Tag Archives: Uranus

Jun 20 2016

The Sagittarius Full Moon – again! – and the Summer Solstice of June 20, 2016

Couple-overlooking-mountains-with-moon-and-balloons

Welcome to the second Full Moon in Sagittarius (7:02 AM EDT today, June 20, 2016) in a row… that’s pretty unusual! This Moon is called The Strawberry Moon, signifying to our early Native Americans that it was time to pick ripened fruit. (Maybe we can use that symbolism metaphorically. What ripened fruit is it time for you to pick?) This Full Moon also occurs at the 29th degree of Sagittarius, with the Sun at the 29th degree of Gemini, which is a very special degree. Add to that the Summer Solstice beginning today when the Sun moves into Cancer at 6:34 PM EDT, and we have very exciting energies to explore!

There are several different ways to come to this Full Moon. First I invite you to think back to 6 months ago, specifically Dec. 11, 2015, when the Moon was New in Sagittarius. Can you remember anything that you may have been excited or anxious about? Anything you were just beginning or making decisions on? Today is a culmination of that time, a moment of en-lighten-ment around whatever was going on in your life then. I also invite you to look back to a little over a year ago – May 2, 2015. This was the last Sagittarius Full moon until last month’s  (on May 21) – so we’ve come a full year’s cycle since then. What has occurred for you emotionally during the past year? Track back and really think about what has come to fruition for you, and whether you have evolved in meaningful ways emotionally – perhaps pushing past boundaries and creating higher, broader parameters, which is what the Sagittarius Moon requests of us. Or perhaps you’ve devolved? In which case, you have another opportunity to become unstuck and get moving.

With-this-fiery-MoonSecond, this Full Moon in Sagittarius at the critical 29th degree seems to be highlighting relationships pretty “loudly.”  With this fiery Moon in opposition to Venus, the planet of all things “love” and the ways of being that go with it, there’s an immediate understanding that this lunar event impacts us where we relate to others. Add to that a square to Chiron, our friendly karmic relationship indicator, as well as a trine to Juno, who wears the crown of symbolizing relationship from a karmic commitment perspective, and we have a relationship karmic cocktail. Juno, amazingly, is also at that 29th degree – of Libra in her case – which just happens to be the sign of, you guessed it, relationship. That critical 29th degree carries the energy of taking a new direction, sometimes in a completely unexpected way that belies our past ruminations and carefully laid plans. (And don’t get me wrong, I’m thinking positive here!) Degree 29 can carry a fated quality to it, and sometimes has us feeling a bit out of control. So there can be questions around our commitments, or, and better, opportunities to refresh them!

One other ally in this cosmic lunar posse pushing us to “clean” our love auras is Uranus – that feisty renegade who calls it like he sees it, and breaks down the status quo. So at this Saggy Full Moon, I’m imagining there may be some culminating moments providing us opportunities to clear our love alliances, particularly those with whom we carry karma. There can be enormous healing during this Full Moon energy… healing that allows us to attend to our loved ones with more acceptance of their uniqueness. Healing that opens the doors of the past and the future, asking us to balance our need for freedom and independence within relationship with our deep caring and devotion of our loved ones. This isn’t the time to be proud or stubborn, but a time to talk, to risk the truth, to stand by our commitments in a more faith-ful way, in order to create something more authentic – something that feeds our vitality and our emotional health. For many, I know there’s a whole lot of YUMMY that can happen with this Full Moon…

Thirdly, Mercury is also at 29 degrees in this Full Moon chart… and it’s creating a trigger point to the Saturn / Neptune square. How does this land? We need to talk. We need to talk about what makes us feel safe and secure. We need to talk about what confuses us, and about our pasts – not to create an environment of judgement, but to create an environment of acceptance and grace. Let’s get past the fears and anxieties that are holding us back (Saturn), be open about our dreams and our vision for the future (Neptune), and create a goal for our compassion – a goal for our spiritual evolution. And then make a commitment to it! You know what happens when we make a real commitment. All heaven and earth move to support it… And with Jupiter also involved in this mix, we can truly benefit from positive thinking here.

One-World-One-Love-One-Community-Global-Hands-HeartFourthly (and I’m about to get political) I like to think of Sagittarius as being “the citizen of the world.” That’s the phrase that Banzhaf & Haebler use in the book Key Words for Astrology as the by-line for Sagittarius. “The citizen of the world.” That’s always stuck in my mind. In the past 30 days we’ve been sandwiched between two culminating points – two Full Moons in the sign Sagittarius – highlighting who we are as citizens of the world. And with the deadliest mass shooting in the history of our country just behind us, we are left pondering – at least I hope we are – how we go about being better citizens of our world. Perhaps that’s the reason we’ve had two Sagittarius Full Moons in a row… so that we must use this emotionally charged energy to become wiser citizens of the world – to become righteous about gun control despite previous blocks preventing that effort, to become higher minded around, and more tolerant of, those who have different lifestyles. The 15-hour gun control filibuster on the the Senate floor this past Thursday, led by Senator Chris Murphy, is a perfect example of Sagittarius energy “having enough” and “stump thumping” to make a point of justice. And sadly, the horrific actions of the shooter are also an example of the lowest possible vibration of Sagittarius at work – being so self-righteous and filled with the fervor of your cause that you take life, feeling somehow justified in your actions. The shooting and the filibuster occurred between 2 Sagittarius Full Moons, the second one at the critical 29th degree – meaning we’ve reached a critical turning point, and while we may not follow any plans we’ve previously put in place, and we may be feeling overwhelmed – we know we must go in a new direction. Fate is in play here, and that new direction must have greater meaning and a higher purpose, and point us toward freedom and justice – for everyone – as we move forward. All Sagittarian qualities. (An interesting point: the 1:58 AM chart for the Orlando shooting, when the first gunfire was heard, has THE SAME DEGREE – 29 degrees Sagittarius – on the MC – the most elevated point in the chart, which is the angle that shows how we see that moment in the greater world. Blows my mind.)

