Well, if no one has noticed, the year began with a bang. I’m not sure if the beginning is good or bad, or neutral, but it is a beginning.
As I said last month there are some profound aspects that will be affecting us all this coming year. One of them is the Saturn conjunct Pluto aspect. It is so important that I am repeating some of the descriptions because I want everyone to remember that these aspects will be long lasting changes and permanent. I don’t usually emphasize these things more than once, but this one bears repeating.The exact conjunctions were as below, but the longer affects are still operating.
1/7/20-1/14/20 @ 22 degrees Saturn conjunct Pluto in Capricorn [exact]
1/20/20-1/22/20 @ 23 degrees Saturn conjunct Pluto in Capricorn [exact]
Using a 3-degree orb for contact between Saturn and Pluto, Saturn will be influencing us for a good part of the year. While it is exact on the dates above, influence will be felt from:
12/2/19-2/18/20
This means that part of the month of February is still under the direct influence of the Saturn/Pluto conjunction.
Saturn conjunct Pluto represents a complete re-distribution of power. Spiritually it represents a rite of passage for each individual. This re-distribution is representative of a change in how we all turn personal resources into productive and societal good. We’ve veered into ‘abuses of power’ in our world, and Saturn and Pluto are demanding [and will cause] these abuses to be magnified for all to see, and insist on their destruction [creative destruction]. This aspect will cause many to become aware of power, its abuses, and will gain the skill to manage such power not only in the world, but in each of our lives. There will be an increase in skill to use power and resources.
Globally, Saturn conjunct Pluto will equal a re-alignment of power that will have long lasting effects on our world. These changes will take hold and will be permanent for at least a generation [or until the next Saturn conjunct Pluto in 2054. Which let’s face it, most of us won’t live to see.
This aspect alone requires that we all try and do the right thing regardless of how difficult or painful it might be. Both Saturn and Pluto have Karmic implications, and the Mars aspects will bring karmic retribution swiftly to those that ignore these warnings. This is not the year to tempt fate. I don’t mean to be overly dramatic here, but this won’t be an easy year, and can only be modified by doing the best you can for as long as you can. Karma is real. Abuses of personal power, or cultural power will not fare well during 2020. If they are not defeated, then when Pluto transits into Aquarius, we may have more revolution and revolts against abuses of power. Pluto is driven in its energy and will not tolerate power to be misused for long. Metaphorically, Pluto would rather burn the entire world down rather than allow abuses to continue. Remember Pluto is Death and re-birth, and Pluto is not afraid to bring the house down in order to re-build it.
One last word on this aspect, try to consolidate both wins and losses. It is not the year to go out on a limb financially, emotionally, or physically. It is not a year to take any unnecessary chances. Plans that anyone has make, or instigated before 2020 can proceed, but only with caution. New plans must be approached with extensive planning and resolve.
As I’ve said preciously this is a re-alignment of power year. The way we have been doing things, is not the way to proceed in 2020. Take heed, learn our lessons, and take a new approach based on the re-alignment itself.
There is some expansion with Jupiter in Capricorn now, but again it is cautious optimism. We can branch out, increase our presence in our fields, accomplish much, but we must all heed the changes in approach and learn how power has been modified in our lives. Doing what has brought success in the past, may no longer be the best approach. We must all learn from the failures as much as from the successes.
Pay attention.
Do the right thing.
Forge ahead even when it is painful.
2/4 Mercury enters Pisces, 2/17 Mercury goes Retrograde @ 12 degrees Pisces, re-enters Aquarius 3/5/20, 3/10/20 Mercury goes Direct, re-enters Pisces 3/17/20, and is out if its post-retrograde shadow 3/30/20.
I’ll bet you’ve all wondered what it really means when Mercury is Retrograde. Well, we can expect indecision and changes in plans during any Mercury retrograde phase. Retrograde periods for Mercury require much caution and orderly thinking. It is a good time for research, planning, examination of resources, and completion of projects already begun. During this period we might reconsider waylaid projects from the past or go back to old ideas or plans.
Avoid beginning important new projects while Mercury is retrograde. These should be postponed until Mercury goes direct in motion. Projects begun during a Mercury retrograde period often develop differently than expected. About the only way to really avoid disappointments is to expect disruptions. There will be delays in business matters, especially communications or transportation.
