 Mercury goes retrograde today, October 14, as I'm writing and posting this. The world doesn't stop when Mercury goes retrograde. Many people hardly notice it because we're so used to solving multiple problems per day. On the other hand, knowing Mercury is changing direction can give us the extra information we need to handle things more smoothly. Mercury has a few key areas that it rules: communication, transportation and the mind. That gives you a clue that over the next few days it's best to slow down and become more careful in what you say both spoken and written. With "transportation" you know you'll need to pay greater attention while driving or traveling in general. If you think "communication + transportation", you check your directions, calendar, reservations and so on. And triple-check that you've taken your wallet, phone, keys (and face mask!). If you think "communication + transportation + the mind", you realize there's always a chance that you'll space out and leave something important at home. If that does happen, retrograde yourself back to get it or have a plan B.  The new moon is Friday October 16 at 23° Libra. This places the Sun and Moon opposed to Mars in Aries and squared to Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn in Capricorn. Libra is partnerships (marriage, business and project work). That is likely to be the life area with the most stress right now. I thought we were done with the Saturn/Pluto volcano metaphor when Saturn went direct last month, but because Mercury is retrograde, I'm bringing it back. Watch your thoughts and emotions to see if a feeling of frustration or anger is building up (Mars and Pluto, the fire of the volcano from underground). Don't just hold it in with self-discipline (Saturn). That adds to the pressure (like earth on top of a volcano holding in the steam). You must find ways to vent (the steam of the volcano) which are not violent toward others or yourself. Walk outside or do gentle hatha yoga. Sing along with your favorite music or mantra chanting. Journal your feelings. Watch something funny and laugh. Whatever works for you. If you don't trigger this new moon with a big argument or ultimatums, the volcano of emotions will settle down in a few days.  Coming up:
A new issue of Yoga Chicago magazine will be online in a few days. My article "Sorting Things Out with Mindfulness" will include some thoughts about the Saturn/Jupiter conjunction coming up in December. If you haven't seen my previous articles you can find them here . NORWAC 2021: Early registration for the Northwest Astrology Conference has begun. It will be virtual, May 27 - 31st, with many wonderful speakers from the US and around the world. https://norwac.net/ The Professional Astrology Course: Reminding all astrology students that the Professional Astrology Course from the Temple of Kriya Yoga is still available. Virtual learning is so perfect for this time of social distancing. The course is self-paced so you can start anytime. There are over 120 recordings by Goswami Kriyananda and lots of printed material. As program leader, I answer student questions, grade tests and provide supplemental material and webinars. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the course. Email Newsletter If you would like to receive Astrology Update by Marcia Sacks as an email newsletter, just message me through this website's contact form.
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 The Full Moon is on Thursday, October 1st at 4:05 p.m. in 9° Aries. A full moon in Aries can fill us with energy and vitality. If you have a plan on how to use that extra energy you might be able to zip through tasks that you've put off. Some cautions though because Mars, the ruler of Aries is square to Saturn and Pluto in the Full Moon chart. For the next week or so:
Pluto goes direct on October 4th at 22° Capricorn, very close to Saturn. I wrote about the critical nature of this aspect two weeks ago at the New Moon. I truly believe life will begin to improve for everyone after the middle of October as the Saturn/Pluto conjunction gradually separates and the benefic Jupiter starts to transit over the same sector of the zodiac. Here's a recent photo from NASA of the Jovian moon Io in orbit above Jupiter's clouds:  My video for the Temple of Kriya Yoga's September 20th Noon Meditation is available on youtube: If you want to go to directly to the part where I talk about the Autumnal Equinox, here's the outline of the meditation called "The Path of Wisdom" with minute markers: Invocation and Chanting 0:00 The Path of Wisdom: 6:00 Guided Meditation: Detachment 23:15 Astrology and Kriya Yoga: Autumnal Equinox and the months ahead 33:14 I recommend this episode of the Astrology Podcast with guest Melanie Reinhart for those who are interested in the asteroid Chiron. Melanie Reinhart has been studying and writing about Chiron since the 1970s. Chiron the centaur is the "wounded healer" and a mentor to heroes in mythology. Where you find it in your chart may be the area of life you can be a help to others based on the life experiences you have struggled through.  