It is easier to sail many thousand miles through cold and storm and cannibals, in a government ship with five hundred men and boys to assist one, than it is to explore the private sea, the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean of one’s being alone. Henry David Thoreau

Patience serves as a protection against wrongs as clothes do against cold. For if you put on more clothes as the cold increases, it will have no power to hurt you. Leonardo da Vinci

If you’re going through hell, keep going. Winston Churchill

A man never reaches that dizzy height of wisdom that he can no longer be led by the nose. Mark Twain

The state with the highest percentage of people who walk to work is Alaska. Trivia.net

June’s new Moon in Cancer falls on the 23rd in the US and the 24th in Australia. Occurring just after the Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere and the Winter Solstice in the southern, it brings with it a time some changes. New moons always have the potential for ushering in the new, but, falling on the heels of the Solstice, it is even more so. The Sabian Symbol for this Solstice is Cancer 1: SAILORS ON A SHIP LOWER AN OLD FLAG AND RAISE A NEW ONE. This can show, or bring about, the completion of some things in our lives, leading to new situations, possibilities, relationships, realizations, etc. Affirmations made now can be particularly strong as we have a new ‘flag’ to raise (and, the Karmic Condition of Pluto at the moment is one of ‘flags’ too, we are being asked to recognise, to see, to realize, etc, who, what or where we are showing our allegiance to).

These ‘new allegiances’ can be further shown by Venus and Pluto, in earth signs, in a lovely trine aspect to each other. The Sabian Symbol for Venus is also showing a new birth, a new beginning, new possibilities, new relationships, new realizations. Venus is on Taurus 19: A NEW CONTINENT ARISES FROM THE OCEAN. Whatever is working in your life can be strengthened while whatever is not may need to be let go of now. And, it could feel relieving and refreshing and very real.

Although this is quite a ‘lunar’ new Moon (being in Cancer), Mars is very highlighted at this time with a close square to Jupiter followed by a close trine to Neptune, and, in the week after the new Moon, an opposition to Pluto. Mars’ message seems to be that it is great to have strong ideals, strong feelings, beliefs, dreams, etc, but, we may need to temper them a little while remembering that not everyone sees things in the same light. Mars/Jupiter in square aspect can bring up issues to do with arguments over politics, religion, beliefs, etc, and, we might be pushed to stand up for, defend or announce our beliefs. As always, it may be prudent to count to ten before launching into any arguments as they could just be time wasting and not at all productive. This is made even more so by the Quest Degree of this new Moon – Cancer 4: A CAT ARGUING WITH A MOUSE, and, the Karmic Condition of Mercury – Cancer 5:AT A RAILROAD CROSSING, A CAR RACES WITH A TRAIN (otherwise often known as the ‘car wreck degree’ – please note though, if you have Cancer 5 in your chart, it does not have to show car accidents or being ‘wrecked’. It is more likely to show how you might ‘take on society – go against the normal rules and ways of society’, etc). These degrees of early Cancer can be quite difficult unless we are reasonably cautious about which ‘battles’ or ‘fights’ we take up. With caution, we may make progress, if we’re being reckless, we could leave considerable ‘rubble’ in our wake. After all, Mars is not all that effective in Cancer; we can find ourselves being emotional, irrational even, when we would probably prefer to be in control of our responses.

This new Moon, though, does have some excellent aspects – most notably the grand trine between Saturn and Uranus and the Moon’s nodes. With concentrated attention, we can make some great progress now, and, find a true sense of direction by not succumbing to the bad or difficult news around us. Through planning and right action, we can achieve many goals that might have long been on the back-burner.

There’s more that can be said about all of this, but, it is covered in the list of Sabian Symbols for the planets below.

The new Moon each month marks a time of new beginnings and realisations. It’s like a birth after a time of gestation or being ‘in the womb’. Here, the light begins to return and we can see new beginnings and possibilities. A new Moon means that the Sun and the Moon are both together – bringing a synergy of their energies together. The new Moon is a perfect time to set your intentions for the future. This period is wonderful for planting seeds of whatever kind. What do you want to manifest in your future? Whether you write it down, sing about it or just hold the thought forms in your mind, doing this at the new Moon can realise some fabulous results around the things that you want to draw into your life.

The new Moon is on Cancer 3: AN ARCTIC EXPLORER LEADS A REINDEER THROUGH ICY CANYONS – the following is from my book The Sabian Oracle: 360 Degrees Of Wisdom –

Commentary: ‘An Arctic Explorer Leads a Reindeer Through Icy Canyons’ shows a situation of risk and hard slog to get to a destination. There are two elements here: the ‘Arctic Explorer’ who is prepared to seek out new possibilities even at great risk to his life, and the ‘Reindeer’ who may have been quite content where it was, but does not have the possibility (or the imagination) to find new pastures or the will to assert its own desires. They have somehow become dependent upon each other for mutual success and survival. There is no way of knowing exactly what is going to happen or if they will, indeed, reach their objective. The ‘Reindeer’ may regret being roped into this endeavor, but what has been started can’t be abandoned or stopped mid-journey. However, it is actually the ‘Reindeer’ that is naturally suited to these conditions, enabling it to push onward if the ‘Explorer’ finds it too difficult.

