Today is Friday, Sept. 2, 2011. The Moon is in Scorpio until Saturday evening EDT, when it goes into Sagittarius. At the moment (Friday morning) it’s making an exact opposition to Jupiter in Taurus. And the Virgo Sun is trine Jupiter, which has just stationed retrograde. So that puts Jupiter into the spotlight, which in Taurus describes getting real about what’s important to you. The trine from the Sun is an aspect that features prominently in this week’s Planet Waves horoscope.
However, I think the distinctive aspects of the weekend both involve Eris. This is a relatively new planet, and one of the more significant of the many discoveries in recent years because it is the most distant one known to be orbiting our Sun, and it prompted the reorganization of our ideas of what a planet is. Eris is the one that got Pluto ‘demoted’ back in 2006. Remember that? One of the theories I’ve been developing about Eris involves how this planet represents the castaway woman. This can be about specific people — in particular, excluded people (often women, but there are plenty of excluded men) — or the aspect of our psyche that feels excluded from the world around us.
Being cast away, or feeling excluded, can have many strange expressions, one of which may be humanity’s dependable propensity to go along with the next war, no matter who the enemy might be. That’s because with Eris, the enemy is perceived within. When that happens unconsciously, we either project it outward as conflict, or take it on as a feeling of deep alienation.
We have other options. The first Eris aspect is a trine from Mercury in Leo. That is happening today. Any planet taking a trine from Mercury is about a conversation with that energy. Mercury trine Eris is about a dialog with the cast off part of ourselves, the aspect that feels alienated, fragmented, unaccepted or unable to fit in. Rather than speculating about the whys and the other specifics, I suggest you ask what’s going on, and wait patiently for your answer. Meanwhile, you might notice the extent you go to ‘fit in’, and size up how well or how poorly that has been working for you. The trine is an opening; the opening is likely to be a conduit for passionate energy that is suppressed by the sense of being outcast. This not merely a conversation about how cruel and insensitive the world is. It’s a conversation about what to express and how to participate.
Eris is under some pressure from two other aspects that are about to happen. One is more immediate; the other happens in the autumn. The immediate aspect is exact Sept. 6, though it’s close enough to be in full effect now. That is Mars in Cancer square Eris in Aries. Mars has been making a lot of aspects lately to other planets on the cardinal cross: such as an opposition to Pluto, a square to Uranus and a square to Saturn. These have been tense, and with any luck, productive in that you made some decisions.
Now we have another one of those squares brewing. Mars in Cancer making a square to anything is about a buildup of emotional pressure. To start with, one could not contrast two more different energies than Mars and Cancer. Mars is assertive, hot, demonstrative and depicted by a sharp object. It is the essence of ‘male warrior’ energy. Cancer is the energy of gestation and nurturing. It’s receptive, cool and symbolized by ocean water. Mars in Cancer accentuates the self-centered nature of both that planet and sign, and can drive the sense of need to the point of a frenzy. When you put that under pressure, the result can be stressful (as we saw with Mars square Saturn as Hurricane Irene tore up the East Coast).
Mars in Cancer square Eris in Aries is likely to call attention to the emotional state underneath the alienation described by Eris. It’s time we understood this for what it is. It’s time we stopped criticizing ‘the needy’ and started understanding what we all need, and what happens when we don’t get it. Once you start listening to people, you find out that even the most ‘normal’ among us feel alienated. But many are afraid to say anything, so as not to upset all the cool people who are pretending not to feel alienated. This aspect could be illustrating some interesting dramas, but it can also be a focal point of self-awareness and action. As this aspect manifests (the effect will be stronger for some people than for others), we will need to have some patience with one another as we gradually move toward the core layers of what it’s about.
One last, which I will be getting into more as it develops. That is Saturn opposite Eris. This one is going to get a whole Friday edition of Planet Waves, but the upshot is this. Eris in Aries also describes a sense of personality fragmentation. This we try to compensate for in our relationships (Saturn in Libra). Saturn opposite Eris is a confrontation between these two ideas: one, that we’re fragmented, and two, that that we try to make ourselves whole, and assemble the pieces of who we are, in our relationships. This is one reason why so many relationships are such a struggle: we’re using them for something that they really cannot do.
Meanwhile — in more immediate news — the Moon will be in Sagittarius from Saturday evening through Monday. There is a lot going on in Sagittarius, which I cover in detail in today’s edition of Planet Waves. I’ll post a sample of that article after the Moon is in Sagg, to give you an idea. Back with another edition of Daily Astrology on Sunday night.
