Category: Uncategorized

Saturn in Scorpio – on the USA Chart

Last time I spoke about Pluto and the Pluto return America is about to undergo. There will be more on that and the Grand Cross of 2014 later but this week I promised a look at Saturn in Scorpio. Saturn moved into Scorpio on October 20, 2012 and will remain there until December 23, 2014. (It will retrograde back in for a few months June – September 2015.)

Saturn is called the task master of the zodiac. It makes us color within the lines. Generally considered a malefic planet, we often forget that without Saturn we would live in timeless anarchy. In medical astrology Saturn controls the bones and teeth. Indeed, where would we bewithout Saturn?

With it’s turn in Scorpio, Saturn will make us delve deeply into the houses it transits rooting out secrets and bringing the hidden to light.

“Natally the United States has Saturn in Libra in the 10th house (the house of government and authority and the natural house for Saturn) conjunct the asteroid Juno, the goddess of loyalty. It is no wonder we are known for stability but also for our tendency to tell others how to run their governments (Libra loves to meddle.)  Right now, transiting Saturn is on our 11th house, the house of social contacts and interactions, conjunct another asteroid, Ceres, the mother nurturer. If that weren’t enough, Saturn by progression (how it has progressed since our birth) is also in the 11th and conjunct the Moon.

I see two manifestations of this placement. The first is the sudden acceptance of gay marriage both by the public and more surprisingly the Supreme Court. What was hidden is now socially acceptable – what is a better way to express Scorpio – and Saturn in the 11th  brings that to public social and government arena.

The other manifestation is sadder, that is the Trayvon Martin  death and verdict. To date the verdict has brought people out of their homes and onto the streets in mostly peaceful protests to say this is no longer acceptable – a young black man’s life has value and he can’t be targeted. The racial secrets must be brought to the surface in a public arena. Hopefully, these protests will be turned into political action. Then there will be some long lasting value to this death.

Pluto Return for USA

I have to admit I didn’t “feel it” this 4th of July…it was a pretty quiet day and I didn’t even think to put my flag out, something I do every year. Things have been in overdrive for me lately but there was something more. I just wasn’t in the mood to celebrate.
It got me thinking of our country and the general sense of ennui so many of us have. We can’t get anything done, the infrastructure is falling apart, we are at least ten years behind in cell phone technology, our immigration policy sucks, we are letting other countries beat us at renewable energy and all we hear about are fat old men talking about women’s bodies and people’s sex lives. 
Then it hit me. Pluto is in Capricorn. American was “born” the last time Pluto was in Capricorn, we are in our Pluto return which will hit its apex in 2020. Any “return” of a slow planet is big because that energy returns to where it was at birth and asks the question, what have you done with yourself since I last visited. People never experience a Pluto return unless they are Methuselah’s grandfather. It takes over 250 years for Pluto to walk around the Sun. Any return is a time of stress, of reassessment
Of course, when the planet hit Capricorn in 2008, it did what we expected – cause big change in the structure of society like the banking system. Secrets of the rich and powerful were uncovered (i.e. Penn State, Catholic Church.) It also caused some other troubling changes such as the corporate personhood.  Pluto brings change and Capricorn deals with authority, government – the fabric of society. 
So what does this mean for the country as Pluto grinds through Capricorn? Frankly I don’t think anyone knows. I have read several articles on the subject. There are the requisite number of “the sky will fall and we will all go back to a nature-based people: America will be no more” articles. I expected that. Astrology has its fair share of alarmists.
My personal take is that government secrets will continue to come out and there will be more scandals and secrets. While I don’t think America will be no more, I do think it will be a vastly different place in 2024 – aware finally that we wasted almost 2 decades appeasing the lunatic right while the world marched on and we will realize what most already know – we are no longer number one.
Pluto was retrograded when America was born – perhaps we will right that backwards movement. Maybe our government will be more responsive to the people not just the rich ones? Perhaps we will head into Pluto Aquarius with a real sense of what is important and work together to catch up what we lost when asleep. I can always hope….

