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Dancing with the Stars: Extra Points for Degree of Difficulty

The cardinal "climax" is here, a time of unprecedented high pressure that's complete now with Saturn's recent move (for good) into Libra. Mars is about to join Saturn (exact 7/31), to assert the power of passionate words and ideas. But civilized speech -- spoken with great control and power (Saturn-Mars) -- could erupt into frustrated rants and even physical aggression as it opposes Uranus-Jupiter in Aries. Be watchful for outbursts -- in yourself and others -- since they could escalate to shocking proportions.

On top of that, both duos on the Aries-Libra axis are squaring Pluto Capricorn (exact on dates through August). This weekend's Aries Moon is the bonus pulse of fiery currents that run through it, and charge the cardinal T-square. It's a call to dance with the original impulse -- to grow, experience life, assert who you are. The native shaman Robert Morning Sky says, "Your life is written with your dance. Your signature in life is what you do with your body."

The cardinal signs impact their environment. And our bodies and the actions we take are the unique way we dance with the physical world. In the middle of this tension, we might ask, are we dancing to our own rhythm? What's driving our actions? Could we be manipulated by an agenda that's seeking to shape order out of chaos? Are we too dependent on the energy of another? How can we pulse to our own authentic rhythm?

The cardinal push is a birth for humanity, and it asks us to trust our own instincts (Aries), as we seek re-humanizing balance (Libra), and remember an ancient legacy that aligns us with the power of the Earth (Capricorn). One way to move through the fury or frustration of these aspects, and the chaos of breakdown, is to dance. To dance, is to find your authentic rhythm that's discovered in each moment. If a passion for living is awakening (Uranus-Jupiter Aries), those sparky ideas and possibilities light the path just ahead.

These impulses are alarming to the part of us that prefers things to stay the same. The "establishment" -- represented by Pluto in Capricorn -- is on edge about all this awakening going on, and there's an opposing force of control. This plays out in big spheres, like the global quest for power over the Earth's resources. And it happens within ourselves, as we feel the push & pull of embracing change, and clinging to what we've got.

• Explore what you love and are passionate about -- this is your dance.
• Keep in mind that societal structures are in flux; you may not know where you should land -- and it's ok.
• Pay close attention to when you tighten in fear -- what are you afraid of losing?
• Simplify, purify, check your motives.
• Take time to step out of the chaos, with meditation, a long solo walk, etc.
• Take exquisite care of your body.

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Dancing with the Stars: Extra Points for Degree of Difficulty originally appeared on About.com Astrology on Friday, July 30th, 2010 at 15:11:09.

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Tunnel of Transformation: Mars Joins In!

The tensions of the cardinal t-square are heightened over the next few days. Mars joins Saturn in Libra, and becomes the Law n' Order planet's smooth talking and insistent bouncer. With Mars Libra, the motivation begins with an idea -- a vision of how things could be. Often it's a vision of balance, justice, harmony, love, beautification.

Libra is naturally egalitarian, and this power duo (Saturn-Mars) will be checking motives and agendas at the door. It threatens any perspectives that don't begin with the idea that we're all of equal value. The ideals of fairness, democracy, diplomacy are sure to clash with more warring attitudes, with Pluto continuing to expose what's behind these agendas.

• Daily Love Forecast through Monday

Tunnel of Transformation: Mars Joins In! originally appeared on About.com Astrology on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 at 09:17:25.

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Wonder Wednesday

In the book Heart Yoga, mystic Andrew Harvey describes how he once met the Dalai Lama and had the courage to ask him spontaneously, "What is the meaning of Life?" The Dalai Lama replied, "The meaning of life is to embody the Transcendent."

The Moon is in Pisces all day, making us more aware that we're both worldly and otherwordly beings. With Pisces, we don't write anyone off as a hopeless case, because we know hearts can open, and people change. Dreams, creating through the imagination, letting go through forgiveness, and showing compassion are ways we see the miraculous in 3D.

When the Moon is in Pisces, we're closer to the mystery, and might want to hide ourselves away to really tune in. The sextile to Pluto (Capricorn) today can gives us the courage to look at dark, seemingly concretized situations, but with the eyes of a mystic. It's a fleeting transit, but a chance to see a situation or yourself with deeper understanding. When Pluto's regenerative healing wisdom meets the universal love of Pisces Moon, miracles can happen.

