The Eclipse Season ~~ January 2019

The year begins on a sombre tone, celebrations will be tamer and less elaborate than usual. There may be some how can ignore the Sun meeting up with Saturn from 1st to 3rd January, in fact indulging in excess is possibly only way to avoid it. So, those prone to extremes, may be more so, but overall most will have their eye on the year ahead, with the consideration of how to make it a productive and successful one.

It could be my own eyes, from my environment, but it seemed that 2018 was a particularly difficult year for most. Whether we can consider that to be a result of both Saturn and Pluto being in Capricorn, and the fact that Chiron in early Aries was having a little show down with Saturn for a large part of the year, it's hard to say. Maybe having 6 months of the year taken down by inner planet retrogrades; with Venus and Mars adding to Mercury's regular backward parade, also played a large part in slowing down progress and enjoyment for many.

{PS – if any of you really loved 2018 and had a great year, I would be very interested to hear about it – please do email me at: waxlobster@hotmail.com}

The first Eclipse of the year will be at 1:29am on Sunday 6th January – as always it will effect those with a birthday falling around this date the most, or those whose birthday is at the opposite end of the zodiac; around 8th July (give or take a couple of days either side). The is a New Moon eclipse and a partial Solar Eclipse (mostly visible in Russia) which signifies new beginnings.

This will be a very interesting year for those who have planets affected by 15'25º Capricorn, particularly those who begin their year at this time (if your birthday is around 6th January).

The Sun and Moon fall close to Saturn at 12º Capricorn and close enough to Pluto at 20º Capricorn, this is, in effect a taste of what is to come later, as these planets dancer closer together and then step apart once more. They don't actually meet up in the sky until year 2020 and it's fair to expect all manner of change when they do.

As this particular eclipse links up the chasm between them in the sky, there will be a sense of change in the air. A nice aspect to Neptune in Pisces softens the energy and gives a kind of ambitious flavour to the week. Although there is a feeling that fate and destiny are irrevocable forces, Neptune brings the potential for dreams, creativity and the imagination to provide an uplifting outlet. When WW2 broke Saturn and Pluto were in an exact aspect – a hard square – those who lived through this time will talk about how this time brought out the best in people though too.

In a world which has been racing into a materialistic, technological age, in which the rich and poor divide is once more becoming more pronounced, something does need to give. There are all manner of possible eventualities and ways that big changes are due over the next 2 years, but I think there is a sense of inevitability about the fact that they will occur.

The last time Saturn and Pluto met up in this manner; was in 1982 in Libra and I think it's fair to say that this marked the beginning of capitalism as we now know it. The start of 'the throwaway society' when things began to be made with less artistry and integrity, so that they could be more quickly replaced and profited upon. What kind of an era will be see the beginning of 2020? Well I shall look deeper into that later in the year, in the meantime know that the planets show change, but it's the people on the planet who dictate the kinds of change that will occur….

As an interesting side note, the last time Saturn and Pluto met up in the same sign; Capricorn, it was 1518. The treaty of London at this time created a peace union between all the countries in Europe and a promise to defend one another against attacks from other Empires! This time around we have Brexit….

{Do you feel like lots is going on in your life, even though you don't have a birthday at these times? Contact me for a reading. There is a lot going on in the sky, I can help guide you. A simple chart consulation via messenger or skype will cost just £1 per minute. Email me: waxlobster@hotmail.com or visit my page: www.facebook.com/waxyjo}

The second January eclipse takes place on Monday 21st January at 5:16am, with the Sun having moved into Aquarius the previous day, this eclipse falls at 0'51 Leo. So all of you Leos who are born on the first day of your sign (over the cusp from Cancer) will definitely feel this quite intensely!

On the plus side, energy will be high during this Full Moon. Venus and Jupiter will be having a jolly old time in Sagittarius, lifting spirits, encouraging the more upbeat and brighter side of life is appreciated. Jupiter is all about fun and laughter on the upside, and congenial, peacemaking Venus does tend to bring out this side in Jupiter, especially whilst traversing through the sign of Sagittarius which Jupiter rules and correlates to.

There is, however also a square to Mars in Aries in the mix here. Now if you wanted to do something daring, random and sporty, this is a great time to most enjoy such an activity. If though, you are in more restrained environment, hoping that disputes don't break out and tempers don't flare….well I'm afraid you'll need to wish hard. Mars is Aries is fast, reactive and armed with great energy and drive. Jupiter in Sagittarius, is over opinionated, zealous and can be quite combative. There is only so much Venus can mitigate with pleasantries when there is a Full Moon in the mix also.

This eclipse could bring about some explosive energy, Uranus about to leave Aries for the final time, may well wish to make it's mark through fire and intensity. It is at a square to the eclipse point and there is a potential for; natural disasters, uprisings and disputes on small and large scales to come about as a result of this eclipse.

It is important to note that eclipses can be activated for up to 6 months before and after their events. Planets touching on the areas in the sky where the eclipse falls at all time in coming months, could re-activate them. So, for this one in particular, when Mars makes a square to the 0'51 Leo point from 0'51 Taurus, we could find that all that I cited above is reactivated for a day or so. Sometimes the reactivation points are stronger, so 15th and 16th February 2019 could be dates to be cautious. Days to lie low, book in a massage, or cosy time this weekend perhaps.

Overall it is rather an intense beginning to the year. The New Year always begins with the Sun in Capricorn but this year, having the two heavy weights (Saturn and Pluto) traversing up and down, activating eclipses and hitting the personal planets makes it all a whole lot more intense.

For those of you who are ambitious and want to make waves in your career, there is a good potential in fact in these areas. Things are a little more rigid and conservative, but hard work is more notably rewarded at this time also.

