Noumea, Pic by me...

I’ve spent the better part of this afternoon listening to music and “chatting” with some facebook friends.

I was supposed to be doing other stuff, but daughters’ homework load and hubbys’ old man soccer commitments sort of put paid to anything more energetic this afternoon…which had started off to be a tad on the frustrating side. Aries Moon energy needs to be used, not wasted.

But, all was not lost- a few other watery souls were also in the mood for a chat, so we amused ourselves doing Donna Cunninghams’ Planetary Tests. I’ve mentioned them before in this blog and, if you haven’t done them, they are fun to do, can be actually quite revealing…and more than a little surprising.

Many of my results were quite similar- mainly because:

• most of my planets fall between 17-27 degrees
• most of my planets aspect the Ascendant and
• many aspect the Midheaven and
• most of them fall into a grand water trine/kite aspect

In most of the tests:

• 0-15 low
• 16-25 moderate
• 26-40 strong
• over 40 off the charts

By the way, for any Aries or Scorpios out there, a high score doesn’t mean that you win…it means that the nature of that planet may be over-emphasised in your chart. And, depending how you play it out, that isn’t necessarily a good thing.

Take the Sun, for instance. A solar person, or someone with a good Sun score has a need to shine and is good with all the “self” words. Exaggerate that and the not so great “self” words may start to come in. Likewise a low Pluto score may indicate someone who trusts easily, forgives easily, is very easy going and possibly misses the under-currents, whereas a super Plutonian has huge potential to achieve remarkable things, to heal and transform, but may (who am I kidding?) have issues with trust, forgiveness, paranoia and revenge…a real case of using power for good rather than evil.

A low score may mean that you have problems integrating that planets needs into your life. Eg, my lowest scoring planet was Saturn, with a measly 2 points. I have problems with structure, focus, self-discipline and long term goals…in fact anything with a completion date further out than next Saturday. What it also means, in my case, is that because Saturn is not that well integrated in my chart, I feel Saturn transits way stronger than transits of any other planet. They really shake what few foundations I have.

My other scores?

Sun                 76pts

Moon              59pts

Mercury         11pts

Venus             32 pts

Mars               25 pts

Jupiter            55pts (65 if you count Jupiter as co-ruler of Pisces which this test doesn’t, but which I do…)

Saturn             2pts (I don’t count the conjunction to the Moon as it is out of sign, so all I have is a little quincunx to Mars)

Uranus           52pts

Neptune         73pts

Pluto               74pts

I don’t count Chiron and have very few aspects that don’t count as majors ie conjunction, opposition, square, trine, sextile.

I’ve often felt myself to be more Scorpionic than the chart would indicate and, for that matter, more solar as well & the results certainly showed that- as does the number of times the word “I” shows up in my posts.

Looking at myself honestly, I do tend to play out the darker sides of these extremes more than the positives. When it comes to Pluto, I get off on power games and don’t give as much credit to the potential for healing. In regards to Neptune, I do the self-delusion thing more readily than the higher spiritual thing. Certainly some points to think about… Have a go at the tests & let me know any surprising results. Thanks to my Pisces coven for the giggles and inspiration this afternoon- if I wasn’t abstaining I would raise a glass in your honour.

As an aside, this is more intermediate astrology, so if you aren’t sure drop me a mail. If you need to cast a chart (for free), check out Astro.com and pop in your birth details. (I can’t put the link in here as it brings up all my personal info- & that isn’t a good look!)

La Luna is about to move into the comforting arms of Taurus (OK, just after midnight, Sydney time). This will help all of you who ritually start diets on Mondays and need some added resolve…and will hinder all of you who start diets on Mondays and can’t seem to stay away from the fridge.

Rather than swallowing anger, frustration, emotions along with the chocolate, try expressing them some other way- through exercise or by writing it down. Words often get caught in the throat, and feelings are better out than in.

The first aspect she will make is a sextile to Neptune, followed by a cuddle-fest with more is more and less is unthinkable Jupiter. Though temptation will come calling, hold firm and step away from the fridge, pantry or that new dress that you know you don’t need and are really only buying to make yourself feel better.

For now, Sunday afternoon hunter-gathering is calling.

Pluto Retrograde April 9 to mid September 2011

In my younger less married days I used to love doing the Cleo and Cosmo sex quizzes on the train to work. Learned some interesting things from them too… but obviously that is not for here..I would make sure that I counted the score in my head so no one reading over my shoulder could see my answers and therefore know what I really thought about doing _______, or whether I really would be likely to________ or indeed had done_______ where? Really? There?

