Full Moon in Pisces...

today in Kilmore at 3.05am.

The Full Moon period is traditionally one where emotions are heightened, and this one being in the watery sign of Pisces intensifies this tendency!  Combined with the retrograde Mercury in the opposite sign of Virgo also adds to logic being a bit useless at this time!

This lunation type is also associated with 'illumination'... as in you can imagine a Full Moon lighting up the night sky... however, again, we may THINK we understanding a situation now, but because Mercury is retrograde there is likely to be more to it than we are aware.

The powerful trine from Pluto to the Sun (that also sextiles the Moon) suggests help and progress through the people and situations represented by Pluto in your birth chart.  This could be someone or something that is quite powerful (or at least is felt to have this quality by you!), and/or intensely emotional.

As usual, look at the houses involved to get a feel for where this lunation may be felt by you!

Sun Trine Retrograde Pluto...

starts on August 25 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on August 26 in Kilmore at 3.12pm, leaves on August 27.  Sun at 2 degrees and 52 minutes of Virgo, retrograde Pluto at 2 degrees and 52 minutes of Capricorn.

This is a nice energy to have, as it suggests that we will be able to access the power, strength and support that is around us, as represented by Pluto in our birth charts.  The Sun accents and highlights whatever it touches in the birth chart, and the trine is a flowing energy that suggests easier access than usual to whatever is involved and represented by the planets that form this aspect.

As usual look at where this aspect falls in your birth chart to get a feel for what or who may flow more smoothly than usual and in what areas you can expect a deeper understanding... also look at which houses are ruled by the Sun (one with Leo on the cusp) and Pluto (one with Scorpio on the cusp).

If you have personal planets and/or points in Virgo or Capricorn you may be especially sensitive to this transit.

Sun enters Virgo...

today in Kilmore at 3.27pm.

The Sun changing signs is usually felt because it means a change in what is being 'lit up' in our birth charts!  The move from Leo into Virgo is quite dramatic because Leo is so different from Virgo.  Look to see which house cusp has Virgo on it to get a feel for what and/or who is likely to more prominent than usual over the next few weeks while the Sun travels through this sign.

If you have personal planets and/or points in Virgo, you can expect the themes represented by them to also be highlighted.

Mercury goes Retrograde...

today in Kilmore at 5.59am at 19 degrees and 3 minutes of Virgo.

Timing is everything... i.e. I wonder who chose election day here in Australia!

Anyway, Mercury, the planet associated with communication, data, connecting with others and information in general turns around and appears to go backwards this morning.  Symbolically, this can mean that all of these matters will 'regress' or become more difficult than usual to deal with.  Traditionally this is not the best time to sign anything or to make a final decision; however, it is excellent for researching your options!

So, from now until Mercury goes direct on September 12, it may be best to avoid making a final commitment.  If you desperately have important paperwork to sign, etc, just be prepared for the whole process to be drawn out, or for the situation to change... or for someone to change their mind.

To get an idea for what or who may be involved look to see which houses are ruled by Mercury in your birth chart... ie, houses with Gemini or Virgo on the cusps.  Also see which house this planet is travelling through.

If you have personal planets and/or points in Virgo, you may be especially sensitive to this retrograde period.

Sun Opposing Retrograde Neptune...

starts on August 19 using a 1 degree orb, is exact on August 20 in Kilmore at 8.07pm, leaves on August 21.  Sun at 27 degrees and 17 minutes of Leo, retrograde Neptune at 27 degrees and 17 minutes of Aquarius.

The Sun tends to illuminate whatever it touches, however, in this case it's a bit like shining a torch into fog... it seems to create more difficulty in seeing clearly!  The confusion and/or lack of clarity represented by this opposition is likely to involve at least one other person (since it is an opposition!), and may relate to something or someone that came into our lives when the Sun and Neptune were last conjunct around February 13, 2010 at about 24 degrees of Aquarius.

On a brighter note, this is a very creative, spiritual and/or artistic energy that supports daydreaming, imagination and escaping reality in general... great for a few drinks or for getting out your paints if you are so inclined!  Not the best for making a clear-minded decision though.

