SATURN IN CAPRICORN (21 DECEMBER 2017 –18 DECEMBER 2020)
14 days remain with Saturn in Capricorn. Saturn’s transit of it’s home or domicile sign has been influencing the skyscapes since 21 December 2017. Since then Saturn has been stronger and more stern than usual, due to his rulership in Capricorn. A supercharged Saturn likes to strip back, boosts conservatism and consequences of actions Et cetera.
With conservatism and consequence being the plate du jour for the past three years and hard work with sacrifice being our new drug of choice, whether you were initially willing or not, Saturn in Capricorn has not been without it small rewards. Saturn rewards strong focus, over long periods of time and absorbing the cold hard reality checks. Saturn likes dealing with the hard and messy stuff, by cutting away, all that does not fit, or all that is not fit for purpose, sans any emotional consideration or attachment.
Saturn’s servings aren’t always pleasant, and they aren’t always palatable, which is probably why we only get a dose of Saturn in Capricorn every 28 – 30 years. Saturnian realization’s arn’t those that come lightly. Death tends to be more prominent both physically and metaphorically and is a signifier as to when Saturn is strong in transit or strongly placed during a period of time. Saturn nickname old father time, often pictured as death or with a scythe, is something we face more prominently when Saturn transits Capricorn.
As Saturn soaks up the last days of his transit in Capricorn, solidifying the last of his lessons or impacts, for the next 28 years, it’s a good time to reflect on the lessons , re-routes, ambitions, the losses, the grief, the depression, the reality checks, the small incremental wins and what has survived outside all the suffering of the past 3 years.
Saturn as it leaves Capricorn; begins to perfect its aspect to Jupiter. Creating what Astrologers refer to as the “Great Conjunction”. The “Great Conjunction” as Astrologer Austin Coppock has outlined, is one the main timekeepers for humanity’s ability to keep time and records, outside the rising of the Sun each day, and the Lunar cycles and phases. Saturn Jupiter conjunctions can be seen as an extension of the astronomical clock for measuring time as humans, marking consistently 20 year, 200 year or 800 year cycles. This Saturn cycle, sees his exit from Capricorn, coinciding with the beginning of all three new cycles of time at once with this great conjunction with Jupiter.
Saturn moving out of Capricorn, and its meeting Jupiter, begins a new 20, 200-year cycle, that was last seen 800 years ago simultaneously. Not a bad punch to leave on for old father time as he exits a sign of such strength andrenewal. The perfection of Saturn or “Old Father Time” to leave Capricorn and then begin these’s cycle on the Summer/Winter Solstice, shows that for all his coldness and sternness, Saturn isn’t afraid to try new things and continues to play with our perceptions and experience of what time is and how it impacts us.
Now is a great time to look over the difficulties, reality checks, the hard work, the lessons, our relationship with time and ageing along with what we wish to plan and achieve as small yet realistic goals over the next 28 year Saturn cycle. Saturn leaves a place of strength and authority, so this is an important cycle that is resetting. Things will clearly be different in 28 years time, But the aim is to make it better and to plan out the best road forwards, minimising the aggressive consequences to our actions. Now we need to start choosing our decisions more wisely and think about what we can cut back, and sustain, over longer periods of time. Climate change and sustainable living seems to be an obvious and urgent part of this narrative, as we come to the end of 2020 and this Saturn in Capricorn cycle.
To be honest, its a transit people probably wont miss, but its one we need to keep in the back of our minds. Old Father Time never forgets. As Saturn continues his way in to Aquarius, a sign Saturn also rules, we look to the differences of the two signs and how Saturn can rule two signs with such different significations and purposes. In Aquarius the rules are different and the topography very different, as we move from the dizzying heights and lonely terrain we have been navigating in Capricorn, into a space of vision and aspirations with more inclusiveness and collectable accountability. More on this soon, along with the impending Jupiter Saturn conjunction. But for now, Saturn, as you sit upon my Sun for the third time this year……. I bid you Adieu. Those with heavy Capricorn placements, for example Sun, Moon or Ascendant, can finally sigh in relief, as our once in 28 year lessons in responsibility, action and consequence begins to fade into a new experiences.
