March's New Moon in Pisces brings up some very interesting issues and ideas. Falling on March 7 in the United States (March 8 in Australia), the degree of the new moon is Pisces 18: In a Huge Tent a Famous Revivalist Conducts His Meeting With a Spectacular Performance... shades of the U.S. Presidential race with Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain slinging it out, making pronouncements, making promises, evangelizing, and talking up a storm. All of these candidates speak like they are promising a new world, a greater sense of freedom, more opportunities, greater wealth, etc. This Symbol brings up images of revivalists, evangelists, religious gatherings. It can also bring up the issue of boxing matches and circuses... going by what's happening in the media in the States we're seeing those things every day through the main stream media. This Revivalist Symbol describes what we've been seeing in recent times, especially as Uranus was on this degree for several months during 2007 and again for this last month.  

It seems what we need most, and I've written this before, is a sense of hope. Hope is something that rewards us in it's own special way... feeling hope, we get a sense of relief in holding that space.

What we also need to focus on is gaining a greater sense of our own individual power - the power inherent in each and every one of us. This can be easily forgotten when so much is going on in our lives; things that challenge us, that push us to our limits. The trick, I believe, can be found through the agency of the current Mars-Pluto opposition. Pluto is on Capricorn 1: An Indian Chief Claims Power >From the Assembled Tribe. This Symbol speaks of the need to stand up, feel strong and be counted as someone in charge of our own space, our feelings, our own destiny - most importantly, able to connect with the people who live around us and form our community. Claiming power from the assembled tribe also infers gathering together parts of our own personality - gathering in all those disparate parts of ourselves that divide us or sabotage our efforts; the part of us that is strong versus the part that wants to crawl under a table. The part of us that believes in what we're doing and where we're going versus that part of us that wants to go AWOL... those parts that don't line up with how we'd like to see ourselves. Claiming power shows where we need to reclaim those parts of ourselves that give away our power - where do you allow others to lord it over you? Walk over you? Dictate what you want, what you can have, where you can go?

Feeling powerless and impotent won't cut the mustard for very long, especially as Mars is smack opposite Pluto. Mars is on Cancer 1: A Sailor on a Boat Lowers an Old Flag and Raises a New One. This Symbol shows the need to assess and reassess what we need in our life, what we hold an allegiance to, what we salute, where we belong. It asks us to look at what we've signed up to. What is it that we need to let go of in order to live our lives with more authenticity? How can we change our lives so that what we do and how we live more authentically reflects our sense of self?

Finding out what we want is especially important as Mercury is on Aquarius 21: A Woman Disappointed and Disillusioned Facing a Seemingly Empty Life. We can't allow our lives to be empty - what's that about? Disillusioned and disappointed won't work, either. We need to again connect with that sense of hope and direction. I've pointed this out before, but I'll say it again, each and every Symbol holds the fruit of the exact opposite: The Woman Disappointed and Disillusioned holds the much bigger promise of the Woman Who's Full of Hope and Promise for the Future. Rewrite that Symbol in your mind (and I promise to: I'm going to do a big rewrite on the Symbols for my next book.)

Getting back to the Revivalist degree of this new moon, just before writing this blog, I read an article in the Sydney Morning Herald about Benny Hinn, the evangelist said to raise $200,000,000 a year through his entreaties to the people who flock to see him that they should give money to his ministry as it's money that's going to god.... something I find very hard to swallow, particularly as he apparently visited Africa last year with people donating money they could ill afford - hoping to find a miracle, they give and give and give - all over the world. Interestingly, there is currently a U.S.Senate Investigation into Benny Hinn and 5 other televangelists.

Barack Obama is a phenomenon - how is he doing it? It's like he's got a lot of something - charisma, the ability to say the right thing with the right tone, a calmness, a knowingness - something that somehow has quite a hold on people. I feel he's playing the part of the Revivalist in many ways, certainly he seems to be bringing hope and the prospect of healthy change to many people. It will be interesting to watch his progress. Obviously, he's a huge target for the right wing. They haven't started on him yet. I think they're not sure where to start.

Further, on the American Presidential election, I think that Hillary Clinton is going to have problems staying in the race, or, at least, staying on course as she has some very big Neptune transits - Neptune is forming a tight grand cross to her Mercury/Saturn/North Node t-square. This is huge and it would have to be very tiring for her. Although I think she's a very strong person, staying on an even keel emotionally is likely to be quite a test with all the confusion of Neptune going on. Neptune (the dissolver) on her Saturn (her sense of structure, what she knows to be solid and real) and her Mercury (her ability to communicate and think and listen) just won't give her the necessary energy to pull through and win this race - unless she has a few rather major miracles and some serious time to rest and recuperate.

At the time of this new moon, with so many things hanging in the balance for Hillary, we find Venus on Aquarius 24: A Person Turning Their Back on Their Passions - it looks like someone is going to be dropping out, or, at least, making major adjustments to how things are done. As this Venus is playing into Hillary's t-square so neatly, along with Neptune, it feels like she'll be the one turning her back, whether it's soon or in some months to come; things that unfold now could lead to this happening further down the track.

Likewise, I find it hard to imagine that John McCain will be able to keep up the pace. He has some rather difficult Uranus transits coming up later on the year. I doubt he'll make it to the election, actually. I'm not predicting death for him in the literal sense, more that he's likely to run out of steam. I don't think he has what it takes.

During this new moon, Uranus is on the degree following the Revivalist in a Gigantic Tent degree - Pisces 19: A Master Instructing His Disciple. Echoing these degrees are the issues of religion that are continually coming up. Issues of just how religious the candidates for the Presidency are, is Barack Obama a muslim? Is he religious enough? Does he wear a patriotic lapel pin? What representatives of what churches endorse the candidates, do they put their hand on their heart when they stand for the national anthem? and on and on and on (for God's sake, why on earth do people listen to this stuff? - I know, I know, not everyone do, but there's enough who do.)

Considering the real issues that are plaguing people in the United States and in the world, this all sounds rather specious, to say the least. The Sun and the Moon being smack on Uranus during this new moon shows how in need people are of being able to get back in touch with reality; what really matters at this time. One hopes (I could say one prays!) that some semblance of sense comes back to what's going on, but I feel that it's unlikely in the short term. Uranus on this new moon is most likely just going to ramp up the silly stuff to the point where many thinking people won't be able to stand watching the charade that passes as politics at all any more.

Jupiter will be interesting to watch, as well. Just a few days after this new moon, it moves onto Capricorn 18: The Union Jack is Flying from a New British Warship. This seems to imply that issues to do with the flag will come up more and more. This patriotism thing is really just a curve ball when people are losing their houses because they can't pay their mortgage and people are having not only their homes but their bodies blown apart in Iraq (this for service men and women as well as the people of Iraq).

Keeping the faith is always important, but with Uranus - which often separates and causes rifts - being in such close contact with the Sun and Moon in this new moon - we are needing more and more to connect with each other - and with a sense of personal authenticity. However we choose to connect, we need to do it with not only our minds, but our hearts and our bodies. Hug, kiss, touch, love; these are good antidotes to the separating energies that Uranus can bring our way.

Book a reading with Lynda and find out what's coming up for you in 2008 www.sabiansymbols.com/page.asp?id=1404

Check out Lynda's blog at www.sabiansymbols.typepad.com

and Lynda's Sabian Symbol Oracle at www.sabiansymbols.com

If you want to subscribe or unsubscribe from this newsletter, please send an email to Lynda at sabiansymbols@gmail.com

February's lunar eclipse (falling on February 20 and February 21, depending on where you are in the world) is well-placed for North and South America as well as Europe and Africa. Observers along North America's west coast miss the early stages of the partial eclipse because it begins before moon rise. Alaskans in Anchorage and Fairbanks experience moon rise during totality but bright evening twilight will make it difficult to view the event. Western Europe and northwest Africa also see the entire eclipse. Further to the east (east Africa and central Asia), the Moon sets before the eclipse ends. None of the eclipse is visible from eastern Asia or Australia. For more information go to NASA's site - click here.

Notice the red star? That's where the eclipse is most visible How interesting that Fidel Castro resigned just a few days before this eclipse? What happens next for this region of the world will be interesting to watch. It certainly seems time for the U.S. to revise relations with Cuba - as what's happening between the two nations is a relic from the Cold War. To see Cuba freed from the embargo and repressions placed up on it would be a wonderful thing. I've never been to Cuba, but I hear it's a wonderful place with wonderful people.

