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Astrology by David Weatherly
December 2003/January 2004
We once again reach a turning point as
we bring 2003 to a close and move into new energies with the
beginning of the new year of 2004. The last half of 2003 brought
heavy, harsh energies, transforming personal lives. As December
comes, many seek refuge from the trials they have faced. This
time is an opportunity to find sanctuary and resolve issues
left hanging from the past year. That vague sense of being
"on the verge" of something shifts, and clarity
is gained. This is a time of redemption. The healing of old
wounds is possible, and a renewed sense of purpose is offered.
Venus travels through three signs in
this two-month period. Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces will
all feel the effects of the planet's energy. Venus has been
a bit overshadowed during the strong Mars aspects of the last
several months. As the year turns, Venus will have a more
positive influence. By the time it hits Pisces on January
15th, it will help mellow out the remaining harsh energy that
still lingers on an emotional level.
At long last, the energy from Mars will
start to shift. The fiery planet will spend November and the
first half of December in Pisces. This has been an especially
difficult transit. Mars does not sit well in Pisces, a water
sign. Combined with the fact that Mars has been so close to
the earth, a lot of emotional turmoil has resulted. This time
can be a final phase of purging, with the last dregs of old
emotional baggage being forced to the surface. On December
17th, Mars moves into Aries. Mars rules this sign, so this
is an excellent placement. After the emotional ride of the
last several months, the Mars/ Aries combination will bring
a new level of energy to the forefront. Those feeling exhausted
from the emotional turmoil, will be able to feel alive again
and will prepare to move forward with a new found direction
and purpose.
Jupiter is in Virgo these two months.
This placement will affect holiday spending to a certain extent.
Virgo is an earth sign and can be on the conservative side.
As a result, spending is likely to be focused and less extravagant.
The trend will be towards a tighter shopping list for most,
with more money spent on close family and friends and much
less social gift-giving. Virgo likes to stay close to home,
so the greatest rewards will come from time spent with family
and close friends.
This past summer, Saturn moved into Cancer.
This has been a trying time for our country as a whole since
the United States' natal sun is in Cancer. Of course, countless
individuals have felt the effects of Saturn since it entered
a new sign. Saturn, the great transformer, is in a retrograde
period during both December and January. This backing-off
period is not necessarily comforting since it can represent
a rehashing of issues that people have been dealing with since
late last summer. These secondary movements are never as intense,
though, and if you've done your work, Saturn tends to give
great respect and allow actual progress to take place. Think
carefully about commitments during this time, and realize
that you are building your own future.
Neptune is still in Aquarius. This placement
brings unique technological advancements and new forms of
energy healing. Neptune also continues to activate spiritual
energies and ideas.
Uranus is in Aquarius until the 31st
of December when it shifts into Pisces. Uranus causes dramatic
changes on a large, social scale. Since Pisces is a sign of
spirit, we will see major changes beginning within spiritual
organizations. Pisces is a water sign though, so emotions
could run out of control if not tempered carefully. These
outer planets present unique opportunities to heal the inner
self and find the spiritual path that calls to your spirit.
Pluto is still traveling in Sagittarius.
Pluto is the lord of the underworld and brings to light the
dark corners of life that it transits. In this case, all things
ruled by Sagittarius are being examined. The centaur rules
the ninth house of the zodiac, and this includes sports and
organized religion. Hence, we have the sports scandals that
have garnered so much attention in the last few years, along
with the countless scandals of the Catholic Church and its
clergy. Pluto's transit is extremely long, and its journey
affects a generation. We are seeing new thoughts and opinions
being formed as a result of this current placement. We can
expect to see more changes and reform in the Church and its
following. Likewise, the idea of "sports heroes"
has taken on a different perspective as the masses realize
that despite their special talents, athletes are also human
beings.
It is often in small, simple acts that
amazing transformation is possible. Forgiveness and compassion
can heal on a deep level, and love truly does conquer all.
In these times, it is important to remember that we were each
put here for a special mission. It is our free will whether
we chose to honor that mission or ignore it. As the year turns,
we are each called to make a choice. We can procrastinate
and watch the new age move forward, or we can resolve ourselves
to follow our spirit and fully participate in the dawning
of a new era. A pure vibration of love is bathing the planet.
Heal your wounds and gather your strength, for now is the
time to move forward with spirit.
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