Image : Elena Ferrante by Elizaveta Porodina for Time Magazine
MERCURY’S RETROGRADE of SCORPIO 2020
(14 OCTOBER – 4 NOVEMBER)
Today Mercury begins its retrograde phase at 11 ° Scorpio. In 2020 Mercury has been making its stirrings and re-messaging services available in the zodiac’s water signs (Cancer, Scorpio & Pisces) offering reflection and upgrades of your connection to these portals of your chart.
Today’s Mercury retrograde occurs just 2 hours after its ruler Mars hits its exact midpoint of its own retrograde cycle with its opposition to the Sun. Mercury starting its own retrograde motion just after this mid-point of the Mars retrograde is interesting timing, creating an interconnection and opportunity of exchange, helping to evolve the Aries and Scorpio areas of your chart.
Quietening down, reflecting and reviewing personal connection to and themes of power, assertion, energy and dominance especially in the emotional context is something that will up for re-negotiation and difficult to avoid. How you can evolve and develop this relationship between anger, emotion, power and feelings will be easier to access, but not necessarily pleasant. Regardless, it will be on the agenda for the next 3 weeks.
In addition, the retrograde begins directly opposite Uranus, which gives this time an unpredictable and innovate flavour. Uranus likes to surprise and will be adding an element of unpredictability to this particular Mercury transit. It’s possible feelings may rise out of ‘nowhere’.
All the above is active and alive until Mercury moves direct on 4th November at 25 ° Libra. Mercury when it does move direct will be in aspect to Saturn. Saturn the stern elder energy of the zodiac will be looking to put his stamp of approval, or seal for long lasting change. Meaning, this potentially confronting or honest phase of re negotiating our power, has an enduring quality.
How we engage and communicate with power and assertiveness and its emotional impact on ourselves and others has the potential to live well beyond this three week time period. Be ready for an interesting three weeks. 2020’s astrology, when it colludes, it isn’t doing things by halves.
Venus makes her way out of the strong and choppy waters of Cancer on the 7th of September, after having a difficult time fending off both Mars and Saturn on two fronts at the end of her transit in Cancer. Leaving the late degrees of Cancer brings much relief to Venus as she enters a fire sign for the first time since she transited Aries (8th February – 6th March).
Venus whilst not completely comfortable in fire signs, it is perhaps in Leo that she has her best expression of her fire self, thanks to its connection to creativity and performance and its connection to audience and bringing people together. Venus in Leo is never shy about expressing her creativity and being seen, making it the opposite quality of the last 4 weeks with her time in Cancer. Finally, the extroverts have their astrology back!
Venus in Leo is social, she is loud, she is not afraid of getting attention or the spotlight, all activities or social events involving performance, creativity, children or individuation is super supported right now. Not bad timing as we begin to crawl out of our homes post winter and make our way towards the Spring Equinox. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, Venus in Leo pulls together for the last of the Summer flings and soirees making it one to remember and enjoy.
Venus in Leo also further extends the lessons we gained from her retrograde phase in Gemini allowing us to leave the dust and remanence of that time in far in the background; accelerating forwards. This allows greater distance after an almost painstaking integration and realisations. New relationships are forming, under new terms and conditions, allowing greater cohesion and more connections with things and people whose values are more aligned with yours.
Venus is leaning into extrovert extremes in Leo allowing and encouraging all the pleasures ensue! It’s also the perfect time for ANY form of glamourous maintenance or presentation, for Venus in Leo, appearance and putting your best foot forward is EVERYTHING. Venus in Leo sure knows how to attract a crowd and be seen !
Enjoy xx
SIGN BY SIGN : VENUS IN LEO
Aries / Aries Rising
I am fully supported and seen in all forms of creative expression.
Taurus / Taurus Rising
My home is my stage for fearless glamour and luxurious pleasures.
Gemini / Gemini Rising
My schedule and local neighbourhood is a source of joy and creative physical expression.
Cancer / Cancer Rising
Only I command my self-worth and value, and it’s time to be seen.
Leo / Leo Rising
I am the Empress, perfect timing for any and all makeovers, and people noticing my magnetism.
Virgo / Virgo Rising
I show courage and grace as I tend to the internal fires that inspire.
Libra / Libra Rising
My hopes and dreams get a full makeover and I exude glamour at all social engagements.
