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.

This week’s synopsis: Oh, Happy Day!

Jupiter is often called the planet of “greater fortune,” and Venus is the planet “lesser fortune.”  both fortunes come out of their retrograde periods on Thursday, November 18th which is reason enough for me to celebrate.

A recap of recent history…

Back in June and July when it appeared that the economy might actually start growing again and move in the right direction, Jupiter has just entered Aries to start a new cycle of growth.  But on July 23rd Jupiter changed its mind, reversed itself and sank back into Pisces like the proverbial lead balloon taking the nascent recovery with it.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing negative about Pisces and the economy.  In normal times, Pisces can be very helpful to the economy, especially for aquaculture and other oceanic activities, federated enterprises, labor unions, and for merges and acquisitions.  But this is no ordinary Jupiter in Pisces period.  This Jupiter in Pisces has been harassed by an opposition from Saturn, planet of obstacles, delays, restrictions, and obstructions.

But, what you say, Saturn is in Libra, fairly far away from the reach of Saturn’s evil beams?  Not so quick!  I could be poetic and say that not only has Jupiter been licking his wounds from previous bouts with their opposing forces back in late August, and late May and that they have another set for late March next year when things will finally pick up for good.  But, this is how things appear from the illusion of our own perspective here on earth.  As seen from the Sun, around which the planets revolve, the final round of the boxing match between Jupiter and Saturn occurs on February 22, 2011.  That’s the true date that our economic fortunes should begin taking a turn for the better.  Stay tuned for further details as they are revealed!

And lovely Venus!  She has been moving backwards since the first week of October, and that has been forcing us to re-evaluate our relationships, our values, and what some very important things in our lives mean to us.  It has not been an easy time for many of us, and the healing is hard when one is still searching for the reasons and meaning for the pain.  Thus when Venus turns direct, the healing can truly commence, and we begin to become whole once more, take stock of the present, and move on toward a more rewarding future.

Planets don’t turn on a dime, even swifter ones like Venus.  She is essentially stationary at the very end of Libra all week and doesn’t move on to Scorpio until the 30th of this month.

Ugh. Scorpio.

Scorpio is not Venus’ favorite hangout.  When she enters Klub Skorpio she dons her Mata Hari costume, becomes a vixen, and is every inch the be-atch.  She will scratch out your eyes to score a point, turn in her mother for smoking a joint, and plant Machiavellian plots just for amusement.  But she is at her most sexy, voluptuous, enticing, and alluring form.  She fears no fight, no battle, and no army.  She is the perfect general to lead you across the battlefield of your emotions.  Charging through the trenches and pitfalls of your sensibilities, you may not emerge unscathed, but you will emerge victorious.

In the first half of Scorpio, from December 1st to the 23rd, we come face to face with our issues.  During that time we have the opportunity to trace back to their origins, assess how our decisions have worked out in our lives, and review whether we need to remake them, and how to make things better in the future.  It is the training for the fracas to come.

In the second half, from December 24th to the 7th of January, we are put to the test.  Emotional bombshells fall at our feet.  Was I at fault?  Does fault really matter? Did I make the right choices?  What do I really want? What can I do to fix things?  Where do I want to go from here?  At some time during this period you will know the answers to these questions.  And though trite but true, the biggest weapon in your arsenal is faith.  Faith in your Self, faith in others, and faith in the world in which we live.

FORWARD, VENUSIAN SOLDIERS!

And then in Sagittarius we join the circus.  Seriously!  But more on that later.  Am I nuts?  Oh, ye of little faith!

Some of this may not fit one’s idea of “happiness.”  But it is all for the good, and sometimes debris must be cleared before we walk through the door to a better future.

The position of Venus also has a huge impact on the Holiday Season.  The last time Venus was in Scorpio for the holidays was 2007, so however they were they could be again.  Much more on this in a future edition of The Flow!

Now, on to the Daily Details!

Sunday, November 14th

Mars sextiles Saturn at 9:59pm

The Moon entered Pisces at 2:24am and should be a calming and soothing influence on the mood of the day.  After the electric energy of the past few days with the Moon in Aquarius, the Pisces Moon feels more dreamy, sensual and tranquil.  Serenity is the rule of the day with the possible exception of a misspoken word or two in the evening.  Watch that your tongue doesn’t flap faster than your head can handle and you’ll be fine.

