The Blogathon Lives On

Astroair Astrology celebrates its 10^th birthday this month and with Mercury currently retrograde, it’s a perfect time to recall past highlights. Today I remember a most exciting and memorable high point!

In 2010 I was thrilled to be invited by the late, great Donna Cunningham (author of many books, but most notably Healing Pluto Problems) to participate in an amazing Blogathon to celebrate International Astrology Day.

It was themed around the Saturn, Uranus, Pluto cardinal T-Square and comprised more than 70 articles from professional astrologers around the world. These articles provided helpful resources and advice to help readers deal with Saturn, Uranus and Pluto issues.

Donna, naturally, edited the Pluto section. Uranus was compiled by CJ Wright, better known as the wonderful Auntie Moon and Astroair Astrology compiled a series of articles about Saturn.

While some of the articles were of their time and others are sadly no longer available, many of them are still live and remain relevant today.

Here’s a selection of the best timeless articles:

Pluto problems have you perplexed? Here's what helps...

From Lawrence Grecco: Dealing with Pluto on the Angles

Pluto and Bullying – How to Recognise and Stop It and What to Tell Astrology Clients about Pluto in Capricorn both by Donna Cunningham and full of helpful resources and advice.

And from The Radical Virgo blog: Sleepless in America, What’s Pluto got to do with it?

Browse the full Pluto section, edited by Donna Cunningham, here

Uranus - claiming a self-reliant future

From the inimitable Steven Forrest: Transiting Uranus through the 12 houses

From the Void, Of Course blog: A Guide for Teens Studying Astrology

CosmiTec discusses break up transits in: When Love is Over - Divorce Horoscopes

From the technology section, Neeti Ray’s advice for astrologers on using social media: Astro Tribes and Connecting in the Age of Aquarius

Browse the full Uranus section, edited by Auntie Moon, here

Look after Saturn and Saturn looks after you...

From Donna Cunningham’s Skywriter blog - Saturn Transits – What do they mean for your Career?

In Tightening Your Belt with Saturn Mandi Lockley looks at Saturn transits to the money houses

Kathy Loveless on using the Emotional Freedom Technique to help with Saturn issues: Tapping for Saturn – Astrology & EFT

Using insightful client case studies, Jessica Shepherd Takes up the Long Conversation with Astrology

Browse the full Saturn section, coordinated by Mandi Lockley here

Planetary Tests

Donna devised a series of very clever tests to assess the strength of the outer planets in your birth chart!  Take the Saturn test here (and scroll down to test the strength of your Uranus, Neptune and Pluto)

Dedication 

Dedicated to Donna Cunningham, one the great astrologers of our time. Although we never met in person, she remained a friend and mentor after the Blogathon was completed. Her work lives on through her books and magazine articles as well as in all the incredible free articles and resources on her Skywriter blog.

And also a huge shout out to CJ Wright (Auntie Moon) from whom I also learnt a lot and who was a fun and supportive colleague on this project. Her website has gone from strength to strength over the years since and is also really beautiful – check it out here

With love,

Mandi xxx

Astrological Review of the Year 2010

Part 1: The Cardinal T-Square


(Click here for Part 2, which looks at some of 2010's major new stories)

2010 was a big year and not an easy one, there’s no doubt about that. Now 2011 beckons and it’s time to look forward with hope and optimism, but not before taking a little time out to cogitate and ruminate a while over the year that was twenty-ten.

The major story running through 2010 was the economy. After the banking crisis of 2008 and 2009, followed by ongoing and unprecedented monetary collapses at government level in countries such as Iceland, Greece and latterly Ireland, 2010 was a year of facing realities and making difficult and unpalatable decisions. Not just for banks and governments, but for businesses, public services and individuals alike. Astrologically, of course, this kind of crisis has long been predicted by astrologers, in anticipation of the Saturn, Uranus, Pluto cardinal T-Square, which peaked mid year with Jupiter’s ingress into Aries.

As I wrote back in March:

“In late 2008 Saturn in Virgo was about to make the first of its oppositions to Uranus in Pisces. Saturn-Uranus connections signify sudden change, shocks and the upsetting of the status quo and this was indeed what we were seeing all around us, as the world tumbled into economic crisis. As the ripples began to be felt in our personal lives, many of us found that our ability to remain flexible in the face of disruptive change was tested. When Saturn moved into Libra a year later, instead of a collective sigh of relief, we were all holding our breath waiting for Saturn to make the first of its square aspects to Pluto in Capricorn. Saturn-Pluto aspects signify times of intense challenge, restriction and hard, hard work and without a doubt many of us have been feeling this in our own lives and the lives of our loved ones.

When Uranus moves into Aries in late May 2010, the Saturn-Uranus oppositions and the Saturn-Pluto squares will begin to come together to form the much anticipated cardinal T-square, an event which has many of us puzzled and worried. With these cardinal energies, we can perhaps expect times of fast-forward movement, more shocks and changes, and a lot more hard work. What these energies also promise is the opportunity for personal and collective transformation, exciting creative breakthroughs, inspired action and promising fresh starts. Our ability to keep up with the pace of change will depend to some extent upon our readiness to set clear boundaries, plan for the unexpected, hold things in perspective, apply the wisdom of our experience and keep our minds and bodies in balance while all around us is in flux.”

