One of the most important and unique features of the Shamanic Astrology Mystery School paradigm, is the understanding and experience of the synodic cycles of the planets. The foundational philosophy of “As Above So Below, As Within So Without” best expresses the soulful magic of the Earth’s cosmology.

The Impact of Multiple Planetary Cycles
The greatest revelation of meaning and purpose emerges whenever two or more planetary cycles correspond with each other. The discovery of this “mystery” confounded and amazed the ancients. This understanding forms the very foundation of the calendric wizardry of the Maya, among others. More recently, the eminent astrologer Robert Hand writes that what makes astrology really “work” is when one has the closest approximations of cycles corresponding to whole numbers.  The Shamanic Astrology Mystery School agrees with this understanding.

The Importance of Synodic Planetary Cycles
The synodic planetary returns are far more important than a regular planetary return cycle. A synodic planetary return occurs for an individual when a given planet revisits it’s natal zodiacal degree closest to the natal Sun, meaning the planet has returned during the same season it was when the person was born. This is because the Sun sign locates an individual chart in time, or places it within the yearly seasonal cycle. Therefore, a synodic planetary return cycle relative to an individual chart is the numerical replication of the planet’s original cycle with the Sun.

We know this is important because the ancients had a fascination with attempting to fit various planetary cycles “evenly” into the solar year. This brings us to the magic of synodic planetary returns. Below are examples of the ages when inner planetary synodic returns occur:

Venus—8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80, 88 etc.

Mars—15, 32, 47, 64, 79 etc.

Mercury—7, 13, 26, 33, 46, 52, 59 etc.

One of the lesser known examples of synodic planetary magic relates to the cycles of Uranus and Jupiter. It turns out that exactly 7 Jupiter cycles of 11.5 years equals 83 years. This means Jupiter returns on the birthday very near the exact sign and degree it was in when a person was born. The first 6 Jupiter returns that occur in a person’s life do not occur at the solar birthday – meaning those Jupiter returns are not with the Sun so are NOT a synodic return. However, the 7^th Jupiter return occurs near the age 83^rd birthday within a day or so of being exact. Thus, this represents the synodic return of Jupiter.

Said another way, 83 years later, Jupiter is near the same sign and degree on the exact date it was 83 years prior. For example, the table below shows where Jupiter and Uranus were 83 years ago and where it is now on or near the same date (one reason for the dates being off slightly is that 2012 is a leap year  and 1929 was not):

The table above clearly shows how the 7^th Jupiter return is a true synodic return. If you have an ephemeris you can try this out….pick any date and check the same date exactly 83 years later and you will see the wonder of it. Next, note how closely Uranus is near the same degrees as it was 83 years prior.

Jupiter and Uranus return together every 83 years
What we are seeing here is that 7 Jupiter cycles very nearly equal one Uranus cycle or Uranus return. It’s due to this remarkable correspondence that generated the Shamanic Astrology Mystery School insight that Uranus, is very much like a higher octave of Jupiter. We recently explored this subject in greater depth during the December 2011 Shamanic Timeline Intensive.

Over the years of looking at lots of charts, I have noticed strange connections between synodic planetary returns over the course of a person’s lifetime. One example is the “spooky” similarities people experience during the 60 day underworld periods that occur during the 8 year Venus synodic planetary return cycle.

The question then is what about larger planetary cycles with reference to the world? Decades ago, Mark Lerner was the one who alerted me to this phenomenon through his publication “Welcome to Planet Earth”. I hadn’t thought about this much in recent times until last month during the timeline intensive when we realized that 2012 is 83 years after 1929. That was the year of the biggest stock market crash in US history and the beginning of a twelve year Great economic Depression that affected all western industrialized countries.

This is worth noting as we enter into the long-awaited year of 2012 and are considering the impact of the galactic alignment, Mayan calendrics, and the Uranian/Plutonian square. Now we can add to this, as if the other events were not enough, the dramatic interplay of the Jupiter Uranus connection harkening back to 1929. As Mark Lerner suggested, it can be useful to compare newspaper headlines from 83 years ago to get clues about what may be happening now. I am open to your feedback and insights about what you come up with around this.

Note: For those who are doing historical research, don’t forget to compare the relevant 1929 dates to what is happening in 2012.

