Aquarius Papers - Global Astrology

Mercury Retrograde - A New Look at the Guide of Souls

by Robert Wilkinson

Most people have heard of Mercury retrograde, but little is known about how to make best use of these misunderstood recurring periods. Since we have another of these retrogrades approaching in the near future, I thought I'd offer you some insights now so that you can get yourself positioned to take advantage of the coming retrograde period. Of course I'll also do my usual 3-part series in the next two weeks on what it means in general, what it means for each sign specifically, and how it relates to past Mercury retrograde themes.

El Dia de los Muertos, All Saints Day, and Halloween

by Robert Wilkinson

To me and many others, this is one of the more sacred moments of the year. It is Autumn, with its falling leaves, shorter days, and diminished vitality due to less Solar energy for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. This period, known by many names, is a time to honor the dead. The original intent of this sacred time had nothing to do with giving the candy industry a boost between Columbus Day and Thanksgiving. I've always felt these last two were very peculiar "holidays," since the former celebrates the beginning of enslavement and disease of the original inhabitants of this continent, the latter a distorted excess complete with Aggie football.

We inherited Halloween, All Saints Day, and all Soul's Day (mostly forgotten) from our ancestors, but their true meaning has been ignored by our market-driven culture. The true meaning of this time is found in the celebration of El Dia de los Muertos, or "Day of the Dead." It's not really a day, but a period where we can celebrate and honor those who have passed away, our loved ones across space and time.

Would Buddha, Christ, or Any Holy Person Be Influenced By Astrology?

by Robert Wilkinson

Sure they would.  Just because you're a holy man or woman doesn't mean the timing to things becomes irrelevant. Each of the above holy beings had a birth time, and therefore changes in their lives that were measurable and predictable. The timing on Buddha's enlightenment, for example, was tied to Saturn and the cycle of Full Moons. That makes sense, since he became a teacher about how to overcome suffering, no small thing. Suffering in all forms is intimately associated with Saturn, the planet symbolizing the fears, limitations, and delusions of form and perception we must learn to deal with in order to come to our spiritual maturity here on Earth.

Astrology For All Signs in November and December 2005 - Saturn and Uranus Set Up More Weird Irrationality

by Robert Wilkinson

As you know from previous posts, due to the on-going Neptune septile Pluto we have been in the midst of what I have termed "The Grand Irrationality." This is producing greater irrationality and weirdness on a global level than at any time since it last happened during the '30s with the rise of Fascism and other authoritarian models. Jupiter's station at 9 Virgo in May 2004 established 3 points of the Great Septile pattern, and created some hot zones in our charts wherever these points fall. Roughly, they involve 7-11 Virgo, 29 Libra-3 Scorpio, 19-23 Sagittarius, 11-15 Aquarius, 3-7 Aries, 25-29 Taurus, and 15-19 Cancer. Since then the pattern has advanced about 2 to 5 degrees even though the original spans were heavily activated these past 5 months. Wherever they occur in our charts we have made crucial choices that set our lives and future into dynamic motion. We have had to learn a greater maturity, how to set clear boundaries, and take responsibility to choose what we will be limited by, or not. This is due to the Saturnian nature of the Septile series, derived from the division of the circle of 360 degrees by 7, yielding non-rational values. The Septile, Biseptile, and Triseptile all have their unique function in the span of aspects, and definitely indicate major turning points, or life changing relationships and activities.

Astrology and Love - Using the Moon and Venus Wisely

by Robert Wilkinson

In Astrology and Love - Karmic Dances that Free the Soul, we explored how our inner nature conditions the outer forms of love that we dance with, and how the planets in our birth charts show where we can take command of our ability to attract someone who could be our ideal mate, or even our "Soul mate." Through the Law of Magnetic Attraction, we are drawn to, and draw people to us, who resemble the pictures in our subconsciousness of what we believe we want and need for fulfillment. Whether they seem to look like what we think we want or not, our subconscious mind holds different images of "the beloved" and we spend our time and energy searching for people who resemble those pictures. That's why someone "feels right," or doesn't. Your ability to attract your perfect mate, or ideal partner, starts with getting clear about what could be true for you. This means examining your wants, needs, desires, and values, since all of these are involved in who you attract, and why.

