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Venus Conjoins Mars, Mercury Stations Rx;
Saturn Squares Pluto, The Sun Enters Virgo,
and a Pisces Full Moon
By Shelley L. Ackerman © 2010
SHELLEY ACKERMAN
Photo: Rich Press
On August 20: Stop in the Name of Love
Every now and then there’s a 12 hour period in which several significant celestial events take place, one right after the other. August 20th is such a day. The Sun opposes Neptune, an aspect which pits the needs of the healthy ego against some illusory fantasy or goal (think Don Quixote); Venus conjoined Mars at 2:49 pm at 13 Libra 35, a degree which implies a slow and restful sexual encounter or a romantic matinee-like time-out as they say. Venus and Mars conjoined is also an indicator of fertile creativity and ‘charged’ passion. And last but not least, Mercury stationed retrograde at 3:59 pm. When Mercury stations (stands still) it is time to slow down and stop. And that is true for all planetary stations, whether retrograde or direct. Our culture though, isn’t terribly tolerant of pauses, and since we don’t value or observe them we often pay a price: I’ve noticed that more mishaps tend to occur on the day of a planetary station, perhaps because we should be sitting it out instead of forging ahead. For the record, this Mercury retrograde begins as 19° Virgo and ends at 5° Virgo on Sept 12. During this period, we’re advised to review our actions and fine tune the specifics of what has transpired and what we’ve worked on since early May.
On August 21st, Saturn squares Pluto. Hard aspects between Saturn and Pluto are tense, confrontational, and potentially and explosive (think 9/11) and it’s interesting that the hoopla surrounding the proposed Islamic Center near Ground Zero is taking place on the closing square of the 2001 Saturn-Pluto opposition. But if there is a silver lining to be found in this recent challenge to our Constitution’s emphatic right to religious freedom, it is in the benevolence and unity displayed by certain rabbis, Islamic clerics, pundits, and thoughtful politicians who refuse to be intimidated by fear mongers. In “Why America is Going to Regret the Cordoba House Controversy”, Stephen M. Walt reminds: “Virtually all religious traditions have committed violent and unseemly acts in recent memory, and we would not hold Protestants, Catholics, or Jews responsible for the heinous acts of a few of their adherents.”
Leaving Iraq: Is it Real?
Tearful US Soldier in Iraq
On the heals of Mercury Retro, the "final withdrawal" of US combat troops was televised for all the world to see. And while this should have made many of us so happy, the dog and pony show failed to convince as 50,000 troops will remain to help keep the region "stable". On August 20th, Amy Goodman of Democracy Now reported “Obama Admin Claims End to Combat Operations in Iraq, but Iraqis See Same War Under a Different Name”. In an equally disturbing piece, Goodman shared the nightmare that is the DREAM ACT, The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act which would allow undocumented young people a chance at citizenship provided they attend college for at least two years or enlist in the military. Critics say it’s a way of funneling impoverished and undocumented aliens into military service.
Farewell Bobby Thompson:
Giant Leaves us at Beginning of 3rd Saturn Return
Bobby Thompson
Bobby Thompson was born on October 25, 1923. He had Saturn in Libra and as is often the case, when Saturn comes around again, we sink or swim. On October 3, 1951, twenty two days before his 28th birthday and at the beginning of his first Saturn-return, Thompson, who was playing for the NY Giants, stepped up to the plate and swung his way into history. The tension between the Giants and Dodgers had been building since August 11th of that year, when the Giants were 13½ games behind the Dodgers. But they went 37-7 to finish the season and force a three-game tiebreaker series with their crosstown rivals. Thompson’s homerun was named “the shot heard ‘round the world.” In this tribute, you can watch the YouTube video of that historic swing. Thompson died this week in Georgia at the second Saturn return of that historic life-defining moment.
Sean Connery Celebrates 80th Birthday on August 25!
Whoever said that Virgos aren’t sexy? It surely wasn’t me. As a matter of fact, their attention to detail coupled with their “Princess and the Pea” sensitivity enables them to satisfy, whether it be an individual or an entire audience.
Connery in Dr. No
Some of our hottest actors/actresses/performers and masters/mistresses of seduction are (or were) born under Virgo, including: Greta Garbo, Charles Boyer, Sophia Loren, Mel Ferrer, Raquel Welch, Charlie Sheen, Lola Falana, Barry White, Richard Gere, Valerie Perrine, Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, and Jeremy Irons, to name a few. But in my mind, none of the above hold a candle to the animal magnetism of the man who first immortalized James Bond, Agent 007, on the silver screen nearly 50 years ago, namely, Sean Connery.
