Astrology 23-29: Cut and Burn Ointment

Disclaimer: If you do not take every word of these horoscopes with the utmost faith, you will die. Statistics bear this out. Simply scan the newspapers. You will find that an overwhelming majority of the people that die each week DID NOT read the Baron's horoscopes.

Vol. 137: Cut and Burn Ointment

The week opens onto a landscape sculpted by last week's difficult Full Moon and the end of Mercury's retrograde through Gemini. We've passed through the gates of a dramatic solstice and now stride into the fields of the season before us.

As of its Direct Station last week, Mercury has partially emerged from the astral maelstrom that sent both minds and winds swirling in disarray. The unusually strong tempests which accompanied Mercury’s retrograde through its own sign wreaked havoc in personal lives and the Midwestern United States alike. And yet even as physical winds broke loose, a certain storm has abated. Barak Obama will run for president. Reverse movement through the dividing sign of the twins marked the erasure of the divide with the democratic party. Now the problem of a conflicting pair replaced with a harmonious one. While many wonder who his Vice President will be, the media focuses on a partner they know- his wife. An echo of the Tarot Card to which the forces of Gemini are allotted- the Lovers (VI).

Speaking of the Lovers, we now find ourselves in the waning aftermath of what was, for some, a brutal Full Moon conjunct Pluto, opposing the Sun and Venus in Gemini. The Mercury retrograde and its earlier conjunction with Venus and the Sun also brought unions into question. The combinations have created atmospheric conditions ripe for brutal truth.

Mercury, no longer retrograde, looks ahead at the problems present rather than mentally back pedalling. While Mercury attempts to organize his thousand scattered thoughts into the framework of a blueprint for the next several months, Venus crosses through early Cancer, the very territory of the inner sky that Mars devastated during his difficult retrograde earlier in the year.

This week’s weather should be better than what's come before. Venus, now in tender Cancer, receives a respite from Gemini’s analytic intensity, enjoying instead the pleasures of deep union with those who have managed to stay within our inner circle through trying times.

Venus’ journey through the early degrees of Cancer this week takes her through the same degrees that Mars retrograded within from the Fall of 2007 until Mid May of 2008. And so the reconnection that Venus in Cancer tends to create stretches across the background of emotional wounds inflicted over this time. Perhaps a few wounds will be healed, or at least some comfort found in the results of difficult situations.

Horoscopes: June 23^rd- 29^th

Note on Horoscopes: 12 Fold horoscopes are a way to assess the general condition of the splayed rays of the zodiac. Although not without value, they are a blunt tool, and can only describe the archetypal activity in each power-zone. In order to sharpen the accuracy of the horoscopes, read your Sun Sign if you were born in the day-time, and read your Moon Sign if you were born at night. Reading the Sign in which the Ascendant is placed is also advised.

Aries: Go To Your Room

This month’s focus on the home and where you hid your heart within it is sweetened for the next few weeks with Venus’ passage through Cancer. Complete the tasks to which you’re committed, but take it easy on the itinerary. A little down time might do wonders knitting together tender tissue torn asunder earlier this year.

Taurus: Familiar Tangle

Venus’ movement into the tidepools of the Crab bring you back to the tangle of heartstrings that tie your life together into its present shape. After a confusing period of back and forth within your mind, your state is likely to relocate to your chest cavity, where the heart of the matter abides. Old connections are a comfort and old patterns a problem. You’ll find both.

Gemini: Clockwork Mess

For the last month the furious winds which usually power your windmills have likely torn the wheels from their towers. You’ll have to re-engineer the turbines which turn your erratic mental winds into useful electricity. The mess of clockwork the period’s left has plenty to teach you about your own internal mechanics. Consider what you’ve learned as you re-write your blueprints.

Cancer: Amphibious Bosom

Happy birthday to Cancers. If your friends and family butter you up during your birthday celebration this year, don’t worry. They’re not getting ready to break open your crusty shell and scoop out the tender, juicy flesh. No, its merely the presence of Venus accompanying your Solar Return this year. Enjoy it.

For those Cancers still standing in anticipation of a birthday to come, Venus’ visit to your sign will nonetheless lay gifts and good times at your doorstep. Though its not likely to make up for Mars’ depredations in your corner of the cosmos over the last year, its something. So grab hold and snuggle it to your amphibious bosom.

Leo: Lesson Learned?

This is the last full week you will find Mars in your Sign for the next 2 years. Hopefully it has enabled you to address problems in a more courageous and straightforward manner. Being courageous and straightforward does not make you right. But it does permit you to find out if you are wrong earlier rather than later. If not, then count yourself among the majority. That’s thing about mediocrity- you’re never alone.

On an additional note, the heavens may have in store a bit of relief from the difficulties that have arisen from the unknown repeatedly throughout the last year.

