Pluto, Saturn, and the Great No-Nonsense of 2012

Wikimedia Commons

Saturn in Scorpio cordially invites you to a gala evening of "cut the crap."

In my last post, we discussed the significance of Uranus and Neptune in the development of the the online world we've come to love and depend upon. One of the major aspects that strengthened Uranus and Neptune over the past few years was their mutual reception, or the presence of each planet in the sign ruled by the other planet. It's as if Neptune went to Uranus' downtown loft, and Uranus went to Neptune's windswept cottage on the beach, and they both agreed that it would be alright to drink each others' beer.

This same mutual reception is poised to take place in a few short months between Saturn and Pluto. Pluto, for several years, has been passing through Capricorn. Saturn has been passing through Libra for a couple of years now (read about where you may be feeling Saturn's hard lessons!) One of the defining characteristics of Saturn being in Libra is that it is exalted.

What is "exaltation", anyway? Exaltation refers to a system called dignities and debilities, developed by astrologers thousands of years ago to assess the strengths and weaknesses of planetary placement. There are four essential dignities still in common use amongst most modern astrologers. These essential dignities are conditions that the planets may find themselves in as they pass around the zodiac.

-Rulership is the zodiac sign ruled by the planet- Mars, for example, rules Aries.
-Exaltation is a supportive zodiac sign that helps the planet- Mars is in exaltation in the sign of Capricorn.
-Across from exaltation is the sign of a planet's fall- an uncomfortable position that lowers the planet's strength; Mars, in this case, is in fall in Cancer.
-The sign of detriment was traditionally considered the most difficult sign for the planet to visit, opposite its sign of rulership. Mars, therefore, is in detriment in Libra.

Saturn, exalted in Libra, has had a harmonious and strengthened journey the past two years. The harmony, balance and tact of Libra have provided the constructive support for Saturn to manifest itself with ease. The usual charm and idealism associated with the sign of Libra, however, are not enough for Saturn. Saturn in Libra requires hard work and compromise. Consider the political theater of the U.S. Congress in recent years. As political ideals meet tough financial realities, there is no choice but to painstakingly debate, battle, and ultimately compromise on every issue. While nothing new in politics, this process has nevertheless been excruciatingly difficult with Saturn in Libra.


This October, however, Saturn will complete its passage through Libra and move into the sign of Scorpio. The hard karmic lessons of compromise and impartial justice will downshift to the deeper emotional realm of Scorpio. Responsibility and challenges related to sexuality, death, debt, and subconscious power struggles will become Saturn's focus. No longer exalted, Saturn will not be as effectively show-stopping as it has been. We've all learned our lessons about compromise and justice (we promise!)

The most important shift as Saturn moves into Scorpio will be its mutual reception with Pluto. Pluto, ruler of Scorpio, continues to move through Capricorn, which is ruled by Saturn. Like Uranus and Neptune, Saturn and Pluto will give each other reinforcing energy and support. But unlike Uranus and Neptune, Saturn and Pluto will form a sextile aspect with each other in December, just two months after the beginning of their mutual reception. The sextile aspect is a separation of 60 degrees, or two zodiac signs, between planets. It is a supportive aspect that allows the planets the opportunity to work together. Already in mutual reception, Saturn and Pluto will truly be working hand-in-hand this December. Late Fall into Winter of 2012, we should see a definite shift from compromise to catharsis.

Pluto has already been slowly grinding through Capricorn, challenging the structure, hierarchy, and systems of power and government in our modern world. Saturn in Scorpio does not share the need for tact and compromise required by Saturn in Libra. Pluto and Saturn, working together, have a simple but painstaking mission- cut the crap. We might call their work together "The Great No-Nonsense of 2012." Both planets seek accountability, question power structures, open us to our deeper selves and the challenges we need to face. There's an opportunity here for tremendous change, for finding the inner strength to accomplish goals and cut through all manner of nonsense and frivolity to understand the true nature of ourselves and our society.

I'll be the first to admit, this does not sound particularly fun. But neither planet is concerned with fun, especially when they're working together on a difficult job such as the catharsis we need in our world today. With an aspect like this, I believe there's a strong potential for healing, both personally and in the world at large. The road to that healing might simply be a bit rough.

