~June 2011 AstroAware Blog~
~For The I’m Thankful Network~
By: Alisha Mishell

Mercury the Winged Messenger

In the Pantheon, Mercury was the “winged messenger” of the gods. The planet Mercury is the smallest and the closest to the Sun and with the quickest rotation of 88 days. Mercury relates to our faculty of reason, logic, rational mind and communication. In our natal blueprints the relationship between this Mercurial force and the Sun is the key to how well we express our will, intent and purpose. The Elements, Aspects and Position indicate how fluid this expression and communication occurs. Ultimately the mind serves the sense of purpose of the Soul. Their connection will determine how effective we are or are not.

With the ingress of the Sun Mercury Venus and Mars into changeable clever Gemini we can expect an attraction to diversity and multitasking. Mercury will also be in a harmonious trine to eccentric Uranus reminding us to think of future generations and innovations that can forge new pathways and create sustainable energy and Society. It’s a great energetic stream for multi-tasking, debating, writing, blogging and any form of communication.

Mercury rules the Nervous System and the Lungs. This corresponds to our connection to Prana, Air, Life Force. We could live without food or water for a while but minutes without Air we would perish. The combined tune sounding forth from so much energy in Gemini reminds Humanity of our connection to the “Elements” and most specifically the element of AIR. SO many people have forgotten their connection to the fundamentals of life. We are the Elements in manifestation. Even our “individual” bodies are made of trillions of cells and elementals that keep us in form. We are reminded this month to honor the sanctity of Air (Spiritus in Latin) as The element that animates us. The Air is continually recycled thru all humans. It is a reflection of our “Inner Net”.

Mercury and Gemini have a neutral and androgynous quality. In fact, the ancient caduceus is a representation of the ida/pingala (masculine/feminine) currents rising from the root chakra entwining and awakening the crown with total integration of both sides of the polarities.  Within Wholeness and Integration of perceived opposites, we can experience the Oneness of Male and Female, East and West, North and South, Light and Sound, Particle and Wave, thus seeing two side of the same “Whole”. The veils are lifting and the dimensions are blending. Men are becoming more sensitive and women are becoming more assertive organically in response to these planetary patterns. We are remembering that we a reflection of the Cosmic Compliments of Creation.

June 2nd Mercury spends only 2 weeks in its home sign of Gemini. Depending on how you are wired energetically will determine your response to the planetary sojourn. This quick jaunt  of Mercury ruled Gemini could arouse mental agility, an inability to decide and commit, and/or great ideas and new perceptions. Tap into the higher spiral of any force with intent, visualizations and making it tangible on the physical plane by writing it down.

June 5th Combine this intent with Jupiter’s ingress into Taurus for the next year. The benevolent force (Jupiter) has enetered steadfast and reliable Taurus until June 2012. This can be a somewhat awkward combination. On the one hand, their alliance can have practical expression on the material plane and provoke the ability to apply philosophical ideas to the context of work and resources. It can also impel expansion of greed in business realms with “more is better” attitude. With that belief, some will learn that too much of a good thing is NOT necessarily a good thing. It’s a great time to enjoy Nature, Art and Music to the fullest. Be mindful of overtaxing the Liver with sugars, oils, and drink and overall indulgences, as the body may be what expands instead of your bank account.

Neptune is Retrograde in Pisces from June 3rd until November 9th. This is an ideal time to meditate, daydream, and nourish your imagination thru creating or appreciating art or a visualization process. This is your “form making” faculty (“Imagine-in”) that allows more acute receptivity and sensitivity to actualize what you perceive. There are many gifts in the union of Neptune in its ruling sign of Pisces. We will see massive awakenings in the next year due to this Ingress. The mystical quality of Pisces emphasizes Unity Consciousness, Compassion, Mercy and Unconditional Love for Self and Others (All One).  The shadow side of this force wears masks of ambivalence, confusion, denial, disappointment, disillusion and lethargy. Venus will be squaring Neptune thus eliciting projection and possible fantasies around your object of desire. Venus is the principle of attraction and Unification. How she looks in your natal chart reflects your magnetism and what you value. June 9th Venus enters Gemini where she is most fickle, flirtatious, talkative and light hearted. She is the life of the party but allusive in decision-making.

