Astrology 28th-4th: Concrete Improvements

ABYSSAL EPISTLES
The Astrology of Baron Samadhi von Coppockalypse

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. 124: Concrete Improvements

3 big events happen this week. First, on Wednesday, Venus moves into Taurus. On Thursday, Mercury enters Gemini and after long months retrograde, Saturn stations direct. Venus’ movement into Taurus and Mercury’s entry into Gemini are both good things. The planets work well in these Signs, lending a certain dignity to communications, the affections, and the finances. Saturn’s forward movement pushes delayed plans in the right direction, but his station is often accompanied by a rash of unpleasant events in the larger world.

Venus enters Taurus on April 30^th, leaving the troubled confines of late Aries to return to the comfortable pasture of Taurus. Although Venus initially undergoes problematic aspects to Saturn and Pluto, she will journey unmolested through the bulk of Taurus, steadily improving the situation.

The key word here is “improve,” not “fix.” The help that the benefics in Earth Signs (Venus in Taurus and Jupiter in Capricorn) will provide is an analogue of the tax rebate checks that the United States Federal government will be sending out during this time period- short term help for long term problems. The real changes will be a result of deeper shifts. These are promised later in the year by the commencement of the Saturn-Uranus opposition.

Mercury streaks ahead into Gemini on the 2^nd. The Messenger is at home in the swift Sign of the Twins, and improves the general quality of thoughts and communications while he resides there. Mercury will be in Gemini for an unusual 9 weeks this year, and will be going retrograde on May 26^th and staying that way until June 21^st. As situations slowly grind their way to resolution, there is a lot of thinking and re-thinking to do. Mercury’s long stay in one of his home Signs will do precisely that.

On the same day that Mercury moves into Gemini, Saturn stations direct after months retrograde. Saturn’s direct movement will begin to push forward dormant plans and awaken people to new responsibilities. The simultaneous changes to Saturn and Mercury are linked, for while Saturn is in Virgo, it takes orders from Mercury. Virgo organizes affairs in the most rational and efficient manner, but the very thoughts that define rationality and efficiency emerge from the works of Mercury. And so the forward march of Saturn and Mercury’s extended stay in Gemini are inextricably linked.

HOROSCOPES:
April 28^th-May 4^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: The Ram

Venus’ movement into Taurus shifts the focus of your pleasure from raw being to your checkbook. Venus’ entrance into Taurus may begin with worry, but you should see your finances steadily improve as the month progresses. Meanwhile, Saturn’s direct station sees you making progress with your work situation and Mercury’s entrance into Gemini promises an extended season of heightened mental activity. Things are improving.

Taurus: The Bull

Venus’ entrance into your Sign speaks favorably about your general state for the next month. However, Venus’ initial entry into Taurus will be a troubled one, as she must face both Pluto in Capricorn and Saturn in Virgo at the same time. This indicates having to face facts about your material situation and make what may be serious changes. Across that particular electric fence lies greener fields. Happy birthday.

Gemini: The Twins

Gemini, you’ve been somewhat left out of the hot planetary action for the last few weeks. That changes this week as Mercury enters your Sign. This put you at the hub of communications, with what is usually your best foot forward. Not only that, but Mercury will be staying in Gemini for an abnormal period of time- over 2 months! Much of that time will be spent retrograde, but you likely have a lot of plans to make and unmake.

Cancer: The Crab

Venus’ movement into Taurus this Wednesday highlights your social situation. There may be difficulties encountered within social circles which hit in the midst of the week, but after that you should see the situation steadily improve over the next 4 weeks. Meanwhile Mercury’s movement into Gemini will likely find you thinking more clearly about what’s really been holding you back.

Leo: The Lion

This week’s movement of Mercury into Gemini starts a season of quick and clear thinking about your financial situation. Meanwhile, Venus’ movement into Taurus highlights your financial situation from another angle. Cutting unnecessary expenses will open the way for the improvements you’ve been considering for quite some time.

Virgo: The Virgin

Saturn’s direct station this week is significant for you, Virgo. Since Saturn’s entrance into Virgo last September, you’ve seen the ringed planet cut through many of your careful arrangements. Finally, this week, you’ll find yourself with a new plan that actually fits the circumstances you now find yourself in.

Libra: The Scales

The direct confrontations that have characterized Venus’ stay in Aries over the last month come to an end this week. Venus’ transition into Taurus steadies the scales considerably, providing you with an accounting of what needs and what you really don’t. Its time for a delayed Spring cleaning. Meanwhile, Saturn’s direct station sees your bold exploration into all the details you’ve filed away in the basement wax in importance once more.

Scorpio: The Scorpion

As Venus’ moves into Taurus this week, the spotlight strolls onto the status of your relationships, or lack thereof. There’s been a certain lack of social opportunity for the last several months, but that’s getting ready to change. After an initial crash landing in Taurus in the middle of the week, Venus should start opening social doorways for you over the next month.

Sagittarius: The Archer

Saturn’s direct station this week will likely resound throughout your professional sphere. The details of your duties will be dictated loud and clear for the first time in a while. Although there may be initial difficulties, your work situation looks to improve steadily over the next month. Meanwhile Mercury’s movement into Gemini will turn up the volume in your relationships. Conversations are coming, whether you like it or not.

Capricorn: The Goat

Saturn’s direct station this week finds you ready to really move forward. The months of adjustments and recalculations culminate into another fine plan for world domination. Although it might be a little rocky this week, Venus’ entrance into Taurus kicks off a month of fine times, and possibly fine dining.

Aquarius: The Water Bearer

Aquarius, your mutating appreciation for the details of your arrangements reaches an important point as Saturn stations direct this week. Mercury’s entrance into Gemini marks the beginning of an extremely creative season for you. If you’ve had blueprints that you’ve been unable to articulate, you’re likely to soon find the words falling out of your mouth.

Pisces: The Fishes

Mercury’s movement into Gemini indicates that you are going to be a much more mobile fishy in the coming months. Discussions around and about home abound. Saturn’s direct station in Virgo this week will give you a clear idea of the social lessons you’ve yet to learn in order to make the most of this period. Meanwhile, Venus’ movement into Taurus kicks off a period where you will see benefits that come from an extended social network.

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.

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 May19th.

COPYRIGHT ABYSSAL EPISTLES 2008

Sol in Taurus, Luna in Aquarius

Astrology 11th-17th: A Box of "Chocolates"

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. 122: A Box of "Chocolates"

This week sits between last week's interesting solar eclipse and the multiple celestial events surrounding next week's lunar one. Between the clashing rocks of the eclipses and the grinding teeth of planetary gears, we find Valentine's Day.

