Mary Jo Wevers

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The Age of Aquarius

The Earth is tilted about 23.5 degrees as it rotates on its axis in space, giving us the seasons. Like a spinning top or gyroscope, the axis itself rotates slowly in a circular motion. The gradual circular movement of the Earth’s axis is called axial precession, and takes about 26,000 years to complete a single rotation. 

Because of the Earth’s axial tilt, the position of the Earth in its orbit around the Sun at the equinoxes and solstices slowly changes over 26,000 years. This results in the vernal equinox moving from one of the 12 signs of the zodiac to the preceding sign roughly every 2,160 years. An “astrological age” is defined as the period of time it takes for the vernal equinox to complete its movement through one sign.

There are various methods for calculating the movement of the vernal equinox into a new zodiacal sign, and therefore many estimations for the beginning and ending of any particular astrological age. Approximate dates for the end of the Age of Pisces and the beginning of the Age of Aquarius vary widely. Many astrologers estimate the Age of Pisces began around 1 AD and that we are now, or have been, moving into the Age of Aquarius. 

Rather than looking for a specific date to assign to the beginning of an astrological age, we can view it as a gradual shift over an extended period of time. In recent decades planets associated with the sign of Aquarius, its planetary ruler Uranus, or planets in aspect with Uranus or Aquarius, have brought forth its archetypal themes and issues. A series of overlapping planetary cycles over a period of years helps us make a gradual transition while providing opportunities to learn and experience the themes, issues, and “flavors” of the new age. This allows us to better hone our skills and adapt to a new phase in human evolution.

The Uranus-Pluto conjunctions in the mid-1960s coincided with the rock musical “Hair,” which foretold the “dawning of the Age of Aquarius.” Its themes included personal freedom and rebellion against conventional societal norms. The Harmonic Convergence of planets in 1987 was believed by some to be the beginning of the Age of Aquarius. This event preceded the end of the Cold War, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Russia is associated with the sign of Aquarius in astrology, and exemplifies rebellion against monarchy and egalitarian social and political systems. Aquarius rules science and technology, innovation and invention. The Saturn-Uranus-Neptune conjunction during 1988-1991 brought huge advances in computer technology and solidified its role in communication and information sharing and processing. Some assign the beginning of the Aquarian Age to the August 1999 total eclipse of the Sun. At this time the Leo Sun and New Moon shed their light upon opposing Uranus and the lunar South Node in Aquarius, marking a new Aquarian cycle.

The transiting lunar north node, our collective spiritual destination, was in the sign of Aquarius from December 2007 until August 2009, urging us to value individual uniqueness and diversity, and embrace tolerance and open-mindedness. At this time in the USA we saw the rise of a progressive movement, and the successful campaign and election of the first president of color. In 2010 the planet Uranus entered the first sign of the zodiac, Aries. This was viewed by some as a new beginning, a new cycle of understanding the Uranian archetypal forces and expressions in us as individuals and in relationship to others. During subsequent years issues around freedom of individual identity and expression surfaced in government institutions, such as acceptance of LGBTQ people in the military. The struggle for acceptance by minority, fringe or under-represented groups is a re-occurring theme of Aquarius. December 21, 2012 brought the end of the Mayan Calendar, which many thought marked the beginning of a new Aquarian Age.

Just this past month Jupiter and Saturn conjoined in the first degree of Aquarius on the winter solstice. This is another important turning point moving us into the Age of Aquarius. Jupiter expands and uplifts the Aquarian principles of equality and independence for all peoples, and provides an idealistic and optimistic vision of the future. Saturn grounds the innovative ideas of Aquarius by finding practical uses for its scientific and technological advances, and employs them to advance social progress. The years ahead will continue to astound and disturb us with the unexpected changes Aquarius brings into our lives. As we learn to break free from attachments to the past and make room for change, we can garner the gifts of Aquarius.

