Robert Zoller Quote

"Only by recognizing that we are under the laws of heaven will we be able to escape from our astral prison and truly begin our approach to Wisdom."

Full Moon in Leo

The relationship between the mind, body, and soul, is heightened by the Feb. 7 Full Moon in heart-centered Leo. The warm creative spirit of the Lion-ness is informed now by a sense that we each have something unique to offer to our community- and how we play with others is a reflection of our own condition. Think with your heart & body.

"Let us say what we feel, and feel what we say; let speech harmonize with life." ~Seneca

The Feb. 7 Saturn station-retro at the last degree of Libra relates to endings and resolutions. A somewhat heavy vibration is in the air now. During the retrograde period of Saturn (Feb. 7 - June 25) we may define and redefine relationships, and get clear on our priorities especially as they pertain to partnerships. The checks and balances that Saturn calls for are necessary, if we want to build something solid.

Saturn at 29 Libra is now square the 29 Cancer eclipse degree of July 22, 2009. This was the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century, and it conjoined the Midheaven in Tokyo and Fukushima, Japan. If the ancient rule regarding the duration of eclipses is considered, then this mega-eclipse has an influence for about 6 years and 8 months from it's occurrence. (Duration = 06m38.8s) The path of the Moon's umbral shadow extended across India, China, a handful of Japanese islands and the South Pacific Ocean. A partial eclipse was seen within the much broader path of the Moon's penumbral shadow, which included most of eastern Asia, Indonesia, and the Pacific Ocean. (Espenak) NASA's Eclipse Map
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Deadly Earthquake in the Phillipines

The Leo Full Moon axis straddles the horizon in Dumaguete city on Negros island, with Uranus of sudden shocks sharply focused at that time and place. Ascendant/Midheaven = 2.43 Capricorn = Uranus 2.04 Aries.

The Dec. 10, 2011 lunar eclipse featured its debilitated lord Mercury (in Sagittarius) tightly conjunct the critical 4th house cusp of earthquakes (and weather), where today's event struck.

A typhoon slammed the southern Philippines in December, killing about 1250 people.
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The Leo Full Moon is angular (powerful) in the Syrian city of Homs, that's been under heavy artillery fire the last few days as government forces intensified their assault. Full Moon Midheaven = 20 Leo = Moon 19 Leo = Sun/Mercury 19 Aquarius. BBC News
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Deadly crash in Waterloo, Ontario

The Leo Full Moon chart for Waterloo, Ontario puts stationary Saturn on the IC-4th house cusp. Full Moon Midheaven = 27 Aries = stationary Saturn 29 Libra. The heavy Saturn energy is strongly concentrated now as it changes direction- and sharply focused in Waterloo by angularity.

Cool Links

1. Lunar Perigee and Apogee Calculator

2. Carl Jung & Astrology

2. Time-lapse ANIMATIONS

4. Seven Stars Astrology

5. February Astrology Forecast

6. 2012 An Astrological Overview: The Mars Retrograde, the Venus Transit and the Uranus-Pluto Square

7. Astrology of 2012~ Lara Owen

8. The Astrology of History

Quote of the Day: “Finding Nirvana is like locating silence.” ~Jack Kerouac

Merriman's Market Week.

Comments for the Week Beginning Feb. 6

Short-Term Geocosmics

"Friday was not only the day of the surprisingly strong payroll reports that sent stock prices soaring, but it also marked the day that Neptune begins its 14-year trek through Pisces, the sign it rules. Neptune pertains to Alan Greenspan’s famous quip about markets and investors being irrationally exuberant. It is as pertinent today as when he said it several years ago.

This week we may get a dose of reality. Saturn, the planet of hard realities, turns retrograde at 29° Libra on Tuesday, February 7. This cosmic event has coincided with important crests in stock prices several times in the past decade, and it is poised to do the same this time too. Its orb of influence is historically up to 11 days, but in most cases, if a reversal occurs, it is within only 4 trading days.

