Astrological Energies December 12 to 18, 2011

NorthPoint
Astrology Journal
Written by Pam Younghans
Photo: Saturday's Total Lunar Eclipse (photo by David Hutchinson, taken from Alki, just outside of Seattle)

YESTERDAY'S LUNAR ECLIPSE lived up to its pre-press. It was magical to watch, and felt like a true springboard into the new energies of 2012.

We have now walked through the eclipse gateway that divided 2011 and 2012 -- and although our calendars will continue to insist that it is 2011 for another three weeks, we have a sense that we are leaving this past year behind in quick fashion. This knowing will become stronger once we cross over the Solstice point on December 22 and then ground into the energies of the Capricorn New Moon on December 24.

AS IF GIVING US time to adjust to the eclipse effect and the new realms we have entered, the planetary aspects list for this week is exceedingly brief!

On Monday, Mars squares the North and South Nodes, which indicates a bit of a challenge to our old ways of managing this reality, and an opportunity to see how those old ways are no longer effective. Mars is in Virgo and can tend to be a bit critical at times -- but criticism, of course, is not conducive to growth, serving rather to undercut feelings of optimism and potential.

With this Mars aspect, we are seeing how our need to be in control has interfered with our truly trusting our greater Wisdom (North Node in Sagittarius). The mind (South Node in Gemini) tells us that we need more data and logical debate before accepting anything as true or worthwhile, and our practical nature (Mars in Virgo) jumps on the bandwagon with arguments about what makes the most sense.

But Wisdom is not necessarily about what makes the most intellectual or practical sense. Wisdom knows what it knows, with no apology and no need to defend.

We'll see if our experience on Monday brings these issues into our awareness, and how we choose to work with them.

ON TUESDAY, Mercury goes direct -- and our response is (as always), Finally! Since Mercury went retrograde on November 23/24, it's been hard to keep on track with practical matters, and hard to motivate ourselves to do what feels like work. Mercury is in Sagittarius, which prefers the experiential component of life, and is not so excited about sitting at a desk or typing on a computer. When adventure or interesting opportunities call, Sagittarius tends to put discipline and responsibilities on the shelf.

During this three-week retrograde period, we've had less willpower when it comes to forcing ourselves to do things that just aren't fun or interesting. As frustrating as it's been to apply ourselves, it's also been an opportunity for us to get in touch with what we really do enjoy. And, as Mercury goes direct, the challenge to each of us is to recreate our daily lives to include more of what enlivens us, and less of what saps our energy.

NEPTUNE ALIGNS with Vesta on Friday, an event that occurs about every four years. This alignment links our spiritual/creative inspiration (Neptune) with our ability to be focused and dedicated (Vesta).

As we work with the combined energies of these two, it can be a strong support for a new beginning on our spiritual or creative journey -- an opportunity for rebirth and recommitment to what "in-spires" us, what enables us to breathe in our spiritual essence and live in greater alignment with our Soul's purposes.

NEXT SUNDAY, we see a bit of a challenge through a square aspect between Saturn and Venus. This can be a reminder of relationship issues that still need to be addressed, or perhaps a caution not to overspend during a season when it is common to spend more than reason would normally allow.

The solution, with Saturn in Libra, is to find our balance point. Saturn rewards discipline and conservative, practical action, while Venus really just wants to feel good, even while she is in cautious Capricorn. The square aspect challenges us to look at how we use our resources, both emotionally and financially.

2012 IS HERE! If you are wondering how the energies will unfold in the new year, you may want to purchase the audio replay and slides of my recent Teleclass on the Astrological Influences of 2012. Please send your request to pam@northpointastrology.com, and I'll reply with more details.

Special Offer: When you purchase the teleclass replay, you also qualify to receive the Special Teleclass Discount on your personal 2012 Transits Reading (if scheduled by December 20*) -- Just let me know that you're interested when you purchase the class materials.

*PLEASE NOTE: Because of demand (thank you!), my readings calendar is full for the rest of 2011 and the first half of January! If you want to take advantage of the Teleclass Discount, I will honor it in the new year -- but please let me know soon, so that we can get your session scheduled!

Blessings,

Pam

NorthPoint Astrology Blog: Please check out my blog for periodic updates at http://northpointastrology.blogspot.com/ -- I look forward to your comments! To Subscribe to this Journal: If you have been forwarded this issue of my NorthPoint Astrology Journal and would like to receive it directly every week, please click here. Then, scroll down to the bottom of the webpage, fill out the subscription form, and click on Submit.

To request a personal astrology reading, please e-mail Pam at pam@northpointastrology.com. Or, see the "Readings" page at www.northpointastrology.com to learn more. Please feel free to share this NorthPoint Journal with people you think may enjoy it. When doing so, please forward it in its entirety, including our contact and copyright information. Copyright NorthPoint Astrology 2011. All Rights Reserved.