Star of David August 25/26: Find your own power

A star of David formation, or a Grand Sextile is a star pattern formed as a geometric configuration with 6 points (6- 60 degree sextiles) and this is a rare occurrence, so rare the last one occurred in 2011. This summer two such patterns occur both July 29, and August 25-26.

The Star of David is named in honor of the Biblical King David, who is said to have a Star of David configuration in his natal chart. The six figure star is found on the oldest complete manuscript of the Hebrew Bible. Ancient astrologers believed the Star of David configuration foretold the birth of a great King. (it is interesting to note Prince George of England was born July 22, and the previous Star of David occurred July 29.) There are magical and spiritual connotations attached to the star of David formation. But, don't expect to be able to see this pattern in the sky because it circles the earth in a 360 degree formation.

Astrologer Mary Fortier Shea has studied these formations for several decades and writes, "In the Stars that I have studied since 1990, the two interlocking triangles are formed solely by the planets in our solar system along with the Sun and the Moon. These planetary Stars of David I have written about extensively in these pages, and I believe planetary Stars have global impact. For example, since 1990, three stars have been war stars - the one in 1990 that appeared directly after Iraq invaded Kuwait signaling the Gulf War, the 2001 Star occurred seven days before the destruction of the World Trade Center Twin Towers that led to the War in Afghanistan, and the November 2002 Star preceded the War in Iraq four months later. All of these Stars had difficult squares to the Sun. In 1990, Mars squared the Sun, in 2001 both Saturn and Pluto squared the Sun, and in 2002 Uranus squared the Sun. Planetary Stars have global impact and many times the effect of the Star, like a solar eclipse will last from one Star to the next.

Personal or local Stars - There are times when five planets almost form a Star, but one point is missing. In these situations an individual can use a specific time set for his or her locality to form the Star of David with the Ascendant, the Midheaven, or Part of Fortune creating the final point. I have worked with these charts and my feeling is that they impact the individual who is electing the time and they are good for personal and spiritual development. They do not have global impact as they are locality based and individually created. I do not write about those personal or local starts in these pages. I focus only on planetary Stars.

Planetary/asteroid Stars - Sometimes a Star of David is formed by five planets and an asteroid, most notably Chiron. This is a hybrid Star. It is not totally planetary, but also not locality based or individually oriented. It does not have global impact in my opinion, but it does have significance, especially for those who have natal connections to the Star." (http://www.maryshea.com/star.html)

 

The August 25, Star of David formation includes the following planets and will work off these planetary energies.

Moon in Taurus (opposes Saturn-responsibilities, reality and restrictions)

Jupiter in Cancer (expansion of family, home and the homeland)

Sun/Mercury in Virgo (trine Moon-opposing Neptune-secrets, secretive action, confusion, spirituality)

Pluto in Capricorn (opposing Jupiter-square Uranus, setting off the U-P square-change and volatility, power)

Neptune in Pisces (spirituality, hidden secrets)

There are 6-sextiles, 3 trines, and 4 oppositions in this pattern, including Venus opposing Uranus-the only opposition in Air, and not part of the actual star pattern.

Mary wrote about the July 29, Star of David formation: "The Sun is at the apex of a tight t-square in this chart. It is difficult to say whether this is a war star or not. Saturn is a malefic squaring the Sun, but the Moon is certainly not a malefic planet. I would tend to think a "middle of the road" interpretation would be best. With the threat from Iran's nuclear program and terrorist groups around the world, I would call this a silent, unseen war. Saturn is in secrecy Scorpio. The Moon is exalted in Taurus which indicates without blame. The Sun is in Leo rulership and this is a strong Sun with rights. I believe any action is covert, and the withdrawal from Afghanistan continues or is completed."

Violence is still seen in the chart. Unlawful activities are prominent with Pluto opposed to Mars in fall in Cancer and square to Uranus in Aries. Individual, random attacks by fanatics and rebels without a cause are likely. These will be difficult to predict and hard to prevent.

