Eclipse questions from teleclass

In response to a participant's question during my teleclass on Thursday, I'm doing a little research about how often there are "new" eclipses, as well as how often there are three eclipses within five weeks. That is our current scenario, as we have eclipses on June 1, June 15 and July 1, with the June 1 eclipse being a "new" eclipse.

Background story: Eclipses usually occur in pairs. They also tend to repeat in zodiac location every 19 years, allowing us to connect the dots between present and past. This 19-year repetition is useful, as it can help us understand the lessons and growth involved in the eclipses.

But, every so often, we get a "new" eclipse, one that was not an eclipse 19 years ago, but simply a new or full moon. This means a new degree of the zodiac is receiving the energy of the eclipse, which can both raise and resolve karmic issues that have not been addressed before.

Likewise, occasionally we have a trio of eclipses instead of a pair.

Looking at my quick-scan list of eclipses that I put together several years ago, here's what I'm finding. In the eight years I scanned (starting in 2005 and ending with 2012), I wrote down 36 eclipses. Of those 36:

• There are just two times when there are three eclipses in a row: in 2009 (July 7, July 22 and August 6) and in 2011 (June 1, June 15 and July 1).
• There are actually eight eclipses out of the 36 that are "new": two in 2006, two in 2008, two in 2009, and two in 2011.

So, the "new" eclipses happen a bit more often than I had thought, although still pretty rare, happening only one out of nine times. But the trio of eclipses, as we are now working with, are more rare.

Thanks for the question! And many thanks to all of you who joined in on the class! I enjoyed putting it together, and I hope you enjoyed participating, and found the information helpful.

Busy week!

Maybe we can point to the Jupiter-Mercury-Venus link-up as the energy behind the rapid pace of life this past week. Even Mars entering Taurus last Wednesday hasn't seemed to slow things down. But, today both Mercury and Venus enter Taurus, too, so I'm anticipating a somewhat reduced-pace week ahead.

Still, with the Triple Eclipses just around the corner, changes and movement are to be expected. I guess my Taurus brain will have to get used to it!

Current events

A reader has posted this question about the events of this past weekend:

I don't know if a positive or negative attribute might be placed on this, but... would you also consider that the Jupiter/Mars conjunction is the perfect confluence of energies for the bin Laden event? Perhaps you might be able to also shed some light on how the Saturn/Venus opposition might illustrate something about that as well?

Thanks for your question. Yes, we can see the effects of the Jupiter-Mars alignment in Aries in the bin Laden news. Forceful energies are amplified with the aspect, and those involved certainly had to tap into the courage (Mars) of their convictions/beliefs (Jupiter).

The influence of the Saturn-Venus opposition is a little less obvious. Saturn transits often do involve a physical manifestation of ending or loss, as well as a reality check. With Venus involved, those manifestations would affect relationships and value structures.

But, here is something much more interesting about this timing of events:

Saturn was strongly involved in the events of September 11, 2001, being conjunct the U.S. Descendant at the time, while Pluto was conjunct the U.S. Ascendant.

Saturn is now conjunct the Ascendant of the chart drawn for the time of the first plane crash on that day in 2001. So there is a completion occurring now with the energy that was initiated on that day.

The fact that Saturn is now retrograde, and currently back in the 12th house of the 9/11 chart, tells us that there will be more information or events coming to the surface by the time this is all said and done. Saturn goes direct on June 15, and will cross over its current degree of Libra the last week of July. We may want to watch the latter half of July for related news.

Polarities

The polarities in the headlines today are striking, and a clear manifestation of both the positive and negative expressions of the Saturn-Venus opposition and the Jupiter-Mars conjunction.

On the one hand, we have news about the Royal Wedding that took place yesterday. In the positive, Jupiter and Mars in Aries contribute to hope for the future, and help us find the energy and courage needed to begin new journeys. Also in the positive, Saturn and Venus working together help us formalize commitments, and consider the serious side of relationships and partnerships.

On the other hand, we continue to read about the devastation caused by the extreme storms in the southern and eastern parts of the U.S. Here, we can see the negative manifestation of Jupiter/Mars in Aries: over-the-top, out-of-control energies that defy containment, raise fears, and require those affected to begin their lives over again once the dust has settled. We can also see the negative side of Saturn/Venus in these events, in the loss of life and possessions, and the enforced refinement and restructuring of value systems.

The vast majority of us did not get married this weekend. Likewise, most of us were not directly in the path of tornados and other cataclysmic events. But, each of us in our own way is dealing with the polarities of courage and fear, endings and beginnings, optimism and pessimism. As always, no matter what our current personal situation, we have choices in how we perceive and work with what is occurring in and around our lives.

Be gentle and loving with yourself and others now. We are all being energetically pushed and prodded, and will sometimes handle the pressure well, and other times not so well. Get sleep when you can, and soak up some sunshine if possible.

Recovery time

At long last -- as of this morning, Mercury has completed his Aries retrograde phase. This one has been particularly rough for many, including yours truly. Perhaps because there is so much about Aries that wants to Move Forward, and so much about retrograde Mercury that says Not Time Yet.

Not that issues have completely resolved in the past 13 hours -- but already, new information has come forward that supports better understanding. Much improvement over the confusion and fear that has been dredged up from the depths recently.

And, we will continue to work with the influence of the Mercury-Saturn opposition for a few days yet. They're within a degree of being exactly opposite each other, creating a serious overtone to most endeavors. But, as Mercury gradually gains forward momentum over the next week, and Saturn continues on his own retrograde path, the energy of tension will be easing.

Yay.

Upgrades and downloads

I received a couple of messages this week about the adjustments we're needing to make as we work with the higher frequencies coming in now ...

Yesterday, my cell phone froze with an odd message on the screen about being ready for an download. The technician I talked with was amazed that I had gotten this message -- seeing that I have the very basic phone -- because that kind of error "usually only happens with more advanced phones."

And today, I spent three hours working on a PowerPoint presentation (I also do graphic design work), which then froze and would not accept any more edits. And none of the back-up versions I had saved would work either. It turns out the original came from someone who was working in the 2007 version, while I had opened it using the 2003 version.

So, with these two separate events occurring within two days' time, the synchronicity brought the message into focus. It helps take the anxiety down a notch to understand what's really going on when things don't seem to work as they used to.

Article on "Conscious-Cool-Chic" blogsite

Hi everyone,

A dear friend of mine has started a new blogsite with all things "Conscious-Cool-Chic" -- and has asked me to write a short article for her "Soul Growth Adventures" page. I wrote my essay in response to the question: At this place, in this moment, what are you celebrating in your life?

If you'd like to read my article (and explore this wonderful blog!), here's the link: Conscious-Cool-Chic. Enjoy!