Message for Monday 1 February 2021

 Monday 1 February 2021

}Gently Emerging into Fraternity-Sorority{

Moon in Virgo-->Libra

/moon goes void-of-course at 3:11a PT | 6:11a ET | 11:11a UT

until it enters Libra at 3:26a PT | 6:26a ET | 11:26a UT  (just 15 minutes later)

'Two bulls fighting on the edge of a precipice' might remain the state of affairs in Washington, D. C.  I shall not comment upon the politics involved..  In our personal lives dangerous conflict might require careful direction and self-restraint to prevent it from going wrong.  If we 'cannot overcome Nature' let us 'learn to use her forces with discretion and moderation.'  During a Mercury REtrograde period, another option is to REtreat behind 'a dark and somber curtain covering the mouth of a dark cavern in a rock.'  Within such solitude one could become 'a student of the mystical' and 'a possessor of hidden knowledge.'  Being more of a REcluse is an option during these periods.

In the external world, we might resemble 'a man standing at the juncture of cross roads, not knowing which way to go.'  Back to that cavern!  Or, if we can be sufficiently decisive to keep touch with humanity, we might sit around 'a table on which a right angle and plane are lying,' finding with associates 'peace in the service of others' as a mutual expression of humble justice and fraternity.

Conflating two symbols, we have 'shellfish groping and children playing near an old adobe mission.'  The shellfish are less individual and the children more individual in the emergence of life from inchoate, inconscient roots toward higher levels or orders.  By continuing to be what we are we gradually emerge into more splendiferous consciousness.   The 'old adobe mission' is underlying stability sustaining us.  It is 'a heritage of enduring ties' which gives durability to our lives' ongoing adventures.  We probably do not have to find it, but know it reassuringly.

{Monday}  {Gently Emerging into Fraternity-Sorority}

Cosmic Piper

Message for Sunday 31 January 2021

 Sunday 31 January 2021

\Anchored Beyond Temporal-Spatial Limits/

Moon in Virgo

As yesterday, we have 'a broken cable leaving an anchor unattached to any vessel' warning us that we could lose our anchorage to whatever is most real in our lives.  For some this will be G*d or a spiritual teaching or teacher.  It might also be a person or a group to which one owes loyalty or fealty.  In order to avoid losing touch with what is most essential, we might need to use 'a barometer' or keen observation and effective estimation of potentials.  Then we would not miss indications of ways we could protect ourselves from problems.

One is aware of one's self-image and the image one might be projecting intentionally or unintentionally.  'Fireworks exploding in mid-air above a crowd' could be this image garnering attention and approval, but that doesn't last long.  For more lasting popularity we need to live in a more worthy manner, like 'a cavalier fully armed,' that is, outwardly suave while alive to one's own interests, on the defensive when needed but 'best protected when observing regard for others.'

There are pleasures to be experienced, perhaps in 'a tastefully furnished room with a large candle on a table in the center' or in a place of which oneself or someone else is proud.  The setting reflects those attracted to it, and vice versa.  In a Mercury Retrograde period one often experiences deeper or transcendental realizations based in spiritual verities.   When these transcend the limitations of time and space, from which we can escape during these periods, it may rise into ecstasy (Luna trine Pluto and Venus).  

{Sunday}  /Anchored Beyond Temporal-Spatial Limits\

Cosmic Piper

Message for Saturday 30 January 2021

 Saturday 30 January 2021

\Escaping Confusion through Forward-Looking Definition/

Moon in Virgo

/moon is void-of-course

until it enters Virgo at 0:04a PT | 3:04a ET | 8:04a UT  

Mercury is stationary and turns Retrograde (moving backward very slowly from geocentric perspective) at 7:53a PT | 10:53a ET | 3:53p UT

Those who make fun of Mercury being retrograde, as if only superstitious people believed it meant anything, are not good observers, but dismiss a hypothesis without giving it a fair test.  The MR periods take on greater tangibility when viewed as the core of a longer Slow or Dark Hermetic Epoch.  For example, the first impeachment of Donald Trump began just after a DHE began.  The second impeachment began just after a DHE began.  Trump is a sun-sign Gemini, ruled by Mercury.  One can draw conclusions from this.  What conclusion one draws might depend on one's politics, but the pattern is evident.  Here is the current Mercurial or Hermetic pattern:

2021

Dark Hermetic Epoch began January 15 . . . {Mercury is Retrograde January 30 until February 20} . . .DHE continues until 

March 13, when a new Bright or Fast Hermetic Epoch begins

For example, on Thursday this week during the DHE I and my neighbor had trouble with our WiFi, and it was down for a couple of hours.  The solution eventually found was a new solution, that is, we had never had this exact trouble or solution before.  Mercury slowing down seemed to 'produce' or correlate with an unexpected problem.  That's the sort of mechanical or technological failure or delay one often experiences during a DHE.  Even more frequent are human failures or delays, such as people being late, forgetting things, or otherwise acting 'out of pattern.'  In oneself it can be mind-wandering, meditating rather than acting, and so on, though this can be good if it is a needed break from hard analytic 'practical' thinking and acting into a freer, more liberating mental-emotional stance which might be called meditative.  One needs more of those periods during the DHE, but of course not too many . . . One has to balance.

Saturday:  Appropriately, we have 'an indescribable scene; chaos, confusion, dissolving views.'  Charubel says this can show a mental defect, idiocy or insanity.  Well, during the MR period one might think others or oneself are 'losing it.'  No, the 'idiocy' is temporary.  Another disconcerting symbol turning up is 'an anchor unattached to any vessel's chain, the cable broken' which could signify 'terrible trials and a mysterious end.'  Of course this is just a temporary loss of 'anchorage' or poise which we may face today. To what are you most firmly and safely anchored?  The cable does not have to be broken if you do not break it.

