Message for Monday 1 November 2021

 Monday 1 November 2021

\Impotence, Sculpting, Fraternizing/

Moon in Virgo-->Libra

/moon goes void-of-course at 10:01a PT | 1:01p ET | 5:01p UT

until it enters Libra at 4:12p PT | 7:12p ET | 11:12p UT

If you have any special (rather than just routine) transactions to do, it could be better to do them before (or after) the void-of-course period given above. 

I shall try not to moan about the sun's square with Saturn.   I feel that it was the factor which stymied the optimism of my two weekend forecasts, at least for me.  I hope you had a good weekend but for me that formidable square spoiled a lot of the fun.  It continues but we carry on, and in fact are learning from it.  'A man beneath the paw of a lion rampant" is how some feel under the "vaccination mandates" and how others feel under uncongenial working conditions.  Sepharial says we need more "stability and purpose" in order to rise above possible reproach.  

"A broken bottle and spilled perfume" could be a void-of-course phenomenon--any spill, upset or embarrassing delay.  Our hopes and desires permeate the atmosphere and are detected by others.  Renewed creative effort is recommended.  This could even go so far as becoming "a sculptor" or "endowing life with some enduring potential."  Nature submits gladly to expanded human vision and fulfilling self-expression.

Whether or not you are up for "a fellowship supper," we all need some sort of fraternity or sorority to provide company, social intercourse, and "a channeling of personal aspirations into the commonplace grooves of a shared experience."  If this is not tangible it can be intangible, as in an invisible Brother-Sisterhood of the spirit.  "A great headland, over which the Sun is rising, overhangs the sea."  This can be "feelings of magnanimity and reposeful strength."  We "look forward to the future with confidence, and our hopes will not be frustrated."  

{Monday}  /Impotence, Sculpting, Fraternizing\

Cosmic Piper

Message for Sunday 31 October 2021

 Sunday 31 October 2021

\Excellencies of the Season/

Moon in Virgo

For Halloween we have "a nest of young, unfledged birds lying upon the ground" to suggest perhaps the trials and tribulations of trick-or-treating.  Sepharial warns that children could be "bereft of parents or guardians, doomed to desolation or effortful self-assertion."  Yet an orphan is "capable of attaining considerable distinction."  Someone may be costumed as "a nomadic warrior, equipped with javelin and firearm."  Ready for the fray, he or she gets involved in strifes or quarrels.  With the sun and Mars both square Saturn it is wise to be careful that mock Halloween teasing does not degenerate into real fighting.  

"A mask representing the face of a hound" is timely.  Not only does it point to literal Halloween masking but suggests "one apt in the imitation of mannerisms, and so a capable actor, gifted with powers of dramatic representation."  He or she is "kind and sympathetic, readily attracting friends, yet few will know him for what he really is."  Some may inject a political or patriotic element into the festivity, as if "a flag-bearer."  At best this can be "the supremacy of common ideals over mere individual ambitions."  Some want to make a statement through costuming, perhaps a proclamation of nobility.

Someone may appear to be "a giant of monstrous dimensions," a prodigy of some kind, either in stature, mind, or personality.  People are basically good and this is the harvest season (not just for jack-o'-lanterns).  "A sheaf of corn" indicates "a practical benefactor of the race; a good member of society."  

{Sunday}  /Excellencies of the Season\

Cosmic Piper

Message for Saturday 30 October 2021

 Saturday  30 October 2021

\Developing Rapport/

Moon in Leo-->Virgo

|Karmically difficult, sobering, challenging third| of this week ends in very early hours (time given yesterday) 

/moon goes void-of-course at 0:06a PT | 3:06a ET | 7:06a UT

until it enters Virgo at 11:11a PT | 2:11p ET | 6:11p UT

We are free of the |karmically difficult third|, which has been hitting the weekends for months, and the symbols for the day are nice, so I have to be optimistic.  "A man in a balloon with the dark clouds beneath him" is an experimentalist, an investigator of imponderables, who meets trials but rises above them and attains lofty success.  Sometimes his path is as eccentric as that of "a comet," yet he will perform some deed remembered as great.  Our more unique hopes are being furthered.

"A sight-seeing bus" suggests naive interest in life as a whole, with an exceptional range of understanding, sympathy, and avenues of self-expression.  People are friendly in an impersonal way capturing each moment's opportunity for interesting sharing.  Maybe at one of the stops there are "three cups of wine standing on a table in the form of a triangle."   Everyone but the driver may partake of these, though indulgence could be excessive.  Some will experience high enthusiasm of a spiritual nature, mental intoxication.  

"A heart" indicates someone affectionate, unselfish, confiding, and influenced by others.  Such an attitude and disposition tends to awaken similar feelings in everyone else.  "The moon shining across a lake" brings a magic of release from outer compulsions toward a yearning for deeper shared experience.  Rapport vibrates across a scene, room, or table and there is a subtle mastery over events.

{Saturday}    /Developing Rapport\

Cosmic Piper

Message for Friday 29 October 2021

 Friday 29 October 2021

^Innocence and Treasure^

Moon in Leo

|Karmically serious, sobering, challenging third| of this week continues until early Saturday at 0:24a (Sa) PT | 3:24a(Sa)  ET | 7:24a(Sa) UT

"A man sleeping upon a bundle of clothes.  Over him hovers a vulture, while upon one side of him is a serpent ready to strike and on the other a leopard in the act of springing."  Okay, we get it, Signor Borelli thinks we are going to be too lazy and thereby endanger ourselves.  "Self-indulgence and untimely pleasures could render one subject to misfortune."  I leave a happier interpretation to you.  While lying prone one might notice "a bluebird standing at the door of the house" which means one is creatively alert to signs and portents of an optimistic nature, rousing one from lethargy toward ingratiating self-interest and good fortune.  

