Accomplished Wisdom ~ Saturn in Capricorn:

Accomplished Wisdom ~ Saturn in Capricorn
@4:49gmt ♄♑ from 20^th December 2017 to March 22^nd 2020
& 2^nd July 2020 ~> 19 December 2020

 

According to the Western seasonal zodiac, Time Lord Saturn now leaves forward-thinking, risk-taking, hopeful Sagittarius, and move into its sombre and statuesque home sign of Capricorn, on the 20^th of Dec. Stately Saturn’s passage is only one day before the North’s Winter Solstice, when the Sun will also follow Saturn into the Zodiac’s 10^th sign of great accomplishment: the Capricorn Sea Goat.

Crossing thresholds and opening portals into the chamber of the New Light King, Saturn and Capricorn represent the celestial initiation from yin to yang, dark to light – unconscious to consciousness (as well as the other way around – especially if materially bound). With beautiful cosmic timing, Saturn’s 2017’s ingress into his own sign also assists the Solstice Sun renewing the radiant Golden light at the Cardinal Earth turning point. 

Of all the planets in celestial pantheon, and signs of the Zodiac, Saturn and Capricorn respectively highlight wisdom and judgement, as well as fear and doubt, achievement and expertise. Variously called the Medium Coli or mid-heaven, their associated 10^th zodiacal House is the ‘career point’, the summit of our profession – as well as the parental axis in psychological astrology. Both sign Capricorn, and planet, Saturn, also reveal those parts of our horoscope which require discipline and sustained concerted effort. When presenting others our skills to the outside world, we need to be practiced and familiar with whatever we work upon, in order to be recognised and talent to shine at this zenith point of the horoscope. To overcome any said Saturn-Capricorn dread and trepidation, one also learns it is necessary to become proficient at releasing any knots in the heart(mind) which constrict the ability to love. Remember: only love conquers fear.

Beware a dour Saturn in Capricorn that tends towards pessimism and a limited, rigid world view – a characteristic made extraordinarily ironic if we contemplate Saturn’s imposing but constantly moving rings (which 19^th century theosophists claimed held Akashic records); the funky hexagram at the poles, accenting phenomena in creative flow; also that Capricorn is the mythical half-goat, half fish instils a magical sense of wonder even Walt Disney would be proud of, with his own natal Saturn in Capricorn (conjunct Mars and Jupiter). Perhaps it is overcoming such anomalies, physical verses the spiritual that can make something real and durable by bringing together the feminine Elements, stabilising Earth and nourishing Water, of which empirical Saturn in Capricorn is the concretising symbol for the pinnacle of accomplishment. 

Past Markers of Time

 
Together the ringed planet Saturn and Capricorn’s voice of authority define boundaries and structure, form and containment. Saturn in the horoscope represents all that holds us together, ruling bones, skin, walls, framework, frontiers, governments and judges. Capricorn’s sombre majesty is reflected in the skilled architect who builds monuments to glory. 

Saturn in Capricorn’s markers can also be barriers and blocks, insecurities internal or external, i.e. physical, psychological, or spiritual, but always karmic. Lines drawn or placed by self or others as a means of law, order and control are not always a bad thing, e.g. teaching a child to use breaks on a pedal bike. A Saturn in Capricorn knows when we cross lines, with others and from our moral own standpoint. One needs to be aware, however, restrictive authoritarian behaviour may not always have one’s best interests at heart.

The last time Saturn traversed into and through its own domain of Capricorn was 1988-91 (beginning Feb ’88). Almost 30 years ago, the last visitation was an interesting transit, in as much as some walls and structures taskmaster Saturn is inclined to erect – especially when feeling the fear and under threat – actually tumbled down, particularly when Saturn encountered watery, dissolving Neptune AND dramatically changing Uranus in a very rare 172-year conjunction of all three planets in Capricorn 1990-91. Think Berlin Wall. And also after concerted international outcry, South Africa’s Nelson Mandela was finally released after 27 years of prison (almost a Saturn cycle of incarceration) addressing freedom from the severity of apartheid, exactly when Saturn opposed Mandela’s natal Cancer Sun (FYI: Mandela’s natal Saturn conjunct Mercury AND Neptune in regal Leo: the man was a Prince).

