PREPARING FOR THE LUNAR ECLIPSE: The Messenger seeks Balance with the Dark Priestess ( Mercury opposes Black Moon Lilith at 12 Pisces-Virgo )

Black Moon Lilith is a powerful embodiment of the Dark Goddess energy, more so in its Crone element. She, is that aspect of ourselves which we associate with our deepest passions, desires, and core sense of being – seen as ‘Black’, taboo, occult, forbidden, undesirable or off-limits, particularly for ‘respectable’ , ‘proper’ or ‘well-behaved’ men and women.

Who is Lilith?

In mythology and scripture – Lilith was the first woman created in the Judeo-Christian world, preceding Eve. She would not submit to Adam, instead choosing to live by her own will and independence. And the consequence? She was transformed and remembered as a demon, a witch, and a killer of children.An early, strong, female figure using her voice and her consent re-cast as an object of fear, cloaked in a (once Sacred) Veil of Shadow. In some sense, strong women who say no and live by their own rules still get the same kind of treatment. There are other origin narratives to Lilith, of course.

She often gets a terrible reputation in astrology as well, and one which I feel is rather unfounded – based on observation – and by having Her grace my Ascendant.

Thankfully www.darkstarastrology.com talks about the Three Liliths – Black Moon, Asteroid Lilith and Dark Moon Lilith – in respectful, beautiful and balanced ways. Thank Goddess! Just so you know – Black Moon Lilith is also known as the Mean Apogee and she is what we call a ‘Hypothetical Point’ in Astrology – though her influence is very, very, real. )

In some sense, the usual astrological take on her (and her mythological vilification) represents the greatest challenge with working with her energy: Projection.

What does She teach us?

The challenge of Black Moon Lilith is to feel the fear, do it anyway, and realize that someone is probably going to write a particularly unpleasant script on what you’re doing, how and why. That script is probably going to be loaded with gendered assumptions and notions of what a ‘good’ expression of feminine energy is like. Her influence is felt in all beings – not just those who identify as women. Men seeking to find their Shadow Feminine have a similar issue with being projected against – potentially for not being ‘manly’ enough.

Not all that Black Moon Lilith wants to do may be nice, or right, or even good – as quite a lot her Shadow is tinged with pain, anger, and the bitter elixir of resentment. It’ll take discernment to know what she truly inspires you to do, and that which she/you/she-in-you is simply reacting against. Thousands of years of suppression … it’s taken its toll on the collective.

So, what does Black Moon Lilith do in Virgo?

Virgo refers to our Paths of Service towards others, and the way in which we build material structures, vessels and provisions that can support our Spiritual Work – as we nurture ourselves and others. In Virgo, Black Moon Lilith gives rise to the archetype of the Dark Priestess within us all. Here we are called to serve in the Shadow, in the Dark, in all that has been so heavily projected upon as messy, yucky, shameful, fearful, nonspiritual, mundane, unenlightened, nasty, evil, sub-human, servile, unimportant, dis-empowered, and so on. The key phrase here is ‘projected upon’ – whether what you’re working with is any of these things is something you’ll have to find out for yourselves.

But I’m not surprised in the slightest to see so many writings now about and re-claiming the archetype of Dark/Shadow as something which is actually tremendously sacred … Many are remembering the archetype of the Dark-Worker or Dark Priest/ess who deals with the Shadow Archetypes of the Underworld to bring deep Healing and Nurture for many. It’s amazing how so many have woken up to this awareness, within months – with so many others who have been on this path for so long, now boldly declaring it to be so.

It’s a powerfully validating time for so many whose Paths of Service have been so badly misunderstood – such as Witches, Wiccans and Pagans, Shamans and Shamankas – those who work with the magic of Africa, South America, India (and other ancient cultures as well). The collective is now beginning to see the Shadow and the Dark as things to honor, embrace and heal (and not just to transcend, turn the light on and banish …)

I’m waiting to see how the psychopomps of the Underworld – the Serpent and the Crow and others – will be seen, in just a few months more 🙂 Such an exciting, and rapid evolution of collective perspectives! Black Moon Lilith leaves Virgo on August 25/26, 2015. And another chapter of Her Energy and lessons will begin to reveal itself ❤ ❤ ❤ !

So .. what’s the deal with Mercury here?

Mercury, the Cosmic Messenger, is in Pisces (ruled by Neptune) and is in loose conjunction with both Neptune and Chiron. The Messenger is now swimming in the Cosmic Ocean, bringing us messages from the depths of our subconscious, in waters that merge with the Collective Unconscious. Here we see information coming through dreams, meditations, spiritual experiences, and so on. Some of the messages here can be rather blurred, as Neptune is the master of illusion, both the beautiful types that can keep you enthralled, and the painful types that can keep you trapped in a delusion of your own making.

