Anxiety Medicine: Take When Needed

Crisis in the 29th Degree

Virgo is the sign of worry and at the critical 29th degree, you have plenty. Alongside that is the Scorpio season adding emphasis to all things Plutonian. Some people are anxious about the future. Virgo affects the nervous system.

I have a theory about the 29th degree of Pisces, the start of the invasion of Iraq. It seems that when planets transit this mutable point (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces), an unpleasant reminder of the USA's disastrous war effort comes back, and certainly yesterday was no exception with the major bombing in Baghdad. Saturn square the war's Sun says something about ego. Operation Iraqi Freedom is long over. I think this lump is hanging around, kind of in suspension. This persistent stain at 29 Virgo. "Why won't it go somewhere?" one might ask. "Who did what wrong? Why can't I get it out? Who's in charge? What's happening?"

Disease and Symbolism

Disease is necessary to the maintenance of living systems. All the cures mankind creates only reroute illness in its assumption of new forms. Sickness strengthens weakness so the organism can survive. It also leads the conscious mind to an understanding of the psyche and the emotional patterns and harmful behaviors beneath the surface contributing to life's hardships.

Some say that widespread illnesses started with the domestication of animals and the clustering of humans in large groups. Metaphysically, communicable diseases represent group belonging dilemmas, protection, freedom of thought ... things like that. Why do we take on someone else's illness? Why do we give it to others? What are we trying to share? How much should we share and where must we draw the line?
The diseases of the era teach humanity what needs correction in the collective body alongside the clearing process and maintenance of the species' vitality. The latest, the swine flu, was declared especially important on this 29th degree. Could the animals be trying to communicate something? I noticed where people are reluctant to even mention the creature connected with this one, preferring the letters and numbers. Not like the avian flu which rolled off many tongues with joy. Granted. Pigs aren't pretty.

"Before we can begin to glimpse the deeper spiritual reality behind swine flu, we need to take a moment to try and understand what the pig symbolizes. I think most people are familiar with the negative aspects of the pig symbolism: gluttony and greed, for example. Not as many are familiar with the strengths of pig symbolism, like forward movement, digging deep, and uprooting useless things."
Dr. Antonia M:The Spiritual Reality Behind Swine Flu

Dr. M. makes a lot of sense. It's no mistake that the piggy banks revealed the full range of their gluttony at this time, too, all in the prep for Pluto opposite USA Venus and Jupiter. The people are getting hints and starting to exercise frugality, but those at the top are going to be late coming to the game. Don't worry about that one. She makes a good point about the pig uprooting useless things. An excellent example of Pluto to Venus.

I also got to thinking about our relationship with animals and the horrific practices we're engaged in now in an attempt to feed this voracious human population. Perhaps it's the animals trying to balance things out, and ideally, we could develop a fair relationship with the so-called lower citizens of our kingdom. It seems hominids still have to learn how to eat.

~"Beneath the skin of this surface layer there is the issue of human beings' destructive habit of overconsumption. We over consume just about everything. Now, where meat is concerned, our overconsumption creates imbalances on many fronts: our health and the ecology, for example. The meat industry's negative impact on the environment (not to mention our bodies with the pesticides and hormones) is significantly greater than all our anti-green habits.

~It’s no coincidence that swine flu is manifesting now along side global economic turbulence. The pig, or I should say a healthy pig, is a symbol of prosperity and abundance. A pig with the flu is trying to tell us something about our economic health.
The pig is a social animal. So it’s not just a message for world leaders. We as a community have to be responsible for our own economic balance, for balance in our lifestyles."

The question remains, "Is any of this impacting the collective subconscious in a measurable way? Or is the knowledge already there just now surfacing through the swine flu?" I think everyone gets the connection each time they hear the word, and it's going to be mentioned quite frequently up ahead, you can be sure.

"To an extent, Pig medicine path is also about boundaries. I think the presence of swine flu is a reminder that we have allowed our space to be invaded—mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, politically, financially. That’s what viruses do. They invade your space."