This time of Saturn in Capricorn also resonated deeply within Nelson Mandela, as reflected in his speech when he became President of South Africa (in ’94, when TSaturn opposed his natal Saturn), and when he read this poem by Marianne Williamson

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Also back in ’89, philosopher Joseph Campbell’s vision as an image of ‘Earth’ as a symbol for uniting humanity as ‘One’ began to materialise. For the ordinary person Earth certainly shrank when black IBM computer screens flashing luminescent alien-green digital font translated dial-up fax-machine messages; and for the first time in history a small business had access to the same level of computing power as an international bank or large country. Saturn in Capricorn certainly generates a time for professionalism in enterprise. On the other hand, Saturn in Capricorn is also capable of being incredibly heartless. In 1989, we also witnessed Saturn’s heavy means of governance with China’s Tiananmen Square, as well as war in the Middle-East; and the stashing of ‘elite’ trillions offshore began in earnest.

Saturn is titled ‘Lord of Time’ and ‘Lord of Karma’ for a reason, and the karmic impact of events that take place during his home passage can last for decades – or longer. Early ’89, for example, one of the then biggest oil spills oozed from Exxon Valdez in a once pristine Alaska, destroying the ecosphere (and we now wonder why cetaceans are suiciding (who can be over 400 years old!)).  At that time, as mentioned previously, Saturn conjunct oceanic Neptune, planet assigned to oil and gas. The latter tragedy a reality check that helps comprehend how time-honoured Saturn in Capricorn, symbols of judicious acumen, even in the home sign of powerful initiation, sometimes goes through gruelling circumstance in order to reveal what we really need to achieve and work on. Ultimately, Saturn in Capricorn’s task is to cultivate and honour our spiritual connection to our all-important Mother Earth. Without whom we would not have a home to live on. Respect for our environment our greatest collective responsibility. 

Though we continue to ignore our innate connection to the natural world at our peril, in as much as the more pollution there is in our environment, the more toxic we ourselves become. Thus making it more difficult to be true to our inherent nature, which is clear and light, intuitive AND rational. The greater imperative is to therefore find balance in the area of Saturn’s exaltation – Libra – and the planet which esoterically rules Capricorn, Venus (which rules Libra); i.e. one needs to dedicate oneself to learn how to be fair and just, to come from the heart with loving kindness, with a regard to being released from Saturn’s often cold and cruel clutches. The paradox is how callousness (often in the name of capital or profit) piles on the negative karma that stops Saturn evolving into the characteristic wisdom. All of which can be found with planets in Capricorn, associated with Saturn, or in the 10^th house.  

Time Lord’s Future Transits

Saturn sextile Neptune & Saturn conjunct Pluto (dates below)

We have however, come a long way since December ‘88, when Saturn was also conjunct the Sun at the home-ruled Capricorn ingress. Note 2017’s move of Saturn into Capricorn also features a strong Neptune aspect in the ingress chart: Neptune Trine Jupiter, imparting hope and faith (especially as the Sun at the time of Saturn’s ingress is still officially in Sagittarius). About half way through its extended, almost three-year journey through Capricorn, in January 2019, Saturn forms a (closing) sextile to Neptune (within Saturn and Neptune’s 36 year cycle) when old and outworn Saturnian structures again dissolve (timing indicated by the degrees listed below). And although Saturn briefly dips into Aquarius (which it also traditionally rules) for three months in 2020, it isn’t until another Solstice, December 19^th 2020 that Saturn finally leaves Capricorn, to unite with Jupiter for an exciting, futuristic adventure in Aquarius.