Jupiter in Sagittarius suggests a more global approach at this time. Travel is not necessary for the world to connect up any more. New areas of commerce and different ways of trading are increasing in popularity and will continue trending when Uranus moves back into Taurus on 6th March 2019. Think outside the box, or if you're more like me ~~~burn the box!

Shalom and blessings~~~~ WaxyJo

The Eclipse Season – July and August 2018

The total lunar eclipse on 27th July 2018 marks the beginning of a rollercoaster of change and intensity.

Since 27th June this year we have been in a Mars Retrograde period which has forced us all to slow down, look within and deal with unresolved issues from the past. Whereas a Mercury retrograde period will affect technology, communication, transport (and traffic) and force to revise our thoughts and ideas, Mars is quite different.

During Mars retrograde we have to look at the make up of our egos. In a sense you could bring it down to the basics by saying love vs fear. We all need our ego to remind us to have boundaries and a sense of self in the modern world, but when the ego takes control in any area of the personality it often loses touch with the true soul purpose.

We can always get back to our inner truths by focusing on being love centred and working on our self love, but this requires regular mindfulness and meditation. In reality most of us start to attach with certain elements of fear/ego driven behaviours and focal points through habit and influence.

The lunar eclipse on 27th July 2018 marks the almost exact midpoint of the Mars retrograde period (which completes on 28th August at 28 Capricorn) and it also falls within one degree of Mars which will be at 4 Aquarius at this point. Those of you born between 21st and 27th January will feel this eclipse very personally, along with those of you who have a birthday around this time (meaning your Leo Sun is affected personally also).

As this Moon-Mars opposite Sun configuration is also very close to an exact square from Uranus in Taurus there could be some very surprise events occur at this point. Whenever Uranus comes into the mix we have to allow for the unexpected as it rules; revolution, rebellion, change and the unexpected. There is always a spark of genius and humour with Uranus though, this doesn't bring foreboding change, rather changes which uplift. It's those who follow routine and order who are upset by Uranus, but on a higher level it naturally brings about its own sense of order. For those of you who have worked with Cosmic ordering, you will be aware that Uranus is the ignition that you can use to help you bring about big changes in focal areas of manifestation.

So, whilst this eclipse may bring about change that appears to be unwarranted, it can also be used as an impetus to help create what you really want in your lives. Mars retrograde has being showing us where our egos have been holding us back, tripping us up and clouding our inspiration. Meditating on this full moon can help hone this energy to clear out old behavioural patterns, fears and other blockages in a ~conscious~ manner, to begin to prepare for a very exciting and productive Autumn.

Mercury will turn retrograde the day before this eclipse, so looking inward will continue to be the theme for the coming weeks. Introspection is key, try not to have too many distinct plans at this time, they will fall through. With the Uranus aspect to this full moon and both Mercury and Mars retrograde, going with the flow and learning to surrender control will definitely make life a lot easier. Trying to control anything (or anyone!) at this time will create arguments, anger, conflict and further delays.

Anyone with planets around 2 degrees of any of the signs will feel the complications in early August. With Chiron at 2 Aries, Saturn moving back from 3 to 2 Capricorn, Mars passing 2 Aquarius and Uranus at 2 Taurus, and stationing retrograde here for almost 3 months, there is a lot of activity. This is personal, there are big changes to any planets at this position, all will be in the crossfire of complicated and supportive aspects.

Do you have any planets at 2 degrees of the signs? Would you like me to take a look at how the current planetary positions can be used for growth, rather than angst? Contact me at: waxlobster@hotmail.com 

The next Eclipse is a solar eclipse and will take place on 11th August 2018 at 18'41 Leo, so this will affect those with a birthday around this time and also those born from around 4th to 8th February, 9th to 13th November and 7th to 12th May the most.

Mercury is in on the act here, and sat close to the new Moon (conjunction of Sun and Moon) Eclipse point, as if to reiterate the reminder that Mars made during the previous eclipse. Mercury isn't quite at the middle point of its retrograde cycle, but it seems to want to affirm the messenger's messages to us by highlighting its journey backwards through Leo. An edgy aspect to Pluto shows again that trying to rise above controlling behaviour is one of this Summer's underlying growth points.

Whether we are looking at the hierarchical societal structures which trap and confine us, or the oppressive hand to mouth existence of living in debt that so many find ourselves in; these kinds of themes may loom over us oppressively at this point. Or perhaps we are being shown our own fear-based behaviours which cause us to stay stuck in patterns which do not suit us, or interactions with others which have gotten into loops of control drama and stagnation.

All of these themes will be poignantly exposed during the middle of August. Where the eclipse falls in your own personal chart will show more about how/what and where. The chances are you will already have a fairly good idea of what makes you feel suppressed and confined in your life at the moment. Things only reach a head when we have out grown them, or have ignored their negative influence for long enough for intervention to become necessary.

It's important to try to look at these times as growth periods, rather that resisting and fighting the patterns of nature, it is better to yield and allow change. Often the difficult times are where we clear out all the blockages so that the magic and joy can follow.

The heaviness of these themes does indicate some political and social flux too, things will seems unsettled overall during August. The weak spot at 2 degrees of the signs will impact wherever it falls. I'm not an astrologer who works with the charts of countries but if I was I would mention that the great instability of the UK at the moment is due to Pluto being opposite the Moon of the UK chart and having recently crossed the Sun in the chart also chart!

{For details: http://www.astro.com/nat/natuk2_e.htm}

By the end of August things will look very different for us all. This is going to be a complicated month, but it is also an adventure, a learning curve and a great opportunity to grow. Those who have had ideas and projects that have been neglected recently may well suddenly find the time to go back to these. The great thing about retrograde periods, is that it's excellent for study, revising previous projects and completing them properly and it's also an opportunity to have a rest and really catch up on leisure time.

