Archive for the ‘Eqinox’ Category

Mar

16

It’s been said that on St. Patrick’s Day, the whole world is Irish. From the countless celebrations in pubs, restaurants and bars, to the parades and the “wearin’ of the green”, it truly seems that the whole world embraces the ancient Irish phrase Erin go Bragh (which in Gaelic is actually Eirinn Go Braich) and has come to mean “Ireland Forever”.


St. Patrick’s Day is also a time to tap in the magic and romance of those ancient Gaels who lived and loved in the Emerald Isle. The Gaelic people were actually a branch of the Celtic world that migrated from Europe to live in what we know today as Ireland. It can truly be said, therefore, that while all Gaels are Celts, not all Celts are Gaels.


So who was Patrick? To begin with, “Patrick” was not his given name. Most historians agree that Maewyn Succat, later to be St. Patrick, was born in Britain around 370 A.D. to Roman parents. Kidnapped as a teenager and sold into slavery in Ireland, he managed to escape back to Britain. It would take years, a name change, and a spiritual quest before he felt ready to return to the “Auld Sod” as a bishop in 432 A.D. later to become the patron saint of Ireland.


In spite of the strong connection with Christianity, many of the legends surrounding St. Patrick retain a decidedly magical and romantic flavor. In a heroic poem, The Deer’s Cry, St. Patrick uses an ancient Celtic spell known as féth fiada to transform himself and a friend into a deer to avoid being ambushed as they traveled to see the High King on Tara Hill. Another legend tells how St. Patrick lit the first fire of Beltane, a role generally filled by the High King, from which all other Beltane fires would be lit.


Druids warned the High King, Laoghaire, that if he did not put out Patrick’s fire, it would burn for eternity. Needless to say, all efforts to extinguish the flames failed and, truly, it can be said that the “fire” of St. Patrick burns throughout Ireland from that day through the present for all who are Irish.


Romance, too, is part of St Patrick’s legend and heritage. The tradition of “lady’s privilege” is said to have begun when Patrick was approached by St. Brigid of Kildare who complained how unfair it was to womankind to always have to wait for the man to propose marriage.


Brigid, too, embodies her Celtic roots as St. Brigid’s Day in Ireland is February 1. Also known as Imbolc, one of the four quarter festivals of the Olde Religion marking the beginning of the spring season ahead of the Equinox.)


The legend holds that St. Patrick originally offered one year out of seven as being the time that a woman could propose to a man. Brigid, however, negotiated matters to a point where one year out of every four was a satisfactory frequency for both genders, coinciding with leap year. Brigid, being single, and it being a Leap Year, immediately proposed to Patrick who refused, but gave her a kiss and a beautiful gown to wear as an apology.



Posted in Eqinox, St Patrick's Day
Sep

21

The Autumn Equinox marks a true change of seasons. For many, the start of fall on September 21rd is viewed as a time of harvest and, hopefully, a change in the seemingly ongoing drama that marks the daily news on the political, national, financial and world fronts. Whether it is unrest in North Africa, our own economic situation, or the seemingly unending barrage of natural disasters and challenges, the desire to put it all behind us as the season’s change is almost overwhelming.


Yes, this is the time of the harvest, both in the karmic sense, as well as, the traditional meaning. The stars, too, seem to reflect this “harvesting” of what we have sown. Just three days after the Equinox, a powerful stellium promises to bring some dramatic “seasonal shifts” to this planet and its inhabitants.

A stellium is an astrological term to describe a multiple conjunction of at least four planets in one sign or house. Astrologers differ on whether it is the sign or house which should dictate whether a stellium is present, however, it is the sign which controls since a sign can span two houses.


The effect of the Super Moon earlier this year is still be felt in a variety of ways around the globe. With that in mind, one must certainly pay attention to the upcoming lunar event that will occur in just a couple of weeks. Many writers have noted that Super Moons do seem to have an impact on earthquakes given the increased seismic activity that can occur during that period, it would seem that this may be a prelude to a significantly more extreme events, weather included.


Stelliums act like a cosmic battery overcharging the impact of the planets involved, as well as, the signs and the houses. Specifically, the energies involved become obsessive. Here, the lunar impact on emotions magnified by Venus collides and confounds with the Mercury on communications of all types. Much as the Sun can magnify energy and heat when shown through a magnifying glass, so too does the proximity of Old Sol to these other planets add to their intertwined energies.


Of particular concern is that this astrological configuration overlaps the 12th and the 1st houses. The 12th house is concerned with large public institutions (think governmental bodies) and hidden matters or agendas. What we see may not be what we are going to get, especially in the financial realm. This is traditionally the house of self-undoing, making those decisions or taking actions which ultimately will work against the desired outcome. Given the toxic environment on political fronts, both here and abroad, expect some abrupt over-reaction that could lead to more unrest or worse. A financial crisis could come shooting in from the proverbial “left field” that could leave both leaders and the public scrambling.


