On December 10, a lunar eclipse at 18 Gemini occurs on the same day that Uranus goes direct.  Watch out for rogue Aquarians!

No, seriously, the days leading up to this eclipse are important days for all signs, particularly, Aquarians as well as those born in the early degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra & Capricorn as well as those Pisces, Gemini, Virgo, and Sagittarius folks born between the 8-13 of March,  June, September, and December.  Those whose Ascendants occupy these signs are also affected. The rest of us will also feel the effects more or less depending on the aspects this eclipse makes to our personal horoscopes.

A lunar eclipse by definition occurs when the Moon (representing the emotions) which normally reflects the light of the sun (the ego)  at the time of the Full Moon is blocked by the Earth (the body). Occurring in 19 year cycles, lunar eclipses signify a major culmination of an energetic cycle.  Since the light is blocked, we are called on to trust that terrifying experience of being in the dark, of not knowing what the next step is, and to trust that we will evolve. This as a great opportunity for healing.

Mars in Virgo squares this South Node eclipse of a Gemini Moon, and there’s more than the usual amount of nervous tension.  Virgo and Gemini are the signs ruling the nervous system so if you’re feeling overly sensitive, high strung, and stressed out, you’re not alone.  Details, details, and more details. The forest and the trees seem to be at odds. Your brothers, sisters, cousins, neighbors, and people in your immediate environment know exactly how to push your buttons and might be a source of disappointment or frustration.   Try to stay balanced through so much unpredictability.  Remember Mercury is still retrograde until 12/13 so don’t be in a hurry to sign on the dotted line.

Pay attention to the symbolic meanings of seemingly minor digestive upsets, sore throats, and coughing fits. These manifestations of your physical body reveal the state of your energy in more ways than the obvious. As much as you might feel your body is just a vehicle at this time,  be aware of your needs for rest, physical and emotional nourishment, and downtime.  Medieval astrologers would have advised you to make a point of eating more root vegetables (they develop in the dark) as well as nourishing broths.  Sleep?  Much harder to manage with your nervous system on overload. As much as you want to stay in touch, try turning off all electronics after 9 PM if you want to have a chance at some decent rest

The rest of the month sets the stage for the intensity of 2012 which will be defined by the Uranus/Pluto square.  The Arab Spring and the Occupy Movement are just the beginning of a wild ride.

Blessings to you all!

Buddha, Tibet, 2011                                               ©Sharon Smith                 All rights reserved

http://searchallmp3.com/flash/playlistplayer.swf

December’s Important Dates (EST)
12/10–A Red Letter Day!  Lunar Eclipse at 18 Gemini;  Uranus direct at 0 Aries

12/13 -   Mercury direct at 3 Sagittarius

12/18 -   Venus in Capricorn squares Saturn in Libra

12/20 – Venus enters Aquarius

12/22 – Winter Solstice – Sun enters Capricorn at 12:30 AM

12/24 – New Moon at 3 Capricorn

12/25 – Jupiter direct at 0 Taurus

12/29- Sun conjunct Pluto at 7 Capricorn

Already Crossing.  The Small Fox.

Make an offering and you will succeed. Advantageous Trial.  Harvesting.

Wise Words! Initiating things opens the Way. Completing them brings disorder.

All of us know that a devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan on March 11, 2011 at 2:46 PM.

But you might not be aware  that this event coincided with the very last degree of Uranus in Pisces, the mutable water sign. In this sign, Uranus has a symbolic affinity with earthquakes and tsunamis (it was also active in the chart of the 2004 Indian Ocean disaster). On this day, Uranus completed its 7-year stay in Pisces, waved good-bye and approximately 15 hours after the devastating quake and subsequent tsunami, entered Aries for the next 7 years starting a new 84-year cycle.The destruction and subsequent suffering in Japan is beyond our imagination, and the threat of a pervasive nuclear accident still (as of this writing) a dreadful possibility with implications for our entire planet. Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Japan.

Uranus’ movement from the medium of water, creativity, emotional reality, and spirituality to the medium of fire and idealism is a major shift.  The first degree of the cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn is known as the “World Axis” and 0° Aries in particular is important as the spring equinox and beginning of the entire zodiac.

As you may have read elsewhere on this blog (see  Not Yet Crossing) Uranus is the planet of liberation that is often described as “The Awakener”.  Its job is to liberate us from our conventional ideas and behavior, shake us out of our complacency, and show us another reality. Out of the blue (a true Uranian color!), totally unpredictable in its manifestation, it teaches us through upheaval about freedom and humanitarianism. It rules technology and innovation and works through electrical impulses.

When Uranus arrives at the end of a sign,  there is a sense of urgency, a quickening.  In one seemingly fated moment, everything can change utterly. As we cross this boundary from Pisces into Aries, we move into a new cycle of personal liberation and action.  The consequences of the earthquake and tsunami are a clarion call for us to take the action needed to heal our planet’s fragile ecology.  If nothing else, this disaster reiterates one of the major lessons of Uranus in Pisces — that we’re all part of the ocean of humanity and every wave affects us.

