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October, 2015  

 

  
 

  

Quan Yin

Quan Yin 

Goddess of Compassion

 

  

 

Happy Birthday

  

Libras !!!

 

 

 

Venus plaque in Adler's Rainbow Lobby (C. Stillwell, Adler Planetarium   

 

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Discover where to place your energy and attention this birthday year for the optimum results!

 

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 Solar Return

  

Reading  

  

on MP3

 

  

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If your Sun sign is in Libra, email me with your name and SOLAR RETURN in the subject line.  If I draw your name out of the box, I'll email you with further details.

 

 

 

margaret@margaretsweet.com 

 

 

 

Deadline -  Oct 15

 

  

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September 28, 2015

 

 

Hello everyone:

 

 

Welcome to the October newsletter.   

 

After watching the eclipse last night from a good location in our neighborhood, we went home and chanted for an hour.  What an incredibly beautiful evening it was.  We still feel somewhat 'transported' this morning!   

 

Every Fall I wait for a little package in the mail. Well it just got here and I find myself tearing it open as though it was my only Christmas present.  What's inside?  The 2016 Astrology Ephemeris, which is essentially a dictionary, listing the position of the planets and lunar activity for next year. I  look forward to delving into this new information as time allows.

 

Wishing you a fabulous October.   

 

 

 

 

 

And then ....

....there's Yoga


 
 
   
 
October is a special month for me, being the month that my first spiritual teacher, Swami Muktananda left his body.  He is remembered and honored by his devotees, most especially in this month.  It's hard to describe what an amazing 'yogi' Baba Muktananda was, for he was so far outside the 'mold' of anyone I have ever met.  He was ever so generous with his love, wisdom and in showering his Grace upon those who sought it.  The transformation in the lives of those he touched, to this day, is remarkable.

Through meeting Muktananda, I developed a love and respect for the path of yoga.  Though there are many kinds of yoga practiced, all traditional paths have their roots in ancient  yoga philosophy, which is comprised of many texts and systems.  The majority of these  comprehensive works were created by enlightened sages for the purpose of helping seekers find the Truth.  The spiritual teacher, the Guru, through sharing their enlightened state of consciousness, give seekers an experience of the Truth.   
 
Yoga philosophy places much emphasis on the importance of stilling and purifying the mind, meditation and turning within to experience the Self, the ultimate Truth. 
 
I  love to read the biographies and auto biographies of spiritual masters from India.  Not only are their lives fascinating, but their love, and their 'state' of consciousness, still very palpable no matter when they left this earth, tends to leap right off the pages, opening the heart of the reader and bringing spiritual revelations. 
 
It can be helpful to be introduced gently to the vast nature of how one begins to embrace the idea, the ideal, of living one's life in alignment with the higher Truth.

Ram Butler, who began his spiritual search at the age of 15 years of age, is the author of a fabulous course, entitled "Living in the Truth of the Present Moment".  Below, (in red type) you can read an excerpt from the course.  If you would like to read more about the course, and sample one of the lessons, please click on the link here:

"Universal laws are those principles of Truth that are always applicable in one's daily life from one moment to the next -providing that person is aware of or conscious of the truth of the principle and actually applies it in his or her own life. Many people know what to do. They just don't know how to do it, which often includes the knowledge and practice of activating will.

If we remain unaware of the principles of Truth (which is the plight of most people on Earth), those principles, since they are immutable and invariable, continue to operate in our lives-except that we are applying them subconsciously, or unconsciously, in ways we were programmed or conditioned to think, act, and react before we were old enough to think for ourselves and develop our own principles and values.

Through the expanding awareness of the principles of Truth, we can apply them consciously, in positive and constructive ways, instead of subconsciously, which is how we habitually cause all the pain and suffering in our own life.

In the Course we develop our ability to consciously respond (as opposed to unconsciously reacting). We respond consciously, in the way we know is best 
according to our current understanding. Ordinarily we react subconsciously, automatically, as conditioned in the past, without even deciding to do so or considering whether it is best for all concerned."

Ram Butler 

 
 
 

 

 

 

Action or Inaction


 

 

   

 

Over the last several months, I've noticed the same question coming from clients: "Is it better to wait until I'm absolutely sure of the next step in my life, or is it better to bite the bullet, take action, and move my life forward?"  In fact one client asked, "Why do I feel so schizophrenic right now?"  

