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suggests that perhaps we are expecting too much and not being realistic enough. At this New Moon time of beginning, it's easy to dream BIG�so big that no one could ever achieve
it! We need to balance imagination with realism.
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believes the symbol warns us that whatever we decide to pursue, we cannot rely on the applause of others to sustain our commitment to our path. "There is here the
call to a selfhood which can rest secure in its own creative potentiality, catering to nothing exterior to itself."
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seems to see this symbol almost as a kind of test. It is not the disappointed audience that is the important thing, but how we handle this situation. "The manner in
which it is met determines the individual's future possibilities of development and achievement." This is a test, the purpose of which is not to produce the "right
answer" but to discover what we learn by going through it.
This is the third of four Grand Trine Kite configurations we have from March through
June of 2007. (For detailed information about these Kites, see the article 
Any T-square aspect configuration will challenge us to resolve conflicts and stretch
ourselves beyond our comfort zone, and this T-square is no exception! Jupiter opposing Venus can bring a love of luxury and creature comforts�perhaps too much. It
may feel like there's never enough and so we are dazzled by "all that glitters." It helps to remember what is really important and valuable to us, and not get
overly enticed by the "bling."
The Mystic Rectangle is an intriguing aspect configuration that strives to resolve two
different struggles by essentially making the best out of what is available. On one hand, we have the Saturn-Neptune/Chiron opposition (mystical and mysterious in
its own right) which challenges us to find a balance point between fact and fantasy; between our earthly limitations and our cosmic dreams. Then the Jupiter-Venus
opposition calls for us to explore our desires � can we find balance in our hunger for beauty, abundance, sensory pleasure and love? Moving back and forth between
these extremes, and striving to find a balance point that we can live with, may create a curious sense of calm and acceptance. We can find harmony and peace by
reaching outside of our immediate struggle to embrace the positive that is still there. Our frustration and pain become tucked away inside a more positive attitude.
There is a risk, however, in becoming a martyr�hanging onto the suffering for the mystical euphoria it can bring (hence the name Mystic Rectangle). This is a
temporary aspect figure, and is meant to be but one step on a longer journey. Don't get addicted to the struggle or you could get stuck. |
Sabian Symbol for the
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However, the Moon isn't at its most comfortable in Scorpio, and the intensity of those feelings can become a bit overwhelming. The Moon
part of us wants to bond closely with others, and in Scorpio that bonding could become bondage (literally or figuratively. ;-) Astrologer
Donna Cunningham
On the other hand, a Scorpio Moon can also get us in touch with our deepest passion, creativity and intuition. There's a deep emotional strength in Scorpio that can fortify us when we feel vulnerable and give us courage to draw boundaries and surround ourselves with the protection we need in those vulnerable times. Scorpio's reputation for being guarded and secretive is really a form of self-protection, and when combined with the Moon it can give us the space and boundaries we need to avoid being overwhelmed by the outside world.
This Full Moon chart has some strong aspects that can certainly bring out that Scorpio intensity! The Sun-Moon opposition (which is what a Full Moon is) forms a Grand Cross aspect configuration with the Saturn-Chiron/Neptune opposition. (I'll explain all this in a second.) The Moon moves quickly out of range, leaving a T-square figure that continues for the rest of the lunar cycle. The Sun and Mercury are also conjunct, bringing Mercury into this tangled web of energy.
The net effect is that we are challenged to play out the struggle of the Saturn-Neptune/Chiron within ourselves�in thoughts, ideas, words and identity. It is a challenge to bring idealism and realism together and discover how this is reflected in who we are and how we reason through the struggle between who we are and what we could be (or should be). The key is to stay grounded without limiting your potential, and to find pleasure in life without totally losing yourself in it.
There is yet another T-square in the Full Moon chart, which is the tail end of the Venus-Jupiter-Uranus/Mars T-square that is in effect Apr.22-May.03. This means we are still processing, integrating and absorbing the events and experiences that came into our lives during that time. We are now dealing with the implications and consequences of whatever the T-square stirred up.
