Astroweather -- Pleiadian Full Moon Musings

Full Moon November 21, 2010 at 9:27 am pst

This weekend the exalted Full Moon in Taurus receives stellar energy from the nakshatra Krittika. By definition a full moon is the peak lunar phase that occurs when the Moon is 180 degrees opposite the Sun. During this time the Moon at its brightest and most reflective. Whatever was initiated during the previous New Moon may come to fruition during the Full Moon.

Two weeks ago the Libra New Moon in Swati ushered in the festival of Diwali celebrating Ram's return to Ayodhya meaning without war, or perfect peace. Ironically we saw Nobel Peace Prize recipient President Obama make the 6th largest arms deal in US History with India during that weekend. Let's hope this Diwali gift doesn't light up the night skies with the wrong kind of fireworks.

Strangely two days later in the US, a mysterious missile did explode across the evening sky over Los Angeles. At first the Pentagon was unable to explain images of what witnesses took to be a high-altitude rocket. Later officials unconvincingly attributed it to the contrail of a jet plane. This apparent cover up stirred the voices of conspiracy, especially when other similar incidents were being reported in Canada and New York City.

Perhaps the most intriguing explanation came from Colleen Thomas who told reporters that a missile was launched by the US directed at Iran, but was downed by multi-dimensional extraterrestrials known as the Pleiadians. Thomas reported that another US missile was launched from San Diego which was directed at the aliens, but missed the target as the aliens not only have superior technology, but exist on a higher vibrational plane impervious to three-dimensional weaponry.



This home health administrator also described herself as the "mother" of a race of good aliens (the Pleiadians) and hybrids here on Earth who are here to defend humans from lizard people (Reptiles). According to alien root race theory, the lizard people are members of a reptilian race that originated in the circumpolar constellation of Draco, latin for Dragon. Ancient artifacts like the reptoid like figure below, dated 5,000 - 4,000 BC from Iraq (yep) may be evidence of their appearance on the earth. Modern conspiracy proponents like David Icke describe these beings as existing in the 4th dimension and being able to inhabit human bodies that have a special DNA or bloodline. Through this possession they keep the human race enslaved through political, economic, and religious manipulation.





On the day of the missile incident the Scorpio Moon was in the nakshatra of Jyeshtha whose associated deity is Indra, the "dragon slayer." I was amused at the symbolic coincidence. But could this cosmic synchronicity be revealing a deeper meaning to this incident? Did the Pleiadians really disarm a missile in their attempt to stop a reptilian agenda?

Perhaps we will find out this weekend as the Full Moon occurs 180 degrees from its position on November 8, 2010 fully illuminated in Krittika, the nakshatra associated with the group of stars called the Pleiades.



The Pleiades is a small cluster of seven visible stars in the constellation of Taurus 400-500 light years from Earth. There are 250-500 stars within the cluster, although only nine have been named.



Most ancient cultures and cosmology describe seven stars. The main star of the cluster is Alcyone, along with Maia, Electra, Merope, Taygete, Celaeno, and Sterope -- daughters of Aphrodite. In Greek the word pleiades means "dove." The leader of these doves, Alcyone, was said to bring good weather for the planting season alluding to the rising of the Pleiades in the spring.



More than any other star system, the Pleiades has captured the attention of both ancient and modern civilizations. For example Suburu is the Japanese name for the Pleiades and the Japanese automaker Subaru even depicts the stars in its logo. From 1985-91 it sold models to Asian markets called Alcyone, Vortex, and more recently Stella.

To ancient the Egyptians the seven stars were seven goddesses whom the dead had to encounter and by whom they had to be judged. Circa 2100 BC the Pleiades were visible through the south passageway of The Great pyramid Cheops on the first day of spring, at precisely midnight. In the ancient city of Dendera,the Temple of Hathor which was build during the Age of Taurus (the 1st century BC) was dedicated to the goddess of love and the stars of Hathor: the Pleiades. A zodiac in the Temple places the Pleiades as the center from which it was believed that our solar system revolved over 25,000 years.



