​It is eclipse season and greater clarity and insight are abundant. We have to recognize our own truth because the truth of others may not resonate. Difference between empathy and sympathy is the difference between self-perception and observing others. Our thought patterns drag us into judgement. It is hard to see the emotional, historical, cultural components of another’s life experience. As long as their perspective does not trample on yours, it is best to waylay a verdict.

In construction in big cities we are living out the adage “those who live in glass houses should not throw stones”. The perception of sight requires light, but sometimes filters are helpful. A friend curated an exhibition on the beginnings of airplane flights, which coincided with skyscrapers being built. The exhilaration of observing a grand perspective also created a fear of assimilating it. Do you have a room with a view?

​Thankfully with the Uranus upsets you are being provided a cushion of unconditional support, if you can see it! We always love ourselves last, if ever. Explosive ego is probably not your dilemma. You prefer the addiction to comfort. See the next two weeks as a time to observe and not react.

This new moon may feel like the white rabbit’s observation. “I’m late for a very important date”. Oodles of planets in Aries and Aquarius makes us want our belief systems to move full steam ahead. As we have been in a new kind of quarantine, the need is for action. But the new systems may not be up and running.

The mysterious mode of romance is more so than ever. Love is a four letter word that adds up to nine. This is the universal number of pathos and the Hermit in the tarot.

For Inspiration
Listen to “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane.

​You cannot escape center stage. As a rule you can handle it. It is a time to re-examine everything. Relationships, health routines, making a living and taking care of all the groups you may belong to. Hats and new hairdos may provide some lighthearted relief.

​The art and gift of storytelling is insightful, uplifting and forces us to fathom the parts of ourselves we cannot see or hide from. There is no place that does not appreciate the service it offers.

As the current premise is rather dire, we need to communicate in a parallel way if we are not feeling part of the reality that is being perpetrated.

The great storytellers like La Fontaine or Shakespeare always had their immediate attention on their time perspective. Richard the Third truly believed he was helping his vision of what the country needed. Today’s leaders or doctors, or lawyers or bankers too feel they are working towards enhancing our needs. As most of us do not know what to say to the inconsistencies we observe, it is better to have analogies.

Perhaps Cinderella was in need of her soul. A well-fitted slipper helped.

Even the darkest thoughts in the realm of Pluto, Lord of the dead, are always acknowledging rebirth with benefits.

​It is nice to have attention focused on you. You deserve it. Let the word “thanks” be a refrain. Initiative will be there for any new projects. The leaders you choose may confound what you think is the right direction. You can follow and grow. Try and put focus on the local beauty that surrounds your interior monologue. Altered states of consciousness is the way to prepare. Doodling, drums, and daydreaming are a strength.

​Divination is the ability to grasp intuition and perceive the possibility of ever lasting peace.

In this time of Imbolc, light the candles and gaze into the light of mist. The two queens of Europe in the year 568 were sisters in law. Brunhild and Fredegund were not compatible rulers, but competent. Their abilities wrote them out of the history they created. The regular spinning of the globe does provide the insight we need.

Rene Descartes said, “I doubt, therefore I think, therefore I am.”

The virtue of competition is to enhance our performance. The process of doubt is how we stimulate our identity.

Most relationships exist to exercise our search for intimacy, many come to us to test our resolve.

​As the higher octave of Mercury, Uranus must be better at intense focus. Mercury gathers info. Uranus sorts it out. The fluidity of speech is the cherry on the top. Rhythm is the epiphany of existence. Photography is a gift. If you have it, be sure and do more of it. Unknown folks are not as important as your neighbors right now.

​The new year brings hope after six years of tumultuous and devastating change. The healing process takes time too. The Mercury moonwalk from January 14 - February 3 has new perspectives that require eccentric isolation. The Venus Uranus connection towards the end of January brings a beautiful cleansing. Take advantage of the depths of insight you’ve been through to luxuriate in daydreaming. Dry land is in sight.

​The innovation of money is a little hard to grasp. The intangible structures are confusing to your nature. Repetition is the name of the game. You understand rehearsal and showing up. As exposure to the physical presence of others is dicey, the world of pretending is key.

​How to handle the myriad ways of focusing our feelings?

Embrace the God, Pan. The ancient meaning is “All”. Pan demic is all people.