Oracle: It is through adapting to changing needs in the environment and being constantly aware of the difficulties involved that success can be achieved. You need to persevere and progress slowly. There is probably no going back; there may be little value in retracing your steps. Further, there is probably no possibility of stopping as the situation could freeze-up in an instant. You may be surprised by “icy” feelings and cold responses from yourself, or others. However, these “cold winds” may indeed have been building up for some time. Although you may have help from those around you, it is more a time of struggling through an unusual difficulty rather than worrying about creating any proper appearance. Be prepared to use warmth and love, as this will bring more light and joy. Keep going – indeed it may be your only option.

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.

The Moon symbolizes: Emotions, moods, mother, family, clan, domestic issues, relationship to home and country. Feelings, sentiments, nourishment, emotional nurturing, monkey chatter mind, lunar and menstrual cycles, clarity of emotions or lunacy. Female energy – yours and others.

The Karmic Degree for the Moon is Cancer 2: A PERSON ON A MAGIC CARPET OBSERVES VAST VISTAS BELOW

A field cannot well be seen from within the field. Ralph Waldo Emerson

This Symbol implies a state of rising above what’s going on and transcending the reality. You might be periodically unable to proceed, or maybe you feel in a state of limbo. Are you often disconnected from reality? On the other hand, you may have a heightened level of awareness and a broad overview of situations, giving you an opportunity to plan for future action. Try to accept the positive opportunities that are being offered to you as you move through life with an exalted, or possibly escapist, attitude which allows you to escape unscathed from things that bother others.

Keywords: Elevated observations and heightened feelings. Having faith in the good things of life. Not wanting to see the ugly truth of reality. UFO’s and aliens. Escapism. Perspective and imagination. Out of body experiences. Dreams. Seeking transcendence. Astral projection. The dream of far destinations. Film and video.

The Caution: Feeling above everything and unaffected by situations. Losing touch with reality. Missing the point. Trying to avoid what’s going on. Peter Pan attitudes. Not feeling responsible for anything. Longing for something ‘magic’ to happen. Bugging devices. Living in a fantasy world.

The Quest Degree for the new Moon is Cancer 4: A CAT ARGUING WITH A MOUSE

The lion and the calf will lay down together, but the calf won’t get much sleep. Woody Allen

The mouse is a magician with only one trick: it can cast an illusion that it is as big as an elephant. Jessica MacBeth

This Symbol often implies arguing, taking on opponents regardless of size and the ability to win, and, sometimes, being unable to let things just be. Along with bullying, this can show bickering, which is time consuming, often immature and useless. What is the central issue around what’s going on and what are the old values that require reassessment? There is an imbalance at work. There can be a desire to justify to the other what should be done and why. This Symbol can show a selfless advocate for the underdog; prepared to protect others. Try to stop useless mental monkey chattering.

Keywords: Aggressively and actively taking advantage of situations or people. Hide and go seek games. Aggression vs. innocence. Harassment. Standing up for one’s self. The David and Goliath story. Questioning established power structures. Looking out for one’s best interests. Shock and fear. Cats. Mice. Hiding. Waiting.

The Caution: Time-wasting arguments and bickering. Being aggressive because one can. Picking on those smaller. Fighting dirty. Being patronizing. Power trips. Hiding away to avoid being targeted. Feeling like someone’s prey. Feeling victimized and bullied. Antagonism. Unfair battles. Those who think they know more. Mental, physical or emotional torment. Beating yourself up.

Mercury is on Cancer 6: IN SPRING GAME BIRDS ARE FEATHERING THEIR NESTS

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them. Henry David Thoreau

This Symbol speaks of building or decorating a ‘Nest’ somewhere that is safe and comfortable. Although there is a good feeling  about the future and new life coming, perhaps there is an inherent danger that you will not have somewhere to nest or that you could actually be somewhat expendable. Be careful not to become either too complacent or to react in fright at any sudden surprises. You could jeopardize your situation as others may judge whether you are qualified to stay where you are or are able to maintain your situation. Concerns with safety, security and a comfortable life can lead to having to move on a periodic basis

Keywords: Instinctive dedication. Laying the groundwork for those to come. Creating a base to feel safe. Nurturing. Endangered habitat. Raising money. Making yourself or someone else comfortable. Interior decoration. Preparation. Home building. Landlords and tenants. Noisy or nosy neighbors. Renting vs. owning. Watching for danger. The nesting instinct. Renovations. Babies’ rooms. Working to pay the mortgage or rent.

The Caution: Being unnecessarily afraid to venture out on “one’s own”. Taking over other people’s territory. Feeling unwanted. Danger. Fussing over small details. Over-preparation. Not knowing how long one can hold out in a situation. Being vulnerable to change. Being at the mercy of others. Endless housework.

