Heavenly Messages
Dear Friends,
Well here I am, sick a bit and unable to do much of anything.
So I am sending this out this beautiful bird pick for a nice message.
So I’ll see you when I see you!
With all my love,
Melissa
02/1/23
12/17/22
Winter Solstice 2022
The Long Arctic Night – by Diana Sudyka
Winter Solstice 2022
Bright Solstice Greetings to All!
Winter Solstice 2022 arrives on Wednesday December 21 at 4:48p Eastern Time, 1:48p Pacific Time and 21:48 Universal Time. This is the Summer Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere which is on Thursday December 22 at 8:47a AET
It is reassuring to know in these inconsistent (crazy!) times that the wheel of the the seasons turns as it always has for thousands of year. The winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere the shortest day of the year is the moment when the dark begins to wane, the light gradually returns and the the days begin to get longer again. This return of the light has been celebrated through out time from Roman Saturnalia to modern Christmas festivities. December Solstice Traditions from TimeandDate has interesting background on the these celebrations.
The astrology chart for the Solstice represents the birth of this new season and gives indications of what to expect.
The Sun is always at 0 degrees Capricorn the moment of the Solstice and Venus, Mercury and Pluto are also in Capricorn now. The Moon is in optimistic Sagittarius while Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn, is still uplifted in airy Aquarius. Neptune moves forward in Pisces, Uranus travels retrograde in Taurus next to the karmic North Node and Mars continues his retrograde journey in Gemini. Much of the tense connections from earlier in the year between the planets have eased, which indicates more harmonious energy for this new season. However at the precise moment of the Solstice huge Jupiter is at 0 degrees Aries and forms an exact 90* square to the Sun. When the largest planet clashes with the Sun, the Star of our solar system, this creates a tense formation! At the Summer Solstice (6/21/22) the Sun in Cancer also formed a tight square to Jupiter in Aries triggering this disturbing pattern.
In December 2021 Russia was massing troops at the Ukraine border escalating tensions in the region and as we all know now, this was leading up to the Ukraine War which began 2 months later on Feb. 24, 2022 when Russian/Putin invaded Ukraine. Fire sign Aries is the sign of war and warriors and Jupiter re-enters Aries the day before the Solstice (on 12/20/22). Earth sign Capricorn is the sign of worldly status quo, and the clash between Jupiter/Sun at the Solstice lets us know that Putin, even if he stands alone (Aries!) against world powers like NATO and the US (Capricorn) he has no plans to back down and in fact as I write this Russia continues with vicious missile attacks on Kyiv.
This is a photo of Kyiv on December 18, 2021. Let us hope and pray it will return to this beauty after this brutal war ends!
Kyiv in December 2021
Wounded Healer Chiron is also traveling in Aries and on the Solstice Venus in Capricorn forms a tense square to Chiron with a similar vibration to the Sun/Jupiter square. Venus represents women and this square against Chiron repeats the clash between those intent on war at all cost versus the mothers and wives of the soldiers dying and the pain of losing so many loved ones to a needless war instigated by an insane ruler.
At the same time Venus squares Chiron she also reaches out a lovely trine to Uranus which bodes well for calmer energy to come later when Uranus moves forward again next year on 1/22/23. Other hopeful configurations comes from the Sagittarius Moon. The Moon in the Solstice chart indicates the mood of the public and Sagittarius is an optimistic sign that even when pushed down by negativity won’t stay there long, but bounces back to a higher happier perspective, a wonderful trait! At the Solstice the Moon creates trines to both Jupiter and Chiron which help uplift people’s spirits.
Messenger Mercury is in Capricorn at the Solstice stationed in-between Venus and Pluto and is slow-mo at Solstice preparing to turn retrograde on 12/29 (thru 1/18). Mercury in Capricorn represents the voice of mature authority figures who are trying to find solutions to world problems like the war, climate change and the continued surges in covid, along with flu and other respiratory diseases. But are people willing to listen to these voices of reason? The fiery energy of the Sagittarius Moon with Jupiter and Chiron in Aries, says “No Way – I’m going to do what I want, damn the consequences!”
Stern Saturn in independent thinking Aquarius adds to “I’m going my own way” energy. At the same time Saturn has finally moved away from the irritating square with Uranus, evident for much of this year, so the Aquarius ability to rise above to see the bigger picture is more available now too.
Mars continues his Gemini journey and in October and November rammy Mars was butting into nebulous Neptune in Pisces creating confusion and exacerbating misinformation, especially in the lead-up to the US midterm elections. (See Autumn Equinox) Gemini rules average people, the public at large, and Mars moves retrograde at the Solstice. The waning of the Mars/Neptune square helps bring more clarity, but Mars retro at the Solstice also indicates that most people are still getting the short stick. For example with the Fed raising interest rates in order to “cool inflation” but which makes everything from mortgages to consumer goods more expensive – too bad little people, we’re helping the rich get richer, just don’t look too closely! With the spunky Sagittarius Moon forming an opposition to Mars people are aware of how they are being manipulated, but over the holidays, so what – We’re going to have a good time anyway! Actually a good choice!
There is much more to be said about Mars retro in Gemini, here is my post about it Mars Retrograde . It’s been so interesting to watch how As Above – So Below events have manifested from Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter (a Gemini social platform for sure!) right as Mars was turning retro. Musk is Gemini Rising and has Venus and Saturn in Gemini too. Donald Trump’s launch of his 2024 campaign was announced on Nov. 16th in the midst of Mars retro. Trump has Sun and Uranus in Gemini. Vladimir Putin has Moon in Gemini and rumors of his failing health are spinning around now. We have a front row seat to see what manifests!
This is the macro view for the Solstice energies, and here is how they affect you at the personal level. Tap into the optimistic Sagittarius Moon and use it positively with Jupiter in Aries by following your own path of heart with joy, no matter what the outside world is saying you ‘should’ do. In other words don’t worry, be happy! Blend this with the practical organizing ability of the Capricorn planets, especially Venus, and you’ll accomplish everything you want to and be glad you did! Remember to keep your perspective large, rise above the pettiness of Gemini Mars, but also remember to grab the tail of Mars/Gemini’s fun loving kite and enjoy the ride!
As always dear friends, work favorably with the planetary transits and the planets will work beneficially for you! This painting Galaxy a new one by my sister Heni Sandoval is a perfect image to guide you to what it feels like to connect with the planets in joyful ways!