Aries represents raw energy, youthful enthusiasm and taking action to achieve one’s goals. It’s about being a warrior, going off to fight for a righteous cause, and coming back a winner.  Ruled by Mars, Aries is about all things traditionally male  – testosterone, survival, war, metal, knives, iron, self-assertion, winning, physicality, the aggressive side of sexual energy, the color red, and in-your-face idealism among other yang qualities. With Uranus here, all of us (but especially men) will be challenged to find out what it means to be a warrior in the 21st century and evolve the male archetype.  What is worth fighting for and what is the best way to fight for it?

Be aware that you might notice more energy, a restlessness, an uncontrollable impulsiveness, or perhaps a new connection to your sexuality.  If you were born at the beginning of the cardinals (March 21 – 25, June 21-25, September 21-25, December 21-25) or have early cardinal degrees rising or planets in those degrees, this will affect you strongly.

March -  Important Dates (EST) :

3/1 –Venus enters Aquarius

3/4 -   New Moon at 13 Pisces

3/9  -   Mercury enters Aries

3/11 – Red Alert! Uranus enters Aries – 7:52 PM EST

3/19 – Full Moon 28 Virgo – 2:10 PM EST

3/20 – Spring Equinox- Sun enters Aries – 7:21 PM EST

3/21 – Sun conjunct Uranus in Aries

3/26 – Venus conjunct Neptune in Aquarius

3/27 – Venus enters Pisces

3/28 – Jupiter opposes Saturn

3/30 – Mercury retrogrades at 24 Aries

The Metal Bunny hopped into our lives on February 3, 2011. In Chinese astrology, Rabbits are traditionally considered to be artistic, gentle souls who quietly go about their business, avoiding any hint of conflict.  They really don’t want to rock the boat.  Prolific and creatively gifted, they are known for their good taste and diplomatic skills as well as their incredible luck.  Sounds nice, doesn’t it?

Although these characteristics are certainly there, you’re in for a surprise if you’re expecting a smooth ride. Mythologically, rabbits are full of contradictions – symbolizing cleverness and foolishness, femininity and androgyny, cowardice and courage, rampant sexuality and virginal purity. Be forewarned:  This year’s Rabbit is one tough bunny!

The Rabbit shares the Wood element with Tiger and Dragon.  Wood is upward moving chi, connected with the spring season. Rabbit comes smack dab in the middle of it when trees and plants are flourishing. Flowers, grass, and branches of trees, the Rabbit represents youth and movement and brings a very energetic year with young people driving movements for change and reform in politics, the environment, and the social establishment.

As we experienced last year, Metal sits on top of Wood.  But this time, it’s Yin Metal, whereas last year it was Yang. Yin metal is “small” metal but with all the same connotations that metal evokes. It is still shiny and valuable, but more like a delicate bracelet than a gold bar. Still sharp, but more like a small knife or dagger than a sword.  The Yin Metal Rabbit is a “steel magnolia” — beautiful and charming on the surface, but tough as steel at its core.

And whether in a yin or yang phase, Metal’s nature is to control (some would say destroy) Wood. Obviously not an easy relationship! Interestingly, the Rabbit represents the small bones of the neck and back and with a Metal dagger pointing there, watch out.  Expect the Rabbit to maintain the peace externally even though conflict, disharmony, tension, betrayal, shifting loyalty, and the possibility of surprise attacks still remain.

Since Rabbit is considered the symbol of trees and the environment, we can expect that Metal attacking Wood in 2011 would also cause accidents leading to more environmental devastation. Recall last year’s volcanic ash cloud, fires in Moscow, and the BP oil spill.  It’s likely that the environment will suffer again this year. July, September, and October are the months when Metal is strong and Wood is under attack and could suffer setbacks.

Metal represents the Lung energy in Chinese medicine and by extension the air we breathe. The conflict involving Wood and Metal that began last year with the Metal Tiger indicates more health issues related to air quality, asthma, passive cigarette smoke, flu, TB, etc.  Since Wood is under attack, Fire is weak, affecting blood circulation, heart rhythms, and the health of the stomach (Earth element not getting enough chi from Fire….).  Add Co-Q10, anti-oxidants, B vitamins, and fish oils to your diet to help deal with stress and keep your skin and internal organs healthy.  Engage in regular colon cleansing, Chi Nei Tsang (abdominal massage), and practice qigong by healthy trees or clean water.  Whatever you do, make sure you get enough exercise. Real rabbits require a minimum of four hours of exercise a day and they can suffer from osteoporosis if they lay around too much.

We know how prolific Rabbits can be and in Chinese astrology, the bunny is also known as “Peach Blossom” or “Flower of Romance”. Sex is in the air bringing more than the usual number of scandals from the famous and the infamous. This is good for the entertainment industry as well as for fashion and beauty businesses.

