Soli-Lunar Astrology thru Mark S. McNutt
2008

Happy Sun in Aquarius, Chinese New Year, Pluto in Capricorn, and Eclipses!
Chinese New Year always begins under the New Moon in Aquarius, a little known fact, just as the seasons and the tropical Zodiac are in sync.
More rare is the movement of Pluto into a new sign, occurring an average of once a generation. Pluto enters Capricorn as I write this on 1/26, then retrogrades back into Sagittarius for half of the year (Summer) then spends the next generation or so in Capricorn.
What does this mean to us? Pluto brings forth great transformation and change, moving and shaking, embodying Shiva-like characteristics of destruction and renewal. Lesser known is that Pluto in mythology was also associated with wealth, particularly from the Earth (oil, precious stones and metals, etc). When Pluto was discovered in 1930, it was shortly after the beginning of the stock market crash that foretold the depression that followed (until the entrance of Pluto into the next sign that brought us World War II and atomic energy.
Capricorn governs business, the status quo, government, law, suppression and limitations, and the tests of time. Also banking, buildings, and the role of government.
Pluto in Capricorn then would imply great transformation in economy, business, and government that would imply change over time that suddenly has profound results.  This was mentioned in the last month’s column= economic downturn after Christmas, Stock Markets plummeting (or was that transformative economic correction?), topsy-turvy election  selection, undoing and transforming business and hopefully the economy.  All this along with challenging power struggles around the world, and uncertainty at home.  The US Government’s stimulus package was devised and agreed upon within the last couple of days, during the transition of Pluto into Capricorn. In mundane matters (that means world changes and politics), we can expect structures and economy to unravel, then transform this year, even unto how business is done. This is a gateway opportunity, as are all crisises. We can also expect to see excellerated  Earth changes, and Gaia’s indigestion as what we expect our loving planetary mother to absorb and endure.
The US and other elections are particularly interesting, and imply that real change can now occur.
But as a humynistic (people oriented ) Astrologer, as compared to “Mundane”, I wish to focus on individuals and society from a social perspective of intention and possible evolution and opportunity.  Each individual has their own unique stellar influences and decides  (usually thru their emotions ) to make choices or not. So the essay question is-“ What do you intend to fundamentally transform in your life and how to create an openness to noticing your opportunities. Clever and hardworking astute people can recognize greater opportunities for growth and advancement during unstable changing times than during stagnant but stable times. For this week, the slowness of the outdoor weather can reflect a short term stagnancy, but this will change quickly early into February.  Mars has been retrograde since mid-November.  This has definitely been challenging for many relationships and power struggles (see last month’s column).
Late 2007, this was focused thru the lens of family issues, now in January shifting to duality in communications, energy and power moving in many directions without conclusion, and the contradictions of life are by now apparent to you.  There may be contradictions between walk and talk, the mind and body, and the icy lack of definite movement and direction that results in the symbolic spinning of one’s wheels.  As Mars moving backwards and slowing to a stop  and is in trine (flowwy) with Mercury, which is spinning  forward but slowing to a stop.  This is a changing energy that is unlikely to head in a consistent direction but now is a great time for discussing possibilities, devising new plans, healing old wounds thru heartfelt communications, and clearing the slat in preparation for the next step.
The transformative deck is certainly being reshuffled now,  and uncertain results follow impulsive actions and decisions.  Cast off what no longer serves you, especially old ideas and patterns.  Strong action is desired, but premature before about 2/1, when things can really begin to move.  Reread last months entry for elaborations on the dance and interplay between Mars, Jupiter, and Pluto.
Jupiter in Capricorn denotes a change in fortune and opportunities, which could manifest strongly after investing time and effort. This goes on all year long, was very strong recently (adding too the idea of the need to act),  and has a background off taking care of old business  over the next few weeks due to the trine with retrograde Saturn  (slow expansion favorable with work and goal orientation). Yet even with all that transformation mentioned, energy isn’t necessarily moving forward now, except where we don’t notice, underground and the subconscious. An earthquake is the culmination of events stirring underneath, then triggered.
Jupiter is also conjunct Venus in the first week of February., very favorable for rooting relationships, business, affections, and the beginning of a green light time for well planned action, especially concerning others. It could also be a great time for love life now, especially after the storms clear the “grass is greener” experimentations that are surely in the air recently.
Mercury is retrograde from the end of January until February 19th. It would be basic Astrological advice to tell you to avoid depending on communications at this time, especially regarding important matters,  I am not orthodox and neither is my advice-  This is my unorthodox advice: get the details straight, go beyond perception to fact, and act quickly and cleverly during this time, but not too cleverly or selfishly as that would backfire.  I say this because there is an overwhelming amount of energy in the air do something, to take strong and decisive action , so you will be motivated anyway, even tho there isn’t much traction in the rain and snow.  This is one of the best times to change agreements and conceive of something new that will suddenly bear fruit in time.  It is not final, just the next step in personal and planetary evolution.
Finally, it should be mentioned that there are two minor eclipses (unless they are around your birthday, then they are major whether seen or not). Typically, eclipses occur in pairs six months apart and are triggers to change. The first occurs on the New Moon of 2/7, the Aquarian New Moon that brings in Chinese New Year. As with all Aquarian stimulus, new ideas and directions will be socially and mentally stimulated. This one also conjuncts Neptune, so dreaming into being is a part of the plan.  The stimulation of new ideas and people power interactions could well result in dreaming a new world and/or social order, which then trickles down to earth over the next six month.  The second eclipse is Lunar, taking place on the evening of 2/20.  This is Sun in Pisces, Full Moon in Virgo, and implies that the aforementioned dreaming can begin to take form in significant ways thru fine tuning and commitment. Stay tuned for the next wave of surprises on about 3/7.

