Category: Astrology

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse, October 18, 2013

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Aries, Astrology4 Comments

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I’m looking at the chart for the full moon lunar eclipse on October 18, 2013 @ 23:37 UT and 3:37 PM PDT. I see a lot of hot energy. Not only is the full moon in Aries, the super-firey 1st sign of the zodiac, but the Sabian symbol for this full moon is full of energy too. Jupiter is in square aspect to the full moon which is opposite the North Node. This energy is for expansion. We need this energy to move forward, just like Aries- the starter of the zodiac- wants to move.

Jupiter is sitting in the sign of Cancer, home and domesticity, real-estate, also cooking, gardening, and nurturing, motherly energy. Jupiter is hooking up with transiting Mercury in Scorpio, planet of thinking and flexibility in the sign of shared resources and joint ventures (Scorpio). I’m so optimistic about Jupiter’s presence here (after all, it’s the planet of abundance). In traditional astrology, Jupiter (even when not in harmonious aspect with another planet) has a good reputation.  Jupiter wants to help you envision a greater vision for your life.

Let’s take a look at the Sabian Symbol for Aries 26: “A Man, possessed of more gifts than he can hold.” This image certainly reinforces Jupiter’s abundance and brings us to see a lot of creativity at home, lots of proverbial ‘irons in the fire’ and multiplicity of talents, unopened gifts. Since this picture on its own can be interpreted as ‘too much at once,’ let’s look at the Sabian Symbol for Libra 26. This Sabian symbol (same degree of Libra as the full moon in Aries) shows how the sun has progressed from its point at the new moon, when the sun and moon were conjunct (side by side). At the full moon, the sun is opposite the moon and represents a balancing point (even more so in Libra).

Libra 26: “An eagle and a large white dove turning into one another.”  We have it here folks – the way forward is to recognize *both* the eagle and the dove. Acceptance is its own gift, for the teacher (eagle) is the one who brings insight for peace (dove). In Roman mythology, the eagle carries Jupiter’s thunderbolts (Zeus to the Greeks). The dove’s coos symbolize patience and kindness – be at peace.

I’m confident that the quincunx presented at the new moon causing discomfort and the need for recognizing adjustment by conflicting planetary urges (planetary energies involved with Uranus) will start to show us some creative solutions – or changes to our thinking and communication (Mercury) which is pretty much as good as anything external changing.

A lunar eclipse traditionally has longer affects than a full moon without the eclipse.  The November 3rd Solar eclipse will follow, and that chart has a lot of fun aspects to talk about. Easier energies on the way in that chart! Just about all our eggs will be in the Scorpio basket by then. So pay attention to who you are teamed up with! You may not want to do some of this alone. Scorpio is the sign of sharing assets (and liabilities).

For now (October 18th eclipse), there’s always room for optimism when Jupiter is involved – no matter how much dirt the Uranus transit is kicking up in Aries. In fact, the Aries lunar eclipse will be more cordial with Uranus since it’s in the same sign – could also mean double the impact–>more unpredictable, out-of-the-blue, “weird” Uranian happenings.

From now and through November, tend to your inner fire, make constructive use of your drive and ambition – let it be focused on yourself (such as Aries would have it anyways, as Aries doesn’t really draw up such distinctions, but is more a primal force). Mars will be playing a strong role for a little while since it’s trine Pluto in Capricorn, trine the eclipse full moon, and Mars rules Aries.

The energy of Aries is about the head – the front of the body. Think of the phrase, “jumping in head first.” It’s gonna give you initiative, starts, and sparks. It is not the staying power of other signs. Cancer (where Jupiter is right now) is a water sign and Aries is fire sign, normally these signs don’t sit at the dinner table together without much ado. Give them a good subject to discuss so they can channel their energies together and not cause too much squabbling. They are both cardinal signs indicating the need to take a direction.

Uranus will be quincunx Saturn in Scorpio, indicating that our inspired solutions and some of our very awesome individual ideas, our need for freedom, may not be too easy to influence others, or to ‘breakthrough’ just yet. Attempts will be challenged by the dictates of the current structures (and really of our own past self making).

Nevertheless, the Sun trines Neptune (harmonious angle) and this gives us a transcendant, graceful aspect of spiritual help: if you can ask for it, and are open to receiving it. This can be in the form of compassion, art, or channeled information. Neptunian energy is angelic and psychic, tied to sign of Pisces.

Finally, let’s finish with a note about all Saturn’s hard work. Saturn is really holding everything together for everybody. Saturn is trine Neptune. Saturn is also conjunct the North Node, conjunct Mercury, and trine Jupiter and Pluto. These are all very nice aspects for Saturn, so if you show discipline in whatever your aims, a certain non-dramatic “stick-to-it-ive-ness” will reverberate in your favor.

Image from ilikewallpaper.net

New moon in Libra: Plato’s Cave

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology, Libra6 Comments

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October 4th, 2013

This new moon picture will keep us busy. It occurs on October 4th at 5:35 PST. There are some major players, especially the planet Uranus, which I will discuss here.  The new moon occurs in the sign of Libra at 11 degrees 57 minutes, read as Sabian Symbol for Libra 12 (see Sabian Symbol website linked in my other blog entries to see how Sabian Symbols are given, or google it 🙂  )

“Miners emerging from a mine.”

Emerging from the mine, things don’t look the same. The environment, in the daylight, looks different. It’s time to see what’s behind the shadows.  This is not unlike leaving Plato’s cave. When in Plato’s Cave, people mistake that which is real with that which is the shadow cast by the real. “The prisoners may learn what a book is by their experience with shadows of books. But they would be mistaken if they thought that the word “book” refers to something that any of them has ever seen.” (Cohen 2006)

Let’s look at the aspects:

This new moon is opposite Uranus in Aries. The experience can be unsettling for some and provocative and interesting for others. Anything Uranus touches brings an electrical charge and the opportunity for insight or inspiration – arriving like an unexpected bolt of lightning.  Looking at the Nodes of the moon (which reflects our social networks and the directional aspect of our soul’s past and future or “fate”), the North Node quincunx shows that some transitions during this lunation will be uncomfortable, requiring adjustment by both parties involved in the way personal themes like security and individual needs bring and resist changes in existing relationships, as well as how to establish new relationships based on these themes.

