The Flow is a weekly blog published to better understand the flow of astrological, celestial, and magickal energies for the week, and how best to use them.   It is intended for those with little knowledge of astrology.

For newcomers, the idea is to consider celestial influences as part of a larger whole, or the Flow.  All too often, astrologers tend to write about astrological events as if each were an isolated specimen as if pulled out of the sky and analyzed by itself – and there is no dearth of astrological sites on the net that write that way.  Here, it is the movement and interactions that are important and form the basis of discussion.

If any of the material is unclear or unfamiliar to you, it is probably unfamiliar to others as well, please leave a comment and I will be glad to answer your questions.

If you like what you see, please share it with friends!  If you would like to get email notifications for when The Flow! is updated, or have a private question please email me at skywatcher888@yahoo.com.  Thank you!

The Flow! is updated every Sunday.

Please note: all times are in the Pacific Timezone.

The synopsis for this week: The tide turns twice, then turns again; and again, and again.

The line above actually comes from that 60’s psychedelic musical manifesto that took me on many a journey into the heavens, The Zodiac, by Cosmic Sounds.  You can hear it here.  It is the first line of the lyrics for Cancer:

The tide turns twice, then turns again

Cancer’s Moonchildren watch from houses

With all their windows opened wide,

Wanting to be touched by everything.

Ahhh, those were the days, when Cancer people were known as Moonchildren!

But, I digress.

I’ve talked a lot about Saturn lately, and he’s been a busy bugger.  He just moved into the sign of Libra for a two year stay, and you can read all about that in last week’s edition.  But mostly he’s been in a battle that can literally be titled Clash of the Titans with Uranus, his big daddy.  The final round occurs this Monday, July 26^th, at 10:05am.

As faithful readers of The Flow know, Saturn is a very conservative fellow, and is the planet of purpose, structure, discipline, hard work, and the law.  Uranus on the hand, is very much a liberal, and the planet of freedom, originality, genius, revolution, and technology.

While they sound quite unlike each other, they do not always have to be at cross purposes.  For example, Saturn can give structure to scientific thinking and technology, such as biological taxonomy and forming the crystals that are the heart of a computer.  And Uranus can work with Saturn to provide constitutional liberties and inspirational problem solving.

However, at the moment, they are fomenting great social unrest and political turmoil.  It is a classic battle of the old versus the new; of the crumbling of some very old social structures and their reformation, of economic readjustment, and of dysfunctional government.  It is not a pretty picture, but it is a picture about to change.

Uranus and Saturn have opposed each other five times in the last couple of years:

November 4, 2008 (election of president Obama) the tide turns

February 5, 2009 (decision by GOP to take obstructionist path) twice

September 15, 2009 (Democrats fight back after a summer of raucous town hall meetings and support for health care reform rises) and then turns again

April 26, 2010 (Health care reform bill passes and GOP goes on the offense) and again

July 26, 2010 (Democrats unveil campaign for November elections) and again

Our political environment has lately resembled a game of tennis more than a functional government, and in this game there has been no love at all.

To be sure, there have been victories and defeats on both sides during both times, and this swinging back and forth may not always hold true.  Furthermore, up until now, the two planets have waged war in Pisces and Virgo, and now they are in Aries and Libra – very, very different terrain.

The conflict between Virgo and Pisces is one between analysis and synthesis.  One breaks things down into their component parts and studies them, the other puts them back together into organic wholes.  Virgo is concerned with the health of the body, Pisces with the health of the soul.  And Virgo draws boundaries with the finest lines possible, lines Pisces smudges to dust.

The conflict between Libra and Aries is quite different.  Their battle is between the Self and Others, between personal freedom and social welfare, and between combat and strategy.  Aries is the Self, independent, headstrong, and free.  Libra is the Other, dependent, socially conscious, and bound rules of its own creation.  Aries knows what it wants and must be first in all ways, Libra is deliberative, and must always weigh the alternatives.

Without going into excessive detail, each political party has bits of both parts of the conflict within.  The GOP’s identity is diffuse (Pisces) but has been big on drawing lines in the sand (Virgo); and while they rhetorically stand for personal freedom, they are the sole support of old-fashioned social structures and sensibilities.   On the other hand, the Democrats have been deeply concerned with health care (Virgo) but the communication of their agenda with the public has been very nebulous (Pisces).  And while they support individual freedom of choice (Aries), the method by which they strive to accomplish that is the courts and law (Libra).

The challenges both parties face have to do with the transition from of Uranus from Pisces to Aries, which occurred around Memorial Day.  Can the GOP reshape its identity into something perceived as being responsible?  And can the Democrats aggressively take their case to the American people to show they are best able to run the government?

We shall see!  We’ll know the answer November 2^nd.  It is an election with extremely important repercussions.  Whatever your political affiliation, be sure to vote!

This is quite a busy astrological week, so let’s get right to the weekly details!

Sunday, July 25^th

Full Moon at 6:37pm at 3º Aquarius

Sunday is a delightful day.  Whatever it is you wish to do should be able to be done smoothly, effectively, and efficiently.  You may have a brain spark or two that sends a trifle or three to the dustbin of history, and have few regrets about the actions needed to make that happen.  Generally, people are in a good mood, energies are high, and due to the altruistic nature of this full moon there is a hint of a feeling that things might turn out better than you fear.  May it turn out to be so, or as we say, so mote it be!

