Coronavirus: Neptune in Pisces and the Coming Virgo Full Moon

“When we quit thinking primarily about ourselves and our own self-preservation, we undergo a truly heroic transformation of consciousness.” Joseph Campbell

Greetings from the Western Cape of South Africa

Western Cape, South Africa
photo by Joseph Mina

It has been a little over a year since I last posted here. I am finally emerging fully from a very strong three- year Neptune-type cycle to my Mercury in Pisces (communication) and Saturn in Virgo (structure), which has altered my communication and empathic abilities, perspectives about life, enhanced my photographic skills, and elevated the astrological and bodywork skills I share with others. It also inspired my transient move to the Western Cape of South Africa. It's affirming to now emerge from Neptune's fog-like influences with a much clearer understanding of my next steps on this life journey.

Neptune transits are challenging for anyone due to their lack of specifics and direction. Archetypal Neptune also rules the realm of the unseen, including bacteria and viruses. Personal Neptune transits convey deep spiritual meanings and guidance that is beyond the realm of rational thought and the seen. Literally it is the messenger revealing our soul-collective mandates for humanity's evolution. And, depending on an individual's circumstances and soul mandate, can be a period of delusion, depression and strong confusion.

Since June of last year, Neptune has been in strong supportive aspect with Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn, and most recently the January Capricorn surge (see Full Moon chart below). 

This potent, trans-generational archetype, rules the mystical sign of Pisces. Its epic, once-in-a-lifetime transit of its home sign that commenced in 2011 and completes in 2027 (occurs every 165 years or so) has strongly amplified Pisces' themes such as compassion and empathy (or lack thereof), spirituality, water (including intense storms/drought and climate shifts), music, imagery, illusion and delusion including drugs, the primal natural-world vibe, and humanity's global evolution. And we still have seven more years to go!

Now just half-way through its Piscean journey, Neptune lines up in direct opposition with the coming Virgo Full Moon on March 9th. Most of the planetary aspects at Full Moon are contained like book ends between the South Node in Capricorn (the coming end of the Industrial Revolution model) and Venus/Uranus in Taurus (the coming Aquarian age (Uranus) and deeper connection to the Earth (Venus/Taurus). In between those end points is a very potent mix of energies spanning just 4 signs. This intensity has been in play since early January. Children born recently under this configuration are here to create epic changes in the coming years.

Further, to emphasize how its influence highlights Neptune's dance with the illusion of time, this Full Moon connection occurs the day after the switch to daylight time in the US and Canada.

In short, such a strong Full Moon on March 9th will further amplify world-wide concerns now surfacing about the Coronavirus. Here, the Moon in Virgo, which focuses on matters of health, occurs just as Mercury stations at direct motion at the very end degrees of Aquarius. This has been quite the Mercury Retrograde (Feb 17-Mar10)! Mercury's Aquarius placement at Full Moon serves as a communication standard bearer and indicator for the coming Aquarian age and its very different Earth/societal dynamics.

A Virus Cell

And as an aside here and germane to the Coronavirus, the actual news beyond China of this mysterious virus and its potential effects occurred as Saturn and Pluto neared exact conjunction in rule-driven Capricorn on December 31 while the Moon transited Pisces. To further underscore this dynamic, a very strong surge of Capricorn energy including a strong Solar eclipse were further energizing the field. Such timing mirrors the serendipity and timing of the Universe...right there!!

Two-years ago I wrote the emerging energetic world script pointed to greater intensity in 2019 and even more in 2020. The 2020 part has occurred just as limiting/structured Saturn has comes into close or exact aspect with transformative Pluto in Capricorn. Intensity on all levels has now become the norm for the time being (they were in opposition on 9/11/2001). These two archetypal dynamos remain in orb until March 22 (just past the equinox), then come close together again in Capricorn between early July and December 17. Yes, we are in for quite the energetic ride over the coming months. 

In all respect, awareness is power. In that vein it is helpful to know certain astrological frequencies are now mirroring an amplification of Earth energies through changing climate and strong Aquarian based societal changes. What lies beyond 2020? I’ll write more about 2021 and beyond potentials in a coming article.

Specific to viruses, recent information about the Coronavirus has been elevated rapidly to world-wide awareness (Pisces) during the Pisces part of the current Mercury retrograde. This has triggered deep fears, which has seen powerful rippling/adverse effects in the world's financial markets (Capricorn). In Neptunian fashion, this dream has become a nightmare for governments (Capricorn) attempting to control/contain/deal with a viral outbreak.