Another change in investor psychology is likely around Wednesday, February 9, when Venus leaves the blissful domain of Pisces and enters Aries, the sign where it tends to have psychological issues. Venus wants to share and be fair. Aries wants it all, and to hell with fairness. That’s a weakness, especially as it joins up with ruthless Uranus in Aries the next day. It’s a good bet that both parties will actively engage in credit for the jobs recovery. It’s also a good bet that the good feelings of Venus and Neptune in Pisces at the end of last week will give way to hostile debate and combat by the end of this week, and the markets could easily take their cue from that. These are all signatures of a sudden reversal in several markets coming up."
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Time-lapse ANIMATIONS

~Current Planets~

Inside the Eagle Nebula

From Images 108

In 1995, a now famous picture from the Hubble Space Telescope featured Pillars of Creation, star forming columns of cold gas and dust light-years long inside M16, the Eagle Nebula. This remarkable false-color composite image revisits the nearby stellar nursery with image data from the orbiting Herschel Space Observatory and XMM-Newton telescopes. Herschel's far infrared detectors record the emission from the region's cold dust directly, including the famous pillars and other structures near the center of the scene. Toward the other extreme of the electromagnetic spectrum, XMM-Newton's X-ray vision reveals the massive, hot stars of the nebula's embedded star cluster. Hidden from Hubble's view at optical wavelengths, the massive stars have a profound effect, sculpting and transforming the natal gas and dust structures with their energetic winds and radiation. In fact, the massive stars are short lived and astronomers have found evidence in the image data pointing to the remnant of a supernova explosion with an apparent age of 6,000 years. If true, the expanding shock waves would have destroyed the visible structures, including the famous pillars. But because the Eagle Nebula is some 6,500 light-years distant, their destruction won't be witnessed for hundreds of years.

La Silla Star Trails

From Images 108

Fix your camera to a tripod and you can record graceful trails traced by the stars as planet Earth rotates on its axis. If the tripod is set up at ESO's La Silla Observatory, high in the Atacama desert of Chile, your star trails would look something like this. Spanning about 4 hours on the night of January 24, the image is actually a composite of 250 consecutive 1-minute exposures, looking toward the north. The North Celestial Pole, at the center of the star trail arcs, is just below the horizon in this southern hemisphere perspective. In the foreground, the polished 15-meter diameter dish antenna of the Swedish-ESO Submillimeter Telescope (now decommissioned) shows star trails toward the south by reflection. Sweeping around the South Celestial Pole, the distorted arcs of those stars appear underneath the southern horizon in the focusing dish's inverted view. Right of the dish is the dome of the observatory's 3.6 meter telescope, home to the planet hunting HARPS spectrograph. (APOD)

Deadly football violence in Egypt

From BBC News:
"At least 74 people have been killed in clashes between rival fans following a football match in the Egyptian city of Port Said.

Scores were injured as fans- reportedly armed with knives- invaded the pitch after a match between top-tier clubs al-Masry and al-Ahly.

Officials fear the death toll could rise further.

It is the biggest disaster in the country's football history, said the Egyptian deputy health minister."

The Dec. 10, 2011 total lunar eclipse is still resonating. It must be the square from Mars to the eclipse and the Moon's Nodes, that's stirring up violence and mayhem. Because of it's retrograde motion, transiting Mars will square the eclipse degree (18 Gemini) twice more- Feb. 21 and June 8.

From Mundane Charts 2

The eclipse chart for Port Said, Egypt, shows the eclipse occurring just before sunset, so the Moon and the malefic South Node were rising. The angularity of the eclipse and the Moon's fateful Nodes, both square Mars, set the stage for incidents of violence there. [Eclipse AS = 16 Gemini = Moon/South Node 16 Gemini.]

Feb. 2~ Egyptians incensed after 74 die in soccer tragedy

February

February is the month of Aquarius, and it's name comes from the Latin februum which means purification, via the purification ritual Februa of Feb 15 (full moon) in the old lunar Roman calendar.

From Images 108

Aquarius the Waterbearer~ by Deborah Houlding

Celtic Festival of Imbolc

"Imbolc is an ancient festival, Celtic in origin, and considered one of the greater Wiccan sabbats.  It is celebrated on the night of February 1st in the northern hemisphere. 

The primary purpose of Imbolc is to celebrate Spring's impending replacement of Winter.  In this sense, Imbolc may be seen as a spiritual alternative to the secular celebration of New Year's Eve. 

