Astrology by Lauren

To sleep, perchance to Dream; Ay, there's the rub,

For in that sleep of death, what dreams may come,

When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,

Must give us pause. ~ Wm. Shakespeare (Hamlet)

Just before Mercury moves into time-to-get-back-into-the-grind Capricorn this weekend, he will awaken the Saturn/Neptune trine that has been lingering in the background of our lives, like so much wallpaper and lurking reminders of what once was, and perhaps could be.  

What Dreams May Come is a 1998 film starring Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding, Jr., and Annabella Sciorra, based on a novel by Richard Matheson.  Although the movie digresses from the book, in the book itself Mr. Matheson strove to elucidate the after death states, reincarnation and the immortality of the soul.  In a sense this is a very Saturn/Neptune story, where different states of existence are allowed to meet.  

Saturn represents concrete reality, tradition, stability, conservation, material existence... while Neptune represents dream, illusion, idealization, imagination as well as spiritual existence.  It would seem that one state tends to negate (or is unable to see) the other’s presence.  If we identify with Saturn, we perceive the unseen Neptunian elements as threatening to dissolve all that we view as dependable, supportive and true.  It’s like having your bedrock turn to quicksand, or dissolve beneath our feet.  If we identify with Neptune, we perceive Saturn as stern, cold, austere, confining and limiting.  Saturn likes corners and boundaries.  Neptune is ethereal and boundary-less.  

Your brain is meat, and rots and disappears. Do you really think that's all there was to you? Like you're in your house right now. You're in your house, that doesn't mean you are your house. House falls down, you get out and walk away. (from "What Dreams May Come")

As we approach the Cancer Full Moon this week, the tendency is to reflect on the dreams, ideals, and fantasies we once had.  When Saturn and Neptune are in easy aspect to one another, such as now, it’s like a door opening from one plane of existence to the next.  We reflect on ideals once cherished, and place them in perspective to what was actually achieved.  

But this Saturn/Neptune window, is also an opportunity to make our dreams, fantasies, imagination, ideals of the present, find purchase in our lives now.   This is the combination of the artist, and the inventor.  Liz Greene, author of “The Astrological Neptune”, noted that it is in the art world that these two are able to safely meet without negating each other.  But it is also in the world of compassion, of social service, of meditation and spiritual practices that these two will also meld and find fulfillment.  Wherever the spiritual is able to be channeled through to the physical plane... that is where Saturn/Neptune happily abide together.

So in celebration of the imaginative Full Moon in Cancer, and a nod to Saturn and Neptune, let us manifest the future we would truly like to see...

For the week of January 6th thru the 13th, be sure to read your rising sign as well:

Aries

By reflecting on and learning from the past, on what was or was not viable, you can now confidently look forward to your future.  The possibility of perfecting and implementing certain skills is all part of the larger picture this week, as the Full Moon shines respectfully on your ruler, Mars, now in Virgo, the sign of perfection, and paying attention to detail.  This can be most useful in your work, but can also be applied to your daily routine... such as an exercise regimen, or organizing the work environment in a more useful, and constructive manner.  Your reputation almost depends on it.  It’s all about getting things in order.  

Taurus

Over the weekend, Mercury will shift signs and enter friendly fellow earth sign, Capricorn.  In so doing he will nod to Jupiter, currently strolling through the flowering fields of Taurus.  In this way you are being allowed to see the big picture, and to acknowledge the possibilities that are now unfolding before you.  If opportunity knocks, say yes.  This is a good week for making agreements, preparing plans, and looking forward to the future.  Possibility abounds.  

Gemini

Your ruler Mercury enters no-nonsense, let’s-create-a-schedule, Capricorn this weekend.  But before that happens he creates a kite formation with Gemini, by drawing in Saturn and Neptune.  This is a great time to take care of any business or consult a specialist.  Together, with others, you will have the ability to implement great ideas, or make your ideals a closer reality, in a way that you probably could not do by yourself alone.  Perhaps the greatest benefit that can be derived this weekend, is the more imaginative and creative feeling about life that can develop.  But then be prepared for a sudden unexpected change of plans on Sunday, when Mercury changes signs.  Gemini flexibility is key.