Teresa Kelly

by Teresa Kelly

December 2011 Solstice occurs on December 22 at 12:30 a.m. eastern standard time. It is the shortest day of the year. Solstice is the time when the sun appears to stand still for three days on the horizon. This pause feels like a still point, like the pause of a pendulum before it swings. Imagine how it appeared to the ancients as the sunlight slowly diminished and the sun appeared to be stuck in the same place on the horizon.  The ancients marked the seasonal points as the year turned and learned to have faith in the return of the light as part of the rhythms of the natural world. The Winter Solstice was celebrated as the return of the Sun. The ensuing gradual lengthening of days signaled all was well and the cycles of the seasons continued.

This year Solstice follows a remarkable full Lunar Eclipse during a Mercury retrograde. The energy is clearing and feeling accelerated as we approach the Winter Solstice window. Uranus and the Sun square the winter Solstice in 2011 and a Moon Venus conjunction follows marking the passage of the third Venus Gate and the reclaiming of personal power. In tandem with all of this, Pluto continues its steady march through Capricorn. How does this apply in day to day living?

With Pluto in Capricorn, we see the underpinnings of our corporate, government and social structure being churned up as if by a giant cosmic Auger. When was the last time our planet’s populations were so fraught with unrest? As the planetary collective is traveling thru the underworld, mining and casting aside dross, so are we as individuals. With this as the primary backdrop as Pluto transits Capricorn we experience the underground of the cycles and transits of the Earth and Sky.

While the collective is affected by this long Plutonian cycle of mining the diamonds of a new paradigm,  those with strong Capricorn influences in their natal chart are privileged to experience this phenomena on deeper a personal level as well. Capricorn holds the operating manual for the collective. The manual is in dire need of updating. Making this kind of shift at the root level requires drastic action as has been seen recently with uprising in countries fed up with their leadership and weather events cleansing the earth causing great pain, upheaval and renewal in all corners of the planet.

Recently Mercury in retrograde assisted in accelerating shifts in perceptions and communication, opening opportunities to experience new ways to perceive and process.  The Lunar eclipse gave pause in the chaos giving us the opportunity to evaluate the journey we are making toward our truth. What synchronicity is seen on the world stage as the Egyptians have reviewed their situation and decided while the major change they made a year ago was great, there is still some tweaking to do to reach what is right for them in the way of leadership, governance and way of life.

Approaching Solstice energized by new perceptions and personal truth, we are asked to recognize the old paradigm clinging in the shadows and to honor it for its service in the past.  The light returns, illuminating the parts that can be purged, creating space for the parts that worked, parts that can be reinvented, and parts that are yet to be created for use in the present in service to the next seven generations.

Sounds simple and methodical in theory. How do we navigate what looks hard on a personal level?  Help is in the transits. Uranus’s dance of radical, unpredictable, unexpected change fuel injected with the Capricorn Sun affects the contemplative and gratitude laced energy of the Winter Solstice.  Following Solstice Venus reaches the 3^rd Gate, offering the opportunity pass this threshold and claim our personal power.

Old Capricorn realizes change is needed and is clutching the worn, outdated and frayed pages of the operating manual because while it is torn and many pages have been ripped and rewritten, the old ways are familiar and the enormity of the task at hand is paralyzing.  The shifting of rich deeply rooted ways and means is difficult and requires events of extreme novelty to shake the pages loose. Fueled by the energy, wisdom and experience of the sages, the New Capricorn is bursting at the seams, ready to take the operating manual through another edit and celebrate with a grand release party.

Many of my friends and co-workers have been making huge changes from cleaning out the basement to changing jobs. In the process these changes often are painful, stressful and feel unbearable. Then just as it seems too much, a small sparkle appears in the dark.  Still buried, but a small glimmer of hope that this is the way and it is working.  It inspires and energizes and keeps us moving forward.

The time leading to Solstice gives the opportunity to reflect on what intentions are being brought to light.  Pluto asks us to review our own operating manual. Are we relying on the book our parents wrote for us? A teacher? Society? It is time to write our own book. It is time to tear out the pages that are old and out of date and write new entries reflecting our life experience alchemized for our life going forward. How can the wisdom of the past serve our future? What new ideas and ways can be applied to create our new life, the new world?

Embrace the gift of unexpected change. What change are you fighting? Would perseverance or another perspective shine new light and provide new insight? Yes, the event may come as a death, it may come as a raise in salary, it may come as a blizzard, it may come as a grandchild. Whatever form it takes, Capricorn is fueling the energy of wisdom of the past for use now to benefit and support the future.

What does the death bring to light for you? Does it challenge your beliefs and ways?

