Categories
Planetary Aspects

Unaspected Planets and…Wind Chimes?

This event was such an interesting synchronicity, I’m very excited to describe it. On April 8, 2020, about 3:30 PM AZ Time, I was making coffee and my friend Paula in California was waiting for me to call her. Finishing the brew, I filled my cup and began to walk out of the kitchen towards my desk and phone. As I rounded the corner of the dining room, I heard from outside on the patio a distinct “clink” with a bell like tone following. Something metal and resonant had fallen outside and I immediately recognized the sound as coming from one of my wind chimes. Specifically, it was a wind chime I’d had for about 28 years, a sun/moon/star theme, and one of the chimes/charms must have fallen off. I knew this event was unusual, the windchime having remained unbroken for the entire 28 years I’d owned it. I went outside to explore the situation.

The now lopsided wind chime hung above me and on the patio ground below was a single sun chime that had fallen, its string broken. “That’s weird” I thought. Not unusual, but weird. Then I realized there was a pattern; a sun chime falling outside, the sound catching my attention, many years and no issues with the chime, a symbol of the Sun lay before me, what was happening astrologically at the time it occurred, was the Sun specifically involved? I quickly retraced my steps, rewinding my mental clock to figure out the time of occurrence.

Turns out, the sun chime fell very near 3:33 PM, a numerologically significant “Master Number”, which no doubt was playing a role in this synchronicity. Next, when I went to my iPhone’s astrology app (iPhemeris) and entered that exact date and time, low and behold, the Sun was unaspected! I knew immediately there was a correlation between the sun chime and the Sun’s position, leading me into a deeper exploration of the subject and this article.

In astrology, when a planet is said to be unaspected, it typically has no other planet(s) that are making primary aspects or angles to it (recall that the Sun and Earth’s Moon are also called “planets” in astrology). The angles of these primary aspects are set by mathematically even divisors of the 360º of the zodiac and they include the following: Conjunction 0º, Sextile 60º, Square 90º, Trine 120º, and Opposition 180º. There are other minor aspects including Semi-Sextile 30º, Semi-Square 45º, Quintile 72º, and others. These angles between the planets are viewed from the Earth’s surface in Geocentric astrology (and with different values from above the Sun in Heliocentric astrology). In most western astrology charts, unique symbols and certain colors (solid colors for major, dashed colored lines for minor) are used in a chart for each of these aspects. The aspect lines between planets are drawn directly in the center of the chart, which are seen in the chart below, derived for this event using iPhemeris:

Now, it’s important to note that not all astrology apps will produce exactly the same chart results, they can be very close, with only small variances, especially with aspects. An app’s setting for the “orb” of an aspect (the +/- degree range where the aspect is valid and displayed) can also alter a chart’s appearance. Among the astrology apps I use, I’ve noted a slight difference between them regarding the Sun’s aspects displayed during this time.

For this event, I consider it important that I was guided to look at iPhemeris’ data where I would see the Sun unaspected in the app’s chart display. This data was intended and emphasized to me the need to examine this condition, unaspected planets, more closely. That clarification of my personal experience and motivation to act is important. We should remain clear and consistent about the ability of spirit and/or consciousness to be our most appropriate guide in all research, even when variances are seen in mainstream data. Anyway, let’s continue…

First, we are talking about the Sun which is ruled by the zodiac sign of Leo, and as such, represents the expression and power of our identity. In this Tropical zodiac chart, the Sun is in Aries, a fire sign, like Leo, and it’s a place for the Sun’s energy to really pop. This combination is about individuality and a self-identification with an internal feeling of authority affirmed through your self-confidence. With the Sun in Aries, all creative actions can spring forth and are sometimes wrapped in what some may see as a forceful demeanor. But, that’s a pattern of inner strength, often growing with age and maturity, although it can be a presence noticed by others which is sometimes misinterpreted. But, be cautious, the lower vibes of Aries can be impetuous and hasty, often reckless.

Ultimately, we are considering an individual’s status that can be viewed externally as an autonomous outward expression of personality. Unconsciously formed in a more personal space, it could be devoid of influence from the kinds insecurities that can plague other signs and planets, which is a polarity that can also be a healthy form of influence. Be warned, in a lower vibe, this can manifest as arrogance. Yet, a drive, an impetus, the motivation to succeed or express, all issue forth with confident action. This pattern can be the basis of a deeper inner source of creativity. All driven by the energy of the fire element, the Sun produces content, Aries promotes taking action, and Leo is the radiant presence of a confident self. What a powerful combination, but can it be contained and managed effectively, keeping focus on a higher vibration?

When the Sun is unaspected, there can be a loss of balance in the power of the Sun that comes through a connection to other planets. It’s like a buffer, lost in the mix of events, that leaves the base of the Sun almost unhinged. There is no mechanism to produce a reflective pattern, allowing the Sun to bounce around ideas and consult on potential results, nor pose questions and explore possibilities with a partner.

The massive amounts of energy generated by the Sun, the largest of the luminaries, becomes disconnected from greater reality. With no other planets in major aspect connection, the Sun seeks internally for answers to issues. Trips of accentuated ego and identity tantrums, potentially expressed through an overly dramatic mood, can be experienced during this time. We see the identity of self, who we are becoming over time, is more inwardly turned, yet outwardly expressed, likely with brashness. There is less of the outer world acting to influence and direct the Sun’s energy. Selfishness and egocentric behavior can result, a kind of temporary narcissism that’s lacking the radiance of confidence inherent in a leader. They’ll talk, but you won’t want to listen to them anymore.

