Sanctuary

Choices

Today while waking up with my cup of coffee and three pieces of bread, I sat contemplating the mountains in the distance from my favorite living room chair. Actually it's my music studio and my dining room is my living room. I have too many creative projects for a normal house. It's a beautiful calm sunny day here in Denver.

I've decided to cut back on the consumption of news, since being aware is usually enough and we have choice when it comes to what we take into our systems from moment to moment. Sometimes events become impossible to bypass and that choice flees for a second, but it always returns. People connect to whatever stories their individual systems need and desire. And there is probably as much goods news as bad at any given time. We can sustain our own islands of peace within the chaos of existence.

But what surprised me this Thanksgiving was the expression of sincere gratitude and a certain glimmer of tranquility within the normally tumultuous world events and the reality of financial loss. It makes me wonder if the value system isn't already showing the early signs of change. Bloggers who formerly hooked onto pain and despair decided to sit back and enjoy something as yet unnamed, I think. Even the conspiracy theories seem to be falling flat. It truly is hard to tell what's going on, the most liberating truth I've routinely found. The sanctuary of not-knowing. The freedom of choice.

The New Moon in Sagittarius with excitable Mars and Mercury seeing Pluto out the door was spirited, unrestrained in part, and volatile as expected. But on the other hand a sedate and gorgeous Venus-Jupiter conjunction in Capricorn seeing Pluto in is providing another perspective on current events. Mars, as you know, likes war, and Venus prefers peace. Jupiter swings both ways, exaggerating what he touches, but for the moment he's decided to ride with contentment. Capricorn has serious things to consider, so Mars and them can do what they will, peace is prevailing on my mountain. I figure that the best I can do in a vast and sometimes violent world is reinforce the part I wish to elevate. Venus conjunct Jupiter is with me on that. Trine Saturn I might add.
Zion National Park, Utah.Dennis Frates

Attention Weary Holiday Revelers

Tired of the family? Overstuffed with violence? Experiencing post-election droopsy? Pluto in Capricorn depression? Bored with hope?

Leave your troubles behind and come join us at The Roost tonight. Rose, our favorite barkeep, will be keeping the conversation lively until 2:00 AM. There're some new tunes in the juke box, and, of course, we've never needed a license for dancing in these parts. Thursday night poker will be going on as usual. See you there! Come as you are.

The Problem With Socialism

Generosity Creates Shortage

"If folks around Centennial found store shelves a bit empty of Pampers and Huggies in recent weeks, well....

Jay and Stacy Montgomery just completed a drive that amassed 5,109 diapers for Growing Home, a nonprofit organization that feeds families and cares for children. On Tuesday the Montgomerys loaded a truck with their trove and drove it to the charity's headquarters.

Talk about thinking outside the bassinet.

'We did this as an alternative to celebrating our son's first birthday,' Stacy said. 'The last thing Seth needs is more toys -- we had him fairly late in life, so he got a lot of hand-me-downs from relatives. But I'd heard how low income families can't afford all the diapers they need, and this seemed like a different way to help. And in tough economic times like these, it also strikes me as the kind of creative approach to giving that goes far beyond writing a check.'

So the Montgomerys threw an open house, inviting friends, family, and clients to show up with diapers. The response was overwhelming. Stacy sent out an e-mail announcing the diaper drive, and the e-mail found itself forwarded to people she had never met. Friends told friends and the ball started rolling.

'We got a lot of people involved,' Jay said. 'They all did a little bit and those little bits added up to something substantial.'

The couple has found the entire experience profoundly gratifying."
William Porter, Denver Post, Nov. 26, 2008

Community organizing. Sounds like Cancer/Aquarius to me. There are lots of generous people just waiting for leadership and a plan. This is how the incredible Internet can be used to get through economic difficulties and why people with leadership skills are so valuable. Compassionate networking in motion, even though the increased socialism can cause a temporary downturn in supply.:o) The same peckers who moan about the rich can peck for the poor. Just a simple flip of the switch. The good thing about this is not just the people's actions, but the reportage that makes it look so desirable. It all goes together. I still like the local newspaper idea. Perhaps it really is the little bits that make all the difference. Guys and diapers. Who would'a thought?

If All Else Fails

To The Rescue

I know they placed great confidence me as Secretary of the Treasury but to be frank with you - these figures confound me. I'm certainly glad I have the arithmetic skills I do, coupled with a natural frugality. You Americans can count on me. Now where did I put my secret cache of doubloons?

"Both as a businessman and as a treasure hunter, Scrooge is noted for his need to set new goals and face new challenges. For Scrooge there is 'always another rainbow.' Scrooge's other motto is 'work smarter, not harder.'
As a businessman, Scrooge often resorts to aggressive tactics and deception. He seems to have gained significant experience in manipulating people and events towards his own ends. Scrooge is noted for his cynicism, especially towards ideas of morality when it comes to business and the pursuit of set goals. However, Scrooge does seem to have a personal sense of honesty that offers him an amount of self-control."

Well that's encouraging. Uncle S was born in December, 1947, with Venus in Capricorn and Mars in Virgo. His Sun and Mercury in Sagittarius account for that rainbow optimism, something we'll be needing. Unfortunately he's one of the Saturn-Pluto in Leo crowd and has the oh-so-familiar ego problems bordering on megalomania. The bitter with the sweet. He does have a North Node in Taurus, however, so all should be fine. Oddly, though, for a Sadge he's not the friendliest guy ....

"Here I sit in this big lonely dump, waiting for Christmas to pass! Bah! That silly season when everybody loves everybody else! A curse on it! Me, I'm different! Everybody hates me, and I hate everybody!"

People can change, fortunately. Not that they really should. Now back to the treasure chest.
Scrooge McDuck.Wikipedia

To Reform or Not to Reform

The fashion pendulum of the 17th century swung between the extremes of Puritan sobriety in England and Holland and excessive flamboyance at the French Court.

