March 2009

Is there such a thing as absolute Right and Wrong? If there is, who gets to define it? And if it gets defined, does that mean some group needs to enforce it? These are some of the questions being posed by the current planetary line-up. Read on for more explanation...

In Search of the New Ethics Conversations with the Moon The full moon of March takes place on Tuesday, March 10, at 7:39pm Pacific Time, in the lunar sign of Uttara Phalguni. With this highly, highly charged full moon, (Saturn conjoining the Moon, and Neptune, Mars, Mercury, and Uranus with the Sun) we stand amidst crumbling institutions, with very different ideas among ourselves about how, exactly, to respond. This lunar cycle highlights the discourse of social change. A primary developmental learning available during this lunar cycle has to do with letting go of judgment. This involves tolerance and compassion and a big whopping helping of humor. It might help to contemplate this idea: Is it possible that Love exists whether we follow the rules or not? Outdated codes of Right and Wrong begin to fall away, as we simultaneously commit even more deeply to the integrity of our own Compassion. Keep your mind on your vision for the world, amidst all the rhetoric swirling about. Unless of course you're a politician, lawyer, preacher, or writer, in which case you might want to break up periods of rhetoric production with long walks so you don't end up missing the forest for the trees ;) Write this day/time into your calendar: Thursday, March 26 at 9:07am Pacific Time. With the new moon in the lunar sign "Uttara Bhadra," some economic rainmakers (private parties) may attempt jumpstarting the economy. In the U.S., we may begin looking seriously at alternatives to agribusiness. Individually, we have the possibility of being more in tune with the "collective unconscious," for better or worse.

Planning & Scheduling Living in Accord with the Seasons Venus travels retrograde from March 6 until April 17. Recently we've been graced with a bright Venus in the night sky. Venus will begin dipping down closer to the horizon over the next few weeks, and at the end of the month, we'll begin seeing Venus as a morningstar for a couple weeks. Venus' retrograde motion will prompt many of us to introspect over the true nature of compassion and kindness. Mars moves into Aquarius from March 8 until April 15, joining Uranus and Neptune in that sign, as well as opposing Saturn in Leo. The addition of the planet of energy and aggression and drive to this already loaded opposition, makes us all feel compelled to take part in tearing down an old social structure and building a new one. From March 5 - 22, Mercury is also in the Aquarius soup along with Uranus, Neptune and Mars, symbolizing much passion, energy, and yes even aggression in our communications. Try to avoid making anyone else "wrong" by what you say. Tempers are likely to flare, and feelings are likely to be hurt. Use Venus' energy of diplomacy to find a gentle way to speak your truth. If you're very, very motivated to do something great for the planet, expose yourself to Marshall Rosenberg's methods of Non-Violent Communication. Jupiter stays behind in Capricorn, continuing the nation's crisis of confidence, and still we will gain courage and hope through action. Saturn and Uranus continue their opposition by sign until April. Here's an example of true Uranian spirit, taken from some mischievous philosophical rebels in their writings entitled Principia Discordia: Greater Poop: Are you really serious or what? Malaclypse the Younger: Sometimes I take humor seriously. Sometimes I take seriousness humorously. Either way it is irrelevant. GP: Maybe you are just crazy. Mal: Indeed! But do not reject these teachings as false because I am crazy. The reason that I am crazy is because they are true. GP: Is Eris true? Mal: Everything is true. GP: Even false things? Mal: Even false things are true. GP: How can that be? Mal: I don't know man, I didn't do it.

Poem #1263 by Emily Dickinson Tell all the truth but tell it slant - Success in Circuit lies Too bright for our infirm Delight The Truth's superb surprise As Lightning to the Children eased With explanation kind The Truth must dazzle gradually Or every man be blind