It may be a complex period emotionally, but it will also be one that can be regenerative and restorative. For some this will be a very healing experience, others will need to go through and unblock a fair few areas in order to allow the healing, but it's worth doing so.

September will feel like a new year, enjoy the hot Summer of growth in the meantime.

Shalom and blessings~~~ WaxyJo https://www.facebook.com/waxyjo/

Forecast; Jan-March 2018 for Aries, Taurus, Gemini & Cancer

Aries Sun (applies to Aries Rising also)
January to March 2018 –

The year has begun at a high level frequency featuring ruling planet Mars marching hand in hand the most energising fellow planet; Jupiter. Working from the sun sign perspective this influence falls in the solar 8th House which puts an emphasis on shared resources, intimacy and intuitive connections. Unhealed sorrows could be fuelled by this influence; strengthened by the link up occurring in Scorpio.

Further into January, work takes centre-stage as Saturn, now in its own sign of Capricorn, reminds you that whilst you will reap what you sew, it’s only germination time. This is an ideas and initiation time; best suited to beginning new projects. Success will not yet be earned without time, effort and adequate planning. Of course, as humans, we tend to appreciate that for which we have toiled and so whilst this could be the start of a busy 2.5 years of Saturn in Capricorn, it could also be an excellent time to assert oneself career wise and status wise. Get grafting!

Ruling planet Mars moves into Sagittarius at the end of January, where it will remain until mid-March. Thoughts will move towards overseas trips, higher learning and even utilisation of ones’ knowledge for teaching others. Energies will be low mid from 15th to 21st February and this could be a good time for a trip to the sea, or indulging oneself in a spa get away. When Mars and Neptune meet up clarity can be difficult to come by, but relaxation is a breeze, especially when involving creative activity and/or water.

March as a month will be hit and miss; as random ups and downs, interlaced with coincidence and changes in fortune reign, alongside emotional upheavals. Uranus has been moving through your sign of Aries for a few years now and those of you born towards the end of the sign (14th to 21st March) will be feeling this more unpredictable undercurrent affecting your lives more now. Uranus brings great change wherever it falls, and as the planet of revolution and change it can indicate great personal changes when it links up with your Sun. Depending upon where this falls in your personal chart this can also indicate a change in external circumstance also. With Mars throwing a trine to Uranus on the 10th March will add to this, a good way to utilise all that is Uranus.

However the additional square to Chiron the following day brings sorrows, insecurity and emotional outbursts. The best way to work with Chiron is not separate the self from others, rather to recognise that we are all vulnerable, flawed and sad at times and times such as these that remind us to stay compassionate and connected.

The Month ends with Mars in Capricorn from the 18th and this will bring great energy resources. Mars is exalted (performs at its best) in Capricorn and if you want to get a lot done, this is the time to do so. With Mercury turning retrograde on 21st March, planning is the practical choice until mid-April where you have a clear 4 weeks in which to implement all of your best laid plans! This will be a very productive Spring for Aries, but a note to those born in early Aries that the stresses of Saturn in Capricorn throwing a difficult angle to your Sun cannot be ignored. You will have to work harder to prove yourself, but knowledge really *is* power and the key to Saturn is to be conscientious, studious and to allow these qualities to reign whilst they must. All will bear fruit in the long run.

To add in a note to Juno (as promised), this purposeful little asteroid will be moving though Aquarius throughout January and February bringing great social times and some convivial meet-ups with friends. As it steps into Pisces for March this will be a good time to be more aware of ones intuitive connections with others and to look at the unseen communications that occur every day without us even noticing mostly. You know how when you suddenly stare at somebody they almost always turn and look at you? Imagine how much we could use this kind of energy emitting from our eyes and aura if we actually honed it? Test it out a little this March, see if it works for you.

{if you’d like to hear more about Uranus in Aries and how it is and has affected your life over the last few years, then do contact me for a reading: waxlobster@hotmail.com}



Taurus Sun (also applies to Taurus Rising)
January to March 2018 –

For Taurus the high octane start to 2018; with Mars and Jupiter the most energetic and expressive planets linked up together in Scorpio, emphasises the partnerships area of your chart. It is worth noting that your personal chart will differ, but from a perspective of simply considering your Sun Sign of Taurus, this denotes a very upbeat, jovial and passionate period between yourself and those closest to you.

As we look forwards to the rest of January, I will look to Juno; the asteroid I am experimentally using as the ruler of Taurus. You will have been told that Taurus is ruled by Venus in the past, but have you noticed this doesn’t quite describe you correctly? Juno relates to enduring love, the kind of earthy grounded devotion which is required for a relationship to last the distance. On this basis, Juno is also about physical nourishment (nutrition and health, and the unconditional self-sacrifice required for true compromise. Over the years there have been many articles based around Juno denoting how one actually loves, (as opposed to Venus – what one looks for aesthetically and Mars- what draws us passionately) Juno is supposed to be about the ingredients required for real, earthy, human based love. Where Juno falls in your chart tells all about what kind of a mate you are actually compatible with, as opposed to the more superficial notion of having ‘a type’.

So on this note I am using Juno as the new ruler of Taurus, having noted how powerfully important the position of this asteroid is in synastry (the astrological study of compatibility between two people’s charts in relationship to one another).

Juno begins 2018 in Aquarius, where it remains until 23rd February. This is the career house from the Taurus Sun perspective and so will feel in effect as if you are, ‘married to your job’ at the beginning of the year. Your commitment to your work will be tested at the beginning of the year, this can apply equally to parenthood for those of you with children. In effect the career house ‘how one is seen in the world’, relates very much to how children view their parents; as for dependants their parents or guardians are, in effect, their world. So equally if your ‘job’ is to be a parent, this will be the main focus of the first 6 weeks of 2018.