The frustration of the sun and other planets squaring Mars could take form as 'a lion raging against the bars of its cage.'  One loves freedom, yet must adapt to environment or circumstances.  All are jealous of their rights and privileges, and so a quid-pro-quo has to be maintained.  We are in 'a large aviary' with many strange birds, many of whom may feel caged, yet this is our community to make the best of as we may (oh, is that Jack Dorsey locking the cage?).  Who is the rarest rara avis?  

To help escape confusion there is 'a sextant and compass.'  This is learning which rectifies uncertainties, and measurement which promotes successful ventures.  One could secure precision and definition rather than submit to the 'dissolving views' of the earlier symbol.  The moon in careful Virgo could help with this.  Some individuals may seem more competent than others, 'people on stairs graduated upwards,' yet one's position on one stairway might be higher than X's, though lower than X's on a different stairway measuring a different skill.  Wherever one stands, one's point of view can be forward-looking.

{Saturday}  /Escaping Confusion through Forward-Looking Definition\

Cosmic Piper

Message for Friday 29 January 2021

Friday 29 January 2021

^From Pushfulness Toward Reciprocity^

Moon in Leo

|Karmically serious, sobering, challenging third| of this week ends at 10:06a PT | 1:06p ET | 6:06p UT

/moon goes void-of-course at 5:54p PT | 8:54p ET | 1:54a(Sa) UT

until it enters Virgo Saturday at 0:04a PT | 3:04a ET | 8:04a UT

Mercury shall turn retrograde tomorrow (Saturday) morning, until February 20-21, three weeks.  It is the most well-known astrological indication, largely because very evident as confusion, backtracking, time-wasting, and so on.  This time it shall be evident in the impeachment proceedings, the first time ever for a president no longer in office, which seems almost to define the tangled absurdity of what can happen at these times.  In your personal life you can calm down, go slow, do what is essential rather than what is ambitious, and allow yourself more time to enjoy life, explore a little but without expecting a lot.  'Low key' expresses the wise approach. All of this is apparent to a degree a couple weeks before Mercury actually appears to be motionless and turn backward, that is, in the past couple of weeks.  

Friday:  'Two men running a race' is all too familiar---the never-ending presidential race, for one thing.  That symbol might illumine Luna's opposition with Mercury, which can be fussing and fiddling with things in a hurried manner to keep up with what one desires amid external changes.  If this were to slip off into the intense conflict of the tight squares we have been discussing for weeks, it could be 'two bulls fighting on the edge of a precipice.'  Strong force and energy require direction and self-restraint to avoid dangers which ought to have been obvious.  Pushfulness has severe limits unless moderated by good will and calm explanation of one's position rather than insult of the opponent. 

Venus very close to Pluto can be erotic stimulation, or a sense of deep love for someone which is compulsive, yet the symbol 'fireworks exploding above a crowd' suggests that one's popularity, like that burst of color, is ephemeral; so making the most of it while it lasts, rather than clinging to it, would be the wise course.  At a calmer level one could use 'a farmyard implement' or one's phone, computer, or other gizmo or tool, to keep up with basics while content with one's lot.  

It's Friday and not all is impossible in the realm of affections and connections.  Fireworks come and go, but there is also 'a bright orange flower on which two butterflies rest and fan their wings.'  Sepharial says this can be sympathy and gracefulness, hopefulness and happiness, desiring recognition and affection from someone yet still graceful.  This makes for reciprocity 'on which the heavens will smile.'  At a somewhat more self-centered level there can be 'man tete-a-tete with his inspiration' or enthusiastic idealism translating itself into practical consummation.  Such intimacy with spiritual verities could rise into ecstasy.

{Friday}  ^From Pushfulness Toward Reciprocity^

Cosmic Piper

Message for Thursday 28 January 2021

 Thursday 28 January 2021

^Beyond Weakness through Retrospection to Security^

Moon in Leo

|Karmically serious or sobering third| of this week continues until Friday at 10:06a PT | 1:06p ET | 6:06p UT

Full Moon of Leo-Aquarius occurs at 11:17a PT | 2:17p ET | 7:27p

The somewhat amusing symbol-description 'Too revolting to be given' (Charubel) is said to show we ought to 'avoid bad company, stimulants, and the gambling hells.'  Also, we still have the degree of 'disjection or disjunction' suggesting 'lack of coordination of thought and action' or at worst 'irresponsible or foolish action.'  Yet the Full Moon illumines our perceptions and intuitions, so we can rescue ourselves from anything pointless.  

'A popularity that proves ephemeral' means that we gain approbation, but ought not to attempt to prolong it past its moment of glory.  That will preserve it and make it possible again, better than 'overstaying one's welcome.'  'An ancient ruin, a massive wall with an archway' is an ability to profit from the past, from history or retrospection of our personal lives.  It's a good time to write or record memoirs, while in a Dark, Slow, or Somewhat Backward Hermetic Epoch (until March 13).  

Sepharial says that 'a seascape with distant sailing boats' shows a calm and thoughtful temperament which however can be roused to anger and a display of power.  'He is yielding but cannot be reduced, gentle but irresistible.'  There can be interest in distant lands.  It seems we are going through hard, testing times, yet we might be headed toward the position of 'a man on a throne, holding a scepter, crowned, with signs of wealth around him.'  Such security comes through 'shrewdness, watchfulness, and self-service.'  The preponderance of planets in fixed signs shows that we know what to do to preserve our gains. 

