MONTHLY SINCE 1999
ISSUE # 110
LIVING BY STARLIGHT
AN
ASTROLOGICAL NEWSLETTER
BY MITCHELL SCOTT LEWIS
With so much bad news – housing prices crashing, unemployment exploding, credit problems expanding, why are the stocks moving sideways and not collapsing? Because astrology works, thatÕs why. There are two transits that are responsible for this marketÕs present sustainability. The first is Saturn in trine to Pluto. This is a very supportive aspect that is creating a temporary foundation (Saturn) for the financial markets (Pluto). It generates a momentary balance psychologically, and a belief that the underlying foundation is firm and stable. The DOW should be around 10,000 and heading down with the type of news we are receiving. But for the moment support is holding. That is the power of this trine. It will allow you to use it, if you are proactive. And the Feds, the banks and the traders have certainly been that. But this support will not be here much longer. Saturn passes out of orb of the trine to Pluto by early May, and that support will be removed.
The 2nd active transit is Jupiter sextile Uranus, a transit associated with exuberance and hope. Often there are surprises and sudden financial gains, and with the support of the Saturn – Pluto trine, the markets have been able to make use of this energy and continue to produce optimism and faith. But as the Saturn – Pluto trine separates it will become more difficult to find the structure and reality underneath this optimism. However, the Jupiter – Uranus sextile lingers through the spring and early summer, and then returns in the fall. This could certainly lead to some rallies in the stocks and even the belief that we have seen the bottom of this crisis, but without that Saturn – Pluto trine I doubt there will be much to support this economy. This sextile completes for the last time on November 13th, which coincides with the Full Moon in Taurus, ruler of money and values. It is shortly after Election Day, when the first pass of Saturn opposite Uranus completes. This is one of the most unsettling and potentially disruptive aspects in the zodiac. Saturn rules all things of stability, while Uranus is explosive, upsetting and unpredictable. As it approaches I will continue to discuss its potentials. But the combination of energies certainly looks like a crash.
The price of commodities is through the roof. Everyone who shops for their household knows what is going on. Every 36 years Saturn opposes Neptune, and every 36 years we have inflation and recession together. It got so bad the last time this transit occurred that Nixon was forced to put in price-wage freezes in an attempt to halt the inflation. LetÕs see how bad it gets over the next several years. There is already a rice shortage in Asia that is causing alarm in some countries. The worldwide demand for wheat, corn, soy beans, etc. is going to continue to drive the prices up. Gold will probably go to $1,500 an ounce before stopping. Oil could go either way now. Its price is artificially inflated, and a deepening recession could force lower prices. But since this is a manipulated commodity anyway, it is also possible that the mirroring of the 1970s, when there was an oil embargo, will continue and the price of oil could go to $200 a barrel. There is a good possibility that at some point during the transit of Pluto through Capricorn events will lead to a time when the trading of oil on the open market will cease, and it will be controlled by an international eminent domain.
Saturn will oppose Uranus 3
times over the next year. The first completion of this aspect is on Election
Day. Saturn rules all things that are
stable, secure and attached to the past. Uranus rules things that are new,
revolutionary and future oriented. Obviously this election will be a battle
between the old and the new. I have found that when these two energies are in
competition it is usually Uranus that wins out. But however this transit plays
itself out politically and economically it never comes along without creating
upsetting and destructive events. The last time Saturn and Uranus
were conjunct was right after Black Monday, October 19th 1987, when
the DOW lost more than 22% of its value in one day.
I donÕt know the exact date of the crash yet, but there is little doubt it is coming. There are several potential dates that I will present in the near future. Unemployment is going to continue to rise. We are in a similar period to the Ō70s, and are confronting many remarkably parallel situations, including inflation and recession at the same time. The prices are going through the roof and more people are having difficulties making a living. More than 5 years ago I began predicting that this was where our society was heading. The class distinction is the most severe it has ever been. And as the recession deepens so many living on the fragile bottom of the middle class will be tipped into poverty. The Saturn – Neptune opposition, Jupiter transiting restrictive Capricorn, and now Saturn opposite Uranus all add up to makings of an economic catastrophe.