How was it for you? Certainly these were difficult energies for me and for many around me (transiting Pluto was conjunct my Sun for most of the year, with Saturn squaring it). Fortunately, the online astrological community rose to the challenge, with some spectacularly insightful and helpful articles. Here is my pick of the best:

The International Astrology Day Blog-A-Thon organized by Donna Cunningham and CJ Wright (with a little help from me), focused on providing helpful articles and coping and healing tools for dealing with the energies of Saturn, Uranus and Pluto. Scores of astrologers contributed their wisdom, experience and insights. I’m sure most of you have seen the Blog-A-Thon pages, but the articles form a timeless collection that is well worth revisiting.

The Astrotabletalk blog has covered all the major stories this year, so it’s worth a browse through the topic label list. The post Astrozeitgeist Update gives a pretty concise summary of how this year’s ‘Cardinal Drama’ has been reflected in world events.

Theodore White, at Global Astrology, has written extensively about the ‘Cardinal Crisis’, closely tracking it against world events. Here’s one of his latest posts: Cardinal Crisis, Cable Gate and Wikileaks 

Bill Herbst has an impressive back catalogue of newsletters specifically about the Saturn-Uranus-Pluto T-Square and what it means to the world. Download them here: billherbst.com/newsindex

Richard Tarnas published an excellent article, World Transits 2000-2020, A Overview, a follow up to his excellent book Cosmos and Psyche.

Finally, see my Outer Planet Cycles collection of articles on the major transits of 2010 ~ Saturn-Pluto, Saturn-Uranus, Jupiter-Uranus and Jupiter-Saturn

In Part 2, I’ll review 2010 month by month, looking at how some of the big news stories were reflected in the heavens.

Come back soon!

With love,
Mandi
http://www.mandilockley.com/

Saturn Opposition Uranus - All Change

Think back to late 2008, when the current series of Saturn-Uranus oppositions began. How the world has changed! The credit crunch; the banking crisis; political changes, scandals and upheavals; recession; job losses; calls for political and economic reform….we are living through times of massive change, for sure.

I suspect there aren’t many of you reading this who haven’t been affected directly or indirectly by the events of the last couple of years or so. As we come to the fourth of the five current Saturn-Uranus oppositions, the final one in Virgo and Pisces, this is a good time to review what’s changed in your life and to ask yourself how you feel about where you find yourself right now.

Did you initiate and control the changes that have occurred in your life, or were the changes thrust upon you and your loved ones by circumstance? Have you wanted to make changes, but felt blocked by external forces or by your own fear or uncertainty?

For some of you, this process of change has been/is a conscious one, as you rebel against ‘the way it’s always been done’, make a push for freedom and push forward with your ambitions/dreams/plans. However, many of you who desperately want to make changes in your lives are feeling blocked (or feeling like you’re ‘in prison’ as one acquaintance expressed it) as you meet resistance from the outside world, or even resistance from yourself, conscious or otherwise. Perhaps the key is to carefully time the changes you are trying to make, pacing things patiently and sensibly. Breaking big tasks (like job hunting, for instance) down into a series of smaller tasks is also a good approach which can help prevent things becoming overwhelming. That way, when change does finally break through for you, you will be in a good position to balance the new things in your life with your need for stability and security, minimizing the ‘scary’ factor.

If you are not feeling blocked and managing to initiate change successfully, the above advice still holds and you should also be aware of the danger of moving too fast in your zeal for the new - ‘throwing the baby out with the bathwater’ - changing the good things in your life, as well as the bad.

For others, change may have been unexpectedly thrust upon you. Perhaps it’s been a sudden job loss, a change in your financial fortune, a relationship breaking down or some other distressing disruption to the status quo of your life? It feels as if a very difficult challenge has been thrown down and circumstances are dictating that you rise to that challenge. You must carefully put in place new structures in your life to replace the old ones that have passed away. You may need to pull on all your inner and outer resources to find ways deal with your new circumstances. You may need to swallow your pride and ask for help. The old has been swept aside, the new must come in and the future is wide open. For some this brings a tremendous sense of freedom and excitement and for others, a crushing sense of fear and restriction. Most of us though, are feeling the fear and the excitement, all at once.

Of course, we shouldn’t forget that Pluto is also a part of this picture – Pluto has been squaring Saturn since late 2009 and forms part of the Saturn-Uranus-Pluto Cardinal T-Square which has been building since then (scroll down to see data for these aspects). The energy of Pluto and Saturn combined can add a tremendous sense of restriction, separation and fear of loss. We are called upon to work hard, hard, hard to get through Saturn-Pluto times, but we may just find that, if we work hard enough, seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome and unimaginable goals can be accomplished.

Hang on in there and keep pushing. You will come through. You are strong.

Resources and Further Reading

Whatever your personal situation, change is undoubtedly a stressful experience. Below are some useful links for further reading, which also include some helpful coping and healing tools.

The Cardinal T-Square Blog-A-Thon has brought together a collection of helpful, insightful and informative articles on handling the challenges of Saturn, Uranus, Pluto and the Cardinal T-Square. All in all, over 50 talented astrology writers present a collection of articles designed to help you to learn more about these challenging planetary energies and discover some helpful healing tools and coping mechanisms. Here are the links you need:

Look After Saturn and Saturn Will Look After You.

Uranus in Aries: Claiming a Self-Reliant Future

Pluto Problems Got You Perplexed! Here’s What Helps

More healing and coping tools from Vibration Magazine: Combining Astrology with Flower Essences

See also Donna Cunningham’s Pluto-Saturn Preparedness Kit

To read my previous articles on the Saturn Uranus oppositions and the Cardinal T-Square see:
Saturn-Uranus-Pluto, the Financial Crisis and Me
The Saturn-Uranus Oppositions and You
The Cardinal T Square - What's It All About?