Scorpio / Scorpio Rising
I am not afraid to stoke the fire of magnetic leadership and being seen for it.
Sagittarius / Sagittarius Rising
I present and engage with all my lesson’s both fearlessly and with magnetism and charm.
Capricorn / Capricorn Rising
I hustle and draw in all the resources I need to make my dreams happen.
Aquarius / Aquarius Rising
I am not afraid to delve into my magnetic quality when I socialize and enjoy the repport and connection.
Pisces / Pisces Rising
My health and wellness is a place of fun and leadership, setting the pace for joy and pleasure to ensue.
Early in the hours of Tuesday 21st July AEST we witness the first non-eclipsed lunation in three lunar cycles. A Second opportunity presents for the New Moon in Cancer, to bare roots after 19 months of eclipses on this axis of Cancer (Moon ruled) / Capricorn (Saturn ruled).
For the first time in 19 months a Moon in Cancer or Capricorn is not being harmed or damaged by an Eclipse and it’s fortuitously on the second Cancer New Moon, in 28 days (not common).
The New Moon at 28°of Cancer is exactly opposite Saturn in Capricorn. A heavy and restrictive weight. Saturn being applied at this New Moon doesn’t make for great comfort. Saturn likes to strip back down to basics, getting down to the nitty gritty, its preference is for prolonged strict consistency and routine. Saturn can also be grief, facing reality as well as facing karmic realities of decisions previously made, through this 19-month period.
Potentially a time to celebrate, getting our Cancer and Capricorn Moon cycles back, the sombre tone and confronting the stark realities we now maybe facing, gives more gravitas and grieving to things we leave behind at this New Moon. We aren’t clear as to which direction this new world we are about to create will take us. A fresh cycle, is being born out of 19 months of stress, challenge, change, especially for anyone with their Sun, Moon or personal planets in these signs, will feel this more strongly.
The days leading up to new moons are traditionally times of rest, release and purging of old debris. Our current dark moon period is extra potent due all that has been stirred around Cancer and Capricorn axis over the past 19 months, with the eclipses along with other planets on this axis.
This New Moon in Cancer is a start point, on where we can begin to redirect our energies to get things back on track within the Cancer and Capricorn areas of life, as sombre as the tone maybe, there is real opportunity to begin something long lasting and more true to form, even if the picture, hasn’t been fully formed yet …..
Today’s Winter Solstice, coincides with a Solar (New) Moon Eclipse. The Last time this occurred on the June Solstice was in 2001, that turned out the be quite a defining year for Geopolitics, it would be accurate to say, unseen powers were at work at the 2001 June Eclipse.
To answer the question of, is this a common occurrence ? This coincidence of a Solar eclipse on the same day as the June solstice will only happen once again this century: on June 21, 2039.
Today, it could be said is the middle point of this unfolding story. Like in 2001, this years configuration of Saturn and Pluto, created difficult and unsettling terrain to navigate, for the rest of 2020, creating a new 38 year era of changing power structures. 2001 was a half way point. Pluto and Saturn were opposed in 2001, they conjoined in January 2020), kicking off 2020 and a new decade. 2020 is a year of continual and potent change geopolitically, this Eclipse is part of the story, of which only time will reveal. Eclipses operate and highlight, blind spots or hidden activities, which later get revealed.
Today’s eclipse being another beat in the story arc. Remembering Eclipse energy doesn’t tend to reveal itself for at least 2 weeks, taking up to 6 months to manifest, stay tuned, and stay alert and stay connected … 🤔2020 isn’t going to go back to “normal” anytime soon …
Original Collage “Dreamer” by @ry.ryaan (Ryan Aldred)
The Month of May opens, with Venus slowing down to begin her Retrograde cycle, in Gemini (13/14 May – June 25th). Venus’s retrograde is a 6-week process of reshaping, reforming, re-evaluating and readdressing our interactions and relationship to connection, value, relationships and what we love and enjoy or consider pleasure. In the sign of Gemini, Venus creates a more communicative, mercantile (merchant / business) slant to Venus. Venus in Gemini is extremely charming and attractive, making this Venus retrograde feel more alluring than other retrogrades, creating a more optimistic start to a Venus Retrograde month.
