Mutability Revisited

A beautiful Sun-Moon-Venus conjunction in Pisces lights up this month, bringing the potential for emotional release, compassion, peace, artistic expression and healing.  Sitting near water for meditation or engaging in water-related activities may prove satisfying.  A preponderance of Pisces planets encourages us to feel our lives, to feel experience and impressions wash over us rather than over regulate life with logic and timetables.  It's the perfect time to take a physical or mental retreat from Fed Ex frenzy, to clear space on the calendar and enter daily experience with a more flowing and less controlling attitude.

Yet the energy of Pisces isn't all loveliness and serenity.  We tend to think of Pisces as a passive sign, yet mighty Poseidon rules Pisces -- this god's fury when aroused can be as stormy and destructive as a tsunami.  Poseidon is called "Earthshaker" in Homer's Odyssey, and in that famous tale he's the only Greek god who actively seeks to thwart the hero Odysseus' attempts to reach home safely. Similarly, the welling up of subconscious emotion can be the primary antagonist to our waking ego's or soul's aims.  Being alert to where emotional storms begin to swell in our psyches and learning to redirect, dissipate or gradually release the energy of these storms may be one key to managing the more unruly side of Pisces' deep emotional energy effectively.

Recently, I found myself contemplating the nature of the Western mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) relative to how cadent houses are viewed in Vedic astrology.  Three out of four of the cadent houses -- Houses 3, 6 and 12 -- are considered malefic in the Vedic system, leading me to wonder if there could be a similarly negative side to the Western mutable signs. Certainly the mutables have positive functions we use often:  linking (Gemini), building (Virgo), expanding (Sagittarius) and illuminating (Pisces).  Yet I wondered if these signs might have a more difficult component to their energies, too. Then it struck me that the mutable signs, like the cadent houses, most likely correspond to the god Shiva in Hindu cosmology.  If Brahma, the Creator, corresponds to the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn); and Vishnu, the Preserver or Sustainer, corresponds to the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius), it makes good sense that Shiva, the Destroyer, corresponds to those often hiding-in-the-corner, trying-to-look-innocent mutable signs.  

The mutable signs won't invade your space or hit you over the head (cardinal signs) or stubbornly refuse to budge (fixed signs), yet when used negatively, mutable sign energies can wear away at the foundations of psyche and relationships. Consider the tendency of Gemini for gossip, of Virgo for criticism, of Sagittarius for boasting, of Pisces for dissolution.  Destroyers, indeed.  There's quite plainly a role for destruction in the ecological life cycle -- look at the reality of termites, vultures and earthworms for proof.  Yet as far as humans are concerned, under this month's mutable sign New Moon we may do well to be especially conscious of whether we are using the mutable sign energies prominent in our charts to constructively weave together or malefically unravel ourselves and others.  As far as Pisces is concerned, the divinely intuitive and compassionate energy of Pisces can lift us onto a cloud of deep attunement, understanding, peace, insight and soul satisfaction.  The high vibration of Pisces' ruler, Neptune, is almost always present at the happiest and most ecstatic events of our lives.  More problematically, Pisces energy can be used to deny or dissipate earthly and interpersonal realities until it feels like our most heartfelt concerns and assumptions, as well as our confidence and creative will, are almost thoroughly undermined, like standing on the beach and feeling the tide carry the sand away underneath our feet. Few of us want to be washed away so negatively.

The Pisces New Moon combined with Saturn now stationary in Cancer suggests that, like Indiana Jones, we're at the tail end of a quest that began with Saturn's entry into Cancer in 2003 to grasp treasures of emotion and insight from our family histories and past experience before we move onward. Until March 22, we're at the crucial end of a journey down into the heart of a cave to grasp vital understanding related to the foundations of our personal emotional security and sources of family; after that date, we begin bringing our treasure back to the light and into the future. Cancer's Treasure -- don't leave the cave without it.  

Three planetary stations between March 19 and 26 make that week quite a doozy.  Exercise patience and be willing to face situations directly but not provocatively.  March and early April are good times to leave more space in your schedule for relaxation and unanticipated events, focus on one or two key projects, and cut yourself and everyone around you some slack. By late April or May, you'll be back on the fast (or at least faster) track.    

DATES TO NOTE:

 ARIES (Mar 20-Apr 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.  Expect some delays or reality checks in the areas of home or family matters.  You don't need to rethink your entire plan; just the logistics of how you're going to carry it out for best results.
Best days for Aries:  Mar 10-11, Apr 7-8

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 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.  Communication, education or transportation matters encounter some delays or need some reworking this month.  Reallocating money related to children's expenses or creative projects may be the answer.
Best days for Taurus:  Mar 13-14

GEMINI (May 20-Jun 20):  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.  A financial tight spot or setback may give you the chance to rely on yourself more than others; reassessing your roots and your identity helps you determine the best balance between self and others in relationships.
Best days for Gemini:  Mar 15-16

CANCER (Jun 20-Jul 20):  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.  It may be time to expand your mind by starting a new class or course of study, especially one related to technology or computers. Streamlining your wardrobe and presentation style, perhaps with a partner assisting, enables you to make new strides in day-to-day serenity.
Best days for Cancer:  Mar 18-19

LEO (Jul 20-Aug 20):  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.  Becoming more vocal about your needs and preferred routines, especially in work-related environments, may lead to new sources of income and professional alliances.
Best days for Leo:  Mar 20-21

VIRGO (Aug 20-Sep 20):  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.  If you have children, getting a proper balance between your children and your adult friendships will be highlighted this month.  If you don't have children, personal creative time or romance will need to be balanced with your friendships.  You might make a connection with a past co-worker, or receive an offer of employment from a former employer.  Give it a try if you like, but wait until mid-April to say a firm yes or no.
Best days for Virgo:  Mar 23-24

LIBRA (Sep 20-Oct 20):  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.  A tug-of-war between work and home life is possible; if the two conflict chances are putting your home life as the priority works best.  Make sure to give yourself plenty of down time to avoid the risk of illness.
Best days for Libra:  Mar 25-26

SCORPIO (Oct 20-Nov 20):  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.  Reallocating investments or reviewing your friendship networks for their stability reaps good results.  
Best days for Scorpio:  Mar 27-28

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 20-Dec 20):  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 reality check regarding money and income leads you to explore new promotion, marketing or educational options. You may receive a call or connection from a partner in love or business from the past.
Best days for Sagittarius:  Mar 30

CAPRICORN (Dec 20-Jan 20):  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.  Past relationships or partnerships may come up for review; you'll need to keep a good balance between your need for companionship and need to generate income.  Spend some time considering how your long range and short range plans can come into better sync.
Best days for Capricorn:  Apr 1

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 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 personal appearance or wardrobe check as well as a thorough office cleaning and reorganization may help you make more room for fun, as well as improve your chances for career advancement.
Best days for Aquarius:  Apr 3-4

PISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20):  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.  Your gracious compassion, ideals of service and sensitivity to others' emotions serve as ways to get you out of any down moods you may encounter. Matters related to home and partnership come up for review; avoid making major decisions in these areas before mid-April.
Best days for Pisces:  Apr 5-6

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!