Geomancy- the Signficance of Space

Traditional astrology shows the significance of the orientation of the heavens for a particular time and place, with an emphasis of when. At any given time, there is a unique chart that can be cast. In addition to time, there are ancient systems of understanding the significance of space. For ease of description, and because it's an awesome name, these systems of understanding the significance of the space around us can be called geomancy, 'foresight by earth'.

A practice developed in ancient China, and has continued to grow and be used since then, called Feng Shui, 'wind-water'. Feng Shui is a system for harmonizing the objects and buildings in one's environment according to the cosmic interplay of magnetic orientation and energy flow (or Qi) around them. People, as early as the neolithic period, felt a need to orient their homes and towns along particular cardinal directions, and since then have worked to harmonize their environment in the belief that there is a direct connection between our circumstances and the harmony of the environment around us. This concern for environmental harmony has led to thousands of years of study in the significance of the directions, elements, shape, color, and feelings connected to the space in which we live. In fact, this was all so important in that, in order to help facilitate Feng Shui analysis, the Chinese invented the compass.

Healthy skepticism is always important in maintaining a balance in any study, but I feel like there's some significance to the motivation behind the compass here. For hundreds of years, empirical western thought has had a rather patronizing attitude towards traditional systems of understanding the world around us- be it astrology, shamanic ritual, or Feng Shui. Unfortunately, people for the most part aren't stupid, and (especially in a time before grocery stores and cars) wouldn't waste thousands of years developing these systems, and inventing new tools to help, if there wasn't some importance to them.

Luckily, recent decades have seen an increase in interest for astrology and geomancy alike. Especially in these tumultuous times, more and more I feel people are losing the illusion of separation, and realizing how connected our world may actually be. Feng Shui helps analyze the interplay of our thoughts, feelings, and environment, and how they flow together to facilitate or block the functions of our daily lives. It is based on the flow of Qi, or life force, in a living space, as well as the balance of the elements. In Chinese tradition, there are 5 elements (Wood, Fire, Water, Metal, Earth) and they play together in either a constructive cycle ("it's super effective!") or destructive cycle ("it's not very effective..."). Sound familiar yet? It will after you look at this diagram of elemental balance in Feng Shui:

Who'd have thought that those years of playing Pokemon have actual geomantic significance? These elements can be balanced in one's environment according to the traditional areas of living space, based on a traditional octagon called a Bagua, which is laid over a living space:


This system of harmonizing Qi and polarity in one's environment speaks to the idea that we live in a cohesive field of connected forces, and that actions, intentions, and environment are all affected by each other. But the Chinese aren't the only ones who have worked to map the connections between our environment and our lives. We can also look to local space astrology.

In local space astrology, the same planets are considered for the birth time of an individual- Sun, Moon, all the way up to Pluto. However, instead of analyzing the planetary position based on the celestial backdrop of the zodiac (i.e., "Sun in Pisces"), the location of the planets along the horizon visible from the given location at the given time is considered, and mapped against a circle, like wheel spokes. When this circle is laid against a map, starting where the individual was born, the spokes radiate outward, showing places of significance geographically. Metaphorically, this shows the significance of the planets around the individual, from their point of view as opposed to the significance of the planets in a given zodiac sign. It looks like this:


In analyzing such a chart, one would look at the areas under the path of the planetary lines, and the meaning of the planetary lines along the cardinal directions. Like the zodiac chart, with meaning in the left, right, top and bottom parts, there is a distinct significance to planetary lines depending on whether one follows them north, south, east or west.

These fields continue to grow in popularity and develop applications in our increasingly connected world. As we face more changes and challenges, we now have the opportunity to explore our immediate environment, and access improvements in our lives by working with such systems. People across the world have found significance in the subtle meaning of their environment, now's the perfect time for our modern world to catch up.

Readers, what do you think about your environment? Do you believe in Qi? Is there anything you'd like to know more about in a future post? Leave a comment!

Also, here are some good introductory books on these systems:
Astrolocality Astrology
Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life

The Irish Potato Famine- A Neptune in Pisces story

Do you ever eat a potato and wonder about the history of this odd little tuber? It went from being an exclusive crop of Pre-Colombian South America to the predominant caloric intake for millions worldwide. This little vegetable got around, and fast- it took only a couple hundred years to do it. The Irish, in particular, adopted the potato as an important supplementary food, which soon become the mainstay of their diet. Any movement that widespread is bound to have importance in astrology somehow.

