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
Dr. Bairavee Balasubramaniam PhD: The Sky Priestess 