I’ve been reading and enjoying The Seeker’s Field Guide by Dana Kester McCabe, a widely respected Quaker minister and my sister. I’ve been reflecting back on the spiritual cycles I’ve been through in my 66 trips around the sun. For most people, months or years go by without one thought of God, the inner life or the hereafter. Much depends on a person’s environment, the guidance of parents or lack thereof, the inner urges or the rocks and shoals of life in general. There are many paths to God.
In the beginning, I was brought up in the loving arms of Quakers. Once released into the world I forgot my roots and my main priority was to have as much fun as possible. During my twenties, my outlook began to change. One July day when I was driving to work something came over me. I was looking out at the blue summer sky and the horizon and I felt like I was above the world looking down on all the small people trying to make money. I was on a mountain top. Nothing material mattered. It was a feeling I couldn’t put a label on. Peaceful but elated. God was whispering in my ear. Here I am, remember me. I suddenly had the key to the answers of life. I didn’t deserve it. I was just a kid. I almost wanted to turn around and not go to work.
After that, things like this happened from time to time, into my thirties, while I was rolling with the punches in between. It was the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune that got me more involved with astrology, and a lot of other stuff. Tarot, crystals, the study of the chakras, Edgar Cayce, reincarnation, the Bible, just to name a few. I became a seeker. I wanted more answers.
Often something bad happens to a person that makes him “get religion”. They hit rock bottom for some reason and look to a higher power for redemption. I’ve been there. When I came down from the mountain top, that first time, the still, small voice (God) said to me that I still had to get on with my life in the real world. Right after that, I got fired from my job. I didn’t see it coming. What just happened? I came back to reality fast.
As it turned out, my spiritual journey wound down quite a bit after age 35, and I was immersed in the material world. I didn’t have a choice. There were responsibilities. I was raising my family and trying to advance my career, among other things. I had a variety of experiences. I was simply living my life like everyone else. My attitude had changed, though. I wasn’t a paragon of virtue but I had established a kind of footing. A blueprint for life.
Neptune and Pluto are important spiritual influences and they usually operate below the surface, in the subconscious. Most people grow and evolve without realizing it. When Neptune is conjunct the Sun, Moon or ascendant, the person may have a more active religious life, psychic ability or strong spiritual feelings. With Pluto, death (figuratively speaking, of an old way of life), rebirth and transformation are possible.
Jupiter and Saturn are also important spiritual influences. Jupiter is the natural ruler of Sagittarius and the 9th house. People with a strong Jupiter in their charts have deep religious feelings. It can come out in different ways. I have Jupiter with my Sun and Moon so it was meant for me to have an active spiritual life of some kind, once I put away childish things. My father had the Sun and several planets in Sagittarius and he was highly evolved, an active and beloved Quaker minister. Saturn the teacher brings patience, endurance, maturity and wisdom.
The transits point the way. During my twenties I had Pluto moving through Libra, my 8th house (rules the mysteries of life, death, rebirth, transformation, among other worldly things), towards a conjunction with natal Neptune. Pluto is at home in the 8th house. Uranus was in Scorpio, the 9th house (religion, spiritual growth, higher learning), square natal Pluto. Technically, I have Saturn conjunct Neptune straddling the cusp of the 9th house. When I had the experience in the car, I just had a Jupiter return (to his natal place). There is some kind of expansion and growth during a Jupiter return, every twelve years. Saturn was moving through Virgo into the 8th house (preceding the first Saturn return). I had a difficult time and learned important things during that transit. I had a similar experience when Saturn went through there during my fifties (preceding the second Saturn return). The 12th house is also important. It represents solitude, reflection, the inner life and spiritual retreats. Places you go to alone, in order to meet God.
Check out The Seeker’s Field Guide by Dana Kester McCabe. I give it 5 stars!
Celestial Almanac: Full Aquarius Moon August 3, Leo New Moon August 19.
Now you can go back to your coffee and your laptop. But remember, Spirit can show up anytime, anywhere, so keep your inner hearing open. Read on for the August forecast. Enjoy the rest of your summer and for the greater good, wear a mask and keep your social distance.
Mars is still here and slowing down. Next month Mars will station so his visit is extended until after the New Year. Forgive me, I made a big mistake last month. Mars will get close to Taurus but station Rx in 28 Aries before he gets there. Oops, sorry about that. For the next several months Mars will square the planets in Capricorn, so present conditions may stay roughly the same. In the greater world, there will be continued clashes with authority figures. There are breakers ahead. But some challenges won’t be as difficult as others. Just be prepared. Be patient and control your temper. On a lighter note, with Venus in Cancer you may have a happy family gathering or buy new things for your home.
