With so many messages flinging at us in this 24/7 non-stop world, it is challenging to discern which ones to consider, or the barrage is so overwhelming we find ourselves in a confused state of reactivity. Humanity may have reached this cacophonous condition in order to learn something that is needed now more than ever: discernment, the definition of which is “the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure.” This is precisely what occult traditions teach, and what astrology reveals through the study of archetypes and cycles. Learning discernment at the esoteric level puts us in a whole new game that requires awareness of that which we do not ordinarily perceive. So as the week unfolds, with as many opportunities to love as there is to hate, may we practice the art of discernment and pay attention to messages emanating from behind the curtain of physical reality.
Venus enters Sagittarius on December 1, to send the message that love is an adventure. Joining the Sun, Mercury and Saturn here, Venus archetypally delves into the Sagittarian exploration of truth through its need to connect. Taking to heart “the art of living together,” the gift of Sagittarius according to Dane Rudhyar, Venus in Sagittarius may have us discerning the quality of our choices in the context of our societal interactions. For the next few weeks, as Venus traverses the sign that calls us to expand our horizons and enjoy the bounty of life, we may find ourselves attracted to all things foreign as a gateway to having new experiences. We may also seek to grasp the obscure in esoteric philosophy, or look for a more feminine expression in civilization’s codes of conduct. The prolific esoteric writer Dion Fortune, who had Venus in Sagittarius, comprehended its essence when she wrote, “A religion without a Goddess is halfway to atheism.”
Venus’ cooperative rule set is evoked on December 1 when Mars in Libra opposes Uranus in Aries. In the sign Venus rules, Mars’ innate need to create is tasked in Libra with adapting to a shared process that thrives on the balance of give and take. However, Uranus is in the sign Mars rules and therefore motivated to act without forethought to break free from any situation that feels confining or oppressive. During the heat of this opposition, an ability to grasp the obscure will mitigate rigid stances that lead to regretful actions. We may come to comprehend that love is the energetic net between humans and learn to honor each side no matter how polarizing. At the esoteric level Mars/Uranus may give us the energy to break free from soul-numbing patterns in relationships so we can express freely from the heart.
While the Mars/Uranus pair has the potential to quicken the pace, an alternate planetary movement may force us to slow down, perhaps making it feel like we’re in a time warp. Mercury, the planet that rules our thinking and way of perceiving, turns retrograde on December 2 in the last degree of Sagittarius, which can correlate to a sudden change in thinking on recent important issues. Furthermore, Mercury remains in an unusually long conjunction with Saturn in Sagittarius (see last AstroCast) that may make this retrograde period seem particularly serious. Something may happen requiring us to take responsibility for past deeds, or assume additional responsibility in order to live up to an agreement, whether we feel we are able to or not. In Sagittarius, Mercury/Saturn archetypally stands by an ethical rule set and while it is also oriented on precision, what is most important is that each step in a methodical process supports the integrity of the process as a whole. During this retrograde, we may need to retread certain territory in order to pick up additional information so we can grasp the obscure parts of the Sagittarian Big Picture. Being aware of the whole truth will help us stay on track to serve its holistic purpose.
Expanding the otherworldly quality to the week, Jupiter and Neptune align in the first of three exact trines on December 2, one of the more prominent astral events that will develop through September 2018. Jupiter’s expansive and philosophical nature has an affinity for Neptune’s mystical realms and may beckon us to relax our perception of the world. Everything may sparkle a little more as we perceive the luminous energy at the core of existence. Rather than grasping the obscure, we may be sensing it permeating the atmosphere. In order to comprehend this etheric aspect, we could pay greater attention to our dreams and intuition, as well as the magical synchronicities occurring daily that we ordinarily overlook. We may experience a more active imagination or be receptive to visionary messages that inspire us to extend our awareness beyond the physical. While we still have to deal with the material realities at hand, if we create space to meditate on this powerful spiritual force, we may find its grace descending into our open hearts as a joyous connection with every moment.
The easygoing reverie of Jupiter/Neptune may be interrupted by the Full Moon on December 3 that is in an exact T-square with Neptune. This tense configuration brings to a head the intense lunar cycle that commenced with the Scorpio New Moon on November 18, and may compel us to become aware of our ego’s harsh nature by correlating to strong feedback on how our thought processes are under its control. The Moon in Gemini, which represents the practical mind, is about gathering, processing and disseminating data. The Sun in higher-mind Sagittarius gathers that data into a broad, meaningful system of thought. Neptune in Pisces’s subtle force in a challenging alignment to the luminaries calls us to work on dissolving those parts of our nature that block the expression of love. Under this week’s planetary weather, even the slightest of selfish acts may seem insensitive or even cruel. While most have forgotten that we are compassionate beings connected to all that is, in contemplating the Sun/Moon/Neptune T-square, we may realize if we let the steady drip, drip, drip of consciousness erode the ego’s merciless grip on the mind we may grasp the obscure state of unconditional Love that is our ultimate destiny.
Here’s the data:
(Using Pacific Standard Time and, in the spirit if Mercury/Saturn precision, degrees noted are exact.)
December 1 – Venus at 0° Sagittarius at 1:14 a.m.
December 1 – Mars opposite Uranus at 25°0’ Libra/Aries at 2:04 a.m.
December 2 – Jupiter trine Neptune at 11°29’ Scorpio/Pisces at 6:22 p.m.
December 2 – Mercury station retrograde at 29°18’ Sagittarius at 11:34 p.m.
December 3 – Sun square Neptune at 11°29’ Sagittarius/Pisces at 3:44 a.m.
December 3 – Moon opposite Sun (Full Moon) at 11°40’ Gemini/Sagittarius at 7:47 a.m.
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