Monday, July 26^th

Mercury opposes Neptune at 3:04am

Sun trines Jupiter at 4:30am

Saturn opposes Uranus at 10:05am

Astrologically, this is a busy morning.  In the early morning hours, with the Mercury aspect to Neptune, life appears as a pointillist painting – abstract, impressionistic, and with a strong urge to mold reality to one’s beliefs.  Things look foggy, mysterious, and dreamy.  And then you wake up!  With the Full Moon only a day past, and the planet of the Mind opposed to the planet of the Subconscious, it is a perfect opportunity for channels of communication from within to bring inner wisdom to the surface.  Take note of any dreams you may have from now Sunday all the way through Wednesday night, as they may include important messages from within.  The Sun trine to Jupiter occurring shortly thereafter gives a certain buoyancy, optimism and enthusiasm to our step for the rest of the day.

It is a fair day for financial and economic matters.  While the Sun to Jupiter gives an added push to growth, the opposition between Mercury and Neptune still leaves matters unclear, unsettled, and difficult to resolve.  Not to mention that the overarching opposition between Saturn and Uranus is apt to keep the economy in flux for some time to come.  If you must attend to finances, it’s better to wait until tomorrow when Mercury enters Virgo.

Tuesday, July 27^th

Mercury enters Virgo at 2:43pm

Mercury is very much at home in Virgo, and is a traditional ruler of the sign.  Mercury here makes us all a bit sharper, more analytical, disciplined, and with better attention to detail.  While Mercury in Leo is all about having fun and being the life of the party, Mercury in Virgo is all business, all the time.  Mercury in Leo is Steve Carrell.  Mercury in Virgo is Timothy Geithner.

Wednesday, July 28^th

No major aspects

The Moon enters Pisces at 1am, and unlike other episodes of the Moon entering Pisces, this one is not so much a big deal.  Yes, we’ll feel a bit more open and emotional, but also more sensitive and unfocused.  All in all, the day is a bit of a wash.  It is not a particularly good day for meetings as people’s thoughts are apt to wander so much it may be hard for them to bring them down to any matters more complicated than making plans for the weekend.  Folks are not necessarily DISagreeable, but most are apt to close themselves in an emotional bubble, and prefer to remain there.

Thursday, July 29^th

Mars enters Libra at 4:47pm

Mars enters Libra and bursts lots of bubbles.  Especially the emotional ones people have been living in lately.  Peace-loving, harmony-craving Libra is not the best place for our Energizer Bunny and all-around action hero, Mars.  It’s a bit like Sylvester Stallone at a meeting of the United Nations.  Trouble is apt to abound.  The best that might be said for it, is that it might possibly be interesting.  Furthermore, to add to Mars’ misery, as soon as it enters Libra it is whomped by Saturn.  So to flesh out the image a bit more, it’s like Sylvester Stallone at a meeting of the UN being met at the door by the Peace Keeping troops.  Sly is not a happy camper!  Not at all.

Libra tends to make Mars scheming, passive-aggressive, and manipulative.  It has a brilliance for playing people off one another and of robbing Peter to pay Paul.  While on some occasions it tends to make Mars a better strategist, it often gets so bogged down in weighing possible alternatives, that it rarely gets anything accomplished.

And then again, Saturn is also there to make sure discipline and hard work are involved, and all the attendant rules have been followed.  It is likely to bring about triumph, although (hopefully) temporary, of process over function.

It is also likely to be the harbinger of activist judicial decisions, and give rise to a mushrooming bureaucracy.

It is not easy finding something nice to say about Mars in Libra, although I must be clear that this is entirely from a transiting, not a natal point of view.  Mars in Libra in a personal chart is a completely different animal, though it may hint as some of these more negative traits.  In a personal chart, Mars in Libra is apt to make someone very astute at playing games by the rules and of easily climbing the ladder to success.  If anything, Mars in Libra is a genius at courting, both in the legal and relationship senses.

But the times when Mars is in Libra in the heavens above can be difficult.  Today is the premiere of our Stallone movie and it will play until September 14^th.   Let’s see how it lives up to its billing!

Friday, July 30^th

Mercury trines Pluto at 3:03am

Mars opposes Uranus at 6:32am

Moon enters Aries at 1:42pm

If there is any period of time that is indicative of the climax of all the astrological energies we have been experiencing these past few months, it is today and tomorrow.

It is as if the heavens are aligned in a perfect square culminating with Mars’ conjunction with Saturn tomorrow.  Heavens help us!

If nothing else, August should begin a period of slowly letting off steam and letting the pressures that have been building subside.  This has been an unusual Summer for many reasons, lot least of which is that because of the energies of the Flow, we are in the process of setting in motion personal, social, cultural, and political affairs that will have long term effects.  While living through times like these we tend to see only the day to day routine of our personal affairs.  Yet we will look back on this time as a turning point in history.  We are in a transition period that will not end until Uranus squares Pluto in March of 2015.  Historical transition periods are never easy, but this one should be well worth the wait!

Saturday, July 31^st

Mars conjoins Saturn 1:09am

All kidding aside, the time from Thursday, the 29^th to August 1^st should be approached with caution.  It is no time for risks, it is no time for aggressive behavior, and it is no time to take matters into your own hands.  No matter how tempting.