Literally conquered the world, one plate at a time

Nothing shows the significance of an astrological event like a real life example. Neptune moved into Pisces April 4th, an event the world hasn’t seen since 1847. Many significant events happened around the world at this time, some positive… and some not so positive. One of these events was an Gorta Mór, the Irish Potato Famine. The undercurrents of global awareness that began to flow stronger with Neptune in Pisces are essential to understanding the Irish Potato Famine. It was a global event, with global consequences.

Phytophthora infestans was a disease (originally from Mexico, actually, that travelled to Europe via boat) that devastated crops in Ireland from 1845 to 1852. A million people died of starvation or disease, and two million more immigrated to other countries. Ireland lost ¼ of its entire population. Countries then, as now, felt a sense of humanitarian obligation- compassion, one of the keywords of Pisces, was increasingly important with Neptune in Pisces. Other themes of this event- dissolving boundaries, global consciousness, idealism, maritime development, etc- are apparent in an interesting occurrence during the Irish Potato Famine- an aid shipment from the Ottoman Empire in 1845.

The Ottoman Empire originally tried to send 10,000 pounds sterling in assistance to the Irish people, but the British government forced them to lower this amount to 1,000 (to ensure, apparently, that their aid did not overshadow England’s 2,000 pound contribution). While there is documented evidence of this monetary contribution, there is no set proof of an additional physical contribution: 3 ships of food, bound from the Ottoman Empire to Ireland, supposedly snuck past the blocked ports of Dublin and Belfast and delivered their cargo to the town of Drogheda. In gratitude, the modern Coat of Arms of the town contains a star and crescent symbol on the top:

There is a unique combination of elements in this short tale, all of which demonstrate the budding era of Neptune in Pisces. There was compassion and international humanitarian concern and help on the part of the Ottoman Empire (a common Pisces trait, enhanced by the sensitivity and idealism of and the impending Neptune in Pisces). There was suffering and the need for healing in Ireland, there was cross-oceanic travel, all the while dissolving the boundaries of political and religious borders for the good of helping mankind, all associated with Neptune in Pisces. But of course, maybe the most Neptunian aspect of all- nobody can agree on exactly what happened, if it did. Was it three ships or five? Did the Ottoman Empire really want to send 10,000 pounds originally? Did it even happen at all? The dissolving boundaries of Neptune in Pisces open the door to unprecedented sensitivity and concern for all. However, at the same time, Neptune in Pisces dissolves concrete facts. Mundane life becomes, at times, indistinguishable from myth. Instead of focusing on lack of facts during these times of Neptune in Pisces, we should focus on the potential for insights about our global unity. From The Fountain magazine:

“Ottoman efforts to provide food and lessen the pains of the Irish people, despite political obstacles and the long distance, certainly deserves to be appreciated. It is a case study that should be analyzed carefully, not only as historical evidence for the friendship between two nations, but also as a perfect example that differences of race, religion, or language should not prevent humanitarian aid. This generous charity from a Muslim sultan to a Christian nation is also important, particularly in our time when Muslims are often unfairly accused of human rights violations.”

Now more than ever, we should maintain discrimination in the face of uncertain facts… but also open ourselves to the big picture, and the insights of brotherhood and tolerance we may find hidden there. Have you readers seen increased global compassion and awareness since Neptune moved into Pisces this month? Or perhaps more confusion? Share your thoughts!

Neptune into Pisces- let's get creative

"Screw you guys. I'm going home."

How do you feel when you think of the ocean? Of deep currents of water, moving and shifting, connecting the entire globe? It's an inspiring place, and has been for a great deal of time. In fact, recent new evidence of man-made tools on Crete suggests that early humans may have had far more sophisticated sailing technology, far earlier than expected (like, people were sailing when they were supposed to be thwacking each other over the head with mammoth bones).

In astrology, Neptune is associated with water and the ocean, as well as the symbolic and archetypal associations of water- the "spiritual waters", the waters of intoxication (beer!) and the emotional waters of whatever you'd like to call the psycho-spiritual mass that binds us- the collective subconscious, our spiritual connection, our sense of being one part of a vast energy matrix. Here's a snippet about Neptune from a post I did last November on the generational planets:

- April 4, 2011 – moves into Pisces.