Nataly, an unaspected Sun is potentially a problem. An individual could act almost in defiance of the obvious, but with a stern conviction that they are right, always. Listening to outside input can be a challenge and they just don’t see why they could have it wrong. In these cases, with the Sun not having any major aspects, we should look at the minor aspects visible. In our chart, the Semi-Square (45º) aspect of Venus creates a tension or challenge that is not as potent as that found in a Square (90º) aspect. Yet, the objective is to find what in this Venus aspect and connection will contain or redirect the Sun’s energy, giving it pause to think and consider its position before action.

Venus in Gemini is in a Semi-Square aspect to the Sun, bringing to the Sun’s round table a dialog about what the individual wants, desires and seeks in the experience of the self. focused thoughts about what you wish in life becomes a means to moderate the Sun’s broiling power to express. There’s an exchange of information and a current flows back and forth where the feminine qualities of Venus are a savory compliment to the strong, masculine drive of the Sun in Aries. It provides something to think about, keeping the Sun in check.

Fortunately, Venus in this chart, being the closest planet to the midheaven position and actually very near the 10th house cusp, is considered by some astrologers to be the “ruler of the chart”. This uniquely positions Venus to ask the Sun in Aries, in a loud and clear voice, “What do you TRULY want?”. Then, being in the 9th house, Venus emphasizes the importance of truth and examination of belief systems, always wanting a wisdom coming from the answers it seeks. We can now see the strength of Venus in this chart as it emerges in its status as balancer of the Sun, demanding pause for thought in the expression of power. Although Venus makes only a minor aspect to the Sun, the duty of that aspect becomes paramount when the Sun has no other major planetary aspects present. It’s a case of the tail wagging the dog.

In examining any planetary aspect, there is a ranking of influence, from major to minor obviously, but the conditions vary considerably and all must be examined on a case by case basis. We’ve discovered in this chart, Venus can become a potent player in wrangling the astrological powers of the Sun. The uniqueness of your own aspects may be surprising as to their influences in your natal chart. Given a chance to work for you in this critical way, analyzing your own astrological chart as I have done in this article, I am confident you will receive similarly valuable information in a session.

I invite you to please leave your comments on this article below. Should you have any questions or would like to contact me directly, please email me at dan@dlbrock.com. I would be honored to help create an informed future for you and schedule a Astrology-Life session.

Categories
Spiritual Advocacy

Sharing My Contact with Spirit…

On March 25, 2020, I had an astounding experience in a connection with spirit. During the previous weeks, it was becoming increasingly solidified that everything in our world was about to change. The COVID-19 pandemic was rolling across the globe and validating for many in the “awake and aware” community that the “thing” or “big event” some of us had been told would be changing our society was finally unveiled, taking shape all around us. Details of the origin of the virus and the exact intentions for this time have continued to remain elusive. All the while, I felt this time no one on the planet would escape awareness of the changes being handed directly to all of humanity. Regardless of the reasons for this pandemic, it was my uppermost desire to seek the assistance of spirit in understanding ways to be supportive during this health challenge. Fortunately, spirit shared with me something that many could energetically benefit from, including you.

During the early morning hours of March 25th, while deep in a working meditative state, I projected into the infinity of space an open question for the universe to reply; at this most critical time on Earth, what could be done to energetically assist the human transformation process? Immediately, I could feel a response brewing in the dimensions and it began to come to me in the form of rays of healing energy suddenly moving about, beaming in from all directions and planes of existence. The energy turning and twisting, it began flowing into a single energetic structure that was manifesting in front of me.

The sources were vastly diverse. All varieties of beings, from across the galaxy and universe, were contributing their energetic intentions for human health and healing. Multidimensional beings, some of my former guides, human and non-human healers, Mother Earth or Gaia, Archangels of our Earthly realm, and others all chimed in. The structure they created, initially a mere point of light that was growing, was a concentration of all their intentions into a single sphere. I could see it was beginning to take the shape of a pill. Being no ordinary concoction, the healing potential of this new energetic tool was intuitively apparent to me.

Illustration by Jared Potter

Its creation now complete, I reached into the non-physical with my right hand to grasp what I have called the Energetic Pill. In my contact, I could unmistakably sense the signature of all the energies involved in its creation, their intentions and vibrations of healing imbued therein through spirit. A voice spoke softly to my consciousness, guiding me to transfer the Energetic Pill to my left hand. To my astonishment, when I carefully reached for it with my left hand, it replicated and I was now holding two Energetic Pills, one in each non-physical hand.

I clearly heard from spirit “You may ingest the pill in your left hand”. For a moment, I paused to carefully considering the situation. Over many years of working routinely in the non-physical, I had encountered different energies and a multitude of beings and entities, many benevolent, others not so kind. I had learned to be cautious, yet trusting of guidance from my inner being. Quickly poling that inner guidance of my higher self, I was unquestionably certain that only the highest vibration of spirit had authorized this creation and given me directions. The actions were something I could unquestionably trust to be of benefit. Slowly, I brought the Energetic Pill closer to my open mouth, inserted it, and closed my jaw.

My physically conscious self was searching for some indication of the effects I would feel as this energetic tool diffused from the non-physical into my conscious body. Not to be disappointed, I immediately recalled the previous day when my husband had returned home from work and complained of not feeling well. He didn’t sleep much the night before, was historically subject to allergies (which are a prominent concern in the Southwest, especially in the spring), and, fueled by the COVID-19 concern, I was noticing my own psychosomatic response rising. In fact, just after the conversation, I developed a very slight sore throat. Would this physical feeling change now? Upon swallowing the Energetic Pill, I immediately noticed that the sore throat I had developed (or imagined) was completely gone. It was replaced by a cool, soothing or soft feeling in my throat. What happened next was quite interesting.