{Thursday}  ^Beyond Weakness through Retrospection to Security^

Cosmic Piper

The Search Engine Pond, DuckDuckGo, and Google; The Browser Pool and Dissenter

 DuckDuckGo, Google, and the Search Engine Pond

Dissenter and the Browser Pool

What a mess. You want a browser and a search engine which does not invalidate your freedom by collecting and selling your online activity information? You want to cut out unwanted ads and pop-ups? You want a search engine which does not try to control your mind by not listing sites they don't approve? I am not sure there is any ideal solution to that. Everybody says the solution is not Google Chrome and Google Search, which, though they paved the way in the field, are now highly suspect because of the way they treat their users, collecting information, fiddling with the sites they reveal in Search, excluding political sites they don't agree with!!! That is inexcusable. They want to control what you think and meanwhile collect your personal information to sell to their clients, those who buy their ads and probably others. Yes, somebody has to pay for the service, but is this the best way?

There are pioneers in a fresh bouquet of browsers and search engines. I will not mention all of them. I think perhaps the best new browser is Dissenter. It is owned by Gab, the alternative to Facebook which is much more "liberal" in the old-fashioned sense of "liberal" in allowing free speech (aside from obvious violence and hatefulness). I have used the Dissenter browser, along with Google, for a couple weeks and it seems excellent in many ways. It claims that it has blocked 4,451 ads and trackers since I started using it. Some say that for that reason it is faster, but I can't say it is definitely faster than Google but at least it doesn't seem any slower. The only problem I have had with it is on YouTube, where it would not play some of my "liked" videos. I then went to Google Chrome and there I could watch those videos. Then back to Dissenter and they were not watchable. Something wrong there. But other than that I had no problems.

Will Dissenter actually block anyone or any corporation from tracking your online activity? I do not know; they claim so. How would I ascertain this or prove it? For now I give them the benefit of the doubt.

The search engine in Dissenter is DuckDuckGo. I was very suspicious of this. Is not Google the best, the pioneer, the perfect search engine? Maybe not! Here is a very revealing, honest, well-researched dissertation on search engines, including Google Yahoo, Bing, and DuckDuckGo.

Now the crucial personal test: I tried typing Cosmic Connection and Cosmic Piper in all these engines, to see if they would direct people to my blog on the first page of results. Only DuckDuckGo did so!!! It was the winner in the Cosmic Piper Search Engine Sweepstakes! (The prize is my recommendation.) However, I found that if I typed "Cosmic Piper blog" or "Cosmic Connection blog" into Google, Yahoo, and Bing, they did return results with my blog on the first page. "Blog" here is the magic word (to exclude bagpipers, poets, other musicians, and for all I know tattoo artists, as well as Carl Sagan who was a biased anti-astrologer). Glad to know that, so I can direct people how to find the blog when they ask me. Life is good.

So though I have tried other browsers over the years and abandoned them, this time I say, Try Dissenter and see if it works for you . And the DuckDuckGo search engine probably will give you less politically biased results than Google, in most instances. To hear about that, try the link I posted above.

However you browse, do it cheerily!

H H H / C P

 Wednesday 27 January 2021

~Peaceful Calm Vision Articulating Hope~

Moon in Cancer-->Leo

|Karmically serious or sobering third| of this week continues (until Friday mid-day), most intense tonight and early tomorrow

/moon goes void-of-course at 9:56a PT | 12:56p ET | 5:56p UT

until it enters Leo at 6:55p PT | 9:55p ET | 2:55a(Th) UT

Full Moon of Leo-Aquarius is exact Thursday at 11:17a PT | 2:17p ET | 7:27p UT (felt now as fullness of consciousness)

We are getting through this slew of difficult planetary aspects, not without effort and probably struggle.  As mentioned before, major progress 'out of the woods' might come in mid-March and April.  Meanwhile, today could be the hardest of the week, with a letup by the weekend or midday Friday.  

At the worst, we might think our condition is something like 'a head and hand separated from a body,' that is, we lack coordination and feel paralyzed.  Such 'disjection' of faculties seems something like the utter separation of the two halves of the body politic in Washington.  Somehow we could learn to regulate our lives more carefully.  Meanwhile, within such weakness, we might feel we are making 'a scrawl or flourish of the pen,' unable to express ourselves or articulate what we feel or think, disappointed because unable to adapt ourselves to conditions.  The approaching Full Moon (tomorrow) gives illumination, or might merely help us anticipate vividly what we can't at present realize.  

It would not be surprising that some would ponder 'a ruin, the remains of an ancient massive wall, an archway therein.'  That is, escape from present chaos and contradiction by dreaming of the past, a natural trend during any Dark Hermetic Epoch (until March 13).  The 'archway' might give actual vision and guidance from historical research or individual memories.  In the present, 'a woman sprinkling flowers' is taking care of immediate needs of herself and those around, which is one thing wise to do during a difficult period.  There can be 'an easy and rewarding partnership between humanity and nature.'  The creative powers of the plant manifest in flowers are an image of something we harbor ourselves.  

'A farmer driving his cart with his horse' is said to be 'unambitious and contented with his lot.'  This is not utter passivity or laziness but quiet, unheralded work which does not try too hard to be heroic.  Maybe such an approach will calm our sense of conflict or antagonism.  Eventually there will be 'a field of ripe corn, the reapers at work 'neath the rays of the sun.'  This is good fortune and abundance for which we may hope.  

{Wednesday}  ~Peaceful Calm Vision Articulating Hope~

Cosmic Piper

Message for Tuesday 26 January 2021

 Tuesday 26 January 2021

~Bravery~

Moon in Cancer

|Karmically serious or sobering third| of this week begins at 8:20p PT | 11:20p ET | 4:20a(W) UT (until Friday midday)

We are warned against self-indulgence, or bringing trouble on ourselves through grossness.  'An ox lies upon the ground asleep in the sunshine.  Upon its back two birds are perched.'  A little siesta? Who can argue with that.  Another side of us, suffering under the long-term fixed-sign squares (very intense), feels like 'a lion in the open arena' who is being persecuted or restrained.  Many feel victims of the State, of Twitter or Facebook or YouTube, and there is restriction plus resentment.  Some escape dire fate through their love of freedom.