Of course, Uranus is also squaring Pluto (our big transit that everyone is talking about, until 2015) bringing tremendous and sometimes swift transformation – also described as “the shift.” During this lunation, Uranus is also in square aspect with Jupiter in Cancer. I wouldn’t be surprised if issues from the past come up around nurturing and parenthood, because belief systems (Jupiter) are getting energized by the grand square aspect this lunation. Also of note but not directly related to the aspects involved with the new moon is the quincunx between Uranus and Mercury conjunct North Node. Individuals who usually act on impulse or inspiration (Uranus in Aries) may need to adjust their communications (Mercury) within social circles, considering carefully what they say regarding money, sex, and yes… taxes (N.Node in Scorpio).

In sum, there’s more tension than usual, and it’s in the stars. It will pass. Don’t base too many long term decisions on this time frame or lunation. If the forward  movement of your life feels like it’s getting snagged on some edges, well, that’s because this time period is available for you to figure out *what* and *where* you are snagged so that you can modify both your perception and your expression enough to get your messages across more smoothly. These snags are ultimately meant to propel you, once the necessary modifications are made (and this could have to do with the other party or parties involved). So just kind of “wait it out,” use the tension that’s building at this time for the right point of expression – once the best time becomes available.  In the meantime, my guidance says, keep your direction in your heart, and have confidence in that knowing.

September 19, 2013 Full Moon in Pisces: Harvest Moon

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology, Pisces, VirgoLeave a comment

The Sabian Symbol for this lunation is Pisces 27: “A Harvest Moon”

The full moon takes place at 4:13A (PDT) and 7:13A (EDT)

The theme is about the collective and social dynamics of working together. What does that mean? Pisces/Virgo is the harmonizing axis for intuition, compassion, practicality, and being of service (not to be confused with servitude!).

Noticing at this lunation that we have some other challenging or “creativity-making” astrological aspects (cardinal cross, transiting Saturn conjunct Venus transiting the north node) let us be mindful of what we have worked for and created, envisioned, and have some gratitude for that process, and recognize our ability to make a difference. To BE a difference in the health and well-being of us all.

Virgo/Pisces

This is where we make God (with a capital ‘G’) come to earth through our own actions of service and of love. Recognizing the need for more patience in the world (be more patient), lending a hand (hold the door for someone), lending your ear, or your shoulder- without the brownie points – because no one saw you, because you love someone 🙂

With Virgo/Pisces in balance, a person just doesn’t go out looking for a cause, or looking for someone else to have a problem they can solve, a person sees that it’s the tiny little assistance that makes all the difference in the experience for most of us. It’s the connecting. You can even hold courage for someone, hold faith, and hold confidence in them. The best way of helping sometimes is to let someone do something by themselves and let them find the courage within. So compassion and service expresses in many ways.

Employed or not, physically capable or not (sick or healthy), everyone is contributing to the vision (Pisces) of humanity. That means that everyone is working!! If you don’t realize the impact you already making, then you can’t make an impact! It is our collective efforts that bring health, healing, vision, and purpose to the planet.

Look around, a lot of people are really trying their best. Both Virgo and Pisces make the difference on earth, molding and envisioning, like the mutable water and clay they represent being earth and water signs. High intuition, vision, and the culmination of things made real. It’s so necessary for us to look outside with compassion – and hold it within, too. There’s but a hair of a difference between us all…

Saturn conjunct Venus in Scorpio: Serious

This aspect makes relationships less demonstrative, and more serious. Saturn brings business wherever he goes. He’s the teacher, Chronos, father-time. Saturn restricts us so that we learn things like discipline and determination, even self-determination. Venus is money, values, relationships. Saturn can stifle or be too rigid, authoritative, or overly critical about anything he touches. Saturn can also *stabilize* and bring security to anything he touches. Saturn appears when someone’s in it for the “long-haul” or the long term picture.

A conjunction is about the energies of both Venus and Saturn being infused with one another ~as with all conjunctions, the energy acts in unison but not always on the same note, if yah know what I mean 😉 ~ Sometimes these energies don’t blend well in our lives, but when they do blend well, effort (and sometimes struggle) materializes into form or reward (Venus, money, Bravo!, positive-feelings). The last time that Venus was conjunct Saturn was at the end of November, last year, 2012, in the sign of Scorpio. The next time that Venus will be in conjunction with Saturn will be the end of November 2014 in Scorpio. After that, Saturn enters Sagittarius, in December, 2014. Saturn will not transit Scorpio again for another 28-30 years. If you’ve heard of Saturn’s return, you’ll know that a Saturn cycle is roughly that time frame. Following the Venus/Saturn cycle in Scorpio, is a Venus/Saturn cycle in Sagittarius. Since Saturn is the “slower moving” (further away from Earth) planet, it occupies the sign for a longer period of time. Therefore, its effects are longer lasting.

New Moon in Virgo

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology, Virgo1 Comment

 

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Photo by Ka Malana

New Moon in Virgo

Time to set goals, and make some plans!

We’ve got this wonderful new moon on September 5th, 2013 at 13° 4′ 21″ Virgo.

