Happy New Year… 2010!!!

A year in Pre-view… rRe-view… Now View.

Let Doom & Gloom become Zoom & & Bloom!!

Dreams flying… Choose as you Create.

New Year’s Eve starts off with a Full Blue Moon & Lunar Eclipse, 4 planets in Tropical Capricorn, & Mercury in Retrograde until January 15th. It is both a culmination & a beginning time… a good time to look at the structure of what our new year might be like. Imagine it.

1000 years ago today, the date was: 01.01.1010.
Astrology is an evolving art, based on astronomical information & the observance of planetary cycles. If you like that kind of thing, read on. If not, be warned this is a many-paged document that may leave side effects of mind expansion the writer cannot be held responsible for. Ha!

Mercury

Mercury appears to go retrograde from our perspective for about 3 weeks, 3 times a year. Capricorn (a sign representing structure, tradition, & achievement) is highlighted this first time. While traveling through Tropical Capricorn… our goals could benefit from re-doing, fixing, & fine tuning our gadgets & communications. Writers… edit, thinkers think, tinkers tink. It’s the practical 3 this year (with all Mercury Retrogrades happening in Tropical Earth signs until Dec 2010…when we get a slightly different mental perspective).

Mercury is making a conjunction to the North Node in these early days of 2010. The North Node is a point in space. It is a mathematical point that takes into account the relationship between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. The Moon's nodes are the points where the Moon's orbit intersects the plane of the ecliptic. Astrologically, it has to do with our destiny, our path of growth, & spiritual integration.
Because Mercury is retrograde as it is aligned with the North Node in these first days of the year, significant communications can come from internal places as well real conversations. Uranus (the planet of change) is making a harmonious aspect to Mercury & the North Node, so pay attention to your intuition, dreams, & ideas. Allow synchronicities & insights to come from unlikely places. Woo Hoo!

And now… into the New Year…

What we do today decides our tomorrow. These days in 2010 begin some first real steps, as a people… not just theorizing, but actually doing.

Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, & Capricorn) begin seasons. They are starting points. In 2010… we’ll have a number of outer planets traveling through Cardinal Signs & making angular aspects to each other. With the configuration of these outer planets, the lore suggests that we are coming to a beginning… collectively.

Mark this as a time of intention… where we find new purpose, allow our wills to come forth, consciously re-shape ourselves, & change on a personal level.

The Past…

2010 marks a culminating period of time that is Astrologically similar to “The Great Depression” of the 1930’s. Back then, Pluto in Tropical Cancer made a square (90 degree angle) to Uranus in Tropical Aries, which made a square to Saturn in Tropical Capricorn. Astrologers call this a T-square… a very dynamic aspect.

While the 1930’s were wrought with economic hardships, many incredible things also came out of that time period. “The New Deal” put #’s of people back to work & the USA had its first & only fully funded government Arts Program (which lasted 3 years). People had to find ways to rely on each other & work together more (whether it was for food or family). The electron microscope was invented (1931), black & white TV showed up on the scene, drive-in movie theatres came into being (1933), nylon for panty hose was created (1938), & the photocopier was born (1938). “Superman” also had his first appearance in action comics & a gallon of gas cost 10 cents.

So gas is a tad more expensive, but our present time period is similar in that it has been super challenging on the world economic stage… as well as being a bit of a wake-up call to all of us (in regard to the environment & on many other levels).

Now is a time to make fundamental changes in who we are & how we live.

This is the beginning of an era that presents us with the possibility to be our own “Super People.” Oh yea…

Most Recent Now Past (2009)…

The stage for change has been set by the Saturn-Uranus opposition… in mutable Virgo/Pices (Tropically) in this past year. It has been a dance of old ways versus new ways… of wanting our new vision to happen already, but needing to make concerted effort to make real bridges from the past to the future.

The last time that Saturn & Uranus were in opposition in Virgo & Pices was early 1964 to early 1967. Those of us born in those years have been experiencing our “Uranus Oppositions” & our “Saturn Oppositions” simultaneously.

The Uranus Opposition is known as mid-life crisis by normal people… & termed “The Great Awakening” by Astrologers.

Saturn Oppositions can indicate important changes and awareness of our future goals… & embracing responsibilities on a whole new level.

In some way, the souls born in 2009 have a lot in common with those of us born in the mid-1960’s. We share a need to follow the rules, but just far enough to allow us to learn how to break them. Ha!

This is part of the process we have all been living through in the past year.

Altering our habits by shifting in small ways has been part of this painstaking process (details needing so much attention). Making adjustments in minor matters is an exercise in flexibility that enables more dramatic changes to be skillfully handled later.

We’ve been chipping away at crystallized habits now, so that we can immerge as flying wonders later.