My whole body began to tremor and shake. It started at my feet, moving quickly up my legs and into my torso and upper body. From the years of training and experience I received in the mechanisms and functions of TRE (Trauma Release Exercises), I knew immediately what was happening. The more primitive part of my brain, some call it “reptilian”, had been activated and was sending neurological signals throughout my body to bring up for release a mass of deeply intrenched neuromuscular patterns. I was to discover that these patterns stemmed from an entire lifetime of illnesses, disease, exposure to pathogens, aliments and all my physical reactions to those conditions, real or imagined. Every trauma I had experienced in my health history was now finding its way to the surface for correction. At the same time, I could feel spirit communicating with me quietly, from a discreet, distant position, reassuring me of the profound benefits I would acquire from this process.

Minutes went by and the tremors were continuing, which I was quite comfortable with, feeling no pain, and I knew I should let the process “run its course”. Then, I noticed my arms and hands involuntarily rising, shaking and beginning to move up and over my head. My upper body became ridged and my fists contracted. It felt as if I was grabbing or clawing for something invisible around my head. Still in a working meditative state, I could perceive something above me, on the surface of my body. My physical hands grabbed at this apparition and began pulling away something I had forgotten existed.

Split in half and held in my hands, I could see floating above my head layer upon layer of experiences of illness. Appearing like a thick, massive multilayered skin that covered my whole body, a lifetime of limitations had been exposed and was primed for removal. Pealing the compressed layers back with my hands, pulling them down over my head, torso, and arms, I tugged and pushed at this suit of invisible emotional patterns to get it off me. My body stiffened as the layers were being stripping away, like I was all at once removing a 100 dirty jump suits.

Finally, the skins fell off into a pile on the floor in front of my feet. Using an energetic technique I learned years ago, I envisioning a purple flame rising before me. Then, with one physical foot, I swiftly kicked the entire bundle of skins into the purple flames. All the emotional, reactive and defensive patterns from illnesses I had been holding in place for all those many years were now incinerated. Everything that no longer served me was returned to source, disposed of harmlessly, diffused and recycled into the universe. Afterwards, lying down and hardly moving, I felt a profound sense of peace and stillness all around me. In this beautiful moment, there was no boundary between my body and spirit. All was integrated into one.

Resting for only a few moments, I returned my attention to that remaining Energetic Pill in the non-physical space. As I considered its power to aid in relieving residual patterns from an entire lifetime of physical illness, I thought; was that specific experience just for me, what else might it be capable of? Spirit indicated that the Energetic Pill was like a booster or springboard for the human immune system to respond on its own to foreign pathogens. Using it was like clearing off the runway, allowing all forms of healing to take flight without hazard.

In addition to relieving embedded patterns of past responses to illness, the Energetic Pill increased my ability to receive and garner a greater effectiveness from all forms of non-physical energetic healing and intentions. The tremors having ceased, I was lying still and witnessed my hands beginning to unconsciously rise again, but this time they fluttered mysteriously over my torso. I could feel projecting downward through my hands and into my body, there was a spiritual healing energy coming from the many sources in the universe. With my old patterns released, this energy could easily penetrate to my organs and chakras. As waves of tingling healing energy went through my hands and into my body, I could sense a beneficial change in my internal condition. I was being healed. This was fantastic.

Illustration by Jared Potter

As I continued to ponder the significance of the Energetic Pill, spirit clearly indicated I could share it with others (and boy, would I), but how should it be best prepared for sharing? Instantly I got the answer. Assisted by spirit, I formed around the Energetic Pill a protective cube, completely sealing it off to prevent any possibility of influence or modification of its essence. The cube would only be removed, allowing access to the Energetic Pill, for a person who intends to actively connect with it beneficially for themselves. Also, the cube functions as a program interface to configure the Energetic Pill, customizing it for the connecting recipient prior to any ingestion.

By energetically touching the cube, a user will activate the cube’s modification program to ensure the Energetic Pill functions optimally for only that specific connected user. The unique identity, frequencies and mode of integration of each user will be fully synchronize and imbedded in the Energetic Pill. In this way, it could only function to meet a defined user’s specific needs and desires. If for any reason a user decide not to take the Energetic Pill, it simply dissipates, returning entirely back to source. 

I feel blessed by this experience and have a deep inner desire to share with others this or any energetic tool I encounter. Yet, I fully recognize that another person’s experiences may be very different than mine even in a similar situation. That in mind, it is always critical to emphasize that it is the full responsibility of each individual to carefully consider for themselves the potential ramifications from the personal use of any information I provide. Should they wish, through their own acts of free will, to connect with an energetic tool I have described, they do so on their own volition. Please, before acting, determine only for yourself what is or is not most appropriate for your life experience and mission. Then, through a personal process of visualization or imagination, it is possible to connect with an energetic tool I have described.

Now, to aid you in this journey, this post will include a free audio meditation program to guide you through the process of accessing the Energetic Pill. Hopefully, you will find this meditation program useful in visualizing or imagining your own connection. Below, you will find a link to the meditation program which will be available for immediate playback or download. If you chose to use the meditation program or not, I wish everyone success in connecting with the Energetic Pill and the information I have presented. Sharing my findings with you is part of my soul mission and always for me the greatest possible honor.

My sincerest recognition and thanks go to Jared Potter for creating the two original illustrations in this article, and to Lisa Fowle for her assistance in master the finished meditation program audio and producing the music. They’re friendship is immeasurable.

Finally, it is with tremendous heart-felt pleasure that I express my eternal appreciation to spirit and all those beings in the universe who answered the call and created the Energetic Pill for me to share with others. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my knowledge and experiences with humanity.