Pluto has entered Capricorn, a powerful harbinger of what the world is becoming. Here are a few thoughts on the subject. Capricorn rules the banking industry. It has to do with all things long-term and structured, interest bearing and secure. Pluto is the planet that rules the process of rejuvenation, or death and rebirth. It is never satisfied with what is on the surface and always delves deeply into the undercurrent. It rules the removal of waste. In the home it is represented by garbage pails, disposals and toilets. In the body it rules the colon, sweat glands etc. It seeks decay and brings it out into the open. What Pluto is doing now is taking out the garbage in Capricorn.
As Pluto entered Capricorn for the first time in January, the truth behind the banking industries and its problems began to emerge. As Pluto gets settled into Capricorn over this coming year, we will see more things uncovered including any rot that is festering beneath the surface of other banks. The Bear Sterns debacle was the representation of that aspect beginning, but by far not the end. Pluto will retrograde out of Capricorn and back into Sagittarius from June through November during which the world may gain a false sense of optimism about our financial future. But that is a pigÕs laundry. (Hogwash)
Pluto is going to seek out all decay and bring it out into the open. Banks will die and be reborn, most likely in the Capricorn fashion of fewer, more structured and focused. This could lead to a few banks owning everything. Not a pleasant thought.
What we are seeing at the beginning of this transit is just how much power a very few people have. Pluto will uncover whatever is there. It is up to us to make use of the knowledge revealed. If you ignore a Pluto transit you will most likely live through it, but you will pay the price for not dealing with the issues at hand for a long time. The banking industry is sick. It has an internal disease created by greed and corruption. We are a debtorÕs society with a weak dollar, a huge deficit and a slowing economy. As times get worse we will hear some horrible solutions being offered by people no smarter than you and I, but by virtue of their jobs they will be able to instigate terrible solutions. The few wish to control the many, and one way would be to grab virtually all the power by pushing us into a cashless society where everything you own, owe or ever did will be on one card. There is now a Monopoly game that doesnÕt use cash, it uses a credit card. ŅTeach your children wellÉÓ
As the joke goes:
Two commodities traders are walking in the woods when a bear comes tearing out of the brush. The two run with all their might and when they have gained a bit of distance from the bear one stops and takes a pair of running shoes out of his backpack.
ŅWhat are you doing?Ó asked the other trader. ŅThe bear is just around that curve.Ó
ŅI just realized my priorities,Ó says the other, ŅI only have to beat you.Ó
You want to know whatÕs wrong with America?
ThatÕs pretty much how everyone feels.
I only have to beat you.
NEW MOON:
The New Moon falls on Saturday April
5th at 11:55 P.M. EST at 16 degrees Aries 44 minutes. This is the first New Moon of the zodiacal year and
a time for new beginnings. Aries like to begin things but they donÕt always
complete them. Try to initiate projects that have an end in sight. DonÕt just
start things for the thrill of the moment. You may wind up with a lot of
unfinished business near the Full Moon.
VENUS SQUARES PLUTO:
On Sunday April 6th
at 11:47 P.M. EST this intense aspect
completes. Feelings will be raw and there is a compulsive side to this transit
that should be watched. It is easy to become overly infatuated with a person or
thing only to discover that it isnÕt very good for you in the long run. If you
have feelings for someone they will become difficult to hide. Try not to be too
pushy in love relationships.
THE SUN SQUARES JUPITER:
On Thursday April 9th
at 10:11 A.M. EST this expansive and
optimistic aspect occurs. For the most part people will be outgoing and
gregarious. There is a tendency to overdo things and make promises you can not
keep. Trouble with authority figures if quite possible if this sets off a
sensitive point in your chart. Try to keep things in perspective and this will
be a pleasant and adventurous day.
