Some years fizzle out and quietly the new year dawns. That is not the case as 2003 gives way to 2004. The new millenium is about to get into full swing. This year might be the one when we give a name to the decade in progress. In my mind I am naming the year 2004 as Diversity. I am recycling the quote from the Gemini 2003 issue - some of the concepts I addressed in that column regarding the sign of Gemini become crucial in understanding the Venus Cycle in Gemini.
When
I was a kid it was great to know ahead of time that next year would be a leap
year (by the way 2004 is). Nowadays I want to know a lot more than that, and
thus every year I pull out a list of major astrological events and then take
a look at what these cycles brought in the past and what is likely to happen
in terms of events for the year. This year I have broken this down to astrological
fact sheets with dates and degrees and past events listing notes. The links
are within the text or in the sidebar of write ups.
To skip intro just read signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.
There are four to six eclipses each year. These happen near the Nodes of the Moon, which figuratively link together the Essence of the Sun and the Moon in a 18.6 years period. The Moon represents our emotions, instinctive responses and memories. The Sun is our ego, vitality and represents what we are becoming in the course of our lives. The eclipses are timers in astrology and tend to result in events for individuals, countries and other entities who have planets or points at the degrees. For the rest of us the eclipses highlight activity in two to four areas of life for a slightly longer period. I have noticed that eclipses that occur close to the Nodes appear to have more impact. The Lunar eclipses in 2004 are within approx. 3° of the Nodes and are likely to be felt more pronounced. Due to Uranus' aspect to the Nodes in August I would pick the October 27 eclipse as the most potent.
In order to understand what these cycles may bring you, think back to the
same time period in 1985, 1966, 1947 and 1928. Additionally, the Scorpio and
Taurus Lunar Eclipses occur at points, which were recently activated in November
2003 and Autumn 2002. See list below for astrological details or open the
same on my notes page. (EclipseNotes.htm). I also wrote a fair bit about the
Star of David Pattern of that November Eclipse in the Scorpio
2003 and Sagittarius 2003 columns and
won't repeat it here. In 2002 we had Venus in Scorpio for four months. (also
see Libra 2002, Scorpio
2002).
In a nutshell - these full Moon Eclipses bring issues we were looking at during the above time frames into heightened focus. Think of a spot light that is so close that it is almost burning a hole into the surface of the issue. Venus is about our values, priorities, love, desires and our inner (and outer) beauty. Whatever area was activated - applies stronger when personal planets and points are at 4-6° or at 14-16°of fixed signs (Taurus, Scorpio, Leo, Aquarius) - is now under forced scrutiny. Let's say that you have you mid-heaven (top of the chart indicating career, avocation) at one of these degrees, which could apply if you have Aquarius rising or in a solar chart if you have an Aquarius Sun. Now the analysis could go something like this: You have been looking at changing your career, improving it or have been having issues with bosses, authority and/or parents or all of the preceding. There have been events that had you ready to bolt. You have experienced dissatisfaction with where you are headed and have found an interest, passion that you had buried deep within. Now you are kinda interested in doing something about it, but time is so scarce and before you can do something about it you have all these other priorities... So when the eclipses come along in May and October, guess what? You will be gently (kidding) forced to do something about it, and if not then events that push your buttons start happening.
Let's say you have Scorpio or Taurus rising at one of those degrees. Have you been neglecting your health, exercise or plain abusing your body? If that is the case the eclipses bring health matters under that magnifying glass and it will feel like the Sun is burning a hole. Now you are forced to look at your health and take charge. If we think of Taurus in simplistic terms - it is ruled by Venus, which in turn is the ruler of our kidneys, the five senses and the planet associated with diabetes. Do you know, for example, that you have high sugar levels yet insist on eating chocolate and drinking sugar laden drinks? This is where an eclipse would bring the issue so close under your nose that you cannot continue to ignore it.