Astrologer Lara Owen has written some excellent articles about the Saturn-Uranus Oppositions, here’s the latest one: Saturn Uranus Oppositions April 26 2010

For the world view see the series of Saturn-Uranus-Pluto essays of Bill Herbst  and/or read Richard Tarnas’ excellent book Cosmos and Psyche

Data

• 4th November 2008 – Saturn opposition Uranus (19 degrees Virgo-Pisces)
• 5th February 2009 - Saturn opposition Uranus (21 degrees Virgo-Pisces)
• 15th September 2009 - Saturn opposition Uranus (25 degrees Virgo-Pisces with Pluto at 0 degree Capricorn, forming a t-square)
• 15th November 2009 – Saturn square Pluto (2 degrees Libra – Capricorn)
• 31st January 2010 – Saturn square Pluto (4 degrees Libra – Capricorn)
• 27th April 2010 Saturn opposition Uranus (29 degrees Virgo-Pisces with Pluto at 5 Capricorn , still in orb for a t-square)
• 26th July 2010 Saturn opposition Uranus (0 degree of Aries-Libra with Pluto at 3 Capricorn, forming a cardinal t-square in close orb)
• 21st August 2010 – Saturn square Pluto (2 degrees Libra – Capricorn)

You will be/have been affected by the above aspects if you have personal planets or points in the late degrees of the mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces) and/or between 0 and 4 degrees of the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn). If you do not know if you have planets or points at these degrees of these signs you can quickly download your own birth chart which will provide you with this information in a simply understood way at http://www.alabe.com/.

It is important to note that these transits are slow and their effects can last for many months, maybe even a year or more. Astrological transits of this kind are processes of unfoldment, representing important stages in our personal development, not one-off ‘events’ timed to the dates the aspects become exact.

A note about orbs: for personal transits, I keep orbs very tight, a maximum two or three degrees applying and one degree or less separating. However, please bear in mind that astrology merely reflects events in our real lives and we should remind ourselves that experience should always be given precedence over the question of mathematical orbs. When applying these aspects to world/collective events, it is acceptable to use orbs of up to 10 degrees or more, although the tighter the orb, the more intensely concentrated the energy.

With love, Mandi
http://www.mandilockley.com/

IAD Blog-A-Thon: Sunday's Events

 Online from Sunday 21st March:

  From Auntie Moon: Uranus in Aries: Claiming A Self Reliant Future
Unpredictable Uranus is ending his sojourn in Pisces and will soon enter irascible Aries. Following a period of reluctantly dealing with the real world, Uranus steps up to proclaim personal freedom. This is not the freedom bell that Uranus usually rings for everyone, but the unabashed self-proclamation of “My Rights, Every Day!” Coordinated by C.J. Wright, the 17 articles and additional media presentations in the Uranus collection are as erratic as Uranus himself. You will discover some of the disruptive changes Uranus loves to spring on us and receive suggestions on how to work with rather than against yourself as you evolve and grow.

Online NOW:

From Astroair Astrology: Look After Saturn and Saturn Will Look After You

  From Sasstrology: Saturn in Libra And Relationships

From Sky Writer: Pluto Problems Got You Perplexed? Here’s What Helps!

From Vibration Magazine: A Collection of Articles about Combining Essences and Astrology

Voices from Astrology's Past - Sound Bytes at the Astrologer's Memorial

From Secret Moon Art: Astrology Day Blogathon 2010: A Cosmic Art Gallery

Discussions at AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum

For full details of all these fantastic events, see  http://2010astrologycarnival.wordpress.com/
 Don't forget that these pages form a permanent resource - if you can't read them all today you can go back to them time and time again, so don't forget to bookmark them

Note: We’d appreciate it if you’d pass along word of this event to your friends, fellow students, and others with an interest in astrology, particular those with concerns about the cardinal t-square.

Note: Live links to these Collections will be added on the day they open, but will remain a permanent resource. Check on the blogathon’s own blog at: http://2010astrologycarnival.wordpress.com/

 

Look After Saturn & Saturn Will Look After You (IAD Blog-A-Thon)

Astroair Astrology Proudly Presents The 2010 International Astrology Day Blog-A-Thon Saturn Collection

Transiting Saturn’s oppositions to Uranus were accompanied by sudden change, shocks and upsets to the status quo, resulting in economic crisis. As the ripples reached our personal lives, our ability to remain flexible yet strong in the face of disruptive change has been tested, none more so since Saturn moved into Libra and began to square Pluto in Capricorn, a transit signifying restriction and hard, hard work. Now, with the upcoming entry of Uranus into Aries, signaling the start of the Saturn-Uranus-Pluto cardinal t-square, many of us are worried and puzzled about what it means for ourselves and our loved ones.

How This Article Collection Can Help

When facing and working with the energies of the three planets in the t-square, Saturn is the most easily accessible energy, providing a sound anchor for working with Uranus and Pluto issues and unlocking the more optimistic promises of the t-square. This collection of articles, therefore, aims to help you to work positively with a whole variety of natal and transit Saturnian issues, during these t-square times and beyond.

Written by experienced astrologers, these essays invite you to view Saturn not as a planet to be feared, but as a necessary, helpful teacher whose lessons can help you through life’s challenges. They also offer some useful, practical resources, some down to earth advice and some inspirational coping and healing tools.

