By 9:03 am EDT (13:03 UT) on Sunday, Venus will have advanced through Virgo to the point where it will be sixty degrees away from Saturn in Scorpio. That will be an aspect called a closing sextile. The result of that aspect will largely depend on the extent to which your participation is reciprocation.
Venus sextile Saturn will not happen in a vacuum. It will take place just hours before Mars advances through Sagittarius to precisely square Neptune in Pisces.
For all intents and purposes, astrological events that are only hours apart can be considered concurrent. Hence Mars-square-Neptune will be functionally simultaneous with Venus-sextile-Saturn.
Eric has emphasized Mars heavily this week here on Planet Waves, and justifiably so. Look at your own life and how desire, wanting, assertion and other issues associated with Mars have come to the fore since Mars entered Sagittarius last Saturday.
Additionally, the impending Martian square to Neptune has received a lot advance attention for good reason. Mars aspects tend to express significantly for days and days before they are exact. Also, Neptune is known for the width of what astrologers call its ‘orb of influence’.
Venus sextile Saturn, however, is no slouch. Venus is, in the words of Robert Hand, “a Yin planet.” As such, Venus is by definition a reciprocal complement to the “Yang” that Mars (among other things) represents.
Also by definition, the relationship between Yin and Yang is not static, it is dynamic — a matter of constant and cyclical reciprocation that (to coin a common phrase) “makes the world go `round.” Hence, there is a sense of reciprocation going on in the separate but simultaneous aspects Venus and Mars are even now moving towards.
Saturn and Neptune have a similar reciprocal relationship, albeit less familiar than the Yin-Yang dynamism between Venus and Mars. That’s because humanity was not consciously aware of Neptune until the 19th Century. That’s where you come in as a participant in the astrology developing toward its culmination this coming Sunday.
You are aware of Neptune, and more consciously so than those who have lived before you. You almost certainly learned about it in school. In all probability you have seen at least one photograph of Neptune relayed back to Earth by the Voyager 2 spacecraft in 1989. You were at least present in 2006 when astronomers (not astrologers) made a not-entirely-scientific decision to “demote” Pluto and restore Neptune to the position of outermost planet in the solar system.
You, more than any who have lived before you, know the truth of Robert Hand’s statement that “Neptune dissolves what Saturn builds”; not as the end of a process, but as part of a reciprocal dynamic with Saturn — which (in its own way) assures that the world continues to go `round.
Now, as Venus approaches its last major aspect to Saturn before they conjoin again this coming Nov. 13, you are unavoidably part of the dynamic. You know that in order for anything on this constantly changing Earth to be sustained it must be periodically dissolved, so that it can be re-built. You know you must take part, especially by reciprocally supporting things you are passionate about (Mars), and things you are receptive to (Venus).
The dynamic cannot proceed without you. You, who have greater awareness than those who have gone before. It is not enough simply to feel desire for Mars to work with Venus, you must show your desire tangibly. It is not enough to be receptive to energy for Venus to work with Mars, you must reward energy with real-world substance.
By the same token, you must lead the way in recognizing how what was built (Saturn) in the past cannot be sustained by resisting change. Neither is it enough simply to stand aside and watch when things dissolve (Neptune). You must do your part to keep the cycle going and contribute to a better and more sustainable re-building after necessary, appropriate and (hopefully) intentional dissolution takes place.
The world does not go `round by itself. It never has. Now humanity is entering a new era when we are (like it or not, know it or not) becoming part of what has kept the world going `round.
One way or another you know the truth, and you know that participation has now become reciprocation. It remains only for you to decide how and where your participation will be expressed. Please choose wisely so as to sustain your own desires and values through the world’s next turn. If you can do that — just that — you will have done your part, which is all anybody can ask.
Sunday will be a whole new day. See you there.
Offered In Service
Len is available for astrology readings. You can contact him at lenwallick [at] gmail [dot] com.
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You were so on the mark Len, the “reciprocation/participation” angle took form with the “largest-ever” climate change march today. Starting today at 11:30 AM in NYC, while the Moon was reaching the end of Leo and about to enter Virgo (exact at 11:54 AM) she opposed Nessus at 28+ Aquarius retrograde, only 1 degree away from his re-conjunction to the U.S. Sibly Moon. Your words. . . . “You know you must take part, especially by reciprocally supporting things you are passionate about (Mars), and things you are receptive to (Venus)” describe this group’s action perfectly. Without taking up too much space, the role of Saturn in Scorpio (soon to re-oppose transiting Sedna in Taurus) and Neptune (so tied to the oil industry and other noxious activities) in their negative forms as well as positive, were also addressed in a personal way by Mars and Venus today.
