Horoscope

Summer 2008

Tip of the Season

"May you live in interesting times." (Chinese proverb)

Summer officially begins on June 20th at 4:46:44 pm PST in Vancouver BC.  That is the very moment that the Sun enters the Tropical Sign of Cancer. Western or Tropical Astrology is based on the fact that the Earth has a 23 degree tilt and consequently 4 seasons which are determined by the Sun's light on the planet either above or below the equator. The furthest reach of the Sun each year as the earth orbits are called the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. When the Sun's light touches these bands or imaginary lines we either experience the Summer Solstice corresponding to the Tropic of Cancer and Winter Solstice corresponding to the Tropic of Capricorn. When the Sun's light reaches the half way points between these 'Tropical' lines we have the Spring and Autumn Equinox. Over the course of the 1 year it takes the earth to orbit the Sun, we experience seasons.

From the standpoint of an equal division of the signs of the Zodiac we are now in the Age of Aquarius and the technological and countless other advances in all branches of sciences lend significant support that this is in fact the case. Due to the fact that the constellations do not fit neatly into a 360 divided by 12 equation where we get 12 equal 30 degrees segments of the pie, the precessional marker indicates that we are still in the Age of Pisces and will be for another 5 centuries or so. This is because Pisces is about 25 percent larger than the 30 degree segment of an equal division of 360 by 12. This debate continues to fester in the Astrological community where the Tropical and the Sidereal Zodiacs contend for top position. The fact is that both systems work remarkably well. Remember, beyond all outside logistical opinions, Western Astrology works very well so unless you are willing to study the subject and practice it especially, all external points of debate are moot points; so much for strictly adhering to linear logic. This is where the holistic paradigm that is currently emerging in the world comes to the fore. Its basic premise offers paradox as one of its principle features. In turn, paradox recognizes that two or more facts or realities can be true simultaneously. This has been demonstrated with light manifesting as both a particle and a wave. Beyond this we have dimensionality and this is where it gets very interesting. On this point I would simply like to remind you that human beings are already multidimensional.   Now, I would also like to offer a brief explanation how the equal division or mean average of 360 and in alignment especially with the Sun's light supports the Tropical Zodiac.

This Earth centered perspective is very accurate in measuring character and the timing of events. People born on the cusp experience this blend of signs. However, a person cannot technically have the Sun in two signs, it is in one or another even if the margin is 1 second into the new sign and this fact can be measured in their character. The influence of other signs is more complex than simply how close to when the next sign officially begins. So, even if the Sun was at 29 degrees Gemini 59 minutes and 59 seconds, that person would officially be a Sun sign Gemini and this could be verified in their character despite the influence of Cancer due to the cusp. The same can be said if a person was born the second the Sun entered Cancer, for example and the same can be said of any other cusp sign pair. The point is that Tropical or Earth centered seasonal Astrology is very powerful indeed, despite the Progression of the Equinoxes which currently measures the entire Zodiac to be 23 degrees and 53 minutes behind.

We can fairly say that with the birth of a whole New Age the times are interesting. Transportation and communication are speeding the world towards a global culture. It is a complicated process and many will resist but it is a natural evolution subject to our new technological abilities. That some are bent on creating a new world order seems natural but there is a great deal of secrecy and even sinister activity going on behind the scenes, but bubbling to the surface everywhere and this makes it all the more suspect. What plans, schemes and agendas are at play? Some say that what we are now witnessing in terms of a global take over of private interests is the consequence of a very old plan or agenda if you like and this is a principle suspicion aimed at secret societies going back over many centuries! For this reason among others many question the reality of democracy in the world and we are bearing witness to the rising tides of fascism instead. Despite possible designs for the betterment of humanity, the secrecy at play amidst or at source to the rampant corruption in the political and economic arenas certainly present to us some of the very real pains of this New Age birth.

Some of these corruptions are revealed in the following current events. After this I will outline the planetary movements for the summer that correspond with these complicated realities.

