April Predictions

So, it is April 1st and I feel invigorated! It is a 1 day in a 9 month. According to my numerology book, April and May of this year are supposed to be the craziest! My mind is very much occupied with a sustainable career in the entertainment/art industry. Everything else...just living. Not very girl-crazy right now, though the prospect of a new relationship still excites me. It is getting warmer and I want to come out and play this year! My diet has taken on much more concern. Overall, I really desire the next phase of my life. I want to experience a level of fulfillment beyond what I've known, in every area of life. I want to live on my own. Really just want to come into my own. I have been making consistent efforts to change my lifestyle, and I have a feeling this is the month things transition for good.

The major celestial influence this year and especially April and May, is Uranus. I feel like it is crunch time. Unemployment will run out soon, so my career has to get started. But I'm not settling. No more jobs. Only something to build a career. Career/money are my major concerns this month, just to give an idea of my direction/momentum. Unless Mercury is retrograde, I usually only pay attention to Sun, Venus, Mars and outer planet transits. Eclipses are sometimes of note to me as well.

4 Neptune Trine Pluto (separating) Things that may have been too intense to sort out before,  become clearer as the month rolls on. I see this as a new level of faith emerging from the struggle I went through before. Like, all the suffering and angst are now raw material to create with. Less confusion, more insight and articulation.

4 Uranus Trine Mercury This is a time of learning...I'm in a much different space than I was in January. I'm picking things up quickly, my mind racing out into the world. Things are easier to connect. Good time for creativity and unconventional thinking.

4/1 Sun Sextile Jupiter (1) Magnanimous feelings and indulgent attitude. I feel like it's my lucky day and anything can happen! I just got paid too...although, I haven't gone too crazy because I have too many bills. My ex from the beginning, I'm talking from back in high school, is supposed to be coming over. A girl I have more interest in, tomorrow. I feel a healthy amount of idealism and feel this month is mine to seize!

4/3 Sun Trine Mercury (3) I'm sure this will be a creative day, full of ideas and mental activity. Keyword will be focus. Great day to reach out and feel my words really aligning with who I am.

4/5 Sun Trine Moon (5) Harmony, warm feelings. It will be Saturday. Good day to go exploring or on an adventure, especially with friends.

4/6-7 Sun Opposite Mars (6-7) Going to NYC this day, riding in a car with other good (male) friends. Will have to watch for ego/control/power scenarios for sure! Game of Thrones premiers later that night! Yessss, who's got HBO??

4/6 Venus Square Sun, Saturn (6) Not ideal for working with others. Considering the above scenario, I will need to really be aware during the road trip, as well as any potential interactions later.

4/7 Sun Trine Uranus (7) I can see this day having a high degree of individualism and feeling rebellious or confrontational. Wanting newness and embracing unconventionality. Maybe a very spiritual and faith filled day, as it would be the day after NYC. A new mindset or attitude towards life.

4/11 Venus Trine Pluto (2) One of my favorite transits, very sexy! It is a Friday and I can see myself either going out to socialize or spending time with someone I like or have history with. I feel like Pluto is very past-heavy, so Venus may resurrect romantic feelings thought long dead. Whenever I see Venus and Pluto hook-up, lust is the first thing to pop in my head.

4/14-16 Mars Conjunct Mars (5-7) This looks to be the start of an energetic week! Although, Mars is retrograde so that could be a bit of frustration. Good week for physical activity. Explosive and virile.

4/17-19 Mars Opposition Moon (8-1) Second half of the week, through the weekend, this could very well spell conflict with women. 8-1 looks like a valuable experience leading to transformation/new beginning. Likely not an optimal time to get involved in new relationships.

4/18 Venus Square Mercury (9) Occurring during the previous transit, any kind of mental discipline or restraint may prove very difficult. Maybe I'm more liberal in speaking my mind, which may stir conflict with the opposite sex. Could also be unrealistic expectations, tension between feelings and logic.