At New Year's Eve, we often see the image of old, bearded Father Time replaced with a young baby.  Father Time represents the old, outgoing year, and the baby celebrates the year just born.  At Imbolc, we have similar imagery; an old crone represents the outgoing year, and turns things over to a young maiden. 

Fertility, of course, plays a part here.  The frozen earth is incapable of growing things, just as the old crone has grown incapable of producing offspring.  This barrenness is replaced by the warm return of Spring, making the earth once again fertile, symbolized by the fertile young maiden."
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Heads Up! The Writer's Astrological Almanac

by Kathy Watts ~ February 2012

Happy February!

Wed Feb 01 gives us the Moon moving into Gemini.  We start the month off with a writing bash that lasts until Friday evening.  Put on that extra sweater, socks, maybe turn up the heat, or cuddle closer to your laptop, and indulge your writing passion while the outside world does its chill winter thing (assuming you're in the northern hemisphere or not in the tropics, Hawaii or Key West or some other classic writer refuge).  Also today, Venus exactly opposes Mars retrograde.  Ah, Love on the tips of both horns.  Perhaps paper (or bytes) are the best place to put passions today.

Thu Feb 02 the Moon trines Mercury, a nice touch to add when the Moon is already in Mercury's home sign of Gemini.  Ideas should be in generous supply today.  Take notes.

Fri Feb 03 the Moon is still in Gemini when Neptune finally leaves the sign of Aquarius and moves into Pisces.  This is the modern home sign for Neptune (traditional astrologers still prefer Pisces being ruled by Jupiter).  Regardless, if we can keep our illusions, addictions and fantasies in check, this has to be good for all things artistic and  visionary.  Neptune will experience a retrograde period later this year, but it will go direct again at 00Pis22.  Neptune, say goodbye to Aquarius.  To celebrate, blast some of your favorite music, or have a private film festival.

Tue Feb 07 the Moon is in Leo when the Sun conjuncts Mercury. Five hours later Saturn goes stationary retrograde in the last degree of Libra. This is a long slow Heads Up. This can stall progress with relationships, romantic or business.  And, heck, it's the very middle of the Via Combusta. The only good thing I can think about this is, at least Saturn is answering to Venus, to the extent that Saturn listens to anything. Eight hours later, we get the Full Moon at 18Leo. Ask for something noble, grand, and worth sharing with the world. Fifty minutes later, the Moon opposes Mercury.  Don't get hyper-self-critical but take this chance to look at your ideas with a fresh pair of eyes. Later that night, Venus changes signs, leaves Pisces and begins the zodiac again when she enters Aries. Something beautiful can be born anew or get a second chance.
 
Wed Feb 08 the Moon enters Virgo in the morning.  Look forward to a focused day of work, with minimum excitement and psychodrama.  We are getting a month of 5 Wednesdays with the Moon in mutable signs. The first and last Wednesdays, the Moon is in Gemini. Write about people, don't let them swamp you, and you should make some serious progress.

Thu Feb 09 the Moon is in Virgo all day. This is not quite as good as the Moon in Gemini, but it's not bad. Edit something you wrote yesterday. Venus conjuncts Uranus in early Aries today. Start something beautiful even if it's tiny, just for yourself. Evening, the Moon conjuncts Mars retrograde. Brainstorm.

Sun Feb 12 the Moon conjuncts Saturn in the end of Libra, then goes void of course. Remember to be nice and appreciate small kindnesses. Don't let self-criticism run rampant. You're doing fine. Now say it again.

Mon Feb 13 the Moon is in Scorpio all day. Get serious. This afternoon, Mercury changes signs and enters Pisces. Your thoughts may take a more philosophic bend. Before day's end, Mercury conjuncts Neptune. Write and create uncensored but think twice before saying something out loud.

Wed Feb 15 the Moon is in Sagittarius all day. Be adventurous in your work.

Thu Feb 16 the Moon is still in Sagittarius when Mercury sextiles Jupiter. You can do lots of little favors, especially for writer friends, but don't get swept away with it.