I agree, but it's not necessarily the invasion, I don't think, although protection is important to maintain. It's also what happens once they're in. Invasion seems to come with the territory.
This fits the boundary making of Saturn, especially when the planets leave Pisces. Contrary to these times, unity and global whatever might not be the prescription then.
This is definitely food for thought and in terms of the 29th degree of fear, it can serve to relax the mind about the reasons for disasters and at the same time give clues about how to accept their inevitability, resting in the knowledge that you've survived everything so far.

The moment also puts the Hellth Care debacle into perspective. It's not going to solve much in the big picture and the big one is much more interesting, I find. It's stimulating to ponder the possibilities beyond appearances, and far beyond the personalities on the main stage. In some ways, the slaughter in Iraq reminds me of our animal killing, along with our other wars for commodities, and I'm convinced that all these phenomena are tied together occurring simultaneously as they did at 29 Virgo. The wisdom of the pig is as great, but no greater than ours. It's time to share, it looks like. And take our medicine.

An Informative Preface

It's a good time to take a moment and a satisfying breath, while considering the development of some reasoning power as Saturn crosses into Libra. Before I post my next article I'm linking you to some interesting discussions of the health care predicament.

On second thought ... to hell with it. I'm taking a break in the stacks, leaving you with my favorite quote on the matter from Physicians for a National Health Program:

"What is the worst that could happen?

The second worst is that the final bill could be defeated and everyone would walk away with yet another failed attempt at reform. (Everyone would understand that very soon we would have to return to start over since the status quo is totally unacceptable.)

The very worst is that this bill could pass and everyone would walk away insisting that we have successfully reformed health care when all we have done is to establish an unnecessary and unethical ten-year long experiment that will cause financial hardship, physical suffering and even death – adverse outcomes that could be prevented with reform based on policy evidence rather than markets."

The Source

After dispensing I can't remember how many billions to help out the banks that were failing due to corruption, we're now getting the results. They've continued exactly as before, actually getting more profitable. And soon the next wave of housing troubles will be foreclosing in. Then who knows what? If I were a soothsayer I would say, but I'm not. I'm banking on some unknown trust fund.

Whose fault is it? This country has been dirty dealing from the beginning and everyone pays the piper. Such is the way of Pluto coming to USA Venus and Jupiter in an avalanche, a volcano of sensation. Pluto, the great magician, is just getting down to business, and he has a plan. The bankers are the symbols of collective untamed desire, tricks, nefarious deals, and all the underhanded means of accruing wealth that have been going on forever in all strata of society.

Pluto also guides people to sources of riches invisible to those overfilling the material vaults. There are tests for the interested. The trials often demand loss, at first, to make room. Our bills due are strange things and money is odd. "In God We Trust," our money says. Well I do sometimes.

Bonuses, bottom lines, profits, losses, assets, liabilities, billions, trillions -- what are they, really? How much is enough? If an individual knows that does it matter how much anyone else has?
It's weird. When people steal from me I always figure they need it more than I do, and that they carry some suffering I wouldn't want. And I walked into it. Being able to eliminate, to take it or leave it, the freedom to be with or without, could be the greatest of riches. Who or what truly takes care of us? Beneath the ravaging, the earth still renews and provides.

I think the sun, the moon, and the stars beamed down to humanity through gold and silver as a reminder of other sources of wealth. It's almost too much.

Suckers and Thieves

Uranus, Neptune, and the Body Politic

The dissonance of the Nobel Prize is minor compared to that of the ersatz health care reform. For several years I've heard the crowd's agonized scream (loud, too) about the domination, corruption, and overall evil of today's business corporations. And now their hearts are bursting with joy - warmth spilling on the floors, walls, and ceilings - as the government attempts to force them into bondage to one of the biggest corporate conglomerates of them all -- the insurance companies. Now that's dissonance in lieu of labeling it insanity, if I were frank.