So who do you believe? What do you believe? Stay informed and use reputable news sources. The illusion of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram memes would not necessarily fall under the reputable category. 

And most importantly, are you at danger of contracting the virus? Well, yes and no. Depends on circumstances and your state of health. Recently, I wrote an article about the important role viruses and bacteria play in the Earth's circle of life including their transformative effects.

On The March: Zimbabwe 2019
photo by Joseph Mina

A Brief Look Down The Energetic Hallway

As transformative Pluto and rule-driven Saturn complete their final passages through Capricorn (Pluto first entered Capricorn during the financial disruptions of 2008), all things Capricorn such as politics, rules, law, business, corporate structures and organizations will undergo further amplification and strong transformative changes over the coming months through 2023. 

In that year, Pluto will move into the sign of Aquarius, working its energetic transformative effects in the realm of future events and technology (including robotics), and most importantly social justice and equality. Saturn by contrast moves into Aquarius this coming March 22, just after the equinox; staying in early degrees Aquarius until July 2 when it returns for one-last Capricorn pass and Pluto interaction. 

Saturn's Aquarian passage over the next two-and-a-half years will literally set the energetic stage for Pluto's 20-year transit in 2023-2043 in Aquarius, as it redefines the societal rules and structures that will prevail in the coming years.

Now is the time to energetically prepare for this huge energetic surge by strengthening your body and attuning to your spirit and its life-mandates. The last time Pluto transited Aquarius was just after the American Revolution of 1776. History is a great reminder, teacher and guide. In the 21st Century, that guidance becomes all the more important for the continued health and well-being of all people.

Lastly, strong cycles will unfold later this year as Venus retrogrades Gemini in May/June (replaying its epic Sun transit vibration of 2004 and 2012), and Mars will retrograde in Aries in Sept/Nov, including the US Presidential elections, which occurs during Mercury Retrograde in Libra. Stay tuned!!!

Exciting Coming Event:

Power Of Presence Hawaii Retreat - September 2020

South Kona Coast and City of Refuge
photo by Joseph Mina

My partner Charissa Rousseau and I are offering a 10-day Hawaii Retreat this coming September on Hawaii's Kona Coast on Big Island. This Retreat occurs during a potent Mars retrograde in Aries. Mars is about taking action and starting new endeavors. Its retrograde period is the perfect time to go within to seed those very energies.

To assist you, we have planned five group bodywork sessions, guided interactions with Hawaii's dolphins, guided meditations attuning to the light-bridge connecting Africa massive and wise elephants and animals with Hawaii's cetaceans, and yoga and movement. There will be insightful astrological and spiritual discussions, night sky tours, and a deeper connection to Hawaii's culture and temples through the eyes and hearts of local Hawaiian elders. You will also take a transformative day journey to Pele's mystical home at Volcanoes National Park. And in the nurturing department, organically-based catered meals and powerful camaraderie with like-minded souls will provide immense support in your growth and Hawai'i transformation.

All in all, this framework will form a very strong template for this transformative retreat. I'll post more in the coming days about how you can join us for this powerful life-altering experience.

My Life’s Focus of Service

Over the past 28 years, in addition to understanding and working with astrological cycles, I have practiced a body-centered therapy called Quantum Alignment Bodywork. This modality, which continues to evolve in concert with the Earth’s rapid changes, works with the various energetic fields of the body (picture a large bubble surrounding the body). As with my own personal life choices, and the bodywork I receive on a frequent basis, my intention behind my work is to add strength and depth to the body’s energetic field, rather than stopping body’s symptoms. Quality of life is paramount to me rather than a focus on longevity.

Sunset Group Bodywork Session - Hawaii
photo by Joseph Mina

Further, upgrading the body’s various energetic strategies has now become paramount to match and become in tune to this rapidly changing 21st century vibration. It logically follows: the stronger and more energized the body functions, the greater the opportunity to make healthier and more creative life-giving/receiving choices for everyone. Healthy people always make healthy choices.

