Lindiis Pass, New Zealand. Pic by me.

Living in Australia, we are lucky. For many reasons. For many others we also learn about boundaries and responsibilities early. We learn about the wildlife that can kill us, we learn about how to build our houses to mitigate the risk of the elements. And we learn about the dangers of skin cancer and slip slop slap.

So why am I writing this with aspirin bubbling in a glass about to be applied to a very painful sunburn? Why did I yesterday not follow my own rules? The honest answer is that I forgot. Pure and simple. I do that a lot- many of us do. We set up these structures and supports, we hear the lessons, but we don’t use them.

Saturn transits can be like that, a rather painful sunburn that is a palpable reminder that important boundaries (or guidelines) need to be set and habits (good ones, that is) entrenched (why is it that we never have problems remembering to do the bad habits?). No matter what we may say, under the Saturn retrograde cycle, it matters more what we do, how we internalize and solidify the lessons of that transit.

It is often said that planets become more emphasised when they are retrograde ie appear to be going backwards from the perspective of us here on Earth. The reason their action is emphasised is because it is internalised. We therefore feel it more. Personally, I find that simply terrifying when it comes to Saturn- although many of you won’t share that fear. Saturn is known as the “great malefic” for a very good reason…in my humble opinion, anyway…

And if you have planets or chart points at 29 Libra, 29 Aries, 29 Capricorn or 29 Cancer- you will feel this one even more as Saturn will station retrograde at 29 Libra 30’. His energy has been focused on this point for longer than usual…and Saturn never does anything by chance. Oh, I nearly forgot the technical details- Saturn will station retrograde at 29 Libra 30′ in the very early hours of 8 February 2012 (Sydney time). He will go back to 22 Libra 46′ before stationing direct at this point on 24 June 2012.

So, what can we expect from a Saturn retrograde? Well, more Saturn stuff of course, but with the prefix “re” inserted in front of the word eg re-structure, re-commit, re-focus, re-calibrate, re-trench.

Saturn rules the supports, structures, rules and responsibilities in our life. In theory, Saturn is the fun cop who says “no, it is time you went home young lady,” when every part of you is crying out to say yes. Wherever Saturn is transiting your chart is where you have an existential (I love that word) mountain to climb.

As Steven Forrest writes in The Changing Sky the purpose of the Saturn cycle is “to clarify, define, and strengthen our identity by confronting us with a series of limitations.” Rather than treating Saturn transits like an annoying speed hump or road works that slow us down, the truth is that limitations do feel good to us- we appreciate the direction and the guidance…

When Saturn is retrograde, he is sending you back to your room to think very carefully about what you are doing, goals you have started working towards and the commitments you have made. It is sort of like a planetary cooling off period when it is OK to re-assess and change direction or re-assess and say “no”. This is not the time to make new commitments or start new projects, but great to sort out just what you want out of existing goals.

Saturn retrogrades give you time to sort your shit out, get rid of any frustrations and re-think the viability of any promises you have already made. Saturn stations, in particular, tend to make you more disciplined that you normally are- at least for a few days J.

The sign in which Saturn is in when he stations will be emphasized- regardless of the area of life in which this is happening in your chart. This retrograde is in Libra, so that means relationships, partnerships, our habits and patterns around each of them. Being in Libra, the way in which you find balance, moderation and peace is also under the spotlight.

Saturn, being the ruler of Capricorn is also associated with the 10^th house. This means that any time Saturn stations you will find yourself thinking about your career goals, priorities and vision. Regardless of whether this station is happening in your 10^th house, your 4^th house or your 12^th house.  During the retrograde period, do the study, do the planning, do the reviewing but take care not to burn any career bridges until after the retrograde period is done.

In fact, take care not to make any lasting commitment related decisions while Saturn is retrograde. Starting out on a promising relationship? Take your time and enjoy the process of falling in love…at least for now. Contemplating a new career? Do the research, weigh up the pros and cons and explore it…at least for now. Thinking about leaving your job and starting out on your own? Look at your budget, your expenses and fixed commitments…realistically. Having problems with your partner? Take notice of what the real issues are.

The area of life Saturn is retrograde in is emphasised and needs defining. If it is the 7^th, relationships will need to be defined. If it is the 2^nd, money issues and values will come to the forefront. With Saturn in Libra, goals and ambitions will be looked at in terms of relationships & moderation.

As an example, if the station is occurring in your 4^th house, you may be concerned about work/life balance and how you can achieve this. If it is happening in your 2^nd the concerns may be around whether you can realistically change your work patterns or your relationship to work whilst still holding onto what is important to you, or still earning the money you need. In fact, the question of how much money your really need to earn may raise its’ head.

The structures that are built during a Saturn retrograde will stand you in good stead once he starts to move forward again.