In this day and age many moments can be counted as eventful and interesting. Of course some are more interesting than others and this is one of those times. With Fascism steadily on the rise as the politics of globalization, we are truly in the midst of the birth of a new era. The rift between the wealthy and the poor grows daily, and there are many among the very wealthy and politically powerful who seem bent upon perpetuating this trend. The thousand years of peace prophesied for the Aquarian Age may actually be a bit of visionary, clever politics. It might actually prove to be one of passivity under the might or well organized private interests. The following current social issues and trends present examples of this fact:

Bill C-51:  the passing of this bill is looming, which puts vitamins and natural supplements in the same category as pharmaceutical drugs, which could bring about the end of many vitamin companies due to new laws of strict and expensive clinical trials, resulting in the predicted loss of many jobs in the natural health industry. Opinions may vary, but this Bill presents a clear case of political corruption. Health supplements do not hurt people and in fact help measurably, but mainstream medicine, especially many pharmaceutical drugs often do cause detrimental side effects.  Not always to be sure and many certain prolong and save lives. Where is the rational? The answer is power and monopolization – the timeless direction for large scale, organized economic ambitions.  Leaving our health in the hands of corporate interests which stand behind mainstream health practice represents collective apathy and naivety. Many people are unaware of this Bill but people are waking up and it is important that we do, so please get informed.

Technology – As we race headlong into the Age of Aquarius, which is looking more and more like Star Trek, the world is anticipating the next big thing to hit the market.  The launch in July of Apple's new iPhone, the new evolved generation of blackberries, will virtually give the public a hand-held computer for about $400.  Having already seen this fancy touch-pad device myself at friend's place on the Sunshine Coast, the issue he's facing is now having to learn the darn thing, with a "wow, cool" one minute, and *&^%$ the next; yet another technological gadget to infiltrate society and influence our lives. Albeit a valid sign of a technological age obsessed with the rapid processing of information which will very much characterize the Aquarian Age, of course corporate interests are leading the charge.

The other buzz this summer is of course the steadily rising price of gas and this includes natural gas as well as petroleum.  It's a helpless and frustrating experience for us all to be dictated to with mandated prices soaring beyond our control. Of course, this will lead to cost increases across the board including food. Private interests appear at least to "own" our natural resources and this is an example of the consequences of political corruption.  This will influence tourism to a measurable degree, bringing a perhaps a more sombre feel to the summer.

The skyrocketed price of real estate is the other obvious area of concern.  It is now an old story and we are experiencing a levelling off of the market but the level is beyond the reach of most people and if the market were to fall or crash, as it has before, may who apparently own their homes would lose them and guess who would end up owning them? Why, the banks, of course. It is now well known that the banks and even the U.S. Federal Reserve are in the hands of private interests. That this colossal reality is only now truly coming to people's popular awareness is indicative of a complacent and uneducated society. But the times are a changing and humanity is getting something of a rude awakening, but at least we are waking-up!

Beyond awakening to these material world realities and issues, humanity is simultaneously awakening to the reality of our inherent spiritual nature and the multidimensional nature of reality. This adds a whole new angle to the old game where consciousness itself, beyond factual information and knowledge and the lack of it come into play.

As for the planetary activity this summer I will begin with the furthest planets starting with Pluto, which, of course, has now been given special classification. May see this as a demotion of sorts, but I see it as a promotion into a class all its own. There is much to say about this and the fact that there are numerous other planetary bodies in our solar system beyond Pluto, generally referred to as 'Transplutonians' lends credence to Pluto's newly assigned special status. It is interesting to note that Pluto is all about power and, by extension, hidden power. In its lowest reach Pluto represents the corrupting influences of organized crime. Thus, the Transplutonians may be seen as the other well hidden players behind the scenes. What interests me about this is the fact that people are awakening to the many hidden powers that have been at play in the world and it is also interesting that these can be seen to be powerful beyond mere wealth. Positioning and leverage over world affairs is the real power and monetary systems can be manipulated by them.

Pluto is now again in Sagittarius as of about 5:35 am on June 14th after entering Capricorn on January 26th. Pluto will remain retrograde until September 10th, Stationing on September 3rd to the 16th (Stationing means from the perspective of the Earth, a planet turning from direct to retrograde motion or vice versa appears to be stopped in motion, like two cars side by side yet both in motion. This is considered a very potent time reflecting the concentrated energies of the given planet). The station degree is 28 Sagittarius 30 minutes which is just over 1.5 degrees away from the Galactic Center. This is close enough to have a residual effect and offer us just a little more time before Pluto fully enters Capricorn for good on November 26th this year. Pluto hovering around the late degrees of Sagittarius signifies some final transformations and regenerative forces affecting religions and its glue on peoples and cultures all over the world. Watch for major new breakthroughs, discoveries and scandals associated with these sensitive aspects of life. Pluto in Capricorn is a very powerful indication of forces for change in the world. Capricorn governs all governmental organizations and institutions and these will all be regenerated over the next 15 years or so while Pluto makes its way through Capricorn. By the time this happens everyone will be much more aware of world politics and all will be challenged to bring forward greater measures of personal responsibility in order to guide our movement into the future through cleaner and calmer waters.