How are you going to incorporate that raise in means? Expand into it? Apply old dysfunctional money beliefs, or try new ways to use your abundance? Recently this came into my life and there was a moment of fallback into old habits and lack mentality. It took an unexpected, inconveniently timed, temporary loss of income to shake me back to the present.

Does the blizzard bring opportunity to be still or at home instead of running? Does it catalyze another event? A few years ago a blizzard gave me pause to reflect on past experiences and remember the gratitude I have for them.

Does the arrival of your grandchild have you reflecting on the future of our planet? Of actions you can take to provide a safe environment for her generation?

And the purpose is not always immediately clear.  Our money crisis happened in the wake of great news of a raise. The raise did not appear as “expected” on the next paycheck because of late paperwork. The money shortage triggered a few weeks in the underground with Pluto, until I figured out that we had put the cart before the horse.  The resulting experience was a reminder of the past lack and bad habits. Our idea of unexpected change inducing events is often shattered. Unexpected blessings can be thought provoking and action inspiring as the stereotypical extreme event.

This year’s Winter Solstice auspiciously engaging the Uranus Capricorn square gives us the opportunity, the time, the darkness and the turning of the night into light to experience, reflect and offer gratitude and take action. The space to create a new sentence, a new page, or even a new chapter in our personal operating manual. We get to choose how we engage in the cosmic dance. And as we dance, our actions reflect above and below, within and without.  We dance with Venus through the 3^rd Gate, reclaiming personal power. What a blessed gift as the calendar year comes to a close!

Teresa M. Kelly Contact:  tmkelly1979@gmail.com
Teresa is a Certified Shamanic Astrologer (2006) and past president of the Shamanic Astrology Mystery School. She applies the principles of Shamanic Astrology in her coaching practice and in the realm of urban agriculture, food sovereignty and policy change.

This article is excerpted from the Celestial Timings. More info is HERE along with a very special offer.

Witnessing a Solstice Sunrise or Sunset is a powerful way to engage the energies being beamed in from the Galactic Center via the Sun. Wednesday, December 21, 2011 marks the exact Winter Solstice (in the Northern Hemisphere) and Hannukah begins. Here in Tucson, Arizona the sunrise is around 7:53 am depending on your horizon line and the sunset is at 5 pm also depending on your horizon line. Different latitudes will have different sunrise and sunset times. You can check your local newspaper or on-line to find out the time in your part of the world.

The Sun enters Capricorn at 9:30 pm, marking the exact December Solstice moment. Plus, the Sun is also square Uranus. (see Dec 22) Witnessing a Solstice sunrise or sunset is a fabulous way to engage the powerful light codes or energies being beamed in from the Galactic Center via the Sun, the primary source of light and energy for our beloved Earth. (Sunrise is 7:25 am and sunset is 5:18 pm in Tucson, Arizona. The time will vary depending on where you are located.) See YouTube of the December Solstice Sun on the Galactic Cross its about 4 minutes with sky maps etc…

The Sun is the seasonal metronome marking time via the four primary Solar Gates located at the Solstice and Equinox points. Ancient cultures understood the importance of these gateways and aligned with them through ceremonial intent, building monuments in stone to capture these seasonal gates in the Sun’s rising and setting points.

The Sun is the source of light, life, energy, and health as well as letting us know what time it is during the day as it rises and sets and in the year as it reaches the seasonal gateways. It is fascinating to consider how we have been programmed to fear the Sun as the source of skin cancer and aging of the skin increasing the experience of depression for those who avoid the Sun.

Ultimately, the Sun carries vital life force and light information to our bodies (scientifically proven to be our primary source of vitamin D). Research suggests a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes a day of sunlight on our skin and through our eyelids feeds and nourishes the physical body including converting the light into life enhancing Vitamin D as well as other essential nutrients. Plus, sunlight helps to attune (or entrain) our bodies to the light frequencies of planetary ascension. It also aids in dispelling depression when used wisely. One of the greatest things about basking in sunlight is it is a free restorative energy source when used wisely.

At the Winter Solstice the days are shortest (the least amount of light in a day), representing the turning point symbolized by the return of the light and the time when the days begin to lengthen. The solstice window lasts three days (the day before and the day after the exact Solstice) marking a seed point or an intentional choice point, in the annual completion and renewal of the Sun’s yearly cycle.

Additionally, zero Capricorn (or the exact moment of the December Solstice) is now aligned on the Galactic Cross near the Galactic Center where the Sun sits for three days. Said another way, the Sun is on the Cross for three days, symbolizing more than ever a galactic perspective that is outside our fixed experience.