Searching for orientation, solid principles and truths, while a gradually speeding Mercury approaches a trine with Jupiter, could lead to "three mounds of knowledge on a philosopher's head," a degree of prescience furthering progress.  If this approaches a level of exhilaration, one is like "a naked boy with a crown on his head and a scepter in his hand."  This is innocency combined with native dignity and a promise of future greatness.

Let's not get wildly optimistic, but we might be on "a ship in full sail in the midst of the ocean," able to do productive trading far and wide as long as we can accept and work through a relatively unsettled condition.  Even better, one might be like "a man standing with his left foot upon the shoulder of a spade.  A pick-axe lies on the ground, and in his hand he holds a jewel reflecting the Sun's rays."  A major planet was in this degree on the most financially fortunate day of my life so far.  May you partake of something like that.  If not, you could reconsider and re-prize some blessings you already have and come to treasure them.  

{Friday}  ^Innocence and Treasure^

Cosmic Piper

Message for Thursday 28 October 2021

 Thursday 28 October 2021

^Dangerous or Successful Daring^

Moon in Leo beginning at 2:08a PT | 5:08a ET | 9:08a UT

(/moon void-of-course before that time, see yesterday's report for times)

|Karmically serious, sobering, challenging third| of this week continues until late Friday night

For many or most this may be the hardest day of this week, with Luna opposite Saturn while square Uranus and the sun, an X square in fixed signs.  This could be a battle over values, for the fixed signs want to determine what is undoubtedly good and stick with it.  Positively, it could be setting up some standard or procedure which one trusts, for as we approach the next Bright Epoch (beginning November 3) we see more clearly into what are reliable procedures in any scheme, job, or project.  Value-conflict or value-dispute comes out in "a monster with two faces" indicating duplicity, deception, and slander.  One will not stand for this sort of thing because living by Principle seems paramount.  If one feels that "all men are hypocrites" one might descend into the gloom of "a dark pool of water in the shadow of dense foliage."  It is good to rouse oneself from purposeless fatalism, though some melancholy could just be a touch of mellow realism. 

There is quest and search, a sense that one could find or discover something valuable or interesting:  "A person at the bottom of a deep ravine, with lamp in hand, is searching for something."   Or one might decide that one needs to go farther on the surface of the earth, as in "immigrants entering."  There is constant news of the immigration crisis at our country's southern border.  With the X square, people are in disagreement over the propriety of such immigration, in many or some cases, for abandoning one nation for another could be "a surrender of the real in a pursuit of the false."  Or, some, and oneself, could rather represent "the creative faith of those who risk their well-being by bringing their skills into pioneer areas of self-expression."  

It's well to remember that we are in the |karmically serious third| of the week, first paragraph, but this final paragraph explores more thrilling possibilities.  The moon in Leo, sign of gold, could send us on "a gold rush" in an attempt to exploit natural or other resources, independent of commonplace limitations.  This seems utterly exciting.  One's ambitions feel sure of good fortune.  At the level of emotion, some might feel like "a woman standing on the head of a serpent," exercising great sagacity in the guise of femininity, subtlety or delicacy.  There can be mutual fascination.  

{Thursday}  ^Dangerous or Successful Daring^

Cosmic Piper

Message for Wednesday 27 October 2021

 Wednesday 27 October 2021

~Gloom, Stabilization, Approval~

Moon in Cancer

|Karmically serious, sobering, challenging third| of this week is with us until very late Friday night

/moon goes void-of-course at 11:03 PT | 2:03a(W) ET | 6:03a(W) UT

There can be obscuration and melancholy, quietude and gloom, but this is just a background into which one can slip and one does not have to stay there.  Within such seeming ineffectuality and adaptability, one may be a member of "humanity seeking to bridge the span of knowledge."  What is not known is a matrix for what can become known.  We can have faith in our own reasoning powers and thereby make a rational contribution to the world and ourselves.  

Multiple squares and oppositions among the planets, including the moon, make for "a storm-swept prairie."  Some could become "free as the wind" but also violent and rash, following an extravagant and wasteful path.  "Fallen idols and desolated temples" are left behind by a desperado.  Destroying where one cannot build is the last resort of someone intent on self-annihilation.  We are not likely to go that far but we might note the tendency in ourselves and others.  If one gets through the storm one reaches "a massive, rocky shore" where one's spirit is poised and one's personality firm, prepared for any contingency.  This is welcome and salvific stabilization.

To avoid bias, we might rephrase "a Chinese laundry" as "an immigrant running a laundry."  The idea is that one may be in an unknown or difficult environment where one is uneasy, so one adopts work which is uncontroversial and needed.  One is perhaps alone or secluded.  One maintains poise and self-perspective through hard labor.  The opposite of this is "a Maypole with a crown of flowers at the top, and someone climbing to procure it."  One wants popularity.  And so one breaks out of the "laundry" to climb the Maypole, and gain momentary approbation.  

{Wednesday}  ~Gloom, Stabilization, Approval~

Cosmic Piper

Message for Tuesday 26 October 2021

 Tuesday 26 October 2021

~Visioning Toward Magic Will~

Moon in Cancer

I stopped labeling the three paragraphs of each report with "Challenge, Process, and Blessing" for no particular reason except I wanted a change, but still I tend to put the hardest issues of the day in the first paragraph and work up to happier matters.  

I tend to feel that people are going crazy.  Just now some neighbors were yelling at each other in the manner of Kramer on the old Jerry Seinfeld series (which is now, all nine seasons, on Netflix and I have been watching some out of curiosity though I find much of it pretty repellent).  Actually the moon is void-of-course as I write (Monday), and that does not help, but I have to do some of the writing during such periods, just as anyone has to work during v-of-c times fairly frequently.  What is also driving people crazy is the long-term sun-square-Saturn aspect, discussed yesterday, especially because the sun is also opposing Uranus.  When people feel frustrated (Saturn) they do weird (Uranus) things.  Witness Kramer, who is always frustrated and always weird.  (George likewise, I might add, in a more sophisticated way.)  