I rarely give explicit warnings but this period of time warrants it.  Like the National Weather Service issuing a severe thunderstorm warning, they may never show, or they can pass by without harm only to put on a dazzling show of lightning.  Or, they may come.  This is one such time astrologically.

The heavens are aligned in such a way that the smallest fracture can foment furious forces.  I don’t foresee catastrophe, but we are best prepared to approach these days as if walking on tenterhooks.  Be careful.  Be alert. Be aware. Hopefully, we will all get through this period with smiles as we read next week’s edition.

On the other hand, this alignment of energy is well suited to bursting through long-standing log jams and other pertinent obstructions.  If you feel as if you have been taken advantage of, persecuted, or oppressed this is actually a good time to begin taking steps for reparations.  Nevertheless, it is always wisest to do so being careful and cautious as one approaches these matters.

May this week generate more smiles than frowns, more laughter than sighs, and as always, wishing you a wonderful week!

That’s it for this week, folks…have a great week!

THE KEY

The planets move and twirl around the zodiac, and as they do they form various relationships with each other.  These relationships are called ASPECTS.  The distance between the two planets determines the nature of the aspect between them, and this reveals how well those two planets are getting along.

To help you follow along, I have included two charts for the Sundays at the beginning and end of each week, so you can see the movements of the planets. You can find each planet in the charts below and in the legend to the right that gives their exact position.

The Signs:

Aries –  Quick, daring, adventurous; self-assertive, leadership, ambitious; forceful

Taurus – Practical, nature-loving; tenacious, perseverance; loves beauty/harmony

Gemini – Intellectual; dual; curious, creative, talkative; restless, highly adaptable

Cancer – Emotional, nurturing, empathetic; sentimental, protective, romantic

Leo – Dramatic, poised, confident; proud, dignified, ambitious; colorful, authoritative

Virgo – Service-minded, fussy, critical, shrewd, logical, discriminating, shy

Libra – Refined, peace-minded, level-headed, perceptive, generous, cooperative

Scorpio – Intense, secretive, strong-willed, forceful, courageous, keen senses

Sagittarius – Expansive, optimistic, mutable, philosophical, outspoken, loves outdoors

Capricorn – Honest, practical, business-like, careful, dependable, responsible, dutiful

Aquarius — Original, strong willed, quick, intellectual, progressive, humanitarian

Pisces — Ultra-sensitive, self-sacrificing, worriers, obliging, dreamy, sociable

The Planets

Sun – The self; one’s ego; the matter at hand; the center, tipping point; is active/yang

Moon – Our emotions, personality; changeable, reflective, responsive; is passive-receptive/yin

Mercury – Intelligence, commerce, computers, networks, communications

Venus –  Relationships, romance, attraction, charisma, symbolic of women

Mars – The energizer bunny, aggression, movement, strife, symbolic of men

Jupiter – Expansion, law, religion, publishing, optimistic, growing, fortune

Saturn – Contraction, discipline, institutions, conservative, practical, focused, fate

Chiron – Wounded healer, new beginnings, bridge between lessons and awareness

Uranus – Revolution, progressive, technology, science, chaos theory

Neptune – Religion, drugs, alcohol, dreams, meditation, spirituality

Pluto – Power, the depths, transformation, invisible forces, cleansing

(North) Node – Connections, networks, associations, alliances

The Aspects

Conjunction (yellow dot) – 0 degrees separation; like two planets having a meeting or business lunch

Semi-Sextile (short gray line) – 30 degrees; like two planets having a conversation at the water cooler

Semi-square (magenta line) – 45 degrees; like two planets having an argument

Sextile (cyan line) – 60 degrees; like two planets out on a date

Quintile (yellow line) – 72 degrees; like two planets expressing themselves creatively

Square (red line) – 90 degrees; like two planets headed toward divorce court

Trine (green line) – 120 degrees; like two planets on a romantic vacation

Sesquiquadrate (long purple line) – 135 degrees; redux of the same argument as the Semi-Square

Quincunx – (long deep cyan line) – 150 degrees; like a boss passing their administrative assistant in the hallway, can be good or bad depending on the situation

Opposition (long blue line) – 180 degrees; like two planets in a formalized, highly structured debate.

The Flow is a weekly blog published to better understand the flow of astrological, celestial, and magickal energies for the week, and how best to use them.   It is intended for those with little knowledge of astrology. 

For newcomers, the idea is to consider celestial influences as part of a larger whole, or the Flow.  All too often, astrologers tend to write about astrological events as if each were an isolated specimen as if pulled out of the sky and analyzed by itself – and there is no dearth of astrological sites on the net that write that way.  Here, it is the movement and interactions that are important and form the basis of discussion.

If any of the material is unclear or unfamiliar to you, it is probably unfamiliar to others as well, please leave a comment and I will be glad to answer your questions. 

If you like what you see, please share it with friends!  If you would like to get email notifications for when The Flow! is updated, or have a private question please email me at skywatcher888@yahoo.com.  Thank you!

The Flow! is updated every Sunday.

Please note: all times are in the Pacific Timezone.

The synopsis for this week: Saturn is coming, get busy.