Whilst we’re all receiving so much psychic and spiritual information in different ways – know that – Not all that Glitters is Gold, and not all that Slithers is Evil. There is a great need for fine-tuning your cosmic and spiritual antenna at this time, and to not choose to lose the self in the Unreal.

Neptune/Pisces grants us a vision of the world behind the Veil, however we choose to define it – be it the boundary between worlds, or the Veil of Maya that envelops all of what we call ‘reality’. But we only find this vision when we detach from the ego that seeks to perceive what it wants, sometimes what it fears in distorted form.

And what happens in this opposition?

When the Messenger opposes the Dark Priestess – a Bridge is created between the material and energetic expressions of the Spiritual Path and the Service it entails. You can see how this clash plays out, I’d imagine. A mind that is set on perceiving Spirit in a certain way may see the Dark Priestess and immediately project upon Her. It may idealize the Dark and forget the need to investigate. It may shun it, rejecting all that it represents and the Feminine that seeks to Rise through it as well. Neither extreme helps, at the end of the day.

The exact opposition takes place at 12 Pisces ’35 Pisces – Virgo, 4:25 am (GMT / UTC time) on March 21st, 2015. What an Equinox!

So .. what do we do with it? What does it teach us?

In day-to-day terms, the best thing for spiritualists and other energy-workers to do is to remember the principle of Balance. Veering off to either extreme helps no one, nor does charging into something new without discernment. Do not attach strong emotions or thoughts to psychic or spiritual impressions that appear now. Let them be as they are – observe first, rather than react.

Fearing the Shadow Feminine or seeking to avoid Her at this time won’t be possible… If you do feel a strong impulse to act on something, center yourself first and do a gut-check, or get guidance from a trusted facilitator. Some of these revelations will be painful, some of them will require you to look at the parts of yourself that you fear, or have avoiding addressing.

Those of you who do not have an issue with the Light/Dark Balance (remembering that neither is necessarily Good/Bad, just different) – may actually find this energy as one that can help you breakthrough to a new level of spiritual depth, maturity and understanding. Much of the Rising Feminine energy is going through levels of awakening, rage (at thousands of years of suppression), the blame/shame game, before it comes to the realization that the Dark Mother is actually pretty detached and compassionate. She’s not raging all the time, She’s not chopping off heads as a first resort. She goes beyond the archetype of anger and righteous vengeance, but it takes time to release the self from latching onto the old dynamic that makes that response necessary for a time in the awakening process.

Mercury, as the Messenger, can bring you ancient insights from the depths of your Soul. You might breakthrough into new levels of understanding about the various cycles that have occurred on this planet – the men-opposing-women cycle, being the one most recent in memory. I, and other awakening/remembering Priestesses have known different times where the dynamic was completely different. So when you look it from those eyes, holding onto the anger that masks the hurt of the Shadow doesn’t quite make sense any longer.

At the Soul level, to put it another way – we’ve all swapped around roles in the abuser/victim cycle. We’ve all been jerks. We’ve all been oppressed. Such are the karmic lessons that the Soul experiences through subsequent lifetimes before it breaks out of that cycle. Current alignments suggest such a breakthrough is possible for many within the collective at this time. It is a matter of choosing to do so, at the deepest level possible.

In no way does this view take away culpability or the need to make amends for or systemically question and address wrongdoing, abuse, persecution, ridicule, etc. It simply means that we can release the resentment and anger surrounding it, and in so doing, begin to heal ourselves and the collective. More solutions can then be envisioned once we break out of that cycle and the re-cycling of roles.

Thankfully – Developing that level of detachment, compassion and the ability to see things are they work through the cycles of time is what Pisces – and its current Messenger – Mercury, can teach us at this time.

Why is this information particularly significant now?

This alignment is woven into the Double Yod that I wrote to you about, as part of my larger Equinox/Eclipse piece. So it is in a very charged alignment, along with Jupiter Retrograde, Pluto and the North Node ( http://wp.me/p4OUNS-oZ ) .

