You are living a reality I left years ago, it quite nearly killed me. In the long run, it will make you cry, make you crazy and old before your time.
— Stephen Stills, from “You Don’t Have To Cry”

You are not a machine. Even as much as a world regulated by clocks, calendars and quotas expects you (and even convinces you to expect) to be a robot, it’s never quite going to happen. That’s good.

Even the most regimented and disciplined people eventually realize that any prolonged attempt to live like a machine will damage the quality of life.

By the same token, as much as other people might want you to continue filling a particular role for them, part of you will (at least occasionally) want and need to be something else. That’s good too.

Part of being a happy and healthy human being means being changeable, sometimes to the point of appearing to be capricious or even erratic. It’s a good thing because the one constant in the world is change.

Hence, to survive (much less thrive) you need to love, support, nourish and encourage your ability to change with the world. For if you go the other way and resist or devalue the vagarious essence of your human nature, the changing world will often function to age and disillusion you prematurely. Beyond that, it’s also important to initiate change in the world — especially the changes you want or need to see.

Of all the things in the sky that correlate with an imperative to change and be changed, perhaps the Moon comes closest to expressing that particular and essential (if also exasperating) facet of human nature. As astrology would have it, today it is an appropriate time to consider lunar manifestations of change because several are about to happen — essentially at once.

Tomorrow, shortly after 10:53 am EDT (14:53:21 UTC) the emblematic Sun and Moon will come together in precisely the same degree of Leo even as the actual Sun and Moon move alongside each other in the sky. Such an event happens every four weeks or so, and is called a New Moon.

By convention, a New Moon is considered the beginning of a new lunar cycle of phases, sometimes called a lunation. On the day of a New Moon, the actual Moon is like a seed in the ground, hidden from view but full of potential. Then, much as with a seed’s germination, things begin to change.

On Saturday evening, the actual Moon will become visible again as a thin crescent of reflected light just above the western horizon shortly after sunset. Then, with each successive night the crescent will grow larger, and increase its separation from the Sun, culminating in the fruition of a Full Moon on Aug. 29. Following the Full Moon, the illuminated portion of the Moon will gradually decrease, rising later and later each night until it sows the seed of the next lunation to come.

Every New Moon is thus a new beginning of the most familiar lunar cycle. It is a cycle you can see in your life. You can see it in external germinations, fruitions and completions. You can also follow the cycle within, playing out in your emotions, intuitions, fascinations and enthusiasms. Yet, lunations are not the only form of lunar cycle.

Other lunar expressions in your life are to be located at essential points in the Moon’s orbit, most notably the lunar nodes and the mean lunar apogee (which is also referred to as Black Moon Lilith). Those points have cycles of their own. Interestingly, both of those cycles are also on the verge of change at this time.

To put it most simply, the lunar nodes are where eclipses take place. On the zodiac circle, they are represented by horseshoe-shaped glyphs perpetually opposed (always separated by 180 degrees). In actuality, the lunar nodes are the two points where the Moon’s orbit around Earth intersects with the plane of Earth’s orbit around the Sun.

As one would expect of something associated with the Moon, the location of the nodes on the zodiac and in the sky is in constant and seemingly impetuous oscillation. The net change over time is a retrograde motion, which causes the nodes to change signs every 18 months or so.

Again keeping it simple, the ascending (or ‘North’) lunar node now winding up its time in Libra has meaning for astrologers. Among other things, that meaning has to do with the unknown future and how you feel about it. Conversely, the descending (or ‘South’) lunar node now completing its time in Aries corresponds with the known past and your emotional attachments to it.

The lunar apogee is the point of the Moon’s orbit furthest from Earth. It also moves, and it also has a meaning for astrologers. Appropriately for something associated with the Moon, the motion of the lunar apogee appears to be capricious and erratic, even if it is ultimately understandable.

Also known as Black Moon Lilith (and once again keeping things simple), the lunar apogee point corresponds to human vagaries that can be either deprecated or appreciated. That depends on how you feel about the essential changeability of human nature, contrasted with the pressure to conform and be like a machine.

