The Lunar Theme for the
May 1, 2003 New Moon

Cracking our Shells

Our Reality - Our Responsibility

The Lunar Month of
May 1, 2003 - May 31, 2003

Nick Anthony Fiorenza

Copyright © 2003 Nick Anthony Fiorenza, All Rights Reserved

Two significant astronomical events occur in this Lunar Cycle. One is the Mercury Transit of May 7 (occurring just after the Crescent Moon) and the other is the Total Lunar Eclipse of May 16.

Before exploring these events, let us look at the New Moon theme, which, like last month's, lies within the context of the "Royal Family," the mythical story presented in the previous lunar month's text. Our New Moon now lies directly over Kaffaljidhma, the brain of fear instilling Cetus the sea monster, the techno-bureaucratic monster of collective human consciousness. Who is it that creates this central intelligencia? Many would like to blame the monster on every thing and every one outside of self, a victim mentality perpetuating our human condition and the entrapments we find ourselves in. However, the key phrase here is "human consciousness." This implies each of us is responsible for the reality we find ourselves in-- the reality of our personal lives and that of our world.

This lunar cycle inspires us to realize that we create the human condition / the situations of our own lives and that it is up to us to crack the shells we find our selves in and to emerge anew.

Conjoining Kaffaljidhma is Achird, Eta Cassiopeia. Achird asks us to realize that we create the very things that we perceive as trying to detour or devour us. Achird brings attention to the fact that the monsters and the entrapments that we find ourselves in, become manifest by our own righteous attitudes.

Another conjoining star is Beta Triangulum. In the story of the Royal Family, Perseus set his sight on Triangulum as he flew over Cetus to free his beloved Andromeda. Here, Beta Triangulum asks us to see beyond the paradox of the apparent monster of the human condition manifest in our lives and to own its reflection as being that which we ourselves project--the image of our own fears.

A principal entry adding to this lunar month's theme is a supernova remnant in the constellation of Cassiopeia discovered by Tycho Brache in 1572 AD in Denmark. Supernovas play a significant role in the awakening of human consciousness (much like the solar flares from our own star stimulate a renaissance in consciousness (see the Holy Cross: Effects of Solar Flares), illuminating and inspiring revelation about our embracing heavenly consciousness. Tycho Brache was also the first to produce a modern star guide, inspiring the movement from personality-egoic centered reality, one separate from Source (purported by the dark-age church to control the masses) to that of the durative soul consciousness which transcends incarnate self.

This was during the time of the Renaissance, just after Copernicus published his heliocentric theory of the solar system in Poland (1543 AD), and just before Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar in Italy (1582). It was within one year of when Johannes Kepler was born (1571). Kepler revealed the sacred geometry (Phi progression) natural to the organization of our solar system--the music of the spheres.

Before the dark age, planetary measurement was always referenced to the fixed stars (sidereal) as was the astrology of the ancients. Astronomy and astrology were always one and the same until the dark-age church–state astronomers began to record planetary ephemerides referenced to the moving vernal point rather than to the fixed stars, while maintaining that all other heavenly bodies rotated around the Earth--a statement certainly affirming true egoic consciousness. (This was due in particular to Claudius Ptolemaeus who was employed by the church. Ptolemaeus was mathematician, not an astronomer. Some assert he never even looked into the heavens as an astronomer would look.) To challenge the geo-centric doctrine was heresy, so only those willing to sell out to the manipulative ploys of the church–state, and perpetuate the asserted geocentric dogma of western Christendom, stayed on the pay–role and kept their heads. Here was planted the bastardization of true soul level astronomical astrology, and here began the Hellenistic, Ptolemaic, tropical astrology of the dark ages which is still in vogue today. The true and greater art–sciences including astronomical astrology, Pythagorean sacred geometry, harmonic math, and others, were forced underground until the 1500's when Nicolaus Copernicus finally triumphed in eradicating the perpetuated dogma that Earth was the center around which all other heavenly bodies rotated--the egoic head-trip of the church. From here, others would follow: Tycho Brahe, Johann Bayer, and Johannes Kepler who, in the early 1600's, brought forth the truth of the occulted astronomical and mathematical wisdom based in sacred harmonic measure that had been long suppressed.

Alignments with Tycho's supernova remnant support the expansion from egoic / victim consciousness, where we believe we are victims of other beings, ones that are responsible for our condition and ones that must come to save us from it (or devour us as food as some people believe), to realizing that we are not separate from all that is, that we are intimate and inseparable parts of this great symphonic expression we call God. Here we are inspired to realize we create our reality and to become responsible co-creators. Here in the "Initiatory Gate of sidereal Aries," we learn to become responsible for our human condition as well as to claim freedom from its bondage.


The Mercury Transit of May 7, 2003

A "Mercury Transit" occurs when Mercury passes directly in front of the sun. A transit is similar to when the Moon passes in front of the Sun on a solar eclipse. A transit (also called a passage) can only occur with the inner planets--Mercury and Venus--because they are the only two that can lie between the Earth and Sun during their orbits. Unlike the Moon, which covers most of the Sun, Mercury and Venus appear as small dots crossing the face of the Sun. Unlike a Venus transit, which is a rare, once in a lifetime event, there are about thirteen Mercury transits every 100 years.

To learn about the upcoming Venus Transit and more about Synodic Cycles
please see "Cycles of the Heart: The Venus Passage."

The entire Mercury Transit of May 7 is visible in Europe, Africa, and Asia. The beginning of the transit is visible as the sun sets in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Conversely, the end of the transit is visible as the sun rises in western Africa, eastern North America, and eastern South America.

For technical information on the Mercury Transit,
viewing locations and times, please visit:
http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/OH/transit03.html

During the retrograde of Mercury, whether a transit occurs or not, the Sun, Mercury (or Venus), and Earth align in ecliptical longitude. If the alignment also occurs in ecliptical latitude, then a transit occurs. Either way, this alignment defines the beginning of Mercury's new 116-day "synodic cycle."


What is a Synodic Cycle?