Eclipses are both great and horrible depending on what we are doing with our lives. Most of us will note nothing, or simply read something in the news. Eclipses need to activate personal points in order for us to feel them. The nodal axis that travels the heavens in the course of 18-months is on the same Taurus-Scorpio axis and that is something we may feel in our lives. I wrote an analysis for each sign on this in the Year Ahead 2003 - read it by clicking here. The Nodes shift into Aries-Libra on Xmas Day 2004, so that is something I will address in the write up for 2005. See the listing of eclipses for 2004 - NotesEclipses.htm
I wrote an article last year about Mercury that still applies this year. Mercury has distinct travel plans and I also have a listing of the retrograde periods on this site. In a nutshell Mercury typically spends three weeks breezing through a sign. He is the information gatherer, broadcaster and our travel agent. Every year, however, Mercury spends approx. 60 days travelling through three signs in the same element. In 2003 the element was Earth as it is this year. This year during the retrograde period Mercury travels back into the previous sign in the element of Fire. So a secondary element is added to our analysis of this phenomena. Let's keep in mind that in 2005 and 2006 Mercury will spend 400 days in the Element of Fire out of 730 days. Very quickly, earth is practical application of effort with the mindset of making things functional. Fire is inspired, heated, fast thinking and acting energy with the intent of get light up that proverbial fire in our belly or under our sitting bones. The extended length of his stay in an element is quite impressive and highly effective (think about a house guest that stays and stays). Click here for the dates and time lines for 2004.
In a nutshell: Signing contracts, entering into partnerships, and buying equipment with wiring
Quick Advise: So think twice and say once and even then stick to tones and words that cannot be misconstrued.
December 17, 03 at 8:02 PST - January 6, 2004 at 5:44 PST
April 6, 2004 at 14:28 PDT - April 30, 2004 at 7:05 PDT
August 9, 2004 at 18:32 PDT - September 2, 2004 at 7:09 PDT
November 30, 2004 at 4:17 PST - December 19, 2004 at 22:28 PST
Mercury is the planet of communication, merchandising and travel. Misunderstandings
are the big theme during the retrograde periods (listed above). We don't explain
things properly or use a poor choice of words. Things are blown out of proportion,
and little details are analyzed for flaws. Little casual comments such as
"Where did you get your haircut?" travel through the air and the
other party hears "Why did you let them ruin your hair?". A few
other choice comments are exchanged and before we know it, we have a long-standing
friendship on the verge of falling apart. The statements: "the cheque
is in the mail", "I didn't get your message" and "I put
it on your desk" echo hollow when there is no visible proof. So think
twice and say once and even then stick to tones and words that cannot be misconstrued.
Travel plans are subject to change, disruptions and the direct flights become
hop scotch across the country or globe.
The retrograde periods (from retrograde to direct - see
complete listing) are time periods when we experience communication, travel
and information break downs. We get ahead of ourselves just prior to the period
and then get to play catch up and explain what we really meant with our words.
During these time we should avoid signing contracts, purchasing any equipment with wiring and think twice say it once. If you do purchase equipment, vehicles, computers, etc. then do get the extended warranty, you'll be glad you did. Incidentally, I stock up with fuses for our old-fashioned power panel - save having to run to the store when the fuse blows.
So we avoid the things and actions that do not fair that well when Mercury is retrograde - about 10 weeks a year. During these periods make sure that you:
- Make a copy of your data - paper or disk
- Keep receipts together somewhere safe
- Opt for extended warranty for purchases which come with wiring
- Be prepared for delays with payments, correspondence
- Keep Virus Protection current - they seem to increase in quantity during
retrograde periods
- Be prepared to clarify your words more than once
- Don't trust rumours and do not feed them
The key prefix for Mercury retrograde periods listed above is RE. That is redo, revise, revamp, and reconnect as well as all action words that can have the prefix added plus of course, my favourite, REPAIR. Mercury is also paperwork thus it is a great time to haul out that manuscript, proposal, the Last Will you have been meaning to deal with, and other documents and go over them with a fine toothed comb and polish these up. Naturally these should not be signed until Mercury is acting normal again. After the last date for each period.
The two month stay of Mercury in each sign has a stronger influence on our
lives. (dates in MercuryNotes.htm) This concept is introduced in a separate
article - click here to read it. In a nutshell
- 2003-04 are about rolling up our sleeves and taking care of practical issues
in our lives. Sorting these things out so that we are ready to embrace the
two Mercury in Fire years, when we have the opportunity to become inspired
to pursue our dreams and higher goals. Click
here for the Mercury Cycles listing.
In
2003 Mars the planet that, for example, is descriptive of our temper and aggression,
came closer to Earth than ever in our historical experience. We had fires,
floods, wars, extreme weather and more. In 2004 we have a rare Venus occultation
in Gemini. Occultations are like eclipses with the exception that Venus is
too small to block the Sun. Astronomy calls these transits.
Occultations are like eclipses and occur at the Nodes of the planet. Each
planet has a set of slow moving nodes, which are intersections of the path
of the planet and the ecliptic. In the case of Venus the ‘eclipses' occur
at 121.5 year intervals and at the same point at 243 year intervals. The Nodes
of Venus move along at 32 seconds per year, which translates to approx. 8°30'
per millennium. The Nodes are currently at 16°42' Gemini-Sagittarius.