Black Moon Lilith changes signs in direct motion every nine months or so. Hence, about every year and a half, the lunar nodes and the mean lunar apogee change signs at about the same time. That time has come again, with implications that you will once again be faced with the choice of either embracing or resisting your whimsical and wild, yet essential and indispensable, ways.

The lunation beginning with tomorrow’s Leo New Moon is planting the seeds for those changes. Later this month, on Aug. 25, the mean lunar apogee will move from Virgo into Libra. Later this year, on Oct. 9 (or Oct. 10, depending on your time zone) the opposing mean lunar nodes will leave Libra and Aries behind and take their oscillating ways into Virgo and Pisces.

The last time such a turnover of lunar manifestations took place was in the early months of 2014, as winter yielded to spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Now as Northern Hemisphere summer slowly moves toward autumn, it’s happening again.

Thus, you might want to look back 18 months or so and consider what you did (or did not do) to either accommodate or resist change. You may want to consider what you have been through, and learned, since that time.

If there is anything to the interpretation of lunar manifestations presented here today, there should be something you can do. You should at least be able to begin with the Leo New Moon tomorrow by planting the seeds of a reality you will be living for the next year and a half or so. Ideally, it will be a reality where you won’t have to cry as much as in the past, or as often, precisely because you have become the change you want to see.

Offered In Service

Len is available for astrology readings. You can contact him at lenwallick [at] gmail [dot] com.

In the Monday Astrology Diary, I wrote that, sometimes, you need to dance as though nobody is watching. Other times, it’s nice to know that everyone really is watching, and that in some way they’re dancing with you. And sometimes all that matters is that, when you close your eyes and move, no matter who is or is not watching and no matter how they may or may not judge you, you let your heart guide you toward love.

“You’ve been flocked!” Part of a church youth group fundraiser at Casco Days this year. Photo by Amanda Painter.

This was the first message that came through as I looked at the chart for Friday’s Leo New Moon.

Exact at 10:53 am EDT (14:53 UTC), this is the Moon and Sun conjunct in Leo to begin a new four-week (approximately) lunar cycle.

Right in line with the Sun and Moon is retrograde Venus, about a day away from its exact conjunction with the Sun. This marks the halfway point in Venus’ retrograde.

Both planetary retrogrades and New Moons can have the sense of looking inward. Retrograde planets often also imply a review of the past in some way.

So if you’ve had any exes make contact with you in the last week or so — especially if it’s been more than one, or if you can trace a common thread or theme — this definitely counts as a manifestation of retrograde Venus (reviewing love relationships) conjunct the Sun (conscious awareness). You’ve likely noticed other themes, including getting back in touch with your inner child’s sense of playful creativity.

It’s the quality of looking inward rather than outward that suggested to me the whole ‘dance as if nobody is watching’ idea, in concert with some of the minor planets in aspect to the Leo New Moon. Closely flanking the Sun and Moon, we have the asteroid Eros (god of love), retrograde Venus (goddess of love), and the asteroid Terpsichore (the Muse of dancing) — all in Leo.

Continue reading →

Or, How to Major on The Minors and Fail BIG!!!!

(From my forthcoming book, Failing with Astrology: How to Ruin Your Life As the Planets Pass You By)

Any astrologer can tell you how to succeed with Jupiter’s trip through Virgo, but only Madame Z has the courage to tell you how to fail.

Jupiter hasn’t been on this trip since 2003, long before the banking crisis and Pluto’s big moment in Capricorn. So really, you need to make a statement this year in your Virgo Zone; it’ll be 2027 by the time Jupiter comes through here again. Fussiness for the greater good is noble and all. But you need something more. LOTS more.

And because we’re talking about Jupiter here, you can guarantee that with my advice you will fail BIG.

Because Jupiter never does anything by halves, and with Virgo demanding an accounting for every jot and tittle, not only will you get the WHOLE enchilada, but you’ll also get five extra sides of (organic) brown rice and (hand picked by unionized farm workers) heirloom pinto beans.

Got your napkins ready? Let’s dig in! It’s time to Fail With Flair!