Before then however, authoritative Saturn conjoins with potent Pluto at 21°Capricorn, January 12^th 2020, for only one exact conjunction. Although the weightiness of this transit may feel like Saturn and Pluto are together for much longer – most of 2019 and a lot of 2020, but the actual perfection only happens once; which leads me to believe that when it does, whatever happens around that time, it could well be critical shock and awe that affects nearly everyone – save the poised and practiced yogis – just as it did when Gemini Saturn exactly opposed Pluto in Sagittarius, revealing dark forces at work as New York’s Twin (Gemini) towers in NY were attacked and destroyed. 

Not that I want to incite nervous panic, but it’s time to face up to the past, for it is in this present moment that we prepare for the future, aware that nothing lasts forever, not even Saturn’s steely structures as traditional pillars of support. It’s likely that all kinds of established structures will, if they aren’t already, undergo a massive transformation, particularly due to Pluto’s combined current transit through Capricorn. This transit of Saturn in Capricorn – especially conjunct the Lord of the Underworld, Pluto, may indeed provide evidence that karma and impermanence are only a natural part of the cycle of life that something is born, grows, peaks and sustains, then declines to pass away. 

Those born in 1982 may especially feel like they are into a new cycle, as the Saturn Pluto cycle is approximately 31-38 years, 1982 was the last time these two influential and commanding planets unified (in Libra). 

From a worldly perspective, Capricorn is the leading Cardinal Earth sign of action and accountability, governments and policing, corporate organization and gleaming empires of brands and logos. When Saturn and Capricorn are driven by tyranny or a hunger for power is tested to the max, with issues of corruption and cronyism, secrecy and trust, being the impediments which also prevent the glory sought.

But while we talk of naked material ambition and social climbing, we must never forget that Capricorn is the mythical beast, a Sea-Goat, elevated above the pounding waves of life, death and rebirth, steady in its stance as guardian of the soul’s secrets. Ultimately Capricorn is the hard-working pragmatic and principled disciple who humbly kneels as a gesture of devotion, whilst being initiated into a hierarchy – spiritual or material. Much depends upon individual’s karma and ambitions as to how such commitment is expressed. As noted, both Saturn and Capricorn can be hard and ruthless, selfish and proud. But our choice is whether we are to overcome and clear the obstacles with Saturn’s practicality and patience – or allow the weight to suppress creativity. From the spiritual aspirants’ point of view, Capricorn also slowly reveals the light of spirit and the hidden secrets of the soul, and the initiating renewal that lends itself to Capricorn and Saturn as markers for the returning light (within). 

So while Saturn may be cautious in high achieving Capricorn, best mark these next years, especially early 2020 as THE year of consolidation and giving form whatever you are working on; and if you can’t – for whatever reason, hindrance and hurdles are a Saturn in Capricorn speciality, then it may be time to start again. Look to where Capricorn lies in your personal horoscope to see where you can harness your own discipline and organisational abilities, to see what you can achieve there – as well as what you might need to be more responsible for. Also check key future dates and degrees at the bottom of the article.

The Future is Now 
2017 Present Markers of Time

Saturn and the Sun now are together for the ingress into Capricorn it got me thinking: is Saturn always with the Solstice Sun to dignify its entry into its home sign? For my own amusement I went through every single entry of Saturn into Capricorn since 1488 (giving thanks for the ability to now compute such things with the touch a button, well several buttons, but doing so makes this astrologer happy ☺ ). I figured 500+ years should be enough time to verify if the ingress of Saturn's move into Capricorn is always around Winter Solstice. And, would you believe, it is! It is true Saturn is often with the Sun at the Winter Solstice ingress (AND, interestingly, Saturn, at the end of a retrograde, often goes forward around time the Sun is in Libra, at Autumn Equinox, Saturn’s sign of exaltation). Who knew? Not me, even with a second Saturn return firmly tucked under my celestial belt. How I love these personal astrological 'Ah-ha' Eureka moments!  For me it shows that no matter how much we study this glorious subject, there is always something new to learn, which is a bit like Saturn’s greatest lesson: understanding the natural law of light’s renewal and the karmic consequence of initiation, all the while taking personal responsibility for actions, words and thoughts.