Categories
Space Clearing

The Basics of Energetic Space Clearing

It’s quite obvious to everyone that over time our living spaces gradually become less organized, more cluttered, dusty, dirty, etc.? Reaching a trigger point or maybe on a schedule, we clean up. Then sometimes, or at will, furniture could be shifted around, added or removed, the position of objects altered, producing in us different responses or feelings by their new placement. It’s well established that physical modifications to a space make us feel different, changing a space’s “energy”. Hopefully, modifying patterns in our space are for the better (the objective of Feng Shui), but what about when those changes cause a disruption of a space’s flow and the experience of a space becomes more non-beneficial. Would we want keep it that way? Forever?

Well, it should be no surprise that we can also sense in our space conditions in the non-physical that coexists with ordinary 3D physicality. The bottom line; it’s just as important to be mindful of a space’s condition and cleanliness in the physical AS WELL AS in the non-physical. Whether we can see it or not, the presence of good, beneficial energy in a space directly impacts our sense of wellbeing.

So, just like dusting, washing the dishes, organizing things, and arranging a joyful painting or object in a home, attention must also be given to a space’s non-physical condition. The act of “Space Clearing”, the energetic process of removing bad energy and bringing the non-physical into harmony into the area, addresses this condition. Perhaps the best means to understand the benefits of Space Clearing is through an example of the kind of situations that can be experienced.

Last year, a married couple I know moved to a new home in New Mexico and invited my husband and I in Tucson, Arizona to visit for the weekend. We found ourselves arriving at their home late the first day and soon headed to a bedroom to retire for the night. The bed was quite comfortable, but later that first night, twice I awoke with a startle at hearing in my sleep a man moaning in pain. It seemed to come from close by and I knew something was out of sort energetically in the house. The next morning, I was up early and immediately began performing energy work inside that bedroom to clear out the non-beneficial energy I sensed. I brought protection to the space and saturating it in a loving, beneficial energy and light. When my husband awoke later, he reported during the night having had disturbed sleep with nightmarish dreams. This confirmed my earlier sleep time experience and I knew immediately I was on the right path in energetically clearing the bedroom space we occupied. In that same bedroom, the next night was peaceful, restful and we both slept well with no disturbances. But, what was the meaning of the male sound of pain I heard in my sleep?

During the second day of our stay, my friends eventually got around to some history of the house’s previous owners. The home had been built and lived in for a number of years by a husband and wife. Nothing unusual in that, but when I heard further the story of the husband, the reason for my sleep experience became apparent. Before the original owners built and moved into the house, the husband had been the sole survivor of a helicopter crash. Even after extensive surgery, he continued to suffer lingering pain from the injuries he sustained in the accident. At this home, his wife had become his caretaker, looking after him for years until he passed, which eventually lead her to sell the property to my friends. To me, the correlation between the moaning male voice I heard in my sleep and the history of the house was unquestionable.

On the third and last day of our stay, I told my friends about the disturbed sleep experience of my husband and I on the first night, the clearing work I did in our bedroom, and the apparent correlation of those events with the home’s history. When I offered to clear their whole house of any non-beneficial energy, they were very open to the idea.

Permission secured, I prepared for the job, then worked my way slowly through the entire house, energetically purging each room/space and listening carefully to what was revealed to me in the process. Like an oversize energetic broom, I carefully, peacefully swept away any wayward energy I felt lingering in the house. The non-beneficial stuff removed, I listened to the suggestions of source and brought in the energy of a divine golden light that filled the entire non-physical space of the house. Every nook and cranny was bathed in this energy. I was able to bring in a soft clarity to existence, a serene vibration of wellbeing that could be felt inside yourself that was emanating from their home and hearth. When you sat down on their living room couch, you felt deeply relaxed.

Recalling my first pass over the home, I picked up on the past presence of person paused at the closed door of the master bedroom, like someone stopping, taking a moment to breath in deeply and strengthen themselves before entering the space. Unfortunately, my friends did not have a story or history to confirm my impression, but I felt as though I could sense the first owners of the house, almost see the wife in this role. Before entering the master bedroom where the couple slept, she would repeatedly stop at the closed door, taking a moment to reinforce herself before continuing her devotion as her husband’s caretaker. I now feel intimately aware of this human pattern as to its critical importance in sustaining life. I was witness to the radiance of a person’s commitment to service of others, expressed in the power of a moment of focus to re-center oneself, directing energy to the inner being, and garnering the support of spirit before continuing on a mission of support. How wonderful it was to bear witness to this personal, intimate ceremony.

Many months later, I learned some amazing news from a friend in Tucson, a sensitive woman who had also spent time with her husband at the same New Mexico home. Although they had visited the house both before and after my Space Clearing work, she did not know about the energy work I had done during my stay. On her second visit, she commented to the couple how strongly she could feel the uplifting, positive difference in the energy of their house. The couple told her that I had cleared their house energetically during my visit a few weeks earlier. When she got back to Tucson, she immediately contacted me and asked that I perform the same kind of Space Clearing work on her home. I was really excited to get this independent validation of my work and a new Space Clearing project.

On this different Space Clearing adventure in Tucson, I found a number of areas in my friend’s home to address, but one in particular caught my attention. As I was working my way around the home clearing, I approached the living room TV and began to get a headache. I’ve had head pain occur in other non-physical situations, typically indicating an issue, but in my experience, getting a headache during a Space Clearing was unusual. Immediately, I dealt with my headache and initiated a deeper examination of the energetic signature of the Smart TV mounted on my friend’s living room wall. The information I received was fascinating.