This past year… & a bit of Now…

Jupiter’s passage through Aquarius has already opened up the collective mind, but its conjunctions with Neptune (“God of the Sea, The Dissolver, and Planet of Compassion & Illusion”) symbolize a wide antenna that is designed to gather input without narrowing it to one single point of focus. It has been a broad stream we have been swimming in. For those of us with Aquarius prominent in our charts… our “Lucky Jupiter Transit” has been like a swim through a Sea of Possibilities… hopefully with the best of realities emerging (at least, conceptually).

Up & Coming 2010…

Now, we have Pluto (“Lord of the Underworld”) in the dark winter sign of Capricorn. Pluto is about descent into the mines and the shadow worlds where metaphorical death precedes a rebirth.

Pluto will be traveling through Capricorn for 14 years (until January of 2024). Seeing Capricorn as a step toward Aquarius… is one way to see this time period as laying the groundwork for a future we can all be happy & proud to inhabit.


Saturn rules Capricorn & is also the traditional ruler of Aquarius, yet the 2 are very different energies.

Saturn’s role is to bring order. In Capricorn, we see this through structures, politics, discipline & practical matters. We don’t usually see Aquarius as orderly, but both signs are group oriented signs that seek organization and common ground.


The difference is that Capricorn initiates… & gathers collective force to apply group energy in a unified direction. Aquarius gathers (or harmonizes) collective force to apply it in every possible direction. Fun!

Capricorn is single-tracked. Aquarius is multi-tracked. Unity through diversity establishes a multi-faceted foundation for the next leap. So yes… Act Locally & Think Globally. Finding happiness & health within… & know that it helps us all.

Geek Note:

The Mayans talk about this 2nd to last phase as the phase of “Unity” which culminates on February 11th, 2011 according to their calendar. According to them, February of 2011 is when we begin our last phase of creating “Universal Consciousness” before the end of “The Great Cycle.” Now is the phase of “Unity.” So many stories making one epic world story.

Saturn in Libra…

Saturn entered Tropical Libra on October 29th, 2009 and will be there until October of 2012. They say that a key to using Saturn in Libra is the ability to accept contrast. Rather than pitting one side against another, its gift is to recognize that every pair of opposites occupies the same circle, that they are two sides of the same coin.

The centered calmness of Libra’s cool air is something we can practice by stepping back from conflict or, at least by taking a moment’s pause… and one conscious breath… before jumping in.

Accepting our own contradictions is part of this transit. See where we are so we can see where we want to be.

Libra’s need for negotiation and renegotiation is not about failing to choose or commit; it’s a means for expanding the field of choice so that polarization is less likely.

The last time Saturn was in Libra was the Fall of 1980 to the end of 1982. For people born during those years, you will be experiencing what Astrologers call, “The Saturn Return”… a testing time that provides you an opportunity to grow beyond where you’ve been. For these people & those of us with Libra highlighted in our charts… embracing the lessons of Saturn (discipline) & allowing yourself to manifest your dreams in some real way is part of this transit. Take care. Eat well. < br>
Those people born between August 1951 and October 1953 also share Saturn in Libra… a place it returns to every 29 years.

Jupiter in Pices…

Jupiter (planet of Luck & Expansion) enters Pices on January 17th 2010 , and stays there until June 5th, 2010. For those of us with Pisces highlighted in our charts, we are lucky ducks! This is a very challenging year for most people… & yet… people with Pisces energy will likely somehow benefit through this time period. We feel our way & choose well.

On September 8th, 2010… Jupiter re-enters the latter degrees of Pisces (until the end of the year).

Jupiter enters Aries (& joins Uranus)…

Jupiter travels through Tropical Aries from June 6th, 2010 to September 7th, 2010… (& again from January 22nd-June 4th, 2011). This is a time period where we will all likely be processing new & different kinds of information.

When Jupiter (the planet of the higher mind) joins Uranus (the Planet of Change) in Aries on June 6th, 2010… it will be like getting a new computer chip for our brains. We may be able to think faster, allowing us to recognize patterns and energies that previously escaped detection. Aries people, your lives are about to change!

Uranus is still in Pices…

We are now still in the process of creating the “Innernet.” For the last 7 years, Uranus has been traveling through Pices. We have been finding friends from our past… “chatting” at all hours, sharing our lives & thoughts (no matter where we live)… & doing it through electric particles.

Uranus goes into Aries…

Uranus makes a brief visit to Tropical Aries from May 27th to August 12th, 2010. It will be a preview of what’s to come.

Uranus in Aries represents a faster frequency of experience that will demand more of our nervous systems. Saturn in Libra is the insulation that will allow our wires to carry these messages without burning us out. Prepare to think faster by slowing down the pace of fear.

