Planetary Cycles

Overview of the Celestial Canopy

Winter Solstice   December 21, 2010 c.e.

The Sun crosses the cusp between Sagittarius and Capricorn, signifying Winter Solstice on the 21st of December, 2010. The Full Moon occurs just a few hours before the Sun is born again to begin another solar year and will be fully eclipsed from the light of the sun by the earth's shadow as the moon passes through the last degrees of Gemini to 0' Cancer in perfect opposition with the sun at 0' Capricorn. The eclipse will be visible in the early pre-dawn hours in North America.

We are bringing to a close a landmark year of cosmic occurrences and also quite remarkable earth changes, some which human beings have precipitated, and many which would occur during the living process of the planet Earth itself as ages of time pass by. One might ask: Is there some correlation between the two?

This question has been asked by human beings as long as they have inhabited the earth. Many learned people have taken up the study of observing the movements within the solar system in relation to happenings around the globe, and recorded the synchronicity of events in their times for future generations to learn by. Master teachers around the world have shared observations through the use of symbols and numbers to define concepts of properties, forces, currents and energy.

DaVinci, Copernicus, Galileo, Nostradamus, to name a few from the European Renaissance all committed their life work to understanding the interaction of life on Earth and the Cosmos around us. Reaching further back in history we find Greek, Persian, Egyptian, Mayan and Chinese philosophers and scientists all in pursuit of a golden balance between the spiritual and the mental aspects of knowledge that complement and enhance each other; where science supports a spiritual reality and vice versa. Here we take up this traditional path to enlightenment carrying the accumulated wisdom of generations into the 21st century.

As the Full Moon is explicitly interactive on Winter Solstice, it is appropriate that we share ancient references. Throughout Arabia and Persia, Sumer and Mesopotamia, the Moon god was male, called Sin or Yerakh. These powerful and wealthy commerce based cultures traveling by land and sea, were guided by the cycles of the changing moon. Thus the Moon God was the predominant deity insuring their prosperity.

In Hindu Vedic tradition, Vishnu the God of Joy in his aspect as the principle of light penetrating the whole universe, is associated with the moon. Lakshmi, his wife was born in the churning waters of the Ganges River and their joining brought into being several avatars including Krishna (an incarnation of Vishnu). The semen fluid, moisture, and fertility are all considered properties granted by the Moon. In an early Egyptian myth, Hathor was the Mother Goddess of Joy and as the cow headed goddess was depicted full face with horns, implicating the crescent moon. She was called the Queen of the West welcoming the dying Sun into her arms each day, and gathered the souls of the dead to her, which came to be stars in the heavens she suckled, giving everlasting life.

Another tale tells us Ra gave the god Thoth dominion over the night sky as a reward for retrieving the Eye of Ra from Nubia. Thoth is said to have played draughts (checkers) with the Moon, and won a seventy-secondth part of the Moon's light. With moonlight he composed five new days, as the official Egyptian calendar year only had 360, and gave them to the sky goddess Nut. She then birthed five children, which became part of the Egyptian pantheon of gods: Osiris, Horus, Set, Isis, and Nephthys.

Out of the lost Atlantis, the nature Mother Goddess of the Druids had dominion over life and regeneration. The crescent moon was her symbol and it is said that robed in the reflected light of the sun, like the moon, she floated upon the waters of eternity in the Glass Boat of Mysteries (Cwrwg Gwydrin). The vessel, in the shape of the crescent moon, carried the sperm of the life of the Sun. In this way the seeds of the living creatures of the world were preserved by the goddess for all time.

To the Inca who believe they are descendants of Inti; the Sun, solstices are very important. A major deity is Mama Quilla; the Moon. She is portrayed with human features, full face (like Hathor) on a disc of silver, and is the protector of married women. Frequently, Inti and Mama Quilla are depicted as the central pair around which Cuycha, the rainbow god, Catequil, the god of thunder and lightening, and other deities are gathered.

In all these wonderful myths, the importance of the Moon is recognized and honored as is that of the Sun. After all, this is 'the planet of two lights; one by day and one by night.' How fortunate we are on Earth for these gifts.

Many planets in the solar system are very interactive this month. Mars is in square aspect with Uranus on December 3rd and is conjunct with the Sun on the 5th. The Moon occults Mars on December 6th in Capricorn. On December 13th, an abundance of conjunctions occur and when this happens, depending on the powers involved the energies are intense. Moon conjuncts Jupiter and Uranus (which are conjunct each other). Mercury conjuncts Pluto and Mars (which are conjunct each other). Caution is recommended in activities of finance and travel. Mercury which influences communication continues to be an active participant, squaring Jupiter on the 21st. Being especially careful what you say that day is advised.

The Ursids meteor shower in the northern polar region of the celestial sphere on the 21st and 22nd of December, which coincides with the full of the moon and may be visible only during the lunar eclipse in the bright light of the Solstice this year. The Sun is briefly conjunct Pluto on the 26th. As the cycles play out, Mars is square Saturn on the 29th, suggesting self restraint would be wise on that day.

This eventful season is brought to a close as the waning moon conjuncts the beautiful Venus, in the constellation Scorpio on New Years Eve. If caution and self restraint have been expressed earlier in the month, this dawning day could be one of deep passion.

Note: On January 4, 2011, the infant sun is briefly eclipsed by the moon.

Autumnal Equinox    September 22-23, 2010 c.e.

By Greenwich Mean Time, at the prime meridian in England, the Sun traverses the cusp between the celestial constellations Virgo and Libra, connoting the Autumn Equinox in the early hours before dawn on September 23rd. In the United States of America, this takes place before midnight on the 22nd.

In 2010 the full moon which is called the Harvest Moon miraculously occurs on the 23rd of September just a few hours afterwards, on the cusp between Pisces and Aries. As observed, at sunset in the west on the 22nd, the moon will rise above the eastern horizon to become its most brilliant in opposition with the sun as the night progresses. The planet Saturn is at 6' of Libra, will be hidden behind the rays of the sun, and set slightly before it.

Celebration traditionally begins the evening before and throughout the next day. The Jewish Sukkot officially falls on the 23rd of September this year. This is the Feast of the Tabernacles to commemorate both the ancient Fall Harvest and the period of desert wandering so significant in unifying the Hebrew tribes under Moses. In the Torah and hence the Old Testament of the Bible many references are made to the lunar cycles. Feasts and festivals frequently were held at New Moon as months of time could be calculated by observing the light in the shape of the moon. Coming out of Arabia and Persia, this ancient practice is still recognized in both Jewish and Muslim cultures in the present. According to the Qabbalah, 'the stars are Hebrew letters in the sky, writing heavenly messages'.

At Summer Solstice this year we saw how the configuration of the planets in the solar system, and the aspects with the sun and moon were powerful forces with implied messages. These continue to be significant on subliminal and unconscious levels, influencing human emotions and behavior as we now look at Autumn Equinox and later Winter Solstice 2010.

September 3rd, the moon is in opposition to Pluto in Capricorn, and also square to Saturn in Libra and Jupiter and Uranus in Pisces. On the 8th of September the New Moon which is conjunct with the Sun in Virgo and invisible, sets the stage for unpleasant and tense interaction among the planets and forces on Earth. Venus is not only conjunct or in the same degree of Scorpio as the moon but also entirely occulted by or behind the moon on the 11th. In the past this has been indicative of melancholy. Many sensitive people will feel depressed during this period. Also a sense of loss or loneliness perhaps even desperation will be notable. Others may feel simply a necessity to remain reclusive or sequestered in a safe place. People may experience this as a time of darkness, either within or without.

Over the Equinox, the coming Full Moon September 24th, will be conjunct both Jupiter and Uranus in the last degrees of Pisces before sprinting ahead into Aries. At this time in the solar system that also means the moon will have moved to be in opposition to Saturn and the Sun in Libra, and square to Pluto in Capricorn. These dynamics of energies will cause more erratic behavior than is usually anticipated at the full of the moon. However, after the Full Moon, a tremendous release from trepidation will be forthcoming. For those of us who keep personal diaries of feelings and exchanges with others, influences beyond our control become identifiable. Although we can not change these cosmic happenings, we can prepare ourselves and learn to modify our expectations and behavior.

The remedy is of course to share uplifting experiences with others to take our minds off difficulties and sorrows. After all, the time of harvest is a time of bounty and festivities. Celebration with others always makes us feel better.

Ch'ang-o or Heng-o is the goddess of the Moon in China. The story is that she took up her abode on the moon in order to escape the wrath of her husband I, after she swallowed the drug of immortality which had originally been given to I by the gods. The drug is very precious and is made by the Hare of the Moon, who became close to Ch'ang-o. After a time, I forgave his wife and the couple were reconciled. He visited her frequently in her palace on the Moon. To commemorate this story of eternal love between spouses, the festival of the goddess of the Moon known for her eternal youth and beauty, is honored at Autumn Equinox by chinese women. Offerings of fruit, sweet cakes and amaranth are placed at her shrines in hopes that she will bestow her blessings upon their marriages. Interestingly, immortality on Earth is expressed by the birthing of new souls, and women are the gateway to bringing new life through generations of progeny.

This myth demonstrates the importance of both Sun and Moon and how the bond of male and female principles is eternal. The lunar cycle of the Full Moon at this 2010 Autumn Equinox converging with the solar cycle as the Sun passes into Libra signifies a full harvest, and is indeed a wonderful cosmic expression of this Universal Law. The occasion is definitely worth our recognition, celebrating gratitude for all life on the fertile Earth.

