Jupiter Aligns with Neptune – Mercury Goes Direct

Hi Everyone,

At 6:22pm PDST on May 30th, Mercury turns back to its direct motion at 22 degrees of Taurus. The few days before and after this date can often feel like we are intensely focused on certain issues or thoughts that have us captivated. What’s happening is that Mercury is barely moving or completely stationary, which is akin to the needle of a turntable being stuck in groove. There can be a tendency to react strongly to whatever we are thinking, and approach these with an all-or-nothing attitude. Also, our thoughts may be intense because they are actually revealing an aspect of our unconscious, inner world struggling to see the light of day. Usually, it is best to try to work out our own thoughts by ourselves before expressing them as they could come out quite strongly. And yet, it is simultaneously important to recognize that whatever is coming up really could be quite important. It’s just a matter of separating ‘what’ you are dealing with from the ‘way’ you decide to deal with it. If necessary allow a process to take place within yourself before expressing it outwardly, unless, of course, it simply cannot be done. The truth is that life often doesn’t allow us to take time out and we have to do the best we can to deal with whatever is coming out into the open. Things should smooth out and feel like we can move forward by early Monday or Tuesday.

Jupiter Aligns with Neptune (and Chiron too)

This major transit has officially begun. Jupiter conjuncted Neptune for the first time on May 27th (Wednesday) at 1:12pm PDST, and will do so two more times before Jupiter moves on into Pisces. This transit will last until early January and is already having a very significant effect on how we are perceiving the world. There are some wonderful characteristics of this transit but first let’s look at the more negative ones.

Neptune can create illusion, fog, uncertainty, and idealism and alongside Jupiter’s optimism we can feel that things are much better than they really are. Perception is important, but in a case like this, it can also lead to a severe letting down or bubble bursting later. Let’s give a specific example. Right now, the price of gas is going up and people are wondering how this can be. The common view is that it’s the coming of summer. But take a look at this article.

The view presented in this article is that the rise in prices is not due to increasing demand, but to the BELIEF that demand will increase. This is because it has become common to think that the recession will be over by the end of the year. So production is being ramped up and the prices rise as we get ready for things to return to normal. Things are going to return to normal?? Huh!!

To astrologers this is to be expected and has nothing to do with what is actually going on but with the Jupiter/Neptune lens through which the society is looking. If we examine the actual data, we see that unemployment is rising, large business credit card companies are going bankrupt, more layoffs are expected in many industries and our car companies are declaring bankruptcy with no one knowing what the future landscape for this area of our economy will look like. The list of unresolved problems is huge. So, why are we so optimistic? Well, part of it is that we want to be. We are tired of feeling negative, so we decide to feel better, even if there’s no evidence for it. But the ‘environment’ astrologically encourages us to do just this. Have faith and it’ll all be fine. Even blind faith is OK, at least for now.

The real problem with this, as I see it, is that the fundamental issues that got us into this mess have not been addressed, both economically and in the larger societal context. The needed reforms are not being made and will not be made as long as people believe that things will turn around without these changes. The transits that follow this Jupiter alignment with Neptune are far more serious than any we’ve seen so far, so unless the proper steps are taken to deal with the causes of the problems that got us here, we are still open to a major falling apart of our economic and governmental systems. Just look at what’s happening in California and you’ll see how serious things are becoming. No one can know what would happen if things got even worse.

On a personal level however, things are very different. This transit is a beautiful one for the development of compassion and sympathetic understanding. We may find that we are engaged in the emergence of a new faith and understanding towards Life itself and our connection to something higher, whatever terminology we use for that. This is a time for healing of old wounds (Chiron) by forgiveness and the adoption of a greater understanding of others that is impersonal and universal. There is a chance that our health care system may be reformed if we can take advantage of this short window to do so, since the idea that health care is a ‘right’ rather than a privilege can resonate now.

