Rick Levine

Intensity Building – Day 1059

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NOT the moon tonight! (It’s invisible) Photo: L. Weikel

Intensity Building

I know you can feel it too. It’s not just me – or a few friends of mine – who’re feeling the level of intensity building nigh well everywhere.

Part of the issue, as I wrote last night, has to do with the new moon in Libra occurring tomorrow morning (perhaps even as you read this!). It’s looking like it’s going to be a doozy. Or more accurately, I’m hearing from others that it’s going to be an intense month.

But there’s even more stuff going on ‘out there’ this week that bears having attention paid. One of those aspects is also playing out tomorrow (along with that new moon) and that is the fact that Pluto is stationing direct. Pluto tends to spend about half of any given year moving ‘direct’ and half moving ‘retrograde.’ And it’s such a slow moving planet that just in ‘slowing down,’ stopping, and then moving forward again takes many days. So the effects tend to be long, drawn out, and deeply…disruptive. Especially with Pluto. Luckily, that disruption often leads to experiencing profound transformation (from the deepest levels).

Given the recent eruptions (as in, from the Underworld – where Pluto rules) of explosive allegations regarding FB, I’m thinking there will be a lot astounding details coming out not only about that debacle but also a ton more revelations in our ‘news cycles’ over the next few days.

Saturn Also Getting In On the Act

On Sunday, Saturn stations direct, meaning, in this case, it stops traveling retrograde* and hits the spot where it will momentarily stand still (and then turn direct) as well. As Saturn is yet another huge ‘outer’ planet, this transit also wields a lot more power and influence over our lives than we would like to think. And remember, Saturn is the planet that governs structures, government, foundations.

What’s really wild is that aspects between planets are occurring this week that were around when Covid first hit our shores. Will something else of equal or even more society-shifting/disrupting potential ‘come out’ this week? I guess we’ll see.

In the meantime, I know I suggested you listen to the astrological forecast for the month by Rick Levine just last night. But it’s meaty and, indeed, as my friend Wendy pointed out in a comment to the blog post as shared on FB, she listened and felt she needed to take notes. Join the club! His comments resonated with a lot of what I’ve not only been experiencing myself, but also what I’ve observed others enduring. I’ve definitely taken notes and noted certain aspects on my calendar when listening to him.

Another Forecast

Well, fear not. I’m not going to leave you high and dry in the face of this week’s potentially extremely uncomfortable aspects, either. I wouldn’t be sharing this if I didn’t think we could all benefit from maintaining awareness of what’s going on around us – and perhaps even more importantly, what’s influencing the behavior of so many people around us.

Accordingly, I recommend you listen to this ‘Weekly Astrological Weather’ forecast by Anne Ortelee on Astrology Hub. It’s worth your time – if for no other reason than to give you reason to scratch your head and say, “Huh. Go figure,” as we watch stuff unfold over the next several days.

* It’s always good to remember that retrograde movement is an optical illusion. No planet literally moves backwards in its orbit around the sun. But that doesn’t mean the energetic shift associated with our perception isn’t powerfully significant for us.

(T-52)

New Moon in Libra – Day 1058

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Stars Through Trees – Photo: L. Weikel

New Moon in Libra

There’s a new moon in Libra arriving this Wednesday. The precise moment this will occur will be 7:05 a.m. EDT. Being a new moon, it means the sun and moon are ‘conjunct’ or lined up exactly with each other from our perspective here on Earth. And the sun recently entered Libra at the equinox on September 22nd.

There’s a lot going on in the cosmos this Wednesday, and I find it fascinating that there are some extremely important and potentially provocative deadlines scheduled to take place that day vis-à-vis Congressional investigation into the January 6th insurrection. Is there a will to truly get to the bottom of who and what organizations were behind this attempted coup?

I’m guessing we’re at least going to see this week whether we’re actually represented by people who honestly want to figure out what happened and how we can protect ourselves from another such appalling attack on our democracy in the future. I dare say we know what it feels like to be represented by people who pay lip service to democracy.

