Michael O'Connor's Horoscope

Spring 2008

Tip of the Season
Spring began on March 19 at 10:48 pm PST this year due to the leap year. It usually begins on March 21st. The equal hours of day and night that the equinox points represent is experienced all over the world. Only at Spring and Autumn Equinox does this occur. Of course, the season is reversed in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This is the first Universal 1 year of the New Millennium (2+0+0+8=10 & 1+0=1) and we are experiencing revolutionary turns and beginnings. The coming election in the U.S. is a current important outer shift. The tide to more ecological and environmental awareness and action is growing very rapidly now and will be much bigger yet by year end.

With Jupiter and Saturn in Capricorn and Virgo respectively, both Earth Signs, the focus is shifting to be more socially aware of our world and its plagued environment. We do have time to turn the tide, but we dare not leave it solely to “officials”. The days of leaving such matters to the government alone are rapidly ending. The corruption is too deep, especially now with so much wealth and power in the hands of private interests. I interpret this process to be an aspect of the birthing of the Age of Aquarius where people are much more involved in official decision making. A strong government implies one which is guided by popular vote, support and consent rather than apathetic mass populations who are distracted by self-involved interests while big business passes laws that invariably aim to monopolize our resources and progressively enslave people. If you think this cannot and will not happen, then you are likely asleep to the fact that it is fully happening already. But we can change the direction. This is what Pluto in Capricorn is all about – change from the official top down to the general population. It may take several decades to achieve, but it must begin now. What we can do is want to be more aware and informed and networked, if simply at a local civic level. Uranus and Neptune in mutual recpetion are the harbingers of this awakening, and it is accelerating. The discussion below sheds some background and insight upon the Astrological underpinnings of this major turning point.

The apparent path of the Sun on the celestial sphere is called the plane of the ecliptic. It is apparent because it is actually the path of the Earth around the Sun. This circle stretched out to the further reaches of the solar system becomes the Celestial Ecliptic. The planets and the 12 Constellations of the Zodiac are situated close to this plane. The stars in the constellations may be mostly above this plane, or equally straddling, or mostly below it. Largely because the Earth is tilted at 23.5 degrees, the planets in orbit appear to be either 23.5 degrees above or below or in the middle, and anywhere in between, during the course of the year cycle. The Summer and Winter Solstice and the Spring and Autumn Equinox are the Cardinal Points of the Earth’s annual 365 1/4 day cycle. The quarter year adds up every four years and counts as a Leap year, as is the case in 2008.) The points where the planets appear to cross the ecliptic are called the Nodes. Every planet has these Nodes, including our Moon, and the Nodes always come in a pair of North and South. The Nodes are always precisely 180 degrees of celestial longitude apart. The North and South Node of the Moon are especially powerful indicators of character and destiny. The Moon’s Nodes can even be plotted to appear to orbit around the Earth and have an 18.6 year cycle. This cycle can further be divided into two giving 9.3 year cycles. These cycles along with the corresponding Signs and their ruling planets play key roles in our personal and collective destiny.

Currently, The North Node is in Aquarius and the South is the polar opposite Sign of Leo from December 18, 2007 – August 21, 2009. This is generally interpreted by Astrologers to imply the need to forego excessive pursuit of more personal modes of expression goals and ambitions for the sake of larger social and collective needs. Aquarius is generally interpreted to be a sign of friends, groups, clubs and all organizations that exist beyond the strictly governmental and commercial interests. Aquarius is also about collective needs and ideals and innovations with large social influences and collective dreams and hopes for a more equal, just and humane world. Aquarius also represents the revolutionary aspect of evolution, where major change occurs quite suddenly by natural or social forces.

The ruling planet for Aquarius is Uranus and it is currently in the Sign of Pisces and has been since March 21, 2003 and will transit through the sign until May 27, 2010.  The ruling planet for Pisces is Neptune which so happens to be in Aquarius, the Sign ruled by Uranus. An important interpretation technique in Astrology is called Planetary Depositors, which means that the ruling planet of any sign is always the dispositor of any other planet that is moving through the depositing planets own ruling Sign. So, with Neptune as the ruler of Pisces and Uranus currently in Pisces, Neptune is the dispositor. On rarer occasions, both planets are in one another’s ruling sign. This is called Mutual Reception and is considered to be very favourable. In the past 5000 year period there have only been 6 Uranus-Neptune mutual receptions. That’s an average of 1 every 833 years! However due to the unique rhythmic patterns of the orbits of Uranus and Neptune, the approximate dates of the nearest ones are - 1506, 1670, 1835, 2004, 2170 and 2338.  Notice the close proximity of the first five dates? They are very close and some Astrologers interpret these to be hallmark dates for the transition from the Age of Pisces to Aquarius. The Uranus-Neptune Mutual reception is about revolutionary awakening.