The key here is meaning… what expanded awareness and meaning can we derive from these events, and how do we move positively forward with that meaning? And how do we derive wisdom from something so horrifying? The comedian Hasan Minhaj addressed members of the press and members of Congress at the 72nd Annual Radio and Television Correspondents’ Association Dinner this past Wednesday evening – 3 nights after the shooting. He said something in his address -a very Sagittarius address I might add – that seems to push us toward the higher vibration of Sag – striving for higher things, and expanding our awareness. He said, “Stuff like this (the mass shooting) is going to continue to happen unless we recognize that civil liberties are an all or nothing game. A rising tide lifts all boats. It’s not pick or choose. So whether you like it or not, we all have to step up and fight for each other – otherwise the whole thing is a sham.” A “rising tide” pulled by these Sagittarius Moons. That’s what I’m thinking. It all seems quite a bit zeitgeist-y.

(If you want to see comedian Hasan Minhaj’s full address click here. The first 18 minutes are funny in a “roast” kind of way. The famous 5 minutes begin at 18:16 – but watch the whole 23 minutes if you can.)

Fifthly – Happy Summer Solstice! The Solstice officially happens at 6:34 PM when the Sun moves into the sign of  Cancer. As the longest day of the year, with more hours of sunlight than any other, most of us wait all year for this special day. It’s the FUN time of year! But as I mentioned previously, this Sagittarius Full Moon occurs at 29 degrees. The 29th degree of any sign is known as a “critical degree” or the “anaretic degree” meaning we’re coming to the end of one way of being and moving into another – a complete change of direction. Sometimes that change feels fated, or out of our control, but the change needs to happen. So as you’re soaking in the sun, soak in the meaning of this Full Moon as you think about your Summer. How will you be changing directions? What is your highest calling? Toward what direction will you be shooting your arrow of intent, and where will you be seeking meaning and purpose? This bright moon, this enlightened moment, is the perfect time to answer these questions.

P.S. It’s interesting to have a Full Moon in Sagittarius – the sign connected with the Winter Solstice – the shortest day of the year – on the longest day of the year! Here we are in the fullness of Summer with the Sun at it’s highest point (in the Northern Hemisphere), while the emotional energy around us is reminiscent of the shortest. Hhhhhhmmmmm. That just occurred to me – not quite sure what to do with it yet, but I’m thinking.

Chart for the Full Moon in Sagittarius - 7:02 AM, June 20, 2016 Eastern Daylight Time

Chart for the Full Moon in Sagittarius – 7:02 AM, June 20, 2016 Eastern Daylight Time

 

Want some personal one-on-one help with navigating this Full Moon? Wondering where in your life and your psyche you’re being impacted? I’m happy to help! Please simply fill in the Client Info Form here, and we can set up an Individual Session. Looking forward to it! 

Jun 9 2016

Astrology for Thursday, June 9, 2016: Cosmic Life Ops

The-Birth-of-Venus-Botticelli

During the morning hours, due to an uncomfortable angle between the Moon and Pluto (quincunx), there could be some adjustments that must be made in an emotional situation… the need to control something could be pretty strong, but look deeply at your motivations and see where you can shift a little to create a more comfortable atmosphere. As we move into the afternoon there are some super pleasant energies available today via Venus and the Sun in Gemini being intimately close (conjunction – we can see this as the beginning of the birth of Venus as she transitions into her new phase as the evening star), and the Moon reaching out to both of them (sextile) from Leo for possible social time with an intellectual bent – or maybe just a gossipy one. 🙂 These combinations create an emphasis on our vitality being impacted by beauty and relationship, our values coming to the fore in a prominent role, and connecting with others emotionally for companionable or even playful gatherings. There could be some creative tension possible with Mercury (the way we communicate) in Taurus moving into opposition with Mars (the way we take action to get what we want) in Scorpio, but the key is to be willing to go deeply into an issue without manipulating your opponent or refusing to budge in an opinion. Allow your peers and companions time to process rather than pushing for resolution. During the evening things may get a little more exciting – and whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing will mostly depend on how willing you are to let go and flow. The Moon will contact Uranus (trine), with Venus heading toward a connection with him as well (sextile), so be prepared to step outside the norm so that you can move with this often unusual and fluctuating energy. And make it fun! If your schedule unexpectedly shifts outside your comfort zone, move with the current and see where you land. It could be eye opening!

Interested in a session with Michelle Gregg? Click here for info. & Click here to set up your appointment. 

Jan 17 2016

Change one small habit… Change your life.

We-are-what-we-repeatedly-do-ARISTOTLE

Change one small habit… change your life.

With Saturn and Uranus dancing together in the sky, that’s something to think about – and make a plan for. Why? SATURN is connecting to URANUS via a trine, a connection that doesn’t compel but rather flows, for quite a long time.

Saturn touches Uranus during the Spring of 2016, the Winter of 2016, and pretty much all of 2017.

Changing an ingrained habit (change is the domain of Uranus) requires a plan enacted in a practical, orderly, patient, and pragmatic manner (the domain of Saturn). And fortunately, this is just what the Saturn connection to Uranus offers.  So, get clarity about what you want to change, commit to it, and use the long-term Saturn trine to Uranus to carry out your intention of breaking an old habit and creating a new one. 🙂 Feel free to let me know how it goes… and if you want to know where the Saturn/Uranus connection will be impacting you via your birthchart, I’m happy to help. astrology@michellegregg.com 

Mar 20 2015

Super New Moon Solar Eclipse – Final Epic Square of Uranus & Pluto – and the Fresh Breath of Spring: We’ve got it all!

Empowered Spiritual Warrior

Sooooo… the title of this blog is a bit much, and maybe life is too, a little bit, right now? Even if it’s going GREAT, the energy is intense and the speed is full throttle.

Breathe deeply, find center… and push.

Sounds a little bit like giving birth, huh?

In a way, that’s what’s happening.

Monday, March 16 was the final exact square of seven, between Uranus and Pluto since 2008. It’s the final push of an epic event that began stirring as long ago as 2007, and will continue to be felt deeply for years to come. This decade long contraction is somehow both an ending and a beginning, rather like birth. You know – the way that life is never the same after the birth of a child. Something had to end, so that something else could begin.

Also akin to birth is the Super New Moon at the very last degree of Pisces, closely followed by the New Moon Solar Eclipse at 2 Aries. That happened this morning, March 20 – at 5:36 AM Eastern. Closely following on the heels of that incredible event is the beginning of Spring! Today! The Vernal Equinox is the moment of the birth of a new year, when the Sun moves into Aries (6:45 PM Eastern), the sign of new beginnings and surging new energy that wants to become. And the moon is right there as well. Both the Sun (consciousness) and the Moon (emotions) move into the first fiery sign of the Zodiac today! Spring is here!