How To Use This Collection:

When you click on the links below you will go to the authors’ own blog or website, so you can read their article and explore what else they have to offer. Before you start clicking, bookmark this page so you can find your way back here. Scroll to the end for the link to the Pluto and Uranus collections and all the other special Blog-A-Thon events.

Saturn The Wise Teacher

Saturn Without Suffering Obstacles, fear, failing, falling and suffering...Jessica Murray of MotherSky takes on all the big themes of Saturn and discusses how, by accepting Saturn’s teachings and consciously changing our attitude towards them, we can truly grow from the experience.

Saturn is the Gateway Amanda Owen explores Saturn’s role as the gateway to the outer planets and explains how in taking responsibility for our lives (Saturn), we set ourselves on the path towards the highest gifts that Uranus, Neptune and Pluto can offer…uniqueness, divinity and power.

Growing Up and Growing Old

Coping with the Quarter Life Crisis Our early twenties should be exciting times as we embark upon adult life, but for many this can be a confusing and stressful time, with many challenges to navigate. Verena Donath discusses the astrology of the so-called Quarter Life Crisis and what it means for the current generation.

King Saturn and the Archetype of the Father Stefanie Iris Weiss and Sherene Schostak, the Saturn Sisters, discuss father issues, finding Saturn’s heart in the daddy archetype and how learning to say and mean ‘no’ is essential for setting healthy boundaries and becoming the author of our own lives.

Astrology Can Improve Parent-Child Relationships Being a parent is probably the hardest job anyone will ever have. Using client examples of parents with strong Saturn-Moon-Pluto configurations, astrologer and counselor Gretchen Lawlor demonstrates how astrology can help parents strike the right balance between nurture (Moon) and structure (Saturn). For more articles by Gretchen, go to www.gretchenlawlor.com

Getting a Handle on your Second Saturn Return If you’re currently having, or coming up to, your second Saturn return, you’ve also got the Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn dynamic complicating the picture. Victoria Bazeley, whose specialty is helping clients deal with their midlife transits, explains all and provides some very useful suggestions for making the best of this important time of life.

The Astrology of Love in Midlife Just because we get older, it doesn’t mean that we lose our need for love, passion and partnership. With Saturn in Libra putting the spotlight on relationships, Lara Owen discusses the importance of the transits and progressions of midlife to relationships, including the Saturn opposition in our early forties and the second Saturn return in our late fifties.

Practical Saturn

Saturn Transits – What Do They Mean For Your Career? If Saturn is moving through one of your career houses, is this bad news for your job prospects? Not necessarily, explains astrologer and therapist Donna Cunningham. Working with the issues Saturn brings, could be just what you need to get you right on track!

RESOURCE: For some helpful tips and resources on how your birth chart can help with your vocation questions, see Giz a Job! Using Astrology to Make Career Choices

Surviving Financially Difficult Times with Saturn Astrologer Jan Tud of astrogrrl.com explains why for many of us, the next couple of years will be crucial for taking control of our finances and developing a healthier relationship with money. She also offers some useful tools and resources to get us started.

Tightening your Belt with Saturn Transiting Saturn in your 2nd or 8th house? Fearful for your finances? These transits don’t have to be disastrous, especially if you take a realistic and practical approach. Mandi Lockley makes a few suggestions to help you get prepared.

Astrology of Time Management: Bringing Balance into Productivity The demands on our time are ever-increasing in modern life, and now with transiting Saturn being aspected by Pluto in Capricorn and eventually by Uranus, effective time management could be considered a survival skill. Hiroki Niizato presents an astrological perspective on time management as part of his 7-part series on facets of Saturn.

Coping and Healing Tools

Taking Up the Long Conversation with Astrology with Saturn in Libra squaring Pluto bringing up difficult questions for so many people, Jessica Shepherd asks how can astrology help, exploring the value of the creative dialogue between astrologer and client in this beautiful and moving article.

Saturn Survival Tips (He is your Ally, not your Enemy!) The Saturn Sisters, as the name suggests, are experts on Saturn. “Don't have too many rules or too few rules” and “Remember that limits create freedom” are just a couple of their snippets of sound advice for getting the planet of blocks and limitations firmly on your side.

Saturn and the Healing Power of Crystal Quartz Shakti Carola Navran, author of Jewelry and Gems for Self Discovery shows how Quartz Crystals and the Hermiker Diamond, which symbolise clarity, insight and balance, can be especially beneficial tools for coping with the current astrological climate.

Tapping For Saturn: Astrology And EFT Astrologer and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Practitioner Kathy Loveless demonstrates how this simple, versatile but powerful healing tool can help you release and overcome the negative emotions and karmic patterns associated with Saturn transits and natal Saturn aspects.

Saturn Transit Libra: A Lesson in Boundaries Astrologer and energy healer Kachina Houska offers this simple visualization and energy technique to help promote boundary development within relationships, a positive and valuable way to connect with the energies of Saturn in Libra. See also Kachina’s Tips For Maintaining Physical Well-Being during these stressful Saturn-Pluto times.

