So where to begin in this upside down, inside out world that continues to spin through space at roughly 1,000 mph, orbiting a star that is 92.96 million miles away at a speed of 67,000 mph, and whose inhabitants—not all, but many—don’t seem to appreciate just how insignificant we are in the large scheme of things and because of that hubris continue to put themselves and Earth in jeopardy of extinction. Also baffling is that there are plenty of people who think that the Earth is flat, NASA is a hoax, and no one walked on the Moon. But wait, there’s more. Republicans—Republicans—don’t trust the FBI (Hel-lo???), King Donald, the King of Cruelty, is confident he can meet Mr. Putin alone and no one will censure him and the Senate of the United States of America just approved the appointment of Brian Benczkowski, a man with known ties to Russian banks, to lead the criminal division of the Justice Department. My head can’t stop exploding.
I thought the most bizarre thing thus far was watching the Republicans aggressively grill the man who was the head of the counterintelligence division of the FBI. That was simply surreal. But after I saw Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin together….
I am beginning to think that Republicans—en masse—are possessed by beings from an alien race who are determined to hasten the demise of the planet by gaslighting everyone. As I might have mentioned in a previous missive, I used to wonder who Republicans root for when they watch Star Wars. I wonder no longer. Clearly, Republicans are on the side of the Empire and Darth Vader is their iconic hero.
The local sky—anywhere along the curve of Planet Earth’s horizon—doesn’t exactly express the depth of our current existential dilemma (or the urgent need for persistent resistance), unless you take in the biggest picture possible (which is really what the sky is all about). And if you reach for that perspective, you begin to understand that we are at the end of two potent cycles: (1) a Saturn/Pluto cycle that began in 1982 and (2) a Jupiter/Saturn cycle that began in 1842. Things falling apart at the end of a cycle is part of a natural ebb and flow. The next new phase for both these cycles is 2020, but before we start anew, we have to verify and witness the effect of the entire cycle—and that’s one of the factors contributing to the current chaos. This week, I’ll focus on Saturn/Pluto with more about the end of the Jupiter/Saturn cycle in future columns.
The Saturn/Pluto cycle that ends in 2020 began in 1982, and during this cycle Republicans gained incredible cultural traction. President Reagan, Ralph Reed (remember him?), Newt Gingrich, Rush Limbaugh, both Bush presidents, Dick Cheney, and now Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan, with Mr. Trump embodying the distillation of their entire political agenda. That may be one of the reasons they can’t say no to him—they created him, and like Dr. Frankenstein, they have empathy for their creation, their monster. Or it could be that Mr. Putin has a dossier on every Republican in Congress which is why they are afraid to say no to what they must recognize as Trump’s treason. Or these Republicans could—unbelievable as it might seem—actually believe their own mendacious doctrine.
Whatever their reason for surrendering their conscience, if their actions are seen as part of the 1982 Saturn/Pluto cycle that’s ending, it’s possible to contextualize what’s going on as part of some greater cycle rather than think of it as aberrant. It’s also helpful to know that when the 1982 Saturn/Pluto cycle began, as both planets formed a conjunction they simultaneously formed a square to the position Pluto occupies in the birth chart for the United States, which means that the entire 38-year cycle can be seen as the preparation for the United States Pluto Return, which I’m calling the American Revolution 2.0.
But while Republicans are waiting for the rapture, Democrats are waiting for a miracle. And I’m one of them—I’m still hoping for a positive alien intervention or some other indication that we aren’t alone in the universe. Or hoping, with fingers and toes crossed, that Gandalf breaks free from his fictional prison, comes to life, and help us throw the ring of power into the fires of Mt. Doom. Hey…maybe that’s what Pele is waiting for at Kilauea. Just as a side note, parts of Kilauea have been erupting since 1983, almost at the start of this Saturn/Pluto cycle and before the synchronicity sticklers chime in that any connection between Pele and Saturn/Pluto is preposterous…who would have thought that Republicans would undermine and besmirch the FBI, which historically has been the long arm of law they used to threaten liberal activists? Anything is possible when anything goes.