 

On one hand, it makes sense for me to look a person's chart to see what the signposts are indicating, rather than framing this question in more general terms.  Nevertheless, it might be interesting to explore this topic and why it seems so universal, at this time. 

 

The wise yogis tell us that it's an illusion to imagine there is a difference between action and inaction, but the majority of us are not operating from this heightened spiritual awareness.  We reach for something which we can wrap our mind around - something which makes sense to us.

 

There are a lot of astrological 'oppositions' between planets, taking place in the second half of this year, which tends to create the experience of wavering back and forth between two different points of reference.  I'll review those taking place between July and October, below. 

 

Before doing so however, I want to stress the importance of keeping things in perspective.  I write here about possible 'tendencies' which can be raised in reaction to planetary activity.  I would also want to emphasize that we are NOT our tendencies.  There is so much information we are exposed to on a daily basis, that it becomes imperative for us to establish filters, so that we can review information with discrimination and detachment, thereby not  taking it in, as though it has already become a part of our own individual experience! 

 

 

With this in mind, let's move on.

 

In July, Mars in Cancer was opposing Pluto in Capricorn, which triggers and amplifies an emotional response /reaction, to everything, creating a sense that our emotions, or those of people around us, are are out of control.

 

In August, Mercury in Virgo was opposing Neptune in Pisces, which adds a wishy washy aspect to our mental process, making it harder to focus and make practical decisions.

 

The end of August through the end of September, Jupiter in Virgo is opposing Neptune in Pisces.  This magnifies the feeling of living in uncertainty.  Sometimes we can't find stable ground beneath our feet or figure out the most appropriate 'criteria' from which to make a sound evaluation or judgement. 

 

In October, there's quite a lot of activity going on.  The Sun in Libra is in opposition to Uranus in Aries, October 7 - 16.  This combination makes it difficult to find the right balance.  We may feel compelled to act boldly and swiftly, and take the bull by the horns, but if we don't receive a good 'reception', or others question our action, we may second guess ourselves.

 

Saturn (Sagittarius) is in square to Venus in Virgo, October 1 - 16, which may trigger fear based thinking and restriction around finances. This placement calls upon us to be gentle with ourselves and take the time to replenish our heart energy.

 

A T-square configuration takes place centering around the planet of the mind, Mercury, in the sign of Libra.  Pluto in Capricorn squares Mercury, October 19 - 25, and Uranus in Aries opposes Mercury, October 22 - October 28.  These challenges to Mercury can create some   indecision and psychological ups and downs, and could be reflected in further fluctuations in the stock market.  

 

What helps us find our bearings through the above influences?  Beneficial activity between Mars, Jupiter and Pluto, which I've written about separately in the article directly below this one.

 

It's natural for us to look for tangible signs of stability and harmony in the outer world, and to also feel challenged and uncertain, when we don't perceive this to be the case.  It's equally as important for us to build strength and continuity within ourselves, from an inner perspective.  When we establish the means to  connect with that which sustains us spiritually, we also begin to pay more attention to our inner guidance, which is a great comfort and support, and which will never lead us astray.

 

 

 

 

 

    

Mars-Jupiter
conjunct in Virgo
in trine to Pluto 
 
     
 
 

Mars and Jupiter conjunct in Virgo
October 3 - October 28

Energizing Mars in Virgo (the consummate 'organizer') contributes to benevolent Jupiter, creating a 'let's get this show on the road' kind of enthusiasm.

This combination is a great for:

1) Taking down the curled at the corners 'to-do' list, posted on the refrigerator door, and start organizing tasks into bite size, manageable  chunks.

2) Volunteering your time and/or enlisting
others to become involved in donating their time to a worthy community project.

3)  Re-committing to a new exercise and health related regime and working one on one with a coach to get your program down.

4) Don't underestimate the skills you have developed, crafted and perfected - teach others! 

5) Perfect your skill level and take it to another level - sign up for intensive classes with teachers who are proficient in what you want to perfect.