………………………………………………………………………..
This “inventive energy” (Uranus) will return to the pioneering sign of Tropical Aries on March 11, 2011. It will then be there for a 7-year stay.

Like a rocket ship ride of rapid or unexpected transformations, the future will be coming so fast that outdated concepts could be flying out the window at faster-than-light propulsion (beyond warp speed, Scottie).

Immediacy… Eternal Now… burning up old memories and tossing out future expectations. Develop your calm center in these early days & you are likely to be able to more easily embrace changes as they come later.

Jupiter & Uranus Conjunct in Aries… & 2010 T-square

This Jupiter/Uranus conjunction begins on June 6th, 2010… & makes an opposition to Saturn… & a square to Pluto by July & August of 2010…. completing this era’s T-square.

This is the other end of a Pluto cycle… with Pluto now opposite where it was in the 1930’s. Although Pluto has been demoted to “dwarf planet” classification, it is still considered the “Lord of the Underworld & the Planetary Body of Transformation” by Astrologers. It is opposite where is was in the 1930’s… and making significant square aspects to the same planets as it did back then.

Because Pluto is at the heart of this up & coming aspect, it is a societal transformation that we are witnessing & part of co-creating.

We are approaching a time of major transformation as a people. The answers we need our within us. The challenge is to re-evaluate who we think we are & what we call reality.

The meaning we seek will be found beyond the boundaries of the known, on the perilous edges where certainty crumbles. We are all agents of change… creating the future & the best of all possibilities.

In a regular birth chart, the pathway to resolution of a T-square is to see where the aspect would make a complete square (form stability). Look at where the sign of Cancer resides in your birth chart to find a focus for helping to personally resolve the up & coming challenges of 2010.

Jupiter/Uranus Conjunction in Pices

The last 2 Jupiter/Uranus conjunctions are in fuzzy Pisces (September 18, 2010 through Jan 22nd, 2011). This aspect may show us some interesting possibilities. The growing potential for both genius and madness can stir up extreme ideas… giving us glimpses of what could be, but not what must be.

Find a truth that includes the perspectives of both mind & heart. Go Team!

Neptune…

Neptune, the only outer planet that is not a part of the Cardinal T-square of 2010, serves as a buffer to the winds of change to come.

This ethereal planet is floating through intellectual/intuitive Aquarius until April 4, 2011. Then, it enters its home sign of Pisces until August 5th, 2011.

Neptune enjoys a retrograde return to Aquarius until Feb 3rd of 2012. By February 4th of 2012, Neptune will again enter its home sign of Pisces… & for a 14- year stay.

For now… We are still envisioning how the future can be. We have the freedom to become who & what we want to be… to salvage the grim scenarios reported by mainstream media… use our collective visionary abilities, & make the best of the cards we have in our hands. Oh yea…

February Alignment-2009

Forty years ago, the intuitive words of a song, brought the dawning of the new age into our collective awareness:

When the Moon is in the seventh house
and Jupiter aligns with Mars.
Then love will rule the planets
and peace will steer the stars.

Jupiter (the planet of luck & expansion) /Mars (the planet of passion)/& the North Node (denoting higher purpose) will be in alignment in Aquarius in February of 2009.

The Moon travels through Libra from Feb 12th, 2009 (2:10am)... til' Feb 14th, 2009 (6:50am). This is a good 2 day chunk. Being that Libra is associated with the 7th House of Partnerships & Relationships...our song plays out a little on these days, but the time that seems to reflect the meaning of our song best is actually on February 16th & February 17th... "President's Day" & the day after... (when Jupiter, Mars, & the North Node all exactly conjunct at 9 and 10 degrees of Aquarius).

On Feb 16th, the Moon will be (in Scorpio) in the 7th House of Partnerships, Relationships, & Balance from 9:18am-10:54am (PST). The epic Aquarian conjunction will simultaneously be happening.

The Aquarian alignment continues into Feb 17th. On that day, the Moon will be (in Sagittarius) in the 7th House from 10:00am-11:35am.

We also have the Sun & Neptune making a conjunction in Aquarius in these days. That conjunction is exact on Feb 12th & 13th, but it lasts throughout the month as well. Neptune here emphasizes universal compassion, collective humanitarian movements, and the co-creation of social justice.

With so many planetary energies in Aquarius, lore would suggest that we may be more in tune with a larger future vision of things. We get to have days of kooky possibility, dreamy vision, & the possibility for transcendental breakthroughs.

Venus in Aries energizes and empowers dynamic co-creativity.

Saturn (the great task master) in opposition to Uranus (the unexpected awakener) suggests an ongoing confrontation as we see unsustainable old paradigms reluctantly giving way to the untested hope of the new. Their placement in Virgo and Pisces brings practical altruism and visionary inspiration to the transition.