Blessings

Summer Solstice    June 21, 2010 c.e.

Coming from the Greek, kosmos literally means universe, harmony; the universe considered as a harmonious, complete and orderly system. Great cultures have had leaders, priests, scientists and teachers who have projected possible futures based on the concept of natural laws; that is to say 'order in the universe'. But they are not infallible, nor can they see forever.

Although the Mayan calendar ends in 2012, what that means is that the Day Keepers projected only that far using their knowledge of the cycles of the cosmos. That does not mean the world is coming to an end, it simply means that 400 years into the future is as far as they were willing to accurately foresee cycles in time. What seems quite reasonable to conclude, is that fearful misinterpretation of the signs may have partially contributed to the downfall of an entire empire. As the culture and with it gathered wisdom was nearly annihilated, there is much we will never know. Let us not repeat that mistake in the present times.

Nostradamus had visions into the future; many have proved correct; depending upon interpretation of enigmatic phrases, others have not. Even if some ancient predictions were actually written in stone, who is to say the tablets have been translated correctly. Since so much has been destroyed, burned, and lost, how can we possibly think we have all the information necessary for a clear understanding of these cosmic matters. Languages and meanings of words change over time. Let us contemplate these comments as we look to the 2nd half of this year 2010 and beyond into the 21st century.

The Sun enters the Constellation of Cancer signifying the First Day of Summer on June 21st. With the many disasters worldwide in the last year; floods, tornadoes, volcanos, oil spills, earthquakes and more, it is gratifyingly reassuring, that the Sun will appear at 0' Cancer, the expected location in the heavens at the anticipated time, on the appointed day once again. Let us take a pause and breathe deeply to appreciate this annual celestial event. It seems a celebration is in order!

The constellation Cancer is one of the four cardinal signs in the Zodiac band of stars by which the inhabitants of Earth locate the planet's position throughout the year; an ancient and reliable way of marking time.

The Solstice Full Moon follows quickly behind, occurring on June 26th and is partially eclipsed. The earth's umbral shadow will cover almost half of the moon during the eclipse, and depending on where a person is on the planet Earth, the phenomenon will be quite visible. This will take place predawn for the Americas, Australia and Asia on the day of the full moon just as it is becoming completely full. Saturday evening Full Moon should be glorious after this shady beginning.

The cycles of life are bound by the influences of these luminaries at this season and looking at the tidal almanac we note that with the change in tides comes an abundance of life throughout the oceans of the planet. On the land, plant life is coming to a fulfillment in the extended daylight hours and blossoming nearly completed, meaning pollenation has taken place and the fruits can begin to develop. This is a good sign for gathering food later in the year.

The other solar system dynamics happening this year at Summer Solstice are indeed complex, and their combined impact on the planet Earth are simultaneously profound and obvious. The planet Uranus arrived at 0' Aries on May 28th and will remain at this degree until August 14, when it will appear 'retrograde' and return to Pisces. Because of the differences in annual rotation around the Sun, individual planets may appear to reverse motion through the backdrop of stars from our perspective on earth. In the case of Uranus, the planet will seem to hover in this vicinity of the galactic sky between Pisces and Aries, finally going direct in December of 2012. It once again passes over the cusp of Aries in March 2011, traveling through that constellation until March 2019. As can be imagined, the vacillation during this period will be unsettling for the inhabitants on Earth.

What this means to people on earth is that at Summer Solstice in 2010, 2011, and 2012 Uranus will aspect the Sun and Earth in the same way. In other words, the electromagnetic influences of Uranus will be felt in this specific way over the next three years. Aries has always been seen as a warlike influence throughout history. Uranus is known for its erratic and volatile energy. This combination of energies effecting the planet Earth can be interpreted as confrontational and unreliable at the very least. The human population will be repeatedly confronted with challenges both environmental and social for the next 5 years or until Uranus moves forward.

Although these patterns may begin to diminish after that, the effects will continue to be felt for years to come. Astrologers expect certain dramatic unrest in the human collective unconscious behavior as well as earth changes up through 2023. This has been predicted using available scientific data regarding the motion of planets. Energy does shift eventually as the planets move through the constellations, and with the variation in the subtle energies, a change in the quality of manifestation and human interaction will occur.

Looking at other influences in the solar system we note that Pluto is retrograde at 4' Capricorn, another cardinal sign, in opposition to the Sun in Cancer with the Earth in between. Pluto is mysterious and deep; its effects tend to be heavy and long lasting. Depending on its aspects to other planets, which color context, it could be seen as a beneficent influence. At this time because it appears at 90' or square to both Uranus in Aries and Saturn at the last degrees of Virgo and later 0' of Libra, the tension created by the lines of power among these bodies is considered incompatible. Saturn represents determination and discipline, and is exalted in Libra. When it is released from the Balance and progresses to Scorpio in October of 2012 it will ascend to its full strength.

Earth is presently caught in the crossfire at the center of these dynamics while the Sun balances the power at Solstice in the constellation of Cancer, creating a Grand Cross in the heavens. It is for this reason that Summer Solstice 2010 is considered a critical crossroads as humans prepare for a difficult transition spiritually. This transition should take place on the Planet Earth, with combined efforts towards global consciousness on the path of evolution as ordained. The progression can only occur with coordinated efforts worldwide to overcome temptation and darkness. The next several years will be a test of endurance on every dimension; as if the entire planet were passing through the narrow section of an hour glass. Another analogy might be kayaking through white water rapids challenged to keep from capsizing before reaching the quiet waters beyond.

A certain amount of effort needs to be exerted to maintain stability. If you are one of those people who feel compelled to step forward in the community to assist others in need, take action. Whether it be helping in the local schools, baking food for the hungry, standing up and running for local office, or perhaps helping someone in your family in crisis at this time, do it. Each and every one of us can make choices to enhance life for those we love and care for. It is by working out our personal differences and coming together during these times of stress and change, that the challenges will be met and overcome.

This is the time when Light Workers around the planet are called upon to shine forth with compassion for Human Beings and all life forms that are sharing the Earth. Prayers are much appreciated; participation in manifestation is an active expression of what we believe and want to create. Whatever we can do with a giving heart no matter how seemingly insignificant, will be added to the whole becoming more powerful than we can imagine. The Earth's planetary cycles, the motion of the planets in the solar system, the shining Sun and glowing Moon are all continuing on their destined courses at the appointed times as they have always done and shall always do. Take courage in that knowledge and have faith in this truth.

Stand in the Light of the Sun and be grateful for friends and life this Solstice.

Blessings

Vernal Equinox    March 20, 2010 c.e.

The sun travels across the sky into the constellation Aries marking the return of Spring on March 20th. The seasonal beginning of a new year of growth and life in the cycles of the Earth, after a time of dormancy in the Northern Hemisphere is a reawakening and renewal, which has been celebrated for ages. There is something very uplifting in the knowledge that life will return once again; that the warmth and light of the sun becomes stronger with each day and the Earth responds as life springs forth.

Traditions are based on the planetary cycles as the earth rotates on its axis and orbits the sun. By these motions, winds are created and as the sun strikes the oceans, water vapor is created and lifted up to form clouds in the skies, which are then blown over the land masses to bring storms. Water, the most precious of the the elements, falls as rain to create life in the warmth of the sun.

Each culture around the world has myths and stories that illustrate the natural forces experienced on the planet. Accompanying storytelling there is music and food and sharing. Ceremonies in the form of acted out stories are performed to further engage the group in the drama of life. Prayers for harmony among the natural forces, for fertility and abundance are made. By participating in these celebrations, the community becomes united and the necessary work to plant crops is begun. Through the connection between Spirit and Matter, cooperation is engendered for the sustenance of the population. Everyone has a part to play as myth becomes reality; Life on Earth.

As in other societies, the ancient Greeks gave names to these powerful forces of nature and elements which made up their cosmos. Zeus (a word possibly from the Sanskrit dyaus meaning luminous ether) was God of the Sky and atmospheric phenomena such as storms. Hera was his Queen of the Sky and consort in the procreation of other 'gods'. Gaea was the Greek name for the Earth and fertility. Pontus, the God of the Sea as waters, and Hephaestus the God of celestial fire who was master of volcanos, were the core of what later became an elaborate pantheon of many respected or worshiped powers in the world. Theo is the Greek word for God, meaning to storm; to breathe. Athene the goddess of Wisdom; Apollo the Sun God; Aphrodite, the goddess of Love and Pan the nature god presiding over forests and fields, wild animals and flocks; all appear in many stories playing their roles in the multi-dimensional theatre of planet Earth.

The Romans carried on this tradition renaming these forces in their own language. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Mars, Venus and Mercury, are names we recognize today as the planets of the solar system. All come from the Latin designations for powers and also are associated with qualities of human characteristics; beneficence, discipline, change, anger, love, and communication.

Deism was a 17th-18th century belief that "...God created the world and its natural laws, but takes no further part in its functioning." New World Dictionary of the American Language; William Collins Publishers Inc.; 1980.

In 1705 J. Tolard, an English deist, in this case meaning: "a person whose belief in the existence of a God on purely rational grounds, without reliance on revelation or authority.", coined the word Pantheism. Pantheism is defined as the belief that God is not a personality but that all laws, forces, manifestations etc. of the self-existing universe are God. The worship or toleration of worship of gods from various religions is the keystone of the practice of pantheism.