Luna's trine with Neptune could bring us into the presence of 'beautifully gowned wax figures,' perhaps iconic images, or striking actors and actresses, or vivid personages from the past who seem freshly relevant.  The beauty of human beings extends through their bodies and personalities no matter how unusual they be.  A less glamorous and more self-sacrificing trend is imaged in 'a Red Cross nurse' who represents our enlistment in worth-while humanitarian projects.  Such service helps us be ourselves more self-approvingly.  

'An astrological chart' represents more than appears on the surface, always, and so we may be more 'just and kind' toward people if we learn the stellar art.  Four planets in Aquarius might help with this.  One of the great early American astrologers was Aquarian Evangeline Adams.  The pressures everyone is feeling might be less disturbing if we were to study the horoscopes of politicians.  The sharp squares involving Mars and Uranus seem to insist on 'warfare,' though that be verbal, legal or argumentative rather than literal (let us hope).  'Two awards for bravery in war' could be granted to anyone who 'exalts personal vision and character,' eventually gaining recognition for a courageous preservation of values.  

{Tuesday}  ~Bravery~

Cosmic Piper

Message for Monday 25 January 2021

 Monday 25 January 2021

~Ameliorated Loyalty Pressing Toward Fortune~

Moon in Gemini-->Cancer

/moon goes void-of-course in very early hours (time given yesterday)

until it enters Cancer at 10:53a PT | 1:53p ET | 6:53p UT

We still have the 'huge rock rent by a flash of lightning' which shows the rock-like preponderance of planets (six) in fixed signs, Aquarius and Taurus, and those in a tight square.  Welcome to the impeachment proceedings.  Shall the 'lightning' convince Trump and his advocates to just give up?  No way.  Shall it convince the Democrats to desist their futile efforts to impeach someone who is not even president, just for vindictiveness, or to ensure that he cannot run for political office again?  (Some think he might run for Congress in his home state Florida in 2022.)  I wish they would desist, for this stance pretty much shows they do not believe in 'democracy' as their name is supposed to indicate.  However that may be, in our personal lives this symbol is said to show 'a powerful, forceful nature driving its way through all obstacles.'  Yes, it seems that we have to do that, even in the little things of daily scheduling.  We can 'let light into dark places.'  As for forcefulness, it should not go awry, as in 'a target pierced by a rapier' if that target is someone or a group we crash into through 'an impulsive or headstrong nature.'  We should not deny our higher convictions.  Let us 'beware of the direct thrust and practice the use of the two-edged sword'of discretion.

'A flag turned into an eagle' could be either Republicans, Democrats, Trump people or never-Trump people, for it is the dramatization of loyalties.  Can loyalty to the nation, or to G*d, transcend loyalty to party or political persuasion?  I believe there is room for growth to such an ideal on both sides before any flag-eagle should be released.  Maybe we ought to remind ourselves of people who are suffering and need help, bringing out our 'Red Cross nurse' characteristics.  We could enlist in something humanitarian through which we lose all sense of separativeness.  Both parties are supposed to be servants of the people, not their masters. 

A flexible mind, with much ingenuity and mathematical ability, can accomplish a lot, as if it were 'a large water-wheel attached to a mill.'  Luna in good aspect with Mercury, Uranus and Mars could set us up for skillful use of knowledge whether overt or held back in secrecy or tentativeness.  We keep the 'mill' of our daily activities grinding out prosperity.  We might realize that 'a crown and scepter' is ours---that we have favorable abilities and fortunate inclinations of which we were not aware.  

{Monday}  ~Ameliorated Loyalty Pressing Toward Fortune~

Cosmic Piper

Message for Sunday 24 January 2021

 Sunday 24 January 2021

}Beyond-Binary Mental and Mystical Opportunities{

Moon in Gemini

/moon goes void-of-course at 11:18p PT | 2:18a(M) ET | 7:18a(M) UT

'Two bulls fighting' continues what has been an enormously long period of conflict, as evidenced in U. S.. politics.  These 'bullish' individuals are disagreeable and hypercritical.  But let's remember that the duality of 'fighting' viewpoints is, in Hegelian dialectic, an attempt for both sides to transcend themselves and arrive at some unknown 'third' resolution.  Perhaps the less blood the more insight, depending on the evolutionary status of the fighters or debaters.  One might feel like the conductor of  'a ferry boat taking people across a wide deep stream' if one is trying to be a guide and teacher.  One serves rather than being served. And, perhaps, one achieves the graciousness of letting someone else be the 'guide' as well.

'An archer drawing a long bow' represents someone who is good at manual crafts but also teaching.  His or her ambitions are set upon things remote.  Thus there could be travel, or else the ability to 'be' somewhere else in consciousness.  'A relay race' shows fitness in passing on the torch from one generation to another.  One continues and survives by being part of the ongoing potential of the race. 

A desire for security in one's profession could lead one to 'an ancient hieroglyphic manuscript with a retort and crucible upon it.'  The manuscript is knowledge and expertise passed on, while the chemical instruments are current experiment and reformulation.  This could even extend to the renovation of the body through primarily spiritual means.  A distant goal, kept in mind, comes closer.  By consorting with the ineffable one becomes 'a performer of a mystery play.'  The mind interprets the individual and his or her world to each other.  Circumstances are a backdrop for subtle opportunities, mystically variant and ever-stimulating.

