VESTA & SATURN RETROGRADE
     A TIME TO RE-FOCUS

     The theme of the Saturn retrograde period, commencing on Sept  27, is a primary part of the longer Saturn-Pluto opposition cycle. The Saturn-Pluto opposition cycle began on Aug 5, 2001 and completes with a very powerful alignment on May 25, 2002. The theme of the ~37 year cycle, that began in 1982, was discussed at length in the July 20 Lunar Planner, as was the halfway point of this cycle occurring now at Saturn opposes Pluto over this several month period.

     A snippet regarding the Saturn-Pluto opposition can be found at:

     The theme of the Saturn retrograde period is defined by its conjunction with the asteroid Vesta, which is also about to begin its retrograde period in the second half this lunar cycle on Oct 9, and by the stars aligning with Vesta and Saturn.
     Saturn and Vesta reside in sidereal Taurus. Vesta lies just over the Shield of Orion, and Saturn aligns with Kursa and the Witch Head Nebula, both of Eridanus, the River of Life.

     Vesta is of focus, dedication and commitment. Vesta asks us to create a condition of physical, emotional, and mental clarity for the expression of our highest potential and true Essence.

     To learn more of the astrological character of Vesta please visit:

     The Shield of Orion provides protection and yet challenges existing vision and established authority. Kursa of Eridanus is of new beginnings and new, enterprising journeys upon the River of Life.
     This Vesta-Saturn retrograde period demands that we examine our existing political and family systems that fail to nourish humanity's well being, and evolve them into a clearer expression that is supportive of our vision of a healthy world. It provides a time to redefine our focus and commitment regarding our responsibility to construct new political and physical infrastructures that care for and protect the people through the unique transitions of today. At a personal level, this will include that which is protective and nourishing for our families, relationships and children.
     This is a period to embark upon the creation of new, enterprising projects that address the realizations we have about the ramifications of our use and care for the environmental and biological terrain since 1982.
     Although Saturn will complete its retrograde on Feb 7 of 2002, and Vesta on Jan 12, 2002, our Saturn-Vesta theme will continue through Mar 19, 2002.
     The Vesta-Saturn retrograde theme is one polarity of two in the context of the Saturn-Pluto opposition cycle. The other polarity is found in the Pallas-Pluto alignment. The theme of the greater Saturn-Pluto opposition cycle will continue through May of 2002.

     Over the upcoming months, both Saturn and Vesta will retrograde over Aldebaran, the eye of the Bull, which defines the center of sidereal Taurus, and over the Hyades star cluster, also in Taurus. Vesta, with its larger retrograde loop, will complete its retrograde period while aligning with the Pleiades star cluster, which lies in early sidereal Taurus. We will explore the significance of the Saturn-Vesta retrograde cycle with Aldebaran, Hyades, the Pleiades, and the starseed story in a forthcoming issue of the Lunar Planner.

     Vesta also lies in direct opposition to Pluto throughout this lunar cycle. This adds a significant facet to this lunar cycle's theme, as well as to the entire Saturn retrograde period. This opposition helps to make apparent how spiteful withdrawal based on judgement is self-destructive--undermining access to the portals of opportunity that lead to our greater fulfillment. Portals of opportunity open now for those who truly apply their creative intelligence for solution beyond conflict and standoffs.