MERCURY-CONJUNCT-ISIS OPPOSED NEPTUNE RX-CONJUNCT-SIVA (7-8 Virgo-Pisces, 12-13 August 2015)

Blessings to All. Mercury opposes Neptune along the Virgo-Pisces axis, challenging us to be articulate, precise, analytical and pragmatic in our approach to the amorphous realms of transcendental spirituality. It’s a face-off between two energies which are so vital to the work that so many of us do as Spiritual Facilitators, Seekers, and Beings. Whilst Virgo is seeking definition, boundary and embodiment (to serve better), Pisces is seeking to dissolve, to remain unseen and unknown – and to connect with Mystery that is Spirit in undefinable ways. Neither is superior to the other.

Mercury is conjunct asteroid Isis (7 Virgo), representing the nurturing qualities of the Goddess Isis, and equally, the physical steps and tasks she must perform in order to provide that nurture. Neptune is conjunct asteroid Siva (8 Pisces), representing the formless, compassionate energy of Lord Shiva himself. The presence of these two asteroids deepens the archetypal nature of the astrological opposition. Here we see the Practical, Earthy Priestess face-to-face with the Boundless, Formless, Compassionate Masculine.

In a productive sense, the opposition between Virgo and Pisces and encourage us to find a balanced understanding of spiritual matters – in ways that integrate the Spirit, Mind, Body, Heart – everything. That would of course be, the ideal. But at times, the opposition becomes and unnecessary contest of strength and enforces false binaries.

For me, this manifested quite directly as transiting Mercury in Virgo is in my 3rd house whereas transiting Neptune in Pisces is in my 9th house. I ended up talking about a detailed plan of action for my dear brother (sibling – Mercury, 3rd house) who is like me, a spiritualist, albeit of a different kind. We used a combination of astrology (9th house) and, really, just listening to one another, to cover a lot of ground discussing issues quite vital to the Virgo-Pisces dynamic as we charted out some practical ideas to help him follow his Path with Spirit. It turned out to be quite a nurturing (Virgo) and spiritually rejuvenating (Pisces) conversation. Yay for us!

However, that’s a productive manifestation of this energy. It can manifest in different ways though, as the opposition forces two imbalanced expressions of Mercury-Neptune Retrograde or Virgo-Pisces to swing wildly to different extremes, and back.

Mercury in Virgo – in excess – may manifest as an overly harsh, critical, or nitpicky approach to the discussion of Service. Boundaries may appear to be set in stone, at least in the eyes of those who uphold them. Any alternative ways of viewing the same situation may then be criticized for not being ‘good enough’ or ‘spiritual enough’. In daily life, this would focus upon the daily rituals, routines and habits which we use as the building blocks of material existence. Issues surrounding health, wellness and daily work patterns can come to the fore. In the spiritual domain, the emphasis may be upon charting out the details, realizing the material requirements it takes to Serve Spirit in the way we are guided to. Mercury brings the focus of this energy to your thoughts, ideas, and ways you express them – probably a good day to postpone discussions on such topics with most people – unless you can bring in the Neptune-Siva archetype that can accept everything, even the feeling of being judged or misunderstood.

Neptune Retrograde in Pisces – in excess – can in itself, veer wildly between an indiscriminating acceptance of anyone and anything as being ‘spiritual’ – or – to a hard-edged rejection of anything that seems amorphous, indescribable or that requires one to ‘open up’ to Spirit. The middle path here is a willingness to experience Spirit, but with the knowledge that the Ego and its compulsions can make things appear differently from what they claim to be. Just try to avoid any spiritual extremes today – be it of what you might see as openness, or closed-mindedness. Take things you hear – and your reactions to them – with a grain of salt. Bear in mind that Neptune is famous for projections and distortions – if you feel insulted, chances are you’ve read something quite innocent in a way that triggers your own wounds. Though if someone is truly being a jerk to you, bring in Isis-Virgo and draw that line. Also bear in mind that Neptune is famous for its escapist tendencies, whenever it feels stressed or pressured in some way.