For Tuesday we have "an ass tethered to the shaft of a grinding mill" which might seem cruel, but the message is that we are all "beasts of burden" in some manner.  That is, we have to do something repetitive to aid or support other human beings in order to be part of human society and deserve its benefits.  Elementary, but we seem to need to re-learn it during sun-Saturn periods.  Fortunately "a man is in the midst of brightening influences" and so there shall be enduring rewards when we "respond to the underlying friendliness of the world at large."  Courageously we can press onward from darkness to light.  

Whom do you trust?  It's a stark question which we ought to answer in some tentative way.  "A man hesitating to trust himself on a wooden bridge over a chasm" is said by Charubel to be too fearful, doubting everything and suspicious of even his best friends.  The T square in fixed signs involving the sun, Saturn and Uranus inclines us toward solid (fixed) principles and we may feel that some others are just not living up to them.  This is disappointing, yet there remains room for further investigation and consideration.  "A child and a dog with borrowed eyeglasses" can both examine things with naïve, open minds, almost the opposite of the fearful man.  Emma Curtis Hopkins wrote that she knew a man who, in despair, decided his dog was better than he, and so followed the dog around until it led him to a woman who brought him salvation.

There are all kinds of books, lectures and podcasts guiding us to be peaceful and optimistic, almost passive, like "a youth with a lighted candle."  It's a beautiful image.  We can have "contact with inner and transcendental realms of reality."  "Enthusiasm arises from ever-clear vision" and then we rely on the goodness and integrity of all things.  "Only for good the secret Will can work."  -- Sri Aurobindo, Savitri.  Then our emblem might be "the double triangle," which denotes "great will power, as of a magician."  

{Tuesday}  ~Visioning Toward Magic Will~

Cosmic Piper

Message for Monday 25 October 2021

 Monday 25 October 2021

~Reflection and Mutual Aid~

Moon in Gemini-->Cancer

/moon goes void-of-course at 7:12a PT | 10:12a ET | 2:12p UT

until it enters Cancer at 2:01p PT | 5:01p ET | 9:01p UT

The sun's square with Saturn (the hard aspect between these two, square, opposition, or conjunction, occurs four times a year) can feel like "men cutting through ice" because Saturn rules coldness and winter (the Saturn-ruled signs Capricorn and Aquarius are, in the northern hemisphere where astrology grew up, the cold winter months).  Some of the hardest times of my life have been during those periods (this one, by fifteen degrees, is from October 15 through November 14).  Actually these periods cover one-third of the time, so they are "normal" but a "difficult normal" when we have to face reality.  Reality is good, but the good realities we face seem bad because we are creating 'badness" by our attitudes or wrong feelings and "sins."  I once took a vacation at one of these times and though some of it was good, the person I was visiting had serious issues with me which were painful.  At another time I quit a program I was in just when the period began and then had to find another job which was like a demotion.  We need to see that what is hard is good, like the "men cutting through ice."  Service in a difficult situation develops skill and strength.  To develop a philosophic perspective one could emulate "an old man seated beneath a shady tree, his head bowed in thought; a pilgrim."  In solitude one loves abstruse thought, impressed with the unreality of the "real" (paradox!).  Though not misanthropic, one wants to regard things and persons according to their true value.  Disillusionment in some things and people (or in oneself) develops lonely divine strength.

Five planets in air signs, including the moon in Gemini during the v-of-c period, could yield "a man distributing papers among a multitude of people," or distributing information on the internet.  This could be someone trying to reform everyone else enthusiastically even though his or her partisanship is pretty superficial.  It might be good to take a broader over-all view before trying to convince others of anything, as if one were in "an airplane hovering overhead."  One's reflection helps one adjust and meet any crises or issues with imaginative resourcefulness (especially after the moon enters Cancer, trining the sun in another water sign).  

"A house-raising" could be "seeking fulfillment through one's fellow human beings."  Together we help one another when anyone is making a living-situation adjustment.  One can "win the good will and enlist the services of others" or else be so enlisted.  If you know someone going through a transition you might be of assistance.  "A rustic cottage overarched by a spreading cedar tree" is the comfort and peacefulness you and someone else enjoy through mutual benevolence.  Both "the wayside traveler" and closer family are sheltered and succored.

{Monday}  ~Reflection and Mutual Aid~

Cosmic Piper

Message for Sunday 24 October 2021

 Sunday 24 October 2021

}Secrets Spilled or Utilized{

Moon in Gemini

The sun squaring Saturn, over the next couple weeks, is always a serious time, and we have "a human skull" indicating someone "liable to melancholy" yet "mystical, fond of the occult, with great depth of penetration."  What is invisible takes on importance during the month of Scorpio.  It is also a sign of preservation, because it wants to protect against disaster, so that "a broken bottle and spilled perfume" is what we try to prevent rather than what we blithely accept.  The unwanted permeation of the perfume flows out to make an impact on others, perhaps revealing personal secrets.  We make the best of this, trying to render our lives significant in the way we determine.  

"An airplane hovering overhead" fits with the preponderance of planets in air signs.  A detached maturity can get an ovr-all view of potentials.  We reflect on the consequences and relationships of things from a height, so then we can get down into immediate realities effectively.  Then we would be like "a rhinoceros" which is one-pointed toward its immediate object or goal.  We find ourselves better and better able to do this as Mercury gradually increases in speed, up to the beginning of its Bright Epoch on November 3.  

"Pelicans moving their habitat" are setting out for a new phase of life to find out, and prove, what they can do.  The frontier spirit is "the indomitable originality by which the human spirit remains at a forefront of everyday accomplishment."  We do not have to move, literally, to get a fresh perspective.  Rather we can just "make use of our own immediate genius."  When this is exhilarating one might feel like "a man in a boat on a lake," fond of fishing or "aquatic exercises," perhaps indolent and "partial to the joys of Bacchus."  Neptune the alcohol-loving planet is in a square with Venus.  We are equipped to distinguish indulgence from over-indulgence.

