Not long after human beings took to the sky, skywriting was invented. As the term is commonly used, skywriting is trails of smoke intentionally expelled from a small, acrobatic airplane so as to be visible as written messages from the ground. Not long ago, it seemed like such an innocent thing.
Now we know that exhaust from large scale use of aircraft is a prime contributor to climate change. That knowledge in turn casts a shadow on the whole idea of skywriting.
Yet, if that shadow serves the purpose of making you more aware, it will have been worth a loss of innocence. That’s an example of how literal and figurative shadows can be made useful in your life.
The astrology this week represents a form of skywriting emblematically replete with shadows that you can make good use of. The symbolism starts with Venus in Scorpio reaching 60 degrees of separation from Pluto in Capricorn shortly after 6:19 am EST (11:19:18 UTC) Thursday.
In astrology, a separation of 60 degrees on the zodiac (and in the sky) represents the metaphorical interpretation of one planet in support of another. The nature of that support is analogous to a scholarship or grant, in that it is earned.
When you consider how both our astronomical and astrological knowledge of Pluto has evolved since its discovery in 1930, you could very well say that the shadowy image implicit in its name has been integrated into a more productive form of knowledge, which has very real value.
Part of how Venus manifests in your life is through the realization of values. This means that its sextile with Pluto on Thursday shows how you might well apply yourself to looking for the light in any dark night of the soul you might be going through now.
Astrology’s skywriting regarding the theme of shadows and their association with the light of awareness continues when the Sagittarius Sun moves precisely halfway between the lunar nodes just after 9 am (14:01:10 UTC) Friday. The lunar nodes are in Virgo and Pisces, respectively.
The lunar nodes are not tangible objects like the Sun, Venus or Pluto. They are perpetually opposing points on the zodiac, representing the two points in space where the Moon’s orbit around our planet intersects with Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
The most important thing to remember about the lunar nodes is that eclipses take place when the Sun moves close to either one of them. Hence, the Sun equidistant between the nodes means we are about halfway between the most recent set of eclipses this year and the subsequent set of eclipses (and literal and figurative shadows associated with them) next year.
Even so, when the Sun is halfway between one node and the next, it also means the Sun is separated by 90 degrees from both of those points. A separation of 90 degrees is called a square, and is associated with tension originating from within. That’s how (as Eric has oft noted) being halfway between sets of eclipses often feels a lot like the shadowy experiences commonly experienced when eclipses actually take place.
Yet, if you had the chance to see the total lunar eclipse which took place on Sept. 27 (or Sept. 28, depending on your time zone) you also know how something very bright inevitably emerges from even the darkest of shadows. Fortunately, you will get an extended opportunity to apply that knowledge when astrology’s theme of useful shadows extends into Saturday
Saturday will be the first full day of Mercury in its so-called ‘shadow phase’, presaging its first retrograde period of 2016. That retrograde starts on Jan. 5.
To visualize how Mercury’s shadow phases work, imagine the motion of a windshield wiper on an automobile.
The first swipe corresponds to Mercury moving in direct motion over the same degrees of the zodiac where it will subsequently retreat. The second swipe of the wiper (going back the other way) correlates with the actual retrograde, and the third swipe represents Mercury’s third (and final) retracing of its steps before it moves on to other degrees and other signs.
The first shadow phase of a Mercury retrograde cycle (much like other emblems of shadow discussed in this piece today) is not to be feared. Rather, it corresponds with a period when you might receive enlightenment of what is yet to come. With such awareness you can be prepared, and with preparation you can overcome any downside of any shadow in any form.
That’s the metaphorical skywriting implied by the astrology of this week, the last full week of the current season. If you fear any shadows that go with it, however, it won’t be of much use.
On the other hand, if you can, proceed with a determination to gather awareness from any personal experience you have with shadows over the next handful of days. If you do, you will be moving not only into light but with it, as you emerge into a new season with the Capricorn solstice next week.
Offered In Service
Such an interesting piece, dear Len – and its theme of shadows and light resonate so deeply with me. Have indeed been going through a very dark time of late – but seem to be coming up for air at last – also by realizing how much the darkness is an intrinsic part of life, and therefore not to be feared (there were two great comments on this theme recently, from beleclaire and Amy T). Thank you Len!
Lizzy: Thank you for being so kind (and for being so thoughtful as to cite the observations of beleclaire and Amy T). Such thoughtful reminders tie the space-time of Planet Waves comments into a continuum of presence which we can share with each other.
Taking light with me Len, on my journey to SF on the Solstice. I didn’t plan that; I think it planned me. Nevertheless, holding a light in dark places always “exposes” shadows, doesn’t it? Perhaps in my travels I’ll find some shadows by shedding some light. Probably too foggy for skywriting, but as you’ve explained, the planets are taking care of that too.
aWord: May the light of my gratitude remain with you as part of the light you carry. i would give even my own last ember of light gladly if i could be assured that your generous heart could find the peace it deserves.
{{<3}} thank you, Len.
GLen, thanks for clarity in describing this time frame. Really helps to have good information on how to prepare.