It is even more important now because Eris – the Dark Goddess – will be conjuncted by Mars – The God of War – in Aries tomorrow (21 March – what an Equinox! – 14:32 pm, GMT/UTC at 22 Aries ’29). A lot of Fire, Heat and Will surrounding the Wounds of the Excluded Feminine and her relegation to Shadow (in fact, the degrading of the Shadow in popular projection) is going to be acted upon. Black Moon Lilith is going to be activated again as part of a Black Earth Trine with Pluto and the Taurus Moon on the 23/24th (have talked about that in the Equinox / Eclipse link). So consider this a chance to prep for that! 😀

On top of all that, we’re going to be reaping the seeds set during the Libra New Moon (Sep 24, 2014) during the upcoming Lunar Eclipse. Black Moon Lilith played a major role in this alignment, beginning a 23-Year Cycle to Facilitate the Rise of the (Balanced) Dark Goddess ( http://wp.me/p4OUNS-8z ). The Full Moon in Libra/Lunar Eclipse will take place on April 4/5, 2015 with Uranus, Pluto and the Nodes playing a MAJOR role in the proceedings. Many of the seeds we set with the Dark Feminine six months ago will begin to bear fruit at this time. That is why her energies have been calling out so strongly, amidst the celebration of the Solar Eclipse and Equinox.

I hope this information is of use to all of you. I will be launching my new radio show called The Dark Mother’s Children during the Black Earth Trine (thank you skies!) and will be discussing this in greater detail then.

For those interested: Here’s one of my earliest interviews on The Dark Mother and breaking through the Spiritual Stereotypes that see Darkness as Evil, Women as Inferior/Unclean and so on …http://intentionradio.com/podpress_t…/…/10573/0/14-09-23.mp3

Blessings and Much Love,

Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam PhD

bairaveebalasubramaniam.com ; fb.com/theskypriestess

Astrology with Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam PhD

Text & Image ‘Modification of JB Amman’ © Bairavee Balasubramaniam, 2015

THE VIRGO FULL MOON, MARCH 2015: HEALING THE WOUNDED MOTHER

I love the energies of Virgo. She represents the Archetype of the Priest/ess (and Spiritual Facilitators in general). She is sensual, earthy, pragmatic, analytical, fully embodied and uncompromising in her ideals. She is independent, self-sufficient, as sexual as she chooses to be. She knows how to work the details, organize, schedule and shift things around so she can achieve her goals. Whilst she can facilitate or serve (when she chooses), she knows the ways of the world and can learn to draw boundaries and ensure that there is a fair exchange of energy. She can discern through the many psychic impressions that appear, knowing which is true, which is not – what needs work on, and what needs to be let go of. She sees the material world as a sacred expression of the Spiritual and knows that she cannot disregard it in her practice.

Distortions in the way we interpret female presence and power have led to a widespread idea that Virgo is somehow fussy, sexually frigid and neurotic. Whilst this is a possible manifestation of that energy (in one extreme of imbalance), it is not the Virgo-Virgin that Vestals of Ancient Rome and other Priestesses and ancient Goddess cultures represented.

We have more to learn and re-member about this sign, particularly in its links with parthenogenic birth, brilliantly expressed in Den Poitras’ Parthenogenesis: Women’s Long-Lost Ability to Self-Conceive – a book that I had the pleasure and privilege of reviewing and endorsing.

No, it’s not man hating/shaming, and no, it doesn’t say that sex is bad, or that men are lesser beings. The book is itself written by a man seeking to honor the Sacred Feminine.

You can find out more on my take on Virgo in a writeup + video I posted sometime ago called ‘Reclaiming the Virgin’, here: http://wp.me/p4OUNS-5i – That was written in honor of the Virgo New Moon (25th August 2014), whose seeds we now reap – with some discussion on the Pisces-Virgo dynamics.

Look back to the 25th of August, 2014 to see the seeds of intentions that you set, which have now come to some kind of fruition. The Full Moon itself occurs at 14’50 Virgo (Moon) – Pisces (Sun) at 18:04 (GMT/UTC time), March 5th 2015 – so in a little under 6 hours’ time (from the time of posting).

Now we get to the specifics of this Full Moon Herself and how it links up to the Archetype of ‘The Wounded Mother’, as represented here by Black Moon Lilith, Persephone, Hera and Iris. There’s a lot more going on with this alignment, but I felt that this was the most important aspect of it.

The energy of Virgo opens the doors to finding self-sufficiency and the kind of service/facilitation we can provide to others, if we choose to do so. The Moon intensifies the emotional and intuitive aspects of this energy, and links it powerfully with our experience/connection with the Mother Archetype.

This can be a profound time to Serve the one who Facilitated your Birth, to find ways that both you and She can both heal, forgive and nurture one another once more. Certain wounds are ones that carry across the generations, passed down from mother (and father) to child. You might call it part of cellular memory, or a spiritual imprint, or the powerful connection you shared with her, gestating in her watery, dark womb. We begin listening and learning, even from within.