Recently I have been having some fun with a series of Outer Planet point scoring quizzes that Donna Cunningham has been running on her Skywriter website. Just like the Cleo & Cosmo sex quizzes I have learned a lot, but this time the things I have learned have been about myself and are therefore possibly more useful in everyday life- or so I would hope.

Obviously I am so much more mature now  too, so am going to publish my results for all to see-  the results are possibly not as interesting (to some) as the sex quiz stuff, but some things are best left to the imagination.

First up was How Plutonian are you? Being so Piscean, I always knew that I was pretty influenced by Neptune, but the Pluto result blew me away. Using her system (check it out here), my Pluto score was a massive 56 points. Anything over 25pts is seen as being very Plutonian, with association with all the good and bad sides of Pluto and Scorpio  (see Donna’s article for more explanation- Donna is the expert on all things Pluto): power, control, trust, holding on to things & feelings, revenge, obsession, healing, transformation. Looking honestly at myself, I do have to say it is all true- the good & the bad. With most of my Piscean planets in opposition to Pluto & with Pluto sitting right on my Descendant, the struggle with trust & power & control- particularly in relationships has been constant battle.

Anyways, Pluto is currently stationary and about to turn retrograde through until mid September. As with all retrograde planets, the retrograde motion makes Pluto act, well, more Plutonian and Plutonian people even more susceptible to Pluto .

As with all retrogrades, the energy is directed inward rather than externally. In Plutos’ case, it acts sort of like a planetary detox where the crap (for want of a better term) in our lives is eliminated (a very Pluto word). This can be emotions we have been holding onto, attitudes or values which should have changed or evolved, vendettas we should have let go of, revenge fantasies we are just waiting for the right moment to act upon (ooops, that’s me!), secrets that you have been keeping under wraps.

For those of you who are strongly influenced by Pluto (see below) or currently experiencing major Pluto transits (especially anyone with the Sun, Moon or ascendant at or around 4-8 Cancer, Capricorn, Libra or Aries), this will be a big thing. Now is the time to get rid of those photos (you know the ones at the back of your drawer of X with Y), or, alternatively do some internal Pluto work on yourself- a physical detox, heavy meditation- anything that is regenerative and gets you back in touch with the innermost core of you. Pluto retrogrades often bring sudden expansion or loss of power, manipulation, obsession and power struggles are the order of the day.

As with all retrograde cycles, the critical points are at 7 Capricorn 30’ where he is stationing retrograde and 4 Capricorn 53’ where he will station to turn direct. These are points of pretty huge transformation and metamorphosis if they happen to fall on a sensitive point in your natal chart. Personally speaking, my north node falls at 7 Taurus 44’, so this is one retrograde period I will be taking notice of.

Whatever happens there is no escaping the effect…Pluto is like that…but trust me, hanging onto those photos, revenge fantasies and whatever will not help. Let em’ go…if you can…

I write this having survived (barely) the comfort food fest that is usually the Moon in Taurus. Ok, some slip ups but nothing too major.

The Moon is in Gemini for the next couple of days, and as Mercury rules the Moon, be prepared to feel the impact of the retrograde a little more over this period. I am finalising some travel plans to New Zealand over this weekend, so keep your fingers crossed for me.

The Moon in Gemini always means more chat and social interaction. With the sextile aspect across to all of those planets in Aries, opportunities for communication and chit chat will drop into your lap over the next couple of days. Take full advantage of them.

The amazing exaggerated energy of the week is dissipating. If your Sun/Jupiter experience was over the top joy and brilliance, you will lament the separation. On the other hand if the energies manifested in little problems getting bigger more quickly, you will wave it goodbye without much regret. I have many examples reported to me of both types over the last couple of days.

Also of note today is the inconjunct between Venus and Saturn. Now, there is an aspect we don’t talk about much. Until relatively recently I didn’t use it a lot either. I did my formal learning under a traditional astrologer and tend to use as a result the traditional ptolemaic aspects ie conjunction, square, opposition, sextile & trine. Lately though, I have noticed the impact of transiting inconjuncts or quincunx (try saying that 5 times fast after a couple of wines) on my own chart and indeed the manifestation of the two inconjuncts I have in my natal chart. Interestingly over the last couple of days Donna Cunningham has been writing about this aspect as well, so it seems sort of synchronistic. Check out her articles at Skywriter.

What is the inconjunct? Essentially it is when 2 planets are 150 degrees apart. Allow an orb of no more that 3 degrees each way.