Jamie: Thank you. May your preparations serve to bring you comfort as well as prosperity.
Len- thank you for the note regarding the Lunar Eclipsed how it connects in time to this week, that event was timed to some important events in my life. And as you prognosticate, some shadowy energies are sneaking out, thinking they will go unseen. Uh, no.
Chief Niwot’s Son: i’m confident that nothing will ever sneak by you, who are among the most generous, virtuous and wise who comment here. Thank you so much once again for the kind blessing of your comment.
Hey Len………..thanks for the heads up…..helps to shed light on the conversations……….take care
Barbara: You are most welcome. May your conversations be as supportive for you as your comments are here.
“Yet, if that shadow serves the purpose of making you more aware, it will have been worth a loss of innocence. ”
Beautiful message Len! Perfectly choreographed to the timing of the astrology. Everything (even shadow) sheds and serves a greater meaning, and purpose through the light.
Regarding the Eclipses, thank you for further explaining our timing and Sun’s position to them. I still struggle to wrap my head around the nodes. Experientially, the eclipses of this year, from my perspective we’re phenomenal. I hardly know what to expect now we are half way in between. I guess we’ll see. I am getting used to the retrograde cycles now, and even the squares have had great advantage, in the end.
I was reminded of, and read this the other night, which seems to echo your thoughts, to help keep all (shadow and light, backwards and forwards, all the angles and our position, and patience to them), in relativity.
In the general theory of relativity, proposed by Albert Einstein he describes gravity, not as a force, but as a consequence. The curvature of spacetime is directly related to the energy and momentum of whatever matter and radiation (light) are present.”
Hi Len, it seems then, that by being half-way between eclipses, the Sun is (could be) “acting out” the affect of achieving balance between what the extremes of polarity would elicit; a big part (advantage) of evolving our species. Every time we get something that pushes or drags us closer to that achievement – of moving away from the extremes and becoming more centered and whole – brings us all closer together and less likely to hate or fear, and more likely to see/feel a common bond. I will note and get back to you if I pick up on that vibe Saturday morning. Many thanks for expanding our awareness once again.
be
oops, I mean Friday morning.
Thank you Len, for the awareness that your writing brings. I especially enjoyed learning from you today. I know that I and those close to me are also struggling with the tensions present, perhaps credited in some measure to the cosmos, given we are halfway between the eclipses.
Regarding skywriting (and even smoke signaling before it) we later learn that man’s innovation contributed to unintended consequences. Perhaps when we receive full knowledge of any action, however innocent or fully known in its effect, is when the next evolution of choice dictates the next action by man, and humanity’s conscience evolution? It seems through the cosmos that there has always been a shadow effect, and a time when humanity is given the opportunity to choose differently, once the remaining knowledge of the purported innocent act is known.
We tie our values to choice. In our world of globalism, we no longer act in isolation. As the picture on the PW homepage (currently) depicts, “there is no Planet B.” We should anticipate the effect of our choices, our personal choice, but also our collective choice. Venus (values) in Scorpio sextile Pluto (power) in Capricorn provides us an opportunity to not only examine our personal power but also, the power we give to our elected officials. It is equally an opportunity to determine if their values are aligned with our own as we probe their shadow sides, which of course, mirror our own creations. When we make conscience choice and anticipate its affect on others, we evolve our soul. When we demand our officials also consider their actions and the affect it can have on others, we evolve our collective spirit.
Looking forward to the shadow side period: this gives us an opportunity to know misalignments with our values that are manifested by our internal tension and strife. The time period gives us time to identify, examine, ruminate, confront, and change by making better, more informed choices that are aligned with our values and anticipate external consequences.
Namaste’ PiscesSun
There are so many gifts in this latest post Len. I thank you warmly.
As so often you facilitate a shift in the way I understand and look at the astrology of the time.
This shadowy energy has already hit me and yes, ” if it serves the purpose of making you more aware, it will have been worth the loss of innocence “.
I had some destructive news both in its content and delivery a couple of days ago, and it sent me reeling, losing some innocence in the process, but then after, the gift of some important insights about who I need and who I don’t need in my life.
Not entirely sure if it was Venus /Pluto – I have them connected natally – however, Karma in Aries has been moving into exact opposition with natal Mercury.
And then you gave more:) Thank you for mentioning the Sun sq nodes and more importantly, linking them into the previous and next eclipses. The last solar eclipse was exactly conjunct my IC and the next solar eclipse will be conjunct my Midheaven.
Maybe I am half way through the latest phase of inner growth. I hope so!
dear Lizzy
thanks for your kind acknowledgement.
One of my heroes is Jung : he said ( I paraphrase ) * You don’t become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious *
Roar and rage and fight the fear! ( thanks Amy T )
wishing you an easy family time over the holiday xx
Thanks for the wonderful Jung quote, beleclaire! He’s one of my heroes, too. It’ll be a very tough Christmas – but I’m ready, and will roar and rage and fight the hardship! …! I wish you all the very best as well. ((())))