Sun into Cancer 2010: Tidal Waves of Love & Light

“Do what you have to to be happy in this life. There is so much beauty. Go well my children.” The Bridges of Madison County - Robert James Waller

In the film’s final scene, the ashes of Francesca Johnson waft elegantly off a covered wooden bridge while Meryl Streep tenderly reads those perspicacious words to her character’s grown son and daughter. The story is about a mother’s devotion to her family and the eternity of true love. Richly emotional, these themes are fitting ones for the Sun’s entrance into watery, maternal Cancer. On June 21st at 4:29 A.M. PST the Sun enters this passionate, moon-ruled sign and thus activates this summer’s greatly anticipated Grand Cross. A full Capricorn moon eclipse takes place a few days later on June 26th with Mercury, newly moved into Cancer, adding more energy to the Cardinal sign thrust. On July 11th a total solar eclipse occurs with the new Cancer moon. Meanwhile Saturn is forming its final opposition to Uranus in the series that began on Election Day 2008. Finally, Neptune, the only large outer planet not directly involved in the Grand Cross, continues its retrograde motion through Aquarius, subtly adding an oceanic element to the mix. While the celestial stage is set for some of 2010’s most seismic astrological activity, Cancer, completely committed to caregiving and emotional integrity, calmly embraces the incoming waves. For her wisdom is as ancient as the moon, and she has long anticipated the needed changes these powerful tides are bringing.

Like no other sign, Cancer protects, nourishes and nurtures, and accessing its insights, instincts and ability to support are our keys to the cycle ahead. While the internet is awash in fears about the Grand Cross and T-Square, complete with doomsday scenarios, here in the world of 12, astrology is not dogma. Astrology is a language of symbols and set of tools for self-empowerment, and you the reader, not the planets, are in charge. Intrinsically psychic, the sign that starts the summer is compelled to forge ahead, and It offers us both its uncanny sixth sense and perpetual drive. This year that Cancerian quest to break on through to the other side will be abundantly aided by revolutionary Uranus and expansive Jupiter in bold, pioneering Aries and transformative Pluto moving through the sign of achievements and physical manifestation, Capricorn. Add exacting Saturn moving toward the 4th Cardinal sign of the zodiac, Libra, and welcome to the Grand Cross. As if by design, the Cosmos’ Great Mother, Cancer, has assembled some of her strongest allies to move us past unhealthy and unsustainable habits into brave new worlds. The navigation system she suggests is simple, the heart’s longing. Desire knows and lights the way.

On the eclipse of June 26th, the moon will be full in the sign of Capricorn where life-altering Pluto is sitting. Pluto is the planet that must to get to the ultimate truth in any matter and the moon puts us in touch with our intuition and real feelings. They will be opposite of Mercury and the Sun in Cancer. The Capricorn/Cancer axis asks us to reconcile ambitions and accomplishments in the outer world with our emotional and domestic needs. On a personal level this is the classic career versus home-life struggle. In the wider world, the moon and Pluto in Capricorn, ruler of banks, government and real estate, will be pitted against Mercury, information, and the Sun, individual will, in the sign ruling housing. While it’s impossible to predict how these aspects will play out precisely, news about the banks releasing more of their toxic housing assets is likely to surface. In an even wider context, Capricorn is about material success and Cancer about security, the home and emotional satisfaction. So more sober discourse on how we collectively balance the monetary needs of a capitalist society with Mother Earth’s needs is also likely to continue to be a central issue at this time. Yes, more debate about the oil spill, the environment and public policy will be in the spotlight. New ideas and new templates are needed. While innovative Uranus in brazen Aries portends support for the introduction of these radical new solutions, more esoteric Information and instruction will be downloadable on July 11th.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the Sun and the Earth, temporarily blocking the Sun and the energy it emits. Mountain Astrologer’s Stephanie Austin has suggested the following interpretation.