Cancer

The Full Moon this week falls in your sign of Cancer.  The Full Moon represents a time of fulfillment, of consummation, where things are brought to a head.  Things are revealed, released, expelled.  Old memories resurface from childhood, and remind us of where we came from.  Then you need to turn around and look where you are going to, lest you trip on some unseen change of plans.  This Moon is about taking the intentions that were seeded with the New Moon on the 24th of December, and running with them!  Do not be afraid to speak your mind, or ask for what you need.  You could be surprised at the outcome.

Leo

With the Full Moon shining behind you, on to your past, there may be tendrils of longing for what once was, and what could have been.  But this Full Moon is about taking what you have learned from the past, and applying that to your present circumstances and future goals.  It could also shine a light on an issue that is currently concerning you regarding your health and well being.  Then take the steps you need to, to create a healthier, safer, and more reliable future.  It will boost your confidence.  

Virgo

It’s all about visualization and implementation this weekend, as you move furniture around, and reorganize your daily schedule.  Think about what steps you need to take in order to make your ideals a closer reality.  Then make a list in pencil.  Chances are you’re going to want to make some corrections or additions after your ruler, Mercury, changes signs on Sunday (or Saturday, depending on where you live), and new realizations come to light.  But then it’s time to get down to business in order to create a plan that you can really live with.  You’ll be better able to see the big picture, but also respect what is reasonable and doable.  In this way, success is much more likely.   

Libra

Spend the weekend trying to visualize what you would like to become.  Focus less on your limitations or what you can’t do.  Focus on what you can do.  What you are good at.  And what gives your life meaning.  Try to loosen up some of the rigid thoughts that you have been cultivating, and that have been limiting you.  Try to rediscover some of the magic and beauty that exists in life, and see how you can make that a part of your life now.  Later on this week, your ruler, Venus, is going to be joining dreamy Neptune... in a veil of safety... that allows you to make your dreams a closer reality, in some meaningful way.  Use it well.

Scorpio

Even though the sign Cancer often reflects on the childhood and the past, this is a Full Moon about your future, and where you are going.  Not where you came from.  Go boldly forth, and greet your future with a noble heart.  Your personal insights will greatly aid you in discriminating between that which is true, and that which is not.  We could all use such a reliable compass in our lives when having to make important decisions.  

Sagittarius

Create a plan over the next few days which allows you to synthesize practical goals with your ideal dream.  It may not be exactly what you may hope it to be... but you will be able to compromise for at least a close proximity to the ideal, if you consider all the options.  It’s easy for Sagittarius to see the big picture... not always easy to take care of those annoying details.  It will seem easier and more practical to do so this week.  In this way, you are in a better position to make a plan.

Capricorn

Sometimes Capricorn is so intent on reaching the goal that they forget to ask what they want.  What do you want, Capricorn?  What is it that you dream of?  Take a moment of silence and stillness to ask yourself this question this week.  And see if you can manage to shift your goals in such a way as to allow room for your dreams as well.  You need to pay attention to your heart, as well as your material and/or ego needs.  In this crazy competitive world, we can sometimes forget that.  

Aquarius

With Neptune in your sign lo these past 14 years, it’s been hard to tell where you begin and everyone else ends off.  Boundaries have been difficult to establish and maintain.  And you weren’t sure if you were fulfilling yours or someone else’s idea of you.  But now that Saturn is shining from the sign of Libra, it can sort of feel like you have more definition about where you want your life to go.  During this window, take the opportunity to visualize what you want your life to look like now and in the future.  And then start thinking about what steps you have to take in order to arrive there.  You may even want to make a list or a road map.  Visualize, and then implement.

Pisces

How can you make your dreams a closer reality?  Henry David Thoreau suggested: If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.  Dare to dream, and dare to find a way to approach your dreams and implement them.  With the weather this week and next, this becomes a much greater possibility.  Your ruler Neptune dreams, and Saturn finds the way for it to manifest.