For more helpful coping and healing tools for many of the issues our transits bring - including Saturn transits - check out the wonderful collection of articles on astrology and essences at Vibration Magazine Blog

Saturnalia (Mostly for Fun)

The Astrology of Aging Gemini’s in denial, Virgo’s feeling smug for once and Pisces has lost the plot altogether! Astrologer and cartoonist S.A. Hopkins, takes an irreverent look at the bodily effects of old father time. You can also see more of his cartoons at www.astrologic.us

How Strong is Your Saturn? Are you Saturnian? Find out with this quick and simple quiz from Donna at Sky Writer, then do the quizzes for Uranus and Pluto and compare your scores…You can also enter The T-Square Championship – with a great prize for the highest combined Saturn, Uranus and Pluto score. Discuss and compare your scores at the Astrocreeps Forum

The Sounds of Saturn We’ve all used music as a cathartic self-help tool at some time or other, even if we didn’t realize that was what we were doing. In that spirit, here’s a selection of rocking classics and melancholic dirges – perfect accompaniments to a Saturn transit.

RESOURCE: For further info, dates and data for the T-Square see: The Cardinal T-Square – What’s It All About?

RESOURCE: Don’t forget to check out Donna Cunningham’s Pluto-Saturn Preparedness Kit on her Skywriter blog

I really do hope you found this collection of articles helpful, enjoyable and insightful. If you would like to comment on individual articles you can do so on the author's own blog in most cases or you can discuss what you've read on the Astrocreeps Forum.

This collection is part of the 2010 International Astrology Day Blog-A-Thon, a permanent collection of articles launched 19-21 March. The theme of the blog-a-thon is the upcoming cardinal t-square. Click on the link below to go to the main event blog where you can follow the links to the Pluto and Uranus article collections, as well as all the other special events including: Sasstrology's Saturn in Libra relationship special; Vibrational Magazine's special on combining astrology and essences; Sound bytes from time past at the Astrologers' Memorial and Jude Cowell's stunning Cosmic Art Show.

For links to all IAD Blog-A-Thon Collections and Events Go To:

The 2010 International Astrology Day Blog-A-Thon

Please do bookmark this page before you go so you can come back and read more articles in this collection!

Photo Credits:
Saturn photography courtesy of NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute
Neon Saturn courtesy of NASA/JPL/University of Arizona
Saturn spies the Moon by Jude Cowell

It was a real pleasure and honour to coordinate this fantastic collection. A huge thank you to all the wonderfully talented authors who contributed and a big thanks also to Donna Cunningham for conceiving and driving this important event and giving me the opportunity to get involved.
The International Astrology Day Blogathon articles collections are for educational purposes only.

Inclusion in the Blogathon Collections does not mean to imply recommendation or certification of any of the authors or their companies. We ask website visitors to make their own judgments about the quality of services or products described. Articles are not meant to be advice, and the information is not meant to replace medical or psychological treatment. Opinions expressed by authors and readers do not necessarily reflect those of the Blogathon coordinators.

The IAD Blog-A-Thon - Saturday's Events

Saturday's Events

Online starting Saturday, March 20th:

Look After Saturn and Saturn Will Look After You

Transiting Saturn’s oppositions to Uranus were accompanied by sudden change and shocks to upset the status quo, resulting in economic crisis. As ripples reached our personal lives, our ability to remain flexible in the face of disruptive change is being tested by Saturn in Libra’s square to Pluto in Capricorn and the upcoming entry of Uranus into Aries. Coordinated by Mandi Lockley, the 17 articles in the Saturn collection will help you work with a variety of Saturnian issues. Experienced astrologers invite you to view Saturn not as a planet to be feared, but as a necessary, helpful teacher whose lessons can help you through life’s challenges. Others provide useful resources, down to earth advice, and inspirational coping and healing tools.

Online from Saturday, March 20th

Passing the Tests and Trials of Saturn to Build Better Relationships

As the planet of obstacles and inadequacy moves through Libra, all types of partnerships are challenged. Is there an equitable give-and-take in your marriage? Are you having trouble manifesting a satisfying relationship? The articles featured on Sasstrology will do more than offer insight into the meaning of this transit. The experienced astrologers featured here will help you to create solid partnerships that can survive the ups and downs that occur when two souls attempt to create one union.

Online NOW:  

Pluto Problems Got You Perplexed? Here’s What Helps!

Pluto in Sagittarius was an era of speculation and easy credit, and we expanded far past what was wise. Pluto in Capricorn is a time of facing reality, getting grounded, paying the bills, and being accountable. Coordinated by Donna Cunningham, the 15 articles in the Pluto collection help you understand a variety of Pluto-related difficulties and suggest resources and healing tools to sort them out. They include the debt trap, sleep disorders, bullying, fertility issues, erectile dysfunction, grief, patterns we carry over from previous generations of our families, grief, healing from abuse, and a variety of other persistent problems.

Vibration Magazine Presents:

A Collection of Articles about Combining Essences and Astrology

Not to be confused with aromatherapy, flower essences are a superb, natural, and inexpensive healing tool that can catalyze personal growth and smooth out the rough edges of times like these. The combination of astrology and flower essences is outstanding in helping people understand and address difficulties that arise during difficult transits. This collection of 15 articles by astrologers who are also flower essence practitioners will suggest ways astrology and essences can enhance one another.

Voices from Astrology's Past - Sound Bytes at the Astrologer's Memorial

This vast collection of pages about astrology’s great contributors ably maintained by Liz Houle contains tributes and photos of colleagues we’ve loved and lost. Take a walk down memory lane, starting at this page of sound bytes from archived tapes.

Astrology Day Blogathon 2010: A Cosmic Art Gallery

Visionary artist and astrology blogger, Jude Cowell presents a series of luminous images of heavenly phenomena. Take time out to rest your mind and feast your eyes on her exquisite slide shows and special galleries.