Although Time Lord Kronos at home Capricorn hasn’t always been as exact as it is coinciding with the upcoming Solstice at 0° Capricorn, it is usually somewhere between 27 Sagittarius or 5 Capricorn (i.e. within 10 degrees of the Galactic Centre and the all-important Sunlight-turning Solstice point). Also fascinating is in many old prints of the old man Kronos-Saturn archetype holds the ouroborus, the snake that eats its own tail. Interesting how the home sign rule for Saturn is very literal! This definitely puts a new spin into Great Time Wheel, and the meaning of 'Saturnalia' which always begins December 17^th.

Time-honoured ancients, who held timed and sacred ceremony within the stone circles, knew of this connection of Saturn and the renewal of the Sun King, which is why a wise old Saturnian man (the Senex in psychological parlance) is often seen holding the Ouroborus, the serpent eating his own tail represents life, rebirth, immortality and wisdom. Saturn’s connection to 2017’s ingress therefore enables one to renew one’s own internal light, as the inner Sun is renewed we too carry within our eternal personal ‘Ouroboros’, and a symbolic understanding of the celestial wheels within wheels, and how light, life and rebirth are held together in the heavenly gift of the Solar cycle of time, through the yearly zodiac, as well diurnal, night and day.

2017’s ‘Time Lord’s’ entrance into Capricorn also coincides with the sensitive Moon conjunct profound Pluto, insinuating how the collective is aware of the need for a transformation of mind, body and soul. All-the-while Saturn is with Black Moon Lilith indicating women who feel abandoned by the patriarchy are also the very people to work with, in order to create balance through recognition, which Saturn in Capricorn so desires.

Saturn in Capricorn’s ingress also takes place just after a New Moon conjunct the Galactic Centre, accenting a new collective phase aiming towards the heart of our Galaxy. Solstice also reignites our personal responsibility to kindle the light within, and to tend the light over the next few years will require dedication and devotion. Two points of fortune in our favour: 1) Mercury, planet of the mind is at retrograde station to go direct during the ‘Solar Standstill’. Tuning his Mercurial antenna towards the radio signal source in space, accenting thoughts have wings the heavenly messenger – as planet of the mind - aims his Sagittarian centaur’s arrow towards a place in the heavenly firmament known as ‘The Great Attractor’. We’d do well to heed the words of Buddha: ‘What we think we become’… And 2) according to the Asian calendar, in 2018 we leave behind the blustery ‘Fire’ elemental years, and begin two ‘Earth’ element years in a row. First the yang Earth Dog, vigilant and loyal, followed by the Yin Earth Boar, that provides peace – and sense.

The portents now, however, are to conserve and concentrate resources. The Sun with Saturn is a clarion call to be sensibly heroic, to fashion and shape all kinds of creations by working steadily with our individual egos, with all our desires and aversions in a practical manner. We may even impress ourselves (and others) by entwining the Capricorn’s skilful means with Saturn’s wisdom and generate something of personal importance, a ‘Golden Age’ in only a few short years.

❂~❈~❂~❈~❂~❈~❂~❈~❂~❈~❂~❂~❈~❂~❈~❂

Saturn in Capricorn – Aries

Take responsibility seriously: grow up, be brave, aim high, and be the hero you always wanted to be.

Saturn in Capricorn – Taurus

Play cards close to your chest, but keep an open mind.  Rewards are found exploring philosophical values.

Saturn in Capricorn – Gemini

Shared ventures might seem like hard work, but others can also be deliciously entertaining.

Saturn in Capricorn – Cancer

The next two years are a chance to overcome any fear of commitment, in love and at work.