Across the Atlantic, the Mesoamericans also created calendars that show a Great Year cycle in which our solar system rotates around Alcyone, the central star of the Pleiades. The Maya used three calendars, and the Tzolk'in, is based on this 26,000 year cycle of the Pleiades constellation.



A more unexpected connection to the Pleiades may be found in the megalithic structures of Neolithic Ireland. Ancient Celts used the acronychal rising of the Pleiades around the first of November to mark their month of mourning for dead friends. The Pleiades cluster not only marks the fall cross quarter on November 1st, Samhain on the Celtic calendar, but also the spring cross quarter on May 1st, called Beltane. Thus the stars rose on May Day, the Feast of Life and set on November Eve, the Feast of Death. Moreover the legendary Tuatha de Danaan, the matriarchal society that brought the megalithic culture to Ireland are described as arriving on May Day, May 1st, in "cloud ships" or from the "sky." Could these legendary faeries be early Pleiadian visitors?

[It is an intriguing coincidence that Colleen Thomas, whose name indicates she may be of Irish descent, is a matriarchal spokesperson for the Pleidians. My dear friend Wizard Azanon also channels information from the Pleidians. He too is of Irish descent with his natal Ketu, the South Node, indicator of past life and spiritual influences in Krittika! I will ask him to contact his inter-dimensional sources on Alcyone to see if the Pleiadians are indeed related to the Tuatha de Danaan and post the results at a later time.]

According to the Book of Invasions of the Mythological Cycle the Tuatha de Danaan are beings with supernatural powers and wits. The Tuatha de Danaan could go back and forth in time and between worlds. They could manipulate the weather and changing their appearance at will. Eventually the Tuatha de Danaan decided to live in an other dimension of space and time called Tir na nOg, Land of Eternal Youth. Tir na nOg was connected with our mortal world by the famous Irish portal and passage tombs like those at Newgrange which are astronomically aligned with the solstices.



Another Neolithic carving in Ireland that date circa 3,000 BC may be a depiction of the Pleiades. Kerbstone 51 is located on the eastern side of the great kerb around the cairn of Dowth. It portrays what appear to be stylized suns with rays shooting out from the center, and with the whole surrounded by a circle. There are seven of these 'suns' in total, six of which are contained within circles. Irish mythology about Dowth speaks of a bull and seven cows, and scholars believe the site has some connection with the constellation of Taurus, the Bull, and thus with the Pleiades.



Ancient practices of aligning or marking structures with Pleiadian references has made its way to the modern world through groups like the Freemasons. Although the precise origins of Freemasonry may be lost in history, its members are joined together by shared ideals of both a moral and metaphysical nature. Freemasonry is an esoteric art, in that certain aspects of its internal work are not overtly revealed to the public, but rather expressed through allegory and symbols in both art and architecture. Some people something think that almost all the Founding Fathers were Freemasons. Certainly George Washington was, and as his famous Masonic apron reveals, he and his fellow Masons understood the ancient power and astronomical marker of the Pleiades and Sirius. Notice the illustration of the seven stars associated with the Pleiades in the image below (and the symbol that resembles a UFO).



Masonic Tracing boards are painted or printed illustrations depicting the various emblems and symbols of Freemasonry. They were used as teaching aids during the lectures that follow each of the three Masonic Degrees, when an experienced member explains the various concepts of Freemasonry to new members. Here the seven stars of the Pleiades are illustrated on the right next to a stairway emanating from a bright Star believed to be Sirius. Notice the Angels, or extraterrestrial beings, descending the ladder to the Masonic Lodge ready to reveal the secrets of the universe to the initiates. Many traditions suggest that Sirius is the home of a portal or wormhole through which these enlightened beings travel to Earth from other star systems.