First I read these words below, posted by Frank Owens on 9/3 (from “Songs of the Road of Imperfect Travelers”).
Then I read your post for 9/2. Aren’t we all imperfect travelers, as you say, casting out and projecting our anxiety onto others. So well expressed Eric. Thank you.
“Of course you aren’t who you want to be yet.
But, you know what? You know what you want to be
and that is half the battle. Like the sapling of a pine or
a redwood, look to the giants standing around you and
know that your own growth, if tended, will lead to the
same expansive view.”–doña Río de Gracian
(http://bodhiyatra.blogspot.com/2011/09/songs-from-road-of-imperfect-travelers.html)
Well duh, silly me, I know they made videos back then so I don’t really know why I wrote that! It was probably filmed for the show Top of the Pops, a music show that I was addicted to watching each week. Ah dem was de days!
Lovely to read what you have shared here SiS, I appreciate it. btw I love your posts as well as I strongly connect with ease to your free and expansive Sadge energies. How you write and deliver them always brings a smile or chuckle to my heart. I think you’re natal Sadge if I’m right while I have Sadge moon and rising.
Oh boy that must have been tough to be on the receiving end of your father’s constant raging. I could see your drama in my mind’s eye and it made my stomach churn. So much damaging anger that beat down our spirits and depressed our souls.
However what a delight to hear of your mother’s evolution! Her change of heart and perspective must be freeing for you and it augurs well for your relationship to grow and blossom which is fantastic. And good that you are helping her park that useless guilt. Who the heck needs it and to think that we’re the ones who can kiss it out of our lives. I have a dear friend who suffers dreadfully from that particular complex and it sucks it’s so debilitating. I told her to imagine each guilty thought as a bubble that when they pop into her head to torment her she can lift her magic pin that she can conjure up to prick them and hey, poof, they’re gone. It worked for me over time and now I feel relatively free from guilt.
Thank you for your good wishes Sadge SiS as I embark on this quest! Jupiter is working for me and I’m going along for the ride. You *know* how that feels.
Vicvega: It sounds to me like you and I are both heading out into the great unknown in the next month or so. You go get yourself to NY city and make it happen! I wish you all the very best.
I’ve been imaging myself as a lion lately so ain’t we a pair of puuurrrrfectly powerful felines. Here’s a song from the 70’s by an Scottish singer called LuLu called I’m a Tiger! I didn’t know they made videos back then but I thought you could adopt the song as your theme song.
Raaarrr 😉
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5X2G40uNFo
Thanks so much Len for your kind words….Yes, I am a tiger (and really a 1974 Wood Tiger:) and my motivation for moving is so that I be in a place that actually matches my energy and passion for action. I spent 2 months there last winter and still want to move there, so I’m going for it! I can’t remember what the details were, but an astrologer once looked at the map of the world and told me “my artistic network/my peers/my people” were in NY. And indeed I felt pretty much welcomed there.
Maui has been home for 2 years just now, and for 2 years from ’02-’04…..Seems to be where I’ve been able to reboot, and birth this creative vision and master my craft-but it’s passivity, and frankly, the apathy of “paradise” drives me nuts on a regular basis, so it’s pretty fitting that I am due to be someplace where there are a lot more people who are motivated. The one really beautiful thing that I’ve experienced on a regular basis here is gratitude, thanks, and inspiration from my huge female network for the work I am doing….I design jewelry-but it’s really a platform for my strong feminist voice, which I know is part of this Mars sq. Eris (and Eris is conj. Venus too, on my Asc.) And I know I am being heard, as I’ve engaged with TONS of women over the years who consistently give me the feedback that I’m on the right path.
MOST of the time, I’m in complete agreement with what you have to say about relationships and how weird they are on the planet these days….but add to it a very strong, feisty, opinionated, deeply sensitive, intuitive mix and I guess that makes a DYNAMO:) I am just looking forward to meeting my match….or anyone, for that matter, who can handle what I’ve got going.
thanks for the perspective-you’ve got the gift, Len.
Thanks Len for your wonderful and, as ever, compassionate comments. Extremely helpful. Good luck with your move vicvega! xxx
ps. that photo is awesome Gary!
Hey shebear, I love what you wrote.