This alignment takes place every 26,000 years and lasts for at least 72 years and it’s probably more likely is that it lasts for at least 144 years. The center point of this alignment occurred in 1998 and continues to influence us for many more years. December Solstice 2012 is not any more special than the December Solstice of the last few years. Many have argued that last year’s total Lunar Eclipse within a few hours of the exact Solstice was more spectacular than next year’s December Solstice 2012. And this year’s December Solstice square to Uranus is also more spectacular, meaning we are definitely already well into the time of prophecy and have been for many years.

This Timing is a portal that has the ability to take us beyond our middle world reality where we have access to the part of our self that knows – an inherent knowing or intelligence that is receiving an acceleration or evolutionary energy via the light codes that are beaming our way from the Galactic Core at this time. It may be subtle. It may reorient your whole perception of reality. It may expand your Earthly and Galactic Consciousness and further activate whatever awakening is already happening for you. It may feel like nothing you have ever felt before. This is about being open and receptive to the incoming heightened light energy.

One way to do this is to be a part of a living ceremony with the intention to align with the evolutionary energies available now. Ceremony is a way to focus intention. It may simply be that all you need to do to focus your intention on this time is to have the intent to be witness to what is taking place. Said another way, a visible or non-visible connection with this celestial alignment through our intention and heartfelt gratitude and appreciation is a ceremony in itself. When we have a sacred intent and then find ways to energize that intent in the world of form we are in the realm of Living Ceremony. Calling in sacred space, setting up an altar, drumming, chanting etc are also ways to engage this time if that helps you to focus your intent and feel like you are participating with this time. It isn’t necessary to do any of these things or anything for that matter. However, sometimes doing these things can help us connect more deeply. Let your heart be your guide.

Note: The Celestial Timings are written each month from the space of Living Ceremony with an intent to invite, through invocation, the energies that are present to co-creatively express with our personal intent as it harmonizes and aligns with the emerging New Earth energies. Reading the Celestial Timings is also a part of that Living Ceremony supporting the intention to inform as well as be informed by the mysteries and I thank you all for joining me in amplifying this sacred intention each month, each day and each year.

…the Gift of Ceremony
Not the sterile barrenness of repeated sameness…
As a stagnant ritual,
Rather the Living Ceremony…the Ceremony of Life…
the Ceremony of NOW….

~ Galactic Shamanism the Star-Stone Ones by Mary Saint-Marie/Sheoekah
http://www.marysaintmarie.com/artist.html

December 22, Thursday.  The Sun (0 Capricorn 43) squares Uranus (0 Aries 43) at 2:14 pm. This is the closest Uranus square to the Winter Solstice that will happen for 84 years. In 2095 Uranus will be at almost 2 degrees of Aries during the Winter Solstice and in 1927 Uranus was still in the last degree of Pisces. That means this is the closest square of Uranus at the Zero Aries (the Spring Equinox Point) to the exact Winter Solstice alignment from 1927 to 2095. This suggests it is especially important to acknowledge the initiatory energy of Uranus at this seasonal gate.

Uranus is the revolutionary change agent catalyzing unexpected change. Last March Uranus was conjunct the Sun at the Spring Equinox in the closest conjunction since 1927 and closer than the conjunction that will take place in 2095. At that time the first waves of revolution were becoming evident as the people of Tunisia and Egypt and the state of Wisconsin and other countries began taking to the streets. That was the beginning and certainly not the end of the revolutionary energies that will continue to grow and gain momentum over the next few years. (See audio overview of Uranus and Uranus in Aries audio too…)

The Sun and Uranus at the zero Aries point (Spring Equniox) in March and now square at the December Solstice further fuel the changes already in process. This is creating an additional dislocation of the old hierarchical assemblage point for the purpose of creating greater freedom for all life on planet Earth.  Said another way all the old regimes and control programs are destined to fall.  Aries is willing, and committed, to do what it takes to make sure this happens. Uranus is the great disruptive catalyst producing events of extreme novelty that are beyond human control creating a tidal wave of sweeping innovative and revolutionary change. Uranus in Aries is a magnificent force fueled by the quickly spreading Occupy Movements along with protests around the world. All those involved in the protests are demonstrating through their actions that they are ready for change. They are demanding change and they are saying:  “Bring It On!”