And that’s a lot of energy. And it’s a lot of energy on the North and South nodes of the Moon, also in Aries. Those points ask you to balance your comfort zone with your purpose, your past with your future, your easy spot with what you’re stretching to become.

Think past informing the future.

Think taking direct action on a spiritual awakening, compassion, and sublime, divinely inspired art.

Think letting go of your sense of loss so you can embrace what the Universe is offering.

Think living from love instead of fear… this is the crux of this energy as I see it.

We have this Super New Moon in the final degree of Pisces – all about loving kindness, empathy, sensitivity to others and to the world, and the urge to live life without any borders separating you from Source or from other people. In the lower vibration state Pisces energy can be self-sacrificial – and even a victim. But elevate it and you get loving consciousness – Christ Consciousness.

Right after that amazing New Moon, the energy shifts as the Moon and then the Sun both move into Aries! So, you’re meant to harness that consciousness of loving and carry it forward with a push toward actualization, in essence becoming the Spiritual Warrior. Living from Love rather than Fear, empowering yourself from that place of spiritual union, and moving forward toward the future with certainty and courage and the fiery spirit of trusting your instincts and the rightness of Self. (The capital “S” Self in the Jungian sense – the individuated Self.)

Can I get an amen?

If life is feeling out of control or overwhelming, stop, breathe, and then consciously choose to make decisions from Love – however scary that may be. FEEL where you’ve allowed fear to drive you and then make the necessary shifts.

If life is delivering you exactly what you want – and possibly very suddenly – don’t deny it or sabotage it by second guessing! Stop, breathe, and then consciously decide to move forward boldly – with trust – making your decisions from a place of Love.

This energy is all about taking the necessary risks to be YOU. Not fearful you. Loving, courageous, Spiritual Warrior you.

This energy is all about being in service to yourself so that you can be in service to others in a courageous, compassionate way that doesn’t deliver you into victimization or self-sacrifice.

It’s a powerful moment – so engage with it powerfully. Fearlessly. And with Love.

Super New Moon Solar Eclipse in Pisces - 5:36 AM Eastern on March 20, 2015

Super New Moon Solar Eclipse in Pisces – 5:36 AM Eastern on March 20, 2015

Mar 10 2015

And I’ll burn with the fire of ten million stars…

Starry sky

I woke up this morning with the lyrics from a song running through my head, and I found myself singing as I got through the morning routine of making breakfast and lunch for my son, and driving him to the bus… and those lyrics got me thinking.

You are infinite. You are wondrous. And so am I. We are each one an intrinsic, not to be missed part of the whole, each being completely unique… having completely unique talents to bring to the world, just like every star whose light we enjoy in the vast and wondrous night skies of our lives, even as their fire dies. 

These ideas are so relevant as both Venus and Mars are conjunct to Uranus in Aries in the sky right now! Let the fire ignite your spirit! Take action on your creative talents in the way that only you can! You are “the body electric!” (Google that phrase with Walt Whitman and Ray Bradbury.)

So I thought I’d share. Here they are, the lyrics to I Sing the Body Electric from the 1980’s film FAME.

I sing the body electric
I celebrate the me yet to come
I toast to my own reunion
When I become one with the sun

And I’ll look back on Venus
I’ll look back on Mars
And I’ll burn with the fire of ten million stars
And in time, and in time we will all be stars

I sing the body electric
I glory in the glow of rebirth
Creating my own tomorrow
When I shall embody the earth

And I’ll serenade Venus
I’ll serenade Mars
And I’ll burn with the fire of ten million stars
And in time, and in time we will all be stars

We are the emperors now and we are the czars
And in time, and in time we will all be stars

I sing the body electric
I celebrate the me yet to come
I toast to my own reunion
When I become one with the sun

And I’ll look back on Venus
I’ll look back on Mars
And I’ll burn with the fire of ten million stars
And in time, and in time we will all be stars
And in time, and in time we will all be stars

The song was written by Michael Gore, the Musical Supervisor on the film FAME. And it’s quite an inspirational story!
Here is that story on SongFacts.com: http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=25856

And here’s a tidbit for those who watch astrological charts fairly closely… I checked mine. At the time the song began playing in my head, Venus, Mars, Uranus, and the South Node of the Moon were all rising in the East in my location, conjuncting my natal Moon in Aries. And the Moon herself, in Scorpio, was conjuncting my Neptune. Voila!

Here’s the link to the song on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG-wl2qqD7Y

YouTube-TheBodyElectric

 

Oct 19 2013

Nov. 1, 2013 – Awakening and Transformation: The Uranus/Pluto Square

Uranus and Pluto

Here’s a bit on the current Uranus/Pluto square that has been in effect since 2008 (using a 10 degree orb of influence) and will be in effect, including what I call the “fall-out” period until 2020 and beyond. On November 1, 2013 the 2 planets will make their 4th of 7 exact squares to each other during that 8 year time period. This seems a good time to highlight what these 2 planets symbolize and how enormous changes have occurred during the years, in history and currently, marked by their connection to each other. 

Uranus is in Aries at 9 degrees. Pluto is in Capricorn at 9 degrees. That means there is an exact 90 degree angle between these two planets in the sky right now. This 90 degree distance between 2 planets is known as a square aspect, and creates a dynamic tension between them and what they represent. (Perfect timing for a government shutdown and a stand-off between the right and the left.)

These two planets last came together (in a conjunction – meaning they were 0 degrees apart – sharing space in the sky and operating in tandem) in the 1960’s and we experienced dramatic social, political, technological, economic and personal changes across the world:

Bay of Pigs Invasion

Berlin Wall is built

Peace Corp is founded

The Soviet’s put the first man in space.

Andy Warhol exhibits his Campbell Soup Can

Cuban Missile Crisis

The Beatles storm the music scene and change the music industry forever.