Virgo: Personal Imperfections

Mercury’s recent resumption of forward motion has likely set your affairs in a forward looking direction as well. That is, assuming you haven’t completely ruined everything in the confusing weeks before. If so, now is the time to iron out said miscalculations before they become incorporated into your plans. If your personal failures become too overwhelming, consider taking solace in the comforting arms of familiar comrades. They know you’re not perfect, and they’re still willing to be seen in public with you. Just not more than once a month.

Libra: Weighing The Wind

Gusts of air over the last month have likely blown your scales about, scattering the contents you were hoping to weigh to the four winds. The calculation you were hoping to make with your balancing act was essential for the course you’d set for the coming months. This week and the next will likely see you gathering together the scattered bits of data you’ll need to come to the answers you need. Impatience and premature decisions won’t actually hurry the process.

Scorpio: Spelunk Them All

The undercurrents of invisible weather wrapping around you right now are for the most part pleasant. The Sun’s and Venus’ recent entrance into Cancer speak of your revisiting questions of personal direction and meaning brooded upon for many months this winter. This re-visitation occurs under more pleasant circumstances than those of the previous season. In your ruminations you are likely to find a small tunnel connecting your relationships and certain off-limits areas within your psyche. Spelunk them. Spelunk them all.

Sagittarius: Born of Fire

The overabundant supply of social interactions provided for you over the last month wanes considerably, as connections condense into little pearls for your perusal. Pluto’s recent retreat back into your sign is also likely to have triggered a shift in your sense of self. You may find that a certain amount of your mercyless personal drive to evolve and catalyze the same in others has returned. This may complicate some of the affairs you have constructed since the New Year by threatening to simplify them with severance.

Capricorn: A Shadow Withdrawn

The entrance of Venus and the Sun into Cancer over the last few days see you returning to social situations with which you took issue over the Fall and Winter. The emotional fabric of these tapestries has altered since then, and you will find less to dislike in the picture before you. It is also worth noting that Pluto’s dark (and tiny) majesty, has withdrawn from your sign for the time being. You may find that a certain dark intensity that had begun to emerge subsiding for the next couple months. However, mark the spot at which the shadow stood, for it will return.

Aquarius: A Little Relief

Mars and Neptune’s opposition along the Nodal axis with Chiron present last week is too tangled a skein to unwind in this short space, but let me state that last week may have marked strange moments in the evolution of personal conflicts for you. This week, Venus’ movement into Cancer heralds a measure of relief to problematic financial matters for the next few weeks. It is also a time also that one is likely to reap rewards from exercise routines undertaken or dietary regimes held to.

Pisces: Who, Where

The last month has been a season where you’ve reconsidered your home and what exactly makes it that. The confusion is clearing from your living space, but there are still conversations and considerations left before the matter is settled. Meanwhile, there are pleasant connections around for you to settle into. Though your position isn’t exactly fixed, relations with others are increasingly so.

Consultation Services: If you'd like a personal consultation with the man behind the mask, message the Baron's mortal vehicle at Xroadsconsultations@gmail.com for details. The Baron is also available for birthdays, weddings, funerals and orgies.

Educational Services: Beginning and Intermediate level Online classes in Astrology and the Tarot held every quarter. Summer quarter classes begin soon. Email Xroadsconsultations@gmail.com for details.

Free Newsletter: Send an email to Nightskystrategies@gmail.com in order to subscribe to the Baron's new online monthly mini-magazine. Issue 1 launches this week!.

COPYRIGHT ABYSSAL EPISTLES 2008

Sol in Cancer, Luna in Pisces

Astrology 5th-11th: Exit Strategy

Disclaimer: If you do not take every word of these horoscopes with the utmost faith, you will die. Statistics prove it. Simply scan the newspapers. You will find that an overwhelming majority of the people that die each week DID NOT read the Baron's horoscopes.

Vol. 135: Exit Strategy

So here we are. For many finances have tightened and work is creating more stress than money. Saturn’s movement from Leo into Virgo last September shifted the emphasis from living with integrity to living affordably. Then in January Jupiter’s movement from Sagittarius into Capricorn transformed expanding perspectives and soaring hopes into shrunken sets of survival concerns. And in the background, Pluto’s movement from Sagittarius to Capricorn has begun to shift fears from uncatchable terrorists to unstoppable global economic changes. In the midst of these long term changes, Mars went through a disastrous retrograde in Cancer, piling personal troubles on top of difficult large scale circumstances.

And so now the Sun in Taurus shines on all this mess. This Monday the Moon aligns with the Sun once more to start the lunar cycle anew. The New Moon falls like a dark and silent seed onto the fertile soil of Taurus. This Friday sees Mars, at long last, clear the boundary of Cancer and head into Leo. Meanwhile, Jupiter goes retrograde in Capricorn. With the movement of Mars out of Cancer, we come at last to the end of a difficult and unstable period.