The New Moon is on Thursday, September 17 at 6:00 a.m. in 25° Virgo. This is a natural time to analyze, to look at the details of your life and set them in order. One example is applying organizational skills to a project. Have fun reading organizing books like "Getting Things Done" by David Allen or "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo. The Sun and Moon in the New Moon chart are in a wide opposition to Neptune at 19° Pisces. As you pay attention to the details, don't lose sight of the bigger picture. This is one of the themes that goes with a Virgo/Pisces polarity. Another is service (Virgo) vs. sacrifice (Pisces). Virgo is a very service oriented sign, often very helpful to others. With Pisces in polarity, the person doing service may feel like a they're being taken advantage of. In yoga we talk about the path of Karma Yoga, unselfish service, doing the work because it needs to be done, with joy in service to the Divine, and without looking for an earth plane reward. Just something to contemplate about over the next few days. The Autumnal Equinox is September 22 at 8:30 a.m. , when the Sun moves to 0° Libra. This is a point of balance, time to pause and contemplate where you want to go, what you want to do or accomplish in the next few months.  In the future: Saturn goes direct on September 29 in 25° Capricorn. This puts it close to Pluto at 22° Capricorn. Pluto will make its station direct on October 4th. So this period of time (last half of September through first half of October) will have similarity to the Saturn/Pluto conjunction that took place on January 12, 2020. Most people on the planet didn't know that Covid-19 was already starting to spread around the world at that time. I believe the pandemic is one of the symbols of this conjunction. There are social/political situations in the news that also embody the constraints of Saturn mixed with the urge to revolt of Pluto. I wrote about the Saturn/Pluto conjunction as a volcano aspect, simmering tension and frustration with the potential to explode. It's certainly been a metaphor for this year so far. For each one of us: can we find a way to be constructive with our frustrations, anger and anguish? Alternately, can we get these emotions out of our mind/body complex in a way that doesn't harm others? Back in January I wrote, "Think of how a volcano vents steam to prevent a mountain from blowing its top. We can vent by taking a walk, doing yoga or other balancing movement practices, chanting or singing, or just pulling back from a bad situation. A genuine gentle or caring word to another person may help them vent or defuse." After the middle of October, Saturn will travel away from Pluto and the difficult situations will slowly begin to ease.  Coming up this Sunday:
September 20 - The Path of Wisdom Noon Meditation for the Temple of Kriya Yoga by Marcia Sacks, Swami K. Adinadananda On our journey through life, we strive to stay on the path of wisdom. This meditation will give encouragement to detach from distractions and make wise choices. The astrological significance of the Autumnal Equinox will be included plus a guided meditation to reflect on the equinox and our spiritual goals for the months ahead. This noon meditation will be published on this page on Sunday at noon. You can find me on:  The Full Moon is on Wednesday, September 2 at 12:22 a.m. central time in 10° Pisces. It's a dreamy and intuitive time better for relaxing than lots of activity. It's also good for meditation, music, and artistic pursuits. It's great for getting out into nature especially walking near ponds, lakes, rivers and oceans. People as a whole tend to be a little more thin-skinned or sensitive at a Pisces Full Moon. It's not a good time for giving critiques. Even the most diplomatic constructive feedback may be taken the wrong way.  Mars goes retrograde on September 9 at 28° Aries. This puts Mars opposite of Saturn and Pluto and square (90°) to Venus. This is not a good time for beginning new projects. If you find that you must move forward, you will feel you are pushing against the tide. Wait at least three days after the Mars station on the 9th if you can. One of the key words for Saturn/Mars aspects is "scars." Move carefully and slowly especially with sharp objects i.e. knives in the kitchen. More than physical scars, sharp words can leave even longer lasting scars. Verbal non-violence is one of the most important spiritual practices at any time. It is even more important in the days around September 9. And not just with others - remember to speak kindly and compassionately to yourself as well. Coming up:
Madalyn Hillis Dineen will be speaking for the Northern Illinois Chapter of NCGR on "Getting the Most from Solar Fire" on Tuesday, September 8, 7 p.m. via Zoom. Solar Fire is a popular software program for professional astrologers and astrology students (it's the program I use). Madalyn was the winner of the 1995 UAC Regulus Award for Community Service. She served as the Chair of the national NCGR from 2005-2011. More info here: http://www.chicagolandastrology.com/news.html You can find me on:  The New Moon is Tuesday, August 18, at 9:41 p.m. in 26° Leo. Creativity and personal self-expression are strong at a Leo new moon. Mars is in a trine to the New Moon meaning your energy and vitality will harmoniously activate your creativity whether it's artistic efforts, theater and drama, or any other sort of inventiveness. Pluto and Saturn are inharmonious (square with Mars; inconjunct to Sun and Moon). These aspects are responsible for the discouraging feelings that we are experiencing. We feel our goals and creative work are being thwarted by heavy life responsibilities and the ever-present Corona virus situation. With Pluto in the equation there's a transformation in process, just time-delayed by Saturn. All I can say is don't give up your dreams. Don't quit. Keep going. Even a small step on your path is progress. Next year you will become aware of all you have accomplished during this challenging time. Chanting "OM" can be very soothing and healing. This is a very relaxing recording of OM chanting: What is Astrology? My latest video was created for the Frequently Asked Questions page for the Temple of Kriya Yoga. It's about 10 minutes and is about what astrology is, what types of information it can provide, and a little bit about why astrology is important for students of Kriya Yoga.  