Category / Spirituality

by debramoolenaar

Dark Shadows (aka Saturn)

The client’s chart upon which I’m now concentrating has Aquarius rising. This means that the chart ruler is Saturn, which is now undergoing a bit of a battering by transiting Pluto.

In keeping with this challenge, I thought it useful to revisit how Saturn fares in each of the twelve signs and houses. The following comes from a lecture given by Dermod Moore for the CPA in February 2002.Unknown.jpeg

Keywords for Saturn – Structure, Strength, Boundaries, Defense mechanisms and/or Denial/Projection

Saturn is two-faced – both a friend and a foe. With one hand, he gives us the structure & strength necessary to succeed in life but with the other, he makes us feel as if we’re a foolish failure.

I suppose that at the end of the day, Saturn is doing us a favor by highlighting where it is exactly that we’re most vulnerable. How else we could we shore up those weaknesses to be strong? But I will say that Saturn (natal/progression/transit) certainly doesn’t feel very nice. Oh well, as Dermod points out – at least Saturn is fair if not compassionate.

  SIGN HOUSE
Aries/ 1st Denial of personal identity and self-expression so as to blend with others more harmoniously. Defenses may include overcompensation with fiery bluster – i.e. the ‘paper tiger’. Fear won’t be welcomed  in the world – the (tarot) Fool scared to take that all important first ‘leap’. Prone to adopt false identity (mask) behind which to hide with resultant anger for being thus compromised.
Taurus/ 2nd Lack of security and/or lack of comfort in own body/skin. Difficulties accessing personal value system and/or lack of personal resources. Defenses may include greed and hoarding. Fear of using personal resources or of acting in concert with own values. Eating disorders and clutching at straws – anything to avoid falling into the abyss (of the 8th house).
Gemini / 3rd Difficulty playing and/or sharing/learning. Gifts include ability to concentrate. Defenses may include becoming workaholic and/or generalised overcompensation. Blocked communication with self and others. Speech and/or learning disorders. Fear of being thought stupid/uneducated.  Accident prone especially re: travel. Denial of ability to cope with physical reality.
Cancer / 4th Fearful of being overwhelmed by feelings or that feelings won’t be accepted and/or understood. Inability to nurture/be nurtured. Defenses may include addictive, compulsive behaviors and/or frozen passions. Fear of strong father or ashamed of weak father/fatherland. Feeling unloved and unwanted – emotional instability and/or mistrust of emotional intimacy. Tied to family and/or place of birth or, alternatively, developing a sincere dislike (or worse) of either or both.
Leo / 5th Feeling denied of ability to play and have fun or to be acknowledged as special. Gifts include excellent leadership skills. Defenses may include self-sabotage to address fear of taking life seriously and/or becoming successful. Going through the motions of ‘having fun’ – the ultimate and compulsive ‘playboy’. Fear of being disliked. Blocked creative flow. Demands too much from others yet never satisfied. Often manifests as unwillingness or inability to have children. Often perceived as having a ‘heart of stone.’
Virgo / 6th Fear of not being perfect enough. Gifts include ability to turn chaos into order. Defenses may include hypochondria and fear of losing control. Does ‘dog work’ rather than intrinsically valuable work as a consequence of inability/unwillingness to see forest for the trees. Nervous complaints. Frustration, ill-health, disappointment often the result of being ‘lost in the daily grind’.
Libra / 7th Paralysis; fear to take decisions. Hazy boundaries to avoid losing connection with others. Devil’s advocate – good mediating skills. Defenses include being ‘too nice’ and being overly ‘objective’. Needs to admit vulnerability to the ‘other’ as well as to share in the responsibility of relationship. Fears of isolation, rejection, and disappointment. Marriage/partnership can become a duty. Sacrifice of love for safety. Equally, strong ability to form healthy commitments for life as long as willing to accept not a victim (of circumstance).
Scorpio / 8th Fear of exposure and/or intimacy. – indeed fear of just about everything. Blocking personal passions. Gift of compassion. Defenses include exploiting vulnerabilities of others (to gain power over). Problems relinquishing power (over). Hence issues achieving desired levels of intimacy. Family secrets and/or shameful inheritance. False laughter is not the best medicine. What goes wrong (re: sex & money) is not always someone else’s fault.
Sagittarius / 9th Blocked faith and/or trust – can’t conceive that everything could be OK. Life ought not to be joyful. Defenses include feeling personally persecuted. Dark horizons, crisis of faith. Religious inclination tends to be dogmatic – if someone in authority says that its true then it must be – even if based on coercion and/or guilt. Eventually (hopefully) Saturn in the 9th becomes his own authority and when this happens, doors start to open rather than close.
Capricorn / 10th Stiff upper lip. Get on with the job. Pessimism. Fear of failure. Gifts include strength of purpose. Defenses include blind conformity, acceptance of conservative attitude at expense of authenticity. Career progresses in fits and starts – difficulties and delays are manifest. Often must fail ‘big’ before achieving success. Difficulty working in groups as needs to be authority figure. Strong inner sense of purpose will eventually yield improved status/social position even if that ‘success’ is projected onto another (i.e. wife projects her ambitions onto successful husband or secretary/PA to his/her high-flying boss).
Aquarius / 11th Fear of failing to be authentic and unique – adamant refusal to be stereotyped. Gifts include seed for change and ideological reform. Defenses include dogmatic attitude and/or doing anything & everything to make oneself stand out from the crowd. Difficulty and/or fears around fitting into groups – feeling like an outsider or even the scapegoat. Inept at social graces. Best to avoid tendency to take position that there is no ‘need of friends’ – no man can stand as an island, or so conventional wisdom says. Equally possible to cram so many social activities into the calendar that there is no time to be alone.
Pisces / 12th Fear of being overwhelmed/deluged by whatever is ‘out there’. Gifts include working with the collective through the symbolic (i.e. marketing or fashion). Defenses may include hyper-rationalization, refusing to believe what you intuitively know to be true. Gets sucked into everything – all that glitters appears to be gold –  getting blindsided or attacked without apparent rhyme or reason – feeling defenseless. Everything done must have articulated purpose else there’s a generalized (unarticulated) fear (and guilt) of ‘floating’. ‘Selfless’ dedication/devotion to another – but is the ‘sacrifice’ worth it?
by debramoolenaar