So, with the few months left of Saturn in Libra, let's do what we can to assimilate the lessons of compromise and fairness that we've had to learn over the past couple of years. Our ability to collaborate, knowing when to be impartial, and being aware of our relationships can go far in helping us work through whatever challenges we may face down the road.

What about you, readers? What hard lessons are you learning? What do you think Pluto and Saturn have in store for us? Leave a comment!

Neptune, Uranus, and the rise of the Internet

Photo by Callum Black.

Last April, we toasted the return of Neptune to its home sign of Pisces with a few glasses of absinthe, the drink of choice for Neptune's previous swim through Piscean waters in the 1800's. Artists, intellectuals, dreamers, and drunken folk chased the green fairy of inspiration in surprising and unexplored directions; with Neptune in Pisces, the limitations to our creativity seem to melt away. You certainly don't hear the word "inhibition" quite as often. Boundaries dissolve, for good or ill, and our conception of reality changes. (Check out my article from last march about Neptune in Pisces)

Before Neptune's current plunge into Pisces, it was making its way through Aquarius (from 1998 to 2011). In Aquarius, Neptune dissolves boundaries between individuals and groups, connecting our society. Unique technology combines with a mixture of logic and intuition. Anything new, unique, and preferably group-oriented that questions the status quo begins to take on a gossamer finish.

This begins to ring a bell if you think back to 1998, 1999...

"hmm... 'www.customizeyourownsugarfreecandycanes.com' is SURELY my ticket to fame and fortune!"

The burst of the "dot com bubble" was a prime example of the difficulties Neptune can bring during a transit. During a short period of techno-economic intoxication, the novelty of new technology and individual initiative (Aquarius) in the exciting new internet realm led to speculation (Neptune) in the marketplace. Many were so enchanted by the internet that success seemed guaranteed for any business start-up with a ".com" at the end. Neptune always challenges us by dissolving the boundaries between fantasy and reality. When the .com fantasy met the economic reality, the speculative bubble burst, causing great financial issues, unemployment, and many furrowed brows. Lessons learned, the internet continued to develop and grow.

During the dot com bubble, Uranus, like Neptune, was in Aquarius. Busy adding innovation and an electrical jolt of new and unique ideas, Uranus in Aquarius did not do much to foster an emotional connection to the internet. In 2003, however, Uranus moved into Pisces. Pisces is ruled by Neptune, and Aquarius is ruled by Uranus. With Neptune in the sign ruled by Uranus, and Uranus in the sign ruled by Neptune, these two planets were in an astrological configuration called mutual reception. The connection between the two planets is strengthened, and they work together with enhanced effects.

A year after this configuration began, Facebook was founded, in 2004. Neptune in Aquarius fueled the dissolution of boundaries in technology, groups and individuality; Uranus in Pisces brought technology and individuality into a more sensitive, intuitive realm with mass appeal. This was the beginning of social networking, as well as an unprecedented period of developing something never before seen in history- an internet-based identity. With Uranus and Neptune working together, our social lives, our interests, to a great extent our consciousness were all drawn to the internet like never before.

Wikimedia commons

The last time this mutual reception between Uranus and Neptune occurred was the late 1830's into the early 1840's. Nothing back then could compare to the internet, but sure enough, the world was changing. This period of time saw the first of the Opium Wars in China, a time of dissolving boundaries and an increasing global awareness. Transcendentalism, a pioneering new intellectual movement in the U.S. spearheaded by writers such as Henry David Thoreau, challenged the structure of organized religion in favor of a spirituality based on each individual's connection to nature and spirit. Most importantly, perhaps, was the development of the telegraph by Samuel Morse. First used in 1938, the telegraph brought electricity and code into use for communication. This would, in a few short decades, create the beginning of a global information network that has only continued to develop since.

Now, with Uranus moving into pioneering Aries, the technology and internet identities that we've cultivated are helping to spur revolutionary change in countries around the world. At the same time, Neptune is completing its final pass through Aquarius, after dipping into Pisces last year before returning for a short retrograde period. Neptune will leave Aquarius for the last time this century on February 3rd, and the mysterious and deeply emotional period of Neptune in Pisces will last until 2024. There may be great uncertainty ahead, but you can be sure of one thing- the internet has changed our world unlike anything in history. As Uranus hightails it through Aries, let's give a nod to Neptune finishing its run in Aquarius over the next few days- if not for Neptune in Aquarius, you probably wouldn't even be reading this...