The last time there were this many planetary energies in Aquarius was in 1962.

In whatever way feels appropriate for you, contribute to energizing a wave of smart creativity & peaceful intention that will surge around the Earth in these days...& Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Astro-Lady Speaks on 2009

2009 is a mixed bag. There are some very strong challenges going on…as well as many positive & uplifting possibilities. Firstly, I will begin by addressing all the “economy talk” that has been such a large part of the political agenda (for the USA & worldwide). Interestingly enough, the aspects that are going on now…& up through 2010 are strikingly similar to the ones that happened during “The Great Depression of the 1930’s.” It is probably no surprise that this correlates. It is the other end of a Pluto cycle…with Pluto opposite to where it was in the 1930’s.


In the 1930’s… Pluto made a conjunction to Jupiter, a square to Uranus, & an opposition to Saturn. Pluto will be making similarly challenging aspects to the same planets (but in a different combination) by 2010. We have not seen the high point of this aspect as yet, but it is approaching. The high point of the aspect happens in July, August, & September of 2010…so hold on to your hats…& do your best to prepare for the ride. Being that we are more prepared than society was in the 1930’s, we may be able to whether this period better. Time will tell. For 2009, it is a time to build on possibilities & vision new things (rather than be completely freaked out by the media focus on all that has gone wrong). There are always those who benefit…no matter what is going on. Why not let that be you?


By December 27th, 2008…we will have a New Moon in Capricorn…& into Aquarius…bringing in an electrified period before the New Year. New Moons represent the end of a cycle & a doorway to the next level. Mars & Pluto are conjunct (together) in Capricorn here as well…emphasizing the importance of re-visioning and transforming our relationship to the physical world. Personal Will (Mars) & Collective Will (Pluto) together…suggest that we could be more in tune with integrating our ambitions & goals toward objectives that serve the needs of all. Pluto’s conjunction with Mars at this time also represents a collective initiation into the sacred masculine. We will be moved to let go of what no longer serves our evolution. Collectively, we have reached a critical mass where we are all likely to see that domination & destruction must be replaced with protection & preservation & more honorable aspects of the sacred masculine.
Venus conjuncts Neptune in Aquarius at this New Moon as well, highlighting the sacred feminine principle, offering a collective initiation into the heart & facilitating a greater awareness of our interconnectedness and inter-dependence with all things.


With Mercury & Jupiter also conjunct in Capricorn at this time, we may feel an expanded brilliance in our minds…aimed towards practical answers & innovation.



Take time to reflect on what you are ready to release & what you wish to bring into your life…& move forward.


As 2009 begins, Pluto (the Dwarf Planet of Transformation) establishes itself in Capricorn…where it will travel until 2023/2024. Pluto in Capricorn is destined to bring a transformation of government & business from which we should all ultimately benefit. Hierarchical & monolithic structures are likely to be completely transformed (or leveled) by the revolutionary market forces of our global economy. The old monoliths will need to adapt to the Internet Generation & open up to globalized input. Pluto’s transit of Capricorn is likely to signal the end for unfair or ancient social hierarchies. We may be seeing the last of the institutional capitalism that we’ve known for so long. With fear of instability, governments tend to exercise more control…over systems, business, & citizens. We are likely to see the established structures begin to fall away. In their place, we may see a big move towards creating new structures…an emergence of solid ideas that are more appropriate for our time. While this may be welcome & needed in many ways, the formulation of individual rights in response to all of this will also be important.


When Saturn enters Libra at the end of October in 2009, we are likely to have more energy for establishing these checks & balances.


At the beginning of 2009, Saturn is still in Virgo. This pinpoints very simply where weaknesses lie & what specific work needs to be done to fix things. Traveling through Virgo, this transit has spotlighted flaws (food shortages, problematic harvests, grain & soybean prices, & that which comes from the Earth…like oil). The weaknesses of our last US President have been apparent. George W. Bush has been under microscopic scrutiny as a man clumsy & uncomfortable with the role of leadership. For ourselves as individuals, we may have had to look at aspects of ourselves that could also use some fixing.


Being that Saturn will enter Libra in late October of 2009, it is likely that there will be new, quality leadership in the US...leadership that will involve serious diplomatic efforts geared towards fairness & balance (all things that Libra rules). Fos us as individuals, the Fall of 2009 is a time when we may feel a renewed balance as we finish our own personal overhaul of ourselves.


I imagine it will be a very dynamic time…as Pluto makes its first official square to Saturn by November of 2009 as well. There could be monumental battles for control…in government…requiring the intense diplomatic efforts of Saturn in Libra to consider all sides. Each person will have their own challenges at this time, but with a great opportunity for growth.