Plus retrograde Jupiter (O Taurus) is trine the Sun (0 Capricorn) entering the Still Point of the Jupiter station direct on December 25. (See Dec 25 for more on the Still Point)

Waning crescent Moon passes 2.7 degrees SSW of Mercury (9 Sagittarius 11) at 7:10 pm and the Moon is 4.2 degrees N of Antares (9 Sagittarius 48) at 8:00 pm. This of course is not visible in the evening sky in the western times zones but the Moon is visible approaching Mercury and Antares in the early morning sky and will be past Antares by tomorrow morning. (See Dec 3 and 23)

Extra Special Savings on Celestial Timings!
It may sound crazy but it is a $807 Value for $42…
explained HERE December 25 the price is going up!

The December 2010 Winter Solstice was highlighted by a Total Lunar Eclipse just hours before the exact Solstice. This represented a maximum synchronization of Solar and Lunar cycles as described in Daniel Giamario’s article last month. In 2010 the exact Solstice was at 3:39 pm Pacific Time on December 21.

Witnessing a Solstice Sunrise is a powerful way to engage the energies being beamed in from the Galactic Center via the Sun. This year we have the extra special and unique situation of a Full Moon that has just gone through a Total Eclipse setting on the Galactic Cross located at the Galactic Edge at 7:39 am (again, Tucson, Arizona time) within minutes after the Sunrise. Witnessing these celestial events inspire awe and open our hearts, bodies and minds in ways that can assist us in aligning with the Celestial Magic of the Sun and the Moon on the galactic cross and how these events are supporting the fulfillment of the ‘original intent’ for our lives.

The Sun is rising on the Galactic Cross near Galactic Center in the East just before the Moon sets in the west

The original intent is not defined by middle world standards but rather by the part of our self that knows – an inherent knowing or intelligence that may simply be to embody love and compassion and/or kindness and caring and/or to be an anchor for the accelerating light codes of energy that are beaming our way at this time. It may be subtle. It may reorient your whole perception of reality. It may expand your Earthly and Galactic Consciousness and accelerate whatever awakening is already happening for you. It may feel like nothing you have ever felt before.

One way to engage a living ceremony around these events is to simply witness them with intention. Said another way, the visible and non-visible connection with these celestial alignments through our intention and heartfelt gratitude and appreciation is a ceremony in itself.

When we have a sacred intent and then find ways to energize that intent in the world of form we are in the realm of Living Ceremony. Calling in sacred space, setting up an altar, drumming, chanting etc are also ways to engage this time. It isn’t necessary to do anything but sometimes doing these things can help us connect more deeply. Let your heart be your guide.

This article has more on the Solstices

The Full Moon sets in the West near the Galactic Cross at the Galactic Edge a few minutes after the Sun rises in the East on the exact Solstice Morning

Near Tucson, Arizona

Advanced Chart Analysis Training with Daniel Giamario and Cayelin K Castell

The primary emphasis for this training focuses on chart analysis and counseling techniques.
We will explore the following areas:

• Deepening skills in Chart Analysis
• Questions on Chart Analysis
• We will spend time in groups reading charts

Course Fee is

• $695 For SAMS Members
• $770 for non-members

SAMS Membership Registration Information Contact Daniel for details

Requirements for Advanced Shamanic Astrology Intensive:

• Basic Understanding of Shamanic Astrology, Charts, Shamanic Timeline, Synodic Cycles
• Attend at least one basic Chart Analysis Intensive
• Or Purchase and listen to a recent Chart Analysis Intensive on audio cassette
• Or talk with the instructors about other options and exceptions

Registration:

There are two ways to register. You can mail a check or go through PayPal. (PayPal info below)

Paying by Check:

Make out the registration check made payable to SAMS and send to:

Cayelin K Castell
1725 S Jones BLVD # H-11
Tucson, AZ 85713
Phone: 520-744-6923

Paying by PayPal:

If you are using PayPal the processing fee PayPal charges us for using their service is included. Email peteraklein@gmail.com to get a PayPal invoice for the event.  Also be sure to send an email with your name, address, phone number, email address, and birth data (date time and place) for the person registering. Note: the course fee is non-refundable but can be transferred to another event minus a $50 processing fee. Space is limited so be sure to register early.

Select Member or Non Member

Member Pricing $644.00 USD Non-Member Pricing $716.00 USD

Where:At Gael Chilson’s Home near Tucson, Arizona

Gael can be reached at 520-625-5762.

When: Highly recommended but not required is to plan to arrive a day early and stay an extra day after the event to enjoy and integrate your Shamanic Astrology experience.