“Solar eclipses are thus extra powerful. New Moons - and a total eclipse even more so, as the interruption of electromagnetic support facilitates a greater shift from one template to another. The more prepared and receptive we are to this upgrade of our biochemical circuitry, the easier it is to spiral up to the next octave of consciousness.”

With the Moon in her native home of Cancer, the eclipse of July 11th offers an opportunity to unplug, receive and reboot. Spending this eclipse near water is a stellar way to tune into these new energies.

In the background during this solar Cancer transit, heavyweights Saturn and Uranus head toward their final clash on July 26th. Since its beginning on Election Day 2008 when the two first met, this series of Saturn Uranus oppositions has played out strongly in the political arena. Conventional wisdom has been challenged by new ideas at each of their encounters. During the healthcare reform debate we saw the conflicts between stern Saturn in practical Virgo at odds with ground-breaking Uranus in utopian-minded Pisces. Now the two planets meet along the Aries (individual rights) Libra (group harmony) axis. The battle lines this time are forming around those whose livelihoods and wealth depend on the oil industry and the growing chorus of those who want to completely cease offshore drilling until environmental protection and safety can be assured.

Imbuing that and other global conversations with its nearly imperceptible yet considerable influence is Neptune. The planet most strongly associated with the ocean is transiting through humanitarian minded Aquarius, and its sagacity continues to subtly emerge from its watery depths. From the sinking of a South Korean naval ship (allegedly) by North Korea and subsequent calls for harsh sanctions against nuclear-armed North Korean, to the Gulf oil disaster, to the attack in international waters of the Mavi Marmara, the catalyzing events of this time are playing out in Neptune’s domain, water. In fact, the seeming sleeping giant went retrograde on May 31st, the day the Israeli commandos attacked the Gaza-bound aid flotilla.

When planets are retrograde they give us an opportunity to review the areas they influence. Pluto in Capricorn is presently retrograde while historic banking reform is before Congress. Uranus turns retrograde on July 6th, heightening the chance for advances in science and technology. Joining those two substantial forces, the Neptune retrograde factor suggests a spiritual dimension to the situations now presenting themselves. With its placement in broad-minded Aquarius, the call to social consciousness is also being sounded. In the case of the Koreans, in early June the South opted for a constructive and conciliatory tone, thus deescalating the threat of nuclear conflict. In the case of the BP oil spill, President Obama is championing green energy as the wider-ranging solution. In the case of Israel and the Palestinians, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is brokering a compromise that will protect Israel’s security interests and yet allow food, medicine and construction materials for home-building to move through the four-year-old blockade to the people in Gaza. Food for the hungry, healing for the sick, security and peace, perhaps inspired by reflective Neptune waves from visionary Aquarius, they are most agreeable to Cancer’s fiercely maternal disposition. These conflict resolutions are instructive and hopeful signs of the times ahead. This summer’s Grand Cross and the T-square (lasting through late 2012) are duty bound to bring critical issues to the fore. Cancer aligns us with emotional honesty and our compassion for others. Then it gently prods us to take the next step with love. Catch its sweet waves!

Seriously Oxfam?????

OMG, this is not a raving, ranting post, just an S.O.S. being sent out in a state of complete exasperation by a completely mystified individual. Has anyone on planet Earth ever successfully gotten their name and contact details removed from Oxfam, the Charity from Hell’s, list? Please tell me how this is done, please.

Last year I posted about what a nightmare Oxfam is, how despite my numerous phone calls, written requests and a move clear across the entire United States of America, they refuse to stop sending me solicitations. I don't even remember what it is that they do it has been so long since I donated to them. In that post I mentioned a good friend who unwittingly gave to animal rights orgs, and who is still to this very day inundated with horrifying images of animals from orgs, including PITA, to whom she has never donated. In my compassion for non-profits and the difficulty they must surely have raising money in this economy, I removed that Oxfam post, hopeful that maybe Oxfam would follow through on its last promise to stop mailing me. Subsequently, I also raised the amount of my monthly donations to other orgs.