Look to see where this opposition is falling and which houses are ruled by the Sun (one with Leo on the cusp) and Neptune (one with Pisces on the cusp) in order to get a feel for what or who may be involved.

If you have personal planets and/or points in Leo or Aquarius you may be more sensitive than others to this energy.

Venus Conjunct Mars...

starts on August 18 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on August 21 at 4.49am, leaves on August 24.  Both at 13 degrees and 35 minutes of Libra.

Even though Venus and Mars are technically only conjunct for a few days, they are travelling through the same sign until the end of October... making this an important time for our desires and wants to be united.

Mars is an assertive energy that is quite is related to our ego, while Venus is a passive energy related to our desires... a conjunction represents the end of an old way of doing things and the beginning of a new way, a new project, idea, etc.  Every couple of years we get this conjunction of the two planets that represents the masculine (Mars) and feminine (Venus) which gives us all a chance for a fresh start: in this case Venus is in a better position because it likes being in Libra, while Mars isn't so happy about the situation!

Symbolically this can mean that the people and situations represented by Venus in your birth chart will be in a stronger position than the Mars ones that are ending/starting around this time in your life.  For example, I have Taurus Rising so I am likely to be in a better position than a competitor (Mars rules by Scorpio 7th house cusp) in a sporting event (the conjunction happens in my 5th house).

If you have personal planets and/or points in Libra then you may feel this opportunity for a fresh start more strongly than others.

Retrograde Uranus re-enters Pisces...

today in Kilmore at 1.36pm.

Uranus made a very short visit to Aries and has been in this sign since May 28, 2010... and is now returning to Pisces and will stay in this sign until mid March 2011.

The short visit of this planet into Aries has given us all a taste of what to expect when it returns again early in 2011 to stay for about 7 years.  Uranus usually brings reform, total change, a hectic pace and unusual and/or unexpected people and situations into our lives... and also the themes of freedom becoming more prominent!

Before this happens though, the return of Uranus into Pisces suggests that over the next few months that we will all have to tie up loose ends and make those other little adjustments to the areas of our lives that have been affected by the visit of this planet through Pisces.  You will have to look at which houses are involved to get a feel for what and where this may happen, and also look back to developments over the past 7 years or so to get an understanding of where we became too rigid and needed to change, or perhaps needed to be awakened.  I liken Uranus to 'The Tower' card in the tarot.

Saturn Square Retrograde Pluto...

starts on August 13 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on August 21 at 8.16pm in Kilmore, leaves on August 30.  Saturn at 2 degrees and 55 minutes of Libra, retrograde Pluto at 2 degrees and 55 minutes of Capricorn.

This aspect was around during November and December last year, as well as during January and February 2010.

You can read all about it here!

Retrograde Jupiter Opposing Saturn...

starts on August 11 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on August 17 at 6.45am in Kilmore, leaves on August 22.  Retrograde Jupiter at 2 degrees and 26 minutes of Aries, Saturn at 2 degrees and 26 minutes of Libra.

Woo hoo... another Jupiter/Saturn opposition... here is the link to entry I did for the last one.  The difference between the last one and this one, is that this time the opposition is happening in cardinal signs, making it more dynamic and perhaps more visible in our lives.

I won't repeat everything I wrote in my first entry on this opposition... just have a look at it again.

Jupiter Square Retrograde Pluto...

starts on July 5 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on July 25 at 2.20pm in Kilmore (Jupiter will then be retrograde at 3 degrees and 23 minutes of Aries, and retrograde Pluto at 3 degrees and 23 minutes of Capricorn); this aspect will again be exact on August 3 at 3.32pm in Kilmore - retrograde Jupiter at 3 degrees and 12 minutes of Aries, retrograde Pluto at 3 degrees and 12 minutes of Capricorn.  This aspect will finish up on August 23.