Horoscopes:

Romantic Forecast '08

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.

Technical Notes for Astrology Nerds: The following are based primarily on an examination of the 5^th and 7^th Solar Houses.

Aries: The Ram

Ah, Aries. You may find that this year your idea of a good time has a sprung a leak. The South Node's slow back and forth through Leo this year (and next) will act like a slow eraser, smudging and then removing old ideas about love. Its like burning down a patch of grass in order to plant roses. Lovely idea, but it might look like scorched earth for a while.

Taurus: The Bull

Taurus, you'll likely find your concept of romance discovering detailed requirements you didn't know existed. Saturn's influence may also push you towards a dogmatic adherence to these structures. These may very well make your objects of affection feel caged, or keep them away all together. There's a difference between standards and processing plants.

Gemini: The Twins

With Mars' recent station in Gemini, you're likely still on the brink of major change in what you want out of relationships, as well as how you play the role of man, woman, or whatever you happen to be. Pluto's movement out of Sagittarius will seem to lift a great burden from your life. That particular burden is an attraction to psychopaths. However, Pluto dips back into Sagittarius to disrupt your partnerships for another 6 months in early June. After that, your love life should see a significant reduction in the number of psychopaths present.

Cancer: The Crab

Cancer, your love life is the most likely to get complicated this year. Mars movement through your sign during the Fall and its subsequent return the same territory throughout March and April will see you making some serious changes to the way that you approach sex, as well as your own gender role. Pluto's ingress into Capricorn marks the beginning of an era marked by a powerful increase in intensity. You'll get a taste of this until Pluto returns to Sagittarius until November, when Pluto comes into Capricorn to make his residence for well over a decade.

Leo: The Lion

Leo benefits from the movement of Pluto out of the Sagittarius and into Capricorn. This particular configuration takes the soul-felching intensity out of your love affairs. Look to see the beginnings of this type of change in the next few months, with a reversion back to soul-felching in early June when Pluto slips back into Sagittarius. Pluto's triumphant return to Capricorn in November '08 will mark the end of this old era.Neptune's presence in Aquarius throughout 2008 will continue the current pattern of idealized partnership.

Virgo: The Virgin

Dearest Virgo, Uranus' presence in Pisces during this year predisposes you to attract the genius, the eccentric, the exception and the mentally unstable. If you want to keep any of the weirdos you seem to be attracting, make sure to take it easy with Saturn in Virgo shears. They're just not going to fit in your box (pun intended.) Pluto's ingress into Capricorn is the beginning of a long term period of intense change within you concept and practice of love. Its slow to start, and won't be at full strength until nearly November.

Libra: The Scales

Libra, the skies will are relatively clear of interference this year. Problems with partnerships encountered in early 2008 should smooth out as Winter turns to Spring in the Northern hemisphere. Neptune's continuing presence in Aquarius will continue to over-idealized notions of love for the coming year and a few to follow, but this influence is nothing new, nor is it any great cause for concern.

Scorpio: The Scorpion

Scorpio, this year does not differ terribly from the last. Uranus, still in Pisces, suggests that your experimental attitude towards love won't disappear any time soon. Sudden connections alternating with periods of isolated independence should continue to characterize your love life. As the year grows older, however, the growing opposition between Saturn and Uranus may see you engaged in issues about how to structure intense but chaotic affairs.

Sagittarius: The Archer

Mars has tattooed a pattern of conflict into your relationships with his recent station. This particular stencil is likely in the midst of being factored into your attitude towards love in general. It will likely make for a rocky winter but things should get sorted one way or another by mid Spring. Its also important to note that although Pluto has left your Sign as of now, it will return for a brief stay in early June until November. This final audience with the dark king will have you dealing with the control and trust issues likely interfering with sweet things right now.


Capricorn: The Goat

Mars' movement through Cancer this Fall likely ignited conflicts within your relationships. His movement back through Cancer this March and April will see you revisiting and possibly mending wounds incurred this Fall. Even though Mars will clear Cancer in May, his retrograde has left an imprint in the relationship sector of your life. Understated conflicts about personal space may be a theme you'll need to work through this year. Although these themes may be present, Jupiter will have your back for the entire year, and your presence is likely to be seen in grander terms than at other times. Grand isn't ideal for those who favor the more subtle approach, but its better than pathetic, right?

Aquarius: The Water-Bearer

Aquarius, this may not be your finest year for love. Mars has stenciled a set of conflicts into the good-times part of your life, and the Node's dark pull has begun to draw energy away from your relationships in order to inflate you. This is not a death sentence, but it does put relationships in the karmic cross-hairs for the rest of the year. There are wrinkly issues to be ironed out.

Pisces: The Fish

Ah, Pisces. This year holds special challenges to your love life. Partnerships are likely to hold a serious element that you cannot ignore. Boundaries must be set and agreements made. This at a time when you're seeing an extremely independent side of yourself. Yes, the rules of the relationship and your sense of individuality will certainly find themselves in serious discussion this year, especially later in the year as Saturn and Uranus approach an opposition. In addition, Mars in Cancer presented important challenges to your idea of good times this Fall. Those, issues, most likely concerning personal space and dependence, will be revisited during March and April before being left behind.


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

COPYRIGHT ABYSSAL EPISTLES 2008
Sol in Aquarius, Luna in Aries

The Year of the Rat

The Year of the Rat

Having seen civilizations great and small rise majestically and then inevitably fall, the Baron is inherently multi-cultural. On that note, Chinese New Year is coming up. It is celebrated just after the second New Moon of the year following the Winter Solstice. This year it's on Thursday the 8th, and you can bet the Baron will be knee-deep in dim sum before the sun goes down.

Being unable to stand the masses' pitiful ignorance, the following is a brief offering on the nature of a holidate that well over a billion people celebrate.

Comparative Pop-Astrology

Although most people in English speaking countries are aware of their Sun-sign ("I'm a Taurus and I'm lazy!"), Western Astrology does not have a popular, accessible method of assessing the basic nature of a year. Though popular methods are limited to sometimes-tragic oversimplifications (Not EVERY Aries is an offensively spunky go-getter, just the ones you know), these simpler methods are not without value. In addition to their own validity, they may provide gateways to more in-depth astrological calculations.

Chinese Astrology also has a 12-part zodiac. Unlike Western Astrology, the Zodiac in Chinese astrology is most popularly applied to a 12-year cycle, rather than one of 12 months. The Sign in the Chinese Zodiac describes both the people born in that year as well as the quality of the year itself.

