THE RISE OF THE DARK PRIESTESS: Vesta conjuncts the Galactic Center and Black Moon Lilith shifts into Virgo

The Goddess Asteroid Vesta represents the Archetype of the Priestess. She calls us to find a path of faith, commitment, devotion, dedication – and equally of sacrifice – and – rejuvenation.

Conjunct the Galactic Center, Vesta calls us to learn from the Great/Grand Central Sun and the Black Hole at the Center of the Universe. We are called to balance the Polarities of Light and Dark – and to see the Healing and Wisdom within both.

She asks us to awaken to the Wisdom and Heritage of the Priestess.

Black Moon Lilith in Virgo reinforces the same energy – Here we are challenged to stand up and determine our own Sexuality, and Material Paths of Service.

Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam, PhD
www.bairaveebalasubramaniam.com

SUN-CHIRON OPPOSITION: PRELUDE TO THE PISCES SUPERMOON

Sun-Chiron opposition

Blessings everyone. I know we’ve already been preparing for this Supermoon for a week now – but there’s another peak of intensity that comes one day before it is due – the Sun-Chiron opposition at 15 Vir/Pis ’23. 


Chiron is the Wounded Healer, or the Soul Healer – Its energy represents the deepest wounding within you. When opposed by the Sun, your conscious awareness of the wound is amplified. You may ‘feel it more’ at this time. Chiron Retrograde is in Pisces, signifying that the the issue most likely has something to do with your spiritual path and connection with Spirit. The Sun is in Virgo and is finding practical ways of getting things done and working with matter to keep the rhythm of life in balance.

Many will be feeling the sense of wounding even more so with the energy of the Full Moon, as the Moon will be so close to it. Consider this opposition a prelude, or taster of what is to come. Don’t be worried if you suddenly start crying or remembering past things that hurt you – they’re coming out now so you can become aware of them, and find ways to heal them. Stay centered, grounded – and if you feel overwhelmed – find some sacred/quiet space and simply breathe. That’s a perfectly valid response to the overwhelming energy that this configuration can bring.

It’s a good idea not to wound others, or to place yourself in circumstances where you are likely to get wounded. Being by yourself (only if you can handle it) or in the company of a reliable support group is a good idea at this time.

Now this opposition and upcoming Full Moon aren’t the only exact aspects in the sky – as you can see in the graphic – there’s quite a few of them.

The Sun-Chiron opposition forms the backbone of a Kite formation involving the Juno-Vesta/Saturn-Chiron Retrograde Grand Water Trine (link provided). In this formation, the energy of the Trine gets channeled and bounced back and forth in the opposition. The focal point would tend to be Chiron Retrograde in Pisces, however.

We’ve also got the Final Grand Cardinal Cross of 2014, involving Pallas Athena, Pluto Retrograde, Uranus Retrograde and Juno. At present, Pallas and Pluto – and – Uranus and Juno are squaring one another at an orb of +/- 1 degree. That’s pretty intense. Through Juno, the Grand Cross feeds into the Grand Trine, and therefore into the Sun-Chiron opposition.

We also have a very powerful Yod (Finger of Fate) formed by a sextile between the Sun (focus, awareness) and Vesta (priest/essing, spiritual service, tending the sacred flame, regeneration), both inconjunct/quincunx Uranus Retrograde (awakening, breakthrough, surprise, suddenness, the unexpected). Again Uranus is already engaged in the square with Juno (see above) – so all these configurations are connected and energetically amplifying the pivotal Sun-Chiron opposition.

There’s other things happening in the sky right now, but these are the most important aspects of the lot. I’ve skipped an explanation of what each bring as I’ve covered all the aspects in the links listed below. The one thing I haven’t explained is the Yod – so here goes:

Sun/Virgo sextiles Vesta/Saturn/Scorpio both quincunx Uranus Retrograde in Aries. I see this as a sudden, fairly abrupt issue that may arise from something that seems ‘mundane’, perfectly ‘day to day’. The roots of the issue or event may be more obscure, rooted back in your soul’s biography. The issue will unfold in an almost explosive way – and powerfully challenge your understanding of yourself – and the sacred authority you bear within you – at this time. You have the choice between hubris and humility, so make it wisely. Some may even manifest this as some kind of unexpected physical event or encounter are Aries often relates to the physical body itself. With a Yod, you can never say if it’s ‘bad’ or ‘good’ – only that it’s sudden and will lead you to make decisions that will set you upon some new (or to revisit an old) curriculum of spiritual growth and evolution.

Take care, everyone

Related Links:

Intro to the Supermoon and its challenges – http://wp.me/p4OUNS-62
A 12 house Coping Strategy – http://wp.me/p4OUNS-6s
Grand Water Trine/Grand Cross – http://wp.me/p4OUNS-6g

Blessings and I hope this is of use. The Coping Strategy offers practical advice to cope with Piscean energies (where Chiron Retrograde is at present).

Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam, PhD
www.bairaveebalasubramaniam.com

Coping with the Supermoon in Pisces (9:38 am 9 Sep, GMT + 8) at 16 Pis ’19: A 12-House Guide [COMPLETE]

Pisces with Logo

Blessings all,

As I explained before ( http://wp.me/p4OUNS-62 ), we’re already feeling the dissolving, formless, culminating energies of the Pisces SuperMoon, coming on the 9th of September (at 9:38 am, GMT + 8). This is a ‘rough guide’ to coping with the energies. Each chart is unique, so take only what resonates. Go to http://www.astro.com get a free natal chart to see which house 16 Pisces falls into for you before proceeding.

Read the house that applies to you (in fact read all 12 if you like) – and also the sign that occupies your 12th house (associated with Pisces). So, if you have your 10th house in Pisces and your 12th house in Taurus, then read the entries for the 10th house and the 2nd house (as Taurus is linked with the second house). You can also read the 4th house (representing the Moon), or even whatever sign your natal Chiron is in. That’s getting pretty complex (for beginners to astrology – I intend on making a video soon to explain the basics of reading one’s chart) – but at the very least, have a read of the House your natal Pisces is in.

The general theme that will run through this guide is a calling for grounding, healing, nurturing and seeking out support from the Earth and Her facilitators. If you feel particularly vulnerable (read the linked article for more info), make sure that you’re with a reliable support group at this time and avoid being on your own. I emphasize this aspect owing to the conjunction of Chiron (Soul Wound, Soul Healer) with the SuperMoon, opposed to the Sun in Virgo.

Reminder: Piscean energy is one that seeks resolutions – transcendence through the evolution of detachment, and the simultaneous recognition that we are All One. Or… in its less evolved forms, resolution through escapism or denial or some kind. Bear in mind the need to respect the sensitivity and vulnerability linked with Pisces and the need to treat the self, and others as gently as possible. Again, if you’re feeling vulnerable and have tendencies towards self-harm, substance abuse, any kind of obsessive behavior – seek out your support groups. The possibility of wounding, suffering or pain of some kind is amplified by the SuperMoon’s conjunction with Chiron. Do not ignore sound professional medical or psychological advice – this report is not a substitute for that in any way.

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1st – With Pisces in your Ascendant, you need to look at the physical body and whatever sense of wounding you have associated with it. Take extra care. Grounding/Earthing with the feet will be of particular benefit to you at this time. For some, meditation in Natural Spaces (woodlands, fields, lakes, etc.) would be of immense benefit. Take the time to enjoy the solitude and allow a deep regeneration of your Body, Mind and Spirit to happen. For those who are too sensitive to Piscean energy, grounding is great – but stay close to those who can and are willing to support you through rough phases. You do not _have_ to endure this by yourself, there are many who will be able to help you face your vulnerabilities or wounds, if you reach out and ask them to. And there is no shame in asking for help during this period – make sure the people whom you ask for help are reliable, competent and are skilled in the kind of help you require. (As my dad would say – there’s no point going to an eye specialist if you have a toothache…) This may also be a good time to seek help in diagnosing whatever ‘mystery ailments’ may have been bothering you – no matter which healing paradigm you use. – Also applicable for those with Aries in the 12th house.