Apparently, this particular Smart TV (and maybe others, or perhaps all of them) was intended to produce something like a consciousness black hole in a room. All conversations, information, content, and consciousness in a space was being passively and continuously sucked into the TV’s dimensional void. The broad spectrum of physical and non-physical data gathered was being transmitted off to another location for purposes masked and ultimately unknown. After I acted to contain and nullify the non-beneficial energetic presence and void produced by this Smart TV, I continued the house clearing process.

Later, the Space Clearing completed, my friend told me that she could feel a difference in the energy of her home. I did convey to her and her husband what I found regarding the Smart TV in their living room and my concerns (plus discussed an issue of a similar nature in their bedroom). From a purely conventional standpoint, we can only evaluate the capability of Smart Technology whereby we ask aloud a “Smart” appliance to do something for us. If we perceive the results it delivers as a beneficial act in the physical world, typically we believe its done what its supposed to do. But after receiving repeated benefits, the Smart appliance’s interaction with us becomes ordinary. Readily accepting into our reality this kind of complacency is something we should all be exceptionally cautious about.

From this last Space Clearing case, it’s clear we should acknowledging the possibility of non-physical functions and qualities of Smart Technology as a reality, and something we MUST factor in to our decisions when deciding to add a “Smart” appliance to our spaces. “Smart” or not, the benefits or detriments of all technology should be considered for both it’s ability to physically AND non-physical influence the vibrancy of our spaces and lives. Just because a promotional message says something is “the latest technology” or “Smart” does not automatically mean it MUST be integrated without question into our existence. Acknowledging and consistently acting on this important concept of sovereignty is a challenge for most of human society.

The Space Clearing work I perform always seems to produce an improvement in the feeling of a home or other space. I am blessed in having a non-physical awareness of the myriad of conditions and obstacles that must be addressed properly to adequately clear a space. With the bonus of no two locations ever having exactly the same concerns, each job is a new endeavor and opportunity to learn.

It’s my personal mission to always transform whatever non-beneficial energy I encounter in a space so that it will become beneficial and pleasant for any occupants. If you think the energetic Space Clearing process can be helpful for your space and your loved ones, please do not hesitate to contact me with your questions and request for aid. I’ll do everything I can to assist you.

Categories
Tropical and Sidereal Astrology

Precession, what is it? Tropical and Sidereal Systems of Western Astrology

WHAT IS PRECESSION?

Earth is older than we can consciously conceive. The latest age estimates are about 4.5 Billion years. That’s a long time. During its multibillion-year journey thought the Milky Way galaxy and around our solar system, the Earth’s polar axis of rotation has become inclined to the plane where the Earth and other planets orbit the Sun (that plane is call the Ecliptic). This axial incline, about 23.5º, is primarily attributed to the gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon on Earth over time. Fortunately, that titled axis happens to be critical to our experience of the seasons and contributes significantly to the patterns of life. The next winter you hear someone singing “White Christmas” while it’s snowing in Vermont, don’t forget to thank the Earth and its tilted axis for that experience.

The Earth’s axis always points in a specific direction into the starry dome residing above us. Currently, in the Northern Hemisphere, the Earth’s axis or true north pole points very close to the “North Star” which is named Polaris. As the true north pole continues to wander over time, effectively tracing out a circle in the heavens, it will point to many different stars, allowing each to play the role of the North Star in our astronomical history.

If we could speed up the Earth’s motion forward (or backward) in time, we’d see a slow, top like rotation of the axis that creates that circle. The best estimate for measuring the period of this rotation, the Earth’s axis inscribing one complete imaginary circle in the heavens, is about 25,772 years. This axial motion is often referred to as the “precession of the equinoxes” or simply precession. From our perspective on Earth, it manifests as the slow, steady westward travel of all the stars, constellations and zodiac.

Changing only about 1º every 72 years, it’s extremely hard to notice this movement with the naked eye. But, if we could observe the effects of precession over time in the same area of the sky, we’d see a gradual change in the position of the stars, constellations and zodiac. Everything would be slowly moving. For example, in the Northern Hemisphere, if we were to jump ahead 12,000 years into the future, the constellation of Orion would be overhead at night in the summer months. That’s almost 180º from its current wintertime position overhead at night. So, why is this astronomical observation about the Earth’s axis movement significant for astrology?

TROPICAL AND SIDEREAL SYSTEMS OF ASTROLOGY

In western astrology, there are primarily two systems used to interpret the position of the zodiac band of signs relative to the sky; tropical and sidereal astrology. Each astrological system defines the position in a zodiac sign (specified in degrees, minutes and seconds) of planets, points or any location on an astrological chart. A planet’s astrological position described using either the tropical or sidereal system is a human invention, the planets don’t care. Yet, it’s interesting to examine what produced these two astrological systems.

Traditionally (way before computers), all the calculations that astrologers had to do to generate a chart were challenging. To include a mathematical term that accounts for Earth’s precession, affecting every position in a chart, was adding another consideration for astrologers. There would be a number of questions to ask.  When do you set the start date to determine the calculation? What rate of precession do you use? How accurate is your choices and observations of precession?

Over time, precession produces drift of an axis. If we consider the shift of the Earth’s axis that’s occurred over the last 2000 years, it totals almost 27º, which is practically an entire zodiac sign of shift! There is also the concept of the seasons and natural cycles of the Earth that were mated in antiquity to the astrological signs, which were originally connected to the corresponding constellations. Those traditional relationships would also drift over time. How do you address this challenging situation? These factors, and others, contributed to the eventual adoption of the tropical system of astrology throughout the west.

