General overview

This New Moon - almost two weeks ago now - was in harmony with Uranus, pointing towards the correct way to deal with our reactions if we are to stay in harmony with the present spiritual directive (along the South to North Node path). Scorpio is about our deepest emotional experiences, but, without clear observation, we can get into simply repeating reactive patterns. So we are to be in touch with our deepest needs, but not enslaved or over-whelmed by them, in order to deal with what arises, and make the best of any situation (North Node in Capricorn).

Spirit is shaking our foundations

You may have found that issues arising during the last month provoked fear or anxiety, as Saturn (the ruler of Capricorn) has been squaring Pluto. Saturn rules those things that seem essential to survival, and Pluto represents the destruction of whatever restricts the growth of new life. In Libra, Saturn is ‘the fair judge’, but sometimes life doesn’t seem fair, and we have to accept what we thought unacceptable – facing squarely inevitable changes. It’s not that we’ve done anything wrong – and our acceptance of the facts, and our determination to work with what is, can bring about truly valuable achievements. This is part of Saturn’s gift on offer at the moment, that we may use if we work to understand what needs to be done, and apply our breadth of vision and imagination to enjoy doing it as an adventure (Mercury in Sagittarius is sextile Saturn).

The kind of situation that all this applies to could be any relationships that either have been around us for years, or where either side have assumed some degree of responsibility for the other. It may also involved where you live, or a joint project you are working on. It may also involve your finances, and how they relate to the general state of commerce world-wide. Whichever of these areas of your life is beginning to feel a bit shaky at this time, the situations will not finally resolve until this Saturn/Pluto aspect completes. The second phase of change will be around late January/early February, and the completion will be mid-August 2010.

Trust, and do the best you can

The time now is for examining the situation from all sides, trying to see where you might have held it fixed, that now needs to shift even though it may seem impossible to do that. Traditional boundaries may need to move; the fences you have been shoring up may need to come down altogether; any dogma and rules you have taken for granted may need to be dissolved so that you can see the truth behind them – this truth may have been hidden by the words used to define it. It can feel as though you are losing the truth you relied on – but what is really happening is that you are being offered the chance to go deeper within yourself to find the truth that lives in you. Re-examine the habitual customs of your relationships, and let go of what no longer serves your life. The old dead wood snaps under pressure, clearing the way for what lives.

Facing our fears we often discover that the fear itself is the worst bit. This time we will have no option except to choose to work with the inevitable, doing what life requires of us, and doing it carefully, responsibly, respectfully – this is Saturn’s way and it will work best during this time.

Pressure on relationships – we’re all in it together

A bit about relationships at this time: one error we can make is getting into the light-hearted side of our adventuring at the expense of our real emotional reactions – ignoring pain and focusing on fun. It’s important to recognise and acknowledge what we really feel, because otherwise the negative expression of that feeling will push through as manipulation or spiteful comments, upsetting those around us. When we know and respect our deeper emotional reactions, they contribute not only a necessary part of the directing motivation, but also that extra energy we need to persevere towards the goal. In other words, putting your cards on the table, owning up to what is important to you personally, and without insisting that others agree, enables your desires to be incorporated in the general plan where possible. Not only will you feel more inclined to include other people’s desires as well, you will also feel more motivated to help achieve the relationship- or group-goal.

Let’s have fun - intelligently

At the Full Moon on 2 December, Venus will move into Sagittarius until 26 December, smiling on the enjoyment of sharing, giving, partying, philosophising, whatever you want to do. Uranus continues to suggest we observe our emotions rather than being jerked around by them, but with Mars continuing through the fiery Leo, the emphasis is definitely on lightening up!