Which brings us to the Sabian Symbol for this total lunar eclipse - Virgo 2: A Large White Cross Dominates the Landscape. This Symbol seems to be saying that a lot of the old relics from the past that are no longer relevant, no longer serving the people, no longer providing growth for the world, are likely to be falling away - crumbling and dissembling. One can hope! Of course, when things are dying, sometimes a strong resistance to change makes for a struggle before there's actually any progress. It will be fascinating to watch Barack Obama's progress in the Presidential race and what arguments and slurs are bought up against him by the conservative establishment... The negative connotations of The Large White Cross Dominating The Landscape may be about to take a punch in the stomach! (BTW, I cannot see Hillary Clinton winning the Democratic nomination - she has truly difficult Neptune transits - she'll be lucky to hold her composure - much less anything else.)

This degree Symbol can be difficult, especially with an eclipse on it! We do, however, have the grace and benefits of the degree following, Virgo 3: Two Guardian Angels Bringing Protection, this Symbol will be felt quite strongly by some as a way out of difficult or repressive energies. First, a bit about the Large White Cross...

One word frees us of all the weight and pain in life. That word is love.
Sophocles BC 495-406 Greek Poet

Here's my brief take along with the Keywords and Caution for Virgo 2: A Large White Cross, Dominating the Landscape, Stands Alone on the Top of a High Hill

This is a symbol of suffering and loss along with the hope of faith and salvation. Symbols such as 'the Cross’ have long had a deep, meaningful and powerful influence. That the ‘Cross’ is ‘Standing Alone’ depicts a sense of desertion, perhaps of one’s faith or life circumstances. This can bring a sense of isolation. The idea, or belief, that suffering and giving up one’s personal desires as a means to salvation has special significance for many people, but what does it really mean? True religion is supposed to unite people in many ways. Dogmatic expressions of faith can either unite or divide, even in what should be seen as a common cause. People need symbols of faith to rally around and inspire them.

Keywords: Religious ideals dominating. The fear or the wonder of God. Following a mystic path. The need to find a savior. Being alone and forgotten. Monuments to pain and suffering. Tributes to or memories of those lost or gone before. Reminders of salvation. Images of redemption. The Church. Christianity and other religions. Martyrdom. The Inquisition.

The Caution: Aloneness and/or sacrifice or the yearning for it. Dogmatism. Scapegoating. Days in the wilderness alone. Religion dictating against one’s desires or needs. Symbols that inspire guilt and anguish instead of love, acceptance and forgiveness. Institutions disregarding individual rights. Lording it over others. Bullying under the guise of religion. Imposing figures.

As this is a lunar eclipse on this degree, it feels that many will find, or need to find, a renewed sense of faith, hope and love. This eclipse is also about self-love and setting boundaries on what you allow into your life. It seems it's time to really decide on what you'll do or have in your life and what you won't. Realizations of habits and self negating behaviors and ways and means that you give your power away can lead to a stronger sense of inner power and a greater connection to the divine, both within yourself and extended out to the people around you.

This degree Symbol often shows up as institutions, those that help and guide us, but also those that lord it over us and tell us what to do. The true beauty of this Symbol lies in 'people power' - the ability for people to a make a difference in their own lives.

A religious experience can change one's life and lead to spiritual fulfillment and the highest sense of joy. Instead of having a “cross to bear”, we can work at realigning ourselves with our true desires and allegiances. We can ground our selves and our lives by creating a balanced set of circumstances in our life: money, relationships, family, career, etc. This can lead to a stronger sense of purpose and spirituality, dissipating feelings of sacrifice, separation or loneliness.

With Virgo 3: Two Guardian Angels Bringing Protection being the degree after, we can invite visible or invisible guidance into our lives, people appear just when they're needed, in some instances we're saved just in the nick of time. This degree is about salvation, being helped, creative solutions, people and events that support you in your endeavors. Remember....

Angels around us, angels beside us, angels within us. Angels are watching over you when times are good or stressed. Their wings wrap gently around you, whispering you are loved and blessed. Angel Blessing

We forget to pray for the Angels and the Angels forget to pray for us. Leonard Cohen

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. Albert Einstein

The rather karmic implications of this eclipse are especially powerful in that Saturn is very close by at Virgo 6: A Merry-Go-Round. This degree is telling us to get off the old patters, stop repeating the same old mistakes and bouncing around from one thing to another without getting anywhere. I believe Saturn's core message at the moment is to let go of addictive behavior... it will just lead us back to old ways and ever repeating spirals that get us nowhere. Time to jump off that karmic wheel?

The Sun is suggesting that we take a quiet moment (or a day or two!) to figure out where you are and where you want to go. The Sabian Symbol for the Sun is Pisces 2: A Squirrel Hiding From Hunters. This, of course, can refer to hiding away and being fearful, but it can also denote a time of retreat and meditation, waiting for a signal that times will improve (which they surely will, if you've been having a difficult time). We can spend some time in retreat, but by hiding ourselves away we can miss out on the opportunity of being nourished, being able to bask in the sun, meeting people who can enrich your life, etc. Short moments of retreat are wonderful, as long as they don't become extended beyond their use-by-date!

I particularly like the degree of Venus at Aquarius 5: A Council of Ancestors Has Been Called to Guide You. This degree is very powerful in that it ensures that, if you're paying attention, there are even more sources of guidance available. It speaks of divine healing potency, natural healing methods, going on faith, humility in the face of greatness, finding one's center, tapping vast reservoirs of healing forces, auras that radiate, ancestors that guide or give illumination on the path, the Akashic records, giving credence to where you've come from....

On the whole, this lunar eclipse is about regaining faith while maintaining a sense of autonomy and hope. Following two weeks after the solar eclipse on Aquarius 18: A Man Being Unmasked at a Masquerade, we need to continue to unmask those things, people, sub personalities of our own personas, events, beliefs, etc, in order to see what's truly going on. Do we truly reveal ourselves for who we are, or do we project a persona that's not a true representation? Do we mold ourselves to other's expectations?

Indeed, during this lunar eclipse, Chiron, the Wounded Healer and the Story Teller, is on Aquarius 18 - the Man Unmasked degree. What stories do we continue to tell ourselves, what stories do we believe? Where is the establishment leading us astray? All big questions and all, I think, deserving of our attention at this very interesting time!

Book a reading with Lynda and find out what's coming up for you in 2008 www.sabiansymbols.com/page.asp?id=1404

Check out Lynda's blog at www.sabiansymbols.typepad.com

and Lynda's Sabian Symbol Oracle at www.sabiansymbols.com

If you want to subscribe or unsubscribe from this newsletter, please send an email to Lynda at sabiansymbols@gmail.com

February's annular solar eclipse*, happening on February 6 or February 7, depending on where in the world you are, is a doozy - it's a big one, even though it's not a total eclipse of the Sun. It's a doozy largely because of the enormous Aquarian energy and the fact that it happens right when Super Duper Tuesday is happening: when 24 States of the United States get to vote on their choice of Democratic and Republican candidates.

Super Duper, alright. In the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, many people (read: those that take the time to vote) get to exercise their democratic right to choose who next takes the reins of government... although, going by the last two elections, one wonders who's holding the chains of the Diebold machines now. If it's still the Republicans, a lot of brown stuff could hit the fan... but then, as it is, eclipses can provoke that kind of accident in all areas of our lives.

Happening every 6 months or so, eclipses are interesting power-houses of energy. This particular annular solar eclipse's path crosses Antarctica, South Eastern Australia, New Zealand and some parts of the South Pacific. This solar eclipse is very Aquarian, with (in order) Chiron, Mercury, Moon, Sun, Neptune, Vesta and the North Node all in that sign. THAT is a lot of Aquarian energy. Where does this eclipse fall in your chart? Look to that area of your chart to find where Aquarius resides as that will show where adjustments or changes are best made or where the energy is likely to be played out in your life.

The biggest playing Sabian Symbols involved in this eclipse are:

Chiron: Aquarius 16: A Big Businessman at His Desk
Mercury: Aquarius 17: A Watchdog Standing Guard Protecting His Master and His Possessions
Sun and Moon: Aquarius 18: A Man Being Unmasked at a Masquerade
Neptune: Aquarius 22: A Rug Placed on the Floor for Children to Play On
North Node: Aquarius 28: A Tree Felled and Sawed to Ensure a Supply of Wood for the Winter

The award winner in this line-up is Aquarius 18: A Man Being Unmasked at a Masquerade.

The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be. Socrates

Our job, it seems, at this eclipse is to figure out what our part is in the great drama we call our lives. Where are we masking our true selves? Who are we serving when we cover up our feelings in order to 'save face', protect others, not cause a scene? This eclipse seems to be calling up events and situations that may force us to take our mask off - to expose ourselves (and, perhaps, others), leaving things stripped bare and more honest and down-to-the-bone.