As this circuit of energy fades, Venus now opposes both Jupiter and Pluto, bringing them together through "translation of light," which basically means Jupiter and Pluto can talk to each other through Venus. Our reach for truth and understanding can join forces with our inner strength and passion, as long as they are held in balance through a mentality of love, fairness and negotiation. With Venus trining Neptune right now, this shouldn't be hard to do, but we must still maintain a careful and conscious balance between all these different energies. If you just collapse yourself into a situation or relationship or your feelings, you could start to swing between extremes. If that happens, take some time out and unhook your desire and attachment from whatever it is. Then, regain your focus through simplicity and remembering your highest personal values.
May.02 � Sun conjunct Mercury (12:22 of Taurus)
During this transit, your sense of self and purpose can become merged with what you think, perceive and say. On one hand, this can make for an easy flow of ideas and communication from inside your brain to the external world. It can also increase your perceptions and observations of the world, as you file it all away in your internal database. On the other hand, you may find yourself a bit tongue-tied, as it could be hard to separate your sense of self from your perceptions and ideas enough to find the words to adequately express them. In that case, just observe and go with the flow; the words will come later. It can also be a time when it's not easy to be objective, especially about yourself and how you bring yourself to the world around you. It's like your Being automatically expresses and sets into motion the things you think, perceive and want to say. This can help you to feel like your sense of self is shining effortlessly, but if your thoughts and perceptions are in conflict with other parts of you (e.g., emotions, needs, objectivity) then it might become a time when you act a little too quickly with blinders on. Strive for balance and self-honesty before you act.
May.02-16 � T-square in Fixed Signs (Saturn opposite Chiron/Neptune, squared by Sun/Mercury) ("What's a T-square?")
Self-awareness may show you parts of yourself (or others) that are not what you want to see. Yet, being able to look at these things and learn from what you see is essential. These days, it's easy to get caught in extremes of opinion and reaction. On one hand, you may try to walk a disciplined, straight-and-narrow path that promises guaranteed results (hopefully!) or at least the reassurance that you've made the effort and done what you're supposed to do. On the other hand, you may try to surrender to the will of the Universe and go where it leads you, wanting to trust that this will make all things right. This T‑square can put you in the middle of this struggle in a personal way. Your sense of self and your thoughts and words become the battleground on which you "fight the good fight." If you are unable to bring these extremes into balance, you might try to blame yourself and believe it is a reflection on your personal worth (although you'd be wrong). The more you are able to bring the reality/faith dichotomy into balance, the more you will be able to access the creative energy generated by their friction. To help this along, tap into the Taurus side of you � grounded, methodical, practical, slow and simple. The idea is to not to reduce your idealism or ambition down to a lacklustre level; the idea is to take things one manageable step at a time. It will also help
Like other recent aspect configurations, this T-square uses the Saturn-Neptune opposition as its starting point. At the Full Moon in Scorpio (May.02) the T-square is just starting to form and the Full Moon actually creates a Grand Cross configuration. At that time, the Sun-Mercury conjunction begins to move into position to square both sides of the Saturn-Neptune opposition. The T-square and its effects continue until the next New Moon (May.16/17). In effect, the latter half of the current lunar cycle (from May.02-16) brings an evolution that challenges us to find that balance between extremes within ourselves as much as in the events and circumstances of our lives.
May.04 � Mercury square Chiron (15:32 of Taurus/Aquarius) (May.05 in Sydney)
Your mental focus and perceptions may feel a bit strained right now. You could find yourself locked in a struggle of indecision that stems from a "glass half empty" versus "glass half full" dilemma. It may be difficult to stay objective and evenly balanced in your perspective, but by working with this you could also find a new mental focus that gives you increased clarity. It might be tempting to sink into cynicism as a way to deal with what seems like a no-win situation. On the other hand, this transit could bring your mental perspective to a kind of "healing crisis" that forces you to get a better grip on the ideas, communication and frame of mind that have been problematic for you. Instead of reaching for extremes (hoping this will clarify the path in front of you), it will help more if you can take a few steps back to allow all the conflicting and out-of-sync elements to coexist together -- creative paradox. If you have been in denial about something, this could be a turning point that allows you to grapple with the complex reality of your situation.