The implied message seems; although a Supreme Being, Mind or Power is recognized as the initiator or Original Catalyst in the Universe, once things are set into motion on a given world, evolution occurs through natural inertial processes which may be personified and respected individually. According to the pre-eminence and inclination of any specific group of mortals, their myths are created to explain these forces and demonstrate cause and effect in an allegorical context. These vary with terrain, resources and forces of nature. This is a profound concept.

The one imposing idea that pervades all these Earth Religions is that human beings are not separate from either the natural elements or other-dimensional entities. We are interactive; we are supposed to perceive our roles as being included in a phenomenal never ending story. Even today in modern times, the stars in the heavens hold messages for us, guiding us on our paths to fulfillment both individually and collectively, if we choose to see them.

In March the Sun is conjunct Uranus on the 17th in Pisces. This aspect might be interpreted to mean that unexpected change in social activities should be anticipated. As the Sun travels into the constellation Aries, first of the 4 active Cardinal signs of the Zodiac, the Vernal Equinox supports this premise at the beginning of a new annual cycle. Almost as if to balance or modify exuberance in change, Saturn stands in opposition to the Sun on the 21st just after Equinox.

The Moon swings through the planets and the Zodiac beyond as it orbits Earth, coming into energetic relationships with most of them. On the 29th of March, the moon is full against a backdrop of stars in Libra and while in opposition to the Sun and Uranus, it is conjunct Saturn and in pleasant aspects to both Mars and Neptune.

On Earth many people of different religions are preparing seasonal celebrations of some kind or another, possibly commemorating important moments in their cultural history such as the Jewish Passover and the Exodus from Egypt, falling on March 30th. Christians honor Palm Sunday as the time Jesus of Nazareth passed into Jerusalem with his followers to celebrate Passover on Sunday the 28th, which begins an eventful week ending with Good Friday, April 2nd followed by Easter Sunday on the 4th of April. There are many other festivals at this time of year in many countries. Each ethnic and cultural group defines that which has sacred meaning to them, and fast, feast, celebrate and pray as seems most appropriate to sustain harmony in their environment, their community and themselves.

As the world seems to grow smaller with larger and larger populations in contact with each other, it becomes ever more important to be tolerant of diversity in spiritual expressions. The greatest of teachers on Earth have spoken about Peace, and peace among peoples comes with respect for choices in culture and religion.

Blessings

Winter Solstice   December 21, 2009 c.e.

This year the Winter Solstice falls between two full moons in the month of December. According to the Gregorian Calendar, December is one of the longer months with 31 days. Occasionally the lunar cycle overlaps the Solar Year and a full moon occurs twice in the same month. The second full moon in the same solar month is what is referred to as a Blue Moon and rarely occurs. Hence the phrase “Once in a Blue Moon” is used to suggest a seldom seen event.

The first full moon on December 2nd is set against the constellation Gemini because the Sun is still in Sagittarius in the opposite area of the celestial canopy, which is necessary for the full face of the moon as seen from earth, to glow with reflected light of the sun. On the 21st of December the Sun transits the cusp between the sign of Sagittarius and enters Capricorn, signifying the Winter Solstice. When the moon again turns full on the 31st, it has traveled completely through the zodiac belt to surpass Gemini on the 30th and reach Cancer, the constellation opposite Capricorn so that it once again can be observed in its full glory on the 31st. As it happens, a sight sliver of the full moon will be eclipsed by the edge of the earth’s shadow on this day for approximately one hour, and can not be observed by people in the western hemisphere as it is the middle of the day there.

From fullness to fullness, the moon slips quietly through the constellations one after the other in a complete circle and then comes opposite the sun to match the brilliance of the day in the dark long night of winter, full once again all in 29 days. One might almost say that this year, the birthing of a new Sun at Winter Solstice, is embraced by the Full Moon on either side. What is significant is that this winter Blue Moon is in Cancer the constellation of the Zodiac ruled by the power of the Moon and maternal energy in ancient classical astrological lore. So we can imagine an image of the newborn Son in the arms of the Mother.

When humans first assigned powers and names to the stars and planets is difficult to say. It was long before alphabets and writing as we know it. The earliest petroforms like stone circles designating alignments with certain star groups seen at specific times of the year may be at the bottom of the sea or demolished and covered by earthquakes of long ago.

What remains are records spanning several thousands of years in China, India, Egypt, the Aegean, Mesopotamia, Great Britain and Mezoamerica on clay tablets, petroglyphs, and later on papyrus, parchment, and paper. These tell of events both natural and socio-cultural which occurred when planets were observed in certain constellations and in specific relationships to each other. Extraordinary celestial occurrences also seemed to be observed and noted when massive changes on the earth were experienced.

Charts and maps of a circular representation of the skies were used as reference in the Earth’s annual rotation around the sun. Although the names vary from place to place, the concept that planetary energies within the solar system change and fluctuate with the movement around the sun, was long ago observed and documented. This science is called Astrology. To translate the affects of these moments in time is an ancient art of accumulated observations through ages which can be considered reliable as recorded, and is the foundation for modern Astronomy.

The idea that humans are affected by these motions has been with us for a very long time. The motivation for looking to the stars for guidance in patterns was probably originally about survival—could prosperity or famine be predicted? Could a population be spared plague or war? Was there some way to be forewarned and fill the granaries before the drought ahead or relocate before a natural catastrophe struck?

Around the world, cultures have held the concept that the time and date a birth takes place is significant and that the individual human being will be influenced by the aspects among the planets at that moment. The relationship to the constellations and the place of birth all matter in helping to define the growth and patterns of behavior and experiences throughout the lifetime. Along with inherited traits, the resources of the environment, and the ‘gift of soul identity’, it has long been believed that the placement of the stars at the moment of birth contributes to the expression of the person. This romantic concept of being stamped or imprinted in every particle by the complex combination of electro-magnetic interplay of the cosmos at the particular moment of the first breath of life in the human lifeform, is filled with dynamic power. One wonders how such an idea could ever have been conceived by creatures of the Earth.

According to this philosophic outlook, not only do the planets change in angles and degrees of relationship among themselves, but these energetic currents and bonds between them have an effect on planet Earth and lifeforms here. These can be plotted to give a projection of potential probabilities into the future. As one would expect, these interplays are very complex and the study of Astrology takes a lifetime. Much like the study of medicine it becomes an art. This means some practitioners are more talented than others. The quality of interpretation and translation of the signs is variable, and a second opinion is always advisable.

The word ‘planet’ originates from the Greek ‘planete’ meaning wanderer. Planet refers to a visible heavenly body with apparent motion as distinguished from a background of seemingly fixed stars. A planet is a body that shines by reflected sunlight and revolves around the sun. At this Winter Solstice, Jupiter, Neptune and Uranus are visible; Mars and Saturn appear later in the night. The moon travels rapidly through the skies gliding only briefly through any one area, while the outer planets remain visible in one constellation for years. The planets closest to the Sun and Earth travel more rapidly through their obits and the celestial canopy of stars. This season the planets are in aspects to each other in these ways:

Jupiter and Neptune are conjunct as they both appear to be at 24° of Aquarius. This aspect between these two planets in this section of the sky is considered beneficial, prosperous and friendly. Venus is sextile to both Jupiter and Neptune at 24° of Sagittarius, and is also considered complementary. This is offset by Uranus at 24° of Pisces which is square to Venus, at 90° away and might be interpreted as an erratic influence in social and business associations Mars in Leo however is trine, at 120° away from Venus which frequently suggests passion in romantic relationships, and vitality. Saturn and Pluto are in disharmonious aspect as square to each other which is likely to last some time and may influence both business and international relationships for a while. As Pluto is in opposition to Earth, being 180° away on the other side of the Sun in Capricorn, this will compound struggle and discord planetwide. Fortunately, the Earth will move out of this pattern rapidly as its annual orbit around the Sun continues. As we see, the solar system is an infinite interplay of intrigue, much like life.

Around the time of Winter Solstice 2009, several planets will be shifting energy relative to the Earth. Since December of 2005, Uranus has appeared to be traveling retrograde or the reverse of the courses of the other planets in the solar system. On December 1, 2009, this apparent reverse motion will cease and Uranus will begin to progress through the constellations in the same direction as the other planets. Considering that gravitational currents effect neighboring bodies, we might speculate that magnetic energies throughout the solar system would affect Earth and its inhabitants. Some of the outer planets with more mass are believed by many people to influence changes of longer duration for large groups of people.

Mars on the other hand which has been traveling in a forward direction through the constellations will appear to reverse course on Dec. 20, and remain retrograde from the Earth’s perspective until Mar. 9, 2010. Because Mercury’s orbit around the Sun is the shortest, this planet is observed to be the most fickle in travel patterns. Many people sense the shifts in Mercury’s fluctuating relationship with the Earth. Mercury has been in direct motion since Sep. 29, 2009 but will go retrograde on Dec. 26 until Jan. 23, 2010, once more moving forward through the stars.

These apparent changes in motion within the solar system seem like a dance or weaving of energies among the planets that is ageless. Let us look forward to a cooling and slowing of warlike activity especially during this season, which has traditionally been celebrated as a time of peace.