The Uranus/Saturn opposition that has been going on is also interesting because these 2 planetary energies represent opposite archetypes. Saturn represents form, structure, & discipline…while Uranus represents change, liberation, rebellion, & revolution. Having these 2 energies at odds with one another was something we could see playing out in the US election quite clearly in 2008. Simply & generally put, we had John McCain (Saturn…an older candidate focusing on what dominated in the past)…& Barack Obama (Uranus…focusing on change & the future). The first highpoint to this opposition occurred on November 4th, 2008 (election day in the US). The next will be in February and September of 2009. With these aspects in play, we may actually see unstoppable initiatives to change the health care system…& to significantly alter our energy policy…& more. We are learning how to play by the rules in order to change them.


The thing is…with an opposition of this nature…the new is formed best by creating a bridge from the past… to the future. This aspect shows the necessity to radically change structures that have outlived their time (honor the past as we change it). For the individual, surf the waves…rather than swim against the current. Under this aspect, when we are able to take the best of the old & also invite radically new elements into our lives, we thrive.


The last opposition of Saturn & Uranus occurred in the mid-1960’s (1964-1967)…a memorable era of strong activism and even stronger attempts by the authorities to suppress it. Those of us born with this aspect can relate to what it is to feel like a rebel, but also know how to use the old system to help propel our ideas forward. For those of us in this age group, we are in a kind of mid-life upheaval, re-evaluating whether the forms we have built in our lives really allow us to express our individuality and our special gifts & interests. Many of us may have already decided (or will decide) to make dramatic shifts in our careers, our location, or in partnerships. It is a bit of a 180 for many of us, but it takes time to make these shifts. Integration is key.


In 2009…we are likely to have more institutional help for making political change due to Pluto’s transit through Capricorn. Even so, the past lingers & this is something we will all have to work with. There might be aspects of tradition & structure that can help us move forward, but it is a steep mountain goat’s climb. Wherever Capricorn is located in your own chart is an area of your own life that is ripe for transformation. Methodically, take the steps you need to take.


One of the things I am personally most excited about is Jupiter entering Aquarius on Jan 6th, 2009. The Planet of Luck & Expansion (Jupiter) traveling through the visionary sign of Aquarius helps us to expand our vision for a better world. For those of us with prominent Aquarius energies in our charts, we have the potential to expand upon who we are…with lucky support.


By May of 2009, Jupiter & Neptune make a conjunction to one another in Aquarius. This will happen again in July of 2009, as well as in December of 2009. There may be a period of euphoria in the midst of all of our challenges, giving people the sense that anything is possible. This aspect could get us dreaming & feeling inspired. A technology boom could also take place. It may be that people will be open to doing anything that is asked of them (for the sake of the whole).


Know that we are approaching an 11 year Sun-spot cycle high (where the sun is putting out more sun flares & having a bigger effect on electro-magnetic energy on Earth). The highest point of this cycle will be in 2012. So, wear your sun screen while you are out about achieving things & having your serious fun.
These are the bigger movements of 2009…a time to build on things…believe in possibilities…& plant the seeds of a new revolutionary period. It is a time of great transition, real challenges, & a transformation of politics. As a society, we may be much more in touch with our biggest goals & greater collective ambitions. Whether they be saving the planet’s eco-sphere or having more fun while we fix things, we can do it.

2012

While there is not a significant planetary alignment with other planets in 2012…there IS a significant Alignment with the Sun’s Winter Solstice …& the Galactic Center of our galaxy…a kind of Galactic Winter Solstice.

We are approaching the end of The Kali Yuga. In the Vedic Doctrine of World Ages, The Kali Yuga is the Final Age…the Age of Greatest Spiritual Darkness. Its end signals a shift to a New World Age. It is a real Astronomical Event. It is an alignment of OUR planet in relation to the Sun, the ecliptic it travels on, & us. This is my understanding.

According to the Mayan Calendar, the end of "The Great Cycle" is happening from 1987 (The Harmonic Convergence)…to 1999/2000 (the actual  Solstice/Galaxy Alignment)…'til 2012 (Culmination of Galactic Alignment). It is the end of an era…an end of an age…or in Mayan Cosmology, the end of the 13th Baktun Cycle.

This alignment is considered to be the moment of Greatest Spiritual Opportunity for human beings on Earth…a time to be connected with Supreme Source. Eras of Galactic Alignment are believed to somehow contribute to the Unfolding of Consciousness on Earth. This alignment is said to offer a time of Spiritual Renewal for Humanity.