Astrology and Love - Karmic Dances that Free the Soul

by Robert Wilkinson

Astrology and love have been linked since the beginning of time.  Astrology shows us what we love and need, what we are attracted to and why, as well as when we might find our true love. Astrology is the most useful tool I've found to help us grow into our greater Self, and as we grow we find our possibilities of who we might love and who might love us changing, growing, and become more the perfect image of our heart's desire.

Astrology in November 2005 - Huge and Permanent Shifts and changes for all signs

by Robert Wilkinson

This week in many ways anticipates what we will be experiencing on a collective level for some time to come. Neptune goes stationary direct Wednesday on the Angel point of 15 Aquarius preparing to retrace its retrograde path since mid-May 2005. We've all repositioned ourselves spiritually these past few months, and will now understand why we've had to learn to flow in a new direction in our lives, even if we weren't sure where the flow was taking us. We'll certainly see our place in the larger scheme of things much clearer over the next few months. The outer invisible planets going stationary direct or retrograde definitely indicate major sea changes in the outer world of global and national affairs, so expect to see radical new developments this week that will change many lives forever.

How to Overcome Fear

by Robert Wilkinson

There are a few books that can change our lives forever. The Magic of Space is one of those rare treasures. It is rare, precious, and beautiful, but unfortunately long out of print. Attributed to "a Tibetan Dakini," it offers profound insights into a greater, more universal wisdom about the nature of our reality and how we may best live our lives as Eternal Beings having human experiences.  I have enjoyed sharing its wisdom for decades to help my friends and students achieve healthy personality integration and discover the power and applications of their Higher Self. Any time a work does these things at the same time it's a very good thing. Because it has been out of print for awhile, I try to offer you pieces of its wisdom from time to time so we all can profit from this timeless spiritual work.

Spiritual Astrology at Work in November and December 2005 affecting Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces

by Robert Wilkinson

The coming weeks are particularly dynamic, due to many fixed squares and crosses between Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. These will show as culminations, turning points, realizations, dissolutions, renovations, and challenges for all signs. Any time Jupiter and Saturn square each other we are required to "grow our Soul," which from another angle of view means we are challenged to re-shape our personality so we may express our Soul or Truth more genuinely and effectively. As usual there are significant Yods, or Fingers of God, at play in November when the Moon in Gemini sextiles Saturn with both quincunx Venus and when Mars sextiles Uranus both quincunx the Moon in Libra. This second Yod occurs both months due to Mars' slow movement; the November Yod will be with Mars retrograde, while the December Yod is with Mars direct. Both occur with Mars at 10 degrees Taurus in close square to Saturn.

George Bush Astrology - A Personality Profile of our Cancer In Chief

by Robert Wilkinson

Our current Prez, George Bush, was born with a Sun in Cancer and Moon in Libra. This combination is insecure and always seeking a better picture of their world, but not very sure about how to do it. The lights in these signs makes him an interesting combination of introvert and extrovert, and his vitality is not very constant. With the square of his Sun and Moon, he often approaches life with the feeliing that to attain one thing he desires he must give up another thing equally desired, and his past and future don't mesh very well in the present.

The Solar Eclipse - What It Means and Its Effect On Our Life

by Robert Wilkinson

Since we have two Solar Eclipses each year and they usually affect us for years after they occur, it may be good to explore what they actually mean and how their influence works. This article expands on some things I've offered before about these recurring important stellar events, both regarding the myth and the reality. Historically, an eclipse, whether Solar or Lunar, is one of the most dreaded events in all of astrology.

The Lunar Eclipse of October 2005 – What Does It Mean for You?

by Robert Wilkinson

Today’s Lunar Eclipse Full Moon falls at 25 Libra-Aries, and portends a few months where we will say goodbye to old superficial relationships, ideas, habits, and responses as a result of “seeing through” the forms and realizing something about the larger process of endings and beginnings, deaths and births. The Sun is the illumination factor; at 25 Libra, we will see deeper elements of wisdom emerge from the area in our charts where Libra is dominant once our rebellious mind understands the necessity of parts of our life ending to make space for what will emerge afterwards. The Moon at 25 Aries is the degree of “a double promise reveals its inner and outer meaning,” and puts us all in a “probationary” period where we will have to reshape our conception of what might fulfill us. In essence, we must be ready, willing, and able to shape our “translucent mind” in forms revealing potential spiritual fulfillment, and learn to imagine what might be, rather than cling to what has been.