Asians consider the Rabbit Year a financially lucky one so expect a basically positive year with frequent ups and downs and bunny hops but ending on a positive note for the year. Precious metals (gold, silver, and platinum), oil, gas and other natural resources will do well.  Anything related to Wood (paper) will not have such a good year –newspapers, lumber, real estate, and currency dealers. Industries related to Fire and Earth elements will also do well as Metal energy is money energy for Fire and Earth energy produces Metal – hotel and mining industries will be quite productive but might not generate profits since Water is lacking..  Businesses relating to water such as shipping, communication, liquids, and spa will conservatively move ahead.

Bunnies need to move around and this year, you will be following their lead.  People will act cautiously and look for predators as they dart back and forth. Remember that one of the positive aspects of Yin Metal is justice and loyalty.   Hopefully, this energy will help our world’s leaders to make wise decisions to minimize disagreements and conflicts and to preserve peace and harmony.

After Tiger’s turmoil, the Rabbit will provide the time to rest and catch your breath, to enjoy art and music, your friends and family, and the finer things in life. This is the best way to handle Bunny Nature.   Create a safe, peaceful lifestyle surrounded by beauty so that you can calmly deal with whatever comes your way.

Here’s to a great journey through the Rabbit Hole!

For predictions by animal year, click here.

If you didn’t already know, Capricorn is the zodiacal sign that rules our knees. As a Tai Chi and Qigong teacher, I’ve heard about plenty of  knee issues as well as had some of my own.

The knee is the largest joint in the human body and very complicated. A hinge joint, it permits flexion and extension as well as slight medial and lateral rotation. Since the knee supports nearly the whole weight of a human being’s body, it is the joint most vulnerable to both acute injury and the development of osteoarthritis.

We all have the tendency to hold lots of toxins in our knees. I heard a well-respected Iyengar Yoga teacher once say that the knees are a “cesspool”.  And in Mantak Chia’s Universal Tao system, hitting the backs of one’s knees with a bamboo, rattan, or stainless steel wire hitter, is a regular practice to stimulate blood flow to this important joint (contact me if you are interested in learning about this).

But I digress.

Many people have accepted the cultural programming that their knees (as well as other joints) will inevitably give out at a certain point.  With Pluto in Capricorn until 2024, I’m sure we will be hearing a lot about modern medicine’s latest developments in knee replacement surgery.   And many of us will probably know people who decide to throw away their old creaking knees for the shiniest, brand new model.

But what can we learn from our knees and their problems?

If you ascribe to a holistic view of health, you know that our knees have to do not just with our physical ability to bend. Whether consciously or unconsciously, there is some meaning that we attribute to their function. In an evolutionary sense, our knees carry the memory and experience of all of the bending and flexing our ancestors did — both our genetic ones as well as the collective.

Even if you don’t do these things now (and especially if  you have no intention to do so), think about how many people through the ages have bent down on their knees – working, asking for someone’s hand in marriage, atoning, and praying or prostrating themselves before a spiritual teacher or statue. Getting down on one’s knees implies submission to something higher.  No wonder we develop issues there! So consider what authority issues you might be having the next time you experience a painful twinge.

Another valid point of view comes from Chinese medicine which is posited on the belief that whatever is happening externally in the body is a reflection of the health of the inner organs.  The knees are related to the kidneys so if our knees are weak or we tend to have pain or motion problems, it can be a sign of weak kidney qi.  And guess what the emotional energy is that is associated with the kidney?  Fear.  Fear makes us weak in the knees.  Seems like I’ve heard that somewhere before.

So what can we do to create the conditions for healthier knees? These are things I’ve found to be helpful for me and others with whom I’ve worked:

• If you are overweight and have knee problems, there’s no way around it. Your knees (as well as your heart and all your other organs) are suffering from carrying a heavy load.  Make a commitment to love your knees and lose weight with a healthy diet of fresh, natural foods. There is a study that showed that even an 11 pound weight loss can make a difference in your pain level and any tendency you may have toward osteoarthritis.
• Don’t give up exercising but pay closer attention to your knee alignment when you do.  Whether you practice yoga, Tai Chi, or work out at the gym, be aware of your structural integrity.  Bring awareness to your knees by working with them.  Find a teacher who knows about alignment if this is foreign to you. Visualize them well-lubricated and happy.
• If your knee condition stems from an injury, see an acupuncturist/herbalist to help boost your kidney function and stimulate the flow of Qi and blood.
• There are many helpful supplements –  Hyaluronic Acid, Shark Cartilage, Red Seaweed Extract, Fish Oils, and Vitamin D. And don’t forget the standbys – Glucosamine Chondroitin and MSM.  Check out my friend and teaching partner, Letha Hadady’s  “Natural Remedies for Bone/Joint/Ligament Health here.
• Here’s a homeopathic regimen for stubborn knee problems that helped me.  Try it for one month and see what happens.  Take 5 pellets of Ruta Grav 30cc twice a day. Also take 4 pellets each of these tissue cell salts three times a day – Calc Fluor, Calc Phos, Silicea.  Take them together but not at the same time as the Ruta Grav.
• Qigong and Tai Chi to circulate your qi in your joints and bones and release negative emotions.

Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
1859

The optimism, hope, and expectation of the New Moon in Sagittarius on December 5 combines with a strong planetary emphasis in Capricorn to make this holiday season even more complex than usual.

The beginning of the month starts out with a bang as Uranus, planet of revolutionary change, goes direct to finish out its time in Pisces on the day of the New Moon.  This is the end of a major cycle (see Not Yet Crossing), and most of us are weary of the old and chomping at the bit to be released from whatever version of suffering we have been experiencing. We are excited about all kinds of possibilities.

We would like to believe (oh, how we want to believe!) that better times are around the corner and we are itching to welcome them in. All of our dreams and hopes are on the line here, and energy is available for us to aim high and reach for the stars.  Take a risk.  Spread your wings.  Direct your energy with laser-like precision to reach your target.  Release the arrow from its quiver and enjoy watching it fly directly to your target.  Don’t be afraid to send a message in a bottle.  You never know who might pick it up.

But what about those nagging fears?  What if it’s all pie in the sky?

Fortunately, during this long transit of Pluto in Capricorn, we have learned that magical thinking is delusional.   Idealism and strong belief needs to be backed up by pragmatic action, and Mercury’s conjunction with Pluto on the same day provides us with the depth we need to ground our vision.

With Mars energizing this same pattern on 12/13,  these planets are screaming loud and clear, “Show me the money!” This is also a critical day for travel so be careful as you move through your day.  Particularly if your ascendant or your sun sign is in the early degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra, or Capricorn.

Mercury goes retrograde on 12/10. Use your time well before then to plant your seeds, back up your hard drive, make sure your car’s in tip-top shape, and check the details and paperwork for your travel plans.  If you find yourself in a jam despite all your efforts, realize that it’s just the universe asking you to slow down.  There’s a good chance that things might not go smoothly since Mercury backs up into Sagittarius on 12/18 and can’t be bothered with all the small details.

All of this is the prelude to the main event on 12/21 — the Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse in the last degree of Sagittarius/Gemini immediately followed by the entrance of the Sun into Capricorn.   A lunar eclipse is by definition, a time when the moon’s light is blocked and some major cycle is over. The Moon represents the feeling sense,  intuition, our emotional disposition, and sense of security and stability.  During an eclipse,  we are called on to trust the state of being in the dark. If your Ascendant or Sun sign is in the last degrees of Pisces, Gemini, Virgo, or Sagittarius, or the early degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra, or Capricorn, reflect on the past 19 years and be willing to let go of whatever no longer works in your understanding of your life path.  Pay close attention to your body’s needs for rest, nourishment, and downtime.  Make a point of eating more root vegetables and nourishing broths and getting as much sleep  as you need.Taoists believe that the solstice and equinox points are energetic gateways to heaven. Times of transition like sunrise, sunset, noon, and midnight, they signify different moments in the transformation of “chi”.  Approximately three days before and 3 days after the winter solstice is the time of maximum Yin energy.  A womb-like experience, it signifies a time of gestation before birth where you have a very strong energetic connection to the forces of nature, particularly the earth force. Don’t be afraid to go to this dark, extreme Yin state. The seed of yang is there. Make like a bear in winter.  Stay quiet and soft, and when you’re ready to be roused, go toward the light, toward love and happiness.

Blessings and Happy Holidays!

December’s Important Dates (EST) :

12/5 –A Red Letter Day!  New Moon in Sagittarius; Mercury conjunct Pluto in Capricorn; Uranus Direct at 26 Pisces

12/7 -   Mars enters Capricorn

12/10 -   Mercury retrograde at 5 Capricorn

12/13 – Another Red Letter Day! Mercury conjunct Pluto again; Mercury conjunct Mars; Mars conjunct Pluto

12/18 – Mercury backs up into Sagittarius

12/21 – Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse at 29 Gemini followed by the Winter Solstice

12/26 – Sun conjunct Pluto in Capricorn

12/30 – Mercury goes direct at 19 Sagittarius

©Photographs by Sharon Smith
All rights reserved

The name of the game right now is Capricorn. Wherever Capricorn is located in the birth chart is the place where it is essential to grow up and face the music.  Because this month during Scorpio time, everything that happens takes place against the backdrop of Pluto’s (Scorpio’s ruler) conjunction with the Moon’s North Node there.  This is an evolutionary direction that EVERYONE is experiencing and with Pluto conjunct this point on November 9, we can’t ignore the pressure to metaphysically grow up and let go of obsessive hunger about satisfying our primal needs for security. This is true for individuals as well as for society.

Right now, infantile behavior is tempting but passé. Wanting to be taken care of, hiding under the covers, sleeping in, being emotionally overwhelmed, or wallowing in regret, self-pity, and nostalgia for the past is not the way out of a dilemma.  Neither is a quart of ice cream or a plate of mashed potatoes or anything else creamy and fattening.  I know it’s tempting but this is not the current direction of the evolutionary process.