Pluto, Scorpio, and the eighth house ... insurance companies. It does make sense doesn't it? The insurance industry and the medical establishment (Capricorn) are two of the largest financial contributors to politicians' campaigns and law-making. The office holders won't defy them. Not now. Pluto at zero Capricorn is too early for the system to falter and the squeeze is just starting. They also need your votes and everything they're doing is geared to that goal. It's what's called being played. You.

There never was going to be a public plan and if there is one, I'd expect a fake. The president told you that in the beginning. It's easy to read between his lines. You already got suckered into bailing out Wall Street and look what happened. Profits are soaring and even though your little funds might be growing, when the sell-off comes you'll be left holding the bag. An empty one.
The plutocracy is trying to save their organization, (Why not? With Pluto in Capricorn) or make a mighty profit on its downfall, and they are well known for their ruthlessness. The public is well known for its naivete.
But along with the dissonance of the Uranus-Neptune mutual reception is the other possibility -- the chance to gain an out of the ordinary awareness.

Forcing the entire nation to buy a commercial product tells the story perfectly. The profits dangling before the sellers are driving them nuts, not to mention all the kickbacks for the dealers.

Raising the cost of living this much for a sliding economy shedding jobs with no end in sight is cruel and unusual punishment. Well, Pluto in Capricorn can be like that. People would not be able to pay for these forced contracts and the amount of money trying to collect could be staggering. Who pays for it? You.

Say there's some "public option" now that they've given divinity to the phrase prodding you to believe it's a glorious gift of mercy. Just wait till you try and get it. The cost of administering such a plan would be astronomical. Who pays for it? You. And who qualifies? Not you, most likely.

A large part of doctors' payroll is spent trying to collect from insurance companies who play a hard game. With so many added clients, doctors will have to increase their staffs and raise their fees. Who pays for it? You.

A plan to regulate the companies is being discussed. The cost would be, well a lot, trying to monitor their actions. Who pays for it? You.

You can pay to hand your body to a business. Or you can pay the penalty. Pay the government for being alive. You have options.

All this in a failed economy that even the escalated wars might not remedy. It could, theoretically, make you sick, raising the expenditure that much more.

A problem with one party rule is the desperation with which the ruling party fights to keep its power. The frustration of the outsiders fuels the conflict and the fine art of cooperation and compromise remains pretty much out of reach. Funny how this bill is barreling through just before the midterms, and even funnier is how it wouldn't take effect until 2013, just after the current president hopes to get re-elected, just in case it doesn't do too well. A more balanced legislature after the next election would help.

Saturn in Libra square Capricorn holds potential for good debate and law-making. Excellent possibilities. Would that some of it would be dispensed. It takes taking time. And honestly entertaining the thought that your opponent might be right. And respecting facts. And keeping personal feelings within control and functional. The square deal. And not terrifically sentimental. Logical. Above the belt.

Saturn is approaching the critical 29th degree and the Virgo fix would like to be applied. But what fix exactly? It's good to keep in mind that Saturn returns to Virgo next spring for a last ditch something or other. With so much Pisces around chaos seems to be the way to go. So the fix is really unknown at present. I'll try and fix something by spring.

Anyway, it's maddening. If I were you, I'd be discerning and pay strict attention. Watch thy money. Heal thyself as much as possible. If I were me, I'd pay strict attention. I'm glad I'm not a thief.

The Veil Gets Thinner

Neptune, Uranus, and Cognitive Dissonance

"Cognitive dissonance is an uncomfortable feeling caused by holding two contradictory ideas simultaneously. The 'ideas' or 'cognitions' in question may include attitudes and beliefs, the awareness of one's behavior, and facts. The theory of cognitive dissonance proposes that people have a motivational drive to reduce dissonance by changing their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, or by justifying or rationalizing their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors."

Like so many others, when the winner of this year's Nobel Prize was announced I did a double take. I thought it was a hoax. Then I realized it was the perfect sham. Well done.When NPR read the two top news headlines of the day, they were, "Obama Wins Nobel Prize for Peace," and "Obama Meets With Military Advisor to Discuss Escalation of War in Afghanistan."
That's pretty dissonant. The scramble to justify the award tells the whole tale. But within the lapse of sanity is the opportunity to understand more of what's happening to the collective mind.