In my bodywork sessions, I work specifically with a person’s overall energetic field and related body’s innate intelligences accessing and activating specific combinations of energy meridians and other places of passive tension ready to shift/change. My intention is always to use the least amount of input to create the greatest amount of change, trusting in the body’s innate wisdom to reorganize the energetic fields accordingly. Further, I find working with groups of people, instead of the common one-to-one, much more energetically powerful than anyone could possibly experience by themselves. This mirrors the emerging Aquarian mandate of creating a healthy society through group interaction and collaboration. As such, anytime a healthy energy field is occupied by a like-minded group of people, the potential for a more enriched exchange increases significantly and exponentially.

Service To The World:

Recent Selfie 😎

As I near the ripe young age of 70, I find my love for traveling and sharing both astrological perspectives of this revolutionary time, as well as bodywork sessions with groups of people more and more exciting. Today I feel more energized, more alive and more connected than I did just 20 years ago. The power of frequently receiving powerful bodywork modalities, eating organically, exercise etc. is a lifestyle I passionately embrace.

Since I began offering sessions back in 1992, I have served over 20,000 people. That very thought is quite humbling. Likewise, i am ever grateful to local promoters who contact me for purposes of visiting their community to offer programs, or to work with their retreat group. This type of exchange is always an energy stimulating one for all concerned.

If you are interested in my working with your community or retreat group, or would like an insightful astrological consultation during a very transformative time, please contact me at geminiawakening@mac.com.

Lastly, the name Gemini Awakening, something I created a long time ago with my former partner Kathryn Andren, is finally fading away as Neptune's influence in my chart also wanes. That name will soon be replaced by Core Activation, which best expresses the current energetic pace and higher intention behind the modalities I practice in this emerging Aquarian age. 

I look forward to serving you in new and exciting ways.

Sat Nam

Joseph Mina

Stellenbosch, South Africa

March 5, 2020

Coronavirus: Ally or Foe???

“A virus can change the fate of the world; power has nothing to do with being tiny or giant! Power is something related to the power hidden within you!”
― Mehmet Murat ildan, Turkish author, poet and playright.

The Role of Viruses and Bacteria

In general, viruses and bacteria are a natural part of the Earth’s eco-system. Each serves a very specific function in the circle of life. That circle of life comprises the many living parts of the Earth’s various elemental energy fields.

Example of a Virus

Viruses represent aggressive agents of change whose function is basically degenerative, i.e. to breakdown energetic forms.  A virus requires a living host in order to function. Their introduction into any living system from an external source creates tremendous pressure within a system, literally forcing within that living system the release of bound-up internal energy. For purposes of this article, bound up energy would represent energy that is trapped, contained and not easily accessible within a living organism. A viral presence creates intense tension patterns that ultimately requires some sort of body release or purging in order to reestablish equilibrium and flow.

The traditional approach to viruses has been vaccines. This is a human created response. No where in nature do vaccines exist. Upon the administration of a vaccine, the body creates an immune response, creating anti-bodies to counteract a virus. While this short-term strategy seemingly has its benefits, an alteration of the body's overall functioning (strategies) occurs. This unnatural alteration may create long-term complications leading to more exotic diseases later in life. 

Noted biologists Dr. Bruce Lipton contends through his research viruses do not invade the body. Rather they are drawn into a living host by the very cells within a host requiring change (much like a magnet draws metal to itself). In other words, cellular memory/awareness within the cell’s structure actually possesses the innate capacity to accept or reject a virus based on the functioning needs of a cell. This is quite a profound and telling aspect to the body’s overall strategy for survival and healthy expression. More can be learned on YouTube via Dr. Lipton’s series “The Biology of Belief”.

Equally profound is the natural cleansing or purging process that is activated internally to rid a host of whatever no longer serves its overall functioning. If any living host exists in a depleted energetic state (quite usual for those struggling with any infection or degenerative condition), that exchange of energy can literally lead at a minimum to a temporary purging within one or more of the body systems, for example a lung infection or the flu, and at worst, a complete breakdown of the system leading to death.

Bacteria

Bacteria is another aspect of the natural world that serves a critical purpose. Bacteria are astonishingly resilient and able to mutate as the need arises. The persistent use of antibiotics in our current-day culture, an unnatural and human-based medical technique originating in the 19th century, has led to the evolution of stronger and even more resilient strains of bacteria. No matter what the human approach here, bacteria has shown it has a more intense and persistent answer. Medical professionals are highly concerned that existing antibiotics will soon lose their ability to counteract newer mutated strains of bacteria.