JFK’s presidency and assassination

During that presidency Marilyn Monroe is found dead

MLK’s dream, the Civil Right’s movement, and subsequently MLK’s assassination

Nelson Mandela sentenced to life in prison

Japan’s Bullet Train opens

LA Riots

Malcolm X assassinated

New York City Great Blackout

US Sends Troops to Vietnam – The beginning of the Vietnam War

The Black Panther Party established

Mao Zedong launches the Cultural Revolution

Mass draft protests in the US

Star Trek airs for the first time

First heart transplant

Prague Spring

Bobby Kennedy’s assassination 

Neil Armstrong is the first man on the moon

WOODSTOCK!

Yasser Arafat becomes the leader of the PLO

Total social revolution

The time before when Uranus and Pluto came together was in the 1930’s. At that time these two were in a square aspect. Like now, they were 90 degrees apart. During that decade we experienced dramatic social, political, technological, economic and personal changes across the world:

Disney launched the first Mickey Mouse cartoon

Penicillin is discovered

Stock Market crashes – Black Friday leads to the Great Depression

Pluto is discovered

Humans reach the Stratosphere

Empire State building is completed

Air conditioning is invented

We split the atom

Adolf Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany

Assassination attempt on FDR

First Nazi concentration camp is established – Germany issues anti-Jewish Nuremberg Laws

Social Security is enacted in the US

King Edward VIII abdicates the English Throne in favor of marriage to the divorcee Wallis Simpson

Golden Gate bridge is opened

The Hindenburg Disaster

Japan invades China

Broadcast of the “War of the Worlds” creates havoc

First commercial flight over the Atlantic

Helicopter invented

World War II begins

So – it seems worthwhile to look at the meanings of these two planets as they square each other in our own time. 

Just below is info on Uranus and Pluto separately and together – very interesting!

Symbolism of Uranus

Positive: the light, highest heights, awakening, freedom, revolution, reform, fire from the Gods, the betterment of humanity as a whole, overturning the out-worn status quo, conscious perception, uniqueness, individualism, genius, mental and technological leaps, science, space, engineering, technology, inventions, electricity, radiation, lightening, aha! moments, ignition

Challenging: sudden impacting or shattering change, chaotic rebellion, erratic shifts, unexpected events, outcasts, the shunned, pronounced eccentricities, anarchy, radical anarchists, explosive and altering contact

What feelings come up for you when you read these keywords of Uranus?

One of my very favorite astrologers, who is so much more than that – he’s one of the most profound thinkers of our time and a prolific writer, professor and speaker – Richard Tarnas, wrote a book about Uranus called Prometheus The Awakener. In this book he compares the meaning of Uranus to the mythological figure Prometheus , who was rebellious enough and nervy enough to steal fire from the Gods and give it to humans to accelerate their evolution and break the hold that the Gods had over them. In this book he describes Uranus like this:

“Uranus is empirically associated with the principle of change, rebellion, freedom, liberation, reform and revolution, and the unexpected breakup of structures; with excitement, sudden surprises, lightning-like flashes of insight, revelations and awakenings; and with intellectual brilliance, invention, creativity, originality, and individualism. In addition to the occurrence of sudden breakthroughs and liberating events, Uranus transits are linked to unpredictable and disruptive changes, and thus the planet is often referred to as the “cosmic trickster.” In terms of personal character, Uranus is regarded as signifying the individualist, the genius, and the rebel.”

When I think of pure Uranus energy, the first person that comes to mind is Albert Einstein.

Symbolism of Pluto

Death, Transformation and Rebirth

Positive: the dark, deepest depths, intensity, deep and profound transformation, making the unconscious conscious, pure understanding of the cycles of life, alchemy, magic, shamanism, ultimate truth, pointed focus, depth psychology, the core of a matter, cycle of death & rebirth, true power of Self, purification, purging, nuclear energy

Challenging: power struggles, fear, terror, destruction, nuclear destruction, poison, trauma, putrefaction, decay, crime, criminal minds, obsession, suppression, the underworld, taboo subjects kept from society, shadow, the deepest depths, isolation, subversion, hidden agendas, waste, black magic

What feelings come up for you when you read these keywords of Pluto?

Archetypally speaking, Pluto represents the necessity of descending to the depths before you can ascend to the heights. It is the story of the phoenix – who out of hubris flew too close to the Sun and fell burned to the Earth – but! He then transformed his own ashes into a better, stronger version of himself and was able to ascend – to fly again – perfected. 

Pluto also represents alchemy – the process of changing the base matter (lead) into the purified gold.

Pluto points to karma and to the needs of the Soul – our desire to learn the lessons in our lifetime that will purify us and evolve us – getting us closer to God.

Pluto will most often, when transiting our birthchart at a sensitive point or personal planet, take us down into darkness of some kind, where we undergo challenges necessary to purify us in some way, and then we come back into the light to continue our transformation.

An example of this process is in the story of Persephone in Greek Mythology. Pluto (or Hades in the Greek) decided that he wanted the young innocent daughter of Gaia, The Earth Mother for his own. So he abducted her, dragged her into the underworld, and did unspeakable things to her. Yet – over time – Persephone was transformed into a queen in her own right. Via this traumatic experience, the innocent maiden was transformed into a woman and queen, and later spent half of her time on Earth with her Mother and half of her time in the Underworld with Pluto.

One of the most poignant examples of this Pluto energy is the crucifixion of Christ (and other mythological characters whose stories are very similar) The story very literally describes the Pluto process: crucified, dead, and buried. The 3rd day he arose from the dead and ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father Almighty – perfected and purified. 

When I think of pure Pluto energy, I think of Lord Voldemort (the lower vibration energy of Pluto) and Harry Potter (the higher vibration energy of Pluto.)

Meaning of Uranus & Pluto Together

So, 3 songs I think of when I think about Uranus and Pluto dancing in the sky together are:

1. Revolution by The Beatles – written during a Uranus/Pluto conjunction in the 1960’s

2. The Times They Are A’Changing  by Bob Dylan – written during a Uranus/Pluto conjunction in the 1960’s

3. It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) by REM – written during a Saturn/Uranus conjunction in 1987 (definitely different but similar)

Pluto describes bringing into consciousness from the absolute depths. Uranus describes breaking the status quo. Pluto describes transformation. Uranus describes revolution. 

Here’s something helpful from another of my favorite books.

