Saturn Rx in Sagittarius - Freedom with Responsiblity

  essentialzodiacsaturn_retrograde

Saturn Retrograde in Sagittarius

March 25 to August 16, 2016

Saturn Retrograde is one long test of our endurance. Saturn is the Lord of Karma. Retrograde motion is a time when karma is sorted out. Therefore, Saturn retrograde is a double dose of karma and will relate to how responsible you have been in the past.

Sagittarius wants FREEDOM to do what it wants, how it wants and when it wants. Saturn demands RESTRAINT and calls for maturity, structure and boundaries. I predict that this transit will place us in some grueling circumstances where we must discern very carefully what we deem right and wrong. Saturn shines a magnifying glass to examine our perceived altruism, willingness to learn and potential to expand, to become something greater than the Self. Saturn teaches that change is necessary to move forward. We must completely surrender, you will feel cleansed and joyously empty, ready to rebuild. But don’t fool yourself into believing you’ll get let off the hook without doing any work.

Adding to this already difficult time is that Saturn has been in a square with Neptune since November of 2015 and will remain there throughout this transit. You can no longer scapegoat and blame others for your problems in life. Everyone is dealing with the results of the past several years of hard pressure and deep trauma. The previous Uranus/Pluto squares have taken its toll on us. We have been brought low and must figure out how we will live from here. We are faced with cleansing and controlling ourselves and our lives and not blaming anyone else for anything. That message is clear. If we choose to be deluded (Neptune in Pisces) and blame others rather than do the hard work and practice (Saturn) what we preach (Sagittarius) we will only hurt ourselves. Our hypocrisy will, in the end, only damage us.

Saturn is challenging us to...

Learn that there is freedom and liberation in abiding by certain rules and in some level of self-denial. Freedom is not     about escaping responsibility, it is about what we can enjoy after tending to our responsibilities.

Seek practical applications of our personal philosophies by firming up our belief systems while avoiding rigid thinking.

Making clear choices and decisions for weeding out what isn’t working for us and for letting go of lost causes.

Eliminate excessive or overdone expectations through a healthy dose of realism. Remember you can still practice  positive mindset and yet be realistic and spiritually uplifted.

 

Libra Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse

essentialzodiacLibraMoonEclipse A Full Moon occurs when the Moon is opposite the Sun.  This particular Full Moon in pacifying Libra versus the willful Aries Sun on March 23rd, opens fresh perspectives on relationships. We may have an inclination to compromise, yet this event is a Lunar Eclipse that signals the need to release unnecessary patterns of accommodation. Recognizing our range of choices from independence to co-dependence will provide more options on where we stand with others. If conflicts arise, looking at them more objectively will reduce tendencies to blame yourself and others, leading to more harmonious solutions. During the peak of this eclipse, the signs of Libra (what we want) and Aries (what I want) will be staring each other down. A compromise of some nature, revolving around an ending, is in the works. Many of us are going to have to find a way to balance out the needs of others, in addition to our own, through this process. The Aries in us will want to satisfy our needs: “What am I getting out of this?” Then the Libra side of things will be saying: “Hey what about the other people around?” Something is going to have to give and not everyone will get to walk away with exactly what they want. So if you’re looking for answers this is a time to really keep your awareness up. New revelations as well as thoughts about serious matters could come into focus. With so many planets in Pisces, forgiveness holds the key to healing during this transit. Find out what’s really going on with your emotions and look for a spiritual source to satisfy your needs rather than looking to another person to fulfill them. The following is how this Libra Full Moon Eclipse will affect each sign: Aries: Your 7th House of Relationships comes into play at the peak of this eclipse. There is a focus on relationships and it’s not just about lovers. Close friends, business partners—even competitors—could be themes of your letting go process. There could also be agreements that are finally finalized or an alliance could end in some way.

Taurus: Your 6th House of Work is in focus now and this puts your working environment, co-workers, pets, health and daily routines into prime focus. This eclipse brings something to a head or closes something out. It marks a finishing point of something in one of these areas for you. If you’ve been thinking of letting a bad habit go or perhaps focusing on your health, this is a great time to do so.

Gemini: Your 5th House of Creativity comes into focus with this eclipse. This could be the wrap up point of an important personal project or speculative venture. A situation with a child could finally come to a point where a resolution is achieved. It’s also possible that you make a decision about what to do about a romantic relationship.

Cancer: Your 4th House of Family, home, real estate and things of domestic nature are highlighted. An ending or completion regarding one of these themes could be prominent now. The energy could also allow you to see things in this area of your life in an entirely different way.