Bacteria possess the amazing ability to shape-shift or change their energetic frequency to match the health-related state of a living organism. This includes the need to naturally purge or release any substance no longer necessary for the healthy functioning of a living organism. If that entity is in an overall healthy state, then most bacteria will function in a positive or beneficial way adding strength to the body systems. The abundance of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract is one of many examples.

By contrast, if the organism is in an overall depleted or toxic state (some refer to this state as being “sick”), the balance of bacteria shifts or changes into a more degenerative form to literally de-organize or breakdown the organism’s energy field into a lower, more efficient form of useable energy.

One example of bacteria’s ability to mutate is found in dead flesh in the form of edible fish or meat. The natural tendency of anything that ceases to function is to decompose through the action of certain types of bacteria. In turn, this returns the physical matter to a lower level of organization from which it can reorganize into something new.

As bacteria requires heat to function, reducing the ambient temperature in something dead slows down this natural bacterial action to prevent rapid decomposition. Humans created refrigeration for this very reason. Prior to refrigeration, many people died due to poor hygiene in the food supply by eating bacteria laden foods.

Hence, bacteria, both beneficial and degenerative create a specific balance in a living organism that mirrors its overall state of health. Without this balance, an organism would not be able to function.

Further, on at least a human level, the overall chemical state of the body’s fluids such as blood or lymph fluid requires the system to be in a somewhat alkaline rather than acidic state. If the body is too acidic, bacteria will set in motion a process to rid the body of those parts creating higher acidity. People whose diet is mostly acidic will be generally unhealthy, showing various symptoms of that unhealthy state.

In the bigger picture, if a population (human or non-human) lives in an environment that is toxic (a human-made phenomenon), then the spread of disease in that environment through viral and bacterial action will become rampant and rapid. That’s because the Universe is built on the principle of expansion, reorganization and the efficient exchange of energy. Equally the natural world sets in motion anything necessary to free-up energy into a more flowing state. In order to expand, grow or be more efficient in its energy expression, a living organism or environment must be in a healthy and vital state. Otherwise, the overall system needs to break down so a more healthy energy state can be reorganized and expressed.

The Expanding Human Population

Centuries ago, the Earth’s human population began to rapidly expand. More and more people led to the formation of cities, where many people lived unnaturally in close proximity to each other. Lacking adequate sewage treatment for waste, the local environment became more and more toxic. The naturally induced remedy was a purging of the system, or said another way, the spread of viruses became rampant. For example, in Europe and Asia during the 14th century, great plagues swept across populations living in unsanitary states literally killing millions of people living already in toxic conditions. This viral and bacterial purging was necessary to restore the overall earth environment to a more healthy or balanced state.

The greatest challenge facing humans today is the rapid growth of population (over 1 billion people have been added to the Earth in just the past ten years or about 150 people every minute). The current population is now nearing 8 billion people. Just 50 years ago, the Earth’s human population was one-half this number. Like a snowball rolling down a mountain, its initial size begins very small, but can rapidly increase as it gathers speed (more energy). Hence, the greater energy required to sustain a huge population places extreme pressure on the natural environment of the land, sea, air to provide sufficient energy to sustain the healthy state of a massive population. Environmental degradation runs counter to this energetic flow. As such, unless there is a massive shift of awareness, the overall Earth’s systems will breakdown or change if those very natural systems are extremely stressed and unable to no longer function. In the short-term (geologically speaking) that may lead to an environment hostile to human existence.

Most scientist world-wide now agree we are at that tipping point of sustainability.

A Rapidly Changing Planet and Climate Change

Meanwhile, the Earth itself is undergoing a huge upward shift in its vibration. Life is now moving faster and faster reflecting this enormous vibrational change. Societies and cultures are likewise changing, attempting to adapt to these intense environmental shifts.

Zimbabwe Children
Photo By Joseph Mina

Children developing in utero in this higher vibrational state reflect greater abilities and faster behavior due to more advanced nervous and body systems. The rapid shift of technological advancements over the past ten years, such as computers, advanced mobile phones, tablets, networks etc also reflects this rapid upward shift in energy. Hence, the increasing pressures of more and more people together with a change in the Earth’s vibration now trigger enormous questions about how humans will be able to exist, function and thrive in a healthy fashion in this rapidly evolving 21st century. That script has yet to be written or revealed.

Yet notwithstanding answers, such questions are best understood and addressed first on an individual level. Here, the healthy functioning of any person requires a healthy state of living. Eating organically grown foods, daily exercise and quiet time, adequate rest, working and living in a healthy environment, having healthy relationships with others, and refraining from toxic behaviors, such as smoking, represent the ideal that supports a healthy and enriched existence. More so, functioning on this level requires a strong internal physical energy core supported by healthy beliefs and positive attitudes.