I would expect to see more regulations placed on banks and wall street as Jupiter in exaltation in Cancer (wealth) is trine to Saturn in Scorpio (control), opposed by Pluto in Capricorn (government), and square to Uranus. Those who have more will pay more and those who have less will not be so stressed. Jupiter exalted in Cancer (wealth) is sextile to Venus in fall (poverty) and sextile to the Moon in exaltation (the masses). The economy might still be struggling with Venus in Virgo and opposed by Neptune. This particular aspect has been difficult in past Stars of David. At the least, there will be feelings of uncertainty and the economic indicators will probably be confusing with some up while others are down. With Saturn opposing the Moon, the housing market will still be an issue. This is confirmed by the fact that Mars is in fall in the sign of Cancer.

The difficulties with the economy might be originating overseas since Mars in fall is conjunct to Jupiter (foreign interests). Around the world it will be feast or famine. Some European and Asian countries will do well or will recover while others will still be in a recession. The issue of healthcare is mixed. There are three planets in Cancer. Jupiter in exaltation means doing the right thing, however, Mars in fall in Cancer has no rights and indicates the possibility of doing the right thing in the wrong way. Do figure! Mercury on the other hand has no standing. Since Jupiter and Mars are sextile to Venus in Virgo, low income people will be covered no matter what. Healthcare might be mandated through some loophole. It will be interesting to see how this plays out."

This star (August 25) formation falls on the heels of the Jupiter-Uranus-Pluto grand square which is about terrorism, war, money, and government secrets being revealed to name a few. Perhaps in the midst of it we may gain some spiritual help the world is in dire need of.

This is a time of great change and my advice is to soak in the spiritual energy of this formation, and find your own personal power and run with it!

 

                                                         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Neptune in Love: Your shadow voice speaks

Romantic expectations and styles

Neptune is the quiet voice within, the shadow voice, urging us to seek the ideal love we secretly dream of. It is all we privately dream of and desire in the deepest part of our soul and longing.  Neptune can lift us to the highest of highs, give us a deep spiritual connection, and fulfillment of our dream.

Alternatively, it's placement and those we sometimes attract, can sink us to the lowest of lows to a deluded, debased, unfulfilled, self sacrificing and unhappy union with another that few would actually call love. It all depends upon the sign Neptune was in at your time of birth and how Neptune aspects the planets in your birth chart, along with your understanding of it and how you respond.

Neptune represents the dream, unconditional love, religion and spirituality, psychic ability, imagination, spiritual connections, death, drugs, alcoholism, lies, deception, illusion and delusion, shame, creativity, psychological complexes and innermost dreams and this most complex of planets. It is the most mis-understood and overlooked of planet in the zodiac.

Neptune placements are generational and some of its characteristics will be shared with everyone born in the same generation. At the same time, depending on its placement in our birth chart, it is also very personal.

Neptune aspects each natal chart individually, creating situations that are unique to you. It is for us to understand it’s placement in our charts, and what it is actually calling for us to find and experience or to avoid altogether, as Neptune can represent both ecstasy, chaos and delusion .

Your experiences in love depend in part upon how Neptune is aspected in your individual chart. If you were born with Neptune in easy transit to the planet Venus, and other personal planets in your chart you may easily find the love of your dreams.

If Neptune is in hard aspect to Venus or other planets you may have to be more careful about getting involved with the wrong types, people who will take advantage of you, and drag you down.

Find your Neptune placement and what it means by birth year. If it is not listed on the first cycle look to the next page. Neptune changes signs in the course of a year at times.

Scroll down to find your year and Neptune placement.

 

Neptune in Virgo

If you were born July 24, 1929-October 3, 1942, or April 18, 1943-August 2, 1943, you have Neptune in Virgo. Virgo is the natural ruler of the sixth house of health, work, service to others’ and diet and fitness.

Neptune in Virgo individuals may feel they experience a great deal of self-sacrifice where love is concerned, or confusion that crops up in the areas of health and fitness, work or their partners work, and their service to others.

Individuals of this generation often feel they have sacrificed or have to sacrifice a great deal in service to their family or others in their quest for love, and their daily commitment to it. This is the generation of homemakers and stay at home Moms.