The Saturn/Uranus Series of Oppositions

"If he really intends change to the status quo, he first of all has to change the inner workings of the political arena in the country. I mean, all he's done so far is prepared the public for it and created a groundswell of support. Actual transformation never happens overnight and pluto will be in capricorn seeing to it for the next 15 years."
Anonymous

"Personally, the first exact Saturn/Uranus opposition was hellish but I'm now officially looking forward to the next."
Chrispito

Change happens automatically. Nothing can prevent it. Fashion proves it. As some of the Neocon/lib crowd get re-installed into Obama's new executive branch, other people are worried. The Republicans, of course, are happy, but fans of change are mopping up their tears once again. There is no need to panic unless you like that sensation. I admit to being in that adrenalistic category at times but I'm working on it. Definitely difficult to master with eight major Uranus aspects. The thrill of it all.

First of all, our next president's destiny is one of coming from revolutionary karma to the system and reforming it from within. He's likely to succeed given the upcoming transits. His natal Aquarian South Node, Aquarius rising, Jupiter in Aquarius, and Uranus conjunct the North Node speak of his radical past. Saturn in Capricorn conjunct USA Pluto is his journey through the established order. Along with the cast of previously sorry characters coming in are some true progressives as evidenced today by the appointment of Melody Barnes to head the Domestic Policy Council. There will be many more, we've only just begun. Obama's mode of operation is to stay centered, snatch the Right and Center and move the whole she-bang Left. He's always done that and makes no secret of the way he governs. He has big plans and little people to organize. The colony of Virgo busy-bees. The less than stellar now are just to get the massive thing kicked off. He's smart enough to reassure this Cancer country with the familiar before the real surprises start. Today's jackasses are tomorrow's eagles.

While watching it all come down I peeked forward, and as usual, found some very interesting facts I'd like to share with you now.

The first step was the election when the opposition was exact to the minute - very unusual. The rebel got in but the system needs work and time. This first aspect found Moon conjunct Jupiter in Capricorn on election day, giving the advantage temporarily to the status quo. However, by the end of the day, the Moon had moved into Aquarius and the North Node is there giving a huge advantage to the collective, albeit maybe still on a subconscious level.

The next opposition will occur the last day of January and the first couple weeks of February. This time Jupiter will be just entering Aquarius where it will still be in Obama's 12th house working behind the scenes. The NN is also spending the next year and a half in his 12th for extensive closet change. It gets more interesting ....

Mercury will be in Capricorn just coming out of a retrograde going direct when the opposition is exact. Mars will still be in Capricorn but it will also leave for Aquarius during the exact degree. The Sun, NN, and Neptune, and Chiron will be in Aquarius. Chiron will be 20, just in Obama's 1st house. So you can already see the bridge in action and the reform getting a toehold.

The third time is the most interesting. Mid-September, Jupiter will be at 18 Aquarius precisely on Obama's ascendant when the opposition is exact. Out of the closet, but headed back briefly until November. The North Node will be at 29 Capricorn, leaving Aquarius, but the North Node indicates positive developments in the establishment, small as they might be. In fact, the entire year and a half of the nodal transit is good for government. Mercury will be retrograde again in Libra. Compromise? Pluto in Capricorn will be back at 0 for the last time, last chance for the SQ to get it together and realize what's ahead. It will be turning direct exactly when the final opposition occurs.

The biggie in all of this is Pluto getting started in Capricorn and as the comment above suggests, the changes will be coming slowly over the next 20 years or so. The consolidation of power now from all quarters as indicated by the executive appointments will evolve into something unknown at present. It does not bode well for the establishment. You're lucky to be on the bottom. Nowhere to fall. Count your blessings. Meanwhile, USA Moon in Aquarius is getting ready for Neptune and good ol' Uranus is set to explode in Aries. Win-win, lose-lose, win-lose, lose-win, and all assorted possibilities can be entertained. Alls I know is ... change is certain.

Catch a Falling Star

and put in your pocket
Never let it fade away
Catch a falling star
and put it in your pocket
Save it for a rainy day

Do most of youse remember Perry Como? I was just thinking about him the other day and all the Italian singers we have and have had in this country. He was so laid back I figured he had something in Taurus so I looked him up. May 18, 1912 -- Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Saturn in Taurus. Astrology is such a joy.

His style was so different from the operatic singing associated with Leo Italy. All the high drama -- flying arms and raised voices. They frequently scream and throw tomatoes at their stars when disappointed. You know how fond the Italians are of the tomato.

One night years ago, my Leo man decided to have the crowd in for an Italian dinner. He had Mars and Jupiter in Taurus and was one of the best cooks on earth, simmering slower than anyone I ever knew. The three planets and ascendant in Leo, however, went way beyond simmer and he was as emotionally volatile as any Italian native. With his Moon at 29 Libra, the gentleman loved to entertain. So he set up a long table in the living room of our apartment, set it beautifully, and went about preparing his glorious dinner with opera blasting through the complex.

The guests arrived. He and the group we were hanging out with then were dedicated drinkers so the evening started with cocktails. The music soared. The laughs rang out. Dinner was served. Wine was poured and the conversation sparkled. More drinks were served. The delicious food was consumed and the drinks were freshened. Emotions started rising with the music and soon the quarreling commenced. Drinking continued. The Aries was dancing by himself to reggae in the bedroom and the large Cancer blond with long red nails, Mercury in Leo and Pluto in the 7th, slapped my Leo across the face over something he said. I can't remember what I was doing but that happens when around such highly expressive people.

Drinks were again freshened and the quarreling continued. The Pluto 7th finally fell into one of my artist's paintings she was intending to purchase and broke her arm. At that point the party wound down. She needed to get to the emergency ward and have her arm set.

Of course the next day with arm safely in cast, the party continued down at her place. Those were some wild days, lots of Leo, and lots of operatic drama. But there were wonderful moments of song and dance intertwined with the rather troublesome episodes this hepped up bunch favored. A far cry from Perry, the Italian easy-going Taurus. The Aries managed to dance in, out, and around it. I was singing all the time.

The Cancer finally married an extremely quiet Virgo and settled down a bit. The always drunk Capricorn with Moon in Pisces married and moved into the country. The Aries continued his long life with his devoted boyfriend and their Shi-Tzu, my Leo went on to his next life, and here I am thinking about Perry and some easy times with moderate amounts of wine and relative peace. Ahhh .. sweet melodies.