Saturn is the Cosmic Karma Cop.  He has “DUTY” tattooed on his left arm, “RESPONSIBILITY” tattooed on his right, and “KARMA” emblazoned on his chest.  The glorious rings that surround him are the “ring pass not” or the gate to golden opportunity, depending on your status with him.  He is NOT a dude to be trifled with.

And he is entering Libra, the sign of JUSTICE, LAW, AND ORDER on Wednesday, July 21^st at 8:09am.

But, but, but…!  Isn’t cuddly Libra all sweet and charming, lovely and loquacious, lolling about on a nice puffy couch somewhere delicately nibbling on delectable bonbons?

Maybe some of them are as people, but as a sign…

Venus may rule Libra, but it is not the voluptuous Venus of the image above, but she who holds the scales of justice.  In a timeline that extends backwards through London, Paris, Rome, Athens, Thebes, Jerusalem, Baghdad, Babylon, all the way back to Sumeria, Justice is always symbolized by the scales, and the scales have always symbolized Libra.

To be sure, it makes sense for the half-way point around the zodiac to be symbolized by that which holds two sides in equal balance.  But that is the whole point of Libra, balance.  And never forget, it is the only sign of the zodiac represented by a symbol that is neither human, nor animate.  The Venus of Libra is Lady Justice, and she will do whatever it takes to render justice.  That is why she is always shown blindfolded and sometimes carries a sword.

This idea of balance speaks to another myth of Libra, that it is universally indecisive.  After all, it can take some time for those scales to swing back and forth before they reach equilibrium.  And, there can be no doubt that most Libras can spend all day deciding whether it should be green or blue, iced or chilled, hot dog or hamburg. 

But, Libra is an air sign, the element of intellect, mind, reason, and principles.  Its whole purpose is to apply those concepts to its everyday reality in a constant loop of feedback of how well each conforms to the other.  It is also why Libra is so involved with diplomacy and relationships.  Everything is seen through that lens of self-concept vs, other-reality.  To Libra, for every ping there is also a pong.

There is nothing more valuable to a Libra than its principles.  If you think about it, that is what the law is all about.  A set of principles applied to society to ensure that society functions as intended.  Violate them, and you can be fined, jailed, or even put to death.  Did someone say cuddly?

That constant application of principle to reality constantly creates a road-map of a Libra’s life, past, present, and future.  Generally speaking, they know exactly how they got to where they are, and exactly what it will take to get them where they want to go.  A lifetime of experience perfecting this ability makes them strategists, par excellence.  And speaking of generals, that is why so many of the better ones are Libras.  Whatever the game, they know that mastering the rules is the only way to win.

Which is all to say that yes, Libra can stand there forcing the line at the coffee bar to queue up while it decides on its beverage.  But as an opponent – honey, Libra will have had you in her sights long before you ever set foot in the ring.

And if you ever want to see all this in action, just try messing with a Libra’s idea of fairness.  Just don’t live up to their expectations of what they believe you owe them, or tell them they’re not being fair, and you’re in for a battle royale. 

True, not all Libras are like what I have outlined above.  But scratch one, and somewhere you’ll find a principle as the reason for their behavior, even if it is a self-destructive one.  Somewhere deep in their psyche is a pitched battle they are fighting for their principles, even if it is a battle visible solely within their soul.

Remember, the most fundamental principle deep within the soul of all Libras, is balance.  And the key to that balance is harmony.  That need for, and ability to maintain an internal sense of harmony, can lead them to put up with an enormous amount of bull that would drive other signs batshit crazy.  Such is the price of one’s “inner om.” They can be sweet as sugar, the salt of the earth, or unable to have butter melt in their mouths – but upset their scales of harmony beyond their ability to repair and you unleash their inner Napoleon.

All of which is why Saturn is said to be “exalted” in the sign.  As you might imagine, duty, stability, responsibility, karmic justice, dedication, discipline, structure, and careful planning all essential traits of Saturn fit very well in the sign of Libra.  It is an iron fist in a stylish black leather glove.

And Saturn is here for the next 2 years.  Enjoy!

We’ll be talking much, much more about Saturn as it travels through Libra, but for now, there is one way in which it is affecting everyone.  On Wednesday, our jobs change.  What, you didn’t get the memo?

Here it is.

ARIES: Your responsibilities shift to your relationships.  The other people in your life, for better or worse, are now, more or less, in control.  This doesn’t mean you have no say in how things go, it’s just that other people, for the most part, are going to be calling the shots, and how well you respond will determine how well Saturn treats you.

TAURUS: Your responsibilities have to do with work.  Not necessarily your job, although that may be a part of it.  What you need to be doing is instilling some of those Saturnian traits into the way you do whatever it is that you do.  Whether you work for someone, own your own business, or are a consultant, building in more stability and structure into your work is now key.

GEMINI: Your responsibilities are to your own creations.  If you have children, they may need you more now.  If you have a pet project or other long-term endeavor you have in the wings, it may require much more of your time and attention.  An ounce of dedication over the next period will reap pounds of rewards later!

CANCER: Cancer, go home!  Something about your home needs retooling, remodeling, or restructuring.  Since y’all love projects around this house, this should make many of you quite happy.  Just take your time, scope it out, and proceed step-by-step.  Quick revolutions are for currying favor with Uranus; try it with Saturn, and he is very likely to write you a ticket.  If the home-life is copacetic, this may involve a project very dear and close to your soul.  During the next two years, if you play your cards right and nurture it well, you may have the opportunity to make a dream real.