MERCURY SQUARES MARS:
Also on Thursday April 10th
at 1:14 P.M. EST this argumentative
transit comes along. The ego will be involved in most conversations, so be
careful not to fight useless battles. Use caution when traveling, especially by
car. Anger creates accidents, and there will be a lot of tension in the air.
Try not to let your own pressures get the better of you.
THE SUN SEXTILES NEPTUNE:
On Sunday April 13th
at 1:49 P.M. EST this creative aspect
completes. This is a good day for artists of all kinds. It also favors charity
and service to others. Use your instincts and you will make the right
decisions.
MURCURY SEXTILES NEPTUNE:
On Monday April 14th
at 6:10 P.M. EST the above mentioned
energy continues, due to the Sun – Mercury conjunct about to complete.
Anything spiritual or ethereal will be of interest. DonÕt expect people to be
totally logical. This isnÕt as confusing as the hard aspects, but it still can
crate a bit of a fog around conversations and other communications. These
sextiles are positive in their potential, but they must be used proactively or
they will not be very functional. And whenever Neptune is involved, even in a
positive aspect, you must use caution and expect some miscommunication.
THE SUN CONJUNCTS MERCURY:
On Wednesday April 16th
at 3:24 A.M. EST this quick moving aspect
occurs. People may be quite willful, and arguments are certainly possible.
Conjuncts are neither a positive nor a negative force. Rather they represent
the power associated with the two planets involved. What you do with that power
is what we call free will. This will be a very active day for short journeys
and communications of all sorts, especially if this aspect hits a sensitive
point in your chart.
MERCURY ENTERS TAURUS:
On Thursday April 17th
at 5:07 P.M. EST the planet of
communication enters this rather stubborn sign. It may be difficult to change
someoneÕs mind for the next few weeks. Expect a slow down in communications and
travel. This may coincide with a lot of road work or some accidents that
restrict travel. Money and values will become the main concern for many and
could become prominent in your thoughts. This would be a good time to ponder
ways to improve your financial situation and begin creating plans to implement
those changes. But it will take until Mercury enters Gemini before we can talk
about it.
MERCURY TRINES PLUTO:
On Friday April 18th
at 5:21 A.M. EST this positive aspect
completes. We will all be looking for deeper answers to our queries today.
Superficial responses will not work. The depth of conversation may surprise
you. But again, the trines and sextiles must be used or you wonÕt feel them.
MERCURY TRINES SATURN:
Also on Friday April 18th
at 2:11 P.M. EST this aspect completes. Because
Saturn is in trine to Pluto in the sky now, the transiting planets will aspect
both in close proximity. This part of the equation will add structure and a
sense of reality to any conversation or other communication. This is a good
time to get paper work out of the way.
THE SUN ENTERS TAURUS:
On Saturday April 19th at 12:51 P.M. EST we enter the fixed earth sign. Issues of money and values will be most prominent this month (what a surprise!). With the economy in the shape it is in there will be several important financial issues that arise over the next few weeks. The Scorpio Full Moon that arrives tomorrow could be the harbinger of more difficult things to come. With Mercury already in this sign you can expect people to be stubborn and unyielding. Look for ways to compromise that wonÕt make you regret your decisions later on.
FULL MOON:
This monthÕs lunar peak occurs on Sunday April 20th at 6:25 A.M. EST at 0 degrees Scorpio 43 minutes. This is a powerful Full Moon every year, but landing at zero degrees shows just how intense it could be this year. Because we have the Pluto – Saturn trine continuing, and the Jupiter – Uranus sextile, we may be spared the absolute worst that this could represent. These two aspects give support to our financial markets. However, the underbelly is so infected and distorted this could go either way. Pay attention when you are dealing with others, and try to avoid confrontations. This is a deep feeling and intense energy that could set off some people. Misunderstandings could result in loud arguments or even physical violence.
THE SUN TRINES PLUTO:
Also on Sunday April 20th
at 2:54 P.M. EST more Scorpio energy
(Pluto rules Scorpio) is released. This is a positive transit that will set off
the Pluto – Saturn trine and create what we call a grand trine. This is a
great opportunity to get things accomplished in your life. The support for
change is present, and if used properly these few days can be quite productive.