{Sunday}  {Secrets Spilled or Utilized}

Cosmic Piper

Message for Saturday 23 October 2021

Saturday 23 October 2021

}Colorful Humanity{

Moon in Gemini beginning at 0:53a PT | 3:53a ET | 7:53a UT

(moon was /void-of-course in Taurus before that time, as given yesterday)

It's not a hard-work day for most, yet we have "a plowman plowing" to show that there are matters to take care of in a steady, industrious manner.  It is good to be "a plodder" when that involves consistent attention to details which life and the cosmic order are requiring, even if at some level they seem boring.  It's a good mental trick to make the boring interesting.  "Tiny children in sunbonnets" know how to do it, because they are innocent.  Therefore they experience 'happy and full participation in everyday living."  

"Beautifully gowned wax figures" embody "the ineradicable vanity of the human spirit as it gathers strength not only from the finery it wears but from a superficial display of woman's form and man's reputation."  Whether a famous individual is notorious or beloved, his or her impact on us helps us understand and choose values.  "An astrological chart in square form" could be a help in comprehending the fate, the karma and dharma, of well-known individuals as well as friends.  Whether one uses astrology or some other psychological measurement, surveying the varying kinds of human beings makes one more kindly and fair-minded.  

"A sight-seeing bus" continues the theme of universal friendliness, which can be a talent of moon-in-Gemini.  A catholic or universal attitude opens up a naive interest in life as a whole, with no artificial boundaries, and so one can express oneself among strangers.  This could be impersonal and mildly humorous, or it might bring forth affections from the heart, so that one is unselfish and confiding, allowing oneself to be influenced by others because respecting their basic decency and goodness.  

{Saturday}  {Colorful Humanity}

Cosmic Piper

Message for Friday 22 October 2021

 Friday 22 October 2021

\Slow Rebirthing/

Moon in Taurus

|Karmically serious, sobering, challenging third| of this week ends at 8:46a PT | 11:46a ET | 3:46p UT

/moon goes void-of-course at 1:36p PT | 4:36p ET | 8:36p UT (until after midnight)

"A raven standing on a stone" could be someone you know in one of his or her worse moods--morose, avaricious, revengeful, secretive, or misanthropic.  (I guess there is a place for ravens but they have a bad reputation.)  At the other extreme of human development we have "three mounds of knowledge on a philosopher's head."  Dr. Jones says these could be not academic verbiage but "skills, allegiances and ideals."   We can come to know the cosmic order of the world and therefore be prescient.  (That is one of the goals of these forecast-meditations.)

"A little boy in a state of nudity blowing bubbles" could be any of us during the nonchalant phases when we are unpretentious, innocent, and self-entertaining.  But a more serious side is longing for some decisive, conclusive direction, toward the end of a Dark Hermetic Epoch, that is, for "an Easter sunrise service" or something inspiring which will bring rebirth, and security within our immortal resources. 

The Dark or Slow Epoch since September 7 is normal; it goes on almost half the time; but each time it challenges us to our depths so that we can re-find ourselves, something like "a child born of an eggshell."  This peculiar symbol shows that we can be reborn out of surprising factors which come from the past, old associations, memories, books or movies which somehow awaken us to the essentiality of ourselves.  Yet there is, at the same time, a transition to something better, as if that "old stuff" were being transmuted through expanding awareness.  Voila!  Then we may realize that we have an invisible "crown and scepter," powers to which we are entitled though we did not realize they belonged to us.

{Friday}  /Slow Rebirthing\

Cosmic Piper

Message for Thursday 21 October 2021

 Thursday 21 October 2021

\The Seasoning of the Seasons/

Moon in Taurus

|Karmically serious, sobering, challenging third| of this week continues until Friday morning at 8:46a PT | 11:46a ET | 3:46p UT

Once again, for orientation:

Dark or Slow Hermetic Epoch began September 6 . .. .

[Mercury was Retrograde from September 27 through October 17} . . .

Slow or Dark Epoch continues from October 18 through November 2 . . .

Bright or Fast-Forward Epoch begins November 3 . . . until December 29

We are not out of the woods, no matter how impatient we may be to see that clearing ahead.  One reason people lose faith in Mercury Retrograde is that they believe everything should get better the day it turns direct (which was October 18).  It does not get better!  The Dark or Slow Epoch continues for another couple of weeks, as shown above.  

Thursday:  

Dark Epoch indeed:  "A black hole or cavern in a rock."  This indicates "futile or vacuous projects, inconstant and fruitless work, a position of no account."  "Open to receive benefits from others, but yielding nothing of his own, affording a barren prospect."  A clue there is that being generous to people could help one out of one's own quandary.  "Sea gulls watching a ship" may also have a "barren" prospect but they are alert to whatever turns up and will make use of any opportunity through vigilance.  In some areas you might take what would go to waste if you don't grab it.  Then you could be generous toward the other "gulls" with what you have gained.  

Sagacity:  "A woman standing on the head of a serpent" is sagacious (a serpent is a symbol of wisdom) within the guise or disguise of feminine delicacy.  She has fascinating power.  Venus is septile (aspect of fate or destiny) Mars on one side and Saturn on the other.  Even if there is something sad in a relationship, it is there for good reason and will strengthen both parties.  As Mercury gains speed we are still enveloped in partial fog but "humanity is seeking to bridge the span of knowledge" so rationality combined with accumulated experience supports faith in one's own thinking and in human potentials.  

Man or woman for all seasons:  "Information in the symbol of an autumn leaf" might be a signal to "get the home fires burning," or a more cheery, colorful emblem of the joys of the Fall season when Nature seems to take a rest.  We can be adaptable to the seasons within ourselves, and tactful toward others.  There is a shift from autumn to spring in "an elevated promontory illumined by the noonday sun and crowned with variously colored flowers."  Proud, and open to flattery,  one is light-headed, displaying charm and attractiveness, receiving some of fortune's favors.  