     “Be wary of great leaders. Hope that there are many, many small leaders.” – Pete Seeger, after leading an Occupy Movement protest in 2011

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Pluto’s Transit of Capricorn: Transforming Patriarchal Systems

The planet Pluto entered the sign of Capricorn in January 2008. During its transit of Capricorn, Pluto functions through the element of earth. It turns its attention to the systems, structures, and organizations we have built that have provided us with material stability and security. It digs down into their foundations, searching the hidden places for that which is degenerating, out of integrity, dishonest, corrupt and decrepit. It strips away the false facade of inflexible, controlling authoritarian traditionalism to reveal the bare bones, the deeper essence and truth about the system in which we live.

Archetypal Pluto in Capricorn is represented in our world by the patriarchy, which wields ultimate power. We have been living within the confines of patriarchal systems for centuries. Its values reflect hierarchical race, gender, and class distinctions. Its institutional structures, and economic systems place white males in charge, who often subjugate others as they exercise their power and control over resources. Before we can fully manifest new foundations, personal and societal organizations and infrastructures that serve all members of society equally and are sustainable, Pluto must do its work to root out and deconstruct all that is toxic and decaying. During its transit of Capricorn Pluto will continue to be a powerfully disruptive and purging force in patriarchal systems until 2023.

Capricorn rules business and government and financial institutions. In recent years we have experienced eruptive revelations and chaotic fallout in the stock market, banking industry, real estate and the housing market, in large corporations, and in government and political institutions. The student loan crisis has been coming to a head, and a recession looms on the horizon. The coronavirus pandemic revealed inadequacies and corruption in health and social services. As we sift through the ashes of old economic, political, and societal systems that are currently crumbling, we have an opportunity to eliminate that which is not honest and in integrity, and develop practical plans for rebuilding.

The Me Too movement and Black Lives Matter challenge institutionalized sexual harassment and abuse of women, and racially motivated violence against people of color. The LBGTQ movement promotes equal rights for people traditionally discriminated against in the patriarchy. In the next few years we can expect more disruption and protests as additional members of society subjugated by patriarchal systems are unearthed by Pluto. As we sort through the debris ripe for elimination or transformation we are reminded that Capricorn discipline and responsibility is the balance to Plutonian power.

While we observe these events in the outer world, it is important to look within and recognize the parts of ourselves that are also degenerating and need to be eliminated or transformed. This is a time for us to transmute immature parts of ourselves so that we may be spiritually reborn as wiser, more responsible, self-reliant individuals. Rather than give away our power and authority to others and then resent them for it, it is time to reclaim our own Capricorn power and become a wise, compassionate Spiritual Authority to our self. Take time to assess your own attitudes around being “adult.” Revamp immature beliefs and approaches to life. Use self-discipline in exercising your power. Be honorable, self-respecting and respectful of others. Success in life occurs when we are fully grounded in mature, responsible wisdom.

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Addressing the Novel Coronavirus through Virgo

The coronavirus pandemic has upended our lives and gravely disrupted institutionalized economic and social systems by exposing their flaws and magnifying the need for fundamental change. On a global scale we have watched, often in disbelief, COVID-19 spread into far corners of the world causing sickness and death. On the personal level we have also experienced its impact on unforeseen aspects of our daily lives, including how we work, play, interact with one another, school our children, shop, and pay our bills. As we struggle with new challenges and fears about the future, we often long for “the way things were.” Rather than wishing for “the good old days,” which we are discovering weren’t so great after all, we can see this as a very difficult transition we must make into a new way of life. The sign of Virgo and the archetypal energy it brings to situations such as the coronavirus pandemic is needed now more than ever.

A mutable feminine earth sign, Virgo adapts to changing conditions and responds to problematic circumstances in improving, practical, real-life ways. Archetypal Virgo uses critical thinking to analyze problems by breaking down enormously complex situations into manageable bits. She processes details with discrimination, absorbing and digesting pertinent information gleaned from her research. She finds simple, realistic ways to solve problems, and tests or ground-truths them for effectiveness and practicality. 