People ruled by Mercury (Gemini or Virgo Suns or Ascendants), are more strongly affected than others by the Mercury retrograde period. Don’t expect these people to be able to make their minds up at this time.
While Mercury is retrograde, it is important to give greater attention to accuracy, details, and daily routines. These activities will bring stability to this period.
While many believe the Mercury retrograde phase is a bothersome event, I believe that the Mercury retrograde is an opportunity to communicate with oneself. The energy of any planet retrograde is turned inward, on self. These phases are for self-examination and realization. Mercury retrograde is an opportunity to communicate with ourselves on some very deep levels. The energy is available to all of us to reach a profound understanding of ourselves. We can also use this energy for deeper understanding and comprehension, which can allow us to make subtle alterations in our lives. It goes without saying, that the more we come to understand ourselves, the fuller our lives become. Mercury Retrograde is not a catastrophic event, it is a moment in time to listen to our own inner voice of reason.
Mercury, retrograde in Pisces, is the not at its best while making this transit. Called its ‘fall’, it can bring cloudy thinking. Many are relying on the psychic mind for clarity, instead of the mental one. It can be a time of reflection and spiritual evaluation for almost everyone. Those that relish these times will fair very well. Those that do not like self-analysis will probably retreat into some sort of escapism. This retrograde can bring an increase in irritability, depression, escapism, and the need for seclusion.
2/8 Venus enters Aries, and in doing so, brings us all into heat. Desire runs high, and with that comes increased frustration. Venus is what we desire, and Mars is how we go about getting it. While Venus is in Aries, the “how we get it” will be direct and aggressive. No double talk, just straight to the point, and sometimes the directness can be offensive. The usual finesse of Venus is completely lost while in the sign of Aries. Lovers should give each other a break if the romance has taken a more brazen turn. It’s only temporary.
Saturn and Capricorn:
Before going into the Mars transit through Capricorn, I’d like to say a few words about Capricorn’s ruler Saturn, and some misunderstandings regarding Saturn itself.
It took me a long time to understand and appreciate Saturn in my own life, but once I did, I realized just what a profound influence it has on all of our lives. Oh, I’m not talking about the standard, ‘Saturn is delays, responsibility, harshness, karma, etc’. Those are all true, but to me, Saturn is much more.
I love this explanation by Stephen Arroyo in “”Astrology, Karma, and Transformation” in regards to Dane Rudhyar’s take on Saturn.
According
to Dane Rudhyar, Saturn refers to a person’s
“Fundamental nature,” the purity of one’s true self. It seems that
Saturn has come to have such a negative meaning in the minds of many
astrologers and students of astrology because most people do not live in terms
of their fundamental nature, but rather in terms of fashions, social patterns
and traditions, and ego games. Hence, Saturn is often experienced as a
“stern approach” or as a challenging act of “fate” in order
that we begin to heed the needs of our fundamental nature within. Saturn is
indeed a rough task-master, as many of the old books say, but it is particularly
rough when we have deviated from manifesting our true nature.
……but as Rudhyar points out, it also signifies the deep-rooted ambition to
actualize the potentialities to achieve something definite according to our
inner patterns of potentialities.”
Please remember that the emphasis on Capricorn this year is also a shadow of Saturn. Add this to the actual Saturn aspects, and you can see [hopefully], that this is a year to abandon anything that does not reflect our true ‘self’. If we do not know who that is, these conjunctions in Capricorn will bring that to the surface for us to face.
No more hiding behind a social façade. Capricorn demands, and these planets will demand, a stern look at ourselves. We can do this kicking and screaming through the Capricorn aspects, OR we can turn around and face the truth of who we are, and determine how we get to who we want to be.
2/17 Mars enters Capricorn [its exaltation]: Mars moves into its sign of exaltation, Capricorn. The inherently aggressive and impatient nature of Mars may make the attempt at “slow and steady” a bit challenging, but Mars is exalted in the sign of Capricorn precisely because it slows down the aggressive nature of Mars. In Capricorn the risky decisions are tempered with the caution and sense of responsibility of Capricorn for an excellent result from Mars’ actions.
And, all this would be true in any other year but 2020. Instead Mars will encounter 3 conjunctions as it transits Capricorn [and Aquarius]. Mars will be making conjunctions to Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto.
Using a 3 degree orb the dates to be aware of are as follows:
Mars conjunct Jupiter:
3/20/20 exact conjunction @22 degrees Capricorn
3/13/20-3/26/20 days of influence.