Forum for Readers’ Experiences and Comments

Jan Tud (astrogrrl) of Astro Creeps and Tarot Freaks will be hosting a forum for readers’ comments about their experiences with these transits and about the articles. You can register and then join the astrology forum discussions.

Online from Sunday 21st March:

Uranus in Aries: Claiming a Self-Reliant Future

Unpredictable Uranus is ending his sojourn in Pisces and will soon enter irascible Aries. Following a period of reluctantly dealing with the real world, Uranus steps up to proclaim personal freedom. This is not the freedom bell that Uranus usually rings for everyone, but the unabashed self-proclamation of “My Rights, Every Day!” Coordinated by C.J. Wright, the 17 articles and additional media presentations in the Uranus collection are as erratic as Uranus himself. You will discover some of the disruptive changes Uranus loves to spring on us and receive suggestions on how to work with rather than against yourself as you evolve and grow.

Note: We’d appreciate it if you’d pass along word of this event to your friends, fellow students, and others with an interest in astrology, particular those with concerns about the cardinal t-square.

Note: Live links to these Collections will be added on the day they open, but will remain a permanent resource. Check on the blogathon’s own blog at: http://2010astrologycarnival.wordpress.com/

IAD Blog-A-Thon Quick Links

 From Auntie Moon: Uranus in Aries: Claiming A Self Reliant Future

From Astroair Astrology: Look After Saturn and Saturn Will Look After You

  From Sasstrology: Saturn in Libra And Relationships

From Sky Writer: Pluto Problems Got You Perplexed? Here’s What Helps!

From Vibration Magazine: A Collection of Articles about Combining Essences and Astrology

Voices from Astrology's Past - Sound Bytes at the Astrologer's Memorial

From Secret Moon Art: Astrology Day Blogathon 2010: A Cosmic Art Gallery

Discussions at AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum

For full details of all these fantastic events, see  http://2010astrologycarnival.wordpress.com/
 Don't forget that these pages form a permanent resource - if you can't read them all today you can go back to them time and time again, so don't forget to bookmark them

The IAD Blog-A-Thon Is Here!

The transiting cardinal T-square of Pluto, Saturn, and Uranus of 2010-11 has got everyone who knows even a little astrology talking and worrying and predicting – on blogs, on forums, in magazines, at conferences. Already we’ve seen huge shifts in our economies and our political structures and even environmental shifts in the earth itself. Many of us have found this instability reflected in their personal lives and we’re wondering what’s next? How will we and our loves ones be affected?

The idea behind this exciting web-based Blogathon event for International Astrology Day is to help with these questions by providing some valuable insights into how the main players in the T-square - Saturn, Uranus and Pluto – operate and by offering some helpful tools to work with the issues they represent.

This exciting event was conceived by renowned astrologer and therapist Donna Cunningham, who put together a wonderful team of coordinators to assemble a collection of almost 70 articles by over 50 talented astrologers!

It has been an honour and a privilege to be a part of the Blogathon team and coordinate Saturn collection. The full team comprises Donna Cunningham (Pluto); CJ Wright (Uranus); Sasstrology’s Jeffrey Kishner (Relationship Special) Liz Houle (Astrologer’s Memorial sound bytes) and Jude Cowell (Cosmic Art Gallery). Neeti Ray (of Astrology Expressed) and Fabienne Lopez (of Astrology Unboxed) have worked tirelessly to publicize this event, along with many others and Jan Tud (Astrogrrl), is hosting a forum at the Astrocreeps and Tarot Freaks, where readers can discuss their experiences.

These article collections form a permanent resource, so you can bookmark the main event blog link at http://2010astrologycarnival.wordpress.com/ and come back time and again to browse through this remarkable body of work.

Today's Events

Let the Blogathon Begin!

Online starting Friday, March 19, 2010:

Pluto Problems Got You Perplexed? Here’s What Helps!

Pluto in Sagittarius was an era of speculation and easy credit, and we expanded far past what was wise. Pluto in Capricorn is a time of facing reality, getting grounded, paying the bills, and being accountable. Coordinated by Donna Cunningham, the 15 articles in the Pluto collection help you understand a variety of Pluto-related difficulties and suggest resources and healing tools to sort them out. They include the debt trap, sleep disorders, bullying, fertility issues, erectile dysfunction, grief, patterns we carry over from previous generations of our families, grief, healing from abuse, and a variety of other persistent problems.

Online Friday, March 19, Vibration Magazine Presents:

A Collection of Articles about Combining Essences and Astrology

Not to be confused with aromatherapy, flower essences are a superb, natural, and inexpensive healing tool that can catalyze personal growth and smooth out the rough edges of times like these. The combination of astrology and flower essences is outstanding in helping people understand and address difficulties that arise during difficult transits. This collection of 15 articles by astrologers who are also flower essence practitioners will suggest ways astrology and essences can enhance one another.

Multimedia Events Celebrating Astrology Starting Friday:

Voices from Astrology's Past - Sound Bytes at the Astrologer's Memorial

This vast collection of pages about astrology’s great contributors ably maintained by Liz Houle contains tributes and photos of colleagues we’ve loved and lost. Take a walk down memory lane, starting at this page of sound bytes from archived tapes.

Astrology Day Blogathon 2010: A Cosmic Art Gallery

Visionary artist and astrology blogger, Jude Cowell presents a series of luminous images of heavenly phenomena. Take time out to rest your mind and feast your eyes on her exquisite slide shows and special galleries.