From May 1 – May 26th, Venus will be squaring Neptune in Pisces, creating a rose-tinted glasses effect. Contacts for Neptune add a strong layer of confusion, distortion, and strong dissolving of boundaries, and loosening of restrictive forces or boundaries. This creates, a layer of illusion, non-reality and possible false optimism as we begin and start this Venus retrograde cycle. Interestingly enough this is also the time Australian states are expecting to relax social restrictions around Covid – 19, allowing its citizens to begin less restrictive with social engagements. Time will tell, if this is false optimism, or if restrictions will need to come back into play down the track. Either way, Venus square Neptune is very much about the relaxation and dissolving of boundaries, and the relaxation of social restrictions is quite aptly timed.
The Scorpio Full Moon, May 7thcreates an intense introduction to the 2ndweek of May, where we see lots of the energetic shift occurring. Full Moon’s are seen as finishing points, or points of complete fullness. Full Moons can be seen as “prime for the picking “, then begins a phase of letting go and releasing, allowing for a new cycle to begin. Mercury in opposition to this Full Moon, signifies some important information may come your way, to help complete this cycle, or help enhance the ripening of this Full Moon. As its in deep water, intuitive hits have the potential to be strong at this time. Don’t be afraid to listen to them. Also, be wary of any stinging tails coming out, or any spiteful discourse as this is also very possible at this time.
The rest of this month’s important activity keeps its focus firmly in Gemini, meaning Gemini really is the focus point of your chart this month. The Nodal Shift into the Gemini / Sagittarius axis, like the Venus retrograde cycle is also an 18-month transit that, interestingly enough occurs in the same sign. This points a strong finger to the Gemini / Sagittarius axis in your chart.
The Nodes are Sun / Moon points, and the indicators of eclipse cycles, every 18 months they move to a new area of the chart. This creates strong energy shifts, and create a strong emphasis on life themes or topics, of the house’s / area of life they occur in. They are moving out of the Cancer / Capricorn axis (to the relief of Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn’s) lessening the intensity of this already loaded axis. Gemini now see Rahu or the North Node, move into its sphere. The North Node has a desire to consume and at times overdo, things (i.e.: Planets for house topics it is in contact with), creating great drive and momentum, but also the potential for overdoing and discovering when limits need to be set. It’s a more material minded point, but also an indicator for desire to consume and give momentum to this area of life, whether you are initially conscious of it or not.
The South Node or Ketu, entering the Sign of Sagittarius (opposite Gemini) has a more releasing, purging or detoxification affect. The topics or planets in the Sagittarius sector of your chart, will see this influence come into effect over the next 18 months. The South Node or Ketu has a more spiritual slant, less about consuming and overdoing, more about the releasing and purging, letting go, for a lighter and less complicated experience. The Nodes Shift into the Gemini & Sagittarius axis on May 6th, the day before the Full Moon. Giving perhaps more of a dynamic shift to the Full Moon, than if it was a straight up Full Moon.
Finally, the New Moon, which is also in Gemini on May 22nd, may help ground all these shifts, as we take them forward with us, over the next (up to) 18 months. The New Moon will be in aspect to Saturn in Aquarius. This Aspect will help ground and seed all the shifts and changes that occur over this month. Giving a more stable and sure footing, as we begin to leave the month. Creating a very different energy that opened the month. It is from this New Moon in Aspect to Saturn that we are able to start the work or revisions that are so heavily focused upon. With all this activity on both the Gemini / Sagittarius axis, it also brings more activity for the mutable signs in general (Gemini, Virgo, Pisces and Sagittarius). Beginning to even out the load that the Cardinal Signs (Aries, Libra, Cancer, Capricorn) have been carrying for the past 18 months.
May’s Astrology through the Signs:
Taurus / Taurus Rising
The focus for all this re-evaluation and re-connectivity for you occurs in the sector pertaining to Money, Possessions and Self-Worth. This is all re-forming and evolving so best to take your birthday month to just let it do its thing. Big Purchases not great timing at the moment. Allowing your ruler, Venus to activate and reconnect to the above themes will have even stronger results for you, due to her rulership over your sign. Be open to new insights and changes as they occur. The Full Moon in Scorpio, in your relationship sector, allows to see the benefits of your relationships over the past 6 months, illuminating the emotional fulfilment that has occurred over the past 6 months. Enjoying these gems as you enter waning of this Moon Cycle, helping create stronger relationships in the future. Doubling down on your worth and input to such successful relationships and friendships.