The social sphere will take off after the 23rd February as there are more community event and friend get-togethers. Responsibilities have eased off a little and this lighter note will be effect throughout March also, removing a little of the tension from work and bringing a sense of social and environmental conscientiousness to the fore.

A main event to note also is that Saturn moved into Capricorn at the end of December, of note to us all, as Saturn rules Capricorn and will be suitably judicious during it 2.5 year sojourn. This puts an emphasis on studies and travel, though not for pleasure. Saturn is all about gravitas and responsibility, and so whilst thoughts towards higher learning may be of interest, the purpose of study and even travel choices, will be part of a longer term plan, rather than pleasure.

It can also be that expertise you have amassed in any areas over the years could be utilised more effectively during Saturn’s time in Capricorn. If you’ve been considering doing a TEFAL course, or looking into overseas conservation issues now is the time to begin, especially during February and March for the latter.

Uranus is still sitting tight in Aries until May and this may feel as if you have little control on the outer events of your life. Tranquil time is key, we are creating more than we know, but there’s a part of us which is always aware. Tune into this and the world can be your oyster this year!

{If you would like to know more about how Juno affects you and where it falls in your natal chart, contact me at: waxlobster@hotmail.com}



Gemini Sun (also applies to Gemini Rising)
January to March 2018 –

Your ruling planet, Mercury begins the year in your opposite sign of Sagittarius. From a sun sign perspective (your personal chart is likely to be different) this is the house ruling partnership and close associates, so there should be good levels of communication to begin the year.

The Mars-Jupiter conjunction in Scorpio which occurred during week 1 was in your 6th House, so focus around day to day domestic duties may have stolen the focus. It’s always a good time of year to think about feng shui, in the aftermath of the most consumerist time of year, bought into by so many, clutter can be a very basic side-effect. The basis of feng shui is entirely logical, we all know that if we are sat with our back to the door there is a slightly uncomfortable feeling when the door opens behind us. Or there is that untidy person who leaves their bag to trip over in the hallway. We all need basic order in our homes with natural light, air clearing plants and natural energy flow from space to space. Gemini is one of the more scatter brained signs and can certainly benefit from a little bit of thought around this area and that of domestic finances and overall health.

Mercury moves into Capricorn on 12th January, linking up with Saturn over the weekend further the practical mindset. This is a time to go out celebrating, Saturn is about structure, planning and establishing oneself in life. Saturn moved into its home sign of Capricorn at the end of December and will remain there for the next 2.5 years, this coming weekend will bring the first psychological acknowledgement of the switch between relationship issues and the practical side of sharing life, resources and energetic space with another. Saturn will be in your solar 8th House for this period (very likely this will be a different place in your personal chart) and will be bringing responsibilities to the fore in the area of planned finances (i.e. pensions, insurance and formal arrangements) as there is always the consideration of loss and fear of change when Saturn associates with this area of the chart. The message of Saturn is, “the more you plan; the less there is to fear” and also, “the harder you work; the greater the reward.”

Mercury moves into Aquarius neatly on the 1st February, gaining speed on Venus, already in Aquarius. These two are going to be moving closer together throughout the month bringing more charisma and creativity to us all. You’ll be in good spirits and the end of last year was a stressful one for Geminis (with Mercury retrograde conjunct Saturn throughout November and December). The raincloud has finally dissipated and it’s time for a bit of relaxation!

Later in February (from 18th) is the perfect time to book a holiday, Mercury will still be hurtling through the zodiac with Venus at the helm. Mercury and Venus are such a congenial pair, and together in Pisces the end of February will be very uplifting. It’s a creative, imaginative and inspiring time, excellent for those who seek romance, so simply wish to bring a little more love and kindness into every day life.

It’s a short trip before Mercury moves into Aries on the 7th March, but long enough for a decent holiday. The rest of March will be more about work and responsibilities and energies will be high (except around the 8th & 9th which will could be quite stressful and any recent mistakes made will come under scrutiny). Uranus has been in your career house now for a few years and this period is set to end in May 2018, so if you do want to bring forth any big changes in situ the end of March will be the time to beginning planning them (although they should be initiated until mid April).

You may be aware that your ruling planet goes into retrograde motion 3 times a year? The 23rd March marks the next period, and is the reflective time. As a Gemini you have a keen, quick intellect, and are not prone to revising or sense-checking your choices. Hence, these Mercury retrograde periods are set aside to ensure that you do spend the time reviewing and refining all that has occurred during the previous 3 months. It may seem frustrating and dull to do so, but without a little introspection and consideration our progress could never be properly directed or appreciated..

{If you would like a deeper view into your personal astrological chart then email me at: waxlobster@hotmail.com}



Cancer Sun (also applies to Cancer Rising)
January to March 2018 –

As mentioned for the other signs there was quite an energetic start to the year with the most expressive fiery planets; Mars and Jupiter meeting up in Scorpio. This was a harmonious energy from one water sign to another and so hopefully your year got off to a very positive beginning.

Currently brought back down to earth this week by the Sun and Venus both lingering around Saturn which has recently moved into Capricorn your opposite sign.

You may well find that your natal chart does not show this as your 7th House (unless you have Cancer Rising) however as this is written from the perspective of the Sun sign the area of your chart currently under the spotlight is that of partnerships. Saturn entered Capricorn, the sign it rules, at the end of December and will remain here for the next 2.5 years bringing a serious tone to relationships. Those of you already in a long term relationship will be considering formalising this, and for those of you who aren’t you will likely be looking for a partner with whom you can settle down.