Humble and modest, Virgo does not assume she is “right” in her approach or assessment. She carefully checks and rechecks her work, exploring other avenues of inquiry in order to generate models that better describe conditions, that promote greater understanding of causes, and ultimately find the best cures and remedies. Her work is never done, because she is continually absorbing new information and digesting experiential facts, to improve her understanding of problems. 

Virgo uses iterative processes to continually adjust, refine and redirect her research. She makes efficient use of time and resources while being thorough and precise. She diligently strives for perfection in all she does. While highly competent, she takes self-improvement seriously so she can be of better service in the world.

Virgo rules, or is associated with, areas of science that pertain to health and hygiene, and are service oriented, such as medicine and epidemiology. Health care professionals who work to protect and improve physical well being, and social workers who serve the emotional and mental needs of people are examples of Virgo in action.

Many people complain that medical experts are changing their recommendations for dealing with the coronavirus, or that they gave us misinformation at the beginning of the epidemic. They want immediate and fixed answers, recommendations, solutions and cures, so they can “get back to normal” as soon as possible. However medical science is constantly changing or updating and refining its research and understanding of the novel coronavirus. It is cautious in making recommendations for preventing and treating COVID-19 unless sound scientific substantiation can be provided. 

Taking a Virgo approach in our personal lives concerning the coronavirus, we must validate “facts” we come across in the media, and not succumb to conspiracy theories, political opinions or wishful thinking. When doing your own research, ask if “facts” are backed up by empirical science. Be cautious about unproven treatment methods or remedies. Be careful, thoughtful, logical, and separate the wheat from the chaff.

According to the humanistic astrologer Dane Rudhyar tolerance, compassion, and charity are the great virtues of Virgo. He writes that these virtues “are manifestations of the same deep root – the willingness to grow by experiencing and assimilating … aspects of truth, of love and of sacrificial action.” This speaks to the mutable modality of the sign: it is flexible, adaptable, modifying and changing. We can adopt these virtues and show tolerance by being more flexible in a profoundly changing world. We can show compassion and charity towards others, especially the vulnerable, by wearing masks in public, social distancing, and lending caring support in our community. 

This month set aside time to appreciate and value the Virgos in life who are working tirelessly to check the spread of the coronavirus. Biologists are working quickly and carefully to discover as much as possible about this novel virus. Medical workers are skillfully and compassionately easing the suffering of those who have contracted COVID-19. Researchers are diligently working to find vaccines and treatments to alleviate the devastating havoc it produces in the human body. And others are working to provide social services for vulnerable members of our communities. They are sacrificing their health and personal needs to be of greater service in the world right now.

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Venus Retrograde in Gemini: Reviewing our Attachments to a Way of Thinking

A planet moving retrograde appears to move through the same part of the zodiac three times. It is as if the planet is walking back and forth reviewing its issues and processes from different perspectives and providing opportunities for us to revise and re-address them. This “sensitized” part of the zodiac is sometimes referred to as the Retrograde Shadow. 

During a planet’s first pass through the Retrograde Shadow, issues emerge that will be revisited and re-examined during the retrograde period. It then stations retrograde, and slowly begins to move through the Shadow area in reverse direction. This is a time for us to be more internal, reflective, and review what arose for us during the planet’s direct transit through the Shadow area. What emotions triggered in us are surfacing? What missing pieces of information or insight can we become aware of? When the planet arrives at the beginning of the Shadow area it slows, stations direct, and begins moving in a forward direction once again. As it makes its third pass through the Shadow area we can absorb, integrate, and apply knowledge and understanding garnered during the retrograde.

Venus rules, or determines, our natural instinctual physical needs and desires, and our ability to experience comfort and contentment in the physical world. She represents what we appreciate and love for the beauty and physical connections they provide. She defines what matters the most to us, what we find valuable, what we really want in life. She indicates the tangible possessions and material goods we are attached to for the abundance, security, and pleasure they provide.

