Pisces Ingress – Traversing the Transpersonal

“If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man’s life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.”

— Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (Sun, Mercury, and Venus in Pisces)

I vividly remember the days in which my family didn’t have much. Every Sunday, my mother gave what little income she had as her tithe and offering to God. The rational mind might perceive this act as foreign, but she believed in something greater than herself and it bestowed her with a deep well of strength and inspiration in the face of adversity. This was probably my earliest experience to the principal of faith. I believe that the energy we project into this world is reflected back to us, in the people the meet, the experiences that we encounter, and the opportunities that arise. Sometimes it’s beneficial, albeit difficult for us to relinquish control and submit to forces beyond our control, yet we can uncover hidden strength and perceptions that we may have previously been oblivious to. These are the intricate and elusive lessons of the twelfth and final sign of the zodiac.

On February 18th, at 6:01am CDT, the Sun shifted from rational, humane, and intellectual Aquarius into the watery depths of transcendental, visionary, and otherworldly Pisces. Pisces marks the last leg of our astrological journey through all twelve signs and is the last of the deep, enigmatic and intuitive water signs.

The rationalism, intellectuality, and detachment of Aquarius are counterbalanced with the imagination, subjectivity, and permeability of exceeding sign, Pisces. Archaic astrology books describe Pisces as a sign of gentility, low vitality, and vacillation. However, every evolved Pisces is often acutely aware of forces that exist alongside our own physical realm. Thus, Pisces is truly of the sign of spiritual strength, inspirational artists, and compassionate leaders. Think Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, Michelangelo, or Galileo.

I don’t believe that everyone understands the sign of Pisces. Some say that Pisces is a chameleon, containing various qualities of the preceding eleven signs, yet I never fully bought into this. Sure, Pisces is a mutable sign with impressionable tendencies and an affinity for glamor and theatrics. It’s what often draws them to artistic and creative endeavors. Sometimes there can be selfless and sacrificial tendencies; the martyr, but this never accurately depicted a sign that hosts several famous artists, leaders, and inspirational people. After all, it’s not uncommon for Piscean people to be born with planets placed in adjacent signs and Pisces is placed next to Aries, the zodiac’s fiery and independent initiator. The keywords for Pisces are “I Believe”, and they provide insight into the motivations of this complex sign.

“A deeper significance lies in the fact that the fish is a creature of the ocean, which since ancient times has been taken as the symbolic realm of emotional and spiritual energy that lies beneath physical existence, where all is connected and nothing moves without creating a tide of motion that pulls or pushes against another. The sea as the magna mater, the primary source, signifies the boundless essence of soulful creativity and elemental life force from which everything emerges and eventually returns. Fishes, as intrinsic parts of this fertile yet deeply mysterious realm, were regarded as sacred representations of the soul and the spiritual connection that animates society.” [1]

The Pisces Myth – Fluidity and Escapism

The Pisces Myth is a simple one. In Greek myth, a monster named Typhon threatens Mount Olympus, Aphrodite and her son Eros were led to safety by two fish.  The fish were later placed in the heavens as the constellation of Pisces. This story contains one key element, which alludes to the nature of Pisces, escapism. Whether it’s through their dreams or imagination, their art, meditation, or more destructive practices like drugs or alcohol, you’ll find Pisces exercising an outlet in which they can release their psychic energy.

The ‘boundless ocean’ represents a very open and fluid environment where instincts reign. Changeable and unpredictable, it lacks structure, control and conformity. So too the Piscean finds it hard to cope with discipline, routine and order. Their emotional capacity gives a strong imagination that often finds expression through escapist tendencies or dreamy, hopeful visions. Capable of great inspiration and idealism, they are often accused of lacking realism and being too trusting in the conviction that the power of belief, hope, or love can transcend all bounds and borders. [1]

Pisces, Jupiter, and Neptune– Faith and the Subconscious

The symbol of the fish is widely recognized for its association with spiritual principles, which are further emphasized through the twelfth sign’s planetary rulers. The planet, Jupiter has traditional ownership over the signs of Sagittarius and Pisces. Naturally, both signs often possess a much broader outlook on life and are interested in its meaning. Jupiter provides expansive, moralistic, and idealistic energy but can lead one to lack focus and practicality when obtaining goals.