Mars conjunct Jupiter will bring a combination of Mars action and the expansion and spirituality of Jupiter. These two can live together almost peacefully, if one could consider Mars ever at peace that is.
Here in Capricorn though, the two planets somewhat chaff at the bit to break out of the confines of the earthy sign of Capricorn. Capricorn brings discipline and caution to the excitable Mars. Add Jupiter to the mix, and the qualities of Mars become overly excitable, overly aggressive, and overly impatient. The very qualities that Capricorn seeks to instill in Mars, Jupiter refuses to accept.
Expect everything to be going at an accelerated rate, and for people all around you to be impatient and frustrated at not being able to achieve what they want.
This is a count to 10 before you act aspect. Do not jump into the fire. It will burn you.
Mars conjunct Saturn:
3/31-4/1/20 Exact conjunction @ 0 degrees Aquarius
3/27/20-4/6/20 days of influence
Mars conjunct Saturn gives us focused and deliberate actions. These actions are calculated, and generally bring success as long as plans have not been hastily made or executed. While these two planets are not seen [by anyone] as good together, that’s not because they can’t get along, it’s because they are so different that they often are at war with each other.
Saturn is striving to achieve caution, discipline, and stability, while Mars is impatient, often reckless, and undisciplined. In the best of worlds they should combine to achieve the best of both planets. The patience and discipline of Saturn and the courage and vision of Mars. They should combine to achieve this, but they seldom do. That’s not unusual with conjunctions between diametrically opposed energies in planets, but none combine to give us the chaos that can often accompany a Mars Saturn conjunction.
All that said, this period of time is a good time to push project to completion using the energy of Mars, but you can expect delays as well. It’s just the way it is. Remember, this too shall pass. Just try and control your impatience and frustration during these times.
Mars conjunct Pluto:
3/23/20 exact conjunction @ 24 degrees Capricorn
3/18/20-3/27/20 days of influence
This aspect should give each of us tremendous amounts of energy, drive, purpose, and willpower. It’s nothing to be trifled with, and should be used for good. I say that because the impulse is often to use it in a negative manner. Hate to say it, but these two planets together in a conjunction can get up to no good, and fast. Together they are intense and take no prisoners. Don’t get in the way of anyone that is feeling the drive and passion of this conjunction.
We can hope for the calming influence of Capricorn to temper these two bad boys, but I’m not holding my breath here. Anything could happen, and usually does.
[Note: You will notice that some of these dates overlap, making multiple conjunctions at the same time. In a chart drawn up during this time it would be a Stellium. The days of this overlap are 3/26/20-3/27-20 [Using a 4 degree orb here]
All four will be in each other’s orb for these two days in March. Yes, I know this is a February Newsletter, but well, it’s relevant now. I’ll repeat this in the March Newsletter. There are going to be a lot of items that will be repeated over the months. They bear repeating because they are just that significant.]
2/20 Sun enters Pisces bringing us to the end of the astrological year. It is a time of the year with endings and completion in mind. It is the quiet time before spring begins and should be used as effectively as possible to look at oneself honestly. We should correct what can be corrected, eliminate what can be let go of, and make room for the New Year. It can be one’s un-doing if these steps are not accomplished satisfactorily.
In the sign of Pisces, unstable, flowing water combines with the mutable ability to easily drift through change. This makes Pisces the most fluid sign of the Zodiac. The introverted nature of the negative polarity is predominant here, which makes Pisces the most sensitive and intuitive of all the signs. Piscean people have very strong and deep emotions and are much too impressionable and susceptible to outside influences—-they often need to escape. Ruled by the nebulous planet Neptune, Pisceans can be quite difficult to understand. It helps to remember that they operate on an intuitive level and often need to retreat inward to maintain their equilibrium. They cannot be understood through analysis, logic or pressure. They can give vast amounts of compassion and sacrifice, and one can best understand them with sympathy and mutual caring.
Pisceans are often kind, sympathetic, receptive, intuitive and humble. However they can also be vague, indecisive, secretive, careless, and not very adept at dealing with the physical world.
I know this is a long Newsletter, but as I said at the beginning of the year, this is going to be an intense year. I don’t mean intense in any sort of negative way. It’s not negative or positive in face. It’s just intense. The choices we make under these influences will determine if the results will be positive or negative. So, remember this, and choose well. OK?