This esoteric belief finds expression in modern architecture designed by the Freemasons. Wayne Herschel has brilliantly exposed the Masonic symbolism in the design of Washington, DC and its monuments. Most significant is the Washington Monument designed after an ancient Egyptian obelisk. In his research on the Key of Solomon, only partially reveal to the public by Dan Brown in The Lost Symbol, Herschel goes further and systematically reveals the profound stellar alignment, which includes Sirius and the Pleiades, with the Washington National Monuments. This energetic punctuation mark points to an esoteric energy source that is timed with the birth date of the United States, July 4th. How does the astronomical alignment of these stars with a national obelisk acting as a tuning fork effect our nation? Does it draw energy or create some sort of portal through which beings from other dimensions may descend?



Many ancient texts suggest a direct connection between the Pleiades and the evolution of life on earth. The Moon, indicator of growth, nourishment and the feminine creative principle, is exalted here. In the Vedic tradition the seven visible stars of the Pleiades are associated with the seven wifes of the ancient Seers who fostered on of Shiva's sons, Karttikeya, the commander of the celestial godly forces. According to the legend the wives hid Karttikeya from the demons and trained him in the various systems of knowledge. When he completed his education he fulfilled his destiny by destroying the demons and returning heaven to the Gods. Doesn't this epic Vedic myth sounds a lot like the ancient cosmic fight between angels and demons, or reptilian and humanoid aliens?

Thus the nakshatra Krittika, is associated with hidden worlds, with the care and nurturing of the young, and with education. The Pleiades is a place of refuge and a celestial training ground where one receives instruction on one's life purpose. It is an interesting coincidence that the Pleidians are viewed as older being wishing to humans grow and develop. Could Colleen Thomas truly be receiving information and instructions from the Pleiadian guardians, and might a new message come through during this Full Moon conjunction of the Pleiades?



The power of Krittika is to burn or cut away negativity in order to get to the deepest truths, dahana shakti. Another deity associated with this nakshatra is Agni, the god of fire and tranformation. Purification rituals like asana, pranayama, and fasting can be used to increase our inner fire to burn away karma. Krittika is also called the "star of fire" as it can bring out divine qualities in human nature through this purification. May the light of this bright moon bathed in the vibration of the Pleidian mothers bring sparks of creativity and enlightenment to our purification practices.

Namaste.

Astroweather -- Transformative Alignments at the Galactic Center

Rahu Conjoins Pluto 11/24/10 in Sagittarius, joined by Mars and Mercury on 12/12/10

Brahma (Ultimate Creator) sits on a lotus,the symbol of divine energy and divine grace. The lotus grows from the navel of Vishnu, who is the sleeping god, whose dream is the universe. . . . Brahma opens his eyes and a world comes into being. . . Brahma closes his eyes, and a world goes out of being. ~ Joseph Campbell

During the next two months, there will be a lot of planetary activity lining up and receiving energy from the Galactic Center which ancient Vedic astrologers called the Vishnunabhi, the navel of Vishnu. The Galactic Center is the mysterious and complex bright core around which our spiraling galaxy rotates. It is located at a distance in the direction of the constellations Sagittarius, Ophiuchus, and Scorpius where the Milky Way appears brightest.



The Galactic Center cannot be observed at visible, ultraviolet, or x-ray wavelengths because interstellar dust obscures the line of sight. All scientific information about it comes from observations of gamma ray, hard X-ray, infrared, and radio wavelengths. The precise astronomical location of the Galactic Center at approximately 3 degrees Sagittarius (sidereal) was first verified in 1918 by Harlow Shapley. However its energetic connection to the earth was not realized until 1932 when Karl G. Jansky, an engineer working for Bell Telephone, was investigating the source of the static interference with overseas telephone lines. He discovered that the interference was due to radio waves being emitted from the center of the galaxy. The source of the radio waves appears to be located almost exactly at the Galactic Center, and may coincide with a super massive black hole. This black hole has the equivalent mass of 4 million suns and is the source of most of the gravitational energy in our galaxy. Thus the Galactic Center is the Sun around which our Sun rotates.