Wonder Wednesday originally appeared on About.com Astrology on Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 at 08:47:34.

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Mercury Virgo: Thinking Things Through

Mercury goes into Virgo today, to join Venus-Mars, and discern what's going on in this time of seriously foggy conditions. This sharpens the focus, so we can make rational decisions based on boots on the ground information. For some, especially those living close to the Gulf, getting a handle on precisely what's going is critical for health and to keep daily life going.

Mercury's shift into "I'll believe it when I've analyzed it" Virgo, comes just after Mercury (Leo) opposed Neptune. This aspect creates confusion about what's real and what's "for show." At this last Full Moon, when this aspect was exact, there was also what astrologer Art Gianfermo calls a Thunderous Aquarian Full Moon of Revelations, Shocks and Revolution.

He writes, "The Sabian Symbol for 3 degrees Aquarius: "A deserter from the Army follows a rocky path through the wilderness impelled by a radically different vision of public service." Later, he goes on to say, "The sabian symbol above also relates to Mercury opposing Neptune where idealistic notions mislead people but the deception is exposed for all to see."

With Mercury in Virgo (to October 4th), we're mentally adaptable and realistic in this mutable earth sign. We can analyze a situation rationally, look at cause and effect, and make decisions based on whether its coming from a source with integrity. In one example, Art Gianfermo looks at a news piece from yesterday called, Millions Of Fish Wash Ashore In Gulfport (MS), Not Yet Known If Oil Spill Was Factor. Say what?! Writes Art, "Despite the denial in this story below with Mercury opposing Neptune, by July 27th with Mercury entering more realistic Virgo, the cause will be accepted as the oil volcano."

Mercury Virgo helps us discern reality from wishful thinking, but not blow it out of proportion either. It's a lens through which to add things up, and make decisions that make sense for your health and well being. And if we miss anything, Mercury goes retrograde August 20th to Sept 12th for another review.

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Mercury Virgo: Thinking Things Through originally appeared on About.com Astrology on Tuesday, July 27th, 2010 at 10:29:29.

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Saturn-Uranus: Free to be Me in the We?

Today's a big day on a few fronts, but let's look at Saturn-Uranus, exactly opposing again, but in cardinal signs this time. Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) are turning point signs, each impacting its environment through its element. Aries is the fire sign of knowing the Self through direct experience. Uranus Aries heralds a collective waking up to the joy of personal discovery. It's the cultivation of your own perspective, and learning who you are by following an inner directive, not repressing that to conform to the demands of others.

In her Valedictorian speech, 18-year old Erica Goldson, of Coxsackie-Athens High School in New York spoke of the need to go beyond rote learning, so that minds can be expanded. She said, "We are more than robotic bookshelves, conditioned to blurt out facts we were taught in school. We are all very special, every human on this planet is so special, so aren't we all deserving of something better, of using our minds for innovation, rather than memorization, for creativity, rather than futile activity, for rumination rather than stagnation? "

What she's describing is the yearning to be sparked and animated by learning, rather than drained of lifeforce. Uranus Aries carries that spark of challenging what's served up as the way to see, for a breakthrough where each is inspired to perceive Life for her/himself.

With Saturn in Libra, we seek to harmonize with others, while being true to that enlivened Self. Since 2008, Saturn has been a stabilizer in its oppositions to Uranus -- sometimes going too far and resisting change -- in re-organizing Virgo and re-balancing Libra. Saturn's agenda to create order can calcify into fear of change. With Saturn in Libra, we can be either inhibited or encouraged, to experience more of that kind of personal freedom. The daring example of a beloved can inspire, but it can also make us fearful of losing them, as they "become" someone new.

This opposition between Saturn-Uranus invites us to stretch our vision of what relationship can be. That great individual freedom can co-exist with commitment. That we can be fully in the moment, and allow full engagement to change us, and trust that we can change together. It's being just as loyal to yourself as you are to the Other. When you're in love with life and your own discoveries, the relationship is always made fresh and new again.

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Saturn-Uranus: Free to be Me in the We? originally appeared on About.com Astrology on Monday, July 26th, 2010 at 11:32:40.

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Aquarius Full Moon: A Cosmic Tune-Up!

Yesterday, my husband and I were so wound up, that we decided to make dinner early -- to settle into a rhythm of preparation and eating together that's calming. It's one of the Ten Tips for Intense Times that may be helpful as we do our best to ride through these freak waves and high pressure zones. Slow down, do something rhythmic, stretch, knit, shell black-eyed peas (like I'm about to do).

