Astrology by Lauren

October 19th ~ 26th

Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence. ~John Adams

When the Sun approaches Saturn this week, our first response is to notice all the things that we cannot do (too tired, too weak, too old, too broke, too burdened, too busy).  But Saturn is more than just our limitations.  It is what defines us in the context of society.  It begins at birth, with what sex we are, what race, what our names are.  As we grow, we become part of a community, a nationality, a culture, all of which define us.  Eventually it is reflected in what we are known for, our reputation, our experience, our career or our status in our community.  As the Sun meets Saturn this week, our first reaction may be to feel further limited by external factors such as authority, government, finances or other obstacles that stand in the way of achieving our ideals.  

However, by defining our current circumstances, what we are also being shown is what our potential is, and what we can realistically do, what we do have at our disposal, (experience, talent, compassion, inspiration, determination, resourcefulness, help, advice) to achieve our ideals (whatever they may be).  What we can achieve or create may not be perfect, but we are being shown how we can make our lives more meaningful while also being shown through the Sun’s trine to Neptune, the ways in which we can improve, or transcend those limiting circumstances.

“To become strong, a man’s life needs the limitations ordained by duty and voluntarily accepted. The individual attains significance as a free spirit only by surrounding himself with these limitations and determining for himself what his duty is.” ~ I Ching

Melina Mercouri (1920~1994), was an actress and singer most popularly known for her role in the movie, Never on Sunday.  A Libra, with her sun sextile Neptune (singer, actress, the theater, the arts), symbolizing the inspiration for her creative career.  But she also had Sun conjunct Saturn (politics, government, leader in the community, status, authority), and in 1967, when the Greek military staged a coup in Greece, Mercouri embarked on an active political campaign to inform the public and gain international support in isolating the Military dictatorship.  As a result of her outspoken activism, her citizenship was revoked, her property confiscated, and her life threatened.  Talk about obstacles!  But she remained undaunted, and persevered, proclaiming, “I was born a Greek, and I will die a Greek.”

After the fall of the Military Junta in 1974, she embarked on a political career in her native country of Greece, and in 1977 easily won a seat in Parliament.  As the Minister of Culture from 1981-89, and as the first woman in that post, she used her position to promote and restore both ancient and modern Greek arts and culture.  If anyone was able to seamlessly meld the symbolism of Saturn (authority, status, government, preservation) with Neptune (the arts, social programs, museums, music, theater), it was Melina.  

Never forget:

we walk on the roof of hell,

gazing at flowers.

~Kobayashi Issa

The Image of “Poppies” is courtesy of Simon Howden at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

For the week of October 19th thru the 26th, be sure to read your Rising Sign as well:

Aries

There may be more here than meets the eye when it comes to signing contracts or making agreements.  This goes for loans, debts and insurance contracts as well.  You may have to make some concessions here. But once you get mutual financial agreements all hashed out, you are in a position to start creating a more secure future.  One thing you don’t want to do this week is over-extend yourself, or over-commit with that crazy Mars in Sagittarius.  Especially towards the end of next week.  You only have so many hours in a day!

Taurus

In order to achieve your desired ends, you may have to make some compromises, that you probably would prefer not to have to make.  In some ways it could feel like things are stacked against you.  But if it means relieving yourself of old obligations, it just may be worth it.  It could become evident at this point who or what you have outgrown, and why it’s important for you to be moving on.  The rest of the month continues to be about creating bonds and opening the channels with loved ones and/or children.  Just being yourself, helps to open those channels.  

Gemini

Despite some irritable distractions and changes of plans, the overall tone of the week is ultimately supportive.  One thing that comes to light this week, is that paying attention to details,  organizing your environment, and keeping a schedule and sticking to it, will make all the difference in being able to achieve your goals, and highest ideals.  Your sensitivity to spiritual or meaningful and creative pursuits could take on greater meaning this week.  See if you can rediscover some magic that may have been previously waylaid.