The ancient seers of the Vedic culture understood this astronomical connection between our Sun and the Galaxy, and used it as a marker for the ascending and descending yuga cycles that are measured by our Earth/Sun relationship to it (ie the pole star alignments at the solstices). During the past decade the winter solstice occurs as the Sun rises in the mouth of the great rift or Galactic Center and will be exact in 2012. In Galactic Alignment John Major Jenkins revealed that this alignment is one of the astronomical phenomena tracked by ancient Mayan, Egyptians and Vedic traditions.



The Maya had a glyph for the Galactic Center,called Hunab Ku, represents the supreme God and ultimate Creator. To them it represented the gateway to other Galaxies beyond our Sun as well as all of the Consciousness that has ever existed in this Galaxy. Hunab Ku is liken to a womb that births new stars and it gave birth to our own Sun and planet Earth. The Maya also described periodic bursts of energy coming from Hunab Ku that influence life and consciousness here on earth, and the Mayan Calendar marks these cycles, which some believe are to coincide with the conclusion of the current cycle in 2012.

Modern science presents evidence that this ancient wisdom may be based in fact. In 2002 Antony Stark and Chris Martin presented research that indicated evidence of episodic star bursts at the Galactic Center in which many stars undergo supernova explosions at a hundred times the current rate. They believe these explosive events occur every 500 million years with the next one due in 200 million years. The effect on earth would/will be cataclysmic. Some scientists even theorize a pulse generated 200 million years ago may have been responsible for mass extinctions, thus inferring that these pulses are responsible for shifts in evolution.

There is also new evidence that in addition to a Galactic Center, there is also a grand Universal axis called the Central Axis situated towards the stellar fields of Virgo. Carl Johan Calleman believes that the Mayan Calendar tracks these evolutionary waves from this center or World tree. Thus we are bathed in transformative bursts of star waves from both our galactic and universal trees.

In our home galaxy, the Galactic Center corresponds to an area of space between the constellations of Scorpio and Sagittarius, its critical points are in the Gandanta degrees of these signs. In Vedic astrology the transition of a water sign to fire sign is called Gandanta, which is traditionally seen as an inauspicious position causing misery to the area of influence of the planet. In Sanskrit Gand means knot, or node, and anta means end, in particular the last 3 degrees of a water sign, and first three degrees of a fire sign -- at the three distinct junctions of Pisces (Revati)- Aries (Aswini), Cancer (Ashlesha)- Leo (Magha), and Scorpio (Jyeshta)- Sagittarius (Mula).



Each of the Fire signs are the portals to soul growth. Aries marks the beginning of the soul's journey, the individuated or inner self; Leo develops the outer self and material; and Sagittarius designates the point at which the soul turns away from the material as it seeks to merge with universal consciousness. Since the Galactic Center falls in the early degrees of Sagittarius, it marks the gateway to this transition. Therefore, planets transiting these asterisms channel energy from that portal to our solar system, and depending on their nature express messages from the core to those of us on Earth who are listening -- and willing to evolve.

In 2005 Edith Hathaway published an article on Pluto's transit of the Galactic Center entitled Pluto in Kali's Zone. She writes:

The two nakshatras most associated with Kali are Jyestha and Mula. . . In this particular transitional area, the mythic battles between the Devas (the gods of light) and the Asuras (gods of darkness) became the most intense. . . For the first time in 248 years, transiting Pluto hovers at the exact border of these constellations for much of three years: from Nov. 2004 thru Nov. 2007. As it marches towards the Galactic Center, we have perhaps a major turning point in the history of civilization as we know it. Pluto, or indeed any planet slowly crossing Kali’s terrain, enters into an arena where it is now more visible and recognizable.

