Popes and Hope

Wow, what a week.  I can't remember the last time a Pope died, a Prince died (Rainier of Monaco), a TV anchorman (Peter Jennings) got lung cancer and I got deeply disheartening news regarding getting shut out of a source of education financing -- all within the same 5-day time span.  But that's an eclipse for you, especially one conjunct the natal Sun, as this one is to mine.    

As modern thinkers influenced by humanistic psychology, in which every circumstance can be couched in positive terms, we may not like to think of an eclipse's fatalistic power, often representing events beyond our control.  An eclipse's impact on our psyche can feel like the light going out.  That's literally what happens at a solar eclipse -- the light of the sun is temporarily either totally or partially blocked.  Thus the inspiration can go out of our expecations, hopes and goals, and leave us feeling -- like Prince Charles might have when his April 8 wedding date was rescheduled to accommodate the Pope's funeral  -- eclipsed.

A notable negative potentiality of eclipses includes the often sudden discovery of something unpleasant that, up until near the eclipse, has remained out of view.  Revelation of this uncomfortable truth can feel like being kicked in the gut or having the wind knocked out of you. How could this have happened?  How could I not have seen this coming? Such events can range from relationship break-ups to job losses, to health crises, to oversights of important information that was not delivered in time, to the death of a close friend or family member. This role of eclipses as harbingers of dramatic and often negative change explains why eclipses could be used by ancient astrologers to predict the deaths of popes and kings and resultant shifts in political power.

Yet the key point offering hope amid this fatalistic picture is that the blockage of the sun's light at an eclipse is temporary.  Through the cosmic energy influx of the particular pattern of the eclipse  -- and this eclipse is one of the more difficult in some time -- something in our lives will most likely be changed (look for where Aries falls in your chart), and something will most likely be lost (look for where Cancer or Libra falls in your chart), yet we are naive no more and are more bravely able to take on the future (look for the house Aries occupies as well).  

Bringing positive change after critical breakdown, major new doors of opportunity often open within five to six months after an eclipse. This year, it will likely take until Mercury fully completes its retrograde cycle near June 3 or until Mars crosses the eclipse degree point of 19 Aries near July 11 for some of the themes introduced by this eclipse to gain traction in bona fide results or for losses sustained during this eclipse month to show their purpose.  Though an eclipse in Aries suggests new starts of a major nature, since this eclipse includes the Sun, Moon and Venus square Saturn and Mercury retrograde, we are encouraged to be patient, deeply comprehend lingering lessons and incorporate strands of the past into our new ventures in some significant way.

One powerful infusion of strands from the past is represented in the millions of people watching Pope John Paul II's funeral on the eve of this eclipse, and perhaps viscerally feeling the meaning in ancient rituals before one of the world's major religions moves into a new era.  The many beloved or notorious public father figures who have died in the months between this eclipse and the former one six months ago -- including Pope John Paul II, Saul Bellow, Prince Rainier, Johnny Cochran, Johnny Carson and others -- alert us to the fact that even long-standing leaders do pass on.  Under this Aries eclipse we move into a era of uncertainty but also a frontier of great promise for courageous new leadership in many fields of endeavor.  And one hopes more women in high places, too!

Meanwhile, it couldn't hurt to reflect on these words of Pope John Paul II that reflect the spirit of Aries:  

Have no fear of moving into the unknown.  Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well.  Do this in complete faith and confidence.

Love is never defeated, and I could add, the history of Ireland proves it. 

                    - Pope John Paul II     1920-2005

DATES TO NOTE:

 ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19):  The New Moon occurs in your First House of action, identity and personal presence.  The spotlight shines on you this month, so use it to your advantage.  Boy, setbacks like those you've been experiencing lately can take the punch out of even the most courageous warrior's right hook.  Pay attention to family obligations and secure your inner foundations through meditation or quiet creativity to refuel your vitality for the future.  
Best days for Aries:   Apr 8, May 4-5

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Twelfth House of spirituality, retreat and behind-the-scenes activities.  You may want to keep a low profile this month and see what your nighttime dreams have to tell you.  A secret that has remained behind the scenes may be unearthed this month, or a new avenue of spiritual interest may present itself.  Choose your words carefully and get enough rest.  It couldn't hurt to get your automobile tuned up or make sure your sources of transportation are reliable, too.
Best days for Taurus:  Apr 9-10, May 7-8