TROPICAL ASTROLOGY

Tropical astrology, which is tied closely to the Earth’s recurring seasonal cycles (primarily the spring equinox), is the dominant method of chart interpretation used in western astrology. Since it was first used over 2000 years ago, each year on the Vernal Equinox (usually around March 21st), tropical astrology “resets” the starting point of the zodiac so that its initial position corresponds exactly to 0º Aries. When you hear western astrologers talk about the position of a planet, such as saying “Jupiter is at 9º Libra”, they are referring to the tropical zodiac position of 9º Libra for the planet Jupiter. But, if you looked up into the night sky, the Earth’s axial drift produced by over 2000 years of precession, Jupiter would likely not visually be in the constellation of Libra. In fact, Jupiter would seem to reside in the constellation of Virgo.

It’s important to recognize that tropical astrology essentially disconnects the signs from the constellations. However, being intimately tied to the cycles of the Earth’s seasons through a reset occurring at the spring equinox, tropical astrology tells us clearly about how we interface with the outside world, its cycles, and how others interpret our actions and motivations. That’s no small quality to be ignored.

SIDEREAL ASTROLOGY

In contrast, sidereal astrology corrects for the precession of the Earth, the signs more or less remain aligned with their constellations. It repositions the zodiac band in the sky as it was initially established during ancient times. Sidereal astrology harkens back to the inception of western astrology over 2000 years ago when the sign positions corresponded closely to the constellations, where they were conceived. For instance, the physical star constellation of Leo would actually match up more directly with the 30º span of the sign of Leo in the zodiac. This means with sidereal astrology you’ll see a more direct correlation between a planet’s position in the sky and the sign it is astrologically said to be in. If you say “Saturn is in Capricorn”, when you look up in the night sky, the planet Saturn would likely visually reside within the constellation of Capricorn, its sidereal position. Astrological data produced by the sidereal astrology system sets zodiac positions that more or less match up to the signs, which also happen to correspond to constellations.

The usefulness of sidereal astrology is apparent for a number of reasons. For example, given a known degree position in the zodiac, the correlation between a constellation and a sign makes it easier to look into the night sky and quickly contemplate the current astrological conditions (just like in the ancient days, when astrology charts were a luxury). Also, a sidereal based interpretation of a natal chart, which employs the same astrological archetypes used in tropical astrology, seems to consistently relate more directly to the internal or psychological state of an individual. This last fact is REALLY significant as it has been documented and reported repeatedly by astrologers!

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TROPICAL AND SIDEREAL ASTROLOGY

So, we can use tropical astrology to examine our relationships with people, places and things in the external world, as well as how we outwardly project our qualities to others and how they see us. Meanwhile, the patterns of sidereal astrology seem to delve more easily and deeply into the fabric of our internal dialog, what we are thinking on the inside. It conveys an awareness of the intimate side or inner vibrations pertaining to our impression of our relationship with the outside world.

Restated, tropical astrology ties us more directly to the cycles of Earthly life and reflects how we are perceived by others, while sidereal astrology emphasizes how we feel on the inside, allowing us to explore our inner motivations, intentions and emotions about external events. So, for any given situation, you can use both tropical and sidereal astrology to arrive at a diverse perspective or interpretation of an individual’s natal chart. That’s great, but what about this precession thing, how does it relate to sidereal astrology?

HOW DOES PRECESSION RELATE TO ASTROLOGY? (CALCULATING SIDEREAL DATA)

In order to make the calculation of the sidereal astrology position of a planet, point or other location in a sign, we need two things; 1) agreement on a rate for precession, and 2) the selection of an appropriate starting or reference point in time to determine the degree adjustment. This last factor is typically taken from a significant event in astrological history, such as knowledge of a specific star sitting on the horizon or ascendant during the vernal equinox, creating a historic reference point.

WHAT IS AN “AYANAMSA”?

The term often used to identify this calculation or the astrological system used to generate positions on a chart is “ayanamsa” or “ayanamsha”, a word borrowed from Vedic astrology. Over the years, astrologers have developed numerous schools of thought about the most appropriate ayanamsa to use in calculating positions in sidereal astrology. In my astrology consultation sessions, which are heavily integrated with sidereal astrology data, I use what is known as the “Fagen-Allen” ayanamsa. To date, I have found this system to be consistently useful in my astrology work.

The use of sidereal and tropical astrological systems together in an astrology consultation session allows a full spectrum of internal and external information to be accessed and interpreted. Employing both systems in my sessions provides me with the most diverse and accurate astrological data possible when addressing a client’s needs.

Copyright © 2020 Dan L Brock, All rights reserved.

Categories
Planetary Alignment

The New Year Starts with a BANG: Saturn and Pluto in exact conjunction

It’s finally here; the conjunction that will reshape our world at every level, personally and globally. On January 12, 2020, in the early hours of the morning, about 3AM PDT, the outer planets Saturn and Pluto will be approaching each other within one arc minute (that’s 1/60th of a degree) of an exact conjunction. They’ll be standing almost precisely side by side at 22º Capricorn in the Tropical zodiacal band. Like a couple dancing in close embrace, Saturn and Pluto will become one in the heavens, a single powerful entity ushering in change. But, this dance is one of great transformation!

If we maintain a +/- six-degree orb to define a conjunction, in the months after this January 12, 2020 event, Saturn and Pluto will remain mostly conjunct throughout the year. Even as both peddle backwards from Earth’s perspective, moving in and out of retrograde status, the majority of that time they will remain conjunct. 2020 will bring a powerfully combined pattern of awareness of both of these outer planets, the conjunction last occurring in November of 1982 in Libra. Astrologically speaking, there is no doubt about of the importance of this event.