Food and Lodging Details

Plan to arrive in time to gather at 7 pm for our opening circle. The course will end by 1 pm on the last day. Be sure to allow enough time for a leisurely departure. The Tucson airport is about 30 minutes away and the Phoenix airport is about 2 ½ hours if there are no traffic delays.

If you have housing or food questions Gael can be reached at 520-625-5762.

Cayelin can be reached at 520-744-6923 or email for questions about the course or to register.

Part One

Saturn is traveling through Libra until October 5, 2012 when it enters the sign of Scorpio. This means there is about another year that Saturn is transiting through the sign of Libra, inspiring me to reflect on this great social and cultural cycle, to see where we stand. I base these observations and reflections on the history of this transit and on the experiences of my clients since the beginning of this cycle in October of 2009. These observations are seen within the context of the intent of the transit, as proposed by the paradigm of the Shamanic Astrology Mystery School. 

Saturn image from NASA

Saturn teaches the individual and global humanity how to grow, change, and evolve by way of limitations and boundaries. Rather than perceiving this as a negative, alternatively Shamanic Astrology sees this as an excellent definition for the process of maturation. New stages of life, like a snake shedding its skin, are a completely natural and necessary process. Saturn can also be seen as an operating manual, the rules of the game. This includes all the ways human beings have organized their cultures throughout history to form structure, rules and regulations and to form social methodologies to perpetuate a culture for as long as possible.

Healthy expressions of Saturn fulfill the Native American dictum of making no decision unless it benefits the next seven generations. Unhealthy versions of Saturn tend to fulfill the Biblical curse suggesting that the sins of the father be delivered upon the next seven generations. Saturn is, in essence, simply the operating manual itself, a practical guide to thriving and surviving on planet earth.

However, Saturn can easily be “infected” by the customs, ethics and belief systems of the prevalent ruling culture. Over the last four thousand years, Saturn has been usurped by various strains of patriarchy and then, over the last two thousand years, doubly infected by the varieties of “original sin” dogma. In short this is summed up in statements like “you better be good because you used to be bad”, or “if you are really, really good, God will love you more, and you will get a great return.” Whilst those beliefs are demonstratively false, nevertheless they remain remarkably effective motivational strategies that use coercion and control powered by shame and guilt, reward and punishment. Few can completely escape this violation to the beauty of the soul.

The Shamanic Astrology Mystery School (SAMS) envisions a new Saturn, one that supports planet Earth (Gaia) as a living being, and then describes an operating manual practically and honestly supporting the next seven generations and beyond. This includes getting out from under the multitudinous “sins of the father” (and mothers) that support the patriarchy. This Saturn transit will return the glyanic* values of pre-patriarchal times in alignment with the rapidly reawakening views and wisdom coming from the “Council of Grandmothers”. It is in this spirit that we now explore the transit of Saturn through the sign of Libra, a two and a half year journey occurring every 29.5 years.

The following bullet points track Saturn’s transits through Libra from 1921 to 2012. 

• September 25, 1921 to December 20, 1923, April 6, 1924 to September 13, 1924…includes square to Pluto.
• November 20, 1950 to March 7 1951, August 13,1951 to October 22, 1953 with a Uranian square and a Neptune conjunction
• September 21, 1980 to November 29, 1982, May 6, 1983 to August 24, 1983 with a Pluto conjunction
• October 29, 2009 to April 7, 2010, July 21, 2010 to October 5, 2012 with Uranus and Pluto squares

The Libra Archetype from the perspective of Shamanic Astrology
The sign of Libra begins at the September Equinox and symbolizes the balance between day and night, male and female, life and death. Libra has always been associated with personal relationships. I like to define the essence of Libra as a way of knowing more about your self through the interaction with, and reflection of, the other or others. Shamanic Astrology also views Libra as “a householder” meaning it is connected to the process of building and maintaining a society or culture over time. Globally and historically, Libra has been involved with designing the traditions and the institutions of relationships that form the foundation and structure of society.

For example, pair bonding, known today as marriage, is one such form. This institution has had a wide spectrum of expressions. At one end of the spectrum was “arranged marriage” whereby a mate was chosen (sometimes before birth) using the criterion of class, caste, economic status and even astrology. This approach has had great success at certain times in history in creating long periods of societal stability. At the other end of the spectrum are the highest spiritual and romantic ideals human beings have ever held in the pursuit of the soul mate or twin flame. Relationship here is seen as a “path to God”.