Saturn in Capricorn – Leo

Transform body and soul and be the best you can with a healthy regime: eat well, sleep well and be well.

Saturn in Capricorn – Virgo

Creativity requires artistic talent, craft and skill, all of which you could have in spades.

Saturn in Capricorn – Libra

A father figure could benefit from forgiveness. Support from the home-front could transform your life.

Saturn in Capricorn – Scorpio

Examine your thoughts. Root out negative ideas or influences, and transform your mind.

Saturn in Capricorn – Sagittarius

Achieving stability and security for your self can also be a means of taking care of the welfare of others.

Saturn in Capricorn – Capricorn

Avoid selfish motivation. And try not to be too hard upon yourself. With an awakened mind, you can achieve greatness.

Saturn in Capricorn – Aquarius

Cultivating spiritual friendships is a source of joy, while contemplation and meditation reveal great insights.

Saturn in Capricorn – Pisces
Professionally, it’s often not what you know, but who you know. And people of influence could help at work – and play. 

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Dates of interest for Saturn in Capricorn

2018

March 14^th Jupiter semi-square (45°) Saturn

April 17^th Saturn Retrograde 9° Capricorn

September 3^rd Jupiter semi-square (45°) Saturn

September 6^th Saturn Direct 2° Capricorn

December 27^th Jupiter semi-sextile Saturn (30°)

2019

January 31^st Saturn sextile Neptune 14°

April 29^th Saturn Rx 20° Capricorn

June 14^th Jupiter semi-sextile Saturn 19°

June 18^th  Saturn sextile Neptune 18°

August 19^th Jupiter semi-sextile Saturn 14°

September 18^th Saturn direct 13°

November 9^th Saturn sextile Neptune 16°

2020

January 12 Saturn conjunct Pluto 22°

May 11^th Saturn Rx 1° Aquarius

September 29^th Saturn Direct 25°

December 21^st Saturn conjunct Jupiter 0° Aquarius & much to look forward to…

 
         ❂~❈~❂~❈~❂~❈~❂~❈~❂~❈~❂~❂~❈~❂~❈~❂

I leave you at this poignant ‘Great Yin-Yang’ turning point in our collective history with a poem from Milarepa, the 12^th Century Himalayan Yogi Saint, who was interconnected to the nature all around him, with Earth as his place of soul’s containment.

      

“Faith is the firm foundation of my house,

Diligence forms the high walls,

Meditation makes the huge bricks,

And wisdom is the great corner-stone.

With these four things I build my castle,

And it will last as long as the Truth eternal!

Your worldly houses are delusions,

Mere prisons for the demons,

And so I would abandon and desert them.”

From Astro Agent Dakini, with LOVE, wishing one and all a fulfilling Saturn in Capricorn, a very happy SOLstice, and wonderful 2018!

© Laura Boomer-Trent ~ Astro Agent Dakini December 2017

12:12:17 Dakini Day & Lama TzongKhapa day

 ☼✶☽ The last Dakini Day of 2017 comes before a New Sagittarius Moon on the 18th December (conjunct the Galactic centre); and Solstice, the longest night/day of the year (depending upon which hemisphere you are) is also just over a week away. A dark moon around the time Spirit Sun changes its emphasis of Light compounds the need for profound reflection – and rest (for the North). At Sol’s turning point on 21st December, seasons begin to change as the light again returns to Earth's North, and diminishes in the Southern hemisphere.

The next five days are known as ‘Great Yin’, when the feminine Yin's earthy darkness and comforting soul encourages within us all the gentle female qualities of understanding, fairness and compassion. The sensitive Goddess is aware of the plight of others. She radiates feminine principles which soften our hearts, all the while being able to remain cool and rational, to care for others who are suffering or in pain.