“…Jupiter struggles to find conscious direction in Pisces, where the emphasis falls upon faith over reason, and freedom of the soul through denial of earthly shackles. Unless a proclivity for self-imposed structure and regulation are suggested by more earthy qualities in the chart, Pisces often wastes its potential by failing to give lasting definition to its latent creativity. It will ‘go with the flow’ and when interest or energy levels drop, so too does application. Pisceans are great starters of projects and initiators of ideas, but they lack the sustained energy that is required to fulfill many of their long term objectives.” [1]

Neptune is known as the modern ruler of Pisces and is rightfully so. The mythical god of the sea represents the vast depths of unconditional love, romance, and selflessness that Pisces represents. Neptune is often prominently placed in the charts of my favorite musicians; they truly have the gift to inspire. However, the element of water is highly receptive by environments, and moods. Neptune’s presence is known to erode boundaries in order to provide a greater sense of the collective, the sense that we are all connected.

“…Lacking the hardened shell of Cancer and Scorpio, Pisces has least resistance amongst the water-signs to surrounding impressions, making them almost as responsive to excitement, fear, anticipation, joy, hurt and laughter originated from without as that generated from within. If they see tears they will cry, if they see a smile they will smile back; no other sign is so prone to the infectious nature of human emotion.” [1]

Therefore, it’s often important for your average Pisces to work on establishing boundaries between themselves and chaotic environments or toxic people. Prolonged exposure to negative energy has been known to drive many-a-Piscean into the arms of harmful habits such as drugs and alcohol. Hence, the disillusioned, irrational, and passive escapist that are the lower vibrations of Pisces.

 “Neptune’s principle is dissolution into collectiveness. Although often marvelled as a planet of great spiritual mysticism, mundane astrology accepts that part of its influence is to weaken vital force and strive towards communism, where all are equalled, segregations and barriers are broken down and no one shines brighter than the rest. Neptune can bring depression and Pisceans are known for having low vitality which makes them easy prey to lethargy…” [1]

Pisces and House XII – Material Loss to Spiritual Gain

The twelfth and final house of the zodiac is the one that is often least understood. It’s often a space of dissolution, where we are forced to place our egos aside and take a much deeper look inside. It can be a dark night of the soul or our fortress of solitude. The twelfth is the house of karma, self-undoing, hidden enemies, prisons, hospitals, institutions, and monasteries. It can represent a veil of deception or a romantic and transcendental union of soul mates. Planets in this house can also often allude to our own hidden potentials, which we may only be able to recover in a state of reflection and isolation. 

“Draped in the gauzy veils of Neptune and Pisces, the 12th has become an inner dream factory, residence of the collective unconscious, wellspring of symbols and archetypes, favorite haunt of the imagination. It is a house of intuition, compassion and spiritual transcendence. You’re advised to serve here, so that you don’t have to suffer.” [4] 

I experienced a progression of my Sun and Moon through my twelfth house for about two and half years. During this time, I experienced an array of situations, which forced me to relinquish physical control over events in my life to the universe. I dealt with hospitals frequently as I became the primary caretaker of my mother during her battle with brain cancer. I began to enjoy drinking alcohol for the first time, though not too excessively. Towards the end, I really felt confused, like I had lost my sense of personal effectiveness despite my best efforts to establish new opportunities. I believe that the truth of this period was for me to set my ego aside and connect with a greater sense of the universe, and my life. I could either see my experiences as a horrible attempt at victimization, or I could accept what was happening and use it as fuel to transform and propel me. Sure enough, as my progressed moon exited my twelfth house and conducted my first, my life exploded with unfathomable opportunities. My power had returned!