Quoting from my book 360 Degrees of Wisdom: Things may look better or worse in their true light. What is revealed may be beyond expectations with a very happy result. On the other hand, there can be real disappointment as one’s true identity, and even the way one looks, becomes unveiled. Secret motives may have some kind of purpose, but they almost invariably become known in time and pretending to be something or someone that one isn’t can lead to painful realizations when the truth comes out. Lies or cover-ups being revealed can lead to big changes in relationships; these could be confronting now. The first concern may be for the embarrassment and difficulties that can arise, but it’s probably too late to worry about that. With this Symbol, the truth will be revealed and exposed sooner or later. The question is: Are people being true to the truth themselves? Are things being covered up? If they are, sooner than later it will begin to come to light that things aren’t as they’ve seemed. Is it possible in this situation to forgive and forget? If needed, psychotherapy and other forms of healing can bring issues to the surface so they can be faced. Counseling wouldn't go astray for some, as long as it's indepth and you're willing to delve.

Our projections onto others are part and parcel of being a human being... It's normal, it's natural and often it's what we want; it suits our persona. However, periodically there comes a time when our projections trip us up - we realise things about ourselves as well as others and we see that our version of reality is not that separate from what we project out onto the world like we're in some kind of huge theater. We are in a huge theater - a theater called life.

Perhaps we're covering up those wonderful, creative, adventurous, wildly exciting sides of ourselves that we need to 'unmask' - to set free, to liberate so we're more of that authentic self? What about those wild impulses that we keep hidden - to run with the wolves? to dance ecstatically, to love wildly and unreservedly, to throw away all that keeps us from really going after what we want? What masks do you wear? Why do you wear them? For who do you wear them? Everyone does it to some extent...

Right now, Chiron (the story-teller and the wounded healer part of ourselves) is on Aquarius 16: The Big Businessman at His Desk. Neptune spent quite a bit of time on this degree over the last few years - giving varying results to the notion of what it means to be our own 'big businessmen'. Part of us wants to run free in many ways, be Aquarian, throw off the bonds and be a rebel - but Chiron seems to be saying 'don't forget about the paperwork, the taxes, the bills, the responsibilities'. Hmmm, yes, they are there and they need to be taken seriously. Just how 'behind our desk' are we?

Further Mercury at this eclipse is on Aquarius 17: A Watchdog Standing Guard Protecting His Master and His Possessions. Just how 'on-guard' are we? Where do we need to tighten up our defences, our ability to protect ourselves, to safeguard our boundaries? Where are we being too tightly wound-up? (Interesting: wound-up and wounded = two different words, but how different?) Where could we loosen up? How are we being defensive and thereby hurting others by keeping them out?

With Neptune on Aquarius 22: A Rug Placed on the Floor for Children to Play On - as I've said in previous blogs, we need somewhere to feel safe and secure; our square feet of space on this planet that we feel we can rest and recuperate and be free to be ourselves. Many, many people will be feeling the brunt of the financial realities occuring with many not being able to pay their bills, rent or mortgage.... shades of Mercury and Chiron here (also, note that Neptune, one of the slowest movers of our planets, spent considerable time on the Businessman and Watchdog degrees over the last few years - Neptune dissolves and makes boundaries very fuzzy - can have people overreaching and overcommitting).

With the North Node on Aquarius 28: A Tree Felled and Sawn to Ensure a Supply of Wood for the Winter - we need to ensure that we have what we need for the future... we need to have the 'fuel' to run our lives, to stay safe and warm, to keep out the cold.

Venus, also is adding to the feeling of having to protect our boundaries - or to realise where our boundaries really are - it's on Capricorn 18: The Union Jack Flies From a New British Warship. What flag do we fly? How do we defend it? What are we prepared to do to defend it? Do we answer missiles thrown at us by lobbing more missiles?

All in all, a very interesting solar eclipse and one that's likely to have us on our toes - or even on the backfoot - whichever way it is for us, it's bound to be an interesting time AND quite revealing in many ways. To be authentic is surely the goal, especially with all that Aquarian energy going on.

*An annular eclipse occurs when the Sun and Moon are exactly in line, but the apparent size of the Moon is smaller than that of the Sun. Hence the Sun appears as a very bright ring, or annulus, surrounding the outline of the Moon.From Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse

Book a reading with Lynda and find out what's coming up for you in 2008 www.sabiansymbols.com/page.asp?id=1404

Check out Lynda's blog at www.sabiansymbols.typepad.com

and Lynda's Sabian Symbol Oracle at www.sabiansymbols.com

If you want to subscribe or unsubscribe from this newsletter, please send an email to Lynda at sabiansymbols@gmail.com

Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here

Just as Mars (the planet of action, assertion, anger and motivation) starts to go forward after 75-or-so days  wandering in the retrograde wilderness, Mercury (the planet of communication, connections, messages and thinking) flips us the finger and signals that it's time for another 3 week period of wandering around, going over the same old ground... what will we have found? The same old fears? Wish YOU were here?

Yes, over the same old ground. As Mercury goes retrograde, Mars is getting set to go forward over the same territory it has been retrograding over since mid November last year. If you want to refresh your memory about Mars retrograde read this: Retracing the Steps of Mars and Getting it Right. Well, did we get it right? We have the opportunity to retrace those steps between now and the first week of April. What have we learnt? Have we reached out for others as Mars was asking; extending our hand, our heart, our selves? Have we had our hand slapped or our heart broken?

Mars Retrograde

Sometimes, no strike that, often with Mars retrograde, our motivations, objectives and impulses are taken the wrong way, we take the wrong turn OR we stay where we are when we should move. Perhaps we're being taken for granted, not speaking up, whatever - it all builds up until it explodes in a big volcanic way, leaving just remnants of our lives, our selves, our past, or whatever it is that we've been sowing the seeds for. How's the harvest looking? Well, it seems that we won't know for a little while... all the while we've got to keep planting, keep plugging, keep being our authentic selves because Mars will take a shot at us unless we aim for just that. Mars went a bit haywire, ungrounded or split while going backwards in the last degrees of Gemini and right now it's going forward again through those last 6 degrees of Gemini. Right now, Mars is on Gemini 25: A Man Trimming Palms. This seems to be telling us to get cracking with maintaining our lives, to do the essential maintenance, caring for one's possessions, weeding out the unnecessary and getting rid of those things that are hanging on way past their use-by-date. We have to clear away  remnants of the past that clutter or sabotage in order to get a fresh, clean slate - a fresh, clean image.  

Mars Direct

So, now, at the beginning of February, Mars is starting it's slow climb through Gemini and into Cancer. Along the way, in the weeks leading up to March 5, Mars is rewriting the rules in the sign of Gemini. We may be feeling the effects of the cold (being 'left out in the cold' or 'getting a cold shoulder'); and things being in a rather stagnant state, we'll be looking far afield at vistas foreign to us. At this time we'll need to remember where we are in order to let ourselves (and others) off the hook. Another important message from Mars is  not judging people by how they look, dress, carry themselves. Our tendency to do this is largely superficial at this point in our evolution - the essence of a person can't be told by external appearances as there's often far more going on beneath the surface.

The trick is that Mercury is now retrograde, right when Mars goes direct (forward). However, even though the universe seems to like to play tricks on us, Mercury and Mars are in rather harmonious aspect to each other (120 degrees - a trine), which means that they do have a sense of communication - at least in the early days of the retrograde (late January and early February).

Mercury went retrograde on January 30 at Aquarius 24: A Man Turning His Back on His Passions Teaches Deep Wisdom From His Experience. This degree can show the need to conquer one's base nature, to come to terms or to learn something through experience and maturation - we've come a long way and learned much, and now we have to integrate those lessons and feelings into our core self. We have to accept various aspects of ourselves, sort out what's working and what's acceptable, and integrate those elements into our lives so our lives are more authentic, more meaningful, even a good example for others.

Mercury will be retrograde until February 19 - giving us the chance to once again be analyzing our lives and sorting out what's worth keeping and what's not. The usual warnings apply to Mercury retrograde; be wary of what you commit to, what you sign, how you operate machinery, how you interpret the messages you receive (or don't receive), the signals you're giving off...

 Mars and Pluto Square Off by Opposing Each Other

Luckily, or by grand design, we have a chance to really stand up and be counted, to be seen AND heard, to make a difference, to be taken seriously by ourselves and others. We have a direct plug in through the agency of a Mars-Pluto opposition coming up in the first week of March (the month named after the god Mars). Mars will be on Cancer 1: Sailors on a Ship Lower a Flag and Raise a New One. This shows a shift in direction, a change of allegiance, a decision to stand for something. It can point to turning points - those times in our lives when we see what has to be done and we finally get around to committing to a course of action or doing it. As Mars will be opposite Pluto at this point, there's a very strong drive to make one's mark felt, to stand firm in our decisions, our integrity, our beliefs, our plans for the future. Being subjugated or kept down will not serve our needs (it never does, but especially now), and, if we're paying attention, we'll really latch on to what it means to be strong, self serving and powerful.