October Looks Intense

As I’ve mentioned before, an astrologer who’s been around for a while whom I respect is Rick Levine. He recently gave an analysis of the transits that will be affecting the entire planet during October in a podcast hosted by Astrology Hub. Here’s the link.

There are a lot of uncomfortable aspects nudging and needling us to make some major changes. It also feels like a huge new beginning, a powerful opportunity to effect real transformation in our structures and beliefs is approaching. Yes, we’ve been asked to embrace these structural shifts all year. But we’re really getting to the point where those of us who resist these changes can no longer hold it back.

What does that mean to each of us as individuals?

And perhaps even more provocatively, what does that mean to us as a country? (That question can legitimately be asked in several countries across the globe…)

(T-53)

Eclipse Season Continues – Day 939

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Solar Eclipse in India 2020 – Image: Times of India (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

Eclipse Season Continues

As I mentioned in this post, the first ‘eclipse season’ of 2021 began with the lunar eclipse on May 25th, 2021. During that eclipse, the full Moon was in Sagittarius while the Sun was at the opposite side of the zodiac, in Gemini. The eclipse occurred when the Earth moved exactly between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Moon to gradually become engulfed by the shadow of the Earth (and then gradually come out of that shadow). This coming Thursday, June 8th, eclipse season continues.

Eclipses always come in pairs (two weeks apart, the lunar taking place at the full Moon and the solar taking place at the new Moon) – and occasionally three in a row can occur. In fact, almost exactly a year ago we experienced three eclipses in a row: June 5, June 21, and July 5, 2020. (Go figure, right? And somehow it’s unsurprising, too, that there were six eclipses last year.)

The eclipse occurring this coming Thursday will peak at 6:53 a.m. EDT. It happens to be an ‘annular’ eclipse – meaning the Moon will come between the Sun and the Earth, but because of the varying distances of these celestial bodies from Earth (due to the elliptical orbits of both the Earth and the Moon), the Moon will not totally block out the sun, even though it will pass directly between the Earth and the Sun. Rather, because the Moon will be furthest away from the Earth, the Moon will appear smaller than the Sun (from our perspective here on Earth). Thus, at the height of the eclipse, those at the right place on Earth will see what’s known as the “Ring of Fire” as the Moon comes between Earth and the Sun.

The Astrological Perspective

Of course, all of the above is the astronomical explanation of what we’ll be experiencing on our planet this Thursday.

The potentially juicy impact upon human behavior and experience is the bailiwick of astrology. In order to help us understand how this could be influencing circumstances we encounter on either a personal or societal level (or both), here’s a link to Chani Nicholas’s assessment for the week (once again, it helps to know both your sun sign and your ascendant or ‘rising’ sign).

For a more comprehensive look at the entire month (which I actually recommend, given the assortment of major aspects occurring this month, the solar eclipse on Thursday being only one), I recommend Rick Levine’s perspective. It’s fascinating (to me, at least) to observe how the larger patterns playing out celestially are uncannily reflected in our experiences here on Earth.

As always, my purpose in providing this information is simply to offer food for thought. Listen. Look around. Make your own observations. Pay attention to what’s happening in your own life and the lives of those around you. Allow for the possibility that unseen forces may be influencing events or reactions. Take a breath before reacting.

Keep your options open. We’re in this thing together – and knowledge is power.

(T-172)

Keeping It Light – Day 913

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Yet another Ent – Photo: L. Weikel

Keeping It Light

Those of you who faithfully read my posts each day (and who will never truly know how much they’re appreciated) are probably noticing my recent dedication to keeping it light. I know; I write a lot about clouds and messengers, flowers and weather – and I throw some musings on stars and the moon in as well – both astronomically and astrologically.

I’ve made a point of not delving too deeply into politics – especially since the insurrection of January 6th. I’m trusting (perhaps naively) that the truth will ultimately be revealed and consequences will be reaped. The last thing I think any of us want or need (especially if you happen to catch my posts first thing in the morning) is me holding forth on issues that feel as though they’re in the process of resolution.