Imagine being on the Sun and looking toward the Earth. When another planet lies in line with the Earth (whether in front of, or behind the Earth), a new synodic cycle begins with that planet and the Earth ("synod" means place of meeting.) The star alignments for the Earth and the aligning planet (looking from the sun) reveal the nature of the synodic cycle's theme. That theme will unfold until the same planetary alignment occurs again, marking the completion of the synodic cycle and the beginning of the next one. Because the Earth and each planet orbits the sun at different rates of speed, the duration of the synodic cycle between the Earth and each planet is unique as is the location in the ecliptic where each alignment occurs.

Note to astrologers

When a planet and the sun are opposite in a geocentric chart (excluding Mercury or Venus), this is the same as seeing the Earth and the planet conjoined in a heliocentric chart (a chart which views the planets from the sun's perspective.) This is when the Sun, Earth, and planet align. Thus, the geocentric opposition marks the beginning of the planet's synodic cycle. The star alignments of the planet reveal the planetary theme at the moment, and that of the synodic cycle to follow. The star alignments for the planet in the geocentric chart will be the same as those for the Earth-planet conjunction in the heliocentric chart. When a planet is opposite the Sun in a geocentric chart, think of that planet as conjoined Earth!

When Mercury or Venus is involved, because their orbits lie inside that of Earth's, we see the Sun and the retrograde planet conjoined in the geocentric chart. And, we see the Earth and the planet conjoined in the heliocentric chart. But now, in the geocentric chart, the star alignments that lie opposite the planet-sun conjunction are those that define the new synodic cycle. These will be the same stars of the planet-Earth conjunction as seen in the heliocentric chart. Thus, in the geocentric chart, the stars of planet-Sun conjunction and those opposite the conjunction are both of significance when we have a retrograde Mercury-Sun conjunction or a retrograde Venus-Sun conjunction.

(Note: Few astrological programs will generate a sidereal heliocentric chart.)

A retrograde period of a planet marks the time when we disengage from a planet's previous synodic cycle and engage in its next one. This is also why a retrograde period provides opportunity for healing and to redefine the corresponding psychophysiological facet of our selves that the planet embodies. During the retrograde period, lower-order patterns within ourselves can surface to be released so we can then engage in the new octave of growth to follow.

A transit of Mercury (or Venus) certainly brings extra emphasis to the retrograde period and to the ensuing synodic cycle. When a transit occurs, the Sun-Earth-planet conjunction occurs in both longitude and latitude, Thus, the Sun's gravomagnetic force expresses directly through the planet. From a physic's perspective, Mercury acts much like a spherical lens when in front of the sun, focusing and fortifying the Sun's rays through Mercury's psychophysiological resonance. Thus, Mercury is potentized with solar fire, it is emblazoned by the Sun. This intensification can strongly stimulate and bring to the surface of our consciousness any (mental, emotional, and physical) issues that we carry within our psychophysiological pattering. This effect is sometimes thought to be "negative" by some people that do not understand the healing process. However, when we view astrology as a way to map our psychophysiological traits and the cycles of growth that we are in, rather than as planets that have good or bad effects, as if we are victims of them, we can see how an intensified planetary force is working within ourselves to serve our greater evolutionary growth and spiritual unfoldment.

Mercury Psychophysiology

The astrophysical resonances of Mercury embody these aspects of our psycho-physiology (our entwined mental, emotional, and physical facets of self): logistical thinking, speech and communication, and all neurological processes. Mercury's corresponding bi-energy centre is the throat / thyroid (seat of suppressed anger)--with a neurological tie-in to the liver (our ability to act on our truth) which also expresses through the right knee and calf muscles.

Evolved Mercurial qualities express as creative, coherent and intelligent expression. This is our will to live and speak our truth in confidence, clarity, and appropriateness. Mercury provides ability for mental focus, concentration, and even telepathy and telekinesis. Mercury's resonance defines learning and reasoning abilities, language skills, and some motor skills associated with coordination and dexterity.

Afflicted Mercury holds suppressed anger and expresses as covert hostility--spite and vengefulness. Suppressed anger blocks effective communication and speech, and distorts what we hear; i.e., anger has no ears. Mental–emtional issues of "appropriateness" are held in musculature of the back of the neck. Aches in the back of the neck can indicate that we are not living our truth--inappropriately living a lie--or that we are in denial of the truth wanting to express from our hearts (fear). Suppressed anger can create an inability to concentrate, learn, grow, and change. It creates confusion within self to make choices that are not in the highest interest of our true soul destiny and greatest happiness.

Thyroid related problems are driven from suppressed anger. They can express as overt of covert hostility, incessant mentalization of life (excessive Mercurialism), endless talking and thinking; and forcing one's beliefs onto others in righteousness. It can also result in arthritic and obese conditions due to stuffing anger rather than resolving it. Reflexed ties to the liver can manifest as skin problems and the inability to detox properly, or as an inability to hold our vitality and stamina and express it in a healthy way.

Although Mercury and the Sun lie in sidereal Aries, and the star alignments in Aries reveal much about the nature of the Mercury retrograde period and the Mercury transit, the star alignments in the opposite sign of the heavens--looking from the Sun toward Mercury and Earth--reveal the theme of Mercury's new synodic cycle, which we will explore shortly.

In addition to all of this, the asteroid Ceres plays a significant role throughout this Mercury retrograde period as well as in establishing the theme of this lunar cycle and that of Mercury's 116-day synodic cycle.

Ceres Psychophysiology

Ceres brings awareness to how we nurture and to that which is truly nurturing to us. Ceres embodies mothering and agricultural qualities and brings attention to our relation with the Earth and the land. Ceres reveals our ability to be in universal flow--the unification of giving and receiving as one flow of energy through ourselves. Ceres asks for acknowledgment of our inner needs, to have self love and self worth. Ceres is of concern and caring for others as well as for the Earth. Ceres is associated with the womb and stomach.

Potential Ceres issues are: fear of abundance, lack and material struggle; low self esteem; unworthiness; abandonment / rejection issues expressing as attachment to people and things, manipulation of loved ones, over-attachment to siblings, possessiveness, and control of siblings or of one's creations; mother-child complexes; barrenness.