The Karmic Degree for Mercury is Cancer 5: AT A RAILROAD CROSSING, A CAR RACES WITH A TRAIN

I couldn’t repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder. Bumper Sticker

This Symbol implies the desire, or the ability, to compete with or take on society as if life were a race or something to be conquered. The ‘Car’ is a vehicle for the individual and the ‘Train’ a vehicle for the masses. There is often a need for caution; the individual will not always survive a collision with the more powerful collective. It may not work to be insisting bravely that your individual needs should be considered. The collective has too much momentum. If someone pits themselves and their energies continually against society, sooner or later they are likely to lose.

Keywords: Not looking to the consequences of actions. Recklessly going for an objective. Not considering the ramifications. Lots of people causing problems with scheduling. Having the guts to go against society. Cars, trains. Individual rights. Rebelling. Crossroads. The need for good timing.

The Caution: Recklessness. Sacrificing individuals for larger gains. Working until one drops. Not looking left or right for possible trouble. Going in the wrong direction. Working at cross-purposes. Not nourishing one’s self. Putting the desire for gain before one’s more basic personal needs. Valuing possessions before people. Talking so no one gets a word in. Going off the rails. Upsetting or obstructing others. Wreckage. Emotional panic. Spinning out of control.

The Quest Degree for Mercury is Cancer 7: TWO FAIRIES (NATURE SPIRITS) DANCING ON A MOONLIT NIGHT

They dined on mince, and slices of quince, Which they ate with a runcible spoon; And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand, They danced by the light of the moon. Edward Lear

This Symbol implies enjoying the company of like minded people and sharing moments of fun, fantasy and celebrations. Moments spent together are likely to be very enjoyable, but you could be wanting to escape reality, especially the reality of what’s possible in your situation. Your intuition and imagination are heightened, with a strong sense of your emotional and spiritual center. Whilst keeping things real, you’ll want to let go of the rational and enjoy the experience of being with others, or, at least, one very special person. Allow your relationship to flow but you may find things look different in the clear light of day.

Keywords: Usually invisible astral realms. Reconnecting with the feminine. Dancing. Avoiding harsh reality. Slipping away somewhere unnoticed. Seeing what’s usually hidden. Romances that have difficulty in the real world. Dreams and fantasies. Sharing common ground. Full moon celebrations. Moonlight. Sunlight. Couples inspirited. Women celebrating. Other realms. Invoking fantasies. Moondances.

The Caution: Losing one’s self in emotional dreaming. Not seeing the reality of the other you’re “dancing” with. Lacking responsibility. Escapist attitudes vs. serious decisions. Relationships with no earthly reality or substance. Something too good to be true. Finding it hard to connect with others.

Mercury symbolizes: Mind, thought, communication, memory, expression, intelligence. News, exchanges, chatting, conversations, short journeys, connections with others, telephones, emails, siblings, neighbors, the reasoning mind. Day-to-day activities. Cars, keys, small animals.

Venus is on Taurus 19: A NEW CONTINENT IS RISING OUT OF THE OCEAN

One does not discover new continents without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time. Andre Gide

This Symbol shows the rising of a new place, a place to be, a new country or somewhere to strive for a new life. It implies that you can find that extra spark to create a brand new, original opportunity. This pictures the beginning of something that holds enormous potential for the future. There is much work to be done developing this into something fertile and productive. A whole new field of activity is coming to light. What you have done in the past has led you to this, but these new beginnings need to be met with a fresh sense of purpose and possibility.

Keywords: Enormous potentiality emerging. New trends and ways of being. Sudden eruptions of talent or fields of endeavor. The greenhouse effect. Global warming. Atlantis and other ancient underwater cities. Evolution. Patience. Developing slowly but surely. Emerging generations of people. New environments. Things feeling suddenly foreign. The birth of a nation. Migration. Land masses. Endeavouring to hold life together under the enormous pressure of the new.

The Caution: Continually seeking “new worlds” rather than finding a place in the existing one. No responsibility for the birth of the new. No respect for the old or established. Not shifting or evolving. Staying stuck in old realities.

The Karmic Degree for Venus is Taurus 18: A WOMAN AIRING AN OLD BAG THROUGH A SUNNY WINDOW TO GIVE IT AIR AND SUNSHINE

This Symbol speaks of clearing up clutter, washing and purifying and bringing air and light to situations. It often symbolizes psychotherapy and other self-help disciplines that cleanse and purify the mind, emotions and soul. There is often the need to clean out your cupboards, along with your old habits and routines. By keeping everything in your inner self, you can cause a clutter that is restricting. Bring these things to the outer world and see if they are still relevant in the light of day, discarding those that don’t measure up.

Keywords: Psychoanalysis. Past life regressions or memories. Doing domestic chores with a feeling of purpose. Work shopping ideas. Bringing light and freshness to old feelings. Renewal. Throwing out the old or outlived. Cleaning out rooms. Renovations. Letting the sunshine in.