The interaction between the two can be quite interesting as Mercury and Neptune are in signs that they ‘rule’, so their influence will be a lot stronger. In my case, I found two of my sessions needed rescheduling due to mysterious (Neptune) electronic (Mercury) issues – which then meant I had time and head-space to have that unexpected conversation with my brother.

To sum it all up, we’re all balancing two different principles, or flows of energy in this opposition:

Surrender, Trust, Faith – Going with the Flow (so you can flow to wherever it is you need to Serve)
Integrity, Boundary, Holding your Ground – Manifesting the Form of Service (so you can channel the flow)

You can also read these ideas as they are woven into our discussions on the Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine, or Yin/Yang Dynamics, i.e. the Priestess Rising and the ‘New’ Compassionate Masculine.

They’re not mutually exclusive categories or ideas, just different sides of the same coin. Don’t be afraid to do both, or be both 🙂

In closing,

The waters of Pisces now look across to the fertile soil of Virgo. Together, they have the chance to sustain life. They need to come together in balance and respect for one another, lest all that remains is muddy water and barren soil.

How do you choose to embody that balance?

Where are you ‘too open’?
Where could you use a little more discretion and forethought in your spiritual experience?
Where do you need a boundary to better Serve?

What do you hold onto too tightly?
Where are you too closed?
Where do you need to open up to better Experience Spirit and Dance with its Mystery?

Whatever you choose will be right for where you need to be right now, but that doesn’t mean that will be your final, or absolute answer 🙂

Blessings to All,

Bairavee Balasubramaniam

The Sky Priestess

MARS TRINED CHIRON – THE WOUNDED MASCULINE IN SEARCH OF COMPASSION AND HEALING

Today’s Mars (21 Cancer)-Chiron Retrograde (21 Pisces) trine brings to the fore deeply karmic wounds connected with the Masculine Archetype. As Mars is in Cancer, we might find this to be an intensely emotional experience of such wounds triggered by a maternal figure, a domestic/familial situation, a housing matter and/or the emotions of a male/masculine partner. We may also equally, simply see this manifested within the animus (male archetype) within the psyche. Mars is also squared Uranus (who has just turned Retrograde at 20 Aries), making this situation or outburst appear ‘out of the blue’, in an unpredictable or erratic manner. Either way, it serves to shed light upon a level of awareness or consciousness that is required to ultimately heal the Masculine and integrate it as part of ‘I AM Consciousness’.

Chiron Retrograde’s role is to show us our deepest spiritual vulnerabilities, not to suffer through them, but to find ways we can heal ourselves and others in the process. Chiron’s medicine in Pisces tends to be compassion, unconditional surrender to Spirit and a willingness to remain open to the experience, emotion, sensation and vulnerability that such spiritual journeys often entail.

Those with placements between 14-28 Scorpio will experience this as a Grand Water Trine – and – we’re all experiencing that on account of The Moon’s ongoing Scorpio Transit. The Grand Water Trine is in its final stages, whilst the Moon meets Saturn Retrograde at 28 Scorpio. This brings an added sense of gravitas, and a need to make a lasting commitment, or decision to matters surrounding our sub-conscious fears and complexes, our relationship with intimacy, sexuality, finances and Power.

Those with placements near 13-28 Cancer or Capricorn will experience this energy as a Grand Cardinal Cross (if both are present), or as a Cardinal T-Square in the case of a single placement.

All in all, this Mars-Chiron trine brings to the fore karmic wounds of the Soul’s Journey as it seeks to re-member, reclaim and heal our individual and collective relationship with the Masculine Principle. The role of Cancer and its ruler, The Moon (The Mother) and Saturn (ruled by Capricorn, the Crone) point to the role of feminine / maternal wisdom in this process.

Blessings,

Bairavee Balasubramaniam

The Sky Priestess

Image: VietnamCombatArtProgramCAT01RobertCKnightWounded.jpg , public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Post & Content © Bairavee Balasubramaniam, 2015. All rights reserved.

EROS, VENUS, APHRODITE AND THE DIVINE MASCULINE : VALENTINE’S DAY ASTROLOGY 2015

Blessings everyone! I know that not all of you celebrate Valentine’s Day, or recognize it as more than a massive earner for the greeting card companies. I still thought it’d be fun to look at the love-centric aspects of today’s skies, whilst (those of you who do) celebrate the day!