Saturn isn’t in any way romantic or whimsical, so the considerations will have a practical and financial concern. The New Moon on 19th January at 28 Capricorn further emphasises this point, although as it forms a harsh angle to Uranus which doesn’t bode well for formalised plans, in the fact the contrary could be the case and it’s possible some Cancerians will terminate less fulfilling relationships at this point, or indeed find that their partner decides they want out!

The Lunar Eclipse on 31st January will fall in Leo and, as always with eclipses, will be powerful. Especially for those who have a personal planet at around 11 Leo. On a general note this falls in the 2nd House for the Cancer Sun sign. The 2nd House is concerned with how we primarily relate the physical world, and so it rules feelings, sensory perceptions, and all that we own. Possessions and finances are involved with this house and there could be changes in this area of your life around this time. Perhaps you will decide to divide up resources, or changes your income stream, refurbish your home, or start looking after your body in a more nourishing way. Whilst this all sounds positive, do note that eclipses are to do with endings. There could be some need to let go of something or someone in your life around this time.

This is followed up by the partial solar eclipse on 15th February in Aquarius, which probably won’t create the most romantic backdrop for this years’ Valentine’s Day (although since this day always puzzlingly falls in one of the least romantic signs of the zodiac, this is frequently the case!). Again there is a sense of letting go and in some ways a connection to finances. Look within. Have you outgrown certain areas of your life? Is it time to move on, or declutter your life (physically or metaphorically)? Cancerians are known for being adverse to change, but in life we often find it a whole lot easier to follow choices that we have made ourselves, than those that are forced upon us.

There is a supportive backdrop with Jupiter remaining in Scorpio mid-late Summer and Neptune moving through Pisces, both very sympathetic fellow water signs. Uranus in Aries has brought a little chaos of late but soon (May 2018) that too will be moving into a sign that resonates more easily with your own.

Later born Cancerians will find this a more complex period with both Uranus and Pluto causing consternation and confusion on many levels, early Cancerians will be feeling the force of Saturn opposing your Sun and the hard work and pressure which are inevitable; whether due to successful endeavours, or due to having to make up for times where you have previously lacked initiative and application.

For March the full Moon at the beginning on the 2nd will bring a more harmonious and relaxed energy, as you find yourself feeling more connected to your surroundings and more interested in connecting and communicating with friends.

If you need to get away then the New Moon in 17th March in your 9th House of travel and further learning bodes well. Note that with Mercury retrograde at this time extra planning and attention may be required, but so long as you double-check everything this shouldn’t be too much of an issue and this year has not begun as simply as you hoped. Maybe mark the Spring Solstice on 21st March as your new start instead, as Mars bringing fresh energy into Capricorn gives you drive and pizazz you have been waiting for.

{if you would like to know more about how Saturn and Pluto in your opposite sign are affecting you, email me at: waxlobster@hotmail.com}

Lunar Eclipse 16th September ~~ love your vulnerabilities~~ 24° Pisces

This lunar eclipse is the final of the season and is exact on Friday 16^th September at 8:05pm in the UK at 24’19 Pisces.

It will be visible from the UK, and reaches its closest point at 19:54.  However, this is a penumbral lunar eclipse; meaning the earth’s shadow falls on only a small portion of the Moon and so the change in light will be barely noticeable.

Although only a partial and therefore less potent eclipse; astrologically we have quite a powerful and emotional chart, with the Moon in Pisces sat next to Chiron the wounded healer.  Whilst Chiron is only regarded astronomically as an asteroid, it has a very powerful affect in an astrological chart.

I regard Chiron to be the ruler of Virgo as it correlates with the perfectionist, hygienic and self-deprecating traits of the sign; along with showing the triumphs of conscientiousness, kindness, service to others and innate patience which come from the taking ones owns own needs out of the equation. 

Where Chiron falls in a chart will tell you a lot about your deepest vulnerabilities and fears and I will always look to this area of the chart to understand how best to empathise and understand somebody’s true needs.  By connecting with somebody’s Chiron, you will be able to develop a truly deep bond, so long as your intentions are entirely genuine. 

Chiron is exalted in Gemini, as by expressing and sharing your wounds you can connect with others on a deep level and encourage them to share their own.  Chiron is connected with anorexia, OCD and self-purging kinds of behaviours when at its most difficult and suppressed positions.  Facing the fear of others’ judgement and acknowledging your weaknesses in this area is where this energy triumphs into connectivity, and healing begins.  Hence, many of the best healers, carers, nurses and nurturers have a strong Chiron position and have learned how to recognise the wounds in others, by understanding and having already integrated these within themselves.  We’ve all heard that the best counsellors are those with personal expertise in the applicable area. 

The main focus of this lunar eclipse is upon accepting ourselves, acknowledging our deepest fears and in turn being sensitive to those of others.  With Mars closely square the Moon-Chiron eclipse point, there may be fallouts and disagreements triggering these weak spots.  For those of you who find yourselves in an argument with somebody you care about around this time, do try to breathe, step back and recognise that many of us become angry when we at our most scared.  By looking at the source of behaviour, rather than reacting the behaviour itself we have the opportunity to become closer and create a bridge between those who may have formed chasms of self-preservation.

As always the key to the best possible outcome is to consider, “what would love do now.”  When in an ego state the tendency is to defend one’s position and fight to win an argument, or cover up a part of the self that we fear others seeing.  Love on the other hand has nothing to hide, and knows that where it exists then more love will manifest.  We always end up a reflection of what we project, and this isn’t only the case on a conscious level, but on all levels of energy.  Spending time chanting mantras every day will eventually re-programme the subconscious into positive patterns, but this needs to be corroborated with good intent at other times too.  It is not what we say to others, it is what we think to others that matters the most.