I’m just happy and relieved beyond measure that our country feels like it’s moving forward again. In spite of all the vitriol that continues to spew from certain factions, overall, I sense an energetic shift has taken place and we’re no longer spinning our wheels (and splattering mud all over anything unlucky enough to be near us).

Things May Be Changing

Well, that unofficial silence on controversial matters may soon be coming to an end. Not that I’m planning on railing about any one thing or another (at least I don’t intend to at the moment)– we all know that’s subject to change at the drop of a hat. But I do have a strong sense that our hiatus of attempting to resume even a remote sense of normalcy is about to become profoundly disrupted yet again.

It’s interesting. I’ve had a few of my closest friends and associates contact me lately to ask if I (too) can feel the shift in the air. Something’s building, something’s growing, and yes, something’s becoming more and more unsettled. The question is not whether we can avoid it (we can’t). It seems to me the very best thing we can do right now is look at the patterns unfolding around us, watch what’s happening not only in our personal lives but across the country and the world, and heighten our awareness of it all. Now is not the time to be anesthetizing ourselves with any of our most common distractions: work, beer, tv, wine, video games, pot (depending upon where you live).

Not to say we can’t indulge – but it behooves us to keep at least one foot on the floor in the coming days, because it’s going to become increasingly easy to become unmoored.

Look out – Photo: L. Weikel

The Astrology

I listened to this podcast the other day. In it, Rick Levine lays out the aspects and implications of so many of the configurations so clearly that I simply must recommend it. I know it’s long (it’s about 90 minutes), but the podcast addresses what we should stay alert for over the next month extremely well. I’ll admit it: I’ve listened to it a couple of times on my most recent walks, and I’ve used the rewind button liberally. I feel like I’ve learned a ton in this particular podcast. And just between the first time I listened (four days or so ago) and now, events are unfolding that only serve to confirm the influences referenced.

This is fascinating stuff. It behooves us to pay attention. Life is so much richer when we have some sense of what’s happening all around us and what we can and can’t influence.

Holding our centers and maintaining enough awareness about what’s going on around us that we’re not blindsided by external events can make all the difference in the world.

Clouds and Trees and Familiars

Give a listen to this podcast. Pay attention to what’s going on. But take some time every single day to revel in some beautiful clouds or the appearance of an Ent on your walk or the adoring gaze of a pet. It’s the little stuff that keeps us going when the big stuff becomes too intense.

What’s happening here? – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-198)

2020 Solstice – Day 770

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Saturn & Jupiter two nights ago – Photo: L.Weikel

2020 Solstice

I’m writing this on the eve of the final 2020 solstice, but it’ll likely be read on the day itself. Thus, in keeping with the significance of this celestial event, I invite you to sit with me for a moment and embrace the darkness.

This is the day in the Northern Hemisphere when we have the fewest minutes of actual daylight. With the sun rising at 7:20 a.m. and setting at 4:37 p.m. ET, we will have a total of 8 hours and 17 minutes of ‘sunshine’ today: Monday, December 21st, 2020 (at the latitude where I live, anyway).

Yet for many of us, our skies may be enveloped by cloud cover. Sadly, this will obscure our view of the Grand Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter tomorrow evening, which happens only once every 20 years, but has not happened in this particular part of the sky for 200 years. And not to put too fine a point on it, but this conjunction hasn’t taken place in an Air sign in 800 years. (We’ve been collectively experiencing this conjunction in Earth signs over the past 200 years.)

Meanings and Mythologies

There are reams being written lately about the configuration of the planets and the meanings or significance we might ascribe to those positions. I urge you to employ a healthy dose of discernment with respect to anything you read or hear. Use your brain and your heart. Find that middle ground where intellectual curiosity and intuitive resonance meet and create a spark of knowing within. This podcast by Rick Levine explaining the significance of the Grand Conjunction is fascinating, far less ‘sensationalized’ than what many people are claiming, and explains a lot.