The Full Moon is on August 3 at 10:58 a.m. in 11° Aquarius which is generally good for social gatherings. I have a lot of gratitude for living in the time of unlimited phone minutes, the ability to do video call and group meetings, and so many ways to get together on social media. Aquarius full moon are also times when we're likely to come in contact with creative people and new ideas. Uranus is currently at 10° Taurus in a square (inharmonious) position to the Sun and Moon of this full moon. One key phrase for this aspect is "unexpected changes of plan." Uranus rules electricity so part of the "unexpected" events may be challenges with computers and other devices. Uranus also rules invention, so watch for stories about new discoveries and gadgets. On August 15th, Uranus goes retrograde, still at 10° Taurus. This makes the two weeks of the Full Moon to New Moon a very restless and unpredictable time. If you have planets in your natal horoscope in fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius), you might feel the Uranus electricity as a type of agitation. Slow down your decision making - there's a tendency to go to extremes. If you find that you are too restless to do sitting still type of meditation right now, switch temporarily to slow, gentle hatha yoga, tai chi, or simply go for a walk outside. Chanting a mantra or repeating positive affirmations can help gain calm before going to sleep.  I have some mantras and chanting in a playlist that I've collected from around the internet.
The Temple of Kriya Yoga Musicians have mantra on their albums, which you can sample here. You can find me on:  The new moon is on July 20 at 12:32 pm in 28° Cancer. With both the Sun and Moon in Cancer, people will have a stronger sensitivity to their environment, especially the home environment. It can be very helpful to have things clean and in order at this time. The idea is to have the home environment as pleasant as possible. Create harmony in your home with beauty, art, music - whatever speaks to peace and tranquility to you. The challenge at the new moon is the opposition from Saturn at 28° Capricorn. Saturn brings limitations and restrictions. Because many of us are social distancing, even the most pleasant of home environments can feel a bit constricting. Pluto in Capricorn is still in close proximity to Saturn and therefore also opposed to this new moon. Pluto brings an urge to rebel. Find a wise way to work through those defiant thoughts in a way that isn't dangerous to your health or safety. When Pluto and Saturn energies work together, they can manifest tremendous will power to use toward your highest goals. More about this new moon in my article Dreams and Dreaming in the current issue of Yoga Chicago Magazine. More about the new moon aspects and a song from astrologer and Kriya yogi Eric Klein from Wisdom Heart.  Coming up:
On July 27th, Jupiter in Capricorn sextiles Neptune in Pisces. This harmonious aspect is particularly good for combining study with meditation and reflection. Watch for books or recommendations of books that come into your life for several days surrounding this aspect as these books (or movies or blogs) may be particularly meaningful. Email Newsletter If you would like to receive Astrology Update by Marcia Sacks as an email newsletter, just message me through this website's contact form. You can find me on:  A lunar eclipse is always a full moon but a full moon is not always a lunar eclipse. There is a lunar eclipse at this full moon as the Moon moves into the perfect position so that the Earth blocks the light of the Sun. Astrologically, a lunar eclipse is at least double the power of a normal full moon in its effect. The full moon on July 4 is at 11:44 p.m. CDT here in the Midwest, so on July 5 in the eastern time zone and Europe. It is at 13° Capricorn, the sign of work and responsibility. It's a good time to put a little extra effort into your to do list or tasks relating to high priority projects. It can be a good time to learn a new time management skill, such as the simple pomodoro technique or the more robust "Getting Things Done" by David Allen. My article "Dreams and Dreaming" for the July/August issue of Yoga Chicago Magazine isn't online yet, but the printed magazine may be at your local yoga or fitness center. Here are some of the main points from the astrology forecast for this lunar eclipse:
 Coming up: Mercury goes direct on July 12. Always use caution in verbal and written communications around Mercury station points. A few days after the 12th things that have gone backward will start to move forward again and things that you lost over the last several weeks may reappear. Online: Gary Whitney reads Chapter 5 of his graphic book Song of the Avatar: Riffs on the Bhagavad-Gita.  If you would like to receive Astrology Update by Marcia Sacks as an email newsletter, just message me through this website's contact form.