Words can help and with Chiron they can create a form of connection between people which breaks down the most inpenetrable barriers, but sending love is just as powerful, often more so.

Is there anybody in your life who you feel anger for?  Are you seething, or festering an energy which has the effect of draining your core spirit?  Is there an impasse which causes you distress or upset?  Are you holding on to a scenario from the past and replaying it in your mind?

I read an article this week about how the neurons in the brain work as muscles and become stronger and more able to perform wherever they are exercised the most.  Which areas of thought do you over-emphasise?  Do these thoughts serve you and help you create the next stage of the life you wish for, or do they hold you back and reinforce a negative view? 

We can re-programme anything we wish if we believe so.  Amends can be made with any person we want, there are no boundaries, only those which we create for ourselves.  Sometimes those which have been created for us by others in our childhood and we have replayed through habit, rather than choice.  Chiron often reflects early programming which has been passed by parents and peers to us through our formative years.  Often those who fear ‘ending up like their parents’ are the ones who end up exactly as their parents. 

The key is choice.  We cannot change our wounds, we cannot discount our vulnerabilities but we can turn them into strengths and connectivity.  We can look at our own defensive, or angry, or subversive responses to weakness and recognise these same mechanisms in those around us.

Chiron is the key; the key to understanding that we all suffer the same wounds, the same fears but we are also all capable of expressing the same love. 

If you’d like me to have a look at how Chiron functions in your chart and which areas this eclipse will emphasise in your life, then contact me at: waxlobster@hotmail.com and I can provide a reading by email, skype or in person for just £20.

With love and connectivity~~~~~ x

New Moon eclipse at 9’21° Virgo - Thursday 1st September

This Autumn’s lunar eclipse takes place at 10:03am on Thursday 1st September (time accurate in the UK). This is a very intense configuration occurring at 9’21° Virgo, closely squaring Saturn at 10’04° Sagittarius and opposing Neptune at 10’39° Pisces.

In fact it is one of the most auspicious astrological events of the year; capitulating the background feature of Saturn square Neptune which has been causing confusion, chaos and political unrest in so many parts of the world recently.

This area of the mutable signs (which are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius & Pisces) has been under the spotlight considerably in recent times. Whilst Saturn glided over this point during mid-December 2015 it has remained static at the 10th degree of Sagittarius for the entire month of August, with Mars hanging around closely exacerbating and causing a rather frustrated and tense energy during the last two weeks.

Interestingly, when Mars turned retrograde earlier this year on 23rd April, it was also at this point of Sagittarius that it stationed and began it's apparent backward motion. There is an incredible emphasis being placed in this area of the sky and with an eclipse triggering all of the energy which has been so concentrated for the past 9 months; change is being forced indelibly upon us.

On a personal note, whilst I retain a rather blasé and yielding attitude to planetary motion on the whole, I am find this frenetic dance upon my personal Neptune placement, rather disconcerting and unsettling. Those of you who have any planets between 7-11 degrees of the mutable signs, will I’m sure be feeling a similar intensity (whether you are aware of a planetary placement here or not!) For those of you born close to either; 28th February, 30th May, 1st September or 1st December your Sun is in the mix and I’m sure you’ve had a suitably strange and complex year so far. I would love to say that this is now over, but the changes heralded by an eclipse can actually be felt a few months before and after the actual date of the event. In this case most notably so, due to the triggers being outer and slower moving planets.

It is difficult to know what to expect with an eclipse. I would tend to look at the area of the chart it falls in, and then where the affected planets interact with and which house(s) they rule. This will provide a great insight into where impacts will be felt and in the case of this eclipse the positions of Saturn-Mars in Sagittarius and Neptune in Pisces are very relevant to any investigative approaches also.

To look further into the chart of the eclipse itself, I see that we have 17° Libra Rising with the ruler; Venus sat covertly in the 12th house, but congenially close to Jupiter and Mercury, which turned retrograde at around 2pm on Tuesday 30th August (and will remain so until Thursday 22nd September). The 12th house placements here seem to add to suppressive tendencies which the Saturn-Mars conjunction has been bringing to us for the past 2-3 weeks already. It's a case of 'better the devil you know' as many of us will avoid risks, overt honesty and frankness in favour of saying nothing at all. This of course creates its own problems as, whilst it may seem as if nothing you can do/say/bring to the table is right at the moment, lack of expression doesn't actually change the energy permeating from you to those around you. Actions speak louder than words and in many cases, thoughts illustrate feelings more powerfully than when open communication is attempted.

There will be misunderstandings at this time, Mercury beginning its retrograde motion is making sure of that, if the placement of the other planets wasn't making this clear enough. What I can say is that what you think you create; and this counts for conscious and subconscious thought equally, so meditation and trying to find a deeper connection with ones true feelings is one of the only ways to surpass the issues that will come into play for many of us at this time.

Neptune itself is sat in the 5th house of the eclipse chart, along with Chiron and indicating that music, creativity, art and drama are where the most joy can be found. Be as a child, and if you can't manage that be around children. The innocence and beauty of life's simplicity can be appreciated most fully at this time. Animals may have a similar appeal, as their inability to be dishonest is equally alluring and refreshing.

Whilst I almost always encourage people to ignore the news and focus on their own lives, at this time deceit and subterfuge are going to be even more prevalent focuses than usual. Also people will be more sensitive to contamination both in the air and in the food chain, so try to keep overall health a priority to keep the immune system on top form. Finances will be a concern for some and community issues a focus. Perhaps there will be more of an emphasis on pulling together and looking out for one another, but with energy being low and wills being weak I think that imbalances will be more noticeable, rather than inroads being made into actually addressing them at this point.