Gemini / Gemini Rising
The energetic focus shifts to your physical vitality, your individuation and your relationships with others. Any beliefs or closely held ideas or views, may not be so strong by months end, or in the beginning stages of reforming. Your one on one relationships with others, is where the strong urge to detox, purge, is. It is also intensified with the Venus Retrograde also doubling up on this theme. Try not to over-analyse or intellectualize it, as not everything might not be explainable. By month’s end, it will be clearer what direction to go, and how these processes are beginning to take shape.
Cancer / Cancer Rising
The heavy Gemini emphasis is in your most private sector, your spiritual sector, and where you keep your secrets hidden. I know I have mentioned this before, but this month is where the journey finally begins. Previous to this, it has been prep. The Full Moon hits your house of Children, True Love and Passion, the Full Moon in league with Mercury, allows the completion and the beginning of the letting go and releasing cycle around your creativity, children and true loves. An A-Ha moment at this time will ease the tension or perceived complications around this, allowing release. All the activity in your 12th house, begins to help untangle areas of unconsciousness and your relationship to it, by months end it will really gain some traction.
Leo / Leo Rising
Your Social sector is highlighted this month, ie: social groups, community groups, your audience so to speak. This is a longer work in progress, but by months end, you will see what direction this re-evaluation it is likely to take. The South Node entering your House of Children, True Love and Passion, might see you let go of outdated connections or limiting beliefs around these topics. Making Room and clearing the ground for new creative urges to take place in the space of the old. The Full Moon in your Family, Home and Ancestors sector will be strong and powerful, as it is the anchor of your chart. Letting go of limits that stop your connection to such topics will be supported. The Full Moon with Mercury may allow you to articulate what needs to happen next ie: how you connect with family and your home. Just watch that the famed Scorpio sting doesn’t come out. Having the planet of communication in aspect to a strong Scorpio Moon, stinging or sharp communication is very much a possible manifestation of this; beware to not to inflict it on your family.
Virgo / Virgo Rising
Your Career & Reputation is the channel for all this excessive Gemini energy. There will be a sharp re-focus and desire to get involved in re-aligning and reconnecting with this area of your life. A focus on your relationships in Career and Reputation, and how others view you will be of great importance. Bearing in mind, not to become too hardnosed or obsessive about it. This is not a quick process, use your Virgo vision to mine for data, anecdotal evidence might be strong but there is a level of the unseen influences this month, thanks to Neptune, disrupting & confusing influence to a retrograde Venus. It’s a longer journey than anticipated but allowing the detoxification and release of old energy in your Home, Family or Ancestry sphere, is one way to help balance it all out. The Nodes work on two sides of the same story. Detoxing and Purging stagnant energy or situations in the home, family front, will help balance out the overload of activity on your professional and reputation fronts. Beginning to balance out the imbalances in the home and professional fronts.
Libra / Libra Rising
Travel, strong beliefs / philosophies or teachers are where all this Gemini re-evaluation is hitting your chart. Re-assess, Re-evaluate, Re-connection to such topics begin under a cloud of confusion, and enticing optimism. This is all in flux, with the strongest information for solution’s occurring with the New Moon in Gemini towards the end of the month, thanks to Saturn’s involvement. As this begins to reveal itself, purging your daily schedule, and cleansing your relationships in your local neighbourhood, or with siblings would be of great benefit. The Full Moon in Scorpio in your money sector, may finally give some clarity or info regarding where best to head with regards to your finances. It’s also an opportunity to begin any release of thought processes that limit your relationship towards money or income, thanks to Mercury, the winged messenger’s aspect to the Moon.