Health can sometimes be impaired by overwork at work or in the home, and these individuals would have no time for a lazy partner or one who did not support them. Other’s lack in this area may cause a great deal of unhappiness or sadness, and these individuals can be left with the feeling of shouldering too much of the responsibility either work wise, or in terms of serving their family members or spouse.

Women of this generation led the cry for equal rights and equal pay for women, and in the 1960's and the 70's left husbands en mass who did not support them, or value their service changing the face of what a family was/is. They have a strong sense of right and wrong.

Neptune Virgo individuals were the original practitioners of holistic health and healing themselves and others through both nutrition, counseling and pampering their families by being of personal service providing many if not all of their needs. Marriage counseling came of age with this generation.

 Love often takes the form of service and this generation can be grounded in their goals. These individuals are often attracted to a snug home with many family members. While many women of this generation were stay at home Moms, Dad's worked long hard hours as sole breadwinners.

Neptune is considered to be at its detriment in Virgo, meaning the energy does not work as well as it would in other signs. The transcendence and free flowing creativity of Neptune is at odds with the Virgo concept of service and order.

Virgo Neptune often feels a need to overcome negativity and emphasize connections to emotional and physical health. High personal standards are the norm and they expect it of partners. They are often conservative and modest in love, unless they have a mitigating influences in their charts. Their love life must follow an order or idea and they are concerned with practical application of personal ideals.

Often they seek perfection. The lesson of Neptune is Virgo is the realization few individuals can meet the standard of perfection, and that real love is not dependent upon shouldering all of the material and financial burdens, or making continual sacrifices in these areas, or requiring your partner to do so. They can be overly critical of themselves. Balance in all things is the key.

 

Neptune in Libra

If you were born October 4, 1942-April 17, 1943 or August 2, 1943-December 25, 1955, or March 10, 1956-October 19, 1956, you were born with Neptune is Libra. Libra is the natural ruler of the seventh house of marriage and partnerships, and those born of this generation often experience confusion and lack of clarity in the area of marriage and relationships.

Often these people feel they have been betrayed by others’ both personally and professionally as the seventh house is also considered the house of 'open enemies.' At times they can see their partner as an enemy or shift back and forth. Sometimes the partner is not seen clearly, and you may discover certain aspects of your partners’ life that you did not know existed. Often people with this placement may experience underhanded dealings with others/partners at times in their life.

 These individuals can be very creative in relationships in many respects. Home, family and romance can have a creative and aesthetic bent or meaning, and without it love is lacking. 

Neptune in Libra individuals grew up reading romance novels and wishing for a soul mate, believing we all have one special person.  Romance is key in these individuals lives and they seldom give up hope for a perfect union. Many of them marry multiple times in search of the 'perfect one.'

Love is a beautiful thing for these individuals and something everyone strives for. Nothing sordid, ugly or sleazy generally appeals to Libra Neptune unless other planets are contradictory. Chivalry and high ideals are alive and well here.

Neptune Libra is idealistic toward partners and often place them on a pedestal. They may attract a Neptunian types: alcoholics, drug addicts or very sensitive or artistic souls. The lesson of Neptune in Libra is to remember true love does not require them to play the martyrdom role, and that viewing a partner in a realistic as well as romantic light will lead to a sounder relationship.

 

Neptune in Scorpio

If you were born December 25, 1955-March 12, 1956, or October 20, 1956- June 16, 1957, August 5, 1957-January 4, 1970, or May 4, 1970-November 6, 1970, you have Neptune in Scorpio. Scorpio is the natural ruler of the eighth house of sex, inheritance, partners money other peoples’ money, corporate money and values, investments, taxes, and as well joint resources of all types, it is in these areas that Neptune will manifest itself throughout your life.

The 8th house also represents the house of in depth psychology, death and transformation. Positive aspects with Neptune can mean you have spiritual and mystical insights into the hidden realms of life and the knowledge there is no death, only transformation. Planets in this house can be associated with mediums and knowledge of the mysteries.