The Caution: Expecting others to take responsibility for cleaning up and airing out. Hanging on to outworn things and memories. Airing one’s ‘dirty laundry’ in public. Rehashing old situations. Going over the same ground over and over. Bringing up issues when it’s inappropriate. Depressed attitudes.

Venus symbolizes: Relatedness, cooperation, what attracts you. The experience of sweetness, beauty or delight. Social interactions, love, friends, how you reach out to people. Feminine persona, relationship with mother and females. Money, possessions, sense of values.

Mars is on Cancer 13: A HAND, WHICH IS HELD OUT RECEPTIVELY, IS REMARKABLE FOR THE SUGGESTION OF CHARACTER IN ITS PROMINENT THUMB

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

This Symbol implies the rewards and the necessity of having a firm will and being willing and able to meet others with a strong handshake and a friendly attitude. Reaching out to others is shown here along with the need for being approachable and open to introductions to friends both old and new. Extending yourself to others can have many rewards, such as new friends, new opportunities, etc. Although a degree of flexibility exists it will inevitably be strength of character that succeeds.

Keywords: Openness and willingness to extend oneself to others. The handshake and the need for it. Being approachable and friendly. Palmistry and palm reading. Having a firm will. Introductions. Strong character. Flexible behavior. Hitchhiking.

The Caution: An aggressiveness and overbearing nature. Feeling that one is better, or stronger, than others. The smooth handshake that manipulates to impress one’s personality. Unbending and dominant behavior. Taking over situations regardless of what others want. Defensive, insecure, unsure, introverted. Blocking human exchanges.

The Karmic Degree for Mars is Cancer 12: A CHINESE WOMAN NURSING A BABY WHOSE AURA REVEALS HIM TO BE THE REINCARNATION OF A GREAT TEACHER

This Symbol shows someone who is young or inexperienced but is more possessed of greatness than might at first be apparent. Like the woman nursing this child, being able to recognize brilliance, truth and beauty in others, or in your own self, can bring many rewards. There is often the sense that someone’s an ‘old soul’, even though they’re young in years or experience, ahead of their time or have talents beyond the norm. Dane Rudhyar said of this degree: it’s… ‘The promise to all men that God may take birth within their souls.‘ Good nourishment and care will nourish this great potential.

Keywords: 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.

The Caution: Being unable to see simple messages. Overcome with complexity. Demanding to be noticed. Precocious behavior. Being pushy and demanding. Under or over-estimating the potential of youth.

The Quest Degree for Mars is Cancer 14: A VERY OLD MAN FACING A VAST DARK SPACE TO THE NORTHEAST

             Interestingly, according to modern astronomers, space is finite. This is a very comforting thought—particularly for people              who can never remember where they have left things. Woody Allen

             There’s none so blind as those who won’t see. Old Saying

This Symbols shows that you may be looking for some help or spiritual guidance, but it may be difficult to find through the usual channels. As we become more enlightened there is a greater ability to see spiritual truth in unexpected places. There needs to be a trust and courage that your inner wisdom is in touch with the higher truth. The ‘Vast Dark Space to the Northeast’ is often the direction one looks for this spiritual guidance and looking towards that direction in the sky can bring an influx of creative and spiritual energies. Further, this symbolizes the desertion of native people’s by their governments.

Keywords: American Indians and other native peoples that have been left in the dark. Losing faith in the future. The dying out of cultures or languages. Washington DC. Staring into a void. Blindness. Searching for answers. Sirius—the Dog Star. Magnetic shifts. Compass directions. Stargazing. Navigation. Faith. The earth’s poles. Astronomy. Vast dark arenas. Wisdom that comes with age. Feeling old before one’s time. Seeking purpose and direction.

The Caution: Seeing nothing. A lack of purpose. Abandonment, rejection, loss and darkness. The exploitation and abandonment of native people. Myopia. Voids. Emptiness.

Mars symbolizes: Drive, determination or agenda, how you get to your goals. How you express and handle anger, ambition, assertion of self and ability to step forward. The male principle, sexuality, the ability to step up to the plate when one needs to. Fight or flight.

Jupiter is stationary direct on Libra 14: IN THE HEAT OF THE NOON, A PERSON TAKES A SIESTA

Have you been feeling tired, rather discouraged, wanting to lay on the lounge with the remote in your hand? Finding it hard to get motivated, or, working too hard and not seeing much in return? Jupiter recently stationed direct on this degree, and, this can be a time of needing to reconnect with our energies through taking some time off, meditating, doing things for ourselves and remembering that we are not machines that can run on empty. Time to refuel with a little R & R, however that is found. On the other hand, you may feel that you’ve been doing that long enough and that you need to get going with the things that need to be done, especially repairs to your body, mind, spirit, life, relationships, etc. Further, Jupiter is in a ‘Finger Of God’ formation – a yod to Neptune and Venus, so, it may take a little time to really get going with our plans, but, of course, this shouldn’t stop us from planning, dreaming and working out the details. The time to push through may not be quite right yet, but it is surely coming as there is so much potential emerging now. Taking it one step at a time helps.