- Neptune dissolves the physical world wherever it touches. It represents changes in consciousness, which can include idealism, spirituality, creativity, delusion, confusion, drugs and alcohol.

- Pisces is ruled by Neptune, and is a sign typically associated with empathy and compassion as well as confusion. Neptune last entered Pisces in 1847- A year later the Communist Manifesto (compassion and idealism) was published. Impressionist painters flourished (and drank a lot of Absinthe). Opium came into use, Darwin’s theories “dissolved” the old structure of Christian theological doctrine, and Anesthetic (compassion + drugs) began to be used in hospitals.

What if… Medical Marijuana? New philosophies about people and society? New drugs or vices? New discoveries in science that question religion (… or new discoveries in religion that question science?)

So what lies ahead as Neptune approaches Pisces? Famous astrologer Steven Forest points to a few possibilities, in this video from the last NORWAC (Northwest Astrological Conference):

Click here to see the video

As in most astrological events, there are positives and negatives. The guiding principle of Neptune in Pisces is that we will feel more, and that we will be opened up to greater metaphysical possibility. Anyone with a strong Neptune or Pisces element will understand this especially well. The challenge with such exposure is that it can be, at times, overwhelming... and people will seek to escape from it. Last time Neptune was in Pisces, the subject of Opium was one of international interest and conflict (including the second opium war in China), and Absinthe became a fashionable and widespread intoxicating beverage in France and elsewhere.

Neptune in Pisces may or may not facilitate encounters with the green fairy.

But, undeniably, Neptune opens doors that move people to explore what's on the other side. Many interesting developments seemed to be inspired during the last passage of Neptune in Pisces starting in 1847, and manifested more concretely during the following passage of Neptune through Aries (the Cardinal sign of pioneering manifestation). A few examples:

Mormonism: 1847 onward saw the presidency of Brigham Young and the development of Salt Lake City as a Mormon "Promised Land"
Theosophy: Helena Blavatsky, co-founder of the Theosophy movement, travels the world and takes inspiration from a variety of spiritual traditions.
Atlantis: A French ethnographer who translated the Popol Vuh, a sacred book of the Maya, began to speculate about a connection between the lost continent of Atlantis and Mayan culture
Oil (You might as well call it a theology in and of itself): In 1859, oil struck in Titusville, PA gave birth to the modern commercial oil industry.
India Pale Ale: British export beer originally made for traveling to colonial India becomes popular amongst people back home in England. A tasty example of increasing global connections.

What could breakaway Christianity, occult beliefs, oil and beer have to do with Neptune? Consider these developments. Mormonism taught that inhabitants of Native America were descendants of some of the lost tribes of Israel. Theosophy sought a concept of spiritual truth binding spiritual heritages from around the world. Atlantis, especially with the popular publication in 1882 of Atlantis: The Antidiluvian World by Ignatius L. Donnelly several years after Neptune passed through Aries. Oil began to develop as a resource not only useful globally, but available globally. And beer traveled around the world. These events, amongst others during the time of Neptune in Pisces, represent an underlying increase in the sense of global unity. Scholars investigating Atlantis saw the great cultural heritage of the Americas as being linked to those of the Old World through a common heritage, while Theosophy worked to demonstrate the common truth in world religions. Beer and Oil developed as lubrication, literally and mentally, for a world connected.

I admit, the idea that Indigenous Americans would need a common heritage with Europeans can be demeaning, and may well be connected to over a century of colonial mentality. But, if you take these developments in context (It was 1847 people! They didn't even have toilet paper! Until, that is, commercial toilet paper was mercifully invented while Neptune was still in Pisces, in 1857), you see that influential people around the world were seeking a system of unity and global consciousness.

Without even discussing the actual existence of Atlantis, it's easy to see its significance as a unifying mythical tale. Lacking any discussion of religious particulars, Atlantis was seen as a real place of ancient wisdom lost and found again. It was a binding heritage of people across the globe. It represents the dissolved boundaries of space, time, and physical reality, without which people gained access to ideas that solidified in the following epoch of Neptune in Aries. Now, as then, we embark on 15 years of old boundaries washed away. We may find, in the waters that wash in, the inspiration for a new world, one that will take physical shape starting in 2026.