I can relate in many ways, although my family no longer gives me shit about my lifestyle, they are really supportive, as they can see all the positive changes in me.
I also, in childhood, on every occasion, tried to call out the lies and hypocrisy, like you mentioned, although it would of been better if I had been told to go away. instead I was perpetually yelled at and the response was commonly “because I am the Parent!!” along with other selected verbal abuse. this was from my father. practically yelled at 24/7. of course that didn’t stop me, I keep pointing out the obvious, even if it was to my detriment. I remember at one point, before I ran away, my dad and I would be yelling at each other for hours. hours.
taxing.
then on the other end my sister would make up shit to get me in trouble. she could do that fake crying thing. which really pissed me off. worked every time though, both of my parents would believe her. then more yelling. when my dad got home, heh heh.
My Mom this year has had some major major epiphanies, if you will, and it’s like the past 40 some years have flashed by her eyes and she sees all the crap my sister pulled and realized how mistreated I was, and that my silence was not the silence of guilt for misbehavior. it was a different silence. a silence of complete indignation and rage of these f*ed up people.
(rage that was released outwardly in my 20’s in inwardly in my 30’s.) she feels really really horribly, and I tried to convey to her that I don’t want her feeling any guilt on my part- guilt is such a toxic thing. and I don’t hold on to any of that – it’s been discharged. quite a while ago.
anyway, this story is not a new one, and I am not the only one who has suffered in this way, of course, just in a *sharing* mode tonight, and also, to let people know that it IS never too late, my Mom, the parental unit has utterly transformed in many regards. so, it IS possible.
I really love my family, I see and know who they are and accept them as human.
shebear, I am sending you good wishes and energy for you to find a nice den before wintertime…I suppose you will be looking soon, it IS September..and have fun in Ireland!
oh. and I like the Eris Jockstrap idea, metaphorically speaking of course. although I’ll have to alternate between my supa sexy plush cow print robe/fuzzy rabbit slipper ensemble – oh yeah. ..
goodnight PW!
peace.
vicvega,
It seems that you are asking for an astrologer’s response and hopefully you will find my humble service acceptable.
The word “ouch” does not seem to do justice to position of your natal Mars and Eris (as you describe it). It is powerful and yours. It is not a blight, it is a dynamo. It seems that you have somehow already figured that out on some level. Look at what you have done with it and be proud. Relationships and their sustainability have been no picnic for anybody since the Venus-Mars synodic cycle got out of whack about 50 years ago. We have another half century before stability returns to that cycle. In the meantime, you have a tiger to become. While Jupiter is in retrograde, the common wisdom is to travel within but if your planned move will take you to a geographic place where you can access your inner terrain better, then it fits like a glove. The question is: will you take after Gauguin or Matisse? Only one way to find out and it seems you are on your way. May you be blessed. Please stay in touch and let me know if my service was useful to you.
Interesting that you choose to title this piece “Eris in Conversation”. I have just gotten off a long distance phone call with a sibling who basically from the moment he said hello, challenged my decision to go home to explore Ireland and Europe for a couple of months. He was perplexed by my “loosey, goosey” plans, concerned about how it was all going to pan out etc, etc, but most of all, he was not. at. *all* happy that I was leaving behind my son. That seemed to border on criminal in his eyes.
Well, this Eris 9 degrees in Aries, conjunct her south node at 5/3rd house, opposing her north node in Libra at 5 conjunct Mars at 4/9th house, found herself ready and willing to stand her ground in the argument. I reassured him firmly but convincingly that my soon to be 16 year old was very mature, had given me his warm blessing after we had long discussed it, that he does *not* feel abandoned and is more than keen to hang out with his Dad for a while, whom he adores. I told my sibling to put his concerns to rest as they were his interpretation of things after reading just one brief email from me and, why would he decide to come on the phone so agitated and angry at the outset in a manner that put me straight on the defensive while he hammered home his projected worries and fears?
I know I am going to hear many more of my family voice these same concerns and yes I am preparing for it, but I don’t think *he* was ready for me to speak up for my point of view and that I would do so with such spirit! On a positive note, he actually did say it was great to hear me sound so spirited which was great to hear. For me this trip is about laying to rest the influence of my south node, closing the long and difficult chapter on my upbringing, how it ruled my life, and crossing over to my dharma with the spirit of Eris fully embraced and integrated within. To the 9th house where I know I can hold my own and voice my opinion. This is precisely because I have worked so hard to validate myself and face the hard facts that my position in my family had been severely compromised growing up. I saw I was the castaway who spoke up in an effort to expose lies and hypocrisy but was always told to shut up and go away, but this time around I wouldn’t tow the controlling party line. That gig is up.