Libra, of course, is represented by the Scales and symbolizes the karmic balance that is constantly in flux. The stellium’s effect is going to through this “balance’ severely out of whack. We may well get that “Aha!!” moment, but at a high price and, possibly, too late to avoid the consequences. This does not mean that everything ends, rather, that the proverbial “Humpty Dumpty” has gone to omelet land and that we are left with picking up the pieces.


Pluto retrograde has just left Capricorn and this transits denoted a time of transformation and ending those systems (and beliefs) whose time has past. Structures (man-made, institutional, financial and political) that do not support growth have begun to crumble to be replaced by the new forms. This background of astrological activity is a major reason why the Equinox and the stellium could well mark a true change of seasons on many levels and a karmic “harvest” of unique and unexpected proportions.


It should be kept in mind that the Equinox, whether Spring or Fall can bring in more than just a seasonal change.  It is a marker for things to come, both good and not so good.  Either way, it presents challenges that are worth noting.



Posted in Astrology, Eqinox, Pluto Retrograde, Super Moon
Sep

20

Twice a year the Sun and Moon seem almost to stand still and the hours of daylight and darkness are equal. The first of these times is the spring Vernal Equinox heralding the time of new beginnings, growth, and a celebration that warmth has returned to the Earth and possibilities are limitless. The second of these times when the hours of day and night are balanced occurs, appropriately, at the beginning of Libra, the sign of the scales. This is the Autumnal or Fall Equinox.


This transition of the seasons is called by many names; Mabon or Harvest Home (Wiccan), Meán Fómhair or Alban Elfed (Welsh), Night of the Hunter (Old English), Festival of Dionysus (Greek), Michaelmas (Christian) and Fallfeast (Old Germanic) are some examples of how various cultures honor the period of time between September 21st and 23rd. The essence of all these celebrations is the recognition that now is time to reap the harvest of the efforts of the previous months, reflect on all that has occurred and to prepare for the coming period of darkness and cold that marks the completion of the Great Wheel’s cycle until the new birth of the coming year comes with the spring.


With all of the dynamic changes that have happened thus far, the Autumnal Equinox of 2012 carries a special astrological importance. Pluto retrograde ends its path four days prior to September 22nd, the actual date of the Fall event. Once again, the transformational forces that have been somewhat happenstance since the retrograde began in April are now pushing forward again.


Pluto squares Uranus on the 19th and Mercury on the 20th. The generational impact of these aspects cannot be overstated. Political upheavals will continue with a dramatic event very likely to occur right on the Equinox or within a day or two after. Mercury the Messenger is also impacted by the Pluto’s square leading to suspicion, mental anxiety and with a decidedly negative slant, could add fuel to already volatile situations.


The Messenger also finds itself in opposition of Uranus on the 20th. This will further confound the problems with communications during this period and right through the 23rd. Lost, misunderstood, or interrupted messages could lead to arguments and conflicts, both on a personal and on a larger societal level. Even the usually calming effect of Chiron, the Wounded Healer, adds to the potential for chaos due to it’s opposition with Mercury also on the 20th with the likelihood of misrepresenting ideas or concepts adding further confusion.


In a real sense, the impact for these aspects may be viewed as a kind of mini-Mercury retrograde period; rather than lasting a fortnight, this will be a much shorter period of five to seven days. Yet, occurring as it does during this time of harvest and reflection, this Equinox could truly give a whole new meaning to the phrase: “Reaping what you sow”. In a real sense, this could well be a fall to remember.


Yet, all this too, is part of the Great Wheel that must pass from warmth to cold, light to dark, through all the stages of life so that the new can spring again, like a phoenix, from the ashes of the old.


Related Articles:


Autumn Equinox A Changing of the Guard


About The Author:


Lou Raedwulfe is the author of Stars and Stones – A Look Forward with Astrology and Runes, 2012 An Astrological Overview and The RuneChest. All books are available at Amazon for Kindle and Barnes & Noble for Nook from $12.99. He is also a psychic advisor, clairvoyant, tarot master and rune master.  Get a reading today on this site.



Posted in Astrology, Eqinox, Pluto Retrograde
Sep

18

This week marks the Autumn Equinox and a change of seasons. For many, the start of fall on September 23rd is viewed as a time of harvest and, hopefully, a change in the seemingly ongoing drama that marks the daily news on the political, national, financial and world fronts. Whether it is unrest in North Africa, our own economic situation, or the seemingly unending barrage of natural disasters and challenges, the desire to put it all behind us as the seasons change is almost overwhelming.


Yes, this is the time of the harvest, both in the karmic sense as well as, the traditional meaning. The stars, too, seem to reflect this harvesting of what we have sown. These are truly changing times as this season clearly marks.


Just three days after the Equinox, a powerful stellium promises to bring some dramatic seasonal shifts to this planet and its inhabitants. A stellium is an astrological term to describe a multiple conjunction of at least four planets in one sign or house. Astrologers differ on whether it is the sign or house which should dictate whether a stellium is present. My own particular belief is that it is the sign which controls since a sign can span two houses.