This is a mystical time. The boundaries between self and others and society are blurred right now enabling us to understand viscerally the challenges we face together just because we’re human, doing the best we can, and that we do share a common destiny in so many ways. This is also an aspect of the healing we can do for ourselves and the world in general. At the same time it is wise to remain aware that blind trust in people is an invitation to being used and conned. Whenever clarity is lost, which can occur right now, we must proceed with more caution, not less. It’s best to separate one’s worldly affairs from our personal and private approach to spirituality and transformational growth. The inner and personal one can thrive right now, while we may want to handle our financial affairs in a more practical way.

Finally, I want to suggest that we can be inspired powerfully right now. We can sense an awareness inside of things that we usually only dimly perceive. That awareness is of our highest Self, the god-nature that is our truest foundation and which we share with Life itself. It’s often a matter of allowing these deeper feelings to take root in us. There’s nothing necessarily to do per se, just allow something inside us that’s always been present to simply Breathe.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

I know the economy is difficult so I am continuing the reduced price of $110 for a 60- 80 minute consultation. I welcome people who have never had an astrological consultation to give it a try as well as those of you who have.

If you haven’t already, please check out the website for Sher School of Wisdom at www.sherschoolofwisdom.org.

Here’s wishing you all lots of beauty and joy.

All the best,
Jim Sher

Jupiter aligning with Neptune – Is the Optimism Excessive?

It seems we are in a rather odd period of time where even though there is a great deal of uncertainty, the desire for good news is outweighing most everything else. I’m just not sure that the real conditions justify the optimistic assessments. Here is just one article I’ve come across that takes a look at possibility that we are in a state of unnatural giddiness:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/wall-street-dc-and-the-ne_b_201899.html

This is directly related to the coming Jupiter conjunction with Neptune. Although it doesn’t occur until May 27th, its effects have already begun. Due to the fact that these two giants retrograde back and forth together, this transit will last until early 2010, when Jupiter will move on into Pisces. Until then, this planetary combination unites the principle of optimism and expansion (Jupiter) with idealism and possible delusion (Neptune) creating a new bubble that could easily burst. The above article has some of the exact phrases that also describe this transit. Galbraith calls it ‘the pathological weakness of the financial memory.”

In my view, while not being an economist by any means, the needed reforms are not being considered. The economic model itself is being viewed as fine, but we just need to tinker a bit and save the financial system. It is my belief that in the near future, a great many lifestyle changes are going to be forced on the nation that are still being avoided. Also, many states, California included, are facing very difficult decisions as the budgets are being slashed. One of the biggest problems that voters are having a hard time facing is the real possibility that many local services people take for granted will be lost in the next year or so.

What’s also interesting to me is that many people I speak with, including some in the financial business, also agree with this assessment. I’m hardly the only person holding this view. So, perhaps, even when we know better, our desire to believe that things are improving is over-riding what we know to be true.

As always, there is another side to the Jupiter/Neptune conjunction. This is a great time for spiritual growth and for developing more compassion and joy in our everyday life. This aspect is the archetypal mystic, asking us to experience our connection to the Divine in each moment of life. We know we’re being touched by these forces when we feel that somehow each moment is magical and contains intrinsic meaning.

More on Mercury Retrograde

We’re nearing the middle of the Mercury retrograde cycle when we have the Inferior conjunction between the Sun and Mercury. I urge readers to look at the Mercury retrograde period differently from how it is often described. Yes, there can be delays in communications and things can break down. But something more important than that is happening. This is a time for letting go of things that aren’t working and embracing any new ‘seed’ idea that emerges. The time when the new idea begins is the Inferior conjunction which occurs on May 18th. It is similar to a New Moon in that one may not even notice the new idea at first. It’s helpful to be alert to what we’re thinking about at this time. Any new thoughts at this time could be indicators of a new direction for us. Yes, the idea still needs to be considered and adjustments may need to be made, but some of what’s happening now will be growing over the next two months until the Superior conjunction on July 14th.

Mercury retrograde periods are good times to take stock of things. If you feel a bit stuck, an astrological consultation may help you discover what new directions you might want to approach.

Announcements

I know the economy is difficult so I am continuing the reduced price of $110 for a 60- 80 minute consultation. I welcome people who have never had an astrological consultation to give it a try as well as those of you who have.