Whistle While You Work

I'm not a huge potato person, although I like the firm turned soft when cooked fleshy creations. But lately, I'm on a jag. Potatoes, potatoes, potatoes. I bake them, slice them, then bake them again with a touch of butter until they're brown and crisp. Slathered with ketchup they've been doing the trick. Potatoes are so Taurus. I've been thinking maybe I should keep it up despite the dire warnings about elevated blood sugar with this type of carbohydrate. My blood sugar is just fine.

Today the Sun moved into Sagittarius to begin the wonderful party month before Christmas. Out of Scorpio and off my South Node, oh merciful heaven, and dreams of Taurus have returned. Added to this earthy moment is the lovely Jupiter in Capricorn trine Saturn in Virgo which is now exact for several days. I never underestimate trines, although ease is sometimes maligned in this world. Not in my book. Grab what's good while you can.

So just on cue, our esteemed, also sometimes maligned, soon to be chief executive gave his weekly youtube discussion on the subject of economics. To the rescue! The Economic Recovery Plan is on the table. Of course, doubts are expected. I certainly have some, with theft, corruption, murder, and exponential greed a continuing part of the human condition. Wall Street is uppity and Main Street is still waiting. Hope and promise are hope and promise. But considering the sneaky introduction of good aspects here and there, and the experience of living, solutions to puzzles come and go, especially with mentally acute Virgo around. So we'll see. Job creation is truly the puzzle piece that's needed, while the gods of ruin are nourished too.

Even though I have a raging Gemini/Sadge opposition and I'm what's considered a "people person", the pantheon of cabinet stars lining up does not excite me. My age-old boredom with politicians is settling in once again. I wish they looked and sounded better at least. But I am interested in improving the nation if possible. So let the ducks line up and hopefully with Jupiter trine Saturn some of them will align with the cosmos and think about joining with That/The One and start to tackle our economic problems, lest I say failures. One thing leads to another. It's often a matter of contrasts. But trines are a matter of harmony.

Potatoes are also Saturn influenced and just as these tubers look like solid growth and nourishment to me, I imagine some of us will be surviving on the earth plane no matter what. Taurus rising trine Pluto in Capricorn in the inaugural chart could mean more spuds for dinner, although without the expensive trimmings.

Muffins and Cupcakes

I love them both. Last Thursday I fell in love again. I know, I know -- my fickle Venus/Uranus in Gemini never stops. It was a warm, expressive, very funny woman and I was reminded of the overall girlfriend thing I sometimes neglect these days in my intense search for self and solo journeying. But I fell and feel the fuzzy right now just thinking of her.

My Moon and Venus recently got ripped by Pluto and now Uranus is there so some attention to the female persuasion is not unusual under the circumstances. Last time Uranus hit my Moon a woman hit my car. Not a good time. I was on my way to meet the current woman in my life, knowing full well I needed to end the relationship. Soon after -- I did.

But this time is different. I'm not terribly attached to anyone in particular at this point and I've always had girls to play with. Not groups, but one on one, with my Mars in Libra. My favorites have all been Geminis. Oddly enough, I didn't even ask my new pal what her sign is. Sometimes I do that. She's not the muffin baking type, though. I'm pretty sure. She's a writer. Could she be? Not another Gem! I'll find out and let you know.

Oh, and btw ... Neptune is opposite my Saturn in Leo in the 5th. Have I set out on another trip down the garden path? I hope so.

Geminis are like cupcakes to me. and now that all the Sadge planets are opposite, I just might take a bite, even eat the frosting. A pumpkin muffin too.

Economics in America

1965? Nope. 1994

The small businessperson still exists in the United States. In fact, last I heard they make up about 90% of the economy, even though the lure of corporate megachains goes on and will continue. They exist side by side. My girl friend who owns a doggie daycare business is not at all worried, although she might not be selling as many "Bark Obama" products in the future.

In this land of abundance with three bathrooms per capita, reality is penetrating. Economic contraction is here for awhile. Earlier on in history, people were satisfied with their small enterprises, eager to journey into the future, and the wisest among us embraced slow growth. As so often happens with a South Node in the 2nd house as the country has, fear of poverty can upset the balance, and upset it is at present. The North Node in the 8th understands the value of shared wealth and now the subject has returned for deep consideration with Pluto entering Capricorn. Our next president has a 28 degree Scorpio Midheaven. No wonder he brought it up.

Here are some fascinating facts. The full reality of the recession came today with the Sun at 28/29 Scorpio. But Jupiter in Capricorn trine Saturn in Virgo became exact today as well at 20 degrees, and herein lie the seeds of repair. The Moon is also in Virgo setting off the trine. In the previous post I mentioned all the Virgo configurations coming up.

Will the economy recover? Of course. It looks like the fall and destruction are happening before Obama takes office so the rebuilding can begin when he gets there. Most likely the market will start to show the change, although recovery will be an arduous and slow process. All the better. Along with his 28 MC, and Joe Biden's Sun and Venus conjunct (Joe also has a Taurus Moon), is a 29 Scorpio Moon in the inaugural chart picking up where the Sun left off today. Pluto is in the 8th house of shared resources trine the Taurus ascendant. As you can see, this Moon conjoins Obama's MC. The ascendant conjoins Biden's Moon.

The Moon squares the huge Aquarius stellium in the chart so the problem of shared wealth will be a difficult one to solve no doubt. The ruling Venus of the inaugural is conjunct Uranus in the 11th Aquarian house of the collective trine the 29 Scorpio Moon in the 7th. Fascinating. Intense debate? Looks like it. The stage has been set.

Fears are rampant in this time of transition but the more the merrier so we can get them out of the way and get to work. Yes. The change is real and it's coming. The people are bit players. In the meantime, this Thanksgiving promises to be an interesting one in this land of opportunity with the Sun, Moon, Mercury, and Mars accompanying Pluto out of Sagittarius into Capricorn with a bang. Last chance before the Cap shopping season in the new contraction. Big and small biz are destined to stay married for a long time to come. And bulls will still be for sale on the cheap.
Photos:Orchard, Colorado.Anton, Colorado.Peter Brown

Gentle Progress

Getting Ready For Obama
"The House Democrats have finally cleared some old spare parts out of the way in anticipation of President Obama's agenda. Henry Waxman, a reliably progressive and sometimes pleasingly combative liberal from California has deposed John Dingell of Michigan at the helm of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The Committee will play a major role in several key issues on Obama's to-do list: climate change, alternative energy development, retooling the American auto industry, and health care reform. With Waxman in place, several key aspects of Obama's agenda look to sail a little more smoothly (one wonders if the hand of Rahm Emanuel might not be at work behind the scenes on this)."