The Saturn Return – Myth and Reality

by Robert Wilkinson

The Saturn return always occurs between the age of 27 and 29, seemingly lasts a lot longer, and is one of the most feared and misunderstood points in personal evolution. It is usually a difficult time with a lot of stress and pressure, where things come to an end, hard realizations are faced, and the weight of the world is felt, very acutely. However, it is also a time of many opportunities to make important choices and decisions, moving out of unconscious patterns and obsolete conceptions of our purpose into more deliberate and thoughtful expressions of our unfulfilled self.

Yadda Yadda Warden - Happy Birthday to Saint Lenny Bruce

by Robert Wilkinson

Most people don't know it, but we owe the immortal phrase "yadda yadda" to Lenny Bruce, the saint who died for our right to utter the famous "7 dirty words" of George Carlin. He was persecuted for exposing society's hypocrisies and racism, and one of the first ones to lay it all out there. He certainly opened my young mind with the concept that we're all prejudiced toward beauty in "A White White Woman and a Black Black Woman." "So let's just persecute ugly people." Wow. That, and "What do you mean WE, white man?" from the Lone Ranger bit.

Mayan Communities Isolated by Hurricane Stan are Running out of Food and Water

by Robert Wilkinson

As you know, this site is usually about astrology or metaphysics. However, there's something so important that I must post it here. In the global outpouring to assist those who suffer in Kashmir and its neighbors, the recent Guatemalan mass disaster has almost been completely overlooked in the news. This post comes from a friend who is coordinating part of the disaster response to Guatemala. Please read what's going on, and give all you can to help our southern neighbors.

We’ve received news today from Mayan families with whom we work that the situation in the hurricane-stricken highlands of Guatemala is getting worse by the minute. Many communities now isolated because of washed out roads and bridges are running out of food and water supplies. The death count is estimated to reach 2000 and is likely to rise higher as the health conditions worsen. Although there are efforts to transport supplies to affected communities, the hurricane’s impact covered such a wide area and large number of rural communities, the need for relief is far greater than the supply.  To make matters worse, the Katrina experience is repeating itself in highland Guatemala, as government agencies have been slow to provide much needed relief to victims.

What Are The Moon Signs of the States?

by Robert Wilkinson

Well, I realized that I should have included the Moon signs of the different states in this article about the Sun signs of the 50 states. The Sun is the basic light, who you ARE, how you are illuminated and how you illuminate others, the central integrity of the "solar system" of your life, where people represent the planets in your system. For a state, it is the basic nature of the state. The Moon, on the other hand, symbolizes the people of the state, its feel, and how its people experience that state. If the Sun is what it IS, the Moon is how that "Is-ness" is packaged. That's why often we seem different than we are to others, and why a place may not seem to conform to its Sun sign. That said, I'll republish the list of the Sun signs of the state, along with the Moon signs, along with the the sign of the planet that rules the Sun.

Katrina and the House of the Rising Sun

Though not astrological, this is too compelling not to pass on. This is true metaphysics. Haunting and awesome in its message, this video, set to "The House of the Rising Sun," is an amazing work of art. These images of Katrina and its aftermath paint a stark picture of the dark waters of the Big Muddy. I don't know who created it, as it came by email, but all credit is due to someone with a brilliant sense of imagery. The file is large, and worth the download time. Crossposted over at Political Physics. Update: If you're having trouble opening this, use powerpoint.

Astrology Now in October 2005 - Mercury and Venus trine and square Saturn and Uranus

by Robert Wilkinson

There are several things going on this week that bear noting and make this week a mixed bag. All in all, the Moon is fairly favorable to most of the planets this week as it moves into its second quarter, traversing Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Mercury has now entered Scorpio, shifting the energetics in our Gemini and Virgo sectors and planets. Venus has now entered Sagittarius, affecting our Taurus and Libra sectors and planets. While Mercury is now trine Uranus, favoring innovative thinking and revolutionizing our ideas and how we communicate, it is also square Saturn, putting the brakes on narrow-mindedness and rigid ways of interpreting things. Get a new idea, and don't cling to obsolete thinking! While Mercury afflicts Saturn, we must antidote the problem using a friendly detachment and simplifying things, focusing on a greater group purpose or vision. Be practical, and cultivate your spiritual rapport with others.

Happy Birthday John

You would have been 65 today. Give Peace A Chance. All You Need Is Love. Thanks for everything.