The Nourishment We Truly Seek

The conjunction of Ceres with the Mercury retrograde cycle, in general, has us looking at our mental constructs and belief structures we hold regarding how we nurture and how we are nurtured--our self-worthiness to be cared for, to be loved, and our compassionate ability to love others. During this period (from April 12 through June 18), we find opportunity to clear patterns of suppressed anger and resentment, and the mentalizations that justify it. These are our structures of belief that keep us from having the nourishment we truly seek in our lives, and that keep us from expressing our love in a nourishing way with others.

Mercury-Ceres April 12

Mercury (Ret)-Ceres May 1

Mercury-Ceres June 18

Mercury Retrograde April 26

Mercury Direct May 20

Mercury Transit May 7 The start of a new 116-day synodic cycle

Mercury first conjoined Ceres in the last lunar cycle, on April 12, when the Mercury-Ceres theme began. Now, immediately as this lunar cycle begins on May 1, retrograde Mercury conjoins Ceres for the second time. This second trigger provides opportunity for an energetic reversal in our neurology regarding the Mercury-Ceres theme. This allows us to make the changes within ourselves so we can begin a new octave of expression regarding this theme. This second conjunction occurring on the New Moon plays a significant part of this lunar cycle's theme. Thus, it will express itself throughout the lunar cycle, and throughout the new 116-day Mercury synodic cycle.

The third and final trigger between Mercury and Ceres will occur on June 18, in the following lunar cycle. This will be when we go forth with our refined attitudes and beliefs regarding the Ceres theme. To observe how we lived regarding issues of nourishment and nourishing around April 12, in the previous lunar cycle, and to then observe how we are regarding this theme around June 18, will reveal the level of inner change we have made in our lives throughout the retrograde Mercury-Ceres period. If we took the opportunity to clear any suppressed patterns of anger / resentment, and change our attitudes and belief structures about that which is truly nourishing in our lives, we will then be capable for a new level of nourishment to begin manifesting in our lives--in how we care for each other and for our beloved Earth.


Transformation of Pride and Arrogance

The New Moon, Ceres, and Mercury all reside in sidereal Aries. This Ceres Mercury conjunction aligns with Ruchbah, the knee of Cassiopeia; Quasar (3C66A) in Andromeda; Epsilon of Eridanus (along the initiatory river of life); Delta Caeli, (the Chisel needed to patiently carve our way); and Botein of Aries, the belly of the Ram.

The stellar quality composed by these zodiakal entries reveals the nature of the flip in consciousness we must have to claim the change within that this retrograde Mercury-Ceres period offers.

The theme of Ruchbah sums it up. Ruchbah requires "transformation of our pride and arrogance." Something is rightfully ours, but any arrogant righteous attitudes that we deserve it, energetically keep away the very thing we want. Our righteous attitudes keep us naive to, and so entrapped in, diversionary lower order forces and paths tripping us on our passage and keep us from living our highest destiny. Ruchbah reveals that something within our selves must die in order to have that which is truly ours.

Conjoining Quasar 3C66A brings out of the ordinary experiences that serve to help us step out of our naivete and realize it is our inner righteous attitudes that are of issue.


In summary, our New Moon theme asks that we take responsibility for the reality in which we find ourselves, and the Mercury-Ceres theme asks us to relinquish our righteous attitudes that keep away the very things we desire and that are rightfully ours. Embracing these themes together makes it possible for our reality to change.

Let us return our attention to the Mercury Transit, which occurs on May 7, just a few days after the New Moon-Mercury-Ceres conjunction and just after the Crescent Moon--the time in the lunar cycle where we begin to creatively expand upon the theme of the Lunar Cycle.


From our Incarnate Perspective

Looking from Earth toward Mercury and the Sun, we see Mercury retrograding just a few degrees further back in the ecliptic to access the stellar influence of Alpha Horologium (the pendulum clock); the conjoining Little Dumbbell Nebula M76 in Perseus (conjoining the nearby jaws of Cetus); and the LMC X-3 Black hole in the constellation of Dorado, (the gold fish, which lies in the very southern heavens).

Alpha Horologium reveals the we need "to go back before going forward," and holds the characteristic of "impending time." Here there is a relentless and underlying sense that there is a finite period with time ticking away, and that more than is humanly possible must be done. Seemingly, a miracle is required, and often time, at the last minute, one arrives--usually provided by another party.

The Little Dumbbell Nebula colors things in a couple of ways. Inattentive or stupid moves will only entrap us more than we already are. Radical movement only exhausts us further and tightens the chain of human bondage. Patience and gentleness are required to escape from danger, but also a persistent inner strength to change. (The themes of Alpha Horologium and the Nebula lie in the context of entrapped Andromeda about to be devoured by ole' Cetus, and Perseus' initiatory passage preceding his heroism.)

Tic-tock, the pendulum clock,
Time is running out, with too much to do.
One must go back, before one can go forward.
Tic-tock, the pendulum clock.

The Small and Large Magellanic Clouds (SMC and LMC) are small galaxies that orbit our Milky Way galaxy. We might think of them as our galaxy's young, although not necessarily birthed from the Milky Way. It is more like they are being cared for and reared by--again we have the theme of nurturing, but in this case, as in care for the evolving soul.

Far below the entire scene of the Royal Family, deep in southern sky, lies Dorado, the gold fish--embodiment of the illumined soul. The head of the goldfish marks the southern pole of the ecliptic--the foundational dome of the soul--the pot of gold protected by the dragon (which encircles the north ecliptic pole). This is why the royal family is adorned in gold and gems / riches--representing the illumination and wealth of the soul--not the illusory wealth of the mortal world). (Dorado "refers not to our little exotic cyprinoid, but to the large coryphaena of the tropical seas, of changing colors at death." (Allen).) Hence, the confusion about our true riches--why we fight over the mineral gold rather than delve deep within for the Christed golden soul. Upon Dorado's head lies the LMC X-3 black hole, which enters the ecliptic in sidereal Aries.