Your motto this year? In Virgo Veritas!

Aries/Aries Rising/Aries Moon: Life’s too short to mess about with details. Cholesterol counts, small change, and mileage receipts make you peevish. And no one likes an Aries who’s peevish. Peevishness quickly escalates in your crowd to head butting. So forget them. I mean, the receipts. Besides, you’ve got more important work with your new small-animal rescue range. Boxers, budgies and bunnies — and even a miniature Shetland pony or two — you’ve embraced the lot. Who cares about pennies when there’s plenty of poop to scoop? Keep important paperwork to line the bunny cages. Just don’t tell the Co-op Committee what’s going down in your condo!

Taurus/Taurus Rising/Taurus Moon: The next 12 months you could really hit the Big One. Or the Big Five! It’s important this year to always, always forget birth control. Raincoats are SO not ‘in’ this year. (wink, wink). If you’ve ever longed for quintuplets, or even modestly dreamed of twins, Jupiter’s gonna do you a SOLID in the bedroom. Or if your sights are more fleeting, aim them straight at the genitals of any casual prospective suitor/suitress you encounter. With Jupiter jonesin’ your junk, you can’t miss a minute of the action this season. Just dress for success. Failing even that, well, bub — get yourself a painter’s apron, claim you gave it all up for ART, and paint nudes all year. Porn is also an option. Subject or object, I’m not sayin’.

Gemini/Gemini Rising/Gemini Moon: You’ll have someone demanding you act like a grown-up all year, so you need to displace your frustration at home. It’s important you see your private time as Triage Time. Your bar must be well stocked, and keep a soothing selection of The Three Stooges Greatest Hits at hand. Then bring home that guy who stands outside Starbucks every morning talking to himself. You like someone who’s chatty, and you don’t want to drink alone, so who knows? Maybe you’ll score a hat trick and find out he LOVES the ol’ Curly, too. Family folk: score the hottest, latest diet plan (RAW mango leaves?) and enforce full family commitment. Fido, too.

Cancer/Cancer Rising/Cancer Moon: Jupiter’s journey through Virgo will give you that extra edge you’ve wanted for years: you’re probably already well known for your spot-on observations about little things, like exactly how many trips to the grocery store it will take to finish off those balding tires on the minivan, or precisely how to mix Ativan and 5Htp with your Sunday morning Mimosa for the perfect brunch experience. But Jupiter here will now unquestionably establish your usefulness in your family’s life — you really DO know it all! Be sure to have a thought ready for every instance. Facts are always helpful, because you know — most folks just don’t have their facts right. Right? There should be an app for that! Go build it.

Leo/Leo Rising/Leo Moon: You like your money clean, as in laundered. And this year if you play your cards right, you’re gonna do a lot of ‘laundry’. And anyway, do you know what’s ON those bills you pass around? FILTHY lucre, is literally right. You really wouldn’t want to touch that stuff, so you let others do if for you. For the lordly among you, this is a great year to purchase servants and buy off accountants. Divert any questionable expenses into a shell venture aimed at improving the health of aging voice-over actors. Go on ‘speaking tours’ from your new Periscope account. Leave no pocket unturned when folks show up at your office; just make sure the five-fingered fleecing isn’t obviously your hand.

Virgo/Virgo Rising/Virgo Moon: There isn’t anything you can’t eat this year. Yes, it’s finally YOUR turn to Fail and GO BIG: without a doubt food is your best friend in this venture. So it’s important you focus on those foods that will give you the greatest return on your investment. I humbly recommend the Twinkie Tour (one a day, just before bed), Vegemite (straight up, on the spoon), and your childhood favorite, piecrust. (You’ll be a veritable brewery inside!) Or combine the three and establish a new reputation in the PTA with your signature dish: Twinkie Turnovers with Vegemite frosting! And don’t forget — volunteer for EVERYTHING. It’s the best way to become popular!