LEO: If it’s time for Cancer to turn its direction toward the home, Leo, your communities are calling.  You have become attached to various groups and communities over the past couple of years and they have served you well, emotionally.  Now is the time to return the favor, and take on a leadership role for them.  You should be able to help them fulfill some substantial needs so long as you are willing to give them the time and attention they deserve.  This could pay off for you big, so be sure you are willing to make the commitment before saying yes!

VIRGO: It’s budget time!  Not that I necessarily see financial issues for you, it’s just that now is the time for you to make big strides in being able to build some financial security into your life.  Not just by adhering to the discipline of a budget, but by building on existing resources, making wise investments, or perhaps even a job promotion or two, you should be able to increase your portfolio if you listen to the whispering wisdom of Saturn.

LIBRA:  It’s showtime, and it’s an episode of  “This is your life!”  If there’s one thing that makes a Libra run into a corner and gag, it’s shining an unwelcome spotlight on them.  And that is going to be happening repeatedly over the next couple of years. Blech!  Who you have been, what you have done or not done, and what you have accomplished are all in one way or another, put under the microscope for inspection.  Those who have worked faithfully and diligently are about to be rewarded.  Those who have been slacking may get the boot.  But it’s judgment time, and here comes da judge!

SCOPIO: You folks actually get a bit of a break, as do Sag’s and Capricorns.  Saturn will be in your 12^th house, the house of the secrets of the psyche, and it’s a place it actually happens to enjoy – and you will enjoy the results of it!  Guilts lessen and issues get resolved, or become less emotional, personal, and obstructive.  It’s as if in this house Saturn picks up a broom and starts cleaning up the cobwebs of the mind and soul, and leaves you in a much better place than it finds you.

SAGITTARIUS: Like Scorpios and Caps, you folks also get a bit of a break.  The 11^th house of hopes, dreams, friends, and associations is a place Saturn used to “rule” and it knows the house well.  Here, Saturn helps make your dreams real.  The price though, is in the dedication, service, and commitment you are willing to make for them.  This is no idle game of “Deal or No Deal”, it’s the Real Deal.  Pay the price, and he will deliver.

CAPRICORN: As you’ve heard, Saturn is in a good place for you.  Who you want to be out in the world is about to become a reality.  Are you ready?  Get busy!

AQUARIUS: Alright, I’ve been on a roll, and I’m not going to stop now.  Saturn is in a favorable place for you as well, but with a bit of a different twist.  Over the past year or two, Saturn has put you through the mill.  You have been forced to understand what and who truly has meaning to you and in many cases have had to fight hard for that understanding, and fight hard for those things (and people!) who give meaning to your life.  Now you are about to understand what all that turmoil was all about.  Good luck, you have earned it!

PISCES:  Oh, Pisces!  As much as I love you all, the roll has got to stop at your door.  Saturn is going to be processing you all through transformation, and that is rarely easy.  Little I can say at this point can make the road any lighter, but perhaps by saying that you will come through this more free, liberated, and true to your essential self will make it a bit brighter.  For now, you are beginning to meet the issues in your life that will be addressed over the next couple of years.  They are being raised so that you can prepare to work with them, and the more you take them seriously, and try to resolve them before they become larger issues, the happier and easier this time will be!  Good luck, you are going to need it!

To the weekly details!

Sunday, July 18^th

No major aspects.

First Quarter Moon at 3:11am at 26 Libra.

The Moon enters Scorpio at 10:42am.  Ugh.  The Moon would rather be pelted with meteors than be in Scorpio, but like the rest of us, it has no choice.  It’s a good day for staying home, in bed, with good comedy and a cool drink at your side.  Venturing outside is a mission only for the needy, the brave, or the foolish.  Well, maybe not that bad…but you’ve been warned!

Monday, July 19^th

No major aspects.

The Moon remains in Scorpio.  If I could, I’d call today Groucho Marx day.  Not because everyone will suddenly develop a funny walk, but because everyone is likely to be both grouchy and to think they are god’s gift to wittiness.  Suffer we, the children, oy how we’ll suffer!  Again, you’ve been warned.

Tuesday, July 20^th

No major aspects.

Again. 

The Moon remains in Scorpio. 

Again.

After this, purgatory may begin to feel familiar. 

Finally, at 4:48pm the Moon goes into Sagittarius and throws a party.  Although it is waning, if you could see the Man in the Moon, he’d be smiling from end to end.

Actually, there are a bunch of lunar aspects that are all very nice.  Tuesday afternoon has all the makings of a very pleasant evening after the emotional nuthouse we’ve been though.  However, in this case, it may be too much of a good thing too soon and at once.  Take it easy, don’t rush, and let the good feelings wash all over you, just don’t forget to shower if you get too wet.

Wednesday, July 21^st

Saturn enters Libra at 8:09am

Good luck to all of you on the first day of your new job!  Please pick up your new name tags at the front desk, and don’t forget to make an appointment with HR to schedule orientation!

All kidding aside, today marks the end of the lull we have been experiencing astrologically, and things now begin to pick up substantially.  There is a series of significant events all the way through to the end of August and they will have a substantial impact on setting the tone throughout the end of the year.