Mars and Jupiter trine Pluto (Capricorn)
October 7 - October 28

Mars and Pluto is a great influence for adopting the stance of the 'warrior'.  This placement is seen in the charts of professional athletes, martial arts practitioners, and high level corporate executives.  It lends itself to establishing firm intention, one pointed focus and discipline toward one's objective(s).  It makes it possible for us to access and anchor our 'core' energy and overcome inferior emotions, such as doubt and fear.

When Jupiter joins the mix, it raises our vision to come from a place of purposeful intent, to draw upon a higher power to guide and protect us and our vision/intent, while also requesting that the best outcome be available for all concerned.

The above planets are in the earth signs of Virgo and Capricorn, which support getting much accomplished in a hands-on, practical manner.


 

 

 

   

Winner of Solar Return Reading 

 

 

 



 



Brittni Svanberg
  Currently living in Boston, MA   
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Astro Tips

 

 

 

 
Empowerment by Rita Loyd
Artwork by Lloyd
 
 
 
Note:  All times given below are PST
 
 
 
   Mercury is retrograde in Libra.
Goes DIRECT, Oct 9   
 
    
 
 
Oct 1:  Mid afternoon influence can result in feeling a lack of interest in pursuing the subject at hand, and there seems to be extra effort required in communicating.  Irritability and boredom may visit us briefly in the evening.
(Gemini Moon opposes Saturn (Sagittarius), exact at 3:00 pm and goes on to square Mars (Virgo), exact at 8:30 pm)
   
Oct 4:  Creating a cozy, low key morning and taking time to gather your thoughts is a great approach to the day.  Early evening influence can lends itself to moodiness.
(Cancer Moon trines Neptune (Scorpio), exact at 7:00 am; Moon opposes Pluto (Capricorn) at 5:15 pm).
 
Oct 5:  It's possible to experience some emotional conflict if there are demands to jump into a busy week.  For those on the East Coast, who may be in morning freeway traffic, tempers can be short!  The Moon is Void all day and evening, which can influence us subtly in feeling emotionally disconnected.  
(Cancer Moon squares Uranus (Aries), exact at 4:00 am)

Oct 6:  A potpourri of influences take place today. While favorable early morning influences bring balance to the mind, they're up against a challenging influence which can create inner psychological conflict.  Paying attention to 'what specifically takes place' which may cause our mood to change, is the key to being able to shift this.
A late afternoon influence comes forth, bringing balance to the mind.  Nevertheless, a late evening influence can make it difficult to find the focus and drive to get through those evening chores.
(Leo Moon trines Saturn (Sagittarius) at 4:30 am and sextiles Mercury (Libra) at 5:00 am; Sun in Libra squares Pluto (Capricorn), exact at 7:15 am.  Mercury (Libra) sextiles Saturn (Sag) at 4:00 pm; Mars (Virgo) opposes Neptune (Pisces), exact at 8:00 pm)
 
Oct 7:  Mid afternoon influence clears energies of yesterday, resulting in forward momentum.
(Leo Moon trines Uranus (Aries), exact at 2:00 pm)
 
Oct 8:  Early afternoon subtle influence creates openness and sensitivity to self and others, but by late afternoon, we may need to withdraw and create some alone time. 
(Virgo Moon conjuncts Venus at 1:00 pm and squares Saturn (Sagittarius) at 4:15 pm) Libra Sun sextiles Jupiter in Leo, exact at 4:15 pm; Taurus Moon opposes Saturn at 5:45 pm)  
  
Oct 9:  Mercury goes Direct at 8:00 am. Changeable early morning energies can create ungroundedness, so it's important that our attention is present and focused on what we are doing. Afternoon energies are uplifting and productive. 
(Virgo Moon opposes Neptune, at 4:00 am and conjuncts Mars, exact at 7:00 am; Moon conjuncts Jupiter at 2:30 pm and trines Pluto (Capricorn) at 3:15 pm) 
   
Oct 10:  Self-nurturing activities and intentions is the key to balance out a difficult aspect this afternoon, which can play havoc with our self-esteem, create feelings of loneliness and/or trigger concerns about finances. 
(Venus in Virgo squares Saturn in Sagittarius, exact at 5:30 pm)
 
