Mary Jo Wevers

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Uranus, Modern Ruler of Aquarius

Aquarius is ruled by the planet Uranus, known as the Great Awakener. It is the first of the transpersonal planets in our solar system, those which lie beyond the orbit of Saturn and are not visible to the naked eye. As a transpersonal planet, Uranus compels us to move beyond our ego identification and connect with the universe on a soul level. It propels us to new levels of consciousness and being.

Uranus was discovered in 1781 by telescope maker William Herschel. Uranus is unique having the coldest planetary atmosphere in our solar system. It is also unique because its axis of rotation is tilted sideways. Its north and south poles lie where most other planets have their equators.

The discovery of Uranus coincided with political and social movements towards liberty around the world, including the American and French revolutions. Uranus is associated with the urge toward freedom, independence, originality and individuation. It is the breaker of traditions and established order. Its urge is progressive and futuristic. A lightening rod to the masses, Uranus rules group experiences. It represents the principle of evolutionary change, both for the individual and the collective.

The force of Uranus destroys the old to make room for the new. Uranus shakes loose the constricting influence and crystallizations of Saturn. It displaces and overthrows established attitudes and structures that have outlived their usefulness. It is the unpredictable hurricane-like force destroying that which no longer serves us, or limits our freedom to grow. Uranus bestows “divine discontent,” an inner urge that propels us towards our next growth opportunity, or towards greater personal freedom. It pushes us to create change and excitement in our life.

The influence of Uranus is often unpredictable. It rules sudden, unexpected changes of a radical and shocking nature that shake our foundations. It stops our world as if to say, “Things have to change!” The force of Uranus rushing through our lives and disrupting our routines can feel disquieting, unsettling, even traumatizing. Its purpose is to take down whatever structures have outlived their usefulness. It liberates us from the confines of convention and urges us to create anew. Earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters are ruled by Uranus.

In astrology Mercury rules the lower mind’s cognitive processes, while Uranus rules the higher mind: intuition, innovation, and creative genius. Uranus governs the part of our intellect that enables us to make connections and associations between pieces of information, and recognize patterns and gain insights. Uranus as the “voice of God” symbolizes intuition in the form of lightening fast insights, bright ideas, and eureka moments. The medium for Uranian creative intelligence is electromagnetic energy. It is etheric and electric in nature. When we tap into Uranus we receive flashes of insight and spontaneous downloads of understanding. By tuning into Uranian energy you can develop your latent creative abilities.

On March 13, 2011 the planet Uranus began its seven year journey through the first sign of the zodiac, Aries. It will complete its transit of Aries this coming May. This has been a cosmic new beginning, ushering us into the 2000 year Age of Aquarius. In the sign of Aries, Uranus encourages and inspires us to become more confident, self-aware, self-contained, and action oriented. It urges us to embrace our independent, pioneering, assertive energy and take risks in life. It fills us with new energy, vitality, courage and creativity as we embark upon the New Age of Aquarius. We are only at the beginning of this exciting phase of human evolution. We will have centuries to explore and deepen our understanding of Aquarius through our collective experience.

“True originality consists not in a new manner but in a new vision.”
– Edith Wharton

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Capricorn: Becoming Your Own Authority


Capricorn is grounded in the material world. The key phrase for Capricorn is “I Use.” In order to manifest our visions we need to be prudent, pragmatic and realistic with our resources. We overcome obstacles through diligence, endurance, and careful economy.

Capricorn works within the constraints of time and matter to turn visions into reality. The contracting and crystallizing forces of Capricorn help us define our dreams in concrete ways. We must delineate our objectives, set goals, develop plans and schedules, and do the work. Like the sure footed mountain goat climbing upwards, Capricorn teaches us to use our stamina, drive and ambition carefully and methodically to be successful and reach our goals. In time we achieve our dreams.

Having practical wisdom gained from experience in the real world, Capricorn is a capable and competent business manager. It is focused and productive. It respects boundaries and knows limitations. Hierarchical, it delegates tasks to others in order to make wise use of time and resources. As a business executive Capricorn is principled and has integrity. It is dependable and reputable, accountable for its actions and achievements. Through enterprise and hard work Capricorn builds wealth and earns the respect of others.