Today however, the mood is slightly uplifting with the Moon still in Sagittarius.  Generally people are feeling like they need to be with those they care for, and are looking for a little comfort and relaxation from one another.  Be friendly, open, and willing to go with the flow and you could meet some interesting new people, deepen already existing relationships, or just simply have a good time.

Thursday, July 22^nd

Sun enters Leo at 3:21pm

Sun sextiles Saturn at 6:15pm

Happy Birthday Leo!  Next week I hope to focus more on you!

Today is a very good day for getting work done and thinking about your new Saturn responsibilities.  Getting a head start on them is something sure to be rewarded!

The Moon is still in fun-loving Sagittarius, but its party hat is on tilted, the champagne is getting flat, and it is running out of confetti.  Yet still, we’re feeling more optimistic about things than even a few days ago as the combination of Sagittarian Moon and Leo Sun makes all of us a bit more open, eager, and ready to face the future.  A very nice late morning aspect between the Moon and Mercury opens up our minds to new plans, possibilities, and potentials.  Long-range visions come into sharp focus, and it is easier to determine what your next steps should be.  With the Moon entering Capricorn and Jupiter going retrograde tomorrow, things are going to change fast.  If you have a ring within your grasp, grab it!

Friday, July 23^rd

Moon enters Capricorn at 1:39am

Sun trines Uranus at 3:07am

Jupiter goes retrograde at 5:03am

The trine between the Sun and Uranus makes it possible to obtain a significant breakthrough in an issue you have been working on lately.  Perhaps nothing life-altering, but a breakthrough none-the-less. 

The big event of the day is Jupiter going retrograde.  While we may not feel the full effects of this for a while, it is an indication that recently made economic gains could fall flat, or that there could be some forthcoming unpleasant economic news.  The ongoing opposition between Jupiter and Saturn has been making a mess of any economic recovery, but the final round in that bout is scheduled for August 16^th.  For now, I anticipate a slippage of growth, a backtracking of gains, and a minor slump in productivity until Jupiter returns to Pisces around Labor Day.

Saturday, July 24^th

Jupiter squares Pluto at 6:51pm

Oh boy, what a week this has been, and it ends on a complex note.

This Jupiter – Pluto cycle began in late Autumn 2007.  If you remember that time, it was when then Senator Obama was building his grassroots organization in Iowa that would eventually propel him into the presidency.  It was a time when the winds of change were gathering steam, and people were willing to work hard to make that change happen.

This square is a turning point in that trajectory.  At the very least, it is a pause in the movement ahead, as what has been accomplished is digested.  It is also a reorientation toward the next critical point, which will occur in August of 2013.  Whether that is a reversal or a fulfillment (which at this point still seems likely) of what started in Autumn 2007 remains to be seen.

At the moment, though, it is as if someone were to press the pause button on his presidency, and for people to truly examine what has been accomplished.  There are several upcoming astrological events that will have a bearing on the success on this cycle of change, and we’ll be discussing them in the weeks ahead. 

At the moment, however, I need to give both my fingers and my brain a rest.  Stay tuned for the details!  

That’s it for this week, folks…have a great week!

THE KEY

The planets move and twirl around the zodiac, and as they do they form various relationships with each other.  These relationships are called ASPECTS.  The distance between the two planets determines the nature of the aspect between them, and this reveals how well those two planets are getting along. 

To help you follow along, I have included two charts for the Sundays at the beginning and end of each week, so you can see the movements of the planets. You can find each planet in the charts below and in the legend to the right that gives their exact position.

The Signs:

Aries –  Quick, daring, adventurous; self-assertive, leadership, ambitious; forceful

Taurus – Practical, nature-loving; tenacious, perseverance; loves beauty/harmony

Gemini – Intellectual; dual; curious, creative, talkative; restless, highly adaptable

Cancer – Emotional, nurturing, empathetic; sentimental, protective, romantic

Leo – Dramatic, poised, confident; proud, dignified, ambitious; colorful, authoritative

Virgo – Service-minded, fussy, critical, shrewd, logical, discriminating, shy

Libra – Refined, peace-minded, level-headed, perceptive, generous, cooperative

Scorpio – Intense, secretive, strong-willed, forceful, courageous, keen senses

Sagittarius – Expansive, optimistic, mutable, philosophical, outspoken, loves outdoors

Capricorn – Honest, practical, business-like, careful, dependable, responsible, dutiful

Aquarius — Original, strong willed, quick, intellectual, progressive, humanitarian

Pisces — Ultra-sensitive, self-sacrificing, worriers, obliging, dreamy, sociable

The Planets

Sun – The self; one’s ego; the matter at hand; the center, tipping point; is active/yang

Moon – Our emotions, personality; changeable, reflective, responsive; is passive-receptive/yin

Mercury – Intelligence, commerce, computers, networks, communications

Venus –  Relationships, romance, attraction, charisma, symbolic of women

Mars – The energizer bunny, aggression, movement, strife, symbolic of men

Jupiter – Expansion, law, religion, publishing, optimistic, growing, fortune

Saturn – Contraction, discipline, institutions, conservative, practical, focused, fate

