Imbolc Blessings, February 2, 2012

Groundhog Day, February 2nd is known as the high Celtic feast day of Imbolc. 

Snow is on the ground and it seems as if winter will not end.  However, with the arrival of Imbolc comes the hope of Spring.   It is a time to call upon the universe to warm and heal us.  It is a time to be inspired. 

There are healing herbs for our mind, body and spirit to get us through the remainder of winter.  Think of the warmth of cinnamon in the air, the healing of evergreen or eucalyptus.  The uplifting aroma of citrus brightens the spirit.  This can be used in teas or a small amount sprinkled on a candle to release the aroma.  And of course, let’s not forget the concept of cooking.

We need to remind ourselves to use our power and the gift of the elements to balance, ground, and rejuvenate ourselves.   Use the color turquoise for healing and poetry to fan the flame of inspiration.

In Ireland and Scotland, the women make dolls from corn husks and carry them from home to home.  Her name is Bridget and she is decorated with flowers, shells, stones and ribbons.  Elements of the earth to be honored and cherished.   The children chant Bridget is coming, Bridget is coming.

Perhaps you could make a similar item at home and light a fire or candle to honor her and the earth.

Work on leaving the winter behind and prepare for a bright, new spring.   After all, Spring is coming and with it new growth and a new freshness.  Embrace it.

posted by Dsandra

Uranus in Aries/ Supermoon in Virgo/Neptune in Aquarius-Pisces -Dramatic Actions and Events/March 2011

Uranus made a dramatic entrance into the sign Aries March 11, as earthquakes and a tsunami wrecked havoc on Japan and Hawaii, leaving thousands homeless and dead. Uranus entered Aries officially March 11 at 7:52PM EST. Uranus acts swiftly; squaring Pluto, the planet ruling nuclear weapons and facilities, as well as oil. The planet is at risk of nuclear incidents as well as weapons and several nuclear power plants have been damaged by the earthquake in Japan. This (Pluto-Uranus) energy will continue all year, reaching a peak June-August, as the two planets are within a one degree orb of each other. But, planets do not have to be exact to cause events. Uranus and Pluto will actually continue to square each other until 2016. Thus, we are at risk for many years to come of unexpected events and explosions around the world, wars, nuclear incidents and events, and catastrophic earth related disasters that will include water. The world is about to change is some very big ways, and it will simply take another powerful planetary line up to set it off (Pluto/Uranus square) again.

Uranus is at the 0 degree known as the Aries point. This much awaited event in the astrological world has more than lived up to it’s name thus far. Celeste Teal published the most widly quoted explanation of Uranus in Aries at the Aries point, also known as the ‘world point.’ ’A sudden outpouring of energies, indicative of involvement with the world at large.’

The energy of the upcoming full moon in Virgo has played a role in Japan’s tragedy, as well. This full moon has been described as an ‘extreme supermoon' because on March 19 the moon will swing more closely to the earth than it has in the past 18 years. March’s full moon occurs on Saturday March 19^th at 2:10 P.M. EST at 28 degrees Virgo 48 minutes. Full moon energy can be felt before the peak occurs as well as after. The 29^th degree is a significant one and every full moon since October has been at that significant degree. The 29^th degree is about change. This full moon causes conflicts with several planets, including Uranus, the planet/agent of disruption. As the full moon approaches we will see more events fitting this description.

Neptune, known as the water-bearer is currently in the 29^th degree of Aquarius. Author/Astrologer Helen Adams Garrett, wrote about the 29^th degree of Neptune in Aquarius, ’World Peace will be sought and those born with this degree will be active in the process, by agreement or by opposition to the cause May be caught in the battle and become a victim.’

The ground is littered with victims in the Middle East. As the victim toll in Japan reaches 10,000 at the time of this publication, all eyes are off Libya where a crazed dictator cleans up the streets and tells the world he never massacred civilians while the UN debates the legalities of intervention. The Arab League ministers voted to ask the UN to impose a no fly zone over Libya, but to the civilians under siege in that civil war torn country this may seem to be too little, too late. Author Celeste Teal states the 29^th degree is the weakest point of the sign it is occupying and often complicates decision making matters.

On March 18-19, Mercury opposes Saturn. This is a transit indicative of arguments, power struggles in the world, and accidents. It is oriented toward very serious issues and we will see this play out on a world level with debates, arguments and more negative news. We will hear news from governments around the world.