☼ ✶☽ A glorious sky dancing Red Goddess generously brings love, kindness to every heartmind. As the waning Moon in peaceful and social Libra, now harmoniously activates Spirit Sun in convivial and scholarly Sagittarius, for the Lights concentrate the ‘higher mind’ to find emotional and spiritual balance through philosophy, culture and beauty.

This is a wonderful time to be with friends, to reflect upon the passing year and contemplate future plans 

☼ ✶☽ Today is also 'Lama Tsongkhapa day', one of the most important days of the Tibetan Galugpa tradition, celebrating its founder 🙏☀️🌍

Wishing everyone a very happy Dakini Day!

With many thanks to Soyolmaa-Davaakhuu for the painting 'At Night' for lovely Red Goddess. ॐ_/\_

☉☽ Last Quarter Moon in Virgo ♍ square Sun in Sagittarius

🙏💚💙💜 Tara Puja ~ Medicine Moon 🙏💚💙💜
☉☽ A closing Moon phase highlights the need to heal and re-orientate by upholding principles with pure intention and pure heart. With Spirit Sun currently in truth-seeking Sagittarius, squaring the sensitive Moon in practical Virgo, the closing Last Quarter Moon of 2017 emphases planning and reorganising (Mercury retrograde, until 23rd) with a cautious and realistic view, and an eye for detail. 

☉☽ This combination of ‘The Lights’, Virgo and Sagittarius, is mutable, accenting change is surely coming. A New Moon on the 18th December both Sun and Moon conjunct the Galactic centre, and only days away from the Solstice turning point and the Yule Fire Festival, when Time Lord Saturn will also be in Capricorn for the first time in 29 years. Aim for the light. And make readjustments to one’s course: revise now the remedies that purify and heal, as well as arranging time and space for activities that broaden the mind, deepen spiritual development, and encourage an appreciation of the Sacred Feminine’s wisdom.

☉☽ The Virgo Moon is opposite charitable Neptune in Pisces, to which the Sagittarian Sun forms a challenging ‘T’ square. Giving thanks opens one to receiving the Divine’s universal blessings. 

Remember how illusion and delusion are sourced in ego’s ignorance. Give life meaning: make time to rest in the light heart of consciousness, to meditate and inspire increased personal wisdom, kindness and awareness that can, in turn, be used to benefit the lives of suffering sentient beings. 

Himalayan Buddhists invoke Goddess Tara to help to garner strength. The darkest time of Great Yin is just before the Cosmic Solstice Sun wheel turns to change emphasis upon the light. Goddess Tara can now help relax and focus upon a speedy purification of body, speech and mind, to cultivate the wisdom and compassion that helps to overcome obstacles. 

Tara’s mantra "Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha"
_/\_
This Tara Moon also coincides with the 'International Human Rights Day' ~> Dedicating prayers so that all beings have rights. Thank you. 
With love Laura

Thanks to Shankar Newari Art for beautiful Goddess Tara
Om ॐ♥ N░A░M░A░S T░E ॐ♥

☼☾Sun in Sagittarius -- Full Super Moon in Gemini 11°40’ ☼☽

☼☾Sun in Sagittarius -- Full Super Moon in Gemini 11°40’ ☼☽

Sunday –Monday 3^rd – 4^th December @15:47GMT

“Everybody has a geography that can be used for change that is why we travel to far off places. Whether we know it or not we need to renew ourselves in territories that are fresh and wild. We need to come home through the body of alien lands.” – Joan Halifax

☆ When faced with obstacles and difficulties that appear immovable and insurmountable, especially in the arenas of information and long and short distance travel, truth and wisdom, it sometimes feels like time stands still and all we can do is hold our breath, count to ten, then breathe deeply and mindfully, all the while witnessing a world spellbound by distraction and karma. Indeed, the Lord of Karma, Saturn, is asserting mega astral attention as this year draws to close – and is a major player in the last Full Moon horoscope of 2017.