As far as how the solstice and Grand Conjunction might impact us astrologically (according to our personal sun and rising (ascendant) signs), Chani gives a quick analysis that’s thought provoking and fascinatingly applicable.

Darkest Before the Dawn

This time of year can be equated to that moment in our daily 24 hour cycle when the sun has been gone from us for the longest sustained period. It’s akin to that moment in time that immediately precedes the dawn – that darkest of moments when the night grows coldest and our ancestors had to hold on to the belief that the sky would soon begin to lighten ever so perceptibly on the horizon.

Literally and metaphorically, that’s where we are now. Times are dark. As stated above, we will only enjoy a total of 8 hours and 17 minutes during which the sun will be above the horizon (here at 40.4 degrees latitude). If the weather is overcast, which is likely, the day may feel even shorter; possibly more dismal. And depending upon the circumstances that unfold as the day progresses, potentially teetering toward hopeless.

Create the Spark

The precise moment of the solstice will occur at 5:02 a.m. ET. So perhaps you early birds can sit a moment in conscious awareness of that precise moment of stillness. In that moment, if you are awake, you might consider lighting a candle, or a hearth fire, and celebrate together with our sisters and brothers across the globe (in the Northern Hemisphere) the return of the light.

But first, before lighting that candle, it feels important to sit with and fully appreciate the darkness, even if only for a minute or two. It’s when we sit in the darkest of darkness that the light of a match or a candle, the spark of insight, wisdom, or compassion, can be most fully and deeply appreciated. And when we share that light with others, the possibilities suddenly seem limitless and, somehow, attainable.

Let’s share our light with each other. Embrace the darkness that’s overtaken us, see it for what it is and has been, and the consciously and affirmatively call in the light. And who knows? Maybe we’ll get lucky and the cloud cover may part, allowing us to catch a glimpse of that long awaited Grand Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn.

(T-341)

Planetary Clarity – Day 703

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Saturn & Jupiter (l-r) – Photo: L. Weikel

Planetary Clarity

As Karl and I neared the final leg of our evening jaunt both last night and tonight, we were treated to some breathtaking planetary clarity. Saturn and Jupiter shone brilliantly and obviously in the southwestern sky, while Mars blazed like a distant, illuminated pumpkin, reddish-orange and glowing as it rose in the east.

I don’t ever remember being so aware of the planets than I have been over the past year or so. And while the Sky Guide app I approvingly muse about so often is wonderful in the way it confirms for me just what I’m looking at, I think the initial awareness and subsequent desire to seek them out is also spurred by the astrological podcasts I listen to while mowing our lawn.

Yes, I realize that’s a rather specific time to pinpoint (while mowing lawn), but that’s actually when I get my most consistent listening accomplished.

Mars – 10/14/20 – Photo: L. Weikel

Mercury Retrograde

Just to add some fun to all the disinformation and misinformation and outright propaganda floating around in our ethers at the moment, Mercury stationed yesterday and is now appearing to move backwards from our perspective here on Earth, or move retrograde, from today until – get this – the morning of November 3rd. Yes. Election Day here in the United States.

So from now until Election Day, we’ll be operating under the influence of Mercury retrograde. When you consider that Mercury Retrograde is often associated with glitches in electronics and miscommunications, it’s easy to see that we just might have some serious shenanigans taking place over the next three weeks.

Mars Retrograde

Adding to the frustrations that may start piling up with Mercury going retrograde, we also are continuing to contend with Mars retrograding in its home sign – Aries – until November 14th. Even a cursory recollection of Greek and Roman mythology will tip us off to the fact that Mars, the God of War, is not exactly an easy going energy. And when moving retrograde? I believe a simmering pot with the lid on it, might be a good analogy.

There are a few interesting articles I want to link to in order to provide you with information and insight on the transits that and will be impacting all of us as we navigate these wild times. One of them is this monthly forecast for October by Rick Levine.