Date with Fate & Water Houses Planets

214571_pLqIdcXz.jpgI’m currently doing a chart for a client who not only has lots of planets in the 8th house but also a key planet in the 12th.

Hence, I thought it useful to revisit symbolism associated with the ‘water houses’ (4th, 8th, 12th) – the following comes from a lecture given by Liz Greene for the CPA in March 2002.

Keywords – Fate, Family Patterns, Connection, Creativity, Gifts, Lack of Control

  • Water houses always follow air houses – dissolving our thoughts and ideas (or at least unsettling them).  Let’s face it – we do love to cling to our beliefs but at some level we realise that they may not always serve us so well. Ought we not then to be happy to be given an opportunity to clear away our muddled thoughts from time to time?
  • Contrary to popular belief, planets in water houses are not unconscious but they do feel ‘fated’. The problem isn’t so much our lack control over the energies these planets represent but that we do not feel comfortable expressing them in the rational, everyday world.
  • ‘Fated’ does not necessarily mean that bad things will  happen. What it does mean, however, is that we have to work harder to ensure that everything goes well. Water house planets represent our ‘inheritance’ – i.e. family patterns – and let’s face it, not all of those will be nice (so to speak). When dealing with water house planets, we must always keep in mind that this energy is not exclusively ours. In this sense, it is better to think of them as sacred gifts from another realm. If we fail to honour (i.e. give due respect) to our water house planets, they can well prove to be our undoing – this is especially the case 8th house planets.
  • Planets in water houses are always about connections. They never ever function alone.
  • Water house planets crave a creative outlet and so we must develop some sort of structure/form for that creativity to express itself. For example, many authors and artists have 12th house moons; pick up that paintbrush!
  • Look for ‘compulsive’ behavior re: water house planets – guaranteed you’ll find it.
  • When it comes to the water houses, no matter how hard EGO tries, it will never be ‘in control’.