Next time – what does Saturn in Scorpio mean to the US?

Ken Cuccinelli – Full of Surprises

We have a hum-dinger of an off year gubernatorial election in Virginia this year. Sadly, Virginia has a bad record in off year elections – mostly because those of us in North don’t like to vote in off year elections and the results are often disastrous. This year could have the same results this year if we don’t muster the votes in the North.

The Republican nominee is Ken Cuccinelli who is as right wing tea party as they come. You know the type, the government should be out of your life except if you are female then it should be in your life, your body and every decision you can even conceive of making. (And yes I used that word on purpose.)

I wondered what made this creature tick astrologically and frankly assumed that he had an Aries south node – you know I do – I am – you follow – and that is it and no more. Silly me – you know what they say about assuming? He is actually the opposite – A Libra South Node. Libra? The co-dependent, super-people person sign of Libra? Was my eyesight going?

Even though we don’t know the birth time, the S Node will remain the same throughout the day so it really doesn’t matter. Yes indeed, he is coming from a Libra existence. What also caught my eye is his current Mercury Mars in Cancer -the sign of the caring mother. This can only mean one thing to me  – as odd as it seems he really believes the nonsense he is slinging!

With his South Node conjunct the Moon and Pallas all in Libra he is emotionally invested in taking up the cause of meddling into everyone’s personal life (Libra.) With Libra’s ruler, Venus, in the sign of the kingly Leo – he is stubbornly attached to this past life persona. Add in all of that mother energy of Cancer – he really thinks he is helping people! Argh

It doesn’t help that Cancer and Libra are Cardinal signs – the sign of the doer – the achiever.

He has a predominance of Cardinal -and fixed signs  -stubborn leadership energy – this guy isn’t going away and heave help Virginia if he gets any more power.  There will be no limits to his Libra meddling.

Jupiter Stew with a Dash of Turmeric

I was honored to be asked to write an article for the International Academy of Astrology Newsletter.  IF you want to use the ingress of Jupiter into Cancer this week for your health check it out
Rerinted from International Academy of Astrology July 2013 Newsletter
IAA newsletter
July 2013
Cancer Ingress Newsletter
Jupiter Stew with a Dash of Turmeric
Using the Ingress of Jupiter in Cancer to Heal Liver Inflammation
By Joan Porte

The Summer Solstice is fast upon us with promise of revitalizing our bodies with the healthy fruits and vegetables of the season. This month the universe gives us a double dose of healing opportunities when Jupiter ingresses into Cancer on June 25, 2013 at 9:40 p.m. EDT.

In medical astrology, Jupiter, the largest planet, has reign over the liver, the largest internal organ. Among the liver’s many tasks is cleansing our blood. It turns food into nutrients and fat-soluble toxins into ones that are water-soluble and easily eliminated.

Medical science is just beginning to understand the effects of long-term, low grade inflammation. What is known is when the liver is beaten down by chemicals, environmental toxins, alcohol, processed, sugary and fatty foods it slows down and the toxins and fat remain imbedded in our body.

There are several things to do to restore an inflamed liver. As an astrologer and avid home cook, I am a big believer in using the Zodiac as a guide to healing foods. What better time to care for the long abused American liver than when its ruling planet, Jupiter, wanders through the motherly nurturing sign of Cancer for the next 13 months?

As Jupiter moves from house-to-house it would be wise to nurture the anti-inflammatory response with recipes that appeal to the sign energetically connected to that house.

Aries and the first house exude the heat of Mars and a bit of Aries spice is a good tool in the battle against inflammation. Use this time to make a plan of action for your fight and fuel yourself with some good Mars food like a Spicy Tomato Gazpacho Soup.

When Jupiter moves into the second house Taurus’ call may be telling you that it is too hard to stay healthy and it is time for some indulgence regardless of the health cost. Don’t fight the temptation – appease it. Tomatoes Stuffed with Artichokes and Feta has the mouth feel so craved and the healthy vegetables will still help keep you on track.