Libra/Libra Rising/Libra Moon: Your anxiety closets will be bursting at the seams — or rather, the frames — this year. Don’t bother organizing that closet; give the stuff away! If there’s any little thing in you that goes “Boo!” make sure it’s clear the Other Guy’s at fault. Because it is, you know. Similarly, sleepless nights counting ceiling cracks could lead to amazing insights about the fissures in other people’s facades. (Synchronous details, right? So insightful!) This is bound to be a break-through year for your psyche, so grab some popcorn and roll film! Let’s get this projector started!

Scorpio/Scorpio Rising/Scorpio Moon: To access your inner intensity and still maintain your deep need for privacy, eschew openness with others while still culling information from them, COINTELPRO, style. Information is KING. Set up multiple online personas, Facebook accounts, and chatroom avatars. This coming year, you’re not giving anything away for free, but you can take all you want from ‘comrades’ and co-workers. Expect lavish outlays of details. You will, of course, also establish a solid database into which you’ll dump your data. Just don’t mix your monikers or someone may ask lots of questions.

Sagittarius/Sagittarius Rising/Sagittarius Moon: Hello there, Hot Stuff! You’re at the top of your game, and nothing will be the same after this year. If you’re looking to wallow in failure, in full view of your adoring public, keep these tips in mind. 1) Never research the facts. Facts can be bent, after all. And you are a Master Bender. 2) Never, ever shut your mouth. You’re perpetually blessed with Jupiter on your side, and a mouth to go with it, so keep a steady stream of opinions flowing. 3) Pedantry is a plus! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Humans are always looking to be taught something! Don’t miss opportunities to preach your gospel: wherever you are, someone needs to know — public toilets, fitness club locker rooms, voting booths. This year, the private is all public. YOUR public.

Capricorn/Capricorn Rising/Capricorn Moon: You are God. The Guru. Yes, indeed. That’s the image you project. At the very least God’s most favorite administrative assistant and legal council. There’s really no way to get to the Big Man without going through you first. And you so enjoy casting an appraising eye over your Arrivals clipboard before telling folks, “Sadly, I see you’re not on The List.” You keep telling others you’re just a lowly servant, a veritable Uriah Heep of humility; but the truth is, this year you’ve been called in as the Efficiency Expert and promoted to Pope. Your first task will be bumping off that annoying heterodox hippy currently hanging around the Vatican. He’s bad for business. Not on The List. See?

Aquarius/Aquarius Rising/Aquarius Moon: ‘Jenerous’ Jupiter’s doling out the credit for you this year! In fact, you won’t have seen this much good will since 2003, so get crackin’! Stopping in at your local chain retailer? Be sure to say, “Yes, please!” when they offer you 10% off their store credit card. You’ll be carrying a 27.98% APR, but don’t let that bother you. Game the system! Say “yes!” to all of them! Your pre-Banking Bust era habits won’t be rusty for long, and soon you’ll remember how easy it was to shuffle your balances from card to card in a daisy chain of fantastique financial fuqery. Debt never felt so goooood.

Pisces/Pisces Rising/Pisces Moon: You’ll need a separate datebook for all the action coming your way this year, if you want to succeed. But if your intentions are failure, no calendars are needed. Book at will — one date or three, it matters not. Layer ‘em like pancakes and drizzle your magical malleability all over them. It’s always a delight when new people meet for the first time! For those of you outside the dating scene, delight your significant others with a newborn sense of accountability — you’re keeping tabs on THEM. Nosey is nothing! Rifle through purses; jailbreak cellphones looking for patterns and passwords. You’re only looking out for their best interests. Right?

Sooner or later (usually in adolescence), most of us begin spending more time with unrelated people our own age than with family members. It’s an important period of learning interpersonal skills outside the family dynamic in order to individuate and define yourself among peers. Such skills, in turn, allow you to form friendships, partnerships and participate in community.

Some fundamental proficiency in expressing your thoughts is essential to interpersonal relationships. Letting your mind be known, and understanding what’s going on the minds of others, is a big part of communication.

Learning to communicate is a gradual process, integral to your personal development. It’s more than just saying what you think, it’s thinking about what you and others say.