Jupiter Retrograde: Buried Dreams

As if Saturn passed the baton last week, Jupiter turns retrograde this Friday. Jupiter’s movement backward through Capricorn will have the character of an archeological dig. Opportunities lie lost beneath piled-up bills and forgotten behind the frantic distraction of personal drama. As Jupiter digs slowly into the earlier degrees of Capricorn the outlines of these lost lessons will become clear once more.

Mars in Cancer: Dependence and Division

At long last Mars breaks the embryonic boundary of Cancer and strides into Leo. Mars has had an extended stay in Cancer, and the patterns and problems associated with that position have become abundantly clear. As noted in Abyssal Epistles, Vol. 108: Red Leaves, Red Planet one of the primary themes for Mars in Cancer is infighting or civil war- a group divided against itself. The challenge of Mars in Cancer is complex, for it calls on a nation or family to assert itself while divided internally.

We can see how this theme of internal division has played itself out in several mundane arenas.

The “no brainer” case of internal division is, of course, the ongoing situation in Iraq, where U.S. forces continue their “Super-Glue” campaign of trying to hold together a splintered country. As fatalities continue to mount, and Mars moves into Leo, the cries for independence will certainly grow louder.

The US Presidential primary races are another excellent case of internal division. The Republican nominee, John McCain, faced tremendous initial resistance from the social conservative factions within his own party. On the Democratic end, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama’s tight bid for the crown has exposed the rifts within the Democratic party down to a microscopic level. 46.2% of under-weight white women diagnosed with leukemia support Hillary Clinton in New Hampshire! Pundits on the major news networks talk daily about whether this division within the party will prevent it from coalescing around a candidate by November. As Mars moves into Leo, we should see the cry to elect a king (or queen) and unify only grow louder.

Another theme that the long stay of Mars in Cancer has highlighted in people’s lives is dependence. A number of people have been put in awkward positions by the events of the last 6+ months, forced into unnatural positions of support or dependence. When you inject the independent sentiments of Mars into the issue of dependence, you get unnecessary levels of resentment on both sides. This dynamic changes as Mars strides into Leo. People’s sense of independence and personal sovereignty will wake up under this position, motivating people to leave the web of unnecessarily dependent relationships that they’ve become tangled in.

Overall, the drama-meter should head steadily south over the coming months. Hallelujah.

Mars in Leo: King Me!

Mars’ movement into Leo shines a spotlight on the groups torn by internal division during Mars’ time in Cancer. After a long focus on inner conflicts, the energy turns outward, and the question will be which groups, after the trials of the last 9 months, have the strength to seize the guarded opportunities presented by Jupiter this year.

The last important planetary action in Leo was the extended retrograde of Venus during July, August and September of 2007. The archetypal character of Venus in Leo is outlined at length in Abyssal Epistles Vol. 105: Lady of Flame, where the Egyptian goddesses Bast and Sekhmet were examined as mythological models for the planetary position. It is interesting to note that an important part of each goddess’ role is King-Maker. A King Maker confirms and supports the Pharaoh, legitimizing and defending them. As Mars moves into Leo, he strides into the hot Egyptian sands that Venus left behind last year. As many silently war to stake a claim in the shifting sands of the current global situation, it may be the king-makers who truly decide. One has only to look at the Democratic candidates for president or the legend of Beowulf.

Jupiter and Pluto in Capricorn: Pyramid Scheme

And deep in the background lies Pluto. In Capricorn, Pluto takes on the empty silhouette of a mighty zigguraut, the stone personification of hierarchy. Pluto’s movement into Capricorn has heralded a period where the world’s power structure is in transition. The landscape of power is changing, and some are falling from the crumbling edifice while others are scrambling up to the next tier. Jupiter’s presence in Capricorn only emphasizes the opportunities lurking in the pyramid’s shadow.

But that’s all history, much of it yet to be written. Let’s get back to this week.

Horoscopes: May 5^th-11^th

Note on Horoscopes: 12 Fold horoscopes are a way to assess the general condition of the splayed rays of the zodiac. Although not without value, they are a blunt tool, and can only describe the archetypal activity in each power-zone. Although primarily present within only a few, each person, in reality, lives within all twelve. In order to sharpen the accuracy of statements, the Baron suggests reading the Sign the Sun is present in if you were born during the day, and reading the Moon for those of you born at night. Reading the Sign in which the Ascendant is placed is also advised.

Aries: Square One

A mighty “Huzzah!” should resound from the throats of Aries everywhere as Mars makes its way into Leo this Friday. The endless focus on deeply personal entanglements begins to abate as Mars moves out of Cancer. Mars’ movement through Leo over the next 2 months will see you slowly returning to a self you know and recognize as you learn from the mis-steps made during the last 6+ months.