Chiron – Wounded healer, new beginnings, bridge between lessons and awareness       

Uranus – Revolution, progressive, technology, science, chaos theory

Neptune – Religion, drugs, alcohol, dreams, meditation, spirituality

Pluto – Power, the depths, transformation, invisible forces, cleansing

(North) Node – Connections, networks, associations, alliances

The Aspects

Conjunction (yellow dot) – 0 degrees separation; like two planets having a meeting or business lunch

Semi-Sextile (short gray line) – 30 degrees; like two planets having a conversation at the water cooler

Semi-square (magenta line) – 45 degrees; like two planets having an argument

Sextile (cyan line) – 60 degrees; like two planets out on a date

Quintile (yellow line) – 72 degrees; like two planets expressing themselves creatively

Square (red line) – 90 degrees; like two planets headed toward divorce court

Trine (green line) – 120 degrees; like two planets on a romantic vacation

Sesquiquadrate (long purple line) – 135 degrees; redux of the same argument as the Semi-Square

Quincunx – (long deep cyan line) – 150 degrees; like a boss passing their administrative assistant in the hallway, can be good or bad depending on the situation

Opposition (long blue line) – 180 degrees; like two planets in a formalized, highly structured debate.

The Flow is a weekly blog published to better understand the flow of astrological, celestial, and magickal energies for the week, and how best to use them.   It is intended for those with little knowledge of astrology. 

For newcomers, the idea is to consider celestial influences as part of a larger whole, or the Flow.  All too often, astrologers tend to write about astrological events as if each were an isolated specimen as if pulled out of the sky and analyzed by itself – and there is no dearth of astrological sites on the net that write that way.  Here, it is the movement and interactions that are important and form the basis of discussion.

If any of the material is unclear or unfamiliar to you, it is probably unfamiliar to others as well, please leave a comment and I will be glad to answer your questions. 

If you like what you see, please share it with friends!  If you would like to get email notifications for when The Flow! is updated, or have a private question please email me at skywatcher888@yahoo.com.  Thank you!

The Flow! is updated every Sunday.

Please note: all times are in the Pacific Timezone.

The synopsis for this week: A Pause in the Action.

Once we get through the eclipse on Sunday, this is a rather uneventful week in the astrological flow.  It doesn’t stay that way, however, as the final two weeks of July are filled with celestial fireworks of a different sort.

So let’s recap a bit from last week’s Flow so that we keep some key events in mind as we move forward through the month:

July 21, Saturn enters Libra, shifting the duties and responsibilities of all of us.

July 23, Jupiter goes Retrograde and July 24, Jupiter squares Pluto. I would not be surprised to hear some genuinely good economic news, and we may also have some good news from the Gulf.

July 26, Saturn opposes Uranus for the last time this cycle, and the Cosmic Political Metronome goes tick.

Finally, on July 29, Mars enters Libra, and the heavens above align in a configuration laden with great opportunity, and great danger.

But for now, we have the Solar Eclipse to consider.  While most of you will be reading this after the eclipse, its effects will still be powerfully felt all week, if not all month, so it also deserves a review.  As an added treat, I have a chart from NASA of the paths of all the Total and Annular Eclipses from 2001 thru 2020 at the end of this week’s edition.  Enjoy!

Solar Eclipses are times when the Moon, vessel of our inner selves, intuition, and emotions comes between us and the Sun, powerhouse of energy, source of all life, and origin of all that we perceive in our physical reality.  A Solar Eclipse is a time when the tables are reversed, and our inner souls rule the day, and what is obvious, physical, and manifest take a back seat to the hidden worlds of spiritual networks and what lies in wait in the shadows.  It is an immensely powerful time, and a time that can well be used to bring in to one’s life substantial desires of the heart, so long as they are true to your soul, and relevant to the fulfillment of your destiny.  Use this time well, use it wisely!

This Solar Eclipse is part of Saros Cycle 146, a cycle that began on September 19, 1541 and will end on December 29, 2893.  This cycle’s solar eclipses have in recent historical times occurred on:

            May 29, 1938 at 13:50:19 UT

            June 8, 1956 at  21:20:39

            June 20, 1974 at 4:48:04

            June 30, 1992 at 12:11:22

And will next occur on July 22, 2028. 

Researching the beginning, end, and some of the middle dates of this cycle lead me to believe that the ultimate purpose of this cycle is to cause us to reflect as a people about our past, present, and future and decide which direction we wish to pursue.  In 1938, in spite of all kinds of attempts to avoid it, we were hurled into a war that still forms the basis of much of our international relations.  In 1956 the US began to turn away from the Red Scare and Yellow Peril, and began to lay the foundation for John F. Kenny’s election.  June of 1974 began the climax of the Watergate scandal.  And in June 1992, we turned away from the policies of Reagan—Bush I, and paved the way for Clinton’s election in November.

If this trend continues, there is a new path being prepared for us as a people.  The optimist in me hopes that it may be the time we understand the negative impact of extreme political rhetoric, and the impact of our policies on our environment, culture, and globe.  The pessimist in me worries that, like 1938, we could be headed toward a time of confrontation not between countries, but within them over social issues and the politicization of the media.  There are reasons why I’m slightly more optimistic than pessimistic, for even in the darkest days of 1938, Winston Churchill was laying the political framework for an alliance between Britain, the US, and USSR that was ultimately victorious.  But that was a long, tough slog, and reason will triumph over our darker passions.  The final eclipse of this cycle ends with planets in both Cancer and Libra, giving hope that empathy, humanity, fairness and justice will eventually carry the day.