Galaxy – painting by Heni Sandoval
And here’s a quote from Yogananda, born with Sun in Capricorn to guide you too. To work with God’s happiness bubbling in the soul is to carry a portable paradise within you wherever you go. ~ Yogananda
11/1/22
Articles and Podcast Index
Astrology 101 – Outer Planets, How we integrate their meaning
Astrology 101 – Podcast with the Wisdom Coalition
Astrology of the Soul – Golden Rose Psychic Radio podcast
Astrology Overview for 2015 Golden Rose Psychic Radio podcast
Auto Astrology – Finding your perfect car in the stars
Cosmic Week! And My Upcoming Event
Dream Work Made Easy – Golden Rose Psychic Radio Show 10/14/15
Dreamweavers – Dream Interpretation Information
Eclipse – Radio Show – and the Progressed Chart
Galactic Center 26-27 Degrees Sagittarius ***Updated -new info***
Golden Rose Psychic Radio Podcast: An Evening with Astrologer and Tarot Master Melissa Stratton – Interview only – Full show link
Golden Rose Psychic Radio Podcast: Dream a Little Dream of Me – Dream Analysis part 2
Golden Rose Psychic Radio Interview Podcast: Dream Analysis Part 1
Golden Rose Psychic Radio Interview Podcast Spiritual Astrology: Those Heavenly Messages
Join me on the Radio Thursday 2/25 for Astrology 101 and More
Jupiter – the Power of Jupiter in Scorpio
Jupiter in Virgo August 11, 2015 through September 9, 2016
Jupiter Enters Leo July 16, 2014
Mars Retrograde ***NEW***
Mercury Retrograde ***Updated with Merc retro dates for 2023***
Modes in Astrology: Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable
Neptune in Pisces – 19th and 21st Century Transits ***Updated***
Pluto – All About Pluto ***NEW***
Regaining Balance – Making sense of the Election
Rising Sign – what it reveals in your birth chart
Saturn Retrograde ***Updated***
Solar Eclipse, Solar Flares, Spring Equinox March 20, 2015
US Presidential Election 2016 – Astrology at Work
Venus Transits of the 19th Century
10/27/22
Mars Retrograde
Mars Retrograde 2022-23
Mars turns retrograde on October 30 2022 at 25° Gemini
and returns to 8° Gemini on January 12, 2023
Mars was the god of war for the Romans and through the years war-like attributes became associated with planet Mars. In Astrology Mars has come to represent the aggressive principle. Fearless Mars is courageous, reckless and driven by passion. Mars indicates action generally, along with motivation, your “get up and go”. Mars is associated with physical energy, willpower, intense focus, determination, anger and all aggressive instincts. Mars also governs men and traditionally male dominated activities like sports, police, the military, war and testosterone driven male energy in general especially young men.
In your own birth chart Mars reveals how you go about getting what you want and need, your personal energy patterns and passion – your own distinctive style of moving through life. Mars in the birth chart for women also reveals the type of men you attract into your life and for men Mars indicates your male role models and the type of male friends you attract.
Mars takes around 2 years to travel the full zodiac wheel and once during this period appears to slow down and back up in orbit. In comparison, every other planet retrogrades every year (except Venus). When Mars turns retrograde it orbits closer to Earth and shines more brightly in the night sky making its influence stronger. Mars usually stays in a sign 6-8 weeks, but when retro it stays in a sign for around 7 months.
Like a cool vintage muscle car Mars drove into Gemini on 8/20 where he remains 7 long months until 3/23/2023. Mars is the planet of action, motivation, pure raw power and also strife and war.
On 10/30/22 Mars goes retrograde for the first time since 9/9/20. Mars retrogrades on 10/30 at 25° Gemini and stays retro 2 1/2 months until 1/12/23, reversing to 8° Gemini before moving direct again. Mars rules pioneering fire sign Aries and is the co-ruler of powerful water sign Scorpio so these two signs tend to be the most affected by Mars retrograde and people with Sun, rising sign or other significant planets at the degrees Mars retrogrades through need to be more aware of Mars retro effects too.
Mars has been retrograde in Gemini many times in the 20th and 21st centuries, however most of those times Mars retrograded through 2 signs. The last time Mars was retrograde in Gemini the full time was from Oct 28, 1943 through Jan 10, 1944 – in the midst of World War II. Gemini rules average people and think how many were affected by this major world war! Europe once again is facing war as the Ukrainian war spills thousands of evacuees into neighboring Eastern European countries and all of Europe and the US too is dealing with energy problems from Russian oil disruptions which they depended upon. Will Mars retrograde slow things down and tame this type of negativity, let us hope so!
Mars is all about action and energizes the sign in which he travels. Mars in air sign Gemini activates communication and other mental activities. Gemini is one of the most versatile and flexible of all signs. Gemini is extremely curious – the information gatherer with extraordinary multi-tasking ability, excellent communication skills and effortless wit. Gemini is a friendly sign and relates easily to others. Mars in Gemini is quick witted and crafty and knows how to use words to delight, and loves to have fun! Gemini/Mars is extremely talented, very social and is the master at lightening things up. Famous comedians are often born with a Gemini Mars like Steve Martin, Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Damon Wayans and Kevin Hart. Mars in Gemini often breeds great writing talent too as Charlotte Bronte, James Joyce, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Erica Jong prove.
Mars in Gemini can also use their intelligence in sarcastic and snarky ways and is a dizzy juggler with way too many balls in the air. Testy-Warrior Mars can bring strife to the sign in which he travels. Gemini is the sign most closely connected to ‘the people’ – average folk, going about their daily lives. Gemini rules the media (the talking heads out there) and on the downside Mars in Gemini can whip people up with shallow platitudes urging them to do stupid things. This trait is definitely one to be aware of now!
When a planet is retrograde the energy is more internalized, and when active Mars reverses if not handled appropriately energy can back up and implode. Think of Mars retrograde as a classic muscle car speeding down the highway when suddenly the red engine light comes on. You’ve got to pull over to figure out what the situation is or risk engine failure. You need to slow down and pay attention to determine what needs to be done to get your energy moving again. It only becomes a problem if you ignore the indicator eventually causing major damage.
Mars retro can mean things which were going full steam ahead get off track for a while or seem to dissipate altogether. They will come back though, and like the muscle car metaphor, if problems aren’t dealt with during the retro phase things do move forward again, but the problems continue too and can get worse!
We can see a trend for this current Mars retrograde in Gemini which occurs 5 days after Rishi Sunak became UK Prime Minister after Liz Truss suddenly resigned after only 50 days in office, and one week before the contentious US midterm elections. Average folks heads are spinning now, not knowing what’s going to happen next. Vladimir Putin’s continued lies about what Russian is doing in Ukraine along with the oil shortage situation and world wide inflation is certainly pushing people to the brink!
At the personal level, look at which house Gemini rules in your birth chart to sense what area of your life Mars retro will influence. Astrologer Elsa Elsa has an article which lists Mars retro effects by house – Mars In Gemini For 7 Months 2022-23: Dates & Effects By House
Mars retrograde in the birth chart needs interpretation because it can indicate different things, depending upon what sign and house it is in and how Mars relates to the rest of the planets in the birth chart (the aspects involved). For example Mars retrograde in the first house could indicate early life health problems held the person back from physical activity and if Mars is in a water sign (Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces) it might mean emotional issues arising from this setback take a long time for the person to get over. But if Mars retro is in a fire sign (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) the person has more ability to bounce back and move forward more easily.
