Astrology by Lauren

September 7th ~ 14th

The Moon’s Nodes are the planets that are not actual planets.  Rather they are sensitized points along the ecliptic that act as unseen planets.  Invisible points in space that are nonetheless of deep significance to individuals and humanity as a whole.  The Nodes are where the pathway of the Moon crosses the ecliptic (what appears to us to be the path of the Sun across the sky).  Where these two pathways cross, going North and South, are the Dragon’s Head and Tail: the North and South Node of the Moon.  All of the planetary bodies have Nodes as well, but the Nodes of the Moon have a more noticeable reference, not only to this lifetime, but to the cascading thread of lives and genetic history that led us to this present place and time, as well as where we need to go.

It is often new and unfamiliar ground that we are treading when we approach the realm of the North Node.  The sign of the South Node is much more familiar, and the way we are accustomed to dealing with things up until now, so we tend to easily lean that way.  However, it’s also where we have gotten ourselves into a rut, or undermined our effectiveness... it is our self-undoing.  With the North Node having just entered Scorpio, and the South Node in Taurus, we are being shown where we have undermined our development and growth through our attachment to Taurus:  being too complacent, too attached to material things, acquisition as opposed to sharing, too much emphasis on monetary values, ownership, possession, not sharing, dependency on others and things, too much baggage, too much stuff with an emphasis on excess.  When is too much too much?

The everyday kindness of the back roads more than makes up for the acts of greed in the headlines. ~ Charles Kuralt

With the North Node now in Scorpio, we will notice an internal need and desire to purge, to recycle, to relieve ourselves of the accumulation of projects cluttering up the shelves, tchotchkes, clothes that no longer fit and no longer wear, and that are cluttering up our lives.  Needing to clean house, to relieve ourselves of albatrosses, and situations or things or circumstances, that are proving to be more costly than rewarding.  Releasing bad habits, streaks of self-indulgence, and any tendency towards hoarding.  In society we will be directly confronting the issue of the wealth and power being concentrated in the hands of a few... even more than we already have.  Just wait until Saturn enters Scorpio in October, and adds his two cents.  The Nodes will stay in the Scorpio/Taurus axis for approximately 18 months.

Scorpio is a sign that is transformational, cutting old ties, moving on and moving out.  It is nothing less than embracing even revolutionary changes, as the old and outworn is burned away in a funerary pyre, allowing the new life, the new world, to be reborn out of the ashes that remain.  It’s the willingness to end, in order to begin anew.

One important key to the Taurus/Scorpio nodal axis is the cycle of reciprocity.  One of the underlying fundamental principles in the universe is the Law of Cycles.  And reciprocity is the artful dance of giving and receiving with an open heart within that Law, where one action refreshes and invigorates the other.  In an environment where we think that there are just a limited amount of resources, fear compels us to want to accumulate as much as we can for ourselves, lest someone else get it first.  But like a pond that is not refreshed by clear streaming waters, hoarding and miserliness leads to stagnation and decay.  We must release those clogged channels, and allow the waters to run freely again, so that we may all then be able to drink the fresh running water from the communal pond.    

Tze-Kung asked, saying, ‘Is there one word which may serve as a rule of practice for all one’s life?  Is not Reciprocity such a word?’ ~ Confucius

the above photo of Erawan Waterfall is by lkunl, whose work can be seen here.

For the week of September 7th thru the 14th, be sure to read your Rising Sign as well:

Aries

In the midst of extraordinary change, extraordinary connections can also be made, as people of common goals, ideals and interests converge.  There is something absolutely affirming and empowering about finding your own people, wherever and whoever they may be.  And there is also something incredibly inspiring when you meet people who actually walk the walk as well as talk the talk.  Open your heart, and you’ll be surprised at how much love will find its way in.

Taurus

For Taurus, home is where the heart is.  And with Venus traveling through the sign of Leo, she serves to warm some of those heart strings, and open up your heart and home to friends and loved ones.  Perhaps a little unexpected entertainment is in order as the week ensues.  But more importantly, see what you can do differently to spruce up your home, make things more spacious and open (maybe it’s time to toss out accumulating clutter), and then add those special touches, to make it more comfortable, more relaxing, and more enjoyable.