Manly P. Hall on Self-Unfoldment By Disciplines of Realization

by Robert Wilkinson

Today's offering is from Manly P. Hall, one of the most remarkable men of the 20th century. A prodigious writer on too many subjects to list here, he was a master astrologer, philosopher, artist-sculptor and spiritual disciple of the best of both Eastern and Western Wisdom traditions. Among his outstanding works are "The Secret Teachings of All Ages" and "Man - Grand Symbol of the Mysteries," along with such profound subjects as "Buddhism and Psychotherapy," "The Lost Keys of Freemasonry," "The Mystical Christ," "Twelve World Teachers," "The Secret Destiny of America," and today's text, "Self-Unfoldment By Disciplines of Realization," which offers us a glimpse at a natural way of being our Highest Self.

Astrology Weird Zones for October-November-December 2005 - Eclipse Fragmentation, Reconstruction, and Finding the Balance During Mars Retrograde

by Robert Wilkinson

I am reminded today from several friends that many lives are being challenged right now. It seems as though conflicting intractible forces are at work disrupting many people's ability to stay on their equilibrium. So this post is about remembering that right now and for many weeks we will all be in and out of Fixed squares, crosses, Yods, and other configurations putting constant pressure on us to adjust, adapt, sacrifice, and not lose our sense of purpose and power simply because life is confusing or tough. Life is turning, turning, backwards and forwards, much like kneading dough in preparation for baking a great pizza. This time is showing us where we are stiff, where we are lumpy, and where we are being worked into a condition suitable for the new life we will all confront in 2006 after Mars finishes its retrograde and goes direct in Taurus. By how we handle present challenges we will see how we are being tested to respond more effectively for the future we're making as we walk the walk.

What Sun Sign Rules the State You Live In?

by Robert Wilkinson

Since I've had so many clients over the years ask me about the "right" place to live that will be harmonious with their chart, today I'll offer you the Sun signs for each of the United States. You'll see that some signs are over-represented, (7 each for Gemini, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn) while others don't occur at all, like Aries and Libra. 38 states are represented by only 6 signs. I've always thought that seemed strange, but this world can be pretty strange indeed. At least with the states there would seem to be no confusion as to their "birth" sign, since it is determined by when they were accepted into the union. Of course, that raises the question as to whether some of them have a different sign if they were part of the Confederacy, since they left the union only to rejoin it several years later.

Libra - Elegant Idealistic Air Spirits

by Robert Wilkinson

When the Sun transits Libra, we are shown the light of entering into relationships, ideals, partying, and other pleasing social forms. It's the beginning of Autumn, with its focus on harvesting that which is agreeable to us, socializing and connecting with a greater "perfect vision" while seeing the endings in the old forms of our lives. Libra is self-initiating, interactive, and tries to see all the different points of view in any situation. The Sun in Libra shines the light of wisdom on how we must be fair, balanced, and well-rounded in our ideal of justice, opening us to living a greater image of truth, goodness, and beauty. For the rest of the article updated to 2006, continue reading Libra - Elegant Idealistic Air Spirits.

Astrology of the Future - Solar and Lunar Eclipses Affecting Us For Many Years

by Robert Wilkinson

As I've mentioned before, a Solar Eclipse is said to affect us all for as many years as the length of the eclipse. That means that today's eclipse, lasting 4 minutes 32 seconds, will supposedly affect us for the next 4 and a half years. Refer to this article to find out how this will affect each sign individually. If you know your rising sign (Ascendant) then read that sign as well. More on the eclipse effect at this link. This eclipse will primarily affect Europe, Africa, S Asia, especially Portugal, Spain, Libya, Sudan, and Kenya, though of course everyone with planets aspected by the eclipse will be strongly affected.

Happy Birthday to Mahatma Gandhi

From SF Heart, a few ideas from one of the greatest people ever to walk this earth. A man of deep wisdom and universally respected for his compassion (except by his assassin), he was a political giant in our present world of emotional, intellectual, and moral pygmies. Thank you for being here, "maha-atma," Great Spirit. May your words come alive in this century.

Gandhi's 7 Deadly Sins:"Wealth without Work, Pleasure without Conscience, Science without Humanity, Knowledge without Character, Politics without Principle, Commerce without Morality, Worship without Sacrifice"

"Democracy and violence can ill go together. Evolution of democracy is not possible if we are not prepared to hear the other side."