Readers: how do you feel about the internet? Are there big changes ahead for our online world? Leave a comment!

Celebrity Sun Sign Series- Morgan Freeman and Mercury

"I gravitate towards gravitas."- Morgan Freeman. Sounds like Mercury in Taurus sure enough! Photo by Alan Light.

Throughout history, there have been many actors and orators who move us when they speak, and have a comforting presence that can't be denied. A few rouse us to action, striking our hearts with joy or sadness. Fewer still have had such presence that they could portray God himself. The man capable of such a feat, and our topic for today's Celebrity Sun Sign Series, is Morgan Freeman.

Morgan Joseph Freeman was born on June 1st, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee. This gives Morgan Freeman the sun sign of Gemini, the twins. Ruled by the planet Mercury, Gemini is the sign of communication, mental acuity, diversity and duality. Geminis are quick-witted and curious. They also embody the philosophy that "variety is the spice of life."

After moving several times as a child, Freeman began acting at age 9. Although offered a drama scholarship after graduating high school, he joined the US Air force. His career as an Actor began in the 60's, with the typical Gemini love for variety in his roles (everything from Hello Dolly to soap opera's to children's television on PBS.)

Freeman has had a prolific acting career in many genres of film, but his most memorable roles exemplify his calm, authoritative demeanor and way of speaking. He has a commanding presence that has allowed him to play roles such as Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding in The Shawshank Redemption, the U.S. President in Deep Impact, and Lucius Fox in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy. It takes an awful lot of charisma to play Nelson Mandela, as he did in 2009's critically-acclaimed Invictus.

Then, of course, there's Freeman's role as God in the movie Bruce Almighty. Though not one of his more critically-acclaimed movies, Freeman certainly shows his prowess by taking on the somewhat daunting role of playing God in film.

It comes as little surprise that Morgan Freeman's birth chart packs a one-two punch of charismatic charm and speaking ability. Below is Freeman's birth chart. Though birth time is unknown, it is set as a noon chart (placing his sun on the MC at the top of the chart, an appropriate placement for such a public individual).

While the focus of the Celebrity Sun Sign Series is, of course, the sun sign and how those attributes show up in the lives of famous people, there are several key aspects of Morgan Freeman's birth chart that distinguish his Gemini Sun. Freeman's Sun in Gemini is circled in green at the top of the chart. Gemini is ruled by the planet Mercury, which in Freeman's chart is in Taurus (circled in green as well). This Mercury in Taurus gives Freeman's Gemini Sun a strong dose of down-to-earth stable. Taurus is known for practicality and security, and Mercury in Taurus provides concentration and a thorough, deliberate style of thinking. As you can see in the red square at the top of the chart, Mercury in Taurus is also conjunct Uranus in Taurus. Uranus, the planet of electrically-charged change and innovation, takes a major chill pill in Uranus. Uranus in Taurus provides the innovative spark of creativity Uranus is known for in a practical, concrete way.

Freeman's Mercury and Uranus are also trine his Neptune in Virgo (the red box on the left side of the chart), which in his noon-based chart is on his ascendant. Neptune, the planet of imagination and illusion, is commonly associated with the film industry. In Virgo, the creative muse of Neptune manifests in a more calculated, cautious way. Freeman's Neptune supports his Mercury and Uranus with careful, reserved charismatic charm.

These aspects in Freeman's chart seem to paint a fairly accurate picture of reserved charm, careful and deliberate speech, and a powerful presence, grounded by the gravity of so many planets in earth signs. Freeman's career continues, both in acting roles and narration for shows and charitable organizations.

"But..." you may ask, "Morgan Freeman doesn't sound like a stereotypical Gemini... does he?" Sure enough, there are some aspects of the "typical" Gemini personality that Morgan Freeman does not seem to exemplify as strongly. A Gemini sun sign is often associated with a youthful personality, an affinity for the lighter side of life, and a versatile and ever-changing mentality. This is one of the limitations of "Sun Sign Astrology." The energy, the personality and the underlying themes of an individual's life are often most strongly exemplified by their sun sign (which is part of the fun in our Celebrity Sun Sign Series), but more often than not, the identity of the sun sign is conditioned by the other aspects of the chart. Morgan Freeman has the communication and mental focus of Gemini, but having Gemini's ruling planet Mercury located in and supported by earth signs provides that double scoop of gravitas that distinguishes his personality.