This Symbol speaks of taking a rest when one needs to. At times, you may feel the need to take a break even though you are in the middle of a situation. To relax and recuperate will often serve to give you greater strength to complete the task at hand, also, being always on the go can be rather wearying. However, being lazy and unproductive is not the answer either. Taking a “Noon Siesta” can end up meaning taking hours and hours off work and not managing to make progress or get anywhere. Striking a balance between working too hard and not working hard enough is definitely the key.

Keywords: Meditation. The need to take time out. Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. Midday rushes. Recuperating or laziness. Hammocks. Long lunch hours. Rejuvenation. Knowing when to call a halt. Taking breaks. Looking after one’s health. Tiredness and yawning. Hot and demanding days leading to inertia or exhaustion. Dreams and fantasies.

The Caution: Wasting time. Being disinterested in things. Losing energy or interest when one should be at the peak of activity or achievement. Refusing to take a break. Going past the bounds of what should be done. Working so hard that one is forced to stop through exhaustion or ill-health. Always being on the go while others sit back and enjoy. Losing one’s grip on reality. Unwinding after toil or trouble. Withdrawal.

Jupiter symbolizes: The big picture, expansion, exploration, aspirations, religious and philosophical ideals, issues to do with traveling, foreign lands, people and traditions, culture, education, generosity, luck, abundance, support, optimism. Insight through knowledge and wisdom.

Saturn is retrograde on Sagittarius 24: A BLUEBIRD, A SIGN OF GOOD LUCK AND HAPPINESS, IS STANDING AT THE DOOR OF THE HOUSE

Faith is a bluebird you see from afar. It’s real and sure as the first evening star. You can’t touch it or buy it or wrap it up tight. But it’s there just the same making things turn out right. Margery Sharp

This Symbol shows the promise of domestic bliss or making a house into a home. The “Bluebird” brings a sense of “Good Luck and Happiness” and is a sign of good fortune, a comfortable home, and a sense that one belongs, is safe and cared for. This is the archetypal cottage with the picket fence; the vision that many have of owning their own home. It also speaks of natural, positive, good will towards the inhabitants and, probably, towards the neighbors. There is a clear omen of good fortune at your door. Love and happiness come by being warm and inviting. Respond to your higher hopes, spread love to all who enter your house or live nearby.

Keywords: Calmness and rewards. Promise (or promises) of ‘Happiness’. Love and happiness available by acknowledging its presence. Real estate, house boundaries. Reminders of joy. Cottages and picket fences. Waiting for invitations to enter. Omens of good luck. Blessings. Front doors and back doors.

The Caution: Denying happiness or good news. Feeling that the grass is always greener somewhere else. Putting on false shows of happiness for all to see. Thinking that buying things will make one’s life happier. Wanting what’s not available.

Saturn symbolizes: Authority, rules, discipline and obligation The heavy stuff. What we fear, loss, karma, aging, the establishment, orthodoxy, tradition, status, the concept of time, walls, boundaries, limits, older people, restrictions, patience, conquering difficulties.

The Karmic Degree for Saturn retrograde is Sagittarius 23: A GROUP OF IMMIGRANTS FULFILLING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTERING A NEW COUNTRY

Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. Emma Lazarus—Verse inscribed on the Statue of Liberty.

This Symbol shows finding a new way of life, a new country or nationality, or new place to live and raise a family. It shows the possibility and hope for better things and a new way of life. Whether you are an “Immigrant” or someone looking to move onto new territory, you need to be prepared to venture out into new adventures for the promise that’s offered. Once you’ve “Fulfilled the Requirements”, you can move into this brand new life and reap the rewards. There may need to be adjustments about the way one communicates one’s thoughts and ideas – be receptive to this new way of life and you’ll learn much. Reorientation of self. Learning new languages or customs. Passing tests (or not). Asylum. Immigration. The Statue of Liberty. Papers. Qualifications. Refugees. Laws. Borders.

Keywords: Reorientation of selfhood. Needing to change things in order to accept a new reality. The necessity of learning new languages or customs to fit in. Visas, passports, papers. Illegal immigrants. Boat people. Customs officials and regulations. Baggage and luggage. Shipping. Qualifications and certifications. Identification. Asylum. Immigration officers. Papers and qualifications that include or exclude. Refugees. Laws. Borders. Ellis Island. Throwing away the known in pursuit of the unknown.

The Caution: Entering new situations with inflexible traditions. Issues of social or racial prejudice, or the suspicion of it. Red tape getting in the way of enjoying life. Those not living up to requirements. Not getting successfully through the paperwork. Being untrue to oneself in order to be accepted. Being rejected or sent back.

The Quest Degree for Saturn retrograde is Sagittarius 25: A CHUBBY LITTLE RICH BOY RIDES UPON A HOBBYHORSE – Saturn has just recently spent a few weeks retrograde on this Symbol.

