Welcoming Saturn in Sagittarius next month!

We are quickly closing in on the tail end of 2014...can you believe it? Two years past the famed 2012 possible-end-of-the-world, and yet here we are all...still dancing on this little blue planet. Today I found myself reflecting on the planet Saturn, and it's movement through Scorpio, which began in October 2012 and will wind down on December 23rd, 2014. At that time, Saturn will slip into Sagittarius, an unlikely dance partner, as Saturn and Sagittarius are opposites in many ways.

Saturn is all about lessons to learn, discipline, and the rewards of hard work. Did you hear what I said? Not punishment for no reason at all, but rewards from work that has been done. Sagittarius rules religion, philosophy, matters at a distance, higher education, and long distance travel. It also relates to our sense of freedom and beliefs in God.

To me this cycle upcoming feels like it may root out more scandal and unhealthy patterns from religious and other leaders, exposing what has happened for many years, not creating something new to be upset about. When these issues hit the news, I give out a big yahoo, knowing this is the exposure of an undercurrent in operation for a long, long time, now coming to light, to be healed. This is good!

I feel this cycle will bring balance into our lives. Anyone else out there have difficulty maintaining work-relationship-life balance? These cycles teach us the beauty of having aspects of our lives come into balance with each other - a work in progress. I see an opportunity for hard work to be balanced with creative expression, the sense of release from a job well done and the release of play and creativity with friends. A balance of relationships with others and time alone for ourselves for reflection. From my perspective, the planets draw us toward health, balance, creativity, and love, through the cycles that we share together.

Another thing I am feeling about this cycle is how critical it is to play, especially adults. To consciously make time and create space for the engagement of play, putting it on the calendar the same as you would any other appointment.

As we move through fall and head towards winter, I wish you balance in all things, and much much happiness. 

Midway between a Lunar Eclipse and Solar Eclipse

We are well into the fall season and one week past the vital and powerful Lunar Eclipse that we had in Aries last week. Major forces at work for the last several years are giving energy to support changes we want or need to make in our live; they also support major global changes. It may seem like more 'bad' things are happening in the world if you read the conventional news, but what seems to really be happening, courtesy of Pluto in Capricorn, is that our very foundations are being shaken as that which needs to heal and change is so obviously revealed to us. This is a great time to make a decisions about how to support what needs to change in the world and committing to a positive stance in conjunction with like-minded others. Together we can do great things. Expect change to be fueled by the Solar Eclipse in Scorpio on October 23rd as more is revealed...

On a positive note, Tucson just completed a week of the celebration of modernism, an architectural style that proliferated the area after World War II. There have been a series of stunning lectures and tours across town. Taking in Martin Treu's lecture on the evolution of signs since the 1920's, I have come to a deep appreciation for this artform. From humble beginnings of a small sign above a shop designed to attract pedestrians, to the neon signs standing free and tall to attract the attention of motorists, this artform shares a story and history about our past as well as our present. Many stories and photos were shared of old-time motor lodges from a time when families would travel across the Unites States by automobile; likely, many of these signs hold a history and nostalgia for many.

I caught Charles Phoenix's show at the Loft Cinema and it was highly innovative and creative. Charles has taken historical shots of local establishments and woven throughout his slide show completely unrelated pictures of strangers, weaving a story that somehow becomes coherent. His enthusiasm is contagious and enough to power a small country.

As a result of participation in modernism week, I am seeing my fair city in a whole new light. I am checking out signs, searching for neon, appreciating unique styles and structures. I did not have a chance to tour miracle mile and the neon treasure that lay therein, but that will wait for another day.

Perhaps this story will inspire you to explore your surroundings in such a way as to gain unique and new perspectives.

http://tucsonmod.com/

http://martintreu.com/

http://www.charlesphoenix.com/

Summer Solstice and Astro Climate

We have the Sun at 29' Gemini tonight, as tomorrow it moves into 0' Cancer, signifying the end of spring and beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere. This takes place in the context of a Mercury retrograde, fresh from it's walk through emotional Cancer, now moonwalking backwards in Gemini. It may be the case that we find ourselves ruminating over events or relationships from the past, perhaps finding ourselves equipped now to have that conversation or move our thinking in a forward direction.

