Astro Weather April 2009

New Moon March 26, 2009
The new moon occurred in Pisces under the influence of the nakshatra Uttara Bhadrapada. This lunar mansion has the power to bring cosmic rain, varshodyamana shakti, which is typical of March weather patterns. It consists of two stars, Pegasi and Andromedae which form the two legs of the back part of a funeral bed. Like the myth of Andromeda, it signifies the release of bondage, the release of kundalini, the release of life through death -- the deep sleep of consciousness. The deity associated with Uttara Bhadrapada is Ahir Bhudhanya, the serpent of the deep. This lunation cycle may have us going deep to uncover repressed issues hidden in our deep subconscious. And it may be a bumpy ride since all three benefics, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter are debilitated.

Venus Retrograde
Although Venus is in her sign of exhaltation, her retrograde motion has weakened her presence and on Friday March 27, 2009 she was completely done in by a combustion with the Sun. Astrologically Venus represents how we get what we want, and the nature of the love we receive. When this power is afflicted, relationships may loose some of their luster, communication may not be as sweet, or or we may not be able to get what we want as easily as when the planet is strong.

When Venus is retrograde, it is a great time to turn our relationship radar inward and reassess any problems, differences, or unresolved issues. It is not necessarily a time to break up relationships, but to gain awareness of their value. The good news is that when Venus does go direct, she will still be in Pisces and will regain her exhaltation status. If you can get through these bumps, she will bless you with her sweetness by April 17, 2009.

Jupiter in Capricorn
Jupiter has been transiting the somber sign of Capricorn since December 9, 2008. I for one am tired of learning to live within my means; but the good little Saturnine girl that I am will not indulge her impulse for immediate gratification. I can wait -- at least until Jupiter makes its three month Aquarian visit appropriately arriving on its own day, Thursday, May 1, 2009 -- and will celebrate Beltane.

Mercury in Pisces
On Sunday March 22, 2009 Mercury slipped into its sign of debilitation, Pisces, and will remain there until April 6, 2009. Mercury rules the lungs and immune system, and sure enough I started to get sick with a sore throat (Venus) on that day. Mercury also rules thoughts, ideas and the nervous system. I have to say my thinking has been more emotional and anxious since this change and am trying to carve out meditation time to heal. Mercury also rules business and commerce, as well as liars and thieves. The good news, is that even though the economy is still weak, liars and thieves are too, and they will be exposed.