Now for the Pollyanna bit- not all Saturn transits (or retrograde transits) are bad. This is a similar concept to not all Jupiter transits are good. Cool stuff can come from Saturn transits. Honestly. First house and 6^th house transits can be great “skinny” transits- perfect times to look at healthy goals. Tenth house transits can help set new career visions and 7^th house transits may help you decide to commit, re-commit or walk away from a relationship.

The discipline involved with the retrograde helps clear the confusion and replace it with definition and reality.

Check out what is in your chart on or around 22-29 Libra- this is your area of focus. This is 8th house for me so my focus is around the assets of my relationship (especially important at present), other peoples’ stuff & the really deep base things of life- you know: death, sex & taxes. Given that I have no planets in range that will be touched by aspect by Saturn, I am not expecting more than a general re-hashing of what Saturn means in my life in relation to 8th house issues. At least, that is what I hope  .

In terms of aspects:

• If you have a planet or chart point (such as Ascendant, Midheaven, Descendant or IC) at 22-29 Libra, Saturn will conjunct this planet/point during the retrograde period.
• If you have a planet or chart point at 22-29 Aries, Saturn will oppose this point during the retrograde period
• If you have a planet or chart point at 22-29 Cancer or Capricorn, Saturn will square this point during the retrograde
• If you have a planet or chart point at 22-29 Gemini or Aquarius, Saturn will trine this point during the retrograde
• If you have a planet or chart point at 22-29 Sagittarius or Leo, Saturn will sextile this point during the retrograde

Want to know more about Saturn transits? Check out these posts:

Baby It’s Cold Outside: When Saturn transits your Moon (ouchy do)

It’ll Be Alright in the Long Run

The Climb

Don’t know where this is affecting you? Check out the table under the Saturn tab at the top of the page.

I spent today, the last day of holidays before TTM goes back to school, walking some coast paths around Coogee. The sun was hot, the views amazing and the salt air invigorating.

Especially so after a weekend spent painting.

I have miles and miles of trims that need doing in my house. And by doing, I mean taping, sanding, undercoating and then 2 coats of gloss. Every single skirting board, window frame and door jam in the house. Plus I am re-painting rooms where they haven’t been done in the last couple of years.

My husband reckons I have painted some rooms so often that they are no longer being held up by plaster, but rather endless coats of paint. I remind him that painting and decorating is cheaper than moving.

If I had more Virgo in me I would measure just how many miles I have still to do, but instead I will employ my exalted Jupiter and limitless Pisces and just add a capital letter- there are MILES of them. And while Mars is retrograde in Virgo, it is the ideal time to do such painstakingly, detailed work.

Over the weekend Venus crossed my Ascendant. This transit is usually one of the best hair days of the year. I spent it decked out in the most glamorous of glamour painting gear, embellished with the remnants of pretty well every paint job I have done in this house over the last few years- the Dulux colour chart, if you will. I am still peeling paint of hard to get to parts of me and my hair now has that glorious aroma of eau de turps as I am still trying to separate hair from enamel paint.

Over the weekend Mercury moved into free thinking Aquarius. I scouted through the backlogs of this blog and have to admit that I have never written anything on this placement. WTF? I will correct that over the next few days.

For now, the Moon has just moved into Taurus and will very soon hook up with Jupiter for a plenty feast. These couple of days each month are the most dangerous days for anyone who is trying to eat well, exercise well and manage new habits. If you use the fixed Taurus energy for good, this is a great time to solidify new habits.

Taurus loves to use all of her senses when she eats. Being Venus ruled, she is often drawn to sweet treats and chocolates…and really does not like to sweat. If you are tempted, trick your palate with meals that will satisfy your tastebuds without breaking the calorie bank.

Tonight we are having baked chicken breasts that have been marinated in a spicy, yoghurt concoction. The yoghurt tenderises the chicken and adds a lovely full and creamy texture to the mouth and some gorgeous aromas in the kitchen. I’ll serve it with a tomato, cucumber and mint salad. Just a perfect ending to the last day of holidays.

pic by me.

It’s wine o clock on a Friday afternoon here in a very soggy Sydney.

I am sipping on a glass of pinot gris from the Yarra Valley, and inhaling the fumes from fresh enamel paint. The Moon is in Pisces, Mercury is about to wheel and deal his way out of Capricorn and I have just committed to the challenge to end all challenges.

This time next week my tipple of choice will be a sparling mineral water, in a wine glass with a touch of lime. You see, I am doing “FebFast” and sending grog on a month long holiday.

Here in Australia, we don’t have a great relationship with alcohol- many of us are just a tad to attached to it, some have real problems and some are just plain ugly with it- as anyone who has witnessed the bronzed Aussie in all his glory somewhere on a beach holiday in Asia over the summer holidays.