{Sunday}  {Beyond-Binary Mental and Mystical Opportunities}

Cosmic Piper

Message for Saturday 23 January 2021

 Saturday 23 January 2021

}Available Beauty and Benevolence{

Moon in Gemini

/moon is void-of-course until it enters Gemini at [11:44p(F) PT] | 2:44a ET | 7:44a UT

'A new moon on a very dark sky' is a contradictory symbol, for Charubel says it is mostly 'gloom' while the 'new moon' doesn't have a chance.  That is just the long-term squares of the conjunctions in Aquarius and Taurus, mentioned frequently here.  They are intimidating, but we can have a 'new moon' if we scrunch up our courage.  This might come through awakening to potentials in a somewhat shocking manner.  'A huge rock rent by a flash of lightning' is 'hard and enduring obstacles' we are able to 'rend,' or drive through, by an aggressive, forceful, incisive nature.  That would be the Mars-Uranus conjunction at critical degrees.  We are able to 'convert' others, perhaps in ways of which we are not conscious, if we 'let light into dark places.'  

'A woman nude, looking at her reflection in a pool' is a good symbol for Venus exactly sextile Neptune in Pisces.  For those near water it might be almost literal.  More likely it shows 'dalliance and self-love' mixed with 'carnal temptations' as our Victorian seer puts it.  This can take form in sympathy and savoir faire.  There are artistic tastes and talents mixed with egotism (which is perhaps the inborn right of an artist).  'A Christmas tree decorated' may be unseasonal but continues the emphasis on aesthetics.  It also suggests 'exhibiting possessions so that the enjoyment becomes increasingly vicarious and spiritual.'  The sharing Christmas symbolizes in any season is ineffable.  (The streaming video services are still tossing holiday flicks at us.)

'A council of ancestors' sublimates the stellium in Aquarius (four planets) into something suggesting the proved value of our antecedents.  Aquarius is a fixed sign, and we can rely on what is established as social-spiritual foundations.  (The popularity of Oprah Winfrey, Aquarius, might be an example of this.  Many of the guests on her show were, collectively, something like that 'council.')  'A portly man walking among pigeons at his feet' is attractive to his own children and young persons in general.  He inspires confidence and faith as he ministers to the open and hidden needs of those around him.  While Luna trines Jupiter, this can be happening in our lives through our own 'ministration,' or benevolent attitude, and that of others.  

{Saturday}  {Available Beauty and Benevolence}

Cosmic Piper

Message for Friday 22 January 2021

Friday 22 January 2021

\The Therapy of Facing Things Honestly/

Moon in Taurus

|Karmically serious or sobering third| of this week ends at 1:46a PT | 4:46a ET | 9:46a UT)  

/moon goes void-of-course at 1:29p PT | 4:29p ET | 9:29p UT

until it enters Gemini at 11:44p PT | 2:44a(Sa) ET | 7:44a(Sa) UT

'Two men in fierce strife' is self-explanatory.  Of one or both Charubel says 'His nature is devoid of frankness and he does not admit the truth even to himself, but opposes all and everything . . .'  Sound like someone you know?  Or does someone think of you that way?  'A lion standing in the open arena' is someone who 'loves freedom above all things' and tries desperately to escape captivity or imprisonment. 'He will suffer and will serve, and thus gain wisdom and freedom for all time.'

'A sleigh without snow' is a peculiar symbol suggesting perhaps that we are at a transition point in the economy, with much uncertainty because of a new administration whose policies have not had time to take hold.  Will the 'snow' of financial policy enable the sleigh? Or can the sleigh of our personal finances manage to get about without the snow of entitlements?  Dr. Jones says the keyword is Sustainment, in one form or another.  Venus's sextile with Neptune suggests 'beautifully gowned wax figures' who, by their fame or notoriety, symbolize 'values worthy of emulation.'  Someone, renowned and enshrined in memory, or perhaps a current actor or actress, has an impact on you for good, ill, or both.

'An astrological chart in square form' indicates, says Charubel, 'a just, kind person who is fond of astrology.'  He has his or her work cut out, with Jupiter's exact square to Mars and Uranus, for that demands that differing viewpoints need to be considered even though their clash be painful to endure.  We have that in politics but also in other areas.  Let's be 'just and kind.'  Transcending even astrology is 'a Hindu healer' whose therapy is ineluctable and probably indefinable.  It is 'a spectacular ministry for the minds and bodies of all.'  Immortal capacities are 'translated into tangible achievements on one or another level of life.'  That 'brings human potentials to some ultimate consummation.'

{Friday}  /The Therapy of Facing Things Honestly\

Cosmic Piper

Message for Thursday 21 January 2021

 Thursday 21 January 2021

\Toward Principled Peace/

Moon in Taurus

|Karmically serious or sobering third| of this week continues (until Friday at 1:46a PT | 4:46a ET | 9:46a UT)

The intense squares showing conflict continue, with a softer influence denoted by Luna's trine with Venus increasing into the evening.  This could be like 'a cherry tree in full blossom,' someone precocious and attractive, though disinclined to stern duties.  Therefore he or she is like 'a deserter from the navy.'  'Human independence is carried to a point of extreme rebellion against things as they are.'  Such defiance insists on 'creating its own allegiances' in order to secure 'depth of destiny.'  

Venus's increasing sextile with Neptune could resemble 'a girl surreptitiously bathing in the nude,' bringing out 'an irresistible desire to strip back to essentials.'  This is 'immersion in 'the accepted roots of all-being' dramatizing 'the human body as a temple of the spirit.'  At a more superficial level it could be 'a woman nude looking at her reflection in a pool of water.'  This could be 'dalliance and self-love' leading to 'complications and entanglements.'  There could however be artistic tastes and talents, plus egotism.

The intense squares in fixed signs have an ethical trend, a questioning as to what is right and what is wrong.  One convinced of his righteousness could be like 'a warrior in bright armor with drawn sword pursuing a savage multitude.'  We have seen a lot of this on both sides of the political spectrum, with the 'drawn sword' being a word-sword usually rather than a metal one.  At some point we say "Enough" and then "two swords form a cross lying on the ground.  A man stands on them with a scepter pointing heavenward.'  This is 'a person of peace, one confiding in the higher power.'  May he and she gain the upper hand in our consciousness, though we do not abandon our principles.