Morgan Freeman's chart shows the many layers of astrological interpretation, and how important it is for us to penetrate the surface of the chart and appreciate the complexity within!

How about you, readers? How do you feel about your sun sign? Are you a Morgan Freeman fan? Leave a comment!

Saturn in Libra pays us all a visit

Saturn says that if you don't share those brownies, you don't get any at all.

The planet Saturn is not known for having fun. If Jupiter is that awesome night of getting drunk and watching cat videos on the internet, Saturn is the hangover the next morning and the call from your boss asking why you're not at work. When Saturn comes to visit (and he visits everybody!), it's usually to teach us "hard lessons".

When we consider the birth chart, the sign and house position of Saturn show us how these "hard lessons" manifest throughout our lives. In whichever area Saturn may be, we face challenges, austerity, a need to build structure and long-term development through hard work. This struggle, however, helps us shape who we are.

In present time, the current position of Saturn in the zodiac is shared by everyone. Saturn is currently in the sign of Libra, the scales. This calls everyone to consider the structure and responsibility we have with each other, in partnerships of all kinds, and in our sense of justice and equality in general. It challenges us to improve our relationships. Transiting Saturn's position in Libra also indicates that the challenges it brings are likely to involve other people in some way. We all experience Saturn in Libra in a unique way depending on which of the 12 houses of our chart it happens to be passing through.

If you have your birth chart handy, you can find where Libra starts and see what house (or houses) Saturn has been passing through. If you don't have a chart, but you do know your Ascendant, find the sign of your Ascendant and read that description. If you don't know your Ascendant, find your Sun sign and read that description- this will be based on your "solar" houses, which though not based on your actual chart, should still resonate thematically. (A natal interpretation can help you get to know your Ascendant and houses a little more intimately!)

For Saturn in Libra, it doesn't matter if the glass is half full OR half empty- you're gonna have to share it either way.

Aries Ascendant (Saturn in the 7th house):
Less time going to the club, more time focused on loved ones, and your responsibility to maintain the relationships you already have. Highlighted responsibility to long-term partners or spouse.
"I know I've been stressed and distant, but I'm going to put more work into our relationship. Let's go do a puzzle together."

Taurus Ascendant (Saturn in the 6th house):
Easy to overwork, but a good time for building a balanced routine in work and developing healthy habits. Exercise routines are good here. Highlighted responsibility for pets.
"I could probably start taking power walks with the dogs to help with the stress of my 60 hour work week."

Gemini Ascendant (Saturn in the 5th house):
Not a good time for gambling. Leisure and fun suddenly may seem more elusive, but there's also the chance to work on long-lasting creative projects. Highlighted responsibility for children.
"Playing XBox for hours just doesn't feel right. Maybe building that tree house for the kids would be a fulfilling project..."

Cancer Ascendant (Saturn in the 4th house):
The home demands extra work and attention, but also provides the potential to get things organized and stabilized (repairs maybe...) Highlighted responsibility related to a parent.
"I need to weatherproof the house. I guess I should probably weatherproof my parents' house too."

Leo Ascendant (Saturn in the 3rd house):
Vehicle challenges, difficult commutes, how we communicate requires attention. Potential for maturing thoughts and shoring up daily routines. Highlighted responsibility related to siblings.
"I have to start getting up earlier so I can fix my scooter while my brother borrows my car."

Virgo Ascendant (Saturn in the 2nd house):
Time to save those pennies. Budgeting can become an issue, with potential to increase structure and stability in spending habits. Highlighted responsibility for how you value things and people.
"This new budget is hard to get used to, but it does feel good that I'm spending less on beer and saving more for a house."

Libra Ascendant (Saturn in the 1st house):
Here Saturn may inhibit expression and possibly energy as it encourages structure and maturity in our physical selves. Highlighted responsibility for our individual roles and our affects on others.
"I've felt inhibited and self conscious lately, but people tell me they appreciate the mature, stable presence I have."