Get a load of this. Henry Waxman was born on September 12, 1939 with the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Neptune in Virgo. Hmmm... These copious repair-mode planets are in a grand earth trine with Uranus in Taurus and Mars in Capricorn, all around inaugural Saturn in Virgo. Saturn is also in Taurus. The guy's productive. His Mars is conjunct Obama's Saturn and USA Pluto in the 2nd, and his Virgo planets are on Obama's Mars and Pluto, as well as USA Neptune exact.

This verifies my opinion that Obama intends to work well with Congress to enact legislation swiftly and decisively. It looks like the cosmos agrees with his plans. Nothing like good allies.

Collective Healing

Virgo quincunx Aquarius

All antidotes for illness already exist on the earth, so it appears, and the process of living seems to be a search for these cures. The receptors are in place waiting for the substances. People are still exploring the jungles in search of plants to effect these cures and the socio-political repairs are also happening as life progresses. All systems are self-healing.

As you might know, the most important and fascinating aspect to me is the 150 degree quincunx, also called inconjunct. I think it refers to exceptional talent and the orb usually used is three degrees. I extend it to the entire sign if there are multiple planetary placements. For example, if a chart has three planets in Scorpio and two in Aries, the whole configuration acts as an inconjunct.

Virgo/Aquarius governs repair (Virgo) and society (Aquarius) and I'm going to show you how many times this theme is repeated and what we have to work with in the immediate future.

The extravagant expenditures of Leo demand either the immediate reforms of pragmatic Virgo or the more radical transformations engineered by Aquarius. Both signs bestow an impersonal, intellectual approach to the job to be done.
The quincunx gives an urge to improve material conditions and the ability to function in a systematic manner. A noteworthy lack of egotism eliminates much of the wear and tear of ordinary human relationships as the entity efficiently and unobtrusively gets on with the task to be accomplished.
Divine Astrologer: Marcia Moore. Mark Douglas

First of all, the next president has Pluto in Virgo close to the orb in quincunx to Jupiter in Aquarius. He also has Mercury in the Virgo 6th house in very close opposition to his Jupiter in Aquarius. Then he has Mars in Virgo quincunx his Aquarius ascendant. There is no mistake that he is one of the best community (Aquarius) organizers (Virgo) known to man. This is a large part of the healing mechanism now within reach. The health of society depends on the inclusion of all sectors or further problems develop down the road which become increasingly costly and difficult to remedy. This is one truth Republicans have yet to learn, although some have an inkling. It's not welfare to help the disadvantaged. It saves money to have all parts of society contributing productively. It's a preventative measure. So community organizing is vital to the health of the whole and this election was unique in how extensively these principles were applied. There's no doubt as to its success. The same can be anticipated in the country as a whole while the next years unfold.

The United States has Neptune at 22 Virgo in a wide quincunx to her Moon in Aquarius. The inauguration chart is the most interesting of all with Mercury, Sun, Jupiter, the North Node, Chiron, and Neptune all in Aquarius. Saturn is in Virgo. Absolutely stunning. The exact orb of the inconjunct falls on Chiron and Neptune.

Saturn at 21 Virgo falls both on the president's Mars and USA Neptune in the 9th house of foreign affairs. A repair of diplomatic relations is destined. That would mean a State Department leader who fits the pattern. That leader has not appeared quite yet. The Sun, Mercury, Jupiter, and NN of the inaugural chart fall on the president's natal Jupiter in Aquarius. Inaugural Neptune and Chiron are opposite his Uranus (Aquarius ruler), and Sun in the Virgo 6th house.

Part of the healing is the transition in which the country is positioned currently, creating a tense and fearful passage into the next phase. I wrote earlier:

"The problem we're having right now is the transition. Change was promised but people are always afraid of it. The new leader has lost a sliver of his courage for the moment, daunted by what he's taken on, and he's using the past temporarily hoping the ex-leaders' so called experience will see him over the synapse. So bear with his insecurity and occasional faulty choices. His confidence and singularity remain fundamental to his character. This is a mere bridge.

He has transiting Pluto opposing his Cancer Venus so it will take a minute to let go. Same with us. USA Venus is getting the Pluto opposition. The people can aid him by not encouraging too much of a grasp on the past administration. We can embolden him, he has the natural bravery and he used it to get elected, but still, the transition is tough and he can use our assistance, the same help from the people who got him there.

The last thing in the world we need now is a continuation of the same but the transition won't be sudden and people will come and go. There's a couple of years before Uranus gets going so a little prep is not a bad idea. However, powerful positions given to past leaders is bad policy, since they were the ones who created the crisis we're in now. New thinking and policy will arise but a nebulous period of insecurity is unavoidable. So keeping these thoughts firmly in the collective consciousness is the course, supporting the new guy even if he's annoying at the moment, and parting ways with him later if he fails. He's in tricky waters to navigate. But a good ship weathers the storm. The past will go when we are ready as a people to let it go, and as Pluto opposes our Cancer stellium, the parting is inevitable."

Sometimes it's hard to believe in progress especially when failures seem to repeat themselves so many times, but after this initial fearful period, the elements are aligned for advancement in quite a big way. It's up to the people in conjunction with the new leadership to bring about the reforms society needs to correct itself. The jungle remedies are within reach.

Anthropology in the Nick of Time

This is your last chance to take advantage of a special exotic travel experience being offered before Pluto leaves Sagittarius. Mars just left tragic and dour Scorpio (thank god!) for a six week criss-cross of lively Sagittarius (yess!!) and the mood to explore foreign lands is heightened, and will be even more-so when the Sun and Mercury get into the journey loving sign for the last go-round in the worldwide whirlwind.