Cancer

The things that used to be really meaningful to you, seem to leave you cold these days.  The people that you used to love and care for, are simply not there, or just don’t do it for you any more.  If you cannot find your inner joy, it may be that you have outgrown the toys and games that you used to play with.  Allow the things that you have outgrown to make space for what is truly meaningful to you now.  If you find your interests being drawn in a specific direction, allow yourself to be drawn there.  You are going through a phase of maturation and growth that will eventually allow your highest ideals to become a closer reality.  

Leo

As the Sun enters Scorpio this week and encounters Saturn honor your limitations as well as your duty.  There are certain things, certain responsibilities that simply cannot be ignored right now.  And the truth is, if you take care of these necessary details, chores, and organize your inner life (it may even feel like you are forced to!), it will bring you that much closer to creating the environment, the atmosphere in your personal life that you’ve been striving for all along.  Purge yourself of those things you no longer need that are cluttering up your life, and create the environment you desire.

Virgo

You could find yourself somewhat obsessed with a particular idea this week to the exclusion of everything else.  This could come about due to sudden unexpected news.  It you can’t do much about it, let it go.  It will just make you agitated and restless.  Focus on the good news, and pleasant conversation... there should be plenty of that to go around, and it will be much better for your nerves.  As the Sun comes face to face with Saturn this week, don’t focus so much on the bad news, or the obstacles in your life.  Rather look objectively, without being driven by your feelings, and look at what you need to improve your situation or be in a better position to help others.

Libra

Don’t push yourself too hard this week.  If you find it hard to get motivated, this is because this is a time for rest and recuperation as you stand betwixt and between and prepare for the new season to come.  Allow some silence and space to enter your life while it can. As the Sun illuminates Saturn this week, at first it will feel like you are having to make some realistic choices about your finances.  But also pay attention to your priorities, and give some consideration to those things in your life that you really and truly value.  At some point you will have to make some decisions that will set your priorities straight, even though at first it may seem, that these may be difficult to achieve.  

Scorpio

One of the things that Neptune can do is show us the ways that we can either improve any limiting conditions or transcend the current obstacles or frustrations in our lives.  One of the ways of doing that is through unconditional love, acceptance and understanding... the sort of love that doesn’t have any expectations, but just gives because that is the right thing to do.  "Duty makes us do all things well, but love makes us do them beautifully." ~ P. Brooks

Sagittarius

Mars is visiting for another month, so take advantage of the increased energy, provided you don’t get too carried away!  You come off as being very decisive and opinionated these days.  That might explain why people are all too willing to give you all the space you need.  Which is much better any way, since then they won’t be getting in your way.  Do make a point of trying to rein it in a bit by the end of next week, which may be difficult to do, when you’re charging full steam ahead.  Reserve your energy this week, and try to tune in to that Saturn/Neptune trine thing, cooling your engines a bit.  You’re going to need it later on.

Capricorn

It could be that you’re beginning to realize that you have outgrown some of your previous friends, along with some of your previous dreams.  It doesn’t mean that you don’t have any, any more, it’s just that your goals are changing, and with that come a whole new set of allies that reflect these new goals.  Those who are included in this new future will be there right with you, those who simply don’t fit, will go off in their own direction.  But one thing is sure about Sun meeting Saturn this week, is that you are going to begin to separate the chaff from the wheat. Those who will be there through thick and thin, vs. fair weather friends.

Aquarius

One thing that may become apparent this week is that you are reaching a pinnacle of experience in your life, and with that comes a certain reputation and status.  And with a reputation come certain responsibilities and expectations.  After all, you have an example to set.  And people are depending on you.  As the Sun meets Saturn this week, at first you will notice all the things and people standing in your way.  But what you are actually being shown is that whether you are a boss, a teacher, a parent or an employee, explore the experience and resources at your disposal that will help you to achieve your goals and dreams, whatever they may be.

Pisces

You are coming to define yourself in order to make your mark in the world.  If something is limiting that definition, then you just might have to break ranks over the next few years.  If you are on the right track, you’re going to start thinking in terms of how to consolidate your position, or put yourself in the right place at the right time.  What is being illuminated this week is your world view, what you believe, and what your philosophical view is.  Most of all it becomes apparent that these be your own, and not something that is being imposed on you.  There is no room for blind faith here.