2nd – With Pisces in your 2nd house, look to the flow of abundance in your life – it may be a source of income, wealth or (internally speaking) a mental construct that makes you believe you are well, cared for, strong, secure, (i.e. the self-esteem dynamic) etc. Chiron with the Moon in this house leads to the culmination of a particular issue which blocks, or hurts this flow of abundance. On the flipside, it can equally mean that you will ‘see’ or find a path ‘illuminated’ to answering your questions of how and why the flow of abundance has been blocked thus far – and how you can change that. Remember that Chiron is the Wounded Healer, and the Teacher – you learn so much and can teach and give so much once you have healed from its wounds. So prepare to learn to manifest what you want, in your life – and to share that knowledge with others. Perhaps therein lies one aspect of the abundance ‘puzzle’ you’re going to be working through now. It won’t be an ‘easy’ lesson for most, though. Grounding/Earth would be a good practice, just as making it a point to get out there and ‘In-Joy’ (enjoy) the pleasures of life. Not a bad time to enjoy the sensual side of life either, provided you’re not using it to ‘escape’ from the task of spiritual development and evolution – Also applicable for those with Taurus in the 12th house.

3rd – With Pisces in your 3rd house, the source of wounding-healing-teaching appears to be in your early childhood, ‘inner child construct’, your relationships with siblings and/or a source in your immediate day-to-day environment. It can manifest as an old childhood wound re-triggered. The 3rd house is also associated with the formation of perception, your ability to analyze, communicate and present yourself int the world. Those who have felt painfully shy or simply socially awkward, those who mistrust their own voice in the world, or their cognitive abilities may also see those insecurities amplified at this time. It is vital for you to take care of the wounded inner child at this time. Art therapy, counseling, having a heart to heart with your parents/siblings/people who trigger the wound, may be things for you to consider. Write down, speak out, express your feelings in some way. You can’t afford to keep them bottled up. Reading on ways to heal those wounds and coming to terms with them is also highlighted at this time – Also applicable for those with Gemini in the 12th house.

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Pisces in the 4th House – In this position, you are likely to feel the source of Wounding as emanating from your family/home, mother-figure, domestic context – or even your deeper connections with your ‘tribal or collective identity’, connection with the Mother-Goddess-Gaia archetype and so on. The 4th house relates to that which makes you feel anchored, grounded, and gives you a sense of place in the world. It is what you fall back onto, your place of retreat at the end of the day (one hopes). If you can, solitude whilst communing with different facets of the Mother archetype in your spiritual practice would be greatly beneficial. If family-of-origin poses a problem, or triggers a painful karmic dynamic you feel you can’t overcome – then seek your ‘family of choice’ – your ‘tribe’ (be they on the Internet, or in person). Avoid major disputes on this day unless you are prepared to transform and teach those persons involved in your family unit (including yourself) – and they need to be willing participants as well. Know that communications are likely to be wrapped and warped in veils of mis-perception and games of projection on all sides, so try to resist the temptation to jump the gun. Keep an eye on the health of the mother, or nurturer-figure in your household. If you can handle the intensity of the Moon’s energies, you may well find pathways that illuminate a new way out of some long-standing, deeply entrenched yet till-now elusive karmic dynamic in your household. This also applies to those with Cancer in the 12th house. Owing to the Moon’s association with the 4th house, everyone is likely to see some aspect of this dynamic played out in their lives – in some form or another.

Pisces in the 5th house – The wounding/lesson/transcendence opportunity here arises in your relationship with children, or even your own ‘Inner Child’. Self-expression, playfulness, the sacred-simple-joy of innocence and reconnecting with the Creator/Creatrix within. Joining a play, drama, dance, singing, art-jam, music-making session – whatever makes you come alive allows your creativity to ‘flow’ – are good things to do at this time. This isn’t a time to surround yourself with people who are determined to criticize you on the basis of their life’s perceptions. Surround yourself with people who are accepting of who you are, or who simply allow you to ‘just be yourself’. Resist the tempation to ‘wear a brave mask’ and put on a facade today. You will find great creative resources in your willingness to authentically embody your vulnerability – without for the need of recognition, approval, etc. Those with kids may want to stay away from unnecessarily risky activities through this phase – no need to get neurotic or paranoid about it – it’s just not the day to go bungee jumping or cycling off a cliff…. (Note: The 12th house/Pisces energy is linked with suffering, and confinement – even in hospitals, etc.). Similarly, keep an eye open with your romantic partner – this may be a day for ‘wounding in love’, but I sincerely hope it is the kind of wound-lesson that leads to a dissolving of karmic ties and a deepening of soul-based love. This is applicable to those with Leo in the 12th house as well.

Pisces in the 6th House – Lessons of wounding/vulnerability/opportunities of transcendence/teaching come from your relationship with Service. There may be some confusion as to how you manifest a certain task (spiritual or otherwise) into being. It’s vital to stay ‘on the ball’ with the details. Ideally, you could bring in some of that amorphous, transcendental energy to help you shift rigid structures, procedures or routines in life. A little bit of a shake-up is not such a bad thing. Try to use this energy as one which can help you structure your life in a way that aligns with your Spiritual Values, and honors your Vessel of Service (the Body). Be on the lookout for attempts at berating or trying to shame you from those that feel they are your superior. They’re not – hold your ground in these cases Whilst everyone is a Servant of the Divine in some form or another, we are not bound to be anyone’s inferior or superior. This can also be a time where you are tested by ‘fake gurus’, ’emotional/psychic vampires’, narcissists, exes that haven’t let go of you yet, and others seeking to erode healthy boundaries in the name of Spirit or Love, whilst playing the ‘inferiority’ card (your, theirs, or both). You may also find extreme caretaking/nurturing/control dynamics in the guise of ‘being helpful’ at play with others pretending to be subservient or meek. Eyes open, as always – Keep those boundaries up, let in only that which resonates with you. This also applies to those with Virgo in the 12th house. You might also find this article of use – http://wp.me/p4OUNS-5m

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Pisces in the 7th house – In this placement, the potential for wounding/transcendence/karmic resolution arises through your partnerships with others, and in your shadow self (i.e. those parts of you which you do not recognize in you, and so you draw to you via the mirroring effect of partnerships). Be delicate with dealings with your spouse, live-in partner or even someone you collaborate with at work. Remember that you are quite likely feeling just as vulnerable as they are, so remember to be kind on yourself as well. Know that whatever dynamics the other person is bringing up is helping you resolve something within you that has thus far been un-addressed. A good practice is to thank them for the lesson and reflect upon how it applies to you. Games of projection – as your suppressed shadow side is reflected in the faces of others – are bound to be rife at this time. Take nothing personally. On the flipside, if your partnership is strong enough to withstand – and even thrive through that particular sensitivity-vulnerability that Chiron-Moon in Pisces brings, you may just find a way to bring down a barrier that’s kept you apart. Make sure it’s not a healthy boundary that you’re eroding. Those with codependent or narcissist tendencies may want to begin journaling their thoughts to see if such patterns are coming to the surface during this SuperMoon. Remember that sacrifice in the name of love can be a powerful, beautiful and sacred thing – but it can also become a powerful karmic hook if done by an ego in desperate search of emotional security. This also applies for those with Libra in the 12th house.