We are all experiencing isolation. With it comes “fear”. When we cannot understand, literally stand under, we feel we stand alone. If we can only continue to connect and observe our feelings as they arise, we will be surrounded with hope.

Another relative of Pan’s, Pandora appears with that feeling which is very close to love. We are at the nadir of these problems, working towards the zenith. 

​You are surrounded by intellectuals. Take a course or get on a plane. Something you’ve been planning a long time is coming to fruition. Seek justice with any neighbors or remote relatives. Fairness is always in the forefront. Remember it is fluid. Being behind the scenes for the moment is cathartic.

​Smell is the subtle, existential sense. We rarely pay attention unless it is necessary. Smoke, garlic, perfume, compost heap, are all pervasively in our purview. For most other creatures, it provides life’s necessities. Food, shelter, fear, and comfort are all a component of our noses. In astrology, it is ruled by Scorpio.

Like most everything, enhanced awareness of smell provides insight into our unconscious. Focus on it and we will remember the earliest poignant memories. Attraction is most always influenced by it. Of course, these days we have been robbed of it. Perhaps our general malaise in connecting to others now, is, we are unaware as to how to reestablish uniting, relating and associating through the ongoing face coverings. 

If Narcissus, the flower was being picked by Persephone when she was abducted by Pluto, does this mean, she was actually being saved from being too self-involved? And was it the smell?

​Too much focus becomes toxic. As the creature that understands the nature of losing control the best, you can bite the hand that feeds you. You understand what is modern or in fashion. You also know it goes around in circles. The disruption of instant communication brings the viability of truth in question. Truth like wine needs aging.

​Fight or flight is an ongoing human dilemma. The Spartans known for disciplined fighting were also capable of surrender in situations that required it. Art, poetry and music were a large part of their culture. With a heightened awareness of discord today, where do we go to understand and resolve? Teddy Roosevelt’s need to fight had many of the same capitalist and labor battles that are seemingly prevalent in modern times. As a Cancer country we want to nurture ourselves and others. The security we seek is as ephemeral as the heroism we project. To be all powerful, or famously wealthy is to struggle with morality.

​Driving the route that you love is available. Support from the person in charge is erratic but constant. Trust the healers that appear. The inspiration you seek may be intangible but will provide particularly enhanced sensual pleasures. People around your home are attentive and need your input. Enjoy the seesaw.

The seven valleys of The Conference of the Birds by the Sufi poet Attar of Nishapur are a tale that is retold in many traditions, of the journey we are on.

Valley of the Quest, where the Wayfarer begins by casting aside all dogma, all belief and unbelief.

Valley of Love, where Reason is abandoned for the sake of Love.

Valley of Knowledge, where all worldly knowledge becomes utterly useless.

Valley of Detachment, where all desires and attachments to the world are given up. Here what is assumed to be reality vanishes.

Valley of Unity, where the Wayfarer realizes everything is connected and the Beloved is beyond everything, including harmony, multiplicity and eternity.

Valley of Wonderment, where enhanced by the beauty of the beloved, the Wayfarer becomes perplexed, and, steeped in awe finds that he or she has never known or understood anything.

Valley of Poverty and Annihilation, where the self disappears into the Universe and the Wayfarer becomes Timeless, existing in both the past and the future.

Birds, their wings and their flight have always represented the spirit.

​Magic is there for us if we appreciate. “All things are full of Gods” said Thales, the first pre-Socratic philosopher. The world is full of spirits that are animated and can be shared by those who believe. You have a lot of light and perception to call in the things, you are contemplating. The power of the spoken word is needed. Maybe a candle or two.

​Puzzles, patterns and picnics provide the particulars for vacations and parties. 

Inspiring, respected, impressive are all synonyms for the word, August. As it should be for the lion. The Sun is at home in Leo.

A healthy ego is a rare thing. Why are there so many layers of contradictory character traits? If, wherever Leo is in your chart, you feel neglected, find the outlet of Aries or Sagittarius. These two will support your abilities to be seen or recognized.

What makes you feel like a child? This is an important gift.

If you cannot tell the difference, what difference does it make?

​Augustus Caesar certainly picked a fiery month to give his name to. Vacations, retreats and escapes are the mood of the hottest month in the northern hemisphere. As a fixed sign, control is always wanting center stage. But, you know how absurd it is. The fight to rule is ongoing, but hanging on to it, is another matter.