As the eighth house is connected with sex you may experience vague/ uncertain states connected to your sexual involvement with others’ and where to draw personal boundaries. Many of these individuals engage in 'friends with benefits,' relationships. Often, these people desire more from the relationship but do not know how to go about getting it, and sex clouds issues in the relationship.

With some people of this era sex may exude an all powerful influence, and this generation coined the phrase ‘sexual addictions’ and brought to the forefront  therapy for those who have used psychology to define sexuality considered different from the norm. The gay movement fought to claim their rights in America and the world by many of these individuals who also supported gay marriage and the passage of gay marriage rights in some states and countries.

AIDS was a major issue during the coming of age of these individuals along with other sexual transmitted diseases and played a role in the dating and mating habits of these people one way or another. AIDS exploded on to the scene in the 1980's and many lost their lives. Sex clubs and swingers clubs were the products of Neptune in Scorpio individuals.

Otherwise many of this generation may always be sexually dreaming of someone other than the person they are with, as the real thing may rarely live up to your expectations. Or alternatively, they live a life in a spiritually uplifting manner, manifesting the virtues of sacred love as defined by the individual. Some Neptune in Scorpio individuals become celibate by choice or alternatively engage in debasing or demoralizing behavior.

The eighth house is the part of your chart that concerns jointly held finances and assets, and you may experience confusion, and lack of clarity in this area, or it could become a major source of tension in your relationships looking to a partner to pay your bills or vice versa. Some with Neptune in Scorpio try to avoid taxes and repaying debt. Feelings of security in relationships are often vague and confusing.

The lesson of Neptune in Scorpio can be gained by choosing to build personal integrity and honesty in all of your dealings with others in the areas of sex and money, as well as the realization that a lack of boundaries in the area of sexuality should only be considered appropriate only if your partner is in agreement.

Neptune is Scorpio individuals are at times known to hide relationships and affairs from their partners or be less than honest or they can experience this themselves.  Scorpio is a complex sign and those who have Neptune in this sign often have to chose to be above board and honest. Scorpio can transcend the boundaries between the low road and the higher one in terms of personal integrity toward their partners and the collective.

 

Neptune in Sagittarius

If you were born January 5, 1970-May 3, 1970, November 7, 1970-January 19, 1984, or June 24, 1984-November 20, 1984 you were born with Neptune in Sagittarius. Sagittarius is the natural ruler of the ninth house of travel, education, religion, as well as laws and moral and ethical values. Sagittarius is the ruler of outdoors and ‘wide open spaces’. In true Sagittarius fashion, many of these people spread themselves too thin.

The negative side of Neptune is Sagittarius is pompous or dictatorial behavior on the part of the self or partner. As the ninth house is concerned with ethical and moral values you may have high morals, although confusion and lack of clarity may enter the picture, whether it is with you or your partner. You or your partner’s level of education may not connect you with the job you wish to attain and this can cause problems as well.

Neptune in Sagittarius is the generation of internet dating and relationships. The Sagittarius vision of wide open spaces is wide enough to encompass the entire world on the internet and relationships extended across the globe in the form of internet games, dating sites and chat rooms and meeting places where millions of people can/could connect for meaningful or other types of relationships.

Some of these relationships result in  happily ever after situations, marriages and even moves to foreign places. Others of this generation seek relationships only to find their ideal partner on the internet does not measure up to a real life success.

Many of these people have been involved with personalities at a distance they believed to be one thing, who turned out to be quite another. "Virtual" relationships take the place of real life human companionship for some of these individuals at times, or their partner is at a distance.

Sometimes these people find themselves in situations with partners living elsewhere, of different cultural or religious circumstances, or limited to the virtual world of internet communications, texting, or some type of electronic communication who actually desire more, but do not know how to bridge the gap in terms of distance, values or time and space.

Ideals are important to those with Neptune in Sagittarius. Partners ideals may not match or they may set their own ideals to high for a mere mortal to live up to. These people may idealize love and lose the true emotional meaning or connection or alternatively they may feel a type of chivalry connected with love and idealize the concept of love on an intellectual level.