Yet “no man is an island”. We coexist with others in a myriad of ways, sometimes expansively, other times deficiently. Because human society is extremely dynamic, highly changeable, and made up of many fluctuating parts, maintaining such a healthy state on an individual level can prove to be quite challenging unless a societal mandate exists for all peoples to coexist in a healthy, sustainable fashion.

Conclusion

Mosi-oa-tunya (Victoria Falls)
photo by Joseph Mina

Because of such rapid Earth and societal changes, receiving effective body therapies on a more regular basis has now become an integral part of a person’s overall healthy life choices and strategies. A significant increase in the number of practitioners offering such health-related therapy services throughout the world is a poignant indicator of such needs.  Immediate focus of protecting oneself from viruses/bacteria is a futile, short-term strategy. Better to strengthen your body’s inner core for the days ahead.

In that respect, it’s important to remember no state of existence is immune from change. Change is inevitable. Yet growth, going beyond your comfort zone, is always optional.  The ultimate question: will you make choices for change and growth proactively, or allow your life circumstances to be dictated by passive or unhealthy decisions? The former state creates positive outcomes; the latter state invariably leads to challenging outcomes.

Recently, Gwyneth Paltrow via Netflix introduced a much bigger audience to recent trends in the wellness field that reveals natural-based opportunities now available for strengthening the body’s inner core. If you are a Netflix subscriber, search for “GOOP”. Otherwise, a search on YouTube for Goop will reveal a myriad of wellness and life-style related podcast that may help you make better, informed choices.

And therein lies the crux of the matter. Awareness is power. Using that power to effect positive changes on the Earth, not only benefits future generations, but most importantly helps you to attune to the natural world around you, and supports initiatives that add more life to life. That’s quite the contrast to degrading and mutating the environment (pollution, radiation, GMO foods, habitat and species destruction, vaccines, etc) to attain very short-term and myopic outcomes (usually financially/politically driven) that adversely affect a quality of life essential for all to grow and prosper.

As always, the choice is ours.

Sat Nam
Joseph Mina
Stellenbosch, South Africa
March 3, 2020

Total Lunar Eclipse January 20/21: The Internal Roar

"Always remember, you have within you the strength, patience, and passion to reach for the stars to change the world." Harriet Tubman - American Abolitionist and political activist (1822-1912) 

Astrology is a progressive tool for exploring life potential and possibilities. Discover NOW the power of your talents/abilities set out in your natal chart from a reorganizational and energy-rich perspective. 

"Intuitive, compassionate, direct and to-the-point, eloquent and last but not least, great-humored and fun, Joseph continues to enighten, enrich and expand with the rest of the Universe." CK, Vancouver 

Schedule your 2019 on-line astrology consultation session TODAY!

Greetings from the Western Cape of South Africa

Almost a year has past since my last blog entry! "Best laid plans of mice and men." At various points of 2018 I had great intentions about weighing-in on the very significant transiting cycles of 2018, but Neptune and its fog-like cloak thought otherwise. I'll share much more about my dance of surrender with Neptune in a future blog. Suffice it to say for the moment Neptune has brought me many gifts in my career realms of bodywork, astrology and imagery. And equally, Neptune has been dissolving (on-going) that which no longer serves my soul-journey. So onto the issue at hand: the coming Super Moon total lunar eclipse.

Cut To The Chase Version:

Starting a year with two significant lunar cycles, i.e. a partial solar eclipse in Capricorn (January 6) and Super Moon total eclipse in Leo (January 20/21), portends a year of great change (possibly upheaval), introspection, intensity (perhaps greater than witnessed so far this decade), and significant beginnings. This is a potent time to tap into your inner passion and let it roar. Three significant

Super Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Jan 2018: the inner roar of the Leo Lion

Astrology is a progressive tool for exploring life potential and possibilities. Discover NOW the power of your talents/abilities set out in your natal chart from a reorganizational and energy-rich perspective. 

From over 20 years of masterly exploring the archetypes of planetary cycles, trends and inter-relationships, I can help you understand more fully how these ancient symbols reflect your gifts, talents and abilities developed over this and other life times. I'll also help you refine your life strategies relative to your life purpose, as well as create new strategies for best working with the current planetary cycles shown in your current transit chart, influencing choices and direction in your life. 