I also see this demonstration as an example of what the recent Jupiter-Mercury conjunction symbolizes. That took place on August 2nd at 3+ Leo (demonstration anyone?) and was square Mars at 4+ Scorpio. For month transiting Mars, while in Libra travelled along with Ceres and Vesta and the north node. Surely this climate change demonstration was an outcrop of their union. In the chart for the Mercury-Jupiter conjunction, Mars is still only 3 degrees from Vesta at 1+ Scorpio, who is still conjunct Ceres at 28+ Libra who is conjunct the Moon at 26+ Libra (and trine Juno at 26+ Gemini) and followed by the North Node at 21+ Libra. Each of those symbols has a stake in the future of our planet’s well-being.
Vesta (on August 2) was trine Nessus who at the time was at 0+ Pisces, opposite where today’s Moon for the rest of today’s march was, 0 and 1 degrees of Virgo. The Mercury-Jupiter chart for the start of their new cycle featured Saturn in Scorpio trine Chiron in Pisces trine Venus in Cancer, as well as Saturn quincunx Uranus in Aries who squared Venus in Cancer.
Connecting the dots of all these aspects will manifest in numerous ways throughout the period this chart is effective (until the next Jupiter-Mercury conjunction) but none bring it to life any better than will the dramatic protests against the destruction of the eco-sytem that this march is only the beginning of. Thanks again Len for leading us to a greater comprehension of the stars.
be
Melissa: Thank you for sharing something of your astrology and experience. You may want to read Ray Grasse’s article on stelliums in the October/November issue of The Mountain Astrologer (even though he’s looking through the context of mundane astrology) for some useful perspective about the “story” that transits to stelliums often tell. You have my empathy (from recent experience of my own) regarding having to move from a toxic residential environment. You may want to look at what’s transiting your fourth natal and progressed houses for some idea of how and when relief will be yours. Finally as regards to the “to me”/”by me” dichotomy – in the real world it’s usually a combination (or continuum) of both, but since “by me” is the only thing you can control, make that your focus.
Chief Niwots Son: You are most welcome.
Adivarocks: My thanks to you in turn for your kind acknowledgement.
be: Thank you for bringing up that Jupiter-Uranus-GA fire trine. Here we are with an equinox, a New Moon, Mercury retrograde and eclipses coming up – yet, that fire trine is indeed a big deal which should not be forgotten. Your encapsulation is right on the money, as usual. My only additional comment would be to place additional emphasis on the “levels of perception” you refer to. Jupiter is familiar, even to the point of taking it for granted. The best way not to take Jupiter for granted is to embody consciously Jupiter by being generous, magnanimous, and open doors (literally and metaphorically) for others. Then, when Jupiter retrogrades back, what good you do will probably come back to you. Uranus is still relatively new and unfamiliar, still finding its place in astrology (even the reasonable and rational Robert Hand recently refereed to Uranus as a “crazy planet.”). And then, the Great Attractor is the equal of nearly any other mystery you can name. Put those three together in a fire trine, and the proverbial “flow” that trine aspects are associated with is a real adventure. Chiron (as you mentioned) is, appropriate to its glyph, the key to this adventurous trine in that Chiron’s long square to the great attractor helps us to get “in the body” what the mind cannot grasp. Hence, emulate Jupiter, pay attention (and give credence to) what you are perceiving through your physical body, and allow yourself (like the song says) to “get a little crazy” by say, experimental dancing (not the “ballroom” variety) every once in a while.
AuntieRacquel makes a good point Len; what you write can be very empowering, and there does seem to be more clarity, or understanding about the meaning of events that drive our actions. Personally, I’ve experienced whiplash from the alternating pattern of two steps forward and one back and then turn to the left and circle ’round, a pattern which has guided my movement through these recent times. Your words from this offering about having “greater awareness” than those “who came before us” have triggered a notion about just what the Great Attractor might be providing us as he joins forces with Uranus and Jupiter.
All 3 symbols, at different levels of perception, denote a growth of understanding and they do it from the inspirational fire signs. Fire, like the 3 other modes of earth, water and air, can wreck havoc as well as support life on this planet. To temper this, we have Chiron to square the GA as the grand fire trine explodes us into new territory. These days, as Venus sextiles Saturn and Mars squares Neptune, are asking us to open ourselves to the dynamics of a process meant to increase our understanding and to not shrink in fear, as that too is a Saturn characteristic.
These days will also repeat – perhaps a reciprocal gesture – at the end of February and through early March, 2015. Instead of Uranus retrograde as he is right now, he will be traveling direct while Jupiter, direct now, will be retrograde. As Chiron leaves his square to the Great Attractor the Sun will briefly replace him, and Pluto joins the pattern in a square to Uranus. Briefly Venus, followed by Mars will conjunct Uranus after they make their conjunction with each other at the Aries Point (and trine Saturn!) to start a new cycle of personal comprehension. Baby steps.
be
You ROCK Len! You always manage to provide us with the wisdom and lessons that the current astrology provides so succinctly and eloquently…while presenting challenges as opportunities for growth! Thanks again.