Some may view higher education as ‘God, losing the true meaning or connection to human spirituality.” The ninth house concerns outlook toward the world and partners may have vague ideas on where their place is in the world. Religious/moral differences with your partners can occur or there can be a lack of awareness concerning the morals or values of others.’

The lesson of Neptune is Sagittarius is to understand you have an inner sense that with time and age you will learn to trust, and stand up for your own convictions. As the country song goes, "If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything."

 

Neptune in Capricorn

If you were born January 19, 1984-June 24, 1984, November 22, 1984-January 28, 1998, August 24, 1998-November 27, 1998 you were born with Neptune in Capricorn. Capricorn is the natural ruler of the tenth house of priorities, business, career, reputation, and your place in society, and it is within these areas that the planet of illusion, delusion and confusion may make itself known.

Work, status and money (or partners money) may take on major importance in your life and be a source of confusion as well. Their vision of their own place in the world may also play a role in these individuals lives and they may seek a partner they perceive as having a better position than they or vice versa. External factors and money may take the place of real love. Once committed however, they may feel a sense of responsibility toward the partner or responsibilities may play a role in relationships.

With Neptune in Capricorn you may believe the answer to life and love is years of hard work to carve out your career of choice, placing love/family the back burner. Neptune in Capricorn questions who and what can be trusted. With Neptune in Capricorn you may at times feel that you are constantly in an sea of moralistic, nose-to-the-grindstone Puritanism, and must be productive at all times, never really enjoying yourself or doing things for pleasure. Your partner may take this attitude, or alternatively they may reject standard work ethics altogether.

Neptune is considered weak in Capricorn. While Neptune is the planet of dreams and illusions, Capricorn is ruled by Saturn the planet of cold, hard reality and these two energies do not blend easily. Neptune in Capricorn individuals are realists and do not take well to things they cannot put into a tangible form or measure and one such thing is love. They mistake a life of material trappings for love.

Rather than creating a new generation of art and music they often rely on retro styles to fit the bill, or things from the past. Such is the realm of Saturn.

The lesson of Neptune in Capricorn is not to become moralistic if your partner doesn't 'share all of your views, and understand you are not your business, and all work and no play makes Jack a dull—or single—boy (or girl). Or it can go the other way around-no work, makes Jack or Jill poor.

While there is nothing wrong with being realistic or materialistic, love is the most intangible and sought after emotion in the world. Material trappings and position are only of value for a time and true love is eternal and everlasting.

These individuals may be very successful in achieving their dreams in practical and real settings. They may appreciate the work of those who came before them as well as some of their ideals. Their focus in relationships will be to bring about their dreams in tangible form more so than earlier generations, and build security with their loved one

 

Neptune in Aquarius

Neptune entered Aquarius January 30, 1998, - February of 2012. Neptune in Aquarius is the natural ruler of the eleventh house of friends, hopes and wishes, groups and organizations, and it is in these areas those born during this period will focus, idealize or delude themselves.

Aquarius represents the ‘world view,’ society at large, and idealism. The final chapter has yet to be written about this generation, but the harsher aspects may cause these individuals to seek out, or relate to individuals who delude them in some way, possible through drugs, alcohol or some type of religious belief or practice. Ideas and ideals will play a major role in finding love.

Aquarius is the sign of the people, and Aquarian’s are known for their compassion of those less fortunate in the world, and to strangers, but those who live with them can at times consider them cold and unable to form a one on one close personal relationship.

Aquarius can represent brilliance at its best, and represents the common good. Thus, the lesson for these people may well prove to be that while the common good of all individuals is always important, maintaining a one on one relationship requires focus upon your individual partner and an appreciation for all that is individual.

Neptune is considered at its fall in Aquarius meaning Neptunian energy operates poorly here. The planet of the unconscious, free flowing river of imagination and fantasy searching for our ideal does not merge well with the Aquarian energy of groups and universal love an understanding when it comes to a one on one relationship.

 

Treading in Choppy Waters: Full moon in Aquarius and August's last weeks

                                                                     Egypt (above)
                                                                    
                                                             

Astrology works on two levels. It shows us what is happening in the world around us and what to expect. To an extent we are all affected as we are all inhabitants of the world and part of a chain of humanity that extends around the globe.