What we call marriage today is actually a relatively recent development. Before marriage, in some parts of the world, couples we go through a ritual hand fasting choosing to be together for a year and a day before deciding on a more permanent bond. The varieties of “marriage formats” differ greatly depending on whether the culture was matrilineal or patrilineal. “Christian marriage” as cultural conservatives view it, is only one of many different forms of marriage or pair bonding.

Non-Hierarchical Conscious Equal Partnership
Then there is the issue of the hierarchical roles. Over the last twenty five hundred years, as the patriarchal system merged with the concepts of monotheistic religions, a key element of the universal essence of Libra was lost. Libra is intended to be non-hierarchical. I am reminded here again of Rianne Eisler’s use of the term glyanic* to refer to a cooperative and collaborative culture where men and women are equals. It is likely that over the greater part of human history, for example during the thousands of years known as neolithic times, a glyanic, cooperative, non-hierarchical culture existed. And they existed for a far longer time than the patriarchal hierarchical aberrations of late.

It is important to know that Shamanic Astrology recognizes a valid hierarchy. These cultural forms are found in the Cancer and Capricorn Mystery Schools, the relationships, for example, between parents and children, teachers and students, therapists and clients, spiritual teachers and chelas, etc. But Libra is intended to be about non-hierarchical personal relationships and that element has been subverted these last twenty five hundred years. Shamanic Astrology’s current definition and understanding of the intent of Libra is summed up in the phrase “non-hierarchical conscious equal partnership.” Within the Libra Mystery School, this applies to all “personal” agreement based partnerships and relationships: marriage (or whatever we want to call a pair bond), friendship, business partnerships, and even the eventual relationships between parents and adult children.

Libra style relationships are not for everyone! Shamanic Astrology values all authentic expressions of the Gods and Goddesses, the full spectrum of relational possibilities, not just Libra. Not everyone is alive to experience a pair bond or to get married. It is beyond the scope of this article to provide the elaborations on all the authentic expressions and aspirations of relationships based on the different archetypes of the signs, but it is important to know those difference exist.

So What About Libra Now?
It is clear that the beliefs or ways of understanding Libra are being challenged. The limitations and boundaries around Libra are being reached and breached. The Libra snake is shedding its skin. The current skin of Libra, which for over two thousand years has been structured in hierarchical patriarchy, is coming off. The greater and more universal essence of Libra can now be reborn, but no one knows for sure if there is another skin…the snake must move around at a certain point in its skin shedding, otherwise it could end up drowning or suffocating in the debris of the dead skin. Movement is necessary to get out of the recent cultural Libran paradigm.

Characteristics of the current paradigm (not necessarily a complete list or in any particular order)

• Hierarchical roles as defined by patriarchal culture and monotheistic religions. Examples: the woman is in service to what the man is doing. The man controls the woman or has dominion over the wife. The man provides for the woman. The woman is responsible for “working” on the relationship.
• Marriage defined as “until death do us part”
• The expectation of having a partner, soul mate, etc, not having one is considered a failure
• The old fairy tale of being rescued by the knight in shining armor or the fair prince
• The old fairy tale of looking for the other 50 percent of oneself “out there”, the other half or better half
• Nuclear family assumptions
• Unexamined assumptions of male and female gender roles which are recent in origin
• Cultural judgments about age differences, religious and race differences

The New Relational Libra Paradigm
Here are some possibilities of a new relational paradigm built on the foundation of essential Libra or what some of the new features of a reborn Libra Mystery School might look like?

1. Autonomy comes first. I have found that very few relationships can remain healthy if the individual has not done some inner work on their own wholeness. A strong and conscious union can only occur on the foundation of autonomy, then relationship is a choice, not a need. Even though Libra, by definition, is knowing more about yourself through the other, if you define yourself or your happiness based on the other, co-dependency is the likely result. Even when the partner seems ideal, that inner wholeness and autonomy, the goal of Libra, remains elusive. The wisdom of solitary time for personal exploration and growth cannot be overestimated.
2. Collaboration is the key. Conscious equal partnership is a conscious collaboration; the primary intent is to work on the relationship as equals, with a willingness to expose unconscious cultural and historical roles. This includes a willingness to value the authentic, essential nature of the partner.
3. Freedom of choice. Again, Libra is not for everyone, but within the domain of Libra, it’s an act of self-love and conscious volition to choose to be in a conscious, equal, “all in” personal partnership. In the Libra mystery school, it’s a tremendous pleasure to freely claim or be claimed by a beloved.
4. Desire to value personalness. For Libra it is “personalness” that is most cherished. It’s what is meant by the statement, “I just want to be loved for me.” In the Sufi understanding this is what is meant by the pearl, sometimes called the pearl beyond price. This is being loved for who you are rather than for your resume, your knowledge, your accomplishments, your story, etc. In the words of the song, Nature Boy, “the greatest thing you’ll ever learn – is just to love and be loved in return.”
5. Rethink “until death do us part”. It is possible that Libra relationships complete quicker than that. In these speeded-up times, allow for authentic relational commitments to have their own organic timing and not have culturally imposed life spans. The entire life time option is still there but not as the only “right” way. Have it be a collaborative agreement.
6. Expect the unexpected. (The Uranian effect) A great relational, collaborative partner may arrive in a completely unexpected and unimagined way, beyond cultural conventions.