The Sun's movement into Cancer adds another harmonic or note onto the existing Cardinal Cross. As I have mentioned before, my feeling on this Cardinal Cross is that it is holding something in place so that things can occur - almost like standing very still so the tailor can adjust the suit. We may be aware of some of these events happening or they may occur without our notice. Uranus is in Aries, adding an element of surprise or an undercurrent of feeding the revolution at hand. The Sun joins Jupiter in Cancer, and perhaps we are feeling the need to add to our family circle: we can consider family as our bio relatives, or our families of choice. Some may be contemplating a desire to set an extra plate at the table for someone new: one of the effects of personal loss is a desire to reinvigorate the circle, add to it's members, give back to those around us. Mars is finishing up a six-month journey in Libra, bringing our attention to what is fair and just. Many may be exercising more self-love and what is right and fair for self for a change. Finally, Pluto continues to clean up our government, transiting the sign of Capricorn and shaking out our structures in preparation for rebuilding.

best wishes for an enjoyable summer season; celebrate your growth and your time on this beautiful planet!

The astrology of April 2014

The ethers seem replete with planetary alignments that support change, coupled with the strong need to slow down and center as often as needed. The energy of Aries dominates the air for the early part of the month. Being the start of the zodiac and rules by Mars, Aries is all about the beginning of things, the energy to start things up. At times, things may need a boost or massive amount of energy to get rolling or to create needed changes or a wave of energy on which further changes can ride. At times, Aries has been called the me-first sign, but that's a misnomer. We must begin somewhere - whether it be a project, relationship, job, new home - and beginning with centering the self as deeply as possible is the best way for a positive and grounded outcome.

This month the headlines have been replete with unusual a stories. A friend once suggested, for every 'negative' news story, they should cover at least five minutes of a life-positive story, to balance things out. This is a great suggestion or starting place - perhaps the media will take heed!

Tuesday will bring an eclipse in the sign of Libra; this is part of a larger context of planetary conversations called a Cardinal Cross. Basically, the signs are forming a pattern in the sky, and creating a conversation if you will, that at times may be challenging but will definitely clear the air and set a foundation for later work to be done. I think of planetary relationships like conversations - they can be easy, they can be made of fluff, they can be challenging and hurt our feelings, or they can challenge us in ways that help us grow. With Libra reverberating in the airwaves, this is a great time for socialization, relating to others, focusing on relationships, give and take, sharing.

Enjoy the month of Aries for the blast of fresh air that it brings! Namaste.

Adventures in the Riparian Preserve

This week, reeling from a Mercury retrograde cycle that claimed the life of my beloved computer, I opted to take solace in the comfort of nature. As the weather was a cooperative 78' and very sunny, it was a perfect hiking day in Arizona, Valley of the Sun. I came upon the Riparian Preserve in Gilbert, and yes, I had to look that word up in the dictionary (uh, internet) too. Also known as Water Ranch, this area is home to numerous varieties of birds and plant species. There are walking trails and photo opportunities at every turn. The Preserve is also home to the Riparian Institute (http://www.riparianinstitute.org/).

It's not unusual to see hikers, birders, and folks on horseback, as well as well-positioned photographers, when exploring Water Ranch. As well, there is a large telescope on the grounds, and it adjoins the local library. From what I understand, the telescope is open on Friday and Saturday nights from Sunset to 9:30. http://www.riparianinstitute.org/riparian.cfm

New Year, New Moon, New Beginnings...

Happy New Year, everyone! Well, I suppose I could be dramatic and say I had a near-death experience today, but to be fair, I simply over-exerted my middle-aged self on the hiking trail! I am on a quest for adventure and this coming year my desire is to challenge myself to doing things that are outside of my normal comfort zone. I have joined up with a site you may have heard of called meetup.com as one possible venue of engaging new activities and meeting new people. As such, today we met up and hiked what I believed would be the beginner trail.

Mind you, when I say I want to hike, what I found I really mean is I like to stroll along a flat surface and be done with it in 30-50 minutes. Today, I found myself over hill and dale for many hours, but it was worth it. In fact, it was just what I needed, body mind and soul!

Our leader is all about not just the physical activity, but also the social connections. This group was easy to be with and the trail was very worthwhile, showing off some of the desert's best views. We could practically see Phoenix from the top of one mountain we climbed! The visual was stunning and the air was crisp and clear.

Best wishes to you no matter what you New Year goals or activities may be. We are all of us together on this planet, sharing time and space. May our connections be clean and clear and steady and our relationship to the earth respectful.