midpoints 101

The midpoint between two planets can be an intense spot; especially when another planet (or planets) or other sensitive point, like an angle, is located there. This is relevant in both personal and mundane "world event" astrology. A point like this, with two or more planets situated around it, tells us a story. And in every midpoint story, like all things in a chart, there is the potential for a higher or lower expression. If the planets involved are known to be notoriously more challenging, for example a combination involving Saturn and Pluto, then it is up to us to direct that energy into an expression that we are satisfied with. Just as there really are no good or bad planets, there are not simply good or bad midpoints. Again, we could take as an example a midpoint that at first glance is typically considered to be quite pleasant say between Sun and Jupiter or Sun and Venus, symbolizing joy and enthusiasm, harmony and cooperation, and understand that it could devolve into arrogance, over-indulgence or superficiality quite easily without our attention or care. 

Let's look at a combination in the sky right now: 

(NOTE:  the dial above moves the signs with the pointer - this means the planets are not in the signs as you see them, but are actually posited in signs around the Aries Point - the Sun is at 0 Taurus, Neptune 0 Pisces, and most other planets fall in Pisces and Aries.)

See the arrow pointed to the Aries Point (the "world's stage"), there you also find Venus and Uranus. Wrapped around Venus|Uranus, at equal openings, are the Sun on one side and Neptune on the other. What we see here is a symmetrical arrangement of Venus and Uranus at the midpoint of the Sun and Neptune, or Sun|Neptune = Venus|Uranus = Aries. 

This combination will be in effect through the weekend and will continue to be very strong through Tuesday, April 26, 2011.

Keywords we could use to describe Sun|Neptune are: 

Vitality or expression (Sun) is affected or altered by psychic or imaginative influences (Neptune). Heightened sensitivity, receptiveness and impressionability; or potential weakness due to Neptune's dissolving quality. People's motivations become more idealistic or there could be an unrealistic, nebulous quality to them. Visions, mysticism and dreams influence individual or collective perception; or escaping reality through daydreams becomes more rampant. It is time to cultivate a more soulful inner life -- or else be prone to greater self-deception and disappointment. 

Keywords for Venus|Uranus include: 

Eccentricity or breakthroughs (Uranus) made in artistic expression or relationships (Venus). An interesting rhythm. Nervousness around, or quick decisions made with regard to, others. The love of unusual things or people. The love of astrology, science and technology. Innovative or inconstant and disruptive expressions of talents and/or love. 

When we combine and consider these midpoints together, having an effect on the collective (via the Aries Point), we come up with a number of interesting scenarios that could play out in several different ways. It is important to note that its effect will be felt by all; however those who have personal points interacting with the planets mentioned, or in early degrees of the cardinal signs (or in antiscia on the cardinal axis), will feel it more acutely. 

In considering the keywords offered, how might we imagine the expression of Sun|Neptune = Venus|Uranus = Aries ? 

"Dreaming of living in beauty, wealth, comfort, and luxury... delights in mental escape from life. Visualization and dreaming about astrology... indifference toward life or others while you inwardly escape." --Michael Munkasey

"Reserve in love... disappointments, aberrations in love. Sudden upsets or excitements... inner or emotional crisis, mourning." --Reinhold Ebertin

The time is ripe for artistic innovation and invention particularly via visualizations, in meditation, or upon waking. Pay close attention to your dreams, especially if you work in a creative field. Remain open to inspiration, but don't lose yourself entirely in fantasy. Use discernment while you collect and harness that which comes in. And know that everyone is feeling more sensitive at this time, so try to be more compassionate versus reacting quickly or disruptively to a difficult or confusing situation. 

Use the time to explore new ideas, new mediums, or concepts if you're an artist, musician or writer. Or focus the energies into visualizing the relationships you want in your life, whether new or old, it is a good time to explore new territory, break new ground, make changes...  Just don't jump ship looking for a lost dream.

