MONTHLY SINCE 1999
ISSUE # 108
LIVING BY STARLIGHT
AN ASTROLOGICAL NEWSLETTER
BY MITCHELL SCOTT LEWIS
AUTHORÕS NOTES:
I will be continuing my lecture
series on the financial and political future of America later this month. The
date, place and time will be forthcoming. As
you know, there are two events coming to a head at the same time; the political
battle being fought for the heart and soul of America, and the financial
catastrophe that seems to be waiting its turn in the wings. Since there are
several potential scenarios based on the major aspects coming to fruition this
year, space prevents my discussing them all here. I will cover them more
completely in my lectures and Utube segments.
This month we have the Aquarian
New Moon. Aquarius rules government of and
by the people – what we call representative rule, or democracy, and with
the primary season in full swing this is an appropriate lunar position under
which we will complete this comedy. At 17 degrees 44 minutes, this
New Moon is exactly conjunct the Venus, Mercury and Jupiter of the Great
Alignment of February 1962. And with Ted
Kennedy extolling the similarities he sees between Barack Obama and his brother
Jack, this is one of those weird astrological connections that will often show
up in important human events. This does not mean that Obama necessarily wins
the race, only that his rise to prominence is right on time, and the connection
to the past in our collective consciousness is very real. I just hope the
outcome is not so parallel. Barack also has Saturn transiting his 10th
house of career, a time when many people reach the pinnacle of their power. But again, this does not say if he wins or not, only
that he has become more famous, powerful and successful than he would have had
this planet of karma not been in the house of its rulership. Both he and
Hillary have powerful forces working in their charts, as one would expect.
We begin this month with Mercury still in retrograde. Of course the usual advice should be followed. Expect delays and confusion, double check all plans and leave extra time when traveling. You can expect problems with all sorts of electronic devices, especially computers. I have heard from quite a few people who have experienced debilitating problems with their binary friends. Back up your files! Because this primary season coincides with this retrograde we can expect some surprises and turnarounds once this planet goes forward on February 18th. There are strong indicators that this will not be resolved until the national convention.
There are two extremely important
aspects we are facing at the moment. The first is PlutoÕs entrance into
Capricorn, which began in late January, and will continue until 2024. The
second is SaturnÕs opposition to Uranus, which will get stronger as we approach
its first completion on (of all dates) Election Day. It will complete again in February 2009, and again in
September 2009. We will continue to discuss PlutoÕs travels, but for now letÕs
look at the Saturn – Uranus opposition.
Saturn rules stability and
structure. All things that need a
foundation upon which to grow rely on Saturn for its foundation. Uranus
is the energy associated with rebellion, sudden upsetting situations and
radical change. When these two are in
conflict there is a battle between the need for revolutionary change and the
need for structure. Clearly the battle between John McCain, representing the
status quo, and either Democratic contender representing change, is the most
obvious manifestation of this intense aspect. I have found that when
these two energies are in conflict, it is UranusÕ need for change that usually
wins the day. This is one of the events that lead me to believe that whoever is
nominated from the Democratic Party will be president.
But because Saturn also rules
the financial structure and stability of the society, and as such rules banks
and the foundation of our monetary markets,
we can expect more disruptions and a shaking of that foundation. While I do
believe that the underlying structure of our economy is strong enough to
withstand this potentially explosive aspect in the long run, I also see that
the mistakes, greed and short-sightedness of our culture has taken its toll on
the underlying establishment, and we will see some very difficult times for
some years to come. The banking industry has become a great lumbering animal in
need of constant feeding. The Reaganite philosophy that this industry can
police itself, which led to the deregulation of the banking business, has
proven to be catastrophic. (Can everyone say mortgage meltdown?) We may even
see a minor collapse of the banks. And if the Feds are unable to control the
mess, we could be facing something worse than a recession – something
that begins with a ÒDÓ.
The real concern is even deeper.
The baby boomers, the largest portion of
our population, are about to begin spending their retirement funds. Most of
them are heavily vested in the stock market. If there is any serious collapse
in those markets these people will not be able to take the amount they have
been relying on. If the estimated 78 million Americans that comprise this group
are forced to live on less than they had planned for and are unable to retire
in comfort and security, what do you think that will do to our economy?
My advice with the stock market is to sell every rally for the rest of the year. There is no way this market is going anywhere near a new high, and anytime it gets puffed up by the feds, speculators or any other non-fundamental reason it will fail. As we head towards the Saturn – Uranus opposition, the potential for a stock market crash increases. The fact that this aspect completes for the first time on Election Day is interesting. WouldnÕt a crash the day after the elections be something? And if it happens, it will create a rift in the markets you could drive your SUVs through.