7:36 am EDT

6:36 am CDT

5:36 am MDT

4:36 am PDT

 

There’s nothing like nice, clean, earthy energy to help us get going on our tasks, releasing the heat of the summer (ever so slowly) and preparing for autumn. If you are looking to change your diet, improve your nutrition habits, start a new exercise regime, or just develop better habits, this new moon will support you. Get out some paper and a pen and write a list of your goals. Use this moon cycle to initiate whatever your chosen endeavor to be more healthy and whole. Be as detailed as necessary – just enough to make your vision tangible and real. Watch for any tendencies to overwork or be overly critical about your plans or outcomes during this moon cycle, and then just return your focus to your breath.

 

If you did your due diligence, you already wrote down your goals, so let go of your grasp on the outcome. Definitely utilize this time to start shaping your ambitions – 2 1/2 days before and after the new moon. Virgo is the sign of discretion. Target what is productive and release what is unproductive.

 

The Sabian Symbol for this new moon is “A Family Tree.”

 

Beneath the tree, its trunk and its branches, is a system of organization—the tree’s roots. These roots draw up nutrients from the water and soil and provide nourishment. At the base of it is connectedness, rootedness. This allows for the tree to move and sway in the wind without breaking or leaving the ground. Virgo is a mutable sign – flexible and changeable.

 

Be settled and moveable at the same time, just like a tree.

 

Trees have families, too! Up in the Northern California, where I used to live, the Redwoods all networked together underground, finding their rootedness – their stability—with each other.

 

Take a lesson from the tree, and see how you organize your roots underground. What supports you? All families run deep into the past and are legacies of achievement and success otherwise we wouldn’t be standing here today at all. I encourage you, this new moon, to really use active meditation for driving your roots deep down into the earth and connecting with the center of this planet.

Conceptualizing Astrology, the Universe, and YOU

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology, Read Me First40 Comments

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The ancient Hindu and Buddhist scholars taught us that the external world is an illusion, Maya. Taken on an intellectual level, the concept is barely acceptable to anyone’s mind! We aren’t used to the notion that there’s no separation between ‘you’ and ‘me.’ In fact, the stability of our psychology rests on believing that this separation exists!  In other words, the experience of reality as ‘oneness,’ can be really destabilizing. At its worst, it can take you off the deep end. So let’s be kind to ourselves, and allow ourselves to be comfortable with this as merely a concept, for just a little while in order to examine it here as it relates to astrology. (A short story about Maya: http://www.eeedesign.com/stories/Maya.html ).

The Nature of Reality: Advaita

‘Oneness’ as the nature of reality is described really well by Advaita. Advaita is a sub-school of Vedanta, a Hindu school of philosophy.  Advaita says that there isn’t really a ‘you’ and a ‘me.’ There’s just one. All of consciousness, life, the totality of all things, is one. It is this understanding that is the essence of Advaita, nothing can be attained. The mere wish or desire for attainment or enlightenment shows a belief that there is a self that is separate from enlightenment, and this belief is incorrect according to Advaita.

Advaita, or Non-duality, is best explained at the following website named Endless Satang.  http://endless-satsang.com/advaita-nonduality-oneness.htm.   I strongly recommend you check it out before reading further. At this site, you will be walked through an experience of your hand that will help you get a better handle on what Advaita says about the nature of reality.

Perception and the Mind of Duality

Egoic consciousness means more than ‘I think that I am awesome.’ Ego is the way your brain/mind understands experience. It organizes reality into discrete parts with names or labels such as “me,” “you,” “this tree,” “my house,” etc. Ego is the perceiver that perceives these forms as discrete, separate, and distinct. There is also a cultural collective or cultural ego – the perceptions, beliefs, and notions of a society that are conscious and ‘acceptable’ including rules for behavior, reward…etc.

Duality itself is a construction of the small mind, or local mind– the limited mind (as opposed to the universal mind). Don’t write off the local mind too quickly though — it’s necessary. Virgo is ruled by the planet Mercury, the planet associated with the local mind, or immediate environment. In a person’s chart, the planet Mercury represents a person’s mental filter – the filter through which they perceive the world. It’s a neat thing 🙂 and a helpful thing – in its rightful place. (Stayed tuned, I’ll be writing more about Virgo and the upcoming new moon in Virgo on September 5th.)

Q & A

Question:  Could there be more than one way of looking at the universe? I mean, if Advaita is the true nature of reality and Maya is the false nature of reality, does that mean that I should just forget one of two contradicting ideas and pick the true nature in order to find happiness or enlightenment?

Yes, we all look at the universe differently; and we are, indeed, extensions of it as well. Which means, we don’t need to deny our subjective realities.

If the egoic mind or the local mind of consciousness is the only difference between you, me, the planets, and everything under and beyond the sun, then it must be pretty important in some way – and in what way is that?

Would you be surprised if I told you many?  In astrological terms, the planet Mercury represents the scribe, the text itself or message (not necessarily its meaning), short-distance travel, and data. In astrology, the planet Mercury describes the local mind, perception toward neighbors, siblings, and the person’s mental filter. The planet Uranus is its transcendent aspect, the Higher mind – and will not be discussed here directly.

The Bigger Picture

But for now, let’s get back to conceptualizing astrology, in terms of a bigger picture.  If all is ONE, then wouldn’t it be the same for the planets and the stars, the Earth underneath our feet, and everything all around us?  Oneness.  No separation. No distinction between you, me, the moon, Mars, the Sun, or even a far away galaxy. Nevertheless, we perceive these discrete forms as separate in order to learn about the true source – in order to have recognition. Now, does that make any sense? What is a mirror other than glass with a silver backing along with some other treatments for adhesion? What is re-cognition but another cognition? So, in the bigger picture what we see as things that appear different really are just a reflection of the source of all things – and you are it. Everything is a symbol of You. The true Self. See Alan Watt’s, “You are IT”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6S2zzAIBFA

Let’s scale it back down again, while simultaneously opening it back up again, for a moment, so that we can “travel” to other, multiple dimensions of this one reality…forget astrology… it’s just a metaphor – or is it?

