2016: When Truth and Power Meet The Spirit (Saturn-Neptune squares) & 2016 Astrological Calendar & Preparatory Alignments (Nodes square Galactic Center, Sagittarius New Moon Dec 2015)

Blessings to All. We’ve just come from an intense Sagittarius New Moon (19 Sag, Dec 11, 2015) in which we all discovered, or found the beginnings of, the Path we’re headed on. I had begun a pilgrimage to India with my brother. We visited institutions in which the Sacred Feminine was co-opted by later patriarchal traditions, but never truly represented. We also saw the lack of literature, perspective and space afforded to the Sacred Feminine in the ‘societal mainstream’. And that is a crying shame, coming from the land of ‘a million goddesses’. That being said, the ritualistic treatment of the Goddess as sacred is at times used as a proxy for treating real human women with basic dignity (which really, does not help the latter in they day to day lives – it was a theme that came up in my doctoral research on the Indian Parliament and its inability to hold the debate on the Women’s Reservation Bill. I might write more on that soon.

So yes, my path was lit like a beacon. In different ways, others would have found alignments or ‘pulls’ to their respective paradigms, roads of travel and wider philosophical/intellectual world in which their individual perspectives could be located (if at all). Significant changes in one’s relationship to long-distance travel, academia, institutions of learning, forms of organized religion, philosophical schools and such may also have been highlighted at this time. Many of you may have discovered the need to move past outdated ways of seeing the world that do not honor your own energetic presence and reality. And so the search for a new Path to Truth unfolds.

Watch for the Sagittarius Full Moon (May 21, 2016) to see how these intentions bear fruit in your world/s. Bear in mind that the window of influence for a New/Full Moon tends to be three days before and after the event itself, with longer window periods for Supermoons and Eclipses.

Whilst the Sagittarius New/Full Moon cycles bring us to an expanded (or need to expand) our sense of Truth and Being, we have two other longer-term aspects in the skies that have been continually transforming our relationship with this energy. Saturn (in Sagittarius) squared Neptune (in Pisces) and the North Node (in Virgo) / South Node (in Pisces) squared The Galactic Center (27 Sagittarius).

Saturn in Sagittarius is an energy that asks us to look at the institutions, established channels and authority that tells us how we can and ought to relate to Truth, and what happens when we refuse to comply. It is about that authoritative claim to power that on the one hand inspires us to find the path that connects us to our core-inner sense of strength – and on the other hand – it either asks us to resist institutions (governments, banks, etc.) that seek to deny that process. Those who seek power externally, rather than from within might seek to set themselves up as a new form of ‘authority’. It’s a great time in which Truth and Power are easily conflated. Saturn only leaves Sagittarius on Dec 20/21, 2017 – 2 years down the line. It will not re-enter this sign until 2044.

Saturn in Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces throughout 2016. Let’s look at the challenge that Neptune poses:

Neptune represents our deepest connection with the Formless aspect of Spirit which we understand as the mystical, transcendental, deeply intimate and deeply compassionate form of the Sacred. It energies are linked with the infinitely compassionate energies of figures such as The Christ, and Lord Shiva (and many others – most if not all saints, at the very least). In day to day life it reflects upon the way we achieve a sense of Oneness, or are in a state of graceful flow, in synergy with the Cosmos. It is where you find Surrender in that which you call ‘The Sacred’. Truth no longer exists at a single point in Space-Time, nor is it, any longer, an intellectual construct.

Neptune’s energy can also tell us, where, in our lives we are going to need to exercise the greatest levels of compassion, release, and forgiveness. Much of this will relate to our personal spiritual curriculum, or opportunities for growth – and to past, karmic ties. It is also the location in the chart where an individual is most prone to becoming attached to false visions, or, living in an illusory reality or personal fantasy. So, it represents a great many things – and all of these strongly contrast to the fixity, solidity, power and form of Saturn and the passionate, ideational, Truth-Seeking arrow of Sagittarius.