And speaking of SUVÕs; have you noticed the price of oil since Pluto, ruler of petroleum, left expansive Sagittarius and entered restrictive Capricorn? It has dropped about 17% off its highs and seems stuck in a limited trading range. Hmm. When it retrogrades back into Sagittarius for its last hurrah From June until late November, it could spike up and maybe make a new high. But I think several fundamental factors will keep the price of crude down for a long while. The deepening recession will lesson demand. Iraq may become more stable and start producing copious amounts of the stuff, (it holds one of the largest oil reserves in the world), most of it heading to our shores. The gluttony of the oil companies and OPEC in pushing the price to $100 a barrel has created the demand for innovations and inventions, both new and ignored. Just like the lunatics that have quit their jobs and become gold prospectors as that commodity stretches towards $1,000 an ounce and higher, it has become financially worthwhile to invent, produce and market alternative fuel resources and concepts. By the way, gold may not be affected like oil. It is the last refuge in a panicked world and you may continue to see the flight to security raise the price way past $1,000 an ounce.
Since Saturn also rules the very stability upon which we stand, the ground, we might just see some very bad earthquakes, continued tornadoes and other natural catastrophes. Uranus, the planet of sudden and unexpected events, was very prominent in the chart of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. It closely opposed Neptune and squared Mercury setting up a t-square, one of the most unstable and difficult aspects in astrology.
NEW MOON:
The New Moon falls on Wednesday February 6th
at 10:44 P.M. EST at 17 degrees Aquarius 44 minutes. We begin this month with Mercury still in retrograde until the 18th.
Pay attention to details and use caution while traveling, especially around the
17th – 18th when Mercury turns around and begins to
go forward. This month may be filled with surprises and adventures. Aquarius is
an energy that is easily bored and often seeks out the exciting and unusual. Because
the Sun will aspect Saturn, Neptune and Pluto, this month this will be a period
of flux and changeable attitudes. Try not to hold on to preconceived notions
and allow the universe to show you new and stimulating things.
THE SUN CONJUNCT NEPTUNE:
On Sunday February 10th at 9:04 P.M. EST this confusing and often debilitating aspect
completes. This could be a time of self-doubt and misunderstandings. Make sure
you are understood and that you understand what others are saying. If this aspect
hits a sensitive point in your own chart this may be a day of difficulties,
especially when dealing with other people. This is often a bad day in the
financial markets, but since this falls on a Sunday it may pass without
concern, or its effects may have been felt last Friday or tomorrow when the
markets open.
THE SUN TRINES MARS:
On Thursday February 14th at 11:39 A.M. EST this positive and useful transit completes. There
will be a lot of energy in the air, and with Mars being activated it can easily
manifest in personal relationships. This can produce a sexual energy that
requires attention. It should be easy to be assertive without being aggressive.
This is not a bad aspect to have on ValentineÕs Day.
VENUS ENTERS AQUARIUS:
On Sunday February 17th at 11:22 A.M. EST the planet of love enters the most erratic of
signs. Romance will be a bit unusual for the next few weeks, and you may find
that you or your paramour needs more freedom. You may be attracted to someone
quite different from your usual taste. Look for excitement either in a new
relationship or an existing one. This is the time to inject a little enthusiasm
and experimentation in your life.
MERCURY GOES DIRECT:
On Monday February 18th at 9:57 P.M. EST the winged god of communication finally gets itself
turned back around. For a day or so while this is changing direction you really
should be extra careful of misunderstandings, confusion, mistakes and problems
with mechanical devices. Protect your computer and data. Now that the
retrograde has completed we may very well see a turn around in amazing
presidential race. Polls will be different and some inconvenient truths may
emerge. If you have been waiting for communications they should arrive soon. Things
will rapidly pick up speed, and everyone will be rushing to make up for lost
time. That may lead to even more troubles, so take a deep breath and pay
attention to details.
THE SUN ENTERS PISCES:
On Tuesday February 19th at 1:50 A.M. EST we enter the mutable water sign, and the last of
the zodiac. This is a time of completions and tying up loose ends. Pisces is
more interested in the ethereal and spiritual side of life, and for the next
month we will all be caught in the Neptunian zone this sign creates. Confusion
and misunderstandings are common, so make sure you comprehend what is going on.
This is a time of charity, faith and selflessness. The ego is least important
to this sign.
THE SUN SEXTILES PLUTO:
Also on Tuesday February 19th at 5:46 P.M. EST
this positive aspect completes. We will
not be satisfied with superficial answers today. Delve deeply into any issue
and you will be able to uncover the truth. This is a time to examine your life
and your projects and see which ones are working to your advantage. You will be
better able to make changes in your direction now, and you should take
advantage of this force.
FULL MOON:
This monthÕs lunar peak occurs on Wednesday February 20th at 10:03 P.M. EST at 1 degree Virgo 53 minutes. This sign is perhaps the most critical of all, and anything that is out of balance, overstated or overvalued will be corrected during the next two and a half weeks. Relationships, projects and business deals will be carefully scrutinized, and any that are not on the up and up will be exposed. An aspect that occurs in the first 2 degrees of any sign is most influential, and with Saturn transiting Virgo now we could see some serious action in the financial markets, especially the banking industry.
THE SUN OPPOSES SATURN:
On Sunday February 24th at 4:48 A.M. EST this difficult aspect completes. Things will be
tested under this aspect, and any project or deal that is not working out will
be forced to change. This is not usually a very social aspect, so I wouldnÕt
plan a party or first date for today. There will be a feeling of tiredness or
lethargy in the air. If this hits a sensitive point in your chart this could be
a demanding day. Pay attention to your responsibilities and obligations and
focus your mind on work.