 

4th house Father and Fatherland Our first encounter with ‘fate’  comes from the ‘family daemon’ – i.e. more specifically, our father’s psychological inheritance. In this respect ‘father’ doesn’t necessarily mean our biological fathers (or even personal father figures). The 4th house is more to do with our ‘roots’, which brings to the fore our cultural and social background. The Moon is the natural ruler of this house and so expect poignant dreams and memories not all of which will be pleasant. Learning how to deal constructively with these memories/dreams is one of the lessons to be learned by planets placed in this house. If we try to ignore the ‘family ghosts’, guaranteed that they’ll continue to haunt us with a vengeance.
8th house Halls of Judgement Our second encounter with ‘fate’ comes from more a generalised inheritance – i.e. a whiff of the stuff lying at the base of Greek tragedy. The 8th house has to do with ‘judgement’  – rewards and/or punishments – that come to us as the result of family patterns operating over decades or even centuries. If only John F Kennedy had decided not to pursue the destructive path of power and corruption that his forefathers had blazed for him, he wouldn’t have been assassinated in Dallas. Anger (possibly repressed)  is indicated with planets in this house – Mars is, after all, its natural ruler. The key to working with 8th house planets is to accept that there are some things that we cannot control and/or fix. However, like JFK, we always have a choice as to how to deal with them.
12th house Redemption/Salvation Our final encounter with fate’  comes from the collective unconscious – that Jungian ‘stuff’ that we share with the rest of humanity. Being in touch with this collective energy (through planets in this house) can be dangerous. To avoid disaster, we must always remain aware of our personal responsibility when working with this power. Neptune is the natural ruler of this house and so there is an element of redemption/salvation at work –  ‘buying back’ or ‘paying off’ some debt/ransom (even if not one of our own making). Whatever we do with our 12th house planets, it must be for the benefit of ‘something’ other than ourselves – this does not mean that we have to ‘sacrifice’ this energy in the sense of not getting any personal benefit, but instead it means that we take extra pains to ensure it is used for the greater good.
by debramoolenaar

As promised, solar return/predictive work for MC – chin up!

th.jpegSummary – Haven’t been feeling yourself? Gloom and doom got you down? Has someone you thought you could trust deceived you? The dark cloud under which you’ve been living these past nine months will soon lift but you’ll still need to remain vigilant to avoid being deluded. Keep your spirits up! Although your skies may stay grey awhile longer, you actually are in the midst of a fantastic period of your life. How about developing your artistic abilities?

CM 2016 17.jpgDetails 2016-17:

  1. With Solar Return (SR) Saturn on the SR Midheaven (MC) –  expect a long, hard slog re: career aspirations; expect to be tired and, quite possibly, fed up. With the SR Moon also square your SR MC (and also Saturn), moodiness is magnified.
  2. But whenever Saturn is involved there’s  real opportunity for achievement – it’s like the race between the tortoise and the hare – the tortoise (Saturn) always wins not only because he never gives up, but he also knows how to pace himself.
  3. With the fixed star, Ras algethi (Stars of Hercules), conjunct this SR Saturn, there are added elements of boldness, courage, and leadership. How about channelling some energy into a project other than your day job – perhaps a charity or political cause that would give your life more purpose?
  4. Granted, positive action is difficult now not the least because Neptune is in the same degree as the nodal axis. Have you been expecting more from people than they were able to give even whilst your own sense of team/community spirit is lagging? If so, there’s good reason and with this configuration, it probably involves having been on the receiving end of some deceit/untruthfulness undertaken by someone whom you felt you could trust. It’s always worth considering, however, whether it might not have been so much that he/she told lies but that you weren’t able (or willing) to see the truth?
  5. Good news. This black cloud over your head is active only from around the time of your birthday in 2016 until the same time in 2017. Better news. This period is ¾ over!
  6. Two midpoints activated in this 2016-17 SR chart:
    • Moon/Neptune – Saturn:  this underlines pessimistic moods – this isn’t avoidable but it is temporary.
    • Sun/Pluto – Neptune: lack of energy and potential health issues – avoid becoming a martyr under any circumstances.

