Mary Jo Wevers

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Saturn, Ruling Planet of Capricorn

The sign of Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn, the Lord of Karma, who keeps us on the path of spiritual evolution. Saturn keeps us on track, or holds us back when we deviate from our spiritual path, depending on your attitude. Discipline comes from the word disciple, who is someone who follows a master. When we exercise self-discipline, we follow the master that is our Higher Self, and we keep on our highest path.

Saturn demands that we “come down to earth” and “get real.” It teaches us we reap what we sow. Saturn asks us to have integrity: to be morally accountable and honorable in our word and deed. We learn to take responsibility for what we have created in our life when we experience consequences for our decisions and actions. This is not the same as taking blame, or being blamed for something and made to feel guilty. Instead it means we step up and embrace the opportunity and do the necessary work. It requires action and diligence. By assuming responsibility for our life we achieve a measure of control over our fate.

In Greek and Roman mythology Saturn was known as the God of Time. In astrology Saturn rules cycles of time, the timing of events, aging and the maturation process. It represents wisdom gained over time. Saturn asks us to give up the illusions of youth, to show restraint, and grow up. Saturn teaches us maturity through patience. We gain strength through perseverance and determination as we work through obstacles by making repeated efforts. We are rewarded for our consistent, diligent efforts with respect. In time we gain a reputation as a wise, mature authority.

The planet Saturn takes 2.5 to 3 years to move through a sign. Saturn moved into its own sign of Capricorn on December 21, 2017. It will complete its transit of Capricorn and move into Aquarius on December 18, 2020. Over the coming two years Saturn in Capricorn will challenge us to take responsibility for being our own authority, and make our own decisions in life. Where in your life do you need to be more practical, realistic, and prudent?

In the next two years, issues we have with parental and authority figures and institutions may crop up. We may experience conflicts with our fathers or families, bosses, or government or political systems. We may feel we are not getting the respect we deserve. Honor yourself and have integrity in your words and deeds. Set your own goals and create the structure and organization you need to achieve them. Be committed and set priorities. Make wise use of your resources. Work diligently. Use patience and work with the cycles of time; do not expect immediate results from your efforts. In due course you will earn a reputation of being a wise mature adult, who is an authority in your own right through the experience you have gained.

     “Saturn represents that which nails us to the cross of matter, holding us in the world of form.”

                                                           – Anne Whitaker

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Jupiter, Ruling Planet of Sagittarius

The planetary ruler of Sagittarius is Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system. Jupiter was known by astronomers in ancient times and was associated with the mythology and religious beliefs of many cultures. In Babylonia the planet Jupiter represented their god Marduk. In Greek mythology Jupiter is called Zeus, the father of the gods. The Romans named the planet after their chief god Jupiter, who was the guardian and protector of all the other gods. Jupiter is sometimes referred to as Jove. The words ‘jovian’ and ‘jovial’ mean happy or merry, moods ascribed to the favorable influence of Jupiter.

In astrology Jupiter symbolizes expansion, opportunity and growth. In the astrological chart Jupiter represents good fortune, prosperity and blessings, benevolence and grace. It is the force that urges us to seek the freedom to expand our horizons and find a greater connection to the wide world. It shows us how we can build trust and faith in ourselves, and how we can develop inner strength and confidence.

Jupiter helps us create a vision of what we can manifest in this life. It urges us to look towards the future, to set a direction, and aim high with our goals. It encourages us and helps us prepare for future possibilities with enthusiasm and optimism. It uplifts us and connects us to the greater universe. It is the “cosmic cheerleader.”

Jupiter and Sagittarius rule serendipity, an unexpected outcome that results from taking action. Once we have set our goal, Jupiter urges us to make a leap of faith, take action, and let go of our expectations for a specific result. When we trust in serendipity, Jupiter is free to grace us with more luck and benevolence than we might have expected. Wherever Jupiter falls in our chart is where and how we can best experience serendipity working in our life.

When you develop a vision and set goals, stay open and receptive to other possibilities and outcomes. Trust that far-seeing Jupiter can see something better for you down the road.