What does all this mean and how can a person or group use this information to advantage? Royalty, leaders of state, financiers and military leaders continue even in the present to consult experts for the most auspicious advice. Learning to flow with energies beyond our control, in these changing times may be the only way to ride out the storms and survive into the 21st century.

The Ursids Meteor Shower is visible in the northern latitudes of the celestial sphere, Dec. 17-24, and will peak on the 22nd. This should be quite visible due to being in the dark of the lunar cycle before first quarter on the 24th. Without the brightness of the moon to dominate the night around the Solstice, other phenomena can be observed more readily. The Ursids shower is an annual reoccurring sight as the earth passes through a field of debris in its trek around the sun. Clusters of small asteroids or planetoids have been observed at certain times of the year from fixed points or areas of the sky since time immemorial. This relative fixed position in the solar system is referred to as a ‘radiant’, and these objects are swept along with the planets as the Sun travels on its voyage in the galactic arm of stars.

Meteor showers exhibit basically the same characteristics year after year. Other notable showers are the Geminids which can be seen Dec. 7th-15th, and the Leonids which can be observed in late summer night skies. They are expected and welcome sights; some particles collide with the earth’s atmosphere creating arks of light as they are captured by gravity and fall to earth. Most are consumed in the atmosphere 80-120 km above the earth’s surface. Depending on the phase of the moon at this time in a given year, the meteors may not always be easy to see. Take the time to bundle up and observe this night spectacle around the solstice this December.

2010 is a landmark year. Make your wishes and resolutions conscientiously.

Autumn Equinox   September 22, 2009

The Sun enters the constellation Libra as the Earth hangs in the balance halfway between Summer and Winter Solstices. The New Moon on the 18th of September heralds a new cycle as well. This autumn season begins with the harvesting of crops in late summer and continues until the first heavy frost as it has always been.

Traditions go back into the depths of time. The origin of rituals and customs can be traced only as far back as artifacts record, which means that fertility celebrations had been in use for ages, and were widely practiced, long before temples were built or written languages told of them. Archaeology is the science of discovering what was important in ancient cultures by relics found. Through research at sites in Mesopotamia, evidence shows that the New Year Festival was celebrated after the heat of the scorching summer had killed everything for lack of water.

Tammuz, the god personifying the Generative Force had vanished or died and it was only when the Great Mother Goddess, Inanna, and her followers wailed their bereavement at the loss of her beloved, through the Rites of Mourning, did life return. Part of the Harvest Festival, the Day of Atonement occurred a few days after the festival had begun. The god Tammuz was discovered, liberated from the ‘land of death’ and resurrected. The Sacred Marriage of the Divine Couple was reenacted annually to ensure fertility in the coming year. There are local variations on this theme uncovered throughout the eastern Mediterranean, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Babylonian civilizations. The Autumn Equinox signaled the turn of seasons and renewal was naturally recognized as a new beginning when the rains began to bless the fields once again.

The Canaanite fertility cult was adapted by the Israelites several thousand years ago and into the present, Rosh Hashanah begins at the Autumn Equinox New Moon as the New Year celebration begins. The first month of the Jewish calendar based on the lunar cycles, is Tishri which coincides with the Autumn Equinox, and reckoned from 3761 B.C., the traditional date of Creation. Sukkoth is celebrated 14 days later as the Festival of the Tabernacles (meaning temporary shelters), celebrating the Fall Harvest of the fields, and later commemorating the desert wandering of the Hebrews after leaving Egypt.

As part of the Ingathering of the New Year Harvest, the ritual of desacralizing, or releasing the new crop from direct association with the forces of the supernatural for common use, was widely practiced and included in Canaanite Agricultural Festivals. Thus the first sheaf of grain gathered was beaten out and parched with fire. This ceremony is described in Leviticus as an offering to the Hebrew God:

Throughout the Muslim world, the ninth month in the lunar calendar is called Ramadan meaning hot and for this month all Muslims are to fast from first light to dusk. Sacrifice, purification, self restraint, charity and humility are practiced to bring about a higher spiritual state. Lailatul-Qadr the Night of Power, as the night the Holy Quran was sent from Heaven and revealed to Muhammad, is also observed during Ramadan. When the crescent moon is visible, the fasting is over and the Feast of Fast Breaking, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for 3 days. It is said this was first celebrated in 624 c.e. after victory at the battle of Badr. This traditionally begins on the 1st day of the 10th month, Shawal. That this feast also coincides with the traditional Harvest Festivals at Autumn Equinox celebrated at this time of year is significant.

In the ancient Aegean agrarian cultures, the Great Goddess or Universal Mother was depicted with her hair hanging freely in ringlets, sometimes with a tiara, full breasts exposed, or nude connoting fecundity and bounty. On Crete she was called Rhea. The Greeks referred to her as Dictynna because she was said to reside on Mount Dicte, the birthplace of Zeus, as the mother of the god. Later she was called Demeter.

In classic Greek days, Autumn Equinox was a high festival season as the bounty of the earth was collected and stored. The new wines would have been fermenting and aging to be imbibed; songs and stories of summer adventures composed, to be shared at the Harvest Festival. Demeter the Earth Goddess of fertility and harvest was honored at this time. The Romans continued the festival calling the goddess Ceres. We are familiar with the representation of this feminine principle of prosperity as depicted in the zodiac constellation of Virgo in the heavens; the Goddess holding sheaves of grain that the Sun passes through every September.

The concept of the Earth Goddess is most ancient and universal as being the dominant deity in the cycles of life on the planet. In agrarian societies around the world, various gods and goddesses, or powers of the earth have been named as instrumental in maintaining the prosperity of communities. In India, Parvati as generatrix is called Ambika in her aspect as Mother of All. The Aztecs credited many gods for the earth’s products, but chief of whom was Tzintcotl, Goddess of Origins, who presided over procreation. Corn and fire were both dominant facets of her celebrations. Among the peoples of North America, traditionally the celebrations of seasons and spirits of power have always been intertwined with harvest and herds. The Earth Mother of the Algonquins is called Nokomis. Another name for the Earth Mother is Gaea, or Gaia as is popular today. The Spirit or Living Force of the planet itself is called by this name.

Among the Celtic peoples across Europe and Asia Minor many local names for nature goddesses were used, but the most dominantly recognized was Tailtiu, the Earth Goddess. In Sweden, a Teutonic tradition of fabricating straw female or animal figures and burning them in celebration at the Autumn Equinox Harvest Festival is carried on to this day. By the time Christians began to convert the European population, it became clear that the Mother of Christ, would need to be honored in the celebrations for the new religion to be accepted. Hence the Holy Mother Mary was sanctified wherever and whenever the ancient Mother Goddess had been venerated.

Since the 8th century A.D. September 8th has been the Feast Day of the Birth of Mary, Holy Mother. What follows is the morning prayer for this day:

On September 15th, the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows or Septem Dolorum of the Blessed Mother, has been recognized by the Roman Catholic Church since 1668. Traditionally, the Seven Sorrows are identified with the imprisonment and death of Jesus on the cross, from which he then was resurrected as the Christ. Curiously, this holiday coincides with the ancient mourning rites on the Day of Atonement in earlier Near Eastern religions and in this way binds Christianity in the continuum of belief systems expressed down through the ages revering the cycles of life on Earth.

Looking into the night skies this season, we see Jupiter as the brightest celestial body. The planet is retrograde in the constellation Aquarius, not far from Neptune, also retrograde there, and Uranus retrograde in Pisces. Saturn in Virgo is conjunct with the New Moon, as is the Sun on the 18th of September. Mercury is conjunct to the Sun on September 20th in the last degrees of Virgo, before the Sun crosses over to Libra at Equinox on the 22nd. Mercury is retrograde until the 30th of September, when it will continue its forward path again. Venus which has been in Leo will move into Virgo on the 20th. There are quite a few planetary aspects occurring right around the Equinox this fall, many in the constellation Virgo, identified with the Mother Goddess, too close to the Sun to be seen. Mars remains in Cancer, and Pluto in Capricorn, influencing the other luminaries energetically from afar.

With four planets retrograde a time of suspension in activities is indicated. Jupiter will go direct in mid October and prosperity will seem to get a lift. Uranus and Neptune continue retrograde until later in the year, suggesting a reticence to change attitudes and spiritual outlook in the collective unconscious. Perseverance in personal projects begun earlier will be worthwhile this fall season. The autumn evenings are wonderful to experience and harvest celebrations abound all over the World. Activities of preserving fruits, drying and canning, baking cakes and breads and sharing them are centered around the bounty of the fields, the orchards and the flocks.

As we participate with friends and family, remember how long humans have lived and prospered on the Earth, as she eternally graces us with Bounty on the material plane, and Love in her spirit self as our Mother, GAEA.

The Longest Solar Eclipse in the 21st Century

On July 21, 2009, a Solar Eclipse will take place lasting more than 5 hours. This long duration occurs only when the earth’s moon is perfectly aligned between the Sun and the Earth. The next total eclipse of the sun of this duration will happen on June 13, 2132.

The 2009 Solar Eclipse takes place in an auspicious section of the sky. Both bodies transit together the last degrees of Cancer, which is ruled by the Moon, and the first degrees of Leo which is ruled by the Sun in the ancient science of astrology. The effect in combined subtle energies should be compelling.

Although the Western Hemisphere will be in nightfall and midnight, millions of people throughout northern India, Nepal, southern China, and the Pacific Ocean will be able to observe this amazing event during daylight hours. Most of southeast Asia and northeastern Oceania will experience the shadow of the moon, the penumbra, as it passes over the surface of the earth.