Pisces in the 8th house – In this placement, your Pisces dynamics are likely to come through a variety of sources – but very often, it tends to be someone with whom you have committed and merged a significant portion of your energies. Perhaps in business, in sex, in other forms of intimate connection, and so on. Those working with Scorpio energies as a solo practitioner may find their challenge arising from within their subconscious itself (it always is the case, but you’re more aware that the Source is Your own inner dynamic). Experienced shamanic practitioners might find this an excellent time to do some interdimensional work, though empaths may find this a very challenging time to draw up their boundaries against the powerful ‘Ocean of Collective Emotion’ that Pisces represents. If you do go off to some far-off realm, make sure to have two feet planted on the ground. Not something to try unless you are absolutely sure of what you’re doing – seek out the guidance of an expert if unsure (in which case you’re better off not going that route just now). You may be called – no matter how you engage with Scorpio energy – to give up something, to truly make a Sacrifice of Spirit. (No, I’m not talking about some Hollywood style offering to a sadly vilified and misconstrued Goddess – see Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom) – but you may be truly asked to give up something which you feel entitled to control or have power over. And sometimes, that … my friends … is an invitation to Absolute Spiritual Surrender. This is extremely difficult for the Ego that seeks to control and be aware of what’s what, but is a necessary component for all those who Journey into the Dark, the Light, the Grey, the Rainbow – every aspect of the Spiritual Path. As with Libra, this is a wonderful time to dissolve boundaries in intimate partnerships – but make sure they’re dissolutions that you are okay with. Scorpio’s energies take this a step further – it is no longer the erosion of walls, but the merger and mixing of energies. If it’s against your will (and against your inner knowing) – then don’t allow it. You have that choice – I’m talking about Surrendering to the Divine, not to another person or material construct. This also applies for those with Scorpio in the 12th house.

Pisces in the 9th house – Your opportunity for wounding/transcendence/learning comes through the way you explore, expand your perceptions and understand your place in this wider world. Linked with a sense of adventure, optimism, dynamism and an intellectual-philosophical view of the world, Pisces in Sagittarius asks you to STOP. Sagittarian energy has a certain perspective of the way the world works. When it feels threatened it can move into a place of uber-judgment, rejecting all that potentially invalidates one’s view, and constantly moves – restlessly – from one experience to the next, for fear that it will be shown to be wrong. (That’s the not so great side of it).This is the time for the adventurer-philosopher (I think of Indiana Jones, Sr. and Jr.) to hang up his or her hat and realize that there is not need to go ‘out there’ to find what is already within. Divinity and the secrets of the Universe, the whole scope of consciousness and cognitive perceptions are all around you, and within you, at the same time. Whilst I’m not saying – don’t travel (though exercise proper safety precautions if you do), you don’t need to travel to confirm your spiritual path or paradigm. You don’t need to read another deep philosophical text or turn to a tradition to validate your connection with Source. You can, if you want to – but it’s not necessary as The Divine has been within you all the entire time. Try to avoid getting into disputes about which path is Right/Wrong as those debates are essentially fruitless. Even if someone sees things differently from you, that’s fine – neither of you are wrong, nor are you ‘right’ – you’re both equally valid shards of the Universe perceiving itself. Just do what you know works for you, and don’t force it unto others – deny them the opportunity to do the same to you. Remember – Many Paths, One Mountaintop (Destination). Teachers and preachers, take a rest if you can. The work you do is valuable, but it’s equally important for you to have a time out and simply receive. This also applies to those with Sagittarius on their 12th house cusp.

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Pisces in the 10th house – In this house placement, the potential for wounding/transcendence-through-suffering/lessons learnt comes from your relationship with the Super-Ego, i.e. society’s understandings of ‘success, achievement, legacy, prestige, status, power and authority’. The 10th house represents our position in the public eye – how we are seen by society and the impression of our selves and efforts that we ultimately leave behind. On your tombstone, there will be a summary of what you did and who you were. This is the most direct representation of the 10th house – the legacy you leave. Those in the public eye, particularly as they represent spiritual matters or teachings which run against the grain of the structures and authorities we have been conditioned to believe will be ‘under attack’, i.e. facing intense criticism and scrutiny. Questions of – who are you to do what you do? who are you to represent yourself? will arise from those who particularly feel threatened by what and whom you embody. Answer from a place of integrity, but don’t let the words of the insecure get under your skin. As long as you are aligned with Spirit, do not allow your public acclaim, status or success become a reason for you to doubt yourself. The Universe knows what its doing, my friends. The worst thing you can do is become defensive – simply respond from a centered place. Such attacks or challenges can also trigger deep wounds which can then become ‘the grist’ of other teachings which you can then spread to the public. For others, whose lives and material achievements are out of alignment with Spirit, this may be a time where you experience a loss of some kind, or even a ‘fall from grace’ – and even this will be the start of a whole new journey in your spiritual understanding. Perhaps the ‘failure’ or ‘loss’ you might find now (if you operate from a very materialistic paradigm out of touch with Spirit) may be just the wake up call, or reality check you need to get back on track. I suspect this Moon will shift so many, and in such profound ways. – Otherwise, if you’ve always merged your public identity/career with Spirit, then you’re likely to find this Moon as one which highlights your service to humanity and awakens it to the attention of others. You might find yourself at the center of publicity, or the recipient of some public acknowledgement which you had not anticipated – treat this space with respect and caution. You know you’re not in it to ‘get famous’, you’re in it for your own contract with Spirit. This also applies to those with Capricorn on the 12th house cusp.

Pisces in the 11th house – Here, the wounding/teaching arises through your interactions with kindred spirits, friends, and networks of altruistic or other common associations (groups) – particularly ones which exist and communicate through social media or other technological means. If you are in a leadership capacity of some kind, or, if your presence in the group marks you as ‘different’, ‘unique’, or ‘revolutionary’ some how, you may be critiqued or targeted for it. This has strong resonance with Pisces in Capricorn (see above) as social media increasingly puts so many of us into the ‘public eye’. Watch your words, conflicts and expressions in any publicly viewable forums and channels. If you must speak your truth, be very clear with what you say – and do a little fact-checking (if possible) before you say it. Your words will have greater effects and make ripples to shores you weren’t aware of. Know that your friends may be projecting their own insecurities on you at this time, and that – at the end of the day – the only Being or Energy you ultimately have to answer to is Spirit-Within-You. You might have a great new idea at this time, or even a breakthrough in innovating something – keep your ideas to yourself unless you are absolutely certain they will not be twisted or misappropriated by those claiming to be ‘on the same team/vibe’ as you. The fact your inspirational channel or connection with Spirit is as strong as it is will make others uncomfortable – and their negativity (often disguised as concern or care-taking behavior) may come out in response to that. Just be you, and seek the company of those you can trust. Write those down groundbreaking, convention-defying ideas and wait for a good time to share them with the world. Never, ever, question your right to link with Spirit and learn as you do. If you’re with a good group of friends, kindred spirits who can handle the Pisces vibration, then this is the time for groups to come together and anchor the vibrations of peace upon this planet. Allow the boundaries that need to be dissolved, to dissolved, leaving only healthy balance in its wake. This also applies to those with Aquarius on the 12th house cusp.

Pisces in the 12th House – The Pisces Supermoon is at its strongest here as it will be in its home sign and house placement. Neptune Retrograde is already there… and so the energy will only be amplified in this case. For individuals with this placement, you are likely to be extremely sensitive to energies, to have some form of psychic ability, intuitive gift or empathetic nature (or all of the above). You are essentially the energetic sponge that absorbs all, that sees all, and the knows all – often to the point where you no longer know what you are feeling as an individual, as yourself. If you’re in a vulnerable place – seek out the support of a reliable friend/friends who can see you through a painful time. Losing yourself in anything – substances, sex, people, work, chocolate – isn’t the best way you can work with this energy (if that was what you were interested in). Those able to handle the lessons through sensitivity, vulnerability and wounding that Pisces offers will quite likely want to keep to themselves. You don’t need to interact with people in the same room to know what’s going on with them, and the world, in general. My take on this would be to seek solitude (if you’re up to it), and do grounding, centering and protective rituals or exercises. Sitting under a tree and visualizing a protective bubble of Light (invoking the Archangel Michael or other deity/being) – or sitting in a church/temple in quiet prayer or contemplation – or similar exercises where you can have a free, clear and uncluttered time and space to simply ‘Sit with Spirit’ would be of great use to many. (As always, if you’re not comfy with something spiritual/magickal – then don’t do it – read up before you try anything new and ask a trusted practitioner for clarification). You are being given the powerful front-row-seat opportunity to connect with Spirit at this time. Portals of information and revelations of truth can be opened to you, so use this energy wisely and do not fall pray to the emotional dramas of other beings. There is a reason why so many great spiritual teachers, have at some point in their lives, sought solitude and become hermits, or recluses. This isn’t the time for you to deal with the burdens of the world – because you feel that every day, already – but a time for you to connect with What is -Out There – and Within for answers to the questions you seek. You may be privy to extraordinary secrets or lessons of revelation from Source if you are willing to do the internal work of remaining receptive, grounded and Heart-Centered at this time. Again, not for the beginner on the spiritual journey. Take extra care of your physical bodies at this time as well – and make sure you get adequate nutritional support. This applies for those with Pisces on the 12th house Cusp.