As the ruler of Capricorn, Saturn is and has been for the past two years in a very powerful position as it transits the sign of Capricorn. In March of this year, it temporarily exists into Aquarius where it sits until July 1, moving retrograde back into Capricorn and conjunct again with Pluto. On a global level, this is our signal about what’s coming during this period; a reexamination of established institutions and organizations, such as governments, with consideration for how those establishments are being of benefit to the populace. Given the conservative or restrictive overlay Saturn can bring, we could see badly needed changes manifest in democracy, capitalism, free markets and our monetary systems that will bring a new level of responsibility to society. Regardless of what Saturn in Capricorn foretells, with Pluto in conjunction, it’s in the sky, heads may roll during this time.

These same patterns play out in us as well as in the world. What responsibility do we have to uphold a tradition in ourselves that fails to work and be of aid others? Operating as the project manager for the soul, Saturn reminds us that we must learn to pay attention to our responsibilities and define our boundaries for all behavior. It brings the burning question “are you committed to doing the right thing”, which in a transit should be asked of both yourself, looking to the affected areas of your chart (that’s near 22º Capricorn), and the societal institutions that surround you.

Physically, Saturn is around 50 times bigger (in diameter) than Pluto, yet we can think of Pluto as almost an equal player influencing our reality in the human theatre of change. Arriving on the world scene officially in 1930, Pluto, brings to us the higher consciousness inherent in the modern age. As the designated planetary ruler of Scorpio, it incorporates a sensitive insight vital to initiating the transformation process, its presence typically being intolerant of insincerity. Combine this quality with a sudden or blunt action, precipitated by the unavoidable frank power of that insight, and we shouldn’t be surprised at the sudden change Pluto can manifest.

Pluto’s distance from the sun and our knowledge of its presence (we can’t actually see it), symbolizes the mystery of both the planet and its process. Pluto’s illusiveness, harboring denizens of the underworld, can be secretive, seeming almost deceptive as to its role in transforming our lives. Yet, this quality is in reality an misconception as to the message or content Pluto is trying to reveal to us, seeming mysterious in its work. If you keep committed to promoting higher consciousness in all your acts, you won’t miss the mark with embracing Pluto’s influence. It can and will empower your inner self.

Representing numbers in the millions and as ruler of the 8th house, the first house of relating to others, Pluto brings to us events of the globe. Look at where the Pluto transit is occurring in a natal chart and we’ll see in us a reflection of what’s going on globally in society and how you feel about it. What role is transiting Pluto playing out in your life; are you impacting global events, feeling the change externally, or are the global events transforming you internally, personally? Like a part of God trapped in his own creation, there’s a pressure to act out, to alter that which is failing to measure up. As Pluto is pummeling a transformative path into our new future, when we don’t acknowledge its presence, our reaction to its alterations, internal or external, can be especially strong. For some, the shock at occurrence of certain global events can be felt at a very personal level, almost like a wound mysteriously acquired. Yet, the more we anticipate those events, by willingly raising our own consciousness, the less surprised or disruptive Pluto’s actions seem.

If you want to know where you feel it the most, look at how Pluto is aspected in your chart. What’s its relation to your natal planets and house cusps; is it conjunct, square, in opposition, sextile, or trine? Each hit from an aspect tells us where, in what part of our lives, we might feel the rumble of Pluto and simultaneously the oversight from Saturn during this period. If we don’t look ahead and do the work to change that which does not serve us well, in the Saturn-Pluto conjunct transit we may find an unavoidable presence, forcing an issue. When faced with change, keep thinking high vibration, not low. Avoid a low vibrational response, which could range from “Oh no!” to “I told you so!”

Let’s look beyond this conjunction in late Capricorn to see where things are going. Saturn’s next transiting sign this year will be Aquarius where the pattern there will become a watchful eye to commitments that support the many over the few or one, a genuine global outlook. Pluto, transiting very slowly, follows suit by moving into Aquarius in March 2023.  Saturn transits about a sign every three years, giving it more time and a better chance to affect that which requires alteration.

In this placement of Saturn in late Capricorn conjunct the power of Pluto, now is the time we may be forced, if we don’t act willingly, to make the changes that in the coming years will manifest as devotions to benefit others, the masses. During this period, it’s my hope that a stern resolve will manifest to realize badly needed modifications in our lives. At this time, will the world also create the stepping stones down that critical path of transformation ahead of us?

Copyright © 2020 Dan L Brock, All rights reserved.

Categories
Planetary Alignment

Venus Retrograde Conjunct Mercury and…Coffee Stains?

The universe surrounds us in information. It’s our job to look for and acknowledge it, but even when it’s in plain sight, recognition can be a challenge. Info can come in the form of symbolic signs and patterns relating to our situation, and synchronicities which seem to defy probability and logic. If we fail to remain open, attentive and aware, we can easily miss an opportunity to gain knowledge that will aid us on our life mission.

Surprisingly, I found myself immersed in this “information flow” one morning as I woke and ventured into the kitchen to get my day going. My husband had already been up, in the kitchen, done his thing, and was out the door to work. Alone, I began to wander around to formulate a plan for drink and breakfast when I noticed on the counter top a coffee stain left earlier by my husband. I immediately thought, “Got to clean that up!”