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Eleventh House of friends, groups, business income, humanitarian causes, and long-range hopes and wishes.  Beginnings or changes in these areas may occur for you this month.  There's nothing like new friends or a new tribe of like-minded people to light up your world.  Make sure you are paying equal attention to getting your finances in shape, no matter how slowly your money earning ventures seem to be in getting established.
Best days for Gemini:  Apr 11-13

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22):  The New Moon occurs in your Tenth House of authorities, reputation and career.  You may be more professionally active than usual this month, especially with those in positions of leadership.  You're more readily seen as an authority now, though not in the emotionally warm and compassionate way you're used to.  If you have to cut some people or projects out of your life, that's okay -- the new decisiveness suits you.
Best days for Cancer:  Apr 14-15

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22):  The New Moon occurs in your Ninth House of religion, philosophy, higher education, long-range plans and long distance travel.  New doors may open for you in one or more of these areas.  Renewing your commitment to a religious or spiritual course of study, or getting more clear on your beliefs in the first place and translating these into meaningful action may be a focus of this month. Use simple but powerful daily rituals of eating, hygiene and exercise to regulate your day and develop attunement with your best self.
Best days for Leo:  Apr 16-18

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22):  The New Moon occurs in your Eighth House of joint finances, sexuality and secrets.  Reviewing investments, evaluating partnerships, and considering counseling or therapy may be on the agenda this month.  Conflicts between intimate time with a mate and social time with friends or groups may emerge; resolve the conflict by expressing your deep devotion to those that mean a lot to you and letting those who are more fair-weather friends fall to the wayside.
Best days for Virgo:  Apr 19-20

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22):  The New Moon occurs in your Seventh House of partnership and marriage.  New partnerships or phases of an existing partnership may emerge at this time.  Events of late may have rocked your harmonious world and left you wondering why your job, your employer or your VIP clients are so harsh and demanding.  It will take a few months to put your life back in balance, but things will be better the more you can stand alone when you need to.
Best days for Libra:  Apr 21-22

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21):  The New Moon occurs in your Sixth House of work, health and service.  You may want to review your health and fitness regimes or organize your work environment for greater productivity.  Making that long postponed doctor's appointment could give you a reassuring reality check.  It's also a good idea to take a check of how well your day-to-day work activities jive with your overall life philosophies.
Best days for Scorpio:  Apr 23-24

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21):  The New Moon occurs in your Fifth House of romance, creativity, children and play.  New beginnings, breakthroughs or changes may occur for you in these areas.  Launch a creative project or find one you started in the past and bring it back to life. Focus on the childlike creative spirit within and bring a sense of play to whatever you do.  A disappointment related to children, a romance or an important liaison may throw you for a few weeks; never fear, you will get the message and do what's needed when the time is right.
Best days for Sagittarius:  Apr 26-27

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19):  The New Moon occurs in your Fourth House of home, family and property.  You may want to move, reorganize or redecorate your living space.  You may have lots of activity in your home this month or consider reorganizing or expanding an area of your home.  A focus on parental relationships, including a look at how sternly or benignly your inner parent is treating you these days, is indicated.  Relationship matters may be hard to resolve, but persistence in that personal realm of the kind you normally reserve for business matters will pay off.
Best days for Capricorn:  Apr 28-29

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18):  The New Moon occurs in your Third House of local travel, transportation, communication, neighbors and siblings.  Opportunities for change or new starts may emerge in these areas. You may find it easier to link up with others for mutual assistance by means of telephone, e-mail or fax.  Something's out of sync in your daily routine; either the cat's dragged something in that's gumming up the works, or you don't have the organizational structure you need in place.  Time spent streamlining your day-to-day work environment will enhance your happiness and productivity.
Best days for Aquarius:  Apr 30, May 1

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Second House of earned money, possessions and values.  New work or income opportunities may come your way this month.  A loss related to personal income or important values may stir you to rethink what you really want.  Hint: it probably has something to do with more creativity, contact with children, recreation or romance in both your personal life and in what you do for work.
Best days for Pisces:  May 2-3

For a more in-depth look at your unique horoscope or a compatibility comparison, contact Natori at (760) 753-4319 or by email.  Have a great month!