Today is Thursday, December 15, 2011. The Sun is approaching a conjunction with the Galactic Core in late Sagittarius. Meanwhile the Moon is working its way through the last third of Leo and enters Virgo at 10:58 pm EST. Just before it changes signs, however, it makes a quick series of oppositions to planets in late Aquarius. The most notable is a near-simultaneous pair of oppositions to Vesta and Neptune, which are nearly conjunct.
It’s like our lunar receptor picks up the signal specifically to give us a little preview of the conjunction on a wavelength we can sense more palpably. As you may know, aspects involving Neptune can sometimes fly under the radar, get lost in the depths, or come through to consciousness via more indirect routes (such as through dreams or making art).
Vesta makes its exact conjunction to Neptune on Friday and, because the planet of illusion and denial is involved, one possible assumption is that we may expend our creative energies in a non-productive manner. But the annual conjunction of the Sun with the Galactic Center is placing a different spin on this aspect.
Paul O. Hewit writes of the GC, “It is a stunning source of energy, motivation and aspiration. … and probably the source of most of the energy in any chart.” It has a profound, transpersonal effect upon us that astrologers are still trying to quantify. As Eric has written, “The feeling is like a cosmic storm from which there is no easy shelter. We just need to let the energy surge through us and around us, and be as open, expanded and conductive as possible.” Neptune is just the planet to assist us in opening and expanding into these powerful energies, if we use it creatively.
Vesta symbolizes the inner fires of creativity within us, and how we tend those fires. Her placement in the natal chart describes those things you instinctively honor. In other words, she represents your true passion in life and all that you will do to keep that passion alive. If we fail to tend these fires, we run the risk of living an inauthentic life.
In terms of Vesta’s current placement in the sky – in the penultimate degree of Aquarius – we have a clue about where our collective devotion has been directed. You could say we’ve been quite committed to the idea of individualism in groups, especially as represented digitally. Take, for example, the phenomena of everyone having their own mini vanity sites and feeds via Facebook and Twitter. We’re all together in this social media (those who use it), carefully tending our oh-so-individual image… en masse. When Vesta leaves Aquarius for truly collective Pisces on Dec. 20, it will be interesting to see if we can detect a shift in tone as to which creative fires we tend and how we do so.
We have an opportunity at this particular moment in time to see if we have tended our inner fires with integrity, if we have displayed the courage of our convictions and lived the life we truly wish to live. The passion and single-mindedness of Vesta can focus our imaginations now, allowing us to surrender to a new freedom lived with purpose.
What do you truly honor in life? What would truly fulfill you in mind, body and spirit? There is a powerful energy force being focused on us now, from the heart of the galaxy through Sagittarius, empowering our sacred quest to live our passion. You may be feeling that power as a sense of pressure; even more likely, you may notice the overwhelming sense of time acceleration that comes with the Sun conjunct the GC this time of year. Even the solstice, urging us to draw inward, still ourselves and listen, can feel dense and extreme – especially in contrast to the expansiveness of Sagittarius. That kind of polarization may come with the feeling that ‘something has to give’. Perhaps you’re ready to surrender – to your authentic self. And why not?
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Be, I had to chuckle re: Jupter and Volume — I do get verbose! The challenge and the gift is to put that volume into a worthy worthwhile purpose. (I still feel more like Don Quixote than Clarissa Pinkola Estes.)
I awoke today (prior to seeing your message here) having new understanding regarding my own urges/personal battle to step into my own power (once and for all).
Well, it surely won’t be a once and for all, like a spinning top mostly. But it would seem that Vesta is holding space for something, would that I could evoke Sight and find it.
Thank you so much for your kind assistance here in learning to see!
xo
Linda
Len,
Thank you so much. Your Question #1 gave fluid-ity to the 4 demarcations: MC/DC/AC/IC that they did not have before. I tend to get mired in acknowledging structure and effort at utilizing it productively. I now have a key as it were to the rusty doors I thought were barriers between zones of self.
And permission. Yes, I often ask “permission” of those I respect (like you!) – it has proven to be a strong technique for altering parental rules that otherwise prevent growth.