The Year Star

Though this information is often mysterious absent, the application of Chinese Zodiac to a 12-year cycle is not arbitrary. It is, in fact, based on the approximate position of Jupiter, which has a nearly perfect 12-year cycle.

Because of the numerous parallels between the Sun and Jupiter, it's interesting that each is used in a system of popular astrology to describe the simplified essence of a time period. Both represent the celestial bodies the 12-fold zodiac cycle fits best, the Sun having a 12-month cycle, and Jupiter having 12 year one. Or, to put it another way, a 12 Sun cycle.

The Sign of the Sun in Western Astrology indicates the quality of the individual self, manifest in life, works, and love. It reveals qualities of ego, identity, and higher spiritual purpose. It is the heart, the center around which the rest of the chart hangs.

The meaning of Jupiter is similar to that of the Sun, but, like its cycle in time, it occurs on a larger scale. Jupiter, the largest of the planets and the first one past the asteroid's scattered fencing, serves to connect what is special about the individual (the Sun) with the social collective they are born into. Jupiter is about finding the place where an individual's talents are nurtured, and, in turn, nurture the society which mothers them. It aims at cohesion between the micro- and macrocosm, the self and world, and is represented in Chinese thought as being of the Wood element. Its energy is that of organic growth and expansion.

It is because Jupiter maintains its position for nearly 1 year that Chinese pop-astrology can say that people born within the same year share certain characteristics.

A system of pop-astrology must be simplified enough for the layman or woman to grasp its dynamics. The point the system is simplified down is interesting in and of itself, as it reveals some of the culture's general orientation. The individualistic West simplifies Astrology down to the Sun- the seat of identity in a chart- while more collectively minded China reduces their astrology down to Jupiter, a planet whose concerns are more collective, and which sweeps a year's crop into the same bin. Its also interesting to note that in India, pop-astrology is concerned primarily with one's Moon Sign, and which of the 27 Lunar Mansions, or Nakshatras, it resides within. The Baron's a Rohini. Now you know.

Time: Planetary Cycles vs. Ideal Divisions

And so the Years of the Chinese Zodiac use Jupiter's cycle in order to anchor them. Jupiter will be in the Chinese Sign of the Rat for most of 2008, but there are years where Jupiter is not technically in the Sign of the Year when that Year begins, and may slip out of it during that year.

This is because Chinese Astrology utilizes an idealized notion of time drawn from and confirmed by celestial cycles, but not entirely dependent on it. A similar type of idealized time structure can be found in Western Astrology in the use of the Planetary Days. In use since ancient times, each day of the week is assigned a planet whose energy is said to pervade it. This is not based on any observable connection between the planets and the days of the week, but has none the less stuck around for thousands of years and presumably vindicated itself in practice. In fact, the names of days of the week in English directly reference Gods and Goddess whose quality reflects the character of the planet that they are attributed to.

Archetypal Arithmetic

Now, in addition to the 12 Year cycle, each of the 12 years is thought to manifest in the mode of one of the Chinese elements, or phases of energy- The Wu-Xing. They are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Similar to the Greek concepts of the 4 elements, the 5 elements are often used in Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, Thai, and Japanese thought. Each Elemental mode persists for 2 years, manifesting sequentially in a Yang and then Yin phase.

These pairings are expressed by using a color to represent the element, and an Animal. The pairing of a cycle of 5 and a cycle of 12 makes for a total cycle of 60 years, considered very important in Chinese Astrology. A 60-year cycle is interesting, because it roughly equivalent to the time it takes for Jupiter and Saturn to come back around into the same relative positions.

The Yellow Rat

The Chinese year inaugurated on the 8^th is the year of the Earth Rat, also called the "Yellow Rat". This configuration is also referred to as the "Rat on a Crossbeam."

Taken as an image, an idea, the year of the "Earth Rat" is quite interesting in light of the various planetary positions that will be present through-out the year.

Earth Rat, Earth Star

"Earth Rat"- the cunning, bravery and caution of the Rat directed towards earthly or material affairs. If we are the Rats, then Saturn in Virgo must be our maze. Saturn is known in Chinese astrology as the "Earth Star," and it is a role that Western astrologers are quite familiar with. More than any other Planet, Saturn describes the structures that we scamper within. In the Tarot, Saturn is given XXI The World, the backdrop against which the Fool's adventure's find meaning.

"...I'm Still Just A Rat In A Maze"

In Virgo since September, Saturn has enacted a somewhat brutal change of scenery. The transition from star-powered and overhyped Leo to down-to-earth (and below) Virgo has shattered a number of egos (and markets), and will shatter more before its down. Saturn in Leo recognizes that all world's a stage, and is determined to put on a good show. But with Saturn in Virgo, the scene is a different one. The sets that Saturn in Virgo erects are the type of drama that occurs in the doctors office, college classes, or in the form of a termination letter from your boss. Saturn in Virgo sets us up to analyze our oppurtunities and potential pitfalls in detail, and is willing to marshall misfortune in order to point out cracks in these critiques.

In order to get through this particular maze, we'll need to be cunning, brave, and cautious. An attention to detail in general, with a specific focus on habits as they pertain to health, finances and information is key. Brute strength of person or persona is not the way here. You'll just tire your self out trying to take down the walls, or your opponents. Maintain yourself, find the cheese, and find the exit.
One only has to take a brief look at the state of the United States' pre-presidential races to see the would-be candidates scampering after electoral votes like mice after Cheez-Its. Indeed, with the state of the economy, the candidates won't be the only ones scampering after little valuable bits this year, as we all fight to bring home enough cheese to feed the ratlings and pay our car and health insurance.

Once You Go Cross-Cultural...

The Rat also holds an important place in the Indian pantheon. Chubby and lovable Ganesh, the elephant-headed little Babar of the subcontinent, has as his mighty steed is a rat. Ganesh is often petitioned to remove obstacles, or provide a way around them, as his humble steed, the Rat can negotiate confusing and difficult situations that mightier but simpler animals, like a horse, could never manuever through. So as you work your way through the maze of the year, pause to consider Ganesh and his unassuming but effective choice of vehicle.

Astrology 4th-10th: Old Sun, New Moon

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. 121: Old Sun, New Moon

This week's celestial events center around the New Moon in Aquarius, which occurs late this Wednesday. Although the beginning of every lunar cycle is something to take note of, this week's lunation holds a number of distinctions. First, it is a solar eclipse, although one that will only be seen by residents of Antartica. Second, it is marks the Chinese New Year, a holidate celebrated by billions of people. And third, the New Moon occurs on top of a retrograde Mercury and as well as slow moving Chiron in Aquarius, packing it with extra meaning.