“According to Fernandez, people who have positions of influence or fame will more often have an emphasized 12th house than a strong 10th. Since the 12th house rules both the collective unconscious and the masses, planets here indicate the potential to tune in to what’s popular and have an effect on a wide audience. They may also bear the burden of mass projection, sacrificing the personal life to become a product or symbol…” [4]

During another time as the transiting Sun moved across my twelfth house, I began to doubt pursuing my college major. It was a time of great confusion. However, I took action on my faith that switching would be more beneficial in the long run and I couldn’t have been more right! I’ve received heaps of internship offers and have indeed appeared before the face of the public on many occasions.

Naturally, many great spiritual leaders have been born under the sign of Pisces and with planets in the twelfth house. Consequently, many who have taken their beliefs to an extreme in order to justify hurting others have also. Survive the twelfth house test and uncover your hidden strengths. It’s in the twelfth that people often find themselves in situations outside of their sphere of control and naturally appeal to a higher power. The twelfth is where we can gain a new perspective on the universe and its enormity.

“As a child Paul wasn’t allowed to drift and dream or float in Neptune’s sea; that was the early deprivation of this planet. As a young man Paul served in the military and later went to school for a business career. But in the past ten years I’ve watched him steadily withdraw from worldly concerns to submerge in the Neptunian world of his art. For the past two years he has been so deep in Neptune that he disappears for months at a time. Yet whenever I see him, he is intensely alive. More than anyone I know, Paul lives an artist’s life, completely on artist’s time. He will spend hours catching just the right light for a photograph. He will go days without sleep, living with the characters in his novel as though they were roommates. His 12th house Neptune has become the center of his life. It is the sunken treasure he has been working his whole life to retrieve. It is something truly divine.” [4] 

Pisces vs. Virgo – Formlessness Vs. Form

Pisces and Virgo represent the axis of devotion. These are two signs that derive pleasure from being of service to others.  As an earth sign, Virgo is often concerned with efficiency, detail, and conciseness. Pisces is known for it’s much broader outlook and unconditional acceptance. Virgo and Pisces represent form and formlessness. Both signs are known for their self-contained nature. While Virgo is typically analyzing the material realm and questing for wholeness on earth, Pisces’s mind is alive and rich with imagination. The sign of the fish represents the classic daydreamer.

Virgo and the sixth house represent our daily routines, habits, work, and professional skillset. If we identify too much with the sixth, then we will need the influence of the twelfth to help balance ourselves. This is a classic example of burnout, where stress and pressure in our daily lives might lead us into a sabbatical, or even the hospital. In contrast, if we are deeply rooted in the twelfth, we may fail to cope with the reality of daily life and never truly realize our hidden gifts.

“When you see thirty different things, how can you explain one?  Especially when the chances are that the other person can’t even comprehend what it’s like to see thirty?  And ambivalent emotion – well, that’s equally difficult.  How to explain when you love and hate someone, when they’re ugly and beautiful, when everything shifts and changes, and takes new shape faster than you can say chameleon?  For all these reasons and more, Pisces is an elusive partner.  You take the feelings as they come, and let them go as they go.  Attempting to define and freeze them into structures is a futile exercise.” [3]

Mars in Pisces – Tidal Waves

My response to adversity when I was a bit younger was to shut down. I often felt overwhelmed and dealt with my problems by sleeping them off. I loved sleep because I didn’t have to think. That was my Piscean method of escapism. Sleep, and even video games for a long while. Two of my closest friends are born within ten days from me and we all have Mars in the sign of Pisces. Traditional astrology explains that the active, assertive energy of Mars is doused a bit in Pisces and I can say that there is truth in this, yet the explanation is not so simple.

I do feel that I require more rest than average and my energy level is sometimes equivalent to how I am feeling. By having a few planets and points placed in water signs in my chart, there are parts of me that ebb and flow and I certainly feel myself connected to the emotional undercurrents that exist within people and environments.  There are parts of me that can very easily sacrifice what I want in order to gain in another area, and that is the mystical strategy that Pisces possess.