The third house Jupiter ingress is a perfect time to use Mercury’s mental talents to further study the new medical research on the inflammatory response. The trickster doesn’t have a lot of time for time-consuming foods so keep a lot of my healthy Cold Broccoli and Olive salad on hand. It is quick, delicious and always ready when the impatience of Mercury urges you to run out for some fat-laden fast food.

Now there are no excuses when Jupiter moves into Cancer’s home, the fourth house: you have to give your diet a lot of love and attention now. My friend Diane has a wonderful recipe that she makes in honor of her grandmother called Gram’s Cranberry Pie – how Cancerian is that? It is full of love, grandmotherly tenderness and cranberries which are a great antioxidant.

You can hear Leo’s roar as you head into the Fifth House and this is another time when you may want to throw caution to the wind and over-indulge. Rely, instead, on that Leo pride in their body to keep you on course. Acorn Squash with Apples, Figs and Grapes is a true anti-inflammatory dish and, if served in a fancy bowl, will allow you to envision yourself royalty.

OK Jupiter in Cancer in the 6th house, the house of healing and care for the body; do you need a better excuse to get healthy? While you have to pay attention to your health now, you don’t have to suffer any deprivation. Pasta Primavera is a great 6th house dish and you don’t have to be a natal Virgo to love the Eggplant, Tomato and Mozzarella Stacks and some healthy seafood Cioppino.

The Libran socialization that energizes the 7th house can make you want to spend too many hours over some nachos and beer with friends. But with little effort you can make a full Smorgasbord to share. Try Chicken Pesto Sandwiches and Mediterranean Salad Sandwiches with lean, skinless chicken; sun dried tomatoes and pesto loaded with basil.

If you haven’t revised you’re eating habits you will now – Scorpio and the 8th house demand change, a death to the old self. What better way to celebrate the new you with a traditional Mexican Day of the Dead food make out of healthy pumpkin, Calabeza en Tacha?

When Jupiter is in the 9th appeal to the Sagittarius wanderlust with a Vegetable Moroccan Tagine. It is full of chick peas, tomatoes, carrots and other vegetables. The original recipe calls for a base of cous cous but grains can hinder the immune system so try a bed of quinoa instead.

Serve a Capricorn Cabbage Soup. The heartiness of the cabbage appeals to the strong and steady goat. With Jupiter in the 10th you will appease the cravings for filling foods with this vegetable-laden broth that is perfect for a cold Capricorn night.

Throw caution to the wind when Jupiter hits the 11th house for it is time for quirky Aquarius energy to take over. Try something with a unique twist that is also good to share with the many friends this house brings, like Pollack with Berry Prosecco Sauce. The blueberries and fish are healthy and the Prosecco makes it a bit more fun.

With Jupiter’s swims into the 12th house Pisces it can bring up old emotions triggering bad eating habits. Make some crispy Kale with Scallions and Ginger for a zingy delicious taste to fuel you and get ready for Jupiter’s move into Leo. Just remember what Cancer has taught you when Leo fuels you appetite!

Bon Appetite.

NOTE:
These recipes and many more specifically directed to the health of each sign can be found in Joan’s book Signs of the Tines: The Ultimate Astrological Cookbook.
—–

It’s only a Super Moon……

but it isn’t floating in a cardboard sky…. For those of us on the East Coast the Super Moon will be at its height at 6:32 AM on June 23 (of course to see it check it out on the night of the 22nd when it is dark.)
The Moon will be in Capricorn in the 6th house conjunct Pluto. This is an odd placement frankly. Pluto conjunct the Moon is a time for emotional changes – but the Moon is going to be in very unemotional Capricorn in a house that vibrates to Virgo – another tamped down Earth sign (at least for East Coast folks). I can see folks having this internal emotional explosions! Or, hopefully, people quietly working on their emotional issues.