From the sound of a lot of different analyses, it would appear that the greatest planetary clarity we’re going to experience in the next couple months is going to be the type we see when we look up and peer directly into the night sky. Nevertheless, it pays to remain aware and awake to the possibilities, because forewarned is forearmed.

Mars – 10/14/2020 – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-408)

Major Shifts and Movements – Day 673

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Saturn, Jupiter, and the moon – Photo: L.Weikel

Major Shifts and Movements

There’s a lot happening celestially this week that’s impacting all of us, in big ways and small, and our life here on Earth. On a grand and profound scale, major shifts and movements of three of the outer, slower moving planets are beginning to take place. These shifts are directly related to movements and alignments that began in January and then reversed in late April/early to mid May. On a smaller scale, a new moon is occurring on Thursday.

As we all know by now, astrologically, new moons are times when we are encouraged to begin new projects, enter new relationships, and plant the seeds of new ideas. Full moons are often viewed as times of reaching full ripeness and peak expression and experience. In the podcast I’m recommending today, master astrologer Rick Levine gives a synopsis of the major planetary influences that will be occurring during the month of September.

Plant Small Seeds

Given the nature of everything that’s going on around us, from a pandemic, to unprecedented wildfires, to hurricanes and water tornadoes, it would be easy to think that the seeds of intention we might want to plant around now would be big honkers that will herald a whole new world. But apparently that would not be the wisest course. Rather, Levine counsels that we plant small seeds. In other words, right now, the wisest course of action is to set small, manageable goals of intention. Take our lives and our intentions to create change one small step at a time.

When I heard this today (I’ve begun listening to podcasts, especially when I mow the lawn, since receiving earpods for Mother’s Day), it not only made sense to me – it felt like a relief. When I set intentions (or make a wish, for instance, on the candles of my birthday cake), I tend to ‘go big.’ I often aspire to make what feel like significant shifts in my approach to life or my practice.

And with the election only 50 days away, I feel like I should also be setting all sorts of intentions to be more of an activist on behalf of voting rights and preserving the integrity of our elections.

Yet the wisdom of setting some small, attainable goals in the midst of the insanity all around us feels really good to me.

The Big Guns

This might be at least partially because the planets Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto are now beginning to shift their configuration again – and based upon what’s happened so far, I expect we will see the impact of that within a couple of weeks.

Briefly, in January, Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto all basically clumped together in the sign of Capricorn, which can be seen as the sign of patriarchy, structure, and capitalism, among other things. This is also when we started hearing rumblings of the arrival of a virus that could cause a pandemic. It’s when, unbeknownst to us, the virus was spreading like wildfire, particularly in New York.

In late April and early to mid May, each one of those major, very slow moving planets stationed retrograde. It could be argued that this is when the assurances were being made that it would go away, it would all disappear, and we would be able to return to normal by Memorial Day. Remember that?

Well, just this past Saturday, Jupiter stopped its retrograde movement, stationed direct, and is now moving forward again. Jupiter ‘makes things bigger.’ Saturn, planet of boundaries, restrictions, lessons, and karma will station direct and begin moving forward the last week of September. And then Pluto, planet of transmutation, change, and death, will station direct and begin moving forward on October 3rd. Can’t help but wonder what these planets moving ‘full steam ahead’ might bring.

Hold Your Fire

I encourage you to listen to the podcast I’ve linked. It’s all quite fascinating. And it doesn’t need to be scary. Not by any means. Education and preparation is power. There’s only so much any of us can do individually. But we can remain aware. Plant small seeds. Be prepared.

The ‘theme’ Rick Levine gives for this month is ‘hold your fire.’ It makes total sense when you consider the celestial movements as they relate to our experiences here on Earth, particularly in the United States and the calamitous spewing of revelations we’re being confronted with day after day. It’s important that we not allow ourselves to become exhausted by trying to fight too many huge battles every damn day as we plod through this month and next. It is a temptation we must resist.

We need to allow ourselves to charge our batteries so that when it is time, we will be operating at full power. Take a listen. Especially starting around minute 47 or so. Wow.

(T-438)