The Sabian Symbol for Pluto from January 27 through to March 10 is Capricorn 1 - An Indian Chief Claiming Power From the Assembled Tribe. Similarly to Cancer 1, Capricorn 1 can stand for staking one's claim, standing one's ground, the 'claim of recognition'. With Pluto and Mars both on these strong cardinal degrees, we have to step up to the plate; we've had 75 days in the wilderness with Mars running off like some off-duty soldier or a serviceman that's gone AWOL and now we have to make some choices.

So what does this all mean? Well, it generally means we have a chance to look at how we're making a mark in our world, what position we're holding, what stance we're taking, what we will and won't accept or generally put up with. Now that we've analysed things a bit and made a good fist at sorting out our priorities and where we're heading, we have to deal with the details that Mercury retrograde throws up. The trick with Mercury retrograde is often to take things one-at-a-time, going cautiously, slowly, whilst taking care with details as much as one can, even if things start looking like you're trying to see through pea soup.

The wonderful good news as I write this is the Venus/Jupiter conjunction that's currently happening. This is a good portent that promises good fortune, good tidings, good spirits, good in bucket-fulls if we get its message. Its message is Capricorn 10: An Albatross Feeding From the Hand of a Sailor. This Symbol is about restoring trust and hope - it speaks of letting go of fear and superstitions and beliefs that bind us - that keep us tied up like the sailor in The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner - cursed and tied and bound forever to keep making the same mistakes - to keep sailing over the same old ground, over the same old fears. What have we found?

I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain. Frank Herbert

Book a reading with Lynda and find out what's coming up for you in 2008 www.sabiansymbols.com/page.asp?id=1404

Check out Lynda's blog at www.sabiansymbols.typepad.com

and Lynda's Sabian Symbol Oracle at www.sabiansymbols.com

If you want to subscribe or unsubscribe from this newsletter, please send an email to Lynda at sabiansymbols@gmail.com

My sources are unreliable, but their information is fascinating.
Ashleigh Brilliant

We are more apt to catch the vices of others than their virtues, as disease is far more contagious than health.
Charles Caleb Colton

Good, the more communicated, more abundant grows.
John Milton

This month's full moon is bound to have people thinking about what's going on in their lives and in the lives of those around them - it's certainly a period of peak feelings and experiences and a time when we need to remember to count our blessings as we set to work on what needs to be kept, changed, jettisoned or avoided like the plague.

The Sabian Symbol for this full moon is Leo 2: An Epidemic of Mumps. Well, what could that possibly mean? Loads of things: Things getting out of control, hysterical feelings, the need for immunity, medicines and cures, discovering the truth of situations and acting accordingly, common threads that link people and places, infections, diseases and emotions, gossip - sometimes rampaging gossip that hurts and inflicts wounds - stories that get out of control, rashes and skin problems, rumours and fears, the cat let out of the bag, vaccinations, the need for hygiene, outbreaks, hiding one's self away for fear of contagion.

Yep, Greg can't come out to play, he needs to rest and recuperate, to reflect on his life perhaps, to segregate himself from others, to heal himself and build up his health, fitness and immune system so he can get back into the real world... although licking his wounds may be quite a task!

This degree Symbol does contain some good, as all degree Symbols do. Although this one is one of the more 'negative' degrees, it does promise some good - what about infectious laughter? What about being overcome with feelings of love and blessings? An epidemic will spread whatever is in the air - so what's in the air around you? What are you promoting? What are you breathing in every day? What are you sensitive to? What are you immune to? What do you need to protect yourself from? What stories do you tell yourself and others that lead to things getting out of control?

"Epidemics" can spread far and wide, infecting those near and far. When this influence is around, there is a need to set about containing energies - to not let them gallop away, influencing and infecting others who may not have any immunity (or the ability to shield or protect themselves). It may be necessary to discover how and why something started, how it got out of control. On the other hand, if situations aren't 'fed', often they'll peter out by themselves and dissipate and just become a memory...

The Sabian Symbol for the Sun at this full moon is one of shock and surprise. It's Aquarius 2:An Unexpected Thunderstorm. This degree is a powerhouse of energy - something drops on you, often by surprise, there are shocks and confrontations, sudden realizations, things erupting and happening fast, things being unleashed - the Tower card of the tarot.

This degree Symbol can show being suddenly tested or taken by surprise or something amazing arises, seemingly from nowhere. There may have been signs that the 'storm' or 'tempest' was coming, or that it is imminent, but when it is suddenly unleashed it often feels like it's come out of the blue or unexpectedly.... it's unexpected for many people, especially those who were looking the other way. If one strives to stay in the center of the 'storm', the effect can sometimes be quite liberating as sudden flashes of insight and understanding flood the consciousness. Also, answers to long-held questions can hit one like a bolt from the blue. The trick is often to be a lightning rod, letting the energy pass through you but not directly affecting you... using the energy wisely and not letting the energy shatter, disturb or throw you off track.

Keeping one's equilibrium can be quite a test with these two degree Symbols, especially as the other two legs of the grand cross - Taurus 2 and Scorpio 2 - are also rather testing degrees (and these always play a part when Leo 2 and Aquarius 2 are around). Taurus 2 is *another* storm degree: An Electrical Storm Illuminates the Heavens and the Forests and Scorpio 2: A Broken Bottle and Spilled Perfume. How does one contain this energy? Perhaps one can't contain it all any longer and it leaks and spills out. The only recourse sometimes is to say: 'so be it'. A lightning flash can either cause damage or illumination. In the end, like all things, it depends on how we respond to it. The Broken Bottle of Perfume can cause a 'spillage' - what would happen if you let it all out? Is the perfume a sweet smell or a stench?

The degree following Aquarius 2 (the degree of the Sun) is Aquarius 3: A Deserter From the Navy. This degree can have people wanting to jump ship - to give up on something, to search for a better life somewhere else, to want to cut the strings from contracts they agreed to in earlier days. There are many ways to 'jump ship', people do it physically, as in actually leaving a situation, but they also do it mentally and emotionally and spiritually... sometimes the decision is made on a spur of the moment, sometimes it's taken years and years of wanting to assert one's freedom and move on in some way. The full reading of this degree reads: A Deserter From the Navy Stands Suddenly Aware of a Dawning Truth: Freedom is Never the Result of Compromise. Hallelujah! A lightning bolt and realizations of compromise can move one on in the blink of an eye - in more ways than one.

The degree of the Moon directly after the Epidemic degree speaks of something similar: Leo 2 (opposite the Deserter degree) also speaks of proclaiming one's independence: A Mature Woman, Keeping Up With the Times, Having Her Hair Bobbed... in days gone by, having one's hair 'bobbed' meant being prepared to do what one wanted; to be an independent person, prepared to strike out on their own, prepared to assert their own individuality. It's about asserting one's independence from social constraints.

The trick is to feel that one can do what one wants. Mercury and Neptune are on the same degree - which can lead to a feeling that one should sacrifice one's needs for another, for the children, to keep the peace, to not make a scene, in order to get along with others without making waves. The Sabian Symbol for Mercury and Neptune is Aquarius 21: A Woman Disappointed and Disillusioned Facing a Seemingly Empty Life. Mercury and Neptune together can smack of the dream OR the illusion - it's your choice (naturally!).... but, when the Woman Disappointed and Disillusioned is around, one needs to really examine what they're putting up with, what they're prepared to accept as the limits of their experience, as the limits of their possibility. Being defeatist is playing into the hands of the 'Illusion' - change that degree Symbol to: A Woman Charged Up and Excited About the Massive Possibilities in Her Life (please remember that the Symbols are not always gender specific; obviously this can relate to the male gender!!). Again, where are you compromising? Where are you sacrificing your needs and wants? and what for??

Jupiter feels like it holds some answers. Jupiter is at Capricorn 8: Birds in the House Singing Happily. Jupiter is far more the real story we perhaps should embrace = happiness! Yes! What do we have to be grateful for? How many blessings could you count if you started now? So many, so many to count and the most basic are worth 100 points each - fresh water, a roof over your head, the ability to feed yourself, perhaps? Yes! However, those compromises, those things that may be derailing you - they need examining.

What you convey to others probably needs examining as well. After all, epidemics can get right out of hand and sometimes we look back and find the contagion, the story, the image or whatever has gone so far so fast that band aids don't work anymore.

The trick is to allow the insight, the flash of recognition, the amazing revelation and then to get onto making our lives more what they can be.