During the Saturn-Neptune squares, you will see this as a continual challenge to find a Path, critique a governing authority, discover a new societal/organizing structure or principle – that aligns better with the compassionate, intuitive, deeply mystical and wholly impermanent nature of Neptune. There isn’t a quick and easy solution to the square, except that we will find our answers through the Titanic friction, or energetic engagement between the two. There are at least two ways this energy can pan out – governments may find themselves becoming more open, more willing to relinquish traditional ideas of security, control and power. Or … they might be go deeper into their own ideology and ethos reflecting the status quo. Institutions of power are resistant to change, as are many individuals. That’s the kind of thing which ultimately leads to a global crisis, economic/political turmoil, and so on – I only hope that that can be averted with more conscious leadership.

We will feel this energetic push-and-pull until September 2016. Bear in mind that Saturn and Neptune will experience their own retrogrades next year, as all Mars (in Sagittarius). Mars’ role will certainly give us the energy to act upon these new visions of Truth and challenge us to find ways to align them with our deeper sense of spirituality. It can also, conversely, fuel the flames of the downward spiral (the other way this can play out).

Key dates (1-3 refers to dates where the square is exact. Dates are given as A/B to reflect time zones – those in Asia/Australia, take the later date):

(1) Nov 26/27, 2015 at 7 Sag-Pis ** EXACT SATURN-NEPTUNE SQUARE **

— March 5/6 Mars shifts into Sagittarius

— March 8/9 SOLAR ECLIPSE IN PISCES!

— March 23 LUNAR ECLIPSE IN LIBRA

— March 24/25 Saturn retrograde begins

— April 16/17 Mars’ Retrograde begins

— May 21 Sagittarius Full Moon (watch the seeds set in mid-December 2015 come to fruition)

— May 27/28 Mars re-enters Scorpio (looks familiar, doesn’t it? – that’s what Saturn did in 2015)

— June 12/13 Neptune retrograde begins

(2) Jun 16/17, 2016 at 12 Sag-Pis (both planets in Retrograde, a Grand Mutable Cross forms with these bodies in early June as well) **

— June 29/30 Mars stations direct in Scorpio

— August 2/3 Mars re-enters Sagittarius

— August 12/13 Saturn stations direct

— September 1 SOLAR ECLIPSE IN VIRGO

(3) September 10/11, 2016 at 10 Sag-Pis (Saturn is direct, post-retrograde. Bear in mind that Saturn and Neptune are within 3 degrees of one another in their respective signs all throughout July and August 2016) **

— September 16/17 LUNAR ECLIPSE IN PISCES!

— September 26/27 Mars leaves Sagittarius

— Nov 19/20 Neptune stations direct

To sum all of that up, we’re going to be seeing the most intense expressions of this energy between between June-September 2016. Different people, different states, different institutions of governance will respond to these challenges differently.

It is interesting to note that 3 out of 4 eclipses next year will involve the Mutable (Sagittarius, Pisces, Virgo, Gemini) signs. We’ll see many cycles of beginning and ending with respect to the energies discussed in this article.

2016 is going to be a very transformative year, indeed.

But that’s not all 😉

In fact- We’ve already begun to prepare for this shift with the movement of the North Node through Virgo, and its current square with the Galactic Center at 27 Sagittarius. The Galactic Center, as I’ve written about before, is an astrological point that connects us with different Paths of Truth and Guidance. The North Node, on the other hand, asks us to explore a new chapter in our spiritual expression / unfoldment / evolution. At present, the North Node is in Virgo – relating to the themes and archetypes of: The Priestess, spiritual facilitation, earthly/material vessels and paths of service, pragmatism and discernment in spiritual matters, knowing when to draw needed boundaries, health, wellness, etc. The South Node, in Pisces, which relates very much to the Neptunian energy described above (formlessness, compassion, unconditional love, surrender to Spirit) opposes the North Node and squares the Galactic Center as well.