Multi-dimensionality

I highly suggest you check out this link from Nova because it really helps to get a look at what some scientists are theorizing right now, especially the mathematical concept of string theory.  There have been some updates, as CERN is starting up again very soon – this spring 2015. It also helps you to understand where all this is going, and from whence it came. What science points to is a new way to view the universe http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/imagining-other-dimensions.html. In fact, science isn’t really pointing out anything in particular, or conclusive; it’s really a just a method.

Is the difference between ‘subjective’ and ‘objective’ really a matter of perspective, or are these just two of many dimensions? How much does scale or size matter in witnessing the tiny dimensions that string theory theorizes? http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20600-quantum-magic-trick-shows-reality-is-what-you-make-it.html#.UiTouNIqiSo  This is a proverbial rabbit hole (or portal) and you will likely have fun! This is the stuff that scientists really can’t be certain about quite yet… but it’s hot, and researchers like Brian Greene are hot on the trail. There’s more to IT ALL!  And, it hasn’t been disproved.

Archetypes as symbolic language

Beyond the symbolism of mathematics– what other symbolic way do we have to describe the many dimensions of the universe? What might they look like? Do these dimensions have unique perspectives?

An archetype is a construct, which means it is created (not real), and it is created not just by a local mind but by a cultural mind. Archetypes transcend time and space, and minds! You find archetypes in stories, mythology – among other places, like astrology. They are ancient, universal patterns that are sourced in the collective unconscious. The archetype communicates across cultural lines: the trickster, the hero, the maiden…etc. In fact, archetypes can even function all by themselves. Jung got some of his ideas from Kant, Plato, and other philosophers. He pulled a tremendous amount of archetypal data from mythology, from dreams, across cultures, and from his own experiences. These archetypal identities of old exist in every tradition – oral or written. Check out archetypal cosmology (http://www.archaijournal.org/) it’s a field of study that researches the correlations between “discernable archetypal patterns in human experience and the structural order within the solar system.”

We can all thank Carl Gustav Jung for the breath of his resources, in order to develop his own work around archetypes. He influenced so many different ‘alternative’ disciplines because – quite frankly, I believe he delved into all sort of disciplines to get his information. Even if much of what he observed and reconfigured fell upon deaf ears, similar ideas sure show up in other disciplines, from anthropologist Claude Levi-Strauss, ‘unconscious infrastructures,’ to linguist Noam Chomsky’s ‘deep structure’, to even biologist Edward Osborne “E. O.” Wilson’s observation of epigenetic rules – or behavioral constructs evolving over time.  See the following link from a Guardian Commenter who noted these parallels in his article. http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2011/jun/20/jung-archetypes-structuring-principles

The planets are archetypes

So how do archetypes fit into all this, and what do they have to do with astrology?

Check your experience. Honestly, check it out. The planets are archetypes. I don’t know the physics of how, nor can I pretend to. I can make other stories, though == planetary stories. Each planet has its own sort of energy or personality – Mars is passionate and fiery, while Saturn involves patience and discipline. One is fast and the other is slow. When I look at a chart – I can see a story as the planets (or energies or archetypes) interact.  The story can go a lot of different ways, but there is something that’s the same – that is the archetypes. A hero is a hero is a hero.  He sets out on a quest. We are all heroes in our own stories/journeys—just like we are all at the center of the wheel in our perception of the universe, and in an astrological chart. The central axis of the traditional astrological wheel is the earth – or “you.” Contemplate the center, which is your access point to all things. What I am pointing to in this article here is that your subjective experience is something to get to know as well as you can. People claim that Self-inquiry called Atma-vichara in Sanskrit, is the most important meditation practice in the Vedantic tradition. I’m not sure if I agree with that – as there are so many beautiful and fruitful practices. However, I do agree with the following statement from source below, and as many have been asking since their early years. “WHO AM I?”

The teaching of Self-inquiry is direct and simple, its literature is not as extensive as that of other yogic practices. In addition, the path of Self-inquiry demands a certain ripeness or readiness of mind that may require other practices to develop.

The process of Self-inquiry is so simple that it can be explained in a few words. To practice it you need only trace the root of your thoughts back to the I-thought, from which all other thoughts arise. This is initiated by the question “Who am I?”. By asking, “Who am I?” our thought current naturally gets focused on the search for the true Self and we forget about all other concerns and worries of the mind.

Mandala, an astrological chart

            What is the practical application of the knowledge of archetypal symbology?

A mandala is a circle or circle-like structure. This symbol is used by just about every tradition under the sun — Navajo Indians, South Asian Indians, Tibetan monks, etc.  It is used to represent an integrated view of the universe, and reminds us of our relationship with the totality of existence. An astrological chart functions like a mandala – it is a circular symbol, that when contemplated, helps our local minds “sit” more undisturbed in the universe. It unifies our experience of the archetypes, demonstrates the ease and tension in our psyche, gives us a viewpoint, and yields insight into the way we perceive ourselves in the universe. It can be a wondrous tool for your own evolution of consciousness –like a huge clock tracking repeating cycles of experience—and it helps us tie everything together in one beautifully integrated visual image, mandala.  I’m so grateful for astrology! See this page for more on mandalas and for free mandalas that you can print out and color 🙂  http://www.unh.edu/health-services/ohep/spiritual-wellness/mandalas-spiritual-practice

Have fun with this stuff!

(Photo is Mandala plate of Buddha Amitayus (TIbet; 19 century. Pigments on cloth, mounted on wood. copyright Rubin Museum of Art))

Neptune: the dreaming consciousness

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology, Neptune6 Comments

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The planet Neptune is important right now because the full moon back on August 20 was conjunct Neptune (meaning next to or beside – as appears in the sky from Earth). Also, we’ve been experiencing a Sun opposite Neptune transit. When the sun is opposite Neptune, we may have more awareness of our connections to the illusions or tendencies within our minds to dream while we are awake. We also may have been experiencing a heightened awareness of our dreams. As with all opposite aspects, or when one body appears as 180 degrees from another, there is some level of awareness of the energies.