May.05 � Mercury sextile Uranus (17:45 of Taurus/Pisces) (May.06 in Sydney)
There is potential for brilliance and excitement under this transit. You may be more spontaneous, upbeat and eccentric than usual. If you are used to a fairly predictable lifestyle, it is a time when you may be inspired to experiment with something out of character. If you are used to being whacky, zany and impulsive, this transit can provide opportunities to express this. You may have an increased ability to "think outside the box" if you stretch your mind a little, and there is the possibility of having an "ah-ha!" experience, when answers and realisations fall into place. There is also the possibility of being mentally restless, so that it's hard to slow down your thoughts or apply yourself seriously to your responsibilities. Your attention span may be a bit short for a couple of days. This energy can be used to consider new ideas that seemed outlandish or impossible before, and see new potential in them.
May.05 � Mercury square Saturn (18:23 of Taurus/Leo)
Your thoughts, ideas and communication need to become structured, rational and discreet, although this may not be easy to achieve. You may have to work extra hard to get your point across now, since others might be resistant to your ideas or may not be familiar with the basic concepts. It is a time to be clear, objective and down-to-earth in your communication and thinking, but equally important to do this without going overboard and becoming rigid, autocratic or over-cautious. If you find yourself stuck in a "glass half empty" frame of mind, you might be sagging under the weight of melancholy ...Or, it might mean you are coming to terms with some hard realities and decisions and feeling the gravity of the implications. But also check to be sure you're not taking yourself and your situation too seriously. By applying your best efforts, this can be a very productive time, especially with anything involving communication, writing, organising or logic.
May.05-12 � Rosetta or Trapeze Aspect Configuration (Sun/Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus) ("What's a Rosetta?" "What's an aspect configuration?")
This is a somewhat rare and very complex aspect
figure that generates a multi-level vortex of energy! In a nutshell, this configuration creates a dynamic struggle between responsibility and privilege, between
discipline and excess, between restraint and freedom. Essentially, you may feel you're in a "damned-if-you-do-damned-if-you-don't" kind of situation. The
conflicting nature of these experiences can work together � for instance, through the practical pursuit of a vision, or a good sense of humour if things get a bit heavy. On the other
hand, even the cooperative nature of these energies can create implications that cause complications. For example, who/what has creative control over that vision?
Or, perhaps a light-hearted approach could be perceived as disrespectful or contradictory to the principles it's meant to protect.
There's no clear answer to the riddle that the Rosetta figure poses. And to add to the mystery, there's not even a clear issue that you can say "this is what started it all." The highest potential of this figure is the growth of awareness. By wrestling with questions and problems that may not have easy or clear answers, it is possible to gradually build a bridge between spirituality and practicality. However, this bridge will draw its strength from your ability to make mindful, conscious choices. It will also help to make the most out of the "bad" aspects of your situation, and to not place too high expectations on the "good" stuff.
If any of the Rosetta's planets are aligned with planets or points in your natal chart, you could be affected by this configuration on a very personal level. A personal reading can give you the awareness you need to navigate through and make the most of this complex energy.
May.06 � Jupiter trine Saturn (18:24 of Sagittarius/Leo)
The expansiveness of Jupiter works cooperatively with the concise structure of Saturn in this transit. Its peak effects can be felt for up to about a week to 10 days before and after the exact date (above). This transit can bring adventure and caution into a healthy balance. You have the confidence and imagination to envision bright possibilities in your life, while also having the grounded realism to make the plans and do the hard work to make it happen. If you have been making plans to create, build or reach for a goal in your life, this is a time when you may be able to make substantial progress. You have access to vision that can see beyond obstacles, insight to deal with problems, enthusiasm to sustain your efforts, and faith in the process as it unfolds. It is also easier to be responsible, stable and predictable without limiting your options or potential. There's a slight possibility that this could backfire somewhat, by giving you the strength to push through your vision or opinion with such force that others find it overwhelming. Or, you might feel so reassured and confident with the way your life is unfolding that you take it for granted and don't apply any real effort to help it along ...and then wonder why it didn't bring as much as you thought. Make a point of putting this energy to productive use!