In practical terms, this means that we already facing a deeper spiritual need to find truths that align with us at the most profound level we can experience. We are also searching for physical ways in which we can contain or express this energy in a material, grounded, practical, form. Whilst this powerful, karmic Mutable Nodal T-Square can facilitate the re-birthing of (for instance) the Priestess Traditions linked with the Sacred Feminine, it can equally birth counter-movements to the same. Each of these energies does not have one single expression, but open us to multiple possibilities.

The North/South Node squares the Galactic Center (taking a 3 degree orb of influence) between early October 2015 – the end of January 2016.

You can think about this period as the energetic preparation for the Saturn/Neptune squares (and Mars retrograde in Sagittarius) set to dominate the energies of 2016.

I hope this guide, whilst lengthy, will provide you with your own spiritual-ideational roadmap to the immense energies arising in the year ahead. What an exciting time to be alive!

Blessings,

Dr. Bairavee Balasubramaniam PhD
The Sky Priestess

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TRANSFORMING THE WAY WE LOVE: VENUS APPROACHES NEPTUNE, MARS APPROACHES CHIRON (STELLIUM IN PISCES)

We’ve got Neptune, Venus, Mars and Chiron all together within a 9-10 degree stellium (grouping) in the Sky, along with a few asteroids. They present to us a powerful opportunity to Transform the Way We Love. There’s a lot going on right now astrologically but I feel this is this the most relevant aspect to discuss at this time. Quite a few of us will be feeling the need to retreat or find seclusion amidst all the deep processing that’s going on.

We’re looking at the Soul’s Wounds (Chiron) sustained in the Feminine (Venus) and Masculine (Mars) [however you define the two], embedded in the history/biography of our individual Spiritual Journeys (Pisces/Neptune) and the collective Journey we are all a part of. You’re looking a deep examination of our drives, assertiveness, desires, value systems, relationships, all aspects of material life and attachment to such, soul’s wounds, karmic dynamics, connection with Spirit, anima/animus [gendered aspects of the psyche as conventionally defined] — a lot gets covered in this stellium! And as you’ll see below – there’s going to be a strong focus on LOVE. (Quite appropriate as part of the build-up to the Leo Full Moon – Leo rules of matters of the heart and the kind of joy that romance can bring, and many other things)

The asteroids involved are: Teharonhiawako – 9 Pisces, Eros – 11 Pisces – Urania – 12 Pisces – Psyche – 15 Pisces – Borasisi – 16 Pisces – Orpheus – 16 Pisces — Without going into too much detail – this is the message that they convey:

We are asked to confront the known and unknown (light and dark) aspects of our selves to realize and transcend false binaries/dualities/ideas that we have about ourselves and our spiritual paths (Teharonhiawako). Borasisi’s energy encourages us to lift the veil of Maya that separates our illusions from some truer understanding of reality. In so doing, we are asked to uncover and let go of old scripts, narratives and ingrained patterns of thought we have about ourselves. For instance, people often have the script of ‘victimhood’ or being undeserving somehow running through our heads, almost on autopilot, whilst the parts of ourselves we are aware of try to learn new ways of defining our own stories. The veil is particularly thin now (in more ways than one) – it’s an excellent time to de-clutter the subconscious and release your hold on what no longer serves your path or purpose.

Eros focuses these energies upon the way in we we seek completion through union, with a special focus on the erotic. It may not always refer to intercourse as it is perfectly possibly to passionate about something abstract in the same way. The way we love, in all its flavours (as Venus is in the mix) is being strongly focused upon at this time.

Orpheus adds poetry, nuance and ability to move another being through artistic (verbal, musical) expression of some kind. He nearly brought back his wife Eurydice from the Netherworld, having moved its Lord and Lady with his hauntingly beautiful music and poetry. He speaks to (again) the extent of what we will do for love. Unfortunately, Orpheus fails to comply with the one condition stipulated to him – that he must not turn back to look till he reaches the world of the living once more. This asteroid also teaches the the power of faith and cautions us against giving into our insecurities, lest we sabotage our own efforts. (They are ultimately reunited though, upon his own death).