You may find this with your biological mother, or Divine energies that connect you with ‘The Mother’ – or both.

Note that the Mercury-Vesta-Circe conjunction calling for the healing of The Sacral Chakra (Children, Creativity, Sensuality) and the connection with the Womb (for all beings) still bears heavy influence in the skies – http://wp.me/p4OUNS-mv – reccomended meditations and practical tools are listed at the start of the article.

I ended up waking up in the middle of the night (had left the TV on) to a beautiful, beautiful, film called ‘Stepmom’ with Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon. They play out the projection, manifestation and reconciliation of these ‘wounds among women’ in a powerful, beautiful, way. Definitely worth the watch.

Another suggestion is to light a candle, incense, or a lamp – hold a piece of rose quartz or unakite in your hand – and to simply ask the Universe to send waves of love, peaceful healing and grace to your relationship with your Mother/The Divine Mother/both – in a way that does not negate Free Will, that is in the best interests of All, etc.. Never underestimate the power of focused intention and prayer 🙂

Those who wish to get deeper in understanding the Nature of the Mother Wound this alignment helps us heal, keep reading! Let’s look at what the astrology tells us :

Conjunct the Moon:

BLACK MOON LILITH – THE DARK GODDESS – (10 VIRGO) represents the aspect of feminine energy that is collectively sidelined or hidden as it is somehow too dangerous, too unpredictable, too able to challenge the status quo. Her energy is closer to the Crone, rather than the Maiden. Black Moon Lilith rises in her capacity as a facilitator, showing us the power of independent choice – and making us understand that Service is not the same as being Subservient – Purity is not incompatible with Sexuality, and so on. You can also find out more on Black Moon Lilith in Virgo athttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C82L1TXltsg

IRIS – THE RAINBOW MESSENGER GODDESS – (15 VIRGO) speaks to us of where we can lose ourselves chasing folly (‘trying to find the end of the rainbow), or where we can – through discipline and a steady, measured path – find satisfaction (‘the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow). Iris also speaks to the cleansing and cathartic power of tears. In some way she bridges both the sensitivity of Pisces and the pragmatism of Virgo – both intuition and intellect, spirit and matter.

Conjunct the Sun:

PERSEPHONE AT 13 PISCES asks us to look at the parent-child relationship, and where one is overly attached to another. In mythology, Ceres/Demeter’s grief over losing her daughter to Pluto (the God of the Underworld who effectively abducts, rapes and co-rules the realm with her) – causes the Mother-Nurturer to withdrew her gift of abundance. The world turns wintry and bleak, and a deal is made so a her daughter is returned to her for half the year, creating the cycle of the seasons. Persephone also asks us to consider themes of life, death, re-birth and the sexuality of the younger, maiden archetype. As co-sovereign of the Underworld, she is privy to its magick, mysteries and arcane powers.

Opposed the Virgo Moon, Persephone’s lesson here asks us to look at boundaries – sexual – spiritual – psychic – intimate – parental – and to learn where they are best set. She speaks to us of ‘coming back’ from experiences of trauma, wounding and psychic/emotional death. (Asteroid Requiem at 19 Virgo supports the emphasis on death, through the ceremonial and ritual perspective – and the role of the facilitator in supporting the journey for both the living and the departed)

HERA AT 16 PISCES represents the archetype of the jealous, scheming wife and controlling mother – somewhat overshadowing her role as one of the most powerful embodiments of the Divine Feminine in Greco-Roman mythology. We are constantly reminded, through myth of her supposed vindictiveness – with little commentary as to how she’s supposed to feel about her polyamorous husband, Zeus. She is shown as a mother who manipulates her children in other to exact vengeance on her husband (or his other offspring), in some form.

Like Black Moon Lilith, Hera’s Divinity is heavily projected upon in ways that make her terrifying and unappealing – both as a wife and as a mother. Opposed Black Moon Lilith and the Virgo Moon, Hera’s reminder is once again, the realization that what we do as powerful embodiments of the Divine Feminine (particularly women) collectively tap into and challenge certain ideals of what women ‘ought to be’. This form of projection and mis-interpretation itself constitutes a powerful spiritual wound surrounding the ‘strong mother’ archetype – for all those who identify as female and perform these roles.

Again, it comes back to re-connecting with the Wounded Mother, she who has been Suppressed, She who has been misunderstood or misinterpreted. She, whose wounds are kept alive in the Bodies of her Sons and Daughters. We all have that archetype within us, and it is one that is in need of collective healing.