MERCURY CONJUNCTS VENUS:
On Tuesday February 26th at 12:52 P.M. EST this pleasant aspect comes along. All forms of
communication will be light-hearted and easy going. Most of us will not wish to
argue or fight under this Venus energy, and it would be better to wait until
this passes to have any important discussion. Although this is a positive
aspect, it is too easy to give ground and make compromises that you normally
wouldnÕt consider agreeing to, so donÕt make any final decisions until this
passes.
MARS ENTERS CANCER:
On Tuesday March 4th at 5:01 A.M. EST the god of war enters the most emotional of signs.
This is a difficult transit for Mars. It is exalted in the opposite sign of
Capricorn, so it is said to be in its fall in this sign. There is a tendency
towards overly empathetic reactions to things. Because Mars rules the ego, it
is easy to become too personally involved in issues and respond in an
inappropriately expressive or emotional manner. Your feelings can get caught up
in your self-image and muddy the waters of your intellect. Those born with this
placement know this response quite well.
VENUS CONJUNCTS NEPTUNE:
On Thursday March 6th at 7:03 P.M. EST this sometimes confusing aspect completes. This is
a time to delve into the religious or spiritual side of life. In relationships
it is easy to misunderstand what is going on, or to misread the other person.
Relationships begun under this aspect are difficult and have an unreal quality
about them. This is a great time to do charity work, help out anyone in your
life or push your creative juices to their limit. But it is not such a good
time for romance or money matters, both of which could cause you endless grief
as you try to separate reality from fantasy.
MARS OPPOSES PLUTO:
On Friday March 7th at 4:05 A.M. EST this dangerous and difficult aspect comes along. We
all should be careful today, as this opposition will involve power struggles
with others. There is no easy way to deal with a Mars – Pluto aspect
except to show it the respect it deserves and avoid direct confrontations. Even
the simplest of things can turn into a disagreement or battle. Try to avoid
most quarrels, unless the situation demands your attention. Many of the
conflicts that occur now will not be important enough to fight over. It is just
the desire for arguments that is being activated, and most people will be more
than willing to fight over anything, no matter how mundane.
DARK OF THE MOON:
The next New Moon falls on Saturday March 7th
at 12:14 P.M. EST at 17 degrees Pisces 31 minutes. The day or two leading up to
it will be a particularly low energy period. If you tend to be emotional this
may be a very trying time each month. I
have found that people with prominent moons or a Cancer Sun, Moon or ascendant
respond to the cycles of the moon more intensely than others. Spend this time
finishing up anything that is incomplete, donÕt try to initiate new projects on
a waning moon, it just wonÕt work out. Once the New Moon hits you begin new
projects or attempt a new approach to an existing problem. If you have been
living in a situation or involved in a relationship that is intolerable or has
outlived its usefulness this would be the proper time to move on with your
life. If you have been working on a project that is almost complete but you
seem to lack the energy for the finality, you must push during these low energy
days to end the matter once and for all. If you donÕt, when the New Moon
arrives it will bring this ÒdeadÓ energy along with it and conflict with the
newer force being presented. Each month we are offered a chance to clean house,
so to speak.
Note: All aspects are most powerful and effective as they
apply. Once the transit has completed, its force is lessened. The further it
separates the weaker it becomes.
Below is a list of times this month when the Moon is Void of
Course and neither important decisions nor purchases should be made during
these periods. The Void of Course Moon is a time when we should try to center
ourselves and deal with spiritual matters not materialistic ones. Any decisions
made on the VC Moon will not turn out the way we had expected.
The Moon is Void of Course from the time it makes its last major aspect in a sign until it enters the next sign. For example, if the Moon squares Mars at 27 degrees Aries and then has no more aspects until it enters Taurus it will be Void of Course for three degrees or about 6 hours. The aspects used are the conjunction, sextile, square, trine, and opposition.
All times are Eastern Daylight:
February 7th 10:50 A.M. – 8:46 P.M.
February 9th 4:05 P.M. – February 10th 1:17 A.M.
February 11th 8:00 P.M. – February 12th 4:34 A.M.
February 14th 12:05 A.M. – 7:19 A.M.
February 16th 5:17 A.M. – 10:12 A.M.
February 17th 4:13 P.M. – February 18th 1:51 P.M.
February 20th 12:53 P.M. – 7:06 P.M.
February 22nd 9:15 P.M. – February 23rd 2:45 A.M.
February 25th 8:35 A.M. – 1:06 P.M.
February 27th 9:54 A.M. – February 28th 1:22 A.M.
March 1st 11:54 A.M. – 1:33 P.M.
March 3rd 1:16 A.M. – 11:24 P.M.
March 5th 4:46 P.M. – March 6th 5:53 A.M.
Mitchell Scott Lewis
February 2008
New York City
(212) 726-3814
Copyright 2008
All Rights Reserved