“In this last of the zodiacal signs is represented all of man’s helplessness, his longings, his dreams, his needs, his powerlessness in the face of the universe, his delusions of grandeur, his longing for love, his sense of a mystery or a divine source which he strives for, yet cannot wholly reach without great sacrifice.”   [2]

I was more shy and somewhat of a pacifist in my earlier days. Even today, I look at the bigger picture and don’t even waste my energy if I see no valid reason to mobilize my defenses. I used to think that my reaction to traumatic events was strange. I’m not really a crier or a screamer initially, but almost instantaneously enter a state of acceptance. Sometimes if I’m not careful, I can lose my sense of time and space when involved in something that stirs my passions.

“…But perhaps the task of every Piscean is to come to terms in some way with the transpersonal realm, and to have the courage to be its mouthpiece…”  [2]

Mars in Pisces is far from an inanimate, watery puddle. When emotionally invested in a cause like art, music, poetry, a strong belief, a creative vision or a fight for the underdog, Mars in this water sign has tidal-like force. Here, the inspirational and compassionate qualities of the final sign of the zodiac can be clearly seen.

Famous Pisceans via CafeAstrology

Elizabeth Barrett Browning (Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Mars in Pisces), Drew Barrymore (Sun and Venus in Pisces), Kurt Cobain (Sun, Mercury, and Venus in Pisces), Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan, Cindy Crawford, Billy Crystal (Sun, Mercury, and Mars in Pisces), Albert Einstein, George Harrison, Kato Kaelin (Sun and Moon in Pisces), Jennifer Love Hewitt, Freddie Prinze Jr., Michelangelo, Aidan Quinn (Sun and Moon in Pisces), Rob Reiner (Sun, Mercury, and Mars in Pisces), Dr. Seuss, Sharon Stone, Elizabeth Taylor (Sun, Mercury, and Mars in Pisces), Bruce Willis

Dave Elkins was born on February 26, 1982 under the mutable water sign of Pisces.

Notes:

1. Pisces the Fish
2. The Pisces Myth
3. Pisces
4. The Twelfth House

Libra ♎ Ingress – Self Reflection

“The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function.”

— F. Scott Fitzgerald (Sun ☉, Mercury ☿, and Venus ♀ in Libra ♎)

I’ve officially reached the halfway point of my quest to blog about all twelve signs of the zodiac in accordance to the yearly passage of the Sun along the ecliptic, meaning that we have reached the Autumnal Equinox! Naturally, the Sun entered the cardinal air sign of Libra ♎ on October 22 at 9:49 am simultaneously marking the beginning of Fall 2012.

If the Sun’s passage through all twelve signs represent various facets of personality, The autumnal equinox marks a pivotal shift into temporary equilibrium (as night and day become equal in length) while awareness of others comes into sharp focus. In Virgo, we learn the value of self-sufficiency while Libra introduces the fascinating concept of self-projection; the process of defining ourselves through our relationships with others.

There are a couple of interesting myths surrounding the sign of the scales. The most popular Grecian myth surrounds Astraea, a virgin goddess of justice and law who wielded a sword and scales. Astraea was believed to be one of the last immortals who roamed the earth during the bronze age, determining the fates of men based on their degrees of good and evil with her scales. Eventually, the darkness in the hearts of man became so overwhelming that Astraea fled from earth into the sky as the constellation of Virgo. Her scales remained nearby to form the constellation of Libra.

Another more secondary myth is highlighted by Liz Green in Astrology for Lovers and gives great insight into the dualistic nature of Libra. One day, Tiberias, observes two coupled serpents and asks Hera which of them experiences the greater pleasure. Because Hera cannot answer, she grants him the experience of living part of his life as a woman. In the end, when asked which sex experienced the greater pleasure, Tiberias attempts an act of Libran diplomacy in order to avoid offending either sex. The bold act of Tiberias alludes to the trademark objectivity that Librans often possess as an air sign, allowing them to effectively weigh both sides of an issue. However, coming to a conclusion is a different story!Frederick Woodruff beautifully articulates the nature of Libra in his blog post.