There will be more political confusion over the next couple of weeks, as Mercury retrograde adds even more messiness to the minds of many.

The overall message of this eclipse is that old cliche of 'what you resist persists', there is no avoidance of truth. No amount of failing to speak out will actually change the reality of any situation. If I've learned anything in this life, it is that there is a shedding of intensity in speaking out. Sometimes expression of pain, or sorrow, or frustration, or anger majorly dissipates the feeling itself, where suppression of such adds further difficulty.

Take a risk, speak your mind, if something is important to you it is worth saying. I won't back any confrontation, major decision-making or life changes at this point, simply surrounding ourselves with good people and sharing how we really feel about our lives. Friendship is a great balm at this time and the eclipse meeting the north node in the house of friendship encourages us to trust and allow our hearts to open up to those who care the most about us.

This is a confusing time, a lot of what we see, believe, or feel around these next two weeks should be recognised as untrustworthy. Feelings will be intense, and not necessarily indicative of reality. On the other hand responsibilities may feel more like burdens than usual. Taking time out is essential and learning to take oneself less seriously will help. As Shakespeare once said, "all the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players", right now viewing ones life as a play or a movie will add a backstory that could be the most enjoyable perspective to take.

Wishing you all a beautiful, liberating, story-telling new moon eclipse on Thursday!!

Leo dried peas & love.

~~for those wishing to know how the eclipse is impacting your personal chart, contact me at waxlobster@hotmail.com. A brief reading where I hone in on this eclipse and its impact for you can be done for just £20.

Full Moon in Libra ~23rd March 2016~ "illuminate your true self"

The sign of Libra is ruled by Venus, the charm, charisma and beauty bestowed on those with prominent Libra chart placements is; discernible, notable and characteristically Venusian. To me Libra is unquestionally Venus ruled (some disagree) and Aries is unquestionable (by all) ruled by Mars.

This is the only axis in the chart which embodies the polarity of Venus vs Mars; female archetype vs male archetype; giving vs receiving; yin vs yang. This is the axis of smoothing the waters vs expressing the true self and this, is the message of this full moon. What is more important to you; how you appear to others (Libra), or how you actually wish to express yourself (Mars)?

The Sun is now traversing through Aries, announcing loudly that the Spring has Sprung and the Moon becomes full when perfectly opposite to the Sun, in this case at 4º Libra. On this occasion however, there is a partial lunar eclipse at the same time. The beautification which the full moon in Libra wishes to sing out to the world is obfuscated by the shadow of the earth. Expression is halted, beauty is obscured, light is shadowed.

So the question needs to be asked on this Full Moon – what IS beauty? Is beauty the glow of expensive make-up on your skin, or the muscles bulging from your arms? Is it the perfectly coiffed hair and the waxed moustache? Or is it something deeper and more profound? Do all these things appear beautiful when cast into shadow, or does the visual translate into more meaningful depths?

Of course visceral appearances aren't only about beauty; but also about acceptance. I watch the world around me and people trying to please, wanting to be liked, wishing to impress, desperately trying to fit in. I sometimes ask them why, I sometimes find myself doing the same, but most of the time I know why. They're scared. You're scared, I'm scared, we are scared. Afraid that we will be alone if people don't like us, worried that we will lose our jobs if we don't agree with everything, concerned that if we stand out we will be ostracised and treated like we still live in a century where uniqueness was treated with burning or drowning.

We're controlled by fear, dictated to, set into regimes of nicely presented suits and shiny cars. Politely queuing behind lines and lines of others doing just the same. Most bristling with anger, frustration, obscenities on the tip of the tongue and sometimes tripping off it.

These same people spend time reading about extending their lives whilst not actually living at all.

This full moon chart; interestingly brings in all the elements which add up to us creating and maintaining façades. The 27º Cancer Ascendant brings the family dynamic to the mix and the Moon is ruled by Cancer. In the chart the Full Moon itself lands in it's home, the 4^th House also. Asking the question, who are you when you are at home with yourself?

If you spend some time considering the elements you most like and admire about yourself and then match up these qualities with the ones which are encouraged by others, how do they match up? Are you surrounded by people who love the you that you love, or do you feel that you have to adapt to be more like they imagine you to be? Do you ever apologise for sharing your feelings, or talking about yourself? Do you feel that cannot be outspoken without evoking conflict?

And if you do evoke conflict, is it your conflict anyway? When you do choose to strip away the pretences and the niceties, you can be sure there will people who resist this shift in you and wish you to revert to what they expect. There will conflict from them, there will be those whose egos are threatened by truth, and others who simply become angry when witnessing freedom as they wish to live a life where they no longer have to tie themselves in knots. 

 None of these are reasons to respond however, think mirrors and recognise projection. Fear speaks in tongues and can be invoked by the most surprising of folk at times, but once recognised as it is; fear is powerless and easily assuaged.

There is a transcendental element to all this; echoed beautifully by a Venus-Neptune conjunction, already propagating spiritual love, and transcendence and enhanced further by occurring in the sign of Pisces. A sign ruled by Neptune, so elevated in its own wisdom at times, Pisces can command the upper echelons of true love and revere Venus into exaltation in this sign. Venus rules the Full Moon of this chart and cannot be iterated enough when considering the essence of this Full Moon being about beauty and the over-shadowing of such. When Venus links up with Neptune it tells us stories of love being an effervescent, uplifting and magical connection which has no need for the visual, or even the physical. Physical, masculine, energising Mars is almost thrown out of the picture by this over-emphasised Venus position, but just manages to bring itself back into the picture by forming a sextile to the full Moon position, from Sagittarius.