These have not been easy times for Libra. Since the entry of Saturn into Libra in October of 2009, I have never, in my astrology practice of forty years, seen so many relationships, that are based on the prevailing cultural paradigm, fall apart. I am including marriages, friendships, and business partnerships. The structural walls, the “old skin”, have been outgrown. Either they failed or were not intended to work any longer. The intent of these relationships reached a completion. Sometimes when this happens it feels depressing.

Many do experience this as failure and yet, particularly during 2011, I have experienced in my practice and my personal life, the most remarkable examples of complete magic. More clients in the last year than in the previous thirty-nine combined, have shared with me stories of meeting someone that exactly fit their soul’s intent and usually these meetings occurred without efforting or looking for it. I have been absolutely amazed by this.

Although the breakups and endings remain the majority of experiences, there is an increasing number of miracles leading me to believe that the new Libra is, indeed, emerging. Movement is happening and the old skin of Libra is coming off.

Libra exists on a fine line, a very delicate, yet relentless balance of autonomy and relating. For Libra this is the sort of autonomy that is also relational and personal. This is different than Aquarius or Sagittarius, for example, who are more interested in autonomous experiences than relating. Libra is also not personal and relational like Taurus whose main focus is the pleasure of intimacy. When the more autonomous signs enter into the Libra Mystery School approach co-dependency is, often an expectable “honest” mistake. For Libra, there is value in learning more about oneself through others. How, then, to be simultaneous autonomous and to bond? That is the question?

What is currently emerging are the attempts to answer this question. It is way too early in this death of the prevailing Libra paradigm to fully and clearly see the content of the new Libra. What will marriage be in the future? What will be the agreed upon cultural and social institutions that will build and sustain the future world? With the help of the equally revised and rebirthed Cancer, Capricorn and Aries Mystery Schools, let’s envision a world with non-hierarchical, conscious equal partnership and where relationship itself is a spiritual path serving the aspirations of all the places on the wheel of life.

Some Final Thoughts
An objective view, historically and globally, of the previous three transits of Saturn through Libra gives mixed results as to the creation of a new Libra paradigm. The transit of 1950-1953 included a Neptune conjunction and Uranian square that occurred during a highly conservative post-war climate. The foundations for the conformity and security of the 1950′s were built during this time. The current “cultural conservatives” nostalgically long for those times.

The transit of 1980-1983 with a Plutonian conjunction was the time of the Reagan revolution in America primarily expressed as conservative reactionary thinking. Only the transit of 1921-1924, accented by a Pluto square, had a flavor of non-conformity and experimentation, with a willingness to confront the status quo and question consensus reality.

The current transit is being accented by squares from both Uranus and Pluto and seems more likely to resemble the early 1920′s. Added to this current Saturn transit through Libra is the fact that we are in the closest window of the Turning of the Ages, marking the end and the beginning of an entire 26,000 year Great Year.

The inherent conservative nature of Saturn seems to want to hold on to operating manuals that have worked or have been believed to have worked in the past. It takes quite a lot to get these beliefs and operating systems to change. Perhaps having Uranus and Pluto square to this Saturn transit we finally have the necessary agents to once and for all dislodge and dismantle the obsolete structure of the prevailing Libra paradigm.

Let’s envision a rebirthed and reborn Saturn actually concerned about the workability and survivability of what Buckminster Fuller referred to as “space ship Earth” with the inclusion of the welfare of all people and all life, that is “all our relations”, and for the benefit of the next seven generations and beyond. Lest we forget, Saturn through Scorpio is up next.

Coming soon, Part II.

The Influence of the Stars and the Pattern of the Virgin Priestess (constellation Virgo) on the sign of Libra:

•   What is the proportion by which the constellation informs the sign?
•   The Spica story