Cold Sky

The Solar Eclipse occurs on Wednesday night over cold fields of the Antarctic. Although viewers may be disappointed to miss out on the spectacle of the dark sun, it may very well be for the best. Astrologers of many cultures have come to a similar conclusion regarding the intrusion of the black sun into the daylight sky- it's no good. Forecasters of all varieties predict that the literal darkness of the sun will be followed by a metaphorical darkness in human affairs in the 6 months that follow it. Such was the case for Chile, over which the Solar Eclipse of September sparkled darkly, and then was subsequently smitten with a series of serious earthquakes a few months later. And so perhaps it is best that the dark sun shines only over cold plains of ice.

The Moon's Two Sons

Like every New Moon, each eclipse is worth noting, but this one holds a special distinction of its own. It marks the movement of the Eclipse cycle out of the Pisces-Virgo axis and into the realms of Leo and Aquarius. Virgos and Pisces can heave a slight sigh of relief while Leos and Aquarians are advised to pause for consideration. The movement of the Moon's North and South Nodes, the Eclipse markers, through the terrain of a Sign brings the forces of karma more directly to bear on the zodiacal terrain they traverse.

This cycle sees the North Node in Aquarius and the South Node in Leo. The Nodes' provide an entry to a vast cavern of meanings whose turning tunnels often obscure their relatively simple action. The North Node favors material matters but tends to diminish consciousness in the area that it invades. The South Node, on the other hand, tends to diminish materialization but boost consciousness. In a simple sense, the North Node enriches while the South Node purifies.

In Leo, the South Node eats away at identity. It signals the beginning of a period where works based upon strength of identity alone will be beset with numerous difficulties. The South Node eats away at the structure of identity, converting it back into the raw stuff of self, from which a thousand expressions may issue. It is a prelude to personal rebirth. As the South Node eats through the structure of our identity, the North Node in Aquarius deposits that freed up energy into social concerns on a much broader scale.

This particular turn of the wheel is of especial concern for those born with the Nodal Axis on the Leo-Aquarius axis. This Nodal Return is for you.

Chinese New Year

The annual celebration of the New Year according to the Chinese calendar, takes just after the 2^nd New Moon following the Northern Hemisphere's Winter Solstice. This Friday inaugurates the Year of the Rat. Specifically, it is the Yellow Rat- the "Rat on a Crossbeam." Look for a special supplement on the mechanics and indications of the Chinese New Year later in the week.

Mercury Retrograde, Chiron, and Associates

This inaugural Solar eclipse is not only distinguished by the factors mentioned above, but is also interesting by virtue of the 4 way conjunction of the Sun, Moon, retrograde Mercury, and creeping Chiron.

Mercury retrograde's conjunction with the Sun is the point at which our inverted thought processes approach the heart of the issue at hand. It is not the point of resolution, but the point at which the issue(s) become clear. This tri yearly event happens directly on top of the Centaur Chiron, a planetoid roaming our solar system in the empty range between the orbits of Saturn and Uranus. Although not one of the planets proper, Chiron, like Pluto, has demonstrable effects on a life. Chiron exposes the tend'rest flesh our minds have to offer, pointing to areas that desperately need greater care.

In Aquarius, it is the inability to belong to a group, and the subsequent feelings of isolation and rejection that we're dealing with. The Sun, Moon, and retrograde Mercury's conjunction atop this sore point indicate the next lunar cycle will deal especially with these wounded areas, with a focus on learning to articulate one's feelings of rejection and exclusion.

Horoscopes: February 4th-10th

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: The Ram

The wheels of the year are grinding out some interesting professional developments for Aries. Lots of work and important networking to do. This extra-special New Moon in Aquarius throws a long term light on your relationships to groups and membership within them. Addressing miscommunications in this area is key to getting your war machine back on track after a season of being sidelined.

Taurus: The Bull

Taurus, this New Moon sets the stage for you to begin some serious rethinking of your professional situation. The Sun and Moon align to shine an invisible light on the unspoken words that have veiled the old wounds you're still hurting from at work. The coming weeks will see this insight for the seed of serious change that it is.

Gemini: The Twins

My friends the Geminis are always the ones who suffer most from the triannual retrograde of Mercury. With the recent Mars station in your Sign, the temptation to act like a crazy asshole is even greater than normal. The New Moon this week will concentrate your easily scattered motes of mind onto a set of deep questions about your direction in life. These questions, though painful, will most likely lead to soothing solutions.

Cancer: The Crab

Cancer, this New Moon shines its non-light onto already invisible areas of your life, illuminating secret matters and your connection to what stirs just beyond the current limits of your perception. The gravity of secrets may draw you into your own subconscious or deep into the affairs of others. Either way, there is a wound to address, a small abyss to stitch together.

Leo: The Lion

Leo, the New Moon this week speaks strongly about your relationships, casting a strong ray into this area of your life. The presence of Chiron indicates a wound in these affairs, a wound covered with silences, unveiled with words. This New Moon and an unseen eclipse kicks off a year and half period where the undertow will pull you away from yourself but closer to right relation to others.

Virgo: The Virgin

Virgo, the New Moon this week speaks directly to your work situation. Always the popular topic with Virgo, Saturn in your Sign emphasizes it, and the New Moon this week speaks small volumes about it. Highlighted is your relationship to what you're doing on a daily and hourly basis, as well as your communications with your coworkers. There's a sore spot somewhere in there that's likely to need treatment in the next few weeks.

Libra: The Scales

The New Moon that occurs this week will likely see you seriously re-considering your lifestyle. The two topics on the scales are pleasure, on one hand, and the need for healing on the other. Premature conclusions in this matter may lead to a desire to make rash changes in your lifestyle. Give it time and let the scales do their work.

Scorpio: The Scorpion

The New Moon this week highlights the shifting ground beneath your feet. You may find yourself floating for a bit, not certain where sure footing is. This question of position may take a few weeks to work itself out. It is entangled with a need for communication with those connected to your platform.

Sagittarius: The Archer

The events of this week's New Moon locate themselves primarily within your local social circle. Lacking communications and/or abundant miscommunications likely conceal a small rift between you and your crew. Carefully navigated discussions and thoughtful observations on the situation are the tools you can use to prevent open hostilities.