Check out Lynda's blog at www.sabiansymbols.typepad.com

and Lynda's Sabian Symbol Oracle at www.sabiansymbols.com

Book a reading with Lynda and find out what's coming up for you in 2008. www.sabiansymbols.com/page.asp?id=1404

If you want to subscribe or unsubscribe from this newsletter, please send an email to Lynda at sabiansymbols@gmail.com

I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. John Adams

The empires of the future are the empires of the mind. Winston Churchill

The price of greatness is responsibility. Winston Churchill

This month's Capricorn new moon falls on January 8th and it's quite a fascinating one. The Sabian Symbol for this new moon is Capricorn 18: The Union Jack Flies From a New British Warship. Warships conjure up a sense of being on patrol, checking one's parameters, asserting one's domination, fighting for flag and country, beliefs, etc.  There's often the need to defend one's ideals, lifestyle or culture from outside influences. It is important to show one’s power, but also to continually renew one's strength. This can be a show put on for others, but also an affirmation of safety for yourself and those who are in your circle of influence or protection. If there is a threat from outside your boundaries, or from within, there needs to be a swift response to snuff it out. However, the Union Jack implies that if anarchy erupts within the ranks, political ploys may be used such as the concept of “divide and rule”—the political rule that government is more easily maintained if factions are set against each other and not allowed to unite against the ruler. Distrust or disrespect for “authority” can lead to problems with people branded traitors. Having confidence in your ability to hold, maintain and protect your own “turf” will ensure others do as well.

The Keywords and Cautions from my book 360 Degrees of Wisdom: Charting Your Destiny With the Sabian Oracle:

Keywords: Colonialism. Protectionism. The government, big business and the media. Class-consciousness. Power and political displays. Displays of “law and order”. Border patrols and protection. Strength and might. Nationalism. Royalty. The ruling elite. Supervision. The armed forces. Patrols. Pitting people against each other. Empires. Victory bringing riches. The mother country. The struggle against decline. Flags. Imperialism. The Commonwealth. The rule of law.

The Caution: Artificial shows of strength. Bullying from the “big guys”. Being armed “to the teeth”. Strong-arm tactics. Disrespect for authority. People or institutions that throw their weight around. Anarchy. Traitors. Being antiestablishment. Social disintegration. War games. Civil wars. Feeling squeezed by authority. Rebellion. Civilian lives lost for political causes. Governing forces that deny individual rights. Invasions. Being defensive.

Interestingly, Jupiter is in Capricorn on a rather similar image. It's at Capricorn 5: Indians, Some Rowing a Canoe While Others are Dancing a War Dance. This is a triple whammy; Jupiter, the Sun and the Moon are on Sabian Symbols that speak of boats and shows of strength, dominion, borders, aggression and journeying at the same time.

Indians—Some Rowing a Canoe is an image of people pulling and working together in a communal effort to do something or to get somewhere. However, some are ‘Dancing a War Dance’ - perhaps they need to make a show of strength and define their boundaries. My good friend Dale O’Brien says of this Symbol: “the purpose of the ‘War Dance’ is not merely to evoke frenzied anger, but to see a vision of the battle yet to come, a mystical warrior’s preparation. It is as if the consciousness of the “in trance” dancing warrior is also at once in the warrior’s activity (e.g. rowing a canoe).” Maybe they have to “row” through enemy territory and are confronted by the prospect of an attack.

In order to get through troubled waters, one may have to mediate with others, if it's possible - Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. Winston Churchill

Already, I've seen these two degrees at work in the world - on the broader scale, the war in Iraq and the interminable talk of terrorism (the vast majority of which is fear and propaganda to keep the populace in a state of fear - just like the warship and the war dance), however, it's also bound to be evident in a more immediate, personal sense in people's lives.

The following quotes aptly describe this new moon:

He who rocks the boat seldom has time to row it. Bryan Munro - We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now. Martin Luther King Jnr.

Mercury, the planet of communication, thought and speech, is on a degree that talks about the strength and viability of the beliefs one holds, along with the need to have a spiritual life and a retreat to somewhere safe, warm and containing. Mercury is at Aquarius 1: An Old Adobe Mission in California. This degree speaks about being willing to put in the hard work to create a place of sanctuary and meaning - a place that can house ourselves and others in a sense of belonging and unity, no matter what one's beliefs, race, age, etc. All people as one is the underlying statement of this placement, but, unfortunately, it's not always that simple - there's prejudice out there; dogmatism and the pushing of people's beliefs and religion onto others without thought of boundaries.

As Franklin D. Roosevelt said in 1933: the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. This is especially true as Neptune is currently on Aquarius 21: A Woman Disappointed and Disillusioned, Courageously Facing a Seemingly Empty Life... we have to have faith in the future and not listen to the fear mongering that's going on, and, also, not let ourselves be dragged down be our own and other people's negative thinking. Here is where our 'leaky boundaries' can really get the better of us.

Keith Olbermann posted a wonderful special comment last October on this subject. It was pertinent then and it's pertinent now, perhaps more so. Check it out on you tube 

Mars, the planet of domination, self assertion, war and energy is retrograde on a very interesting degree at the moment. It's on Gemini 28: Bankruptcy Declared to a Man, He Leaves the Court. We need to stop warring, stop allowing people, issues, beliefs, etc, to get in the way of fellowship with others... we need to let ourselves and others off the hook, particularly as Mars and Pluto are currently opposing each other, so we can get on with rowing our boat and allowing others to row theirs. Apologies and explanations may be needed, or, people may feel like it's time to let hurts and injuries from the past go.

Many may feel that they have too much responsibility on their hands; that life is sometimes rather tiring and onerous - the degree after the new moon is Capricorn 19: A Five Year Old Child Carrying a Huge Shopping Bag Filled With Groceries.... we need to remember to enjoy, play, be light, in the midst of others, while being aware of our responsibilities and the needs of others.

Check out Lynda's blog at www.sabiansymbols.typepad.com

and Lynda's Sabian Symbol Oracle at www.sabiansymbols.com

Book a reading with Lynda and find out what's coming up for you in 2008. www.sabiansymbols.com/page.asp?id=1404

If you want to subscribe or unsubscribe from this newsletter, please send an email to Lynda at sabiansymbols@gmail.com

 Happy Solstice, Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a fabulous New Year in 2008!

I'll need a magic carpet to get out of this one.
Donald Davis
The power of thought - the magic of the mind!
Lord Byron
Caution: Cape does not enable user to fly.
Batman costume warning label.

The last week of December always brings with it a lot to do; housecleaning, shopping, cooking, accommodating the needs of family, etc - there's always a lot to get done. This December's full moon is bound to bring up all kinds of mixed emotions, particularly as it's smack on Christmas Eve - a time when thoughts and emotions and resources are usually stretched to the limit. It's also a time when everything that hasn't been done is attempted at the last minute when a lot of people are under the same stress with things to do, places to go, things to buy, people to see. This is a particularly charged up full moon as it's conjunct (together with) Mars and exactly opposite Jupiter. This is what one could call an 'inflated' full moon; inflated with emotions, energy, expectations and desire, particularly a desire for expansion and the good things in life. Generosity of spirit is definitely on the cards with this line up - Pluto, Jupiter, Sun and Mercury all opposite the Moon and Mars... quite a chorus of main characters!

The Sabian Symbol for this full moon is Cancer 2: A Man on a Magic Carpet Observes Vast Vistas Below.

This degree often speaks of the need to raise your awareness, your expectations, your sense of reality, above the everyday life, in order to function well, cope, or to see what's really going on in the world around you. It can also point to escapism, feeling above everything and unaffected by situations or people, trying to avoid what's going on, not feeling responsible for anything, or trying to dodge the realities of everyday life that are imposed on us by society or the expectations of others. A Cancer full moon at Christmas can be super-charged with Cancer-Capricorn issues such as: food, who eats, who serves, who buys, who cooks, who likes what or whom, who gets the biggest presents, who gets the most attention. Who gets invited and who doesn't, what can be afforded and what can't. A lot of waste is always on the agenda, but with a Cancer full moon, it's likely to be ramped up somewhat. I won't mention the desire to throw food at some relatives across the table :)

The Keywords and Cautions from my book 360 Degrees of Wisdom; Charting Your Destiny With the Sabian Oracle:

Keywords: Using animal instincts to get through tough times. Facing bad weather and hardship. Following the leader without knowing where one’s going. Unfamiliar surroundings. The point of no return. Being in a cul-de-sac. Being led around by the hand (or the nose). Treading carefully. Icebergs. Glaciers. Snow and ice. Risky ventures. The Titanic story.