The Ugly Truth? March 19 Full Moon

The Full Moon occuring on March 19 is being called a super moon because it is particularly close to the earth. The exact time of the Full Moon is 11:10AM PDT (2:10PM EDT). Occurring in the tropical and sidereal signs of Pisces and Virgo, this lunation emphasizes concepts of sacrifice and/or service. The Sun and Moon sit tropically at 28 degrees 47 minutes (chart below).

Interesting to note the Heliacal Rising star for the day is Deneb Algedi, located in the sea goat's tail in the constellation of Capricornus. Deneb Algedi, the "ancient law giver," is a justice-oriented star and, according to Bernadette Brady, is symbolic of an "ancient god who was seeking to bring civilization to his people." It promotes benefic rulers. And when it's rising she says it relates to the seeking of "legal, physical or metaphysical laws that govern the world," and of "knowledge or solutions... endeavoring to help others in one's community." I think the reference to serving our community is quite interesting here, as is the mention of physical or metaphysical laws (or limits) governing the world. We'll return to this idea when we consider Hades, another important point in the lunation chart. 

The Heliacal Setting star for the day is Regulus. A star located in the heart of the lion in the constellation of Leo. This star points to "the need to avoid revenge." It can indicate success and natural talent (military success is related to Regulus as well), but one must be careful to avoid hubris and excessive anger. 

Could we say:  The time for revenge and dictatorship is Setting (or needs to set) -- and the time for service in one's community and benefic leadership is on the Rise..? As always, I hope so.

Full Moon chart on the pie wheel set in Washington DC:

There are many interesting points to note with this Full Moon. It is square the nodal axis and square the Dec 21, 2010 Total Lunar Eclipse. Jupiter is culminating, while Saturn lies at the Nadir. The Mercury Saturn opposition has passed, but is actually very strong by paran (chart at bottom of this article). Other important parans for the day are: Moon rising (E) with Uranus setting (W), and Mercury Jupiter rising (E) while Pluto culminates (M). Parans are important combined planetary statements. For more information on parans see my previous post. 

Now I'll head to the 90 degree dial, with the TNPs (transNeptunian planets - used commonly by Uranian or Symmetrical astrologers). On the dial there is something that catches our attention right away: Hades. 

(See Hades snuggled right in between the Sun and Moon.)

Hades (the symbol at the top of this article - a waning crescent with a cross) is a hypothetical planet, though it very likely has a body floating around out there in the Kuiper belt somewhere. In addition to symbolizing things used, old, and thrown out, it signifies those things which are hidden or from the past and therefore relates to astrology and the occult. 

Hades sometimes carries with it connotations of sickness and deformity and importantly nursing, i.e. providing relief to those things (including parts of ourselves and other people or places) that we'd rather not look at. In its highest expression it relates to selfless service, pure unadulterated service provided without ego-attachment or a need for recognition. It is giving even though you may receive nothing in return. This echoes (the Full Moon) Virgo/Pisces - and is a perfect synthesis of the two.

At this lunation, Hades is in a precise square to the Sun and Moon. It currently presides in 28 deg 47 min of Gemini (the exact degree and minute of this mutable Full Moon). And it sits very close to the Nodes (the south node specifically). The Nodes signify connections - fated, possibly karmic, and just unions generally. Hades with the Nodes will likely bring a greater concentration of, and focus on, things like poverty and stormy circumstances, even literally stormy weather and floods. It may contribute to an increased interest in hidden knowledge, objects,or people; thingsfrom the past. It may also signify bringing to light (Full Moon) some criminal activity or deeply buried secrets held by governments or others in power. 

If we direct our attention specifically to the Sun Moon Hades combination, some other important points also come into focus. 

You can see on the dial some other points are strongly connected (note the midpoint lines tying these objects together) to this Full Moon. Two more hypothetical planets are illuminated: Cupido and Apollon. But even if we took these points out, we would be left with the Full Moon occurring at the precise Neptune Ascendant midpoint (for Washington DC). This is powerful and ought to be quite descriptive. Will there be more fraud and deceipt coming to light, or being actively hidden? Neptune Ascendant also signifies weakness or illness, even poisons; who is at risk, who needs healing - the government, the American people? Likely both.