As things in the world become more and more dire, don't be afraid of these boundaries that wash away. Instead, look through them, and find the inspiration for a healing new vision of the world.

And have a nice, tasty beer to celebrate Neptune in Pisces.

Neptunian types and everybody: Are you feeling the upcoming change? What do you think of the developments last time Neptune was in Pisces? What dreams do you want to manifest? This is a great topic for a good discussion!

Getting ready for the Supermoon Saturday

NOTE: I have decided to indefinitely post-pone Chiron and Sea level rise part two (in which I planned to demonstrate, in a darkly humorous way, how sea level rise would inundate famous beer breweries) in light of the recent events in Japan. Chiron has a lot to teach us about this event, I feel, but it's not the right time to make light of things being flooded by the sea.

Anywho, events around the world the past few weeks have really taken off. The U.N. voted in favor of a No-Fly Zone in Libya which would essentially be the beginning of military intervention by foreign countries in the Libyan conflict. Meanwhile, Japan is still reeling from its horrible earthquake and tsunami, and while many sources claim that the nuclear crisis is becoming more stable, there is rampant uncertainty and concern.

While all of these events make for high emotional "tides", we can also look to the "Supermoon", march 19, for an increase in lunar energy here on earth. The moon is at perigee, or the point closest to the earth in it's slightly imperfect orbit. If you keep your eyes peeled near the horizon for moonrise, you'll see the moon a whopping 14% larger. Astronomically speaking, this slightly closer proximity to earth causes the larger appearance, somewhat higher tides, some "oohs" and "awws" from stargazers, and the chance to giggle at the hokus-pokus nonsense of astrological predictions.

I feel that astrology is an ever-present thorn in the side of the hyper-rational community. I'll be the first to admit that, no, I (nor any astrologer I know of) cannot go into a lab and arrive at a proven result for astrological phenomena. Sometimes, however, events such as today's Supermoon make it to the mainstream media, and it can go from a point of general curiosity to an old-fashioned scientific turkey shoot. Words like "nonsense", "medieval" and "ridiculous" get used quite a bit, and without empirical proof on your side, it's hard to defend oneself. You may see many articles about how the Supermoon could cause more disasters, odd weather, etc, and just as many articles about how there's no backing in science for it.

From an astrological perspective, however, there is a resonance between the heavens and events on earth. They are part of the same system, that transcends empirical scientific proof. "As above, so below." As such, the Supermoon is a reflection of increased lunar influence. However you describe it, the connection is there. And historically speaking, Supermoons have been associated with several seismic disasters, including: The Galveston hurricane of 1900, the 1989 World Series earthquake, several historic eruptions. Richard Nolle had an article in The Mountain Astrologer (click on his name to see) about his observations such environmental effects around the time of Supermoons.

Another interesting supporter of this theory is a former scientist of the USGS named Jim Berkland, famous for predicting the 1989 World Series earthquake. In this video interview he discusses factors that contribute to this "window" of possible seismic activity, while never mentioning astrology. Instead, he mentions the significance of the "tidal" energies of the Earth's groundwater and tectonic plates, which could be linked to the moon's activities. He also mentions the phenomenon of marine animal die-offs shortly before major earthquakes, possibly linked to animals' greater electromagnetic sensitivity.

This is an interesting crossover event, one in which both science (even if it's considered unproven or "fringe" science) and astrological significance combine with similar indications, as a wider than usual audience looks on. What is the indication? In short, a time of increased energy, of contraction and expansion, both emotionally and physically. And really, who can say where one ends and one begins? As we face a plethora of changes, the energy over these few days is particularly dynamic.

It took me a few days to write this article, but I am thankful that it took so long after hearing about a possible NEW oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico- discovered the very day of the Supermoon. In typical Yin, lunar fashion, it remains subtly hidden from the full view of mainstream media, and seems to be a story only accessible from small and local news sources. If you can find enough about this event, keep your eyes peeled for developments. The new moon on April 3rd may bring the energy of this event full-circle, and we may find out more. In the meantime, just ride the waves, and hang on through whatever might be churning under the surface of our lives...