Taurus: Farm Implements

After a crash landing in the pasture last week, Venus sets up camp and gets down to business sowing golden seeds in your personal fields. Although the larger kingdom may be in the midst of a difficult transition, there are good things afoot in the rich fields of Taurus this week and the next. Just don’t spend all your flax on booze and farm implements of questionable value. Happy Birthday.

Gemini: Mid-Sentence

As Mars passes into Leo this Friday, you’ve likely found some relief from lingering entrapments in questionable personal investments. But the way you make your through the world has undergone a change in the last 6 months, and you’ve got plenty of rethinking to do before you can set a course you can keep to. Let your birthday come and go before you begin making promises you intend to keep.

Cancer: Struggle Free

At long last Mars leaves your Sign. The net that has ensnared you in complicated entanglements with others begins to lift as the red planet leaves Cancer this Friday. As you struggle free of this web, the opportunities that have stayed steadily out of reach edge closer. Possibilities emerge from shadowed territory in coming months.

Leo: Squash It

There’s likely been a mosquito you can’t squash no matter how wildly you swing. You’ve heard it buzzing from somewhere in the room for months now. With Mars’ movement into Leo this Friday, the problems that have been plaguing you will either dissipate or step out into the open, where they can be crushed. Brutally.

Virgo: Revisions

Jupiter’s retrograde station this week provides a viewpoint on your earlier plotted plans for expansion. You’ll likely be designing and redesigning your professional position over the next few months. Mercury’s extended visit through Gemini will be providing a plethora of good ideas and even better revisions, so don’t jump at the first one that passes through your mind.

Libra: The Thing That Shouldn’t Be

The many-tentacled monster which has been sitting atop of your life for the last 6+ months loses some of its life-force this week. Mars’ movement out of Cancer robs this beast of the vitality necessary to sustain it outside of its native environment. Meanwhile, Venus and the Sun team up in Taurus to consider your dependence on foreign oil. Its time to solve your personal energy crisis.

Scorpio: Bait

Venus reinforcing the Sun in Taurus indicates that it is time for you to attend to your many connections. Meanwhile, Mars’ movement into Leo announces that its time to shine like the precious little star you are. Perhaps its appropriate to shift into a more extroverted and social form of petulant narcissism? They say you catch more flies with honey than vinegar, but it doesn’t have to be that demanding. Just leave out a half eaten candy bar and see what comes sniffing around.

Sagittarius: Being Right Is Better Than Being Smart

This Monday’s New Moon shifts the focus to your work and health habits. Saturn in Virgo has likely kept a strong focus on these topics since September and the coming weeks offer you a chance to refine your manufacturing methods. Mars beleaguered emergence from the stifling shell of Cancer also has positive consequences. Mars movement into Leo will reawaken your sense of independence and energize your perspective. Don’t be afraid to share! Most people don’t have the same capacity for “being right” that you do. The world desperately needs your answers- the right answers.

Capricorn: Tentacle Withdrawal

Capricorn, you look better than most right now. Saturn’s station last week may have wreaked havoc on the world, but it likely signaled you getting your shit together. This week has more good news for the Baron’s favorite chronically depressed super-villains. Mars’ delayed exit from Cancer indicates a withdrawal of disgusting tentacles from your social life. They’ll slither back into the slimy pit of your awful karma. Where they belong.

Aquarius: Back To Average

Mars’ movement out of Cancer this Friday should see issues in your workspace go back to normal levels of neglect, ineptitude and passive aggression. Thank goodness! Meanwhile Mercury in Gemini is stirring the clouds in your mental skyscape into evocative configurations. Let the ideas come and go. There will be plenty of them.

Pisces: Garbage Fire

Dearest, sweetest, wisest Pisces, it is time for a celebration. Mars leaves Cancer this week. That means that the icky passive-aggressive nonsense which has so gently enfolded your love life and poisoned your creative urges is withdrawing back into its primordial abode. Being the little love-sponge you are, you’ve likely stored up a hearty charge of poison. As Mars moves into Leo, its time to turn that poison into gasoline. Burn bright, toxic star.

Consultation Services: If you'd like a personal consultation with the man behind the mask, message the Baron's mortal vehicle at Xroadsconsultations@gmail.com for details. The Baron is also available for birthdays, weddings, funerals and orgies.

Educational Services: Beginning and Intermediate level Online classes in Astrology and the Tarot held every quarter. Summer Classes begin in July. Email Xroadsconsultations@gmail.com for details.

Free Newsletter: Send an email to Nightskystrategies@gmail.com in order to subscribe to the Baron's new online monthly mini-magazine. Issue 1 launches on June 19th.

COPYRIGHT ABYSSAL EPISTLES 2008

Sol in Taurus, Luna in Taurus