The evening’s aspect of Mars sextiling Saturn provides a helpful lift to projects, plans, tasks and chores.  Everything seems to flow more easily, everything seems to fall into place with a minimum of fuss, and we are able to make progress toward achieving our goals.  It’s a time when we feel particularly motivated to put in the extra effort because we know that doing so will be productive and rewarding.  It’s a good time for exercising, putting plans into action, making a new beginning, or ending a bad habit.

Monday, November 15th

Sun trine Jupiter at 3:45pm

Yesterday’s sextile of Mars and Saturn combines with the beneficence of the Sun trining Jupiter to make today potentially particularly productive.  In the morning we may not feel quite propelled to leap out of bed and head into the work week, but duty calls, we answer, and it should be worthwhile for any of the day’s endeavors.  The early morning hours are likely to be a bit frenetic, but the mood quickly changes as the morning progresses.   People are generally in an upbeat mood, and just a touch of joyful optimism in the air.  Breathe deeply of these euphoric breezes and you just might find yourself smiling through the remainder of the day.  Enjoy!

Tuesday, November 16th

No major aspects

This mini Era of Good Feeling continues through the early part of Tuesday, as the Moon harmonizes with both the Sun and Jupiter.  The feeling is mostly a nebulous sense comfort and security, but we are in for a surprise later in the morning when the Moon touches Uranus.  Strange news, weird behavior, or an unexpected encounter are all possible when the Moon enters Uranus’ realm, but with the Sun and Jupiter still well aspected, things should go well in the end. Don’t rush to conclusions quickly, and you may avoid foot in mouth disease.  The Moon moves on to Aries at 2:59pm, and the mystical lyrical dreaminess of the past few days burns away like a dissipating fog.  As the afternoon progresses, the tension level builds and we find ourselves rather stressed out in the evening.  The best way to avoid the tension is to make sure that what you say and do are in alignment.  Usually good advice anyway, but especially today!

Wednesday, November 17th

Mercury sextile Saturn at 6:09pm

The skies are quiescent for most of the day but things get busier in the evening as Mercury and Saturn act nice to each other.  Our minds (Mercury) and responsibilities (Saturn) are in harmonious alignment, and this is productive for all sorts of affairs.  We are able to dispatch our duties with industry, diligence, and discipline.  It is no time for slouching!  There’s work to done and what needs attending to is clear and readily apparent.  While we may feel like dragging our feet as this aspect approaches, we understand the need to put aside any negative feelings and tackle the tasks at hand.  We will be well rewarded for doing so!

Thursday, November 18th

Sun square Neptune at 1:55am

Jupiter direct at 8:55am

Venus direct at 1:19pm

Sun trine Uranus at 9:58pm

Happy Happy Day!

After the doldrums of the past few weeks, the astrological pace picks up today.  The square of the Sun and Neptune is likely to serve as a portal to the rest of the day’s activities and allow us a glimpse of the inside scoop as to what is truly going on inside our Selves.  Note any dreams you have Wednesday night as they may contain important messages from the inside world.  Jupiter turns direct in the morning, and Venus in the afternoon, and the energies of the day help us leave the past behind.

The evening feels changed and filled with excess energy.  Almost anything can happen, and possibly will.  With the Moon growing in light and it being just a few days before the Full Moon, it is a perfect opportunity to take those first steps toward a better future.  Lighting a candle, reciting a prayer or blessing, or performing some action that is indicative of the future you wish to create for yourself are all excellent ways of taking advantage of the day’s astrological influences!

Friday, November 19th

No major aspects

The Moon enters Taurus at 2:04am and we all return to Earth.  The past few days were apt to be more exciting than usual and filled with a renewed sense of hope and purpose.  The Moon in Taurus helps us ground those experiences and help make them real.  The important thing to remember to nourish the seeds you have sown is to allow them to grow organically with just the right combination of faith, confidence, and integrity.  A favorite phrase that comes to mind is from the title Cheri Huber’s insightful book, “That Which You Are Seeking is Causing You to Seek.”

Saturday, November 20th

Mercury conjunct Mars at 10:53am

We finish off the week with another hopeful and helpful aspect.  It is an excellent day for attending to chores, making plans, and for good conversation.  Our minds and our actions are united giving us the ability to express ourselves with aplomb, judiciousness, and just the right amount of intensity.  With both planets in Sagittarius we have almost an ability to see into the future and produce the proper course of action we need to take to achieve our goals and ambitions.  And, boy, do we have ambitions!  Opportunity and good prospects seem to stretch from horizon to horizon, we only need to pick which ones we wish to pursue.  Be mindful of who you are and choose wisely, the right choice can advance you toward fulfilling some important dreams!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!