4/22 Venus Trine Venus, Square Uranus (4) Flirtatious, wanting to bust out of old patterns of relationships. Surrendering completely to feeling and disregarding the norm. Sun will be in Taurus, this could be a very decadent time. I get paid this day and may feel inclined to indulge after, what could be, a rough week.

4/26 Sun Opposition Pluto (8) Intensity, ambitions realized. Power is the keyword this day. Who knows what will happen with this one?

4/30 Sun Conjunct North Node (3) Lesson learned. Feeling destined for greatness. I have begun my career and feel I've reached a new plateau of self-awareness. Looking forward to the next phase of my life, with Saturn returning in less than 8 months.

The question is: If May brings a new beginning, how will I close this chapter? I can't do the same things anymore. More and more, I feel the need to kick it into another gear. Success is on my mind but it takes discipline and steady effort to materialize. Patience is a key word, regarding romance. Next month is a lot more conducive to beginning a new relationship, but some groundwork can be laid in this one. Beginning a new exercise regimen will pay off sooner than expected.

Back in Eden

Ahhh what a difference a few months makes! There is a deep transformation taking place but it isn't as frustrating now as it was a few months...even a few weeks back. I haven't been as focused on astrology lately but I'm a little more open now. I have my own laptop, which has sucked my soul away since I haven't had one in 6 or 7 years. I just want to catch up with you a bit and look ahead to the next couple of months.

So, with Uranus conjuncting Moon, my relations with women have become more unstable. Nothing crazy, because I don't really produce those kinds of reactions form people nor do I get too crazy. I hit on ALL the girls at a local Dunkin Donuts pretty much. In retrospect, those were more acts of desperation than calculated attempts to court, if there is such a thing. There was another girl who I was pursuing but that ran flat, as I withdrew due to age difference and framing myself as a sucker (i.e. paying for stuff I don't have to pay for). I hooked up with an ex and may hook up with another ex in the coming week. I really don't care...

My focus has been shifting more and more to myself. I got this book called "The Erotic Mind," which is helping me get more in touch with that part of myself. What are my turn-ons? Fantasies? One major revelation is that some fantasies are just that..fantasies. They don't need to be fulfilled and would cease to exist if they were. Erotic fantasies are not so much "teases" and more of a healthy expression of sexuality and imagination now. This is translating to my relationship with women, as I become more comfortable allowing myself to be attracted without trying to bed them all! Venus enters Pisces next month, which will trine my natal Venus and and Pluto. With the Sun in Aries and spring around the corner, new love is almost inevitable. However, May will be a 1 month (new beginnings) and Venus will join my Moon and Uranus in Aries, so it is more likely to materialize then. Jupiter will also be separating from a square to my Moon mid-May.

Professionally, I've embraced my artist side. This is what I'm here to do. It is scary, exhilarating, healing, fulfilling, everything! I actually had my first acting audition today and didn't do too bad! I got a rush! Been getting into music more. Definitely writing but easing back into producing. Screenwriting is something I've definitely taken on. The feeling I get just typing this is undeniable. This is my life path. I've tried the safe one, it didn't work. Remember? Jupiter has gone direct in my 10th house and is due to cross my MC in May/June (going by whole sign houses).

Health wise, I've been good and bad. Had jock itch for the first time a few weeks ago and it was so gross!!!! I'm battling a sinus infection/cold now. On the other hand, I've taken on the challenge of living a healthier lifestyle. Drinking a lot less and not really eating meat. Lately I've been thinking about doing rec drugs again (ecstasy, shrooms) but they're just thoughts. Neptune is in my 6th house and I'd rather have it in my 5th but happy it isn't in my 7th! I'm thinking of Neptune in its creative sense and considering the 6th is a house of duty/routine/work, makes sense I'm pursuing a career in the arts. Art is one of the few things really motivating these days.

Was that too many details? I definitely left a few out! I'm just glad to be back. Tomorrow I'll take a look at April and make some predictions.

Smile!