Discounts are being dangled on group tours to the Middle Eastern deserts. Inoculations are also being given at a discount but it's advised to beware of loose cluster bombs before diplomatic relations begin in earnest. In the meantime, excellent guidance is being provided and this is an opportunity not to be missed for the adventurous, free-spirited, and xenocurious.

This is a limited offer so please hurry.

I Ain't Got the Bread, Man

Language is funny. It's always changing and the modern homo sapien loves synonyms. In my very young day money was called bread. It used to be dough but then it got baked. Then it disappeared in the merry exchange of cards.

So anyway, isn't it money again now? Moolah is out of favor. Too Eastern.

Maybe we should find a name and stick with it. Put a little jam on it. Distribution of jam. Wait a minute ... aren't we in a jam right now? Homonyms, man.

The old jazz musicians had it right when they sang, "It must be jelly 'cause jam don't shake like that."
You can't argue with wisdom.

The Art of Confidence

The future isn't what somebody else tells us it is.
The future is what we decide it's going to be.
Barack Obama

The keywords for the sign of Leo are "I will." I told you this story before but it's worth repeating as the country embarks on a new adventure with a remarkable leader.

My father had and I have a Saturn in Leo. Before he died I spent three months alone with him and we're both lazy and like to basically hang out. One night I got an urge, so I located him in his favorite spot - in front of the TV. "Dad," I said."Let's go bowling right now. I'm going to bowl 136."
"Okay," he agreed, and off we went.
He was 83 with a stiff back and unable to roll, so he settled himself in a plastic chair with his beer and cigar and proceeded to watch me perform my magic. 136 I bowled calmly, which both shocked and didn't surprise me at the same time. I do believe he was rather stunned. Definitely impressed. That moment I knew the power of will. It was a matter of decision concerning anything I want to do with my life.

The United States has a North Node in Leo and she also is learning the power of will. Our next president has this node, too, along with Sun, Mercury, and Uranus in the sign. Included with the bold evolutionary step involved in his election is something else, I think. A breakthrough concerning the grip of superstition.

Strength of will got Obama elected against great odds. It had its own momentum. You'll hear many old fashioned analyses of how doomed it is and how fated his term(s) will be, but the people's will is already aroused and the future depends on choice.

Some excitedly warn against hero worship but everyone has heroes. That's neither here nor there. Or both here and there. Or here and not there. Some like to glorify Obama, some don't, and most function as they normally do no matter what they choose. Leo quite often equates with some sort of divine monarchical persona.

So as Pluto leaves Sagittarius, the chance to assuage fears based on arcane guesses has presented itself. Fatalism gives way to possibility as the human evolves, gains more knowledge, and develops mastery over environment and circumstance. It's partly philosophical, apropos to Sagittarius.

A certain amount of trepidation is normal, life being naturally troublesome. Some people have a destiny involving an ongoing relationship with these fears and phobias so for them, it could work. As for creating great things, confidence and enthusiasm are an excellent start, particularly with a North Node in Leo.

President Obama is more than likely to have a highly successful eight years in power and will probably be a most beloved chief executive, other common characteristics of warm, engaging Leo. He's exceptionally talented. He could be one of the best, depending on the people's support of their initial conscious decision. The president is young and malleable, especially with his mutable moon. The future is everyone's to decide.

"It has been one of the highest honors and privileges of my life to have served the people of Illinois in the United States Senate. In a state that represents the crossroads of a nation, I have met so many men and women who’ve taken different journeys, but hold common hopes for their children’s future. It is these Illinois families and their stories that will stay with me as I leave the United States Senate and begin the hard task of fulfilling the simple hopes and common dreams of all Americans as our nation’s next President," said President-elect Barack Obama.

US Senate resignation effective Sunday.

The Mighty Rock

I think it's is the first time I've shared an overt cosmic experience of this size with the whole world, something I always want to do. With so much energy in the tip of my kite in my Sagittarius ninth house, I live for relationship with the god-figure. The outward thrust encourages me to share it with the external environment and increase the dimension. So many chords in the perfect orchestration leading to election day. Like a dance it was. Certain and sequential. The rhythm smooth. Done in unison.

Soon Mars goes into Sagittarius, followed by Mercury, and then the Sun. On November 27, the day Uranus goes direct in Pisces, the Moon joins them exactly as Pluto leaves Sagittarius with its lessons of religion, ceremony, sanctity, high grace, holiness, and all of that. Thanksgiving day. So many Sagittarian Moons. I've almost had enough. And to think I'm destined to live with one with forever.
Merrick Butte. Monument valley, Arizona. Jack Dikingas

C.I.C. - Commander In Cartooning

Picasso in the White House

I knew Obama was bored and champing at the bit to get out of the Senate, but little did I know what he was doing with his talent. Word is that Picasso is his favorite artist. Another Leo. Had the prezz-elect decided not to enter politics, who knows what would have happened?

There are some really good strokes here, especially the hairline on Harry Reid. I know. I spent my life with an artist who specialized in line drawings with lots of space and unusual lines. Another Leo.

His work. A guy at an AA meeting.

I already knew the Grand Legislator was a dancer when he did his famous glissando across Europe. But this is frosting, man. I love art. Those Leos. One phrase for them is, "Never a dull moment."

"He is really quite talented and his signature is very graphic. It's quite a neat little piece," Berzon said.

I know talent when I see it. Get that canvas stretched! And watch the yellow ochre.

Earthly Pleasures

A Moment of Virtual Contentment
Full Moon in Taurus

I did it. I promised to wash my windows in time to enjoy the Taurus Full Moon and it's done. I plan to relax and dwell in the moment. Drink in the clarity.

Taurus knows how to find pleasure, even satisfaction, among these ever-bountiful experiences called life. Each Taurean moon now forms a grand earth trine with Jupiter in Capricorn and Saturn in Virgo. Soon Pluto will be added. The current one is especially close and immediately following, the Jupiter-Saturn trine becomes exact. Earthly delight. The terrorists have receded.

This full moon is really full. Gas is $1.95 a gallon and a stately new president is coming in. A beauty to behold.
It was hard work and the fruits of labor can be relished for a millimeter of time. Never mind that retirement funds have gone into illusory territory. It doesn't seemed to have quelled the joy.