Saturn turns Direct in Libra on the 12th of June thus setting a new precedence for our activities in work, business and relationships. Since January 26th we have been given the opportunity to reassess and perhaps renegotiate our endeavors and projects. NOW, we can move forward with our newly fortified structures and complete the projects with fervor and insights not previously known or understood completely. Tune into this aspect of the Cosmic Tone to develop strategies and to form healthy boundaries in partnerships that reflect balance and harmony. Its important to remember behind every healthy “no” is an authentic “yes” to something else and vice versa. While Saturn has taken its last trip thru the early degrees of Libra for 30 years it has provided the opportunity to reassess and realign with our long-term goals and objectives. If you have been feeling frustrated and blocked in the last several months the portals are open now, full throttle ahead. Take initiative. Activate and launch.

June 15th Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius-Embrace the power of The “Quickening” we are all experiencing at this time. We are in a Season of Eclipses since the Winter Solstice 2010. There are literal portals that are opening and pouring through Cosmic Rays that expand our Awareness to the Galactic Aspect of our Creation. We are a part of ONE Cell: The Many in the One. At this time, it may feel like you are being dismantled from the inside out. Fear Not. Surrender is not easy but it is rewarding. There is Transcendence abounding in these Waves of Light and Sound. Find your reset button and shift your trajectory to a Higher Rung of your personal Spiral. Notice what patterns needs revamping in your own life, then make the change with certitude. This full moon is also in alignment with the Galactic Center in Sagittarius as a precursor to the immanent alignment of our Galaxy in 2012.

June 22nd Assertive Mars sails through chatty Gemini for the next 6 weeks.  This high-strung combination can incite a battle of wit or an acute research and development tour in the library. Some may have a strong reaction to routine and need to break cycles of stagnation or boredom. Fiery debates are likely so choose your words carefully and with awareness. To consciously Witness a moment, a thought, an emotion or a word will distill the experience into the present. Enjoy your self as the Observer and take note if you get triggered to “prove yourself” or win any heated debates. It’s productive to channel this energy into research, study, writing, multi-tasking or verbal exploration with your most cerebral friend. Don’t allow nervous output to build without release and create stress and tension in your field.

Next time you see yourself in a mirror ~ Be in Awe!
Choose to emit sweet frequencies/thoughts of yourself as a member of a Galactic Family and an Integral part of the Whole of Creation. YOU are stardust animated by Spirit (Air), living within a physical body (Earth), combined with fluid (Water), and the Neurological system and Chakra complex (Fire). Spirit and Matter Integrated in Harmony and Wholeness. In the words of my dear friend Sue Lundquist, “What a Gift you are, Go out and give yourself to the World”.

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~May 2011 AstroAware Blog~
~For The I’m Thankful Network~
By: Alisha Mishell

Pruning the Dead Branches

The month of May begins with a stellium (cluster of planets in close proximity) in impulsive bold Aries thus igniting the need to prove our selves and initiate new beginnings. With several planets still in Aries, including the individuating principle of Uranus, squaring Pluto in Capricorn, themes of Liberty, Freedom, Individuation and Justice encapsulate this energetic trend. This dynamic energy is amplified by transforming Pluto exposing that which is out of integrity in big business, governments, and religious institutions and in our personal individual lives.  The current configuration will make painfully obvious that which we must prune away so that Life Force may sustain that which is Vital to growth and evolution. The intensification of the war in the Middle East, the natural disasters, and the recent Bin Ladin reports ARE directly related to these Cosmic patterns being manifested in physical form as energetic Cause and Effect.