Nothing is so hard for those who abound in riches to conceive how others can be in want. Jonathan Swift

Are you doing what you want to be doing? Are you concentrating on those things that don’t feel rewarding, creative, useful in your life? Saturn on this degree can show this, but, it can also point to the realization of the inequality that we see in life around us where ‘the rich’ get to play while those who are not have to work, work, work. We do well to remember to stick to our own agendas and make our lives more of what they can be, especially when it comes to doing things simply because we enjoy or get a kick out of doing them.  Saturn is retrograde, but, it is in a nice grand-trine with Uranus and the Moon’s north  node, so we are being asked to get organized and to throw out those things (emotions, memories, possessions and/or relationships) that we no longer need. We are in a big process of re-aligning with spirit.

This Symbol shows someone who has everything in life playing and enjoying doing whatever they want in a safe and comfortable atmosphere – the ‘Boy’ does something he feels like doing, something easy and natural. He plays and may not be thinking too much about what’s going on in the real world as he is shielded from the more harmful elements of society because he is ‘Rich’. You may feel that you are doing what is necessary, but this is more like a training situation and will lead to greater ability in the future, although you should watch out for the propensity to be ‘flogging a dead horse’. Practice and play, but one day you’re going to have to prove yourself in a more rigorous, demanding situation. Protected practice. Imaginative play. Going on and on about something. Hobbies. Playtime. Toys being provided. Exercise. Boys and their toys. Unrestrained passions.

Keywords: Hobbies and their pleasures. Unrestrained, imaginative play that can lead to truly wonderful creations, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Protected practice. Having to have one’s sexual needs fulfilled before one loses energy. Exercise, doing something because one can. Constantly going off on distracting schemes. Boys and their toys. Unrestrained passion.

The Caution: Someone spoilt and shallow. Feeling that one can take on anything without thought of the actual consequences. Playing when one should be more serious about life. Not doing one’s work, avoiding it by doing ‘fun’ things instead. Having no friends to play with.

Uranus is on Aries 28: A LARGE DISAPPOINTED AUDIENCE – Uranus is spending quite a few weeks on this degree, now, and, in a few week’s time it again transits over this degree retrograde.

A lot of people are feeling this sense of ‘Disappointment’ in what’s going on personally, locally and in the entire world. We are seeing this disappointment because there are so many things that need changing. The message from Uranus seems to be that we need to change our tune in order to see more of the things we want to see. Changing our responses to the things we see, or, choosing to not pay so much attention to the things that bring that sense of alienation, remorse or difficulty, can bring about a change in the world around us. Our ‘imaginations’ may need tweaking. How better to respond to what’s happening?  We have a right to feel put off by the things we’re witnessing, but, perhaps it’s time for us to dream a new dream.

People ask for your criticism, but they only want praise. Somerset Maugham

Plato was a bore. Friedrich Nietzsche

Stupid TV. Be more funny. Homer Simpson

This Symbol shows a sense of being an observer or a spectator, sometimes more than being a participant. You may have an inner critic that analyses things. In fact you might feel as though you, or someone else, have failed and left something wanting. But how much is this because too much was expected in the first place? The ‘Audience’ sometimes only remembers the last performance, so get up and try again. Be aware that you may be your own ‘audience’. Do you feel that things have or haven’t lived up to expectations? Are you missing out through negative projections? Perhaps your need to feel satisfied, to perform or be fulfilled should be more realistic.

Keywords: Adjustments of expectations bringing realizations about what is really possible. Expecting the response of others. Walking out during a performance. Not listening to something through a lack of interest. Anticipating a different result from what is delivered. Relying on feedback. Lines and queues of people. Criticism. The need to inspire and enthuse.

The Caution: Feeling sad, sorry or letdown because of defeat and frustration. A lot of people left feeling emotionally “wiped-out”. Shattering of illusions. Fickleness. The attitude that one can’t do anything. Everything being out of one’s control. Watching what’s going on and not participating. Being at the mercy of the whims and fancies of others. Judging and analyzing oneself or others. Too many people crammed into one spot. Not getting a seat. Refusal of entry. Booing and hissing.

Uranus symbolizes: The unexpected, things that are individual or ‘different’. Charged, energetic dynamics, electricity, light, lightning bolts, sudden changes, those who live on the fringe of society. Sudden turns and twists of fate. Rebellion, surprises, liberation, freedom.

Neptune is stationary retrograde on Pisces 15: AN OFFICER DRILLING HIS MEN IN A SIMULATED ATTACK – Neptune is spending weeks on this degree as Neptune retrogrades on it.

Neptune stationary direct on this degree can bring up feelings of ‘what next?’ It can be important to sort out what is really happening in our lives and not falling into the trap of ‘the sky is falling’. Neptune on this degree can have us going over and over thoughts, emotions, fears, etc, and, some of them are likely to be ‘false flags’ – we need to be discerning about what is real and what is false. Fake news, fears of ‘attacks’ and the like can have us off center if we’re not careful. Some of the things we fear are not at all useful. The saying ‘worrying is praying for the things we don’t want’ comes to mind.