Neptune in Aquarius is now in the third decant and 10 degree segment which is, in the sign of Aquarius, ruled by Libra. This implies a movement towards balance between the sexes regarding attitudes and, perhaps especially, roles. In other words, more of a mix is occurring in terms of traditional roles delineated by gender breaking down. Although Hillory Clinton has stepped out of the race for leadership of the Democratic Party in the U.S. and despite our political views of her as a person and her policy, we can at least recognize the unprecedented move towards a major position of power by a woman. I imagine she has inspired many women and while she is a reflection of this larger trend, she may also be seen as a prominent symbol of courage by many, especially women. Even Barak Obhama seems to represent a non-traditional male stance especially considering the growing popularity of his wife virtually positioned as his running mate. There are many other examples I might site. Perhaps you have a few to share and, if so, please send them to me and I will reply. In the larger scope of Neptune in Aquarius effecting this summer is the faster planets making hard aspects to the planet of dreams and illusions over the course of the summer. Mars is currently in opposition which basically indicates secret intrigues and plots and suppressed anger. In general, relationships both personal and professional stand to be tainted with hidden and deceptive influences.

Uranus is currently in Pisces which is the ruling sign for Neptune. The good news here is that these two major players in the evolutionary scheme of things are in mutual reception. This is being reflected in the awakening that is happening in the world. At the lower end, however, it is being used to distract the masses form other behind the scenes activities. However, the seeds of this alignment will prove to see us through probably difficulties that lie ahead. They will be in this alignment for the next tow years and we are wise to make hay while this light is shining. Uranus in Pisces generally is about the awakening especially to the powers of the subconscious mind. More politically we are being awakened to the busy beavers that are actively influencing public policy in a private or subversive fashion. The awakening it is bringing will also prove to be a boon in the future as we proceed with a much more educated population both about consciousness itself and about the greater state of affairs on a global scale that can no longer be hidden from sight. That both Mercury and Venus will also form opposition aspects to Neptune in close succession to Mars is indicative of deceptive practices and actions at play and probably brought to light wherein scandal in the airwaves will be loud.

Saturn in Virgo is paving the way for the ecological revolution that has gained tremendous momentum over the past year. I have been mentioning this all the way back to the yearly horoscope for 2006. Anyway, it is bringing us all to the sobering realization that we must take the current state of the environment much more seriously. How we move forward with business as usual practices that threaten the ecology more than it already is will become increasingly an issue over the next two years and will prove to usher in new laws especially when Saturn enters Libra. This may also prove to give birth to a militant enforcement of these laws. On the positive side, we are getting more sober about the fact that we must step to the plate and become the custodians of our precious planet that a technological age demands.

Jupiter in Capricorn is in the sign that Saturn rules which makes it the 'dispositor' in Astrology. It basically represents the increase of power players especially form official or at least organized power structures. We can see this at play with the new political bills we see trying to get passed beneath the gaze of those who need to know. Fortunately, the vigilant have sounded the alarm. Anyway, these forces will flex their muscles but people power will rebound to sound the alarm, hopefully before too much damage is inflicted. This rebound will occur especially when Jupiter enters Aquarius in early January 2009.

As for the fast, personal planets, Mercury, Venus and Mars, here is a quick rundown of their sign placements and what they will generally bring in terms of influence. Mars in Leo currently will enter Virgo in early July and by mid August enter Libra where it will remain through until early October. Mars in Leo is playful and exciting yet also implies constructive and renovation projects early on in the season. When in Virgo, work will feel more important than play so this summer could prove quite sobering that way. Constructive play stands to be the most fulfilling with this influence. When Mars enters Libra people will generally be pushing one another to action of one kind or another and this could prove effective yet also produce quarrels. The better news is that Venus will be gaining on Mars all summer so we can say 'she' is chasing 'him' and will catch up to him by about September 10th. This could prove to be rather exciting, if a bit frustrating, especially in the love and relationship department. Venus herself starts the summer in Cancer where she is happy close to home. Then by about mid July will enter Leo where the heat will really become more apparent. Then by early August 'she' will enter Virgo. So, unfortunately for love and passion, Venus and Mars will not cross paths while in Leo but, as mentioned, will do so in September. So, enjoy the chase and trust that the current are bigger than you. Mercury will be in Gemini as summer begins and moving slow due to having been retrograde for the three weeks leading up to the Solstice. In a way this is a good thing as the slower pace of Mercury can lend to increased concentration and ability to get things done verses being scattered with too many interests. By July 10th Mercury will be at full speed again and will race through Cancer and enter Leo by July 26th then Virgo by August 10th and then enter Libra on August 29th where the winged messenger will begin to slow down again as it approaches yet another retrograde period starting September 24th and remain so until mid October. Yes, Mercury turns retrograde 3 times a year and for just about 3 weeks at a time. The most recent retrograde was especially annoying to many and even while in its own sign, Gemini.


Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Summer tends to be an emotional season for you. This can have its ups and downs. You may feel moodier than you do in the other seasons, especially during the first month. Yet this is the month to get it in as you will be busier soon enough. Play is good and so is constructive and productive. Training or apprenticeship will spark your interests. While life is a continuum, there are times to initiate longer term intentions. With expansion in your public and professional life brewing steadily, you will want to go big. However, be careful not to take on too much or overestimate your expense account. New love could blossom later in the season. Be aware however, that this relationship will take you task, yet also perhaps push you on the greater heights.


Taurus (Apr 20 – May 21)

Bringing plans and projects to completion or at least their next natural progression will be keeping your busy early on this summer. This could well include home renovations and other deeper core projects. If you are more the psychological than hands on type this process may be active within your own being. Either way, you should be on your way to new creative interests. Beauty is ever important and at this time in your life you may feel attracted to bringing to it to fuller bloom in your life. Natural styles and settings may hold greater appeal than manufactured art. You can simply choose to tune-in to your growing aesthetic appreciations if they are not yet obvious. Get your bigger trips and visits in early if you can although family fun will linger especially through to late August, but all along and especially in late summer you will want to dive deeper into your feelings and creative expressions.
 

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)

Your intuitive feelings are running high as summer gets going. Ideas and insights about how to nurture a more secure flow are on your mind; cultivation is the other key word. Rather than react to people and situations we are ever challenged to respond with vision and scope and this is a core lesson for you. How to be here now and still see the bigger picture is the ideal balance. You may feel like you have some real inner work to do and you are right. Purging and liberating yourself from pesky habits and habitual perceptions and behaviour patterns is in order. The cultivation of deep faith and the overcoming of ever lingering worry stress are your core spiritual goals. Remember that awareness of breath and learning to breathe into your whole body rather than merely into your lungs is the timeless foundation. Breathe in a much bigger picture with confidence that life has it all covered then identify what you need and clear away the rest.


Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)

Activating and tuning in to your intuitive feelings is a natural evolution for you in the summer time. Amidst all the excitements of the season, picnics, family fun, flowers and adventure, your own creative interests become more anchored. With a renewed thirst and perhaps pressure to learn new skills, this is a good time to take a closer look at what you need to know. Hands on experiential learning will work better now than academics and theory. You may feel dreamy and indecisive as summer gets going but by early July you will be more alert and ready to engage more fully. If new relationships initiated this path six months or so are proving to be more than you bargained for, it may be wise to reconsider and choose another path that is not so intensive. On the other hand, you may enjoy and need the rigorous pace implied. The universe is negotiable so speak-up and say what you feel. Carve a niche and only go for deals tailored to fit you.


Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23)

You may notice each year that summer does not truly get going for you until the Sun enters your sign near the end of July. At least you may feel happier close to home or nestled behind the scenes a little more than usual. Generally, you are wise to tend to your health this summer. This can include your overall lifestyle as well as more personal states and conditions but both are featured. On the other hand, you will have to work a little harder anyway this year to achieve some of your financial goals. You can do it and even earn more as long as you are willing to make the extra effort. Fortunately, you will be willing to do so, especially towards August and beyond. Meanwhile, sharpen the saw and refine your skills, focus and overall approach early on this summer for greater success later. This includes setting things up early on by stimulating your network and making calls to friends, clients and promising prospects.


Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22)

The time is ripe to expand your horizons and activate any and all creative intentions. You feel more serious than usual these days and this could be a good thing, as long as you can make use of it and not simply dwindle away the energy in complaints about how it ought to be. Constructive criticism about how to improve your self, situations and the world are good, reactive complaining is a big drain and clouds the horizon. All being well you have been confronting and vanquishing inner thought demons and this will continue as summer begins and then you will launch a more direct outer offence. Overall, this is a time to maintain a shrewd practicality and to diversify your scope of abilities and contacts for the sake of a more realistic and grounded approach to your life. Work diligently to create a momentum and gain the attention and support you need to succeed.


Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Blending thought with feeling, mind with emotion, and fact with fiction characterizes the way a Libran experiences summer. Are you a true Libran or a fine mix or almost another sign by your assessment of the usual traits? All three are possible and then some. This includes learning to feel with your mind and think with your heart – a perennial challenge. Prior ideals and associations to security are steadily melting. This can include family patterns. This may be a source of anxieties, yet prove liberating. Maybe you are just loosening stress induced closed fists and you are going to learn to relax. Trust this process. Learn the wisdom of deep breathing as a central goal early on in the season. Do it now! Stop what ever else you are doing and breathe down into your feet until you feel your souls tingle and repeat a few times. This will help you ground and balance. This practice is more useful than a pocket knife. During the really hot months, set your intentions to push through and beyond fears of your creative potential. By September you will be exploring now prospects and climbing new mountains and this will continue into autumn.


Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

What kind of adventures are you dreaming about this summer? Yours is an inventive intelligence when functioning at optimum. With rewards, returns, legacies and liabilities, all piled up around you have a pretty full plate. What are the probabilities; what possibilities? You have work to do and would like to cover a lot of ground quickly as the heat of summer steadily rises. Only you can do what you must to answer your heart's call and know what to do to ride the waves of yesterday's choices. Expect to push hard and with determination. Creative strategies to multitask are part of this plot. Aim to increase your network of allies. Involve your emotions fully but avoid getting caught in the drama and be careful not to spread yourself too thin as you will tend to. With some extra discipline you can do it all and on time as well. See yourself and the world and in the world in new ways because there is always another way in an abundant universe. Remember that time is art and you are an artist above all. Aim to work and play hard then retreat in late summer where romantic love awaits your tender touches.


Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Changes on the home front continue to percolate. Your full imaginative attention is required. Activating your magical mind is a must. You stand on top of a mountain yet the wind is cold and blowing hard. Pressures to increase your finances, health or both are evident. You feel optimistic yet something must change. Some big fears of letting go stirred by an unchecked imagination should be your first hurdle. Listen to the advice of others and alert the family of your feelings, fears, plans and prayers. This too will pass as with all things. Yet your determination is warranted and this will increase very soon. With patient resolve and focused follow through you will make it through these troubled waters safely to the other side. Some things will have changed, some ended, while others will be generated and reborn. Demonstrate that beyond all jokes and laughter you are a serious spiritual warrior. End the summer with a reunion of good friends and soul mates.


Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

What does it feel like to be alive? Only you can say for yourself. That is, of course, unless your emotions are frozen. Excess mind and not enough heart freezes feelings – it is nature's justice. What was is no longer or no longer wants to be. 'Change your mind and leave the rest as it' says master to student. Winners win some and lose some; but obsession must always win! This is an expansive time for you. Change and transformation is also shaking your whole perspective and mode of expression. You may feel the might to wield great power or are being wielded by it, perhaps both.  How are you to handle this test of your wisdom? This summer remember Love is the truth, the light and the way by any other name. It is not ethical to love; it is a reward in itself. Love occurs when the heart opens and trickles of nirvana spread through your being. Love unifies while mind divides. Both are necessary yet the horses must pull the cart that houses the heart. Push yourself to yield to compassion for the sake of the every watchful gaze of divine law.


Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 19)

Hey there butterfly in the cocoon. O.K. you are still in the caterpillar stage but the transformation has begun. Unlike the insects, you get to engage your own creative choices and intentions in this process. Yes, old habits and orientations to security must change and end, but you may get to choose how fast. It will take couple of years to mature into the next stage where full flight is possible. Others are pushing and supporting in one of a variety of ways, some offering support and others with signs that say go the other way. It is all part and parcel of a growing spiritual awakening and transformation of prior beliefs. Working closely with others, probably family members, you will want to heal, fix, clean, purge and refine so you feel balanced to meet the world. This should begin by early summer. Take an even yet determined approach so you can fully enjoy the love boat that is summer from beginning to end. Cultural interests and involvements will flare large like fireworks throughout September. Trust and celebrate the creative, regenerative powers that be.


Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Your creative juices are flowing like the life force in the plants in summer time. Many creative ideas and feelings are gestating while others bloom all in sequences like the flowers in and out of their prime of season. Truth and consequences are rolling in amidst this idyllic background. You are happy to work and play hard, even if outer pressure is a major source of your motivation. The key is to enjoy what you do. If you do not then this is your big chance to see how important it is to reconsider your career options. Life is not about avoiding problems and challenges; it is about being able to enjoy the process of overcoming them. One of the biggest rip offs of all is the one we commit against ourselves by choosing work we do not enjoy or even hate because we feel we have to  remain secure. This does not mean quit and burn bridges, it means strategize and build new ones. Get inspired about what you do or would like to do. Aim to make some changes by September that match your unique individuality so your can express a fuller measure of your passion for all of life.

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