Yet another expression of Neptune Ascendant is sensitivity. Some could likely use a little more, especially if it means developing more compassion and trusting intuition instead of listening to the 'experts' or to people who don't have your best interest in mind. Neptune Ascendant can dissolve things too. Aren't we, as a collective, in the midst of recognizing just how much there is to "clean up?" Neptune, like water, is a universal solvent.  

Speaking of cleaning, other Hades significations are things dirty, ruined, ugly, or just plain mean. Hades also rules catastrophes. To be blunt, I think this lunation is forcing us to look at the ugly truth. With the other two TNPs playing into this picture, Apollon with Neptune, and Cupido with Pluto, the ugly truth gets more descriptive. It is one involving corruption, mass deception, and "bad smelling matters" (Neptune Apollon = Hades per Alfred Witte's book, Rules for Planetary Pictures), where social and family conditions are in decline and communities are suffering (Pluto Cupido = Hades). In light of Japan's earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear issues; dictators killing their people; and increased attention finally illuminating our country's greedy and malicious Wall Street bank robbers, is it really a surprise we'd find this reflected in the current lunation?

So how can we use these energies to serve something more positive? By actively directing them into something for the common good. I think we must take action. We must participate in the solution. Uranus, the planet of revolution and change, is part of this picture too and there is no time to waste. Contribute in whatever tiny way you can. Drive your car less. Better yet, sell it! Especially if it's a gas-guzzling S.U.V. The days of mass-consumption are Over. Participate in making a better future (ensure a future period), don't turn the other way and contribute to the problem. (Okay, enough ranting..)

One last thing I'd like to point out about these combinations is that they are actually quite beautiful for those interested in or who study and practice ancient astrology. It is a highly favorable time for the occult sciences. The wisdom of the past meets a science for the future.  

Ne + Ap = Ha  Su  Mo

Paran chart :

I welcome you to leave comments +/or feedback.

Planetary Parans

Planets in paran are important indicators of combined planetary energy.

All astrologers will agree that when planets are on angles they are "strong." And when you have two (or more) planets on two angles simultaneously, then, not only are the energies considered very strong, but they are also relating to one another in a big way. This can lead to either a synthesis of energy or a frustration of energies, depending on the two planets involved. Just think about the two planets. Do they work well together? Or is there dissonance? What might a more difficult combination be good for? (Maybe the relentless pursuit of tedious, difficult tasks...)

Let's look at some examples.

(Note: for consistency I'm using the same point in time for all locations. The time shown on the charts is local time for the place named. All times are 15:00 GMT.)

Today's paran chart for the West Coast of the United States: 

First, notice where there are overlapping lines. Those lines joined with other lines with each indicating a different angle are the most important. For example, an 'E' (East, or rising) with a 'M' (Midheaven, or culminating point). You can see in the chart above that there are a few times today when two planets are on two different angles simultaneously. This is important for understanding the energy of the day. And is also potentially very important for knowing when that energy will be making its greatest impact in the locale being considered. 

Notice above: Jupiter (E) rising, while Pluto (M) is culminating at around 8AM. (I realize it is hard to see the lines clearly when they are bunched up—sorry about that.) 

What I aim to illuminate is how easy it can be to overlook important indicators of the day (combined planetary energies) when we are only looking at a regular "pie wheel," i.e, the chart below.

Yes, Pluto and Jupiter are close to the angles in this chart, but it misses the emphasis placed on their exact paran relationship.

In fact, by typical astrological standards, they are in a wide aspect—a four degree separating square—well, wide for Uranians. ;-)

By paran however, they are in a very strong relationship.

Another use for the paran chart, or paran clock, is to see quickly when certain relationships are forming on the angles. And you'll see that the time of day doesn't actually vary that much worldwide. But exactly how precise the paran relationship is can vary a lot—and this is quite important.

Take for example the Moon rising (E) while Neptune is setting (W) at about 4:45PM in the paran chart. In Seattle, at that time (chart below), the Moon Neptune combo is in a fairly close opposition near those angles. 