The Caution: Taking those unfamiliar to the situation and unwittingly heading towards danger. Putting one’s self through hard times when it’s avoidable. Restrictive outlooks on life. Frozen responses. Frigidity. Feeling lost, alone, frozen with fear or forsaken. Willingly going the hard way. Lack of provisions.

Winston Churchill's quote seems to sum it up: If you're going through hell, keep going.

I certainly hope that you, dear reader, are not going through hell! However, this period of the year can feel like you're being pushed in one way or another (usually in many ways and in many directions). It seems to me that patience is a major keyword here.

As many of you know, on a full Moon, the Sun is always directly opposite the Moon. The Sun in Capricorn is exactly together with Jupiter on Capricorn 2: Three Stained Glass Windows in a Cathedral, One is Damaged by War.

This degree was highlighted on the day of 9/11, with Mars here. Mars on this degree was certainly strongly played out in reality with planes flying into the 'windows' of the 'cathedral' - the World Trade Center.

My commentary on this degree: ‘Three Stained-Glass Windows in a Cathedral, One Damaged by War’ pictures the need to stay strong on every level under the barrage of some type of bombardment. A ‘Church’ is normally a place of safety and refuge, but ‘War’ has broken through its divine barrier and caused ‘Damage’, or some injury, that is much bigger than just a broken ‘Window’. One of the three corners of unity, in this case the one of love, is ‘Damaged’ and compromised by the aggressive warring nature of mankind.

What struck me was the fact that the World Trade Center was on Trinity Place - with Trinity Church, a tiny edifice to faith and hope, right next door. Even in amongst the explosions, disintegration and debris and dust as the Towers fell, Trinity Church was largely unaffected - the only real damage being the destruction of the 100 year old giant sycamore tree that stood in its grounds. Interestingly, there's a story of the sycamore tree in Egyptian myth that states that two sycamore trees stood at the eastern gate of heaven from which the sun emerged each morning. The goddesses Nut and Hathor were often shown to reach out from the tree to offer the deceased food and water, giving sustenance to the dead.

The sycamore is also seen as a tree of protection and favors.The Persian King Xerxes (519-465 B.C.) found this tree "so beautiful that he presented it with golden ornaments and assigned it a personal bodyguard. He had a gold medal engraved with the image of this tree, which he wore ever after as an amulet."

I bring this up because I feel that we're in a very important period of having to regain faith, hope and trust in the future. We need to rebuild our 'stained-glass windows' - the light needs to shine again on beauty, love and our feelings for each other. Jupiter, the big boy of our solar system, on this degree brings a particularly strong focus to this issue.

Of course, through the agency of the Sun each year, the Stained Glass Windows degree is always highlighted at Christmas, as is the degree after (which is often the degree of the Sun on Christmas Day): Capricorn 3: The Human Soul, in it's Eagerness for New Experiences, Seeks Embodiment. This speaks very much to the desire to give birth to our selves, along with the obvious link to the birth of Jesus. "Seeks Embodiment" - being creative, writing, expressing ourselves, dropping into our bodies, feeling like a changed person - these things and more can help us to ground our visions of our lives.

The main issue, in amongst it all, is Pluto going into Capricorn. I will write up more about this in a separate blog very soon, but suffice to say that I feel that the degree of Capricorn 1 is the true key to standing strong and tall and enjoying this festive season. Capricorn 1 is An Indian Chief Claims Recognition and Power From the Assembled Tribe. This degree asks that we stand strong and tall within ourselves, that we feel connected to tribe and family, that we give and receive respect and admiration and acceptance. Most of all, that we belong!

Enjoy that magic carpet ride!

Check out Lynda's blog at www.sabiansymbols.typepad.com

and Lynda's Sabian Symbol Oracle at www.sabiansymbols.com

Book a reading with Lynda and find out what's coming up for you in 2008. www.sabiansymbols.com/page.asp?id=1404

If you want to subscribe or unsubscribe from this newsletter, please send an email to Lynda at sabiansymbols@gmail.com

"I am May.   See May's sunbonnet.  It is my sunbonnet. Do you see May ?   Do you see the Sunbonnet Baby ?"

"I am Molly.  This is my blue dress.  See my pink sunbonnet.   I am a Sunbonnet Baby.  Who are you ?"

The Sunbonnet Babies Primer, written by Eulalie Osgood Grover, published in 1902, was illustrated by Bertha L. Corbett and revolved around the adventures of Molly and May, two little girls whose faces were completely hidden by large sunbonnets.

This month's Sagittarian new moon is on Sagittarius 18: Tiny Children Playing in Sunbonnets. The influence of this new moon will last right through this month and into next month, indeed next year.

The children in this image appear to be looked after, protected, sheltered from the bad elements and difficulties that may be around them or out there in society, whilst being able to play, be creative, live like children are meant to do. This is a beautiful image, one that should have people feeling safe, secure and looked after, and many will feel this way, but, unfortunately, not all are likely to be feeling that way right now...  Still, this image says that we must strive to protect the innocent, the young or the naive, protect and shelter them from harmful or damaging elements that may rob them of their peace and quiet, their ability to be creative and to enjoy life.

Sagittarius 18 - from my book 360 Degrees of Wisdom: Charting Your Destiny With the Sabian Oracle:

Someone may be in need of protection at the moment, and it is most likely for their own good, as long as there is not the sense of being “overprotected” and insulated from having to be responsible for themselves. Without having to worry about complicated details and difficult consequences, the feeling of a sense of security and safety can lead to more carefree and playful moments. Don’t be distracted by efforts being made by others on your behalf, sometimes we need to be shielded by others from harmful elements. However, sometimes we also need to feel or intuit our way through the surface appearance of what’s really going on. There can be a sense of having to keep some emotion or anger away, so as not to disturb or frighten others, or ourselves, but this may lead to having the “blinkers” or "blinders" on and not seeing life as it truly is. Is there a sense of naivety here and missing the real point of life? Is someone being kept in the dark, or kept from seeing reality? On the other hand, you may need to look after others and ensure that their well-being is at the top of the list of priorities. Approaching this question with a childlike, carefree attitude, whilst all the while keeping a true eye on the situation, will probably bring the message that’s needed. Whatever, there’s a need to remember to play and have fun.

Keywords: Care taken with small beginnings. Protection or blinkering? Propaganda that hides more severe life realities. Censorship. Innocence. Being treated like a child. Mollycoddling. Sunblocks and sunscreens. Screens that filter.

The Caution: Overprotection by institutionalized procedures that can lead to not being able to see the whole picture. “Organized religion” and it’s blinding of society to the true joy within and without. Infantile behavior. Being left in the dark without a clue as to what’s going on. Naivety. Being overshadowed

While we undoubtedly need to have protection in place for everyone who needs it, there's a certain element to this Symbol that implies the possibility of people wearing 'blinkers' and not being able to see what's going on in the real world. Is there a reality that needs to be faced? Are you in a situation where you need to talk to someone about what's going on, to face up to the truth about a situation, about a relationship, about how you or others are really feeling? Do you feel that by holding back and not revealing the truth that others will be 'protected'? This can lead to problems down the line when the truth does come out - when emotions and situations can no longer be suppressed.

Having blinkers on can lead to reactions that are out of step with what's going on in the real world, although it can be the opposite: we're seeing far too much nowadays, things that we wouldn't have imagined seeing 10 or 15 years ago - people dead on our television screens while we're eating dinner... seeing headlines that scream obscenities as we go into a shop to buy our  milk or bread... the government, companies, big business, or, perhaps, our partners and loved ones hiding the truth from us because it is 'for our own good'.

Take for example the horrific truths of torture and death and destruction, in the name of the war on terror, that are being largely kept from our gaze. The wanton destruction by the White House of email and video evidence of torture and death...Of course, we get to see far too much in the way of visual and written images, these things bringing anything from a shocking sense of grief all the way to a complacent malaise that it's happening on the other side of the world to people different from us. Yes, people different from us - where is their right to a peaceful world and the ability to play and bring up their families in peace and happiness?

Here in Australia, we have had a huge number of shocking stories of children dying of neglect and abuse while the authorities stood by and did nothing, or did very little, or didn't have the staff numbers or the funding to look after those who they are charged with looking after. No doubt, it is the same in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Many people have no access to good medical care because they can't afford it. This should not be happening. Many people don't have access to good nutrition because it costs more than eating junk. Many people don't have time to play and be with their families because they are working 2 or 3 jobs, or they are so stressed by the harsh realities of life that they can't find a space to be happy and playful and available to their children or their partners.

We all need to feel safe, secure, loved and protected, just like the children in the beautiful image of The Tiny Chidren Playing in Sunbonnets.