“The symbol of the scales is neither human nor animal. Librans are a Platonic concept made flesh; guardians of ideals, upholders of truth, that engage in the circle of life but are not part of it; they are here to remind the rest of us that we’re more than animals with a neocortex (or worse sub-animals and an embarrassment to the species). We’ve higher callings, like beauty. Like truth. Like eventually learning to think like Librans do.”

Libra ♎, Venus ♀, and House VII – Reflection and Projection

Ancient astrology deemed Venus as the “lesser benefic” describing it as a planet of fortunate influence. However, modern astrology has moved away from the notion of planets with benefic and malefic influences. Personally, I like to think that the position of the planets in a person’s natal chart are not inherently good or bad. Each planet has many different expressions of its energy which people might perceive to be easy or difficult depending on the makeup of the chart and the individual’s level of consciousness.

Astrological Venus represents the process of relationships, pleasure, and our aesthetic tastes; all components that most relate to Libra. Many Librans excel in professions concerning law, strategy, and art. Therefore, it’s not uncommon to encounter cliché charming, attractive, highly artistic Libran individuals who may often identify themselves through the relationships in their lives. After all, we’ve all probably possessed the need to be wanted or approved by others at some point.

“Many Librans are all too eager to live in superficial harmony and can be exasperating in their avoidance of uncomfortable issues. Like the betrayed wife who has good reason to suspect her husband is having an affair but would rather not think about it, or the philandering lover who assures you of total commitment before disappearing off the scene – so long as it looks good”

Furthermore, Libra is linked with the descendant or 7^th house in astrology which is the house of relationships. Oftentimes individuals with strong 7^th placements strongly identify through their relationships or may continually meet the qualities of a particular planet in that house through others. For example, a woman born with Mars in her 7th house ♂ might find it difficult to assert herself in relationships and consequently attract a quick tempered or domineering partner as a result. Once we begin to understand that positive relationships involve successful awareness and integration of the parts of ourselves that we encounter through others, we are able to take invaluable steps towards self actualization or wholeness. Dana Gerhardt writes the following about the 7th house.

“Left to my own devices, I see nothing Pisces-like in me. I’m Virgo–analytical, organized, efficient. But through my partner’s sundry imperfections, I gain a mirror into the parts of myself I hide. Imagine this: I’ve discovered I can be forgetful, deceitful, and escapist too! Accepting my partner now gets a little easier. What’s more, embracing my darker Pisces side allows the positive one to emerge. I become more relaxed, more present, more at peace. Perhaps my partner, Robert, is my soul mate after all—if by “soul mate” we mean those people who patiently provoke us… into mating with the forgotten fullness of our souls.”

Gerhardt describes the concept of polarities that I always advocate because as Libra knows, it’s important to know each side to every argument. Each pair of opposite signs is deeply connected. Look further and you might find much more common ground than expected. Opposites really do attract, and you can oftentimes identify this trend through one’s 7^th house. April Elliot Kent also illuminates the complex issues of “self” and “other” that Aries (1^st house) and Libra (7^th house) represent.

“Once someone enters our 7th house (whether as spouse, business partner, or mortal foe), they experience a side of us which is often very different from the initial, welcome-mat Ascendant version of our personality. In sifting with us through the rubble of our rejected dreams, impulses, and personality traits, and mirroring us back to ourselves through our own 7th house, our partners are like Peter Pan’s Wendy, sewing Peter’s shadow back on: they “sew” the shadow (7th house) self back onto our personality (Ascendant) and make us whole again.”

Of course there is tons of literature on love and relationships. Is love a projection of our own desires? Are we truly selfish or selfless creatures? The archetypes of opposite signs Libra and Aries shed valuable insight into these questions.

