Venus Takes Flight

Taurus is a Venus-ruled sign, and has a strong affinity for the pleasures of the senses, including an appreciation for beauty, harmony, and the arts. Let’s take a look at how Venus may influence our aesthetics, values, and creative processes as she glides through the sign of Gemini from April 24 through May 19. Venus in Gemini has a light, airy quality that can be witty, curious, and childlike. While Venus in Taurus can get stuck in indulgences, Venus in Gemini seeks change, variety, new ideas, and new experiences. This energy brings stimulation and inspiration to the creative process, and may encourage us to experiment with new ways of expressing ourselves, whether that is through writing, painting, song, dance, or other modalities. It can also help us to lighten up, if we’ve been feeling bogged down.

As Venus journeys through Gemini, it makes significant aspects with the opposition between Saturn in Virgo and Uranus/Jupiter in Pisces. These dynamics can provide grounding and focus for the development of our creative and technical skills (Saturn in Virgo), a strong connection to the imagination (Pisces), as well as opportunities for creative breakthroughs (Uranus/Jupiter). Many people are experiencing the opposition of Saturn and Uranus as a feeling of inner tension and an intense desire to make a big leap forward in sharing their gifts, in service to the world. We get some help, in this regard, as Venus sextiles Mars in Leo, which can give us the courage to go for it, especially in terms of our creative self-expression. Perhaps the inquisitive Venus in Gemini can infuse us with a fresh perspective that supports the radical shifts we are yearning for on the personal and creative levels, as well on the collective level.

While Venus is in Gemini, let your creative mind lead you into new territories, network with those who can offer inspiration as well as information, and see the beauty of the world with a childlike innocence.
--Sajit Greene, M.A., L.P.C.

Saturn/Uranus Opposition

Saturn and Uranus are directly opposed—an event of significant cultural and historical importance. The last time these titans faced off like this was between 1964—1968. This event tends to expose the resistance to necessary reforms and innovations while inviting us to make efforts towards updating methods and mindsets to be more sustainable and inclusive. To simplify—the past squares off with the future. Either we create a new world, or point fingers at others in blame for the failure to do so.

The onslaught of astrology events here, now, and immediately ahead these next few years, aggressively challenge Saturn to modernize. Like we saw in the mid 1960s, the dominant power structure is being petitioned to loosen its hold. Then, the Civil Rights and Feminist movements demanded more inclusiveness for minorities and women. Now, we have an African-American president likely to nominate his second female appointee to the highest court!

The dominant power structure in the U.S. has largely been white, male, Christian and heterosexual—which is also a description of who is organizing, and largely populating, the Tea Party. On the other side of the divide is the reality that we live in a very diverse culture with demographics showing a trend toward even more diversity in the years ahead. Either the doors of power are busted open so we can come together, or the social fabric unravels and comes apart. We are likely to see elements of both.

This weekend I went to a festival in Asheville where I saw a performance by two musicians: one a gay man, and the other an African-American. Immediately following was a ceremony in recognition of young innovators in a variety of fields. It was called “HATCH” and the point is to welcome diversity, fresh ideas and give publicity to those who want to change the world. The young innovators had more established mentors to learn from, and to network through, in ways which support their work. It was a wonderful illustration of how the Saturn/Uranus opposition can be managed.

The broader world has forces which are not so eager to change. This time around, the Saturn/Uranus opposition will expose any remaining divisiveness or prejudice towards those who differ from the dominant power structure. The bitter health care debate has currents of providing universal coverage (Uranus) vs. preserving a more exclusive status quo (Saturn). Necessary financial regulation to make the playing field fairer is being debated now, while propositions for Gay Marriage will be on the ballot this fall. For a climactic event, immigration reform will be addressed soon. This will expose elitism, fear and discrimination like no other issue.