"Intuitive, compassionate, direct and to-the-point, eloquent and last but not least, great-humored and fun, Joseph continues to enighten, enrich and expand with the rest of the Universe." CK, Vancouver 

You can access my on-line appointment schedule here.

"Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."
Steve Jobs, Founder of Apple Computer (1955-2011)

Greetings Cosmic journeyers and a very, very belated Happy New Year from South Africa.

Summer time flourishes here at the bottom of Africa. This is the "July vibe" many in the Northern Hemisphere can relate to. Personally, 2017 was a year of reorganization for me as I moved from

Libra New Moon: Relationship Reset

Truth is, I'll never know all there is to know about you just as you will never know all there is to know about me. Humans are by nature too complicated to be understood fully. So we can choose either to approach our fellow human beings with suspicion or to approach them with an open mind, a dash of optimism and a great deal of candour."
Tom Hanks

Note: I wanted to post a short update on the current New Moon lunation, which I consider to be a rather intense one. "Intensity" has taken on a whole new meaning since the August Solar eclipse, something I shared was quite probable in my eclipse related blog back in August. 

Sun/Moon Libra will be in direct opposition to transiting Uranus in Aries and quincunx to Chiron in Pisces at this lunation (next 14 days), focusing on the realm of relationships. New Moon timing is 9:12 am on 19th in Hawaii; 12:12p on the West Coast US; 7:12pm UT; and just after midnight on the 20th in the UAE east to the International Date Line.

For strong and evolving relationships, this intense dynamic offers an opportunity to add a new (Aries), unexpected (Uranus) element to your synergistic connection. By contrast, challenged relationships are subject to a strong degree of surprising rebellious/intense energy (Uranus). This more shadow-like surge provides the necessary fuel to break free from constraints, limitations, or stagnant energy in your associations with others. It also opens the possibility of healing (Chiron), embracing a more compassionate version of yourself and others. Otherwise, the alternative is more separation and sorrow. It's a choice.

This New Moon's dynamic is further defined by transiting Saturn in Sagittarius' sextile to Sun/Moon, and

Solar Eclipse and Leo New Moon: the Lion Roars

“As if you were on fire from within. The moon lives in the lining of your skin.” 
Pablo Neruda (1904-73) Poet

Aloha Fellow Cosmic Journeyers

Yes, eclipse day draws nigh. So much hype and excitement, especially in the United States as the Moon moves ever closer to its fated meeting with the Sun. While solar and lunar eclipses of varying types are not rare (4 to 7 per year), this particular solar eclipse is the 1st to sweep across the United States in 99 years: hence, a heightened awareness for the coming event...and rightfully so!

This will be my 6th solar event in the direct path of totality or annularity. Standing directly in the path of totality to be touched by the Moon's sweeping dark curtain alters one's very core. There are no adequate words to describe its cosmic effect on the human psyche; no pictures that can possibly come close to matching the actual visuals of the Sun's coronal streamers (resist the urge to become preoccupied with camera equipment); no predicting the potent level of emotional surge from deep within. This cosmic

Venus Retrograde 2017: the Snake Bites Its Tail

“When you reach the end of what you should know, you will be at the beginning of what you should sense.”
― Kahlil Gibran, author, poet & philosopher 
[from Sand & Foam]

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all. From now on you'll be traveling the road between who you think you are and who you can be. The key is to allow yourself to make the journey."
Princess Diaries

Illustration designed by Joseph Mina

Strong change permeates the ethers. Each day more people take notice of this cosmic wind. Now,  Venus Retrograde takes center stage for the next 5 weeks, adding to this ever-changing cosmic mix.. This astrological update examines this significant archetypal cycle, offering you suggestions for how to attune with this major planetary  shift over the next two months.

Aloha Everyone

I now near the end of a major Neptune cycle in my life, one which redefined/reoriented my natal Mercury in Pisces in rather powerful, yet diffused  (aka "confusing") ways over the past 2 years. The result...new insights, inspiration and a renewed focus about how I intend to communicate (Mercury) to others through the synergy of my sacred work in astrology, bodywork and photography/imagery. The logo below reflects this synergy. I mentioned this shift in my last post back in November. Now, my new web site is evolving and will make its debut in the coming months as expressed in the name coreactivation.net.