More about Neptune

In Greek mythology Neptune is known as Poseidon, the god of the sea. He gets his name, Neptune, from Roman mythology, where he is also god of the sea. With trident (3-pronged staff) in hand, it’s easy to conjure up depictions of a sea god-king from the movie, “The Little Mermaid,” where Ariel’s father thunders through the deep sea on his chariot of seahorses. In astrology, Neptune is the ruler of the unconscious and the watery realms, spirituality, and a host of other nebulous things.  So the mythology and astrology are very similar. You get the idea.  Metaphorically the ocean or darkness associated with the deep sea has been an analogy thorough out time to describe the unconscious, indiscriminate awareness. This brings us to understanding how the planet Neptune functions as an archetype.

Neptune in his “worst light” signifies deception or illusion. One afflicted with Neptunian issues may have drinking or substance abuse problems; he or she may even suffer from psychological confusion or delusion. Neptune rules the condition where one form blends into another without much distinction, the distinction often being associated with the logical brain, or that which the ego permits to see as concrete. Neptune’s ruler-ship domain in a chart is in the 12th house, also known as the house of “self-undoing.” Self-undoing can be for the good or the bad, or neither…

Neptune is the higher octave of Venus

The ruler of the sign Pisces is Neptune. Many astrological associations will give Pisceans (Sun in Pisces or Pisces Ascendant) a special knack for being dreamy, kind, and spiritual. We can see how these associations come up because Neptune is the Higher Octave of Venus. Take all that you know about love and that which is most pleasing to your senses, your tastes and transcend that.  Neptune represents the faith and unconditional-ity that expresses in deepest compassion without a drop of reason needed. Neptune is present (in a chart) where the greatest form of acceptance is needed, and where we can let in the light of grace through the cracks of suffering. Also associated with artists and other realms, Neptune shows us the multi-dimensionality of existence – the invisible quality to an object, and to an object before it is born, as an idea.

Neptune as dream maker and dream weaver

Wrapped up in the archetype of Neptune is all the mental modeling we do for what we wish to see, and often what we think would be ideal.  The experience of Neptune is a bit like being on “cloud 9” though, so we’re not usually aware of all our pre-conceptions. Nevertheless we will find that if we withdraw from our illusions, our wishes and wants, and even our fears, underneath that mental net that we cast upon everything we see, is the potential for accepting for what really is.

Neptune will help you weave dreams, but not see those “seams” or what else “seems” to be there, clearly. Neptune as an archetype teaches about areas where acceptance is needed and where we can – and often do—go with the flow.

August 20, 2013 Full Moon in Aquarius

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Aquarius, AstrologyLeave a comment

 

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The Water Bearer

Enter this full moon in Aquarius, the sign of the water bearer. Aquarius is an air sign, and as such, it represents the intellect. Aquarius unlike Leo (the heart sign) represents the love of reason, an impersonal love which values objectivity. Like the other air signs, it goes well with Gemini (knowledge) and Libra (justice). Aquarius is interested in the goodness or the humanist aspect of mankind but not so much just in terms of philosophy. Instead, it’s more of an empathy of understanding.  As ‘the water bearer’, Aquarius supplies mankind with the tools of the divine, the endless supply of the ‘god substance’ within.

This full moon conjuncts the planet Neptune, which sits in the early degrees of Pisces (the sign that it rules, and where it feels quite comfortable). Back in April 2010, and then again in October 2010, Neptune transited the same degree of Aquarius. Therefore, this full moon is energized with the energy of Neptune’s transit, and this transcendent degree that is final degree of Aquarius. Everything about this Full Moon speaks culmination. In fact, the sabian symbol for Aquarius 29 is “A butterfly emerging from a chrysalis.”

Today as I was at Balboa Park in San Diego, California (where the Sabian symbols were once channeled back in the 1920s) a beautiful butterfly landed nearby and climbed up onto my hand. It sat in my palm for a little over a minute, enough time for me to get plenty of photographs with it. As I reflected on the beautiful monarch, a little inner voice said as if from the butterfly herself, “Don’t be afraid…I am aware of you, and you are aware of me…let’s have a minute together.”

What has come full term for you at this full moon?

(“Water Bearer” image is by artist Raina Gentry and more can be viewed at the following location:

http://jeromeartists-gentry.blogspot.com/2010_01_01_archive.html )

August 6, 2013 Leo New Moon, Heart Torus

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

 

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At the ‘new moon’ the moon is conjunct (next to) the sun – both at the degree of 15 Leo. The moon looks dark in the sky. As with all new moons, the interpretation is that at this time (within 3 days) of the new moon, is the start of something new.  Where in your chart – what house or area of influence?  I cannot say, unless I am looking at your chart. But, I can speak more generally about how a new moon event is “unseen,” much like how a seed is planted beneath the soil. Until the seed has germinated and grown above the soil, it cannot be seen. The full moon gives us an indication of what was planted.

 

As I meditated and reflected, allowing what wanted to come through me for this blog post, I worked with Francis Hart’s ‘Sacred Geometry Cards.’ The card that corresponds with this new moon is called “Heart Torus: Intelligence of the Heart.” This card asks you to “integrate head and heart”… “[that] mind and emotions [Francene writes]…are “the expression and function of the intelligence of the heart.” You can get more information on her and her artwork via her website at http://www.francenehart.com/ .  I have not gotten her permission to post her artwork so I’m sharing a link to her website for your own inquiry, should you wish to go deeper. Also, if you’d like to know more about the relationship between the head and the heart, check out: http://wellbeingcenter.com/happy-valentines-day-extraordinary-facts-about-your-heart/

 

The message of the heart torus card is perfect to express what the sign Leo represents in each of our charts. Leo asks us to be more heart-centered, to take the cultivation and upwelling of emotion from the past that was experienced in the sign of Cancer, and re-create through self expression, and giving gifts from the heart.