Blessings to All,

Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam PhD
bairaveebalasubramaniam.com
fb.com/theskypriestess

Page: Astrology with Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam PhD

Image: Mother Goddess and Child LACMA M.82.42.2.jpg – Los Angeles Country Museum of Art – Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons [text with graphic, my own]

Text + Graphic Layout © Bairavee Balasubramaniam, 2015

ENERGIES OF THE SKY NOW: 10 NEARLY-EXACT ASPECTS!

Blessings all! … Yowza !!! We’ve got 10 nearly-exact aspects (within a 1 degree orb) in the sky right now, bringing down different threads of energy, experience and opportunities for learning – in the road up to the Uranus/Pluto (final) square on March 16/17, 2015. I’ve summarized them in 4 paragraphs and linked you to previous posts which address certain configurations where appropriate. Exact degrees, dates and times of configurations are given at the end.

(1) Sun conjunct Neptune in Pisces – Our vital energies easily blend with the pursuit of transcendence, spirituality, detached compassion and lack of fixity or form. It’s easier to ‘swim’ in the Cosmic Ocean that connects us all at this time, but be warned of illusions of your own making (dynamics of projection, etc.). Seek the Truth, or the perspective of Love, that reveals the spiritual nature of lessons emerging now, instead of responding to them with ingrained habits such as defensiveness or holding onto an out-dated point of view.

(2) Black Moon Lilith in Virgo opposes Sun (+Neptune) in Pisces – The Sun-Neptune dynamic plays out one of the quintessential duality in spiritual journeying and facilitation. Piscean energy seeks to transcend, dissolve and unfortunately (at times) to escape the material form, rather than seeing Matter an as equal and necessary expression of the Essence of Spirit. The issue of Boundaries tends to become an issue. Black Moon Lilith will not stand for any of this. She will challenge you to find a practical, analytical, hands-on way to anchoring the spiritual energies that Sun/Neptune bring to us. She asks you to nurture the self, before seeking to nurture another that the cycle of receiving and giving can continue. She rejects the exclusion of the Feminine, particularly of her ‘Shadow’ (unknown, often misunderstood) aspects in our contemporary spiritual discourse. She is a powerful moment for female and male spiritualists who Honor the Call of the Dark Goddess and Love, in Her Name. You might find this video also of interest –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C82L1TXltsg

(3) Jupiter in Leo opposite Vesta in Aquarius, trines Uranus in Aries – The energy of the Guru/Guide/Teacher issues his challenge to the Awakening Priest/ess (any kind of Spiritual Facilitator). We are asked to dig into our deepest vulnerabilities that lie at the hearts of our Inner Child. We are asked to move past the pain and back into that warm, rich, generous source of Love and Warmth that we all have the capacity to embody. Vesta asks you to ‘sacrifice’ a particular perspective that may be holding you back from viewing this lesson – and then to share what you have learnt with the collective. It will require a certain degree of detachment from the Egoic sense of ‘I hurt/am hurt/have been hurt’ that is associated with cycles of hurt, wounding, or victimization. This does not mean that pain does not exist, it means that you can view it from a perspective that no longer needs to carry for that particular cycle of experience. Vesta is also sextiled Uranus – so you may find a certain bolt of awakening or insight that can help you transcend an older layer of Self, to discover a more authentic one. The Jupiter-Uranus trine activates the role of Uranus in creating this Bridge of Awakening and Transcendence of/through the Self.

(4) Mercury in Aquarius trines the North Node in Libra, sextiles the South Node in Aries – We are challenged to find ways to seek a more detached, deeper, inclusive, and accepting idea of ‘Balance’. Balance is not the erasure of all that is unpleasant, or the acceptance of abuse – it seeks to find a just way in which all can Co-Exist. Boundaries may need to be drawn, but with words that come from compassion rather than Anger or Defensiveness. Drawn upon past lessons to see where you may learn from your past responses to similar situations.

(5) Saturn Trines Juno Retrograde as part of the Grand Fire Trine with Mars and Venus in Aries – http://wp.me/p4OUNS-l2
(6) Jupiter Retrograde inconjuncts Pluto – as part of the Month-Long Yod –http://wp.me/p4OUNS-jY
(7) Uranus squares Pluto – we’ve been talking about these two for three years now 😀 a future article will spell out the exact impact of the final, seventh square!