Scorpio Ascendant (Saturn in the 12th house):
Unease about our spirituality, our connection to the infinite. Potential for feeling isolated, but good time to meditate. Highlighted responsibility in sacrificing self to others in some way.
"Sometimes I feel like I'm disconnected from the universe, but I know I can help myself if I help others."

Sagittarius Ascendant (Saturn in the 11th house):
Time spent with groups may be more aloof and less fun than usual, but there's a good chance to mature in how we network and connect to others. Highlighted responsibility for friends.
"Poker night didn't feel quite the same without gin, but everyone seemed really interested in my ideas for non-profit organizations."

Capricorn Ascendant (Saturn in the 10th house):
Work or career can be particularly challenging, but there's the potential to mature and stabilize your professional self long-term. Highlighted responsibility for a parent or in leading others.
"Funds sure have been tight here at work, but we all cooperated on this new business plan that should help in the long run."

Aquarius Ascendant (Saturn in the 9th house):
Difficult questions arise in philosophy, religion and ethics. This can lead to assessing your values and maturing in your world view. Highlighted responsibility in connection to other cultures.
"I got so frustrated with religion that I gave up and became an atheist, but the Tibetan Buddhist in my French class showed me a belief system I appreciate."

Pisces Ascendant (Saturn in the 8th house):
Inhibition in relation to others, challenges in sexuality or beliefs about death. A good time to build trust and emotional stability, however. Highlighted responsibility for others' money or values.
"Our discussion about writing wills with my partner really made me think about my fear of death. But I overcame my fear, feel more emotionally stable, and damn that sex was good."

As usual, there may be many more ways that Saturn's challenges manifest. The important thing is to be patient and learn as much as you can from the hard lessons that Saturn in Libra teaches us. Saturn is nearing the end of Libra, and soon we'll experience the hard lessons of Saturn in Scorpio (which is not merely a different astrological classroom, but probably more like a different campus altogether). Let's focus on the positive and build the structures that will support us in the future!

Readers: Which house is Saturn in Libra visiting in your chart? What lessons do you feel you're being forced to learn? Leave a comment!

An astrological recap of 2011

We've made it to the final week of 2011. It's been a very busy year astrologically, and there's plenty more to come in 2012. Before we celebrate the new year, let's take a look back at some of the biggest astrological developments of the past 12 months...

One of the most important themes of 2011 was manifestation. A wide variety ideas, beliefs, even fears and dangers, all percolated up into physical reality this year. We saw protests, the physical manifestation of unrest and the desire for change. We saw terrorist attacks and environmental disasters, the manifestation of our fears. We saw political change and political gridlock. Astrologically, we can thank (at least in part) the sign of Aries for a great deal of this.

Aries, the first of the 12 zodiac signs, is the sign of initiative, of action, and is the point of physical manifestation in the zodiac. Aries is associated with the spring equinox, the time of new beginning and new growth. In January of 2011, Jupiter moved from Pisces into Aries- the planet of justice, optimism and expansion, spurring initiative and opportunity in a very direct, physical way.

Later, in March of 2011, Uranus moved into Aries as well. Uranus, slower moving and carrying more long-term intensity than Jupiter, helped spur the rebellion and the imperative to take real action for independence and freedom around the world as it made its way into Aries. This event encouraged individuals around the world to take action in standing up for their beliefs, and protests became ubiquitous (so much so that Time's Person of the Year was "The Protester"). This manifestation led to real change, though unfortunately was not lacking in violence (another association of Aries). Many thousands of people died as they challenged corrupt rulers, and unnecessary violence and brutality have become commonplace.

It's a-mace-ing how many of these images are peppered around the internet.

While Aries was the focal point for manifestation, Neptune moved into the deep waters of Pisces, beginning in April. Neptune hasn't been in Pisces since shortly after its discovery in the mid 1800's. As the planet of creativity, imagination, spirituality and illusion moves into its home sign of Pisces, the sensitivity of our collective consciousness is heightened. The usual boundaries of perception are misty; the lines between ourselves and others less solid. Now, as in the mid 1800's, Neptune in Pisces can show us creative new developments in art, music, fashion and spirituality... as well as new drugs, new diversions, new ways to retreat from the the intensity of life. We may also see changes in policies toward the ocean, and water resources are bound to have a heightened roll in years to come. Have a beer (but not too many!) and open up to your creative side.