THE YOD OF LOVE AND THE DIVINE MASCULINE

Sun (25 Aquarius) sextile Cupido and Pholus (25 Sagittarius) – The Sun represents our waking Consciousness, our spiritual anchorpoint (so to speak) in experiencing and engaging with this reality. In Aquarius is focuses upon the expression of individual gifts, eccentricities, friendships and one’s role in larger groups or associations, particularly to do with altruism, humanitarianism, and other ideals. Cupido is a Uranian planet which acts as a combination of both Venus and Jupiter. Quoting Arlene Kramer, where “Venus means beauty, Cupido means art. Where Venus means love, Cupido means marriage… [it] is the planet of Togetherness”. It relates to the coming together of partnerships within a larger context, where the sum of two is celebrated by the whole. Pholus represents the energy of sudden awakenings, epiphanies, and realizations – it is linked with the energy of one who sees beyond/through the everyday.

The Sun sextiling Cupido at this time represents a harmonious possibility to find a meaningful love connection. It can just as well relate to the opening of your own Heart and Sacral Chakra, without the role of an external partner. With Cupido so close to the Galactic Center (26 Sagittarius), some of the most powerful lessons will will experience now relate with Love in all of its forms. A beautiful astrological aspect to encounter on a day commonly devoted to Love. Pholus’ energies intensify the energy of this sextile by facilitating a great awakening or realization of profound truth (almost out of the blue).

Those with placements at or near 25 Cancer will experience this as a profound Yod, or Karmic Finger of Fate/Destiny. In the skies, we do have asteroid Varuna at 26 Cancer, acting as the apex of the Yod. Varuna is a Dravidian deity who was later incorporated into the Vedic pantheon. He rules over the oceans, the seas and the Water element in general. He is linked with Serpent Energies (particularly that of Lord Vasuki) and rainfall in Nepal, representing a more fluid, water-based connection with Creative, Divine Masculine energy.

Morever, this Yod is activated by a conjunction between Crantor (26 Capricorn) and Siva (25 Capricorn). Crantor represents the cathartic release that a powerful emotional declaration can bring – be sure not to do this for purposes of manipulation, projection, etc. but rather to simply express what resides within you. Siva represents the power of the Divine Masculine Archetype, but specifically associated with the themes of Formlessness and Absolute Compassion. Together, opposing Varuna and forming the midpoint of the Sun/Pholus-Cupido sextile, these energies ask you to boldly speak your Truth.

This alignment opens us up to the more compassionate, tender aspects of Divine Masculine energy – transforming, in the process our abilities to recognize, give and receive love. It can be quite an emotional roller-coaster as old emotions are churned up to the surface for processing, but the result appears to be a major cleansing and re-balancing of energies, attitudes and ideas you may have about the Nature of Love.

EROS CONJUNCTS VENUS, URANIA, PSYCHE OPPOSES IRIS

According to Kim Falconer, Eros (now at 20 Pisces) “evokes passions that ignore lunar comfort, Venus sensuality or Mars desires. Eros is not about relationships that make us feel secure. It is not about getting our way or winning love. It is not about commitment or harmony. Eros describes something altogether different. It describes the nature of erotic love”. Venus (now at 21 Pisces) deals with the very nature of our material incarnation on this plane of reality, all things tangible, physical, sensual – including our most cherished relationships. It can also refer to a partner who expresses more of the ‘feminine’ aspect in the partnership, and one’s own embodiment of that aspect within the psyche. Urania (at 20 Pisces) is the Goddess Muse of Astrology and Astronomy. Psyche (at 21 Pisces) represents our ability to make meanings, weave narratives and live by/through the archetypes within them. Iris (20 Virgo) represents the Rainbow Messenger Goddess who alternatively shows us the way to be lost in the pursuit of an illusion (‘chasing rainbows), or the path – when taken with a measure of balance and groundedness – that allows us to find true satisfaction (i.e. the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow). Iris is also a cathartic force that is linked with the cleansing power of tears.