Leo: Your 3rd House of Communication is the focal point of this eclipse and that puts a real focus on your ability to connect with others. Siblings, relatives, study, travel, technology and communications in general become quite highlighted for you. You might want to watch your car—particularly if you’ve been having some problems with it. Maybe it’s time to let it go. Education or some sort of learning endeavor could also come to the table or come to a completion point.

Virgo: Your 2nd House of Material Possessions is highlighted with this eclipse and this could bring things regarding a financial matter to a head or a completion of some sort. You might be ready to start or implement some changes in how you handle your finances. There’s financial completion going on and you’re moving towards a place of getting your debts in better order. Things that you value or possess, which are not just things of monetary value, could also be re-looked at and possibly let go or seen in a new light.

Libra: This particular eclipse is happening in your sign and placing it in your 1st House of Self  makes this time a very powerful one for you.   A focus into your identity, who you are as a person and the stamp you want to make on the world around you could really be highlighted for you at this time. You may stand up for yourself and decide to close an important chapter of your life as a result.

Scorpio: Your 12th House of the Subconscious comes into focus with this eclipse and this is the realm where things are hidden or undercover. You might feel the effects of this intense energy on an inner plane and it could be a time for revelations about the past to come into light. It’s also possible that you begin to understand yourself on a deeper level and really discover your inner motivations. Be careful not to beat yourself up though, sometimes diving too deep can put you in a rut and you shouldn’t do that. Hang around your upbeat friends at this time, you’ll need them to lighten the mood.

Sagittarius: Your 11th House of Friends and Groups you belong to comes into view here. This is also the realm of earnings from your work or career. Perhaps you decide to take on some added responsibilities with a group you belong to or with a friendship. A big project could end or a long-term goal could come to be fully realized. On a large scale, your 11th house has to do with your hopes and dreams and this eclipse could close out the process of something big you’ve been working towards.

Capricorn: Your 10th House of Career and the Public comes into view with this eclipse energy.  The energy released here may actually energize your career, reputation or how you look to others. Your parents or your role as a parent could also be highlighted here. On a deep level, your entire destiny and life mission could come into play and that is definitely something to consider. It’s also possible that you close out a job or take on a new boss or authority figure. Whatever the case, a new development at work is in the making.

Aquarius: Your 9th House of Wisdom comes into full view with this eclipse. The impact of this area of your chart being highlighted puts an emphasis on a trip, something of a foreign nature, a religious pursuit or your belief system, a learning endeavor or educational pursuit, something involving a legal situation or maybe even your in-laws.

Pisces: Your 8th House of Shared Resources come into focus with this eclipse. Maybe you’ve been receiving help from someone and you decide you no longer need it. This is also the realm of investments and you might decide to re-look at your financial holdings and make a new plan of some sort. Additionally this area of your chart that relates to divorce and endings of people you know. There could be a passing of someone in your circle  Sexual intimacy is also connected to this area and it’s possible that this Lunar Eclipse pushes you to take a relationship to a deeper and more intimate level.

Aries and The Emperor

Ariesmars

Sun in Aries

The Sun charges into fiery Aries on March 20th until April 19th, marking the Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and beginning the brand new Astrological year. Ruled by action planet Mars and symbolized by the fearless Ram, there's never a dull moment during Aries season. As a Cardinal sign, Aries lives life head-first and they don't let fear hold them back from doing anything. It's time to celebrate the renewal of life and take action again after the slower pace of winter. In Aries, the Sun is confident, impulsive, instinctual and ready for action and we are encouraged to follow our raw, instinctive drives. Be true to who we are and all the facets which make us the individuals we are. Embrace the true self and go for whatever it is we desire. We matter, each one of us, and deserve to live the life we envision ourselves living. Entertain the spark of ideas and see where they lead. Find the leader within yourself and make your way.

emperor

The Emperor Card

Aries is assigned to the Emperor Card, numbered four, which depicts a mature ruler holding his scepter and sitting on his throne, which is decorated with figures of rams.  In his right hand, he holds an Ankh, the Egyptian symbol of Life, and in his left is an orb representing the world over which he rules. The orange background and the Emperor’s red clothing symbolize his passion and energy for life and the challenges it offers. The emperor card contains references to the Sun God Amon-Re and the Greek God Zeus (Jupiter). Amon-Re was a universal deity, revered as the king of the Gods. He was often depicted as a Ram and associated with the constellation Aries. When the Greeks invaded Egypt, they associated Amon-Re with their own God, Zeus (Jupiter). The connection of Aries with the planets Mars and Jupiter and with the Sun God Amon-Re led ancient astrologers to regard the Sun as being exalted or especially powerful in the sign of Aries. This card is also associated with the Greek hero Jason. Jason regained his throne by capturing the golden fleece which belonged to the ram that helped Jason’s cousin escape from being murdered by his wicked stepmother. After his escape, he sacrificed the ram in gratitude to Zeus (Jupiter) and hung its golden fleece in the grove of the war God Ares, where a vicious dragon that never slept protected it. The tale of Jason and the Argonauts reveals the traits of courage, daring and enterprise that are associated with the fire sign Aries.