On Sunday I donated to the USO online with only one request, to NOT be added to any lists, snail or email. On Monday they wrote back to thank me for my donation and to assure me that I would not be added to more bloody lists. I questioned whether or not I had needed to be so harsh and defensive about my contact details with my donation. Then on Tuesday, Oxfam, who suck beyond belief and description, mailed me again. I have asked to be off of their list for YEARS now. I honestly believe that they continue to mail me with the intent of harassment. I guess I need to report them to those charity watchdog groups or my local Congressman. But I thought, it’s just Oxfam being well, Oxfam, as usual and I sent my request to be removed back to them in their postage paid envelope. Today the USO emailed me their general mailer. I’m not one to curse and swear on the internet, but insert a torrent of expletives. WTF???

Honestly, it makes me want to say insert expletive them all. It’s my money and why bother?? That is truly sad as I honestly budget monthly donations with the best of intentions, understanding that others are struggling in the world. Why these orgs cannot honor simple and polite requests from donors is truly beyond my comprehension.

I apologize for the negative post, but Oxfam deserves the slap, no a pummeling. This time I will never take the post down. I’m incredulous. I have another $150 in the budget for June and right now, I want to spend it on a new org, TED, Take Elizabeth Drinking! It will only help bartenders and liquor companies, but at least I will NOT be added to yet another ..... mailing list. Email me if you would like to contribute.

Sun into Gemini 2010: Prometheus’ Flames Burning Brighly

Conventional wisdom in astrology asserts that the mutable signs are the subdued ones, those gentle, affable energies responsible for finishing up their respective seasons. For example, Sagittarius closes the autumn, Pisces winds down the winter, and so forth. To say the least, 2010 is a year when convention is being turned on its head. While the 2010 Sun through Gemini cycle brings spring to its annual conclusion, in keeping with the revolutionary sentiment abuzz on the airwaves, it also ushers in the start of the T-square and sets the stage for the Grand Cross. a series of impressive alignments we have not experienced simultaneously for centuries. So rather than a mild cycle of finishing affairs, major events will just be getting underway during this transit. Gemini’s versatility, ability to think on its feet and adaptability are our keys to peacefully maneuvering through the headline-making solar cycle and summer ahead.

To put the upcoming events into context, we need to understand the mechanics of the T-square and to distinguish it from the Grand Cross. Visualize the face of a clock with Saturn in Libra at 9 o’clock, Pluto in Capricorn at 6 o’clock at the bottom and Uranus and Jupiter in Aries at 3 o’clock. This alignment is what astrologers call a T-square. Now add the Sun in Cancer at 12 o’clock to the top of the picture. This is what astrologers call a Grand Cross. In both alignments the planets form oppositions and squares to each other. As the names imply, oppositions and squares are the more contentious angles in astrology. They tend to bring things to a head and force decisions. Note how Saturn opposes Jupiter and Uranus in both charts and how Pluto and the Sun come into opposition in the Grand Cross. In the T-square, Saturn squares Pluto which also squares Jupiter and Uranus. In the Grand Cross, Jupiter and Uranus square the Sun which also squares Saturn. Next, four of these planets, Saturn, Pluto, Jupiter and Uranus, are outer planets, those thought to represent our larger world and collective experiences. Finally, all of the signs involved in both formations are the cardinal ones. These are the zodiac’s provocative energies, the instigative energies responsible for starting their respective seasons, Aries spring, Cancer summer, and so on. They set things off so to speak.