Aside from gaining more kudos from currently being close-up and personal with quick-thinking Mercury (which is the associated ruler of this Gemini Moon (more on this throughout the commentary)), authoritarian Saturn will soon be with the life-giving Sun’s Solstice standstill on the 21^st December – only three days after the 18^th Dec New Sagittarian Moon (at almost the same degree as to where Saturn is right now: i.e. conjunct the Galactic Centre!). Heading towards the light, as the Solstice Capricorn Sun rises, so too will Saturn. As taskmaster Saturn ingresses into its home sign of the ambitious Sea Goat, the individual is initiated into the world of spiritual aspiration with the light of the New Born King. That’s some well-practiced and highly dramatic timing on behalf of the Time Lord, Saturn, ushering in a new sense of personal responsibility just as the light turns in the southern hemisphere and returns in the north (look to Capricorn in your chart to see where your reliability (as well as any fear) is reinforced.) 

A few weeks ahead of Saturn’s dramatic change of sign (which has not been seen in Capricorn since 1989) synchronising with our Solar time wheel, early December also sees the light of a Full Gemini Super Moon opposite the fiery Sagittarian Sun – with both Sun and Moon in a very tight and challenging ‘T’ square aspect to fantasy-orientated Neptune, the planet of illusion and delusion, glamour and dreams. Things could become bizarrely surreal during this Full Moon, which is also the first of two Super Moons. 

The next Super Moon following this glorious Gemini Full Moon will be Tuesday 2^nd January 2018! What an entrance into 2018 that will be! A Super Moon is one that is closest to the earth so, it looks slightly bigger than usual, with the geophysical effects, and our emotions also heightened (earthquakes and flooding, for instance, can happen approximately up to three days after the moon).
☆ Like Gemini’s quicksilver nature, I’m running ahead again with mercurial caduceus wand in hand, invoking a successful pass in any test we encounter – or set ourselves. Lets’ get back to this Full Super Moon in the sign of the Twins, and see what it means to relate to all beings as brothers and sisters, at the same time being cheerful as an individual, freely going about daily business happy wherever you are, ’d'être bien dans sa peau’, as the French say, ‘happy in your skin’, easy to talk to and easy to be with. Purely by being light-hearted, social creatures, Geminis possess an uncanny knack of charming all and sundry at the same time honing into important information. What one does with such info, be it gossip or gospel – or both, may remain to be seen as the mutable Gemini is ruled by Mercury, which goes into retrograde motion only hours before Luna culminates!  

By now regular dharma stars readers know the drill regarding a Mercury retrograde: for three whole weeks, from the 3^rd Dec until the 23^rd, triple check all important docs and files, especially those appertaining to sales, streaming and scripts; timetables and academic papers will also benefit with at least one review – and still expect delays. Because this Mercury retrograde sees the planet of communication in detriment, i.e. versatile Mercury can be too scattered in fiery Sagittarius: try not to spread yourself too thin. Stay focused. There is much to learn from Mercury’s conjunction with the more disciplined Saturn. For starters, this retrograde is about timing as Saturn is the Time Lord.

☆ Traditionalist Saturn can seem a slowcoach and stickler, patient for detail and long-winded bureaucracy, whilst Gemini’s ruler Mercury likes shortcuts and tweets to get the message across. And therein lays the dilemma: how to keep information, travel and ideas all flowing at a speed that satisfies both parties, i.e. the wise old Saturnian AND the Mercurial youth (or, in Jungian parlance, find a way to mediate between the Senex and the Puer aeternus).  This tight association between time conscious Mercury and Saturn is strong in so many ways, cropping up again and again throughout our Full Moon scope, connecting many planets during the only Super Moon of 2017. So when keeping appointments, take in the scenery on route by all means, but also keep a close eye on the clock: no one likes to be kept waiting, least of all those who have authority. 