Fri Feb 17 the Moon conjuncts Pluto in Capricorn. It's also the last day of the month that the Sun spends in the sign of Aquarius.  Heads Up. Stay pleasant and practical, and don't let anyone tell you that you haven't accomplished enough.

Sat Feb 18 the Moon is in Capricorn all day. The Sun trines Saturn today. Responsibility doesn't have to be a burden. Just do what you need to do. Later, the Sun leaves Aquarius and moves into the sign of Pisces.  Heads Up. The world takes on a more ethereal, emotional quality.  Give yourself, your work, and others, more slack for the next month.

Sun Feb 19 the Moon enters Aquarius. That night, the Sun conjuncts Neptune in the very first degree of Pisces. Heads Up. This could be one of the moodiest and frustrated-feeling days of the year. Socially, be cool and cheerful.  Save all that quality angst for your plots and characters. This could be a very spiritual day, too.  Do something soulful.

Mon Feb 20 the Moon is in Aquarius all day.  The big deal is, tomorrow is the New Moon.  Automatic Heads Up. Take care of your own stuff, and don't let yourself feel cut off from others.

Tue Feb 21 a very dark Moon conjuncts Neptune in the morning, then about three hours later we have the New Moon at 02Pis. We can find a way to stay practical and still express our feelings.  Start something compassionate.

Wed Feb 22 the Moon conjuncts Mercury in Pisces. Writers need to analyze feelings as well as experience them. Keep your characters honest. Two hours later the Moon opposes Mars retrograde then goes void of course. This may be a day better suited to planning than to the execution of plans.

Thu Feb 23 the Moon is in Aries when Mercury opposes Mars retrograde. Rethink, reevaluate, and be happy at any changes or alterations you decide are wise to make. There's no need to get angry with yourself over anything.

Fri Feb 24 the Moon conjuncts Uranus in Aries. Innovate, invent, dare to explore and experiment. Look forward to a wild weekend, then keep it as under control as you want and need.

Sat Feb 25 the Moon conjuncts Venus in Aries. See and create beauty in places and ways that you've never noticed before. Have charming conversations, then go home and write vibrant personal poetry.

Sun Feb 26 the Moon enters Taurus early in the day. That evening, the Moon conjuncts Jupiter. If the day is too slow-paced for you, go write an action scene or something with a big car wreck, then be happy the day is so slow and serene.

Tue Feb 28 the Moon enters Gemini in the evening.  We have from now till early Friday morning March 02 to indulge, promote, and progress with our writing schemes.  It's not a bad way to close out the month. Is there something you started this month that would be quick to finish?  Go for it.

Wed Feb 29 the Moon is in Gemini all day. Yes, we are getting a leap day, a Wednesday no less, with the Moon in Gemini. Don't squander it.  Do something special, out of the ordinary, and maybe something you've been saving for just such as day as this.

While this month has some rough stretches, there are plenty of powerful positives to get us through. The first week, both Jupiter and Saturn are in signs ruled by Venus.  Mars may be retrograde and some things done now may need to be done over, but at least Mars in in Virgo, which is ruled by Mercury. We can be more careful and considerate, and perhaps a bit less manic.  Resolve to keep on track, as slowly as you please. Jupiter in Taurus likes steadiness of effort, and certainly Pluto in Capricorn likes effort. Uranus in Aries likes effort, too.  Be brave, resilient, cheerful, and confident. Do good things all month long.  Heads Up!

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Red Aurora over Australia

From Images 108

Why would the sky glow red? Last week's solar storms, emanating mostly from active sunspot region 1402, showered particles on the Earth that excited oxygen atoms high in the Earth's atmosphere. As the excited element's electrons fell back to their ground state, they emitted a red glow. Were oxygen atoms lower in Earth's atmosphere excited, the glow would be predominantly green. Pictured above, this high red aurora is visible just above the horizon last week near Flinders, Victoria, Australia. The sky that night, however, also glowed with more familiar but more distant objects, including the central disk of our Milky Way Galaxy on the left, and the neighboring Large and Small Magellanic Cloud galaxies on the right. A time-lapse video highlighting auroras visible that night puts the picturesque scene in context. Why the sky did not also glow green remains a mystery.