This is the second of 5 passes of this transit! The exact pass dates are: 16-Mar-07, 5-May-07, 21-Jan-08, 8-Sep-08 and 21-Nov-08. It's somewhat unusual to have 5 passes of a Jupiter-Saturn transit, and it only happens when they are on opposite sides of the solar system (in other words, the trine and opposition aspects). The last time we had 5 passes of a Jupiter-Saturn aspect was the opposition in 1989-91. This long-term transit means we have two years to make the most of this productive and powerful combination of energies. Also, whatever long-term plans you are nurturing during this time, there may be a chance to develop something even better than you originally thought was possible.
At this second pass, you may find that the hopes, dreams and plans that gathered during the first pass now require rethinking, research, reconsideration and revision. Don't be discouraged if this happens�it means there's more work to be done to bring your dream into reality. You might have to compromise a bit to fit your vision into the reality of what you have to work with, but this is the stage where you tinker with it and see what fits and what doesn't and what can be adjusted.
May.06 � Sun square Chiron (15:34 of Taurus/Aquarius)
Your self-confidence and patience may be a bit strained right now, stretched by the urge to break free of chronic constraints. Motivation and self-esteem may seem to sag and suffer from old problems that you thought were resolved. This is probably because you are seeing "the flaws in the system" that are preventing you from getting the results you want. It will help to take a fresh approach to your situation. You may need to let go of what you think the results "should be" or how they should come to you. Be open to getting what you want in a different form than you were expecting. You may have to work extra hard for results now, especially if it means having to find a different route to success. If it seems like a door of opportunity has closed, look for an unexpected advantage or hidden alternative. This could allow you to tap into other opportunities that wouldn't have been possible otherwise.
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May.06 � Venus opposite Pluto (28:38 of Gemini/Sagittarius) (May.07 in London, Sydney)
Under this transit you could experience great intensity and challenge in your relationships or financial matters. It is a time to delve into the depths of your personal issues that associated with relationships, finances, resources and values. That means being willing to examine the under-the-surface dynamics and hidden patterns that affect these areas of your life. These emerging patterns could indicate a need to come to terms with your "Shadow" -- this could include unconscious hidden agendas, secret desires, obsessions or power games. You have an opportunity now to learn more about how you project this "Shadow" onto others through your interactions, expectations, hopes and fears. At its best, this can be a time to transform fear into fortitude and powerlessness into endurance. By being willing to negotiate and work with your fears, feelings of intimidation or efforts to gain empowerment through self-honesty, you have the potential to create a win-win situation.
May.07 � Mercury square Neptune (21:57 of Taurus/Aquarius) (May.08 in Sydney)
Your mental focus may be a bit clouded, confused or lethargic right now, as your conscious mind struggles to grasp the formless, limitless expanse of the Universe and the unconscious. You may experience some disillusionment or disappointment, in your observations or communication with others. However, what is flowing under the surface of events right now is the need to dissolve away the crust of old expectations that blocks your view from seeing a greater Truth. If you're feeling off-balance, try to listen more than you talk, so that you can be receptive to your inner sensitivity. Left-brain analysis might be difficult to work with right now unless you balance it with a lot of right-brain intuition. You may have to let go of a rigid mindset, or give up what you think you understand about a situation in your life, in order to open yourself to a new perspective that is difficult to define but is ultimately in the best interest of your spiritual growth.
May.08 � Venus enters Cancer (until Jun.05)
Your focus in relationships may shift for a while to family, loved ones and people in your support system. You may also find that your interactions with others takes on a quality that echoes the past, perhaps childhood, and you want to reach out to connect with others more than usual -- or to avoid it if those echoes are not pleasant ones. You could be especially sensitive to getting your emotional needs met, or how others want their needs to be met. Interactions with others may bring up a deep need to belong and to connect and bond with others on a personal level. The need to feel secure and safe could come up in a variety of forms now -- either directly as a feeling of vulnerability, or indirectly disguised as defensiveness or manipulation. This could also a time when you want to be somewhat protective and cautious in your handling of money, possessions and other resources, striving to conserve and cultivate these areas in order to nurture them for future growth.