Illustration designed by Joseph Mina

I'm feeling quite excited about this emergence as clarity during a Neptune cycle can be quite fleeting. Sort of like sitting in a rowboat, no oars, and in the middle of a lake on a very foggy morning. Oh yes...also absolutely clueless about which direction to move. Ultimately, surrender takes hold as there is no where to go but the "here/now".

I'm posting today because of the next significant cycle that just began in earnest yesterday: Venus Retrograde and its emerging Aries theme for the next 18 months.

Venus has been a brilliant beacon in the evening sky for the past 8 months or so. From our Earthly perspective, she is soon to move closer to  the Sun, setting earlier each day until lost in the glare of the Sun. It's during this orbital phase that Venus is closest to Earth. This orbital movement mirrors the heightened strength of this inner cycle for women and men alike. Then, in a matter of days, Venus

Taurus Supermoon Nov 14: One for the Ages

"Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want,
and deserve to get it good and hard."
H.L. Mencken (1880-1956), American Journalist & Satirist

"You can't always get what you want...
but if you try sometime
you might just find
you get what you need."
Rolling Stones, 1969

The winds of change continue to blow at gale force strength across the globe. The epic influences of Uranus vs Pluto initiated in 2011, building with intensity heretofore never before seen, continue into mid 2018. In the wake of this formidable force, established institutions, nations, rituals, traditions and even societal protocols, all seemingly impermeable, continue to literally dissolve or rapidly fall apart in front of our eyes. Meanwhile, new institutions, alliances and societal networking mediums, fueled by rapid technological breakthroughs, appear seemingly out of nowhere, become quickly embedded/integrated in our cultural ways and psyches, and instantly connect people around the globe. Such is life in this ever rapidly, accelerating 21st century.

Last week, I was going to write about the astrological influences on the US elections, however, I refrained from doing so. Much content had already been written by other astrologers. What more could possibly have been said??? Yet post election is another day, another perspective. Hence, I want to weigh-in about what is possibly unfolding in the astrological cycles over the last 6 weeks of 2016 and into early 2017. To me, that's a much

Top 10 Reasons this Solstice season says "Pay Attention": Weaving a New Dream

"Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Graphic by Joseph Mina; Center image by artist Eva Ruiz

Sobering times. Intensity in its most hideous form enters our awareness. This time it's Orlando Florida. Could have easily been Syria, Iraq, parts of Africa, China, or any number of other locations around the world. Senseless mayhem persists on a global scale, but then again, isn't all mayhem "senseless".

A little over a month ago, I wrote a piece for this blog titled "Top 10 Reasons Current Planetary Cycles are saying "Pay Attention".  In that piece I highlighted the unfolding retrogrades of Mars and Mercury, Venus' inner dance with the Sun, and Saturn's current on-going quest for the truth. The word "intensity" was sprinkled throughout the article.

No need here to opine about how the insatiable traditional and social media juggernauts fuel themselves with tragic events around the world. However, important to remember intensity comes in many flavors. As dark as something may appear, its opposite equally exists in the human consciousness. This coming solstice season offers you a choice between light and dark; higher vision

Top 10 reasons current planetary cycles are saying "Pay Attention"

“In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.” Deepak Chopra (1947 - )

Taurus New Moon occurs on May 6 or 7th depending on your locale. But I’m not surfacing to write about that lunation…there are other astrologers doing so. Rather, I’m here to weigh-in on the more significant astrological cycles now very strongly in play through early July and rippling outward through the end of August.

The other day en route to Japan I was pondering the tumultuous state of the world’s current affairs. As an astrologer, I instinctively compare events with the influences of the current planetary cycles. Recently, friends, acquaintances and clients have been asking or telling me "What is going on?", "I feel so unproductive",  "Is Mercury Retrograde?".

Well yes, a lot is going on energetically, however its triggers are much more than Mercury Retrograde, or even the bigger generational cycle of Uranus square Pluto or Neptune in Pisces. An unusual spate of mystically connected astrological cycles and influences have recently come together in related signs, accentuating and directing the energetic flow inward...inward...inward.

On this astrological stage you’ll find all the personal planets, namely Mercury, Venus, and Mars, moving decidedly inward in unusually  strong and interconnected ways. More so, personal planet cycles have an amplified influence on…you guessed it...You!!! Scorpio, Taurus, Sagittarian and Gemini types pay particular attention!!!

And while personal planetary cycles are usually quick passages due to their relatively fast