{Thursday}  /Toward Principled Peace\

Cosmic Piper

Message for Wednesday 20 January 2021

 Wednesday 20 January 2021

\Beyond Politics to Profundity/

Moon in Aries-->Taurus

|Karmically serious or sobering third| of this week is at its most intense today (lasting until early Friday)

/moon goes void-of-course at 0:30a PT | 3:30a ET | 8:30a UT

until it enters Taurus at 10:57a PT | 1:57p ET | 6:57p UT

By any traditional astrological standard, today is about as bad a day as possible for inaugurating a new president!  Horrible.  Not only is it during the most intense hours of the |difficult third| of this week but while the moon is void-of-course.  What has happened in the past during the presidencies of those sworn in while the moon was void-of-course?  I have not researched that but it might be an interesting project for someone with time on his or her hands.  Apart from that, the closest conjunctions are the sun with Saturn, always very difficult, and Mars with Uranus, always intense, angry, riled up, or even violent.  Of course we know that many on both sides of the political spectrum are not happy about much that is taking place.  

However, it's probable that the ceremony will proceed normally with no fireworks.  It is the inner, silent fuming and worrying which is more basically indicated by these aspects.  

'A horrid sight! A man being tortured' is one of the worst symbols in Charubel's set.  Donald Trump?  Some would sadistically hope he is suffering (to their shame).  Joe Biden?  Perhaps, if feeling that his presidency is a grim duty without glory, given the pandemic and the political strife that has to be dealt with slowly and laboriously.  Many Trump supporters and many Democrats feel that the other side is ruining everything and they are hopeless to quell the torment.  Or---prepare yourself---if people break out of their frustration to try to celebrate, even the Trump people celebrating some kind of hope for a comeback, they could all, on both sides, resemble 'a man of stout make, good proportions, round rosy features, looking very merry, dancing grotesquely.'  'His creed is, "Let me eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow I may be finished."'  

Some may ignore all the ceremony and hoopla, perhaps wisely, and be as 'boys and girls in gymnasium suits,' cooperating simply in the mutual animation of group activity.  Life goes on in its daily routines.  We wear the clothing we have to wear to play our parts.  Apart from that, some may be as if 'babes, but inwardly giants.'  Not understood, they dwell in an inner kingdom of heaven. How could politics interfere with it?  

The harshness of the squares in fixed signs, today intensified by the moon, could result in mental work, learning, exploits in law or in scholastic studies.  'A man riding upon a well-conditioned horse' is considered to be a traveling teacher who likes changes of venue and a romantic life while training the 'horse' minds and senses of himself and others.  All this makes use of 'a book on which a compass and an hourglass stand.'  Space and time are cognized and utilized adroitly, or annihilated in daring leaps of thought.  Scientific or philosophic discoveries are deep and useful.

{Wednesday}  /Beyond Politics to Profundity\

Cosmic Piper

Message for Tuesday 19 January 2021

 Tuesday 19 January 2021

^Trusting in What Brings Favor^

Moon in Aries

|Karmically serious or sobering third| of this week begins at 12:23p PT | 3:23p ET | 8:23p UT (until very early Friday)

To some degree the day may feel like 'big business and government against the common man' who is yourself.  This is the humongous set of squares between planets in early Aquarius and those in early Taurus.  'A traveler in a solitary way with a burden on his back is assaulted by ruffians.'  A 'continuous struggle' makes us feel that everything is against us.  Perhaps we want to escape from evident duties, yet hold to the way of honor despite the cost.  Or we might just give up, lie down and dream.  Perhaps this is okay for a while, but not too long.

'Many toys in the children's ward of a hospital' give us things to do even when ill-disposed.  If we are 'standing at the junction of cross roads, not knowing which way to go' we could think of basic purposes and recover strength to keep going.  'A woman of Samaria' may have a dissolute life-style, yet wake up to higher values.

'An old adobe mission' is something solid and secure, rooted in the past, in which you trust.  It's a 'heritage of enduring ties' you ought not to neglect, for it gives sustainment and durability.  'Who do you really trust?' is a good question.  'Seeking high truths' makes one adaptable and hopeful.  Inoffensiveness, gentleness, and forbearance would set you up to find that 'your fortunes lie in smooth places.'  Making things easier for others makes you well-favored.

{Tuesday}  ^Trusting in What Brings Favor^

P. S.  You will note that the |Karmically serious or sobering third| of the week has hit, precisely, January 6, the day of the multiply investigated 'riot;' January 13-14, when impeachment fever overtook the Democrats; and now January 20 (tomorrow), the day of the presidential inauguration.   These are exact hits for this weekly method which I discovered about thirty years ago.  No other astrologer known to me knows about it or uses it.  If you follow it out in your own life each week you will see what it means and find ways of improving your reactions to it.  

Message for Monday 18 January 2021

 Monday 18 January 2021

^Crypto-Magic^

Moon in Aries (beginning at [11:07p(Su) PT] 2:07a ET | 7:07a UT)  (void-of-course before that)

People are considering strongly their own personalities, what they mean, and how they can be 'used' to impress others or gain something from them.  'A target pierced by a rapier' suggests, apart from any hurtful connotations, knowing who or what one's 'target' might be and aiming successfully.  Someone or something is vulnerable to one's manipulation, to put it bluntly.  This does not have to be nefarious but could be for the pleasure and benefit of both parties.  As for mutuality, 'a bridge is being built across a gorge' and so one can channel one's interest in someone in a way which brings benefits to both sides.  

