Celestial Notebook Overview April 2007
Until 20 April the sun, representing both our ego and our divine essence, is in the sign of Aries. Aries is an action-oriented fire sign (see Signs). The sun is exalted (loves it) in Aries! This is the archetypal time for fresh starts: it is the first fire sign, the sign of boldness and ingenuousness. Aries sparks through adventure and enthusiasm. Whilst the sun is in Aries we need to have courage to step into the unknown, to have an adventure and discover parts of ourselves we never knew we had.
Pluto, the planet that teaches us how to handle intensity, turned retrograde (seemingly reversing) on the last day of March at 28 degrees 57 minutes Sagittarius. Whenever a planet appears to turn retrograde or direct, it moves very slowly and its influence is magnified. Although the sun is in Aries, we may internalise our valour and experience our eagerness to act as a much sobered eagerness. This is not necessarily a bad thing as we will naturally differentiate impulse from deeper needs and come to know what we truly want beyond the thrill of instant satisfactions.
Both Jupiter in Sagittarius and Saturn in Leo are approaching their stations (turnaround points). Their counter movements create an extended fire trine for much of the first half of 2007 (till the beginning of July). A fire trine is a particularly positive configuration as there is an easy flow of creative energy. Jupiter stands for our ability to expand and Saturn for clearly defining and maintaining structure. On 28 May 2000 these two planets conjoined at 22 degrees 43 minutes of Taurus. This earth sign is concerned with our sense of values: what we hold dear. Since then there have been shifts in how we value our planet, our resources and our security. What did you start planning then or perhaps what ought you to have done then and did not do? There may be a second chance to get a similar project off the ground now.
Let me put it this way: it will be easier to set realistic goals and plans for your time and energy; you might become the idealist with your feet on the ground! The warning is not to get caught up in calcified patterns of behaviour, calculated risk-taking will pay off! Trust your gut.
Jupiter (expansion) turning retrograde on 6 April in its own sign, Sagittarius, moves toward a wide square (stressful, yet energising) aspect with Uranus (individualism) in Pisces: you will probably want to break free of any restrictive circumstances or philosophies holding you back. While not totally stifling your faith and imagination slow the process down and discuss your actions with either trusted friends or professionals.
On the same day that Jupiter turns on its heel, Mars ingresses (enters) Pisces. Mars represents our ability to mobilise our energy in order to achieve desired results. Confidence and courage are associated with Mars, but also impulsivity and impatience. Mars in Pisces, however, is highly imaginative and interested in artistic endeavours and alleviating the suffering in the world. (Bob Dylan, Vincent Van Gogh and Michelangelo all feature Mars in Pisces.) Your vitality may be lower than usual and you may be inclined to follow the path of least resistance. Rather than going into sacrifice, gently stand your ground.
Within the next week Mercury ingresses Aries and Venus moves into Gemini enlivening matters considerably.
On the 20th April the sun moves into Taurus. Taurus has the love, wisdom and simplicity to make the material place a world of joy. With Saturn stationing to move forward, you may be chafing at the bit. You will be moving toward your goal, it might not happen at the pace that you would prefer: the point is to enjoy or truly accept the process.
‘I have discovered that there is a Pattern, larger and more beautiful than our short vision can weave.’ Julia Seaton