What does it mean? The two planets have absolutely nothing in common with each other and are working to different agendas. They are incompatible. The opposition generally has the commonality of being both yin or both yang, but with the quincunx, there is nothing in common, it is a complete disconnect. When transiting planets form a quincunx to a point in your chart it generally means a major change or separation or ending- whether you are ready for it or not. (Thanks to Bernadette Brady’s The Eagle and the Lark for that imagery.)

So, Venus and Saturn are inconjunct now.  Think opposition with a twist in the tail. Venus is exalted in Pisces and approaches relationships with a dreamlike attitude. Saturn, whilst he is exalted in Libra is retrograde, which essentially has him in a pretty crappy position. So, he is standing there at the bottom of the cliff yelling up at Venus “It won’t last you know….you are being way to unrealistic about this….think of what you can possibly lose….you have commitments, remember…he doesn’t really love you…you think he understands you…mark my words, this will only end in tears…relationships weren’t meant to be easy….” She can hear him, but doesn’t really give a faff…what she is doing just feels too good! Whatever you are doing that feels just so good at the moment, may come back and bite you in the bum later…but that is later… I’m with Venus and taking the “whatever” attitude.

NZ- the Desert Rd, North Island. Pic by me.

Saturn transits are about getting real. That’s all.

Where he is travelling in your chart will tell you where you need to get real. The sign through which he is travelling will give you a flavour of that transit, and the planets and chart points he touches will be key pressure points.  The more planets being aspected, the more important the lesson you need to learn. As an example, with Saturn currently in Libra, wherever he transits in your chart will currently raise issues about trust and relating- whether that is in relation to primary relationships, family, home, children or possessions. Get the idea?

On top of all of that, the nature of your natal Saturn will determine how easily (or otherwise) you deal with Saturn transits. If you have a strong or prominent Saturn, commitment, responsibility and boundaries will not be unfamiliar concepts to you, but if, like me, your Saturn is weak, you will struggle with the message- especially since the message often involves asking you to limit something, build something, put structure around something, commit to something or get rid of something. Ouch.

So what do I mean by a strong Saturn?

If you have Saturn natally in Capricorn, Aquarius or Libra he is what astrologers call “dignified”. In these signs he feels at home. If you have Saturn in the 1^st, 7^th, 4^th or 10^th house he will also have the ability to act in your chart.

If you really want to know how strong (or otherwise) your Saturn is, check out this article by Donna Cunningham. Essentially, if:

• Saturn aspects the Sun, Moon, Ascendant or Midheaven (conjunction, square, trine or opposition)
• Saturn forms tight aspects to other planets
• Sun, Moon or Ascendant is in Capricorn
• If Saturn is in Capricorn or in the 10^th house
• If you have other planets in the 10^th house

…you will score highly. There are other criteria, so for a full score-sheet check out the article. Given that my Saturn is in the first degree of Aries (where he is in the sign of his fall) and doesn’t aspect any other planet (I am of the traditional bent and don’t count out of sign conjunctions), I scored a big fat zero.

According to Donnas’ article, a really high score could mean that you are “rigid, stodgy, perfectionistic, conservative, hypercritical, authoritarian, fearful, depressed and probably workaholic”. You will also stoically accept what Saturn has to tell you.

On the other hand, with a low score “you’d lack discipline, structure and planning; you might be irresponsible, immature and give up easily and have no solid long term goals.” You will also, like me, be hit for six when Saturn aspects a sensitive part of your chart.

No matter how strong (or otherwise) Saturn is in your chart, transits by the Time Lord (personally, I am picturing more a Jon Pertwee than a Tom Baker with really cool striped scarf) will put a mountain there for you to climb. Whether you choose to go the long way around, blast through, take the scenic route or just trudge resignedly one foot in front of the other, rest assured, there will be a mountain…and then another. Generally speaking you get a few attempts- first when Saturn aspects a planet whilst direct, a chance to review it when retrograde, and an opportunity to solidify the change when he is direct again.

Along the way you will be asked to check what is in your backpack and get rid of the crap you no longer need- much like on the Biggest Loser where they do it in reverse. If Saturn is in the 10^th, you may need to get rid of a job to start a new career…or even get rid of your status as a single woman to greet the world with a new surname- or the opposite. If he is transiting the 11^th, expect to change friends, groups and even rationalise or put structure around your dreams. Naturally none of this will be easy- if it was you wouldn’t learn anything or grow through the process… and Saturn demands that you grow and mature. 