Unusual opportunities are to be found somewhere, as  if one were at 'a secret business conference.'  Cryptocurrencies (secret currencies, literally) have been gaining dramatically in value.  Shall this continue?  They have gone way down, after being way up, in the past.  James Gorrie writes:  'One way or another, Bitcoin and all other cryptocurrencies will eventually be either seized or otherwise co-opted into the global financial system, whether they want to be or not,  The day of cryptocurrencies is here; but sooner than later, that day will be over.'  (Epoch Times)  That is one viewpoint.  Maybe in some other way, you can 'monopolize the resources of your fellows' or in other words profit through knowledge they don't possess.  Is that ethical?  Essays could be written on the topic.  Jesus said 'Others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.'  But of course he also warned against greed and putting money first, before G*d.  The essentials of things are supreme, ultimately, over temporary manipulation or negotiation concerning them, so it's possible you may be 'a child born of an eggshell' 'finding assurance in the ever-present sustainment if the auric egg or self-matrix in which existence continues to create itself in its own image.'  (Dr. Jones)

As for the outer world and government, or business and its leaders, not everything is dismal because we have 'A shepherd on the mountain top with crook in hand, looking out for his sheep.'  Charubel says it denotes one who 'will be called to be a leader or commander of a society, or perchance a president.'  He will be 'a ruler indeed.'  We all have different candidates for such a position, most likely.  As for oneself, one might 'realize an inviolable tie with the creative power of the universe itself,' and, as a 'fire worshiper,' bring 'ideality to the point of miracle.'  This is true magic.  

{Monday}  ^Crypto-Magic^

Cosmic Piper

Message for Sunday 17 January 2021

 Sunday 17 January 2021

~Channels of Fulfillment~

Moon in Pisces-->Aries

/moon goes void-of-course at 7:46p PT | 10:46p ET | 3:36a(M) UT

until it enters Aries at 11:08p PT | 2:08a(M) ET | 7:08a(M) UT

The hidden or secretive is suggested by 'a fox running apace in the moonlight.'  One could be cunning or crafty but not necessarily dishonest.  The squares between the Aquarius and Taurus planets could amount to 'exile' perhaps, as we see in politics, though more happily one could bide one's time and be 'foxy' while slowly getting things in better shape for the March 13-May 14 Bright Epoch.  Long-term, 'a bridge is being built across a gorge' in order to conquer natural limitations or inconveniences thorough dependability and consistency.  One is opening channels for coordination and cooperation.  

"A woman reading tea leaves' is doing the intuitive, psychic, subtly perceptive reconnaissance of signatures and signs which gives us the upper hand frequently.  This cannot be reduced to a simple system.  Whereas 'a man standing upon a dais, in his hand a scroll of papers, upon his head a laurel wreath' is working things out with penetrating intellect and large understanding, using his mind-wealth to garner victories.  These two approaches are complementary or supplementary. 

Charubel suggests we might enjoy something like 'a spacious park with a baronial mansion in the background.'  This could be ancestral, or linked happily with the past.  It connotes prosperity.  In the park is 'a man standing upright within a large elliptical figure on the ground,' He 'loves passionately, and is a great admirer of the opposite sex.'  He or she 'loves the beautiful in art and in nature.'

{Sunday}  ~Channels of Fulfillment~

Cosmic Piper

Message for Saturday 16 January 2021

 Saturday 16 January 2021

~Refreshing Potentials~

Moon in Pisces

The underlying stresses, so evident to all, continue but are ameliorated by smooth lunar aspects.  Unusual and pleasing things turn up when you are in motion.  'A widow at an open grave' probably indicates you think of someone gone from this world in a positive way.  It is not necessary to be stuck in what is outworn, but the enduring values you have experienced with someone remain and aid you in reorienting to immediate possibilities.  We are in the second day of a Dark, Slow or Tentative Hermetic Epoch (till March 13) and so there could be, at times, 'an indescribable scene; chaos, confusion, dissolving views.'  Charubel says this could be idiocy or insanity.  No; but it could be a feeling that one is 'losing it' because of the need to regrasp things in a different way which yet preserves the best of established procedures.  

'A man inspecting horses' is you when you survey friends or associates in your mind and pick out which ones to connect with somehow.  This is dicey but probably easier than in recent days.  Also, you might choose surprising or unusual items to purchase.  'A large aviary' contains rare birds as well as common ones, so you can trust that your community is an interesting one.  

'A sextant and compass' could indicate adhering to rigid or exact principles, as a corrective for drift.  Mathematics, astronomy, navigation or technology could be studied and applied successfully.  There are attempts at precise definition.  Beyond such mental skill there abides 'a Hindu healer' or impacts of an inner transcendental reality.  This is therapy of some sort congenial to you, strong medicine.  Proclaims Dr. Jones: 'A spiritualized self-discipline achieves a magical ordering of the whole course of events.'

{Saturday}  ~Refreshing Potentials~

Cosmic Piper

Message for Friday 15 January 2021

 Friday 15 January 2021

~Multiple Changes, Internal Adventure~

Moon in Aquarius-->Pisces

A Dark (or Slow) Hermetic Epoch begins at approximately 0:09a PT | 3:09a ET | 8:09a UT (until March 13)

/moon is void-of-course

until it enters Pisces at 2:18p PT | 5:18p ET | 10:18p UT

This is the first day of a Dark Hermetic Epoch, which might be called the Slow, Lazy or Backward Epoch, or perhaps the Mystical, Spiritual, Ineffable Epoch.  It can be confusing for ordinary planning and progress, though not impossible, while it can be illuminating for deep realizations.  It is the period when people most often, it seems, 'throw in the towel' and so I always recommend waiting before ending a relationship, job, or other commitment.  Things often seem worse or more complex than they really are.  It lasts about two months, until March 13.  

It's the time when some feel like abandoning what they have made of their lives and walking with a few possessions into the mountains.  It seems that the key to coming through it well is doing that 'mountain pilgrimage' thing internally while not abandoning job, mate, and ordinary activities.  Instead, one can modify them, cut back on some of them, make scheduling more comfortable and less ambitious.  Just carrying on is better than new projects, usually.  Or if one explores something new, take it slow.  