We had a brutal Mercury Retrograde when Mercury opposed Neptune this past summer. The deeper themes of Neptune- creativity, consciousness, boundaries- added deeper, much more difficult lessons to the usually mundane reminders of Mercury retrograde.

Saturn and Jupiter moved into opposition earlier in 2011, pitting the need for individuality and pioneering optimism (Jupiter in Aries) against the responsibility and structure within our relationships and obligations to others (Saturn in Libra). Tensions mounted this year between being spurred into rebellious action and being aware of our responsibilities in connection to others.

Finally, towards the end of 2011 we saw Mars enter Virgo, a much needed "nose to the grindstone" period for the planet of action, energy and drive. In Virgo, Mars is forced to focus on details, and we have the energy and focus to take action on our everyday "dharma". This can also lead to a buildup of nervous energy and stress, however, so it's also an important time to assess our relaxation techniques and express anxious energy in a constructive way (not a bad time to consider exercise or yoga to keep the body's energies balanced).

Bending and weaving our way through Mars in Virgo... or is that stretching a metaphor?

So, what is there to look forward to astrologically in 2012? Quite a bit. The big doozy astrologers have been anxiously waiting for is Uranus squaring Pluto, a volatile aspect that hasn't been seen in quite some time. There are plenty more events as well (posts to follow!) that should make for a busy 2012. I hope you'll join me in toasting the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012, and I hope to share more with you in the new year!

Celebrating the winter solstice- the next Gruit project

Bog Myrtle. Sort of like hops' crazy great-uncle, who misses the good old days.

Happy Winter Solstice! Also called Yule, Yuletide, Jul, Midvinterblot, and other names increasingly difficult to pronounce (or type), the winter solstice is celebrated the world over as a reminder of the importance of community, merriness and hope as we pass through the longest night of the year. In European history, especially, it's time to break out some drinks, too. What better to celebrate the long history of this special day than to consider gruit ale?

You can read my post here from November of last year about making gruit ale, the pre-hops libation of Northern Europe consumed since antiquity (although more or less falling off the map from the 1400's to the present, new interest in old brews is reviving Gruit once more). To celebrate the Winter Solstice (which is also the time when the Sun enters Capricorn), I brewed this particular gruit with wintergreen, an herb associated with Saturn, and most of the traditional gruit herbs. It was wonderfully interesting, but it's time now for a new celebration of the Sun entering Capricorn- winter sowing of gruit herb seeds!

The herbs that make up the basis of gruit flavoring are Wild Rosemary (couldn't find much about the astrology of this herb), Bog Myrtle (associated with the planet Venus), Yarrow (Venus), and often Mugwort (Venus and the Moon). These perennial little shrubs grow naturally in the highly acidic, peaty, often boggy soils of Northern Europe's traditional landscape. Because of the long, sometimes harsh winters there, these plants have developed protective mechanisms. In the case of Bog Myrtle, Wild Rosemary and Mugwort, new seeds require a period of cold stratification to germinate. This simply means that snow and ice fall on the seeds, pressing them into the ground, then slowly melt, then more snow, which then melts, etc. This process slowly breaks down a protective layer on the seeds, allowing them to germinate in springtime.

This is a wonderful website offering seeds and planting information for a variety of herbs with a history of traditional use in medicine and ritual. There's a bit on the page about wintering seeds that mentions how sowing seeds in the middle of winter dates back at least to Roman times. Sowing seeds in the middle of winter provides the period of cold stratification necessary for germination. Sowing on the Winter Solstice, in particular, ensures that the days will be increasingly longer as the seeds undergo their transformation, oriented them towards the upcoming growth of spring. Plus, what better way to celebrate the Sun in Capricorn, the sign of discipline, practicality and patient ambition? Capricorn urges us to have the responsibility to plant the seeds of the future wisely. Then, hopefully, around the time the Sun bursts into Aries... some gruit herbs should be on the way!