A major feature of The Milky Way is a Bright Band & a Dark Rift in The Galactic Center. It is caused by the thick accumulation of interstellar dust in the dense region near the center. It’s poetically labeled in many ways (“The Great Mother’s Birth Canal,” “The Cosmic Ball Court,” “The Goal Ring,” “The Cosmic Temple,” “The King’s Throne,” “The Nuclear Bulge,” “The Dark Rift Road to The Underworld,” and “The Mouth of the Cosmic Serpent of Death & Regeneration”). Death precedes Re-birth…& early Mayans saw this alignment as a Re-Birth.

This event that is determined by procession & culminates in the year 2012…is a full procession cycle of 25,627 years…It happens approximately once every 26,000 years.

This is what we are approaching by the end of 2012…in addition to a “Sun Spot Cycle High.” Sun spot cycle highs happen every 22 years. The last one happened in 1989. This is when the sun puts out a large amount of sun flares. The sun flares increase electro-magnetic activity on earth …allowing for greater radio reception (&…in theory… possibly a greater degree of psychic communication).

There is an idea that these periodic alignments to the Galactic Plane & to the Galactic Center can stimulate consciousness on this planet in an intriguing & profound way.

They say that we have a resonant relationship between our DNA molecules & the Galactic Center, that there is great potential for spiritual & social transformation during our impending alignment…& that our changing relationship to the larger galaxy changes us.

Where to Be:
December:

In terms of where to be in 2012, it is a question. I think we could be anywhere. “The timing of the world’s end is a function of one’s latitude of observation” (says John Major Jenkins, authority on the “Mayan CosmoGenesis 2012”).

Any Temple, Pyramid, Vortex Area, or Sacred place on Earth would be great.

Intihuatana…or “The Temple of the Sun” (Machu Picchu…The Urumbamba Valley, Peru) is an ancient Solar Clock…& a stunning place on Earth that would be really cool to see. It is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Stonehenge in England is an interesting choice if you have never been to it.

The Ganga Mela is a Winter Solstice Festival on Sagar Island in The Bay of Bengal, India…150km south of Kolkatta.

The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt is also a Solar Clock. It is on the West Bank of the Nile River…20km south of Central Cairo. It was once the tallest human-made structure on Earth…. One of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World.

Pyramid Mounds in Xi’an, China are ancient grown over pyramid shaped hills… as big & old as the ones in Egypt.

Being that many of these places are in high places, it gives new meaning to “Run for the Hills.” Ha!

Local Wonders:

There are all kinds of local wonders with unique geological features too…places (vortex points) that connect to geometric points around the globe. The Grand Tetons in Wyoming have 19 mountains & bodies of water forming a perfect circle around the area…Sedona has 4 major Vortex Mounds, Mount Shasta is another vortex, Lake Tahoe, Crater Lake in Oregon, Mount Ashland, the area around Port Townsend & Puget Sound, Mount Rainier in Washington…& even the area surrounding The Golden Gate Bridge. We don’t necessarily have to travel internationally to feel something cool. There’s likely to be special places local to whatever area you live in…so consider hunkering down nearby your home as a really great option.

During the Spring or Fall of 2012:

The Pyramid of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza shows a famous shadow of a serpent down its steps every Spring & Fall Equinox. (This Pyramid is also constructed to align with the Galactic Center & the Zenith of the Pleiades.) It is in the Northern Center of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is a Processional Star Clock in stone. The Pleiades (a cluster of hot blue stars also known as “The Seven Sisters”) are roughly opposed to the Galactic Center (an approximate indicator of the “Galactic Anti-Center”). Between March 21st and May 20th, 2012 (60 days), the alignment of the Sun & Pleiades will be directly over head at Chichen Itza.

The Mayans calibrated death & re-birth according to events in the opposite direction. May 17th is when the Pleiades emerge in the pre-dawn skies after being lost in the rays of the Sun for almost 2 months. This period is generally referred to as “The Sun-Pleiades Conjunction.”

It will be at the latitude of Teotihuacan on May 17th. Only once every year, the Pleiades arrives at the zenith precisely at mid-night. This could be an interesting place to be for the New/Old Fire Ceremony …worshipping the deities of death & re-birth …on May 17th, 2012….a pre-curser to the December rituals. Teotihuacan is 25 miles North East of Mexico City.

The origin place of the Mayan Long Count Calendar (& the Mayan Creation Myth) is Izapa (in Chiapas, near the base of the Tacana Volcano)…so that might also be a fun place to check out. In Long Count notation, Dec 21, 2012 is written as 13.0.0.0.0 (the end of the 13 Baktun Cycle)…an end of a World Age.

Metaphysically, they talk about the earth as being part of a greater Galactic Chakra System…with evolutionary energy (or Shakti) being funneled through the Earth as a result of the alignments identified in ancient Mayan Cosmology.