Taking all this together, we have a powerful combination in Pisces speaking to us of the nature of loving, compassionate detachment. We’re asked to deepen our engagement with relationships of all forms, especially the ones that (in a good way) take us out of our comfort zones. We’re asked to let the relationship, desire or love connection of interest to take us deep into our own hearts, and to truly let ourselves Open in Response. The metric of success in this context isn’t whether a relationship is successful or long-lasting, it’s how deeply it makes us open and feel into our own humanity, and – at a deeper layer of it- an appreciation of something sacred within ourselves – that we share with the rest of Creation.

Some of you will find astrology – or simply communing with the Cosmos – a potent way to navigate your Journey of Love at this time. You will also find the opportunity to break out of old, constricting roles and narratives and into new, uncharted Waters as part of your continued spiritual evolution.

The opposition with Iris basically cautions us against swimming too deeply in the waters of Spirit and asks us to turn back equally to the material manifestations or circumstances prompting these deep emotional engagements. We’re also cautioned to not get ‘too’ hung up on the minor details, and allow things to work out as they will.

I saved a juicy little tidbit for last: EROS (20 Taurus) SEXTILES APHRODITE (20 Pisces)

According to Jacob Schwartz, Aphrodite represents “procreativity through refined expressions of beauty, sex and fertility’. In any case, her energies are linked to the Goddesses Venus and Astarte (and undoubtedly many others). (from ‘The Astrology Book’)

This sextile bridges the powerful union-through-intimacy that Eros can bring (and the powerful Union-in-self that heartbreak from a failure to ‘merge with the Other’ can also initiate) – with the desire to merge physically and romantically in a pleasurable, life-affirming way. Those with placements at or near 20 Libra wil experience this as an electrifying Yod of Sensuality 🙂 The closest body to this point is Askalaphus at 19 Libra – it is the energy of the whistle-blower, one who reveals secrets. It indicates the exploration of previously unknown, potentially taboo subjects within the partnership context.

All in all, the energies of Love and Romance are strongly lit by two powerful Yods and key activations of bodies such as Eros, Venus, Aphrodite and so on. It is a powerful time for the Heart to open and experience Itself. Bear in mind that this can happen through intense pain (such as heartbreak) or joy. Whilst we are all celebrating and deepening/furthering the Feminine Principle, it is crucial to also work with the energies of the Divine Masculine – in general, but especially at this time. There is a tenderness, a softer, compassionate side to the Masculine that more and more are re-discovering now, and today is no exception.

It is my hope that find that Deeper Connection within – and, if appropriate – with the right partner.

Many Blessings to you All on this Valentine’s Day,

Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam PhD
www.bairaveebalasubramaniam.com

Some Sources for Reference and Self-Study:
The Astrology Book: The Encyclopedia of Heavenly Influences By James R. Lewis
Eros – http://www.falconastrology.com/discovery.htm
Intro to the Uranian Planets –http://www.arlenekramer.net/uranian_eightplanets.asp

Images:
– Statuette Goddess Louvre AO20127.jpg – By Marie-Lan Nguyen (Own work) [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
– Lord Shiva w. Headdress of Snakes at Thanjavur Art Gallery, by Bairavee Balasubramaniam, 2010.

ENDING THE CYCLE, HEALING THE COLLECTIVE: The Abuse of Power and the Feminine Principle

The Rising Feminine principle is one that has been suppressed for thousands of years, and now she is beginning to make her way back to Balance, to coexist alongside the Masculine.

Astrologically, the fierier, feistier, darker side of this rising impulse is represented by bodies like the Three Lilith-s, Eris and so on. Today, we have the Mars/Neptune opposition with Black Moon Lilith – prompting this post of reflection. It is a powerful time for spiritual facilitators to look at the Shadow Work hidden in the Rising Feminine Principle, and its relationship with the Masculine. For the astrology of it, please see:http://wp.me/p4OUNS-hI

As far as I am concerned, – and I am deliberately using the ‘I’ here to let you know that this is my perspective – subjective, personal, my understanding of truth – Accept it only if it resonates with you – …

As far as I am concerned, patriarchy is not the sole cause for the downfall of the Feminine – but a reaction to it. As one who has served through the various lifetimes, with memories awakening now, I see that women had a hand to play in it too.