But the Sun isn’t in Cancer you astutely note; it’s at 11 o’clock or Gemini. Yes, on May 20th at 8:34 P.M. PST it moves there, but by the summer solstice of June 21st, it arrives in Cancer. For those of you paying even closer attention to your astrology these days, you’ll likely also note that Saturn is also presently not in this exact alignment because it has retrograded back into late degrees of Virgo, to about 8:54 on our clock. Correct you are. But on May 31st, the planet ruling lessons, structure and discipline turns direct and sets its course for Libra where it will arrive on July 21st. As the Gemini solar cycle begins indeed Jupiter and Uranus are spending their last days in dreamy Pisces, at about 2:58. However, on the full moon of May 27th wired, rule-breaking Uranus heads into the aggressive, fire sign Aries, and expansive Jupiter follows suit on June 6th and also heads into the feisty energies of the sign of the Warrior. What is important here is that these planets are traveling in very close degrees in their respective signs, thus creating more precision and intensity in the T-square and Grand Cross. It is also worth noting that on the full moon of June 26th the moon will join Pluto in the cardinal sign of Capricorn, strengthening that Cross on the day of an eclipse.

To get some insight into how the T-square, which will last into late 2012, might play out, we can look at the history of some of the transits involved, such as Pluto in Capricorn. The last time the planet of destruction and transformation traveled through the sign that rules governments and institutions was 1762-1778, when the American Revolution brought the beginning of the end of monarchy as the world’s ruling “system.” The previous Pluto Capricorn transit was from 1516-1532. In 1510 Martin Luther traveled to Rome where he witnessed the extent of the corruption, including the sale of Indulgences, of the then almighty Roman Catholic Church. Determined to change what he saw, one year into this tumultuous transit, in 1517, Luther initiated the Protestant Reformation. Protest and reform are indeed an integral part of the language of Pluto in Capricorn.

The ruling institution most likely to be radically altered this time around, 2008-2023, is the corporation. Current examples of its authority being challenged include the sweeping financial reform bill now in Congress and President Obama’s recent decision to better regulate the major oil companies by separating the revenue collection and enforcement powers of the Minerals Management Service. Activist Jamie Oliver has launched a widely embraced “Food Revolution” and Buddhist scholar and Columbia University Professor Robert Thurman an “inner Revolution,” and we have one political party relying heavily on imagery from the American Revolution while a growing trend amongst voters is to register as Independents. With this T-square, the already charged political atmosphere will be given extra voltage from electrifying, innovative Uranus moving through pioneering Aries (from May 27, 2010-May 15, 2018). The last time we experienced a Uranus Aries transit was 1927-1934, when it was part of another T-square. It’s also interesting to note that during the 1762-1778 Pluto through Capricorn cycle, Uranus transited through confrontational, autonomous Aries from 1760-1768, when the British government passed the Stamp Act and other incendiary legislation that would ultimately lead to the War for Independence. Also, during that Pluto transit, Saturn went through justice-seeking Libra from September 1774 through December 1776, during which time the American Declaration of Independence was signed. What is significantly different in the summer of 2010 is that all three of these major transits will occur simultaneously, from July 21st - August 13th, they will be very close in degree to one another, and Jupiter will be adding its magnifying energy to the mix as it travels along side Uranus. The two are in fact conjunct (at the same exact spot) on June 8th.

The sign of journalism, travel and international commerce, Gemini will have a keen eye on global events. International affairs in the spotlight while the Sun moves through the sign of the Twins include the World Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa, the escalating push of the U.S. military into the major urban front of Kandahar, Afghanistan, the European financial crisis and activity at the Federal Reserve. While we in America are inclined to think of the Fed as a domestic entity, its role in global markets is noteworthy. Its chart is set to be heavily impacted by the coming T-square and Grand Cross, and on June 3rd and 21st we may get a glimpse into what’s ahead. I’ll be writing more about the charts of the Fed and Cancer born U.S. next month in the Sun through Cancer/Grand Cross edition of this series.