Friday:  'A large encampment of women, children, old people and invalids; a man at the gate keeping guard' suggests nobility or a noble person.  'A true knight will such  be; a defender of the defenseless, a benefactor of the poor and indigent.'  The planets cannot stop us from trying to live up to such an ideal at any time.  Contrary to this is 'a target pierced by a rapier,' suggeting 'powers of penetration' whether erotic or angry.  One might be impulsive or headstrong.  Sepharial advises 'Beware of the direct thrust and practice the use of the two-edged sword' or a more elegant, balanced approach. 

The predominance of earth signs fits with 'a man of benevolent countenance near a cottage, chopping wood.  Around him are well-filled orchards, near him a grazing sheep.'   He has a contented, happy disposition, is a friend of Nature and beloved of her.  He has natural goodwill, and his ambitions are fulfilled with the day.  This could be a clue to use the early void-of-course period in natural needed activities without complaint.  When the moon goes into Pisces one might feel more like 'an owl sitting in the moonlight,' with a self-possessed mind which discerns and discovers things occult or unsuspected by others.  Speculations and abstruse studies would go well.

'A mountain pilgrimage' could be that world-denying 'sannyasin' or hermit tendency mentioned in the discussion of the Dark Epoch (beginning today).  One perseveres with 'the ultimate course one has chosen for oneself' rather than lazing about on lower levels.  At the same time, not everything is intensely difficult or serious, so somewhere in the journey one might enjoy 'a boat on a large lake, two persons rowing in it.'  There can be changes, company, and adventure.  

{Friday}   ~Multiple Changes, Internal Adventure~

Cosmic Piper

Message for Thursday 14 January 2021

 Thursday 14 January 2021

}From Desponding through Temptation to Crown{

Moon in Aquarius

|Karmically serious or sobering third| of this week remains until early Friday

/moon goes void-of-course at 1:29a PT | 4:29a ET | 9:29a UT (remaining so all day)

And there we have it:  Two indications showing that the 'impeachment' imbroglio is headed nowhere other than to bring out irascibility and irritability for no good purpose.  

There is not just one 'man desponding, standing on a barren plain with leaden colored clouds overhead.'  The leaden color befits Saturn, planet of lead, under whose domain we are largely suffering as pointed out repeatedly in these reports.  Charubel says this degree is 'gloomy and monotonous' and even the perpetrators of the impeachment proceedings must be finding them monotonous as heck by now.  In your own life, there could be factors or temptations which are 'too revolting to be given' as a symbol by Charubel (he laments).  'Keep out of bad company; indulge not in stimulants; keep clear of the gambling hells, and seek to develop thy higher nature; by such a course thou mayest save thyself.'

It's possible that this void-of-course day could be employed in more subtle, spiritual ways, through prayer and meditation, so that one gets to inner resources and emerges as 'a child born of an eggshell.'  Dr. Jones says this can be 'a demonstration of the illimitable potentialities to be found in each immediate moment of self-realization.'  This is Essentiality or 'the self-matrix in which existence continues to create itself in its own image.'  Charubel says that one might be 'outwardly a babe, but inwardly a giant--of such is the kingdom of heaven.'  Few understand this person's inner nature, and such misunderstanding is a liability of the current planetary situation.  But the 'babe' blithely continues to trust his or her 'self-matrix.'  

Now the 'hope and dream' paragraph:  Charubel says that 'a crown and scepter' shows we are entitled to more than we possess, and have powers of which we are unconscious.  That is the dream of every super-power movie or TV saga.  The Sabian symbols suggest that we are near 'the rainbow's pot of gold' if we maintain faith and 'hold steady in every course of our choosing.' 

{Thursday}  {From Desponding through Temptation to Crown}

Cosmic Piper

Message for Wednesday 13 January 2020

 Wednesday 13 January 2020

}Prosperity in Spite of Enveloping Wrath and Grief{

Moon in Capricorn-->Aquarius

New Moon of Capricorn was at 9:01p(Tu) PT | 12:01a ET | 5:01a UT (also an eclipse)

|Karmically serious or sobering third| of this week is at its most intense (it ends early Friday)

/moon goes void-of-course at [11:23p(Tu) PT] 2:23a ET | 7:23a UT

until it enters Aquarius at 8:45a PT | 11:45a ET | 4:45p UT

I shall refrain from commenting directly on the vain circus of vindictiveness going on in Washington, which hurts the vindictive more than the victims.  It is indicated partly by the lunar data above, the hardest day of the week, and by much more.  

We have indications of 'sedition, violence, and a house dismembered by strife.'  'Wrath will effect great evils.'  (Sepharial)  This is happening in Washington.  The keyword is Disintegration and we may wonder if we have any believable, respect-worthy government left.  At the emotional level there are 'bitter feelings of resentment against others who may have thwarted one's designs.'  That results in 'rivalries and feuds' which produce 'ruin and desolation.'  The very few grown-ups in Washington, D. C. have their hands full.  

'A ram standing alone, looking towards a flock of sheep' is said by Charubel to indicate 'no sympathies toward the opposite sex.'  He counsels against marriage, which is in any event unlikely.  The separativeness could take form as 'profitless researches' into enigmas, as if one were lost in a maze, though one tries to discern its twists and turns with 'great ingenuity.'  (Charubel)

Though Mars and Uranus together in the money-sign Taurus are squared by Saturn, the moon, Jupiter and Mercury, not considered fortunate, this could facilitate sharp dealing in money-management, so that 'fortune smiles, and an abundance is one's lot' while 'reapers are at work 'neath the beams of the sun in a ripe field of grain.'  Not only that, but inner assurance enables one to hold steady in one's course, with faith, so that one is led to 'the rainbow's pot of gold.'

{Wednesday}  {Prosperity in Spite of Enveloping Wrath and Grief}

Cosmic Piper