I like this article by astrologer Nadia Gilchrist Mars Retrograde in the Natal Chart: When Yang Energy Goes Yin Here is an excerpt: “Its energy is internalized. Think about what Mars stands for: moving forward, being aggressive, starting something. This is true no matter what sign it’s in. If there is an internal focus, you’re going to express its energy very differently. You’re rebelling, but it’s an internal rebellion. A common misconception is that Mars retrograde is weak. This is simply not true; its energy is redirected.”
Mars retro in the birth chart can also indicate a delayed start in life for any number of reasons such as having no male role model in early life so that getting in touch with traits like will power, the ability to initiate and learning how to handle aggressive instincts takes longer to achieve or is never actualized at all. And for a women it can mean their early male role models (or lack of any) gave them a fractured concept about men so they tend to choose inappropriate men to bond with along with all the problems that brings.
Mars retrograde can also mean the person’s timing is off kilter. They might hesitate to take a chance at something when the time is lined up for them, then when they finally do get up the nerve circumstances have changed so things don’t manifest for them. It could also be outer conditions delay them or get in the way. For example a young person is ready to leave for college, but a parent dies or gets an illness so the person feels the responsibility to stay home to help out and their education is put off and may not resume until much later if at all.
Having Mars retrograde does not mean lack of success however. Many famous people who have achieved much were born with Mars retro. Mozart, born with Mars retro in Cancer, was a child prodigy and musical genius for all time. Mikhail Baryshnilkov considered one of the greatest ballet performers ever, has Mars retrograde in Virgo, and basketball legend Michael Jordan has Mars, which rules sports, retro in Leo. Joan Crawford who is ranked as number ten among the greatest female stars of all time by The American Film Institute, was born with Mars retro in Libra which rules glamor and the arts. Judy Garland whose fame began in young age and is still known world wide as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz has Mars retrograde in Sagittarius. These famous examples let us know that Mars retrograde may actually help individuals dig deeper to find their inner passion and strength of purpose, and when they do, their achievements can be astounding!
Here is a list of other famous people born with Mars Retrograde from the Celebrity Astro Search Engine from Astro Seek. A great resource especially if you’d like to do your own research. One interesting thing I noticed when I listed these Mars retro people by sign, is that certain signs have many famous people born with Mars retrograde while others had few, like Taurus and Aquarius. Seems like a good subject to do some more research about, maybe while Mars is retro!
People tell me I’m from Mars all the time. ~ Joni Mitchell, born with Mars retrograde in Gemini.
Famous People born with Mars Retrograde
In Aries
O’Henry
Elia Kazan
Bernie Sanders
Peter Coyote
Otis Redding
Paul Simon
Art Garfunkel
Tom Fogerty
Anne Rice
Chubby Checker
Anne Tyler
Cass Elliot
Sally Kirkland
Anne Seymour
Eddie Steeples
In Taurus:
Bram Stoker
Louisa May Alcott
Leon Trotsky
Chuck Berry
Richard Crenna
Louise Hay
Lee Grant
Jamie Lee Curtis
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Neve Campbell
In Gemini
Ludwig van Beethovan
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Virginia Woolf
Martin Luther King, Jr
Ben Kingsley
Sam Sheppard
Joni Mitchell
Billie Jean King
Tim Robbins
Jim Morrison
Viggo Morgensteen
In Cancer
Mozart
William S. Burroughs
Noam Chomsky
Mikhail Gorbachev
David Lynch
Dolly Parton
Diane Keaton
Kenneth Branagh
JuliannaeMoore
Wayne Gretzky
Daryl Hannah
Ashton Kutcher
Tara Reid
In Leo
Benjamin Disraeli
James Dean
Robert Duvall
Rip Torn
Boris Yeltzin
James Earl Jones
Claire Bloom
Eckhart Tolle
Dianne Wiest
Billy Crystal
James Taylor
Jennifer O’Neill
Steven Tyler
Bernadette Peters
Michael Jordan
Seal
In Virgo
Henry Wordsworth Longfellow
Rasputin
Clarke Gable
William Holden
Bing Crosby
Betty Ford
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Michael Caine
Phillip Roth
Kim Novak
Barbara Hersey
Yoko Ono
Nina Simone
Alice Cooper
Mikhail Baryshnikov
Robert Downey junior
Martin Lawrence
Sarah Jessica Parker
Chelsea Clinton
Christina Ricci
Zooey Deschanel
In Libra
Sigmund Freud
Irving Berlin
Pope John Paul II
Joan Crawford
Ida Lapino
Anais Nin
Peggy Lee
Dudley Moore
Eric von Daniken
Cybill Shepherd
Peter Gabriel
Karen Carpenter
Bobby McFerrin
Tim McGraw
Seth Rogen
Kirsten Dunst
In Scorpio
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Henry Fonda
Robert Penn Warren
Ravi Shankar
Morgan Freeman
Colleen McCullough
Sally Kellerman
Waylon Jennings
Liam Neeson
David Byrne
Mary McDonnell
Steven Seagal
Marilu Henner
David Icke
Mark Zuckerburg
Emily Beecham
Sophia Turner
In Sagittarius
Czar Nicholas I
Ho Chi Minh
Stan Laurel
Judy Garland
George Talei
Roger Zelazney
Saddam Hussein
Christopher Lee
Bill Blass
Pierre Cardin
George Carlin
Jack Nicholson
Angela Merkel
Hugo Chavez
Cate Blanchette
Steffi Graff
Anne Heche
Ricky Scaggs
Ice Cube
Peter Dinklage
Wes Anderson
In Capricorn
Thomas Mann
Annie Oakley
Robert Heinlein
Frida Kahlo
Barbara Stanwyck
Wes Craven
Peter Bogdanvich
George Hamilton
Ginger Baker
Valerie Harper
Kathleen Turner
Sonja Sotamayor
Freddie Prinze
Jim Belushi
Shia Lebeau
Lindsey Lohan
Cody Lightening
Elijah Kelley
Mary-Kate Olsen
Kellie Pickler
In Aquarius
Haile Selassie
Mae West
Lauren Bacall
Buddy Hackett
Martin Freeman
Allison Krauss
David Arquette
Jason Loesenstein
In Pisces
Art Tatum
James Baldwin
Carroll O’Connor
Fess Parker
Phyllis Shafly
Theresa May
Linda Hamilton
Kim Cattrall
Debbie Boone
Adam Arkin
Maren Jensen
Gary Cole
David Copperfield
Tsai Ing-wen
Quvenzhané Wallis
10/8/22
All about Pluto
Pluto – painting by Heni Sandoval
Pluto Turns Forward on 10/8/22
Hello Friends,
This post is a followup to October’s Heavenly Messages because I overlooked a major planetary event happening today – 10/8/22 which is that Pluto turns direct. I wish I could say it’s the first time I’ve forgotten to note Pluto’s movements, but alas it’s happened before, and frankly it’s not a good idea to ignore potent Pluto! So to make up for it, I’m focusing this post on him and hope he’ll forgive me, especially since Pluto turns direct exactly at my very own Sun sign! (Yes, how could I forget this! )
On 10/8 potent Pluto, tiny planet with big transforming ability, moves direct after being retrograde 5 long months. Pluto is closing in on the end of his long term Capricorn station, turned retrograde at 28°36 on 4/29 Capricorn and moves forward today at 26°07 Capricorn. at 10:57p ET, 22:57 UT.