And lol! Yes, Astro 101 on Vesta begged for clarification! She is new to us but old, as you pointed out. I will continue to work with your message/s here. You have provided me Nutriitious Food for Thought and Feeling. Thank you so very much.
XOs
Linda
aword,
Your Vesta contributes greatly to your reputation, and, presumably your career goals by it’s placement. Right now my time is limited, but I wanted to take a few minutes to comment on your question as it is and has been empacted recently by the Black Moon Lilith, among others.
My own Vesta is very close to my own Saturn, and they have this in common; a certain ‘drivenness’ to achieve something personal (both in Aries). Since your Vesta is conjunct the 10th house cusp and has much in common with Saturn, you might have a similar drive/impulse. It’s not so much competitive with others as it is competing with yourself. In other words, you want to do as good as or better than you have already done in some task. One of the key words/phrases for Vesta is work-aholic. Do you relate to that?
I guess Vesta square Venus, since the two are in compatable signs due to the out of sign element in this aspect, would add the element of warmth in an otherwise combative relationship with each other. Still, Vesta would drive Venus in some way, most likely in work setting or in a service given (or received). Vesta is quite relentless sometimes to provide healing and pleasure, although she doesn’t represent the drivenness that a Pluto or Saturn would. I see your Vesta in the volume (she opposes your Jupiter) of contributions you make to PW stories and the thought-provoking questions and observations you make here.
Your Vesta is now and has been sextiled by transiting Neptune for quite a while. Since Neptune represents unconscious and higher level energy, he is taking your Vesta to a less personal and more spiritual plane of work and service. I hope this will help you and will leave you to draw any conclusions from it and to make any connections to the words offered in this article and your own Vesta. It’s all good!
be
aword: By all means, go with your feeling. Just suggesting that you consider focus on one or two things. The Vesta discovery chart (March 29, 1807 / Bremen, Germany, time unknown) shows its discovery degree was the last degree of Virgo. Also, Venus (at 29+ Aries) was opposing Uranus (at 29+ Libra). Vesta seems to have the sort of focus one would expect of someone disciplined (perhaps kinesthetic) meditation.
Len – and then, should I also consider – for the slightly broader brush – Pallas/Hades conjunction at 9 Taurus when I am looking at these MC questions? I’m feeling a connection here. I suppose I’m asking “permission” to go with the feeling (of considering Vesta and Pallas/Hades as all “conj” my MC)?
Am I (Saturn speaking here) within the parameters of the structure of Astrology to connect dots between Vesta on the MC and Pallas on the MC – and wow, this suggestion makes Vesta more influential re: MC-ish than Pallas/Hades, I suppose.
Ah! Tug-o-war between intuition and rules-of. Hm. Could be a clue. 😉
Thanks, Len. I’m in some sort of blind spot this evening, it seems. I couldn’t even focus on your article, when usually you “sing” to me.
And thank you for reminding me that Vesta is new. Except – you said it – we are remembering. Perhaps ‘that’ is why I am feeling blind (old yet new again. trying to remember – and where DID I leave the car keys?).
Many words. Thanks for hearing them.
aword: Please if my service may be be offered. to you First, the placement if Vesta is not exactly “astrology 101”. We are still getting to know (or, perhaps, remember) Vesta. Because houses tend to show a gradient of overlap near the cusp, it would be legitimate to consider Vesta in both your ninth and 10th houses. So, let’s focus on the MC and put all the aspects (and transits) aside for a moment. Instead, two questions: (1) Where do your see your spirituality and aspirations converging? (2) How do other people see your influence in the world and your place in the world converging?
Be, I only now worked my way to your comment and I would have to say that my dream seems to correspond to your statement about the end of a season* re: the time of anti-Obama and his vision for renewal for our country.
*I realize you said “war” I got um, more than only that. xoxo 🙂
gwind!
I will share my dream of last night too — although mine was more like a comedy — to simplify; after spending time in an art-filled warehouse discerning what pieces I found most useful, I entered and walked through a hallways filled with political figures (black and white video at this point) As I walked I came upon Glenn Close (no, don’t ask me!!! it’s a dream lol!) who was dressed in brillant sparkling blue (you know, like wizard of oz, technicolor!) She explained that she was a witch and was casting spellis to make sure that Obama had the funds he needed to win the next election.