Researchers, and devotees will want to travel to witness this ‘once in a life time eclipse’. The best places to do that will experience total or almost total eclipse and include Calcutta, Kathmandu, Shanghai, and Wuhan.

Thanks to Jim Maynard's Celestial Guide 2009, Quicksilver Productions. www.QuicksilverProductions.com

Summer Solstice   June 21, 2009

At noon Greenwich Mean Time in London, England, on the 21st day of June 2009, the Sun will pass into the constellation Cancer, officially signifying the First Day of Summer. Midsummer’s Eve is the night before, and in some parts of the world, Solstice will actually happen as it is still dark before the morning of the 21st.

Since the mid 18th century, the Prime Meridian or Longitude has been marked in Greenwich as 0° from which Solar Mean Time and Standard International Time are measured. The meridian on the opposite side of the globe or 180° either east or west is called the Date Line and is designated to mark the change of calendar date for purposes of international commerce.

At this Summer Solstice, the Moon comes into exact New Moon phase on the 22nd of June; Local Time will vary depending on the Time Zone. In this phase, the Moon is in the last degrees of Gemini and comes into conjunction with the Sun later on the 22nd in the first degree of Cancer. To have both the Sun and the Moon in the first degree of Cancer at Summer Solstice is a powerfully romantic union of Male and Female energies at this Festival of Fertility.

The ancients were very aware of these phenomena which inspire the questions: How long have human beings been recording the cycles of the sun and the solar system? How long have people been traveling from place to place setting up markers to designate seasons on the earth by observing the celestial motions?

Over the last century more and more adventurers and archeologists including archeo-astronomers, have gone around the world in search of ancient evidence of civilizations which included astronomical observations as an important factor in organizing cultures and belief systems. Many cultures have relied on calendars depending on astronomical observations over time. Celestial events were later translated into legends, myths, religions and societies. Down through the ages and around the world, primary deities were frequently associated with the Sun, Moon, planetary luminaries and dominant stars, such as the Pleiades constellation.

In the western hemisphere, North America, Mesoamerica, and South America, there remain to this day a multitude of structures, temples, pyramids, and artifacts attesting to these influences. Anasazi, Nahuatl, Tomec, Olmec, Mayans, Huitchol, Incas and other cultures all deified the Sun, as did the Egyptians.

A most ancient myth speaks of the struggle between two primary natural forces. Out of the Earth came the Serpent from whose dwelling place flowed water that sustains all life. The enemy of the Serpent was the Eagle which dominated the heavens. The conflict between these two representatives could only be resolved if they became one god of earth and sky. Hence the names Quetzal meaning bird, and Coatl meaning snake bonded together as Quetzalcoatl meaning ‘feathered serpent’. Thus morphed Quetzalcoatl into the most revered ancient God of wind, sky and earth for the Mesoamericans.

Quetzalcoatl, the Mesoamerican version of a human descended from Gods is associated with both the Sun and Venus in the morning sky. He is called a ‘God in the making’ because it is said that as Venus he was swallowed by the Sun and then became the Greater Power.

One story tells of a heroic task Quetzalcoatl is given by the ancient Tezcatlipoca, who rules over matter and the Compass Cardinal Directions. Tezcatlipoca represents the unpredictability of material existence which must be overcome to survive and evolve. He tells Quetzalcoatl he must journey to the House of the Sun to bring back music to gladden the heart of humankind. It is a perilous journey and in the process, Quetzalcoatl is devoured by the Sun. Only by his purity of heart and fearlessness does he overcome the challenge and complete the task, thus bringing music to earth.

Quetzalcoatl takes his place as the lord of Life and Death, the Redeeming Plumed Serpent. He is an aspect of the triune God of all; Tezcatlipoca, Quetzalcoatl, and Itzlacoliuhqui-Itzpapalotl.

The Mayan Day Keepers are revered to this day for their advanced understanding of cycles, the solar system, and the passage of time. The unpredictable natural world and daily cycles of the Sun and other luminaries were depicted as battles between forces of Light and those of Darkness. Astronomical calculations revolved around the numbers 7, 9, 13, 20, and 52. Some of these are recognized as useful in the european calendar.

The ancient Mayans incorporated the lunar cycles which include the 18.6 year cycle for the Moon. This is called Major Standstill and is when the moon reaches its maximum declination of 28° north or south of the equator. It seems to ‘standstill’ before receding, similar to the solstice cycles of the sun. A cycle ½ that duration, 9.3 years was also marked as Minor Standstill which does not reach the same degrees of declination.

The 19 year Metonic moon cycle was also recorded in the west as it was in ancient Greece. That is the time required for the same phase of the Moon to recur on the same day of the solar year. The cycles of Venus were also very important because of the planet’s association with the god Quetzalcoatl.

Throughout the Southwest USA, the Anasazi people built fabulous cities aligning temples, walls, windows, and doorways to solstice, equinox and lunar occasions. Interestingly, + or - 18° also is signified at Stonehenge. Even today, the Hopi people still use these cycles in planting and celebrations. Planting occurs in May when the Sun is at 18.5° declination. A Song of Creation from the Pima people of the Gila and Salt River areas of Arizona, who speak a dialect of Uto-Aztecan to this day follows here:

Earth Magician shapes this world.
Behold what he can do!
Round and smooth he molds it.
Behold what he can do!

Earth Magician makes the mountains.
Heed what he has to say!
He it is that makes the mesas.
Heed what he has to say.
Earth Magician shapes this world;
Earth Magician makes its mountains;
Makes all larger, larger, larger.

Into the earth the Magician glances;
Into its mountains he may see.

I have made the Sun!
I have made the Sun!
Hurling it high in the four directions.
To the East I threw it
to run its appointed course.

I have made the Moon!
I have made the Moon!
Hurling it high in the four directions.
To the East I threw it
to run its appointed course.

I have made the Stars!
I have made the Stars!
Above the earth I threw them.

All things above I have made
and placed them to illumine.

translation by Frank Russell in
American Indian Poetry
An Anthology of Authentic Songs and Chants

Sites like Chaco Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, and Chimney Rock in New Mexico and Arizona are still accurate. Monoliths and petroglyphs have been found as far north as southern Utah, Colorado and central California, signifying important astronomical occurrences. The Sun Temple at Mesa Verde was built to sight lines at Winter Solstice and moonset at Major Southern Standstill. Records exist showing 4 Standstills between 1187 and 1280 A.D. Across the United States, mounds earthworks and circles are being found and preserved to recover ancient knowledge of the heavens and earth.

The orbits of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn were also factored into Mayan calculations of Days to project even greater cycles of time. Alignments and convergences of planets could be predicted with remarkable accuracy long before modern science. The constellation of the Pleiades also played an important role in the commemoration of cycles of time in many cultures around the world, and is given a place of prominence in the observations of Native American astronomy. The Pleiades were significant especially to the Inca, and continue to be included in ceremonial expressions. Windows set for observation of cyclic meridian transits, and risings and settings on the horizon are meticulously aligned. There is a legend that Beings came from this section of the skies to populate earth.

In Teotihuacan, Mexico there is the Pyramid of the Sun which was built over 4,000 years ago. The Pyramid of the Moon is said to be even older. The form and placement of these structures suggest a similar purpose to megalithic construction in Egypt, India and Asia, perhaps drawing on subtle energies of the earth and the cosmos in ways now long forgotten. Legends say the city was rebuilt many times over, perhaps going far back into millennia. Even today the Aztec and Maya people truly believe they are the descendents of the Atlantean Culture.

What we must recognize is that for ages of time cultures around the world have depended upon data collected through observations of the skies to inspire order and beauty in society. Entire empires have been based on the interaction between the celestial and the earth planes for prosperity and harmony. Cities and temples have been built for the glory of ‘gods’, and in recognition that humans are descendents of beings from other realms, perhaps even other worlds. In the western hemisphere; Machu Picchu Peru, Tiahuanaco Bolivia, Chichen Itza and Tenochtitlan Mexico, are a few of these great cities. All were built by Worshippers of the Sun.

This season the Summer Solstice is replete with planetary aspects to be pondered. On June 19th, Moon is conjunct both Mars and Venus; on the 20th, Moon is conjunct Mercury; on June 21st Venus is conjunct Mars; on June 22nd Moon is conjunct Sun and opposition Pluto; and on June 23rd Sun is opposition Pluto. These occurrences are calculated to exact degrees in the Ephemeris. They could all be said to be happening over Solstice almost simultaneously in terms of cosmic time.

What significance these celestial objects and events had to ancient peoples is yet to be completely understood. Humans have believed that participation with the powers in the Universe, was important and that their involvement mattered. What would they have thought and how would they have signified the 2009 Summer Solstice and the New Moon phase conjunction with the Sun. Let us be mindful of what our ancestors considered essential to happiness and fulfillment while being on planet Earth. They may have known more than we think.

Vernal Equinox   March 20, 2009

In the northern hemisphere, the month of March heralds the beginning of the planting season. As such, the Vernal Equinox is a special time to ask for blessings as planting is begun. Crops planted now can be harvested by Summer Solstice; and as the months of the year go by, each crop has its proper time to be planted and harvested until the last of the harvest is brought in late autumn to be preserved over the long winter months.