Dates and degrees of aspects, based on GMT/UTC

February 21 – Saturn trines Juno Retrograde (4 Sagittarius – Leo)
February 25 – Vesta sextiles Uranus (14 Aquarius – Aries)
Februrary 26 – Sun conjuncts Neptune (7 Pisces)
February 27 – Jupiter Retrograde opposes Vesta (15 Leo – Aquarius); Mercury trines North Node, sextiles South Node (11 Aquarius – Libra – Aries); Jupiter Rx inconjuncts Pluto (14 Leo – Capricorn)
March 1 – Sun opposes Black Moon Lilith (10 Pisces – Virgo)
March 3 – Jupiter Retrograde trines Uranus (14 Leo – Aries)
March 4 – Mercury conjuncts Vesta (17 Aquarius)
March 16 – Uranus squares Pluto (15 Aries-Capricorn, late in the evening)

** there’ll be a lot of other stuff going on as well – this list is relevant to the preceding discussion. Also, the 10 aspect figure naturally changes if you include more astrological bodies into consideration.

Blessings to all, and I hope this is of use in understanding the complexity and intensity of the energies now.

Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam PhD
bairaveebalasubramaniam.com
fb.com/theskypriestess

Page: Astrology with Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam PhD

Text © Bairavee Balasubramaniam, 2015

Dice Image: Green-d10-dice.png by Krdan; Multi-license: GFDL and cc-by-3.0 on Wikimedia Commons

CELESTIAL DYNAMICS: MOON/SATURN/PALLAS SQUARES MARS/NEPTUNE AND BLACK MOON LILITH – MUTABLE T-SQUARE

Blessings to all. It’s been a fairly intense start to the new year, with January (still) being dominated by the energy of a double Yod, 2 long-term T Squares, and a Mystic Rectangle in the skies, addressed in previous articles.

Today I want to tell you about the re-ignition of one of those T-Squares, involving Mars in Pisces, Saturn / Moon / Pallas in Sagittarius and Black Moon Lilith in Virgo. This alignment creates what is known as a Mutable T-Square. Let’s talk a little bit about what that means first for newcomers to astrology before getting to the actual dynamics themselves. Scroll down if you just want to head straight to the interpretations – this is going to be a longer piece than usual x

[Please note that the Moon/Pallas Athena/Saturn component of this alignment is woven into the Great Goddess Fire Trine – http://wp.me/p4OUNS-bb – with Uranus and Juno, and as part of a Grand Sextile – http://wp.me/p4OUNS-hO – that lasts for the next 24 hours]

THE MUTABLE T-SQUARE

Mutable refers to the fact that all bodies involved in this alignment are from the Mutable Signs (Gemini, Sagittarius, Pisces, Virgo). Mutable energy is effectively energy that asks you to adapt, adjust and attune yourself to new situations. Think of the way that clay can take just about any form you mold it into and there you have a perfect example of Mutable energy in action.

Squares in general are described as stressful, tense aspects. This is not always a bad thing. Think of the way in which the right kind of pressure can turn a piece of coal into diamond, or how a certain degree of challenge can motivate you to go further along in your journey. Such is the power of the Square – it facilitates creative breakthroughs and the discovery of new solutions that transcend old hierarchies or understandings of power (as I see them). However, if the Square aspect is seen as a burden to bear, then … it shall be but all but too happy to oblige you by playing the role to perfection. So how squares affect you really depend upon the way you view them – as challenges to face, obstacles to be blocked by, or the opportunity for a new energy of creation to be birthed!

A T-Square is formed by three bodies – The apex of the alignment links to the other two by way of a square aspect (each), whilst the other two bodies are opposed one another. The Apex of the T-Square is generally the point where the greatest creative tension/pressure is expressed and experienced. In this case, that is the powerful stellium (grouping) of the Moon, Saturn and Pallas Athena in Sagittarius – to which we now turn.

SATURN, PALLAS ATHENA AND THE MOON IN SAGITTARIUS

Saturn (2 Sagittarius) asks us to look at the structures or foundations of the ways in which we see the world, be it through philosophy, ideology, academic perspectives, organized religion, adventures, foreign travel and so forth. Saturn can create a restriction on such energies , simply to teach us that – sometimes – ‘less is more’. We are also called to question those we see as authorities in these aspects of our lives (mentors, teachers, spiritual figures, etc. ) and to see whether their actions obey the dharmic principle, or constitute an abuse of their power and status.

Pallas Athena (7 Sagittarius) Goddess Asteroid blesses us with the gifts of Strategy, Insight, the ability to perceive what is desired and to find ways to acquire it, judgment/discernment, and so on. We stand our ground and hold our spears aloft in defense of our Truths, or conversely know when to remain silent and/or retreat if certain battles are simply unnecessary.