Pluto’s strong activation of the Capricorn/Cancer nodal axis focuses on the tools of the elite and powerful.  It brings the force of transformation to the global financial system, the government, and the corporate-controlled media. You can’t expect to be taken care of in this environment where the rich and powerful are busy consolidating their positions in their ruthless, one-sided vision of the New World Order. Nor is it the optimum time to use your television or computer as your personal babysitting device.  There’s too much at risk.

To protect the environment and the food supply, we have to get off the couch and become activists to insure our beautiful planet’s survival. This will be clearer when Jupiter and Uranus move into Aries in early 2011.

On a personal level, it’s more important than ever to cultivate and move from your center.  Get in touch with your skeletal structure. Connect with your core. Let some kind of spiritual practice support you.  Manage your life.  Get practical about your life’s mission and follow your goals with laser-like concentration .

What’s stopping you from taking the first steps to climb your personal mountain? Confronting fear and transforming it can regenerate your energy and contribute to the healing of the planet and its current disorder.  Capricorn understands that obstacles might arise.  Meet them with the virtues of patience, endurance, intention, methodology, management, and strategy that Capricorn is best known for.

Cardinal Signs and Ascendants (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) will be most strongly affected but everyone will experience this to some degree.  Reread the advice given below concerning last year’s Capricorn solar eclipse and see how it applies to you now.  If you know your rising sign, read it also…

Aries – You’re the only one that can get serious about your career, your family, notwithstanding. If not now, when? Taurus – What’s it all about? Do some traveling either literally or in your armchair and get a bigger perspective. Or if you’ve always wanted to get that Masters degree, what’s stopping you? Gemini – It’s about the cosmic glue. Whether it’s sex, drugs, or the proverbial rock and roll, what is it that bonds you with others? And perhaps more important, how can you experience more of it? Cancer – As difficult as others can be, it’s becoming clear to you that you can’t do it alone. You need that irritation that allows an oyster to create a pearl. Others provide a mirror as well as that special ingredient that makes alchemy happen; Leo – Keep a good mental attitude while continuing to roll that rock up the hill at work. Neglecting your health is not an option; Virgo – Your children need to know that you’re the one who’s the parent. And if you have a screenplay or (something else) gathering dust in the closet, pull it out and get to work; Libra – Literally or figuratively, it’s time to build a new home.  Because it’s all about your family and your base of operation, not climbing the career ladder; Scorpio – Your siblings, relatives, neighbors and cousins need to hear from you.  In fact, everyone needs to hear from you these days.  Write, speak, broadcast.  It’s all about communication; Sagittarius – Take a cold, hard look at your bank account. Learn about money by making more of it and spending it on things you value while saving some for a rainy day; Capricorn – You are not the Biggest Loser, but you can be the Biggest Winner if you keep up your discipline. This is the time of your life. Don’t sleep through it; Aquarius –Try to forget about work at least for 15 minutes a day by spending time by yourself for a change without the company of your computer or television. Meditate and contemplate your divine place in this amazing world; Pisces –Take care of your friendships first. You achieve more fulfillment by making a firmer commitment to your dreams and goals by connecting with others around a common purpose.

November’s Important Dates (EST) :

11/6 – New Moon in Scorpio

11/7 -   Neptune Direct 25 Aquarius; Venus backs up into Libra

11/9 -   Pluto conjunct Moon’s North Node in Capricorn (3°) kicked off by the Moon herself!

11/15 – Jupiter trine Sun (23)

11/ 18 – Neptune square Sun (25); Jupiter Direct in Pisces; Venus Direct at 27 Libra

11/19 -  Uranus trine Sun (26)

11/20 -  Mercury/Mars conjunction 16 Sagittarius

.

Make an offering and you will succeed.

The Small Fox on the muddy bank.

If she soaks her tail,   There is no advantageous direction.

For the next few weeks, Uranus and Jupiter will move through the last degrees of Pisces before hitting 0° Aries on May 28 and June 7, respectively.  Dancing first to the beat of a slow dirge,  after June 7,  the music becomes way more exuberant. Will it be an avant garde modern dance? An acrobatic Brazilian capoiera? A sexy samba?.  It’s hard to predict exactly what.  Just know that the music will have an intense beat and the dance will be hot, fast,  crazy, and ultimately liberating.  This crossing into Aries will catapult us into a new reality. But we’re not there yet.

Uranus has been hanging out in Pisces for the past 7 years, it’s usual time in any sign.  It’s a planet of dynamic change, liberation, brilliance, the avant garde, and the flash of lightning that changes consciousness and everything else in one fateful moment. As a mountain man in Virginia once told me as he was discussing a favorite pig he had raised, “Lightning struck him.  Never did do right after that”.

An unpredictable and exciting planet, it’s all about doing your thing and having the experience of being accepted for your unique individuality. The downside is that it can also be incredibly exhausting. When we’re under the influence of Uranus,  we’re plugged into a wall socket with the voltage meter at the highest setting.  Sleep is difficult and we’re edgy as we attempt to channel so much electrical energy without blowing out our fuses. The kind of excitement is sort of fun, but it’s not really comfortable. Aquarians are familiar with this as are others who have Uranus prominent.