Soli-Lunar Astrology thru Mark S. McNutt
New Moon April 5th, 2008

There is a flow of opportunity in the heavens that rises and falls like waves in our lives. There are cycles that affect everyone, and personal points that trigger movement and change in the lives of individuals.
The New Moon always begins the outpouring of the emotions and direction that the planets dance thru as seen from the Earth, and linear order is always counterbalanced with non-linear circles. While Astrology has for a long time sought to explain the circle to the linear aspect of ourselves that seek order and familiarity, the creativity of what unfolds has to do as much with the mystery of the indefinable that goes beyond logic and is the soulmate thereof.

The New Moon is always a time of new beginnings, and this is especially so in this first lunation of the Astrological year (which begins on the Spring Equinox around March 20th every year and early on leap year). In addition to the Sun and Moon, Mercury and Venus are also moving into this sign together now.
Aries, by its very nature, inspires us to begin again, to rekindle the spark get fired up, and initiate change. Aries is likened to gasoline and a lit match, sparking great combustion (after the soggy Piscean passage), but usually not expected to last. At least not in the form of transformation that occurs at the moments of combustion. It is a time to use the energy and heat of the moment to magnetize and energize bigger and greater fires in the upcoming warm season.
It’s time now to remember the future by being here now! This may seem lofty, but it is direct advice. Read it again. On another level, we are incorporating our energy for Spring by being here now.
But there is a lot of diversity in the Astrological transits now. It would be difficult to paint a unified theme for all of the planetary activity right now, and the effects of Aries  are always very personal, having to do with your own choices and developments rather than, for example, the big group picture.
Who are you now and where are you going? Also, until about 4/20, spread the seeds of possibility to inspire maximum growth in Spring. This is not a time for a singular focus. You may find yourself doing very different things than you set out to do that day or week.
 Speaking of planting things, this time it is better later in the month, due to the fiery uncertainty of Aries followed by the grounding into the Earth sign Taurus right before Earth Day.
So, as always, your own choices and Astrological natures would provide a cornucopia for possible actions and directions now, with the Fire signs amongst us being very fired up indeed.  For the rest of us, there may not be a unified theme as the Earth signs would be resonating strongest with either the trine of retrograde Saturn and Pluto, or the abundant opportunistic expansion of Jupiter. Both Pluto and Jupiter are in Capricorn this year, but no longer joined thru conjunction.
Regarding these earthly influences, Saturn and Pluto have been in and out of a trine this year and late last year. They are joined again now, and both are retrograde this time. This has everything to do with the intensity of the economy . The apparent retrograde of a planet is associated with  coming apart or at least an unwinding of the energy associated with these planets. They are dancing easily but backsliding. Trines are usually favorable or positive aspects, but really facilitate the easy flow of energy between the planets involved.   Pluto has to do with wealth, subterfuge, often hidden resources and those found underground, like oil and gold (both rapidly increasing in monetary value now). Backroom and hidden business deals are also part of this picture. Saturn is related  to business, finance, law, government, politics, structure, commitment, boundaries, etc. With this in mind, bailouts of large and established concerns is likely, oil and gold are increasing in monetary worth, and there is a karmic debt being paid regarding economic stability and drastically shifting values.  Most likely is the karmic unfolding of dissolving economic fantasies.  This stimulates us to ask- What are your core values, and what do you need to shed or evolve at this time?
 Likely you are already asking yourself this question.
The more restraint and ghosts of the past that you can release now, the higher you can fly.
For some of us this can mean letting go of old commi9tments and situations that no longer serve. This aspect continues to unwind things (collective economy and personal commitments) until when Saturn changes direction on 5/2, or more likely, in September when Pluto begins to move forward again..
Jupiter in Capricorn is a much different scenario- an expansion of opportunities, especially in business, and networking outreach. This is the silver lining of what is possible at times of great change. For example, this is a great time to pursue developing a green business or recycling the past for gain and prosperity.  For many people, while Pluto and Jupiter are in the same sign, they are not necessarily affecting everyone, or in the same way. In other words, for some there are amazing expansive opportunities (including material) even during an economic downturn.  There is, however, the truth that the fruits of the presents are from the seeds of the past.
An example of the fuel crisis is that it is stimulating a much needed dialogue and in fact action toward developing alternatives actively. We are all born in a path of drama, and this time is no exception.
This is also the basic Astrological theme for the month- the squeezing and opening of the seed from the compost of the past, thru a passage of drama and some dilemma, problem solving thru the crisis and returning to core values.
In the weekend of 4/19-20 these divergent themes come to a head under the Full Moon (explore Shamanic Lifeskills at YewWood). Mars continues to move thru Cancer  (home and family, roots), in opposition with Jupiter  and square with Venus in Aries. (for some of us, this aspect takes hold around 4/15). We can expect personal challenges and social situations to arise and  to arise to a head and redefine our long range plans and move forward.  The week of 4/18-25 will produce a lot of redefining and could be the necessary sand that becomes the pearl later in the season.  But we can expect family, job, and love to all be squeezed and stimulated by that activity.  Because Uranus is in a long term aspect with Jupiter, we can expect to be surprised by the serendipities of unexpected opportunities.  This is somewhat related to the Chinese “may be good, may be bad” in which a seemingly negative situation has a positive outcome, and vice-versa.
In the beginning of May, Venus moves into a Grand Trine with Saturn and Pluto, while Saturn is going direct. This could be a very positive short term opportunity and integration of all this  earth plane shaking,  should, so now I did).
Early May would be an excellent time to buy, sell, divest, invest (if the aspects are good for you personally) commit to a new path, create a business plan, or make long term commitments like marriage and other partnerships.
For the most part, the challenges and opportunities of this time are again very individual.  Now more than ever. I recommend a personal reading or check in for there are silver linings in all clouds and rain hidden in clouds of silver.
I wish you good fortune in these changing times.