Pluto rules Scorpio so for you Pluto’s shift are more noticeable, but they become very personally obvious if Pluto is once again crossing back over your Sun as it will for anyone born from January 16-19, but all Capricorns will sense this shift as will anyone with important angles or planets in your birth chart from 26° to 28° Cap especially if your rising sign is at or close to these Capricorn degrees.
Pluto equals transformation and the Sun sign indicates soul growth pattern, so when Pluto connects with this essential part of your birth chart it is time to finally have the guts to become who you are meant to be! If your rising sign is at or close to 26° Capricorn, you’ll feel this strongly too. When Pluto (named after the old god of Hell!) makes this kind of connection it can feel very intense, even frightening, but when you find the courage to transform, Pluto gives you more power and stamina to achieve your goals.
Yes, transformation is scary and intense and for those who have been experiencing this Pluto transit directly here are things to consider. Pluto’s energy is relentless – in his push to transform he becomes like a metal ball. When you resist the need to transform, Pluto keeps pushing, pushing until he breaks your back! But when you recognize what you need to do to transform and have the courage to do it, Pluto acts like a greased ball bearing pushing you easily along the new track!
As you transform yourself to a better place, you add positive energy to the entire world’s vibration. What needs transforming the most? Is it your career and position in the world, relationships, or your physical self and health? Get honest with yourself and prioritize the most important aspect of your life then put your full energy there. In the process of reaching this goal, the other significant parts of your life will naturally follow along and Pluto becomes a wise friend guiding you step by step.
Pluto takes around 250 years to travel the full zodiac wheel and has been fully situated in Capricorn for 14 long years, since 11/27/08. At the macro level affecting everyone, this planet of total Phoenix-like transformation is relentlessly helping to transform the old top down, dysfunctional patriarchal structures of society
When Pluto moves forward he again retraces his connection to the USA birth chart of July 4, 1776 when Pluto was also at 27° Capricorn. Pluto first reached this degree again this past February when the war in Ukraine began. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and its wider implications fully affects the US too. Capricorn rules worldly structures like governments, corporations and all patriarchal top down bureaucracies. Think what was happening in 1776 when USA was born, monarchs were losing their centuries long control, and democracy, the will of the people to be independent, was taking hold. Interesting to note currently that Queen Elizabeth’s death is putting pressure to transform on the British monarchy.
Now it is the plutocracy (pluto is even in the name!) across the world represented by the oligarchy in Russia and greedy billionaires, selfish governments ruled by elitists, and rapacious corporations across the world, who are beginning to lose their power and influence and doing everything they can to maintain control. Pluto, as in 1776, is letting us know that change is inevitable and the best idea is to embrace it not resist it. In this context Pluto will help shine a bright light of truth on the repressive autocratic nation states and their rulers who subjugate the will of the people. As he moves forward Pluto maintains his Capricorn journey and retraces USA’s exact Pluto return again this December then on March 23, 2023 enters Aquarius the sign of ultimate change!
Rotting foundations must be torn down so that fresh frameworks can be built to support new and better structures for future generations to come. It is happening, we are all in the midst of it. For the patriarchal, authoritarian types this is a last-ditch effort to help them understand their day is over so please exit gracefully. For more evolved types this urges them (you!) to step up to the next level with courage and make their mark on the new world. People born from 1988 through 1995 have both Uranus and Neptune in Capricorn. This generation is poised to build a better world foundation as the old tumbles down and Pluto’s Capricorn transits are waking them up to their role in history.
So this is Pluto’s current message. I hope you are transforming beautifully in this lovely month of October.
Here is a quote from Sun in Libra native Deepak Chopra to inspire you to transform positively,
Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future.~ Deepak Chopra
Here are some good articles on Pluto. Two articles by the Oxford Astrologer The US Pluto Return: We took it Personally and The State We’re In
Pluto Turns Direct: Power Grab by Sally Kirkman and The End of Pluto in Capricorn by Jessica Adams
Melissa Stratton
Personal Relations Counselor
Astrology, Tarot, Dream Analysis
09/20/22
Autumn Equinox 2022
Autumn Lady by Alphonse Mucha
Autumn Equinox 2022 arrives on September 22 at 9:06p EDT, 6:06p PDT and on September 23 at 2:03 UT
It is Spring Equinox for those in the Southern Hemisphere which is on September 23 at 12:03p AEDT
The Old Farmers Almanac gives you the basic info and always has beautiful photos too, this Equinox is called Mabon in the pagan tradition which celebrates and gives thanks at harvest time (this site also has great free calendar downloads.) In Japan the Autumn Equinox is a national holiday and in China it has been celebrated for centuries. Here are 9 Fascinating September Equinox Celebrations Around the World.
All seasons have their beauty but Autumn’s beauty is amazing! Here are some Beautiful Places In the World to See Fall Foliage
The September Equinox marks the beginning of this new season and the chart for the Equinox indicates astrological trends for the season. Here is the Equinox chart cast for Washington, DC.
This Equinox is the moment the Sun enters the sign of Libra each year. This year Mercury is retrograde and is at the exact degree (0*Libra) as the Sun. Venus the ruler of Libra is in Virgo, Mars is in Gemini moving along his 7 month Gemini path, the Moon is in Leo and Six major planets along with Chiron and 2 asteroids are retrograde in the Equinox chart -Mercury retro in Libra, Jupiter retro in Aries, Saturn retro in Aquarius, Uranus retro in Taurus, Neptune retro in Pisces and Pluto retro in Capricorn, Chiron retro in Aries, Juno retro in Pisces and Vesta retro in Aquarius. The Karmic South Node (pull to the past) is in Scorpio and North Node (future direction) is in Taurus.
Two standouts in this year’s Equinox are the retrogrades – 9 planetary bodies total – a lot of retro energy! The other is Mercury, planet of communication also retrograde at the exact degree of the Sun in Libra. During this time of year the 3 outer planets along with Jupiter and Saturn are usually retrograde, but this year Mercury is too, along with Chiron, Juno and Vesta. In general retrogrades indicate internalization of the astrological expression of a planet, not negative but not as easily accessed either. Autumn is a time when after the hectic summer, energies turn more inward. All the retrograde motion this season encourages you to pay less attention to external events and put more focus on your own personal experience.