The combination of smart and savvy Mercury with conventional Saturn can also be extremely judgemental, which is not necessarily a bad thing; sometimes we need to know what works and what doesn’t. But the heaviness associated with Saturn accents the importance of training one’s own mind not to fall into depressive states no matter how difficult the circumstance.  Make a note to concentrate upon what is important right now and maintain joyful enthusiasm; remember that information hungry Gemini thrives with freedom of choice as well as the freedom to determine that choice. Dates to watch out for Mercury’s potential mischiefs, exactly aligning with responsible Saturn, 28^th November, 4^th December and 13^th January, with the latter there may be a binding resolution of the issues relating to this sobering but also potentially expansive aspect – within Saturn’s guiding limits.

☆ Adding a challenge to this dynamic Super Moon astral mix is that both Sagittarian Sun and Gemini Moon are conjunct bright red Fixed Stars that represent intensity, power and action. The Sun at the height of the Full Super Moon is with one of the four ‘Royal Stars’, ‘Antares’, at the ‘Heart of the Scorpion’; indicating successful outcomes within extreme situations. There’s a warning that comes with this magnificent star, however, as Antares conjunct the Sun also indicates spectacular individual loss should one instigate any high drama purely for one’s own personal excitement. And with Mars and Uranus still within a rather explosive opposition, it’s time to raise a more altruistic intention, and do what is best for everyone. 

The Moon is also with another Royal Star, Aldeberan, ‘the Eye of the Bull’, otherwise known as the star of illumination, or Buddha’s Star. This Fixed Star also comes with a caveat; whenever the sensitive Moon is present with Aldeberan, the focus is to keep integrity intact and not fall into temptation – which is so much easier when you’re living your truth, secure in your own natural power and element. The alignment of these two great stars, Antares and Aldeberan, together with the ‘Lights’ suggests brilliance, riches and honours, but only by exercising the highest morals and ethics. Otherwise, Aldeberan is like Antares: one whiff of corruption, sleaze or skulduggery, and one could lose a lot. 

☆ Imho, this is not a Full Moon to take major risks, or make restrictions that prevent access to higher knowledge. To successfully navigate this Full Moon one will not only need to rely on highly refined intuition (The Lights in that tight T-square to Neptune, at home in oceanic Pisces), but also remain reliably informed have a strong grip of concepts, facts and law, and from time to time take a much-needed, reality check. Encourage a practical and broad mind, and aim towards reviewing the bigger picture that lies before you; then see how best to consolidate.  

☆ One last note I’d like to mention is that as the Sun and Moon now both make challenging aspects to both, Jupiter and Neptune, not only do we have the ‘T’square, creating a tense aspect between the lights – and some may feel a sense of loss (don’t give up now!), but we also see the Sun making a semi-sextile to Jupiter in Scorpio, and the Moon throwing a ‘quincunx’ to the currently insightful Cosmic Guru. And on the same day as the Full Super Moon these two spiritually affiliated planets also make the first of three ‘Trines’ (120°) between the water signs Pisces and Scorpio, which take place on the 3^rd December, 25^th May, 19^th August. So Jupiter and Neptune’s triangle phase will take eight months to complete the astral hat trick. Here, it’s important to note that Jupiter is Pisces’ traditional ruler, while Neptune is the modern ruler of the Fishes; both planets have a connection when bringing together soul and form. Jupiter may be the Sacred Teacher, but Neptune in Pisces has a collective influence, representing faith, prayers and mantras, and the heartfelt compassion and forgiveness that can ripple into the Biofield, the Noosphere of unseen thoughts and feelings, and thus have an influence upon all of us.  These two planets can reveal how a generation’s dreams can grow, especially with the profound inclination to regenerate and renew the resources we all share: water, air and earth. This wonderful planetary phase teaches us that purely by opening up to the sacred light within, seeing everything as a heavenly miracle, however minor, then everything else in the universe becomes divine too.
So much to look forward to, even in the middle of a conscientious Mercury retrograde!
Happy Full Super Moon to all!

With love and light from Astro Dakini ☆•*¨*•.¸¸❤☼☾