Aquarius Papers - Global Astrology

An Astrological Overview of October 2005 - Mars Retrograde, A Finger of God, and Harmonious Balancing

by Robert Wilkinson

As with the past month, Mars in Taurus is the nozzle of a Yod, or "Finger of God," forcing all of us to give up some things so we can expand our effectiveness in other areas. October should feel much like September, but with the quality that everything is slowed down due to Mars going retrograde over its September points. Rework some things, redo the plan, build in some lag time, slow down to figure out how or if you want to secure or confirm something. Mars retrograde, like our friend Mercury retrograde, brings back things from the past but with the focus on Mars' issues, like what aggravates us, what spurs us to action, or what was/is a hassle. We will be forced to defend our mission, see the broader context of our mission, and/or administer expertise, whether our own or someone else's.

Tom DeLay - Astrology of a duplicitous megalomaniac

by Robert Wilkinson

Well, he is. If you doubt that, please go to these links over at Political Physics and read the backstory of this heavy handed manipulator and money launderer who has perfected the "politics of personal destruction" throughout his career. In any case, he is a born warrior. Sun in Aries, Moon in Scorpio often yields someone who is known for being pugnacious, determined, impulsive, and a "take no prisoners" type of guy. He's a pioneer of a different type of scorched earth politics, a man who does not forget or forgive easily. The Moon conjunct Jupiter in Scorpio indicates that he has a tendency to push too far, without concern for the backlash, as he's very expansive, intense, and thrives on conflict. He loves to get at the hidden side of things, and is willing to go down and dirty to achieve his ends. Still, the big story I hinted at yesterday is that he, like Dubya, is having his second Saturn return, where the chickens are coming home to roost big time.

Tom DeLay's Astrology - Busted by Saturn

As some of you know, Tom DeLay has just been indicted on conspiracy charges. He's an Aries with a Moon in Scorpio from 1947, and what we are seeing is a perfect example of the second Saturn return coupled with other difficult aspects. I'll post more tomorrow.

Astrological Aspects - The Septile Series and Destiny, or Fate

by Robert Wilkinson

As I've mentioned in this article about the Basics of Astrology, there are really only four factors involved in the craft. There are planets, signs, houses, and aspects. The planets are our "lights" symbolizing the different parts of our personality makeup, and each planet has a duality of function. The planets all occupy a sign. The 12 signs are the filters through which the lights shine, whether in healthy or dysfunctional ways. Thus a Sun in Aries is illuminated by Aries experiences and people, whereas a Sun in Virgo is illuminated through Virgo experiences and people. Venus is what we like, both in art, people, and life. Venus in Taurus likes Taurus types of art and people, whereas a Venus in Sagittarius likes Sag types of art and people. Saturn is what we fear, and our bottom line regarding boundaries and responsibility. Saturn in Virgo finds its limit through Virgo experiences, Saturn in Aquarius finds its limit through Aquarian experiences.

Astrology Hot Zones for October 2005 - Mars influencing Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces

by Robert Wilkinson

Mars is the "tripwire" for activity in our charts. During October 2005, it goes retrograde October 1 (Oct 2 in Europe and east) and then moves back over its exact span from September, retrograding from 24 Taurus through 18 Taurus. It will stay retrograde until December 9 (December 10 AST and points east). People going through dynamic activity, a hectic fast-paced period, or those having the hardest time the first half of this month are Tauruses born the second week of May, Leos born the second week of August, Scorpios born the second week of November, and Aquarians born the second week of February.

Astrology Now in September-October 2005 - Make Progress This Week, since Venus Opposition Mars Is Coming Soon along with Eclipses

by Robert Wilkinson

Today we'll discuss short term focus for all signs. This week we have favorable aspects, and since it is the "old Moon," or the period just before the New Moon Solar Eclipse on October 3 at 11 Libra, this is a week to harvest, to capture, to bring in whatever is needed to prepare for the next period of activity which takes off at the New Moon. Mercury is just coming off a favorable aspect with Saturn and is trine Neptune the whole week, showing that we've got excellent opportunities to read subtle signals and see what's coming down the road. Mercury is the conscious mind, Neptune is the collective unconscious, and when these two are in harmony, we can clearly understand which way the wind is blowing, so to speak. This will harmonize our Gemini and Virgo affairs and planets, and we can finally get clear about some things enabling us to plan with confidence. Even though it is more a time of endings than beginnings, take a look at the new, pioneering developments arising at present, and prepare to make them more real after the eclipse next week.