The Moon (5 Sagittarius) draws out our deepest emotions, intentions and sub-conscious scripts related to the ‘different ways of knowing’ previously discussed. We may find the Moon’s energy as one which inspires us to take an adventure (be it through the mind or the body) and discover perspectives that can potentially challenge our own! The flip-side of the Moon here can manifest as a desire to experience that which confirms our basic view of the world and the way we relate to it – or even, to retreat into the comfort of the familiar, forsaking the unknown. For some, the Moon’s presence here can lead to a greater sense of attachment to particular viewpoints, and thus lead to a more polarized expression of one’s Search for Truth and Meaning. One might also find their biological mother as a catalyst in triggering this particular T-Square as she may express certain ideas that deeply touch or affect your most cherished world-views.

Please note that asteroid Hybris is at 7 Sagittarius, quite literally representing what it sounds like – the quality of Hubris! Be open to questioning your perspectives and established ways of looking at things. If you’re overly defensive about your views, chances are you need to dig a little deeper.

Taking this together, the Moon – Pallas Athena – Saturn stellium in Sagittarius is really about the search for what kinds of ways of viewing the world (and your place in it) are truly enduring. It is a search of truth, but through different aspects of the self, bridging logic, emotions, intuitions and so on.

These energies are triggered, on either side by squares from Mars / Neptune in Pisces and Black Moon Lilith in Virgo.

NEPTUNE, PISCES AND MARS

Neptune (5 Pisces) is the energy of the Infinite, Cosmic, Ocean, associated with the sign of Pisces. It houses the boundary between Maya and concepts of ‘Authentic’ or ‘True’ Reality, and represents the place in the chart where you are most likely to touch (at least with your fingertips) some aspect of Divinity, Spirit or Soul. These are energies that know no limitation or boundary, just as the Ocean does. They cleanse you from within and remind you of the Interconnectedness of All. Just as a gentle sea and a ferocious tsunami both erode away at the material boundaries that seek to define them, the energy of Neptune is the ultimate expression of Formless Dissolution.

And through this Dissolution of Form, this Death of Ego and parting of the Veil, Neptune ultimately leads you to a state of Transcendental Compassion, associated with spiritual figures such as Jesus of Narazeth and Lord Shiva. Whilst embedded in very different spiritual traditions, they share certain key similarities (possibly material for another post).

Neptune/Pisces energy will also allow you to look back to different time-lines and show you the hidden history of the Soul through many incarnations. In Pisces, its home sign, Neptune’s energy is felt even more intensely – especially as it is now activated by Mars!

Mars (3 Pisces) is linked to our drives, our ability to go forth and acquire or actualize that which we desire – and with the animus (male aspect of psyche) in all beings. He is, in mythology, the God of War.

In Pisces, The Warrior Energy, represented by Mars, meets the Cosmic Ocean, represented by Neptune/Pisces. The martial drive of Mars is challenged here. Just as you cannot charge through a body of water, or seek to separate yourself from it – Mars is challenged to adopt a different perspective so that it can use its energy.

The Warrior, in this sign, is asked to find a way to surrender His/Her Ego (the usual basis for desires, and subsequent action) to a much larger principle. Rather than charging through, Mars has to learn how to meander, how to sway, how to find subtlety, how to move through the secret cracks in the walls towards its destination. Somehow its energy becomes more secret, hidden, mysterious and elusive. We see the movement and power of the Warrior indirectly, in the same way that we see the story told by a shadow puppet only on the canvas in front of it. (an allegory that reminds me of Plato’s cave and the reflections on the walls that appeared to be true – but that’s a different story).

In an everyday sense, this may refer to a need to stop trying to push, contain or be rigid about the way we feel we need to act on certain things. Let our actions and ‘pushes’ come from within and be guided by a different kind of direction. One aligned with what we call Spirit.

Owing to Neptune/Pisces’ relationship with past karma, many of us will be re-discovering the (formerly) hidden abuses of assertive, martial power we either engaged in and/or were subjected to. In cases like these, self loathing is not the answer – simply allow the past to Dissolve in the Waters of Spirit, and allow them to cleanse you anew. Self-forgiveness and compassion for yourself is one of the best things you can do if you find yourself in this position. Cycles of blame, shame, victimization only repeat the past.