And as you can see in the chart below for London, Moon Neptune is strong as well. However in other places in the world (charts at the bottom of the article) you'll find the Moon Neptune combo happening at a roughly similar time, but its true paran relationship breaks down completely. And this is important.

This is the paran chart for today in London: 

With regards to Moon Neptune, what might this speak to for the day? Increased sensitivity, possibly compassion, confusion, tears, rain… Maybe a time of marked receptivity or dreaminess. A need for relaxation, or escapism—did someone say Happy Hour?

There is another important paran taking place in both charts and that is between Mercury and Saturn. This accentuates the currently building Mercury Saturn opposition. But it is important to note that planets in paran relationship are not always in aspect. So this evening while Mercury sets (W) Saturn rises (E) a little before 9PM. And, as you can see, this paran holds up, it remains strong.

Think about what this combination can indicate. Gloominess, a somber mood, serious or even depressed thinking. Likely it reflects the collective sadness we feel with what has happened this past week. The Great Tohoku, Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, 11 March 2011, and nuclear disaster.

Maybe it is indicative of worry, or even fearful thinking—with what's up globally and nationally right now, that's not surprising. Rigorous study is another way to think of Mercury Saturn. Its effect late this evening could assist or prod us in thinking carefully about what measures or steps we may need to take in order to ensure our own safety locally and/or globally. Or maybe it is simply descriptive of a time when many of us are thinking more realistically about our future, and our limited stay here on the planet. What can we do to responsibly contribute to the health of our planet, or to our communities?

To get a better picture of how things can look quite different by paran in other parts of the world on the same day, I've included the charts of Mumbai, India and Singapore:

There are several things of interest here, but we'll touch on only a few.

Notice first that Moon Neptune is happening at a similar time of day, but are not closely aligned in paran anymore. Meaning, at the time the Moon and Neptune crossed over their respective angles they were not in a strong aspect (opposition). This may indicate that these particular energies won't be felt quite as strongly as they are by those of us in the U.S. and U.K. today.

Also notice the Mercury Saturn we were referring to before: it loses strength. As does the Jupiter Pluto combination in the morning. One eye catching thing that stands out in the chart for India is Uranus culminating (M) while Pluto is setting (W) at 1:15PM. These two planets are not even close to being in paran in all of the other charts! The same goes for the combination of Saturn and Pluto at 2:15AM. Consider these energies. Pluto is indicative of development and transformation; with Uranus, expect things to be sudden or revolutionary; with Saturn, it could be hindered or difficult. These are just examples, not predictions.

In Singapore, by contrast, as far as planetary parans go, things look pretty mellow.

To conclude, obviously there are many, many ways to interpret planetary energies and I encourage you to play with this one a bit. Apply some of what we’ve gone over to events in the past, or find combinations mentioned, find some others. Think about what is going on where and what that means for different places and people.

Speaking of, one final important thing to note: parans are found in a person’s natal chart! And as you can imagine, they offer undeniably powerful descriptors for character and activity.   

If you'd like to share, leave a comment. If you’d like to speak with me about your own parans, be in touch!

What's happening in Japan?!

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I've been writing on facebook this week, since the earthquake, that I thought there would be more in store for Japan. This is because there have been some major planetary energies joining the picture. First, and quite importantly, Mars has been running with Saturn on the cardinal axis--the world's stage--in addition to Uranus. At its worst the energy of Mars Saturn brings interruption and forced separation, sickness, and destruction (which we've already seen), and at its best, discipline and endurance. With Uranus though - added is an element of shock or surprise.

Saturn is also aligned with Zeus (TNP), now through September, and while Mars was meeting up with Saturn he was also having his dance with Zeus. Zeus is a point that represents explosives, fire, even nuclear threat.... especially with a combination like Mars + Saturn = Uranus (!). Saturn Zeus on its own can symbolize a lack of work (as Zeus = machines), the breakdown of machines (or Unions?), loss from fire, oppression, and so on. For this time though I think these particular combos are/were definitely pointing to major nuclear energy issues and explosions. 