I won't go into the many details of why this is so ludicrous, but I will relate the event to current astrological configurations at work. My first instinct told me it had something to do with the Uranus-Neptune mutual reception, and yes, they are both stationing at 22/23 degrees and when they go direct, Jupiter will conjoin Neptune again for a continuing look at the mental breakdown of society, the delusions of hero worship, and the bipolar journey between hope and despair that is marking the path to the cardinal transits ahead. It's no mistake that yet another "speech" is scheduled on the next conjunction. Probably the end-all be-all speech of all time. But it's all in the game. As much as people want to continue the fantasy, it will probably go soon. Pluto, Uranus, and Saturn are not the stuff of Hallmark cards.

Uranus is unsentimental insight and dry intellect. Neptune is emotional flooding often divergent from reality. The two have been bumping and grinding for years affecting humanity's perceptions. With this station people are sensing the discord and starting to doubt the authenticity of the peacemaker's words, especially with two wars going, one heating up further with expressed excitement. People are trapped. Anyone but Bush has become no one but Obama. There is underlying panic since they don't know whether or not to trust him. They might never know. The smartest thing if one is interested in psychological growth is to recognize the flaws, both in ourselves and out there, considering that the exacting perfectionist Saturn is coming to town, not to overlook the years of Pluto in Capricorn. A stellar opportunity for self improvement.

Let's take a look at Obama's chart to see why he fits this puzzle so perfectly.

An outstanding connection is the elevated Neptune (illusions) in the 9th house of religion square Jupiter (religion) in the 12th (spirituality), and the Sun (leadership). The strong emotional nature of Neptune in Scorpio indicates a dominant desire to be a religious leader. He fashions himself as a sort of global guru, jetting around his kingdom in luxury (Leo), being entertained lavishly by royalty worldwide. Unfortunately, Saturn retrograde in the 12th delays spiritual attainment until later in life, and even though he might achieve that one day, he's not ready now. At this point he lacks Saturnian substance and cannot be taken seriously. He's the American Idol. A magazine cover figure, a playboy among the ultra wealthy, complete with photo shoots at exotic sacred sites. So this is another opportunity for the nation to understand herself and why she got into this particular predicament.

Adding to the illusion is transiting Neptune in his first house soon to oppose his chart ruler, Uranus. He is the Grand Illusion Incarnate clouding the clear view continuously. "Let me be clear," he pleads over and over. Increasing insecurity is nudging people to question the wisdom of following blindly. The award makes no sense and the attempt to prove otherwise has proven to be difficult if not impossible. It really is absurd. That's the good part.

Mercury square Neptune also inflated by Jupiter points to the mesmerizing use of words. Evasions, persuasions, and even departures from fact. This repeats our own country's Mars in Gemini square Neptune providing another opportunity to see. Can we ever be honest? Can we cease being trite?

A further factor is the moon at the foundation of his chart square Pluto, a deep point of insecurity and need. Pluto rules his 10th house and the parental axis is highlighted in all that he does. He demands that we the people give him the attention he never got. It can be inexhaustible and exhausting. Even The Prize won't do it.

This repeats our own Pluto opposite Cancerian Venus going on now and is again repeated in the 29 Scorpio moon (the public) of the inaugural chart square the executive. With the Plutonian factor there's an element of bondage, but freedom from that is a valuable goal. By the time this winds down I expect the citizens to recognize the problem somewhat so they can move forward and take a serious look at leadership, possibly a more conscious one, when Pluto opposes USA Sun square Saturn.

Then there's the looming hidden Saturn retrograde in Capricorn in the 12th. Here's where the so-called honor of this prestigious award gets interesting.