Thanks Len- I appreciate that you continue your tradition of bringing us clear-sighted interpretations of Big Sky events, with calls for measured and precise action.
Len, your insight to Neptune and Saturn’s dance is the story of my life. I have a Stellium with my Sun, Mercury, Saturn and Neptune conjunct. I have felt like my life is a Tibetan sand painting that I create and destroy. But I always thought it was happening to me, not by me. Not sure. Now, I see my next dissolution after a remodel project to live in. With Pluto square my natal Sun now I’m surrounded by poisons in the environment so I have to move, again. I’m hoping to wait out the winter in some peace. At least I can close my windows.
Blessings, Melissa
AuntieRacquel: Thank you for being so kind in your appraisal of my service. To know that my words work for you is the greatest gratification imaginable.
aword: Wow, finding synchronicity between your given name and the ambient astrology is indeed an auspicious development – may it lead to great places distinguished by the healthy energy you seek.
Thank you, AuntieRacquel
xo back atcha.
It’s fascinating, Len. This morning prior to posting response to your wonderful article, I had an epiphany regarding my legal name (to which I had attached negative traits). I am laughing out loud right now as I see that Venus (and DML) and Juno each represent a portion of my self-name dilemma (I won’t post details) so it’s synchronous re: the epiphany and the planetary placements (the yod).
I daresay that this name business of mine, with the appropriate (Venusean) goddess representation in the yod, and Mercury the spokesperson at the helm will give (me, represented by) Venus and Saturn the edge they (I) need to garner some healthy energy visavis their upcoming square.
what i totally like about your writing Len is that it so often empowers us by encouraging us to take responsibility and manages the dichotomous balance between we are all One with the daily human being-ness responsibility of our thoughts, actions, words. A Dynamic reflection & pep talk interwoven with the astrology. (I always note when I resist reading your missives I am avoiding responsibility!)
I really like the clarity that is coming through in your writing now – very bright.
Dear commenters – I always read all your comments & am always grateful to you for their sharing and somewhat in awe of the deep knowledge of astrology in the community.
all Love always
aword: Yup. That’s your unique natal astrology in a nutshell. A reciprocal exchange between you and the Cosmos. That’s what makes your participation so valuable for all of us here at Planet Waves. Please allow me to reciprocate with my heartfelt thanks. Please keep relating with us through the challenge-to-relate that transiting Venus square natal Saturn represents.
Aqueryass: It is gratifying to know that our service here at Planet Waves serves your own healing. May it also be so for your friend who is enduring chemotherapy. Please let your friend know that the Planet Waves community offers our compassion to support the struggle.
be: It is for all of us to thank you for your divinely-inspired contributions here that function to keep us in contact with the biggest of big pictures – that which the Cosmos provides through astrology. It is (as always) you who are the truest and most deeply appreciated of blessings.
Lizzy: Thank you for noting the synchronicity of today’s subject matter with the Ericle. Most of all, thank you for your supportive words.
Oh, this is so good Len! To know what the Masters have in mind (The Big Picture) helps to get us through the grunt work necessary to achieve it. Grunt work for the sake of grunt work doesn’t inspire. The Jupiter trine Uranus aspect on the 25th is fairly throbbing our thoughts and actions with an energy that could explode if it weren’t for this Venus sextile Saturn. I love your observations about Neptune, change and the interaction between Neptune and Saturn. It helps enormously since we humans have such need for security which Saturn provides. . . often through an entire lifetime.
How important it is then for Venus to “reassure” Saturn’s forms now, even as Mars battles the illusions symbolized by Neptune. How considerate the gods and goddesses are to focus our hearts on those enduring things meant to last; caring for others (Venus in Virgo) and depth of feeling for integrity (Saturn in Scorpio). How thoughtful of you to see the positive in change and share with us how this process has meaning. Bless you.
be
Wow! Thanks so much for this, Len! Ties in so beautifully with today’s Oracle. “It remains only for you to decide how and where your participation will be expressed. ” Yes – that’s where I’m at right now.
Good luck and wishes for your friend, Aqueryass.
Thank you for your words today, I will share them with a friend who is struggling thru chemotherapy treatments. For me it’s a healing balm to understand the planetary process that influences us all.
Is it me that is in sync with the planets or the planets that are in sync with me? lol–all One.
Mars has already picked up n. Neptunian vibes in his passing through Scorpio; his square to t.Neptune on my n.Sun will further the influence, no doubt.
On Sunday when transiting Venus is sextiles t.Saturn, she will be nearing a square to my own Saturn placement and busy with a yod w n.Merc (AQ) plus transiting Juno in Cancer. An asteroid that bears my name seems to be the midpoint between Venus and Juno for this yod although DML could be more exact.
And so we go ’round the wheel! Thank you again for your wisdom and insights Len, without which I would not notice half of what is taking place within my own astro life.