Whilst I think the cause is a brilliant one, my reasons for doing this are purely selfish- the funds that are raised are a by-product:

• After way too many Bintangs in Bali (see my earlier comment about the Aussie abroad) I came back from holidays the heaviest I have ever been. Beer and I love each other dearly, but he is not a great influence on either my resolve or my tummy.
• One of my resolutions this year is to challenge myself and push myself outside my comfort zone. As a triple Pisces sometimes the sheer emotional weight of the stuff I feel sends me to the fridge and temporary escape. Whilst all my Pluto means that I am too much of a control freak to ever lose control, I do need to learn how to confront the things that scare me.
• Another of my resolutions is to spend the next few months getting healthy again, and this fits into that beautifully.
• Neptune is about to move into Pisces. I figure this will add even more Piscean-ness to my Pisces and water overload. Now is probably a time to add a few more boundaries, (Ok, a few boundaries) to my life.
• I’ve made a bet with someone, accompanied by comments like “how hard can it be?” and “reckon I can last longer than you”.

Now, before you go thinking that I will become born again, I do not intend abstaining for longer than the allocated month.  My Trainer rather unkindly suggested that people who do FebFast do it because they can’t manage the extra few days of Dry July. He has a point.

For medical astrologers, Neptune rules alcohol, as it does other chemical poisons such as nicotine. Alcohol deceives the body into thinking of it as a sugar substitute and, in the process deceives our metabolism and trust me, my metabolism doesn’t need any more deceiving.

The worst part of this, from my viewpoint, is that the body uses ethyl alcohol (fermented sugar) as an energy supply before it uses glucose (its’ preferred energy source) and before it uses stored fats. This means that my daily workout is pretty well just burning off the previous nights drinks and not much else.

After reading Sweet Poison by David Gillespie early last year, I gave up sugar. The research was overwhelming. The culprit is fructose, the sugar that occurs naturally in fruits, and less naturally in pretty well anything we eat that is processed. When I first read this I was thrilled to see that wine, spirits, champagne and beer are low in fructose, but the toll on the liver is heavy.

More recent research is showing that the metabolism of ethanol (fermented sugar) is actually much the same as the metabolism of fructose after all. That same research is also showing that the brain recognises artificial sugars (also ruled by Neptune) as being sweet, so sends the same messages out for insulin.

I had very little problem with giving up sugar (presumably because I actually don’t eat much that is processed or sweetened and also because I continued to drink my wine). I suspect, though, that I may struggle more with FebFast.

The Moon rules our habits and mine is in Pisces, trine Jupiter in the 5^th and also trine Neptune in the 9^th. My habits have as few boundaries as does my life.

In any case, if you want to read about it, here is the link to my page. A girlfriend and I have committed to form a team of 2, so wish us luck!

Seven Year Itch

I’m a triple Pisces, so it is part of my job description to feel sorry for, well, pretty well anyone. This week I felt sorry for Seal and Heidi Klum- not because they are famous, rich and gorgeous, but because this week they announced their separation after nearly 7 years of marriage.

That 7 years is a pretty important number- how often do we hear about the 7 year itch? Not just in terms of relationships- at the 7 year mark you may find enthusiasm for a job, a house, a project also waning. Those things that once seemed so exciting and compelling are now business as usual.

In relationships, those qualities which provided challenge and excitement have now become just plain annoying. Compatibilities become boring and arguments routine rather than an excuse for make up sex. Been there? Every relationship which has gone the distance has been there. Sometimes you get through it- find a way to keep going. Sometimes, though, it all seems way too hard and you call it a day…and it may well be that decision was the right one for that relationship.

In other celebrity news, French singer & actor, Vanessa Paradis is denying a split from her partner of 14 years, Johnny Depp. Two things about this:

1. I am engaging in (shock, horror) celebrity gossip when I so don’t give a faff about who is doing what to whom or with whom. I am seriously (and I do mean seriously) not interested in famous people. Let them earn what they earn, do what they do…I don’t need to know…except for when I am at the hairdressers and just can’t avoid it…
2. 14 years…alarm bells?

The elephant in the room here is, of course, the Saturn cycle.

Saturn takes 28 years to go around the chart. That means at year 7 he will form a square, at year 14 an opposition and at year 21 another square before coming back to his starting position (the Saturn return) at or around year 28.

We all know that the first Saturn return is hugely important- it is this time that we start to think about settling down, growing up, getting serious. At the 2^nd Saturn return (mid-late 50s) we are entering a new phase- retirement. At this point we can choose to “retire” or we can choose to retire from one phase of life and jump holdus boldus into another. Will we be the type that rings Alan Jones or another of the right wing “shock jocks” (please don’t write to me) and complain about the youth of today or petrol prices or how much simpler life was before we had the internet and choice or will we be the cool older person that wants to keep learning and keep experiencing and keep achieving?