Saudi Arabia and Aries

http://asiabizz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/saudi-arabia-opec.jpg

Don't worry, I'm still studiously working on finding breweries to drown with sea level rise, though it's taking a bit more time than expected. Part two of the previous post will be coming soon. However, in the meantime I have an important topic to discuss- and that's Saudi Arabia.

So, there's been a great deal of revolutionary developments in the Arab world over the past couple of months, particularly as Jupiter moved into Aries (the sign, ruled by Mars, of individuality, action, initiative, sometimes violence). With Egypt shakily stable at the moment, and Tunisia more or less the same, the focus has turned to Bahrain and Libya. Libya, in particular, appears to be a tough situation because there is actual full-scale warfare between the regions held by the rebel "protesters" and pro-government forces. As gas prices jump 30 cents in a couple of days, the effects of oil concern come into focus. Many experts have said that Libya's conflicts don't necessarily indicate a major reduction in oil supply, but general uncertainty by people in the petroleum market leads to increased prices. While people in these countries fight for their sovereignty and human rights, the biggest visible reaction in the rest of the world appears to be gas prices. I think it's safe to say that the world as a whole pretty much survives on oil, literally speaking- to the very fertilizer we use to maintain enough food to feed (almost...) everyone. It is no coincidence, therefore, that news about Saudi Arabia's own forthcoming revolutionary mentality has been rather hushed- panic alone about the effects of unrest in Saudi Arabia is enough to rock the petroleum industry, let alone actual supply changes. And yet, such unrest churns, on our social network/political unrest forum Facebook. Check it out:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2011/03/saudi-arabia-government-bans-protests-says-demonstrations-are-against-islamic-law.html

"There are also activist calls on Facebook for a "Day of Rage" on March 11 in the austere kingdom and for a "Saudi revolution" on March 20." These two dates rang an astrological bell- they happen to be the exact days that Uranus (Mar 11) and the Sun (Mar 20, the spring equinox) go into Aries. Jupiter moving through Aries over the past couple weeks has indicated expansion into new territories, increased initiative, as well as impatience and even the potential for aggressive action. It has resonated powerfully with the events in the middle east, and as more planets move into aggressive Aries from the compassionate and dreamy Pisces, this fiery energy is set to increase. In the case of these two dates, we have Uranus- the sign of rebellion, new ideas, individuality and technology- and the Sun - the source of our energy- both moving into Aries. The sun does this every year at this time, as we feel the new beginnings associated with Spring, which begins at the same time. Uranus doesn't move into Aries all that often- the last time was 1927 to 1935. Somehow, the planned dates for these two events in Saudi Arabia match up with not only the ideals of Uranus (rebellion) and the Sun (life) moving into Aries (fiery action), but also the actual days. The next few weeks could see some serious action.

For added insight, let's take a look at the chart of the U.S. and Saudi Arabia together:

(It should get a little bigger if you click on it). Though it's already obvious in our policy decisions, you can see that Saudi Oil fuels our wealth in the conjunction between Saudi Arabia's Neptune (outer ring, right side of chart) and the U.S.'s Venus, in the 7th house (the house of relationships and cooperation). Oil is associated with Neptune, linked in the house of partnership with Venus, the planet of beauty, wealth, and love. And boy, does Saudi oil fuel our wealth and happiness.

In another handy article from the LA Times:

And even though Saudi Arabia and the other Arab states of the Persian Gulf have nominally remained U.S. allies, they, not we, hold the key strings in the relationship. The United States continues to support and aid these regimes despite their authoritarianism. If the sheiks of the Persian Gulf decide to put down popular unrest with the same fervor Libya has, the hands of U.S. foreign policy almost certainly will be tied.

This paragraph sums things up pretty well. Neptune can be a confusing, even stupefying or deluding planet in situations where "the path is lost". This magical substance, petroleum, that casts such a spell upon our country, can leave us unstable, and like an intoxicating liquor (also associated with Neptune) only makes us forget the problems with energy infrastructure in the U.S.

There's a lot more connections about these two charts that need to be discussed, but I'm just going to focus on Uranus and the Sun, since they are preparing for such a big change. These two charts are the "birth" charts for the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. If we consider the transiting planets, in the sky right now, we see that Uranus and the Sun are about to cross the very bottom point of the chart- the Imum Coeli, or Nadir line- the base and foundation of, in this case, the U.S. As Uranus and the Sun pass this point, they make an exact square to Saudi Arabia's Neptune we discussed earlier- an aspect signifying uncomfortable structural change and conflict in the interest of long-term stability. Whoa.