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Late last week, as I was considering Uranus' ingress into Aries (which only happens every 84 years), I was looking on the 90 degree dial--often used for event oriented astrology--and noted this important Mars Saturn combo. The next day, off the coast of Sendai on March 11, 2011, the earthquake happened. Following that, a terribly destructive tsunami. And now some major nuclear issues. There are many astrological indicators that we can examine for what has occurred. My wish and hope for now and in the future is for astrologers to align (both amongst themselves and also with leaders in science and government), and utilize the many timing indicators astrology has to offer to prevent further damage or to potentially minimize it.  

From the chart of the earthquake there were quite literal expressions or indicators of what might follow. One indicator points specifically to issues with radiation. 

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Notice at that moment, Poseidon was running precisely with the MC. Poseidon can represent spirituality and light--as in enlightenment, and people who are high-minded. (Consider how the Japanese are reacting to these catastrophes, with discipline and calm, there has been no looting.) Poseidon however may also indicate radiation here. 

And there are several combinations here that describe an earthquake exactly. Most of them include Uranus, sometimes Zeus or Admetos. Admetos symbolizes the beginning or end of life, things underground or coming from the ground, and raw beginnings. 

One combo: Sun + Uranus - Aries = Sun (which is the timer for the "day")

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Another is: Uranus + Zeus - Hades = Moon  (which is the timer for the "hour")

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A third: Aries + Zeus - Admetos = AS/Mercury (which is the "minute")

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And finally (and powerfully): Uranus + Admetos = Admetos (+ Jupiter)

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This last combination is frighteningly descriptive. Alfred Witte's "Rules for Planetary Pictures" states:

"Sudden rupture-like separation. Shock commotion. Destruction through convulsion. Earthquake..".

I don't know what to say or do in the midst of watching events like these transpire, as we are all witness to much difficulty. I hope the energy of that Mars Saturn will compel people to do what's right and act with integrity, strength, and fortitude.

My personal hope is that astrology will be taken more seriously in the world; utilized to prevent or minimize damage in events like these. We could be participating in changing the way we help and serve people all over the planet.  

Equinox is right around the corner, but first...

What the heck is going on? 

A lot

A lot around the world and a lot astrologically. Of course the two are the same. That is the point. Especially when you focus on the Cardinal Axis - also known as the solstice points - the cardinal axis is the world's stage.

So what is up?

Uranus makes its ingress into Aries tomorrow. Which means it is very directly on the cardinal axis now. Recently the nodes and Mercury have been involved---causing stormy weather most likely, and a lot of excitement in the news and communication generally. The Sun and Jupiter are involved today (so things kinda feel ok, good even, under the circumstances). But Jupiter is also good at expanding and enlarging things, making things bigger.  From now through the weekend the energy will be Mars and Saturn, aligning on the axis and pointed at Uranus---which might not feel so good. In fact, Mars Saturn can be quite a tough combo to deal with, as it is sometimes associated with harmful or destructive energy. However, it can also give endurance. If we stay in reality, and do the hard work, Mars Saturn can pay off in spades.  

It is typical, as the days go by, that things come into and go out of alignment on the cardinal axis, world's stage, and we witness and experience their effects. But it isn't everyday that Uranus is sitting right there too---in fact, that only happens roughly every 20 years (when it moves from the end of a mutable sign into the beginning of a cardinal sign). And it takes Uranus 84 years to move through all of the signs---which means it hasn't made an entrance into Aries since the late 1920's!

So with Uranus on the Aries point, it also becomes the midpoint of each of these energies as they align on the world's stage. Sorry if I sound repetitive here, but having Uranus as the midpoint of all these changing energies tends to make everything a little (or a lot) more exciting. Uranus rules innovation, surprises, sudden events, accidents, wildness, wierdness, non-conformity, breakthroughs (or breakdowns), and a lot more...  

It's kind of like everything has been plugged into a live outlet. 

Lets hope the "extraordinariness and unusualness" of this time equates to our having amazing fortitude under whatever stressful circumstances we come to face.