Let this be a deep time of processing as we prepare for the end of one Mars cycle – and the beginning of a new one (as it enters Aries). Please bear in mind that excesses of Piscean energy are associated with different kinds of addictions, obsessive behaviors, forms of escapism (be it through substances, people, etc.) and that those with tendencies are advised to practice greater self-care through this period. Some of the deep emotions that arise at this time may be riddled with illusions you bear about your own self-worth and purpose — so remember to take it easy on yourself, as best you can. Others may find themselves comfortable with romanticized illusions that veer away from the work that needs to be done. Another possibility to bear in mind.

So, taken together – Mars and Neptune in Pisces challenge the way we connect with Spirit through the Warrior Archetype within ourselves. A great deal of cleansing and healing is possible through this placement – but equally, the possibility of illusion and escapism.

This is supported by the presence of asteroid Psyche at 9 Pisces – we are literally called to rewrite the subconscious scripts that have dominated this part of our lives. Asteroid Urania at 5 Pisces indicates that the medium of astrology, or simply communing with the Cosmos is an excellent way to achieve this re-scripting. Asteroid Eros at 2 Pisces refers to the role of a desired romantic or sexual partner in triggering this wound, and potentially healing it. Asteroid Orpheus at 6 Pisces asks us to trust this process of healing, and to avoid obsessively picking at it – in the way we scratch at fresh scars to see if they’ve done healing (and thwart the process).

In other words, whatever processing you do right now will take time to come to the surface, trust that it will and keep moving through it.

All this Pisces energy is squared Pallas Athena / Saturn / Moon and opposed Black Moon Lilith in Virgo, to whom we now turn.

BLACK MOON LILITH IN VIRGO

The final component of this T-Square is Black Moon Lilith in Virgo. She tells us about aspects of the Dark / Suppressed / Rising Feminine and what kinds of projections surround this Rising Energy. In Virgo, BM Lilith asks us to look at the difference between Subservience and the Path of Service, Sensuality vs. Virginity, Feminine Independence vs. Total Submission. I’m phrasing these in terms of binaries and dualities, but these questions are a lot more nuanced than that, just as their answers are.

In Virgo, the archetype of the Priestess, Black Moon Lilith Rises! She says ‘ I shall Serve on my own terms. I shall own my body and its sensuality and express it on my terms. I shall find a way to materialize my deepest spiritual goals in a material form that honors me, and others. I honor the Sacred Feminine, the very flesh that houses my Spirit ‘.

I find that the energy of Lilith defies what is expected of women (at this time), and of the Feminine Principle in all beings. I find many of her interpretations to reflect that perception of her, rather than expressing who She is. I would say – as a friend helped me understand deeper – that the stigma associated with Lilith lies in the eyes of those who see her and judge her through their preconceptions. She herself is a different form of Sacred Energy, making herself known.

The point known as Isis-Transpluto at 0 Virgo makes this a time where we reconsider our ideals of purity and service, as we re-integrate the energy of the excluded Feminine into those paradigms. Trans-Neptunian Object Orcus at 6 Virgo acts as a mysterious portal to the Underworld (as its second ruler, after Pluto) – for this rising and reclaiming will be a deep and powerful journey that involves hidden aspects of the self.

CONCLUSION

Taking these three clusters of energy together – we find a powerful connection between Sagittarius-Pisces-Virgo — all of which pose significant challenges to the way we embody, articulate and express our relationship with Spirit – be it through ideas (Sagittarius), experiences (Pisces), or material forms (Virgo). The Masculine principle (Mars) is opposed to the Rising Feminine (Lilith), making this a potent moment for balancing those two dynamics in very specific ways.

One option to stabilize this energy, is to look to the ’empty leg’ of the T-Sqaure, the position that is missing – in order for it to form a more stable Grand Mutable Cross. That would involve working more closely with Gemini energy (and its emphasis on the mind, early childhood perceptions, siblings, self-expression, writing, learning, speaking, and so on). Learn more about whatever it is this T-Square is asking you to face, before trying to meet it head on. It is heartening to see Absolus, the centaur planet at 4 Gemini – representing the energy of the Seer, beckoning us to think first before we act.

Those with placements near 2 Leo will feel a powerful yod created by the sextile between Mars/Neptune and Ceres. For those of you with this placement, you might find yourself making a key decision to do with children, inner child work, creative self-expression, what makes you joyful!, issues surrounding vulnerability, authenticity and/or romantic partnerships.

This alignment is part of a much longer square between Saturn and Neptune (which heads well into 2016) – and so its energies will linger somewhat.

Many Blessings and Much Love to All,

Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam PhD
www.bairaveebalasubramaniam.com

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