In ancient times going far back thousands of years, rationing food to last the winter would be the natural way for a group to survive until the plants began to grow and herds again returned. Supplies would have become more scarce as the winter progressed, and fasting and praying would be a way to keep spirits up before spring arrived. Storytelling and ingesting herbs to cleanse the body for health would have been a way of remembering to be grateful for family and sources of nourishment in times of plenty. Faith that Spring would return and with it bring renewal has always been a great source of spiritual strength and hope for human beings.

For almost a thousand years, the season of Lent in the Christian faith has been observed beginning the seventh Wednesday before Easter, called Ash Wednesday, and ending on Easter Sunday. This is traditionally a time of fasting and penitence to commemorate the Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness before entering Jerusalem at Passover. Lenten is an Old English word meaning the lengthening of days, and is akin to the Greek word ‘Lenz’ meaning Spring. The tradition is a holdover from long honored practices of harmonizing with the cycles of the Earth.

The word almanac as in the ‘Farmers’ Almanac’ was used in medieval England, in Roman times as almanachus, and Coptic Greeks had an almenichiaka. This word has always referred to a yearly calendar of days, weeks and months with astronomical data and weather forecasts specifically to define the best times for planting and harvesting crops. The phases of the Moon have always been considered to have a highly significant influence on the fertility of seeds and growth. This year, the March full moon is on the 10th, making equinox arrive in the last quarter phase. Planting root vegetables should be done at this time.

Interestingly, the relationships between the moon, the equinox as the position of the sun, and other planetary bodies in the solar system also seem to play roles in this most important pursuit of growing food. It is known that the behavior of livestock seems to also be regulated by subtle energy influences during the various seasons. Some winters are longer than others and some springs are wetter than others. The study of celestial relationships with Earth in order to be prepared in an ever changing world is a preoccupation which has consumed humankind since time immemorial.

Mariners also have an almanac to guide their ships for good fishing and ports of call. This is called an Ephemeris from the Greek word meaning calendar. The calculated positions of heavenly bodies, meaning major stars, constellations and planets by time and day are recorded in accurate tables. Even today both seamen and airplane pilots map their locations by relying on this information. This is the same information used in the time honored science of astrology.

Although until recently an attunement with the planetary cycles was merely observed and taken on faith; studies on tides, storm patterns and fluctuations of temperatures worldwide seem to reflect these ancient practices based on instinctual responses. Accumulated historical documentation of famines and seasons has helped the human population to be assured of success as long as natural laws are respected.

As we pause in anticipation of Spring we look to the stars as a sign of the changing seasons. On Equinox the Sun ends its journey through the last sign of the Zodiac, Pisces and on March 20th this year, it enters the constellation Aries. Thus officially begins a new cycle of life on earth. The Sun rises above the eastern horizon at dawn in Aries on the first day of Spring. This perceived motion (as the earth rotates on its axis) is referred to as ascending, and the star constellation appearing on the eastern horizon at a time on any particular day is called the Ascendant.

On one day only, every year the sunrise takes place just as the 1st degree of the constellation Aries rises above the horizon at dawn. It is this event by which the solar calendar we use today was originally inspired. What a truly thrilling event this is!

The Gregorian Calendar was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. A year begins January 1st and ends December 31st and is 365 days with every fourth year having 366 days to make up for a slight variation in actual cosmic cycles. The time spent by the sun in its apparent passage from a fixed star and back to the same position is called the true period of the earth’s revolution around the sun, the actual time for a solar year is 365 days 6 hours 9 minutes 9.54 seconds. It takes the sun 365 days 5 hours 48 minutes 46 seconds to return to the point of Spring Equinox in the constellation Aries and this is called the mean solar year, or the year of the seasons. The difference between these two cycles is related to the precession of the equinoxes or the sidereal (star) year.

The planets orbiting the sun are each traveling on their own annual paths. From our perspective on Earth sometimes a planet will appear to be moving backwards rather than progressing through the starry background of constellations. This apparent reversed movement is called ‘retrograde’. On March 7th, Venus turned retrograde half way through Aries, and instead of progressing forward, returned to the constellation Pisces. This planet will not go ‘direct’ or forward until April 18th, when it will proceed through Aries and the other signs of the Zodiac in order.

The Grecians called Venus by two names though they knew it was the same planet; Phosphorus as she rose in the east before dawn in the spring and summer, and Hesperus as she followed the setting sun in the west at twilight in autumn and winter.

During Spring Equinox 2009, Venus is cloaked by the Sun from our point of view for an extended time due to this fickle reversal. From Earth’s position, this happens on the far side of the sun. Although Venus typically travels retrograde every 18 months or so for about 40 days, this happens in different constellations at various times of the year. Rarely does she do so at Equinox and out of our sight! Usually Venus is faithfully either the morning or evening star. This year it is as if she were detained or captured and will be late in arriving in our spring skies. Perfect ‘occultation’ occurs March 28th. Could this be interpreted as a sign that spring growth will be late this year?

Jupiter will be visible before dawn as it rises above the eastern horizon in the constellation Aquarius. Some people would interpret this as ‘a good sign’ of prosperity. Look for this bright object early mornings this month and next. Saturn is the only planet visible in the night skies as it remains retrograde in Virgo hovering near Spica, the bright blue white sparkling alpha star in that constellation, until May 17th. See if you can locate these planets as the March clouds part.

Keeping a garden diary can be a wonderful way to see what changes happen from year to year. Pick up an almanac at your local farm and garden supply store. The people with the best gardens always do!

Winter Solstice   December 21, 2008

The Winter Solstice signifies a closure or end of the annual passage of time, and simultaneously the beginning of a new year. Recognition of the 'return of cycles' has long been important to the human population on planet earth. This annual cycle is that of the earth relative to the Sun, which the ancients perceived as the Solar year. The other bodies in the solar system each have their own cycles which create interesting variations from year to year and century to century.

Teachers from ages past would observe the night skies and record happenings on earth that coincided with what they saw in the sky as a way of understanding our place in the cosmos and our relationship with luminaries closest to the earth which effect the life cycles here. One such notable event was the bright nova or exploding star that became visible several years before Jesus of Nazareth was born. Men of great learning from Babylonia, Persia, and Ethiopia interpreted this new light in the sky as a portent to great changes in the state of men. The celestial event is also recorded in Chinese and western hemisphere documents of the time.

What is documented historically, is that at the time, the Mediterranean area was in a state of complete turmoil and chaos as groups warred with groups, refugees were relocated or annihilated, and death by famine and disease were common. This cycle of destruction might have been alleviated if people in positions of authority had taken the advice of wise men. The celestial occurrence could have been seen as a moment of opportunity to change priorities and to work towards peace and equality. Great holy men have continued to teach these ideals down through the ages.

An ancient school of thought called astrology teaches that some years may seem more tumultuous than others because of the influence of solar system planetary bodies and celestial subtle energies striking the planet earth. The purpose of recording cycles in the heavens is in part to prepare for hard times before becoming devastated by them. In modern times, scientists record solar flares and radical explosions on the sun which are then correlated to the cycles of warlike activities of the human population and environmental changes.

So we bring to a close 2008 c.e. which has been globally as intense a twelve month cycle as predicted. The significance of a moment in time takes on a whole new perspective when personal experience is seen relative to what others are experiencing in the same cycle of time. Throughout the year we have noted aspects among the planetary bodies and luminaries in the solar system. For the American people, the opposition between Saturn (structure and status quo) and Uranus (revolutionary change) which occurred on November 4th, election day, marks a significant change in how equality and discrimination are perceived. This national election of monumental importance culminated most dramatically and blessedly, peacefully.

The end of November and beginning of December has been a time of a series of multiple conjunctions as the Moon came into First Quarter Phase and passed by the planets clustered in Sagittarius and Capricorn Constellations. The 1st of December the crescent Moon appeared close to Jupiter and Venus at twilight, a romantic image before setting in the west. The annual cycle of rotation of Jupiter around the Sun is 11.86 earth years. As the orbit of Venus around the Sun is 243 earth days, this apparent proximity does not occur every year in the same part of the sky during the same season. The sight was a gift of beauty and hope after the tension of so many previous months.

The Sun is also transiting Sagittarius and Capricorn at this time of year, causing a dynamic particular to the year 2008. On the 21st of December, the Sun moves into the constellation Capricorn bringing its annual journey to a close at Winter Solstice. The planets Mercury and Mars will remain close to the Sun and continue to be invisible during the daylight hours.

On physical and metaphysical levels the dominant occurrence is the conjunction of the Sun at Solstice with the planet Pluto, as from our perspective on Earth, they both enter the constellation of Capricorn simultaneously. According to astrological sources, Capricorn is considered an Earth Sign. In classic science, there are four basic elements; earth, water, fire and air. The qualities of each element alter the expression of energies aligned with any specific sign of the zodiac, which reflects existing planetary and celestial relationships and happenings on Earth. That after 13 years in a sign of fire, Sagittarius, Pluto is entering Capricorn, a sign of earth on Solstice with the Sun, is perceived as highly significant.