Capricorn uses the resources of our material world to build foundations and infrastructures, and to create organizations that provide long-lasting security for society. It honors tradition and the past. Loyal and committed, it is dedicated to family and community, where it demonstrates social responsibility. The International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers is a living example of the essence of Capricorn. A group of highly respected elders, leaders in their own communities, these women have come together to defend the land and protect, heal and teach its peoples and preserve ancestral cultures.

Being self-reliant, self-sufficient, and focused on working its way to the top, Capricorn often feels lonely. It can appear aloof, shy or awkward in social settings. It has difficulty with feelings and can be prone to depression, doubt and pessimism. Like the character Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’s novel, Capricorn can become severe, insensitive, grudging and miserly. Serious, responsible and reserved, Capricorn finds it difficult to relax, have fun and experience joy in life.

The mighty oak, a tree of great strength and longevity, is another representation of Capricorn. Its humble beginning is a small acorn. Like the acorn, the seeds we plant in the depths of winter will rest in the earth, grow roots, and finally sprout and emerge in the spring. If we tend them regularly with our ambition, dedication, diligence and perseverance, they will one day become our achievements.

Archetypes for Capricorn include Wise Elders, the biblical King Solomon, Father Time, CEOs and executives, and all authority figures. Capricorn rules government and business institutions and organizations. Parts of the body ruled by Capricorn include the knees, the skeletal system, ligaments, teeth and skin. The gem for Capricorn is garnet. Lead and pewter are its metals. Oaks, pines and holly are Capricorn trees and plants. The color for Capricorn is brown. Calendars and clocks marking the passage of time are additional Capricorn symbols.

     “You are here to shine your light from every pore of your being. Glorify your own nature, taking your power back and standing in your own spiritual light, a quantum consciousness of awareness. How are you using your gifts? How will you serve the planet? Are you walking your talk?”

                       – Grandmother Agnes Baker Pilgrim

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Sagittarius: The Quest for Greater Meaning in Life

The positive polarity of Sagittarius gives it an outwardly directed enthusiasm for exploring the world and acquiring new experiences. Goal directed and far seeing, Sagittarius is the archer, setting his aim for the stars. An idealistic philosopher, Sagittarius searches far and wide for knowledge, wisdom and a higher perspective in life.

The key phrase for Sagittarius is “I Understand.” Through Sagittarius the intellect is illuminated by the light of spirit. Sagittarius asks us to expand our view, seek higher learning, and find a broader perspective. Sagittarius knows a problem cannot be solved on the level it was created. It needs to be approached from a higher level, where we have a larger and more complete point of view. When we see the bigger picture we can find answers and possible solutions.

A seeker of truth in pursuit of knowledge, Sagittarius rules religions, philosophy, and institutions of higher learning. It rules foreign countries and languages, and traveling long distances to explore other cultures. Through these avenues Sagittarius expands its understanding of the world and uplifts its personal beliefs and philosophy of life. In its search for truth, Sagittarius covers a lot of ground!

Sagittarius loves adventure, physicality, freedom, wide open spaces, and the outdoors. The natural world and animals, especially horses and deer, are symbols of Sagittarius. It rules outdoor pursuits such as hunting, natural history and the science of ecology. Sagittarius enjoy participating in sports for the physical experience and knowledge gained.

Sagittarius’ love of wide open spaces can cause it to become claustrophobic and commitment phobic if it senses it is losing the mental, emotional and physical freedom it craves. Always on the move looking for the next new adventure beyond the horizon, Sagittarius easily becomes bored and restless. Lacking patience and focus, it misses details and lacks the staying power to see a project through to completion. It prefers to see the forest, and not the trees.

Sagittarius is friendly, direct, and values honesty. It is generous and willing to share. Fun-loving Sagittarius has a sense of humor. It inspires others to lighten up and be optimistic, and to have faith and trust in the future.

The Sagittarius love of expounding on its philosophy can lead to preaching, close-mindedness and fundamentalism if unchecked. Problematic Sagittarius can become attached to being “right”, to being an expert, or a wise person or authority. In this way Sagittarius can cut itself off from exploring other points of view, beliefs or philosophies that might expand its own world view and spiritual vision of life.