It is hard to fight an enemy who has outposts in your head. Sally Kempton

This shows being well rehearsed, prepared and ready for anything that life throws at you. When you’re well rehearsed, you are able to spring to attention when situations warrant it. You may feel that you need to rehearse or prepare for difficult situations. There is wisdom in practicing to reduce the chance of error or failure. However, are you going over and over possible positive or negative outcomes thereby losing the joy that can be found in relaxing and letting down your guard? Sometimes the things we think are going to happen don’t happen at all. Choosing where, when and how to be ready and willing to go for objectives is half the battle.

Keywords: Taking orders to better respond to situations. The higher self training the lower self. Exercises. Marching and going through the motions. The need for defense. Seeing ahead. Planning strategies. Fire drills. Smoke alarms. Being prepared. Issuing orders and expecting them to be followed through. Discipline. Martial arts of all kinds. Going over and over possible outcomes. Safeguards put in place. Gas masks and bomb shelters.

The Caution: Rigid routine for no real or valuable purpose. Feeling that one has always to be on the defensive. Being under attack, whether real or imagined. Overreacting to things. Feelings of unworthiness in the face of battle or confrontation. Victim consciousness. Fearful responses. Getting others to respond through spreading fear. Scare tactics. False flags.

Neptune symbolizes: Mystical, “out there,” spirituality and con artists. Dreams, mysteries , mystics and religious issues. Intuition, clairvoyance, seeing into the invisible. Addictive, chaotic, charming, deceptive, illusory, co dependent, sensory awareness.

Pluto is retrograde on Capricorn 19: A CHILD OF ABOUT FIVE CARRYING A HUGE SHOPPING BAG FILLED WITH GROCERIES

A child of five could understand this. Fetch me a child of five. Groucho Marx

With Pluto here, we may be carrying loads that feel heavy or demanding. We may be seeing some people being asked to take on too much responsibility, and, we may be feeling that ourselves. We are also witnessing some in power who are not up to the task; they are acting immaturely, not standing up to their responsibilities, children taking on the load of their families, etc. Still, it is by assessing what we will do and what we don’t want to do can show us what we need to shoulder and what we don’t.

This Symbol shows having to “Carry” heavy loads, to shoulder responsibilities, do chores and jobs and help others, sometimes because there’s no one else who can or will do it. Often, the “Child” gets these responsibilities because they are the one who others know is going to take it seriously, completing the task, taking care of details. You may feel that you have been burdened with responsibilities beyond normal expectations and possibly beyond your capability. Despite being keen and enthusiastic, you must be careful not to try to take on too much, or do too much, or too quickly. Like a child, you need to play, be creative and rest.

Keywords: Being the one everyone counts on to do the job. Feeling weighed down. Having to carry the “bag”. Lifting heavy weights and bearing the consequences. Taking on things above and beyond what one should. Acting the grownup. Maturing quickly. Looking after paperwork. Running errands. Providing food and sustenance for everyone.

The Caution: Overloading the innocent and the inexperienced without thought of the consequences. Taking on too much. Not allowing for fun and carefree activities. Never being “off-duty”. Joint, back and shoulder problems. Growing up too fast. Having a serious attitude. Lack of childhood. Dropping the bundle. Carrying the family’s responsibilities.

The Karmic Degree for Pluto is Capricorn 18: THE UNION JACK FLIES FROM A NEW BRITISH WARSHIP

Britain is not a country that is easily rocked by revolution . . . In Britain our institutions evolve. We are a Fabian Society writ large. William Hamilton

We stole countries with the cunning use of flags. Just sail around the world and stick a flag in. “I claim India for Britain!” They’re going “You can’t claim us, we live here! Five hundred million of us!” “Do you have a flag …? “No…” “Well, if you don’t have a flag, then you can’t have a country. Those are the rules… that I just made up! Eddie Izzard

This Symbol talks about supervision, border protection and control. There can be a feeling of having to oversee a large ‘empire’ where reliability and leadership are vital. This can be a tiring responsibility, but there can be an awareness of the protection of ‘all who went before’. However, political and social restraints from the past could be causing you to feel that you’ve somehow got to ‘wage war’. Issues to do with the government can come up, whether you agree with what they do or not. You may be confronted with having to make your presence felt and guard your territory. Effective supervision will help you to relax.

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. Brexit.

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 anti-establishment. 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.

Pluto symbolizes: Unconscious motivations, depth psychology, history. Sex, procreation at a deep level, intensity, profound emotions, taking hold of one’s power. Being king or queen of one’s underworld. Strength, survival mode instincts. Big money. Big power. The Plutocracy. Power vs power struggles.

Chiron is on Pisces 29: LIGHT BREAKING INTO MANY COLORS AS IT PASSES THROUGH A PRISM

Chiron here can have us analyzing things a little too much, especially with Neptune on the ‘Simulated Attack’ degree. However, we can learn a lot by really looking into the ‘stories that we tell ourselves’ (Chiron is known as The Wounded Healer, but, it’s about The Stories That We Tell Ourselves). However, it can be that by breaking down things into their component parts and seeing what’s really going on that we can see our ‘wounds’, our concerns and worries, our stories, from a new and brighter perspective.