 

Details 2017-18:CM SR 2017-18.jpg

  1. SR Neptune is conjunct the SR MC and because it also rules the MC, it’s doubly important. Keywords for Neptune = impressionable, sympathetic, spiritual. Sounds good – but beware! With Neptune, there are always possibilities of being tricked, deceived, or otherwise deluded and with the MC, this is likely to manifest  in your career. The best defence is a good offense and so dot every ‘i’ and cross every ‘t’ when it comes to your job. Don’t take chances. It also couldn’t hurt to take periodic advice from someone who has proven trustworthy in the past. Not everything that glitters is gold and during this period, you’ll have trouble telling the difference.
  2. No other planets are making (Ptolemaic) aspects to the angles and no planets are in the same degree as the nodal axis. Likewise, there are no midpoints we need to consider. So, let’s take a look at a few other predictive techniques to help get a better flavour for this period.CM Natal chart.jpg
  3. Directing by triplicity is a simple but powerful tool involving the triplicity rulers of the main luminary in your natal chart (born at night=the Moon).
    • Because your natal moon is in Taurus, we look to the triplicity rulers for earth. Whilst your Moon in Taurus ruled the first 1/3 of your life, Venus in Libra is now running the show. This is a lovely, positive energy – life at its best and fully enjoyed! Keywords = friendly and obliging manner, fabulous social contacts, excellent taste, and nascent artistic skills.
    • Because of the sextile between your natal Venus and natal Neptune, all this is doubly highlighted. Maybe you’re a romantic with very high ideals? You certainly know how to get the most out of life as long as you avoid giving into chronic indecision and/or uncertainty.
    • Pluto is also tied in with your Venus (by conjunction) suggesting that when it comes to romance, you may be somewhat fanatical. It’s perfectly OK to look for intensity in relationships but, please, do try to avoid power plays.
  4. Key transits  (hard aspects only – they are most likely to materialise):
    • Transiting Saturn opposing your natal Jupiter (February 2018, June 2018, and November 2018) – testing not only your patience but also your self-confidence. With natal Jupiter in your 10th house, this is likely to felt most in your profession/career. Because transiting Saturn is in your 4th house, you may be confronted with dividing your loyalties between your job and home. Where is your sense of duty?
    • Transiting Uranus will make a square to natal your Mars (May 2018, and October/November 2018) – you’ll likely feel more argumentative than usual. This isn’t necessarily bad, however, as long as you direct your energy toward achieving things of real importance. Because your Mars is also in your 10th house, this too is most likely to manifest as the result of your job.
by debramoolenaar

Solar Return 2017-18 – Happy Birthday SH

UnknownThe solar return chart constructed for the place in which you currently live, gives a snapshot of your next 12 months. In reading this chart, we look only to the tightest (2-3 degrees at most) Ptolemaic aspects (i.e. trine, square, sextile, conjunction, and opposition).

Naturally, we’re looking for angular planets – to the extent there are any, they will pretty much direct the show. Not only this but we’re looking to see if any planets make aspects to the angles or fall in the exact degree of the nodal axis. After that, we will look to the tightest (> 5 minutes of arc) aspects of planets to mid/points.

In predictive work, it’s best to keep it short and sweet – a sketch of sorts – the objective is to give the client every opportunity to fill in the details for him or herself.SR for SH 2017.jpg

The following is for SH – hope you’re having a great birthday and an even better 2017-18 year:

Summary – some hard work ahead but there’s plenty of opportunity for pleasant sociability (perhaps romance) as well as significant personal benefit as long as you keep things light and sunny and avoid being argumentative or competitive. Just don’t make any promises or binding decisions regarding relationships until next year because the reality of the situation may not be what it seems.