Pisces is THE END, the 12th sign. Old souls, Pisces types have been around the block (or galaxy as it were).  Most of the “normal” things that excite other people don’t do a thing for these folks.  For those born in the sign of  Pisces and those who have planets prominent in the sign , the material world is nothing by “maya” – illusion in the biggest sense. This is not the way most of us look at reality.   Ruled by Neptune, Pisces is all about dissolution and transcendence, the feeling of being part of the ocean — not just one particular wave but the feeling of the whole shebang. Not just the Pacific or the Atlantic, but all the water on the planet. Not just this planet but all the planets, and on out into the universe. They’re process-oriented. Interested in riding the wave, flowing or drifting down the river, sailing on the sea.  They’re always looking for that indescribable, ineffable,  transient something, something like……They can’t tell you exactly what.

On the best days, these yearnings are most easily satisfied by artistic, healing, and spiritual experiences. But if those aren’t available or possible, a stiff drink, a mind-dulling video game, some bad TV,  or any other drug of choice will do. Anything to leave this mundane world behind and get a glimpse of a rosier, more beautiful universe.  Escapism, denial, blind belief, addiction.  They’re all part of the trip. As are fear and worry.  The other side of the coin is faith and the courage to act on one’s spiritual understanding.

So right now, there’s a meeting going on. A negotiation of sorts.  Uranus in Pisces at the end of “The End”,  lobbying for liberation; Saturn, the Building Inspector, in Virgo trying to bring some discipline and a work ethic into what appears to be a complete disintegration into chaos; and then there’s our friend, Jupiter,  the Great Benefic.  Whatever the big planet touches, expands.  It’s easy to find yourself alternating between work and escape. Discipline and disorganization.  Trying to live a healthy lifestyle and being pulled into your bad habits.  Trying to get control of a million small details and throwing up your hands to surrender to whatever power is orchestrating your life’s journey.

So, what is the bigger meaning here?

In the past 5 months, these aspects have coincided with 3 earthquakes, the biggest oil spill in history, a volcanic eruption that disrupted travel and commerce all over the planet, tornadoes, and floods among other events of the natural world that have brought our attention to the obvious conclusion  –  we are all floating together on our precious blue planet in the ocean of space.  All passengers on the same bus.

If you were born on the last day of the mutable signs or the beginning of the cardinals (March 20 – 25, June 20-25, September 20-25, December 20-25) or have a late mutable degrees or early cardinal degrees rising or planets in those degrees, take a look.

Or take a look anyway….

“It is better to have lived one day as a tiger than a thousand years as a sheep.” — Tibetan proverb

A revolution is upon us as the Metal Tiger Year roars into our lives in February 2010 (technically, the new year arrived on February 4 with the celebration occurring on the New Moon on the 14^th). A ferocious, courageous creature, Tiger’s vigor is symbolic of his power and authority. He is also considered a traveling star in Chinese astrology, roaming through the forest looking for prey.  Handsome and flashy, the Tiger brings drama to a world weary of the work ethic of the previous Year of the Earth Ox.  In a Tiger Year, anything can happen (and probably will!) so fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a wild ride through turbulent weather.

In 2010, Yang Metal sits on top of Wood — Tiger’s main element in Chinese astrology. Metal controls (some say destroys) Wood. Not a peaceful combination — Metal and Wood are waging an internal battle. The Metal element contains the normally instinctive, passionate Tiger.  Constricted by this armor around his powerful body, Tiger is prone to becoming nervous and jumpy.

Be aware of your own tendencies in this regard and find ways to channel your physical energy so you don’t sabotage your health. Qigong, Tai Chi, Meditation, and Yoga are essential tools now and massage and other forms of bodywork can help relieve muscular tension and internal stress in this Metal Tiger year.

Metal represents the Lung energy in Chinese medicine and by extension the air we breathe.  Actually, Tiger also contains Fire and Earth.  This year, its natural Wood energy is not strong because of the threat from Metal and the possibility of exhaustion from Earth and Fire. The conflict involving Wood, Fire and Metal brings more attention to air quality and conditions like asthma and lung cancer, Forest fires, volcanic eruptions, and inflammation of the skin, lungs, and intestines might personally affect you depending on your own elemental nature. Co-Q10, anti-oxidants, and fish oils can be helpful.  Do regular colon cleansing, Chi Nei Tsang (abdominal massage), and breathing exercises by healthy trees or clean water.

Since Tiger holds the seed of Fire, you will be tired of considering only what’s practical.  Staying home is not an option.  Traveling will become more appealing, and you will want to spend money and speculate.  Be careful with your resources.

The stock market will go up and down regularly with big sell-offs when the market goes up, bringing the market down again.  Earth, Fire, Metal, and Water industries will improve, particularly Fire and Earth — finance, entertainment, energy, mining, and travel. Since Metal attacks Wood, we can see the effect on trees and the environment in addition to industries that relate to them. Forestry, furniture, fashion, paper, media, and traditional publishing among others are under attack.