While 2010 may or may not be the official “dawning of the Age of Aquarius,” a dramatic and transformational time is clearly upon us. Remembering the legend behind the namesake sign of this New Age, the story of Prometheus, can serve and inspire us. From Mark Husson’s “Lovescopes”:

“One of the ways Zeus maintained power over the mortals was to keep them in the dark-literally. He forbade anyone on Olympus to teach them how to wield fire. Being one of the brighter gods, Prometheus didn’t like the suffering this caused humans, so he brought them this forbidden element, forever changing their existence. Because Prometheus broke the rules, Zeus chained him to the top of a mountain and ordered an eagle to eat out his liver - only for it to re-grow and be eaten day after day.”

In times of uncertainty, and in the face of seemingly invisible hands that ravage the earth, loot the financial systems and fund corrupt political systems, what Light, what Fire, will you be in the world?

For more on the T-square and Grand Cross, be sure to tune into “Simpletales” this Tuesday at 11am PST/2pm EST on 12Radio.com where astrologer CA Brooks and I will be talking about the upcoming cycle.

Sun into Taurus: The Bull Stops Here

Warm rays of sunlight stream down from a white sun lazily sailing across an afternoon sky. Ripples of water gently flow across a quiet lake after a fishing line dips beneath its placid surface. Birds share the latest news as they languidly work their way through springtime chores. The shoreline is rich with lush emerald fauna, stretching as far as the eye can see. The monkey mind wants to interrupt this splendor with its endless litany of problems, incessant chatter, worries about the future concocted with every imaginable worse case scenario and their attendant reactions, and its ultimate weapon, your story, the one about what’s wrong with your life. But on this long, glorious May afternoon, your canoe drifts effortlessly with the mild currents. Your soul is enraptured by the symphony being performed by the soft breezes through rustling leaves and the songs of cranes, hummingbirds and bluejays. One casual glance at the 200-year-old pine trees majestically reaching heavenward, and you are reminded of your truth. You are not your problems. You are not your income. You are not your story. You are not your relationship, your workplace, your issues nor any of your labels. You are eternal. You are unnamable. You are love, and you are safe and sound.

On April 19th at 9:30 P.M. PST the Sun enters the sign of the bull, Taurus. From then until May 20th you are granted an all-access pass to the voice of spirit, centeredness and serenity. Supported by Saturn retrograding back through fellow earth sign Virgo, Pluto churning backward through the zodiac’s other earth sign Capricorn and Mercury retrograding in Taurus, this solar cycle is the ultimate grounding tool and an excellent time to strengthen business, financial and career endeavors. With Jupiter and Uranus spending their last days in dreamy Pisces until late summer, prescience also abounds. A Saturn Uranus opposition close to the April 28th full moon challenges the tranquility, yet this solar cycle is no less than a Cosmic meditation on security.

The bull stops here. Ruled by beauty seeking Venus, Taurus veers decidedly toward the luxurious side of life. Perhaps the most physical of signs, earthy Taurus experiences reality through the senses. Consequently, its world is often filled with the most exquisite objects of pleasure, sensuality and comfort. We’re talking high-thread count, velvety dark chocolate, and typically a handsome portfolio here. This year however, Taurus’ opulent tastes will be curtailed by Saturn in Virgo and Pluto in Capricorn. The last time stern Saturn transited Virgo, the real estate market crashed, bank bailouts began and the current recession got underway. Back in the meticulous earth sign of Virgo until July, lesson baring Saturn will again be encouraging fiscal austerity and restraint. Ruthless Pluto in conservative Capricorn will echo the call to realistic and conscious financial planning and ethical business practices. Add a Mercurial review of money to the mix via its retrograde in materialistic Taurus, and you have a formula ripe for more banking and financial reform, publicly and privately. This substantial earth sign alliance is not here to crush caviar dreams per se. But irrational exuberance isn’t coming back on its watch either. This Sun, Mercury, Saturn and Pluto combination is all about building, values and responsibility. It will support sound foundations, reward hard work and give the needed stamina to reach worthy goals.