Black holes, in general, have an all or nothing nature to them, with no in-between. To enter a black hole in consciousness--for those willing--requires relinquishment of lesser modes of being, those associated with mundane and petty pursuits. This requires the willingness and personal integrity to go deep within our consciousness, to allow a disintegration of the constructs of self we hold, of what we think ourselves to be, and to emerge with our true Essence--the truth of our souls. We then must bring that pure intent back into our life expression. The successful feat results in an inversion or flip in consciousness--often with an 'aha' of great magnitude.

The LMC X-3 black hole provides the opportunity to relinquishment our arrogant attitudes about our rightful places in world, and that keep us entrapped. It asks us to realize the freedom we seek is found only through the initiations of the maturing soul, not in the blessings or curses we think we receive at personality level.


Mercury's New 116-day Synodic Cycle

From the Sun's view, looking toward Mercury and Earth, we find Mercury and Earth in sidereal Libra), lying directly upon the southern claw of the Scorpion.

The two "Chelae of the Scorpion," Zuben-el-genubi and Zuben-es-chamalli lie at 21° and 24° sidereal Libra respectively. These two principal stars are now severed into the constellation Libra (the balance or scales) thus hiding the esoteric significance of this part of the zodiak from the modern day astrologer. Earlier Libra is actually the continuance of the constellation of Virgo which I dub "under the skirt of the Virgin"--the legs of the Virgin to articulate the occulted wisdom in this part of the heavens. The mythical image (picture language) is of the Virgin giving birth (of the soul) into the Chelae (clutches) of the Scorpion--into reincarnational entrapment. Surrounding constellations reveal the path of self mastery to claim our spiritual freedom. This mythical imagery was destroyed (the Virgins legs severed and the chelae changed to balances of Libra) in Chaldaean / Roman times--all a part of the efforts to hide the truth of the durative soul and control the sleeping masses. To learn more about the truth of the Virgin giving birth, please visit "The Astronomical Truth of the Virgin."

Zubenelgenubi, the karmic seat for incarnating souls, lies upon the ecliptic. This location in the ecliptic is also the exalted seat of Saturn--lord of karmic retribution, keeper of time. Zubenelgenubi reveals past patterns that keep us entrapped in the reincarnational clutches--from attaining our highest destiny and evolutionary freedom. Karma does not mean something bad, it simply means our past experiential path, one that must be reconciled by moving forth from our past into our dharma. Zubeneschamali, the dharmic seat, lies slightly north of the ecliptic. Zubeneschamali embodies our responsibility to complete our chosen paths of incarnational involvement so we may claim our evolutionary freedom and spiritual awakening. This freedom is embodied by the Northern Crown, which lies above the clutches of the Scorpion.

The chelae create a symmetrical triangle with Dschuba, Delta Scorpio, head of the Scorpion at ~8° sidereal Scorpio, with Dschuba being the apex. Dschuba is the administrative seat determining the karmic / dharmic path of involvement for the incarnating soul, based on souls' experiential growth. Alignments with Dschuba are indicative of the need to take personal responsibility for our entrapment and for our cycle of degeneration, death and rebirth, while alignments within the chelae are of this entrapment and indicate our karmic / dharmic responsibilities.

Conjoining Zubenelgenubi is Pulsar MP 1240, lying on the Galactic Equator in Cruces, the Southern Cross. The Southern Cross lies below the "feet of the Virgin and the clutches of the Scorpion and embodies the original cardinality (pure intent) of our souls (also the four cardinal virtues seemly lost to most of humanity).

Pulsars in general are beacons from the cosmic currents guiding our souls. Pulsar MP 1240 (with a 0.3880 second pulse rate) reminds us that the way from our karmic past is seeking the original cardinality of the soul and living it--claiming that cardinality as our foundation. This pulsar, beating from the Southern Cross stimulates us to reach beyond the entrapment we find our selves in, without fear, for the Northern Crown.


Our Responsibility

In this light, Mercury's new 116-day synodic cycle (this one sanctified with soul/solar fire) is about freeing ourselves from the patterns of our past. It involves clearing the angers, resentments, mental attitudes, belief structures, and behavioral patterns that keep us entrapped in our lives. It also involves creating the logistical means by which we can move forward from our apparent entrapments. This theme expresses in our personal lives and is one we also have a responsibility to ensure in the world. As I always remind: That which occurs on the global stage is but a mirror of that which we live in our personal lives. The gift of the global drama is to own its reflection and to change ourselves--how we co-participate in our daily lives. Then the world will change.


Stimulus to Action
From Covert Maneuvers to a Humanitarian Focus

Concurrently with the Mercury Transit (from May 8 to almost through the Full Moon eclipse), we have a grand square unfolding with Mars conjoining Neptune opposite Jupiter, and with Juno opposite retrograde Mercury.

In the previous lunar month's text (April 2003) we explored how Jupiter's placement with Praesepe in the Egyptian Scarabaeus supported movement and expansion from darkness and dogma back to light. Also in April, Mars made passage through "the field or war" as it moved through the first decan of Capricorn, which is of personal interest, of military force, and covert maneuvers. Mars has now moved into mid-Capricorn.

Mars will conjoin and pass Neptune on May 14, after the Gibbous Moon. It will not be until then that we can begin to see through the veils of the past to apply our creative power from new ideals and visions. The star alignments of this conjunction are Albali of Aquarius; the SMC X-1 Neutron Star / Black Hole; Armus of Capricorn; and the Cygnus X-1 Black Hole.

Armus, the shoulder of the goat, Eta Capricorn, is of soul's responsibility in the world. Armus expresses the essence of the SMC X-1 and the CYG X-1 black holes. Conjoining is Albali, Epsilon Aquarius, which marks the Capricorn-Aquarius overlap--where the Aquarian influence begins to be felt in mid-Capricorn. These entries shift Capricorn's zodiakal quality from personal level consumption and motive to a sense that our responsibility must extend beyond our immediate family circle and embrace our extended soul families.

The Mars--Neptune conjunction marks the time when we realize our responsibility to apply our creative power must extend beyond our selves, beyond that of ensuring our personal (and personality-level) interest. Here the veils lift so we realize our vision and ideals must extended to our soul-families and extend to our human family.

