Author Adam Gainsburg describes the Chiron process of initiation in his wonderful book called, Chiron, The Wisdom of a Deeply Open Heart. The following is an excerpt from his insightful book: "Chiron, in many of his myths, is an initiator for humanity because the wound-into-medicine process doesn't intend to do something about outer circumstances as its way of healing, but rather to change the inner self to be more heartfully responsive to what does externally manifest. Individuals who have succeeded in returning to this world of linear time and ego reality from the other world of their deepest fears and denials eventually realize that they are being drawn to share their medicine with others. The depth of their sacrifice can be correlated to the reach of their wisdom."
On another note, we ended the month of January with an exact square between Saturn and Pluto (in effect from September 2009 through August 2010). An exact alignment is a peak time when the symbolism of the two planets in alignment are at their most potent expression. Saturn-Pluto symbolizes not only tough economic challenges and reform, personal trials and tribulations and personal sacrifices, but literally, the process of destruction and rebuilding. The massive and tragic earthquake in Haiti is an extreme example of unrelenting and difficult change which hopefully will result in long term, sound structures rebuilt with humble persistence and dedicated hard work. Survival skills (Saturn-Pluto) are called upon to help many navigate through their treacherous and rapidly changing environment. It is important to pray for survivors of this devastating quake from a vantage point of acceptance, hopefulness and a belief in miracles...A belief that help and healing are ever present in all situations and circumstances of life.
Mars, the archetypal God of war, continues its retrograde cycle in Leo all month long (through March 10, 2010). How are you being called upon to review your motives, desires, actions, willpower and energy? Many of us have to take a step back to regroup and carefully reflect on personal and professional challenges which ultimately are for our highest good. Our priorities are shifting in regard to how we apply our energy, time and willpower in our everyday life. The planet Mars also rules over the military and police force, suggesting that reform concerning violence, aggression and corruption may be at the foreground during this long cycle of enforced, conscious self control and discipline.
During week one of February (exact 2/8 - 2/11), Venus aligns with Chiron and Neptune in humanitarian oriented Aquarius, suggesting love, helping, healing and wounding are all intertwined and intensely activated in the collective. Venus-Neptune conjoins the feminine principle of love and attraction with idealism and/or spirituality. On a higher vibration, Venus-Neptune expresses love from a place of grace, unconditional acceptance and inner beauty. This is an outstanding time to engage in spiritual practice or healing modalities which help us connect with out guides, angels or spiritual source.
Mercury will next oppose retrograde Mars (exact on 2/12 - 2/13), suggesting heightened temperament and aggressive communications tactics. Beware of hypersensitivity as we are challenged to exert greater self control and discipline as we are confronted with any anger or hostility from others. It is best to not take insensitive remarks seriously at this vulnerable time and understand that this "on the edge" mood is temporary.
There is A NEW MOON ON 2/13/10 AT 25 AQUARIUS AT 9:52 PM (EST) - Themes of wounding, healing and compassion continue as they are connected to this monthly cycle of new beginnings in alignment with both Chiron and Neptune in Aquarius. Venus conjoins Jupiter in Pisces also during this New Moon, linking love with faith and opportunity with new start energies. This New Moon is a wonderful time to learn something new or enlightening or reach out and join social or humanitarian groups in efforts to make a significant difference.
The Sun in Aquarius will next conjoin Neptune and Chiron on 2/14, suggesting that Valentine's Day will evoke very deep and heartfelt feelings from all kinds of relationships this month! Again, we have another potent cosmic mix of idealism, compassion, intuition and spirituality. The Sun represents the ego and Neptune represents the dissolving of ego concerns. Neptune also represents the activation of soulfulness. For some individuals, this can be a time of disillusionment and escapism, especially if they do not feel connected to any kind of spiritual source or nourishment in their lives. For others, it is a potent time when the desires of the heart and soul take precedence over tangible concerns.
February 14 marks the start of the Chinese New Year and this New Year is the YEAR OF THE TIGER! If you are a tiger in Chinese astrology, you can expect an eventful year. I happen to be a Tiger (a water tiger) and I am hoping that any and all changes will be welcomed during this new year of possibilities. It certainly presages an auspicious year.
On 2/16 - 2/17, Venus forms an exact conjunction with Jupiter at 6 Pisces (exactly on my natal Chiron-Jupiter conjunction in Pisces). Grace, beauty, love, expansion, deep feelings or expansion of hurt feelings are all possible here. However, Jupiter offers the promise of prosperity and reward in the feeling realm of Pisces. Pisces symbolizes the arts, metaphysics, counseling and alternative healing modalities of all kinds. Chiron and Neptune also form an exact conjunction on 2/17 at 26 Aquarius (peak time period), amplifying the wounding/healing nature of love in all its forms and expressions!
Mercury, the planet that rules over communications, conjoins Neptune and Chiron in Aquarius on 2/27, inspiring all communication matters with intuition, prayerfulness and spirituality...This theme continues! The Aquarius focus suggests that topics related to human rights and humanitarian issues may be very visible in the news or media. This is a very sensitive time on the mental plane, so ideally we should allow sacred time for mental rest and reflection.
On 2/28, watch for THE FULL MOON AT 9 VIRGO AT 11:39 AM (EST). The Sun conjoins Jupiter in Pisces today, bringing blessings for expansion, growth or advancement during this illumination of all things Virgo: organization, discernment, service, health and purification. This is an excellent time period to engage in practices which enhance our health such as detoxification programs of all kinds. It's also an outstanding time to be of service in any capacity. We may now harness the opportunity and reward of Jupiter with illumination of our inner light (Sun). Venus aligns closely with Uranus in Pisces during this Full Moon (exact 3/3), suggesting the potential for enhanced creativity and artistic revelations.
On a closing note, we can expect heightened intuition, feelings and inspiration this month, as our ability to connect with the intangible realms is at an all time high!
Shimmering Blessings,
Carol Bellis