THE SUN TRINES SATURN:
On Monday April 21st at 9:05 A.M. EST this second trine completes. This is a day of reality when things will be clear and concise. There is no time for illusions when Saturn is involved, and with so many of us concerned with the state of the economy, this would be a good time to set some ground rules for your life to help you contend with the coming storm. You should use the energy today to complete any projects that are demanding your attention.
MARS TRINES URANUS:
On Tuesday April 22nd at 10:47 A.M. EST this trine completes. There will be a lot of excess energy in the air, but you should be able to control and project it where it can do the most good. People will tend to be assertive without being too aggressive. The trines are usable if you focus on them.
VENUS SQUARES MARS:
On Wednesday April 23rd
at 2:07 P.M. EST the male and female
planets are in conflict, and you can expect similar manifestations.
Relationships between the sexes will be strained, so I wouldnÕt choose today to
try and work things out. There will be feelings of aggressiveness in love
relationships, which can be quite stimulating as long as it has a means of
expression. If the relationship is stifled or unfulfilling this can be a very
frustrating and argumentative day.
VENUS SQUARES JUPITER:
Also on Wednesday April 23rd at 9:36 P.M. EST this transit adds to the energy mentioned above. Usually this is a very pleasant, although somewhat lethargic transit. The main concerns are with overeating or frivolous spending. However, with Mars and Jupiter active on Venus this will be a much more energetic and adventurous day than usual. The Jupiter energy will blow everything out of proportion, and with Mars in opposition to Jupiter now, the combination of these aspects is creating a very interesting few days when all of the normal reactions will be exaggerated. Sexual relationships will be active and stimulating. Any new affair that begins now will have much to teach the participants. But because Jupiter expands everything beyond its normal boundaries, you must use some caution and self-imposed limitations to ensure that you are not overreacting to the situation.
MARS OPPOSES JUPITER:
On Thursday April 24th
at 9:23 A.M. EST this exuberant and
optimistic transit completes. Be careful not to blow things out of proportion
today. Mars rules the ego and Jupiter expands whatever it comes in contact
with. If someone is in a bad mood it will be easy to set them off. By the same
token any pleasantness will also be exaggerated. Use this energy with caution,
but do use it. If you keep thing in perspective and control your own ego urges
and temper this can be a very exciting and creative few days. Relationships
will be active and you should look for adventurous things to do together. New
relationships will be exciting and expansive, but because of the mars –
Venus square they may also be tempestuous.
MERCURY SEXTILES URANUS:
On Sunday April 27th
at 10:36 P.M. EST this positive transit
completes. Thoughts and communications of all sorts will be busy and quick
paced, so keep an eye on things and make sure they donÕt get out of control.
This transit can produce feelings of nervousness, but in general this is a
useful and mentally energetic day. Your mind will be working well and you will
be better able to think things through. The combination of these two planets
often brings insights and new or unusual ways of dealing with the issues in
your life. Keep your mind open and allow new concepts in.
MERCURY TRINES JUPITER:
On Monday April 28th
at 9:41 A.M. EST the mental energies
continue to be prominent. This is an optimistic and outgoing transit. You can
expect people to be quite chatty and willing to discuss things openly. Because
of the Jupiter – Uranus sextile occurring now these two planets will be
aspected together. There is a desire to have some fun, and we should all try to
engage in activities that are a bit unusual and adventurous. This is a
wonderful few days for any type important conversation or any type of writing.
MERCURY SQUARES NEPTUNE:
On Tuesday April 29th
at 9:10 A.M. EST the mental energy changes
rather suddenly. You must be careful of misunderstandings and mistakes today.
The confusion that accompanies Neptune will be generated through the Mercury,
and you must make sure you are understood and that you understand others. If
you are traveling today please use extra caution and make sure you know the
directions.