This awakening is about gaining a clear realization of the essential spiritual nature of all life. This is the gift of modern physics, especially that of Quantum Mechanics. The discoveries of this science harmonize with ancient mystical and esoteric interpretations of the nature and working of life and the natural world. Together they comprise the emergence of a new paradigm, which is most simply understood to be holistic in nature. This paradigm celebrates the manifest universe to be an interweaving of multi-dimensional realities. The basic dimensions are the Mental, Astral, Etheric, and Physical. These dimensions correspond with the 4 basic elements of Astrology which, in turn, correspond in sequence as follows: Air, Water, Fire and Earth. Perhaps the most important implication of the Holistic Paradigm is that it recognizes that all manifest life as essentially one whole. Thus, we can re-awaken to the fact that we are one with nature and not separate from it. Our interpretation that we are separate from nature is relatively recent and has very quickly contributed to the irresponsible and disastrous attitude and actions of the free market and to the global ecological crisis. Turning back to being custodians of our planet verses plunderers is what this major shift best implies. Just by being aware of the emerging paradigm and learning more about it and discussing it etcetera is an important way to tune-in to contribute to the healing of our collective consciousness, and of our precious planet.

Happy Spring! 

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
This spring you will feel inspired to make some real power moves. This may include simply doing a real thorough spring clean. Renovations on your home are also a strong possibility. Changes in your public and or professional life are already making some big waves. Things are not what they were just a few months ago. It may take until mid April before your momentum peaks. By May, you will be happy to be in the garden or close to the earth somehow. By June you will be very communicative and will want to cover a lot of ground. At deeper levels, you are wise to be learning practical new skills, perhaps by way of an apprenticeship. Overall, your power potential is rising yet you will be challenged to exercise vision, discipline, responsibility and leadership to fully harness it, and now is the time to begin. 2008 is a seed year so clean-up and fortify your foundation this year in preparation for asserting a powerful momentum more fully next year. Power is the ability to act!

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 21)
To some, spring really begins when planting begins. You may be one of those thinkers. Early in the season we are wise to clean, clear and prepare the ground. Seeds in the garden are certainly a practical reflection of this. Seed plans and ideas for other interests are the same but at another level. Keeping your philosophy practical is ever important to you and especially so these days. Yet change is needed and these are at least as much linked to your habitual modes of perception as they are to your practical needs and interests. Pluto in Capricorn implies that your basic philosophy of life is changing. You may recognize the need for, and more fully appreciate, the value of revolution. First minds and attitudes must change. You are destined to take something of a leadership role in this regard and this change begins with you. Learning how we are valuable versus how valuable we are, is a wise first step.  Plan you garden, then plant it, then rest a while.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)
Spring time is one for making new friends and acquaintances. You will feel that urge this year. For both daily living comfort and for the sake of your practical affairs, you are ready to shake things up. Commitments to new perspectives, methods, approaches and philosophies represent some core themes. If anyone notices the shifting sands on both personal and collective levels, it is you. Facing fears of change, ending and death are implied. Trusting the flow can be interpreted as embracing the endless round of birth, life and death and rebirth again. Strictly linear logical thinking sees life as happening ‘out there’ rather than recognizing that everything without is a reflection of, and finds its source within. Imagination is the counter key to the logical equation. Yet, as wonderful as it is, we must also learn to take command of our imagination so that it does not conjure future fears especially. This spring, intend to take a new lead and fully embrace the natural life cycle by practicing the ‘power of now’ supported by a healthy imagination. Go meet new people.

Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)
New beginnings in your public and/or professional life are now underway. You want to shake things up somehow – awaken yourself and others to higher realities and greater possibilities. Higher minded learning is implied and may well be a source of excitement. Other key players or life circumstances in general are commanding you to learn new skills and perhaps embrace deeper philosophies as well. You will feel the urge to push deliberately very early on in the season. Taking pioneering leads in your social and professional life are very likely. Yet, you are challenged to take new paths and try out new angles of approach. Be willing to entertain the possibilities rather than running to familiar modes of expression for the sake of security. It may take until later in July before you feel really confident about things, so trust the process. Accept the social instability and aim to create feelings of security within a more dynamic, even turbulent, flow. Exercise a beginner’s mind.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23)
Big plans and projects are getting you all excited. However, to succeed, you may have to do plenty of homework. This includes research. At deeper levels, the need to confront and overcome subconscious fears and doubts is also likely. We all must work with the changing times. You may feel many doubts and insecurities. Aim to fortify your foundation and consciously choose to trust and follow through. You are probably wise to avoid big investments and risky ventures now. Take a more prudent and frugal approach overall. Pay down debts if you can, and rather than accumulating more stuff, invest into your health. But even in this all important area, avoid throwing your money at people and products in hopes that they will do it for you. Keep an open mind about how to proceed, entertain new approaches to health and be willing to engage fully; this implies learning. Aim to exchange ideas and listen well to sober wisdom that is tuned-in to modern advances and innovations.  The show must go on!

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22)
A deep incision to cut away the past is the metaphor describing your current attitude as spring gets underway. Among your interests, you want to break free from trying to be all things to all people. It is good to know your limitations, be honest with your feelings and make healthy boundaries. This may well imply your modes of communication with others. Are you happy with how you market your offerings? Entertaining creative business practices is important now. Diversification and/or creative assemblage or packaging or delivery will prove worthwhile. How you nurture yourself and your business affairs is important. Breaking through blocks and habitual patterns of approach and presentation is implied. Outer people or events are pushing you to make these changes. Yet, you are wise to not leave the details to others. Be grateful for the support but show respect by doing your full share with disciplined focus and follow through. Cut to the chase!