 

The Sabian Symbol for Leo 15 is “A Pageant.”  If you would like to know more about Sabian Symbols, you can read more here:  http://www.sabiansymbols.com/  There you can click on the Sabian Symbol Story and learn all about how Elsie Wheeler channeled the symbols, and how Marc Edmund Jones, an astrologer, came to write his book in 1953.

 

What we can get from “A Pageant” is showcasing your talents. Express the innate ability within you to allow your beauty to exist in the eyes of the world. Let them judge you – it is of no concern – for you have given yourself over to the expression of your joy – whatever comes of that, well, is not necessarily up to ‘you’ either. Leo is the expression of ego or identity. It also relates to the child, and with childlike innocence, the playfulness of Leo is the expression of BECOMING, a process of unveiling the individual ray of life that your experience asks you to be. It comes from within. “This little light of mine…I’m gonna let it shine…” song comes to mind.

Leo asks us to balance the head with the heart. After all the emotion and intuition brought in via the experience of the sign Cancer, and whether or not like a crab we hid ourselves, our light, our essence because we were timid. Leo asks us to step out of the closet and be not afraid of our talents, our flaws, or walking into the light of day, even into the spotlight. Remember, too, the spotlight can feel like a lonely place. This is why, as an archetype, Leo tends to be very generous. Leo wants to “give away” the energy that’s been cultivated in the sign of Cancer (through family). The sign Leo also rules children in astrology.

 

Aspects: Jupiter/Mars conjunction (passion/expansion) trines Neptune (spirituality, transcendence) trines North Node of the Moon at Scorpio 13 – Sabian Symbol “An inventor experimenting.”

 

No sign stands alone. In order to understand Leo, you have to understand the fixed cross. Here are its other members: Aquarius, Taurus, and Scorpio. These signs anchor the material plane of existence. Aquarius (air), Leo (Fire), Taurus (Earth), and Scorpio (Water). One must understand the zodiacal archetypes within the template of the whole wheel.  For today, express your joy. Om Mani Padme Hum.

July 29, 2013 Star of David

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology, Star of David Configuration3 Comments

This configuration goes by many names due to its historic use and geometric shape: Solomon’s Seal, star tetrahedron, diamond tetrahedron, and more generically described as a ‘hexagram’ or six-sided figure. It is also called a ‘Grand Sextile’ in astrology. Some have even referred to this special configuration as the “MerKaBa,” or gate. Any of these key terms you can google and find oodles of information from all different sources. Take your pick.

Now regarding the SOD configuration’s astrological meaning, I’ve been aware of different astrologers’ opinions regarding this configuration. Many are ‘playing it up’ in importance (because it is so unique that it must signify something) but without a lot written on what the configuration portends other than the historically surmised “birth of a king,” you are unlikely to find a standard astrology-by-book interpretation.

Perhaps even more intriguing, is that many astrologers are glossing over SOD, merely mentioning it with no real emphasis. For instance, the astrologer Susan Miller feels that there’s a missing moon phase to kick this massive energetic aspect into gear. You can see her website at astrologyzone.com. I partly agree with her. Though this configuration may come and go with some silence on the subject, it is certainly not due to lack of its power.

What will it mean? I cannot honestly say what it will mean, on a personal level, nor for identities such as countries, nor for what it means to the global community. But, I will say that I feel it to be a “dawning.”  SOD in the sky is like a stamp of unknown official meaning. Do what you will with it. In fact, it is like a gateway of truly palpable and powerful energy that orders itself like a lock and key (perfect fit), and just commands the beginning of a new era. What is commanded?

SOD symbolism is ancient – that’s for sure – and it’s potentially even more ancient than its use by the Hebrews whose 22- character alphabet is said to be actually hidden within the star ( Magen David or Shield of David. The Star has been used in the sacred geometry of matter, with its meaning in alchemy as the joining of Fire (upward facing triangle) and Water (downward facing triangle). In the Indian tradition, SOD represents the Sat-Kona, or Lord Krishna’s abode, referred to as the Star of Goloka. Tantra has even claimed some meaning of the SOD as a sacred yantra representing the merging of Shiva and Shakti, the divine masculine and feminine principles in the universe. Wow. That’s some meeting!

Perhaps this Star of David configuration best reminds us that the universe is so complex and permutable, and our experience of it is more than just the fluctuation of dualities (good and bad aspects), but a meaningfully woven experience with a central purpose and sacred harmony. ‘Be Still and Know that I AM God.’  Our experiences on earth are processes by which we refine our soul and polish our mirror. This seal is about the light of the soul, its ability to stay on the path, guided by inner stillness and openness to All that Is. The triangle of water is represented with Saturn in Scorpio, Mars and Jupiter in Cancer, and Neptune in Pisces. The triangle of earth is represented by Venus in Virgo, Moon in Taurus, and Pluto in Capricorn.

Mars Conjunct Jupiter in Cancer

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology, Cancer, Jupiter, MarsLeave a comment

Mars is energetic, provides the drive for action, the passion, and the impulse to act. Jupiter is about great expansion, philosophy, long distances, and optimism. Both planets are currently transiting together in the sky. There’s a few different ways this can play out. For example, the focused energy of mars can become diffused, and you end up with some laziness. Jupiter and Mars in Cancer like to reflect on the past.

Mars is debilitated in Cancer – meaning it’s not the best sign for Mars to act like Mars. Perhaps there’s a lot of sentimentality and emotionalism surrounding the past, the family, or the mother. Maybe energies are frustrated that are tied up with home projects. Even if the energies aren’t frustrated, there’s likely to be a lot of activity around the home and family, and in people’s private lives. Capricorn is the sign for public life, structure, and maintaining and keeping appearances. Cancer is Capricorn’s opposite, with the private life as its domain.