Oct 11:  A potpourri of influences take place today. The day starts off with a social, chatty influence. An influence which is present all day, but comes into an exact connection in the late afternoon, is uplifting, productive and a well balanced practical influence.  This placement is most favorable for creating personal goals.  However, come the  evening, we may notice 'aggressive' tendencies popping up, when a take charge, 'make others wrong' kind of influence comes into place.  It goes without saying, that it's important to dial in some peaceful energy before going to bed so that you can sleep!
(Libra Moon conjuncts Mercury at 4:15 am and sextiles Saturn (Sagittarius) at 5:45 am; Jupiter (Virgo) trines Pluto (Capricorn), exact at 4:45 pm.  Libra Sun opposes Uranus (Aries), exact at 8:45 pm) 
 
Oct 12New Moon in Libra.  See Lunar Activity for further details.  
 
Oct 13:  A balancing influence brings stability to the mind. 
(Mercury (Libra) sextiles Saturn (Sagittarius), exact at 3:00 am) 
 
Oct 14:  The day begins with a subtle pull toward the inner experience, and continues throughout the day supporting inner focus, steadiness of purpose and working alone. 
(Scorpio Moon trines Neptune (Pisces) at 5:30 am; Moon sextiles Mars (Virgo) at 3:15 pm, sextiles Pluto (Capricorn) at 4:50 pm and sextiles Jupiter (Virgo) at 6:00 pm).

Oct 15:  The Moon is Void all day and evening, in the sign of Scorpio, which favors quiet, inner focus.  The consummate one pointed, self-mastery influence, seen in the charts of professional athletes and martial art masters comes into place today, and is exact this evening.  This is a fabulous influence for calling upon our courage and conviction, and making a commitment to see something through, which requires our self-effort and self-discipline.
(Mars (Virgo) trines Pluto (Capricorn), exact at 8:30 pm)

Oct 16:  The day seems to fall into 'sectors'.  The first influence of the day can bring about a feeling of being emotionally disconnected, so that we resist having to jump into our day.  A mid morning aspect  coaxes our mind back to focus on what is in front of us, which can help us put emotions on the back burner. 
A t-square configuration comes into effect in the late afternoon, carrying all the dreaminess, but also some of the ungroundedness of the mutable signs, making it difficult to figure out what we want.  This is followed by an even stronger 'dreamy' influence in the evening.  A good night to stay home and watch an uplifting, light hearted, feel-good movie!
(Sagittarius Moon conjuncts Saturn, at 7:00 am; Moon sextiles Mercury (Libra) at 12:15 pm; Sag Moon creates a T-Square, with Venus in Virgo and Neptune in Pisces, 4:00 - 5:00 pm.  Venus opposes Neptune, exact at 8:00 pm) 

Oct 17:  Our appetite for what we want to do with our day may be bigger than our energy capacity to deliver this morning....however if we wait until the afternoon, a promising energy 'shift' takes place lightening our mood, energizing us toward what we'd like to get accomplished.  Being out in nature and physically active may be calling to us!
(Sagittarius Moon squares Mars-Jupiter conjunct in Virgo, at 5:00 - 6:00 am. Moon trines Uranus (Aries) at 1:45 pm. Mars-Jupiter are conjunct in Virgo, exact at 4:45 pm) 

Oct 19:  Go Capricorn!  A Capricorn Moon makes several positive aspects today, doing what it does best - getting a lot accomplished with due diligence and by delegating, and acknowledging the efforts of others. Best to take a little time to unwind in the early evening, because the late evening brings in a somewhat 'erratic' combination, which can make it hard to settle down in time to get quality sleep.
(Capricorn Moon squares Mercury (Libra) at 3:15 am - the mind can be busy and restless.  Moon trines Venus (Virgo) at 5:30 am.  Moon conjuncts Pluto at 12:15 pm, trines Jupiter (Virgo) at 2:45 pm, trines Mars (Virgo) at 4:30 pm.  Moon squares Uranus (Aries) at 9:30 pm)

Oct 21:  Mid afternoon brings in a favorable mental influence, good for writing, communication and collaboration.
(Aquarius Moon trines Mercury (Libra), at 3:00 pm)

Oct 22:  Making the effort to let go of negative thought patterns and replacing them with positive thoughts, will be key today.
(Mercury in Libra squares Pluto in Capricorn, exact at 2:15 pm)