Divine Mind, Thoughts, and Consciousness

by Robert Wilkinson

From the remarkable Magic of Space, something to ponder for the weekend. We really can and do create thought-forms, from which spring future realities. From Chapter 1, Creative Space:

We find that Divine Mind is precisely analogous to a sensitive plate, and that each human thought makes a picture on that plate. By thought you make the exposure, and the thing pictured will in time become your own, for you are attached to your creations, and time develops the picture for you. If you hold the image you have made long enough, you will get a perfect picture -- if you think idly, then you have made what the photographers would call an under-exposure, and the picture is not full, clear and perfect, many details being left out. By holding the picture firmly and strongly you make it a permanency, and then it is yours -- for thoughts become "things."

Astrology and the Autumnal Equinox 2005 - What's Up For the Next Three Months?

by Robert Wilkinson

The Autumn Equinox chart done for Sag Harbor EDT shows 23 Pisces rising, 26 Sagittarius for the Midheaven, and the Moon at 3 Gemini in the third house. Mercury is at 4 Libra, reinforcing the compression effect of the multiple conjunctions of this time last year that rebalanced all our emphases, in terms of time, energy, and money. This past year all were freed from old routines and moved into a larger "destiny" as a result of a narrowing of our concentration. We have all had multiple opportunities to glimpse "perfect forms" and reach an ideal. The trick was not to get or stay annoyed or aggravated, or in a state of being "all worked up with nowhere to go." We are now at the first "return point" to those conjunctions, and can do a check-in to see how the ideal has unfolded these past 8760 hours. In other words, these next thirteen weeks of Autumn will help us see how things have changed since the last phase started, and offer opportunities to meet others who share the fire and ideal.

Astrology At Work in September-October 2003 - Septiles, Yods and their effect on Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces

by Robert Wilkinson

Today and tomorrow we have Sun septile to Saturn, with Neptune still septile Pluto and Mars in an exact Yod, or Finger of God, with Jupiter in close sextile to Pluto. The Neptune septile Pluto is the basis of the Grand Irrationality, and is triggered by planets in early Scorpio, so get ready for major developments a few weeks down the road. The Sun septile Saturn shows that our lives have hit a fork in the road relative to Saturn in Leo, an important development where rationality will not be as important as choice, root knowledge, and willingness to step up to the plate in the near future. Sometimes when things seem to be breaking down, the best thing we can do is move boldly into a new archetypal role. This influence will pass quickly, but will yield tremendous results in November, another major fork in the road of this particular form of unfolding "destiny."

Astrology Blogging In The Hamptons - September-October 2005

by Robert Wilkinson

Before we get into some astrology, I want to say I had the privilege of hearing the great stride pianist Judy Carmichael play recently in Sag Harbor after her successful tour of Brazil. She is an amazing performer, master of the style, and if you want a fantastic interpretation of Fats Waller's genre, she's the best. (I hear she's been invited to host her own evening at the Kennedy Center!) If you ever get the chance to catch her act, or even pick up one of her cds, do so - you won't be disappointed. She's a true American talent of the first degree!

Continuing yesterday's theme, remembering what Autumn weather feels like here in "Southern New England" is an amazing experience, especially after so many years in palmy Lalaland. I've always loved Autumn, probably due to my personal chart factors as well as the feeling that life is both retracting and interacting, becoming in some way more beautiful even as the outer forms change colors we see in the plants as well as the colors we show to our world. The ancient Chinese considered it a time of "cutting and destroying," where the light force is in retreat preparing for Winter. And big changes are in the air, challenging our love and adaptability.

Astrology from the Hamptons - Autumn Equinox 2005

by Robert Wilkinson

Today is a first of sorts. I'm composing an Aquarius Papers post from Sag Harbor, a never-done-before thing. It's only possible because I'm using some great new software. Anyway, I am still jetlagged and so today will reflect on some things. Coming in from JFK airport, I got to see the Harvest Full Moon in all its golden beauty against the moving clouds over the east end of Long Island. This Full Moon ushers in two weeks of closure and fulfillment as we are all educated to be led out into a world of activity we may not initially comprehend. It is a benediction to do one's own thing in one's own way, and not expect others to react as you would. It's also a time of goodbyes, since we must part company with obsolete people and behaviors to make psychic space before entering into an unknown future.

An Overview of the Astrological Forces At Present in September-October 2005 with other articles of interest

by Robert Wilkinson

It's been a while since I offered a one stop shop for articles with important information during these times. I suppose I should start with the effect Jupiter in Libra is having on all of us for 2005. Here's an article on the very powerful Saturn in Leo influence and what it means for different generations, as well how it's affecting each sign. Creating some revolutionary conditions in our own and others' subconsciousness and renovating some lives forever, Uranus in Pisces is reawakening some Martian echoes from a while ago.