Although Pluto is not one of the visible planets usually discussed by Vedic astrologers, Neo-Vedic astrologers still value it's mythological and allegorical use. And despite the IAU's (International Astronomical Union) demotion of Pluto to dwarf planet, its message to those watching its position is not diminished. Pluto is still an indicator of death, rebirth and powerful transformations. It has been transiting this critical point in space since November 2004. And although its "exact" conjunction with the Galactic Center occurred on December 29, 2006, July 18, 2007, and October 28, 2007, its current position is still in the nakshatra of Mula.



During the next two months Pluto will conjoin the North Node, or Rahu, at 10 degrees Sagittarius in the tikshna, or dreadful, nakshatra Mula. Mula is called the "root" star and literally marks the place where stellar life emerged in our galaxy. It is ruled by the South Node, or Ketu, which is an indicator of moksha or spiritual liberation. Ketu influences Mula by getting to the root of everything. Like the root system of plants and trees, this nakshatra also symbolises all sorts of hidden things, realms, and events. Mula is also the name of the first chakra which keeps us rooted to the earth and connected with our tribe, or DNA root. Ketu also rules past karmas, and Mula's collection of roots indicates we may be able to tap into past lessons to bring forward today.

The deity of this nakshatra is Nirriti, the goddess of destruction who lives in the kingdom of the dead. In Western astrology Pluto also rules over the kingdom of the dead, and these two energies have an affinity for each other. As the goddess of destruction, Nirriti has the power to break things apart, barhana shakti. Ironically this nakshatra falls in the sign of the greatest benefic, Jupiter which indicates there may be something spiritual to gain from the destruction of Nirriti. Just as Pluto is associated with deep transformation, Mula may inflict loss and pain, but will eventually lead to God-realization. Mula presents opportunities to return to consciousness, but we must surrender to receive this intense galactic light, let go of what is not working, and allow new life to emerge.



So what will happen when Rahu, the indicator of involution, or the engrossing of the spirit in material is touched by Pluto, the planet of transformation? Change. Moreover, when Rahu is placed in a nakshatra ruled by Ketu karmic energies align. In this case Rahu has to learn to let go of its material needs and start to reach upward. If deeply rooted, a shoot reaches upward towards the light into new growth. Rahu's energy also amplify's things, so its conjunction with Pluto as they transit the Galactic Center may produce a tranformative amplification of galactic wave downloads. If we are deeply rooted, our consciousness may have the opportunity to soar and grow.

The modern oracle, The Sabian Symbols describes 10 degrees Sagittarius as "a theatrical representation of a golden-haired goddess of opportunity." It is an intriguing synchronicity that Nirriti is described as having golden locks in the Atharva Veda (V.7.9). Sounds like an ancient Ayran? Rahu is no stranger to drama, and this oracle may suggest that we need to distinguish between reality and theater. Or it may indicate a time of great opportunity. Mula can both give or take wealth and riches, as well as bestow and dissolve fame. Those with planets at 10 degrees Sagittarius will experience the effects most profoundly.

When Mars enters Sagittarius on November 30, 2010 and then joins Rahu and Pluto on December 12, 2010 there may be literal explosions on the physical plane. The most intense line up occurs on the Winter solstice during a lunar eclipse that is squared by an opposition of Jupiter in Pisces and Saturn in Virgo (aligned with the Central Axis?). The emotional Full Moon in Ardra may trigger a drama played out on a group consciousness or national level, but it also taps into the axis of the Milky Way and may deliver one of the most enlightening energetic downloads of recent years. It is definitely a time for contemplation rather than action.

Namaste!

November New Moon

New Moon in Libra at 9:52 pm pdt.

A New Moon is the monthly conjunction of Sun and Moon that represents a time of new beginnings. Western astrology favors New Moons as a time for new projects related to the sign where the lunation occurs. Many western astrologers believe the New Moon is a powerful day in which one may set a goal that will come to fruition under the light of a Full Moon. In Vedic astrology the waxing moon is considered more favorable than the waning moon, and the brighter the moon the better. As the Moon gets brighter it becomes more favorable, at about 72 degree away from the New Moon position. So the New Moon sets the tone for the new cycle of illumination.