And this Taurus Moon has Venus entering.
Every grand earth trine is a reminder of the planet's value and the tangible pleasures of accomplishment.
There are more moons to come.

Sequence

In a couple of days beautiful Venus makes her entrance into Capricorn. Decorum, tradition, ceremony, and all things Capricorn are enhanced by Venus and her style. Jupiter is in Capricorn, too, adding pomp to the circumstance, even elegance. And in two weeks or thereabouts, they'll still be there while Pluto enters popular Capricorn, with the Moon following immediately, all tending to tone things down to an extent with some trademark Saturnian reserve and correctness. Right in time.

Feel free to add this snapshot to your collection of historical memorabilia.

Power and Grass

Rolling eggs down the lawn next Easter? He'll probably love it. Full of kids. Sometimes they scramble for commemorative eggs.

Power in the Rock

Pluto, Saturn, and the Obama Administration

There's something quite amazing going on. An unusual convergence of planetary energy is coming in with the 44th presidency.

In numerology, fourty-four, a master number according to some, also adds up to eight - the 8th sign - Scorpio. The Scorpio-Capricorn combination in the charts of the entering players is astonishing. Times apparently do determine reality.

This number [44] stands for strength and mental control. It requires discipline in every department of life so as to be instrumental in promoting the material advancement of the world. The mind must be trained to let higher forces in and the environment must be kept in order so as to achieve these same results for others. The energy is meant to further evolution and promote ethics and justice in the world of business.

The person makes the best of any situation drawing upon the great wells of common sense and logic to solve any problems that arise. The destiny is to serve the material needs of the world through productive and sound techniques.

Universal concepts are part of the consciousness with this master number, and the urge is to accomplish advances in world culture, uniting the practical with the philosophical. There is a willingness to shoulder heavy responsibilities, an innate ability to solve everyday problems, and a skill in working with others to help them organize their lives.
From Numerology and the Divine Triangle

Some Liberals, as well as many Republicans, are afraid of Rahm Emanuel, a hard-nosed fearless politician known for succeeding at what he does. That's the point. It's doubtless that Obama intends to get a lot of legislation through, and Rahm was chosen to assist him in achieving that as well as to protect him from the inevitable elements trying to destroy his presidency. Emanuel won't be making policy decisions, he'll be assisting Obama with his plans. The past actions of all the incoming president's choices are moot at this point.

Emanuel was born on November 29, 1959, another Pluto in Virgo with Sun and Jupiter in Sagittarius. Not always good for restraint, but to mitigate that effect he has an all-important Saturn in Capricorn, the same as his employer. But here's the most interesting part. He has Mercury conjunct Mars at 26/27 Scorpio, exactly conjunct Obama's Midheaven. His mouthpiece? Well, you decide. Looks like a Moon in Scorpio too. And the Sun-Jupiter conjunction resides in Obama's 10th.

Enter Joe Biden with Sun and Venus at 27/28 Scorpio, also conjunct Obama's MC. Next there's David Axelrod, Obama's right hand man. He has Saturn in Scorpio, more Saturn-Pluto. A lot of Pluto in the president's Saturnian 10th house, a potent administrator he'll be.

All of this is a repeat of the major theme related to Pluto in Capricorn, so the cosmos means business too. Focus, concentrated strength, structural transformation, regeneration, demolition, and reconstruction. Uranus square brings realignment in unique ways and plenty of nerves destined to be on edge. Who and what fall where and when remains to be seen.

Is this the authoritative force that some people fear with Pluto in Capricorn? Probably. Is the 44th dictatorial? Probably. Get your pens ready. I can't imagine anything else at this juncture. Since Obama's roots are in democracy and collective power, it's a good balance -- power has to find it's rod to be effective. The point of community organizing is to bring the marginalized into the ruling structure in order to influence decisions and policy-making, thereby increasing the health and productivity of the whole system.

Nonetheless, some sorts of strong-arm tactics are to be expected with corrupt, phenomenally lazy people in Congress not used to doing much of anything. Have you noticed anything they've achieved? Oh yes. The minimum wage was raised a few cents as I recall after 10 years.

The consolidation of magnetic energy is a given with this convergence in the president's 10th house. Joe Biden is the power behind the scenes with his Scorpio stellium in the 12th. He just quietly won Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina. And probably Florida. Rahm Emanuel is the front guard and David Axelrod is .... well .... David Axelrod.

These people we elected are capable of accomplishing great things using water power and managing rock. The idea is for the individual to tap the energy from the top to achieve what one aims to in the personal realm, implemented by the placements of Saturn and Pluto in one's own natal chart.
Photo: Antelope Canyon, Arizona. Jack Dikingas

Morning Coffee in Real America

Demographics vary widely in this spacious and diverse country, but headlines remain the same. News unites.

The warmer the seat, the better the business. And always an artistic touch. Eggs on the griddle. Girlfriends with a place in the sun.

In hamlets, in cafes along country roads, and in bustling cities, the news is out in Real America.

The Ancient Cry

"I was in Chicago at Grant Park last night. The moment of the night: CNN was playing on the huge screens in the park. We watched as Wolf Blitzer called the states and the panel of pundits pronounced on whatever struck their fancy. Some time after Ohio was called, they turned the volume of the TVs down and shrunk the image of CNN to show pictures of the crowd that was present at Grant park. There was a whisper behind us that several networks had called the election for Obama. I was with a group of newly minted political scientists and since all of our phones were down and we could not confirm via the blogs and election maps that we've all become addicted to, we doubted. The crowd murmured and shifted.

Then, a guy came out onto the stage and said into the microphone, 'Mic check 1, 2, 3. Mic check 1, 2. Mic check for the President Elect of the United States of America.'

The crowd exploded. 250,000 of us, jumping up and down, dancing, crying. Strangers hugged. Everyone suffused in the momentous emotion of the moment."
yldoow

It was a long time building up to the worldwide shout that erupted last Tuesday night when Barack Obama won the USA presidential election. The proportion of the global gathering was obvious to most everyone and participation was difficult to resist.