Again we must bring expression of ones truth back into the picture, and also remember that the axis of this Full Moon is Libra to Aries. A full moon cannot exist without it's opposite, just as light cannot be discerned without the shadows cast.

In just the same way beauty cannot be conceived without the absence of such and so the shadows cast by the eclipse of this full moon will be as revealing as they are diverting.

I invite you to ask yourself during this full moon what it is that you love about yourself the most and how true to this you are. For the closer we appreciating our own beauty, the more those around us will be allowed to see us shine and start to see us as we really are. Beauty isn't in the eye of the beholder, beauty is behind the eyes of the subject and exists most vividly within the inner world of the subject.

Let the shadow cast by the earth over this full moon, reveal to you how to "illuminate you true self"~~

~~if you would like a reading please contact me at: waxlobster@hotmail.com I am currently running an offer on solar return charts which begin on your birthday and tell you about the coming year.  I combine this with complete natal chart information pack for just £50.  It' s a perfect gift.  ♥

Full Moon at 4º Libra ~ partial eclipse ~ 23rd March 2016

Pisces Solar Eclipse – 9th March 2016 ~”own your own power!"

If New Moons are all about beginnings and Eclipses are all about endings, what does a Solar Eclipse actually tell us?

It’s a question I asked myself when I was learning astrology.  A Solar Eclipse has to fall on or very close to a New Moon as it is the Moon obscuring the Sun which we observe with this phenomena.  So what DOES a Solar Eclipse portend?

In truth it is about and ending AND a beginning.  Much of the nature of life works this way; that something must be removed in order for another thing to begin.  There is a finality with an Eclipse (Solar or Lunar) also, an inevitability of an ending which we have little say in.  Where we can use the energy of a New Moon to choose something which we wish to become successful for instance; a new business, a fitness regime, sowing a row of crops, we will have less say with a Solar Eclipse New Moon.  Something will change anyway.  We will usually be glad of this change, but not always immediately.

Humans have developed quite a controlling approach to life; the energy of Saturn is seen as integral (responsibilities – a job, a car, a family, money, investment, PLANS!) and that of Pluto something avoid (change, upheaval, letting go, transformation, dissolution of PLANS!).  However, when one views astrology then all must be seen as equal and upon seeing life this way the tight, restrictive, onerous expectations we live amidst start to become apparent. 

There are few people I’ve met who haven’t, at some point said to me, “it was terrible when {insert life changing event} happened, but I’m so glad it did now!”  There aren’t very many people I’ve met who have said to me, “my life is in flux, it’s so exciting, I love having no control!”  Those I have met who fall into the latter category turn around the situation far more quickly and effectively though!

When a Solar Eclipse falls on your personal planets, or an angle it is probably that there will be a change of circumstance in that area of your life.  It’s not always a bad change; the Universe and the planets do not have a concept of good and bad {humans invented that too!}.  I’ve seen marriages break down and engagements announced; new businesses formed and old ones fall under.  You get the picture whatever needs to change will, just as the Autumn leaves will fall from the trees.  You can’t glue together detritus in your life, any more effectively than you can affix a dead leaf to a branch. 

So only one answer remains; embrace the change.  Step into your future with positivity and allow and the inevitable to reach you more quickly.  Drop your baggage and dance.

This is a New Moon in Pisces after all.  It is all about the imagination and all that we can visualise and create with such (music, art, film, photography).  Pisces emulates the sea and like the ruler; Neptune both respects the water and works with the waves of the ocean respectfully. 

For those of you who have a birthday on or near the 9^th March, then I can tell you this will be a very interesting year for you.  There’s not much more detail can be provided without a look at the entire chart {do feel free to email me for a full chart reading at: waxlobster@hotmail.com}

On a topical basis however this is a powerful chart.  As always with a New Moon, the Sun and Moon are together; on this occasion at 18° Pisces, Chiron {the wounded Healer} is sat very close at 20° Pisces, bring a tone of compassion and vulnerability into the mix.  With this all working from the 3^rd House we can assume that the most verbose amongst us, may be more inclined to listen and empathise.  Saturn sits on the Ascendant of this New Moon chart and from 16° Sagittarius a coldness, austerity is brought into the equation.  Hard truths and biting words will be a large part of the mix in more circles. 

Will we see the heartless UK Government announce more cuts and restrictions to the needy?  They have so far been relentless in their mission to weaken the weak.  Or can righteous Jupiter in critical Virgo, sat watching the Sun-Moon-Chiron in Pisces; from his home in the richly cultured, opinionated and expressive 9^th House actually swing a little more faith and fairness into our midst?

The MC is in balanced Libra, with its ambassador; Libra sitting in equality driven Aquarius, also in one of its homes in the 2^nd House.  Maybe Venus will speak out for those who need representation, but without any links to the Pisces planets, this will be a separate agenda.  One which will more likely become lost. 

Uranus will get his own say and may swing the power a little bit; still marching through Aries, Uranus expects *active* chaos and an expressive stance.  Sitting at the IC ruling the home, we see some flux in what is seen to be home, vs what is known to be the standing/career/outer world. 

I’ve spoken in previous posts about the Uranus-Pluto square and notably this is falling out of orb, finally.  Never to line up again from Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn (at least not within the next Century), so far we’ve seen little in the way of revolution and far more downturn in the kind equality Uranus expects from the human race.  Pluto has maintained the upper hand, by allowing fear to be the most powerful tool used upon the populous. 

So I say again; “Step into your future with positivity and allow and the inevitable to reach you more quickly.  Drop your baggage and dance.”

Be your freedom and walk away from all who inhibit you through fear.  Things CAN change, if we own our own power.

Solar Eclipse ~18° Pisces on 9th March 2016