Finally, Urania – the Muse of Astrology and Astronomy – indicates deeper insights to be found in our current journey from the stars themselves. This is an excellent time to consult with your astrologer of choice – or to simply open yourselves to the messages of the Cosmos.

So taking it all together – there’s a powerful emphasis on some of the most fundamental drives that make up the human condition – Love and what we’d do for it – highlighted in the Sky. Along with the kind of surrender, faith and sacrifice of perspectives that Pisces often asks of us. It’s very likely to involve karmic dynamics now rising to the surface of your consciousness – chances are that your relationship with whatever person/object/idea/etc. that your energies are focused upon is something that is built upon earlier experiences in your Soul’s Journey.

None of this is happening in a logical, rational, straightforward way – we’re all in a big boat, riding the same waves of Mystery and Spirit. Trying to make sense of what you’re feeling through the lens of logic can – for most – be an exercise in frustration at this time. So what can you do?

It’s a good time to relax, meditate, find seclusion in nature, or simply someplace quiet enough to simply ‘just be’. Some of you may be feeling extra sensitive or vulnerable at this time – Neptune/Pisces’ energies can also be used to fuel escapist tendencies (be it through substances, people, fantasies, obsessions, etc. ). Those who feel in need of support are advised to the seek the company of reliable care-givers at this time (e.g. solid friends or family who understand, or even a community group of some kind). Some of you will enjoy the solitude and others will be overwhelmed by the prospect of it – where you sit on that scale depends solely on you.

I’d say this isn’t the best time to start new things, or push through things like a conquering hero. Take the time to rest, retreat and rejuvenate – but remember it’s your journey. I’m sure there will be some who are just filled to brim with the intuitive, mystical and otherworldly type of inspiration that all this energy in Pisces can bring. It can be a powerful time to express channeled messages, embody truths, or simply connect with Spirit in powerful ways – perhaps through art, spiritual work and so on. Others may simply need to rest and sleep more.

Honor your instincts and be as kind to yourselves and others 🙂

Current Placements: Venus – 4 Pisces, Neptune-6 Pisces, Mars-14 Pisces, Chiron – 15 Pisces

Venus conjunct Neptune – 1:38 am Feb 2nd 2015 (GMT + 8) at 6 Pisces ’22
Mars conjunct Chiron – 4:05 am Feb 1st 2015 (GMT + 8) at 15 Pisces ’10

Note that the Cancer Moon will be trining these energies throughout between January 21st – Feb 2nd 2014. Emotions, subconscious impulses/conditioning, intuitive perceptions and/or communication with your mother and/or The Divine Mother archetype will be instrumental in activating the stellium’s energies.

Those with strong placements in Water signs – take heed. Those with placements between 4-16 Scorpio will experience this as as a powerful GRAND WATER TRINE. Chiron/Mars is inconjunct the North Node – those with placements near 15 Taurus will be experience a powerful Nodal Yod (deeply karmic).

Try not to get engaged in domestic/familial conflicts at this time – where possible. Those of you who reach out to the Mother Goddess, call upon her for guidance and support especially at this time.

it’s a pretty intense buildup to the Leo Full Moon due February 3rd/4th (depending on where you are in the world). The Pisces stellium will be heavily lit up this Full Moon.

Blessings,

Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam, PhD
www.bairaveebalasubramaniam.com

Modified Image of : Small Planet Love.png – By Matriot (Own work) [Public domain], via 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

NEPTUNE RETROGRADE ENDS, AN AWAKENED SKY + SHIVA’S INVITATION

At 9:34 pm, November 15 2014 (GMT + 8), Neptune’s retrograde officially ended (4 Pisces ’48). This is a phenomenal shift in terms of the energy we experience on a day-to-day basis. Neptune Retrograde in its home sign of Pisces has – for the past few months – been teaching us to get harder, edgier, and more critical (in the analytical) sense about our spiritual understandings. It’s been a rough ride for many as all forms of illusion, no matter how beautiful they may have seemed had to break.