I mentioned earlier that when Katrina hit and when the Indonesian tsunami rode in, Neptune was at 13 and 15 degrees Aquarius respectively. Both created a wave of togetherness and recognition of the way disaster and suffering unite people. Last Tuesday night the North Node of the Moon was at 13 Aquarius. And what fascinated me particularly was the chart of the victory announcement at 11 PM Eastern time.

The ascendant was 13 Leo almost exactly on Obama's Sun conjunct the transiting South Node. The descendant was 13 Aquarius conjunct the North Node. The Moon was 1 Aquarius on his Jupiter in the 12th. There appear to be some mathematical connections among these highly emotional water-laden public planetary moments.

It's been a longheld theory of mine that group rituals like this have been going on since the dawn of civilization in an attempt to shout out to the gods and make contact with the dark void that surrounds the earth. It could be related to the fear of power that lures societies to cower under their governments, maybe a self-fulfilling activity. Stadium events, outdoor theater, drumming, chanting, dancing, and fireworks lighting the dark with noise and color all seeking a celestial conversation. With Pluto just three more weeks in Sagittarius, the spontaneous collective outpouring was astounding, a wave much greater than anticipated. A cry to god and infinity. Jubilation. If contact wasn't made with the cosmos then it certainly was with one another.

Call and response. Yes we can. Calling to outer space hoping something comes back. Looking for a sign we're all right. Proof we're not alone. Proof of significance.

It reminds me of the well known Dr. Seuss story ...

"The book tells the story of Horton the Elephant who, on the fifteenth of May in the Jungle of Nool, hears a small speck of dust talking to him. It turns out the speck of dust is actually a tiny planet, home to a city called 'Whoville', inhabited by microscopic-sized inhabitants known as Whos.
The Whos ask Horton (who, though he cannot see them, is able to hear them quite well) to protect them from harm, to which Horton happily obliges, proclaiming throughout the book that 'a person's a person, no matter how small'. In doing so he is ridiculed and forced into a cage by the other animals in the jungle for believing in something that they are unable to see or hear.
His chief tormentors are Vlad Vladikoff, the Wickersham Brothers and the Sour Kangaroo. Horton tells the Whos that, lest they end up being boiled in 'Beezelnut Oil,' they need to make themselves heard to the other animals. The Whos finally accomplish this by ensuring that all members of their society play their part. In the end it is a 'very small shirker named Jo-Jo' whose final addition to the volume creates enough lift for the jungle to hear the sound, thus reinforcing the moral of 'a person's a person no matter how small.' "

My vivid imagination got to thinking about Horton and his rulership as an elephant under Jupiter, the planet of Sagittarius, the god-figure, and cosmic participation. Is he a symbol of that beneficent protector? I even carried it further to the symbol of the Republican Party. Could they have helped in an unconscious way make contact with the higher entities? It seemed like everything the Republican campaign did made it that much easier to elect Obama. Maybe the Party went down in service to the collective. John McCain with his beautiful self-immolating Saturn in Pisces was glad to to do it.
"It was my fault," he said, with Pluto just about to reach his North Node in Capricorn.
I expect them to regroup, transform, and turn out all right. Pluto in Capricorn reforms the conservative establishment so they're due for a visit.

It's all so fascinating and magnificent and I do think the human family with all the Aquarian influence and Pluto in the finale is getting a hefty taste of the divine.

And America is as famous as ever.
Horton: from Wikipedia

Song

"Ah, sweet mystery of life at last I've found you"

My favorites are "sweet nothins". They're delicious, cost-free, and easy to maintain.

President-Elect of the United States of America

Going up.

So there really is intelligent life in the universe.

The Gift

On the night of November 2, 2004, when John Kerry lost the US Presidential election, the outpouring of grief surprised me. I thought my tears had dried up for good, but I found myself sobbing in the arms of my 8th house Pisces Moon-Saturn girl friend. People called in talk radio all night, many of them saying the feeling reminded them of their mothers' deaths. The Moon and Saturn retrograde were in Cancer.

I consulted my metaphysical source, which was the Tarot deck that night, and drew the Star. I use the Mythic Tarot written by Liz Greene who equates the Star with Pandora's Box, a chest which contained the insectival Spites. The goddess mischievously opened the box and released all sorts of afflictions into the world. The only thing that remained was hope.

The image of Pandora and the Star is a symbol of that part of us which, despite disappointment, depression, and loss can still hold on to a sense of meaning and a future which might grow out of the trials of the past. This quality of hope has nothing to do with planned expectations. It does not arise from an act of will. It is just there, mysteriously locked in the chest with all the woes, and if the individual can perceive it, then it can be had.

No wonder the 2008 election carries the theme of hope to the finish. This theme is often used by politicians, but this year there is something more genuine about it with Pluto leaving Sagittarius. Kerry, a Sagittarius, seems to have guided people to the container to battle with the pests in pursuit of the contents. He ran an optimistic campaign as I recall. I feel it myself, but it's tinged with the despair of knowledge. It doesn't negate pessimism. They exist side by side, sometimes intermingling.

Obama cried on the trail yesterday. Not just a tiny tear squeaking past the gate but minutes and minutes of streams and that catch in the throat everyone knows so well. His grandmother's dying just now introduces her into the country's consciousness at the most precise time, and gives credence to my theory that the lunar feminine element is coming into leadership through Obama, accompanying his solar body. He cries while others scream about fighting, bombing, hating, and killing, even recommending them, making it all the more pronounced.

He's regained his trademark composure and onward things go. I hope hope stays around for awhile. I can deal with the Spites. Yes I can.
Mount Hayden, Grand Canyon: Jack Dykingas

Real America

Barns for Change

Your Majesty ......

I AM HERE.

Sagittarians are noted for being lucky. Ideally they believe in the bounty of life and the goodness in themselves, so they take.

As Pluto leaves gifted Sagittarius, a treasure is offered ... a trinket in appreciation of effort.
It condenses down to guilt, I suppose. Some people guess that they don't deserve life's generosity, some know they do.

What I figure is .... that with Pluto in Capricorn for more than a couple of decades, there'll be ample opportunity for a thorough investigation of this condition. And experimentation with.

