February 9, 2010

Faith and Reason: The giant planets Jupiter and Saturn are sometimes called the “regulators” because they represent the principles of expansion and contraction that shape the tides of change for individuals and society as a whole. Jupiter is in its watery home sign Pisces from January 17 until June 6 and again from September 8 until January 22, 2011. Pisces, the last sign of the zodiac, is boundless, symbolizing spirit and imagination without limits. The growth and wisdom that Jupiter offers in Pisces comes from compassion and inclusion, recognizing that all living beings are part of a shared ecosystem. Its rewards are faith and understanding that allow us to erase philosophical boundaries, overcome our differences and work together for the good of all.

Saturn, on the other hand, is about boundaries and limits. Its presence in Libra (October 29, 2009 - April 7, 2010 and July 21, 2010 - October 5, 2012) is a period when managing relationships requires more attention than usual. Being clear about where we stand with people enables us to build alliances and accommodate others without compromising our interests and values. The downsides of Saturn in Libra are mistrust, overarching competitiveness and a winner-take-all attitude. Fear of insufficiency can provoke polarization and harden positions that can undermine cooperation.

On February 6 Jupiter and Saturn formed an exact quincunx, a stressful 150-degree angle that makes it harder to align aspirations (Jupiter) with the concrete steps required to turn them into reality (Saturn). This influence will be evident throughout the following week and underscores the complex relationship between our highest hopes (Jupiter) and the realities of present circumstances (Saturn). We can vacillate between the dizzying heights of idealism and the frustrations of working with others who don’t share our beliefs. It’s like living in a world marked by two incompatible perspectives: Jupiter in Pisces is faith and feeling while Saturn in Libra is objective and intellectual.

When we encounter contrasting astrological or psychological drives we’re often stressed by their differences. Learning to gracefully shift from Jupiter in Pisces’ faith without reason to Saturn in Libra’s demand for rational explanations is a challenging task. Yet we can succeed by recognizing that we all contain contradictions. It’s not a question of pitting emotion against logic; it’s about realizing that there are (at least) two perspectives to apply in any situation. This becomes an asset when we value both views and can turn from heart to head and back again without becoming lost in confusion or bogged down in frustration. Digesting all this input requires time to absorb all the information and allow it to settle before making any major decisions.

Co-creating the Future

Rick Levine and I are presenting an exciting seminar on using astrology to live more effectively in these changing times. On March 7 – 13, 2010 we will be teaching in the beautiful colonial town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico for a limited group of attendees. Whether you’re a serious student of astrology, total beginner or seasoned professional, Rick and I promise to enrich, enliven and educate with astrology’s magical language to help you create a brighter future. Go to Heaven and Earth Workshops for details.

As published here on my Tarot.com blog.

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