This evening the dark Moon ends the waning phase when conjoins a debilitated Sun in the constellation Libra. During the end of October and beginning of November the Sun transits Libra, its sign of debilitation. The Sun signifies the self or atman, authority, the government, and royalty. It is uncomfortable in the sign of Libra which confers an accommodating nature that is useful when dealing with groups and relationships, but not for taking its right place of authority. The Sun in Libra can be charming, alluring, and supportive, but it can also be out of balance and give too much causing a passive-aggressive polarity. During this week's waning moon, we certainly witnessed the shift in the scales of justice. Diplomacy was thrown out the window by Mitch McConnell and the GOP in their ardent rejection of the olive branch offered by President Obama.



This evening when the Moon joins the Sun and begins its journey of regrowth, there will be a better opportunity to feel the positive aspects of Libra. The Moon is more comfortable than the Sun in the sign of Libra which imbues the lunar field with a sweet, charming, gentle and seductive energy. The Moon is able to use this accommodating vibration which calms our minds and emotions. Moreover, tonight's new Moon is accompanied by a retrograde crescent Venus that is beginning to strengthen as it becomes established as the Morning star. Intriguingly the New Moon also occurs at the exact same degree as Venus' retrograde station of October 8, 2010. This is a powerful combination that begins a process of understanding the deeper meanings of Venus retrograde. It is a wonderful time to re-access and bring to balance of all of our relationships. Beautiful new beginnings are at hand.



November's New Moon takes place in the nakshatra of Swati which translates as: "self-going", "good goer", "self-blowing", "tender", "sword" or "priest". These terms seem to encompass all the qualities that this asterism evokes. Its symbol is a single plant shoot blown by the wind. Swati is ruled by Vayu, the demigod of air and wind. In Hinduism he is also known as Vata (air), Pavana (purifier), or Prana (breath). Astrologically air and wind symbolism reveals the quality that confers its restless nature. This nakshatra gives the power to "scatter like the wind," pradhvamsa shakti. It is ruled by Rahu, the north node of the moon, that has a vata, literally "blown", or airy, nature. Rahu is a manifesting force that can build like a gentle breeze, or wreak havoc and blow like a category five hurricane.



Rahu also rules politics and foreign lands, so it is intriguing that President Obama will depart today for his 10 day trip to Asia under the influence of Swati. After the loud and clear rebuke of the Democratic party in the latest US elections, a bruised and "tender" Obama is taking the opportunity to "scatter like the wind," and find relief overseas where he is still popular. He may be able to "breath new life" into his administration by focusing on foreign affairs.

In addition, India is celebrating Diwali or Deepavali (row of lamps), which according to Hindu belief, is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya from his exile after vanquishing demon-king Ravana. As a fellow astrologer, Trishula Das, pointed out in her lovely musings about this New Moon,

"Diwali is when Ram returned to Ayodhya. Yudha means war. Ayudha means no war. Ayodhya is the place of perfect Peace. Ram means the manifestation of perfect Consciousness. This Friday may the Ram within you return to the place of perfect Peace," copied from 1008 Sri Sri Thakur Sita Ram Das Omkarnath ... one of Babuji's guru's.

Perhaps President Obama will absorb some of this peaceful vibration and reveal that he did indeed earn his Nobel Peace Prize last year.

Swati is also ruled by Saraswati, the goddess of learning, knowledge and wisdom. Let this New Moon be a time of reflection so we may we all tune into her sweet music and be blessed with understanding and grace.

Namaste!