Think about what goes before. When we are around 7 we hit our first challenges square on. We are separated from Mum and at school and introduced to things like consequences and structures and rules. At 14 (or thereabouts) we hit puberty and have a whole new set of confronting boundaries. Then at 21 we are finishing University, venturing out into the workplace and having to put our money where our mouth is. New rules, new boundaries, new responsibilities, a whole new set of what is appropriate to learn.

Relationships follow the same Saturn cycle. They also follow a Venus cycle and a Mars cycle. Don’t believe me? Is there any coincidence why the rose coloured glasses seem to come off at around the anniversary mark and the lust seems to have settled down at the 2 ½ year mark? I’m not saying that it goes away, just that things become more comfortable. The drive, the intensity, the needing to absolutely consume that person becomes more accepted. This is why many relationships don’t last past the Venus cycle (there needs to be more than la vie en rose) or the Mars cycle (the nature of the relationship will change). If they do, they move into the realm of commitment- they move into Saturn.

Anyways, back to Saturn. Relationships follow the Saturn cycle. Marriages follow the Saturn cycle. And Saturn is seriously about time…and responsibilities and maturity…but above all, time.

At or around the first Saturn square, 7 years, often comes the 1^st set of tests. This is the waxing square. Like the Moon cycle, things are opening up. You reach a fork in the road. Unless you are married to a Scorpio (I have to say that in case my Scorpio husband reads this), everyday life is business as usual. You may question what you are doing, you may look at single friends with some envy at their freedom (just don’t complain to them, because they may be wanting what you are now taking for granted).

One (or both) of you may start to look at the other side of the fence- that grass definitely looks greener. You may begin to question the commitment, the attraction, and the potential longevity of the relationship. You may wonder whether you have made a mistake. You may, often as a result, be attracted to another.

This is a test. Saturn likes tests.

You have come to a fork in the road. You examine the relationship. If it is truly worth continuing, it will pass the examination and you will move into a more stable and comfortable phase. If not, it will end. Maybe not now, but those seeds will have been sown. Whatever there was between you will have served its’ time.

At the 14 year mark we encounter the opposition. By this stage there is a lot of water under the bridge- in fact, the river is like the Amazon in severe flood and the bridge is rickety with missing planks and handholds that fall away- like the one in Romancing the Stone where Kathleen Turner just grabbed a hand hold and swung across the expanse, leaving Michael Douglas no option than to do the same.

At this point, the opposition point, if the stuff that wasn’t right wasn’t dealt with 7 years ago, you will need to deal with them (or finish them) now. You will need to decide whether to follow each other over the swollen river or shake hands at the edge, admit that it is all too hard and too wrong and too hopeless and part company.

There will be signals- a lot of them. Like knives twisting in the same wound in your back, like an undeniable attraction to an off limits colleague, like all the little pieces of dissatisfaction that you then choose to project onto your completely blameless and totally loyal partner. The signs will be there. They will be pulling you together and dragging you apart.

Lets say you get through this. You grit your teeth, you hold your breath and you grab your partners’ hand and sail out into the great unknown. You cross the bridge together. You may choose to stay together for the sake of the kids, for the money, the retirement fund or because other religious or cultural or familial reasons say that you should.

By the time you get to your 21^st anniversary the waning square will give you another pop quiz. The same challenges that you faced 14 years ago will again be under examination. Is it time? Has the relationship done its’ time? Its’ like that old (very politically incorrect) joke about the married couple who on their 21^st anniversary she finds him crying in the kitchen. She assumes he is fondly remembering their wedding day when in fact he is recalling that if he had used the shotgun, today would have been the day he was freed.

How many relationships do you hear of breaking up at this point? The kids are grown and there is no longer any really good reason to stay together? Except if you really truly want to be together.

By the time the relationship enters its’ Saturn return, it will have weathered much- job changes, residence changes, temptations. This brings its’ own crisis. Is this relationship really authentic to you? Is this person really the one you want to be looking at over the breakfast table when you’re older? Is this person really the one who should be getting your first smile of the morning, who is the last thing you think of before you go to bed at night and the first you think of in the morning? Is this person still the one?

Back in the days when marriage was first invented, nature helped us with these decisions- childbirth and early death saved many people from having to make choices that we are now presented with.  Now, we need to make our own choices- Saturn insists on it.

Unfortunately though, when you are a celebrity, these choices are made in the public arena- and I will always have sympathy for anyone whose love life becomes a matter of such public interest.

After watching an episode of Modern Family tonight, TTM asked us what “our song” is. It is the title of this post- we both agreed on that. For the record- 23 years together (18 years of marriage) this year…but who’s counting? That’s what Saturn cycles are for.

Pic by me.

Aquarius at work. My latest post for astrology.com is here.