Details for 2017-18:

  1. There are no planets conjunct the four angles. However, Saturn (21 Sag) is making a trine aspect to the ASC/DSC axis. This suggests that fortitude and hard work will improve your both self-esteem and your relationships. It might not be easy, but it will be rewarding – a mature outlook (based on years of experience) will help ease any feelings of frustration. You also have Neptune making a sextile to your MC (Mid-heaven). This may generate some confusion as to career path and/or your status in the world. However, this energy may easily be positively channelled – how about using it to get to grips with your spirituality?
  2. Whilst no planets conjunct the angles, your nodal axis (25 AQ/LE) does. This puts the focus on harmonious conduct within your family circle – and indeed within your entire field of associates/acquaintances. The more social you are, the more sociable you’ll feel. With this placement (along with Leo rising) the sunnier your personality, the better – and because the Sun, the chart ruler, is in a tight conjunction with Mars, expect an energetic year – full of promise as long as you avoid the temptation to be argumentative or overly competitive.
  3. This theme is echoed with Venus (25 Gemini) in the same degree as the nodal axis. Venus is in the 11th house of dreams, hopes, and wishes as well as that of the groups that can help those dreams to become reality. Keep it light and friendly and you will benefit from these groups. Indeed, the more that you can ensure that everyone in the group benefits, the better. Mutuality is highlighted – key words: adaptability, pleasant, engaging personality.
  4. The only midpoints under consideration are Venus/Neptune to both the Sun and Mars – this could lead to romance – enjoy !  Although (please) avoid making any promises/decisions in this regard until next year – health warning – the reality of the situation may not be what it seems.midpoint tree SH
by debramoolenaar

Solar Returns – a clever way to snapshot your upcoming year – thanks Bernadette & Darrelyn!

According to Bernadette Brady and Darrelyn Gunzburg (AstroLogos), when looking at Solar Return (SR) charts, look only to the tightest (Ptolemaic) aspects (2-3 degrees at most) made by your SR planets to the four SR angles as well as any SR planets falling in the exact degree of the SR nodal axis.kk

Not only that, but look at the tightest (hard) aspects made by mid/points and the planets they aspect –  TIGHT =< 5 minutes of arc.  Note – Solar Fire and IO Edition both do Mid-Point Trees reports but if using IO Edition, you’ll also need to use Midpoint & Orb report to get the degree of the midpoint.

Set your SR chart for the location where you are currently living. Avoid the temptation to use ‘holiday locations’ – this won’t give as reliable a result.

One last thing to remember – the SR return chart is a snapshot of a 12 month period – this energy is not going to last forever. That doesn’t mean that things that may seriously impact the rest of your life won’t happen during the period. It does mean that you can’t dot every ‘i’ and cross every ‘t’. Predictive work like this is meant to provide a sketch not a fully finished picture. Besides, if you pay close attention to the direction in which things look headed, you might be able to significantly alter/control how it all turns out.

DDM SR 2017 18How might this work out for me for my upcoming SR chart 2017-18 (Bernadette and Darrelyn already did an amazing job at call the shots for my SR return 2016-17 which will be ending in the next couple of months).

In Summary –  it will be a confusing yet potentially very creative and inspiring year during which I’ll be overhauling not only who I am but how I relate to others – both those with whom I have a closer relationship (personal and business) and the whole of mankind. If that sounds like a tall order, it is and I need to make certain I don’t get lost in the excitement of it – there’s real possibility as well as some not so realistic stuff too. Perfect for my starting my new career as a life coach and embarking on my formal coaching program at the University of Cambridge.