As the full moon peaks on the 19^th it opposes Uranus within one degree. This will create sudden, unexpected situations that may involve weather and water related occurrences. Mercury-Saturn plays into the picture as well, creating dangerous situations around the world that occur at the last minute. March 21-22 the Sun conjuncts Uranus, a transit indicative of sudden, explosive situations, accidents and explosions that could involve fire. At the 0 degree Aries point, events will likely involve the world in a big way, with certain individuals or entities that will make their desires known. No doubt, the tragedy in Japan will play a big part of this full moon, and we will continue to hear disturbing reports. But it is not limited to the news from Japan. This is a complex full moon, and indeed is a ‘supermoon,’ for many reasons. We can expect the unexpected with this one.

March 28-29 the Sun squares Pluto. Pluto is a ruthless planet and describes the ‘status quo, as well as oil. Pluto also rules nuclear weapons and substances. We will hear more at this time about Japan’s nuclear plant crisis, and oil. Prices may go up, and oil will become a major issue throughout 2011. Sun/Pluto is explosive and relates to power struggles of all types, as well as struggles against the current power structure. Pluto rules the media as well, and no doubt reporters will be at the forefront during this time.

Jupiter opposes Saturn the last two weeks of March. This transit is indicative of restriction, delays, obstacles, negative movement in financial markets and gridlock among governments, especially the US. Decisions will be difficult to make and movement may come to a virtual standstill.

As Mercury retrogrades in Aries on March 30, it does so in the sign ruling the individual (as well as collective) ego. At this time, we will have an opportunity to re-evaluate the actions of the recent past. Actions will be slowed, but in positive light decisions can be rethought. On the other hand, hasty decisions can be made without thought of consequences, and thinking may not be clear.

On a Personal Level

March 19 holds a volatile full moon and to some degree we will all feel the influence for a few hours or days, but for some it will be more intense than others, depending what it is aspecting in your chart. Those most affected during the few days before and after the full moon will be born June 19-21, December 19-25, March 16-21, and September 20-25. It will be significant if you were born April 6-8, July 8-10, October 9-11, or January 6-8. You may feel edgy, discouraged and negative or prone to an argument. Let the energy pass, and by mid-week if not sooner, energies-situations will lighten up.

This information provided by Astrologer, Leslie Hale

To make an appointment with Leslie for your own personal astrology reading please contact here here at www.n2itv.com

May 2010 - Uranus Enters the Aries Point

The first weekend in May started out with a bang with an unprecedented oil slick encroaching upon the gulf coast of the US, an attempted car bombing in NYC, and historic flooding throughout Nashville, TN, and the South. This is due to Saturn opposing Uranus, along with Jupiter conjunct Uranus, which will continue throughout most of the month until Uranus moves into Aires on May 28.

Saturn opposing Uranus in Virgo/Pisces will continue to create volatile, violent, unexpected, and stressful conditions in the world that will relate to situations affecting the earth itself such as the earthquakes and volcanoes we have seen in recent weeks, and a new factor is now added into the mix that includes water and oil. The Gulf oil cleanup will be massive, hidden factors are involved, and no one will want to fully take the blame. Today, May 5, violent protests are occurring in Greece due to spending cuts in a country that is in serious financial trouble. The volcanic ash cloud has re-appeared in Europe shutting down airports in several countries again. Virgo relates to the earth, oil, banking, healthcare and jobs. With Jupiter and Uranus together in Pisces, we may see more situations that involve flooding, or situations that involve water, electricity and airlines.

Uranus opposing Saturn last occurred in the mid-sixties, a time of unprecedented social change, that totally changed the world in which we live.

Uranus enters Aries this month at zero degrees. Known as the Aries Point, this is an event astrologers have been looking at for many years. Aries changes signs every seven years, and it will enter the first sign of the zodiac for about two and a half months, before retrograding back into Pisces for a final stay until 2011. It takes Uranus 84 years to complete its trip through the twelve signs of the zodiac, so this is considered a major astrological event. Uranus was last in Aries April of 1927-March, 1935. According to astrologer/Author Celeste Teal, Uranus at the 0 point of Aries relates to the world at large and public events that will occur swiftly.

Uranus is the bringer of change, usually suddenly, unexpectedly, and with an element of shock. It is a catalyst of upheaval, and it is often disruptive and with little to no warning. While Saturn may keep situations in check, move slowly and cause delays, Uranus is the force that will break free from everything that restricts it, thus there is usually no question about moving on. Uranus is referred to as the lord of lightening, thunder, electricity, and called the Great Awakener. With Uranus, you may expect the unexpected, and events happen sooner rather than later.

