Planets and Zodiac influence the World.

When you are interested in the “influence” of the Planets, Sun, Moon — the celestial bodies, just how do you believe they may influence you as an individual? Well, one way is the way the Moon influences the tides — with gravity. Gravity moves water, and our bodies are 90% water. But don’t the heavens influence your emotional and spiritual “bodies” too? I think so. Just as those parts of yourself are all integrated in your own personality, so too are the mechanics of the universe intrinsic to our emotional and spiritual selves. And understanding how that works, and what is happening with people close to you is what Astrology is all about.

“…the Moon enters Pisces this weekend (12th & 13th), and that means it’s a good time to move a little dream or two into a reality.”

How is your love life doing as the year starts its course? Venus, the planet of Love, is being tugged a bit by both Uranus and Saturn, themselves in a tense aspect to each other. This can bring about a good time for you to examine things. What has been on your nerves regarding your relationships? What is at the source of any tension? You may not want to “go there,” but facing it will help you clean your house and make for a good healthy Springtime.

Do you enjoy a good fantasy… in your real life? Well, the Moon enters Pisces this weekend (12th & 13th), and that means it’s a good time to move a little dream or two into a reality. And with Venus (the love planet) in Sagittarius, this potent combination makes for some intense romantic possibilities. Costume party, anyone? Saturday is better than Sunday for this, since Venus comes under the influence of Saturn on Sunday which can mean pulling back in your relationships. That’s alright — have fun Saturday, then enjoy some reflection time on Sunday.

The Adoration of the Magi, from a 14th century painting by Hans Baldung.

Do you remember that in the Biblical story, the three wise men found the Lord Jesus by following a star? These wise men, many historians believe, hailed from Persia and were priests of the Zoroastrian sect, schooled (among other things) in Astrology. The star they followed, the Star of Bethlehem, also called the Christmas Star, is not understood in modern times, though there are theories that it could have been Jupiter in conjunction with Regulus, and/or Venus. Do stars bless and recognize Kings? Are there connections between the heavens above, and the happenings on Earth? I think so. What star might bless you this season?

“Does not each persons’ soul seek this on earth — to find their spiritual heaven? “

Do you have three wise men in your life? Most of us do… if we think about it. The first will be someone in our family, usually a grandfather or uncle who always knew the right thing to say… at the right time. The second will be a teacher — at a school you attended, a community center, a church camp, or some other organized activity. This teacher really knew how to inspire you. The third… is an interesting one. It could be someone as close as the neighborhood Father who helped you with a project. It could be someone as far away as a helpful soul you met while traveling abroad. These “wise men” came into your life when you needed them, and provided a key role in your development. They could have, of course, been three wise women, or two men and a woman, etc. The important thing is to reflect on what they have taught you. Then… ask, for whom am I the wise man/woman this holiday season?

Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar — the three wise men. Who were they? What did they represent? Ultimately, like all of us, they are seekers. Learned, of course, but searching for a King — a spiritual leader. Does not each persons’ soul seek this on earth — to find their spiritual heaven? And what is the meaning of the gifts from the wise men to the King? Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. Perhaps, gold as a symbol of earthly kingship, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of priestship, and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a foretelling of death. Symbolic gifts. A gift also given by the example of their lives — they traveled from afar to honor him. If you are Spiritually discerning, this Christmas… what gifts will you give… and to whom?

Finally… why so many questions? As a wise man once said, “judge a person more by their questions… than their answers.” Merry Christmas.

What’s Merc. Retrograde All About?

Mercury from NASA Mariner 10 Mission.

We’re in a Mercury Retrograde period, right now (Oct. 12 – Nov. 1) and most followers of Astrology know what to look out for — communication errors, hold off on the big decisions, don’t sign important papers, etc. But are there some things that are GOOD to do during this time? Of course. Interesting enough, just like “Retrograde” begins with an “R”, many of the things that are good to do during Merc. Retrograde begin with an “R”: re-doing, revising, rehearsal, reflection. This is also a good time to reconnect with people from your past.

“Just remember to take time and slow down, and recheck your communication and your thinking in important matters.”

Since Mercury is influential right now (it’s in “Retrograde” — the perceived backward motion of the planet), we can take a look at what it means in our lives. Have you received any important messages recently? Mercury in mythology was the messenger of the Gods, and during retrograde it’s important to remember that messages can get mixed up. So while it’s possible you’ve received an important communication — proceed with caution. Mercury also governs thinking patterns, reasoning, and principles of communication. Pay attention to those at this time. One possibility for you is that now can be a good time to examine continuing education — formally with schooling, or perhaps just a trip to a bookstore to read up on your favorite subjects.

Have you had any personal misunderstandings with loved ones, or work associates lately? That can be another affect of the Mercury Retrograde (Oct. 12th – Nov. 17th). Of course Mercury affects different people differently, since it appears in different places in their charts. Just remember to take time and slow down, and recheck your communication and your thinking in important matters. Sleep on the matter, and you will find that given reflection, you can turn your misunderstandings into positive growth.