2014: Uranian Revolution

To end 2013, from Dec. 14-Jan 4, I had 4 romantic encounters with 4 different women every weekend. No, I don't mean 4 each weekend, but 1 every consecutive weekend. Most affairs, I couldn't see lasting long-term anyway. Then, 2 days ago, my ex...after leaving in the middle of the night to see her "situation" messaged me. I didn't know what to think, I didn't think we would ever talk again. Coincidentally, I had read about Venus retrograde earlier that day, which mentioned old lovers resurfacing.

In the broader view, according to the whole sign house system, Uranus entered my 7th house around the end of 2011. Since then, I have had so many romantic relationships and dates, the longest lasting 3 months. As Uranus gets closer to my moon and ascendant, the frequency of these encounters appears to be increasing. Today, I spoke with my ex about...having a baby. Yes, a baby. I must be crazy.

This is a 5 year for me, numerologically, which holds great change, excitement, unpredictability and expansion. This all sounds very Uranian, except for expansion, which is more Jupiterian (Jupiter just separated from a Venus trine but will trine again later this year and I have gained 30-40 lbs.!) I definitely feel like I'm on the edge of something great, my optimism won't allow me to think otherwise.

I've given up predicting what will occur from 2014's major upcoming transits (Uranus Conjunct Moon, Opposition Mars, Trine Mercury, Sextile Jupiter, Jupiter Trine Venus, Conjunct MC, Saturn Returns, Neptune Trine Pluto). All I know is that by the time the year is over, my life will have changed dramatically. In the interim, I've been keeping a journal and detailing the aftermath. I hope that my vigilance will contribute to advancing astrology and helping others in similar situations.

Down the Worm Whole: Whole Sign Houses

Whoa. After listening to an @astrologycast podcast featuring Robert Hand, I decided to do a little research on whole sign houses. Whole sign houses are the oldest and original way that houses were delineated. Basically, one sign to one house. The Ascendant and Midheaven stay the same...but instead of being used as cusps for the 1st and 10th houses respectively, they are sensitive angles in the chart. I decided to try this with my own chart and my oh my was it an eye opener.

There were 5 shifts: Sun and Saturn moved to my 3rd, Jupiter to my 5th, Neptune to my 4th and Pluto to my 2nd. All of them make more sense then their original (Placidus) positions. I've always been plagued by financial issues, so the 2nd house with Sun, Venus, Saturn and Mercury seemed to make sense. However, in a way, I've made it make sense. It's like the MBTI tests, sometimes we pick the answers of how we want to be, not how we are. Accepting the Placidus house system as law, I've forced my perception to accept it. But now, the earth is no longer flat nor is it the center of the universe. Pluto in the 2nd makes more sense, as it explains my financial issues more accurately.

Intuitively, I've always felt like my Jupiter position was off as well. In the 5th, it makes much more sense. I am an artist, through and through. Neptune moving into the 4th, explains a lot more, especially my relationship with my father (and mother). Sun and Saturn into the 3rd also fits better, as communication is always something I've been very self-conscious about. My original positions weren't outrageously off the mark, and still hold some truth. It is just that with the whole sign house system, everything is much clearer. It is like outgrowing an old eye prescription...the adjustment in perception provides clarity.

I will continue to study astrology but now, I understand that it is more in self-interest. I'm not very interested in doing consultations. I'm also not very interested in authoring or teaching like I once aspired. It is more of an interest and hobby. Palmistry on the other hand, I may get back into..still, a hobby. On to the music and the films and such! This is by no means goodbye...I will continue to write. I am eager to share my personal experiences with transits with everyone!

Uranus Conjunct Moon: Part 2 (New Habits)

To address my last saga briefly, turns out, it was actually my fault. My pattern, my habit, my M.O., was always to worry about my exes safety. Yes, I understand caring for someone is natural but if you always assume the worst for them and act predominately out of that fear, it creates a helicopter-parent-like dynamic. She had called out of work that day...her co-worker was misinformed, I simply reacted to her worry with the worry I already have towards my ex. If I had waited til later that day, she would've likely responded after separating from her...situation. I recognized that even though my intentions were noble, I was acting out the same established pattern towards her and an "event" (Uranus conjunct Moon) allowed me to recognize it consciously.