Typically, how you communicate and comprehend will mature as you do. With experience, you learn to disregard stereotypes and tailor your responses to the specificity of the person, place or situation so as to get along better with others.

At least part of what is called wisdom has to do with learning to get along effectively enough to inspire and promote cooperation with others. If there is any one thing which has allowed human beings to thrive on Planet Earth, it probably is none other than cooperation.

Earlier today, Jupiter started a nearly 13-month journey through Virgo. In correlation, your journey through life during Jupiter’s tenure in Virgo will probably expand upon interpersonal themes of communication and cooperation, especially as regards to moving beyond stereotypes (or not). Indications are that some awareness of astrology will enhance the ultimate outcome.

Jupiter, of course, does not exist in a vacuum any more than you do. Both you and Jupiter are part of the system we call solar. The solar system is a dynamic thing; everything is in motion. Hence, the context of Jupiter (and you) in symbolic relation to the rest of the solar system has changed since it last entered Virgo about 12 years ago.

Understanding the context of Jupiter in Virgo now, and for the year-plus to come, is the equivalent of understanding how to communicate and cooperate with others more effectively in your life. It means, at least in part, discarding stereotypes and focusing on specifics.

One system of stereotype employed by astrology is called “essential dignities.” It’s a useful system of rules that tell you about how planets and signs relate to each other. As with any system of rules, however, it’s important to see everything as part of a whole so as to know when to make an exception. On the whole, it appears that this particular traversal of Virgo by Jupiter will warrant an exception.

According to the system of essential dignities, Jupiter is considered to be relatively weak in Virgo. To use an astrological term, Jupiter is “in detriment” (or “in exile”) in Virgo because Virgo opposes Pisces. Pisces is one of two signs (along with Sagittarius) where Jupiter is said to rule (or be “in domicile”), and therefore strongly expresses with some degree of agency.

Think about how detrimental it would be if you were to be exiled far away from home, friends, community, citizenship, language, currency and everything else that’s familiar to you. That will give you a general idea of how the stereotypical image of Jupiter in Virgo works. 

This particular tour of Virgo, however, will feature a Jupiter in nearly constant communication with most of the rest of the solar system through angular relationships called aspects. The Sun, Venus and Mars will soon pass through Virgo to conjoin (share the same degree) with Jupiter.

Additionally, Saturn will make a relatively rare connection with Jupiter through what is called a square aspect (a separation of 90 degrees) from Sagittarius twice next year. Neptune and Chiron will oppose Jupiter from Pisces in what might be considered to be a continuous connection over the next year or so as well. By the same token, Pluto in Capricorn will be in what you could call a continuous trine (a separation of 120 degrees) with Jupiter for months to come.

Finally, Mercury (already in its Virgo domicile now) will return to Virgo in August of 2016 to conjoin with Jupiter twice (once in direct motion, and once in retrograde). After that, Jupiter will enter Libra in September of next year.

In sum, Jupiter’s time in Virgo will not resemble an exile at all. Rather, it will represent a metaphorical exception to one of the stereotypical rules of astrology. The sheer quantity and quality of connections Jupiter will make while in Virgo will, in essence, overcome those rules.

Based on the idea that what goes on in the skies above correlates with what is going on here on Earth below, the next 12 months or so might be similarly exceptional for you and your interpersonal relationships. In order to realize exceptional outcomes, however, you will need to behave in exceptional ways.

You will need to move beyond the perception of racial, gender and political stereotypes. You will have learn how to extend the boundaries in which community have been contained. You will be required to inspire and promote cooperation. In fact, all of us will.

For we have reached a point in our own personal and collective development when it is no longer appropriate to be separated by community any more than it has ever been feasible to be separate from community. It’s time make an evolutionary leap beyond community to system.

It’s time to become one with the ecosystem of Earth and the solar system of the skies. The time for exile is over. It’s time to come home again. It will admittedly be a long road home, but you can at least know the appropriate direction if you let the example of Jupiter in Virgo show you the way to get started.

Offered In Service

Len is available for astrology readings. You can contact him at lenwallick [at] gmail [dot] com.