Venus moves in retrograde motion once every 19 months or so. Its retrograde period lasts approximately 6 weeks. Venus entered its current Retrograde Shadow area on April 10th at 5 degrees Gemini. It stationed retrograde at 22 degrees Gemini on May 13th. It will station direct on June 24th at 5 degrees Gemini, and begin its third pass through its retrograde territory. On July 29th it will reach 22 degrees Gemini once again, leaving the retrograde Shadow area with its issues and lessons, and move on.

During this Venus retrograde in Gemini, we are tasked with reviewing our fixations and attachments to ways of thinking: our thoughts, ideas, and what we “think” we know. Can we find greater value, security and gratification in being more adaptable and flexible in our thinking? Where and how can we entertain other ideas and perspectives on matters? 

We can also reflect on our interactions with our environment and our side-by-side relationships. How do we move through our day? Can we improve the way we communicate and share information? How good a listener are we? How do we respond to the needs of others? What do we love and value about our exchanges with others?

We may also become aware of ways we are fickle, restless, or inconsistent in living by our true values. Are we easily distracted by superficial pleasures which only provide a fleeting sense of pleasure or security? Are we committed to our deeper values, or changeable, depending on how the wind blows?

During its retrograde period, Venus will square Neptune in Pisces twice, challenging us to face up to ways we are unrealistic, or self-delusional by romanticizing or idealizing matters. What illusions or magical thinking do we engage in that we need to acknowledge? Being curious about our inner workings, we can reflect, revise and refine our thinking and ways we interact with the world. Using spiritual awareness we can become more flexible, adaptable, and versatile in order to engage more compassionately in a rapidly changing world. 

“Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix.” – Christina Baldwin

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Cultivating Serenity during Times of Uncertainty

The sign of Taurus is known for its grounded serenity, which comes from its sensory, tactile connection to the earth and material substance. It is practically creative and loves artistic forms of expression that engage and delight the senses. Stable and calm, it is slow to anger. It prefers quiet, tranquil, pastoral surroundings that soothe and pacify the spirit. 

During these times of great uncertainty, we can cultivate qualities of Taurus to create inner stability and security for ourselves. Here are some suggestions.

♉︎   Pause during the day, and center yourself in your body. Feel grounded, anchored to the earth. Feel its support beneath you. Become aware of your breath. Follow the cycle of inhalations and exhalations, allowing yourself to relax more fully with each out breath. Taking time for this exercise quiets the mind and turns our awareness inward, allowing us to connect with our true presence in the moment. 

♉︎   Simplify your life. With shelter in place orders, we are forced to withdraw from busy routines in the outside world and are spending more time at home. This is a good time to clean out and clear out the clutter. Sort through your belongings, paying attention to what you really value in life, and really need. Taurus values its possessions for the satisfaction, gratification, and comfort they provide. Align with the energy of Uranus in Taurus by releasing attachments to things that do not, as Marie Kondo says, “spark joy.” Creating physical, mental and emotional space in your life this way will give you greater ease, peace, and relaxation.

♉︎   Delight your senses with simple pleasures. Taurus connects to the natural world through its sensory experiences. It enjoys good food, art, listening to music, feeling the sun and soft breezes outdoors, and the pleasant fragrance of spring blooms. Find ways to take pleasure in creature comforts. Explore new ways to create objects of practical beauty through artistic crafts such as pottery, sculpture, or painting. Uranus in Taurus enables us to maintain satisfying connections with loved ones through technology. 

♉︎   Spend time in nature. Being immersed in the natural world brings us closer to what we truly need as physical beings. Warmth, shelter, garden-grown food, beautiful landscapes and sunset skies are priceless in a world filled with rampant consumerism. Uranus in Taurus helps free us from over-accumulation, hoarding, and the desire for more and more material wealth and possessions. Spending time outdoors supports our immune system and helps us stay happy and healthy.

♉︎   Find spiritual meaning in your day-to-day life. Taurus’ function is to love and appreciate spirit in physical form. It recognizes that spirit infuses all matter on earth, and through its spiritual awareness finds meaning in its physicality. When we are calm, centered and grounded, we allow Spirit to come through, and are able to receive Uranian downloads of wisdom, comfort and insight.

“Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.” – John Muir