Capricorn: The Goat

This week's New Moon will dispense its energies into the area of your psyche concerned with value. Although values do not always translate into valuables, its likely that there's a conversation about account pending. This focus on value and values, whether it involves objects or not, connects to a question of personal worth that you'll ponder on and off in the coming weeks.

Aquarius: The Water Bearer

Aquarius, the planetary pile-up occurring on the New Moon this week happens right in your front yard. It's likely you've left important issues under communicated, leaving you more disconnected to certain situations than you ought. It's time to carefully remove the veils from your message. The eclipse that occurs on this New Moon initiates a new period for you, where your priorities will slowly shift from relationships to a growing focus on yourself. This new period will see you seeing yourself in the mirror rather than through other's eyes.

Pisces: The Fishes

Pisces, this alignment of the New Moon, retrograde Mercury and Chiron in Aquarius does not bode particularly well for you. There are a number of forces impeding easy progress right now. Although the difficulty of the situation will erode before the end of the month, the first few weeks of the coming lunar cycle are likely to hold a few annoying surprises. Keep treading water and you'll find yourself downstream from difficulties in a few weeks.

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

COPYRIGHT ABYSSAL EPISTLES 2008
Sol in Aquarius, Luna in Capricorn

Astrology Dec. 17th-23rd: Solomon's Mine

ABYSSAL EPISTLES
The Astrology of Baron Samadhi von Coppockalypse, Ph.D

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. 118: Solomon’s Mine

This week sees 2 important markers come to pass. The first is the annual winter solstice, which occurs on the 22^nd. The other is the yearly movement of Jupiter into a new sign. On Tuesday, the 18^th, Jupiter enters Capricorn, where the big planet will remain until early 2009. But before examining the essential nature of Jupiter in Capricorn, it is important to consider the difference between Jupiter in Sagittarius and Capricorn.

Jupiter’s Transition

Jupiter is powerful and comfortable in Sagittarius, one of the Signs Jupiter is said to rule. In Sagittarius, Jupiter inspires tremendous faith and reveals the raw power of belief. Here Jupiter inflates expectations and expands perspectives. He unlocks possibilities that are only possible by the belief in their possibility. Jupiter’s presence in Sagittarius is considered to be a positive force active throughout the entire year that he is in the sign. The ballooned popularity of the popular “belief-magic” system, “The Secret” in 2007 is an example of Jupiter’s work.

In Capricorn, Jupiter will show a very different face. Whereas Jupiter in Sagittarius provides abundant opportunities to expand one’s beliefs, Jupiter in Capricorn shifts the focus rather drastically earthwards, concentrating on creating material evidence for one’s perspective.

Because Capricorn is in Saturn’s domain, much of the growth which Jupiter provides will come as a result of cutting away what is inessential and organizing what remains. This provides a classic formula: growth through limitation, expansion through contraction. Rewards are possible, but will likely be delayed. Jupiter in Capricorn favors careful, responsible growth, especially that growth that comes as a result of taking on the challenge of greater organization and responsibility.

Wherever he treads on the wheel of the skies, Jupiter stimulates spiritual and religious growth. While in Capricorn, Jupiter will provide energy for those creeds which are conservative and established or very concerned with the material world. Evangelical fundamentalists and Satanists should both have a good year.

Demands of the Real

While Jupiter in Sagittarius encouraged people to follow the possibilities of what they believed in, Jupiter in Capricorn encourages those with vision to build the great earthy bones that will support what they have seen. This sounds fine and dandy until one considers what happens when vision becomes empire. Poor Jesus must have a lengthy commentary on the subject. What exists in vision and belief is pure- it has had to make none of the compromises necessary for manifestation. And yet it is that very possibility of manifestation that makes vision such a tantalizing thing.

In order to manifest something divine, one has to deal with the less-than-divine forces of the material world. Visualization’s great, but nothing substantial was ever built without organization, effort, and a willingness to get one’s hand’s dirty.

Solomon’s Art

The Vedic astrologers refer to Jupiter as “Guru,” which means, roughly, “spiritual teacher.” And so it is helpful when we are trying to understand Jupiter’s work in a particular sign to ask ourselves who the new Guru is? Jupiter in Capricorn is a more severe teacher than Jupiter in Sagittarius.

One is reminded of the stories of Solomon the King, a biblical patriarch around whom a host of stories swirl. Solomon was a magician and the builder of a great temple. And how did this pillar of holiness construct his temple? With the hands of angels, the gossamer touch of ethereal wings? No. King Solomon called on the service of the spirits of the material world, demons to the Hebrews. One by one, he bound them to the task of constructing his temple. And this is important. He bound them to what he considered a holy task. He did not bind himself to a materialistic task, but instead bound materialistic forces to a spiritual task. Nice work. To this day, there is an entire branch of the occult focuses on this task, with Solomon as the key figure.

If we take Solomon as our teacher for the year that Jupiter is in Capricorn, then what is he here to teach? Clearly, he’s here to help us get our demons organized, obedient, and ready to lay foundations. Although having an army of demons sounds sweet, a brief moment of meditation on the subject makes it clear that problems abound. Those powerful forces of the material world and our own lower natures are the key to presence in the real world, and yet each offers a powerful distraction to the very purpose which would task them. When doing this type of work it is easy to let the process of manifestation eclipse the ideals which prompted the task in the first place.

It is also difficult because the very forces one needs to make one’s vision real tend to contradict the nature of that vision. For the pure of heart , there is a tendency to shy away from dealing with such forces. Between being afraid to involve such things in one’s vision and being led off one’s original path, the lessons and training program that Jupiter in Capricorn presents are not easy nor are they consequence-free.

Horoscopes: Jupiter In Capricorn

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: The Ram

Aries, the personal demons that Jupiter in Capricorn will have you wrangling for the next year are professional ones. You’ll be learning to take what you know and organize it into something more professionally viable. Refining your work habits and methods is the key to getting the most out of Jupiter’s passage through Capricorn.

Taurus: The Bull

For you, Taurus, Jupiter in Capricorn is likely to have a powerful impact on your personal philosophy. You’ll be stimulated to deal with powerful life questions whose outcomes will change the social circles you move through as well as helping to better define your relationship to occult forces. The key to unlocking these changes is refining the structure of your life-style.

Gemini: The Twins

For you Gemini, Jupiter in Capricorn shine a light into the taboo parts of society for you, as well as what’s off-limits in your own mind. These decidedly dark spheres are host to the demons Jupiter will have you confronting this year. Successful confrontations will result in benefits to both your career and relationships. The key to negotiating this period most masterfully is an ongoing analysis of your emotional limitations.