The associated black holes (SMC X-1 and the CYG X-1) mark the place in the ecliptic were we have the opportunity to surrender personality-level egoic facades and participate from our durative souls, from the truths of who we are beyond (or transcendent to) personality egoic interest alone.


Let us not forget the potency of Mars at this time:

From the Mars 2003 Close Encounter WEB page:

"Throughout the first half of 2003, Mars moves progressively closer to Earth. As it does, Mars appears to grow larger and brighter each night. By late August 2003, Mars will be closer to Earth than it ever has been in about 73,000 years. It will be about 191 million miles closer to Earth than it is now. It will appear more than six times larger, and it will be 85 times brighter than it appears now--brighter than Jupiter."

To learn more about this event please visit: The Mars Cycle and the 2003 Close Encounter.

A New Octave for Covenant Relations

Juno, asteroid of mutual equality, respect, and covenant relations also begins its new synodic cycle in this lunar cycle as well, on May 3, at the feet the Virgin (retrograde Juno opposite the Sun). Here, in this lunar cycle, significant relationships begin to express in a new octave of experiential unfoldment.

Juno Psychophysiology

Juno is the asteroid of covenant relationships, soul colleagues, and true lovers. In the astrological chart, Juno indicates the nature of the issues and opportunities in significant relations of all sorts: those that are of a personal nature to those of political leaders and nations of the world. Mature Juno is diplomatic, tactful, cooperative, and mutually trusting. Mature Juno expresses with a sense of equality within self that provides the ability to draw true partners and those of equality into one's life. There is an acceptance of another's truth or opinion without need to challenge or debate. There is an ability to honor and support others in their own choices and decisions. Mature Juno expresses self-confidence in humbleness and without defense.

Potential issues are: Superiority / inferiority complexes - competitiveness, defensiveness, lack of self confidence, arrogance and judgment of others; unconscious manipulation of others - power struggles seeking contention; betrayal, bitterness, spitefulness and standoffs; jealousy and possessiveness; one-up-man-ship--validating self by invalidating others (or reverse); dictating behavior--telling others what they should or should not do--minding others' business instead of one's own. A form of denial of Juno issues within self can express as needing to fix others or have them change or leave, instead of working on the issues within that surface while in partnership. Mature Juno expresses in mutual support and unconditional love to allow each other to grow and change through whatever issues surface. Other Juno issues are meddling; fear of abandonment, rejection or betrayal; inability to draw or participate with equals and true colleagues; hiding behind teacher-student relationship (on either side) or in any relationship of inequality or non-compatibility; partners drawn are those providing intense lessons only for both parties, rather than providing true, mutually supportive growth in equality and participation together in life purpose.

Juno's placement in the astrological chart is one of several points that determine the types of significant relations drawn into our lives. Juno specifically is involved with drawing our true soul-mates or twin-hearts--those truly compatible.

Because Juno is where we deal with our inferiority / superiority complexes, and if this issue is prominent, partnerships drawn in earlier life can be full of lessons regarding such issues and not much else. Once a certain level of clarity is attained within self regarding the asteroid issues, true soul level covenant relations begin to show up. This does not mean we still do not grow regarding Juno issues, but there are those individuals with which we may also have a mutual soul bond and mission to pursue together.

Juno's New Synodic Theme

Juno's new theme is found just before that of Mercury's in the zodiak, but also in sidereal Libra. Juno, however, lies in the constellation of Virgo, at the feet of the Virgin.

An excerpt from the March Lunar Planner regarding retrograde Juno

"Juno begins it retrograde on Mar 8, just after the Crescent Moon. It stations in the Chelae of the Scorpion, but it retrogrades back out of the karmic clutches of the Scorpion and into the auspices of the benevolent Centaur at the feet of the Virgin (in sidereal Libra). This station begins a few-month retrograde period that allows relationships the opportunity to shift so they can start a new cycle of expression--in a new level of maturity and purity of intent.

Retrograde periods mark the ending of a planet's "synodic cycle" and the beginning of its next one. Juno's last cycle began on Feb 10, 2002. The next one begins on May 3, 2003. Each synodic cycle has its own unique stellar theme. Juno's retrograde period surrounding May 3, extending from March 9 through June 29, is the time when we disengage from the previous synodic cycle and engage in the next.

The last Juno cycle (set in late sidereal Cancer) served us to leave old dogmas--belief structures of consciousness--and to break trail for a new picture to emerge regarding how we co-participate in our significant relations. The new cycle beginning in May will be set by the stars of the Southern Cross and the Northern Crown. This coming theme is about returning to the true and pure intent of our souls so we may have opportunity to participate free from the reincarnational (karmic incurring) patterns of the past and claim our evolutionary fulfillment."

Covenant Relations (Juno's) New Theme

The stars conjoining Juno and the feet of the Virgin include Alpha and Beta Crucis of the Southern Cross; Alphecca, Alpha Corona Borealis of the Northern Crown; Menkent of the Centaur, and the Kappa Crucis star cluster, the Jewel Box.

The Southern Cross and the Northern Crown were mentioned briefly in the text above. Under the image of the Virgin giving birth into the re-incarnational clutches of the Scorpion is the Centaur, protector of, and leader to, the original cardinal virtues, which are embodied by the Southern Cross. The Centaur teaches the truth about the evolution of the soul and right way to live to attain our self-mastery and subsequent spiritual freedom the karmic/dharmic re-incarnational path of soul growth (embodied by the Chelae of the Scorpion)--how to claim the Northern Crown.

In Juno's new synodic cycle (running from May 3, 2003 through July 8, 2004) we are inspired to co-participate in our relations from the original purity of intent of our souls, so we may graduate from the entrapments of our past patterns rather than to fall prey to them. This cycle provides opportunity not only in personal and significant relations, but also those between countries in the world.



The Total Lunar Eclipse

This Total Lunar Eclipse is visible in the eastern US, Central and South America. For technical and viewing information please visit: http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/OH/OH2003.html

Our Full Moon Eclipse lies upon the cusp of sidereal Libra-Scorpio (just as the Sun moves into sidereal Taurus upon the Full Moon).