Thus they have been in these two zodiacal signs since the start of our modern
calendar two thousand years ago.
These nodes are energy points rather than planets or astronomical bodies. The slow moving Nodes of Venus are through the Gemini-Sagittarius Axis. Thus the occultations can only occur in these two signs. These occultations occur in pairs at 8-year intervals. The time lapse between the 2004 and 2012 Venus event and the previous one in Gemini is 243 years - 1761 and 1769.
The Sagittarius occultations of Venus took place in 1874-1882. Thus the next time these will repeat is December 2117 and 2125.
This decade the Venus and Uranus-Neptune mutual reception phenomenon repeats from a similar pattern in the 1750's and 1760's. However, we now have an excellerated and condensed period where the two stellar events occur in the same time period - fast progress and social reform. This listing of the astrological phenomena of Venus is on a separate page - for those of you interested in the facts and figures.
Timeline: April 3 - August 7, 2004
Venus is one of my favourite research topics and quickly becoming a fascination as I am preparing to write a book on the Covenants of Venus. I wrote a lengthy description of the Scorpio cycle in 2002 in the Libra 2002 and Scorpio 2002 Edition of Astrologically Speaking.
Venus spends an extended period of time in Gemini - four months compared to the average of approximately 25 days. Venus is one of only two feminine planetary representatives in our astrological family. She has been known by numerous names in the varies mythologies of the world, and has two distinct natures. During the retrograde cycle she actually vanishes as the evening star and re-emerges as the morning star. The forty day retrograde period is magical, dark and still partly shrouded in mystery.
For the purposes of this astrological analysis of the year, let's take a brief look at the concepts astrology assigns to Venus. She governs our relationships - all of them. She is who we look to in order to understand our values, priorities and personal convictions. Venus is the planet that rules our money, time, possessions and our desires and yearnings. It rules our senses and sensibilities.
She is coming for a long visit. Even the nicest houseguest outwears her welcome after so long. But the other thing that happens when we spend a lot of time with one person (or planetary influence) is that we learn about their strengths and weakness. Over lunch we would simply note a few nice things and exchange a few pleasantries, but over the days, weeks and months we do ultimately end up reaching deeper. So we gain insights that perhaps we didn't even want, but there they'll be right under our noses.
Venus introduces us to our perceptions about our personal worth and value,
not just in terms of things we own. She dangles a carrot in front of our eyes.
Actually, in the case of Venus, it is probably more like a diamond ring. That
diamond ring simply represents something that we think we have always wanted.
Now we need to study our object of desire and ascertain if it is something
we truly want and desire, as well as determine if we are worthy of the gift.
Timeline: May 17 - June 29, 2004
Venus is retrograde and the quest for inner validation begins. I chose the second image of the waterfall running over some steps nature has formed for an image to help elucidate this magical time frame. Venus is not about emotions in the same manner as the Moon. The Moon remembers what happened and responds instinctively. Venus, however, rules our five senses. Is there a more powerful invoker of memories than music or scents? We are transported back in time to when we first took notice of that particular scent or tune. These are Venus' domain. The process of contemplating our priorities and values is intrinsically linked to emotions and our feelings. We tend to value things that have memories attached more than things money can buy. The natural steps in the image lead both up and down depending on our perception.
The inner quest to understand our personal values and our worth is a process to help us let go of things that no longer satisfy us. Not to be confused with the Scorpionic elimination process, which is more prolonged. Venus does not allow us to eliminate things that have value and help us on our path. We may try, rocky relationships, as an example, need tender loving care during this time. We may at first want to throw it all away. However, it is about improving, making better and learning to communicate about our desires. If we don't share our innermost desires with the love of our life, we are not in a sound relationship. We can't get something out of a relationship if we have yet to identify what we want. If we don't feel worthy of love, attention, praise, money, etc. then it is challenging to get that need met. First we always need to work on ourselves. We know that we cannot change others to our liking, but we can freely work on our attitude.
During this time it is advisable not to make major purchases. We may find that we paid too much for it or regret having made the choice. Relationships started during this time are a typically short-lived Summer romance. When the autumn arrives we realize that we learned to understand our needs and discover that the other person has no room in that equation. While Venus is retrograde we aren't tuned into what we truly desire we are working through that, and consequently tend to get into relationships for all the wrong reasons.