Contrary to popular myth, Taurus was not inserted into the zodiac to consternate Aries natives nor to unhinge Geminis. Taurus is a fixed earth sign placed between the two to anchor Aries passions and to solidify our values so that we might be “on message” when Gemini arrives. Rarely exceeding the speed limit, it’s the Cosmic point at which we can pause, listen to the ageless wisdom available, make decisions that feel “right” on a cellular level and begin deliberately moving toward our aims. Shortly into this year’s solar Gemini cycle, on the full moon of May 27th, Uranus enters Aries. The last time Uranus transited Aries was 1927-1934, when the stock market crashed, the Great Depression ensued and Hitler rose to power. During that transit Pluto was traveling through security oriented Cancer. This time Pluto is in Cancer's opposite sign, Capricorn. As I’ve mentioned previously, the last time Pluto went through Capricorn was 1762-1778, when the American War for Independence began. In addition to these history-making Uranus and Pluto squaring transits, the summer of 2010 will feature what astrologers call a T-cross. The term refers to an alignment of several planets, in this case the influential outer ones, squaring one another at precise 90 degree angles. Early June through mid August will be the time of greatest activity, and predictions abound as to how these harsh angles will play out. What the current Taurus cycle offers is a sense of certainty.

Mercury rules our thinking and will be retrograde in patient Taurus until May 11th. According to author Julia Cameron, it takes 90 days for the brain to groove a new neurological pattern. During this retrograde we can review our ideas about security and our inner-dialogue about insecurity. A Taurus Mercury retrograde further suggests that we can sprout some new neural pathways and perhaps adopt new grounding practices. Also assisting us access an enlightening perspective are Jupiter and Uranus now at the end of their Pisces transits. Before they move into boisterous, provocative Aries and those intense T-squares, they give us a little more time to connect with our inner musician, writer, painter or poet. Finding a psychological safe space now might serve us well when the atmosphere intensifies this summer. Gardening, chanting, hiking and playing a musical instrument are all excellent keys to Pisces’ peace and Taurus’ incredible centering power. And they can serve as touchstones for the times ahead.

On April 26th our newly found chill out practice may get a test run. On that day erratic Uranus will directly oppose staunch Saturn. Because two of the large outer planets are involved in this confrontation, its influence will be felt for a few weeks on either side of the exact date. With an added full Scorpio moon on the 28th, we’re likely to have a strong opportunity to try out those new grounding techniques. The last series of Uranus Saturn oppositions occurred from 1964-1966, a time of enormous political and social turmoil and transformation. This current set of oppositions began on Election Day 2008 and will end on July 26th near another very powerful full moon. No matter how dramatic the news or how tumultuous the times it reflects may seem, our perspective is what makes the biggest difference in how we experience these events. Taurus comes to help us plant our feet firmly into the terrain of eternal knowing. Deeply rooted in our connection to all that is, we see the transitory nature of the rest. Through the bull we are reminded of our resourcefulness, and our world is once again made calm, sturdy and steady.

For more astrology news, be sure to check out "Simple Tales" on 12Radio.com every Tuesday at 11 A.M. PST with CA Brooks. Elizabeth joins CA every 3rd Tuesday of the month to give you all the latest in cosmic trends and information.

Angels' Hands

It’s 74 degrees here today with a soft breeze under bright, clear and sunny skies, and the air is filled with the sound of birds chirping away. In short, it’s the kind of day that urges one to get outside, a prelude to spring. There is a brand new park not three houses down the street from me. So at 5 o’clock, I grabbed my little harp and headed for the green grass and fresh air, clear that such beautiful opportunities are not to be missed.

Bristling with folks also feeling the call of nature to get outdoors, the place was brimming with activity. One group of middle aged women did calisthenics (God love them) and counted off their sets in unison, the playground was covered with kids playing on the slide and monkey bars, and lots of solitary runners and walkers briskly made their way around the new jogging path. I found a quiet spot near some trees, tuned the harp and began playing.