Yang Metal represents the sword of justice so be prepared for dramatic changes and surprising events on the international stage. Leadership, loyalty to friends, and a sense of fairness spur Yang Metal people to support their friends when they are down. Hopefully, leaders will be more willing to be heroes and act charitably and out of a sense of cooperation to solve the problems we are facing as a planet.

At the same time, there is a danger of global conflict with countries taking sides and making military alliances. 1950 was the last time the Metal Tiger was on the prowl. Russia and the U.S. competed to make atomic bombs and the Korean War broke out. The tendency towards loyalty and sense of justice led big powers to come to the aid of friends and blew up small conflicts into big problems. These bitter lessons from the past are associated with the destructive side of Yang Metal.

People will feel like they’ve had enough of discipline and hard work.  This will spur people to take action, sometimes impulsively but always from a place of courage.  Find what’s in your heart and don’t be afraid to act on it using your instincts for the perfect timing.  Embrace your fear and go ahead, ready to reap the consequences whether good or bad.

If fear gets the upper hand, stay cautious and wait for the right moment to pounce. Remember that if the Tiger’s  body, mind and spirit are well-fed, he wants only to play and nap. After all, he’s just a big playful cat.

“Treading upon the tail of the tiger.
It does not bite the man. Success.”

Line 4 -  Hexagram #10 of the I Ching

http://gallery.me.com/taosharon/100067

For predictions by animal year, click here.

]]> http://taosharon.wordpress.com/2010/02/08/predictions-for-2010-the-year-of-the-metal-tiger/feed/ 2 taosharon Tiger#2 http://taosharon.wordpress.com/2010/01/13/astrological-weather-for-january-2010/ http://taosharon.wordpress.com/2010/01/13/astrological-weather-for-january-2010/#comments Wed, 13 Jan 2010 23:31:56 +0000 taosharon http://taosharon.wordpress.com/?p=315 ]]> January’s (and perhaps the entire year’s) energetic weather is dominated by planetary events occurring over three days.  On January 13, Saturn turns retrograde at 4° Libra, followed by a New Moon solar eclipse on January 15 at 25° Capricorn.  Fortunately, Venus conjuncts the eclipse point providing some comfort for those of us who are uncomfortable with hard edges. Then several hours after the eclipse, Mercury stations direct at 5° Capricorn.

Saturn rules all the planets in Capricorn and is exalted in Libra (see November 2009 – The Astrological Weather for more on this) so clearly, he’s the guy in charge these days. He’s the adult with a capital “A” — a combination of the Cosmic Architect, Auditor, Cop, Organizer, Disciplinarian, Timekeeper, and Parent.  Saturn is what makes us work for our rewards and then bestows them upon us when the time (in the karmic sense) is right. When we are in harmony with Saturn, work and success are synonymous.

The New Moon Eclipse signifies a time of new beginnings (see ECLIPSE MANIA! SOLAR ECLIPSE at 29 Cancer).  So wherever you have Capricorn in your horoscope is the arena where you will start a new cycle of incredibly hard work to manifest something,  where responsibility is the name of the game, and you will struggle to fulfill your commitments.  And if you have no goals, you will wake up to the fact that building something can be satisfying, even if it’s a little castle in the air and it takes a long time.

Which it will.  Whatever you start now will take time and effort to accomplish.  That is the nature of Saturn. Since the eclipse is happening at the time of its retrograde station, this function is moving away from externals.  You might think it’s not worth it, but you will find yourself doing it anyway and actually experiencing fulfillment there.  It is actually an act of faith that there is a future.

Shirking your responsibilities and/or acting childishly will not get you anywhere.  Mercury’s direct station will help you get moving again, but that slogging-through-the-mud feeling might be something you have to accept for the time being.

As mentioned above, Venus conjuncts the eclipse point which can provide some sweetness when we feel that all work and no play is making us dull.  If you’re stressed, counteract the tough, cold reality of Saturn with some Venusian comforts – get a massage, inpsire yourself with beautiful art, go to a concert, or splurge on a nice dinner with some friends.

Particularly affecting all the cardinal signs born 12 -19 of April, July, October, or January and those of us with planets in the last 7 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn.  All of  us are affected to varying degrees. Look at your sun sign and ascendant if you know it.

Aries – You’re the only one that can get serious about your career, your partner, notwithstanding. If not now, when? Taurus – What’s it all about? Do some traveling either literally or in your armchair and get a bigger perspective. Or if you’ve always wanted to get that Masters degree, what’s stopping you? Gemini – It’s about the cosmic glue. Whether it’s sex, drugs, or the proverbial rock and roll, what is it that bonds you with others? And perhaps more important, how can you experience more of it? Cancer – As difficult as others can be, it’s becoming clear to you that you can’t do it alone. You need that irritation that allows an oyster to create a pearl. Others provide a mirror as well as that special ingredient that makes alchemy happen; Leo – Keep a good mental attitude while continuing to roll that rock up the hill at work. Neglecting your health is not an option; Virgo – Your children need to know that you’re the one who’s the parent. And if you have a screenplay or (something else) gathering dust in the closet, pull it out and get to work; Libra – Literally or figuratively, it’s time to build a new home.  Because it’s all about your family and your base of operation; Scorpio – Your siblings, relatives, neighbors and cousins need to hear from you.  In fact, everyone needs to hear from you these days.  Write, speak, broadcast.  It’s all about communication; Sagittarius – Take a cold, hard look at your bank account. Learn about money by making more of it and spending it on things you value while saving some for a rainy day; Capricorn – You are not the Biggest Loser, but you can be the Biggest Winner if you keep up your discipline. This is the time of your life. Don’t sleep through it; Aquarius –Spend time by yourself for a change without the company of your computer or television. Meditate and contemplate your divine place in this amazing world; Pisces –Take care of your friendships first. You achieve more fulfillment by making a firmer commitment to your dreams and goals by connecting with others around a common purpose.