The Full Moon conjoins Beta Centauri and AP Libra, a nuclear galaxy on the south arm of the Scorpion. Also adding to the Full Moon theme is Alpha Lupus; Unukalhai, the neck of the Serpent; the Irregular Galaxy NGC 2915 of the Chameleon, the Shapeshifter; and Beta Lupus, the Contortionist (all which mark the very end of sidereal Libra); and Zuben el Akrab on the north arm of the Scorpion (which marks the start of sidereal Scorpio). (Note: The constellation of Scorpio extends back into sign of sidereal Libra.)

Ophiuchus lies above and on the ecliptic, standing over the Scorpion, which swings quite south of the ecliptic under Ophiuchus. Antares, heart of the Scorpion, defines the center of the sidereal sign of Scorpio, the Serpent Point, and embodies the essence of the Scorpio constellation. Antares lies below the ecliptic as well, in the body of the Scorpion. Because Ophiuchus actually crosses the ecliptic, it is the thirteenth ecliptical constellation, but it lies in the sidereal sign of Scorpio.

Ophiuchus is knowledge holder over the raw creative forces governing life and death--one who has attained ascension from the lower-order forces that perpetuate re-incarnational entrapment. Ophiuchus is exemplar of one who has brought the interplay of these forces to a greater spiritual fulfillment.

In Greek myth, Aesculapius, the mediciner of the ship Argo, is also imaged as Ophiuchus, knowledgeable of advanced healing processes beyond the cycle of life and death. The Christian resurrected Jesus (Jeshu) also articulates the theme of Ophiuchus.

In our stellar image, Ophiuchus stands with the serpent (Serpentis) coiled around his body and held in his hands. The neck and head of the serpent reach toward the Northern Crown (Corona Borealis), which lies above the Chelae (claws) of the Scorpion. The neck (Unukalhai) and head of the snake embody the essence and wisdom of living true to soul, in one's true self-mastery--as a Christed (soul infused) being of light.

The astronomical symbol of Ophiuchus is the caduceus--the symbol of the American Medical Association, the entwined double serpent upon a staff--the double helix of the DNA.

Ophiuchus and the sidereal sign of Scorpio are associated with our education regarding the use of sexual creative forces and raw creative power. The entire image of Ophiuchus standing upon the scorpion with this magnificent snake reaching for the North Crown represents claiming our self-mastery to attain evolutionary fulfillment out of the karmic-based reincarnational process. This is to become ascended in vibration, an illumined being free from perpetuated reincarnational entrapment. Having claimed the wisdom the serpent has to offer, this is, literally, the Illumination of the DNA--the urn of the soul.


The Path of Self Mastery

The noble and benevolent Centaur is teacher of the right way to live to attain mastery of self in the material world and of the way to illumination and ascension. Beta Centauri asks us to do what ever is required in the physical world to attain our self-mastery.

The Centaur places with deliberate conviction "Lupus" the beast of mortality, whose number, "666," is of the genetic code from which man was engineered (the beast is within) upon "Ara" the sacrificial Altar lying before the Council of Galactic Centre. From the sting of the Scorpion drips the transmutational elixer--the often harsh lessons of life--that make possible our ascension into self-masterful illumined beings of divine light and unconditional love.

Here we are asked to surrender our lesser life modes for paths that lead to our greatest well being and soul mastery in the world. The sacrifice of Lupus is not a light matter, merely a blind act executed on whim, but a seriously sober and conscious act that will change one forever. To accomplish this profound life-changing step, we must have cultivated the inner preparedness for such an initiation. An undaunted inner conviction of purpose must be clearly established in consciousness to be willing to sacrifice a way of life that had gained a powerful momentum, a life that at one time may even have been held quite dear. (The true meaning of "sacrifice" is used here: to relinquish a lesser way for a higher office--not self-sacrifice.)

The Centaurian training is not merely an intellectual understanding of these principles but is an experiential journey moment-by-moment that leads us to true inner wisdom and knowledge on an energy level. The inner realization that results makes right action crystal clear. Beta Centauri embodies this demonstrable process--choosing the path of soul's greater purpose in attaining mastery while upon our Earthian sojourn. This right action provides the inner strength and ability to free our selves from the clutches of the scorpion, from the patterns of our past, and to grasp the Northern Crown of our true liberation.


The lesson sidereal Scorpio has to offer is to graduate from the karmic clutches of naivete, from falling prey as victims to the entrapping forces around us, to realize we create our own entrapments and our reality. The Scorpion educates us to become responsible creators in mastery over the raw primordial forces that govern life, death, and rebirth.


The Carnality of Life

The influence of the Nuclear Galaxy AP Libra, the Irregular Galaxy NGC 2915 of Chamaeleontis, The Shapeshifter; Beta Lupus, The Contortionist; and Zuben el Akrab, Gamma Libra--all (composing the potent cusp of sidereal Libra-Scorpio--coalesces forces to create any type of carnal scenarios that we require to challenge us to free ourselves from any patterns that perpetuate our entrapment.

Nuclear Galaxies of the BL Lacerta Category, of which AP Libra is one, embody powerful primordial forces. AP Libra is a part of the southern chelae (claw) of the Scorpion, reaching from the Scorpion's head, via Brachium (Sigma Libra) to Zubenelgenubi--the south claw--the karmic seat for incarnating souls.

AP Libra forces can entrap and hold us in repetitive patterns or old karmic scenarios, and from doing what is required to free our selves from those patterns and scenarios, as well as from perpetuated re-incarnational entrapment.

AP Libra conjoins Beta Centauri, Zuben el Akrab (on the arm of the northern chelae / poisonous critters or creatures of the underworld), Alpha Lupus, and Unukalhai of Serpens. The opportunity AP Libra offers is found in the stellar themes of these conjoining stars.