According to Banzhaf and Haebler in the book Key Words for Astrology:

Uranus and Pluto Together = Metamorphosis 

Archetype: The Rebel and the Powerful Person

(An archetype, one of the primary ideologies in the psychological teachings of Carl Jung, is a primordial or purely inherent and instinctive form in the psyches of all people, no matter where they are or what culture they are from. Archetypes cross cultural boundaries and are experienced as similar instructive forces by all people, everywhere. These shared archetypes, these shared forms in the psyche, impel human behavior and experience. They are expressions of a Collective Unconscious shared by all human beings. Examples of archetypes are The Great Mother, The Absent Father, The Golden Child, The Seductress, The Hero, The Underdog, The Mysterious Stranger – etc. etc. etc.)

So let me say that one again…

Archetype of Uranus and Pluto together: The Rebel and the Powerful Person

Shadow: The Eccentric and the Power of Darkness

General meaning: Sudden deep reaching changes. Rebellion against dependence and suppression. Bursting the bonds.

In Harmony: Desire for freedom. Powerful urge for individual freedom. Sudden perceptions and insights into power structures or collective shadow areas. Rigorous upheavals. Liberation movements.

In Discord: The Despot. Willful, irresponsible misuse of power for questionable, eccentric goals. Extreme inner tension and vacillations between highest heights and deepest depths, between total freedom and complete constraint.”

We can see then, from the words of these folks that the effects of Uranus and Pluto coming together has to be far reaching and life changing. And we are meant to change personally as a result. We are meant to awaken to our ability as a society to change the deeply rooted, dark and subjugating powers that be, bring them to light, demand freedom from them and then transform to the new way of being.

The Uranus/Pluto Square has seven dates when the two planets are exactly 90 degrees apart… meaning that the effects of the square are the strongest at these times.

The Seven Epic Squares between Uranus and Pluto – 2012 through 2015

June 24, 2012
September 19, 2012
May 20, 2013
November 1, 2013
April 21, 2014
December 14, 2014
March 16, 2015

After that last date, the two planets are still what we call “in orb” meaning that they are close enough to the exact square that the effects are in play through 2016/2018 and perhaps beyond.  I’m sure that when future generations look back on the historic changes in our time, they will catch their breath at the intensity and profound changes that occurred – just as we do when we look back to the 1930’s and the 1960’s. 

(chart shown for 6:30 AM Eastern Time on Nov. 1, 2013)

Uranus-Pluto-Square-Nov-1-2013-2

Jan 21 2013

January 21, 2013 – By the Light of the Moon – Today’s Moon in Gemini and lots of exciting energy!

Obama-inauguration-2009-2

That lustrous orb that sweeps our oceans to and fro is also the harbinger who describes and defines our day-to-day fluctuating energy. As the face of the Moon is ever changing, so are the feelings and intuitions that push and pull us through our daily rounds. The sign of the Zodiac the Moon occupies changes about every 2-and-a-half-days and as she orbits she makes different connections to other planets, touching all of them in different ways as she speeds her way through the sky. Each of us will resonate to the energies of the flirting, capricious Luna in different ways and with different reactions according to the energies of our own birthcharts – our own dispositions and levels of consciousness. However, this comes as a guide to help you understand which fickle face our Lady Moon is showing today.

If you know your birthchart, or at least your Sun, Moon, or Rising signs (or better yet – all three – and if you don’t know any of them, maybe it’s time for you to send me an email) knowing where the Moon is playing and who she’s playing with will help you understand how to navigate your day and why you may be feeling the way you are or why you’re having the reactions or responses that you’re having. 

I’m going to try to write this everyday for you – or at least, most days. No promises being made here, but I hope the days I manage it, that you’ll find some peace, and maybe even gain a little edge, in knowing. I want to dedicate this effort to Kat. She told me that she missed my posts. So Kat – this if for you. If any of you enjoy this lovingly crafted energetic gift – please let me know! It will help to keep me motivated to continue…

(The above 3 paragraphs will be repeated each “By the Light of the Moon” post, so if you’ve read it before and know it by heart, just skip to the stuff just below.  All times given in this column are Eastern time. )

About 9AM Eastern (6AM Pacific) this morning the Moon moves from earthbound Taurus into heady Gemini, and because both the Sun and Mercury moved from Capricorn into another bright air sign, Aquarius, over the weekend, the heavens and our intellects could feel a bit clearer – a bit lighter. Mercury and Uranus connect honing our minds and sharpening our tongues as well, so this seems to be a pretty high energy day, especially for folks with lots of air signs represented in their charts (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius). The fire signs will be at home with this energy as well (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius).

Today should prove to be one during which our ideas flow easily and we feel the need to trample the box we’ve been living in to get a breath of fresh air outside it.  Expect a bit of the unexpected…

However, challenges may come from Neptune, particularly earlier in the day. Our emotions are being pulled toward optimism and the search for meaning, the need to expand and express via a very close connection to Jupiter, but simultaneously Neptune insists that we not let go of our fantasy, our addiction, our yearning or our loss – whatever the case may be. The Aquarius and Gemini influences want us to use our logic and mental fortitude, Jupiter wants us to learn and grow, but Neptune wants us to experience the spiritual, the psychic, the nebulous. There may be confusion and there may simply be daydreaming to take the edge off of our genius. It will be interesting to see how all of these combine together and what will result. 

It seems to me that Jupiter and the Moon in Gemini, and Uranus in Aries, will drive the day despite the either visionary or escapist tendencies of Neptune, and that means a restless spirit, clever action, and the wheels of the mind working smartly. It also means that we’re emotionally attached to putting our message or our mission out into the world with the certainty of our right-ness (rightousness?) – that’s the Jupiter part. And we could certainly be feeling the need for independence and freedom. 

Speaking of independence and freedom – today is the public inauguration of President Obama! The planets are really set up beautifully with his birth chart for this event, and it should be fun to watch how he uses these really positive energies. The Moon and Jupiter are triggering his Chiron/Pluto opposition though, so we should watch for any woundedness from the past and possibly some emotional power plays that could emerge. But I think for the most part we’ll see a very confident face and lots of optimism.

And again, speaking of independence and freedom – what a great sky we have for honoring one of our nation’s greatest heros, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We’ve got Neptune for his dream, Jupiter for his vision for the future, and Uranus symbolizing his life as a catalyst for new paradigm. All connected to the Moon – our emotional selves and our country. Perfect. 