May.08 � Sun sextile Uranus (17:52 of Taurus/Pisces) (May.09 in Sydney)
You are more open than usual to spontaneity, surprises and "flying by the seat of your pants!" Your sense of humour and fun are more finely tuned during this transit, as is your ability to break out of old outworn habits. It's a great time to try new things and experiment with something that's out of character for you. In fact, it may be surprising how easy it is to break out of your usual routine...so much so that it's good to be careful not to be too reckless under this transit. Just have fun pushing the envelope! You may also find you want things to be spontaneous and new and out-of-the-ordinary so much that it's hard not to feel restless and dissatisfied with ordinary life right now. But remember that trying to plan spontaneity defeats the purpose of the exercise. And if you are hungering for something new but can't seem to find something satisfying, try digging a little deeper to see what is driving that hunger from inside you. You could find surprising answers.
May.08 � Mercury sextile Mars (25:01 of Taurus/Pisces) (May.09 in London, Sydney)
There is a potential now to find the courage to speak your mind and say what needs to be said, if you focus consciously on doing so. In fact, your ideas and words may come so quickly and easily that it's hard to stop them from tumbling out of your mouth before you've had a chance to evaluate the best way to say them. Communication is probably easiest and most effective when it's direct, concise and quick, although it might also be a bit blunt or pointed. If you need to confront someone about a difficult situation, this transit can provide courage and clear words to help you do that -- although perhaps a bit too forceful when a more delicate, sensitive touch is called for. It is a time when you might find the nerve to take risks, or to defend yourself if the need arises (especially verbally). This is a good transit for creative problem solving and trying on decisions to see if they fit.
May.09 � Sun square Saturn (18:30 of Taurus/Leo)
It is necessary for you to come to grips with limitations, boundaries or expectations. If you have been avoiding some task or obligation, this transit might bring consequences from that avoidance or a warning of consequences to come. You might also encounter a situation that requires you to accept unwanted responsibility or restricts your freedom in some way. You might be faced with some part of your life being pruned back, either to rein in something that is out of control or to make room for new growth. This is likely to be more or less stressful depending on how comfortable you are dealing with responsibility, authority, limits and hard work. If you have a hard time with authority issues, you might find yourself in conflict with someone in authority under this transit -- perhaps in part because your buttons are getting pushed. On the other hand, this could also be a time when you are challenged to take action or make a decision that involves taking on more responsibility. It is also a time when you may have to find better ways to deal with personal boundaries -- accepting others' or learning to assert your own. You're bumping up against reality, so try to work constructively with it, not hurl yourself against it.
May.10 � Jupiter square Uranus (17:57 of Sagittarius/Pisces) (May.11 in London, Sydney)
Just when you think you've got it figured out, life surprises you! And the revelation might not come as a welcome surprise. New information or insight might be getting in the way of your ability to be confident in your knowledge of life. It's also possible that your beliefs, judgments and assumptions are getting in the way of your ability to see something more clearly. Therefore, a conflict or struggle can develop under this transit that shows how your understanding of life needs to be adjusted in some way. It is time to let in new ideas, perceptions and truths; to expand your worldview and allow your mind to think more freely. However, we often cling closely to what we believe is Truth. We guide our lives and decisions by what we see as the Truth, and it is tempting to believe in absolutes � that there is only one Truth and we have it. This transit will likely challenge your view of life and bring you in contact with experiences, information or a new perspective that requires you to open your mind a little wider. At its worst, this transit could bring a strong conflict of interest, resulting in a lot of finger pointing in an attempt to figure out who is "to blame" for the fact that the same old ideas don't work in predictable ways. At its best, you can gain flashes of insight that liberate your thinking and increase your wisdom. Fighting for a cause � especially involving humanitarianism, spirituality, multiculturalism or technology � could be the inspiration or trigger that sets these changes in motion. For best results, seek to stretch your understanding beyond your usual boundaries.