Areas of life ruled by Sagittarius include our personal beliefs and philosophy, our vision of life. Religious institutions, practices, rites and ceremonies are Sagittarian. Moral and ethical standards, the law, legal affairs, and publishing are all ruled by Sagittarius. The higher mind and the ways we acquire wisdom, such as through formal education in a college or university, are Sagittarian. Venturing beyond our home to gain new experiences and long distance travel are in the domain of Sagittarius.

Archetypes for Sagittarius include philosophers, college professors and teachers, clergy, spiritual leaders, visionaries and shamans. Travelers, gypsies and wanderers, such as the cowboy riding off into the sunset are also Sagittarius archetypes. Parts of the body ruled by Sagittarius include the hips, upper legs and thighs, the pancreas and fatty tissues. The gem for Sagittarius is turquoise. Its metal is tin. Sagittarius plants are birch trees and dandelion flowers. Its animals include deer and horses. The color for Sagittarius is royal purple.

“Truth resides in every human heart, and one has to search for it there, and to be guided by truth as one sees it. But no one has a right to coerce others to act according to his own view of truth.”
– Edmund Burke

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Scorpio: Instrument of Spiritual Regeneration and Rebirth

The negative polarity of Scorpio gives it an introspective, investigative energy that is secretive and penetrating. Scorpio has a passionate desire to probe the depths of life’s mysteries. It uses its determination, intensity and inner strength in resourceful ways to overcome its fears and face the darkness: the turbulent swampy underworld with its shadows and demons. It understands that darkness and light cannot exist without each other. They are co-creative forces in life.

Scorpio uses its transforming and resurgent powers to cleanse and heal itself. Unafraid of death, Scorpio strips away the superficial and extraneous. It surgically eliminates the unessential and the false to reveal the “bare bones.” It uncovers deeper truths, discovers its true nature, and reveals its innate essence.

Scorpio knows that we are spiritual beings, only temporarily having this human experience. Our ego enables us to navigate our earthly life. Yet there comes a time when the ego and physical form we identify with must die. Death is but one stage in the cycle of reincarnation. In this cycle, our spirit climbs upward in an ever-expanding spiral, similar to the kundalini force surging up the spine during awakening.

Just as a snake sheds its skin, we need to periodically shed parts of ourselves so we can spiritually transform and regenerate anew. Scorpio asks us to venture into the deepest parts of our subconscious, face our shadows, and experience the “death” of our ego-identified self so we can become transfigured and experience rebirth. This how we evolve at the soul level.

Scorpio is magnetic and sexual. The key phrase for this fixed water sign is “I Desire.” It is strong willed, intense, persistent, and has difficulty letting go. It can be extreme, obsessive, a lover of chaos, fear, pain and suffering. The emotional nature of Scorpio is expressed in powerful ways. Scorpio is attracted to catharsis for its drama and intensity, and uses it to provide relief from strong or suppressed emotions. The vast amount of concentrated energy stored deep within Scorpio can burst forth unexpectedly and destructively, like a volcano.

Psychologically, Scorpio is associated with the “shadow side” of our psyche: our fears and obsessions, fixations and compulsions; our need for control and personal power; and acts of betrayal and manipulation, treachery and vengeance. Preoccupied with power, Scorpio ultimately comes to understand that true power cannot be gained by being obsessive, controlling and dominating others. We must plumb the depths of our own inner psyche, and exorcise our demons. Exercising self-control, being insightful and inscrutable allows us to reclaim our own power and use it to transform and regenerate ourselves.

Scorpio is represented by different colors and symbols, which correspond to the levels of its spiritual awareness and expression. The black scorpion represents the lowest level of Scorpio. When threatened, it inflicts pain with the venom injecting barb at the end of its tail. The deep red phoenix rising from the ashes of its ego-identified self represents the resurgent power of Scorpio. The eagle soaring on high with its piercing depth of vision symbolizes Scorpio’s ability to see clearly into the heart of the matter while keeping an objective distance above emotional chaos. Having transcended death itself, the white dove, known in Christianity as the Holy Spirit, symbolizes the highest and purest spiritual expression of Scorpio, the rebirth of the Soul.