VENUS ENTERS TAURUS:
On Wednesday April 30th
at 9:34 A.M. EST the planet that rules
love and possessions enters one of the signs it rules. This is a wonderful
placement for Venus. It denotes a period of security, faithfulness and
centering in relationships. This doesnÕt mean that your marriage is suddenly
going to be like it was on the honeymoon. But it should be easier to have
discussions and make plans regarding the two issues that decide the fate of a
marriage: love and money. Taurus is a stubborn sign, and compromise is the
easiest way to get what you want through this energy. So seek ways of making a
deal rather than wasting time fighting things out. (In my years trading
cotton on the Mercantile exchange the cotton pit traders familiar with my work
referred to this as the Purim trade – cotton usually makes a bull run
during the weeks Venus is in Taurus. LetÕs see if it holds true this year.)
VENUS TRINES PLUTO:
On Thursday May 1st at 3:46 A.M. EST Venus now sets off the Pluto – Saturn trine. Love will be seen from a deeper and more realistic perspective. The truth about relationships will be revealed, but because these are trines you should be able to readily deal with any information that comes out now. Superficial attitudes and answers will not suffice now.
VENUS TRINES SATURN:
Also on
Thursday May 1st at 6:20 P.M. EST
the second half of this grand trine completes. This would be a good day to make
a budget, go shopping or make plans for your financial future. This Saturn
– Pluto trine will not be here much longer, and any structured
investments you wish to make should be viewed careful now and then put in
place. (These trine should support the price of cotton, at least
temporarily. But be careful around June 19th; that could be a
turnaround.
MERCURY ENTERS GEMINI:
On Friday May 2nd at
4:00 P.M. EST Mercury enters the sign of
its rulership. Thoughts and
communications will pick up speed and people will have a strong desire to get
their ideas and opinions out. After a month of being in slow moving Taurus, the
need to chat will be evident. Be careful, as things do tend to move rather
quickly and it is easy to make mistakes or have minor accidents. Just pay
attention to the moment and this will be a very positive month for all
communications.
SATURN GOES DIRECT:
Also on Friday May 2nd
at 11:07 P.M. EST this planet of karma
will turn around after almost 5 months in retrograde. Any business plans that
have been delayed should move forward now. It is always better to begin a new
business with Saturn going direct, if possible. There may be bit of a
turnaround in the housing markets as well, but certainly nothing to denote a
major change or the bottom of the market. This will probably only be a small
up-tick that is a result of this redirection and the Saturn – Pluto
trine. Remember, that trine is separating now, and each day its positive and
supportive energies will lessen.
MERCURY SQUARES SATURN:
On Saturday May 3rd
at 3:50 P.M. EST our thoughts and speech
will be more serious and restrictive. It may be difficult to communicate with
others and there will be delays in travel and communiquˇs. If the check is in
the mail you will most likely receive it after the New Moon on Monday. This is
a good day to check your work and your plans to see if there are any flaws.
Your mind will be critical and you will be able to pay attention to detail.
This isnÕt a good day to begin anything new.
DARK OF THE MOON:
The next New Moon falls on Monday
May 5th at 8:18 A.M. EST at 15 degrees Taurus 22 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 ŅdeadÓ 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:
April 6th 11:02 A.M. – 9:20 P.M.
April 8th 11:13 A.M. – 9:27 P.M.
April 10th 12:11 P.M. – 10:43 P.M.
April 12th 2:32 P.M. – April 13th 2:29 A.M.
April 15th 12:56 A.M. – 9:07 A.M.
April 17th 1:59 A.M. – 6:10 P.M.
April 19th 4:55 P.M. – April 20th 5:00 A.M.
April 22nd 4:54 A.M. – 5:07 P.M.
April 24th 5:38 P.M. – April 25th 5:47 A.M.
April 27th 10:18 A.M. – 5:27 P.M.
April 30th 1:25 A.M. – 2:11 A.M.
May 2nd 5:34 A.M. – 6:51 A.M.
May 4th 3:16 A.M. – 7:58 A.M.
Mitchell Scott Lewis
April 2008
New York City
(212) 726-3814
Copyright 2008
All Rights Reserved