The best advice I would give is to see how your emotions might be affecting your health (6th house) and how you can get them more in control.

In any case – enjoy the view – and let’s hope it doesn’t rain – or do anything else…you know how the Moon loves to mess with the tides and the weather….

Have A Watery Solstice.

The Summer Solstice is by nature a watery event because the Sun is moving in the Cardinal, water sign of Cancer. This year we have an abundance of other planets and asteroids in water signs. Mercury and Venus will be in an exact conjunction in 22 degrees Cancer at the Solstice. This is a great time for writing love sonnets and poems if you are so inclined – or just putting pen to paper or ink to paper if you are more artistic. The wordsmith-ability of Mercury combined with the artistry of Venus makes this a perfect time to communicate with words or art.

Other bodies in Cancer will be Vesta and Ceres. The first is the goddess of devotion and the later is the goddess of nurturing and they are both in the sign of mother. Once you put the sonnet down you can work on finding the cause that you can devote yourself too. What feeds your soul? What feeds your desire?
Hey why not combine all of these water signs and sit down and make a list of things that you need to do or want to do – that will nurture your spirit.

Cardinal signs are the doers, the leaders, the ones who get things done.  The Sun energy and all of these other very powerful planets and asteroids should give you the energy to take on these projects. Where am I go – what do I want – what feeds me?

Neptune is, of course, still in Pisces, it’s natural ruler -and Saturn is in Scorpio  — water, water everywhere. Once you make that list – use these two to put some structure – some design behind your spiritual, devotional practices.

The Solstice is a time for new beginnings!  Enjoy

Check out this Great Article in POST About Little Old Me!

Astrology comes to “The Washington Post” in the form of a great article by Amanda Long – and thank goddess a great picture by Jonathan Timmes of yours truly.




Jupiter Moves into Cancer For a Thirteen Month Run

on June 26. What does it mean for the largest planet to be in the most motherly and nurturing sign of Cancer?
At its best this transit will help with intuition, imagination, and our sense of compassion. It is a great time to find where you need to work on your compassion – you know normally the person you want to smash over the head – take a breath and think about how you can find something good about them!
This is also a great time to save your money – in other words – nurture your assets. Check your home as well – what improvements do you need to make?
If you know where your natal Jupiter is in your chart you will see when this transit will really resonate with you. For example, mine is in the 11th house in Leo. When the Jupiter in Cancer activates that I should be making time to find out how my friends do or do not nurture me – and how I care for them. (The 11th house is the house of social contacts.) It will also be a good time to do some heavy networking.

Jupiter will move into Cancer while in the 9th house. So start making your plans for that international trip you have always thought about. Too expensive? OK then go to all of the foreign restaurants and movies you always promised yourself. Remember, Cancer is nurturing and Jupiter is expansion!

NO – Mercury Is Not in Retrograde But……………..

it might feel like it. I have gotten several calls from people complaining about blown circuits and miscommunications and computers getting Biblical on them. The repeated refrain is, “Is Mercury in retrograde again?” Nope. Actually the answer is just the reverse, we have too much Gemini energy roaming around and it is overloading the circuits.

Right now we have Mercury in it’s natural ruler of Gemini as well as Lilith, Jupiter, Venus and, of course, the Sun. That is a lot of quick, verbal energy flying through the air in very close in, personal planets. If ever the adage, “Think before you speak” is beneficial it is now. Slow down, calm down and remember Mercury is fast and will be moving out of most of these signs by the end of June.

May 16 – Time For…..

action? Possibly.  On May 16th, Mars moves to 19 degrees Taurus which was the exact spot of the recent solar eclipse. For those of us in the D.C. area Mars will be in the 8th house – the house of personal power and transformation.With the power of the eclipse, the tenacity of Taurus and the amazing power of the 8th house this is a perfect time to initiate a project that you want to undertake or make some personal change. Areas of creativity and money are the best places to work in when Taurus is at her best.

So mark it on your calendar and get ready to go – no excuses now!