Use the time as wisely as you do wildly.  

And, Please be safe.

A Regal Full Moon?

Regal, because this full moon is conjunct the fixed star Regulus situated in the heart of the lion in the constellation of Leo. But beware, with this 'prince' or 'little king' energy, the edge is fine and sharp between pride and fall and jealousy and revenge and that of healthy self-esteem and success.

Bernadette Brady says this star relates to "the need to avoid revenge." It is one of the Royal Stars of Perisa. And, like the other three Royal Stars, Aldebaran, Antares, and Fomalhaut, "great success can be gained but only by facing a particular nemesis. For Regulus, this nemesis is revenge. You may gain a great deal of success in your chosen field but if you ever stoop to take revenge, then you lose power, position and standing in the community."  

Since Regulus is with the Moon, we can imagine (or hope) the potential and power of this time may relate to leadership that is more 'humanitarian' in flavor; leading with love and devotion versus authoritarianism. Ebertin-Hoffman wrote that this royal star "may convey royal properties, noble mind, frankness, courage." And that its effect is like Jupiter + Mars. Courageous, heart-centered leadership? I hope so.

Regulus with the Moon according to Vivian E. Robson, gives "occult interests, powerful friends, danger from enemies and false friends, gain by speculation, public prominence, great power, honour, wealth, benefits [which] seldom last, violence, trouble and sickness." This must be due to the shiftiness of the Moon, it's changeability and inherent instability. The Moon often reflects or absorbs what it's near, as it is highly impressionable.  

This full Moon occurs early Friday morning, 12:36 am (Pacific Time), at 29 degrees 20 minutes of Leo.

In addition to the conjunction with Regulus, you might like to consider some of these other symbols -- especially if 29 Leo is prominent in your own chart: 

30º Leo

A ship's steward carrying a bowl of enchanting white lilies.   1

Denotes a changeable person, loving to journey about. He gains much benefit from ships, shipping, means of transit, and the public. While on a journey he meets his greatest happiness. He is generally fortunate with his friends and in all his affairs of life. It is a symbol of Voyaging. 

 An Unsealed Letter.   2

The realization by the individual that all thoughts and all messages are inevitably to be shared with all men. (Communication and Sharing must always prevail over the will to glorify oneself by claiming sole possession of ideas and information.) 

Noontide: a little girl sets out to deliver an unsealed letter bearing the embossed insignia of the king.   3

Serving the laws of one's divine nature as one's highest duty; cheerfully and humbly accepting one's childlike role in the larger scheme; faith that one has been given all that one needs in order to do what one was put here to do (sense of divine protection)..

An old sage, sitting by his midnight lamp, studying some grand problem.   4

This denotes one who has a profound intellect; a gigantic will; a mature judgment. One who is a true magician. 

1  Isidore Zozminsky symbols

2  Sabian Symbols 

3  Zodiac by Degrees - Martin Goldsmith

4  Charubel

Winter Solstice

The Sun moves into Capricorn today.

Return of the light.  Rebirth?  

Hades on the sea floor while the Sun sets over the mountains. 

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Change, sudden separations, or connections - sudden insights, quickening, reform.

Developments, big ideas, travel, commerce, mass communication - secrets want out.

People who control important information or the news.

Plans for modernization.

Greater need for power by religious leaders.

Space exploration.

Revolutionary alliances made or broken.

Popularization of occult, hidden, and ancient knowledge.

Old fashions, secondhand junk, using what is broken or worn out, making do.

Flooding decay.  Experiencing or insights into grief, sickness, death. 

Slavery in cinema continues.  Pitiful pornography still in vogue. 

Want. 

Lack.

Recognizing the darkness.  Great cruelty exposed. 

Catastrophe, or the end of a large scale drama played out on the earth's stage... tsunami tidal wave earthquake volcano flood cataclysmic change...   a nightmare, or the conclusion of our earthbound existence in a classical tragedy?  

Hades on the sea floor as the Sun sets over the mountains. 