For most of us, this can prove to be a very social day – so don’t sit still somewhere alone if you can help it. And enjoy! 

Hey! If you want to be sure not to miss any of the future posts of “By the Light of the Moon” please find the box on the right of any page on this site that says “Follow Astrology with Michelle Gregg via Email” and click “Follow Me!”  

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Go to my Facebook page, Astrology with Michelle Gregg and give me a like! Then anytime I post, the goods will show up in your Facebook Home scroll. 

Jan 16 2013

January 16, 2013 – By the Light of the Moon – Today’s Moon in Aries (it starts the day in Pisces!) and a Venus/Pluto coupling.

Prometheus, the orginal rebel with a cause, steals fire from Zeus while he rests with Ganymede. He will then take the fire to humans, bringing them out of the darkness and cold. Painting by Christian Griepenker (1839-1916)

Prometheus, the original rebel with a cause and a mythological figure related to Uranus, steals fire from Zeus while he rests with Ganymede. He will then take the fire to humans, bringing them out of the darkness and cold. Painting by Christian Griepenker (1839-1916)

That lustrous orb that sweeps our oceans to and fro is also the harbinger who describes and defines our day-to-day fluctuating energy. As the face of the Moon is ever changing, so are the feelings and intuitions that push and pull us through our daily rounds. The sign of the Zodiac the Moon occupies changes about every 2-and-a-half-days and as she orbits she makes different connections to other planets, touching all of them in different ways as she speeds her way through the sky. Each of us will resonate to the energies of the flirting, capricious Luna in different ways and with different reactions according to the energies of our own birthcharts – our own dispositions and levels of consciousness. However, this comes as a guide to help you understand which fickle face our Lady Moon is showing today.

If you know your birthchart, or at least your Sun, Moon, or Rising signs (or better yet – all three – and if you don’t know any of them, maybe it’s time for you to send me an email) knowing where the Moon is playing and who she’s playing with will help you understand how to navigate your day and why you may be feeling the way you are or why you’re having the reactions or responses that you’re having. 

I’m going to try to write this everyday for you – or at least, most days. No promises being made here, but I hope the days I manage it, that you’ll find some peace, and maybe even gain a little edge, in knowing. I want to dedicate this effort to Kat. She told me that she missed my posts. So Kat – this if for you. If any of you enjoy this lovingly crafted energetic gift – please let me know! It will help to keep me motivated to continue…

(The above 3 paragraphs will be repeated each “By the Light of the Moon” post, so if you’ve read it before and know it by heart, just skip to the stuff just below.  All times given in this column are Eastern time. )

Emotionally speaking (since we’re talking about the Moon here)… it’s time to fly your freak flag high and proud! Today the Moon not only moves into “me first” Aries at 11:07 AM Eastern (and I can say that guilt free since I was born with an Aries Moon) but it’s pairing with Uranus, that planet of high idealism and reform, of rebellion and breaking the status-quo. My favorite!

You might expect to feel some agitation today… possibly because you need some changes and haven’t quite taken the steps forward to put them into play. Today’s Moon in Aries making that rebellious conjunction to Uranus might be just the impetus you need to break out. If you don’t actually take action, the level of agitation and irritation that you feel simply escalates. That means today is a great one to find or create for yourself an outlet for percolating steam. Something physical would be ideal.

Moon/Uranus describes the need to be emotionally true to your own unique feelings… to what nurtures you even if it looks radically different than what you expected or what from what others have put into place for you. Moon in Aries describes the need to act on your emotions. I hope I’m painting a clear picture here… 🙂 It’s a day to express your independence and to explore radical feelings, even though the Sun and Mercury in Capricorn – Capricorn being the Keeper of the Status-Quo – might not feel too comfortable with all that. So as you can imagine, there could be some push-pulling going on today, especially in the afternoon (Eastern time). 

As the day progresses, Venus makes a strong connection to Pluto, intensifying and deepening our needs in relationship – and bringing out obsessive tendencies and possibly power plays in emotionally challenging situations. Venus/Pluto interaction also describes intensity in desire, in love, in sexuality – so the tantra minded couples out there may want to explore this in seclusion. The same energy can bring out and up some very deeply spiritual cleansing and healing as well. Deeply psychological rapport with loved ones and healers could develop. 

The archetypes to consider today are The Rebel, The Warrior, The Outcast, The Genius, The Seducer, The Shaman, The Divine Couple and Eros. 

It’s a pretty intense soup of energies today… erratic and powerful. Have fun dodging the mines. And if you can, lift the potential up into the enlightening, spiritually purifying healing that can be yours. 

Hey! If you want to be sure not to miss any of the future posts of “By the Light of the Moon” please find the box on the right of any page on this site that says “Follow Astrology with Michelle Gregg via Email” and click “Follow Me!”  

OR

Go to my Facebook page, Astrology with Michelle Gregg and give me a like! Then anytime I post, the goods will show up in your Facebook Home scroll. 

Jan 12 2013

January 12 & 13, 2013 – By the Light of the Moon – Moon in Aquarius!

That lustrous orb that sweeps our oceans to and fro is also the harbinger who describes and defines our day-to-day fluctuating energy. As the face of the Moon is ever changing, so are the feelings and intuitions that push and pull us through our daily rounds. The sign of the Zodiac the Moon occupies changes about every 2-and-a-half-days and as she orbits she makes different connections to other planets, touching all of them in different ways as she speeds her way through the sky. Each of us will resonate to the energies of the flirting, capricious Luna in different ways and with different reactions according to the energies of our own birthcharts – our own dispositions and levels of consciousness. However, this comes as a guide to help you understand which fickle face our Lady Moon is showing today.

If you know your birthchart, or at least your Sun, Moon, or Rising signs (or better yet – all three – and if you don’t know any of them, maybe it’s time for you to send me an email) knowing where the Moon is playing and who she’s playing with will help you understand how to navigate your day and why you may be feeling the way you are or why you’re having the reactions or responses that you’re having. 