Although Pluto's existence was predicted in the late 1800's through observations of the irregularities of the obits of Uranus and Neptune, actual confirmation is granted to the Harvard Observatory in 1919 and more completely verified by the Lowell Observatory in 1930. The suggested premise is that Pluto is an escaped satellite of Neptune. There is later evidence that Pluto is in a synchronized orbit with a moon more than a fourth its own size and therefore could be categorized as a double planet. This partner is currently named Charon. (A similar relationship occurs between Earth and its Moon although the ratio in mass is substantially different.) That Pluto and Charon are revolving around one another may contribute to the extended duration time it takes to orbit the Sun. Pluto entered Sagittarius in January 1995 and for 13 earth years has remained in that area of the sky. The projection with current data is that Pluto will travel through Capricorn, hovering there until March 2023 when it will pass on to Aquarius.

In ancient times through observation for thousands of years, five major planets in this system were recognized and charted as they traveled through the stars. In 1761, Sir John Herschel found Uranus, and in 1846 Neptune was identified by the calculations of Adams and Leverrier. This does not mean they were not a part of the solar system before that time. Subtle energies from these planetary bodies have been effecting the other planets and perhaps even patterns on Earth for eons of time.

Hanukkah begins on the 22nd of December in accordance with Hebrew law, relative to lunar cycles. This date is punctuated by also being the height of the Ursids Meteor Shower which occurs between the 17th and 24th. As the Earth passes through this local area of space annually, the Ursids is one of several noted principle meteor showers making this season an exciting time to watch night skies.

Venus and Neptune are conjunct on December 27th and although Neptune is invisible to the eye, we can imagine its being close to the brilliant Venus in the constellation Aquarius. The aspects between planets through the signs of the zodiac have always been open to interpretation and influence on human behavior. Astrologers specialize in these possible translations.

As we pause to catch our breath and regain our balance individually and collectively around the planet, let us evaluate the challenges we have faced and what we have accomplished in our own lives this year past. They may include health, loss, finances, abrupt changes in lifestyles and relationships. This Winter Solstice is a time of reflection on the previous 12 months and a projection of potentials into the future. Hopefully we are stronger and more prepared for a new year. Take the time to share with friends the gaiety of the season along with the deep meaning of memories.

In the coming years Pluto and its partner Charon will be prominent especially this time of year with its mystery and magnetism. As the planet farthest from the Sun, it is on the doorstep to outer space and new adventures in the 21st century on Earth.

BLESSINGS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Autumnal Equinox   September 22, 2008

As the seasons turn day by day and summer slips into autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, the Sun appears to cross over the earth's equator on its journey southward. Daylight and nighttime share equally the 24 hours of the day with 12 hours of each all over the globe. Equinox means 'equal night'. At the vernal equinox the same thing happens only in reverse, as the Sun appears to travel northward. And so, year after year, century after century as the planet Earth follows its orbit around the Sun, spinning on its axis of rotation in these timeless cycles, the seasons change.

Many exciting relationships are occurring among the planets of the solar system this autumn around the equinox. Early in September, many of the planets have already gathered in Libra to welcome the Sun. Mercury, Venus and Mars are clustered together in the constellation of Libra and remain in varying degrees of conjunction from September 6th through the 23rd when Venus dances ahead leaving the others behind. At Equinox, on the 22nd, the Sun leaves the last degrees of the constellation Virgo and enters Libra to join these planets. All this happens during daylight hours and as the sun is close-by, can not be easily observed.

Meanwhile in the opposite part of the sky in the constellation Pisces, the glorious full moon rises on the 15th of September. The autumn full moon closest to the Equinox is called the Harvest Moon because the moon rises above the eastern horizon just as the sun is setting in the west, providing extended hours of light. This time has always been used by human beings to complete the harvesting of crops before the weather changes. From this day on, the days become shorter and the sun's rays are less strong in the northern hemisphere.

In ancient days the food would be divided among families and members of the community or stored in a safe place for the dry, cold winter when no food could be grown. This is a time of preparation; gathering crops, repairing tools and homes, and collecting wandering herds left to graze all summer. In most cultures, the Autumn Equinox is celebrated especially if the harvest is good. And if not, the elders plan how best to survive the days ahead until the spring comes and a new growing season can begin.

Interestingly this year, the solar equinox occurs as the lunar cycle begins its third quarter on the 22nd marking the halfway point between the full moon on September 15th and the new moon on the 29th. This is a perfect symbolic reflection of the time of the year; as typically the third quarter of the moon signifies a time for trimming away no longer needed materials and organizing what is kept for the future.

If we choose to accept the concept of subtle energies in relationships we see in the planets of the solar system, we can be more attuned to events and attitudes in our lives. Recognizing Libra as the zodiac sign of the Balance or Scales, we understand that at harvest time, bartering, and selling crops and livestock is a natural preoccupation at this time of year. Hence symbolic of these seasonal transactions the Sun is perceived to enter the heavenly constellation of Libra denoting fairness in business transactions and relationships.

That the planets Mercury, Venus, and Mars are also in Libra bring an emphasis to the characteristics of good conversation and friendship, perhaps even romance in the afterglow of summer. Jupiter and Saturn are in harmony in a trine aspect suggesting prosperity through preparation for more serious times; a subtle overtone this season. Each of us can use these energies to our benefit and well being by being attuned to what are natural responses in the cycles of time.

Many people enjoy the season of change, hiking by day as the weather is pleasant and autumn begins. The evenings are still warm and the stars are bright. Get outside with family and friends to find stars and constellations. See how lucky we are to be on this beautiful Earth!

Summer Solstice   June 20, 2008

In ancient times the Egyptians designated the Scarab beetle, the symbol of Eternal Life as the constellation which is the area of the celestial sphere the Sun enters in the third week of the month of June. The winged, black beetle of the Lamellicornia Family is the head of the insect kingdom and considered the Keeper of the Sun. Just as the Scarab guides the Sun across the sky each day, it also maintains the annual cycle, or return of the Sun into perpetuity. The planet Earth's rotation around the sun expresses a return of Life in Abundance at this time. This is the Summer Solstice.

Later the Crab replaced the Scarab as the backdrop constellation for the Sun's return to its zenith in the sky at mid-summer. It is here that the sun appears to 'walk backwards' because after this point, each day it rises lower on the horizon as the progression of the year continues and it descends the zodiacal arc. Cancer is the sign of generation and in astrological symbolism is ruled by the Moon, which is linked with the life forces of Nature through its power over the tides of the ocean. The Earth is most abundant during this cycle of growth and fertility, and the Maternal Principle is celebrated at this time of year. Gaia, the Earth Mother is most generous in her unconditional Love expressed through the fruitfulness of lifeforms as gifts to sustain all creatures.

Shakespeare illustrates the classic celebration of the mid-summer in his play A Midsummer Night's Dream using Greco-Roman icons and Nature Spirits as characters interacting with humans in a lighthearted and enchanted depiction of Love. The King of the Fairies enjoins players and audience alike in parting:

In all cultures, the Summer Solstice has been a time of gaiety and gratitude for blessings bestowed since time immemorial. It is heralded as the Longest Day of the Year. Midsummer's Eve is the shortest night in which bonfires, lanterns, dancing and feasting are part of the festivities. Frequently marriages take place on or around this day for the blessings of fertility. In the Celtic tradition the Summer Solstice marks the mid point of the Big Sun season, starting at La Baal Tinne and ending at Lammas.

Hebrews celebrate Shabhu'oth or Shavuot meaning Feast of Weeks which occurs close to Midsummer and in ancient times was a celebration of the Spring Harvest. Throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East this was a most important annual festival. The early Christians continued to revere this season as a time when the Holy Spirit descends upon believers. Metaphorically, this represents the involution of Spirit into material form. Starting at Pentecost and continuing through Summer Solstice individuals commit to belief in Christ and his message of Eternal Life through a ceremonial baptism in water. This signifies the rebirth of Spirit through the Mother, or matter. In the western hemisphere in Incan and north American cultures celebrations with feasting continue for days and nights to honor the Sun God, successful hunting and the gathering of foods. Throughout the Orient, Summer Solstice is a major holiday wherever an agrarian culture thrives.

In the physical astronomical solar system, the changing of seasons is caused by the Earth's tilt on its axis as it obits around the sun. The north-south axis is an imaginary straight line through the planet around which the earth revolves each day. The axis of the earth is tilted at 23½° off perfect vertical alignment with reference to the sun as the origin of light. This fact and the spherical form of the globe are two factors creating the variation in seasons.

Solstices occur midway between the Equinoxes throughout each solar year. Each day the earth spins completely on its axis the sun's rays are most concentrated when they strike the earth's surface vertically. Depending on the tilt of the axis, either the North Pole tilts toward the sunlight or away from the sun. The rays of the sun are more concentrated either below the earth's equator in the Southern Hemisphere, or above the earth's equator in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer Solstice is celebrated by the human population living north of the earth's equator when the sun's apparent path north reaches the Tropic of Cancer in the northern hemisphere. At Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun's rays strike most directly at latitude 23½° north of the equator named the Tropic of Cancer,

On the Summer Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere the sun's rays strike most directly at latitude 23½° below the earth's equator named the Tropic of Capricorn. As the earth orbits around the sun in an annual trek, summer occurs when the respective pole is tilted toward the sun. Simultaneously, winter occurs in the opposite hemisphere as that pole is tilted away from the Sun.

If the earth's axis were perpendicular to the light rays of the sun, there would be no seasons. Each degree of latitude on the earth would experience the same sort of weather phenomena all year long. Two factors combine to make summer days warmer than winter ones: There are more hours of daylight each day, and the sun's rays are more direct at that location. The concept of latitudes and longitudes is a system of measurement for the purpose of mapping locations on the earth relying on the sun's travels through the skies relative to the planet.