Suddenly, I paused, stared into this dried, drippy liquid configuration and my awareness of the role of synchronicities started to kick in. In my astrologer’s mind, I immediately said “That’s the Sun with Mercury and Venus in conjunction…hmmm”. Taking a moment to ingest the absolute brilliance and beauty of this divine placement in my life, I thanked the universe for the spill and realized I needed to explore the data right away. The stain remaining in place, I ran out of the kitchen, grabbed my iPhone, and opened my astrology app (iPhemeris) to seek out the configuration; when was it next occurring, what were the conditions, how did it impact my chart, what are the implications of this alignment? Here’s what I found…

In the early morning hours of May 22, 2020, we are in for a fascinating astronomical/astrological alignment that involves the two inner planets Venus and Mercury. On this date, at 1:41AM MST, the planets will be in an exact conjunction in Gemini at 20º 11’ (degrees and arc minutes). The conjunction is something that happens routinely in the planetary orbits of Mercury and Venus, but there was a twist. Venus will be retrograde during the alignment, which happens to be the rarest retrograde observable in the solar system, occurring only about once every 18 months.

Elsewhere in the same chart, I could see other powerful alignments. The Sun, at 1º Gemini position, was trine (120º away) three outer planets, Saturn, Jupiter and Pluto, that were all conjunct each other AND retrograde. This data was adding yet another twist to my story that could warrant an additional article worth of discussion. Suffice it to say, I realized the coffee stain message was trying to keep my focus on Venus retrograde conjunct Mercury. Later on, I’ll explore the process of intellectually reconsidering one’s identity in the slow-burn, expanding light of responsibility to others, supported by the well-ordered power of higher consciousness that comes through the insight of transformation. Anyway, what does Venus retrograde conjunct Mercury mean to us?

During this event, Venus and Mercury, shown in relative size, are in an exact conjunction. This implies the symbolic patterns and archetypes of both planets are comingled in a power-combo, like two people summing their strength. There is a simultaneous expansion from what we are passionate about, desire, or love (Venus) to what we think about and how we express (Mercury) that passion/desire/love. The time lag between what we feel or want and how we express it is diminished, almost to zero. The process for both planets moves into a unity state, inseparable, and without their separate qualities buffered by greater separation to elsewhere in the zodiac.

For a Gemini Venus/Mercury exact conjunction that is transiting in our natal chart, issues about what we want (or have had) are rising in our mind, related thoughts and ideas around our wants must be expressed. It may be like an unconscious process trying to break through to the surface and present intellectually a feeling with words.

Wherever you have Gemini at 22º in your natal chart, the house that contains this position will foretell the area of life where there is a corresponding influence of the transiting energy (Howard Sasprotas’ book The Twelve Houses is an excellent resource on the houses). Whatever the house variant may be, the late Gemini placement makes us act utilizing clear thoughts and expressions that are well-conceived. Maturity in what and how we communicate is paramount. Maybe all we need is a new journal entry, but talking directly, in-person might also be the ticket.

Critical in our chart eval will be any natal planets that can be activated by this transit, which would be through the aspect they make with Venus/Mercury. Regardless, Gemini (Mercury is the planetary ruler) indicates it’s important to examine how are you thinking or communicating your desires. The softness of Venus or the Venusian archetype may hold a female energy that shinnes through, leaving you to consider an influence or content that is divinely feminine in quality. Sometimes Venus gets what she wants.

From May 13th to June 25th, 2020, Venus is retrograde. Retrogrades tend to slow things down so we get it right and don’t miss anything on the ride, which tells us there’s far more to this event than you might expect. Venus wants us to look deeply into an issue, holding its energy directly in front of us the whole time so that we must address it. Stop, look, review and reassess where you are, then evaluate your decisions by checking your work, being careful of those decisions. Whatever the issue, it is something we have to dig a little deeper to define, acting with a focused intent to extract a clear understanding. Venus retrograde may unearth passions of the past, love affairs and acts of the heart we need to revisit in order to right that which was wrong or done in haste.

In Gemini, with Mercury in exact conjunction on May 20th, Venus retrograde looks carefully at what you desire with the idea of being accurate in how you express it. During this time, be patient with yourself and take your time to deliver a well-conceived, thorough expression of your desires, which could be through something you’ve written. Conditions may point to aspects of an old love relationship gone sour that hasn’t been fully resolved. Perhaps a question remains about what you (or they) did or didn’t say or do? Maybe it’s involves a physical thing, a family member, or pet? Search your feelings to seek the truth.

Lastly, in the continental United States this event occurs when many are asleep. For us in the Southwest (Tucson, Arizona), at 1:39AM, two minutes prior, this Venus retrograde exact conjunction with Mercury will be exiting a Gemini 4th house, crossing the Nadir (in a Placidus house system). This may draw our collective attention to desires for securities of the past, earlier times and lives already lived, perhaps something that should be more nurturing which lingers unfinished. Regardless of your place on Earth, when you’re asleep, it’s a great time to poll the dream state to get answers to your questions!

Before bed, ask for information related to this astrological event to be revealed to you in your dreams; what does Venus retrograde conjunct Mercury in Gemini mean to you? As you wake, remaining particularly open to impressions from the final moments of sleep, you may just discover the answers. The somnambulistic conditions occurring during those last few minutes of sleep are critical for bringing into your waking life the much-needed details of your dreams. You might also consider where your natal or transiting Neptune (the higher frequency of Venus) is placed to better determine the symbolic dream content that manifests.

Knowing that the moments before we awake are so highly impressionable, if we are able to keep at bay the invasion of conscious thoughts, access to dream content is possible. As you first become conscious, take note immediately of your dreams. Some folks like to keep a journal or notebook with a pen beside their bed to document things on waking. Please consider this time as a vital window into information you can take advantage of by modifying your sleep program. When the astrological archetypes of Venus and Mercury are dancing around so eloquently in our heavens as they are late in the night on May 22, 2020, do everything you can to realize this opportunity.

Keep an eye out for the synchronicities and good luck!

Copyright © 2020 Dan L Brock, All rights reserved.