Mercury, the planet of communications, is also in Sagittarius, on Sagittarius 13, which has a very different Sabian Symbol than the new moon. Sagittarius 13 is A Widow's Past is Brought to Light. Very different indeed than the children in sunbonnets.... could hardly be more opposite. This degree implies that we need to remove the blinkers, to remove the 'blinders' that keep us from seeing what's really going on around us, to be able to communicate freely with those who need us to speak about what we need, what we feel, what's true for us. And we shouldn't just be 'coughing up' what we need to be saying... like the widow, we need to stand strong and proud and be prepared to come clean about the realities we see around us, rather than trying to 'protect others' so they won't 'feel bad'.

Interestingly, the degree after Sagittarius 18 is Sagittarius 19: Children Disturbed By the Garbage of People Move Their Young to a New Habitat. If we can't get away from the 'garbage' that we find ourselves immersed in, we may have to devise creative ways of escaping it. Whatever 'it' is, it seems to me that the most important thing to remember is - be creative, stay positive, associate with those who uplift you and your spirits, be with those people who share the beauty of life, those moments of innocent play, those you trust with all your heart. Some will have to turn off the television, not listen to the news, not face the full force of the obscenities that are going on around the world...

However, for some political folks such as myself, I find it hard to look away from what the governments of the 'free world' are doing, many in the name of freedom. I can't and won't accept the blinkers that they try to impose on us...

This newsletter is from Lynda's blog at www.sabiansymbols.typepad.com

Check out Lynda's online Oracle at www.sabiansymbols.com

Contact Lynda at sabiansymbols@gmail.com

If you don't want to receive these mail outs, please let Lynda know at sabiansymbols@gmail.com - likewise, if you'd like to be subscribed, send Lynda a message at sabiansymbols@gmail.com

Many, many apologies if you've already received this - getting it right, alright! Yeah, right. I'm a novice at doing mass mailouts!

You can't shake hands with a clenched fist - Indira Gandhi

It is easier to point the finger than to offer a helping hand - Anon

The world can only be grasped by action, not by contemplation. The hand is the cutting edge of the mind - Jacob Bronowski

The lonely one offers his hand too quickly to whomever he encounters  - Friedrich Nietzsche

Every 2 years or so, Mars goes retrograde (backwards) in the heavens for some seventy five days. Of course, planets don't actually travel backwards, it's the view from our perspective here on Earth that makes a planet appear to be doing so. (We know that so much of life is about perspective and astrology is no different!)

Mars is the planet that shows how we manifest ourselves out in the world in terms of ego, energy, push, ambition, passion, aggression and anger. Mars goes retrograde on November 15, and for several days it stops in its tracks, and, in a week or so, it will start to move backwards through the zodiac. The Sabian Symbol for the stationary Mars is Cancer 13: A Hand Which is Held Out Receptively, is Remarkable for the Suggestion of Character in its Prominent Thumb.

Mars' energy is rather tightly bound up in our forward movement and in our modern society we're often not very content with moving sideways (Cancer), let alone backwards (retrograde). It's also a bit antithetical to emotions and caring about other people's feelings.

Mars can feel very frustrated when retrograde. Here he is, in this illustration, home from battle, stripped almost bare and sitting in contemplation. This is a very Mars in Cancer image... he still has his weapon in his hand, but his whole demeanour is one of repose - hardly ready for battle in his nakedness.

Cancer 13 is an interesting Sabian Symbol: A Hand Which is Held Out Receptively, is Remarkable for the Suggestion of Character in its Prominent Thumb. This Symbol speaks of reaching out to others, offering a handshake, being receptive, trusting, diplomatic, approachable and friendly. Mars can have problems in these areas, and these more admirable traits may express themselves more in withdrawing emotionally, sulking, rude responses, defensiveness, insecure feelings, being unsure and introverted.

With self knowledge, of course, none of these things are inevitable, but one could experience some of it in the outside world. Politically speaking, this degree shows problems with diplomacy and the current situation with the United States and their standoff with Iran is one example. There is also Pakistan and Burma. (See the Indira Gandhi quote above). Further, this degree has very strong Masonic connotations - 'the handshake'.

An excerpt about this degree from my book 360 Degrees of Wisdom: Charting Your Destiny With the Sabian Oracle:

Although a degree of flexibility needs to exist in this situation, it will, inevitably, be strength of ‘Character’ and a willingness to extend one’s self to others that will enable you to succeed. Being in control of oneself and one’s environment is an effective and lasting expression of power. It is also important to note that this Symbol is about strength of will and character, and that being receptive does not weaken this. In fact, it is in being receptive that we can truly be powerful and have a positive influence on those around us. The ‘Prominent Thumb’ can show a strong sense of determination and a desire to impress others. However, if this sense of strong determination does not come accompanied by the ability to compromise and listen, it will only create the potential for problems. This can also apply to groups of people and also to elements of your inner self. Reaching out and extending your ‘Hand’ ‘Receptively’ to others may be what’s required. Show that you are approachable and caring, and you’ll most likely see the situation resolve itself naturally. When the time is right you will be able to "grasp" what is needed.

Witness the fact that the degree before this degree (the 'karmic condition' of Cancer 13 and also the degree that Mars will pass slowly over in both early and late November) speaks of, amongst other things, monks. The Sabian Symbol for Cancer 12 is A Chinese Woman Nursing a Baby Whose Aura Reveals Him to be the Reincarnation of a Great Teacher. This degree tells us to be mindful of the greatness in others, that even 'young' people can bring us amazingly insightful messages.

Here, I'm also thinking of what's been happening in Burma with the monks in the streets, standing up to the military dictatorship (fighting for their homeland - very Mars in Cancer)  and, also, I'm foreseeing that there is likely to be something happening with the Dalai Lama and Tibet and China during this 75 day long Mars retrograde period, especially as Mars, just as it's about to go retrograde, comes right up to the degree that is the 'karmic condition' (the degree before) of the Dalai Lama's Sun degree of Cancer 14: A Very Old Man Facing a Vast Dark Space to the Northeast. This degree is quite astounding in the light of the fact that China is to the 'northeast' of Tibet... the 'vast dark space' - emptiness, desertion, abandonment - these being the more 'negative' interpretations of that degree. I should mention that Cancer 14 is also the degree of the Sun of the United States (the American Indians were the 'very old men facing a vast dark space to the northeast - Washington) and G.W. Bush also has his Sun degree on this degree.

With Mars going retrograde right near America's and GW Bush's Sun degree (Cancer 14), something is bound to give in terms of the war and the 'war on terror' - these being cooked up reasons for filling corporate coffers.

My keywords from 360 Degrees of Wisdom for Cancer 13:A Chinese Woman Nursing a Baby Whose Aura Reveals Him to be the Reincarnation of a Great Teacher.

Nurturing innocence and its rewards. Reincarnation and past lives. Charisma and presence. Channeling entities. Tibetan mysteries. Monks and the Dalai Lama. Ancient knowledge. Child prodigies. Seeing greatness ahead of its time. Indigo children. Discovering latent talent. Visions. Holistic perceptions. Potential. Nurses. Nannies. Finding "the one". Auras. Special people.

So, it appears that what we have to do with Mars retrograde is to reach out to others, to see the greatness in others regardless of their position in life, their age, their abilities or what they can do for us. Mars will be testing us to see how we go. When we meet up with  someone, we should look them in the eye, extend a hand to them, recognise their potential and respect who they are. Otherwise, Mars will make a meal (Cancerian keyword there) of our relationships, our lives, our domestic situations, our own potential.

Further, Mars is in a closing square to Venus - which could have some people in a Mexican standoff - a deadlock - where nobody wins. Venus in the Mars retrograde chart is on Libra 8: A Blazing Fireplace in a Deserted Home. There could be feelings of loneliness, desertion, abandonment and wanting to fill a void. Many, many people are lonely, or, at least, desiring some romance in their life. The trick here could be to light a candle and place it somewhere in your home, office or wherever to remind you of love and to invite it into your life. Fireplaces, candles, campfires, all can serve in this way. Lighting a candle and putting it in the window can signal one's desire to not only bring back romantic love, it can be a signal to loved ones and family members to 'return home'. A bit of 'all is forgiven, please return'.

The theme of the empty nest is somehow reinforced by Mercury, the planet of communications and journeying, being on Scorpio 6: The Gold Rush Tears Men Away From Their Native Soil. This degree speaks of the desire to rush off to places (often previously unknown) that may hold the promise of a better life, more fun, more reward, to find the 'gold' that's missing from their lives. Rewards are promised in this degree, but sometimes people just find themselves a long way from home. The trick is to enjoy the journey, to enjoy the ride, to be welcoming whether you're the one who's journeying or the one sitting at home with the candle in the window.