The presence of Jupiter usually brings optimism, good luck, and a deeper yearning to connect with the ancients, timeless wisdom. Jupiter’s essence is abundance itself.

Mars conjunct Jupiter is an aspect that is part of a much larger configuration which culminates by the end of the month into the ‘Star of David’ on July 29th.

New Moon in Cancer: July 8, 2013

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn AstrologyLeave a comment
(originally published on my blog at keen.com, has since been edited)
 
A new moon indicates a new and yet unseen manifestation. Cancer is also the sign of home, family, gardening, cooking, and chemistry. Emotions provide the spice, the medicine, and the path to balancing – when ALL is taken into view from the perspective of cosmos.  
 
Emotions are rich and enriched at this time! Take some time out to nurture yourself, get in touch with your emotions. You probably inwardly deserve this attention on how you feel. Cancer is the sign of the crab. She is very, very strong (and hides) because she is very, very sensitive. Let her show you the energies of flow, water, and unconditional nurturance. Here, in the astrological archetype of cancer, it is Mother Nature who provides the medicine you need.
 
Emotions can flow, get pent up, hide, or even manifest as physical pain
 
If emotions can flow like hot, thick lava…drawn up to the surface, then we are bound to destroy things in our path, but what comes up is molten and new, spewed from the earth for the sake of her own ground and expansion – to bring about her equilibrium. Emotions can also be as clear as fresh water, sparkling and revitalizing – healing to all those around. If you don’t know what kind of emotions you have because they aren’t on the surface, spend some time with this. Get in touch with the source.
 
The Cancer archetype is unique to the twelve zodiac signs, but it is a cardinal sign which means it shares this modality called ‘cardinal’ (directional, seasonal) with 3 other signs: Capricorn, Aries, and Libra.  These cardinal signs exist in each of all of our charts, in some astrological house or area of our lives.
 
The sign of Cancer – at her best – shares with us unconditional love and acceptance. This she expresses in constructive harmony with the other cardinal signs. These cardinal signs indicate the direction of activity in the universe, seasonal markers of developmental change.
 
EVERYTHING in the universe seeks equilibrium (Libra) for its individual urges (Aries) that exist within the overarching structure or system (Capricorn). Aries and Libra are opposites: me (Aries) and you (Libra), private life (cancer) and public life (Capricorn). All the components must find constructive harmony.
 
When the archetype of Cancer is in its most constructive expression, its experience is emotional richness, and unconditional love energy just flows. In it’s less constructive expression, Cancer is easily hurt, wounded, and *in need* of nurturing. 
 
Ultimately, in the sign of Cancer, if we are to be in the experience of unconditional love, we must understand that all in the universe has this same need – to feel loved, supported, and nurtured. If it’s difficult to remember that, take time out and practice nurturing yourself during this precious time of planting new intentions. It’ll always be worth it.
 
 

Closest Full Moon (Most Super!) until August 2014

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn AstrologyLeave a comment

FULL MOON in Capricorn

(originally posted on June 24th at my keen.com blog site.)

Here I am taking a look at the chart for today. Every day has its own signature, so to speak. Pay attention to the days after a full moon and tell me if you feel a release. There’s some anxiety building up to the full moon (especially one like this), and then, things start to settle. You may have never believed it at the time, but they do. And if they haven’t settled for you yet, they will. It all depends on how and where you experience “the wave.” Here’s what’s so cool about what this full moon: it coincided with and sort of “left behind” this super amazing triangle. This super amazing SUMMER triangle. I hope you all enjoyed the Solstice on June 21. 

Super Summer Triangle

If you’re feeling the richness of your emotions, well, you can thank the sun in the nutrient rich sign of Cancer. Cancer is the sign of the mother. She is our true provider and caretaker in her best light, and “she” is conjuct Jupiter. Jupiter is a planetary symbol that inflates absolutely everything it touches. It’s going to be spending some time in Cancer soon, but for now, Jupiter is in Gemini. Have you had TONS of communication lately? If not, well, maybe all that has been brainpower. One thing is most likely: you’re more aware of your nervous system in some way. So, we have Sun (Life Essence) next to Jupiter (ideology or faith, optimism). Jupiter is squaring the North Node, perhaps this abundance is not the KIND of abundance you were hoping for, nevertheless, admit to the abundance 🙂  It’s abundance. If you’ve got gobs of good stuff going on, yes, by all means… live it up! We’ve got the moon (emotions) opposite mercury (thoughts). Are we seeing how our emotions really seem to affect our thoughts? How many near scares did you have this full moon before you realized that it was just “in your head” and all turned out okay? So, we are growing! The Sun (life essence) is opposite Pluto (transformation). Pluto was just hanging out with the full moon in the sign of Capricorn.  How do you feel about the structure of things? Does the way things are structured in your life help or hinder the way things flow?

This summer triangle is likely to help you work on “having” some more fun!  Here’s why: We’ve got a triangle formed by 3 points: Sun, Saturn, and Neptune. Neptune is the ocean, our dreams. Neptune is also our illusions. So, how do we know the difference? What’s real and what is a dream? Well, work with these energies that are in your life right now. Ask yourself, what is it that you really want.  What is it that you really, really want? Then, see what comes next. Let yourself know what you really want, and then all the right questions will pop up. It’s your job (Saturn) to answer the questions that come up – those things that stand in the way of your dreams. Remember, keep it fun. Keep it in the spirit of fun. I think Jupiter wants you to do that 🙂

New Moon in Gemini, June 8, 2013

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn AstrologyLeave a comment

 

Every new moon is an opportunity to start something new, or sow a “seed” and see if it germinates. At this time it is perfectly natural to become more silent and inwardly reflective. This new moon in Gemini (the sign of communication, the mind, and the twins) points to the inherent duality of nature. How the mind perceives is in twos, ‘good and bad’, ‘right and wrong,’ ‘left and right,’ ‘yes and no’… etc.  Every new moon in Gemini offers us a new imprint on our mental consciousness, giving a chance to edit and even re-write how we perceive and communicate what we perceive. It is entire possible to make shifts in our thinking or communication at this time.