Until there is openness and acceptance of the Muslim, the Hispanic, the Native-American, the poor, or the transgendered, this Saturn/Uranus event will highlight the resistance to such inclusiveness in dramatic ways. The reality that the dominant power structure will soon be the minority is irrefutable. I believe that this Saturn/Uranus opposition is ushering in this reality to the collective consciousness. It is threatening and considered unacceptable to those most passionate about preserving their hold on power. In response, they may choose to act in threatening and unacceptable ways. If civility and peaceful dialogue are not maintained, this time frame may bring in some version of a Civil War (the early 1860s positioned Saturn square Uranus). For more information, please see Uranus: The Constant of Change, which discusses this current time frame in greater detail.
--Eric Meyers, M.A.

ARIES NEW MOON

Happy New Year…well, kind of. The New Moon, and Aries, both concern beginnings. Though the spring equinox is when the astrological year is renewed, the New Moon in Aries launches the first of twelve lunar cycles. It is the optimal time to launch new projects or to actively declare one’s intentions. Whatever is put into motion now will be growing on some trajectory towards its realization. Having passion, decisiveness and clarity are the keys to manifestation.
Maintaining this level of empowerment is crucial as there are plenty of challenges in the current astrological climate. With Saturn exactly opposed Uranus, structures are destabilizing in order to reform. New realities are becoming concretized; tensions between conservative and progressive are heightened. The old guard needs to make room for new innovations. Those who are able to light the way forward must summon the courage to lead. If not, we may feel anxious, disempowered, and find ourselves wondering what is going to collapse next. The wave of earthquakes happening around the globe reminds us that the ground is indeed shifting. We can approach it with strength or fear.
The North Node of the Moon tells us what we need to be striving for. As it currently resides in Capricorn, we are being called to get serious about creating new structures and to mature from emotional patterns that inhibit effectiveness. With Saturn in Virgo, this is a time to be focused, steadfast and specialized with honing new skills and potential contributions. Then, we can each play a part in creating more sustainable and conscious ways to live on this planet. If not, we may fear that it’s too late, we’re passing the tipping point, and only consequences and hardships await us.
With Pluto in Capricorn, the status quo of operations is ready to be completely transformed. This time frame will usher in complete facelifts to the dominant power structure. Outmoded methods, paradigms and even institutions will be collapsing. The question being asked is, "What do we want to build?" At this New Moon in Aries, the onus of responsibility is on every individual to play a role. What’s yours?
The times will be a’changin in a big way these next several years. At this moment in the process, we can meet these challenges with will, direction and power. It’s time to work hard and ultimately be satisfied with our efforts, or clamor in anxiety as the earthquakes continue to rumble the ground. Soul Vision is available to assist you in finding clarity of purpose in these most uncertain times.
Blessings,
Eric & Sajit

Pisces 2010: Wade in the Water

Slip in to the boundary-less ocean of Spirit, and peer through the veils of separation, as the Sun, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, and Mercury swim, float, and drift through Pisces, this month. The Sun, Venus, and Mercury are on their annual voyage through this sign of spiritual vision, psychic communication, and Divine union. For Jupiter and Uranus, their meeting in Pisces is much less frequent: the last occurence of this configuration was way back in 1334, and it won’t occur again until 2093! Uranus and Jupiter, together, can catalyze big breakthroughs. In Pisces, these breakthroughs may be of a spiritual nature.

In the past seven years since Uranus entered Pisces (in March 2003), we’ve witnessed a quickening of the spiritual awakening of humanity. Contemporary spiritual teachers have noted that spiritual awakening, once a rare experience even for sincere spiritual practitioners, is more common, now. More people are waking up from the dream of separation and fear, into the reality of unity consciousness, and fully embodying the True Self. For some people, like Eckhart Tolle and Byron Katie, awakening happens suddenly and unexpectedly. For others, awakening is experienced as a gradual process of unfolding, perhaps after years of devoted spiritual practice.