This is the second of three passes of this transit (Jan.22, May.10 and Oct.09). In this second pass, you might find that changes in your thinking now require you to dismantle old ways of thinking before you can reassemble the pieces into a new perspective. If you are especially attached to your existing way of thinking, this could be hard work. At its worst it might feel like your faith has been shattered, and your vision of the future has dramatically changed. But at its best, this is a time when you can weed out old ideas, beliefs, persistent cynicism and unrealistic optimism. Think of it as a "spring cleaning" of your mindset and beliefs.
May.11 � Mercury enters Gemini (until May.28)
Mercury is the planetary ruler of Gemini, so the mind wants to fly fast and free. Communication and perceptions may come and go like a fresh breeze through an open window. This can create a wide variety of ideas but not necessarily productive application of those ideas. You might find it a little easier to articulate words, sharpen your mental focus, and collect and analyze your thoughts and information. This can give wings to your ideas and self-expression, but remember that you'll have to back up any promises and "fast talk" with action and substance. Let this be a time to explore possibilities and enjoy social interaction, rather than jump to final conclusions. Collect the raw data and exchange ideas, but be aware that understanding the broader meaning will likely come later.
May.12 � Sun square Neptune (22:00 of Taurus/Aquarius) (May.13 in London, Sydney)
Your ideals, hopes and wishful thinking may loom a little too large during this time, making you prone to disappointment and disillusionment. You might want a fantasy or dream to come true so much that you disconnect from the reality that seems to be in the way -- only to find that the obstacle was serving a positive purpose after all. Your imagination may be very active now, but not easy to control or balance with reality. However, it can be a very creative time if you're able to harness that imagination for productive use. Unconscious urges and longings may be especially close to the surface, so you have an opportunity to learn more about the hidden forces that drive you (and perhaps distort your view of the world around you). Spiritually, you might discover that your yearning for enlightenment is not the straightforward path you had hoped for, but it can be just as valuable (although disappointing) to discover what is *not* your best path. Emotionally you may feel a bit overwhelmed, discouraged or confused. On the plus side, you have an opportunity to observe a deeper part of you, which is usually camouflaged against the distracting background of day-to-day life. There is tremendous creative, spiritual and healing potential to be found by listening to and working with the inner voices from those depths.
May.13 � Mars square Pluto (28:31 of Pisces/Sagittarius) (May.14 in Sydney)
This can be a volatile combination of energies, which can generate enormous stress and conflict, but can also motivate you go beyond your perceived limitations. The biggest dangers with this transit include obsessive control, violence in response to frustration, and natural reactions of anger being blown out of proportion into rage. However, if you are able to harness this energy and put it to productive use, it can fuel your ambitions and drive you to push past the barriers that are in your way (including your own discouragement or lethargy). There can be a fine line, though, between empowering yourself with determination and courage versus forcing the issue in a way that creates more problems than it solves. And there is a difference between being obsessively attached to the outcome versus discovering that you have more courage, strength and tenacity than you thought you did, when your back is against the wall. Sexual tension can be strong under this transit, so it is wise to use some good judgment about whether or how to act on that. Power struggles with others can become very intense, so strive to be clear in yourself about what you really want and how you can assert your interests without inflicting the emotional equivalent of nuclear war.
May.15 � Mars enters Aries (until Jun.24) (May.16 in Sydney)
Mars is in his own sign while in Aries, which stokes the fires of passion, enthusiasm, drive, and a pioneering spirit. Assertive, decisive action can come more easily now...but then, so can anger and conflict. This is a good time to initiate new projects and activities, and move old projects forward, taking advantage of the courage and daring that is in the air now. However, the results will be better if you are able to channel this energy through a focused goal, rather than going on impulse alone. The tendency to take risks is also high right now, which can be a mixed blessing. It's best to avoid complications and problems that can arise from being reckless or irresponsible, but do use this energy to muster the courage to take pre-planned action.
Next Update: NEW MOON in TAURUS - May 16/17, 2007. Available no later than May.16.
� 2007 Wendy Guy. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied without the author's written permission. Photo of Mars courtesy NASA.