Archeology and memory tells us that we were in the hallowed citadels of spiritual and political power We were in that elevated position, that pride of place.

And we fell. Oh gods how we fell. I remember it very well. I’ve spent time weeping when these memories arose (both as victim and abuser).

Abuses of power, the conflation of Ego with Spiritual Direction, energetic imbalances, sacrifices, slavery, you name it – we did it. As did they, later on.

(even this we/they business is a tenuous one, we’ve all been on both sides of the equation)

Pride takes a hard fall. And when we fell, it ushered about the rise of a new social, political and cultural order – what we describe as patriarchy. Some sources place it to about 7,000 years old in origin (I suspect a little older than that) – but we really need to ask ourselves what came before it, and why it went away.

Patriarchy, as I understand the term, established itself later. In some sense, you could call the Priestesses who abused their power as its first precursors. We did it ourselves, everything else followed afterwards, i.e. the patriarchal rule which we have collectively come to rebel against.

Which is why in this life, I’ve found it very challenging to own my power and establish myself for the work that I came to do – till recently. I sometimes get … very strange emails from people who find it threatening that I do the work that I do – only to realize they are simply projecting the fear of the past that I’d buried deep in my subconscious. I’ll tell you one thing – facing that part of me was the scariest thing I’d ever done.

A great change in my energy came about when I began to look at that part of myself – having healed the ‘victim’ – now to the ‘abuser’ – and it is the current journey I am on. Love, forgiveness and unconditional acceptance seem to be the only way forward for me, and quite likely, for men and women remembering all parts of themselves now.

So what does one do with that information?

I feel that complete healing is possible only once we stop blaming the ‘other team’ which – committed its own brand of perversion against the feminine principle. But it was not they who set the seed, they responded to it and institutionalized a particularly cruel form of exclusion, subjugation and cycles of victimization. And we are now responding to that.

We tend to say that men fear the power of Woman. And part of it is because we are truly powerful. Exceptionally creative, resilient and strong.

But perhaps, for a moment, we can also imagine that at a collective, racial level – we gave them something to fear. And from what I remember – of myself and others from these lifetimes – we did. That does not excuse their attitudes today, but puts it in a different perspective.

And so the cycle began thousands of years ago, till victims and perpetrators changed sides so often that it makes little sense to hold onto those dynamics.

Yes, men have abused women greatly – but the truth is we’ve done the same. There are no hands that are free from that cycle, unless they are ‘fresh arrivals’ to this earthly plane.

I see it all the time in charts of my clients and the movement of those energies through the natal chart, playing out into their day to day realities.

And yes, as a relatively young woman from a racial minority in this life – I too have been abused by men (and other women) in my journey. I get why holding onto those wounds seems like a survival mechanism, I get why the blame-shame dynamic seems like something you have to hold on to so you don’t compromise some sense of self-worth and dignity – up to a point.

I had to let go of just that to actually begin my Path of Service in this life.

Bear in mind that the masculine/feminine duality as a whole is one that we do not need to be entrenched in. When you look at souls from the perspective of lifetimes, as I tend to do in my work, one has to give up the luxury of neat dichotomies, or even of the idea that Y is evil and X is not.

We’ve all been men, we’ve all been women. And we come into incarnation, very often, to experience the ‘other side’ of the polarity.

At least this is what is true for me.

Let it be understood that I am not justifying acts of violence as ‘spiritual balancing acts’, or that I am saying that people should not be held culpable for any act of suppression.

What I am saying is that the cycle will only end the moment we stop running in it.

Blessings to All,

Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam, PhD
www.bairaveebalasubramaniam.com

Photo: Bhairavi – The Rising Sun 19th Jan 2015 by Bairavee Balasubramaniam. Note the cloud running across the sun, looks like the astrological glyph for Black Moon Lilith! 🙂

*** POSTSCRIPT – A friend of mine wrote this in response to reading this post. I really resonated with it and thought it a great inclusion – Quoted here with permission: “Yes it is time to realize we have played all fathoms of the spectrums of a soul. There are reasons why we fell into being suppressed as women but also know that men were also done this way in the history of this Earth. It is time we embrace the duality of who we have been and who we are now. This is what we came to learn. We no longer need to be on one side or the other….we are to come to balance all aspects of our soul. Thank you for your insight and know that this is just my opinion as well” ~Waynie Hoffman, founder of Feminine Spiritual Path on FB.