{Thursday}  /Seasoning of the Seasons\

Cosmic Piper

Message for Wednesday 20 October 2021

 Wednesday 20 October 2021

^Full Reassuring Moon^

Moon in Aries-->Taurus

|Karmicallly serious, sobering, challenging third| of this week is with us until Friday morning

Full Moon of Libra-Aries occurs at 7:58a PT | 10:58a ET | 2:58p UT

/moon goes void-of-course at that moment

until it enters Taurus at 1:00p PT | 4:00p ET | 8:00p UT

Hard Stuff:  The Dark or Slow Hermetic Epoch remains, until November 3, and it is, to my experience, just as strong as it was during Mercury Retrograde.  Things are delayed or seem bollixed up.  It is hard to remain optimistic when stuff seems out of kilter.  Now we have the sun squaring Saturn, over the next couple weeks, always a time when "reality" has to be faced, not tragic but not joyous.  Of course we can maintain spiritual joy if we are living at the level of consciousness where that is possible.  

Relationships:  Yesterday I wrote a good paragraph about the Venus septile Mars "destiny-laden" aspect from October 17 through 27.  Today I see evidence of it in the growing new relationship a friend is experiencing.  Sometimes you may be going back to old relationships and friendships; sometimes they could be new, but not as often.  They may not be easy but seem crucial.

Wednesday:  

Worry:  "A solitary tree on a rocky height, behind it a dark threatening cloud" brings out the sun-square-Saturn syndrome, often loneliness and worry.  There could be isolation even though one has reached a "high position."  One can "man up" or "woman up" and rise above what seems misfortune, relying on an effective desire to fulfill ambitions.

Service:  "An ass tethered to the shaft of a grinding mill" is what one might feel like when having to carry out duties or needed tasks.  But life is based on mutual service; our food is grown and packaged and transported and sold by others, and the same for all physical necessities.  One is no more an "ass" for doing one's work than is a  multi-billionaire CEO.  "A man in the midst of brightening influences" realizes what is good in his life and knows it is getting better.  One can be responsive to invisible upward influence.  

Reassurance:  One is recapturing what had seemed to be lost, during any Dark or Slow Epoch.  "The groundhog is looking for its shadow."  One does not have to be timid, but alert to the drift of potentials.  After finding the "shadow" one could turn one's "telescope" to "point heavenward."  One is either a mini-scientist or a semi-clairvoyant, able to perceive what will set one upon a reassuring attitude, stance, or forward momentum.    

{Wednesday}  ^Full Reassuring Moon^

Cosmic Piper

Message for Tuesday 19 October 2021

 Tuesday 19 October 2021

^Matrix for Selected Magic^

Moon in Aries

Full Moon of Libra-Aries occurs tomorrow, Wednesday, at 7:58a PT 10:58a ET | 2:58p UT

A noteworthy longer-term indication is Mars and Venus in a septile aspect, from October 17 through 27.  The septile (one-seventh of the zodiacal circle) is an aspect of Fatality or Destiny according to Marc Edmund Jones.  I have seen this septile between Mars and Venus work out in the past in very important relationships.  It can seem good or seem indefinite, but it marks some development in the relationship, or some realization of what the relationship means.  This can happen not just with male-female relations as in marriage or partnership, but in same-sex relations or friendships, or relations with relatives such as sister, brother, aunt, uncle, and so on.  Because we remain in a Slow or Dark, retrospective, Epoch (until November 3), you may experience this as recalling, sentimentally, old friends who are no longer with you or are at a distance.  Getting in touch with them might be good even if you feel reluctant.  This could result in "karma working out" in a good way even if that is subtle or indefinite.  In general, I believe that relationships, friendships and social connections will be better for all in November and December  The ensuing week could clear the decks for that. 

Tuesday:

Challenge:   "The Pyramids and the Sphinx" remind us that the physical world we experience provides the fabric for our fellowship with one another, as it is said that Hermes instructed in house-building, or pyramid-building, as did or do, in a secret sense, the Masonic orders.  The past's monuments can certify to us our individual place in the history of the planet, intuitively.  Yet we need to choose a focus, as does "a rhinoceros," by being one-pointed, which decreases fear and increases courage.  Being absorbed in one object and intent enhances strength.

Process:  Mercury virtually motionless is like "an airplane hovering overhead" and our minds can achieve an over-all view of the world.  The consequences and relationships of things become clear to steadied reflection.  Then we are ready for intellectual pursuits, if so inclined, as we engage with "a quantity of books and papers in disorder."  History and literature, scattered about in seeming disarray, provide the matrix for a retentive memory and a lively imagination.  One might write oneself, or appreciate someone else's work, or both.

Blessing:  "A rustic cottage overarched by a spreading cedar tree" could be appreciated by oneself, or provided by oneself for someone else through benevolence, giving peace and comfort to all.  You might retreat to a memory of being at home with someone special.  Perhaps you have never been "a magician in sacerdotal vestments standing in a magic circle performing magic rites" but still could imagine yourself to be performing "art magic" or effective ceremonial.  

{Tuesday}  ^Matrix for Selected Magic^

Cosmic Piper

Message for Monday 18 October 2021

 Monday 18 October 2021

^Poised in Readiness^

Moon in Aries

Mercury appears motionless, turning direct at  8:18a PT | 11:18a ET | 3:18p UT (but the Dark or Slow Hermetic Epoch continues until November 3)

Challenge:  We have some seemingly difficult symbols today, so it is good to remember that though Mercury technically turns direct, it is still moving very slowly, almost not at all, and the Dark or Slow Epoch continues.  Still, you should be feeling that some things in your life are clearer, as if you were centering yourself more securely.  "Death, with a scythe in one hand and a bag of money in the other" could show someone, or some organization, which is miserly and willing to do dastardly deeds for monetary advantage.  (This could be connected with Mars and the sun both square Pluto, planet of big business and big government.)   "An eagle and a large white dove turning one into the other'' are two facets of your stance toward the world, wary and defensive or peaceful and accepting.  One can be adept at meeting every situation through self-training.  