South of the Libra-Scorpio cusp lies the Centaur. North is the neck of the serpent, held by Ophiuchus, reaching for the Northern Crown. The benevolent Centaur, leader to and protector over the original cardinality of the soul, is teacher of the right way to live to become an ascended being free of such entrapment. Unukalhai of Serpentis marks the neck of the Serpent and is of claiming our self-mastery in the world. Ophiuchus holding the serpent reaching for the Northern Crown exemplifies having achieved this evolutionary freedom. He is the illumined one who has attained mastery over the forces of life and death (the serpent), and who now holds the serpent in an empowered stance as its head points to the crown of freedom.

AP Libra forces are only entrapping due to the lack of our own self-empowerment. The forces here are however very active at the physical, psychic, and carnal levels, and it requires the physical clarity and empowerment only gained through carnal experience that leads to our personal empowerment and subsequent attainment of evolutionary freedom. AP Libra is a radiant powerhouse of primordial forces holding us in the entrapment of the Scorpion's clutches until we gain this mastery, and awaken us from our naiveté about the power of such forces. AP Libra's primordial forces generally resonate through the root chakra, from what could be considered the controlling, carnal, survival-based realms of life. AP Libra (with the Irregular Galaxy of the Chameleon, the Shapeshifter; and Beta Lupus, the Contortionist) can manifest as squirming or grotesque creatures that are destructive or poisonous to life--if such elixirs are required--or as neurological conditions such as epilepsy, spasms, and convulsions.

In contrast, AP Libra, when empowered (with Beta Centauri and Unukalhai) can manifest as beautifully exquisite carnal and sexual experiences that also aid us to claim our self-empowerment and spiritual freedom.

AP Libra is not a negative force, it simply is primordial. How we participate with this force is of issue. Avoidance of it can simply be denial of life (when intensified physical conditions and contortions result), as mastery in and through carnality is a basic lesson for the incarnating (incarnate / in carnal form) soul. AP Libra forces can be deliberately used with manipulative intent, or with intent to aid ourselves to claim our self-mastery and freedom from entanglements that keep us bound from our highest creative ideals and expressions.

In its lower form, AP Libra's resonance can engage us in a struggle that simply perpetuates entrapment. The lesson here is to cultivate the inner refinement and awareness of the dynamic at play so we can avoid this deadly game.

A person's own sense of grief about their own incarnational struggle and lack of self empowerment or carnal fulfillment can express (in sympathetic resonance) as sympathy toward others, and it is this sympathetic resonance that manipulatively draws and entraps the naive as prey. AP Libra forces can knowingly or unknowingly be used to allure by people appearing to be lost in their own helpless struggle, with attempt to gain sympathetic support of others to aid them. In this case, those that do step in naively play with the very forces that entrapment themselves. Ultimately, this lower-order game must be abandoned and we must use these forces responsibly, in integrity, and in a creative way to claim our self-mastery. Until then, we play victim to each other.

Sacred Sex

In its higher form, AP Libra can express in sexual experiences that lead us to higher levels of personal transformation, healing, intimacy, creativity, carnal maturity, and spiritual growth and freedom. Here this raw primal force is used responsibly and with mature sexual awareness. Sacred sexuality is a spiritual discipline that honors that participation in and though the physical world in total honesty and intimacy opens the portal to our true divinity (our undivided nature with Source / God).

Either way, the nuclear forces of AP Libra (and stellar friends) serve as an initiatory teacher--forces that test to see if we have done the inner work to become free from life's entrapments and to ultimately attain our evolutionary freedom as illumined beings reunited in divine love.


Time for Change

Mercury completes its retrograde on May 20, just before the Last Quarter Moon, in the center of sidereal Aries--the Point of Initiation. The Mercury station conjoins Achird, Eta Cassiopeia, one of our New Moon stars. Here again, we are asked to demonstrably live in the awareness that we create the very things that we perceive as trying to detour or devour us, and at the same time serve us to surrender our righteous attitudes so we may step forth into the fulfillment destined as ours. Mercury moving direct with the theme of Achird stirs our need to change based on that which we have come to realize in this dynamic lunar cycle. The "Initiate Change" Last Quarter Moon of May 22 lies in sidereal Aquarius with auspicious stars, just before conjoining Uranus. Radical change is fortuitous. Perhaps it is time.


Emergence

As Mercury stations to move direct, it also approaches square with Jupiter--inspiring even more change--here in regard to leaving behind the antiquated belief structures we hold and dwellings of consciousness we live in, so we may emerge from the darkness of the past and enter the expansive light ahead.


Focus to the Future with Intuitive Wisdom

Venus conjoins Mercury on the "Focus to the Future" Balsamic Moon of May 26, and Tycho Brache's supernova remnant (presented in the New Moon theme). Because of Mercury slower that normal movement (due to its retrograde) Venus (heart) over took Mercury (mind). The two will remain conjoined for several weeks, through June 20 (in the following lunar cycle).

To function from Mercury alone leaves us out of touch with heart, merely comparing opposites in a bio-logical mode of reason. Functioning from Venus alone can be blind heart. The two integrated together results in "intuitive wisdom." Hopefully we will have a significant awakening in this lunar cycle and as we commence this very significant new 116-day Mercury cycle.



New Bridges: An Opportunity for Healing

Chiron also began its retrograde in the previous lunar cycle on April 25, about the same time that the Mercury retrograde began. The two retrograde planets lie 120° apart (in trine) and thus an open and harmonious corridor exists between the two retrograde themes. Chiron will complete its retrograde cycle on Sep17 2003. Chiron lies in sidereal Sagittarius.

Chiron Psychophysiology

Chiron, characteristic of both a comet and an asteroid, is generally called a "planetoid," although in early 1995 it was reclassified to a comet status due to a March '94 observation of two discrete ice-jets emanating from its surface. Classically, Chiron is "the wounded healer." Chiron is the bridge from the old to the new and is associated with all forms of healing work and with new discoveries in the health field and medicinal arts. Chiron works at the cellular and DNA level and is very much involved in the establishment of new neurological circuitry. Chiron is believed to not be native to our solar system but is a welcomed and needed visitor. In the astrological chart, Chiron indicates where personal healing is required, it may indicate where a bridge is to be created and crossed. If prominently placed, Chiron may indicate involvement in the health-care field, or involvement with discoveries, inventions, and new technologies or modalities applied in this arena.