Soon a little boy quietly crept up to the left of where I played and politely sat to listen. Within a song or two, there were six boys seated and listening attentively. A little bashful about having an audience, I began to chat with them as I played them songs. Before I knew it, they warmed up to me enough to play the harp themselves. One stood up to hold it and the others stood up to gather around him to play along. They plucked and poked very respectfully, finding parts to songs they had learned on other instruments, and they played original music. One announced that the new work he had just composed was in fact, “The Chinese Harp Song.” At one point I looked up over my left shoulder to watch them as I was seated beneath the raised harp, and what I saw I marveled at. Beneath a wide-open blue sky was a cluster of little hands gently and sweetly playing the harp. It was like an image from art. On the way home, I felt guided to share this with you along with the message to put your cares into the hands of the Angels. They are with us.

Sun into Aries: Spring It On and Curb Your Enthusiasm!

Bill Gates is taking a breather in the VIP lounge of a major international airline when an Aries enters the room. Outgoing and direct, our Aries friend brazenly bounds right up to Mr. Microsoft "Himself" with the following greeting: "Hi Mr. Gates, great to meet you! Here's how to make Vista work better."

Wouldn't you know it? Across the very same room is none other than Robert Gates.

"Hello, Mr. Defense Secretary, so nice to meet you," begins audacious Aries. "Here's how to win the war in Afghanistan."

Her saucy style and the dynamic beeline she makes straight to the power players is likely to ruffle more than a few of the conservative feathers in this lounge. Some folks on the other hand, will find her boldness and honestly positively refreshing, and even a little admirable. Either “Mr. Gates” will be intrigued by one of her original suggestions. One thing is certain; Aries will make an impression.

In her heart of hearts, she is not being obnoxious, excessively forward nor self-important. She's genuinely trying to help, naturally gravitating to leaders and sees no point in wasting an opportunity. We have something to learn from her sheer gumption, teflon-coated courage and sincere innocence -- the ability to act fearlessly. Saturn and Pluto however, have a few lessons of their own in store, and Uranus, with a little encouragement from Jupiter, has her own agenda altogether.

Like mounds of molasses mired in cosmic fluid, for the past three months the majority of the planets have hovered along the winter horizon of the zodiac as they have made their way to the start of spring at a pace that has put snails to sleep. Even spirited Mars in cheer-leading Leo was in reverse gear for the winter, and tenacious Saturn in Libra also went retrograde back in mid-January. On March 20th at 10:32A.M. PST, the life force returns as Sun enters the cardinal fire sign of Aries. If you've felt stuck, blocked or stagnant for the past few months, all of that is about to change. But your dreams are unlikely to come true overnight.

This year's Aries cycle can be likened to a Cosmic boot camp, one in which your aspirations will be put through the rigors of warrior training under the watchful guidance of some the Universe's toughest drill sergeants, namely Saturn and Pluto. Completing this Aries cycle with dreams in tact and a belly still full of fire will assure you that your ambitions have passed muster, and you and they are well prepared for this summer's T-square. That series of strong configurations will find many of the planetary themes visited during the solar Aries cycle ahead amplified. Ready to be all you can be?

Back to inspire us to kick ass and take names, the proverbial "great ball of fire" in Aries will find willing and rowdy companions in Venus and Mercury, already transiting the sign of instigation. The Aries' ruler Mars will also be picking up speed in indomitable Leo. This rambunctious bunch are ready to rumble to give us some gusto. Themes of personal power, strength and confidence are great morale builders during the first leg of this solar sojourn. To curb our enthusiasm or to sustain Aries blazing ambitions, the Sun will be opposed by Saturn on March 21st and squared by Pluto on the 25th. Venus will move into more sensible Taurus terrain on March 31 and Mercury will follow on April 2nd before turning retrograde in this fixed earth sign from April 17th through May 11th.