Process:  "A knight of the field mailed and plumed, ready for attack" is living the conjunction of Mars with the sun in Libra which, though ruled by Venus, is known as a military sign because of its agility and sense of justice.  One is "ready for the fray," alert and cautious; therefore victorious.  And so one is ready to crow out fearless self-affirmation like a chanticleer, displaying fervor which wins allegiance.  

Blessing:  'A widow's past brought to light" may seem an ordeal of the spirit, but it can prove to be clearance and self protection.  One rectifies past mistakes or inadequacies in a resilient manner.  One is called upon to integrate one's personality.  The moon in energetic Aries forming good aspects makes one like "a heron" or bird with fine perceptions, never apathetic but sensitive and appreciating what is going on around.  Then one could respond as either the "eagle" or "large white dove" as appropriate.

{Monday}  ^Poised in Readiness^

Cosmic Piper

Message for Sunday 17 October 2021

 Sunday 17 October 2021

~Coasting into Harmony~

Moon in Pisces

/moon goes void-of-course at 4:25p PT | 7:25p ET | 11:25p UT

Mercury shall turn direct Monday at 8:18a PT | 11:18a ET | 3:18p UT

Challenge:   Sagittarius can be a patriotic sign, no matter what one's nation, and also an international sign, which means it is both nationalistic (often) and globalistic (in some sense, Left or Right) at the same time.  Today we have "a flag that turns into an eagle that crows" to show that the more nationalistic side of people may be coming forward.  Established allegiances are necessary.  And at the individual level, one has to adjust to find a balance among various loyalties.  At best the norm would be the peaceful flag, and the eagle merely a reserve force to ensure peace when enforcement is needed.  (This was the ideal which Dwight Eisenhower, a sun-sign Libra individual [in which sign the sun, Mars and Mercury now lie] tried to enact quite consciously.)  One cannot help noting the coolness and the color of Autumn, and there is "information in the symbol of an autumn leaf."  This is a spur to preparation for winter as well as a beautiful symbol of interdependence and spontaneous adaptability.  The keyword Tact means that we should be as gentle to one another as the seasons, we hope, shall be to us.  

Process:  Venus sextile Mercury while the Part of Fortune is in the fifth sector coincides with "a fair woman sporting herself on a couch" or being voluptuous or sybaritic.  That seems a sexist symbol unless we remember that it applies just as much to males in its import of sensuousness which could verge into decadence.  Or perhaps it is harmless flirtation.  "A Welsh harp" connotes equanimity, evenness of temper, passivity and a love of harmony, with the ability to bring that about.  (The sun is in Libra and the moon in Pisces, two of the sweeter signs of the zodiac, generally speaking.)  

Blessing:  "An apple tree whose boughs bend with ripe fruit" indicates normality of habit and fondness for home.  Such individuals make kind parents and benevolent citizens.    "A promontory illumined by the sun and crowned with variously colored flowers" is a fortunate situation of elevation.  One might be open to flattery and somewhat conceited yet charming and attractive, a recipient of fortune's favors.  

{Sunday}  ~Coasting into Harmony~

Cosmic Piper

Message for Saturday 16 October 2021

 Saturday 16 October 2021

~Toward Balance and Reconciliation~

Moon in Pisces

Challenge:  When we have degrees which are warnings we need to calm down and be more patient and philosophic with life (always important while Mercury is retrograde).  "A solitary tree upon a rocky height, behind it a dark threatening cloud" suggests betrayal by enemies, but this is likely to be merely misjudgment, such as trusting an ad and wasting money on a useless product, or listening to gossip which would distort your relation to the object of the gossip.  Or one could reach "isolated distinction" while unintentionally making enemies or rivals.  Pride is not wrong when based on real attainments, but should not be flaunted so as to bring about pushbacks such as "a tiger crouching as if in the act of assault."  It's not that someone is necessarily treacherous but he or she could be employing selfish strategy.   (I don't like these warnings which sound paranoid but you are best fitted to see what they might mean in your case. Sometimes people hurt each other without intending to do so.)  )  

Process:   The previous theme continues, but more hopefully, with "a lion alone with tail erect, running toward a panther."  Charubel says this is favorable, indicating "a person of noble disposition, high-minded and honorable; also bold, courageous, and fearless of foes.."  If one seems slow in bringing forward a favorable destiny, one resembles "a big man like a giant, the lower limbs black; he appears to creep upwards."  This indicates "capacious desires" (giant) baffled by misfortune and loss.  But by knowing himself (especially through studying his birth-chart, says Charubel) he may master his destiny.  

Blessing:  "A third wing on the left side of a butterfly" may seem useless, and could disrupt a smooth flight path.  During this Mercury Retrograde cycle we can get involved in more than we can handle, because our minds are ceaselessly searching in odd directions (retrograde) for something to remedy our malaise.  The "third wing" makes the butterfly distinctive, for sure, and you may become aware of what is distinctive in you, making you odd to others yet essential to your particular makeup and destiny.  You may rely on "the lamp of physical enlightenment at the left temple," or an enlarged understanding issuing from cealess experiment and balancing of consequences in the soul's laboratory.  Then you reconcile contrary trends and continue to capitalize on past achievements.  