A long answer to the 2012 question, but short…considering all the information there is to wade through. There are a lot more details you could learn if you were interested, but this is the basic idea. An interesting time to be alive.

Astrology Forecast 2008

2008 marks a real Energetic Shift for us because we have a significant number of planets beginning to travel through Earth signs. Jupiter (the Planet of Luck & Expansion) entered Capricorn on December 19th, 2007...& will travel through Capricorn for the entire year in 2008. Jupiter’s journey through Capricorn suggests that our expansion comes most from honoring the Practical side of life. We are able to Expand upon our Ambitions. This is a year to Lay the Groundwork that is needed to help us Achieve our Goals (both personally & for our planet).

Pluto (Dwarf Planet of Transformation) also enters Capricorn this year on January 25th, 2008. This transit marks the beginning of a Massive Structural Upheaval in Politics…a deep process that goes until the end of 2024…worldwide.

When Jupiter & Pluto conjunct in any sign, there are big stories to tell. We should see a dramatic turn in the world economy & world politics…the beginning of a Major Shift in Political Structures. Pluto has an orbit of 248 years. The last time Pluto was in Capricorn was from 1762-1778, the period that saw “The Boston Tea Party” & “The American Revolution.”

This transit coincides with the eradication of whatever has outlived its purpose. Allow our new sense of ethics & ambitions to reflect where we’re really at. The Transformation of Governments, Corporations, Organizations, & Institutions of all kinds is highlighted.

Politically, it is a time to challenge our social ideas around blame & liability. Is it our government that is responsible for our world problems? Or is it us? There are many questions to ask ourselves. It is also a good time to take a serious look at power & responsibility… to see the Real Power we all have to affect things for the better in the world…in our lives, & in ourselves. Imagine possibilities & let your wild brain work on creating incredible solutions.

Approximately every 12 years, Jupiter meets up with the deep, dark, & penetrating Pluto, Lord of the Underworld. Symbolically, there is virtually no limit to Jupiter’s boundaries or Pluto’s depth. Great wealth, regenerative power, an ability to manifest (& hypnotize) are said to accompany this conjunction. Babies born in January this year may be particularly powerful as adults. For example, Bill Gates has a Jupiter-Pluto conjunction in his 2nd house of finance.

It could be a challenging year for those born in the early part of Capricorn (& the latter part of Sagittarius)…due to Pluto’s transit to their Suns. Most Capricorns are likely to just feel the expansive lucky influence of Jupiter’s transit. Generally, it is a very Auspicious Time for Most Capricorns (& for those w/Capricorn energies prominent in their charts).

A Jupiter-Pluto combo could galvanize tremendous personal drive in us. We may even see the beginnings of the re-distribution of wealth & power in ways that have been needed for some time. Overall, it should be an interesting year in the world… fascinating to watch a presidential election play out in the US.

On personal levels, wherever Capricorn falls in your chart is the area of your life that is most ripe for the biggest & most auspicious structural transformation.

Pluto goes Retrograde from June 1st-September 8th…sending Pluto back through Sagittarius til’ November 11th, 2008. Getting a large degree of Perspective as we transition will become part of the process as we move forward into this next big phase of political & world transformation.

Saturn (the planet of Form, Structure, & Discipline) entered Virgo (another Earth sign) in early September of 2007. It will travel through Virgo for about 2 ½ years…inspiring us to set up new Systems to help us with our Structures. Thinking about how things can specifically work over the longer term (in a systemic way) is part of the energy of this aspect. We need to square our beliefs with some facts with this aspect. Participate in our Dream in Real Time…& in Specific Ways. Clean out the closets of our minds. Make use of the skills & talents we have. Allow ourselves to Get Serious about our Health & Abilities in deeper ways.

Saturn’s Retrograde period goes from Dec 19th, 2007 until May 2nd, 2008. This phase supports simplifying, improving, or eliminating anything that has become unessential and unproductive. The message here is “Less can be more.”

There is a New Moon in Capricorn on January 8th, 2008. With this moon, we are in the dark (the void between the past & the future). It is our choice as to what we decide to create. Keeping our highest principles as strong intentions may serve us well in this new phase. Love & respect yourself, love others, & love what we do. New moons mark new beginnings.

We have our first Full Moon of the year on January 22nd, 2008. Although we start out with a lot of practical energy at the outset of this year…our first Full Moon is a Leo Moon (opposing an Aquarius Sun). It encourages us to join forces with like-minded souls & allow for innovations. Albert Einstein suggested that a problem cannot be solved at the level at which it was created. This full moon highlights intuition, idealism, & vision. Bring in some new vision & unusual ideas to help with the practical wishes that began with this year’s first New Moon.