In the Equinox chart the closest aspect is Mercury retro exactly conjunct the Sun. Mercury turned retro in Libra on 9/9 and at the Equinox has returned to 0*Libra the degree where he was on 8/25. Libra is ruled by Venus and represents balance, peace, harmony, fairness for all and rules relationships. The Sun at 0 degrees of any sign is powerful because it charges up a new sign, so when the Sun enters Libra these values become more pronounced for us all.
As I write this (on 9/19) Queen Elizabeth’s funeral is in process which exhibits these Libra qualities, peace, love, compassion and cooperation to people participating and those watching across the world. When Mercury is retrograde communication, and mental activities in general turn more inward. Queen Elizabeth who reigned for 7 decades was one of the most beloved and admired women in the world, so for those in mourning time slowed down as her long life was reviewed and portrayed (endlessly!) in the media. Review is a Mercury retro trend.
Libra represents peace, and currently the world is anything but peaceful with the Ukraine war and Russian aggression continuing to rage while mass graves and other Russian atrocities emerge daily. And unlike earlier wars, the Ukraine war is up close and personal with constant media coverage so people are very aware of the violence. Mercury retro at the Equinox let’s us know that peace efforts are not likely to come soon. The divisive mid-tern elections in the US are this fall too on 11/8/22. The chart for this date is pretty intense! I’ll write more about that later.
Mighty Jupiter is retro in fiery Aries and forms an opposition to Sun/Mercury in peaceful Libra at the Equinox. Jupiter = expansion and Aries is the sign of war. Oppositions are inherently neutral – an opposition reveals differing, but potentially complimentary viewpoints. How it manifests depends upon the forces in opposition. They can help each other, or hinder each other depending upon how the opposing energies are integrated. Like a seesaw it can swing back and forth and a heavier kid can pull it down. Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system is definitely the heavier kid! This too indicates more impetus for aggressive Aries “I am the Warrior!” versus “Let’s find ways to create peace.” especially since Mercury retro interferes with clear communication.
Venus is the ruler of Libra and is in earthy Virgo at 22* on the Equinox. She is closely opposite to Neptune in Pisces and reaches out to Uranus in Taurus and Pluto in Capricorn forming a grand earth trine and also creates a kite formation with Neptune at the head of the kite. Uranus is unpredictable, Pluto is the transformer and Neptune helps us tune into higher spiritual values (and also tune into bat-shit crazy delusion!) Venus represents values and Venus in Virgo at the Equinox is guiding the tail of this kite hoping to instill rational thinking and workable solutions. Good luck Venus!
Mars in air sign Gemini is feeling giddy and seems eager to annoy Venus with an irritating square. “Don’t bother me with practical ideas, I just want to have fun!”, says he. At the same time Mars forms a trine (ease and flow aspect) to Saturn retro in Aquarius. Mars = energy, action, aggression while Saturn represents structure, foundation and boundaries. This trine favors forming more progressive ideals, but since Saturn is retrograde any results get delayed.
The Moon represents public mood in the Equinox chart and she is at 26* Leo the royal Moon. This lets us know people are ready and willing to be in a good mood if given the chance. Will better moods come? Here is the Sabian symbol for 26* Leo – Day Break – the Luminescence of Dawn in the Eastern Sky. Here is the full interpretation, it is so positive and hopeful! This Symbol implies the gradual feeling that darkness is dispersing and that a new day is on the horizon; you may feel there is a chance for new beginnings. Things along the way have been sacrificed and there may be a certain emptiness, but you will see the light of day and move forward again. This Symbol speaks of transition times of letting go of operating in the dark and moving into a new day with new plans and fresh solutions. New ideas, opportunities, perspectives and realizations are emerging.
Maintaining these feelings may not be that easy because the Leo Moon is dealing with an itchy inconjunct aspect to Pluto in stern Capricorn. This configuration lets us know that old paradigm patriarchal structures (old white men!) want to continue their centuries long top down rule by trying to keep uppity women, gays, and idealist youth in check! Pluto is inwardly chuckling though, as he dreams about his grand entrance into Aquarius in March next year. He says “Just wait to eat my transforming dust you old control freaks!”
So friends, this is the big picture for the season which includes a partial Solar eclipse on 10/25 in Scorpio and a Total Lunar Eclipse on 11/7 in Taurus (the day before the US elections!). Eclipses create a more profound time in general, you want to take time to go deeper, and dreams get more significant too. These effects last for weeks, so expect this season to be not quite as ‘normal’ as usual, but who can say what is normal now anyway?!
Here is some advice from Friedrich Nietzche born with Sun in Libra to keep in mind this Autumn, No one can construct for you the bridge upon which precisely you must cross the stream of life, no one but you yourself alone ~
06/19/22
Summer Solstice 2022
Mermaid Mythological creature by Alexander Vitovskiy
The 2022 Summer Solstice arrives on Tuesday, June 21 at 5:14 AM EDT, 2:14 AM PDT and 9:14 UTC
This is Winter Solstice for those in the Southern Hemisphere which is on June 21 at 19:13 AEST
The June Solstice is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and is when the Sun enters the sign of Cancer each year. It is Winter solstice, the shortest day in the Southern Hemisphere. EarthSky has all the details and here are Five Beautiful Rituals to Celebrate Summer Solstice from Explore Deeply.
The chart for the Solstice sets the trends for the upcoming season. This year’s Solstice chart (cast for Washington, DC) is tightly woven across the solar system and has elements of defiance and harmony.
Summer Solstice
June 21, 2022
As always at this Solstice the Sun is at 0 degrees Cancer. Cancer is the first water sign in the zodiac whose waters are nurturing and healing. Cancer represents ultimate love. The ruler of Cancer is the Moon who at the Solstice is in fire sign Aries. Aries, ruled by Mars, is dynamic and self absorbed, the antithesis of nurture. These signs form a natural clash which at the Solstice is highlighted by a tight square from Moon to Sun made more dynamic since the Moon rules the Cancer Sun. The Moon travels next to Jupiter also in Aries who pounds his huge passionate chest adding more challenge to the Cancer Sun. Mars is happy to flex his warrior’s muscles in Aries the sign he rules and Chiron maintains his position in Aries close to Mars at the Solstice.
Mercury flies in Gemini, delighted to be in the airy sign he rules and he forms a sextile (60* angle) cooperating nicely with the Aries Moon and Jupiter. Saturn continues his Aquarius voyage but his karmic engine recently reversed course and he moves retrograde at the Solstice, so he is basically ignoring all the other planets. Uranus holds his focus in earthy Taurus keeping his steely eye on Saturn after their earlier clashes. Venus is almost at the end of her Taurus journey at the Solstice and reaches out favorably to Pluto retro in Capricorn. Neptune’s satellite dish is still tuned to peaceful Pisces, but the rebellious Aries energy is not interested in listening to Neptune’s tranquil tune. Pisces is a water sign which harmonizes with Cancer, but at the Solstice Neptune is too far away to make a good connection with the Sun, and on top of this Neptune is slowing down now in prep for his retrograde on 6/28.