Cancer: The Crab

For you, Cancer, Jupiter in Capricorn will likely bring you face to face with people holding the very type of wisdom described above. You’ll also be given a number of lessons in how to strategically manage your relationships over the next year. Lessons learned are likely to go on to benefit your overall view on life as well as your work habits and physical health. The key to getting the most out of the coming period is in recognizing the limitations in the way that you communicate and working on it.

Leo: The Lion

For you, Leo, Jupiter will be providing a vision of the demons running loose in your workplace and your own work habits. You’ll be learning how you’re contributing to the chaos, as well as how to keep troublesome employees on task. The key is in looking at the way you handle money and the concept of value, in general. Lessons learned in this area will go on to benefit your lifestyle as well as putting you more in tune with the hidden energies in your life.

Virgo: The Virgin

Virgo, it’s your lifestyle that’s got demons running amuck. This year Jupiter will be teaching you how to make sure they’re working for you and not vice versa. The key to this work is looking realistically at yourself, acknowledging your own limitations and working beyond them. Lessons learned are poised to powerfully benefit both your relationships and home life.

Libra: The Scales

Libra, the demonic forces you’re going to learn how to keep under control this year are mucking in your home town, and its quite likely they know every member of your family. A key to this task lies in the structure of your own subconscious. By understanding how personal scripts are written, you’ll be in the position to edit them. Lessons learned will end up benefiting your physical health, work habits and communication skills.

Scorpio: The Scorpion

Scorpio, the demons you’ll be confronted with this year are thronging about in your circle of friends, regular contacts, as well as hiding inside your own communication skills. The key to keeping them under control and on task comes from understanding the social mechanics that make groups tick. Successful subjugation of personal demons will benefit your finances and life style.

Sagittarius: The Archer

Sag, the demons you’ll learn to wrangle this year are in your bank account as well as in your personal set of values. The key to putting these demons to work can be found by understanding the structure of your professional situation better. Lessons learned will make you more comfortable with your changing position.

Capricorn: The Goat

Capricorn, YOU are the demon you’ll be learning how to control this year. The key to keeping yourself on the path of your choosing comes from recognizing the limits of your personal philosophy and moving beyond it. Besides benefiting as a being, you’ll also see your local circle of acquaintances expand.

Aquarius: The Water Bearer

Aquarius, the demons you’ll be learning to get in line are…well, they’re your own inner demons. The same ones you’ve always had. The key to getting those bastards in line for the next year is in an exploration of your own taboos. You marked certain areas off-limits, and its those barriers which are holding you back from making important changes. Lessons learned will go on to benefit your bank account as well as expand your circle of acquaintances.

Pisces: The Fishes

Pisces, the demons you’ll be marshalling over the coming year are your friends. Yes, you’ll be dealing with the unruly power present in those that you know. The key to getting the most out of this period lies in understanding the structure of your interactions. Recognize the limitations in the way that you relate and then move beyond them. You’ll benefit personally from lessons learned in this area and your career will like it, too.

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

COPYRIGHT ABYSSAL EPISTLES 2007

Sol in Sagittarius , Luna in Aries

Astrology Dec. 10th-16th: Empires' Tide

ABYSSAL EPISTLES
The Astrology of Baron Samadhi von Coppockalypse, Ph.D

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.

Volume 117: Empires' Tide

This week, we take a break from our focus on the personal implications of the planet's positions to consider something on a larger scale. This Tuesday hosts the conjunction of Jupiter with Pluto in Sagittarius. This rare event occurs only once every 250 years or so. Jupiter's conjunction with Pluto in Sagittarius is attuned to the life cycles of the collective, and marks a decisive shift in the currents of world history.

When Mars stationed retrograde last month, there were earthquakes and typhoons within the very day. Although it may color the day, the Jupiter-Pluto conjunction in Sag is a historical marker, not simply a single or quick string of events. Each time it occurs, the form of world power begins to shift. An empire, representing a type of power, starts to decay while another, representing the new form of power begins to rise. A quick look at the outlines of Western history during the last 3 of these conjunctions will make the pattern clear.

Jupiter-Pluto conjunction in Sagittarius, 1260 AD:

In 1260, the Mongol Empire began its decline, facing its first decisive defeat by the Mamluks, at Ain Jalut in Palestine. Kublai Khan succeeds mighty Ghenghis Khan, and presides over the Mongol's waning years. Meanwhile, in Europe, the rising hegemony of the Church is marked by the completion of the Cathedral at Chartres, an achievement that took decades to complete. Construction on 3 more cathedral projects begins soon after. These cathedrals marks the growing power of the Church as the dominant force which binds all of Europe. Papal hegemony up, Mongols down!

Jupiter-Pluto conjunction in Sagittarius, 1509 AD:

The next conjunction of Jupiter and Pluto in Sagittarius happens in 1509. Just as 1260 marked the hegemony of papal power with the Cathedral at Chartres and the decline of the Mongol threat, 1509 hosts 2 events which mark the end of Church ascendancy in Europe. The first is the coronation of England's notorious Henry the VIII. Henry the VIII was the first European monarch who broke from Vatican power and established state control of religion. The Church of England, the first successful large scale revolt against Rome and is considered to have paved the way for the Reformation. It is also interesting to note that Erasmus' Praise of Folly was also written in 1509. Praise of Folly was a wildly popular satire of the Church considered to be one of the seeds of the Reformation. European Papal power, which was on the rise during the last Jupiter-Pluto conjunction in Sagittarius, now gives way to the sovereignty of the European nations, who spend the next several centuries in ruthless pursuit of every part of the world they can get their hands on. Dueling Monarchies up, Papal power down!

Jupiter-Pluto conjunction in Sagittarius, 1758 AD:

1758 is smack dab in the middle of the 7 Years war, whose immediate consequence was to dethrone France from its position at the head of the European pack. In the following years, both France and England's New World colony undergo bloody Democratic revolutions where the Monarchy itself is overthrown. Although England jumps into the top-spot after France, the shift in power here is not simply from France to England. England becomes the world's first global super-power, a position later usurped by its former colony, the United States. Capitalist super-powers up, dueling Monarchies down!