Thomas Sean Connery was born on August 25, 1930 at 6 PM in Edinburgh, Scotland. His Virgo Sun conjoins Neptune (dreams, fantasy, film), and his Moon in Virgo is conjunct Mercury. He has Capricorn rising with Saturn conjunct the ascendant. His beginnings were humble and after briefly working as a milkman, he joined the Royal Navy, but was discharged for a duodenal ulcer. He then had a number of jobs as a: a lorry driver, laborer, coffin polisher, and an artist’s model, before working backstage at the King’s Theatre in late 1951. From there, his acting career began and he took up body building as a hobby. Within ten years of working backstage, and after Cary Grant turned it down, the role of a lifetime, that of Ian Fleming’s James Bond was his and a super-star was born.
At the height of his popularity in the role of Agent 007, 1964’s Goldfinger, 1965’s Thunderball, and 1967’s You Only Live Twice, Neptune in Scorpio transited Connery’s midheaven. True to astrological form, that Neptune transit in sexy and mysterious Scorpio made him the fantasy lover of many. He definitely embodied one of the male archetypes of the (Uranus/Pluto) sexual revolution of the mid 1960’s.
This past April, I saw Connery hailing a cab outside of Bloomingdale’s in New York. And though bald and craggy and very dressed down (compared to the elegant tuxedo we’re used to), he still lit up the street and he seemed virile as ever.
Chart: Virgo Ingress of the Sun
Click for larger view
Aug 19: Moon in Sagittarius V/C @ 9:58 am, enters Capricorn @ 10:17 am
Aug 20: Sun opposite Neptune @ 6:06 am, Venus conj Mars @ 2:49 pm,
Mercury station Retro @ 3:59 pm
Aug 21: Moon V/C @ 9:08 pm, enters Aquarius @ 9:37 pm;
Saturn square Pluto @ 5:47 am
Aug 23: Sun enters Virgo @ 1:27 am
Aug 24: Moon V/C @ 4:30 am, enters Pisces @ 10:11 am;
Full Moon @ 1:05 pm
Aug 25: Moon opposite Mercury @ 10:04 pm
*Moon v/c = ‘void of course’, Best for spiritual not earthly pursuits
Bonus: 2010 Astro Crib Sheet
Mercury: Begins @ 18 Cap 28 Retro, ends 2010 @ 19 Sag 44
Mercury Retrogrades: Dec 26 ‘09- Jan 15 ‘10, April 17-May 11, Aug 20-Sept 12, Dec 10-30
Venus: Begins @ 8 Cap 29, ends 2010 @ 23 Scorpio 05
Venus Retrograde: Oct 8 – Nov 18
Mars: Begins @ 18 Leo 44 Retro, ends 2010 @ 17 Cap 59
Mars Retrograde: Dec 20, 2009 - March 10, 2010
Jupiter: Begins @ 26 Aquarius 28, ends 2010 @ 26 Pisces 29
(Jupiter in Aries from June 6-Sept 9)
Jupiter Retrograde: July 23-Nov 18
Saturn: Begins @ 4 Libra 31, ends 2010 @ 16 Libra 38
(Saturn in Virgo from April 7- July 21)
Saturn Retrograde: January 13- May 30)
Uranus: Begins @ 23 Pisces 06, ends 2010 @ 26 Pisces 57
(Uranus in Aries May 27- Aug 13)
Uranus Retrograde: July 5- Dec 5
Neptune: Begins @ 24 Aquar 36, ends 2010 @ 26 Aquar 44
Neptune Retrograde: May 31- Nov 7
Pluto: Begins @ 3 Cap 19, ends 2010 @ 5 Cap 19
Pluto Retrograde: April 6 – Sep 14
Eclipses: Jan 15-Solar @ 25 Cap 01, June 26-Lunar @ 4 Can 46, July 11- Solar @ 19 Can 24, Dec 21-Lunar @ 29 Gemini 21
ARIES: Try not to get too distracted by the potentially delicious excitement in your house of partnership and romantic commitments, as some of your attention must be on your work life. With Mercury retrograde beginning in your house of day to day obligations, those pesky details that have slipped by you in recent months must be tended to. And even if the love of your life gives a green light for the getaway of your dreams, make no moves that would compromise your professional standing. That ogre at the top has the final say on everything right now. bummer, but it will pass.
TAURUS: The merger of your ruler, Venus, with Mars in your 6th house of daily routine bodes well for creative output on the job but also may make for a situation in which someone you overlooked suddenly attracts you. Be careful though, as acting upon this impulse could make for some very strange vibes later on. And besides, who wants to start anything new on a Mercury retrograde? On the other hand, since Mercury’s backward motion takes place in your house of love and romance, it is likely that someone from your past may appear. A reconciliation with a child is also possible between now and Sept.12.
GEMINI: With the delightfully creative and sexually enticing mix of Venus and Mars in your 5th house of romance, what could possibly go wrong, and what is there to complain about? Well truth be told, if you’ve been at all sloppy about anything having to do with investments, banks, taxes, and/or retirement funds, you’d better get on that case now, lest it spoil the rest of your Summer. Mercury retro in your 4th demands a major and thorough clean-up on the home- front. So in addition to the kitty litter and piles of papers, do some fixin’ with family members and/or landlords. A little curb appeal goes a long way.
