Astrology by Lauren

July 27th ~ August 2nd

I don’t often pay attention to the Sabian Symbols.  I’m usually so involved in the planetary symbolism and aspect patterns in such a nerd sort of way, that I side step this whole esoterically inspired niche of the practice.  However the symbol for the degree of the Full Moon this week has me well intrigued.  This Full Moon falls in the alternative sign of Aquarius on the 1st (2nd in Europe) of August, which is also engaging and reactivating the Jupiter/Uranus sextile.  This is the wonderful sextile of invention, inspiration and experimentation.  It is also often accompanied by a willingness to step out of our usual comfort zone and explore the world of possibility.  And to do so without judgment.  

We have also reached the next phase of the Mercury Retrograde cycle, in which the Sun, Mercury and the Earth are lined up for the inner (inferior) Sun/Mercury conjunction on Saturday, at which point Mercury is at its closest point to the Earth.  This week Mercury is invisible to the naked eye, but when it becomes visible again, it will then emerge as a morning star.  This is probably the most introspective phase of the Mercury Retrograde period, which continues through to its direct station on the 8th of August.  This is when Mercury speaks to us in whispers, and flashes of inspiration, which often will not become manifest until Mercury is direct again.  It is a time when we would benefit most from silent meditation and reflection.  If we could but fit it in our busy lives.  

Therefore it fascinated me to see that the Sabian Symbol for the 11th degree of Aquarius, the degree of the Full Moon, is:  “Man tête á tête with his inspiration”.  

Astrologer, Marc Edmund Jones, with his Sun conjunct Uranus and sextile Jupiter, was no stranger to invention, inspiration and the world of possibility.  Not only an acute theoretician, Jones was also drawn to esoteric philosophy and the exploration of occultism.  He often explored the world of possibility through his writing, teaching and lecturing.  It was also through his collaboration with one of his students, psychic Elsie Wheeler, that the "Sabian Symbols" were channeled over the course of a single day, some time in 1925.  He found the exact spot where they should do this, somewhere in Balboa Park, in San Diego, California.  And sitting in a parked car, they shuffled 360 white index cards, with each of the degrees of the zodiac written on one side.  As they sat, head to head, Elsie channeled what Jones considered to be, ancient Mesopotamian erudition, in order to confer symbolism to each degree, which Marc Edmund Jones then scribbled in pencil on to the cards and later tweaked.  

So, in the wake of this Full Moon of divinely inspired wisdom and creative ingenuity, allow room in your life, establish space for quiet, to come head to head with, and make it possible to hear, the whispers of your own inner muse.  

The above illustration of the “Zodiac Signs” was from a calendar created by Czech Art Nouveau painter, Alphonse Mucha in 1896

For the week of July 27th through August 2nd, be sure to read your rising sign as well:

Aries

In the light of the Full Moon, something about your relationship to a particular group that you identify with, or group of friends, or a network, brings a ray of enlightenment.  This may or may not also bring a sense of belonging... or better yet, freedom to simply be yourself.  The first step towards being able to find the right group is to first discover what it is about yourself that is truly special and unique, and let the others rally around that.  And then flaunt it.  Whatever that may be.  Don’t shy away from new experiences this week.  They help to open and broaden your mind to creative possibility.

Taurus

There is something to be said for conservative practicality in this week of creative inspiration.  And being there for the long haul.  It’s called making a commitment.  Your vision of yourself, and what you want to do, and what your resources are are clear.  Therefore you’re less likely to be swayed by any false sense of idealism, or will o’ the wisp hopes and dreams.  But you are going to get a deal of satisfaction from seeing a job well done and well appreciated.  The Full Moon falls in Aquarius this week, which could bring to light something in the work place, or concerning your future, and achieving a goal.

Gemini

When the Sun and Mercury are exactly conjunct as they will be this weekend, they are said to be in Cazimi, which is often translated to mean “in the heart of the Sun”.  This marks the beginning of the new Mercury cycle, and with it comes that tête á tête between the heart and the mind.  And because of all of these brilliant aspects that come to light at the Full Moon this week, it opens the door to the possibility of allowing brilliant ideas, inspiring wisdom, and creative possibility to be channeled and seeded.  Open your mind, open your heart... who knows what brilliant lights and butterflies will fly in.