Meanwhile, Saturn in Libra pressures individuals, corporations, governments and Nations to restore balance in its relationships, collaborations and contractual agreements. Saturn is the principle of contraction and limitations and is exalted in Libra. This combination arouses “win/win” solutions in all relating scenarios. This energy is especially potent for America as we have our Nation’s Natal Saturn in Libra in the 10th house of public standing and reputation. Every 30 years, we have an upheaval and re-structuring in our administration. If you are 30 years of age or older, you will have an idea about the potency of a Saturn Return. This is clearly a time of testing, self-scrutiny and poignant accountability.  Furthermore, America is a Cancerian country (July 4th) and we, as a Nation, are being transformed by Plutonian Forces that oppose and contact the very heart of our foundation. We will see MAJOR changes in our Country this year, beginning this Summer.

The New Moon in Taurus on the May 3rd promises abundance for the determined and the steadfast. This is one of the most resourceful signs in the Zodiac. Tune in to the Alchemical gift herein and it will facilitate fecundity and fertility in your personal and group endeavors. What you have imagined in Pisces, initiated in Aries can now be rooted in Taurus. They say that “April Showers Bring May Flowers” because the rain nourishes the seed that brings forth the blooms and fruits of our labor. In the human experience, we can choose to be an integral part of the seasons and cycles by intending to work in tandem with Nature organically.

May 16h Mercury and Venus blend their essence in Taurus forming a powerful conjunction that lends eloquence and grace to your communication skills. It’s a perfect time to give special attention to your loved ones or smooth over any misunderstandings that may have occurred in the last several weeks due to the over abundance of Fire (element) in the in the Earth’s Unified Field. This combination evokes a calm mental outlook with balanced and harmonious overtones of Venus and Taurus. Take time to enjoy (or create) music, art, gardens, design and any thing that exudes Venusians beauty. Regardless of where and how Taurus shows up in your personal chart, you can cultivate the highest energy of any sign any time. In fact, THAT is the ultimate objective when this Science is fully integrated.

On the 17th the Sun in Taurus (Venus) exactly opposes the moon in Scorpio (Mars) thus highlighting the dynamic relationship between the masculine and feminine principles. These two signs are both of a Fixed Quality and by far the most stubborn of the entire Pantheon. The essence of an opposition brings what ever  is in obscurity into the Light.  This particular pair will awaken our inner most fears and our deepest desires while encouraging sensual indulgence and deep catharsis. The energy of placid Taurus teaches us sustainability while transformational Scorpio reminds us to release, resolve and rebirth through the inevitability of endings. The predominant message within their tense dance is to develop common sense with our assets, financial activities and the power that is born from careful preparation and wise stewardship.

LOVE is in the Air the week of May 20th as Mercury joins Mars then captures Venus to create a sensuous trio in Earthy Taurus thru the 24th. Spring fever can result with so much sultry enthusiasm and affection abounding through this provocative force. We are connected to Nature and the seasons just like every other species on this planet, yet we have long since forgotten this natural fact. Bio-rhythmically we need less food in the winter and more sleep to build our strength for the coming Spring where we plant seeds as projects or objectives to grow thru the summer harvest in the fall then rest in the winter.

On May 21rst, our Sun moves into Mercury ruled Gemini thus slightly shifting our shared Field into a more light hearted and mutable quality of energy. Gemini rules the 3rd house (siblings, neighbors, media and communication) and the hands, arms, shoulders and lungs. In fact, this sign rules anything that has a pair (twin) and its essence encourages integration of perceived opposites as compliments. It represents duality and polarity in its purist form. Gemini is an Air sign and is the most restless of all of the forces. Mercury, Venus and Mars will join the party in June where we may intellectualize our feelings instead of feeling them. The positive traits of this Ingress are curiosity, versatility and great wit. The shadow side shows up as mental restlessness, inconsistency and superficiality. If you should notice gossip spewing from your lips or a subtle deviousness in your awareness, you have just partaken of this energy in its negative display (no judgment, simply observe, evaluate and restore the balance).

As Winter passes, we are sun kissed by the debut of Spring and begin to do our internal & external spring-cleaning through pruning our gardens. This is a natural response to the season’s ingress. This pertains to us in the same way, since we are organic aspects of Nature in physical form. Each year as we journey around the Sun, we experience and participate in the seasonal changes and its offerings. For optimal growth, it’s crucial to cut away the dead branches. With attunement and appreciation we can gently trim away those parts of our lives that are stale or lifeless. For some, this may show up as relationships, jobs, habits or emotional ruts. Ask your SELF to tune into what is appropriate for you and make the change with confidence.