It’s a good thing that when God created the rainbow, He didn’t consult a decorator or He would still be picking colors. Sam Levenson

This shows analyzing things, considering and drawing conclusions from available data and being perceptive of colors, light refraction or reflection, auras and light. You probably have the ability to break situations down into the simplest components in order to see the full picture. This can and often does lead to a greater understanding of the relationship between the whole and the many parts. Just be careful not to overanalyze, thereby losing the joy that’s inherent in the simplicities of life. Taking a single vision and turning it into many individual streams can be rewarding, but it can also confuse and distract.

Keywords: Spectrum analysis. Color and crystal healing. Rainbows. Light refraction. Side effects. Considering many facets of a situation. Endless opportunities. Optics. Sight. Seeing. Copying and sharing ideas or things. Disseminating information. Auras and aura photography. Triangles. Polarization of light. Reflection. Laboratory tests. Diffracted personality.

The Caution: Locked in to a set of parameters. Over analyzing things. Being blinded by ambition. Daunted by the task ahead. Mirages. Microscopes and binoculars but not seeing things as they really are.

Chiron symbolizes: Our wounds, Chiron is known as The Wounded Healer. The wounds are The Stories That We Tell Ourselves, it is where we have to focus on healing, it can show things that are out of shape or misplaced or in need of repair.

The Moon’s North Node is on Leo 26: AFTER A HEAVY STORM, A RAINBOW APPEARS

The North Node on this degree is showing us that after each ‘storm’ comes the ‘rainbow’. We can be assured that the difficult times will always pass and that we can count on the beauty and benevolence of the ‘rainbow’. Seeing ‘sunshine’, concentrating on the light can clear up any feelings of disappointment, doubt, alienation, etc.

This Symbol shows the relief and beauty that a rainbow can bring after a storm has cleared. A sense of relief can flood over you as you realize that the sun is coming out and the birds are beginning to sing again. This may be a time of difficulties and obstacles, but take heart as it seems that the end result will be O.K. Still, you probably need to be periodically reassured by a clear sign that better times are coming. Remember, without the storm there would be no blessing of the rainbow. Try wearing colorful clothes, open the windows and the doors and get into the sunshine.

Keywords: Release from stressful situations. The light of spirit returning to infuse with energy. Euphoria. Rushes of endorphins. Relief. The sun coming out whilst dark clouds are still in the air. The joy of survival. Rainbows and light. Piercing through darkness. Reminders of the good things in life. Peace restored.

The Caution: Having selfish thoughts about the rewards inherent in every external sign or “pot of gold”. Seeking storms or arguments and trouble to stir things up. Enjoyment and promotion of conflict. Violence and destruction. Carnage. Not seeing the beauty around. Blocked drains and emotions.

The Moon’s North Node symbolizes: This is known as quite a ‘karmic point’ (although all planets and points in a chart can be ‘karmic’). One’s destiny in this life. The things you are meant to integrate, move towards, become. Destined relationships and relationship issues can show up here.

The Moon’s South Node is on Aquarius 26: A GARAGE MAN TESTING A CAR’S BATTERY WITH A HYDROMETER

The South Node on this degree tells us to really tune into our intuitions, our senses, what our inner feelings are telling us about what is really going on. We may find ourselves being more sensitive to events in the world and our outer and inner realities. Tuning in can have us finding where we may need to make some adjustments to our lives so we can function in a smoother, more reliable and effective way.

This Symbol shows the need to pick up problems and diagnose what might be wrong whether it’s mechanically, physically, spiritually or emotionally. The “Car” can be a car, or it can be your body; your earthly vehicle, and it may need some “Testing” to see how it’s coping with life’s pressures. Perhaps you need to use some type of gauge on your emotional reactions. There is often a need to take a more intuitive or psychic approach to problems, although an objective or inventive view will also bring results. Figure out any malfunctions so your life can proceed in a smoother, more efficient manner. Performing necessary checks and balances to ensure your life is working properly are part of the everyday maintenance of society.

Keywords: Testing the earthly vehicle for its roadworthiness. Situations that have “boiled – over”, bringing all to a stop. Breakdowns and the need for repair. Checking water levels. Anticipating future problems. The need for good batteries. Cars being serviced. Oil, petrol and grease. Check ups and tune-ups. Bringing forward movement to a halt.

The Caution:  Bad health. Lack of water or not looking after one’s self. Breakdowns from lack of care. Missing vital signals. Causing distress by constantly analyzing people or situations. Bad breath or dry skin. Not taking time for repairs or tune-ups. Running on empty.

The Moon’s South Node symbolizes: Past karmic patterns to be overcome, can be habits that are good, but can describe things, relationships, issues that you need to let go of, or, hold you back from manifesting your true destiny. Relationships that feel karmic and difficult, memories from the past.