The same astrology shows us what is happening in our personal lives as well. We are all born with a personal natal chart and the transits that will change the world can change out personal lives if they are aspecting a personal planet. If they are not aspecting a planet in our own charts, we are still affected, but to a lesser degree.

The August full moon falls at 28 degrees of Aquarius on August 20 at 9:45 p.m. EST. Aquarius is the natural ruler of the 11th house of groups and organizations and we may be involved with groups, friends, or our focus will be on certain groups. Aquarius is ruled by Saturn and Uranus, and Uranus is the planet of rebellions, separations and sudden, shocking and unexpected events. On the world stage Aquarius planets are often involved in rebellions and coups.

This full moon opposes Mercury, the planet signifying young people, travel, and communication.

The bloodbath that began in Egypt continues along with a rising death toll. This full moon opposes Pluto in Egypt's chart  in the 5th house of children and young people and we may hear more news of death. Moon-Pluto transits can reveal facts that were previously unknown and relates to powerful forces that would impose their will on others.

Jupiter is square Uranus and this aspect becomes exact August 21, on the heels of the full moon. Jupiter is actually part of a T-square between Uranus and Pluto setting off the Uranus-Pluto square that will  dominates the sky and propels the world toward the same level of change that occurred in the 1930's.

The week of August 6, Jupiter opposed Pluto and this relates to the worldwide spread of terrorism. We saw most if not all US embassies close across the Middle East.

Jupiter square Uranus has to do with sudden and unexpected revolts, revolutions, change toward and among governments and laws. It could also affect financial markets and analysts are already expecting a spike in oil prices. The stock market can be subject to change.

When another planet aspects Uranus astrologers say events are unexpected because they seem to come out of the blue. This transit however is indicative of change, revolt and upheaval in general. Astrologer Nicholas Champion writes, "this seems to be one of the key cycles of the free market economy measuring the buoyancy of the markets. As such it is considered one of the predominately capitalist oriented cycles."

This transit gives rise to extremism that can include religious extremes, and often goes against the status quo, whatever it is. Nicholas writes, "it can cause highly volatile situations to erupt without warning and an atmosphere of acute tension. In this state it has a particularly dangerous war-mongering potential."

This transit will occur again in February 2014, and Pluto-Uranus-Jupiter and Mars come together in April 2014 in a configuration that will likely bring some type of international terrorist activity.

In our personal lives Jupiter-Uranus can lead to sudden changes depending on where it is falling in our charts. At its best it can be a powerful agent for change and blasting us out of a rut. At its worst, depending on what else in is your chart, it can lead to separations, sudden changes of mind and risky, badly thought out behavior or losses.

The Sun enters Virgo, as does Mercury on August 22 and 23, with the two becoming conjunct August 24. This can be a willful, if not stressful and overly critical transit. On the same day Venus squares Pluto at 9 degrees of Libra-Capricorn. Venus-Pluto transits have to do with money matters and love which can become obsessive, controlling and worst case, situations can end. Let go and lighten up!

In the news will may see scandals relating to sex, money and violence. Pluto often rules the bully or the control freak.

August 25, Mercury opposes Neptune and this transit may bring major weather issues in some areas involving water. Mercury-Neptune relates to lack of clarity, deception, mis-communication, or out and out lies. Nothing may be clear on this transit including events in the world. Don't get overly critical about something you don't have the facts about. Be careful what you agree to over these few days until facts may become clear.

August 26, Venus opposes Uranus and the Sun opposes Neptune. Sun-Neptune transits relate to lack of clarity, discouragements, and not knowing all the facts. Venus-Uranus transits relate to sudden situations that may involve romance, although they are not stable. Some situations may end altogether. We may see fluctuations in financial markets and hear shocking news.

Used positively Neptune transits can take us to a higher spiritual level and bring compassion for those less fortunate. Venus-Uranus-Pluto transits involve money or love, and my advice is to not take things too seriously until these transits pass.

By the holiday weekend (US) energies start to calm down but until then hang on to your seat, because it's going to be a wild ride.