This square will be around for some time, and unusually, both of the times it is exact will be when BOTH planets are retrograde!  I'm not sure exactly what this means, however, the retrograde motion of both planets suggests the need to go back over past issues in order to reach a series of turning points (square aspect).

Jupiter tends to energise and increase whatever it touches, and in a lot of cases has a lucky feel to it.  Pluto is an intensely emotional energy associated with power and control.  The square aspect is generally stressful and energetic, but often leads to a breakthrough or turning point because the stress associated with it pushes us to do something about what is causing us stress.

So, if we look to our own charts we can get a feel for where we may be at a stressful, but productive cross-road.  The houses that involve Jupiter may be the ones where we want to be 'bigger than Ben Hur', the ones that involve Pluto may be where irrational feelings are perhaps working against this need to grow, or maybe we have control issues or someone represented by these houses is on a power trip?  Regardless of exactly how these energies are experienced, it seems that we will need to reconcile these two energies in a way that allows growth, but also control.

Look to see which houses the planets fall in, and also which are ruled by them (Jupiter = Sagittarius and Pisces, Pluto = Scorpio) in order to get a feel for what or who may be involved.

If you have personal planets or points in Aries or Capricorn, then you may be especially sensitive to this energy.

New Moon in Leo...

today in Kilmore at 1.08pm.

The New Moon period is usually a time to start anew: a new attitude, new relationship, new job, new awareness... etc.  Where this new start is depends on where the New Moon falls in your birth chart.

Being in Leo, it seems that we all need to focus on finding a new way to 'shine' and to discover and develop what makes us feel special, brings warmth into our lives and also to bring the child within us out to play a bit!

Looking at the aspects it seems that this lunation is a bit isolated, apart from a trine by sign to the Jupiter/Uranus conjunction, and opposition by sign to the Neptune/Chiron conjunction.  I feel that this simply means that the power of this New Moon is condensed and will need extra awareness to get things happening.

As usual, look to which house this lunation is falling in to get an idea of which areas of life and/or relationships have a chance for a fresh start around this time.

Venus Square Retrograde Pluto...

starts on August 9 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on August 10 at 2.05pm in Kilmore, leaves on August 11.  Venus at 3 degrees and 5 minutes of Libra, retrograde Pluto at 3 degrees and 5 minutes of Capricorn.

While we have the Venus/Jupiter opposition, we also have this intense combination of Venus and Pluto... through the energetic and sometimes difficult square.

Venus represents what we value, as well as our relating skills: Pluto represents depth, change and intense emotions: the square represents a challenge, stress, and also a turning point.

By looking at which houses the planets are in you can get a feel for where their energies will be felt: you can also look to see which houses are ruled by them (Venus = Taurus and Libra, Pluto = Scorpio) to get a feel for what or who will be involved.

If you have personal planets and/or points in Libra and/or Capricorn you may feel this more than others.

Venus Opposing Jupiter...

enters on August 9 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on August 10 at 9.40am in Kilmore, leaves on August 11.  Venus at 2 degrees and 54 minutes of Libra, retrograde Jupiter at 2 degrees and 54 minutes of Aries.

Both Venus and Jupiter are associated with 'luck'... however, too much of a good thing sometimes isn't so good!  The connection of these two through the energetic opposition sometimes means that we overdo things a little.

As long as we all keep our expectations realistic and don't go overboard this opposition can present an opportunity in the relationships and/or areas of life touched on by them.  A turning point in regards to a person or situation that came into our lives when these two planets were last conjunct is likely also, since the opposition represents the most objective part of a cycle in terms of aspects.  Venus and Jupiter were last conjunct in the middle of February at about 6 degrees of Pisces.

By looking at where these planets are we can get a feel for where discretion and a realistic outlook are likely to bring us happiness and some type of benefit.  Also look to see which houses are ruled by them (Venus = Taurus or Libra on the cusp; Jupiter = Sagittarius or Pisces on the cusp) to get a feel for what or who will be reaching a turning point.

If you have personal planets and/or points in Aries or Libra, then you may be especially sensitive to this transit.