I woke up feeling quite content.
So hey! Take on that one! 🙂
XO!
I desire a learning moment, if anyone is so inclined.
You say, (Vesta’s) “placement in the natal chart describes those things you instinctively honor”.
I understand that statement, I understand the preceding and following sentiments. However, I would find assisstance useful in making this statement specific. I’m finding the statement too general to make use of it. Can I use Vesta’s placement to discover those things I honor (by way of Astrology), for example?
What story does Vesta tell, when placed in my natal chart at 28 Aries 9th house just moments from MC at 0 Taurus and sharing Aries 9th with Eris/Moon conjunction at 8 Aries, Chaos/Osc Lilith at 5 Aries and BML at 0 Aries 8th house – for example – (she also happens to square natal Venus at 0AQ 6th opposes Jupiter/NN/Neptune, Trines Pluto at 1 Virgo and equally Trines Saturn/Borasisi conjunction in Sag on the GC.)
That is, in an Astro 101 lesson, how do I find a relationship between the afore mentioned statement and my own natal chart?
Obviously there is much much to tell in the chart in terms of Vesta aspects; I’m taking this (important) opportunity to learn to read her.
Anyone?
Thanks so much.
PS thank you PW – as always – for your enlightening article! xo
With the Leo Moon now in a fire trine to the Galactic Core, it is a good time to say thanks for this blog and its encouragement to at least notice where our passion burns most faithfully, like a candle in the window of our being.
Vesta has been conjunct the U.S. Sibly Moon also, and I feel/think it symbolizes the end of the war that began with another symbol, the Twin Towers aflame. For the U.S. anyway, the combined symbolism of Neptune and Vesta at the end of Aquarius marks the point where citizens can finally release much of the fear that has haunted us since 9/11. Whatever new passage in our evolution that awaits us will begin with a cleansing release when Vesta transits Pisces. Will she choose to sail or swim this brief transit?
And how prophetic is it that as the Sun crosses the Galactic Center/Core he will also sextile Saturn in Libra? As Vesta and Neptune combine their healing energies in their cauterizing process, the Sun will ground newly conscious insights (thank you GC) into form with the aid of Saturn. It will take time, as it always does with Saturn, but it is an important detail in the evolving of our species and our planet. Then again, time itself is evolving and what was once an endurance test is becoming an illusion of restriction only.
Thank you Daily Astrology Team for once again sorting the ever-changing symbols and putting them in an order that benefits our thinking and feeling. I really appreciated the quotes from Paul Hewit and Eric on the GC and concur.
be
anxiety- terrify – panic – happy anticipation – acceptance – surrender…
Does only perception and intuition tell you which one to choose ?
All things are of love and fear… I try to choose Love. The more
negative gets attention, the more power it has. I look forward
to the coming changes with eager anticipation. Stagnation kills.
Yes, something has got to give.
I must be getting ready to learn something, because my ego is telling me to be terrified and I don’t know what I am supposed to be terrified about.
This morning I dreamed my house was taken over by an unknown aggressive group of people. All the people in my house rushed to our basement for safety. I got my dog downstairs and found a place where I was comfortable. [I love the metaphors!] The leader, a woman, somehow went too far in her actions; don’t remember what she did but I reacted by marching upstairs to confront her.
I took a pair of scissors to her throat and told her I was not going to be held a hostage by anyone, especially her. After a brief conversation and she was unyielding, I became more aggressive. The scissors went through her neck and out the other side. I was surprised that I did it, being so violent, but I meant business. There was only a little blood, but she was shocked that I actually did it too. Enough was enough.
oops typo… many
I think imany many people are ‘there’ – How wonderful !
..and there was also the lunatic in Florence who killed two Senagalese immigrants… Is this Uranus going direct stuff? (sorry, not v jolly this am).
Thanks again dear PW. I do indeed feel that something has to give. And feel profoundly shaken up by what happened in Belgium. Your advice to surrender hit the spot. Gorgeous photo dear Eric! xxx