May your Spring be filled with Vital Life Force pouring through your Heart and personal garden.
ALisha MisheLL
www.AstroAware.com <http://www.AstroAware.com>

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~April 2011 AstroAware Blog~
~For The I’m Thankful Network~
By: Alisha Mishell

Fire Sustains Us~ Through Our Inner- Chi

This month begins with a tremendous burst of fire and energy with the Sun, Moon, Mars, Jupiter and Uranus in impulsive & bold Aries. Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac, the first hue of the rising Sun, and the beginning of the astrological year. It has been represented by the god of war and is associated with the element of Fire. In the science of Astrology, Water represents our feeling nature, Air the Intellect, Earth the body while Fire is the element that connects us to our Inner-Chi, the life force itself.

Fire is a radiate Energy that brings light to the darkness, creates warmth and is the element that animates the Spiritual quality in Humanity. In a person, or an event, this element impels enthusiasm, faith, passion, boldness and a direct honesty. But too much fire can be impulsive, reckless, impatient and dominating which can incinerate all that it touches. Its important to collectively realize that we literally are conduits for energy and that we each decide within each moment how we will channel the fire that we have access to.

Mars enters its home sign on the 2nd of April with an intense conjunction to Uranus. Mars can be volatile and hotheaded in Aries and also full of creative energy and contagious enthusiasm. People born with this signature strongly placed in their natal charts are exuberant and courageous with a flair for initiating new projects and activities, but often need some Earth or Fixed energy to complete them once the novelty has worn off. The power and force of this Mars demonstrates how we assert our will and energy and Uranus shows where we strive for Individuation and authenticity. Mars in Aries is the most direct and purposeful influence in the entire zodiac. Mars/Uranus combination can be a volatile mixture. On a personal level, be mindful of suppressed emotions as they can erupt suddenly during the first few weeks of April. It is always a matter of time for suppressed contents to spew when under pressure. When we are empowered and educated about the sub-conscious and the Super-conscious, we will naturally choose to handle these matters with awareness and objectivity before an eruption forces us to clean up a chaotic aftermath.

On a Global note, politically and socially, we are likely to see more explosive activity on the World stage, in the Middle East and perhaps some sudden shocking surprises here on American soil as well. Surprises and Unexpected events are the norm for this combo. Remember, as conduits for this energy, there will be people who respond to this combination with reckless abandon, in full kamikaze style. It can illicit rebellious, unyielding, erratic and brutal reactions from those poised to channel explosive energy. Those born with this dynamic combination can exhibit this force as quintessential daredevils, adrenal junkies and extreme sports enthusiasts. They literally embody and channel this energy thru their life force and bodies respectively.

Mercury is Retrograde in Aries until April 23rd. Utilize this time to complete projects already set in motion for optimal use of your energy and resources. In fact, the next 3 weeks are wonderful for reflection, reorganizing, redefining, reassessing, renewing, reactivating, reiterating, recreating and sometimes re-doing. This is especially true with Mercury and Saturn in a retrograde stance and opposing Jupiter in Aries. Relax, breathe, slow down and realize that the delays now are cosmically designed that we may fortify our edifice from the inside out. Saturn is notorious for testing the strength and stability of our foundations, relationships and endeavors. The polarity between these two planets (represents social and business aspects of life) entices us to consolidate our energy and our resources, to refine our ambition and goals, and to be present and patient in our persistence. Frustrations and delays will be common this month. Our patient determination combining expansion with pragmatism will be rewarded if we tune in to our subtle “power” and relinquish ”force” as our M.O.