Oct 23:  Just like last Friday, this Friday has a lot of 'Neptunian" energy permeating.  It's not always so easy to have our own agenda with this energy...we do better to limit our 'to-do' list, and have an open, flexible mindset, while also taking good care of our emotional well being.  Late night techies, put your 'mouse' to bed early. 
(Pisces Moon squares Saturn (Sagittarius) at 3:30 am and conjuncts Neptune at 10:15 am.  Moon opposes Venus-Jupiter conjunction in Virgo, 9:30 pm - 11:45 pm)


Oct 25:  Another potpourri of influences today.  The day begins with an early morning focused influence, good for planning our day.  Then comes a promising VENUS-JUPITER conjunction in Virgo, excellent for doing good deeds for others and generally giving of ourselves. This positive influence lends itself to   establishing an expansive mindset around abundance and prosperity. The afternoon ushers in quite a different energy pattern. An 'erratic' mental influence can create much 'flux' in our thinking, challenging our communications, and make us feel accident prone.  Not the time to be working with technology or electricity.  In the evening, a negative thinking influence can catch us by surprise.
(Aries Moon trines Saturn (Sagittarius) at 4:45 am; Venus-Jupiter conjunction in Virgo, exact at 1:00 pm. Mercury in Libra opposes Uranus in Aries at 4:00 pm. Moon squares Pluto (Capricorn), at 8:30 pm)

Oct 26:  Uranus rules the early morning, so getting the mind and the body headed in the same direction could be a challenge.  Stay away from attempting  in-depth activity on computers.
(Aries Moon conjuncts Uranus, at 4:00 am and opposes Mercury (Libra) at 5:30 am.

Oct 27:  Full Moon in Taurus.  See Lunar Activity.

Oct 28:  Great eye for symmetry in aesthetics, design and artistic endeavors this morning.
(Taurus Moon trines Venus / Mars in Virgo, 4:30 - 8:30 am)

Oct 29:  The mind doesn't want to be restricted to logical/linear endeavors this morning, much preferring to look through a kaleidoscopic lense.
(Gemini Moon opposes Saturn in Sagittarius, at 5:45 am and squares Neptune in Pisces, at 11:15 am)

Oct 30:  The mind can become bored and restless today, but if we can turn inward and settle our energy down, we can get some good insights.  The evening bring forth good ideas.
(Gemini Moon squares Jupiter at 3:00 am, squares Venus-Mars in Virgo, at 9:45 - 12:30 pm. Scorpio Sun trines Neptune in Pisces at 2:00 pm.  Moon trines Mercury in Libra, at 8:00 pm)

Oct 31:  Lots of Neptune energy this afternoon, contributes to the fun of dressing up for Halloween!

 H a p p y Halloween


 
 
 
 
Lunar Activity  
 
 
 
Oct 12:    New Moon     19 deg.     Libra       5:06 pm

This New Moon takes place in the sign of Libra, which is associated with refinement, intellectual balance, detachment, along with harmony and cooperation within relationships.  It may be hard to find evidence of these qualities however, given the planets and type of aspects interacting with the Moon - namely Uranus and Pluto.

Unpredictable, changeable and perhaps  experienced as aggressive energies, are in place leading up to this New Moon.  In personal interactions, it's crucial to recognize if and when, you're involved in an energy exchange which is rapidly spiraling downward.  Speaking up immediately (if it is safe to do so), and addressing your concerns can give others the opportunity to do their part to shift the dynamic of the interaction.

In other situations, it's simply smarter to stay quiet and not seek interaction.

The 'hot spots' are Sunday evening, Monday early morning, and late afternoon. 


 
Oct 27:   Full Moon        3 deg.     Taurus     5:05 pm
 
When the Full Moon is in the sign of Taurus, ruled by the planet Venus, the experience of harmony is usually prevalent.  This Full Moon, taking place on Tuesday early morning, is coming on the heels of some challenging and changeable Uranus-Pluto influences (Sunday and Monday). 

Hopefully, it will be far enough away from them, and we can experience a welcome change of pace toward some softer and settled energy.

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Thanks so much for joining me this month!

Wishing you an energizing and most enjoyable transition into Fall. 
 
 
 
 
much love,
Margaret
 
 
 
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