These dates, organized on Facebook, seem to be almost "awaiting activation" from transiting Uranus and the Sun, giving energy to the structural upheaval facing that intoxicating Neptune and its thirst-quenching oil. But, then again, maybe those days are just representations of a conflict concerning the world of Sheiks, Oil and Independence.

... I would say that, but for the fact that Facebook was one of the chief tools of the Tunisian Revolution. Which inspired similar movements in Egypt, Bahrain, and now Libya. Unfortunately for the United States, we are in a situation of "damned if you do, damned if you don't." If there was a revolution, and the House of Saud took action to put it down, the U.S. could support the rebels (who, as in other Arab countries, are chiefly concerned with the establishment of good old-fashioned democratic rights, just like we "gave" to Iraq) and risk losing the stability of Saudi oil... or they could support Saudi Arabia in putting down such protests, more or less openly admitting hypocrisy in the name of that oil. Such a difficult situation exemplifies the energy of the square aspect. It's gonna be an uncomfortable couple of weeks for the world of Big Oil. Get ready...

As always, what do YOU think of the events in the middle east? Will the U.S. take action at all, or if it does, what will it do? What do higher gas prices mean for the rest of the world? Share your thoughts!

Chiron and sea level rise, part one: What's Chiron?

Have you ever heard of Chiron? It's a "short-period comet" orbiting between Saturn and Uranus and is variously referred to as the "wounded healer" or "rainbow bridge". In addition to its literal position in the solar system as a "bridge" between the slowest of the inner planets and the start of the outer or generational planets, in astrology it represents the connections between the physical and non-physical world. It is associated with wisdom and mentorship, as well as healing- though an appropriate image may be a shaman speaking to the spirits to intervene in the disease, rather than the institution-based health methodologies. In Greek mythology, Chiron was a centaur with a conscience. While most centaurs focused their energy on wine, misbehavior and just generally "gettin' their freak on," Chiron was a refined, cultured mentor, adept astrologer, and healer. Chiron was wounded himself, but was unable to cure this wound. This is the significant image for astrologers- Chiron as a player in the horoscope represents both an area in which we have deep pain, wounds or insecurities, and yet through this experience have great wisdom and healing power to give to others.

Understanding Chiron can help puncture the wall of physical reality that seems to surround us. Chiron can be particularly challenging, as well, because it forces us to open wounds that we may have long covered up and chose to ignore. Fitting with the theme of Chiron as a Shaman, however, it seeks to heal, or at least understand and work with, the wound itself. Modern medicine, in contrast, in some ways may focus more on treating symptoms in the interest of maintaining one's ability to function in society and feel "okay."

Chiron works in the generational realm of astrology as well, especially considering it's proximity to the outer generational planets. It was discovered relatively recently- 1977, during a time of increased "shamanic" awareness- in the environment, in increasing fascination with "new age" ideas, the further development of astrology, etc. More recently, it moved into the last sign of the zodiac- Pisces- last year on April 20, 2010. Pisces is associated, as the culminating sign of the 12 zodiac signs, with sensitivity, compassion, concern for the world at large and especially the world's oceans and sea life. Pisces has a shamanic energy itself- a sensitivity to the non-physical world which leads as much to Pisces' potential for spiritual awareness as a potential for confusion, non-action and martyrdom. What else happened on April 20th, 2010? The Deepwater Horizon oil rig blew up.

If you've seen my previous post, "The Day Before Jupiter Moves Into Aries", you'll have a little understanding of the significance of the anaretic degree of Pisces. It's a point of final culmination before bursting into the assertive leap forward of Aries. Here's a short quote from that post:

"So, the challenge with "packing our bags" at 29 degrees of Pisces is that what we take with us and what we leave behind aren't going to be entirely clear."