Soli-Lunar Astrology thru Mark S. McNutt
3/7/08

New Moon Lunation Begins March 7th

We are witnessing and processing some of the greatest changes and transits in our Astrological lifetimes (so far), and perhaps just a sign of even greater changes to come. All of this could be a karmic repercussion to Gaia’s outrage and the need to purify and cleanse our worlds and persons, or consider also a heating up of the world’s situation toward life changing planetary portals over the next five years. But, as always, there is no real waiting for the next transformative life changing experience as it is all now, and the time to visualize it and manifest change is now.
One of the most striking celestial planetary events occurs across a mere 8 hours of March 5th, at the end of the Lunar cycle when the Balsamic Moon is in Aquarius. Occasionally, as with other eclipses, thee Moon will pass in front of another planet and occult, or hide/overshadow  it
During an eclipse. This sometimes occurs but only occasionally, as latitude and longitude have to both line up from our perspective- and that makes for a powerful focalized crossroads. It is also highly significant in that the emotional environment of the Moon’s direct energetic contact affects this planet in a much more pronounced way, than a typical conjunction, in which a lot of what occurs here is based on conjunctions that occur every Lunar month.  On Wednesday March 5th, between 8 AM and 2 PM PDT (West Coast US), the Balsamic Moon in Aquarius will occult/eclipse  first Mercury, then Venus, then Neptune over 8 hours. This also denotes that all four planets are in conjunction at this time, and that they are also all at the same latitude which is quite rare.
The Moon has to do with moods, emotions, and feelings, and in the sign Aquarius, highlights people and ideas, global humynitarian concerns, networking ideas and friendships, and often progressive social change, or, in the case of eclipses, an often unfortunate or unpredictable change that will suddenly unfold, altering the outcome of large events.
This is one of the best possible days to visualize and contemplate the future amongst friends and kindred spirits on all levels. Eclipses are not usually all that positive, but I am going to go out on a limb in that since the recent Lunar eclipse was so challenging, this combination, also known as a Grand Conjunction, should be full of opportunistic surprises, especially for the air sings, or if your birthday is around now.
Each of the elements of this conjunction tells a tale- Mercury, being all about the rational mind and communication, is the first contact. Then Venus, which has to do with sensuality, social life, money, and self esteem, and of course our personal and friendly relations, and finally Neptune, the dreaming and visionary aspect of living, and all that is possible to those who shine and focus the shamanic path of intention. All of these are bundled together in a way that has never before occurred, and the light and change of the Moon ignites new and surprising activity here.
Aquarius is the most universal and broad of the Air signs, and links are therefore made in often surprising and unpredictable ways. Whatever form you expect here, it will confound you thru coming in another door, with uncontrollable and highly contradictory results.
This would be excellent for linking up with collective minds and getting together toward dreaming a new collective future together, as long as we stay with the vision and not get bogged down in the perception of details. This is truly a time for deep transformative planetary magick, and integrates the world dream for the future. That its why it is so important to take advantage of this energy, as it plants star seeds fort what is possible in the future. If you can’t dream it, it is harder to bring it into focus and one ends up recycling tired scenarios that have already had their day. Intentions have mighty wings during such transformative times, and psychic seeds will be planted that will bear fruit over the coming months and even years. But there is a danger in so much Air,  that is, to mistake the realm of ideas for the final result without grounding of earth plane commitment and follow thru . The realms of Saturn and Earth can leave fancy clouds of possibility  in an unrealized state. This aspect is strong on dreaming, Neptune being the final aspect before the Moon goes void of  course and then into dreamy Pisces the next day.  So, how do you intend to quantify your dreaming into results thru your chart and other planets, and thru your intentions. This is the essay question for this time.