If you haven’t already, please check out the website for Sher School of Wisdom at www.sherschoolofwisdom.org.

All the best,
Jim Sher

The Mixed Tone of the Times – A Mixture of Energies

To this writer, we are in a very confusing period where there are certain indicators of emerging movements forward, while at the same time, there are other indicators that suggest the opposite. What this usually means is that both are true and that all we can do is attempt to move ahead on the projects we have decided upon and then to be willing to adjust and even change direction if it becomes necessary. Let’s take a deeper look.

The Sun/Moon cycle

On Friday, May 1st, we experienced the 1st Quarter Moon as we march forward to the Full Moon on May 9th. This is called the waxing Moon and is an indicator that energies are growing and developing. Also, we are in the sign of Taurus which represents the fullness of Spring and is often associated with slow and patient advancement. In addition, as mentioned in previous newsletters, Venus (which is now direct) and Mars are dancing together as they advance from Aries into Taurus. All these things create a feeling that this is a great time to get moving again and make things happen.

The Other Side of the Coin

Mercury goes retrograde on May 6th

Already Mercury is barely moving as it slows in advance of its change of direction on May 6th. Mercury retrograde, which occurs every 4 months, is a time for review of our plans and a time when old ideas can be seen as either something to be changed or held onto as those ideas have already stood the tests of time. But even more important than this is the movement of Jupiter into a conjunction with Neptune. It’s first introduction seems to be the utterly confusing swine flu scare.

The Swine Flu: a Sign of the Times?

Is it a real global pandemic or something that will pass with a few deaths and nothing more? We don’t know, at least not yet. Schools are being closed, many functions and trips cancelled, and no one knows whether or not this is an over-reaction. This is classic Jupiter conjunct Neptune. Neptune confuses, obscures, and creates a fog of uncertainty around the issues of that period of time. The Iraq war was declared when Jupiter was conjunct Neptune’s north node, and we all know how much confusion, uncertainty, and even deliberate deception was going on then. I’m not saying anyone is deliberately lying in the swine flu fear, but it’s true that the entire planet is strongly affected by the fear of this pandemic. It is my educated guess that the feared pandemic will not occur. The massive fog is, I suspect, clouding our judgments and blowing things out of proportion. I certainly hope this is true.

The essence of this is that it is not a good time to make any final decisions. We’re not able to be clear at this time. When Mercury, often called the ‘trickster’ in ancient mythology, is about to go retrograde, decisions made now are questionable as they are subject to review. And with the Jupiter conjunction to Neptune, which officially begins on May 27th, there can be confusion and unrealistic optimism. It is also my belief that the economy and financial problems this country is facing has not yet faced the severity of the situation. Much more is likely to be revealed and there are other banks and financial institutions that we will discover are in greater trouble that we thought.

At the same time that there is confusion and uncertainty, this is not a time to operate from fear. Should we move forward slowly, carefully, and prepared to change if we learn something new? Yes, of course. But when we are informed of the nature of the mixed signals we’re getting, we would be wrong to think that we shouldn’t take advantage of the opportunities we are encountering and visualizing.

The Economy

Right now, Venus is finishing its square to Pluto, which rules debt, bankruptcy, re-structuring, and mergers and acquisitions. We’re seeing the bankruptcy of Chrysler and its reorganization with a real possibility that GM will be forced to do the same. And the U.S. government may take it over. Obama is already forcing the issue and dictating terms. The fact is that no one knows where this will lead. My biggest concern is that if indeed these huge corporations are as badly run as it appears, what will the affect be if the government takes them over? How big will the government’s involvement be? Who will take care of the debt? How deep will it be? How much will it affect this country for many years to come? At best, the government is taking a huge risk, and it will take quite a bit of time to really know what all this will mean. As I’ve mentioned for several years, 2010 is a very difficult year as there are four planets forming a T-square configuration that can create huge crises. The fact is that before we actually enter that period, we have this confusing, optimistic period of Jupiter conjuncting Neptune that could easily bring about decisions that will only make matters worse as they are made in an idealistic and confusing time.