The energy of Pisces is pure and transcendental – and very often the extreme nature of sensitivity it brings can be simply ‘too much’ for people and they turn to (sometimes dangerous) forms of escapism and denial instead. If you can’t handle it – you don’t have to – seek out friends, or support/therapy groups that will help. If you can, there’s a lot to be learnt spiritually through this energy, but make sure you are prepared to handle it.

This is a complex energy, and it will manifest differently for everyone. There’s a lot of Beauty in Piscean energy, but you don’t need a coping guide for that part of it 😀

Remember, just as there is no ‘One Path’ that will fit everyone, there is no ‘one recipe’ for healing the body, mind and spirit.

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As always, the information in this report is not meant to substitute advice from medical, psychological or other professional therapist that you may be seeing. Take all that resonates, and only that.

Blessings to All,
Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam, PhD
www.bairaveebalasubramaniam.com

Image Information: Vitrail Chartres Zodiaque 210209 03.jpg – By Vassil (Own Work, Public Domain), via Wikimedia Commons; Fotothek df tg 0004439 Astrologie ^ Sternzeichen ^ Kalender.jpg [Public Domain] Wikimedia Common; Stamp_of_Ukraine_s893.jpg – By Post of Ukraine [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons; http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/RR5215-0019R.gif – By Банк России.Permjak at ru.wikipedia [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons; Fish (silver) rv.gif – By С. Заскевич (Беларусь) [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons; Meditation Harmony Peace Crystal.jpg – By Cornelia Kopp (Flickr: meditation) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

JUNO IN CANCER OPPOSED PLUTO RETROGRADE IN CAPRICORN; 7:58 am, August 30th 2014, 11 Can-Cap 08′, GMT + 8 (+++ Wedge with Vesta)

Juno opposes Pluto Retrograde

Juno – as I understand her – goes far beyond the energy of ‘the soulmate’ or ‘the marriage partner’. Whilst she can be these things, she represents something far more profound – the channel that houses the flow of Divine Feminine energy into your life. If you consider the Divine Feminine is the ‘soulmate’ or spiritual counterpart to the Divine Masculine, you can see why her interpretation evolved into the form that it did.

A historical analysis of Juno shows as her a Goddess that refuses to be confined. She is the nurturer, the guardian, the mother, the wife, the goddess of the liminal – those spaces in between spaces, just as one phase ends and another begins. Her energy is somehow both subtle and powerful at the same time. It, usually through a person, allows the flow of Sophia, Asherah, Shakti (use whichever term you like) to stream into your life.

Transits to Juno, in my astrological study of natal charts, tend to trigger this opening or gateway to the feminine. And no, they’re not always about ‘finding Mr. or Ms’ Right’. A soulmate whose energies are channeled by Juno, depending on your chart, can just as well bring you to the feet of the Goddess by virtue of violence, rejection and painful experiences.

Juno, to summarize what is a powerful and complex energy, brings us into balance with ourselves and asks us to reach out and honor those parts we disown. That is how I read energy with respect to the ‘union’ or ‘soul-marriage’ she is traditionally linked with.

I also see her as profoundly linked to certain aspects of shadow-working, or Reclaiming the Shadow. It is she who protects the newborn child from being snatched by the jaws of death, and the city from the ravages of invasion.

There is something so profoundly deep, dark and mysterious about this Asteroid Goddess that a single post cannot cover – so I hope to have provided you with a sense of her depth and breath and liminal presence.

And yet, at the same time – She is the Goddess of Beginnings…. (how wonderful!)

In the sign of Cancer, Juno finds ways for us to connect with Mother Gaia once more. She may also find ways to work her magic in our lives so we re-establish long-forgotten connections with family, tribe, cultural collective – and especially – the mother figure. She brings us to the traditions, the rules, the habits, the attachments to old ways of establishing a group identity and asks us to decide whether we choose to dance to the same tune, or to find a different drummer. Either way – you are being called to see the Goddess in your Home, your place of Belonging or Rootedness, however you define it.

Pluto Retrograde, on the other hand, is a very different sort of energy. It represents the energy of transformation-through-crisis (Gargatholil) and is linked with the themes of sexuality, intimacy, regeneration, birth-death-rebirth, shadow-working, deep and intense emotions, power, control, intimate boundaries, the merging of energies and profound esoteric or occult knowledge… and so on. It is the place where the Phoenix goes to Die, the Crucible in which it Burns, and from which it Arises again. One of the most potent and intense energies in the astrological zodiac.

The lessons that Pluto teaches are often perceived as painful, yet they contain the greatest gifts and blessings. I’ll give you an analogy: I call Pluto – The Thug. Say you’re walking down the street. You get mugged and lie bleeding. You wake up a few days later in hospital. After you’ve healed, you realize that the building you were about to walk into (just before you got stopped and mugged) was on the verge of collapse – and you would have most certainly died if you’d arrived at your destination. And on top of that, you had no money in your wallet anyway….

That’s the kind of blessing/trial that Pluto can bring, though it’s usually not as dramatic.

In Capricorn, Pluto is truly shaking up society’s understanding of what ‘success’, ‘achievement’ and ‘authority’ mean – in the public eye. We’ve seen the effects of the Uranus-Pluto squares and the political uprisings and revolutions that have been sparked close to their exact squares. It can manifest as the erosion of the old to make way for a way of building a new institution, or even a new world order. Or it could manifest as older, established forms of governance grasping onto power through whatever means required. Whether change is desired or not, it will happen, come what may.

At the personal level (though this depends greatly on house placement), the way you consider yourself to be successful, accepted or legitimate in some way will change.

With Pluto Retrograde, the kinds of crises that can erupt, prompting you to evolve, often arise within the psyche – in response to some external event. Its more about you, than it is about anyone else – so it would be wise to ensure that whatever conflicts you may find yourself in are not mere games of projection.

When you get Juno opposed Pluto Retrograde, you get a situation where a crisis is likely to erupt at any time – though you can’t say you didn’t see it coming…. Pluto Retrograde is under a great deal of strain and it seeks to channel and keep its transformative drive within the psyche: self-containment does not suit its raw power.

The straw that breaks the camel’s back, the trigger that finally launches the raw power of Pluto may even be a harmless comment, gesture from someone playing Juno in your life. With Pluto Retrograde in Capricorn, whatever plays for power, or attempts to control another are likely to be visible in the public eye. If you’re having a breakdown, you might not want to post it on FB, for instance. Many may find themselves having to make critical decisions about their Careers and ideas of Building a Legacy – and weighing that against the Needs, Wants and Perspectives of their Partner.

With Juno in Cancer, this becomes a classic contest between one’s public life and family life. You may find that someone in your familial/domestic environment challenges you in ways that set off a chain reaction, bringing out the well-hidden shadow of Scorpio into full view. It’s hard to say exactly how this will pan out as Juno is such a ‘wide’ energy to work with.

Some might experience this as a breakup (if their partner is represented by Juno), others may find aspects of themselves calling out for wholeness, completion and expression. Some might look at the Goddesses in their own Tradition and call out for a radical re-signification of their spiritual form and meaning. There are lots of other possibilities as well.