Venus is the Astrological ruler of Taurus and Libra, and is exalted in Pisces. Her lovely presence will soften this Aries intensity, as Saturn exalted in Libra will mitigate it somewhat with restraint and diplomacy. The planet of Love shows how we attract and relate to others. In Pisces, Venus reaches its highest evolutionary development, which manifests a giver of love, affection, compassion and creative genius. The principle of romantic love is transmuted from romantic and erotic love to Divine and Universal Love. At her best, she is intuitive sensitive and inspired in Pisces, while the dark side manifests as victim, martyr or neurotic complexes and excessive sentimentality. We can tune into this Universal principle to reunite with higher consciousness and mystical creativity. This combination is alchemically cool and wet thus toning down the excessive fire combinations. Venus’s allure in Pisces prepares the way for the long awaited Neptune’s ingress on the 4th of April.

Neptune enters Pisces for the first time since we discovered it with our telescopes in 1843. This planet has a 165-year cycle thought the Zodiac and spends approximately 14 years in each sign. Neptune connects our psyche to the boundless sea of emotions, mysticism, spirituality, art and music. Neptune describes how we serve and help others OR how we may escape into our own non-reality. A person born with a strong Piscean or Neptunian placement is naturally sensitive, empathic and altruistic. This combination will facilitate our awareness and attunement to Holistic perception and Spiritual Reality (=Spirituality). Expect to experience and see “Great Awakenings” abounding all over the planet as this planet’s influence tends to dissolve blocks to the Universal Oneness and opens the heart chakra. Neptune (Poseidon) also rules the Ocean and oils and gases. We can clearly see the correspondence to its manifestation in the Gulf and in Japan right now. Matter is Energy and Energy is Matter.

Its intangible influence can be nebulous, unclear and foggy, which often indicates something mysterious, hidden, secret or misrepresented. As Neptune tests the waters of Pisces (April 4th-August 4th), We will bathe in the enchanted waters of Idealism, Hope, Compassion, Faith, Devotion and Universal Consciousness. The shadow side of this force is delusion, fanaticism, escapism and chaos. There is always a middle path between extremes. A Neptunian fog can conceal a truth as well as it can bring Truth to conscious awakening. As with all processes, the first step is INTENT. WE can intend to awaken, to remember our Cosmic Origins, and tune in to the highest and purest Impulse. The “Key” to this Sacred Science is to recognize and take windows of opportunity disguised as challenges and tests. Each Element, Sign or Planetary configuration can be expressed positively and creatively (upward spiral=Evolution) or negatively and in a destructive (downward spiral + Involution). Clearly the entry of three Transpersonal Planets (Uranus/Aries, Neptune/Pisces, Pluto/Capricorn) into new signs completely shifts the energy. We can empower ourselves NOW with cultivating Forgiveness, Faith, Compassionate Understanding and completely releasing the strong hold of guilt, shame, doubt and fear.

A Philosopher from the 18th century once stated “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” (Edmond Burke 1729-1797). This is an extremely powerful insight. There are so many beautiful people of good will who opt to “do No Thing”, to “not get involved”, to let someone else handle it” and then negativity prevails due to lack of focus of the good, the wise and the true. I feel the reason the “underworld” efforts, are able to pull off such big feats is because they bind their energy in collaboration toward their projected outcome, albeit negative. If all of us that are aligned with the Love, Wisdom, Peace, Power, Truth and Divine Will truly began to bind our forces together, we will truly move mountains and make a HUGE difference in the outcome of our story. Will History (His-Story) repeat itself? (OR) Will we take the reigns and be guided by our Highest Knowing?

Together we truly can move mountains of fear that has kept us imprisoned in our minds, stifled in our hearts and paralyzed in our physical bodies. Thoughts are “Things” and tangible on the Mental plane. What we focus on truly we attract as substance on this level of consciousness. Our thoughts are a form of matter, literally. We can make a difference in the outcome of this cycle. Time is not linear. It is Cyclical. The 2012 timeline is the end of a cycle and a beginning of a new one. Every ending is an omen of a new beginning.
May Unity Consciousness, Compassion, Peace and Love be nurtured in our Hearts NOW and into the next cycle of Evolution.

Alisha Mishell
www.AstroAware.com

“Peace cannot be kept by Force; It can only be achieved by Understanding” Albert Einstein