Venus Conjunct Saturn...

enters on August 8 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on August 9 at 3.24am in Kilmore, leaves on August 10.  Venus and Saturn both at 1 degree and 36 minutes of Libra.

This is the first aspect that Venus makes once it enters Libra, so sets a bit of a serious and understated tone to the potential of it.  A conjunction usually indicates the end of something, and the beginning of something else... as represented by the placement of the conjunction and the houses ruled by the planets involved.  In this case look to see which houses are ruled by Venus (ones with Taurus or Libra on the cusp) and Saturn (ones with Capricorn or Aquarius on the cusp).

Venus represents many things but the core meaning of this planet is how we relate, and what we value... Saturn can bring these themes to prominence through making us more aware of these issues in our lives: the conjunction gives us the chance to start a new way of approaching these matters that can help to manifest them - especially since this conjunction happens in the cardinal sign of Libra.

If you have personal planets and/or points in Libra, then this energy is likely to be especially prominent for you.

Venus enters Libra...

today in Kilmore at 1.47pm.

Venus likes being in Libra, so this bodes well for the people and situations in your life represented by her in your birth chart.  For example, I have Taurus Rising, so my health and general attitude to life should receive a bit of boost while she travels through this sign.  Balance and diplomacy are also likely to be important to the relationships and situations represented by Venus now.

The house that Venus is travelling through, and the one with Libra on the cusp is likely to benefit through the energy of Venus... especially considering that Saturn and Mars are also in this sign right now.

If you have personal points and/planets in Libra, then the period over the next month or so while Venus travels through this sign should be a relative period of ease where help may come through a person represented by Libra. 

Venus Opposing Retrograde Uranus...

starts on August 6 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on August 7 at 5.59pm in Kilmore, leaves on August 8.  Venus at 0 degrees and 10 minutes of Libra, retrograde Uranus at 0 degrees and 10 minutes of Aries.

Get ready for a surprise or two, probably involving a relationship or financial matter!  Venus represents these matters as well as your values.  Uranus represents the unexpected and unusual in our lives, whilst the opposition represents a turning point in something or with someone that began or came into our lives when Venus and Uranus were last conjunct.  This  happened last time in early in March 2010 at 25 degrees of Pisces.

By looking at where this opposition is landing in our birth charts we can get a feel for what or who may be reaching a new point of awareness, even if this does come in a way that we don't expect!  This period of time represents a new sense of freedom and a turning point being reached with these matters.  Also look to see which houses are ruled by Venus (ones with Taurus or Libra on the cusp), and Uranus (one with Aquarius on the cusp) to get a feel for what or who may be involved.

If you have personal planets and/or points in Aries or Libra - especially the first couple of degrees - then you may be especially sensitive to this energy.

Mars Opposing Retrograde Jupiter...

starts on August 3 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on August 4 at 2.20pm in Kilmore, leaves on August 6.  Mars at 3 degrees and 10 minutes of Libra, retrograde Jupiter at 3 degrees and 10 minutes of Aries.

Mars and Jupiter are both quite energetic planets, and the both connecting through the further energising opposition suggests that this is likely to be a powerful time for us all, particularly since this all happens in the cardinal signs of Aries and Libra.

As I have mentioned in earlier posts, Mars energises whatever it touches, and in this case it is Jupiter which has been in the early degrees of Aries for a few weeks now and has already turned around is going back into Pisces in another few weeks.  Jupiter represents growth, opportunity, luck; and also legal, educational, and/or foreign people and places.

The opposition represents a major turning point in the people and situations represented by Mars and Jupiter in your birth chart... particularly someone or something that came into your life when Mars and Jupiter were last conjunct back in late February 2009 at about 9 or 10 degrees of Aquarius.

As usual look to see where this opposition is falling, and which houses are ruled by Mars (ones with Aries or Scorpio on the cusp) and Jupiter (ones with Sagittarius or Pisces on the cusp) to get a feel for what or who is likley to be reaching a major turning point now.

If you have personal planets and/or points in Aries or Libra then you may feel this energy more strongly that others.