But one thing is for certain: The Goddess calls for Balance. She asks you to honor the Home (Earth, Tribe, Family) just as she asks you to make your way, and your name in the World. If the foundations of the legacy you are building are strong, and they are in balance with your relationship to Family/Home/Roots – then Pluto Retrograde is not something you have to worry about too much.

The energy of Juno and Pluto are in a Wedge shaped configuration with Vesta (the Priestess, the keeper of the Sacred Flame) in Scorpio. She sextiles Pluto Retrograde and trines Juno, providing a useful focal point to turn to in case the energies become too intense for you to handle. Vesta tells us how we can nurture, honor, and regenerate ourselves even in the toughest of times – so find some time in a private setting and do whatever it is that makes you feel the most alive. I refer you to http://wp.me/p4OUNS-59for specific ideas as to how.

Vanakam, Namaste and Blessings to All,

Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam, PhD
www.bairaveebalasubramaniam.com

Image: “Juno sospita pushkin” by shakko – Own work. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons –http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Juno_sospita_pushkin.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Juno_sospita_pushkin.jpg
“Hades Altemps Inv8584” by Jastrow (2006). Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons –http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hades_Altemps_Inv8584.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Hades_Altemps_Inv8584.jpg
“Chief Vestal” by This file is lacking author information. – G. Ferrero, The Women of the Caesars, New York, 1911.. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons –http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chief_Vestal.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Chief_Vestal.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

PART 1: GENDER STEREOTYPING IN LIFE AND ASTROLOGY

Ardhanari

Sex and Gender are different concepts. Your genitalia does not tell you to behave a certain way, you are conditioned into it and/or predisposed to certain behaviors through your biological hardwiring – nature / nurture both exert their influence. Certain branches of academic feminism make a wonderful case for defining the relationship between sex and gender differently. For instance – you can look to the work of Judith Butler who speaks of gender as a repeated performance that we enact – if you’re interested in learning more. We all see it differently – but this is the ‘knowing’ that resonates with me. 

In other words – we do not learn how to be a ‘woman’ or a ‘man’ based on genes alone – we are taught how to perform ‘being a woman’, or ‘being a man’. And as we repeat these performances over and over again, we begin to strongly identify with them and consider them as ‘real’. It is the embodied form of the idea that ‘reality is constructed’, and one of the ideas that underpinned my PhD thesis. For if there was but one definition of womanhood, or manhood, wouldn’t we all play it out the same way?

Some women are taught that they have to dress the part, curl/perm their hair to look a certain way, keep their legs together when they’re sitting down, wear lipstick (not too red!) and flowing dresses in order to be ‘a lady’. Other women rebel and wear their wild hair like a mantle over their shoulders and dance by the fires till dawn. Other women cut their hair to within an inch of their scalp and wear clothes which make them look angular, masculine, martial. And other women do other things…. the same with men …. In fact, I don’t know how to define womanhood or manhood anymore – I thought I had an idea, but now I see that that too is my construction and mine alone.

There is such a diverse range of such expressions of gender – Who can say what being a ‘real woman’ or a ‘real man’ is anymore? And why do we insist in linking it with a particular set of genitalia?

I’ve seen men with the nurturing instincts idealized as ‘feminine qualities’ and women who have none of that whatsoever. I’ve seen human tigresses roar and stride into battle, in a ‘man’s world’ and best the alpha male – so much for assertiveness and aggression being ‘a male thing’. (And yes, people still use these outmoded categorizations to put limits on behavior: ‘girls don’t beat boys at games’, ‘girls don’t run’, ‘boys don’t cry’, ‘boys don’t wear pink’ etc.)

It works both ways, and is one of the dynamics which has led to the imbalance in Masculine and Feminine energies which we see in the world today. So what does all this have to do with my study of astrology?

GENDER STEREOTYPING IN ASTROLOGY

In astrology we associate Air/Fire, the Sun, Saturn, Mars with ‘male’ energies and Earth/Water, the Moon, Venus, with ‘female’, et cetera. I often clarify when I use these terms in my reports as I see them as archetypes which can manifest in all beings. But still that gendered binary gets reproduced ….

I find this deeply problematic – as my personal experiences and explorations of cultural archetypes tell a different tale.  For instance, in primordial concepts of Shiva (male) and Sakthi (female), Shiva is the passive, receptive principle whilst Sakthi is that active, dynamic force. In my experience of reality – I know more fiery women and nurturing men than I do the opposite. Kali-Ma is my Raging Fire and Lord Shiva is the Calm Breeze on the Himalayan Mountain. (For one thing – but I work with different pantheons and archetypes as well: Some days Mother Earth and Father Sun speak instead. You don’t have to ‘pick one’ and consider all else ‘wrong’.)

So for me, I’ve never seen or experienced the elements exclusively in the traditional way described. Here are other examples less contingent on my personal views:

For instance, the Moon – closely associated with the Oceans is often seen in Western astrology as ‘female’. But the Moon is ‘male’ in Vedic astrology, and in pre-Vedic (Dravidian) India, the ruler of the waters, lakes and streams was Lord Varuna/Baruna – again, a male deity. [Incidentally, when I look at an Ocean, I do not see her as entirely Feminine to the exclusion of all else]

The Sun is seen as ‘male’ as in Western and Vedic astrology, but in other cultures – this is not so. Goddess Bhairavi. the Mahavidya, is associated with the Rising Sun herself. Goddess Ameterasu from Japan represents the Sun in all her states. Lady Sekhmet from the Egyptian pantheon is associated with the setting Sun – and I could go on.

So how do we say that A is B, and C is D? How do we say for sure that an energy is ‘this’, or ‘that’? Can we say that one cultural conception is right, and another is wrong? Can I reject Western symbolism, Vedic tradition and/or (pre-Vedic) Dravidian worship wholesale in favour of something else? And then call that other philosophy or system ‘right’?

I don’t know about you, but I can’t do that with a clear conscience. If there is any ‘truth’ that I have learnt in my study on this subject is that’ — We can’t create a Universal Standard that defines what a man, or a woman is, what ideal ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine’ traits are.

The best we can do is go with what feels right for ourselves and allow others to do the same for themselves.

And when it comes to astrology, we need to look at the gendered stereotyping of energies to become a lot clearer of how we talk about energetic influences on people. They’re just not seen or felt in the same way by everyone.

PART 2 of this series will address the androgyny of Goddess Pallas Athena.

Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam, PhD

http://www.bairaveebalasubramaniam.com

** Please note that this piece was first published in another blog of mine on July 10, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image: Arthanari.png on Wikimedia Commons by Venu62 at http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/28/Ardhanari.png distributed under the  Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

The Virgo New Moon. 25.8.2014: RE-CLAIMING THE VIRGIN

Reclaiming the Virgin

This New Moon is Here to Serve. Whilst powerful in its own right, its purpose in the grand scheme of things is to set the stage for: the conjunction of Mars/Saturn in Scorpio (squaring Lilith/Venus), 3 Yods (Fingers of Karma), with an opposition to Neptune Retrograde, the shifting of a Grand Sextile (if asteroid Bienor is included), and the build-up to the formation of the Final Grand Cross of 2014. Virgo spiritually and energetically facilitates the powering of these aspects, true to its mission of Earth-Plane-Service.

First I’ll tell you a little bit about the nature of Virgo energy. It’s important for those seeking to understand themselves through astrology to cast aside the many misconceptions surrounding Virgo Energy. Then, I’ll tell about the New Moon and its aspects.

The Energy of Virgo

Many mistakenly equate Virgo energy with submission and subservience, or with sexual frigidity and neuroticism – you couldn’t get further from the the truth. The energy of Virgo is represented by the Virgin Priestess. Vestal Virgins, in ancient times, referred to female spiritual facilitators (priestesses) who had the right to choose their own sexual liaisons. They were not ruled by any law of man. They chose to ‘serve’ others, but were women of independent means.