Astroweather -- November 2010

Jupiter changes signs from Pisces to Aquarius
November 1, 2010

November begins with a big energetic shift. The great gas giant Jupiter retrogrades out of its own sign of Pisces into Saturn's sign of Aquarius on November 1, 2010. The optimistic and expansive energy of Jupiter in Pisces is dampened by Saturn's somber influence, but over time may benefit the collective as the air sign of Aquarius is concerned with social services. The last time Jupiter was in the late degrees of Aquarius was during May 2010 when the BP oil spill and national health care became all consuming news. Public outrage and concern for the environment put political leaders and BP on the defensive as they played games about response and responsibility for the worst environmental disaster on record. It was a very challenging time and we may revisit some of these themes when Jupiter transits Aquarius. This change also occurs the day before US elections. Jupiter is an indicator for politics and law and its transit to the last degree of Aquarius may contribute some surprising results in the US elections that benefit all humanity.

In Vedic astrology this juncture between signs it is called sande. It is considered a weak position, especially if in a water sign which would also make it a karmic knot, gandanta. In this case the air sign effects the mental field and society. Our collective minds may vacillate as we try to figure out the best way to cast our votes. In addition the polls will open under the influence of the Moon situated in self-oriented Leo opposite Jupiter in the humanitarian sign of Aquarius. This opposition will create tension between the needs of the people and the self interests of the wealthy or ruling classes.

For example, here in Washington State, there is an initiative to create a state income tax only for the wealthiest 1.2 % of the population, which would generate $2 billion a year for education and health care programs that have been shrunk by budget cuts. It is supported by billionaire Bill Gates and his father, but has drawn criticism from both big and small businesses that fear it will push companies out of the state. Other billionaires such as Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos are funding a $6.3-million campaign to defeat it. These billionaires are playing on the collective fear that this initiative will force companies to move out of state, or will open the door for implementing state income tax for all. They are relying on the public being as selfish as they are. With the waning Moon in Leo, the public might not be as enlightened and progressive as usual and may in fact vote with their wallets against this proposal. Or they might realize this initiative will in fact benefit them, and self-interest will synchronize with collective benefit.


As the Moon represent the public and the collective mind of the masses, it is an important indicator to assess during election day in a democracy. When the polls open in Washington DC, the Moon begins the day in the nakshatra of Purva Phalguni ruled by Venus which is still in its weakened combust state, in retrograde motion, and now in its early morning star position. Venus is a raja yoga planet for the US Scorpionic chart and may not be strong enough to completely protect its interests of the 4th and 9th houses: real estate, institutes of higher education, law, art, and diplomacy. By the end of the day the Moon joins Saturn, the chart ruler of the US chart, in Virgo in the nakshatra of Uttara Phalguni, ruled by the Sun which is currently positioned in its weakest sign placement of Libra. The Moon's conjunction with somber Saturn does not bode well for the state of mind of the collective. The people may continue to feel burdened by a political system that is as broken as our health care system. Saturn can represent the status quo, so things may not change a whole lot. However, the Sun in Libra is not strong for leaders or corporations. In fact the Sun in Libra may make leaders more likely to make concessions for the sake of unity. Concession speeches should prove to be interesting.

As election day winds down, the Moon transits the US 8th house illuminating the collective worry about unemployment, the national debt, and ongoing financial crisis. It will be clear that there is still a lot of work to do to heal this nation. The burden on the middle class will continue to effect the entire country across the board until Saturn leaves the 8th house next year in November 2011.

In Western astrology planets positioned at 29 degrees are also considered critical. The anaretic degree is the final degree of any sign, which is 29 degrees 0 minutes to 29 degrees 59 minutes. Planets or luminaries placed within that range are likely to display the most extreme attributes of the sign or planet. Often the Sabian symbols are used to describe the karma associated with these late degree placements. The Sabian symbol for 29 Aquarius is "a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis." Perhaps all this hard work that we are doing will indeed bring forth something wondrous. But for a caterpillar to turn into a butterfly it must first undergo a painful transformation in which it completely dissolve its old structure into a gooey mess before it is ready to emerge with its new power of flight. Jupiter goes direct on November 18, 2019 and will remain at the significant 29 degree until December 5, 2010 when it returns to its own sign of Pisces. During this time we may all be experiencing a metamorphosis as we prepare for the day of emergence. Are you ready to fly?

Namaste.