Scorpio / Scorpio Rising
Renegotiation of your relationships to other people’s recourses, money, loans, taxes, debts is where the energetic focus is in your chart. In doing this, it has the two-fold effect of helping your personal finances and aiding the South Nodes transit of your personal finances by letting go of old connections and beliefs tied to money, self-worth and your ability to handle and engage with it. Your yearly full moon occurring in your home of physical vitality and how you present to the world, is always a strong lunation for you. With Mercury in aspect to this, expect some great messages or communications that aid, with the waning cycle of this phase. Intuition will be strong but watch your famed tail coming out, at the full moon, as its opposite Mercury, there is always the chance that it pops up, having the communication god, in aspect to it, definitely opens this possibility
Sagittarius / Sagittarius Rising
Having the Venus Retrograde and the Nodes activate your One on One Relationships or Partnerships may feel strong, but it’s all about purification and strengthening at the end of the day. May is a month where clarity is not on offer around these topics, so best to observe and not get in to deep with commitments regarding such relationships. Not a time for rash decisions or going with the unexpected. Confusion and false optimism are strong most of the month, so do take time to evaluate before commitments. The South Node in your sign and transiting through your house of Vitality and how you present to the world, will see all old forms or manifestations no longer valid for you, begin to start falling away. Eating well, and health would be a good thing to lean in to. Energetic detoxing can be draining, and eating simply, and nourishing your body with simple, healthy options would have supportive results, as the South Node, enjoys simple over complex or complicated.
Capricorn / Capricorn Rising
Your day to day routines, health and work life is where most of May’s energy hits your chart. It will remain there after May, but this is the introduction. Venus retrograde Square with Neptune will put these topics in flux. Things may not be as you first thought, when the rose tinted glasses come off. Some sparks maybe lacking but the re-evaluations might come through thick and fast, towards the end of the month. When the New Moon aspects your ruler Saturn, you might begin to feel settled or able to really connect all the dots or themes. The South Node in your 12thhouse, emphasises the advantage of detoxing, retreats or purging for health benefits. Having regular time out will be very beneficial. The Full Moon in your 11thhouse of Community and Social Groups, may see the tides change or shift in your relationship with them, as the waning cycle takes over the next 6 months, making way for new space, new audiences and new groups down the track.
Aquarius / Aquarius Rising
The strong energetic focus on your House of Creativity, Children, True Love and Passions will be an area of constant change and evolution, starting in May. The Venus Retrograde, helps reframe your plans and connections to it. By the end of the cycle, new connections and bonds will have been created. At the beginning of May, this is all still forming, or could have some rose tinted glasses about it. As it evolves, work with it allowing things to evolve and develop. We are looking at 2 cycles working in the same area at the same time. So follow your creative connection, or really engage in your relationship with your children, it will bring great rewards down the track. The South Node in your house of friendship groups, community groups and hopes and wishes will at the same time be activated with a strong detoxification or purging effect from the South Node. Time out from engaging socially and letting go of old or outdated groups will be effortless, as you strive to connect with your creative urges. Helping let go of things that may have previously gotten in your way from your creative, or experience with children or your true loves.
Pisces / Pisces Rising
Having 2 cycles activating the same area of your chart isn’t always easy, but it does highlight the importance of engaging with this area, whether it be by choice or circumstance. Your Home, Family and Ancestors are the base point of everyone’s chart, the place we come from. This is the area activated for you by Venus Retrograde, and the nodal shift. Neptune in contact with Venus in the beginning of the month, might feel comfortable, relaxing and harmonious, but it may not be reflecting the real situations at hand. Once this aspect shifts, it might be a colder or more inhibiting reality check later in the month. Knowing this area is highlighted, allows for room to re-consider, re-evaluate and re-connect with themes such as family and home. The end game, to build a stronger and more harmonious connection to these areas of your life. The Full Moon in Scorpio gives the opportunity to help pick good fruit when it comes, regarding your philosophical approaches to life or help bring helpful teachers to help illuminate your way.
Aries / Aries Rising
Your local neighbourhood, siblings, daily schedule and any online engagements is where all this Gemini energy is hitting your chart. Relationships to these topics is evolving, changing and reconnecting. May might feel like a month oftwo halves in regard to these topics, but knowing they are in a state of changes is half the battle. Not putting too much pressure on these as they evolve is key. The end game is to give greater pleasure and connectivity to these themes, it just might feel a left field as it happens. The South Node, will be purging old belief systems at the same time, helping to balance out all this activity. The Full Moon in your house of other people’s money, loans, taxes etc, will make visible, the next step to take in this area of life. Having Mercury (the business person as well as the communication god) may help solve or give good insight into what steps to take next.
Luminary Astrology 