This combined  aspect is also about the best possible for working magick if you are so inclined. 
Speaking of which, the New Moon follows on Friday March 7th at about 9 AM PST, with the Sun  and Moon both in conjunction with Uranus in Pisces a few hours later. Uranus is the ruling planet of Aquarius, (mutually recepted with Neptune in Aquarius), and this is the realm of unexpected twists and turns regarding people, ideas, and plans you thot  were logical enough. This then initiates a month full of surprises that will have decidedly unpredictable results A lot of Karmic wheels can spin in an amazing pattern now, so be ready for a wild ride into the unknown, and surprise yourself by unfolding the mystery of belief in yourself and your ability to empower and affect the outcome and the world within and without you. Remember who your friends are , although surprising changes are also in store here as well.
Speaking of surprising changes, the annoyance of Daylight Savings Time and that lost hour begins on Sunday March 9th this year.  Why so early? The true story is that Congress was successfully lobbied by  business concerns , notably in Malls, who have discovered that people are more likely to go shopping after work if there is still daylight to spend their money.  So time again begins manipulatable, since it is a collective agreement we make with each other moreso than a relationship  to our Sun or Moon. You can petition the ghost of Ben Franklin, father of electricity and bifocals, for the original concept of DST, designed at first  for farmers and planting cycles. For a fascinating history of time and culture, read Daniel Boorstin’s “The Discoverers” , a rare historical book that views thru the lens of social invention rather than conquest. And time keeping is a social invention toward common agreement.
In other Astrological news, all of this inspired Airy Watery energy is being counterbalanced by Saturn in Virgo retrograde, Pluto in Capricorn, and Jupiter in Capricorn all year long.  All of these were discussed at length in the last column.  Saturn retrograde occurs for five months every year, culminating this time on 5/2  with a turnaround regarding money and commitment and a restructuring of the personal and collective economy.  A lot of hard work and effort awaits us between now and then. Since this ends with the trine with Pluto, we can expect drama and transformation with these twists and turns, and the advice is to recapitulate rather than over extend yourself- draw it in and use your trump cards wisely this spring.
Pluto continues in Capricorn, but begins its’ yearly five month retrograde on 4/2, a month earlier than Saturn. Yet the triune with Saturn is strengthened  this spring so there could be many intensely transformative economical turns over the next few months and does not look good and expansive for most (although individual and identifiable  opportunities abound for some). This is an extreme situation, but not a decidedly black and white one, but certainly a reshuffling of the economic deck.  No one is calling for a generally strong upturn soon.  Astrology merely Capricorn  to reach toward new possibilities that could be seen as future seeds being planted for now. It is an action, not a reaction.
Finally, Mars enters Cancer again after its retrograde, on March 4th.. This helps us to remember our families and domestic concerns, and perhaps may bring an end to the latest phases of cultural violence. It is a great opportunity to apply a greater understanding to our domestic concerns, homes and families, and the heartfelt feelings that bind us. This is a great time to reassess what is possible to build with each other  this Spring.. Perhaps this can be a portal to move beyond the desire and interplay for personal power in a situation and remember where your heart lies and is nourished. This is being reviewed as Mars passes over recent old ground over the next two months. Moving into new territory  at the end of March.

Astrology works on many levels and we can peel back the layers to reveal ever-deeper aspects of ourselves and the truth of our being. If you would like to have a more in depth reading of how these and other planetary transits are affecting you,  contact me, Mark S. McNutt, for a personal reading.
Mark S. McNutt has been practicing and teaching Astrology since becoming professionally certified in 1972, and is available for personal readings and tutoring, and for group classes and presentations by arrangement. He can be reached at 541-964-5341.