The last time Chiron was in Pisces was 1960-69. This was a time of increased sensitivity and compassion in connection with the world around us, and especially the great aquifer of the world's waters (such as the publication of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring). In 1969, at the anaretic degree of Pisces, can you guess what happened? If you guessed The 1969 Santa Barbara Oil Spill, you'd be right! This horrible ecological disaster off the coast of California washed big fat globs of unignorable oil on the pristine beaches of the super-wealthy residents of Santa Barbara, and was one of several, if not the major, nitro boost to the budding development of American environmental stewardship. Oil had been growing and functioning in a non-physical dream world of infrastructure development without issue, fueling a comfortable way of life in the physical world of American wealth. Chiron, almost as a last warning after 10 years of struggle to increase environmental awareness, crossed the bridge between the worlds and brought oil literally to people's doorsteps. It worked, it helped... as much as it could.

What's at stake in our world now as the environment suffers, and policy makers continue to "cover up the wound"? Chiron is back to show us what we can lose, as well as how we can come together with wisdom and heal ourselves and our wounded earth. Chiron has 8 years with us in Pisces, but it's clear that we need to start examining our wounds now. We don't even know the long-term consequences of the Horizon Oil Spill... and what about global warming and sea level rise?

Lots to think about as I end part one of this post. I recognize how hard it is to feel the compassion that Chiron in Pisces demands, especially if you're comfortably using a computer with a Cappuccino or a nice brew (as I admit I am now). So... for all you lovers of British and Belgian Beer...

In part 2 I use sea level rise to KILL YOUR FAVORITE BREWERIES! We'll examine some maps in part two that you can't ignore...

Do you remember the Santa Barbara Oil spill? Were you affected by the Horizon Oil spill? What can we learn from the environment? Worried about a brewery and want me to make sure to include it in part two? Leave a comment!

Egypt´s horoscope in 2011

So I finally managed to make a post in Spanish, hopefully the first of many more for anybody who might be interested in astrological updates in Spanish. I started the Spanish version thinking I would tackle an "easier" subject (that I could translate more easily), but in so doing I realized that there's actually a really important event going on in Egypt's natal chart. While the Aries ingress chart and mundane interpretation is more like a "counsel of the stars" for any given location, on an impersonal level, the natal chart is more personal and shows us what's being activated in Egypt in light of being an individual, like a person. Interest and development in our personal identity study has certainly grown since the middle ages (when "group" astrology was more common), and taking a look at the identity of Egypt can help us see what's happening.

The inner ring of the chart on the left is Egypt's birth chart, while the outer ring is the current position of the planets. I'm not quite good enough at interpreting aspects in the birth charts of countries, but we can't ignore one very important aspect. Saturn, in its current position, has returned to the same place it was at the birth of Egypt- this is what we call the Saturn Return.

Saturn is associated with responsibility, pretty much across the board, countries included. The Saturn return is a time of crisis in identity and responsibility that occurs between the ages of 28 and 30. Saturn is a hardcore party-pooper, and provides difficult lessons wherever it goes over the 29 years it spends going around the zodiac. When it gets back to where it was, it means that this cycle of hard lessons has come to a close, and there is a crisis of meaning: What am I going to do with the hard lessons I've learned? What is the significance of my responsibility? How can I build the responsibility and challenges I've faced into a new cycle in life?
Now Egypt is facing this challenge. What does it signify? Well, for a hint we can look to what happened exactly 29 years ago. Any guesses? That's right, Hosni Mubarak took power (October of 1981). Now he has resigned, during the difficult process where Egypt turns the difficult lessons it has learned into a new beginning. We can also look to the position of Saturn to see where this crisis is focused. Saturn is in the 6th house of Egypt's birth chart, very close to the far right angle or descendant. The 6th house is associated with service and work, and the descendant as the 3rd angle as we go around the chart wheel is associated with others, relationships, friends and enemies at the same time. In addition, Saturn is in Libra (whose energy is associated with the descendant angle anyway) and is a sign of cooperation, awareness of others and relationships. As the crisis in Egypt continues over the following months and years, you can be sure that the focus of these questions and considerations will be people: citizens of Egypt and foreign relations alike.

While watching the developments in Egypt, instead of asking "What's changing?" consider asking "Who's changing, or what's changing people?" The difficulties in this process will be all about people. It's a difficult process, but necessary. There are many changes on the horizon...

I'd like to stimulate some discussion: what are your thoughts and reactions to this article or the events in general? I'm committed to making an effort to respond more to any responses and participate in discussion. Big topics folks! Pour yourself a brew and let's discuss...