For long cycles of time, the background constellations appear constant in the annual rotation of the earth around the sun. Summer Solstice takes place as the Sun enters the section of the sky designated as the constellation of Cancer. In 2008 this happens on the 20th of June. Venus is conjunct the Sun in Cancer and is therefore not visible during the long hours of daylight. The Full Moon occurs on June 18th with Jupiter in the constellation of Capricorn, in the opposite part of the sky.

The solar system planets in transit relative to each other
and stellar constellations as observed from Earth

June 18-21, 2008 c.e. Earthtime

On June 20th Summer Solstice, the conjunction of Moon and Jupiter will be a spectacular sight over the Pacific Ocean. For several weeks before and after this occasion, the night skies will be exciting to watch as this mating dance between these two luminaries takes place and the Moon appears to pass by the more distant Jupiter. To many people sensitive to the energies between planetary bodies in our solar system this has a special significance. The beneficent prosperity of Jupiter combined with the fertility of the Moon suggests this solstice is an auspicious time in personal and financial relationships.

During this time of Full Moon from June 18th and through June 20th the Summer Solstice the configuration of the planet Venus conjunct the Sun is in opposition to Jupiter conjunct the Moon. The roles of male and female energies are positioned in an extraordinary and complimentary balance of duality. The Earth is placed in between these bodies for a maximum harmonic effect night and day, which should be celebrated. The subtle energies of planets and luminaries have always been acknowledged in the cycles of earthly existence, and appreciated for their beauty and power to affect all living things.

The concept that humans should interact with the cycles of time and the changes of the seasons is an ancient one which has sustained populations throughout generations. To mark specific days of the year as Holy Days when special attention and gratitude should be expressed is part of the spiritual legacy of our progenitors, thus linking human beings with the cosmos and the Creator. The Summer Solstice is a time of appreciation for the gift of Life on Earth with all the sensual pleasures and bounty this orb has to offer. What beauty there is in this dance of the cosmos!

Vernal Equinox   March 20, 2008

In many cultures around the planet, the Vernal Equinox symbolizes new life. The return to life after the dormancy of the winter months is seen in the growing cycles of plants, crops, and livestock. The Agrarian societies have long celebrated this time when the day and the night equally share the 24 hour day of the earth.

This transition between winter and summer in the northern hemisphere occurs as the northern polar planetary axis of the earth begins to tilt towards the sun on its elliptical orbit around the Sun. At both equinoxes, Vernal and Autumnal, the Sun appears directly over the Equator of Earth, therefore spending equal amounts of time in both hemispheres during a 24 hour cycle; 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.

Over ages of time, religions have incorporated this important time of renewal into the doctrines of faith for the populace. Ancient cultures existing today, including the Hopi celebrate this time with prayers and festivals. Purim, Passover, Easter, all are celebrated in relationship with the Vernal Equinox, traditional planting, lunar cycles and associated historic events. Many of these last for days.

For several thousands of years, the star constellation Aries has been the backdrop for the Sun to appear on the first day of Spring. This year, 2008, the Vernal Equinox or when the Sun enters Aries, will begin late on the 19th of March and progress around the globe during the early hours of the 20th.

Prayers for World Peace are traditionally made around the globe at this time. People of all religions and ideologies gather together to share in these expressions of gratitude and harmony among the peoples of the Earth. Global participation on an intentional level has been influential in the progress of spiritual evolution over time. We ask that all people who are inclined, join with others in prayer during this period. Some groups are selecting 8 PM local time on the 20th 21st and 22nd of March.

The Solstices and Equinoxes are designated by the seasons as they have occurred for thousands of years. They are landmarks in the cycles of life on Planet Earth and for that reason human beings have always acknowledged these changes of seasons. Each brings particular bountiful gifts bestowed by the planet, which can be harvested and continue the prosperity of humans. Without these cycles of renewal and bestowal, crops, fish and animals would cease to exist and so would the human population which relies on these for nourishment, shelter, and apparel. Other dates for gatherings and Prayers for Peace are Summer Solstice when the Sun enters the constellation Cancer, the 20th of June, Autumn Equinox when the Sun enters Libra the 22nd of September, and December 21st, Winter Solstice when the Sun enters the constellation Capricorn.

The differences in cultural and religious expressions on the planet at this time have caused confusion as to the divine purpose for souls to be on Planet Earth. Nationality and loyalty to specific spiritual leaders have distorted the intention of the concept of Universality, or All One Humanity which is the reality.

The spiritual evolution of individuals and the collective is dependent upon realization of this truth. In each person is the potential for Tolerance, Love, and Compassion. The act of praying for ones own ability to comprehend this responsibility intentionally is the foundation for growth in the Light. Prayers must then be acted out through manifested behavior for the soul to evolve. That is the reason for investment into a physical body on this plane. Without this opportunity, the soul could not develop these skills through experience. This is required as a stage of development in the journey of the soul.

To make the connection between prayers of peace, and the living present on the Earth, it is recommended that focus of intention on particular areas which are currently in need, be included at the Vernal Equinox gatherings. Tibet which has suffered occupation by the military Chinese for over 50 years is one such place. Another is Iraq where the civilian population has suffered military aggression by the United States of America which could have been directed specifically to terrorist organizations worldwide. There are other situations which are worthy to be included in prayer, and the selection of focus, as the style of gathering, are of free will choice.

Simple offerings, lighting candles, gathering with family and friends, feasting, and making prayers for peace are all typically associated with the Vernal Equinox celebration. Choose your manner of participation and take the time to reflect on all these wondrous matters. The expression of gratitude for blessings bestowed as the precious cycles of the earth replenish us is ancient. The compassionate recognition of those less fortunate and prayers for release from hardship is appropriate this Vernal Equinox season. Many faiths have rituals which include prayers for this occasion. Other prayers Suggested:

The Great Invocation

From the point of Light within the Mind of God let light
stream forth into the minds of men. Let Light descend on Earth.

From the point of Love within the Heart of God, Let love stream
into the hearts of men. May Christ return to Earth.

From the centre where the Will of God is known let purpose
guide the little wills of men —the purpose which the Masters
know and serve.

From the centre which we call the race of men let the Plan of Love
and Light work out. And may it seal the door where evil dwells.

Let Light and Love and Power restore the Plan on Earth.

Universal Prayer for Peace

We call upon the Light of the Father to cast out all agents of chaos.
We call upon the Love of the Mother to heal all anger and fear.

We call upon the Powers of Light to unite the nations of the World.
We call upon the Forces of Light to restore balance on Earth.

We call upon all Children of Light to come forward in the work for Peace.
Light, Love, Unity, Balance, Peace —So let it be for Eternity.

Winter Solstice   December 21, 2007

As the planet Earth orbits around the Sun, there are two times of the year when the position of the sun seems to reverse direction. Because the earth is tilted on its axis, the entire planet responds in cycles called Seasons. Summer Solstice occurs when the sun appears most northerly over the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth against a part of the sky designated the Cancer Constellation of stars. In June of the present solar calendar, this is the time of the longest daylight in a 24 hour day in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter Solstice occurs when the sun appears most southerly over the Southern Hemisphere of the Earth against a part of the sky designated the Capricorn Constellation of stars. Winter solstice in December is the time of shortest exposure of daylight in a 24 hour day in the Northern Hemisphere. Such is the cycle of the Sun.

For thousands of years these two occasions have been celebrated by human beings to signify the return of food, prosperity and life. Because at Winter Solstice the Sun discontinues its apparent trek south and begins its return to the north, this is known as the end of its annual cycle, and the birth of a New Year.

In December of 2007, this annual cycle of the Sun occurs overlapping the lunar cycle at Full Moon. Every 28 days, the orbit of the Moon around the Earth places the earth between the Sun and Moon, so the view from earth at night shows the whole face of the Moon. This is referred to as an Opposition of sun and moon. Rarely does this occur at Solstice.

This year the Sun enters Capricorn the constellation of worldly manifestation, on the 22nd of the month, and Full Moon occurs a few hours later on the 23rd in Cancer, the sign in which it is most potent.

What is also highly significant at this particular Winter Solstice is that many planets in the solar system are also aligned when viewed from the planet Earth. It has been over 2000 years since such a thing occurred. From time to time the orbits of planets and moon or sun overlap in what is referred to as a Conjunction. Not so frequently, more than two planets appear to 'converge' simultaneously in a multiple conjunction.

On the 23rd of December Mars is conjunct the Moon in the constellation Cancer so closely it is 'occulted', or nearly hidden from view. Also occurring on the 23rd in the opposite direction of the sky, the planets Mercury, Jupiter and Pluto are in conjunction with the Sun between Sagittarius and Capricorn constellations.

Graphically translated as these bodies appear; Mars is at one end of a powerful cord of subtle magnetic energy with the Moon, Earth, Sun, Mercury, and Jupiter strung like beads on a string with Pluto at the other end. The convergence and combination of powers amplify each and together become exponentially more than the sum of the parts.

Because of the masses and energies involved in the solar system, the impact of this extraordinary event can be expected to influence life forms including human beings on earth for years to come.

In contemplation: The significance of this phenomenon, can be visualized over time to balance the self-destructive mental tendencies in the collective human population on earth, as Mars warlike activity is grounded by the metaphysical dominance of Pluto.