MERCURY + PLUTO

detective

intense

probing

researcher

unrelentless

persuasive 

extreme

persistent

surgical 

mysterious

powerful

obsessive

destroying information

secrets

punished for information

compulsive questioning

depression

skillful retaliation

news of death

deep thinking

drastic gestures

Mercury is conjunct Pluto in Capricorn until Saturday Dec 18th. Are you feeling it?

When the Moon is Void

When is the Moon really void-of-course? 

Many Western tropical astrologers consider the Moon to be void when it will not make another Ptolemic aspect (conjunction, sextile, square, trine, opposition) to any planet from the sign it currently resides in. And most modern tropical astrologers extend this to include the outer planets, those not visible to the naked eye: Uranus, Neptune, Pluto. 

Traditional astrologers however do not consider the Moon void if it is in an applying aspect to a planet within 13 degrees (when the body is in orb to the Moon). And the Hellenistic doctrine has us extend this to 30 degrees! Traditional astrologers, and some modern astrologers, also do not take the outer planets into consideration when examining a void of course Moon (though many use outer planets connecting to the Moon in character delineation in a natal chart or for other purposes).  

If you're a modern tropical astrologer, I encourage you to experiment with your practice. Utilize the traditional rules. Try using only the seven visible 'planets' for a while - Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and add the outer bodies as an afterthought. You might find working this way enhances and simplifies your interpretations and conclusions, cutting through to the heart of matter! 

When the Moon is void, or "running in the emptiness", 'running through a vacuum', 'feral', 'desart', 'wild' or 'isolated' (Skyscript), a pretty rare thing by Hellenistic standards, it is best not to initiate new projects. It is however a great time to meditate, sit in silence, or go for walk. Take in the spaciousness and emptiness of a void-of-course Moon - it is an optimal time for retreat and contemplation. 

The Unbearable Lightness of Being + POSEIDON

I have always loved the title of Milan Kundera's book: The Unbearable Lightness of Being, and I like to think about meanings behind such a phrase. 

Today it brings to mind Poseidon...

In light of the current position of Poseidon: it currently sits antiscia to Mercury, ruling news and communication. Antiscia refers to the symmetrical arrangement of planets and points around the cardinal axis (aka the solstice/equinox points) - the cardinal axis is "the world's stage". And in light of the Sun Poseidon conjunction yesterday, it feels like a good time to talk about the TNP (TransNeptunian) Poseidon.

I am personally in the midst of a long period of Poseidon-time, as it transits my Node, Midheaven, and Moon for the next couple of years. As I understand it, this should be a time of grasping or comprehending things with greater clarity. (I hope so.) Certainly I am literally seeing things more clearly now, as I'm resigned to the fact that I must wear glasses...

Poseidon, to Uranian astrologers, is like another kind of Neptune. It rules light and so enlightenment. It signifies interest in spiritual matters, spiritual people and places. It has to do with seeking truth, clarity, perception and understanding. It is like turning on a light bulb. It can also represent odd or unusual matters, or people. More mundanely, it has to do with propaganda, advertising, television and media. It rules religion; and rules psychic vibrations and mediumistic tendencies. It reflects and refracts light as a mirror or window does.  

Lately these things seem to be increasing all around me. 

I have more frequent premonitions. I've connected (or maybe I should say: re-connected, as the transit involves my Node and the Node signifies our connections, karmic, fated, or otherwise) with people who could be described as odd, enlightening, psychic, or spiritual. Propaganda abounds. And the light seems to be making its way into many creaks and crevices of my mind; some of which I may have preferred to leave in the dark a while longer.

This time is meant to be enlightening, I'm sure. But as healing goes, being made more aware of things, it doesn't always feel so good.

Does it make sense that being uplifted  could make one feel ungrounded, sometimes disoriented?  

Coming out of the dark into the light does make you squint, it makes your eyes hurt. So as I continue to work with this sometimes tiring time of Poseidon, I've come to accept the fact that I must have faith and trust it will all work out. Poseidon rules faith and wisdom. Wisdom = Insight = the Light.

Faith + Wisdom - Truth = Poseidon