in the candied apple – that could ruin some teeth!

Breakthrough

Scorpio is all about the urge to merge. But it’s also the kind of energy that wants to destroy itself, to get so entirely consumed with the intensity of the object of desire that it transforms its own very essence. This is Scorpio’s gift: transformation. This is really about the phoenix rising from the ashes, something so innate, where purging is the process that brings growth; it’s the dark and sometimes ugly stuff that really, really creates the fuel for the happy, pretty things in life.

I see a lot of breakthroughs in this solar eclipse not the kind of outward progress than can be seen in the news, but the kind of under-the-layers (Scorpio) unseen breakthroughs.
There’s a small theme that starts now with Mars in Virgo opposite Neptune in Pisces, looking ahead at the full moon in Taurus on November 17, I see that Mars in Virgo will get some kind of props for a job well done. For those who assert (Mars) themselves in assisting others (Virgo) to help get things in order, to develop practical methods for actualizing Neptune (ideals, utopia). In Virgo, being “right” is relinquished for being truly helpful. Utilize reasoning rightfully now.

I said this before with Saturn’s presence and since the planet is such a major player (the ruler of Pluto occupied Capricorn right now, and conjunct solar eclipse), it’s still very valid. Maintain the focus, keep the discipline, and use the quickly flowing, uninterrupted trine energy to release some pressure valves in your life. Find protected areas to blow off some steam, and channel any mobilized energy into financial and joint pursuits. Consider your insurance policies carefully, and order your affairs. Basically, Scorpio helps us look deeply –I mean to look really deeply into just about, well, Anything…even into things apparently ‘not there.’