Unfortunately, its difficult to get Wild Rosemary seeds even in their native Europe, and all but impossible here in the U.S. Luckily, there's a New World cousin called Marsh Rosemary or Bog Labrador (aka Labrador tea), with the same climatic requirements, and I found some of those seeds online. And I had planned on sowing Mugwort seeds, until I found this little dude growing in the alley behind my work:

Unlike the other herbs, Mugwort is relatively common, though generally goes unnoticed. It grows in urban and rural areas alike, often along roadsides facing the south. Sure enough, I found this little dude by the alley, on the southern side of a fence. I gently dug him up, put him in a cup and carried him home on my scooter. He's doing well, which means we're 1/4th of the way there already! Yarrow is going to be planted in spring.

As for the Bog Myrtle and Marsh Rosemary, here's the process...

I have a plastic pot with holes drilled in the bottom, a bale of peat
(acidic dead plant material, just like the seeds' boggy native soil),
a bag of humus (richer, denser for nutrients and stability), a bunch of
pine needles I found while jogging (provides further acidity and a
protective top layer)

I mixed peat with warm water and humus, then added a big scoop of dirt from the garden patch to help balance the potting mixture and add more nutrients.

Here's the completed potting mixture with the seeds sprinkled on top. The Marsh Rosemary seeds were like dust, they were so small...

Here's the pot in position behind the north side of the house, out of direct sun but exposed to the necessary snow and ice winter will provide. The acid-enriching and protective layer of pine needles is spread over the top, with seed packets for identification.

A little candle to celebrate this year's Winter Solstice Sowing. I walked away for 5 minutes, then realized I'd left a lit candle in a giant pile of bone-dry pine needles. After a brief reassessment, I placed the candle in the window for the night.

Now it's time to tap into Capricorn's patience and wait. No maintenance required, just hopeful thoughts that in 3 or 4 months these little guys pop up. Then it's just a matter of ensuring that plants from Northern Europe survive a St. Louis summer...

How about you, readers? What "seeds" are you sowing for the year ahead? 2012 is bound to be an intense one! (plenty of posts to follow about that...) Leave a comment!

Mars in Virgo part two: Practicing the practical

One of the challenges of using astrology is translating "astrologese" into practical, everyday terms. "Astrologese" refers to the unique jargon used in astrological description and interpretation. This language is just as particular and complex as any other field of study, but one of the key elements that distinguishes the field of Astrology is its application to our individual lives. You may be quite content to never need an explanation of the role antimicrobial pharmodynamics play in your life, for example. But, if an astrologer tells you you're having a Saturn return, this is an immediate and challenging event, and you'll probably want to know what that really means.

Well, with Mars (the sign of energy, action taking, drive) in the sign of Virgo (practicality, precision, detail) there's no better time to take a closer look at the day to day, practical implications of what Mars is up to. In other words, a brief translation from astrologese into ordinary parlance.

Some of the best tools for translating astrologese are key words. Key words have an immediate impact when you see them, and help to get a richer understanding of the significance of astrological events.

Some key words for Mars:
Aggression, drive, urge, passion, physical
(themes relating to energy and how energy is expressed and action is taken)

Some key words for Virgo:
meticulous, diligent, analytical, critical, worrying
(themes relating to analysis, precision, and the concern for details)

In addition to these thematic key words, the signs and planets also rule or are associated with objects and events in our daily lives.

Things ruled by Mars:
muscles, blood, male anatomy, soldiers, athletes, knives, fanatics, energy


Things ruled by Virgo:
pets, health resorts, hard work, the harvest, bookkeeping, crafts, details, criticism, tension


To synthesize these key words and rulerships, we can consider how these elements combine.
The themes of energy, drive and passion in Mars are filtered through the caution and attention to detail of Virgo. This energy can lead to a bit of stress (which we may all feel even more intensely with Mercury being retrograde for another couple weeks or so). However, this combination also pares down Mars' intense drive to a more practical level of which we can take advantage in daily life.

The aspects of our lives ruled by Mars or Virgo may be affected in different ways for different individuals, and as always will be affected by where Mars in Virgo is traveling in your chart (and what else it touches- a personalized astrological consultation can help in this area). In general, however, you may find your attention drawn to health matters (and how you take action on your health), anything associated with crafts, pets, your productivity in or outside the workplace, and the potential for both great concentration and great restless anxiety or tension in whatever you consider to be "work". Remember the themes of Mars in Virgo for guidance on how you can tap into the productive potential of this event!

What do you think, readers? Where is Mars in Virgo traveling in your natal chart? Where has your energy been focused lately? Leave a comment!