Now that Jupiter is adding its expansive energy and sense of purpose to support this global awakening process, should we expect everyone on the planet to suddenly become enlightened, in the next couple of months, while Jupiter and Uranus are connecting in Pisces? Probably not. These cosmic energies influence each person differently, and in accord with the current level of his/her soul development. Many people are still deeply asleep in the ego dream, hence the continued appearance of personal and political conflicts, religious wars, and destruction of the planet.

What we can expect from this wonderful influx of Piscean energy is the opportunity to become even more aware of our ever-present connection with Spirit, our immersion in the holy waters of unconditional love, and the eternal goodness of our True Nature. This month is a mystical time that encourages us to engage in meditation and prayer. The veil between physical reality and non-physical realities is very permeable, right now, so reach out to connect with your guides and helpers in the spirit world. The light, love, truth, and peace you seek are here, now, and always. And, right now is a time when you are more sensitivie and able to feel their presence.

We are Haiti

The stories and images of the suffering in Haiti are heartbreaking, and the grief can feel overwhelming. As our collective heart is broken open, awareness is growing that “We are the World”. We are Haiti. We are the grieving, the homeless, the wounded, the hungry and thirsty. And we are the hands that reach out to offer food, support, and comfort.

This month, humanitarian ideals come into focus, with Sun, Venus, Mercury, Chiron, and Neptune traveling through the sign of Aquarius. Aquarius attunes us to the energies of the collective. We sense the interconnectedness of all people, regardless of race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, or socio-economic status. Neptune elicits compassion and selflessness. Chiron brings awareness of what needs healing. And, in this time of great need, Aquarian modalities such as the World Wide Web, television, and cell phones are being used to share information, raise awareness, and gather resources from the global community. My colleague Amber Gray, a Somatic and Creative Arts Therapist who has worked in Haiti, suggests some ways to help the Haitian people: http://www.restorativeresources.net

Our Inner Resources

While Aquarian technologies can bring the suffering of the world so swiftly into our homes, we need ways to process the emotions that arise. The earthquake happened during the recent eclipse period, involving the Nodes in Capricorn (structural support and institutions) and Cancer (heart and home). Pluto was also a strong factor in these eclipses, bringing up themes of death, destruction, and regeneration. Let’s look at ways to cultivate the inner resources of our hearts and spirits, so we can tend to our emotions during this time of upheaval.

Prayer and meditation are two ways of connecting with Source/God/Spirit/All That Is and accessing inner peace, compassion, and unconditional love. You may already have a form of prayer or meditation that you are comfortable with, or you may want to try a Buddhist practice called Tonglen. Tonglen helps us connect with the suffering of ourselves and others, move beyond our fear and resistance to suffering, and create space for love and compassion to flow through us. Find instruction here: http://www.shambhala.org/teachers/pema/tonglen1.php

Our own bodies and our breath are also great resources. Take a few moments to breathe fully...following your inhale all the way to it's natural point of fullness, and then following your out breath all the way to completion. Use the exhale to let go...letting go of physical or emotional tension....letting go into gravity and feeling the support of the earth beneath you. Be gentle and patient with your breath...no need to force an extra large breath if that's not comfortable.

Physical movement is an effective way to move stuck emotional energy. Put on some soothing music, and allow your body to move with your breath...try extending your arms outward on the inhale and releasing with the exhale. Tai Chi and Qi Gong are examples of gentle movement exercises that coordinate with the breath. Or just put on whatever kind of music feels good, and let your body move with the rhythm and flow of the music. Feel free to make vocal sounds as you move.

Appreciation is another natural resource. Don't feel guilty that you have a home and food on the table while others are homeless and hungry. Rather, give thanks that you are safe and well-fed. Appreciate the small things in life...the everyday miracles...the smile of a child...the silhouette of tree branches against the winter sky...the tastes of a healthy meal. The more we are able to appreciate and cultivate our own inner and outer resources, the more love and energy we have to share with those who are in need.

So, eat, breathe, pray, smile, dance, make love, and share your love with the world, in whatever ways make sense to you. May all beings be free of suffering.
Peace! Sajit Greene, MA