CANCER: Being unresponsive (especially to a bank or lender who has been less than forthright) and taking a time-out on the 20th is all well and good so long as you do not extend your “I’m indisposed” routine for too long. If you believe that communication is key to your well being, during the Mercury Retro of Aug 20- Sept 12 repair relationships with siblings and neighbors, and it will pay off in spades. A rendezvous with a regular is possible on or around the 20th, but don’t begin anything with a new interest. Their story will change after Mercury goes direct in mid-September.
LEO: If on the 20th, you experience any and/or all of the following: Miscommunication with a spaced out partner or BFF, your ATM card doesn’t work, a surprising sexual synergy with a neighbor, and weirdness with a willful co-worker or laborer, you’re not crazy, it’s just too much at once. You needn’t respond to any of it: As a matter of fact, the less action taken that particular day, the better. (You can always make a date with that love interest later). The next three plus weeks should be earmarked for financial review and a thorough soul-searching regarding what’s of value to you and where you want to spend your time and energy.
VIRGO: Can love and money merge and form a peaceful and mutually supportive co-existence? It sure as hell can and why not? So whether it’s finally acting on someone who struck your fancy a while back, or going for that which you truly love to do and turning it into something that supports you, go for it now! You may not be ready to thoroughly enjoy the process as some of your energy will undoubtedly go towards self-analysis (your favorite pastime) and self-correction during the Mercury retro days ahead (thru Sep 12), but a good time is pretty much guaranteed. Keep your kids and/or past lovers out of this equation.
LIBRA: If you’re looking for love, you needn’t look far as it may be right under your nose or literally at your doorstep. The meet-up of Venus and Mars in your sign as Mercury begins to reverse itself suggests that a love from the past may try to re-establish him or herself in your good graces, or, an issue that sank a past relationship is up for clearing and healing. Both are good news. But keep in mind, that Mercury’s trip will take you back in time and that while a review is always useful, there’s little you can do about emotional spilt milk except to forgive yourself and do it better next time.
SCORPIO: As Venus and Mars do their thing in your 12th house of hidden love affairs, an opportunity looms for a passionate meet-up behind closed doors. Silly as it seems to even ask, the question is- are you really in the mood for the extra expenditure of energy, especially when the Mercury retro pretty much demands that there be follow ups whether you want them or not? But another interpretation of the planetary duo is one that may appeal to you more: The 12th house often acts as a laboratory and the creative mix in there at this time could yield the perfect alchemy to lift you out of a tight spot, especially if you allow yourself to think outside of your comfort zone. Mercury Retro in your communal 11th house encourages a reworking of your plans for the future. By mid September you could come up with a better outlook for 2011.
SAGITTARIUS: Community events and assorted gatherings with like-minded cronies inspire and enliven on the 20th and the synergy experienced could yield a sweet romantic excursion. But buyer beware: As Mercury retrogrades through your very public 10th house, all flawed professional behavior of the past few months will be gone over with a fine-toothed comb. Be prepared to own up to any and all errors in judgment on your part and fix willingly and without ego. If that’s done without bitching, you have nothing to fear. If not, further exposure awaits.
CAPRICORN: Your special brand of creative mojo (visible in your public-career oriented 10th house) acts as a magnet for potentially BIG professional opportunities that will change your life for the better. So even though you may be unaware of the extra charisma emanating from your pores, don’t knock it or take it for granted, and share the wealth whenever you can. Life may not be a popularity contest, but as we see in the case of (Gemini) NY Rep Charlie Rangel, it sure doesn’t hurt! Mercury’s backward trek in your legal 9th house requires meticulous culling of court documents.
AQUARIUS: Though an influential consort may try to get you to sign on the dotted line, please give yourself permission to delay any commitments (written or oral), especially if you feeling spacey and a little more vulnerable than usual. Anything really good will keep, and a really good friend or partner will be patient. Love may walk in (or fly in) from afar- and the connection enlivens and inspires you out of a funk. For the next three to four weeks, the devil is definitely in the details where financials are concerned. Do the tedium thing and review terms with credit cards, mortgages, annuities and/or pensions.
PISCES: Occasionally even friends with the best of intentions (or not) can be ruthless in their ability to thwart your personal life. So as Venus and Mars merge merrily in your sexy and transformative 8th house, be aware of which communal influences to pay attention to and which ones to toss. And here’s a though, when is criticism constructive and when does it come from a place of toxic will? The Full Moon in your sign on the 24th heightens sensitivity. So even as you can’t help what wear your heart on your sleeve, be a little self-protective. Mercury retro thru Sept 12 focuses attention and a number of corrective moves with key relationships.