THE GRANDMOTHER GODDESS, THE STAR MAIDEN AND LORD SHIVA: THE COSMOS DANCES DURING THE CAPRICORN NEW MOON

Blessings everyone. This is a particularly potent window of time for us all. There’s just so much going on in the skies, more so that usual. I’ll focus on what I am guided to identify as being of greatest use for you to know at this time

THE CAPRICORN NEW MOON – At 9:35 am, December 22nd 2014, the Sun conjuncted the Moon at 0 degrees Cap ’06. New Moons are times of potent beginnings. This is where you set the seeds of intention which you will reap during the Capricorn Full Moon circa July 1st – 2nd, 2015 (depending on where you are in the planet).

Capricorn deals with our relationship with ideas of success, achievement, recognition, power, authority and manifests in our relationships with institutions such as banks and governments. It’s been getting a lot of flack, especially in recent years with the Uranus-Pluto square, one side of which focuses on Capricorn. Remember that power, authority and recognition in themselves are not bad things – they can, in fact, be very useful tools on manifesting the material aspects of your spiritual task, path or paradigm. As long as they are seen as tools, rather than the goal , substance or desired outcome of your path. More on this here – http://wp.me/p4OUNS-fc

Capricorn’s energy is a paradoxical one. On the one hand, it embodies the pinnacle of Material Achievement, the Mountain Goat that has faced all challenges, and reached the Summit that no one else can even come close to. On the other hand, it represents the energy of the Earth Crone. Remember that the most intense form of Earth (Feminine, in astrological tradition) need not only be at the summit (externally), but equally in the Belly or Womb of our planet (internally). A Balanced expression of Capricornian energy achieves material manifestation in harmony, or balance with the deeper aspects of self, connection with Primordial Feminine energy, and particularly the guidance of the Crone of the Grandmother Archetype. You will find this energy in figures such as Goddess Pachamama, Goddess Petchai Amman (Petchai Patti), Goddess Iusaaset (“the grandmother of all deities) Dhumavati-Ma, Goddess Hekate, The Cailleach, Ajima-Ma and other Grandmother / Crone Figures. They will teach you a more balanced form of manifestation, success and achievement that resonates with your needs, and that of the Planet. Remember that the work you do in Capricorn is not just for yourself, but for the Legacy that you ultimately bequeath to future generations (of all species).

The Sun and the Moon were both conjunct asteroid SIVA (2 Capricorn) at this time. Communing with forms of this deity, worship of the Shiva Linga will be extremely beneficial to those on a Path that involves Him. Others may access the same kind of Compassionate, Powerful, Vulnerable (by Choice) Male Energy through other archetypes from different traditions. This is a powerfully Masculine energy that balances the energy of the Feminine Earth brought in by Capricorn. Hooray!

Both the Sun and Moon were squared the Super Galactic Center at 1 Libra, during the New Moon. An interesting challenge in deepening our relationship with the idea of Balance, and the relationship between Self and Other, particularly through the context of partnerships. Both Logos (1 Libra) and Lachesis (29 Virgo) were in the vicinity adding their vibrations to this potent alignment. Logos encourages the use of the detached, rational, logical mind and Lachesis represents the energy of one of the Three Fates. Her role is to measure the length of the thread of any life born into this world, and she has a great deal to do with the destiny you choose and come to manifest at this time.

This becomes a T-Square when we also consider Astraea (translation Star-Maiden) at 1 Aries. The Virgin Goddess Astraea represents the energies of Innocence, Purity and also the ability to bring Justice back into the world (Wikipedia). Personally, I feel that’s just the very start of her energy, and I’ll certainly do a post on her at a later date. In this COSMIC ALIGNMENT (no other word for it), the Star-Maiden asks you to remember your own (Self) origins in the Depths of the Cosmos, as a child of both ‘Earth and Starry Sky’, to borrow a phrase from my mentor.