Jupiter-Pluto conjunction in Sagittarius, 2007 AD:

Which brings us to the present. The United States, the winner of the last round's game, is currently in the middle of what may very well be a "7 Year War," and is facing a host of problems, both internal and external. Health care and education are both in dire need of reform, while slumbering economic titans India, China, and Russia are beginning to stir. Does this mean the end of the United States? Certainly not. But it does mark the end of the era of the Global Capitalist Superpower, begun by England at the last Jupiter-Pluto conjunction in Sagittarius. The world emerging will be shared by many giants, not ruled by one. It is the beginning of Global Feudalism, where the nuclear and economic heavy-weights jockey for control of the world and its resources. It is the world foreseen by cyber-punk writers and post-modern theorists, a world of international corporate feudalism. A world of global tribes. World peace? World government? Not a chance. Check in at the next Jupiter-Pluto conjunction in Sag, 250 years from now. Perhaps then we'll see Karl Marx's prophesied transition from capitalism to communism.

If we examine these roughly 250 year periods, we notice that there is an alternation between periods of unity and multiplicity. The West is united under the Church, whose power dissolves, leaving a pack of competing powers. Then the age of competing powers is overwhelmed by the emergence of the global super-power. The era we are on the cusp of is analogous to the last transition from unity to multiplicity, when the Church's hegemony over Europe was broken and the era of competing European nations ensued. Call it Colonization 2.0.

This is a gigantic topic. Little can be done in this constrained format but to scratch the surface of the political, religious, cultural and economic character of this shift. It is important to note that although the Jupiter-Pluto conjunction marks turning points, it is Pluto's movement into Capricorn in the following decades that sees the structure of the old systems decay while those of the new gain ascendancy.

Now back to your regularly scheduled horoscopes.

Horoscopes: December 10^th-16^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: Misguided Missiles

The Sagittarian season is a generally jollier time for you than the cold tunnel of Scorpio. And although a multitude of planets throng about in Sagittarius, Venus is still creeping through Scorpio. You're likely being led to a heightened understanding of how your misguided missiles are impacting those around you. Although you are subject to these lessons in further self-limitation, the general levity of the time will prevent you from getting lost down any holes.

Taurus: Want

Perhaps you could do without the level of unnecessary levity the Sagittarian season brings. The focus for Taurus is still quite squarely set upon the subject of the desire that you're ensnared in. You're likely unsure whether your current obsession is worth your time or if you're trying to dig a tunnel to a treasure that doesn't exist. Venus' coming trine to Uranus will provide the illumination you need in this particular matter.

Gemini: Habit Formation Pattern

The amount of Sagittarius present in the season has had you looking at yourself from angle usually reserved for others. The Sagittarian season may also be temporarily accelerating the rate at which you partake of your bad habits. There are prizes to be won and cash to be had in limiting the amount of time and energy you spend on habits that you see little return from. Think about it.

Cancer: Walk The Line, Sideways

This time is somewhat less joyous for the Cancers than the other tribes of the zodiac. It's likely that you feel awhirl in a series of draining interactions. This particular set of difficulties is in the process of testing and refining your set of responses to having your shell pierced. You will profit by addressing problematic interactions but will cause greater pains for yourself by getting caught in a fight.

Leo: We Don't Negotiate With Leos

Good times and holiday cheer are fine mood altering substances for Leos. But there is a circle of draining and unpleasant interactions coloring your emotional life right now that detracts from otherwise pleasant times. The root of these likely lies in bargains you've made with people and parts of yourself that you never should have negotiated with. Live and learn.

Virgo: Roots

The abundance of planets in Sagittarius likely signifies a number of powerful and positive changes taking place at your foundations. It may be a positive change of residence or simply a replanting of your emotional roots. At the same time, your social circle is looking troubled. Powerful but untrustworthy social contacts may be offering benefits that are not likely to last.

Libra: Weighed Down

The holiday season sees you out and about at social events, but you're having a difficult time getting your Libra on. The stress from your retrograde professional situation is likely affecting your ability to hold on to the mood you'd like to have at your disposal. Don't let moments of imbalance weigh too heavily on one side of the scales. Your perspective on the situation is soon to change.

Scorpio: Flux Capacitor

Venus' ongoing visit through Scorpio's dark abode and the bonanza of planets in Sagittarius indicate a rather tight focus on financial issues, with the likelihood of an opportunity unveiling itself. Despite positive developments, your situation is still in the midst of a several month period where your perspective as well as your location may be in flux. Let go of limiting emotional perspectives and move with things.

Sagittarius: Joop-Joop!

Happy birthday, Sagittarius-es. Consider the holiday explosion of Sagittarius in the skies to be a going away for Jupiter, who has graced your sign for all of 2007. You can thank Jupiter for the extra positivity in your perspective, as well as any get out of jail free cards you may have received this year. What? Not everything went as you wanted it to? Too bad. When Jupiter moves into Capricorn, you'll have even less support. Don't expect the planetary powers to do everything for you.

Capricorn: Black Holes and Quasars

There are both bright and dark stars rising on the horizon for Capricorn. Jupiter's coming movement into Capricorn will provide an entire year of bonus luck for enacting whatever plans you may have, either nefarious or boring. Pluto, on the other hand, will insert a dark and unpredictable element to things for years to come. Regardless, you're moving closer to a situation you innately understand how to work within.

Aquarius: Sticky

As the year winds its way into the holidays you find your finances and professional situation tied into a difficult web of problematic emotional and energetic exchanges. The necessary insight into how to handle these worrisome connections is emerging this week, and should present you with the proper perspective to handle your mutating affairs effectively.

Pisces: Sans Puke

Underneath all this holiday revelry there is a darker undercurrent of problematic emotional exchanges and energetic interactions that you've been subject to, Pisces. The necessary insight to deal with these irritations is on the way this week. In the meantime, you'll have to content yourself to appreciate the aspects of Sagittarian revelry you can handle without vomiting.

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

COPYRIGHT ABYSSAL EPISTLES 2007

Sol in Sagittarius , Luna in Capricorn

Astrology Dec. 3rd-9th: Well Lit Tunnel

ABYSSAL EPISTLES
The Astrology of Baron Samadhi von Coppockalypse, Ph.D

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. 116: Well Lit Tunnel

This week the Moon wanes to a close of the lunar month, finding the Sun on Sunday's New Moon in Sagittarius. The New Moon plays into the underlying dynamic permeating the northern hemisphere's holiday season, which is the tension between a sense of opportunity created by Jupiter in Sagittarius plagued by a set of nagging difficulties and conflicts stimulated by a retrograde Mars in Cancer. The New Moon weighs in on the side of opportunity, and is reinforced by the recent movement of Mercury into Sagittarius. Venus, on the other hand, leaves behind her roles as mediator this Wednesday and begins to feed emotional energy into the underlying conflicts leeching the good cheer from the season. The larger pattern of the planets this week suggests a use of widened perspective to counter-act the conflicts crawling out from the more dimly lit crannies of the current tunnel

Mercury In Sagittarius: Bull Horn of "Truth" +3

Mercury moved in Sagittarius over the weekend, and heralded the emergence of the mind from the tunnel of anxieties, annoyances, and suspicions that Scorpio has been for the last few months. Communications become more positive and open due to Mercury's entrance into Sagittarius. In Sagittarius, Mercury also makes for much more direct and honest communications, with a tendency to view things as they could and should be. This is in contradiction to Mercury in Scorpio, which instead tries to anticipate the negative, and can be a little paranoid.