The reading of ‘Virgin’ as a single woman – presumably unattached due to frigidity and non-compliance with male desire – who is also undesirable on account of her mental acuity and ability to realize plans, and ideas into concrete manifestation – is one that needs to change. It is all too easy to read the imprint of patriarchal thought in the re-imagining of a powerful female archetype, and Now, we are collectively called to Re-Claim the Virgin, acknowledging her Right to Choose, her Power and her incredible Gift of Service.

Virgo Energy is the Mutable form of Earth Energy. If Taurus (Fixed) refers to the Soil of the Earth, ready for seeding and later reaping a harvest from, then Capricorn (Cardinal) refers to the lofty Mountain – the form of Earth that Builds in the name of Legacy.

Virgo, to use the metaphor, is the farmer who has managed to provide for his/her self and family, and is learning how to share the fruits of labour with others. S/he may give some away in the name of charity, or she may learn to set a price that honors the effort put in and the needs of others, in balance.

Virgo is the giver of abundance, and the maker of space. She – as priest/esses and spiritual facilitators often do – ‘hold space’ for another person to exist, to be, to understand their relationship with the Material, and the Source of Spirit that makes it all possible.

Ideally, Virgo gives because she has so much. Because she’s connected to that Source and so she can never run dry.

In modern manifestations of this energy, the many cliches surrounding Virgo emerge when one attempts to fill another’s cup whilst their own is empty.

To truly honor the lessons and gifts that Virgo bestows, it is essential to make yourself able to bless and service or facilitate others from a position of strength, or at least self-sufficiency. This is why Virgo is also associated with health, routines at work, rituals, and the day-to-day activities that keeps our lives moving along. She takes care of the details – and ideally, creates a material life that resonates with the spiritual ideals and path of Service that She stands for.

Make no mistake. She is not a delicate, gentle, compassionate flower (unless she chooses to be), but a powerful facilitator who will not hesitate to stand up for the underdog. She can be both, but it’s important to remember the role of choice in her mode of self-presentation.

The challenges that most spiritual facilitators and seekers (who are bound to have a strong Pisces-Virgo dynamics in their charts) face is getting that balance down. This dynamic is highlighted by the New Moon’s Sun/Moon’s opposition to Neptune Retrograde in its home sign of Pisces. Too often we (and women in particular) are conditioned to learn that service (Virgo) can only happen through sacrifice (Pisces). Whilst that’s a part of it, service can also, and must also, be facilitated through an equal emphasis on self-nurture, and setting the appropriate boundaries that Pisces often seeks to dissolve. We need both Spirit and Form to work in harmony to anchor the spiritual into the material, as so many of us seek to do now.

With Neptune Retrograde in the mix, it’s time to get real about what we can and cannot afford to do as part of our commitment to Self, Spirit and the Path of Service.

Here’s the scoop on the other aspects in the Sky, starting with a review of the New Moon herself:

The New Moon, 25th August 2014

The Moon and Sun are conjunct at 10:11 pm, GMT + 8 at 2 degrees Virgo. This is a powerful portal of opportunity to set intentions to Serve in whatever way you are called to (on the self-nurture/service spectrum). This window lasts for 3 days afterwards.

25-26 August 1995 was the last time we had a New Moon at this degree. Look to the that time in your past to see which cycles you are revisiting and starting a new chapter of, at hopefully, a more evolved, more loving vibration.

At this time, we’re also having the Mars-Saturn conjunction in Scorpio. This energy is asking us to look into the deepest, most hidden parts of our past. Issues of energetic/spiritual/sexual violation may rise to the surface for deep healing at this time. Outstanding debts may make themselves known to you out of the blue, from a long time back. Spiritualists may feel compelled to work with the energies of the Resurrected/Resurrecting Masculine in the Underworld (Osiris in Egypt, and a liminal aspect of Christ Consciousness, for example).

This powerful energy is strongly squared Lilith and Venus in Leo. Such violations, if they occurred in childhood, or if they impacted some aspect of your ability to create, lead and embody your own power are likely to be highlighted

Three Yods or Fingers of Fate/Karma are also present in the sky: Mars/Saturn – Uranus Retrograde – Mercury; Jupiter- Neptune Retrograde – Pallas and Pluto Retrograde – Jupiter – Neptune Retrograde. Mercury (communication, analysis) and Uranus Retrograde (inner awakening, the element of surprise) work together to allow these pathways of energy to ‘bring you back, to take you forward’. You will face karmic situations in need of reconciliation in some form, so that you can then move ahead.

The New Moon’s opposition with Neptune – and the challenge of balancing Service with Sacrifice has already been addressed. It’s important to note that this opposition will activate the yod involving Jupiter (abundance, amplification, higher guidance, ‘the guru’) and Pallas Athena (conviction, judgment, wisdom, analysis, strategy).

Very briefly – this New Moon comes at a time of intense shifting. The Grand Sextile is present in the sky – with the inclusion of asteroid Bienor (7 Taurus) whose influence is largely to test our integrity in uncertain times in the face of potential stability, abundance and a (possibly false) sense of security. The G.S. is shifting its emphasis from Mercury to the Sun, and from Neptune Retrograde to Chiron Retrograde, in the days to come.

At 8:20 am, August 26th 2014, the Final Grand Cardinal Cross of 2014 will form, involving Juno, Uranus Retrograde, Pluto Retrograde and Pallas Athena. I will write more on this aspect as its influence will grow in the coming days.

Both Grand Sextile and Grand Cardinal Cross cease in the final week of September. Juno, the Goddess Asteroid, plays a tremendous role in both alignments. I will also be writing more about her soon.

So I hope this information will help you understand just what’s happening in the sky and some of the challenges and opportunities it brings with it.

So much Love to all – and remember – To Service, does not always mean, Self-Sacrifice.

Blessings,
Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam, PhD
www.bairaveebalasubramaniam.com

BE WARY OF THE ASTROLOGICAL CLICHÉ

Antoine_Caron_Astronomers_Studying_an_Eclipse

I notice that when people talk to me about their charts they say ‘I AM’ a Scorpio, or ‘I HAVE’ a Scorpio Moon, or something like that. Those are statements which, too often, become badges or labels which people fixate on themselves. I am X, therefore I will act as X does, therefore I will have X , Y, Z, challenges and weaknesses. It’s that kind of self-fulfilling prophecy that can be incredibly limiting.

You’re not a Scorpio, or Virgo, or Pisces or whatever. You were simply born at a time when the Sun transited through a particular part of the sky. The way that interacts with and is expressed through You, Your Essence, your Boundless Soul – depends upon so many factors: other planets nearby, aspects made, where your Ascendant is and so on.

So not all Pisces/Aries/Taurus/pick-your-sign-people are the same. It is a quite damaging thing to claim that you are one thing, your essence is one definable energy, because of one element in your chart. As an intuitive astrologer, I can tell you it does not work that way.

For instance – For some people, the role of the Sun isn’t particularly major in their lives – they’ve got other things going on in their chart. I’ll use myself as an example – I was born whilst the Sun was in Capricorn. As per the astrological cliche I’m supposed to be emotionally reserved, calculating, domineering and fixated on success and ambition (to the point that nothing else matters). Those of you who have interacted with me are probably like – eh?

Whilst I know there are learned astrologers in my group of friends and subscribers – this is a message for everyone who isn’t. The power of such damaging stereotypes is one that is not fully acknowledged in the field of astrology.

Equally, I would consider the very rigid definition of houses and planets in ‘exalted’/’detrimental’ states to be equally damaging (Venus in Aries, for example – tell me, are you really surprised that the energy of the feminine in the sign of the path-breaker is seen as a threat?).

I find that the definitions, of what is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ in astrology, tend to be steeped in the shadow of patriarchy and a very narrow understanding of Spirit.

Let’s take Virgo as another example of an independent, archetypal feminine energy re-written in a patriarchal time. She held her own, she was dependent on no man – and so she was labeled as frigid and difficult. She liked to make sure the details were taken care of – and so she became nitpicky and neurotic.