{Saturday}  ~Toward Balance and Reconciliation~

Cosmic Piper

Message for Friday 15 October 2021

 Friday 15 October 2021

}Informally Rewarding Exploration or Romance{

Moon in Aquarius-->Pisces

|Karmically serious, sobering, challenging third| of this week ends at 8:16a PT | 11:16a ET | 3:16p UT

/moon goes void-of-course at 5:34a PT | 8:34a ET | 12:34p UT

until it enters Pisces at 7:23p PT | 10:23p ET | 2:23a(Sa) UT

Challenge:  You guessed it, the Mercury Retrograde period (until Monday) plus the moon void-of-course for 14 hours could add up to "a bridge in a broken and dilapidated condition spanning the dry bed of a river."  This does not make progress impossible but makes it slower, interrupted frequently, with projects seeming to collapse before they can be braced up again.  If one gets more active, with Mars and the sun together forming strong aspects, there could be "cross-swords" or involvement in quarrels.  Or this could be the normal interplay of a dialectic of Left and Right, for example, trying to work out harmony through aesthetic sword-play or verbal gymnastics. 

Process:  "A full moon shining in a clear sky" reveals high capacities, with sympathy and adaptability.  Even if one shines by reflected light, ease and grace can bring fame and possibly wealth. One might resemble the "Chanticleer" or rooster crowing out the greatness of his particular role, full of the fervor of fearless self-affirmation, winning allegiance from hearts and minds.

Blessing:   The Part of Fortune in the fifth sector of youth could bring "a golden-haired goddess of opportunity," someone who opens your hopes to rewards which life could shower on you through irresistible confidence and "tireless outreaching to all the wonders of an everyday world."  (A person I know who has this degree rising exemplifies these qualities.) The "opportunities" provided could be almost unnoticed during the void-of-course hours,  or else quite surprising.  Another romantic degree, "the clear blue sky covered with stars," could bring "numerous gifts, many accomplishments, while one wanders over the earth as an explorer or astronomer."   Life is not only interesting but ineffably thrilling.

{Friday}  {Informally Rewarding Exploration or Romance}

Cosmic Piper

Message for Thursday 14 October 2021

 Thursday 14 October 2021

}Inspiration, Justice, Learning, Kindness{

Moon in Aquarius

|Karmically serious, sobering, challenging third| of this week continues until Friday morning

Challenge:  "A man asleep by the side of some money-bags" typifies one strain of the Mercury Retrograde period, namely, living in memories of the past and dreams of the future while oblivious to current duties.  We don't do this all the time but are likely to do it more than usual.  Is that bad?  Not necessarily, if it gives needed REcovery.  The more active side of the day could be like "a house on fire," indicating enthusiasm and inspiration with a headstrong drive, making all subservient to a visionary purpose.  This could be as impractical as sleeping by one's money-bags, though in an active rather than passive mode.  During MR we feel "Nothing is working, so something 'else' must be the right path" and the ensuing quest can lead to wild-goose chases. 

Process:  Six planets in air air signs can be either "a lot of hot air" or cool intellectual analysis.  "A man standing on a platform and an audience in front" could go in either direction, whether the subject of the lecture be political, religious, literary, or otherwise. People care about ideas and principles.   "An open Bible with a sword on it" signifies righteous judgment, and a person who is truthful, good, and just. If we don't find such people in politics, let's hope they shall be imported into it.

Blessing:  Venus in Sagittarius, combining feminine with philosophic and educational tendencies, takes form as "a mother with her children on stairs."  Whether this be a mother goddess, such as Saraswati, or Mary the mother of Jesus, or a human mother figure or teacher, she is guiding her charges upward in their mental, moral and spiritual evolution.  At a simpler physical level, kindness takes the form of "a child giving birds a drink at a fountain."  There is no selfishness in this.  Dr. Jones calls it "the creative concern for others by which any individual comes to experience his own immortality."  

{Thursday}  {Inspiration, Justice, Learning, Kindness}

Cosmic Piper

Message for Wednesday 13 October 2021

 Wednesday 13 October 2021

\Broken Bridge but Strong Will and maybe Exhilaration/

Moon in Capricorn-->Aquarius

|Karmically serious, sobering, challenging third| of this week is with us until Saturday morning

/moon goes void-of-course at 3:54a PT | 6:54a ET | 10:54a UT

until it enters Aquarius at 1:48p PT | 4:48p ET | 8:48p UT

Challenge:  You may be weary of my moaning over Mercury Retrograde.  One friend who has it so in her birth-chart just told me of some good luck she had during this retrograde cycle.  I have a theory that such people may do better with the MR vibration.  For me, and many I am in touch with, it has been hard this time.  "A bridge in a broken and dilapidated condition spanning the dry bed of a river" gets the feel of it!  Today I made the mistake of listening to an infomercial which droned on and on, wanting to get to the point, which I knew would be "send us your money" but I was interested.  Then I did research on the product and decided it was probably worthless, and there are duplicates selling at a better price with better reviews.  Total waste of my time?  Maybe not because I did learn a few things, but it was a very MR experience, as if I were in some other world for almost an hour.  At least I avoided the "hook" they had set out for my money.  Today you might feel that you are part of "a group of cattle browsing in the sunshine," taking it easy, placid with domestic or rustic life, patient and unambitious.  You do not need to go across a "broken bridge" (especially to be avoided during the v-of-c hours).    

Process:   Mars together with the sun, both tri-septile Uranus, could act like "a cross formed of darts, with a barbed termination to each arm," that is, "a very positive character of strong will, who will never allow anyone to impose on him--with defensive magical abilities."  This could be you, someone you know, or a famous person or fictional character.  A more passive or relaxed form of good fortune is shown by "a lady sitting on a divan fanning herself" (moon sextile Venus especially after entering Aquarius).  She enjoys the good things of this life and is fortunate and prosperous.  

Blessing:  "A crowd upon the beach" are exhibiting unconditioned friendliness, releasing tensions into whatever comradeship may lie at hand.  That can be exhilarating.  Even, especially after the moon enters Aquarius, "cupid" could be "knocking at the door."  People are alluring to one another, making and breaking connections while indulging an appetite for enlarged experience.  