As I write this, I'm reminded of all the people that are without a safe, secure, loving home. So many people, all over the world... all the way from the service people in Iraq and Afghanistan to the Iraqis that have been pushed out of their homes to the starving millions in Africa sitting in refugee camps.

The Moon in this Mars retrograde chart holds another promise. It's on Capricorn 23: A Soldier Winning Two Awards For Bravery in Combat. Obviously, this is quite a Martian degree. My keywords and Cautions from 360 Degrees of Wisdom:

Keywords: Desperate striving for recognition. Rewards coming for involvement in tough situations. Medals and trophies. Tributes, acknowledgments and benefits given or showered. Award ceremonies. Posthumous awards.. Giving thanks. Compensation. Insurance and legal claims. Recompense for taking action.

The Caution: ‘Awards’ as Band-Aids to assuage guilt produced in war. Expecting money or other rewards for doing anything that one doesn’t want to. The ills, social and otherwise, of
combat fighting. Neurotic seeking of praise or acknowledgment. Rejection lines. Bribery.

A quote to illuminate this degree: When someone does something good, Applaud! You will make two people happy. Samuel Goldwyn

Last, but not least, is Saturn on Virgo 8: A Young Girl Taking Her First Dancing Lesson. It seems that we're learning some tough love lessons, even if we felt that we'd learnt enough by now... we know that the learning goes on and on. Perhaps we need to learn to follow and not always be leading - perhaps we need to start leading and not always be following... whatever it is, we would do well at this Mars retrograde to listen to music, move our bodies, light a candle or two, keep the home fires burning even as some of us strive off for foreign lands, objectives or new careers, all the while learning how to make ourselves and our relationships happier, more rewarding and more inviting.

Visit my blog at http://sabiansymbols.typepad.com/

Want to know how Mars retrograde will affect you? Check out the Readings With Lynda page on www.sabiansymbols.com - because of the decline in value of the U.S. dollar, my rates are going up in the next few weeks, so you may want to book now.

Also, stocks of my self published version of The Sabian Symbols as an Oracle book and cards set are running out. If you want to secure a copy, please write to sabiansymbols@gmail.com

To make a prairie it takes a clover and one bee,
One clover, and a bee, And reverie.
The reverie alone will do, If bees are few.
Emily Dickinson

Fridays' full moon in Taurus has a wonderfully tantalizing promise of riches, rewards, safety, comfort and ease. The Moon is full on the third degree of Taurus, the Sabian Symbol for which is Taurus 3: Natural Steps Up to a Lawn Blooming With Clover.

I always enjoy seeing this degree as it usually means we have to take just a few shorts steps to our objectives, our aims, our missions, our ability to be happy, etc. We can take these 'natural steps' that lead us to the place where we'll be able to fully live, relax, be creative, love and grow. This full moon in Taurus seems to imply that we can achieve much and find ourselves where we want to be, but it is like to take the cooperation of others involved as the Sun is on Scorpio 3: Neighbors Help in a House Raising Party in a Small Village. the Sun being on this degree in a Taurus Moon/Scorpio Sun lunation is a double whammy; Taurus and Scorpio have quite the 'yours/mine', 'combined resources', 'building and transforming' kind of energy.

The Full Moon Sabian of Natural Steps Up to a Lawn Blooming With Clover implies ‘Steps’ that are inviting, promising and easy to climb. It feels as though they’re leading to the promise of beauty, greenery and repose. They are ‘Blooming With Clover’, which shows there is a reward at hand when those ‘Steps’ are taken. Bees love ‘Clover’ and ‘Lawns Blooming With It’ ensures that the bees will make honey and therefore life will be sweet. Clover has long been believed to mean good luck, prosperous circumstances and luxurious surroundings. Also, the expression “he’s in clover” or “living in clover” comes from the belief that if you had plenty of ‘Clover’ for your cows to eat, they would produce good milk, thereby providing nourishment for everyone.

From my book 360 Degrees of Wisdom: Charting Your Destiny With the Sabian Symbols (published by Plume - Penguin NY):

Keywords: Hopefulness. Inspirational possibilities. Gradually enlarging one’s vision. Harmony. Seasonal changes. Running around on grass. Bare feet. The beauty of greenery and flowers. Stability on the path. Steps that invite one on to bigger and better things. Abundance, nourishment. Making small efforts that can lead to large returns. Places to spread out and relax. Having plenty of room to move. Gardens and parks.

The Caution: Looking for the easy way out. Not making the effort to find what is just a few steps away. Being lazy when one should be going for the objective. Temporary success. Expecting everything to be laid out before you. Weeds. Unkempt lawns. Neglected land.

I look at the degree following a degree as being somewhat like the Moon's North Node - a destiny point, something to be embraced, something to move towards, accept, allow. The degree following is often an outgrowth, a follow-on. Taurus 4 is a wonderful transition from the 'living in clover' degree; the Sabian Symbol is Taurus 4: The Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow.

‘The Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow’ is a wonderful image. ‘Rainbows’ are said to be a bridge to the Divine. They inspire awe as we gaze at their beauty and the sheer wonder of nature. They can represent boundless promise, and there is said to be a reward, a ‘Pot of Gold’, to be found at its end. In folklore, elves, leprechauns and fairies are associated with ‘The Pot of Gold’.

My Keywords and Cautions for Taurus 4: The Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow:

Keywords: The promise of riches, in whatever forms these may take. Creative imagination. Goals and ambitions. Alchemy. Splashes of color. Rewards contained. The search for the treasure. Seeking communion with nature and life’s bounty. Wealth derived from changing perspective. Talent and beauty. Fantasies. Illusions vs. reality. Fairylands.

The Caution: Seeking easy, tempting solutions. Thinking that rewards are always just “over the horizon”. Thinking that one is never going to get near “it”. Elusive success. Forgetting the more immediate things in life. Seeking perfection. Castles in the air. Pipe dreams. Fool's Paradise.

So, the energy of this full moon sounds very, very promising, especially if people pull together as shown by Scorpio 3: Neighbors Help in a House Raising Party in a Small Village. (BTW, this is the degree of Hillary Clinton's Sun - and she wrote a book titled "It Takes a Village"). 'Neighbors' come together to help each other out and to get to know each other better. By acting as a community, rather than as separate individuals, small, large, or even very difficult projects can be undertaken and completed more quickly and efficiently. People bring their individual talents and expertise with them. The sharing of these experiences will build community values and friendships. However, there needs to be a careful watch on how some people contribute as unskilled labor can end up costing both time and money.

To get the best of this symbolism, people have to work together selflessly and generously and to not be comparing with each other over who does or contributes more.

Having stated that people should really work together, this full moon could also bring up issues to do with people finding their own two feet on their own, having more self confidence, more autonomy and more of a sense of directing and being in charge of their own lives. Although it may sound like a contradiction from what was said above, sometimes when we make a move to be more self sustaining or self reliant we actually have to be sure that friends and family and loved ones are there with or for us and that we aren't living in a vacuum.

The concept of sharing, giving and receiving and people helping each other is reinforced through retrograde Mercury being on Libra 28: A Man Alone in Deep Gloom. Unnoticed, Angels are Coming to His Aid. Keywords and Cautions:

Keywords: Feelings of not being alone. Awareness of spiritual help in times of need. Salvation versus depression. Feeling like one’s luck is about to change. Improvements in the pipeline. Changes in the “weather”. Helpers arriving just when they’re needed. Brightening influences. Angels and spiritual forces for good. Guardian angels.

The Caution: Unrealistic reliance on spiritual agencies or help from others. Feeling like no one cares or that no one is listening. Being alone and forgotten. Losing faith in things getting better. Refusing help. Misery and gloom and doom.

There's help arriving OK, and perhaps it's in a different form than most people expect. Perhaps they're looking in one direction when the relief is coming from another.

The trick is that Venus and Uranus are exactly opposite each other which could bring about some big shifts in relationships. Many, perhaps all, will find that their  relationships, whether it's their primary relationship or friendships or partnerships or whatever undergo a shift of some sort. Some will break up, some will find each other like a bolt out of the blue or like lightning has struck them. Whatever happens, the status quo is likely to be challenged in one way or another. Relationships that aren't based in a sense of integrity, freedom or respect are likely to undergo some kind of transformation.

This full moon is a time of trusting in goodness, richness, providence of our lives while being prepared to take the steps necessary to enveloping a sense of coming to our own 'land of milk and honey'.

Interested to know what's going on for you? Check out Lynda's Readings page. Click here.

Check out Lynda's Oracle on line at www.sabiansymbols.com

Be in touch with Lynda: email lyndahill@gmail.com

To subscribe or unsubscribe to Lynda's Sabian Symbols blog, please send an email to sabiansymbols@gmail.com with the words subscribe or unsubscribe in the subject.