The sabian symbol for this lunation is “Chinese men talking Chinese.”

Perhaps at this new moon, taken with all the “new” energy of the recent eclipse series, we find ourselves reaching out and finding again those who are “like-minded,” and become more desirous to speak with those who understand our personal language (and sometimes this is a cultural history) and/or making us more comfortable sharing conversations with people who are “on the same page” mentally. 

The new moon is trine the asteroid Juno (also known as the spouse or Hera in astrology). This is an easy aspect, allowing for the smooth flow of energies from the new moon (conjunct sun) to Juno in Aquarius (inventiveness, uniqueness, unpredictability, freedom-loving). What is being supported now is some level of non-attachment and/or “getting with” what’s true in the present moment about our relationships. Perhaps there is a need to establish boundaries by summoning your personal authority in a creative and previously unattempted way.

Expansive Energy in Gemini: What to DO? May 29, 2013

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology, Gemini, Nodes of the Moon, Scorpio and TaurusLeave a comment

(this blog post was originally posted on May 29, 2013 at Keen.com; both sites are currently undergoing a conversion process)

As the sun nearly steps out of Gemini, there’s still a ton of energy packed in the sign of Gemini. We’ve got Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury, all within a 6 degree orb of conjunction. Holy moly! We are talking, visiting with siblings (or working through sibling stuff), having busy minds, busy in cars, in traffic, and visiting with neighbors more than ever before. Perhaps you are building your social network, or finding yourself more social than usual – at least, the urge exists, and it doesn’t want to be ignored. Whether from inside you or noticeably outside you, the urge is there.

The Gemini nature is about information, news, short-distance travel, your neighbors, and your siblings. It also rules your mind and nervous system. How the mind/spirit/body deals with the energy has a lot to do with the natal chart (birth chart). All these points need to be viewed in terms of their context, and astrology is no different than life itself. I can give you the ‘gist’ of astrology here… much like explaining how the waves are moving – if they are choppy or smooth, what types of things you want to set your sail to, but I can’t see your natal chart, so I can’t tell you what other ‘personal themes’ are linked up with these current planetary transits.

Setting your Sail: Transiting North Node in Scorpio

Let’s look deeper at what flows beneath the surface themes and have a look at the North Node of the moon (this position shows us where societal energies tend to flow – what is our “stretch goal”, if you will.) The north node of the moon is currently in the sign of Scorpio and it is conjunct (right next to) the planet Saturn.

Now Saturn often gets bad ratings, generally, but Saturn is truly a “teacher” planet. Both Saturn and Jupiter are teaching planets; in fact, but Saturn does things the more practical way. That is, Saturn will get you into gear, by watching you scramble to “hold your own.” You can call this the “school of hard knocks,” but everyone really DOES experience it differently. For example, Saturn can give you the energy you need to be self-disciplined – a certain sticktoitiveness. Saturn will MAKE SURE that you are successful at your endeavors. Saturn will even enroll you in the “program” when you didn’t know you were “going to school.”  That said, let’s look a bit more at the sign of Scorpio and how the North Node of the Moon functions inside this nifty sign.

Scorpio is a pretty sexy sign. Honest. I mean, it’s all intense and purgative and ready to expose itself. Scorpio also has to do with merging, forming a union, and that’s right: joining forces. The sign Scorpio will show itself in psychological studies, questions about motivation, power and, well, status.

Scorpio and Saturn kind of, well, they “get along.” The reason is that Saturn is ruled by Capricorn, another dogged sign, another archetype chock full of ambition and self-making. There’s a single-mindedness to both signs which make them natural companions; that is, if they share the same goal J

North Node in Scorpio: Get with the Cosmic Plan

Look for opportunities to work with others, consolidate your business ventures, build trust relationships, and/or discover the need to purge.

And, ask yourself the following question: “How can I USE this energy that’s involved in socializing, collecting information, and thinking (Gemini) in ways that will help me build a better, more sound, and more solid (Saturn) network (Gemini) of alliances (Scorpio) to help bring about the consciousness evolution (North Node) that is SO needed on this planet?”

Full Super Moon, Lunar Eclipse May 25, 2013

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology, Sagittarius1 Comment

(this post was converted from my blog at keen.com – it was originally published on May 25, 2013)

This full moon, super moon, (in fact ‘super’ in astronomical terms) takes place on May 25th, 2013. In astrological terms, this full moon will be in the sign of Sagittarius.  Sagittarius is the sign of wisdom. Wisdom’s counterpart is knowledge, or Gemini.

This moon illuminates the wheat from the chaff. After this moon, it will be easier to make decisions about what gets your energy and what does not. Let us be clear in our intention (Sagittarius) to sow better seeds (Gemini). Those seeds can be words or deeds, and they can also be seeds of inspiration that we plant. The full moon shows us what we have already planted, or have neglected to nourish.

The gardener watches all of this with detached observation, has some faith in his or her intention, and plants again with higher knowledge (Sagittarius) – the wisdom that comes from experience. Let’s try to do that with our thoughts, and our deeds.

Spend some time tonight and look up at the stars. Soak up the cosmos in a single, deep breath. Take a moment to embrace the silence of that deep knowing without mind or thought. The ultimate pregnancy is in swelling silence and expansion. Be an empty vessel, filled up by love itself.  Just for today, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Just step off of it completely…

Sabian Symbol

An old owl perched high up in a tree.