The Moon, can represent women as well as patterns/habits, and the home, etc. I've started to notice my pattern of interpreting transits. Bias! When it seems advantageous, I want the Moon to represent women. When it seems disadvantageous, I want the Moon to represent everything but women! I "interact"with transits expecting them to deliver what I want. However, when I just "live my life" aware of the overarching themes astrologically, I tend to have more fun! Or I should say, I tend to experience the transit effects more.

This tends to impart an optimism that I normally take for an excuse to not do anything and just wait for things to happen. The mistaken assumption is that something outside myself is going to deliver me money or from whatever I'm going through at the time. Truth is, although the planets are "out there," they're also, "in here." A vibrant cosmos pulsates within! I think that when I live my life without being so caught up in the details of expectations, my inner universe harmonizes more with the outer universe.

To state the obvious, Uranus' effects are unexpected, so thinking that I could expect and control the transit was a mistake. That is my advice to all with Uranus transits, echoing every astrologer I've read so far. Expect the unexpected. Knowing what is going on is certainly helpful but beyond that, you won't know how much has happened until it's over.

Uranus Conjunct Moon: Part 1 (The Vent)

First of all, Uranus cannot be overestimated. Upheaval is not a gentle adjective. 'Unexpected' leaves more room for interpretation but should be reserved for say...Uranus sextile Jupiter. Uranus opposite Ascendant, Uranus opposite Mars, Uranus trine Mercury...I'm experiencing all of the above. Right now.

To say that my experiences with women have been frustrating would be an understatement. I don't lose my cool too much anyway but its been disturbing, particularly in the dating department. I really need to focus on myself, as cliche as that may sound. Dating is highly likely to distract me from my growth process. The universe has made this easy.

A few weeks ago, I got it. I realized that I wasn't having much success romantically because I've been doing what I've always done and I needed the space to change. I was slipping back into relationship-dependency and this time, it wasn't going to happen. Abandoned conversations (online dating), date flake-outs (both me and them), erratic responses (texts from one girl I've dated a few times, the ex). Now it's time to vent about the ex. Don't worry, I'll make it brief.

Cliff notes: I was supposed to meet her just to pay a tab at the store she works. When I went, she wasn't there and her co-worker says she no call no showed and was concerned. I tried to contact her...no answer. She has a history of depression and my worst fear is her committing suicide. I immediately jumped in my car and drove 45 minutes to her house. Saw her car outside, tried calling and again. After calling and texting, I called the police. At this point I'm entertaining the worst possibilities.

The officer bangs on the outside door, gets let in and bangs on her door...no answer. Then he bangs on the front door, and she comes to answer. Immediately I smile, my heart leaps. She's OK! Then her...boyfriend situation walks out behind her. That was another worst case scenario. I shake his hand. Say I just wanted to make sure she was OK, and drive home. INFURIATED.

I didn't care that she was with him. I really want nothing from her, just her well-being. But this feels so selfish and I'm done. I can no longer worry about her. I will continue to pray for her, but I want nothing to do with her. This is the abusive ex that I have been told about time and time again by women too many.

I will have to redefine what it means to be involved. I will have to redefine boundaries. I will have to redefine compassion. Ultimately, these things make me stronger, so I appreciate them. Not so much now but eventually, I'll calm down and be able to encourage someone else in a similar situation.

Uranus shakes things up...upheaval is right on the money. Ironically, I started reading a book called 'No More Mr. Nice Guy' last week. Mars in Libra, I'll go out on a limb and say its the typical nice guy placement. With Uranus opposing it, conjunct Moon, I am in for a hell of a time...