Elizabeth Jones of Astrology of Light has been a clear-sighted guide lately through these intensifying summer aspects. In her article on this rare window -- into tomorrow -- with volatile and highly stimulating aspects, she writes, "Protect yourself by calling on the Light. And do those things that help you stay grounded and centered (eat well, walk, get rest, hug trees...stuff like that). This feeling of empathy will be especially strong during the time of the Full Moon, on the 25th, as this particular lunation increases the sense of unity and oneness by dissolving the boundaries that separate us."

So as we near the Aquarius Full Moon, all our individual lights can be joined, into a dazzling and more powerful One. We merge our personal dreams (Leo) with the one that humanity is dreaming up as a whole (Aquarius). In her book, 2012 and the Galactic Center, Christine Page writes on Aquarius, "the wealth of group consciousness as the essence of light is finally extracted from the manifested form, allowing the individual to ascend to the cardinal cross."

I find this fascinating, as a message to take heart that an Aquarian tune-up can happen as we receive these energies of the Full Moon. That atunement enables us to then wholly dedicate the cardinal initiatory experience we're going through to serving humanity's greater good. And to join your purpose to that of the collective, makes you part of something grand that's an exciting bonus of the times.

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Aquarius Full Moon: A Cosmic Tune-Up! originally appeared on About.com Astrology on Sunday, July 25th, 2010 at 17:25:47.

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Jupiter-Pluto Square: Round One

There's an outrageous square coming up between Jupiter (Aries) and Pluto (Capricorn), at 4:18 am UT, early tomorrow. Grrrrrr.....the friction of the square rouses us out of complacency. It's invigorating, and fuel for our ambition. We are willing to do what it takes to birth the new, no matter what the costs.

But any square to Pluto is a high risk zone, and here, there's potential for release of destructive energies. Jupiter squaring Pluto is the quest for faith via total renewal, and sometimes that means a lot of dying to the old ways of being. Jupiter Aries makes us impulsive, and in search of in-the-moment gratification. But Jupiter is retrograde, and we may have to go on faith, that there's a reward coming.

One example with that, is the breakdown of the economy ( Pluto Capricorn), and not seeing a role in the marketplace for who you're becoming. Jupiter Aries inspires us to be self-directed, and not dependent on outside approval for what we're doing. If something has grabbed your heart and soul -- the inklings of a new beginning -- this is a great focal point for all the intensity of this square.

Keep in mind that this is the first of three Jupiter-Pluto squares. The other two are on August 3rd, and again on February 11th, 2011. So you can pace yourself, and develop your plan of action inwardly, keeping an eye on changes in the outer realm (the market, the Earth, your community).

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Jupiter-Pluto Square: Round One originally appeared on About.com Astrology on Saturday, July 24th, 2010 at 15:56:04.

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Full Moon Wakey Wakey

On top of it being a Full Moon in wired Aquarius weekend, many of the charged points of the cardinal grand cross hit exactness in the next few days. I know quite a few people feeling restless and having trouble sleeping. And there's a Jupiter-Pluto square tomorrow to rachet up the tension.

Jupiter could get erratic in retrograde -- starting today -- being in a sign of directed force. Watch out for blind rage, that's serving only itself, without the full scope of the situation at hand. This retrograde and square to Pluto could test our faith (Jupiter), and is sure to bring out the shadow side of passion that Andrew Harvey talked about.

If you're feeling on edge, and punchy, look for ways to break out safely. It's wise to avoid people or situations that are dangerously unbridled. Keep your wits about you, find cathartic outlets for any nervous tension. We are facing our own primal natures, and it can be frightening, but it's part of the burning off of the tamer, socially approved self.

The Full Moon in airy Aquarius allows us to hover above what's happening -- and see the scene as a timeless observer -- if only for a flash. A download of new energies could alter things radically. With Aquarius, there can be shocks and surprises that tweak our perspective. I am now signing off for the weekend, to clear and straighten out my antennae in preparation. I hope you get sparked by it, in a way that fills you with a sense of possibility.

• Full Moon Cleansing Ritual

Full Moon Wakey Wakey originally appeared on About.com Astrology on Friday, July 23rd, 2010 at 17:22:26.

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