Uranus stations Rx on August 15. You may not notice anything happening. It is a good time to plan and incubate ideas which may be developed in the future, such as original solutions and inventions. If there is a disruption or setback, work with it. It may be an opportunity in disguise. With Mars square the planets in Capricorn travel is not recommended until after the New Year. If you go, just be careful and have plan B ready. With Venus in Cancer, creativity, friendships and neighborhood activities are favored.
Venus is here just for a few more days. She is the morning star so take a look before dawn. All friendships, creative pursuits, shopping and finances are favored. Get your hair done and buy something nice for yourself. Neptune Rx in your career house may bring confusion or uncertainty. There could be something shady going on around you. Keep your eyes and ears open. But don’t worry. There may be no change at all. You can develop ideas for the future. Because of Mars group activities are important. You may be put in charge.
Read about Aries. Because of the Mars squares there are challenges and disruptions, in partnerships or in your career. They may be major or of no consequence at all. Things might not be so bad. You can still get along and work things out, with patience, faith and a little bit of luck. Look at the bigger picture. Everything happens for a reason. A relationship may have served its purpose. Something better may be just around the corner. A change in direction is coming. This is typical of the square. But wait, one more thing! Venus arrives here on August 7. That is lovely! Do nice things for yourself. You’re beautiful. There could be a little romance.
While the Sun is here, you’re in the spotlight. Promote yourself and your accomplishments. Your plans and activities are proceeding nicely. Generally, this is a highly positive period for Leos. Entertainment, publishing and the arts are favored. The Full Moon on August 3 will bring a successful conclusion of some kind. A project turns out well. At the New Moon on August 19, you may start a project or turn over a new leaf. You may want to travel but like I told Taurus, be careful, or put off going for a while.
When the Sun arrives here on August 22, you will be the center of attention. Your ruling planet Mercury is flying through the zodiac and arrives here just ahead of the Sun on August 20. This is a positive time for Virgos. There is an emphasis on communications, technology, creative activities, construction, crafts, sewing, writing, anything to do with the hands. Teaching, nursing, cooking, serving in restaurants and working with children are favored. All forms of service, all Virgo ruled activities. Looks like you will be busy.
Like last month, conditions in relationships may be volatile. You may be in an affair with a very fiery or demanding person, for example. Be patient and meet him halfway. Some marriages thrive on that kind of excitement. I know some couples who fight all the time, but they love each other. There may be a change coming if you have come to the end of the road with the other person. If you are not in a relationship you may just be more sensitive than usual. It will pass. With Venus in your career house, diplomacy, the arts and professional relationships with women are favored.
The Sun in Leo benefits your career house in some way. You may receive recognition or a favor from higher-ups. You may get a promotion or a job offer. Watch the New Moon on August 19. It is a favorable time to apply for jobs, or go to interviews. Corporations are favored. You can make a good impression no matter what you do, even if you are not on the job trail. The Capricorn planets affect what is going on in your neighborhood, as well as travel. Be careful out there. Stay home and stay safe.
With the Sun and Mars both in fire signs, this is generally favorable for Sagittarius. They form a grand trine with your sun. You have protection from above. As with last month, your health is good and you have lots of energy but make sure that energy is properly focused. Building projects, children’s activities, sports and fitness are favored. Because of the Capricorn planets there is some involvement with finances. The Mars square may present some challenges but you will come out on top.
The Mars squares affect your home life and by polarity, your career. Something you wanted to accomplish isn’t meant to be. Or, a change in direction is coming, such as retirement or a sabbatical. That’s how squares work, sometimes. Take a step back and the big picture will look different. If you have a falling-out with someone, there is a lesson in it somewhere. Let the dust settle, give each other some space, then shake hands and start over. Incidentally, Venus in Cancer will help things out a lot. Romance and close relationships are favored.
The Sun in Leo the first half of the month, along with Mercury, favors relationships and marriage. The Full Aquarius Moon on August 3, Leo New Moon on August 19 will be good days for you. A new romance may be just around the corner. Because of Uranus there may be changes at home. You might be restless and want to move away, downsize or travel. You are thinking about it but it is not the time to act yet. With Venus in Cancer, relationships with your colleagues or professional comrades are favorable and harmonious.
Venus in Cancer is lovely for you. Romance, friendships, children, the arts, creative inspiration, entertainment and leisure time are favored. Relax and have some fun. Arrange a barbecue or day on the beach, with the proper precautions, of course. You need love and affection, so put it out there. Mercury in Virgo on August 20 improves communications, particularly in marriage as well as business affairs. When the Sun arrives in Virgo, work on your marriage. Rekindle the fires and take your sweetheart out on a romantic date.