Cosmic Chronology

As I was driving along the highway today, I noticed a change in my attitude. Well, I've always know about the change but I made a connection. The moon is the fastest celestial influence in astrology, so it makes sense that it rules reactions. It tells us the initial reaction or place we go to, especially when threatened. Think about Cancer the crab, with its tough shell and claws ready. It just wants to survive, to feel safe. I am very safety cautious when I drive, especially on the highway. It always feels as if my life is on the line, and it is no time for hesitation or pleasantries. I am 100% Aries in this scenario. Everything is happening so fast, I must react in a way I am comfortable. I made this connection as I screeched my brakes at a red light in the city.

Mercury is very fast as well, but not as fast as the moon. Mercury has more time to ponder, to think, to gather information, to consider. Thoughts and communication travel very fast but survival reactions override logic to...ensure our survival: just like a mother, who protects us at all costs. As I considered the relationships of the planets, considering their speed, everything really began to open up for me. I began thinking about all the planets in terms of cycles and the grand cosmic rhythm began to illuminate.

Jupiter takes about 12 years to complete a cycle, which is about a sign/house a year. Let's say the average life is 84 years. That would be 7 chances for expansion/fortune/benefit in any given area of life. People say 7 is a lucky number...Coincidentally, Uranus takes about 84 years to complete its cycle, which is fortunate for an individual lifetime. Uranus is a transpersonal planet that is all about individuality and uniqueness. As a transit, it is said to "speed up" whatever it aspects. Could that speed be a result of awareness around the uniqueness of this lifetime, like a sense of urgency? I believe in reincarnation but that there will only be one me. It would make sense if Uranus was telling me, "hey, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to assert your individuality, regardless of societal expectations/limitations (Saturn)."

Pluto takes about 248 years to complete its cycle...which is about 3 lifetimes. Considering Pluto in this light, it makes sense that Pluto, in its grandest sense, is about something bigger than us. Of course, we can consider Pluto's meaning in this lifetime many different ways but it is ultimately about our life in the eternal context. What impact will we leave for future generations? How will we use the power we have been granted as temporary unions of cosmic energy, called human beings, towards our karma, which lasts eternally? How will we transform/change society as individuals and as a collective? We will never see Pluto complete a cycle...the challenge is acting towards selfish ends or selfless goals.

Isn't this amazing to think about? Considering the relative speeds of planetary cycles, it really clarifies their relationship to us. The Sun and Moon correlate to a yearly/monthly rhythm, like two hands on a clock: the sun is the hour, the moon is the minute. The luminaries tell us about daily life, which we can consider in the grander context of our lifetime and beyond, represented by the transpersonal planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto).

We respond to the moon's energy via gut or subconscious reaction because it is too quick to assimilate consciously. We respond to the sun's energy very consciously because as a species, we understand that our survival is dependent on it. I don't know about you, but the luminaries (Sun and Moon) are the easiest to identify with, which makes sense: both rule childhood. We have been consciously and intuitively aware of their energies from a very young age. Soon, we begin to learn to communicate (Mercury) and share/love with others (Venus), as well as assert ourselves towards desires (Mars). I would say that the further planets are from the Sun, the longer it takes for us to consciously assimilate their meaning.

However, though the universe is ordered, it doesn't always follow such a linear path. Let's say I'm born a Sagittarius, making Jupiter my ruling planet. What does that mean? It means, I am more naturally attuned to Jupiter's energy signature and movements. Ahhh, so that's why I'm such an optimist! I have a natural awareness of the opportunities that surround me in life. At some level, I understand that I may get 7 or more chances to succeed in any area of life. So why wouldn't I be more speculative or friendly? I figure, there's plenty to go around! I have a very opportunity-aware consciousness.

The signs are telling us the way we are attuned to various dimensions of human experience. The houses are telling us where we are naturally attuned to experiencing the various dimensions of human experience. The planets are telling us what dimension of human experience we are attuning to. It really all makes sense now. Astrology allows us to consciously engage life in a way that can maximize our potential and live holistically. There is much wisdom to be gained from its study, especially when we engage with the dimensions of transpersonal experience. As our awareness grows and experience accumulates, we can derive even more meaning from our natal placements. In this way, it is easy to see how everyone is eternally a student.

-Shade