Structures that you thought were secure will need to be rebuilt if they don’t stand the concrete test. Happily married? When Saturn travels through your 7^th you will question that commitment and your relationship with others. You may test the relationship and find it is solid. Once re-committed, it can only grow stronger. You may, however, test it and find stress cracks in the building. Is it still structurally sound or is your relationship ready for a knock down/rebuild? Or, perhaps, a complete demolition?

A couple of years ago I read a book by Adam Smith titled “Saturn- Fatal Attraction”. In that, he suggests listening to what your friends are complaining about, or where their attention is focused- this is where Saturn is transiting in their charts. Listen to your own conversations and complaints… and be honest.

The nature of Saturn is to constrict, to bind, to restrict and to contract. He represents the process of aging and, when it comes to medical astrology, is associated with chronic conditions and disease. Saturn rules everything which provides a structure or a boundary in the body- skin, hair, fingernails, teeth, skeleton, ligaments. When Saturn comes to call, things can either start to wear out and age or under perform…some sort of restriction usually results. This may be a restrictive diet, restriction of movement, restriction of freedom.

Saturn is in the 1^st house in my chart, so transits generally speaking will impact my health and physical body. Saturn is in my 7^th house and at the end of a set of pretty nasty oppositions to all my 1^st house planets- and all of the above has occurred. The very 1^st part of this series of transits left a finger jammed in a fire door in a hotel in Hong Kong. Three painful years on I am on a restricted diet, and, thanks to a crappy neck and ankle ligaments which barely attach my feet to the bottom of my legs, I am on restricted movement. I can’t wear the heels I love and, thanks to a super sexy (not) ankle brace and all of the above am feeling old and fat & frumpy, dried out and worn out. I will not be sorry to see him move on.

Have I learned anything? I have no flipping idea. Have I done the 7^th house thing and reviewed my pattern of relating? Not consciously. I still trust the wrong people and attach too easily. Have cracks been found in my own relationship? Absolutely… and an awful lot of new wrinkles and injuries as well.

I have tried blasting through the mountain to no avail. I have attempted to find a flatter more comfortable way around. No luck there either. I have even tried to hide the summit and all the boundaries I am supposed to have behind some wine cartons. That bloody mountain is still there…and another behind it. Somehow I have to make it move- that is the lesson of a Saturn transit.

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there’s a voice inside my head saying
“You’ll never reach it”

Every step I’m taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There’s always gonna be another mountain
I’m always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose

Ain’t about how fast I get there
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb

The struggles I’m facing
The chances I’m taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I’m not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I’m gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

‘Cause there’s always gonna be another mountain
I’m always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose

Ain’t about how fast I get there
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb, yeah!

There’s always gonna be another mountain
I’m always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody’s gonna have to lose

Ain’t about how fast I get there
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It’s all about, it’s all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

Lyrics from “The Climb”, by Miley Cyrus

To find out where Saturn is transiting your chart, check out the notes in the Saturn tab at the top of the blog.

I usually write my Saturday morning blogs in bed surrounded by the remains of the Saturday Herald for inspiration…decadent I know. This morning, though, I do not have a creative thought in my head. I have friends around for dinner tonight & will be doing a Morroccan Tagine & other bits &  pieces, so without a doubt, inspiration will strike as I am rolling out the pastry for the mango custard & orange blossom tarts- and yes, I am allowed to try a teeeny weeny bite of one.

In the meantime, Donna Cunningham’s feed this morning showcased this particular article which I got a giggle out of. Hopefully you will too…although, am I really that sort of Pisces? Given that I have cried in Hannah Montana the Movie & everytime Maria runs back across the lawn to the kids and everytime that Julia Roberts is just a girl standing in front of a boy asking him to love her in Notting Hill…and way back in my teen years in the early 80′s I do confess to owning an Air Supply record…  Read your Sun sign & your Venus sign & be honest!

Check out this very funny piece by Kim Rogers-Gallagher here.

My fave is the Taurus snippet:

“Don’t date a Taurus if you’re not Looking For A Relationship, because once you ask them out they’ll consider themselves engaged and want to shop for rings. If you are looking for an over-possessive materialist, get yourself a Taurus. Do date a Taurus if you enjoy eating huge, fattening meals in front of the television set every night, and you don’t mind carrying a pager so they can reach you at any moment to ask you to stop at the grocery store on the way home. Are they really as stubborn and slow-moving as legend has it? Well, let’s just say that if you’re waiting for them to change their mind, you should definitely bring along something to read. And if you’re waiting for them to get ready to do anything, be prepared to actually watch your nails grow ….”