All signs have what respected astrologer and author Steven Forrest refers to as a shadow. For Aries, a penchant for starting fights for the sake of provocation is part of its shadow. Failing to read the room and exercise some degree of awareness of others, let alone sensitivity toward them, is another alienating quality. The Cosmic mechanism for illuminating the shadow is a sign's opposite sign. Together the two energies create a polarity, one that integrates the attributes of both signs. For example, where Pisces is too out there and wishy-washy, Virgo, its opposite sign, demands definition and practicality. Conversely where Virgo is too rigid and too much of a perfectionist, Pisces offers flow and compassion.

The antidote to Aries aggression and self-absorption lies in its opposite sign of Libra. With impeccable grace, Libra must relate to others and create harmony for the whole. Presently Saturn, the planet of restriction and lessons, is in Libra opposing the Sun, and during this cycle, it will make its way back into Virgo. Aries, which is never fond of being bogged down in either committees or details, will be forced to reconcile is freewheeling ferocity with austere Saturn transiting both Libra and Virgo. This Saturn transit back into Virgo, in fact, is also highly likely to ask Aries how it intends to fund its ambitions, in real financial terms. Remember, the Saturn through Virgo cycle of September 2007 through October 2009 was the time of the housing bust, the initial bank bailout and the global economic crisis. Saturn in Virgo keeps extremely meticulous books and demands the same of us.

Also checking Aries temerity is Pluto in Capricorn, sitting 90 degrees away and thus forming squares to the Sun, Venus and Mercury as they transit Aries. If Aries is the life force, Pluto is the Cosmic death threat. Without hesitation, it will lay waste to unfounded, overinflated Aries assertions. Now in the sign ruling business, government and institutions, this battle-hardened drill sergeant of planets, along with war buddy Saturn, will push young warriors with all 75 pounds of gear up to the top of the hill, even when the temperature soars well-over 100 degrees. They believe that hard work and discipline are how to make great leaders of their troops. And so it is with the Cosmos during this solar Aries cycle. Only she doesn't think of it as preparation for battle. She is throwing a springtime garden party. To assure that it is a lively affair, she has invited some judicious, sober and heroic guests. She wants to enjoy the hearty discourse amongst them.

Never predictable, always electrifying Uranus is crashing the party. Game-changing Uranus, now in impossible to pinpoint Pisces, is on her way to give Saturn a run for his money and perhaps a boost to some of Aries unorthodox methodology. Though the next Uranus Saturn opposition is not exact until April 26th, its slow-building influence will be in increasing effect while the Sun transits Aries. Uranus, like Aries, lives to liven things up, and the two are equally appalled by "the rules." Buoyant Jupiter, traveling close in Uranus' entourage, will also help check Saturn's more stodgy tendencies. If there is a short cut to getting that gear uphill, Aries, Uranus and Jupiter will exploit it. And they'll receive a medal for their innovation. Just wait until these forces are fully activated in early June when Uranus and Jupiter enter Aries. This battle of creative new strategies versus tried-and-true traditions is just getting underway and it will play out all summer long.

Certainly spring's upbeat beginning with four planets moving forward in fire signs is inspirational and enlivening. The snails are celebrating! But what this cycle's aspects suggest is that our designs are still very much in process, one that will intensify this summer. Old Aries paradigms of act first, think later are met stiff resistance from stern Saturn and Pluto. They argue that shooting out of the gate is the surest path to burnout and they are aiming for a more sustained plan. Yet a Uranian impulse to brush off outmoded rules and unwarranted, cumbersome authority, in lockstep with Jupiter's expansive optimism, will keep our spirits high, ideas flooding in and convention in check. Mercury and Venus moving into grounded Taurus during this solar cycle add some helpful stamina to our visions as well. After such a slow winter, this is bound to be one entertaining garden party. You are cordially invited, and PT is at O six hundred!

Welcome, Please Feel Free to Follow

Hello,

I just added the followers button, to the column on the right. Feel free to follow and I'll follow your blog, too!

With love,

Elizabeth