To sum up what all this means in non-astrologese the Solstice energies have an over the top “let’s go to war!” or “let’s party til we drop!”( take your choice) laced with a mellow introverted vibe, “I’d rather stay out of the heat at home and follow celebrity gossip”. In addition softer tones float throughout like far away angelic harp melodies .
The Aries energy is evident in the January 6th Committee Hearings which outline their investigation into the connection between former President Trump’s voter fraud conspiracy claims and the insurrection on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The information these hearings have brought out is disturbing and foments anger (Aries!) from those who want to see Trump punished and his fervent supporters who believe his every word. Two hearings have already been held and the next one is scheduled on 6/21 the day of the Solstice! Communicator Mercury in Gemini is happy to oblige by pumping up news around this, and also supplies plenty of gas to the gossip mills churning up stories about well known celebrities so we can focus on them and not our own problems. And let’s face it, it’s always fun to forget your own situation as you watch famous folk fumble around!
The volatile Aries energy is also evident from the war in Ukraine, which Putin seems to be hell bent on continuing no matter the consequences to his own country and people. Putin came to power in 2000 when he first became President of Russia. Aries rules the vigor of youth and young Russian soldiers being sent as fodder to serve Putin’s insanity have only known him as the ruler of their country, so they follow him blindly.
I pulled up my Spring Equinox post and noted that the Moon was in Libra, the sign of peace which is the opposite sign from Aries, where she is at this Solstice. The Moon held a very significant place in the Equinox chart, like a string holding and guiding a large kite. In the Solstice chart the Moon which as the ruler of the Cancer Sun is very significant, has lost interest in peace and is eager to fight. Think about the animosity engendered in the Ukrainian people as their beautiful, fertile country is being brutally destroyed. Sadly this bad blood toward Russia will be a river running deep for years and generations to come, one of the most disturbing elements of war. The connection between Mars and wounded healer Chiron at the Solstice offers a choice – to punch up more or turn a key away from war and anger.
The major fiery Aries energy of Moon, Jupiter and especially Chiron and Mars at the Solstice also indicate it will be a hot summer too. Much of the US and Europe are already sweltering in above average temps for this time of year.
More aggravation arises from economic and weather related troubles, both ruled by Taurus which Lord of Chaos Uranus has been stirring up for years. Average people around the world are suffering from high fuel prices and inflation across the board affecting the food you buy, the appliances you need, to the vacation plans you made that will now cost much more and that you may not even be able to get to, like Yellowstone Park which had floods not seen in 500 years! There have been more devastating eras in history but those of us alive today have never experienced this combination of economic and political upheaval, natural disasters with the addition of a pandemic! Like it or not, you gotta admit, we live in fascinating times.
The softer edge to these Solstice energies gets help from Venus in Taurus who forms an exact trine to potent Pluto in fellow earth sign Capricorn who moves retro at the Solstice, so his potent transformational power is a bit sleepy. Using her melodious Taurus tone Venus croons softly to Pluto sweetly urging him to transform our world in less dramatic ways. Pluto wakes up and moves forward again on 10/6/22, so let’s hope she is successful!
More lovely energy comes from Neptune in spiritual Pisces who makes a good connection (trine) to the karmic South Node in Scorpio lifting the dark Scorpionic force to the White Eagle level. This same trine was active at the Equinox. Here is what I said then, Neptune rules Pisces so is more powerful in his home sign, and like a satellite dish is tuning into more love and empathy for all. This cosmic beam softens hearts and creates more kindness and willingness to help others… Let us hope this ray of love spreads further to overwhelm the spectre of war forever and all of us, no matter where we are, can add our own heart energy to expand this ray! Venus steps up again forming a nice sextile to Neptune at the Solstice so there is beautiful music playing in the heavens for those willing to hear it.
And as always the Sun in Cancer helps spread love and kindness and 0 degrees of any sign is more powerful. So although the Solstice Sun is a bit lonely in Cancer he will happily energize anyone who wants to radiate more love. Cancer rules home and family so you may not be able to personally affect worldly conditions, but you can spread more care and nurturing to your close loved ones which radiates out onto the psychic highway and ultimately affects the whole world with more positivity.
The Dalia Lama, born with Sun in Cancer, also Mercury in Gemini and Uranus in Taurus, has some good advice on how to handle these Solstice energies, If a person shows anger to you, and you show anger in return, the result is disaster. If you nurse hatred, you will never be happy, even in the lap of luxury. By contrast, if you control your anger and show its opposite – love, compassion, tolerance, and patience – then not only do you remain in peace, but gradually the anger of others also will diminish.
May you celebrate the Solstice in wonderful ways and enjoy a beautiful new season with the ones you love!
03/23/22
Articles and Podcasts Index
Astrology 101 – Outer Planets, How we integrate their meaning
Astrology 101 – Podcast with the Wisdom Coalition
Astrology of the Soul – Golden Rose Psychic Radio podcast
Astrology Overview for 2015 Golden Rose Psychic Radio podcast
Auto Astrology – Finding your perfect car in the stars
Cosmic Week! And My Upcoming Event
Dream Work Made Easy – Golden Rose Psychic Radio Show 10/14/15
Dreamweavers – Dream Interpretation Information
Eclipse – Radio Show – and the Progressed Chart
Galactic Center 26-27 Degrees Sagittarius ***Updated -new info***
Golden Rose Psychic Radio Podcast: An Evening with Astrologer and Tarot Master Melissa Stratton – Interview only – Full show link
Golden Rose Psychic Radio Podcast: Dream a Little Dream of Me – Dream Analysis part 2
Golden Rose Psychic Radio Interview Podcast: Dream Analysis Part 1
Golden Rose Psychic Radio Interview Podcast Spiritual Astrology: Those Heavenly Messages
Join me on the Radio Thursday 2/25 for Astrology 101 and More
Jupiter – the Power of Jupiter in Scorpio
Jupiter in Virgo August 11, 2015 through September 9, 2016
Jupiter Enters Leo July 16, 2014
Mercury Retrograde ***Updated with Merc retro dates for 2022***
Modes in Astrology: Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable
Neptune in Pisces – 19th and 21st Century Transits ***Updated***
Regaining Balance – Making sense of the Election
Rising Sign – what it reveals in your birth chart
Saturn Retrograde ***Updated***
Solar Eclipse, Solar Flares, Spring Equinox March 20, 2015
Summer Solstice 2022 ***NEW***
US Presidential Election 2016 – Astrology at Work
Venus Transits of the 19th Century
03/18/22
Spring Equinox 2022
Our Army our Protectors by Maria Prymachenko (See Note below)
Spring Equinox 2022 arrives on March 20th at 11:33a EDT, at 8:33a PDT and 15:33 UT
This is Autumn Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere on March 22, at 03:33 AEDT
This Equinox marks the beginning of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere and the autumn season in the Southern Hemisphere. Time and Date has good basic information along with Spring traditions around the world one of which is Holi a beautiful festival of new beginnings in India beginning on March 18 this year when people joyfully smear bright colors on each other – what fun!