Neptune will station direct for a little while longer before it begins its normal motion. In direct form, its energy allows for a little more softness in our spiritual journeys where everything does not have to be defined in terms of harsh truth. We begin to see the beauty in that truth and the ephemeral qualities it brings to our lives. From a strongly internal focus upon ourselves, we will begin to move outwards and seek external sources for inspiration, and connection with more transcendental understandings of the Spiritual. I expect to see many boundary-crossing works of art and other forms of inspired creation be birthed at this time – just as many will see the dissolution of many fallacies held close to one’s heart.

As this directional shift was going on, know that we also had a powerful Neptune-Moon opposition take place at the same time. The Moon was in Virgo, seeking to attend to the more practical details of life, setting necessary boundaries and searching for ways to nurture self – and others (ideally in a position of balance). Neptune shifting signs in Pisces would have had the opposite effect.

Many emotional decisions are likely to have been made now, some leading to the dissolution of older ties and bonds, linked by the energy of care-taking, or the (imbalanced) quality of Subservience (as opposed to Spiritual Service/Facilitation) – especially for those with natal placements anywhere near 4-5 degrees Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces.

This is further emphasized by Jupiter (21 Leo) trining Vesta (20 Sag) as the energy of the Guru/Guide energizes the archetype of the Spiritual Facilitator (Vesta), often associated with the energy of Sacrifice. This would have been most keenly felt in romantic partnerships and also in the nature of a parent-child relationship.

Soulmate partnerships and dynamics are under particular scrutiny at this time as Juno (13 Leo) is seriously activated by several intense configurations at this time – the Great Goddess Fire Trine, the Cauldron and November’s Mega Yod (check out my blog for info on each of these aspects if you’re interested).

Black Moon Lilith (28 Leo) also squares Venus (29 Scorpio), indicating powerful dynamics within romantic and financial partnerships which are being challenged by the wilder, primordial, irrepressible strength of Black Moon Lilith. Kali energy rises in many partnerships, now, in other words – and it is best to honor that energy seeking to express the truth of itself. Those with planets at or near 28-29 Aquarius or Taurus will feel this as a powerful Fixed T-Square or Grand Fixed Cross.

Venus at 29 Scorpio (the Anaretic degree) itself pushes us to a point of finality or culmination in some key aspect of deep, intimate partnerships. It can also refer to the way energies and funds are merged in businesses involving another person’s money (trusts, mergers, etc.).

There a bunch of other aspects also operating in the skies which amplify what has already been said and expressed. All in all, not an easy time for partnerships of any kind. With Neptune ending its retrograde, a lot of illusions (if any were left) or inappropriate attitudes/perspectives taken about partnerships will be severely challenged at this time. Some may seek to escape, retreat into their own inner worlds because the tension may be too much – if this sounds like you, surround yourself with friends and stay away from overly taxing emotional encounters. (Make your need for space and retreat known first – to avoid over-complicating an issue).

In general, rest – relax – and take a ‘time-out’ if you have to, taking this massive shift into account. It’s also a time for massive spiritual re-awakening and — a fantastic call for the awakening of the compassionate aspect of the Divine Masculine. I associate Neptune’s energies with those of Lord Shiva – and it does seem to bear fruit at this time.

The asteroid Siva (representing His energies at 18 Sag) is sextiled the North Node (17 Libra). Those with astrological placements at or near 17-18 Taurus will feel this as a powerful Yod (Finger of Fate) which will open a new chapter in your spiritual lives.

Blessings to all, and I hope this report helps you make sense of the current energies.

Priestess Bairavee Balasubramaniam, PhD
www.bairaveebalasubramaniam.com

Shiva image: Lord Shiva at Murudeshwar, Karnataka..jpg – By Abhijeetsawant (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Graphic: Neptune Retrograde Ends 2014 + Lord Shiva. jpg – By Bairavee Balasubramaniam (Own work) – [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]