I'm as guilty as the next guy, but I'm also a Moon-Jupiter opportunist. I figure I'm paid up for the moment. So I'm receiving. Your majesty.

Take Me to the River

The rivers form the vascular system of the earth carrying nourishment to all creatures and providing a place for rituals and emotional release. Plutonian rites of fertility, birth, baptism, and death are often celebrated at the river's edge, and the vital waterways are known to wash away human sorrows and sins.

They start clear and pure in the mountains then flow through civilization acquiring the muck and waste of human activity until they arrive at the deltas, where the accumulation reaches its maximum and the grounds are most fertile. Then they flow into the sea, evaporate, and come back down in the repeating cycle.
It's interesting to note that the refuse comes to a fruitful end in the lowlands. There seem to be mechanisms that help humans process their crimes and guilt. These infractions are also universal and some acceptance of the fact is part of wisdom, acquiring and extending forgiveness when possible.

When Hurricane Katrina aroused the Mississippi River to flood New Orleans on August 29, 2005, Pluto was just turning direct in Sagittarius, exposing the racial and economic inequality in American society in a raw and painful moment, not to be forgotten. History surfaced all at once via the river with Neptune at 13 Aquarius. The river - where previous sorrows were submerged.

Just prior to that, on December 6, 2004, the great tsunami in Sumatra rolled in causing the earth's axis to shift and time to be altered a fraction. I was thinking perhaps this was a moment in which human dimension shifted as well. The ascendant of the chart was 22 Capricorn, governing time; Chiron, the Jupiterian, was conjunct. Neptune was at 15 Aquarius.

The washing away of burdens in these events could have prepared the world for the evolutionary step, a cumulative release of many watery emotional occurrences. Neptune in Aquarius remains married to Uranus in Pisces these days, due to the mutual reception, increasing the scope of emotional experience and collective engagement.

So given the current heightened state, some of my wild ideas have come zinging in.
The Moon and Neptune oversee waterways on earth and feelings in humans. Perhaps the fear of the black man has something to do with the darkness of night and the lunar world where imagination dominates and terror can emerge, having no clear identity. I even thought of the night world of American Negro musicians, where joy thrived until sunrise. Under cover of night, the poetic can penetrate uninterrupted. Of course, lynchings and such also occurred under this cover, adding to the natural fear of the subconscious world. White and black stand out in the night and all kinds of meetings were going on.

So now .... not only is the white man's lock on domination being opened, but I was thinking that maybe some incorporation of the lunar dimension is coming with the shift. The North Node of the Moon on election day is at 13 Aquarius, exactly where Neptune was when Katrina came. Maybe sorrows have broken through. There has been talk of a tsunami on Tuesday. And that could explain all the crying that's been going on, equally among men and women.

The Hand of Nature

Oh I tell you I've seen that old river come up.
When it begins to get in the houses,
we take and move everything up on the bank
across the railroad tracks.
Well, city folks come trotting up with their soup
kettles. They's always one saying to
another, "Do you suppose them peoples got little
enough sense to go back to them
shacks when the river goes down?" Yes, Lord,
we'll always go back to Shanty Town
till the river rises up one day and forgits to go down."

A TENNESSEE SQUATTER

The Last Moon Before the Crossing

Many Americans are descendants of people who crossed long distances, including oceans, seeking promise and a new home in this country that offers a special brand of hope to those fleeing tragedy and political oppression. My mother was one. For some reason, the country is a centerpiece in the world. Human eyes automatically land here, if not bodies. A magnetic attraction that remains as strong as ever. On the other hand, some humans were plucked from their homeland and forced into servitude in this paradise, adding an element of despair to the sensations voyagers feel. And now we're together in this pot poised for the next move. An evolutionary one, I believe, as I've talked about so many times.

The Moon, governing the subconscious world of life, is in Sagittarius for the last time accompanying Pluto in the 29th degree and its crossing into new territory, oddly juxtaposed with a major political event, tying together these stories of worldwide travelers and seekers.

Naturally, the human population is afraid, although some are excited and celebrating, maybe anticipating something good. Those who perceive themselves losing power are in pain and spasmodic, while those who see gain are unsure, some wondering if it's real.

Obama is about to be elected as a major world leader and something is different. I think it's related to the evolutionary step, and the Sagittarian Moon highlights the cosmic connection, while stimulating the subconscious and the imaginary world of feeling it represents. People have no idea what to expect and their minds are conjuring up their own interpretations, laced heavily with trepidation. I call it disaster consciousness. Is catastrophe around the bend, they wonder? Some are visibly shaking, others have tremors in their voices. Well guess what? Disaster is around the bend as always, but the magnitude can never be determined. And how many times has each living human been through one? I stopped counting. I noticed hard experiences were interspersed with pretty impressive miracle type events, so I finally decided to let it all be. Take it as a whole and realize that I keep on thriving anyway.

I sense that we're on a particularly remarkable crossing into an unknown dimension. It reminds me of divers coming up from the deep in increments. This is one of those pushes and the fear of harm, of course, is part of it. I also feel that everyone is together in this act, whether expressing hatred, sorrow, fear, love, happiness, nonchalance, or nothing. All components are necessary for the energy required - a chemical compound, a mathematical equation, friction and spark. I've found that some overall propriety governs these moments, but of course, I don't really argue with much of anything major.

Something very interesting follows this Moon going into Capricorn. The next Sagittarius Moon will be the new one on November 27, exactly the day Pluto goes into Capricorn. The Sun, Mercury, and Mars will be conjunct, and to top it all off, it will be the day Uranus goes direct. So there's a lot of convergence and a lot of Sagittarius energy involved.

Are we blessed as a group? Cursed? Jupiter is supposedly a beneficent influence according to tradition. But who knows where tradition stands these days? The sign does lean toward the optimistic. One of the most useful lessons of Sagittarius is how to roll with the punches and embrace all of experience. The entire pantheon is valuable. Good and bad are just labels for organizational purposes.

In the long run it really doesn't matter who says what, who tries to steal what, who earns what, or who does what. I do what I do and hope that circumstance will be fair, if not kind at times. I do admit to attempting to run between the raindrops, but some would rather get drenched.

So breathe deep, have confidence, and don't forget to vote.