This Equinox is the moment each year when the Sun enters Aries and begins the annual journey around the Zodiac Wheel . The chart for this Equinox (cast for Washington DC) represents the birth moment of the new season and reveals upcoming trends for the season.
Spring Equinox 2022
The most striking thing about this chart is the formation with the tight cluster of planets at the top and only the Moon at the bottom. The Moon is in the very last degree of Libra with Mars and Venus in Aquarius still close together with asteroid Juno and Saturn nearby also conjunct in Aquarius. The next tight connection is Mercury with Jupiter in Pisces both close to Neptune in Pisces, followed by the Sun (always at 0*Aries at this Equinox) with Chiron and asteroid Pallas Athena tightly joined in Aries. Uranus is further out in Taurus and Pluto leads the pack in Capricorn. Very interesting chart!
This highly concentrated chart creates intense focus for the new season and at the macro level reveals the world’s focus on the war in Ukraine. Saturn, Lord of Karma sits next to Juno who represents commitment, along with Venus, Mars and asteroid Vesta, the eternal flame – all in Aquarius the sign of ultimate freedom. This Aquarius cluster signals the Ukrainian people’s desire to have an open, free and democratic country and points to the support from democratic countries across the world.
The Pisces grouping of Mercury planet of communication, Jupiter planet of expansion, along with satellite dish Neptune reveal how the sensitive nature of loving, spiritual Pisces creates an empathetic response as people learn about and watch the horror of war unfold in front of their eyes. The Moon, which represents public mood, is in the peaceful loving sign of Libra and adds further to people’s need for peace and harmony, so disrupted now.
The Sun has been adding to the Pisces emotional responses, but at the Equinox enters fire sign Aries shifting focus dramatically. Mars is the ruler of Aries which governs wars and warriors. Aries energy gets riled up easily and is quick to anger. People’s anger at Vladimir Putin is already spilling over and Putin himself must feel pushed to the wall as his war is not going as he expected. Chiron, the wounder healer, has been in Aries since early 2019 and at the Equinox is at 11* Aries next to asteroid Pallas Athena, the wise female warrior/advisor, at 12* Aries. The Sun joins Chiron in late March-early April, a recipe for more war as the Aries bandwidth gets expanded.
Both Mars and Venus in Aquarius form a tight square to Change Agent Uranus at 12* Taurus adding more tension to the Equinox chart. The last time Uranus was at this degree was in July 1937 as Hitler invaded Poland at the beginning of WWII and I hesitate to point this out, but Uranus rules uranium which is used to make nuclear bombs which Putin is threatening to use. Over the years I have read many channeled messages saying our space brothers and sisters will not intervene in our earthy affairs any more to allow us humans our free will, but for one thing – to prevent a nuclear war. I take such messages with a large grain of margarita salt, but I do like the taste and hold out hope that our space siblings will step in if needed!
Potent transformer Pluto is closing in on the last degrees of Capricorn at the Equinox and forms a nice angle to the North Node in Taurus. The North Node points to the direction which we here on Earth must move toward in order to become more evolved – our current evolutionary direction. Earth sign Taurus, ruled by Venus, is the sign most closely connected to planet Earth and the natural world and is a sign of peace and tranquility. Pluto reaches out his cosmic hand pointing the way for transformation to happen in positive ways.
The South Node at the Equinox is in Scorpio, the most powerful and destructive sign in the zodiac which is ruled by both Pluto and Mars indicative of this formidable power. The South Node indicates energy patterns that have already been integrated and need to be moved away from in order to progress positively. So the South Node in Scorpio means at this time in human history it is necessary to move away from negative power and control toward peace, and if we don’t the world gets stuck and sinks into the quicksand of more war, hatred and revenge. The positive side of the Scorpio South Node is a vast reservoir of creative potential, so the old slogan “Make Art Not War” looms large. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we humans put our energy into powerful creative projects instead of war. See Street Art Utopia for examples.
Crying Eye, street art by My Dog Sighs
Helping move us away from this negativity is Neptune in Pisces who forms a positive angle (trine) to the Scorpio South Node. Neptune rules Pisces so is more powerful in his home sign, and like a satellite dish is tuning into more love and empathy for all. This cosmic beam softens hearts and creates more kindness and willingness to help others as we can see in the way the Polish people and others, are opening their arms with aid for the Ukrainian refuges. Let us hope this ray of love spreads further to overwhelm the spectre of war forever and all of us, no matter where we are, can add our own heart energy to expand this ray!
At personal levels the energy patterns at the Equinox encourage you to maintain your vibration at the highest level possible bringing more peace into your heart and use it to spread love and positivity far and wide. Be more aware and catch negative emotions when they come up – avoid watching and listening to the news chatter boxes and if you can’t then that’s where rising above to a higher level of understanding helps you detach.
You may believe you are more able to be at a higher level, but when you pay more attention you might find you are unconsciously acting out in repeated low tone patterns like gossip, judgemental attitudes, jealousy, etc. which affect your family members and others you come in contact with including yourself. Years ago I saw some wise advise, “Be careful what you say to yourself, because you are listening.”
Use the Aries energy to help you initiate new projects and renew your intentions for plans long stuck inside your mind. The earthy energy from Uranus and Pluto will help you finally get things manifested. Use the flowing Pisces energy combined with the powerful Scorpio South Node to tap into your deepest creative reservoirs to pull up creativity you didn’t even realize you had! If you feel upset or depressed, focusing on doing something creative will easily pull you up and out, and the over all signature of the Equinox chart points to this.
The Libra Moon creates the desire for better, more loving relationships and promotes the urge for more balance in all areas of your life. So tap into this beautiful vibe and shine on!
Here is a wonderful poem by Maya Angelou born with Sun in Aries and Moon in Libra to guide you,
We, this people, on this wayward, floating body
Created on this earth, of this earth
Have the power to fashion for this earth
A climate where every man and every woman
Can live freely without sanctimonious piety
Without crippling fear
~ Maya Angelou
Image Note: I chose this painting by Ukrainian folk artist Maria Prymachenko because it evokes the joy of spring time with its bright colors, smiling Sun and dancing people. The title Our Army our Protectors also brings up how the brave Ukrainian people, men and women alike, are so courageously fighting to protect their homeland. Prymachenko’s art is currently standing out as peace symbols because many of her paintings were destroyed at a museum in her native region of Ivankiv from an attack by Russian forces. May her art live on!