I’m going to try to write this everyday for you – or at least, most days. No promises being made here, but I hope the days I manage it, that you’ll find some peace, and maybe even gain a little edge, in knowing. I want to dedicate this effort to Kat. She told me that she missed my posts. So Kat – this if for you. If any of you enjoy this lovingly crafted energetic gift – please let me know! It will help to keep me motivated to continue…

(The above 3 paragraphs will be repeated each “By the Light of the Moon” post, so if you’ve read it before and know it by heart, just skip to the stuff after the … All times given in this column are Eastern time. )

I’m posting today for both Saturday and Sunday, Jan 12 and 13… just because I don’t want to write tomorrow. 🙂 A day off after 5 on will feel good. 

The Moon is in Aquarius both days as of 4:01 AM Eastern time today. The feeling is quirky, upbeat and erratic. It’s time to tune into yourself as unique, and tap into what you have to offer that is original – whatever is yours and yours alone to give. The more your gifts are intended for the greater good the better. The need to be independent and free could pervade the weekend… particularly for those of us who are naturally geared that way; those of us with planets and points strongly associated with Uranus, Jupiter or Mars, or in the signs Aquarius, Sagittarius and Aries. It could be easy to detach emotionally these next couple of days – or we could notice others near us pulling away, needing some space. Just know that it’s not you… it’s that energy of Aquarius that asks us to detach for the long-view perspective. 

The Moon is approaching Mars today and will make direct contact early, early tomorrow morning, so I’d say that there’s a chance that tempers could rise. Things could get pretty heated. Alternatively, there could simply be an abundance of high energy to tap into. The need for something new, exciting – some fresh air – is pervasive. With Venus squaring Uranus – expect the unexpected when it comes to relating with those you’re closest to, and with what you’re willing to spend your money on. You might find something out of the blue, think it’s absolutely irresistible and make an impulse buy. ‘Course, you could do that with a lover as well! Sudden splits and sudden attractions… that’s the feeling. Just bear in mind that these impulses are TEMPORARY and don’t make any outrageous decisions unless a catalyst is what you’ve been waiting for. 

For the majority of us, it’s a great time to simply take advantage of some bright, happy, upbeat energy that offers a much needed lightness of being. Intelligent discourse is a possibility as well as unexpected dazzling new ideas from your emotional genius. Give them space to breathe and take life!

Oh! Keep in mind the Moon is Void-of-Course ALL DAY on Sunday – 3:37 AM until 8:20 AM Eastern time on Monday, a couple of hours after the Moon moves into Pisces.  During a Void Moon it’s best not to jump whole heartedly into left brain activities. The right brain – our creative side – is much more comfortable at these times!  Expectations are likely not to be met during a Void, and it’s easy to “miss the boat.” Don’t plan important practical, logical, linear, or legal stuff during this time, and don’t push a situation expecting to get what you want. That might be a challenge with that challenging Venus/Uranus connection this weekend, so just be aware! And logical, linear stuff is the stuff of Aquarius, so enjoy that irony. (For more on the Void-of-Course Moon click here.)

Have fabulous weekend! See you on Monday!

Hey! If you want to be sure not to miss any of the future posts of “By the Light of the Moon” please find the box on the right of any page on this site that says “Follow Astrology with Michelle Gregg via Email” and click “Follow Me!”  

OR

Go to my Facebook page, Astrology with Michelle Gregg and give me a like! Then anytime I post, the goods will show up in your Facebook Home scroll. 

Dec 21 2012

It’s the End of the World as We Know It… and I Feel Fine – The Winter Solstice 2012 and the Uranus/Pluto Influence

Mayan-Calendar

 

The Sun moved into Capricorn this morning, Dec. 21, 2012, at 6:12 AM Eastern Time welcoming the beginning of Winter according to the Gregorian calendar most widely used, and marking Mid-Winter on the Pagan calendar. Yule is here!

As is this much awaited day! Dec. 21, 2012 has been both anticipated as a fresh new start for humanity and dreaded as the end of the world, as a result of the ending of the Mayan Calendar on this date – what is referred to as The Mayan Prophecy. However, there are experts regarding the Mayan Calendar who tell us that the Mayan Prophecy is not one of only endings, but also a new beginning – of a new era, or a new bak’tun – moving from the 13th bak’tun to the 14th – a 400 year cycle. That is according to Simon Martin as reported by the BBC News.

Here are two extremely interesting articles regarding the “end of world” prophecies and the Galactic Alignment at the Winter Solstice that many believe is the reason that the Mayans chose today’s date to end their 13th bak’tun.

This article hypothesizes about the Dec. 21, 2012 Galactic Alignment  of the Earth, the Sun and the Galactic Equator in the Milky Way on the Winter Solstice and was written by Keith Hunter for Ancient World Mysteries.

This one denounces that there actually is a Galactic Alignment of the Earth, the Sun and the Galactic Equator in the Milky Way at all on Dec. 21, 2012 and is from NASA.

Regardless of whether we choose to believe there is or is not an alignment, or that the Mayan Prophecy is relative to us in this time, it’s clear to most of us I think that the times we live in are changing quickly and dramatically. It’s as though every thing is accelerated and intensified. Much of what many understood as time-proven, those things about our lives that both built and maintained the status-quo, are undergoing shifts that will no doubt leave our world and the people in it much different – and hopefully much better.

But for every new birth there are inevitably the birth pangs – the long, usually very painful passage from one way of being to another. I believe this is where we are right now… and I believe that astrology, as both the science and art that offers us insights into “as above, so below,” is a fantastic tool that we can use to help us understand the tremendous shifts that we, as a society, as a world, and personally, are undergoing right now. 

In that light, I want to say a bit about the current Uranus/Pluto square that has been in effect since 2008 and will be in effect until 2016.

These two planets last came together (in a conjunction – meaning they were 0 degrees apart – sharing space in the sky and operating in tandem) during the whole of the 1960’s and we experienced dramatic social, political, technological, economic and personal changes across the world. Events that occurred during that time included JFK and his assassination, MLK and his dream – and then his assassination, the Civil Rights Movement, Malcolom X and his assassination, the Black Panthers, a complete change in popular music and fashion, the Beatles rose to fame, women’s liberation, flower power, Viet Nam, Charles Manson, and the first man on the moon…

The time before when Uranus and Pluto came together was during the decade of the 1930’s. At that time these two were in a square aspect like they are now – 90 degrees apart. During that decade we experienced dramatic social, political, technological, economic and personal changes across the world. Events that occurred during that time included the crash of the stock market – Black Friday, the Great Depression, Pluto was discovered, scientists split the atom, Adolph Hitler and other dictators rose to power, there was the broadcast of “The War of the Worlds” which created havoc (much like our generation’s movie “2012”), and ultimately all led to the beginning of World War II…

So – it seems worthwhile to talk about the square that these two planets are making to each other in our own time – especially today at the supposed “end of the world.”