I often use the imagery of the Barber's mirror to explain the retrograde phenomenon. One side reflects life back in the normal proportion, albeit, the reverse view of what others see when they look at us. No wonder we typically don't like our mirror image as it is so different to the image we see in a photograph. The flip side of that mirror magnifies, so you can shave without donning your glasses. Looking into this reflective surface is disturbing to most of us - instantly our eyes are drawn to a flaw. Take a look for yourself. That is the essence of Venus retrograde we see what is wrong before we can see what is right. People born with Venus retrograde are more likely to have issues with self-esteem, relationships and personal power.
So for forty days this year you'll be viewing your life through a magnifying glass/mirror identifying what is wrong and no longer satisfying. Once that painful step is taken then we can move onto making it right, bringing it down to size and resolving the issue. What the issue is depends on your chart. On a personal level this is a time we try desperately recall 1996 and perhaps even 1988 to get a few hints. But we could simply think about what we went through on an inner level Sept 02 - Jan. 03. The area of our lives will be different that in 2002 but the feel is similar. It is issues to do with value, worth, appreciation, love, money, possessions, time and priorities.
Venus is in Gemini, which is the social, youthful and curious sign. Venus in Gemini loves information and talking. It is deeper than just that. Gemini is about words and Venus about the right words, imagine how a creative a writer that energy could produce. Many of the outspoken individuals who have made a huge difference in our global society were born during the Venus years listed above. Mark Twain, Uncle Sam, Gloria Steinham, and a number of US presidents. In the horoscopes I have briefly addressed this Venus cycle, but an astrologer can help elucidate this for you further.
Timeline: 2004-2012 repeating from 1761-68; 1518-26; 1275-1283
Concept: Improved access to information and knowledge by the common man.
Examples: "The Social Contract" by Jean-Jacques Rousseau was published
on political philosophy. In a nutshell the concepts are like those in the
American Declaration of Independence. In the 16th century we had Martin Luther
made religion and reading available to people. Charles Dickens published the
"Pickwick Papers" a few years later with the Uranus-Neptune cycle
- see below, but here was born during this Venus period.
Concept: Taxation
Examples: The taxation of the colonialists by Britain. Jews in the 13th century.
Concept: Freedom of ownership
There were numerous seven year wars fought in these time periods that centred
around whose land is it. Lands were gifted by nations who no longer found
holding on worthwhile. Canada, for example, was ceded to Britain by France
in 1761. The start of the industrial revolution is typically identified as
1760's. Note that many of the inventions date to the 1750's during the mutual
reception between Uranus and Neptune. In the US the Mason-Dixon line was put
in place during the period in the 18th century.
Concept: Liberty
Daughters of Liberty was formed. Slavery became an issue and the last witch
hunts were going on in Sweden.
Gemini is the sign we liked to associate with ideas and words. There are
numerous significant events that define the 1760's, but the gist of it is
that people fought for rights for the common man and woman. Discoveries and
books written made the information and concepts accessible to the masses.
So for the next eight years I expect we are in for a lot of social change.
Our information age becomes the information speedway. Money and taxation has
been a prominent issue during these periods. Globally this could result in
the Euro becoming the comparative currency for the World ousting the US Greenback.
Religions have altered significantly during these periods, split into two
different groups. People have fought for their rights to equality and equity.
Perhaps we have reached a period when science and religious beliefs come a
little closer. In the previous periods the inventions of the strong Uranus
periods became household items with the Venus period. Now these two celestial
events are entwined.
The strong repeating themes are the plight of the people and gaining rights.
Better access to information, religious conflicts divided churches into two
sects throughout history during these time periods. The right to believe and
to understand religious concepts took on a new meaning during Venus' rare
occultation ‘decades'. The occultation in 1761 lead to the creation of
the AU, astronomical unit. Astronomers could define the distances and the
size of our Universe.
Rather than go on further here are a few predictions for the next ‘decade' based on historical events that echo the essence of Venus. All of these resonate with events in the past - for your own research check www.decades.com.
We know there are incredible inventions out there being discovered at light-speed
and these will become household items in the next 8-10 years.
• Money becomes a debate - is it the US Greenback, the new Euro or something
without a name yet.