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Projection and Reflection in Relationships

Sometimes we think an issue we are struggling with lies in the way someone treated us. Perhaps our mother did not nurture us in ways we needed. Or our father was remote and uninterested in us, or stern and critical. We may place blame on them for our current problems, chronic issues, or unhappy life situations.

The Ego-Mind likes stories. It tries to protect us and provide explanations for experiences in our past that cause us pain. However a story can keep us stuck in the past. A story is static, while we are dynamic. Change is the only constant in life, and if we want to move forward and evolve we have to let go of our old stories.

What if we reframed our perspective and re-wrote the stories about our past relationships? What if we let go of playing the role of passive victim and, owning our experiences, viewed them as opportunities for our growth and development?

Perhaps the relationships we have with others are soul contracts to help us gain self-awareness and to work on our own issues. Other people may trigger something in us, or reflect something back to us, thereby helping us see something we were not aware of. An emotional reaction to something outside of our self provides a clue that draws our attention.

Instead of giving our power away by blaming someone for triggering or mistreating us, and spinning into story, we can take responsibility by turning inward. What is coming up in us that needs resolution or healing? What changes can we make for our self? This is empowering and puts us in the driver’s seat of our own life.

From this place we can adopt a higher, broader, more spiritual perspective for understanding our life experiences. We can see that relationships are what I like to call “the crucible for self-awareness and transformation.” We can honor the soul contracts we have with others and have gratitude for the ways others serve our spiritual growth.

“What angers us in another person is more often than not an unhealed aspect of ourselves. If we had already resolved that particular issue, we would not be irritated by its reflection back to us.”
– Simon Peter Fuller

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Healing Divides and Improving our World

Wednesday August 22nd the Sun leaves the courageous and charismatic fire sign of Leo and enters the humble and service-oriented earth sign of Virgo. Each succeeding sign of the zodiac provides the means to rectify or redirect the energy of the previous sign. Virgo directs the heart-felt creativity of the Sun to be of practical service in the world. A mutable sign, modest Virgo applies its powers of discrimination and analysis to perfect our human existence: to heal, make corrections and ameliorate harmful conditions.

We have completed a season of eclipses, where the Sun and Moon align with the lunar nodes, activating problematic karmic patterns for release or renovation. The last two eclipses in Leo provided opportunities for us to connect with our inner divine spark of life, to rededicate ourselves to living with enthusiasm and joy, and to upgrade our unique creative self-expression. This coming month we are invited to apply ourselves and utilize our gifts to improve human conditions and help heal the planet.

Mercury completes its retrograde phase four days before the Sun enters Virgo. After its review period, we can absorb and integrate the new awareness and perspectives we gained during the retrograde. Mercury will continue moving through the retrograde Shadow Area, the portion of the zodiac affected by the retrograde, until September 2nd. During this time we can make use of our newly gained insights, apply new information, and implement alternative strategies, as we integrate newly found knowledge. Have courage, encourage others with your generosity, and lead from the heart. Having gained clarity about issues and ideas, Virgo will assist us as we implement our improved plans and approaches.

As the Sun enters the sign of Virgo it forms a Grand Earth Trine with retrograde Uranus in Taurus and retrograde Saturn in Capricorn. Uranus in retrograde motion disrupts our internal comfort and complacency, prompting us to review, reflect, and resolve any issues related to our physical existence, including our relationship to our physical body and dependency on the Earth’s ecology. Retrograde Saturn asks us to take responsibility for reviewing rigid, outmoded structures and systems in our world. What is no longer working? Uranus will help us break down and sweep away the old, paving the way for creative innovative change. The three planets in the earthy trine support each other in grounded, stabilizing ways. The practical receptive energy of Virgo, which naturally wants to analyze, improve and perfect, can help us find practical solutions to our problems, methods for improvement, and implement them with diligence and devotion.

The Moon in Capricorn is positioned between retrograde Mars and retrograde Pluto. It provides an emotionally receptive influence as Mars and Pluto review and reconsider the use of power and actions taken in patriarchal institutions. The Moon trines Ceres in Virgo, lending committed, purposeful support to nurturing others by improving conditions and healing divides. Through Virgo we can bring together disparate factions, bridge the gaps, and realign systems to be of greater service for all.