Does that sound like the energy of the Vestal Virgin that Virgo originally referred to? The sexually liberated, wholly independent energy of the priestess or female spiritual facilitator? …

Feel it… go with your gut. And come to your own conclusions.

(One of many examples I could give you. )

So, for those who are interested in continuing their journey of self-understanding through astrology – I would only ask you to be more cautious with the material you deal with. If something is telling you think a certain way and your gut says something else, follow your gut. As with so many things, there is a whole lot of unnecessary and outdated dogma and tradition surrounding the field of astrology that we really need to shed off and move away from.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not claiming to be the world’s greatest astrologer or claiming to have a monopoly on the knowledge of how astrology should be interpreted.

There are gifted, astrological geniuses out there in the world – and when you have a reading with one of these people – you’re not going to be filled with fear and dread each time you look at your chart. Only today did I hear someone who was told that many planets in the 12th house meant she’d have many hidden enemies.

No one is born with the destiny or karma to fail in love, to be loveless, to never see success, etc. If someone is telling you ‘this is who you are’, ‘this is the way your life will be’ – my advice would be to find a different astrologer.

You are Boundless. Spirit cannot be fully explained through any one method of interpretation. No matter what anyone tells you, ultimately, it is YOUR Chart, and YOUR Life will only manifest through the Choices that YOU make.

Nothing is written in stone.

Blessings and Love to All,
Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam, PhD
www.bairaveebalasubramaniam.com

 

 

 

Image Information: “Antoine Caron Astronomers Studying an Eclipse” by Antoine Caron – [1]. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons – http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Antoine_Caron_Astronomers_Studying_an_Eclipse.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Antoine_Caron_Astronomers_Studying_an_Eclipse.jpg

THE LESSONS OF THE ASTEROID GODDESSES AS MARS TRINES NEPTUNE RETROGRADE – Astrology Self-Study Article # 2 by Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam, PhD

Karmas Fork in the Road How do you Become Whole

Blessings to all,

All Asteroid Goddesses are connected in two powerful alignments in the sky right now: Juno, Ceres, Vesta, Pallas Athena – linked together by the Mother-Archetype of the Moon. They make a Wedge and T-Square aspect (described below). These Goddesses collectively teach us the value of self-nurture as we seek wholeness through the Divine Feminine in the Self and the Outside World. These lessons comes just as Mars (Masculine, Yang energy) is about to trine Neptune Retrograde (vision, inspiration, spirituality).

As this is an Astrology-Self Study article, I go into these aspects to some depth. Here is a shorter piece with the gist of what’s happening ❤ ~ http://wp.me/p4OUNS-3D

In this article I also introduce my understanding and experience of Juno, the Goddess Asteroid traditionally associated with Marriage and the Soul Mate. Juno will be working her magic all throughout August and till late September 2014

ASPECTS

We’re having an intense Wedge and T-Square in the skies – Peak Phase: 6:59 pm till 11:28 pm (GMT + 8), 7th August 2014

Both aspects share the same opposition (Moon-Juno).

The Wedge (opportunity to bring harmony to a situation) involves
Moon sextile Ceres
Ceres trine Juno
Moon opposed Juno

The T-Square (crisis that can precipitate creative breakthrough) involves
Moon square Pallas
Pallas square Juno
Moon opposed Juno

To summarize, what we’re going to see is two different energies – the Moon in Sagittarius and Juno in Gemini seeking to find a common meeting ground, or place for coexistence.

The Moon in Sagittarius seeks freedom through adventure, and has the ability to connect emotional, sub-conscious and intuitive energies through the exploration of Self-through-the-World. It can also symbolize escapism from the true work of exploring the Self by becoming overly hedonistic, seeking experiences solely for the pursuit of pleasure, and not deeper growth.

Juno – is a complex character to analyze – Whilst astrology calls her the Goddess Asteroid of Marriage and The Soulmate – I see her as a lot more than that. I shall be doing a post on her separately. I see her as representing the very essence of That Cosmic Other Half – The Divine Feminine in balance with the Masculine. Call her Asherah, Shakthi, Sophia – whatever your tradition guides you to do. But She essentially calls us to find and reconnect ourselves with that Primordial Feminine Energy that permeates all of Creation. Neither stronger, nor weaker, than the Masculine – without Her (or rather, the principle she Represents), spiritual experience is essentially incomplete. I would re-frame her as the principle of Feminine energy seeking completion, which is a more nuanced exposition on the way she is commonly understood – Intuitively, it feels more accurate to analyze and interpret her in this way. She is far too complex a goddess to pin down in a single category of ‘marriage and the soulmate’.

In the sign of Cancer, she calls to us – in our physical, environmental and metaphysical-primordial relationships to the Womb. She asks us to reach out and find, in ourselves, or in others (whichever appropriate), the ‘missing half’. Where is the Divine Feminine principle within yourself, and in the people you share your ‘truest nature’ with?

The Moon in Sagittarius can give us the courage to go forth (externally) to seek-in-the-World those connections and energies – with the understanding that all is but a Reflection of the Self. Alternatively, it can facilitate an escapist adventure that takes us away from our truest Selves in search of Union. That the Union we seek must first be found in ourselves, than in other people is an oft-forgotten idea – thanks to the plethora of cultural productions in the media that romanticize codependency and the idea that we cannot be whole in ourselves. (For instance: I love Disney, but man, did it take a while to de-program from that idea that a woman cannot be whole/happy without a man to protect her and rescue her!)

So we are called to Seek out the Union we desire. How and where and with whom we do is our choice entirely. This is where Ceres (The Nurturer) and Pallas Athena (The Strategist-Healer-Warrior) enter the picture. Ceres creates a beautiful flow of nurturing energy from its position in Scorpio (having just entered Scorpio). She beckons us to find our answers in ways that nurture and honor the deepest parts of our Spirit, our sexual/intimate selves and the parts of us which have been hidden under the label of ‘taboo’, ‘shame’ or the proverbial ‘blind spot’. She asks us to look past superficialities and into the deeper Mystery of the Sacred Self, often Veiled in Shadow.

— Remember that Vesta is close by (2 degrees from Ceres) encouraging us to nurture, honor and tend to our inner flames, burning in the Sacred Temple of the Body — Her influence (The Priestess, The Guardian of the Sacred Flame) is also felt in this alignment.

I am thankful for the T-Square, as an abundance of Trine and sextile energy in combination can create powerful flows of energies towards things in ways which may seem ‘fated’, but in actuality, are not. Not all that we are drawn to at this time will be right for us – and having that pressure to choose, that reminder of the need for discernment in our spiritual choices and the experiences that result from them is a blessing.

At this time, Pallas Athena in Virgo calls us to stand up for ourselves, assert our space, our worth and and integrity in the space/ground we stand on. She challenges us to find strategic ways to heal ourselves and discover greater self-sufficiency. Whilst Virgo is associated with the notion of service, we often forget that self-care, and self-nurture is equally — a gift that we can give to the Universe. For the love and wholeness we can create in ourselves, first of all, radiates into the Universe and (to paraphrase Marianne Wiliamson) subconsciously gives others the permission to do the same.

In search of our ‘missing half’, within or without, we may get carried away by the flowing energy of the Trine. Pallas reminds us with its sharp square to Juno and the Moon that we need to put our pursuit of spiritual growth and wholeness as a priority. Seeking wholeness in other pursuits or with others can be as important (ideally), but it is important not to neglect the qualities of self-assertion and self-care. This is further validated by the semi-sextile between Pallas Athena and Ceres – this creates an opportunity to harmonize both energies, whilst remaining cognizant of the fact that both work differently. Pallas charges forth in Virgo (Earth) whilst Ceres nurtures in Scorpio (Deep Water)

And what a time for the asteroid Goddesses to be collectively teaching us such a powerful lesson in finding Balanced Love – for – at 8:20 pm later today (GMT + 8) Mars trines Neptune Retrograde. Masculine energy (Yang, Shiva, God Energy) flows beautifully with the planet of Transcendentalism, Ego-Dissolution and Universal Merger. In Retrograde, the illusory aspects that can accompany Neptune are reversed – We see what lies beyond the Veil, as the Bubble of Illusion bursts. This can manifest as a man, or someone manifesting powerful masculine energy coming suddenly into your life to facilitate powerful spiritual realization — through disillusionment (if you’re holding onto ideas not in alignment with Spirit), or, deep, internal awakening of a gentler fashion.