A Chiron-Earth harmonic synchronization occurred from 1994 through 1997 centered near the Chiron perihelion of Feb. 14, 1996. Chiron's perihelion harmonic (raised 15 octaves to 7.747 Hz) is very close to Earth's primary resonances which are between 7 Hz and 8 Hz. This is also resonant to the alpha / theta brain-wave region--the crossover point from relaxed attentive state to the creative intuitive dream state. This cross-resonance was indicative of strong Chironic themes accentuating at that time on Earth, which provided impetus to pursue a greater level of personal healing, and it brought that theme of personal healing into vogue for mass consciousness. It helped humanity realize the need to find a way to create and cross a bridge from the old paradigm to a new one.

Chiron retrogrades under the auspices of Lyra, harp of the angels. A little angelic help makes miracles happen, perhaps those required for us to mend our past, and those which create new bridges in our lives.

The stars of Lyra embody various facets of the ancient artsciences of harmonics in light, sound, color, and geometry--particularly the wisdom of the artsciences. They are of vision, creativity, and inspire all that is of multi-media, the arts, and higher education. Lyra supports the inspiring vision and spiritual creativity common to late sidereal Sagittarius.

The Lore of the Lyre

The lyre was invented by Hermes, son of Zeus and Maia. Hermes also gave the Golden Fleece to Nephele and received the art of divination and a golden wand from his half brother Apollo--who was born of Zeus and Leto, also twin of Artemis. Hermes, shown as the winged-footed traveler, was herald of the gods; a patron of orators, literature, athletics, good fortune, and fertility.

The lyre was originally bestowed with the qualities to invoke and communicate the messages of the gods. As the harp of the angelic messengers, its tuning and voice are not merely for pleasure, but specifically to harmonically translate divine information into vibration that supports healing and evolutionary unfoldment.

Hermes passed the lyre onto his half brother Apollo. Generally shown playing the lyre, Apollo was the ideal of male beauty, bringing the beneficence of eloquence and sensibility to humankind. Apollo, was god of medicine, music, poetry, and archery, caregiver for the flocks and herds. Shrines to Apollo can be found on the island of Delos.

Apollo was father of Asklepios, who is also Ophiuchus, knowledge holder of advanced healing processes and ascension directives beyond the cycle of life and death. Of radiant authority, and as the most prominent healer of antiquity, Asklepios was able to bring the deceased to life and restore health. His symbol is that of two snakes entwined around his staff. The Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidauros (where he was born) was the most celebrated healing center of the ancient world, sacred to the Asklepieion, the followers (cult) of Asklepios.

Apollo in turn passed the lyre onto Orpheus, musician of the Argonauts. Orpheus' fate was not so fortunate, being shredded to pieces by the woman of the Dionysiac orgy when the harp was mis-used to woo! - a message to those that use music for healing while covertly manipulating their subjects for unethical personal purposes. Prior to his end, Orpheus used the lyre to charm Hyades in the release of his wife Eurydice, but blundering with this one's fate too.

Lyra was at times depicted in stellar illustrations as hanging from an Eagle's or Vulture's claws, although not of our present Aquila. Lyra stands alone, placed appropriately between Cygnus, the Messianic Needle of the Heavens (Takra); Delphinus, the Dolphin star system; and Hercules, who, with out-stretched arm, holds open the portal through which our sun travels--the Solar Apex--all of which provide guidance for our "way" home. The lyre is said to have seven strings (the Sheliak), although its magical tuning is still quite controversial amongst those who fathom such divinely resonant harmonic scales, seeking to find the Lost Chord to illumine and open the way within--the solar portal of the soul.

a quote from Longfellow:

"with its celestial keys,
Its chords of air, its frets of fire.
The Samian's great Aeolian Lyre,
Rising through all its sevenfold bars,
From earth unto the fixed stars."

Lyra, and prominent alignments with Lyra, indicate involvement with the music of the spheres, that is, the use of natural astronomically and resonant harmonics for healing, illumination, and for greater evolutionary purpose. Prominent alignments and aspects to Lyra are often found in musicians, artists and those involved with art-sciences and multi-media projects--those with intent to use harmonics of light, sound, and geometry for the expansion of consciousness. Lyra is not just of the mathematical artsciences of natural harmonics in light and sound, but also of their application unfolding in geometry and time--all working intelligently together. Forty octaves up from our middle musical scale lies the spectrum of visible color. Light-sound musical harmonics originate from the mathematical unfoldment of time in geometric proportion. To learn more of this please visit the Planetary Harmonics web page.

Lyra is also illustrated as the Tortoise Lyre, with the resonant structure being the shell from which rise elegant horns upon which seven strings are stretched, which our principle stars Sheliak and Sulaphat express. Sheliak, the strings, embodies the wisdom of the artsciences of harmonics. A remarkable and spectacular optical show of brilliantly changing color emanates from this extremely fast rotating binary star. Sulaphat, the resonating structure, embodies geometric resonance in form and the ancient wisdom of the Turtle.

Vega, the principal star of Lyra, is where the re-unifying harmonic spectra of the Elohim culminate--providing a new home for some upon completion of their soul missions. Vega is stargate to Mansion Universes of Light--and represents the fulfillment and radiance of our soul missions completed. Vega provides a universe of possibilities for our fulfillment. Lyra's energy for Earth is particularly active during the Lyraids meteor shower, generally visible in late April.

Chiron's retrograde begins under the auspices of Sheliak, allowing new harmonic currents from the ancient artsciences to support our healing, currents that can create new bridges in our lives. Chiron will continue its retrograde under the auspices of Vega, openning a miriad of posibilites for our fulfilment.



As always the experiential wisdom gained in this cycle unfolds in the next. The following Aldebaran Solar Eclipse Lunar Cycle starts on May 30-31, 2003, a cycle in which a new chapter begins to unfold in our lives.

View the Sidereal Heavens: Under the Stars
A sky map of the heavens that shows the stars, constellations, and the sidereal signs.
Visually learn which stars and constellations create each sidereal sign.

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