  1. There are no planets on (conjunct) the angles (Ascendant/Descendant and MC/IC).
  2. There are no planets in the exact degree of the nodal axis (23) – although Saturn is close at 22, no cigar.
  3. Neptune (12 Pisces) makes a square to the MC (13 Sag) – suggesting confusion about status and career. Because Neptune is in the 1st house in this SR chart, the confusion is coming not from outside, but within me. The 1st house suggests that whilst I’m proactive with my status/career, it’s all a bit of a fog. It also suggests a personal commitment to becoming a synergistic part of the ‘larger whole’ – this is potentially a very creative place to be and it makes sense. I’m starting my new career as a life coach (having just retired from 30 years as a lawyer) and attending my first year in the Coaching program at the University of Cambridge. I don’t yet have a good grasp on my talents and abilities in this new career. I also don’t have a good idea what will be required of me. The good news is that Saturn (22 Sag) is also making a sextile to my Ascendant (19 Aquarius) and so at least I’ve got a good container or foundation in place to help with this career transition and I’m willing to make the commitment (Saturn is the SR chart ruler and in the 10th house of career) to hard work.DM SR MIDPOINT tree 2
  4. The (tightest) midpoints that I need to consider (don’t use those involving something itself involving an angle like, for example, the Part of Fortune) are:
    • midpoint tableSun/Venus (22 Virgo 03) to my Saturn (22 Sag 04) – suggesting seriousness and loyalty in relationships. This might be a heavy (yet profitable) year for my marriage and also my business (client) relationships. I need to make certain that I don’t feel too self-conscious when things might go wrong – it won’t help if I end up focusing on others at the expense of my own self-esteem.
    • Uranus/Neptune (4 Aries 49) to my Sun (4 Libra 45) – suggesting that I will develop a unique and original understanding of, and sympathy with, what it means to be human. This in turn requires refinement of my own special talents in a way encourages greater consciousness and brings hidden truths to light (good for coaching!)
    • Jupiter/Neptune (4 Capricorn 46) to my Sun (4 Libra 45) – suggesting a rich imagination and enthusiasm for all possibilities for the future (good for starting a new career and also in developing a new and inspired approach to coaching) – just don’t get carried away and spend too much time and energy on that which is unrealistic and/or unattainable. Good advice! Now just make sure that I follow it.
by debramoolenaar

Happily ever after for Mr and Mrs W?

imagesFor some months, Mr and Mrs W have been suffering some marital problems. However, they have been working fervently toward a mutually-agreeable solution. In the face of what would appear to be a very recent and serious set-back towards that goal, Mrs W has asked whether she and Mr W will stay together and eventually find happiness?

HappilyYES – this happy result should become clear in either 5 days, 5 weeks, or even possibly, 5 months. However, until then, expect further testing times (and manipulative power-plays).

ANALYSIS:

  1. Because Mrs W is the querent, she is represented by Venus – ruler of the chart’s Taurus ascendant.
  2. Because Mr W is her husband, he is represented by Mars – ruler of the chart’s 7th house cusp (Scorpio).
  3. Venus (Mrs W) would be quite powerful in Pisces (where she is exalted) – but she is much weakened by being cadent (12th house) and square to the malefic, Saturn (in the 8th house of joint finances). She is also retrograde (back-pedalling). Doubtless, feeling constrained by her overall situation (most likely financial), Mrs W is reconsidering her options.
  4. Mars (Mr W) would be quite weak by being in detriment in Taurus – however he regains much power by being conjunct the chart’s Ascendant (i.e. he is both cadent and angular )- where he is in a much better position than Venus (Mrs W) to  influence the outcome of the situation. Although modern planets (Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) are not usually used in horary, it is tempting to suggest that because Mars (Mr W) is in trine aspect to Pluto, he has been manoeuvring behind the scenes to pull off a covert power-play. This somewhat malevolent game is also suggested by Mars conjunct the fixed star, Algol, which is associated with intensity and ruthlessness. If that were not enough to confirm suspicions, Mars is also conjunct the fixed star, Capulus, which is linked with aggressive, male energy.
  5. Be that as it may, in order to predict a happy ending for Mr and Mrs W, we need for Venus (Mrs W) and Mars (Mr W) to have an applying trine or sextile aspect between them. While these two are indeed in sextile aspect, it would appear (at first-blush) that they are separating (with Venus leading the way) rather than applying; this would not be good. However, Venus is currently in retrograde (back-pedalling) and after she turns direct (15th April), Mars will chase after and catch up with her on the 17th April at 2AM GMT- when the (now applying) sextile will be perfected.
  6. This is good news for Mr and Mrs W –  and this should become clear in 5 days, 5 weeks, or perhaps even 5 months.
  7. In horary, the Moon is the overall symbol of how events play out (past, present, and future) and so before we give our final verdict here, we must also look to the Moon (3 Scorpio) and all aspects that it will make before it changes sign.
    • Next aspect – Moon opposition Mercury – suggesting a favourable time for working out that mutually-agreeable solution.
    • Next – Moon opposition Mars – suggesting a testing time for the couple – perhaps some teething problems with implementing that solution?
    • Final – Moon trine Venus – good for marriage and love affairs, suggesting Mr and Mrs W will finally find that marital happiness they so desire – as this result confirms the initial analysis, we can now safely sat that this is the end of the matter.
by debramoolenaar