There will be the strong desire to romanticize or idealize this Masculine energy as it comes to you, but view it through balanced eyes as best you can. Know what it teaches you, and what it does not. Know what it represents, and what it can not.

This is how I interpret the metaphysical aspect of this Trine.

In the material sense – and I thank Maria DeSimone’s article for reminding me of this lovely aspect of the Mars-Neptune trine (paraphrased) – That you may have a powerful, assertive drive to manifest spiritual principles, visions or inspirational ideas at this time.

I would add: Harness this energy well, but remember the lessons of the Goddesses as you do. For there must be Balance.

A final note – the Moon will be septiled to Mars (1/7th of a circle, the 7 vibrational frequency) as its trine with Neptune occurs. What you choose at this time – the ways you choose to connect with your Divine Selves will mark the beginning of a new cycle, and the end of an old one. It is a powerful, karmic indicator of the magnitude of this event. To borrow the a phrase from Robert Wilkinson, the septile represents the ‘Karmic Fork in the Road’.

So ultimately – which Path do you choose to find Spiritual Wholeness at this time?

Blessings to All,
Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam, PhD
www.bairaveebalasubramaniam.com

GRAND FIRE TRINE IN THE SKY! Astrology Self-Study Series Article # 1 by Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam, PhD

 

Grand Fire Trine

Vanakam, Namaste and Blessings to All,

I would like to tell you of a potent astrological configuration in our skies that began 5 hours ago and will continue to influence us for another 21 hours or so.
This piece is a more detail-oriented, explanatory article suitable for astrological self-study and self-analysis. This is my first article published under that banner.

For a more intuitive, Goddess-oriented take on this energy, please see – http://wp.me/p4OUNS-3f

We are experiencing a Grand Fire Trine in the Skies, involving the signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius or the 1st, 5th, and 9th houses of astrology.

First I will tell you about what Fire energy is/does in astrology and the three signs associated with it, then I’ll move onto the planets involved.

Fire energy is associated with alchemy, transformation, purification, inspiration and creative drive. It is the energy of the ‘go-getter’, the pioneer, the leader that pushes through a new vision or idea in the world. Aries is the Path-Maker/Path-Breaker, Leo is the Dramatic, Dynamic, Creative Performer & Child, Sagittarius is the Philosopher-King-Adventurer that Journeys forth with an energy of pure Optimism. In various traditions, Fire energy is associated with the Masculine or Yang Archtype. Shakta traditions, in contrast associate Kali (active feminine) energy with Fire as well. So it is not an energy limited to men, but rather, it involves what we call the ‘Masculine Archetype’ in all beings.

One of the common threads that sun through the three manifestations of Fire energy are the different ways in which the Self is Perceived in relation to the World, shown by their different mottos:

Aries – I AM
Leo – I Am my Persona
Sagittarius – I Am my Experiences
(inspired by Gargatholil’s Depth Astrology)

Aries does not reference anything outside of its self to understand its role in the world. For that reason, the energy of the Path-Breaker – can, to some – seem like the energy of the tyrant or the autocrat if unbalanced. In its most intense form, Aries can be a vessel of the Divine sense of ‘I AM Consciousness’ or — a pure manifestation of the Ego’s I AM (more important than anyone else) perception.

Leo focuses upon its Persona – the mask that it wears to others as it presents itself to the word. Ever the lover of the stage, Leo enjoys the spotlight – even in personal interactions. This is wonderful if what is performed uplifts collective consciousness, but can easily become a situation where an insecure ego seeks to manipulate the views of others to get validation.

Sagittarius has difficulties separating its true essence from its perception of the external world. It believes that it experiences itself through adventure – whether that is travel, mental stimulation, philosophical study, etc. is an individual choice. This sign can become overly judgmental or opinionated, not allowing other perspectives to flourish or be seen as equally valid – as – any view apart from its own can be seen as a threat to the ego’s freedom and identity.

Moving onto the Trine aspect – as I have explained previously, Trine energy is one which simply opens a channel for the abundant flow of energy between two bodies. Whether this is a flow that leads or happy or sad experiences, an abundance of poverty or wealth, depends entirely upon how you choose to work with it. A Grand Trine is the connection of three trine aspects in the shape of a triangle.

Grand Fire Trines, therefore, combine these different levels and aspects of Fire energy. They allow you to experience, question, and assert the ways in which you experience your true Essence of Self. Is it through what your body tells you? your ego? the way other people see you or approve of you? through experiencing the world?

In this Grand Fire Trine, we have Uranus Retrograde in Aries trining the Moon in Sagittarius, trining a stellium (combination of planets) in Leo: Lilith, Sun and Mercury. I shall give a brief summary of what each planet does before concluding this article:

Uranus (awakening, revelation, flashes of insight, humanitarian causes, rebellion, electronic communications) Retrograde (felt internally, emerging through the psyche’s reaction to something in the external world) in Aries (Self as the Source of Knowledge, the Body, The ‘I AM’ perception)

Moon (tradition, mothering, nurture, caregiving, collective identity – tribe, etc., sub-conscious conditioning, intuition, Goddess energy) in Sagittarius (expansion, adventure, travel, philosophy, exploration, higher education)

Mercury (communication, analysis, perception, ability to travel / perceive other realms) + Lillith (Dark Goddess / Suppressed Feminine archetype, female wounding) + Sun (focused awareness, creativity, children, Inner Child, joy, light of consciousness) are in the sign of Leo (considered the home of the Sun).

When you get a powerful combination such as this — there are too many possibilities to generalize any outcomes. What I can tell you is that there will be some kind of unexpected breakthrough of insight, which will probably require you to assert your self/skills/creativity in front of others, drawing upon things that you have already experienced through your Journey. This energy will likely draw upon and give rise to an aspect of your femininity that has been suppressed, or left unheard for far too long.

For us Goddessians, this a time for Kali-Ma to dance her side of the Tandava on the World’s Stage.

For instance: I just received an invitation to speak from a company here in Malaysia. Wholly unexpected (Uranus), requires public performance (Leo) and chimes perfectly with my desire to ‘move forward’, in a position of inspiring/teaching others (Sagittarius). Unsurprisingly, these are my 10th, 5th, and 6th houses.

That’s a lovely example of how it can manifest, but there are other possibilities as well. Stay positive – just let your Spirit guide you where it needs to go. Allow yourself to remain open to insight, breakthroughs and inspiration (from out of the blue) and allow the Alchemy of Fire to Transform you.

I wouldn’t take this Grand Fire Trine lightly as

(1) it preludes powerful energies that we will experience during the Aquarius Full Moon, and of a longer-term Grand Fire Trine later in 2014 (

(2) the Lilith/Sun/Mercury stellium is the tip or apex of a powerful yod involving Pluto Retrograde and Chiron Retrograde. The Grand trine and Yod only intensify their square to Saturn in Scorpio.

(3) As wonderful and transformative as Fire energy can be, it can literally fan the flames of conflict if used without integrity. Watch your words now, and even if you have to disagree with someone, do so with integrity and compassion without putting them down. Your/Their Words may have more impact than you/they realize at this time. A tall order if someone is behaving unfairly with you, but, it’s exactly what we – as spiritual seekers – need to do, especially in times like these.

Much Love and Blessings to All,
Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam, PhD
www.bairaveebalasubramaniam.com

6th August 2014,
1:40 pm, Selangor,
Malaysia.

Image of Flame: “Fire” by Awesomoman – Own work. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons –http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fire.JPG#mediaviewer/File:Fire.JPG