Venus In Scorpio: Pressure Point Massage

Which brings us to Venus, who leaves the high-minded confines of Libra this Wednesday and enters the Scorpionic tunnel from which Mercury has just emerged. Scorpio's intense domain is difficult in general, but because of the current Mars retrograde, has become an emotional mine-field. As Venus enters this territory, our relationships and moods enter this problematic mental landscape. Venus in Scorpio brings us to our emotional hang-ups- old grudges and unresolved knots in the fabric of our relationships. It highlights the inequalities in our energy exchange with people in our lives, and can create an obsession with power dynamics that blows issues out of proportion. Even with these difficulties considered, Venus in Scorpio is honest, and can open a dark doorway to the transformation of stagnant relationships.

Horoscopes: December 3^rd-9^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: Toll

Mercury's movement into Sagittarius heralds visions of positive possibilities this week. If you haven't seen the pot of gold at the end of the pain-bow bridge you've been struggling to traverse, you'll see it see it soon. A fortress of knowledge awaits you at the end of these transformations. While Mercury's movement into Sagittarius affords you clear sight of what remains at the far side of the bridge, Venus' mid-week movement into Scorpio will show you what part of your emotional baggage you've got to leave behind in order to get there.

Taurus: Translucent Tangle

Mercury's movement into Sagittarius will shine a clear light beyond the veil of your hopes and fears, but as Venus enters Scorpio, she leads your feelings straight into that veil, getting tangled in the curtain. Venus' mid-week movement into Scorpio will signal the beginning of a set of confrontations with the objects of desire which are the subject of your confusion. Use your mind to help your heart see the truth behind your current set of attachments.

Gemini: Redirection

As if you were redesigning the microchips in your processor, you're re-routing the flow of information and energy through you daily life. Mercury's movement into Sagittarius marks a turn for the honest in your relationships. You'll be able to be more open about whats been on your mind without illiciting such a bitchy response from people. Venus' movement Scorpio may activate sour feelings in the workplace, and will also find you feeling whatever unhealthy habits you've been having.

Cancer: Taste Bad, More Filling

Cancer, it may seem like the powers that be have you on a liquid diet of foul smelling and gross tasting concoctions. You've slurped down a number of experiences you wouldn't normally have deigned to drink. The bad news is that your liquid diet is by no means over. The good news is that the foul concoctions you've been force-fed are a potent witches' brew of radioactive ooze, and that by the time you're done you'll be manifesting a variety of mutant powers.

Leo: Attitude Adjustment

Mercury's movement into Sagittarius marks a change in your perspective for the positive. The shift isn't only internal, as you'll likely notice people communicating with you in a more pleasing manner, as well. Although Mercury's movement heralds a more positive tone to communications, Venus' movement into Scorpio will draw your attention to financial gripes, especially those relating to property and vehicles. The gripes are part of a larger process taking place throughout the season where the foundations of the way that you go after what you want are undergoing significant changes. It's part of a process so take it in perspective.

Virgo: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You

Mercury's movement into Sagittarius marks a significantly positive turn in your attitude. Your perspective on your own know-how, which has been under fire recently, takes a turn for the better, with the focus shifting from what you don't know to the glory of what you.do. On the other hand, Venus' movement into Scorpio means that you'll be dealing with sour feelings about friendships and sibling relationships. These are currently undergoing renovations, so don't call it quits on anything just because it doesn't look livable right now. Instead, make the space you need to work through your feelings.

Libra: Costume Change

Venus' movement out of your Sign in the middle of the week marks the end of your duty as reconciler. As Venus slips into Scorpio, you'll be exploring the limits to truces you've bartered as people speak more freely and openly. Don't feel like you've failed- your role was a temporary one- to hold things together until communications improved. Venus' movement into Scorpio also means that you may be the one needing support and perspective for the next couple weeks.

Scorpio: Different Angle, Different Topic

Mercury's movement out of your Sign signifies the dispersal of what may have been an unnecessary excess of mental energy. As Mercury moves into to Sagittarius, your intellect moves on to shine on more mundane matters, and from a brighter angle. As your mind leaves the cluster of topics you've been focusing on, your feelings on the same matters become more distinct. Decisions you've made that pertain to your changing financial situation will also be set in motion with Venus' entrance into Scorpio this week.

Sagittarius: Shiny Time

Sweet Sagittarius, its your time, and that means its time to shine. Or at least talk about shining. With Mercury's movement into Sagittarius, your ability to create self-propaganda is looking better than ever. Don't let this offer slip through your fingers! Act now and receive universal support for your awesomely skewed personal version of reality! Mercury may have your back, but Venus will be presenting temptations aplenty to lead you off the straight and narrow path of your own ascension to unnecessary awesomeness. Don't let your competitive streak distract you from what's really important: You.

Capricorn: Inner Ducks

Your social circle is mid-transition, and as Venus moves into Scorpio, you'll be feeling the difficulty of that over the next weeks. Mars Retrograde in Cancer is making it more troublesome for people to penetrate social circles than usual. So no, its not just you. Its the situation. Don't go out of your way to exert effort in areas where it isn't to your advantage. You will profit more from looking inward and getting your inner ducks and demons in a row for winter.

Aquarius: A Friend In Need

Mercury's movement into Sagittarius bolsters what positive thoughts you've got on your side right now, and may manifest as assistance from friends and acquaintances. Which you'll need, as you may find yourself in a painful position for the next month, as you feel your way through your ongoing professional transformation.

Pisces: Birth Canal

With Mercury's movement into Sagittarius, you may find your thoughts gravitating around professional and career issues. There's likely something big there, but with Saturn's presence in Virgo, it may be caught somewhere halfway down the birth canal. The pain of being caught in mid-transformation is formidable, and it is exactly that set of feelings that Venus in Scorpio will be stimulating on and off for the next month. Remember to breath and keep pushing.

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

COPYRIGHT ABYSSAL EPISTLES 2007

Sol in Sagittarius, Luna in Libra