Changing winds bring energetic reversals as three planets stop and shift direction – Mars goes retrograde in Leo on 12/20, Uranus went direct in Pisces in early December (strongly affecting Aquarians; those born in late Pisces, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Gemini; as well as anyone with strong Uranus), and that old trickster, Mercury retrogrades in Capricorn on the North Node of the Moon on the 27^th.

The Mars retrograde period means the warrior planet is in Leo from October 17, 2009 to June 7, 2010 — almost 8 months!  Seven of those months either in retrograde or in the shadow of the retrograde. Mars, a normally externally oriented planet, goes internal. The glorious lion with the beautiful roar has a bad case of bronchitis until mid-March and doesn’t experience a full recovery until early June.

Such a difficult task for Mars in Leo who desperately wants to be the one who comes in to save the day! You’ll find that pushing ahead creates opposition and frustration but on the other hand, internalizing your aggression might be worse — harming your health or sabotaging your relationships or work life. It’s a tough place to be in. If you have planets in Leo, be aware of these tendencies and find ways to channel the aggressive energy. Being sneaky or indirect will not do the trick! Martial arts, boxing, and vigorous exercise can all help channel your energy. And if you are considering any kind of surgery, see if you can postpone it until after Mars turns direct (at least after March 12, 2010) or better yet, the end of the retrograde shadow (June 7, 2010).  Watch the world stage to see how this plays out in Afghanistan and other hot spots.

While Jupiter rules the first part of the month, bringing festivities, celebrations, and a devil-may-care attitude, first fast-moving Mercury, then the Sun and Venus activate Pluto in Capricorn and Saturn in Libra, bringing our attention to the inevitable – the reality principle.  Which is what these days?   There’s not much we can count on right now.  The ground is shifting beneath our feet as we all struggle to find our way in what seems to be a new, but indefinable paradigm.

The period between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve brings this home, with the culmination at a partial lunar eclipse on New Year’s Eve. It’s a chilly time. Economic conditions and pressures in personal relationships will be felt more intensely by all, but especially those born from the 20^th to the end of December, March, June, and September and those with planets in early cardinal signs — particularly those with Saturn in Libra, Capricorn, Aries, or Cancer as well as the generation born with Pluto in early Libra (late 1971 – 1974).  See the November weather below for more details on this.

In a recent consultation with the I Ching about my personal financial life, I found the reading I received relevant to the current planetary situation.  Hexagram #47, known as Oppression or Exhaustion (Lake over Water) changing to Hexagram #1 (Heaven over Heaven) – The Creative or Initiating.  A very fortunate reading actually, but not at first glance.   The picture is of difficulty and hardship, a situation where one is tired and exhausted. It is difficult to move forward or to go back. All the yin lines describe the gloom of exhaustion and its antidote – the gaining of enlightenment.  The only choice is to return home to one’s true nature by sincere self-examination.  All the lake’s water has drained leaving it bone dry.

Fortunately, all these yin lines change to yang and if one truly is sincere in self-inquiry,  the bankrupt situation by necessity, transforms itself into the creativity necessary to handle current conditions. Heaven is over Heaven.  Often translated as “The Creative”, the first hexagram of the I Ching expresses  perfect yang energy — pure, healthy, firm. The Chinese ideogram is of the rising sun radiating and nourishing chi to the entire world. An expression of health and vitality. Whew! What a relief….

On the 16^th, the challenging square of Uranus to the New Moon in Sagittarius is fortunately mitigated by a benefic relationship to the triple conjunction of Jupiter (optimistic expansion), Chiron (healing), and Neptune (spirituality) in Aquarius (friends and community) that’s been blessing us off and on since last May.  This is the hope, healing, and sense of belonging that we all crave at this season when the movement of the sun descends to its nadir in the northern hemisphere and peaks in the southern half of the globe.

Taoists believe that the days before, during, and after every solstice and equinox are portals through which one can walk through the gates of heaven.  They are like the earth’s sunrise, noon, sunset, and midnight — important moments in the movement of chi through its perpetual dance of yin and yang.  Take some time to meditate and contemplate your place in this amazing universe, feeling gratitude for all there is.

Wishing you, your loved ones, and your community,  all the best in this holiday season.