Astrology at Work and Play in September and October 2005 - Fire, Earth, Air, Water Element balance

by Robert Wilkinson

In September the element patterns and proportions don't really shift very much, and preserve a balance until the last week of the month. October, however, shows a rapidly changing element balance picture. September started with diminished Water (feelings, experience) and a good balance of 3 planets in Fire (inspiration) and 3 planets in Air (communications, ideas) with 2 planets in Earth (practicality). This shows we began the month with a slight deficiency in feelings and a fairly strong inspiration-communication-interactive energy.

Astrology Techniques - More on the Full Moon of September 2005

by Robert Wilkinson

In yesterday's article, I outlined some effects we can expect from the coming Full Moon period and how it relates to the New Moon energy of early September. Today I want to introduce some techniques for astrologers who may be interested in a remarkable set of interlocking angles evident in the coming Full Moon chart. This may sound like gobbligook to those who do not know astrology, but these configurations bear pointing out for students of astrology, since those who know some of the craft will no doubt see some very interesting correlations with what's going on these next few weeks.

The New and Full Moons of September 2005 - What do they mean for you?

by Robert Wilkinson

The New Moon of every month sets the tone for what will be experienced that month, whereas the Full Moon brings that seed to fruition. We have at least one New Moon and one Full Moon in each sign, sometimes more. We call the second full moon of a month a "blue moon," with its own unique significance as well as the title of a great song. One thing to remember; we still are dealing with living within a "Seesaw pattern," which is exacerbating any oppositional or polarizing energies going on at present. The recent New Moon was opposed to Uranus, promising strange and electrifying things to occur this month. Expect the unexpected, and rise to any challenge, unusual or unexpected occurrance, or even just chances to practice your uniqueness or special talents. Certainly there will be many very unusual events during this time due to the lunation positions.

Astrology for All in September 2005 - Oppositions, Sextiles, Trines, and Rectangles helping us make progress

by Robert Wilkinson

Despite the craziness and tensions produced by the squares, T-squares, and the Yod dominating this month, we can still make great progress by noting how to play the aspects to bring forth progress despite the limiting conditions. The opposition between Venus in Scorpio and Mars in Taurus is a prime example, a very difficult opposition we'll all be living with for the next few weeks. That they are in each other's signs shows they are in what is called "mutual reception," and strengthens the aspect, which challenges us to keep things in long-range perspective and not get deflected or distracted by momentary things, and to find the right means to get to our desired ends. This presages the oppositions of the Sun and Mercury with Mars in November which will create the Grand Fixed Cross.

Mind, God, and Consciousness

by Robert Wilkinson

Since it's been a while since I offered you anything from the remarkable Magic of Space,, I thought I'd give you something interesting for your perusal this weekend. This piece is from Chapter 1, Creative Space, where we find an interesting take on the nature of mind, consciousness, and God, for lack of a better word. And so, from a much broader point of view than we usually consider:

...Therefore when we use the term Universal Consciousness, or Divine Mind, we mean that which comprehends, embodies, and includes all that we call consciousness - individualized or otherwise.  We mean all that is visible or invisible, known or unknown; all that can be seen, touched, handled, or sensed. All that can be apprehended - All is God. The Universal Mind consists of two portions - the manifested, and the unmanifested. The manifested portion can be apprehended by the human mind, but that which is unmanifested cannot be apprehended.

Virgo - Analytical Practical Earth Spirits

by Robert Wilkinson

September is the end of Summer, a time when the Solar force is beginning to wane. This month will sort out and adjust what of our Summer labors are useful and working as they should, and the distributive Earth energies of Virgo help us do the practical tasking needed to prepare us for Autumn’s arrival on September 22, 2005, at 3:24 pm PDT, September 23 in Europe and points east. This point in time is the Autumnal equinox, given that name because the lengths of day and night are the same.  It is said that you can balance an egg on its end at that precise point in time, thus Libra's association with the sign of the balanced scales. Till then, though, this month where Virgo preponderates prepares us for a new way of life and new relationships in the Libra time to come. for the rest of the article updated to 2006, continue reading Virgo - Analytical Practical Earth Spirits.

Astrology Problem Times In September 2005 affecting Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces

by Robert Wilkinson

This month started with Pluto going stationary direct on September 2, marking a radical sea change in many areas of life for everyone. It coincided with the beginning of a true relief effort in New Orleans rather than the haphazard and criminally negligent non-effort of the feds up to that point, along with the death of William Rehnquist. It is easy to see how both of these movements will affect our nation for years to come. Any time the outer planets go stationary direct or retrograde there are major events that affect large populations set into motion.