Areas of life ruled by Scorpio include other people’s values, shared possessions, joint assets and wealth, as well as power struggles over shared resources and sexuality. Scorpio rules politics, political relations and economics, which contain elements of power and control. Death, mysteries, secrets and hidden things fall under the sign of Scorpio. Significant breakthroughs and other deeply transforming emotional experiences are in its domain.

Occupations and archetypes for Scorpio include private investigators, criminologists, researchers, surgeons, psychiatrists, pathologists, politicians, organized crime, terrorists, sex workers, occultists and vampires. Parts of the body ruled by Scorpio are the organs of reproduction and elimination. The gem for Scorpio is onyx. Its metal is plutonium. Thorn-bearing shrubs and chrysanthemums are Scorpion plants. Snakes, spiders, scorpions, scavengers and parasites are Scorpio animals. Parts of a house that are ruled by Scorpio include sewer drains and septic systems, exhaust vents, toilets, and garbage systems.

“Your lost power resides in the hidden depths of your Being. Do not be afraid to go there. The things you fear are only shadows. The power you can reclaim is necessary to power your Solar Light. You cannot shine fully in the world without it. You will only be a weak version of the Divine Flame you are meant to radiate.”

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Self-Knowledge through Relationships

The positive, outgoing polarity of Libra is expressed in its desire to connect with others. Libra believes that personal interaction is the basis for all major insight and advances in society. Libra desires a civilized, cooperative meeting of the minds in an atmosphere of refinement, reasonableness and harmony. This cardinal sign is the “iron fist in a velvet glove.”

A social air sign, Libra uses its intellect to understand opposing perspectives and to find ways to extend fairness to all. It shares its views, and strives to convince others of their credibility. It uses compromise to resolve opposing and competing views, and reach agreement. Libra is a diplomatic mediator, a just peacemaker. The key phrase for Libra is “I Balance.” Its symbol is the Scales, an instrument used to measure or weigh by balancing objects.

Libra can become out of balance by putting other people’s needs and aspirations ahead of its own. When it avoids confrontations out of its desire for peace at any price it sacrifices its own identity and desires. As it compromises its self, its personal identity fades into the “we” of partnership. Libra can then become miserable dwelling on the lack of fairness and justice for itself.

Poised, gracious and charming, Libra rules interpersonal skills, social behavior and etiquette. It refines and polishes its efforts to create successful interactions between people. Keenly aware of other people’s preferences and desires, Libra tactfully strives to please and avoids offending at all costs. Libra can appear superficial and frivolous when avoiding issues that may provoke disagreement or anger. It can be passive, flattering and phony out of fear of discord or conflict. Libra touts honesty, but shies away from holding opinions that might be offensive. As a result, Libra often appears to be indecisive. 

Areas of our life ruled by Libra include all face-to-face relationships including business and marriage partnerships, social circumstances, and interactions with peers and open enemies. Libra governs our interpersonal skills, including how well we cooperate and collaborate with others. It rules our inner attitudes about compromise, harmony and agreement. Contracts, agreements, and joint endeavors fall under its domain.

Spiritually and psychologically, Libra represents the search for greater self-awareness and understanding through relationships. We project onto others unresolved issues in our psyche we have difficulty acknowledging, our “shadow side.” In face-to-face relationships the other person is a movie screen for our own projections. They mirror back to us elements of our self we are not consciously aware of. We are forced to see them, so that we can take steps to resolve, transform and heal them.

We have opportunities to learn more about our self through family relationships and business and marriage partnerships. Problematic issues arise and we must find ways to reconcile them. We learn how to balance our needs with the needs of others. We discover ways to share power, and to give and take. In the crucible of relationships we are subjected to forces that result in our own growth and transformation.

Libra archetypes are arbitrators, moderators, negotiators and emissaries; judges, mediators and lawyers.  Designers and interior decorators, art dealers and curators are examples of people who exhibit the Libran love of beauty and refinement. Colors for Libra are deep rose pink and magenta. The gem for Libra is opal. White roses, cosmos, hydrangeas and poppies are Libra flowers. Lizards are Libran animals. Parts of a house that are ruled by Libra include living rooms, picture windows and draperies, and rooms containing works of art. Parts of the body ruled by Libra are the lower back and kidneys.

“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