Just below is info on Uranus and Pluto separately and together – very interesting!

 

Symbolism of Uranus

Prometheus stealing fire from the Gods.

Prometheus stealing fire from the Gods.

Positive: the light, highest heights, awakening, freedom, revolution, reform, fire from the Gods, the betterment of humanity as a whole, overturning the out-worn status quo, conscious perception, uniqueness, individualism, genius, mental and technological leaps, science, space, engineering, technology, inventions, electricity, radiation, lightening, aha! moments, ignition

Challenging: sudden impacting or shattering change, chaotic rebellion, erratic shifts, unexpected events, outcasts, the shunned, pronounced eccentricities, anarchy, radical anarchists, explosive and altering contact

What feelings come up for you when you hear these keywords of Uranus? What do you think about that’s been in the news?

One of my very favorite astrologers, who is so much more than that – he’s one of the most profound thinkers of our time and a prolific writer, professor and speaker – Richard Tarnas, wrote a book about Uranus called Prometheus The Awakener. In this book he compares the meaning of Uranus to the mythological figure Prometheus , who was rebellious enough and nervy enough to steal fire from the Gods and give it to humans to accelerate their evolution and break the hold that the Gods had over them. In this book he describes Uranus like this:

“Uranus is empirically associated with the principle of change, rebellion, freedom, liberation, reform and revolution, and the unexpected breakup of structures; with excitement, sudden surprises, lightning-like flashes of insight, revelations and awakenings; and with intellectual brilliance, invention, creativity, originality, and individualism. In addition to the occurrence of sudden breakthroughs and liberating events, Uranus transits are linked to unpredictable and disruptive changes, and thus the planet is often referred to as the “cosmic trickster.” In terms of personal character, Uranus is regarded as signifying the individualist, the genius, and the rebel.”

When I think of pure Uranus energy, the first person that comes to mind is Albert Einstein.

 

Symbolism of Pluto

Death, Transformation and Rebirth

Pluto-2Positive: the dark, deepest depths, intensity, deep and profound transformation, making the unconscious conscious, pure understanding of the cycles of life, alchemy, magic, shamanism, ultimate truth, pointed focus, depth psychology, the core of a matter, cycle of death & rebirth, true power of Self, purification, purging, nuclear energy

Challenging: power struggles, fear, terror, destruction, nuclear destruction, poison, trauma, putrefaction, decay, crime, criminal minds, obsession, suppression, the underworld, taboo subjects kept from society, shadow, the deepest depths, isolation, subversion, hidden agendas, waste, black magic

What feelings come up for you when you hear these keywords of Pluto? What do you think about that’s been in the news?

Archetypally speaking, Pluto represents the necessity of descending to the depths before you can ascend to the heights. It is the story of the phoenix – who out of hubris flew too close to the Sun and fell burned to the Earth – but! He then transformed his own ashes into a better, stronger version of himself and was able to ascend – to fly again – perfected.

Pluto also represents alchemy – the process of changing the base matter (lead) into the purified gold.

Pluto points to karma and to the needs of the Soul – our desire to learn the lessons in our lifetime that will purify us and evolve us – getting us closer to God.

Pluto will most often, when transiting our birthchart at a sensitive point or personal planet, take us down into darkness of some kind, where we undergo challenges necessary to purify us in some way, and then we come back into the light to continue our transformation.

 

Now let’s look at these two planets and their meaning when they come together in the sky.

Pluto describes bringing into consciousness from the absolute depths. Uranus describes breaking the status quo. Pluto describes transformation. Uranus describes revolution.

Uranus and Pluto Together = Metamorphosis

 

According to Banzhaf and Haebler in the book Key Words for Astrology:

“Archetype of Uranus and Pluto together: The Rebel and the Powerful Person

Shadow: The Eccentric and the Power of Darkness

General meaning: Sudden deep reaching changes. Rebellion against dependence and suppression. Bursting the bonds.

In Harmony: Desire for freedom. Powerful urge for individual freedom. Sudden perceptions and insights into power structures or collective shadow areas. Rigorous upheavals. Liberation movements.

In Discord: The Despot. Willful, irresponsible misuse of power for questionable, eccentric goals. Extreme inner tension and vacillations between highest heights and deepest depths, between total freedom and complete constraint.”

 

We can see then, from the words of these folks that the effects of Uranus and Pluto coming together has to be far reaching and life changing. And we are meant to change personally as a result. We are meant to awaken to our ability as a society to change the deeply rooted, dark and subjugating powers that be, bring them to light, demand freedom from them and then transform to the new way of being.

The Uranus/Pluto Square has seven dates when the two planets are exactly 90 degrees apart… meaning that the effects of the square are the strongest.

The Seven Epic Squares between Uranus and Pluto – 2012 through 2015

June 24, 2012
September 19, 2012
May 20, 2013
November 1, 2013
April 21, 2014
December 14, 2014
March 16, 2015

After that last date, the two planets are still what we call “in orb” through much of 2016, meaning that they are close enough to the exact square that the effects are in play.

The magic of a fireplace...

The magic of contemplation before a fireplace…

So – is it the end of the world today – The Winter Solstice, Dec. 21, 2012? Of course not. But – is this time that we’re living in transforming both us and society? Absolutely – it is in fact the end of the world as we know it. And like Michael Stipe and REM – I feel fine!

Change is good, and moving toward a more enlightened reality is fantastic, and that’s where I believe we’re headed, even if we have a period of darkness before the light returns. And isn’t that the way of Nature? Isn’t that the deeper meaning of the Winter Solstice?

We are living through, today, right now, the darkest time of the year in the Northern Hemisphere (bearing in mind that it is the lightest time of the year in the Southern Hemisphere as they experience their Summer Solstice). It is cold here and there are things on our minds – things that may be best to let go of. So… let go. During this night when we welcome the return of the Light, as you ponder the year behind you and the year to come, hopefully while sitting in front of a lovely, warming fire, let go… and welcome the bright new beginnings that are on the way!