Mercury (the planet of communication) enters a retrograde period from January 28th-February 18th. Mercury appears to move backward from our perspective about 3 times a year (for about 3 weeks each time). Lore generally suggests that when these Mercury retrogrades occur, it’s prudent to double check your communication & transportation plans, but there are many variables to this basic theory. During this retrograde period, Mercury will be making a Conjunction to Neptune (the planet of illusion, dreams, & compassion). They say that this conjunction makes Divine Intelligence easier to access for many of us (especially from February 2nd-March 9th).

Mercury’s retrograde passage through Aquarius doubles its time in Aquarius (January 7th-March 14th) . Reconsider alternatives & reinforce natural alliances. Think of the bigger picture…& think outside the box.

February 6th is a New Moon in Aquarius …& the Chinese New Year (Year of the Rat). It is said that it’s a time of hard work, activity, & renewal. There are opportunities for those who are well prepared & resourceful. Let things develop as they will & make the most of what you find. See the little things as gifts.

March & April have Mars traveling through Cancer …possibly inspiring a lot of intense emotion. In April, Mars will be making a square aspect to Venus. This is a challenging aspect, theoretically inspiring some hot-headedness (or impulsive inclinations) with Venus traveling through Aries. Watch tempers & taking things too personally. This Venus/Mars square forms a T-square to Jupiter through April. The resolution to this challenging energy is utilizing a diplomatic approach by looking at the other side of things. Hopefully, humor can help you from losing your good humor. Ha!

May is likely to feel easier in regard to communication & everything else. Mars enters Leo on May 10th …bringing some added warmth & generosity to the picture (& maybe some needed dramatic changes, personally).

Mercury begins another retrograde period in late May (May 26TH –June 19TH). Because this Mercury Retrograde will be in Gemini, communication & transportation issues should be particularly interesting (especially if you’re traveling). Double check your plans & things will likely go more smoothly.

Mars enters Virgo in July, starting the work that gets culminated by mid August.

Aquarius Full Moon on August 16th is also a Lunar Eclipse…dreamy & dynamic. Celebrate diversity & create community…wherever you are.

For friends attending “Burning Man,” it looks like this year is another kind of purification year there with “The American Dream” theme and 3 planets (Mercury, Venus, and Saturn) travelling through Virgo during the time of the festival in late August. A body-focused purification could be spiritually strengthening for the collective psyche. Some of you have expressed issues with this year’s theme, but it is actually the kick-off to a greater political transformation (energetically).

Partnership, diplomacy, & balance are also highlighted with Mars entering Libra on August 20th. Purification in relations & the powerful force of Balance & Justice are both at play. Although I first saw the “American Dream” theme as a main-streaming of the festival, when I look deeper into the energies of now, I don’t actually see it that way. For those who are going, allow your Art to reflect the biggest ideals you can imagine. As a way to put out a revolutionary energy for our future, Go “Green,” “Go The Fall of Patriarchy,” “Go Specific,” “Go Beyond what you think is currently possible,” “Go the Wish for Balance,” “Go Wild!”

September of 2008 is likely to bring about some greater sense of balance …with bridges between people becoming more possible than before. 3 planets will be traveling through Libra…(Mercury, Venus, and Mars ). Our politicians might be working harder to be diplomatic at this time. Debates should be interesting…for all the sides of things that are presented. The last Mercury Retrograde period of the year goes from September 24th-October 15th . Re-think relations…& balance.

October brings some depth & regeneration (with Venus & Mars in Scorpio ). A sexy, passionate time for some…deeply challenging for others.

Election Day in the USA is on November 4th, 2008 . This is a day to expect the unexpected. People may throw Saturn’s caution to the winds & vote by intuition. Uranus (planet of change & revolution) has been travelling through Pices since 2004…helping us to develop a greater degree of emotionality, compassion, & depth. Being that Saturn & Uranus will be exactly opposite one another by Election Day, there will be an interesting play of opposites between our wishes to honor “the rules” & our wishes to rebel. People might not do what they are supposed to do (or what we expect).

With so many of the outer planets traveling through signs that are in the later part of the zodiac, there’s generally more of a focus on collective consciousness now. With Mars traveling through Cancer in March, April, & part of May…our personal lives may feel much more important than whatever is going on in the world (or collectively). In the words of Mr. Spock from Star Trek, “There are times when the needs of ‘the One’ outweigh the needs of ‘the Many’.” Springtime may feel like that to many of us. Overall, though, the energies are more focused on the Bigger Picture . This is a year to watch the Seeds of Revolution Grow within us all. Watch as it all goes on by…& enjoy. After November 11th, 2008…there is no turning back from the tides of change that have been inevitable for decades. Yay!

More on the Mayan Calendar later.