With this placement the individual wants to be accepted by the wealthy establishment and now he's apparently attained that wish. Unhappily for him, he actually hasn't. Again, too soon. Saturn in Capricorn especially has to earn recognition through extensive sustained effort. They're playing with him. Puppies everywhere. He might awaken from his fairy tale, he might not. He might do well. It matters not. What matters is how society uses this bounty of knowledge.

So in the end I think the award was not really an honor, but more of a humiliation and exposure of the superficiality of our culture. A cosmic mockery, both of the recipient and of the traditional institution as Pluto in Capricorn reveals the errors of the status quo. We suddenly believe we are redeemed after wreaking economic havoc on the world with still no attempt to fix it? After invading a virtually unarmed country and now stepping up a war for profit in another poor country? Dangerously meddling in South America? With instant milk we're cradled in the breast of comfort again?
The most beneficial aspect, I think, is the reaction of outrage as a preliminary step to acquiring strength and energy for the cardinal years. It seems like every event is creating rage and division these days. Exactly as it should be, in my view. Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, Aries, and Capricorn are not exactly a historic walk in an impressionistic flower garden.

What Can We Do?

Proceed with the weaning. The prize itself is unimportant, and so is the man ultimately. Some tremble in anticipation of the future, some welcome falling axes and opportunities to triumph, pushing on to greater achievements. Taking a good look at what's behind the thinning veil appeals to me since the invitation to advance comes with it. And banking on our real assets.
Photo:enypniastes eximia:sea cucumber

Multidimensional Evolution

Several days ago I noticed the waxing moon beside Jupiter in the night sky, ancient, steady, and beautiful. I like contemplating the systems of the universe in their perfection including life on earth. People might not like the eruptions, disruptions, and general discomforts of experience but one thing leads to another in a sequence that ultimately works.

All creatures feel fear. Those of us in the animal kingdom are destined to live a natural life and die successfully with all the facets that make up the challenges of surviving. The demands of sustaining the body and the fear of predators are part of the situation.
It isn't about politicians, nor anyone for that matter. Nor is it about a sudden shift in collective consciousness. It isn't even about good versus bad. It's simply about systems doing what they must in order to continue. The earth changes in a steady rhythm and all living things adjust. I think this is what might be called evolution.
Evolution can go in many directions. Sometimes it moves forward and sometimes it retrogrades seemingly undoing progress. Humans can't perceive the overall stages being caught inside the mechanism.

The biggest mistake this so called advanced creature makes is assuming s*he is solely responsible for the changes on the planet and the development of social and political organization. This is, of course, inaccurate. Human systems are an infinitesimal part of universal ones and governance so far is beyond our comprehension, intelligent as we might think we are as a species. What people might perceive as wrong now will turn out to be right in the end. It has to.

I've come to the conclusion that there is an intrinsic intelligence in systems that oversees their proper functioning. Even their demise is nourishment for new ones better adapted to changing conditions. Now the cosmic plumber and drainage specialist, Pluto, has arrived to clear the passageway for the next dimension awaiting this doing breathing organism. It's wise to remember that the time preceding a planetary return is an ending. The wrap.

The Weaning

233 years ago Pluto was concluding its transit of Capricorn when the newborn American country separated from her mother, and now that Pluto is returning, the urge to do it again has surfaced, steadily gaining strength. The weaning procedure is in motion with the moon's south node in Cancer and Pluto just beginning the revealing journey opposite the four USA Cancer planets. Accompanying the initiation is a pervading sense of insecurity, not surprisingly. But I also feel an accompanying confidence, necessary to prevail in tougher times, an aspect of Capricorn.

With the economy shrinking, the earth heating, wars threatening, and the absence of leadership becoming more apparent every day, one can see that no one knows what to do. This is favorable, as the country begins her weaning in earnest. There'll be no sudden radical shift, I don't think, but likely a gradual motion, forward, backward, and sideways, as systems struggle to continue, just like the planets. The planets give us a great clue as they move in their multi directional paths. Magnetic forces keep them all in order as they probably will do for us. The magnetism of Pluto together with the structure of Capricorn indicates that they will.