• New weapons and weapons technology emerges
• Science and Religion blend in a new evolutionary concept
• Trade practices change dramatically
• Medical breakthroughs at a mind-boggling pace
• The information highway becomes light speed
• Science becomes more accessible to the masses
• Philosophy and occult knowledge written to the common Man
• Travel and methods of travel change rapidly
• Hybrid vehicles into mainstream
• Technological advances gain practical application quickly
• New Religions and debate over the freedom of faith
• The World learns to walk the walk of Diversity
Uranus is electrifying energy, associated with the intellect, inventions, innovation and original ideas. Unique, individualistic and freedom loving, it is energy that is difficult to tie down or capture. I like to think of it as the filament inside an ordinary light bulb it only takes a thread to conduct electricity to those wires, and voila there is light. In cartoons when someone has an idea, it is often expressed by drawing a light bulb over their heads. Uranus represents that ‘Eureka - I have found it" energy. There is another article on this site about Uranus in Pisces and the 1920's - click here to review it.
Time line from the past: 1835-1844
We are on the verge of discoveries that will change our lives.
· Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution
· Opium Wars
· Hans Christian Anderson published his first book of fairy tales (actually
read as mythology simplified)
· Electro-combustion discovered basis of fuel cell technology
· 10-hour work days were implemented by van Buren
· Mount St. Helens erupted
· Sun spot research by Schwabe - linked to agricultural activity and
the price of wheat
· End of the World proclaimed by Millerites
· Fluorine test for fossil dating
· Hypodermic syringe entered the market
· Röntgen was born
· First sewing machine
Through 1835-1844 there was a mutual reception of Uranus in Pisces and Neptune in Aquarius. Uranus has an 84-year circuit and Neptune's is 164 years. We had a mutual reception between these two planetary giants in late 1660's and early 1670's and in the 1750's we had Uranus in Pisces and Neptune in Leo.
In all the time frames in history there was significant eruption of a volcano or similar. Will this skip our time frame? Highly unlikely! Earthquakes happen frequently but Mt. Saint Helens, Vesuvius and Mt. Etna made it into the annals of time. According to research Uranus is prominently involved in earth quakes. It is known to be linked with electrifying, sudden, unpredictable and shocking events.
Fossil dating and the minute hands on a clock came into being during the Uranus periods. In the 19th century we had Darwin's Theory of Evolution and these days we have numerous big bang theories. We have research into anti-matter. Philosophically the concept is relatively easy to grasp. Everything needs its completementary and opposite manifestation in order to exist. Weight and weightlessness, black and white, man and woman, or a living person and his/her soul mate outside of the material realm. The big bang theory and the start of the Universe rests on the shoulders of anti-matter which needs to exist in order for there to be matter. Anti-matter is said to be volatile and readily reacts causing matter to be formed. That's where I get lost, but in terms of the spectacular Venus Cycle and an equally unique Uranus and Neptune mutual reception (MR times) - I guess someone will write it so that we can all understand it. It still leaves a question where did the anti-matter come from and could it have existed before matter, etc.
In these MR times we have had inventions enter our daily lives, information brought to our experience and life changing products have entered the market place. When we think that the theory of Evolution is a young as young as it is, what will replace it? Who is working on it, somebody must. Our understanding of the Cosmos will change, for the better, we can hope.
Guns, gunpowder and patenting of automated weapons are on the lists of events for these periods. My colleague Janice Brown, an avid reader, found an interesting article on the recent invention of one-way bullet proof glass. In the 19th century MR we had the water closet invented by Sir Charles Crapper. We have had better weapons invented in these time frames, so what will happen to our toilets. They will have to learn to eliminate the waste before it becomes waste in nature. There are already products out there that are cradle to cradle. That is a plastic grocery bag designed to fertilize the ground after it usefulness as a carrier of food. A food wrapper that we toss in our flower garden to do the same. Wonderful discoveries - check out Janice's article at www.janicebrown-astrology.com/2004.htm
Hopefully the above musings have given you some new concepts to ponder about the dawn of a new era.
The horoscopes are on individual pages due to the length of this write up. Read your sign - Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.
There are write up on this site about Mercury retrograde periods - What to Avoid and what is ideal activity for the period and well as general notes about the year.
If you are looking for more information about your year personally consider the Solar Return Report by Mary Shea - time line birthday to birthday. Or consult with an astrologer. To find more astrologers in British Columbia check out the listing at www.astrologyguild.com/resourcedirectory.htm.
Anne Massey, C.A.P. is a certified professional astrologer. For consultations with Anne on Wednesdays & Saturdays, call Malonie 604-889-4820, Wednesdays & Thursdays or e-mail to Anne - anne@astrologicallyspeaking.com.
Check out www.astrologyguild.com
to find astrology talks, classes and several regular and 2004 columns.
© Anne Massey 2003 All Rights Reserved
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