What will occur from September 26th through the 29th is the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Saturn will all be residing in Libra and spanning the 12th and the 1st houses. Addtionally, there is another Super Moon, a new moon this time, on September 27th. As before, the Earth, Moon and Sun will all be in alignment and the Moon will be at its closest to Earth.


The effect of the Super Moon earlier this year is still be felt in a variety of ways around the globe. With that in mind, one must certainly pay attention to the upcoming lunar event that will occur in just a couple of weeks. Many writers have noted that Super Moons do seem to have an impact on earthquakes. Given the increased seismic activity in the last few days, it would seem that this may be a prelude to a significantly more extreme event.


Stelliums act like a cosmic battery, overcharging the impact of the planets involved as well as, the signs and the houses. Specifically, the energies involved become obsessive. Here, the Lunar impact on emotions magnified by Venus collides and confounds with Mercury the Messenger on communications of all types. Much as the Sun can magnify energy and heat when shown through a magnifying glass, so too does the proximity of Old Sol to these other planets add to their intertwined energies.


Of particular concern is that this astrological configuration overlaps the 12th and the 1st houses. The 12th house is concerned with large public institutions (think governmental bodies) and hidden matters or agendas. What we see may not be what we are going to get, especially in the financial realm. This is traditionally the house of self-undoing, making those decisions or taking actions which ultimately will work against the desired outcome.


Given the toxic environment on political fronts, both here and abroad, expect some abrupt over-reactions that could lead to more unrest or worse. A financial crisis could come shooting in from left field that could leave both leaders and the public scrambling.  Combined with an Equinox makes it especially worth noting.

Libra, of course, is represented by the scales and symbolizes the karmic balance that is constantly in flux. The stellium’s effect is going to through this balancing act which is severely out of whack. We may well get that “Aha!!” moment, but at a high price and, possibly, too late to avoid the consequences. This does not mean that everything ends, but, rather, that the Humpty Dumpty has gone to omelet land and that we are left picking up the pieces.


It must also be remembered that this is all occurring as Pluto transits Capricorn. As I have written previously, Pluto’s presence in this transit denotes a time of transformation and ending those systems (and beliefs) whose time has past. Structures (man-made, institutional, financial and political) that do not support growth will crumble to be replaced by the new forms.


This background of astrological activity is a major reason why the coming Equinox, the Super Moon, and the stellium could well mark a true change of seasons on many levels and a karmic harvest of unique and unexpected proportions.


Lou Raedwulfe’s New Book:  The Runechest – available at Amazon.


Spring Equinox:  The Messenger, The Dark Lord and the Ram


Astrology as Predicted is Happening


Earthquake Predictions 2011



Posted in Astrology, Eqinox, Predictions, Super Moon
Mar

15

With the Vernal Equinox just a few days away, the Great Wheel also turns and brings us to the start of the astrological year – the sign of Aries. With the tumultuous events of the last few weeks, I am certain that many of you view this beginning with concern and not a little trepidation. As I have noted before, this is a time for dramatic change which will leave an indelible mark on our world. What we do and how we respond to the challenges will go a long way to determining our future.


On March 30th, we will encounter our first Mercury Retrograde of the year. I believe that the impact of this particular retrograde will be enhanced by the fact that two days later, Mars enters its home sign of Aries, meaning more dynamic conflicts both in terms of international issues (think Egypt, Yemen, Libya, Bahrain, etc.) and at home; partisan politics will ramp up even more with all sides trumpeting their particular agenda as the “right course”.


On April 9th, Pluto joins the Mercury the Messenger in retrograde. The Dark Lord’s power of transformation through the fall of the old and outmoded will be heightened by the failure of clear communications. Some of the most radical of these events could be brought about by unintended gaffs or missed messages.


Two days later, on March 11, the Ram’s ruling planet, Mars, joins the party and becomes squared to Pluto. Lending its aggressive energies to the chaos that Pluto has brought will heighten tensions and explode some beliefs that many had accepted as truth. Scandal and intrigue could be crucial. Additionally, we may not have heard the last from the Earth itself: effects from Japan could rear up elsewhere.


While all of this seems both hopeless and dire, it must be remembered that it is the human spirit and ingenuity that can triumph over seeming darkness. Forecasts, like this one, can go a long way to providing guidance on what may be coming and how best to prepare for it.



The world may not be happy, but, in the words of Mr. Cronkite: “That’s the way it is.”


Lou is an astrologer, psychic, tarot, rune master and free lance writer.  He enjoys giving psychic readings.  Sign up for your free account and give him a call now!


Related Articles:


Autumn Equinox – A Changing of the Guard


Mercury Retrograde Communication Chaos


Mercury Retrogrades and You


Summer Time Blues


Mercury Retrograde Affects 2012 Elections



Lou Raedwulfe – author of The Runechest available at Amazon.



Posted in Astrology, Catastrophic Events, Eqinox, Predictions