On the current local front of astral activity, we are in the wake of the solar eclipse of July 13, heading full steam toward the lunar eclipse of July 27, and continuing to deal with Mars Retrograde which doesn’t end until August 27. But as regular readers know, that’s not the entire picture. Mercury Retrograde begins on July 26, the day before the lunar eclipse, and Uranus Retrograde begins on August 7, all of which is certain to create an obstacle course of snafus. Uranus rules technology of all kinds, and when it ‘turns around’ it tends to behave like a Mercury Retrograde and since Mercury will already be retrograde…backup, backup, backup everything now.
And there’s more. The lunar eclipse of July 27 contains a pernicious T-Square among the Sun, Moon, Mars, and Uranus that feeds testy temper tantrums and more than a few meltdowns. Although an eclipse effect can be felt up to six weeks before and after an event, as we move closer to the actual date, the intensity worsens. Anticipate that tempers, yours and others’, will resemble solar flares, and do your best to stay patient through the coming weeks—it won’t be easy, but it will be necessary.
As the week unfolds, try to be sensitive and kind to your fellow travelers. We all live under the same sky—even Republicans—and we’re all subject to the same influences. Remember the stars do not compel, they incline, which means we always have a choice to respond rather than react. And that may be what we are learning on this free will planet.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
The task is creating greater emotional balance so that your actions are congruent with your feelings and there is no disparity between your intention and your words. Put simply: this lunar eclipse is about walking your talk. Be strong, disciplined and determined to do no harm.
Taurus April 20-May 20
You can go it alone with the mindset that you are alone or you can reach out to others and breathe in the comfort of company. It doesn’t matter if you are with a significant other or simply have found a group of similar interest, this eclipse is an invitation to recognize the value of relationship.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Exercise is the antidote to what ails, which means it’s time to get physical, so whether it’s hiking, walking, running, swimming, rowing, or biking, get that body moving. But don’t leave out spiritual pursuits. This lunar eclipse is about taking tangible steps toward better health on every level.
Cancer June 22-July 22
It’s important to honor your needs even if that means appearing selfish to others. I know that’s easier said than done, and that you don’t want to start a brouhaha that could erupt into a battle, but you are in a deeply passionate phase right now, and this lunar eclipse is about recognizing your creativity.
Leo July 23-August 22
All the attention is on you—yes, that’s true. There’s a solar eclipse in your Sign, as well as Mercury Retrograde in your Sign, AND there is another solar eclipse in August, also in Leo. So take a deep breath—as many as you need—and realize that you have an opportunity to move into greater self-awareness. Open your heart to yourself with true humility and get ready to g-r-o-w.
Virgo August 23-September 22
There are plenty of opportunities for you to turn the wheel of your life in an even more positive direction, but you must have a clear vision of what you would like to do next. This lunar eclipse can help you sort through your goals and aspirations with an eye toward identifying your priorities.
Libra September 23-October 22
There actually are magical times and when you’ve had the privilege of experiencing the extraordinary, it’s hard return to the ordinary. But it can be done, if you’re willing to consider the idea that magic is a state of mind. The antidote to this eclipse an expansive mindset that sees the magic.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Be abundant in every way possible—financially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually—and let that sense of being enough and having enough sustain a positive attitude. This eclipse will be much easier to handle if you are confident that your needs are met.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
As I remind everyone all the time: whatever you focus your attention on becomes your reality. It’s the first rule of magic and it works even if you aren’t interested in tricks of any kind. Focus your intention and that clarity will be the perfect remedy to the negative undercurrent of this eclipse.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
There’s no need to worry—you can be successful if you’re willing to do the hard work to accomplish your goals. I’m not suggesting that life has to be all work and no play, although that sometimes works. I’m advising you to take your cue from this eclipse and rely on your community for any help you might need.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Try not to let any internal static corrupt your efforts and avoid any and all negative input from partners—personal and professional. This phase is about developing the confidence to move out into the world on the basis of your knowledge and skill. Don’t let this lunar eclipse convince you otherwise.
Pisces February 19-March 20
You can devolve into a brood that could last for a long time or be determined to find a wider perspective that stretches beyond the disappointment you’re currently experiencing. This lunar eclipse invites you to acknowledge the power of integrating your spiritual beliefs into your day-to-day reality. It’s your choice.