Pisces New Moon/Solar Eclipse

essentialzodiacnmoonpiscessoleclip On March 8th, the Pisces New Moon will also be a Solar Eclipse.  While the Eclipse will only be visible in Southeast Asia, its impact will be felt globally.  Both a New Moon and a Solar Eclipse is about new beginnings.  It's about letting go and embracing a new direction. A Solar Eclipse can only occur at a New Moon and the Solar Eclipse super-charges the New Moon. That's significant fresh-start possibilities. This eclipse occurs in Pisces, the last sign of the Zodiac year. In Pisces, the Moon is intuitive, spiritual, insightful, hopeful and attuned to the energies beyond the physical and mental realms.  This New Moon offers an opportunity to connect with your personal "dream time".  Along with the Pisces Sun, this is an excellent time to tap into our inner resources as we plan for the coming year. I see this eclipse as a ray of hope during a time of tremendous upheaval for all of us. Clearly, many of us are at a crossroads. The Solar Eclipse will not only offer a breath of fresh air, it will help us feel ready to stop holding our breath. This eclipse will give us the faith we need to finally let go.

To see how this energy will affect you, check out the horoscopes below. Remember with eclipses this energy is around for at least 6 months!

Aries - This is a time for being invisible and retreating into your inner world. Your intuition will lead you toward awareness of your hidden tendencies with the Pisces Solar Eclipse in your 12th House of the Subconscious. Although it's up to others to let you know if you have overstepped their boundaries, you can prevent an embarrassing moment by thinking before you act unconsciously. Tread carefully in your pursuit of pleasure.

Taurus - The Pisces Solar Eclipse in your 11th House of Groups and Friends signals a time for expanding into a greater sense of connection with you. Motives are muddied by passions, so don't assume that you know how others are feeling unless they explicitly tell you. Re-assessing your own goals and considering alternate strategies is more constructive than causing an unpleasant scene.

Gemini - If you're worried about someone stealing your thunder the Pisces Solar Eclipse in your 10th House of Career will bring that to the fore.  It's wise to react to reality instead of creating a problem before it manifests. Your emotions may be out of whack, and they could precipitate an awkward situation at work unless you deal with your insecurities first. If your efforts are being undermined, then it will be certainly appropriate to take defensive action. Until such time, there's no reason to stress about things that might never happen, anyway.

Cancer - You would like to be making long-term plans because the Pisces Solar Eclipse activates your 9th House of Travel. However, it may seem rather hopeless to plan for your upcoming adventure when you still have so much work on your plate. Unfortunately, there are too many chores to finish in the present moment. If you are feeling overwhelmed, don't attempt to do everything at once. There's no room for discouragement if you narrow your focus and complete just a few things well. Be kind to everyone, especially yourself.

Leo - Even if you aren't the overly jealous type, someone's actions could make you turn green with envy while the Pisces Solar Eclipse polarizes your 8th House of Intimacy. Of course, emotional possessiveness won't lead anywhere worthwhile, but knowing that it's unproductive won't necessarily change your feelings in the moment. Don't get stuck in an unbreakable cycle; relinquishing control might just be the most reliable path to happiness. Trust is the hardest thing to find and the easiest to lose.

Virgo - Someone's emotional disclosure can be rather upsetting to you, especially if you feel even partly responsible for the current instability in your relationship. However, it's crucial to separate your compassion for someone you love from your desire to fix what's wrong as the Pisces Solar Eclipse triggers your 7th House of Partnerships. However, simply listening and acknowledging what you hear might be the kindest thing you can do. Remember, you cannot change anyone's reactions but your own.

Libra -  This dreamy Pisces Solar Eclipse energy is in your mundane 6th House of Work and Health. You might be feeling indecisive about how you want to serve and about how you can best use your skills. Although you have many things to do, you lack clear direction in setting your priorities. Nevertheless, you feel increasing pressure to make a choice as soon as possible. It may surprise you to realize that it doesn't matter where you start; just decide on a destination and begin. Thankfully, each step will become easier once you're in motion.