For more scientific information on the eclipse than you could possibly use in one lifetime, visit here.

And finally, on July 17 and 18^th, there is another Harmonic Convergence. It is supposed to be the “capstone” of the Harmonic Convergence of August, 1987 that will lead to a critical transit of Venus on June 4, 2012 and the “end of time” on December 21, 2012. You can read much more about it here and here. 

I have great respect the Maya, and have stood atop the pyramids of Tikal.  I also believe that there are secrets buried in the jungles of the Yucatán which will help us better understand our selves and our place in the Cosmos.  However, I am considerably skeptical of calendar-generated events.  All calendars are created by people, and they are all based on numbers.  All numbers create a cycle, and all cycles, by design, repeat. 

Yet, turning our attention to the spiritual advancement of humanity is a worthy endeavor, whatever the origin, whatever the reason, and whatever the source.  One can never have too much spiritual advancement.  Not for this version of humanity!  So, I encourage you all to learn what you can about it and to take part on July 17^th and 18^th in whatever way you feel best suits you.

To the weekly details!

Sunday, July 11^th

Mercury trine Jupiter at 1:13am

Total Solar Eclipse at 12:40pm at 20º Cancer

Ah, how fortuitous for me to be writing this week’s edition under the growing influence of Mercury trine Jupiter!  Mercury mastermind master of the mind is in a wonderfully harmonic aspect to Jupiter, bringer of expansion, opportunity and advancement.  The words for The Flow flee from my fingers fluently, freely, and furiously.  It is a veritable bonfire of the banalities.  Similarly, during this aspect, thoughts and ideas come with or without alliteration, with or without silliness, swiftly, surely, simply and smartly.  If there is a topic or problem that needs attending to, this is the time to attend to it.  You will be amazed at the competence, clarity, and cleverness of your own thinking.

You are now leaving the alliteration zone…

Did I also mention that Mercury trine Jupiter is playful…?  To bad its influence only lasts for a few days!

Monday, July 12^th

No major aspects.

The Moon enters Leo at 5:33am, and everyone arrives to work with a slightly regal gait.  The lunar aspects are extremely beneficial, so it ought to be a good day for getting work done.  People are generally in the mood to tackle the projects at hand, and are apt to get inspirational ideas from Uranus in the morning, to be joined by the helpful hand of Jupiter around mid-day.  As we end the first workday of the week, the Moon meets up with Mercury, and we are feeling satisfied with what we have accomplished. 

Tuesday, July 13^th

Venus trines Pluto at 10:54am

There should be a law that aspects like this can only occur on the weekends.  The energy of the synergy of Venus and Pluto turns up the charisma and adds a sultry sensuality to the air.  Venus is in Virgo, so our attention is on health, hygiene and healing, and Pluto is in Capricorn, focusing our attention on work, government, and large institutions.  The combination then, is helpful for healing some of the stresses we may be feeling from large social forces, and show us a path for living healthier lives.  This is not a major aspect by any means, but it can offer a much needed balm for those of us who hurt on the inside, where it is harder to see.

Wednesday, July 14^th

No major aspects.

Overnight, the Moon opposes Neptune and Chiron, providing more colorful and meaningful dimensions to our dreams.  Pay close attention to any dreams you may have late Tuesday night, early Wednesday morning at they may offer clues of what is to come. The Moon enters Virgo at 6:15am, and joins the Venus – Pluto trine of yesterday in the afternoon giving added staying power to yesterday’s healing energies. 

Tonight and tomorrow, look for the thin crescent Moon to be just to the lower left of Venus.  A beautiful sight that always gives me goosebumps!

Thursday, July 15^th

No major aspects.

The Moon remains in the plains of Virgo, and receives some nice rays from both the Sun and Mars.  It is the best day of the week for accomplishing those tasks that require a bit more physical than mental work, and for getting needed chores done.  People may be just a tad more aggressive than needed, so make sure you play nice, and stay within the speed limit!  No need to get into unnecessary conflicts, believe me they won’t be hard to find today!

Friday, July 16^th

No major aspects.

The Moon runs headlong into Saturn and enters Libra at 7:24am.  The Moon is not particularly pleased about being in Libra anyway.  It’s a little too airy and cool in here.  The Moon is like a St. Bernard puppy, emotional, slobbering, and helpful, and Libra can often feel like a session of the Supreme Court.  No place for puppies!  While often the Moon can enjoy the artful harmonies of the sign, this time the other aspects hitting it just make it uncomfortable all around.  TGIF squared!

Saturday, July 17^th

No major aspects.

The Moon remains in Libra, and gets a slightly encouraging wink from Mercury early in the day.  The earlier you rise, the more you’ll be able to make sense of yesterday.  Otherwise, it is a great day to kick back, take it easy, watch TV, down a few brewskies, and stay out of trouble!

Early next week on Sunday morning, the Moon enters Scorpio.  So we all know what that means…

Dum-de-dum-dum!   Especially with Saturn entering Libra on the 21^st, be sure to check in next week for all the details!

That’s it for this week, folks…have a great week!