Forum for Readers’ Experiences and Comments

Jan Tud (astrogrrl) of Astro Creeps and Tarot Freaks will be hosting a forum for readers’ comments about their experiences with these transits and about the articles. You can register and then join the astrology forum discussions.

Blogathon Schedule for Saturday and Sunday

Note: Live links to these Collections will be added on the day they open. Check on the blogathon’s own blog at: http://2010astrologycarnival.wordpress.com/.

Online starting Saturday, March 20, 2010

Look after Saturn and Saturn will Look After You:

Transiting Saturn’s oppositions to Uranus were accompanied by sudden change and shocks to upset the status quo, resulting in economic crisis. As ripples reached our personal lives, our ability to remain flexible in the face of disruptive change is being tested by Saturn in Libra’s square to Pluto in Capricorn and the upcoming entry of Uranus into Aries. Coordinated by Mandi Lockley, the 17 articles in the Saturn collection will help you work with a variety of Saturnian issues. Experienced astrologers invite you to view Saturn not as a planet to be feared, but as a necessary, helpful teacher whose lessons can help you through life’s challenges. Others provide useful resources, down to earth advice, and inspirational coping and healing tools.

Online Saturday, March 20th

Passing the Tests and Trials of Saturn to Build Better Relationships

As the planet of obstacles and inadequacy moves through Libra, all types of partnerships are challenged. Is there an equitable give-and-take in your marriage? Are you having trouble manifesting a satisfying relationship? Coordinated by Jeffrey Kishner, the articles featured on Sasstrology will do more than offer insight into the meaning of this transit. The experienced astrologers featured here will help you to create solid partnerships that can survive the ups and downs that occur when two souls attempt to create one union.

Online starting Sunday, March 21, 2010

Uranus in Aries: Claiming a Self-Reliant Future

Unpredictable Uranus is ending his sojourn in Pisces and will soon enter irascible Aries. Following a period of reluctantly dealing with the real world, Uranus steps up to proclaim personal freedom. This is not the freedom bell that Uranus usually rings for everyone, but the unabashed self-proclamation of “My Rights, Every Day!” Coordinated by C.J. Wright, the 17 articles and additional media presentations in the Uranus collection are as erratic as Uranus himself. You will discover some of the disruptive changes Uranus loves to spring on us and receive suggestions on how to work with rather than against yourself as you evolve and grow.

PLEASE NOTE: We’d appreciate it if you’d pass along word of this event to your friends, fellow students, and others with an interest in astrology, particular those with concerns about the cardinal t-square.

Tapping For Saturn: Astrology And EFT

A big welcome to guest blogger Kathy Loveless, Astrologer, EFT-ADV, who in this beautifully insightful and helpful article discusses the creative use of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) in co-operation with Saturn natal aspects and transits.

What is EFT and How Does It Work?

EFT, Emotional Freedom Technique, has become a popular healing tool in today’s fast-growing field of energy work and complementary medicine. It has been shown to be effective in assisting healing on a physical, mental and emotional level.

With this technique, one practices a simple sequence of tapping points located along the body’s meridians. These points correspond with some of the key acupuncture points. (A simple online diagram is available at http://www.emofree.com/ and from there you can also download a free manual which gives you all the EFT tapping points and basic procedures to enable you to start using it on yourself immediately).

EFT is acupressure which is applied through our fingertips. We simply tap a sequence upon the face, hands, and torso of our body, while focusing on and stating a current problem or painful condition we want to get rid of.

Each statement we make is countered by a positive ending, i.e. “Even though I have this problem, negative feeling about myself”, (etc) “I deeply and completely love and accept myself.“ This point-counterpoint phrasing seems to help discharge the source of the problem from our energy field and “resets” our system, allowing the stuck pain, emotion, or habitual negative behavior to be released.

Tapping on these points while focusing on our problem often brings about a reduction or disappearance of our pain or distress level. However, the memory of our problem does not leave us; the only thing which disappears is the emotional distress or physical pain which had become stuck.

(EFT disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided as a general information only and is not intended to represent that EFT is used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases or psychological disorder. EFT is not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment. Any stories or testimonials contained herein, do not constitute a warranty, guarantee, or prediction regarding the outcome of an individual using EFT for any particular issue.)

Healing Our Ancestral Patterns with EFT: Aspects of Saturn in the Birth Chart

When we look at a birth chart and see one or more challenging aspects involving Saturn, it can indicate that the person is carrying forward issues to do with self limiting emotions. The emotions might include fear of failure, a limiting outlook on life, or a pessimistic view of the future that can lead to physical ailments or hypochondria.

Saturn will, in the course of one’s life, come around and “touch off” these issues for review and test to see if we’re making headway in releasing these innate fears.

Of course, our birth planets and their aspects represent our family ancestral patterns. Our shared history and DNA influences our temperament, challenges and experiences. For example, a whole family may exhibit difficult Saturn aspects in their individual charts, though each person was born several years or even a generation apart. Perhaps the charts of your whole clan contain variations of Jupiter and Saturn aspects, revealing several individuals who have wrestled with depression or bipolar disorder.

So, how do we break the link with a negative ancestral or “karmic” imprint? I believe it is by consciously addressing Saturn, which is linked to “cycles of time and chronic illness”; and by turning on the light in the birth chart. EFT gives us a tangible method of working with Saturn to release these imposed restrictions that can manifest in the emotional and physical challenges of a family. To help the individual transcend this cycle, an acupressure tapping sequence would be accompanied by an affirmation:

“Even though I share this connection with so many ancestors who have had depression, I choose to release my link from this chain of illness I see in my chart; and I deeply and completely love and forgive myself and any others for anything I or they may have done to contribute to this family affliction. I am now healing this depression and all its origins and genetic variations, from 100 generations back into my past and 100 generations forward into my future.”