I happily now own the alternative life of say a gypsy, a shaman, a druid, instead of feeling boxed in, suffocated and ignored. I figure now they can put their subjective concerns and fears about my lifestyle into their pipe and smoke it — though I’d love it if while smoking it they’d drop down to the floor to sit crossed legged in a circle, and make it a pipe of peace to pass round discussing dreams of rebuilding family and community….!
To finish though, I will say that he made the effort at the end to gracefully work the conversation round to a more equal footing and by adding a dash of humour, opened a space for both of us to express our affection for one another. For the conversation to close on a good note like that made me feel very happy!
I’m thinking if more of us could harness on our Eris Jockstraps (!) and prove our mettle as strong opinionated women; women who have something to say that would help improve this world — and hey world it’d be good for you to listen up now! We could wear the jockstraps on alternative days from sexy lingerie. Ya know, to keep that whole yin/yang dynamic in balance!
*** BTW That’s a super photograph Gary. I love it.
Thanks for the ongoing coverage of the MARS activity in Cancer. My natal Mars is at 15 degrees of Cancer (in the 4th) squaring natal Eris at 13 degrees of Aries (in the last degree of the 12th, sitting right on top of my Asc.). Most people see this and say “Ouch.” I can’t say it’s been an easy ride emotionally for most of my life (oh, and then there is the Moon in Pisces in the 12th magnified by a conjunction with Jupiter!)
“Mars in Cancer square Eris in Aries is likely to call attention to the emotional state underneath the alienation described by Eris. It’s time we understood this for what it is.”
It’s true that everything you’ve described about this aspect is something I have struggled to integrate and overcome. I have felt that my entire adult life in relationships has been about dealing with this aspect. I have HAD to find the strength to utilize this energy and become emotionally independent. I channel it into my art which is incredibly rewarding (and I’m hoping Pluto sitting at the top of the 10th is about to reward me in my career for it) but not a relationship in sight-at least not where I am living now…..but feel there may be a turning of the tide coming, as Saturn just crossed over my Descendant.
I’m taking action by moving to NYC from Maui later this month. I’m feeling like this is THE time to make my move, out of the past 2-3 years of working out the kinks of this aspect, making use of it, and being with myself.
Any thoughts and/or further info. would be much appreciated. You guys, are brilliant.
hmm. well. that explains it then. mars is coming on my sun in 12th. i have saturn and eris conjunct opposite t-saturn. nice.
oh my my it’s a beautiful world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mzDhWoM_UE
Wow, what a great piece! I don’t know if it’s timely as I have felt a sense of alienation and inability to fit in for so many years. Perhaps it’s the Mars sq Sat in my chart. I have overcome the neediness aspect, but am left with frustration. But this article certainly frames the issue in a way that gives me a new perspective and way to re-examine myself. Thank you PW…
Eric,
Thank you for your excellent synopsis of the Eris timeline. The impending opposition to Saturn in particular. Thank you for putting that back on the table. This is one of those times when the word “challenge” sheds the reputation of difficulty and drudgery and takes on the mantle of joy and excitement. It may very well be be personality fragmentation now, or perhaps was at some point. Relationships may be inappropriately tasked for now, or perhaps were at some point. Such a nadir cannot endure, however. It holds the promise of becoming re-definition and re-empowerment for the entire human race, both in terms identity and relationship. Looking forward to your being out on the wave front once again.
This is absolutely brilliant. Thank you.
“Mercury trine Eris is about a dialog with the cast off part of ourselves, the aspect that feels alienated, fragmented, unaccepted or unable to fit in.”
This is so timely for me! I just had a long conversation with someone yesterday about how I’ve been wrestling with trying to deal with a side of myself that makes me feel like an “unacceptable” person; I had been concerned that if I show that side to those close to me, I will be deemed needy and nutty. I’ve been trying to let that side out more lately, and consequently, I have had to deal with trying to call back a lot of my own projections onto others that involve thinking they will jump ship when they see that part of me. Really interesting article, thanks!
Here is another article from the subscriber series on Eris, called Dancing with Discord:
http://planetwavesweekly.com/dadatemp/1120212912.html