Cancer

Sometimes there is great treasure to be found in the dark places that you fear the most.  Diamonds are formed 100 miles within the earth from ordinary carbon being subject to extraordinary pressure.  Sometimes they are brought closer to the surface of the earth through deep volcanic eruptions, that uncover and reveal these valuable gems.  So it is with us.  The release and revelations that arise can be tremendously freeing, as you feel the weight of a billion years of pressure fall from your shoulders, if you are willing to face and discard those habits, fears or burdens that are weighing you down.  Embrace freedom. Unload your burdens.

Leo

As we were coming home from a late night dinner, my husband and I unintentionally entered the cab of a 1990’s techno/disco crossed with a Bollywood extravaganza.  My husband unconsciously snapped his fingers to the beat, and it was all over.  I knew I was doomed.  The music was immediately brought up another 15 decibels and our cabbie, absolutely jubilant, was in the throes of ecstatic dancing heaven in the front seat, as he careened through Central Park.  At this point I realized that if you can’t beat em, join em.  A sudden change of pace and a brilliant spurt of enthusiasm, may be just what the doctor ordered this week.  Channel the jubilant cabbie of inspiration this week.  

Virgo

To make the most of this week, particularly this weekend, requires a modicum of down time and retreat.  Turn off the phone, put a freeze on the internet, tell your relatives that you are out of town, and discover what it means to be alone with yourself.  Just you.  No matter what did or did not get done.  Leave it for after the weekend if you can.  Your body, health and mind will thank you.  As will your job and your life, when you return refreshed, renewed and realigned once again.

Libra

For Libra, this week, it’s about setting the tone.  You are wanting to make plans for the future, to create something of a template that will both further whatever initial plans you have been making already, and to do so in a way that will also ease some of the work load in the long run.  There is also something illuminating to be found in the company of others, within the framework of a group, a class, or simply your network of friends.  The likelihood of this happening increases if you are willing to step out and do things a little differently, or try something new for a change.  It can open creative doors of inspiration, and a better way of doing things.

Scorpio

This is not really a time for action.  At least not for Scorpio who doesn’t have their full heart in it.  This is a time for retreat and withdrawal and waiting, what with Mars in the sign behind you.  So why not take advantage of this new Mercury cycle, and create that retreat time, down time, withdrawal from the hectic pace... in order to discover that feeling of communing with your inner self, the silent guide, the watcher within. What evolves out of this silent time is a plan that will gradually unfold and emerge over the next few weeks.

Sagittarius

I don’t usually associate Sagittarius with Hobbits who are generally more home-bound and earthy, but this is a ‘walking’ song for Hobbits... and this just had Sagittarius written all over it for this week: “The road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began, Now far ahead the road has gone, and I must follow, if I can, Pursuing it with eager feet, Until it joins some larger way, Where many paths and errands meet.  And whither then? I cannot say.” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien.  Open the door and go forth, Sagittarius.

Capricorn

There is nothing more satisfying than having the practical and useful skills necessary to get a job well done and completed.  It takes a certain amount of dedication and attention to detail... but your work this week is that of a disciplined artist.  You know what you have to work with, and how to use your co-workers to the best of their ability, and when everyone and everything is working like a well-oiled machine in harmony with one another, there’s no end of satisfaction to be had.  It will be noticed.

Aquarius

The Full Moon is in your sign this week, and engaging Aquarius co-ruler Uranus, while Venus is shining benevolently on your ruler Saturn.  What does this all mean?  How about joy, happiness, and perhaps a bit of adventure with close friends and relatives?  This is not a week for routines or staying hidden indoors.  Break some of the rules this week, and make some creative changes, or discover some place or someone new.  Experiment.  Try doing the same thing you always do, a different way.  Find ways to just be yourself, even perhaps yourself and more. Dare to say yes.  It’s the effect of the newness and discovery that is most revelatory.

Pisces

Sagittarius is not the only one that deserves a Hobbit walking song this week.  With the Full Moon in Aquarius, something hidden or behind the scenes can possibly benefit Pisces: “Still round the corner there may wait, A new road or a secret gate, And though we pass them by today, Tomorrow we may come this way, And take the hidden paths that run, Towards the Moon or to the Sun.” Although a normally sedate Capricorn... J.R.R. Tolkien had his Sun sextile both adventurous Jupiter and creative and experimental Uranus, which he expressed through a broader vision in his books.  He found his hidden path.  Let’s see if you can discover yours.