In other words, there is a very fated choice that you’re making at this time, and it has to do with one of the deepest connections to Source that you could experience and imagine at this stage of your evolution. Not to be taken lightly. Watch the Capricorn Full Moon in July 2015 to see what you’ve set into motion by virtue of your choices.

The New Moon was also involved with a powerful GRAND EARTH TRINE involving 1992 QB 1 at 0 Taurus and Isis-Transpluto at 1 Virgo. 1992 QB 1 relates to the choices we made in the ideology we choose to adhere to, which shapes the way we perceive, interact with and manifest a certain ‘reality’. This meaning-and-reality-making exercise focuses upon your relationship with Resources (internal, such as self worth and external such as finances or an alternative form of economy) – that which you need to exist as a spiritual being in material form. Remember there is no one ideal that appeals to us all, so have the courage to stand to what you truly believe in. Isis-Transpluto’s influence is still being understood by astrologers. From what I understand from Lynn Koiner’s work, it is an energy which relates to the way we seek Balance in our relationships with others, and also where we realize that we can stand on our own too feet. I see it as synthesis of the energies of Libra, Virgo and Scorpio (yikes!), which only emphasizes the themes we’ve been discussing in any case.

So, to make a long story short – the energy of this New Moon is one of Balanced Manifestation of Reality (by your own Choice). It makes me think of something my dad says, that ‘God is the Creator and Man is the Co-Creator’. Let me paraphrase that to say: ‘ The Divine Creates and we Co-Create’.

Other energetic alignments, etc:

(1) SOLSTICE – A biannual event, celebrated on June 21st and Dec 21st each year, when the sun enters Cancer (Water Cardinal sign) and Capricorn (Earth Cardinal sign) respectively. It is the shortest day in the Year in the Northern Hemisphere, a time where the Yule festival is celebrated. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the longest day – honored by the festival of Litha. No matter where you are on the planet, the Solstice (which I like writing as the Soul-Stice is a pivotal energetic portal in the yearly cycle. We are called to seek a deeper, truer form of Balance. Bear in mind that Balance is not ‘defeating’ or ‘transcending’ one polarity in favour of another. It is acceptance of the Whole, in a pure vibration of Detachment.

(3) URANUS STATIONS DIRECT – A few hours before the Capricorn New Moon, Uranus stationed direct, ending its retrograde. The way in which we receive Guidance, Insights, Downloads from Guides beyond us, e.g. the bridge between the Higher Mind and Cosmos is now Re-activated. The energy moves from the internal to the external. Our source of Awakening is not so rooted now in our psyches, and can come directly do us from external sources, including friend groups and those on a similar spiritual cause.

(3) SATURN SHIFTS INTO SAGITTARIUS – Saturn will move into a new sign on December 23rd (tomorrow, my birthday, yay!). Which means that we’re experiencing the most intense phase of Saturn’s Scorpio energy now as it moves through the Anaretic degree (29 degrees). Karmic tests, trials and breakthroughs which you’ve been putting off will present themselves now as you prepare to move into a whole new 3 year cycle. These tests are likely to be focused upon your relationship with your intimate/sexual/financial partner with whom can merge energies or resources. It also refers to key moments of phases of transition through life-cycle rites (birth, death, rebirth, and so on). Some of you may find this energy expressed through challenges in acquiring resources from others, others through an intense focus upon the trials of Deep Subconscious and Ancestral Karma. Saturn will revisit Scorpio for about 3 months in 2015 as part of its retrograde.

Blessings to all! It’s a lot of information, but then again, it’s a very EPIC time to be alive.

Love you All!

Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam, PhD
www.bairaveebalasubramaniam.com

Images: Iusaaset – 83d40m – 4wki.JPG – By User:83d40m [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons ; Wolfsonian-FIU Museum – IMG 8229.JPG – Wolfsonian-FIU Museum – IMG 8229.JPG; Kailasanathar Temple – Kanchipuram – shiva lingam in side path.JPG – Kailasanathar Temple – Kanchipuram – shiva lingam in side path.JPG

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

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