This will primarily affect the area (house) in which we have Pluto, as well as the metaphysics of planets and houses ruled by Aries and Scorpio. Pluto is a force majure, beyond individual control, and through radical purification we get to the core of our integrity or toxicity. It now resumes its forward movement across the span it occupied in Jan-Feb 2004, Apr-Jun 2004, Nov-Dec 2004, and August 2005. This month we'll see the seeds of events and ideas from those periods start to move forward in our life. Read more about the Pluto influence at this link.

What Is the Horoscope of the United States?

by Robert Wilkinson

Following up on the theme of sorting out just what is the birth chart of the US and New Orleans, from AstroDataBank we have a great summation of the pros and cons of the many charts considered to be the "birth chart" of the US. It sure doesn't seem to be July 4, 1776, for all kinds of historical and astrological reasons. This is a great resource if you're interested in the birth chart of this country, with graphics and explanations and commentary. I believe that the birth chart for the US is either the ratification of the Articles of Confederation or the Constitution. If the former, we're in deeper than we think, since Mars, the planet of aggravation, hassles, war and upheaval is about to go stationary retrograde on the exact degree of the US Moon, and Uranus continues its exact conjunction with the US Sun. We would also have Pluto opposed Uranus square Mercury, with Saturn opposing the national Pluto soon to conjunct our Leo Ascendant, promising very difficult times ahead.

Astrology At Work - Just When Was New Orleans Founded?

by Robert Wilkinson

The article on hurricane Katrina and New Orleans brought an interesting comment from a fan of the site. He noted that historically, New Orleans is considered to have been founded in 1718, not 1805, the date of incorporation. Having done some research, I found there is no specific date recorded for the founding of New Orleans, just the year 1718.

This is one of the main problems in Political astrology: how to determine just when a place was “founded,” and how to take into account the governmental changes. As a rule we use the most recent date of incorporation, since that is the “birth” of the political entity. We understand that people usually inhabit a place before it is established as a city, leaving the question open: do we use the time of first inhabitation, or first charter, or first incorporation, or what?

A Loving Thought for the Weekend

by Robert Wilkinson

Thinking of a friend, I am moved to write that as we claim our power to be our Higher Self and welcome opportunities for that to show, we will become beyond our wildest dreams. We have power, ability, imagination, vision, and freedom. Feeling bad is useless beyond a certain point. There is such a thing as too much grief, too much sorrow. This life is about playing the game of learning how to give and receive love, to ourselves and others. And there are many forms of compassion. We are here to bring forth the best of who we are despite outer conditions, and while it's human to feel suffering, it's equally important to remember WE ARE ETERNALS who are here to learn about Love, both conditional and unconditional. And that's a verrry good thang.

New Orleans - the Astrology of a Hurricane

by Robert Wilkinson

Today we'll explore the astrology of what just happened, and is happening, in the disaster zone we call the city of New Orleans (NO). In Mundane Astrology, a.k.a Political Astrology, we examine the chart of the nation, the state, or the city using the same rules as those we use in assessing birth charts. In the case of a governmental entity, like a city, it's usually when the city was chartered or incorporated, though there are exceptions, like Los Angeles, where we use the chart of the first Spanish settlement. For New Orleans we use the first incorporation chart of February 17, 1805, set for noon, giving NO a Sun at 29 Aquarius, Ascendant at 13 Gemini, and Moon conjunct Saturn RX and Uranus RX at 17, 16, and 21 Libra respectively. There is a Mercury-Venus conjunction in Aquarius at 3-4 degrees, Mars is RX at 3 Leo, Jupiter is 5 Sagittarius conjunct Neptune at 29 Scorpio, and Pluto is 9 Pisces. The North Node is 26 Capricorn. With this info, some of you have already seen the main drivers behind this disaster. Welcome to the perfect example of Uranus conjunct Pluto in Pisces, where revolutionary forces beyond our control come to meet widespread devastation and annihilation in the sign of the ocean!

An Open Letter About Ending Relationships and Beginning New Ones

by Robert Wilkinson

I wrote this to a client with a lot of planets in Taurus, Leo, and Scorpio, and realized that it was food for thought for all of us going through the changes these signs, along with Aquarius, are experiencing. All of us have these signs in our charts in varying strengths, so we're all affected very intensely for the next 5 months. Not all of us have ended a significant relationship, but I believe most of us have confronted radical relationship changes recently, and will for a time to come. We are all redefining ourselves based in the new challenges, duties, limits and responsibilities that have emerged with Saturn in Leo  (more for each sign here) beginning its long-term opposition to Neptune in Aquarius. We are becoming different people in some important and far-reaching ways, and will learn what we can live with and cannot live with in crucial life areas. The best of Saturn brings new maturity and wising up in ways we never dream of before they happen.