You can find me on:  The Summer Solstice is on June 20 at 4:43 pm CDT. This is the moment each year when the Sun enters the sign Cancer and is recognized by being the longest daytime light of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere). This is a point of new beginning for the upcoming quarter of the year. It's followed immediately by the Solar Eclipse on June 21 at 1:41 a.m. CDT in 0° Cancer. Eclipses symbolize change in the year ahead. With both the solstice and eclipse focused on the sign Cancer, home and family is the area of change. This is likely to emphasize change in the structure and nature of families as we move into the second half of 2020. There are many other transits occurring during this time frame: Mercury just turned retrograde in 15° Cancer on June 18 signifying difficulty in communications. Keeping with the theme of home and family, do your best to keep communication calm and nurturing with family members. It's critical to be careful of what you say and how you say it, whether it's written or verbal communication. If you get in an argument now, you'll be arguing (or apologizing) for the next three weeks until Mercury goes direct on July 12.  Neptune goes retrograde on June 22 at 21° Pisces. There's a mental fogginess that makes it easier to forget things if they are not written down. We may be called on to act without all the information necessary. Delay major decisions for a week or so, if possible. Neptune rules our dreams at night. Write those down immediately after waking if you can. Take time to reflect on them. Sometimes dreams are simply our brains sorting our memories of the day. Other times there are important messages from our higher consciousness that we are obligated to take the time to interpret. Venus goes from retrograde to direct on June 25 at 5° Gemini. This stationary point of Venus, which has to do with desire for pretty things, when combined with the Neptune retrograde can have us shopping (Venus) under hypnosis (Neptune). Commercials and ads may have more influence on us than usual. Delay major purchases for several days to a week. Read reviews and make sure you have all the info on a product that seems appealing to you.  Jupiter conjuncts Pluto on June 30 at 24° Capricorn. This conjunction happened previously around April 5 so you might want to look at what was happening in your life at that time. In mythology Jupiter was the god of the sky and lightning. In ancient times, Pluto was seen as the god of wealth because gold, jewels and minerals were mined from underground. This conjunction could be seen then as a time when a lightning bolt of insight strikes the earth and illuminates some treasure in our unconscious mind, something that has been hidden very deep but is now revealed. But Jupiter is also the law and Pluto often symbolizes revolution by large groups of people. On another level, Jupiter is the guru, the wise teacher, the light of wisdom on our path and Pluto is the process of transformation. May we be transformed harmoniously through wisdom and peace.
My astrology column in Yoga Chicago magazine has another look at this time frame: The Realm of Perfection. My lecture about the major conjunctions of 2020 is here: Planetary Meetups 2020 My most recent noon meditation is "Awakening into the Light" given for the Temple of Kriya Yoga. You can find me on:  There is a Lunar Eclipse on Friday, June 5 at 9:41 p.m. CDT in 15° Sagittarius which brings a desire for exploration, to travel and expand our boundaries. The Mars and Neptune conjunct in the Eclipse chart can symbolize danger from boundaries that are crossed, so use common sense, especially related to issues of health and infection. Moon is at 15° Sagittarius exactly opposed to the Sun at 15° Gemini in the eclipse chart. The Sun and the Moon are also in opposite placement above and below the celestial equator. So there are strong opposing forces described by the signs. Gemini rules our everyday intellect and casual communication. Sagittarius rules higher learning and high ideals. The confrontation is between what's easy for us to think and chat about and what wisdom asks us to discover about ourselves and the true nature of reality. On an everyday level it's simply a caution to think about what you want say for a moment before you speak at this lunar eclipse. On a deeper level, the seeker is looking to elevate their horizon of awareness through meditation and attunement to the Divine.  Coming Up: There's a lineup of astrological events in the second half of June that may be challenging to navigate. I'll sketch them out here and write more just before the Mercury Retrograde. Keep in mind that it will be easier to get projects accomplished in the first half of June so put off procrastination until later.
Online: The Astrology of Past Epidemics and Covid 19 with Nina Gryphon A free seminar sponsored by the Northern Illinois chapter of NCGR Tuesday, June 9th, 7:30 p.m. CDT via Zoom More information + RSVP to receive the link: Facebook or Meetup Awakening into the Light Noon Meditation with Marcia Sacks for the Temple of Kriya Yoga Sunday, June 14, link to video will be live at noon at: https://www.yogakriya.org/sunday-services.html This talk will focus on expanding your awareness of the good and beautiful in life and finding your spiritual treasures within. My article "The Realm of Perfection" is available in the May/June issue of Yoga Chicago Magazine. http://yogachicago.com/may-june-2020/ You can find me on: |
AuthorMarcia Sacks is an astrologer in the Kriya Yoga tradition. Archives
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