“The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.”     -Robert F. Kennedy

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Facing Unpredictable Changes with a Courageously Open Heart

Sunday July 22nd the Sun leaves the sensitive and vulnerable water sign of Cancer and enters the confident and courageous fire sign of Leo. Each succeeding sign of the zodiac provides the means to rectify or redirect the energy of the previous sign. The astrology this summer portends unexpected developments and unpredictable changes. More than ever we need to summon courage and stay centered in our hearts as we witness dramas unfolding on the global stage. Leo redirects our awareness from the realm of feelings and vulnerabilities and inspires us to move out into the world where we can use our inspired creativity to find solutions to long standing problems. Use your will and determination to love life, honor others, and command respect for individual rights during these unstable times.

The positive polarity of Leo gives it an enthusiastic, sunny, and expansive energy. Having a flair for drama and passion, Leo is a great actor and performer. It loves being on stage in the spotlight taking on varying roles. Leo commands attention, approval, love, respect and applause from others.

Leo governs the ego and the conscious process of becoming an individual. As spiritual beings having a human experience, our egos enable us to function in the world. When we have a healthy ego, we connect with our own inner light and find creative forms of self expression. We learn self-mastery by setting goals and directing our energy and enthusiasm towards them. We are generous in sharing our creative powers and love of life.

The key phrase for Leo is “I Will.” Having abundant courage, Leo does not hesitate to act, especially in undertakings in which personal recognition is desired. It participates in life fully and completely. At its best, Leo is generous, heart-centered, and gives to others in loving ways. Leo must guard against being insecure, arrogant, dominating and having an inflated ego.

Proud, regal, and dignified, Leo respects itself. It values honor and is loyal. Leo’s animal magnetism and charisma make it a confident and influential leader. Leo’s goal is to inspire others to become leaders and shine in their own right.

In many cultures Leo symbolizes the ultimate authority, God on earth, represented by the crown and throne and personified by kings and queens. The symbol for Leo is the majestic lion, representing power and authority. Positive archetypes for Leo include the benevolent ruler, and kings and queens who model courage and strength to their people.

Psychologically, Leo rules our Inner Child: the joyful, creative, spontaneous part of our self who is both playful and sophisticated at the same time. Being in touch with our Inner Child in loving ways connects us with our own spark of divine light. We become more lighthearted, happy, and ebullient. We find ways to channel our individual energy and vitality in creative, whimsical amusements. We play, discover pleasures, enjoy recreational activities such as games, sports, vacations, holidays, and parties. We have fun as we learn self-mastery in the world.

Spiritually, Leo represents the generous heart-centered out-pouring of light and love of life. A candle flame used to light many other candles is not diminished by its sharing. The more that is expressed and freely given, the more there is in the world. As we use and share our light, warming and illuminating others, we encourage them to do the same.

Leo rules our spiritual life purpose. Staying connected to our own individual spark of divine light allows us to create out of joy so we can share our love with others. What brings you joy? What do you love to do more than anything else? What kind of activities excite and replenish your energy? What is a heartfelt expression of your life force and creativity?

The color for Leo is golden yellow, the radiant color of the Sun. Visualize the color gold when you want to build self-love and self-respect, increase confidence, or create warm connections with others. Ruby is the gem for Leo. Gold is its metal. Sunflowers, marigolds, orange and citrus trees are Leo plants. Lions, cats and peacocks are Leo animals. Actors, comedians, stage performers and entertainers personify Leo. Parts of the body ruled by Leo include the heart, upper back, spine, solar plexus and spleen.

This month we can align with the Sun’s radiant energy in Leo by shining our unique, individual spark of light into the world. Find joy in your individuality. Take action with courage and strength. Have confidence. Practice your leadership skills. Make heart-felt connections and respect the divinity in others. Communicate with love. Be generous with your gifts.

“The difference between a leader and a demagogue is a leader brings out the best in his or her followers; a demagogue brings out the worst. History is filled with both.”

– Robert Reich