{Wednesday}  \Broken Bridge but Strong Will and maybe Exhilaration\

Cosmic Piper

Message for Tuesday 12 October 2021

 Tuesday 12 October 2021

\Holding Steady with Values/

Moon in Capricorn

Challenge:  In spiritual teachings, we are sometimes instructed that we have to "bear" or "endure" experiences and tasks we don't particularly enjoy.  I have never enjoyed hearing such instruction, yet over the years it has helped me calm down and be more patient.  Today we have "a mill-wheel driven by the wind" signifying an ingenious, inventive mind studying useful arts, but yielding to imposition, handing over the fruits of its labor without gaining much credit, remuneration or respect.  (I have been reading about the writer of the first 22 Hardy Boys mystery-adventure novels, Charles Leslie McFarlane, pen name Franklin W. Dixon, who was paid a measly $85 per complete novel in the 1920s and 1930s, and forbidden by contract to reveal his identity!)  "A Jewish rabbi" might suffer a similar fate if he feels he might have had more prestige and income in a different job rather than what his congregation is willing to give him.  However, he brings them a deeper understanding of eternal values and confirms them in their resplendent heritage, and that is payment enough. 

Process:  "A man viewing himself in a looking-glass" is vain, perhaps without realizing it, or devotes his energies to vain pursuits.  "A man robed as a priest standing in the cloister beneath the light of a window" is quiet, peaceful, and secluded, and any of us might welcome such a stance while Mercury Retrograde confuses many matters.  Like the rabbi, the priest puts inner values over outer, gaining  protection and favor from those in high positions.

Blessing:  On a lighter level we have "a game of cricket."  Games can be a good diversion during the slow-Mercury phases because not much is at stake, "it's just a game."  It's simply a matter of holding steady to good sportsmanship, lose or win.  A team sport brings out skill in co-operation.  "The sun shining brightly" is favorable, denoting "a public character; one who will be noted in his day and whose presence among mankind will be considered essential.  The world will ever appreciate the presence of such an one."  

{Tuesday}  /Holding Steady with Values\

Cosmic Piper

Message for Monday 11 October 2021

 Monday 11 October 2021

\Developing Firmness/

Moon in Sagittarius-->Capricorn

/moon went void-of-course late last night (time given in Sunday report) until it enters Capricorn at 10:17a PT | 1:17p ET | 5:17p UT

Challenge:  Mercury will turn direct a week from today.  Until then (and even after for a while) we may feel like "a man on a tread-mill," going nowhere in a hurry, or forced to keep up with unexpected turns of events without much reward.  Since we are not literally on a "treadmill," we can opt out of the wearing routine sometimes.  Last week at a meeting I attend the president of the group was unexpectedly absent.  The next day, in my apartment building the people who clean the common areas on Thursdays, always by noon or so, did not show up until 5:30.  No problem for me, but this has never happened before and it shows how things can go during Mercury Retrograde.  People do things in an "out of pattern" way, whether voluntarily or inescapably.  I would have been surprised if someone had told me a few weeks ago the books I am reading now, for example.  Another symbol for today is "a man of middle age watching over a cradle."  Perhaps someone immature or enfeebled is having trouble and you sympathize or try to help even if that is possible only in small ways.  

Process:  "A gang of robbers in hiding" might be some corporation or individual trying to abscond with your money, legally or otherwise.  You yourself, though not a robber, might diverge from your usual self into something antisocial or perverted.  This could be an attempt to escape from a legitimate challenge to your powers through some scheme which is not worthwhile.  Better than that, one could be "an old owl up in a tree," signifying steadiness, stability and self-restraint.  Normality is comforting, restoring self-respect and calm perspective.

Blessing:   Luna is in Capricorn, an ambitious sign, and we have "a square block of marble, upon it the regalia of scepter and crown."  Pride is a good thing when it inspires one toward firm character that will triumph over rivals.  One does not attempt to dominate others yet one sways their destinies.  Venus in Sagittarius in good aspect with Saturn could give us "a female with the lyre in her hand," perhaps a performer of music, or someone refined in artistic taste, fond of variety and drawn to the sublime in nature.  

{Monday}  /Developing Firmness\

Cosmic Piper

Message for Sunday 10 October 2021

 Sunday 10 October 2021

^Reckless or Cautious; Awkward yet Brave^

Moon in Sagittarius

/moon goes void-of-course at 9:32p PT | 12:32a(M) ET | 4:32a(M) UT

Challenge:  "A man walking on the edge of a precipice" courts danger through recklessness; is sensitive and impulsive; yet also affectionate and honorable (says Charubel). He need not go wrong or take a tumble, unless he should go the way of "two men placed under arrest."  Are they guilty, or falsely charged?  Too much of the latter happens.  They are suffering consequences of their actions, fairly or unfairly.  This is a challenge to their talent and self-consistency.

Process:  The sun, Mercury retrograde, and Mars bundled together in Libra hint at a need for prudence, reserve, and caution, as if one were "a soldier holding a crossbow and standing behind an embrasure."  One makes full provision against hazards rather than taking needless risks (unlike the individual in the previous paragraph).  Sometimes we do this vicariously by reading mystery or adventure novels or watching TV series or movies.  We "walk on a precipice" yet know we are safe.  One is also capable of "writing all kinds of hands," that is, reading people's character (handwriting) astutely and reproducing it.  This is an art form.  One could use a special gift which is like "painting in words."  (Luna, Mercury, Mars and the sun are on good terms with Jupiter in mostly air signs).  

Blessing:  The moon's favorable aspects could show us "a well-lighted house with open door."  Some will feel homey and hospitable, entertaining friends and acquaintances.  Prosperity could loosen purse-strings.  Amid the company is "a little child learning to walk."  His or her individuality is just finding itself.  Adults need not be ashamed of a childlike need to enter into experience, awkwardly at first but bravely.  

{Sunday}  ^Reckless or Cautious; Awkward yet Brave^

Cosmic Piper