Using EFT to Work With Saturn During Difficult Transits

In dealing with “chronic” problems, we turn our attention to the planet Saturn and how this sometimes feared, seldom revered, planet actually operates in our lives to help us achieve success and wisdom on all levels of experience here on Earth.

Wherever Saturn is active in our chart is where we need to spend some time and effort in testing the foundation in that particular area of our life. I find that turning the light on in the chart and consciously engaging, in this case, Saturn in the healing process, is very empowering and helps to dissipate fear and depression. Careful examination of the chart in conjunction with a pre-treatment consult is necessary to identify the emotions surrounding the issue. If that emotion is fear, isolation, worry, depression, restriction, loneliness…you are quite likely experiencing a challenging Saturn aspect. By examining the emotional issue in question, we can determine what practical methods we can use to begin to heal.

For example, when a client was going through a difficult Saturn transit to her Sun, she was diagnosed with osteoporosis. EFT sessions were begun to allay her fear and depression. As her fear faded, her sense of empowerment and faith began to flow once again. She spent more time outdoors in the sun; she was guided to make gem elixirs for increased bone strength. She attracted other “resources” to help heal and empower herself, including inspiring information on Vitamin D and K – tangible things to honor and support the process of healing this Saturn-Sun related imbalance.

She was directed to ask herself: “What structures (Saturn) in my life are no longer strong or safe enough to support me?” – Every physical restriction has an emotional component. It was revealed that she held a suppressed fear of getting old and of not having much time (Saturn) left to fulfill her own dreams (Sun). EFT could be used to address this wounded part of herself. As new “roots” of an issue are revealed, they can also be tapped on and released, using this process.

The Saturn-Uranus-Pluto T Square – All for One and One for All

Most of us have read with keen interest the possible meaning of this dynamic planetary configuration. Certainly there is a theme of powerful Change and Rebirth. I believe these changes can be through us as well as to us. Saturn in this picture represents where we hold onto the old, afraid to embrace the new (Uranus).

Every one of us is experiencing this planetary dynamic in some department of our own lives. We can use the keywords of Saturn to help us with identifying our personal issues and use EFT or other empowering healing tools to add grace and healing to this challenging life passage.

Group work can maximize the grace in a planetary transition like this. Most healing work, when used in a group, can be very potent. An all for one and one for all effect is often reported. With EFT, the whole group taps along with a person who is addressing a concern, only to find afterwards that they, too, are experiencing “well being” or healing effects. Physical location is not a limitation; these surrogate tapping energies can be directed to people and places in need around the world. Like prayer, EFT can be another powerful form of subtle activism.

NOTE: This is part of a collection of articles about Saturn transits for the International Astrology Blogathon, March 19-21, 2010. The rest of the collection can be viewed here from 20th March: Look After Saturn and Saturn Will Look After You. For the main event page, for links to the Pluto and Uranus collections and the rest of the Blogathon events, go to 2010 Astrology Carnival

Recommended Sites:

For those wishing to explore EFT and its many applications, you may learn much more by going to http://www.emofree.com/ where you will find articles on hundreds of its possible healing applications, as well as a list of trained EFT practitioners.

For those interested in Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT) by Tapas Fleming – go to www.TATLife.com There are many flower essence resources; I find Lila Devi’s site an important resource. http://www.spirit-in-natureessences.com/

Recommended Books:

The Heart & Soul of EFT and Beyond… by Phillip Mountrose & Jane Mountrose

The Genie in your Genes: Epigenetic Medicine and the New Biology of Intention, by Dawson Church, PhD

The Promise of Energy Psychology (Revolutionary Tools for Dramatic Personal Change), by David Feinstein, Donna Eden, and Gary Craig, founder of EFT

The Essential Flower Essence Handbook by Lila Devi

About Kathy Loveless, Astrologer, EFT-ADV:

I am a practicing astrologer with over 15 years of consulting experience. I attended 4 years of structured classes at the Michigan based Academy of Astrology, where I achieved my certification in astrology Born to truth-seeking parents, I thrived on the variety of metaphysical teachings and practices I was exposed to early in life, including astrology, meditation, and energy healing. By my teens I had begun a serious study of astrology. I developed a strong spiritual foundation which I bring to my practice. I have always tried to link astrology with healing in some way. So, when a client’s chart reveals stressful conditions, I can present simple yet effective forms of self-healing, to reassure them that we are not victims of our chart, but instead, powerful co-creators in this process called Life!

I have an advanced certification in EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), a simple acupressure exercise which is used to release mental and emotional blockages in the energy field. I am also a certified flower essence therapist, trained through Lila Devi’s two year practitioner course on flower essences. Though gentle and safe to take, these “unassuming little genies” work wonders in restoring balance and well being on every level!

I offer a full range of astrological services, including birth chart analysis, monthly or yearly forecasts, relationship compatibility charts, vocational “calling”, and more. I live in Michigan with my husband, John. Together, we enjoy travel, spiritual philosophy, and all kinds of live music. We also love time spent with our two grown daughters and two precious young grandchildren.

To learn more, I welcome you to visit my website: www.StellarObservations.com. You can contact me by e mail at: Kathy@StellarObservations.com