Bush and Obama - the same coin.

People had hoped to leave the past behind and go on with a reborn country free from the previous pain but circumstance has taught otherwise. The former president and the present one are linked for good reason.

On November 2, 2004, Saturn was retrograde at 27 Cancer, exactly opposite USA Pluto. The Moon was in Cancer as well. Naturally, Bush was re-elected with this backward clinging configuration. He also has natal Saturn in Cancer in the 12th at 26, the ultimate in a lesson born of the parental axis. He represented the Cancer parent. Security was the basis of his administration.
Obama has Saturn in Capricorn in the 12th at 25 conjunct US Pluto, the fatherly figure, just as problematic for this dependent country that rejects maturity so soundly. Responsibility is his main point, but he, himself, is not exhibiting the trait. 12th house Saturns often indicate failure in mundane reality, and this is the ticket to the country's recognition of her own overall failures coming into focus with Pluto's return. You can see the start of defeat and humiliation, a necessary part of improvement.

The ideal solution to this puzzle is for independence to develop when the citizens stop waiting for someone to bail them out. The opposite of the Great Depression with Pluto in Cancer. The weakness of leadership, the inability of these parents to make it all better, only facilitate this growing up endeavor. All creatures have to leave the nest or den eventually. So this is why the people are slowly becoming more aware of the incompetent leadership they have. It ideally leads them to fend for themselves adequately, if not well. Anyone elected now would be in the same position.
We're in good shape, really, as the view of the current one comes into sharper focus. In fact it was recently pointed out that "he lies."

That cry was like a shot heard round the world, the quintessential example of the Saturn-Uranus opposition which was exact that night. An entire history of tradition was shattered in one shocking moment and I expect it will trigger an extended series of breaks with authority. The shot is still ringing.

It's as true as can be. Maybe the time has come for the children to peek out from behind the shield of fabrication. Take the recovery, for example. The people are being told the recession is over. Even if recovery is underway it will be so slow as to be imperceptible. The fact is, we're probably headed for a long period of harder times, and yet the people seem to be getting ready to acknowledge that fact. So the deceptions of the rulers might be growing less useful since the people need to pay their bills. If the parental figures can't do the job, something else will have to be done. Around the country, individuals are voicing genuine dissatisfaction with government and the weakness so obvious now is designed to eventually transfer strength and power to the country at large whatever path that takes. The system is top heavy. It has to adjust. It's physics. Dynamics.

Jupiter conjunct Uranus in Pisces

As fact and reality weave their way into daily life, Jupiter soon enters Pisces to meet up with Uranus in a grand finale before the two go on to Aries and the next Saturn-Uranus opposition. Disappointment with leadership is rising. Hope isn't always the remedy. Sometimes it is, sometimes not. It's always around, anyway.

Surrendering to what is, is a relief. The effort to shore up delusions can be exhausting and Pisces dissolves burdens if you let it. Giving in and up momentarily can lead to surprising satisfaction and a release of long held tension and breath. And giving up the idea that the good parent will be coming around the bend to save the day could pave the way for substantial administrators taking care of our country's business. Conceivably. Eventually.

The earth always warms before an ice age and that's probably what's happening now. Land masses move and water sources shift in dramatic ways during these events, and more quietly other times. Wildlife leaves when water and food sources dry up, but returns when conditions change. They die out when the time comes. The ecosystems are in continual flux and probably man's poisons are no greater than natural ones. Antidotes are always there, a requirement for system maintenance. Europe, once a part of a huge super continent, is now moving back to merge with Africa again. So the system we tiny creatures are a part of runs on its own with or without our said mastery. Apparently we're wanted so the earth will do with us what it will as it continues to evolve. Animals know what to do and so do we animals.

It's the same with our social and political systems. They adjust to changing circumstance and evolve accordingly, so the years ahead are probably going to take care of the collective and keep it thriving, speaking of parents. Human disasters are part of the system's way of surviving. The struggles are universal to all living things. And there's not much you can do. Except to do your best.