I’ll be writing more soon about the Mercury retrograde.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Westside Beginning Astrology class: There is one open slot for anyone interested in learning astrology. The class is on Thursday evenings. If you think you might be interested, please contact me as soon as possible as the class has begun. Makeup lessons are available at no cost during the first session. The cost is $150 for each 6-week session.

All the best,
Jim Sher

An unusually busy and interesting week – The Coming Full Moon and More

Hello Everyone,

We have a most interesting and possibly eventful week ahead, especially if you have natal planets being affected between 18-22 degrees of the mutable signs, Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces. Beginning on Sunday, March 8, there will be three significant astrological signatures and each of these are meaningful when they occur by themselves. Together there are likely to be unusual and shocking developments in our financial systems as well as in our personal lives.

The first is tomorrow at 12:53 pm when the Sun opposes Saturn. This is a fast-moving transit whose effect is usually short but this time, it can trigger bigger events or issues for us. The meaning is that the Sun will shine its light on whatever we consider to be an area of duty, responsibility, or personal weakness but with which we must deal. It brings certain difficult issues to a head which we’ve already been dealing with for some time. Also, Mercury will enter Pisces, which can be great for creative, imaginative thought, but also contribute to some unclear or fuzzy thinking that will be tinged with more emotion than usual. Pisces speaks, not as much in words, as in the realm of images, archetypes, and above all, symbols. Pisces seeks to play in many layers of meaning, knowing that life is not composed of mere facts and figures. It knows that understanding is not a function of rationality/irrationality, but something more intangible yet no less important.

Also, we are in the midst of a Mars-Neptune conjunction at 24 Aquarius. Mars loves to act, but with Neptune, those actions are likely to be motivated by confusion and uncertainty. It is best when decisions are based on a finely honed sense of intuition. But when in doubt, it is often best to wait until the transit subsides a bit before making the final decision, especially if we know we don’t have all the facts. The bigger the decision, the better it is to wait. What this transit is good for is letting yourself go and indulging your imagination and dreams. Neptune softens us, makes us dreamy, and can enhance our desire nature. Mars/Neptune is a puzzle as it can activate deception and just plain lying, with approaching solving problems magically, through the use of a Will under control. And sometimes, it’s tricky to know which one is more in play. Enjoy the feeling of openness and even glamour. Let the mind loosen, unlocking one’s blockages that tend to close the door prematurely to all sorts of possibilities.

The Full Moon then occurs on Tuesday, March 10. This is what can trigger a great deal since the Moon will conjunct Saturn and oppose the Sun conjunction with Uranus, the planets of excitement and sudden shocks. Oppositions are full of dilemmas and paradoxes. The Moon coming upon Saturn is concerned with maintaining discipline, order, and in Virgo, details. And at the same time, with the Sun conjuncting Uranus, the natural instinct will be to rebel, break free from restricting circumstances, and avoiding awful routine. Now that’s a great example of what an opposition can be. What this Full Moon can do is break open stale or unmoving situations, bringing things to a forced conclusion so that as the Moon cycle proceeds, one will find oneself moving in a new direction.

Oppositions are very fertile times as well as active ones. They ask us to operate in ways we may not find easy but which are transforming. Here, it asks us to learn to handle responsibility with the need for freedom and new encounters of all kinds. Sometimes change can be orderly, but more often than not, it is messy, and cannot be simply regulated. Chaos is, after all, our chance for real change and at the same time must be full of uncertainty and unpredictability.

Since the Sun will not conjunct Uranus until Wednesday, the 12th, the change aspect may be delayed until then. I am looking for something in the news that will shock our society and whose effects will ripple through our society for the next few weeks. Revelations about our economy is one likely source of shock, but with Uranus, by definition, we cannot know since it rules surprise and the unexpected.

As always, I love the responses I get from my readers and enjoy them very much. Please feel free to write.

ANNOUNCEMENT

I know the economy is difficult so I am continuing the reduced price of $110 for a 60- 80 minute consultation. I welcome people who have never had an astrological consultation to give it a try as well as those of you who have.

If you haven’t already, please check out the website for Sher School of Wisdom at www.sherschoolofwisdom.org.

Best to All,
Jim Sher