12/19/21
Winter Solstice 2021
Snow Queen
Winter Solstice 2021
Bright Solstice Greetings to All!
Winter Solstice 2021 arrives on Tuesday December 21 at 10:59a Eastern Time, 7:59a Pacific Time and 15:59 Universal Time. This is the Summer Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere which is on Wednesday December 22 at 02:59 AEDT
In times like these when nothing is certain and if you grab hold of something to steady yourself it’s not there anymore – there is comfort in the fact the Winter Solstice arrives as it has since the dawn of time. The Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere is a powerful moment when the dark begins to recede and the yin-yang cycle of the return of the light arrives and the days gradually get longer. Winter Solstice traditions around the world is an interesting article about how people around the world celebrate the light’s return. EarthSky always has good info about the science of the solstice at December Solstice
The astrology chart for the Solstice represents the birth of this new season and gives indications of what to expect.
The Sun is always at 0 degrees Capricorn the moment of the Solstice and in some years the Sun faces challenges from many planets. This year the Solstice Sun is getting along happily with other planets which bodes well for a good season. Messenger Mercury is conferring with asteroid goddess Juno both in Capricorn, about how to commit to Capricorn ideals in different ways than the old entrenched patriarchal model. They beam out to cosmic cell tower Uranus in Taurus who is happy to help this process but he is retrograde on the Solstice, so his broadcast comes along later. Venus who just turned retrograde and Pluto are also close together in Capricorn (more about their meeting below).
The ruler of the Solstice Sun is Saturn in Aquarius and Jupiter is still in Aquarius too. These 2 biggest planets in the solar system made a major conjunction at 2020’s Solstice, but this year mighty Jupiter is close to the end of his Aquarius journey leaving Saturn behind to maintain the Aquarius progressive values established this year.
Mars is bounding merrily in Sagittarius and gives a vigorous blast (trine) to Centaur Chiron who just turned direct in Aries on 12/19, so he’s feeling feisty! This combination creates boisterous energy that gives a nice boost to lift people’s moods. However this energy can be used in aggressive ways too, which wounded healer Chiron has more to say about in the Solstice chart.
Chiron, not quite a proper planet but who has a sufficient punch, is the only one annoying the Solstice Sun with a loose square at the Solstice but as the Sun moves forward in Capricorn this square tightens at the end of December. Examples of this can be seen already with the Omicron variant spreading so quickly that some countries (The Netherlands is one) are mandating lockdowns over Christmas and New Years – pushing fed-up citizens over the edge. While Russia continues a massive troop buildup estimated at 70,000 at the Ukraine border escalating tensions for the US and Nato.
Chiron’s symbol looks just like a key, appropriate to Chiron’s positive function as a healing key opening up to higher dimensions. Let us hold hope that world leaders and all of us too, can use the vibrant exchange with Mars in Sagittarius to Chiron to finally turn a key to higher vibrations of peace and cooperation. As Jimi Hendrix said, (whose natal Moon in Cancer is at the same degree as the Solstice Moon) “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”
The Moon represents the mood of the public and is in Cancer at the Solstice. The Moon rules Cancer and is very persuasive in her own loving, nurturing sign. She wants everyone to be peaceful, happy and care for each other. The Moon beams her gentle gaze upon us and says, “With the stress you’ve all gone through, please just love and support one another!”
At the exact moment of the Solstice, the Moon at 27* Cancer is opposite the important conjunction of Venus at 26* and Pluto at 25* Capricorn. Venus represents beauty, love, harmony and just turned retrograde on 12/19, 2 days before the Solstice. Pluto like a cosmic Phoenix represents complete transformation and rules life’s transitions – birth, death rebirth – so powerful! Pluto and Venus have been dancing together since 12/14 and now Venus retro returns continuing to convince Pluto to ease up and be less relentless in his transitions.
Venus after Botticelli by Xin Yin, Guillaume Duhamel
However when Venus is retro, especially in the no-nonsense sign of Capricorn, she is busy setting boundaries in the outer world so that we recognize we must go inward to find our own peace, harmony and creative force. For example Venus rules the arts, and just as Venus was reversing, Broadway is shutting down again, the Rockettes canceled the rest of their season! and (a bummer to me!) SNL had to scale down their final show of the season with no audience and no live skits, which sets a more subdued tone to come. Yet this also creates more opportunity to define your own values versus what the outer world is telling you your standards should be.
Cancer Moon is the most sensitive Moon of all, and at the Solstice reminds us that we need to be more sensitive to one another and to yourself too. Oppositions act like seesaws, playing back and forth, up and down. The emotional Cancer Moon at the Solstice jumps on her end of the seesaw to help Venus in her quest to soften Pluto’s revamping of ……. everything! Tune into her grace to help you become more gentle with yourself and others throughout this new season, and it might last forever!
A major challenge at the Solstice is a tight, tense square between Saturn in Aquarius and Uranus in Taurus. Here is what one of my favorite astrologers ElsaElsa says about this: “Saturn square Uranus is disrupting the status quo or perhaps the disruption (Uranus) is completely controlled (Saturn). Many believe this to be the case. If so, the “control” part of this may be disrupted.” This square has been an ongoing challenge for the last 6 months and is re-emphasized at the Solstice.
Here is what I wrote when this Square first became active in June (Saturn was retrograde at that time) “Lord of Structure, Saturn retro in Aquarius says just leave me alone please and also delays progressive agendas. Lord of Chaos Uranus in Taurus continues agitating people to realize Mother Nature needs our help and at the same time propels those afraid of change to resist at all cost! Perhaps these forces are always in conflict (that’s why the signs involved are called “fixed”) but they are certainly obvious now!” Because this square is active again at the Solstice, we can expect more of the same for a while longer. At the macro level for sure, as governments and the elite resist change, but at the micro level many average folk are rising to the challenge with local innovative solutions. Read about that at Behind the scary headlines, the human race is making a tremendous amount of progress. Way to go people!
Neptune is moving forward again in Pisces at the Solstice and the Cancer Moon reaches out to this spiritual satellite dish adding her nurturing energy to help Neptune tune us into higher vibrations, which brings me to a summary of the Solstice energy. The Solstice chart even with the stressors is basically favorable with plenty of nice energy to help you stay on the positive side this season. Yes there is challenging energy, but it’s not out of the blue stuff, we’ve been dealing with similar forces since the last winter solstice. As always it is up to you to tune into the higher vibrations and if you do, you’ll be able to capture the yin-yang tail and rise ever upward into the light!
Soaring Dove of Peace
by Heni Sandoval
Philosopher Albert Schweitzer born with Sun in Capricorn and Saturn in Aquarius resonates to the current Solstice energies He said,
Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust and hostility to evaporate. ~ Albert Schweitzer
So let us lift up with the light this Solstice by following Schweitzer’s advice!