Scorpio - You yearn to express yourself in spontaneous ways while the Pisces Solar Eclipse mobilizes your 5th House of Creativity and Fun, but you can't find the time to make your definitive statement. You could be feeling quite satisfied with your life, but more immediate concerns distract you from your desire for fun and games. The real question isn't about what you should do; it's about what your heart wants. Color outside the lines and see what happens; play now and pay later.

Sagittarius - Unsettling energy on the home front is not yet about to disappear with the Pisces Solar Eclipse in your 4th House of Family. You might be frustrated, yet you really don't know what to do about the current stressful dynamics. Perhaps it's time to accept that some things are beyond your control. Don't try to make everything better for everyone else just because you feel uncomfortable. Taking full responsibility for your own state of mind is your top priority. Your legendary optimism might be just what's needed to turn things around.

Capricorn - You prefer having your day mapped out in detail, but the Pisces Solar Eclipse is going to make that hard as it transits your 3rd House of Thinking. Your current schedule won't likely withstand the shifting pressures. Crossed messages may contribute to delays or a cancellation of a scheduled event, prompting you to think deeply about how you spend your leisure time. Rolling with the unexpected waves of change allows you to turn any setback into an exciting opportunity.

Aquarius -  Current complications drive you to reconsider your old ways of managing your finances as the Pisces Solar Eclipse lands your 2nd House of Resources. On a deeper level, your relationship to money is likely tied to what you feel you deserve. If you are struggling with issues of self-acceptance, a positive change in your attitude could directly impact your net worth. When you value your contribution with confidence, others will be more willing to pay you accordingly.

Pisces - The Pisces Solar Eclipse amplifies the cosmic energy in your 1st House of Self, marking an end to one significant phase of your life. Don't be afraid to feel the intensity of an emotional loss, especially if it helps you work through your unresolved issues. Remember, elimination is a necessary natural process that is required before renewal.

 

March 2016 - Harbinger of Change

essentialzodiacchaosquotes March is going to be a wild ride of a month.  Some of you more energy-sensitive folks probably already have felt a “shift”.  And those who have mutable signs emphasized in their chart, that’s Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces will feel it as well. This month is about change - whether we want it or not, it’s coming.  So let’s buckle up and deal with it head on. Here’s what’s coming over the next few weeks so you can plan ahead.

On March 5th, gabby Mercury enters into watery Pisces and “take charge” Mars crosses into daring Sagittarius. The Mars combo will instantly inspire you to go after what you truly believe in. But take note, Mars will turn retrograde on April 17th, so whatever you initiate will require recalibration. Act accordingly! A week later lovely Venus gets into the Piscean pool. So by mid-month, we will have eight planets in mutable signs, the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn (all the visible planets) and Neptune, which has been in Pisces since 2011. Adaptability and changeability are the key words here; mutable signs are flexible and versatile. They are also about ending things that have outlived their usefulness and getting geared up to start the next new phase of life. With almost all of the planets focused on change you will feel the need to do things completely different. Since change is inevitable, do yourself a favor, seize the moment and make the release on your own terms.

We are also moving into eclipse season, which continues to press us to do some housecleaning. On March 8th, we'll experience a Solar Eclipse in Pisces that has a heavy dose of realism attached to it. Imagination meets preparation and determination with this Eclipse so as long as you open your eyes to the reality of hard work ahead, you can truly create magic now. Then on the 23rd, a Lunar Eclipse in Libra will put the focus on your significant relationships in either in your business or personal life.

While we are dealing with the upheaval we get some help from benevolent Jupiter in analytical Virgo and transformative Pluto in pragmatic Capricorn. Change needs to be concrete, good intentions won’t cut it this time. And finally, adding no-turning-back finality to your decisions is Saturn, who’s getting ready to turn retrograde on March 25th   He’ll prevent you from making decisions in haste; but once you commit to a new course, there’s no going back.

Forget January 1st, the real new year is March 20th, the Spring Equinox and Astrological New Year when the Sun charges into fiery Aries, the first sign of the Zodiac. Now is the time to make those resolutions, break any chains that have hindered our growth and get ready to pursue some exciting new goals. More than anything, don’t move into this month with dread. You know there’s something you need to get rid of. You know it has to go. Think of this month as a gift that you have the entire universe on your side to get it done with once and for all.

Need some support to get started? If you’re ready for change, I’m ready to help you.  Check out my Services page or E-mail me for if you don’t see what you need.  I can customize a chart to suit any situation.