Gemini

You can only be in 3 places at once.  Although you are feeling more clear and organized than you’ve been for a while, even Gemini’s are unable to keep up with everything when they are super-multi-tasking.  Beware of biting off more than you can chew, or you’re bound to find yourself wondering if you’re coming or going over the weekend... Afterwards things will be less hectic, but a busy life and the desire to take on greater challenges is going to make your life feel very full for most of the week.  

Cancer

Be careful what you wish for, for wishes can indeed bring more than you ask for while the North Node is in Scorpio.  However it is more likely to make your dreams a closer reality over the next year, provided you truly understand this divine gift of reciprocity.  Remember to remind yourself often over the year ahead that abundance is the realization of this cycle circulating throughout your life, giving and receiving joy, wealth, peace, happiness, affection, love and kindness.  By giving, you initiate the cycle, through receiving with gratitude and affection, the cycle is complete.

Leo

You are optimistic and hopeful this week, especially this weekend.  And with Venus in your own sign, a desire to spruce up your wardrobe, or re-do your look in some way certainly is in order.  Who can resist?  But do make extra effort to pay attention (especially with the purse strings), or things could escalate out of control.  However, because of this grand feeling of optimism, even if extravagance or exaggeration can be a distraction, you are more likely to aim higher than you usually would.  As a result a very promising opportunity, meeting, or business arrangement can transpire.

Virgo

Let’s make this week all about you, no matter how distracted or scattered, or indecisive, you may feel over the weekend.  If you can get a moment of focus and concentration, this is a good week to initiate or implement plans.  Your mind is on bigger issues with longer range plans especially.  When negotiating or making plans, however, it would be a good idea to hear what others have to say as well, or you may miss some important details.  Because of your own enthusiasm you are more inclined to forget to read the fine print or study all the facts.  So pay a bit of attention in order to avoid costly errors.

Libra

Through your association with friends, or people with whom you share common goals or ideals, you are being given both the insight and the tools to not only heal your own wounds, but to create some sort of remarkable shift in your life.  It’s up to you to put all the pieces together, using whatever skills or knowledge that are being placed in front of you.  But it’s nothing less than being able to allow what was previously a wish or a hope, to grow into a greater possibility.  Be willing to change up the pace or routine as the week progresses, you never know what unexpected or interesting events will transpire, or people that you will be meeting up with, that could open up your world in some wonderful or exciting way.

Scorpio

That wonderful Pluto/Chiron sextile that we spoke about last week (the capacity to heal our wounds, as well as the wounds of others) is being channeled through Venus this week, which is just shining in the sign of Leo.  When we speak of reciprocity, Venus in Leo is the gift that keeps on giving.  Be willing to step outside your comfort zone just enough so that contrary to your usual tendency to hide your light under a bushel, let it shine just enough to let people know (at least the people that count), how special, talented and useful you really are.  

Sagittarius

You’re thinking about the future, and trying to make plans.  When it comes to creating a bigger, more abundant life, this is a good time, even despite the tendency to go a little overboard. You have a vision.  But first you must recognize what your resources and abilities are, and then allow your intuition to guide you to do the right thing at the right time.  And make sure that your enthusiasm is tempered by common sense and reality.  Then there will be no stopping you this week.  

Capricorn

The situation at home, or with family members, or people moving in and out, or some other shifts going on, will continue to feel somewhat crazy over the next few years.  But this week you are being given an opportunity to reach a détente, as you come to realize: a) that not everyone shares the same values, experiences and history as you do; b) that often people with differences complement each other and fill in each other’s spaces; and c) that when you share and pool resources with others, you can accomplish that much more.  

Aquarius

As the week wears on, revel in the fact that Venus is dancing in the house of relationships.  She’s flaunting her new tattoo, and just highlighted her mane in anticipation of your meeting.  Be prepared for a surprise gift, a token of their affection, a kind gesture, or a warm greeting that kindles your heart and serves as an inspiration.  Pay it forward.  This is a week for sharing the love, and communing with others with whom you share common goals and ideals.

Pisces

This is a week with good results, if not some interesting twists and turns.  However, this weekend could be a little over the top, as you are stretched beyond your capacity to fulfill all of your family and social obligations.  There is also a tendency towards extravagance, especially this weekend.  Or to over-indulge.  It will be hard to resist.  So just pay attention, and avoid over-committing, over-eating or spending... and this could prove to be a weekend of extraordinary prospects.