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)
New beginnings and/or assertions on relationship fronts will launch spring season into action for you. You will feel the urge to take deliberate and measurable action early on in the season.  You feel ambitious and want take some risks. Since energy flows where attention goes, get clear on what or who you want, this is ‘the secret’. Your momentum for change will become more obvious and revolutionary as the season progresses. Tending to unfinished business will be your first interest. By early April many new ideas will be gaining your attention and you will want to act upon them. Yet, avoid reactively jumping in, wishing you had been more patient later. Be ready to act but be sure to read the fine print if situations include it. You will experience the challenge to keep an open mind. Openness to different philosophies and perspectives can bring a whole new sense of confidence. It is fear that harbours dogmatic notions. Be willing to learn and teach, to be initiated and to initiate all as a means of reclaiming yourself.
 
Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
Making efforts to push through and beyond previous blocks and limitations will be a main focus as spring begins this year. Taking initiatives that nurture a healthier constitution is part of the deal. You may feel the need to be more independent somehow; your purpose being the need to get to know yourself better. This may also be linked to intuitions to explore new horizons. Creatively designing your niche to match with your sense of individuality is also likely. The danger is that you will attempt to try too many angles and, either spread yourself too thin or, scatter your focus. If you are inspired to awaken more fully to your creative capacities then you are on track, yet be careful not to chase windmills due to high ideals or desperate measures. Can you work with pushing in a playful, experimental way? Do fly on the wings of imagination but like your Gemini friends, be careful not to let it get the better of you. If you feel that one of your wings is wounded, take creative measures and the time to heal.  ‘Free your mind and the rest will follow’.
 
Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
A deep, passionate and creative burst of energy will launch you into the spring season. Some welcome endings and changes will be a part of the deal. You should be feeling the call to restructure your foundation somehow. If you do not feel that your ground or base of operations is solid then you will want to make it more so. This may well imply the quality and status of your home base. How can you make your home base more a reflection of your individual style or more accurately, meet your genuine needs? Ideally, you are determined to exercise a sober attitude. All investments into your career and deliberate moves to strengthen your ground base will probably prove very necessary and worthwhile. The more creative input you can bring to your changing scene this spring the better. Concentrating your focus and exercising due measures of disciplined action may be required; associate pleasure to this process. This is a time of increased overall maturity.  Take the reigns of your life into both hands.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Reality is pushing you to action, or refuge, or both. Sometimes the momentum is faster and the waves are bigger, and this may well be one of those times. At best, you feel enthusiastic about the dynamic pace. Breaking free of old relationships or patterns of relating in both your personal and professional life is probably keeping you extra busy these days. To stay balanced and to manage the stress, you may be happy to take as much time out close to home as you can which may not be as much as you would like. Hopefully, you feel excited about the sparks igniting your life. All efforts to improve relations or to bring an end to those that simply do not seem to work will prove worthwhile. It may take a few months to fully complete this process. Tend to inner work and practical action now and avoid too much study and theory, there will more time for that in summer. Show yourself and others that you are a brave and able warrior right down to your core.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 19)
Many new directions and innovative possibilities will be bubbling in your life as spring begins. Your willingness to make the extra efforts required to attend to them all will prove important. How can you keep your physical energies and enthusiasm high? If you have not done so already, outline a vision, with definite plans, and a workable timeline spanning the next six months especially. Longer terms visions are ideal as well.  The key now is to act more and ponder less, lest you slip into worry and doubt. Positive, steady action is especially important now to keep your faith strong. You are in the midst of major changes which require a due measure of focus, discipline and follow- through. The more initial action you take to plan and activate momentums in the first weeks of spring, the better. Travel for business also looks good. Explore new territory and allow new people and places to ignite your passions.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
Taking inventory of your talents, resources, allies and assets early on this spring will be keeping you busy. Making creative changes with what you already have will prove fun and effective. Updating and clearing away the old ideas and stuff is a natural spring focus. Outer forces are pushing you to commit and demonstrate focus and discipline. Ask for assistance and guidance as you feel necessary. Do not try and do it all alone. The angels and outer authorities will work with you as long as you take a mature and integral approach and do your part. Cleaning-up house includes your mind, perceptions and attitudes more than stuff now. Avoid getting mired in the material and do some inner work. Again, ask for guidance about what to clear and how. If you are lead to others for professional help, you are probably on the right track. Begin by calling upon friends and colleagues then continue on if necessary. Above all, list your gifts and acknowledge your worth.

Michael O’Connor is a full time professional Astrologer and currently lives in Nelson, British Columbia – a lovely little heritage city nestled in the mountains of British Columbia. Michael has been studying Astrology and related subjects as they relate with natural evolution and the human potential movement for over 25 years and has been practicing for 15 years.

visit www.sunstarastrology.com