Uranus is in the sign Aries, a cardinal sign ruled by Mars. The energy of cardinal signs work quickly and in a visible way. Aries, represents the self, the ego. There will be people in the world that will make themselves and their desires and actions known with Uranus in Aries. Words that would describe Aries are belligerent, excitable, quarrelsome, self-centered, enterprising, active, courageous, and ambitious.

As soon as Uranus enters Aries, it squares Pluto at 4 degrees of Capricorn. A square is a 90 degree angle creating obstacles, problems and issues. Capricorn relates to the earth itself, business and banking, and we will likely see further issues that will be catastrophic in nature, including situations involving business and banks or financial institutions. These situations will occur suddenly and unexpectedly, and the issues are not limited to the earth or business. Uranus in Aries is explosive and volatile and we will likely see violence not limited to escalations in the Middle East. Uranus squaring Pluto calls for drastic revisions of basic goals and objectives, the desire to overthrow existing conditions, revolutionary attitudes, unfamiliar circumstances and irrevocable destruction and changes in conditions, and perilous circumstances and events.

On July 22, when Saturn re-enters Libra again, it will create a T-square between 3 planets: Uranus in Aries, opposing Saturn in Libra, being squared by Pluto in Capricorn. Astrologer/Author Cal Garrison writes, ‘The most powerful point of conflict will occur between July 22, 2010 and August 2, 2010, when Saturn and Uranus line up in direct opposition on the horizontal axis of the cross of the matter. That axis is Mother Earth’s body. The level of tension between the two planets leading up to that window will determine how much of it translates into cataclysm. During that nineteen day period, Pluto will be retrograde at three degrees of Capricorn-close enough to the base of the World Tree to create an extremely tense set of variables. With three of the most powerful planetary influences shaking the axis of the world, bringing all their might to bear upon it, the imagery alone gives fair warning. It is an understatement to say this is a precarious time. If Saturn refuses to step down and mankind wakes up on the wrong side of the bed, Uranus will inevitably haul out his ultimate weapons and Pluto will respond accordingly. If a pole shift is meant to be part of our experience, it could very well happen between July 22 and August 2, 2010.”

Other transits of interest in May include-

On Tuesday May 11, Mercury goes stationary direct at two degrees of Taurus for the next four days. It is generally when Mercury is stationary direct or retrograde it does the most damage. We can experience communications breakdowns, accidents, miscommunications and unexpected situations come to the forefront during this time. Thinking is slow and deliberate, and decisions reached during this period are often irrevocable.

May 16, 17 and 18, Venus, the planet of love and money squares Saturn at 28 degrees of Virgo. This can represent a cooling off period for love, relationships that have been limping along may end, and it is not good for finance or the financial markets, and we may hear more negative news relating to money, and negative situations relating to women.

On May 23, Venus opposes Pluto at 4 degrees of Cancer. Venus/ Pluto can be considered obsessive, jealous, and prone to disruption in your love life. On the positive side, you may regenerate your relationship with this transit, resulting in a more satisfactory outcome. We will likely hear more news relating to money, finance, and power struggles. This transit will affect women, and Pluto deals with the underworld and involves sex and it is not called the ‘planet of vengeance, for nothing.

May’s full moon occurs at 6 degrees of Sagittarius, the planet of expansion.

This is a time to expand your thinking and awareness of the world around you, and explore new opportunities and ideas. Sagittarius is generally considered exuberant and open to new situations on a personal level. It is the natural ruler of the eleventh house of friends, hopes and wishes, as well as groups and organizations.

In the case of this full moon, it falls within three days of Mars opposing Neptune becoming exact at 27 degrees of Leo on June first and second. We may see another disaster on the world stage that involves water, chemicals, or gasses, or be dealing with an existing one in some new way. While the full moon in Sagittarius may be expansive, take all new ideas or proposals with a grain of salt until this transit passes. Neptune is the planet of illusion, delusion, and confusion and what appears expansive, may turn out to be an untruth. Mars-Neptune relates to secrets, deaths, fraud and deception, especially relating to corporate affairs, infectious diseases, gas, oil, water, explosions and flooding, and lies.

It is an interesting time to be living on the earth. May 2012 is exactly 19 months away from December 2012, the end of the Mayan calendar, subject astrologers and prognosticators of all kinds have studied for decades. It is a time we will live to see and that which survives this period will be transformed or become stronger, and we will all come to know the truths within ourselves. We are teetering on the edge of the precipice as a civilization, and as the character Klaatu said in the movie, “The Day the World Stood Still ,” At the precipice we change.”