Happy Birthday Ms N!

Happy Birthday Ms N !

nan SR 2017The Solar Return (SR) chart is an astrological map for the next 12 months and the Sun (SO) is the most significant planet in the chart. It’s position – by house and aspect – indicates where you’ll be spending your time and energy during the next year.

With your SR SO in the 11th house, your focus will be in making your fondest hopes and dreams a reality – although as is noted later, this process may not be straightforward and/or easy. You may also expect to spend some effort developing some new friendships, which may not only further those fondest hopes/dreams but also raise difficult questions – re: romance or friendship?  Indeed, with your SR Moon (MO) and Venus (VE) also in your 11th house a romance might well be indicated – but be careful ! Your new friend(s) may have somehow become so linked up with your fondest hopes and dreams  that you’ll go for the whole package –  despite the odds.

This may, however, not be the best approach.

Neptune (NE) is also in your 11th house (on the cusp, in fact) and this suggests that not only are your hopes/dreams not yet fully formed but they might also be subject to considerable confusion (or worse, deception). Although you feel that you’re ready to ‘go with the flow’ – you probably have little or no real idea where that ‘flow’ is headed. Worse, you might well be faced with multiple potential paths. As the year progresses, you will be able to assess the situation more clearly – although you still must look very carefully before you decide to take any leap.Unknown

With SR Jupiter in your 5th house, you are searching for ways to expand and express your need for greater freedom – in creative endeavours as well as perhaps in love affairs – indeed this placement suggests the latter and if that should be the case, then the emotions generated may be quite overwhelming.

SR Mars represents where your active energies will be geared toward material manifestation. With SR Mars in your 12th house,  you can expect to spend a good chunk of time working from behind the scenes or maybe not doing much work at all. As noted earlier, there is likely to be a good deal of uncertainty/confusion regarding where you’re heading. This uncertainty/confusion is underlined twice here in the 12th house (double whammy): (1)  your SR NE is tightly sextile your SR Mars and of course (2) NE is the ruler of the 12th –   This year, it will be all too easy to stray from your chosen path – indeed what you originally set out to achieve may never materialise.

The good news is that with SR Mercury (ME) conjunct SR Uranus (UR), you will be open to new ways of thinking, which may suddenly become most appealing. New information is likely flood in – overwhelming – using up lots of mental energy – so be sure to take frequent breaks. This is a good time to be reflective – meditation and/or spiritual practices aimed at managing stress will be helpful as would be finding a structured approach to processing all this new information.

All in all, it should be a pretty good year – just keep your head on your shoulders – as there will be a tendency to get lost. Look (carefully) before you leap! If things don’t look completely OK then step back – and take advice from trusted others – just be certain that you know who it is that you should trust. This will be a year of confusion – and, if you’re not careful, deception.