Libra ♎ vs. Aries ♈ – Harmony and Discord

Popular astrology often depicts Librans as harmonious peace lovers. There are certainly Librans who prefer to keep the peace and strive to avoid conflict, yet this is certainly not always the case. By remembering that Libra is connected to Aries, it becomes much easier to recognize the pioneering, controversial, and argumentative qualities of many famous Librans. Obviously, harmony cannot be constantly perpetuated in a world full of so many disharmonies and Libra is acutely aware of this. Yet, there comes a point when one must state their case!

“…If they hold fast to the deeper spiritual principles of their sign, they will not feel obliged to offer concessions in order to avoid confrontation, but will be happy to take up a position of polarisation, to stand with equal force against whatever they are opposed to. In this sense they become the true ‘equalisers’, the children of the scales who, using the weapons of tact, grace, fairness and reason, are unafraid to meet the challenge of negating oppressive forces. Libra is a cardinal sign, underlain with a strong will that inclines towards initiating changes. Yet of all the cardinal signs Libra is the most underrated force; for their non-intimidating personas can often fool us into thinking that they will give up on their goals far easier than they will.”

One of my astrology teachers is fascinated by the mythology of Eris, one of the more recently discovered dwarf planets named after an ancient goddess of discord and believes that the myth of Eris has strong ties to the sign of Libra. In short, Eris aided in bringing about the Trojan War indirectly by throwing an apple labeled “To the fairest” in the midst of Aphrodite, Hera, and Athena which they battled over. Despite her twisted motivations, Eris actually executed a strategic move which stemmed from ill feelings she possessed from not being invited to a wedding. Here, we can see the strength of Libra’s strategic ability and tendency to stir up conflict indirectly when not aware of their inner self.

“The sooner he climbs down from the ivory tower which is his protection against emotional pain and disillusionment, the sooner he can begin his real work, which is first to marry the conflicting opposites within himself. Whether it’s his intellect and his emotions, his maleness and his femaleness, his spirituality and his materialism, Libra will always find deep conflicts in himself which represent the deep conflicts in life. And as he gradually carves for himself the thin road in the middle, he can truly become the bringer of the Good, the True and the Beautiful – because they no longer exist only in his mind.”

Pluto ♇ Conjunct Descendant in Capricorn ♑ – Authentic Relationships

Not long ago, I had Pluto cross over my descendant at 2° Capricorn. Plutonian energy is intense, profound, and penetrating while often characterized by themes of transformation, authenticity, destruction, and renewal. Next month, I’ll go into more detail about Pluto (ruler of Scorpio ♏). However by combining the basic meanings of Pluto and the descendant one can imagine that this tends to be a pretty impactful transit in astrology.

Eventually, I went through a crucial and initially painful separation and purging of inauthentic relationships in my life that wasn’t exactly by choice (the nature off Pluto). As I look back on it now, I clearly see how letting go of toxic relationships was immensely beneficial and it led to a greater awareness of the positive and negative Plutonian aspects of my personality that I tend to project onto others. It helped me to better embrace change and to see the benefit of relenting to the necessary transformational impulses that so often simmer inside ourselves.

“Through 7th house people we become more whole. That sounds nice, but it’s often painful in practice, for the 7th isn’t just a dance floor. It’s a razor too, scraping the rough edges off our personalities. This is in the horoscope’s design: our 7th house partners stand opposite our 1st house self. That is why the 7th rules “open enemies” as well as our “true loves.” (And isn’t it unfortunate how many true loves become open enemies in the end.)”

So here’s an interesting little exercise for you to do over the next month, if you please. Examine the close relationships in your lives and ask yourself about the reoccurring qualities that these relationships might have in common? How can you better integrate these qualities into yourself? If you have knowledge of your natal chart, examine your 7^th house and its planetary ruler. Chances are you are meeting the unexpressed qualities of yourself in several of your relationships.

“A good rule of thumb is that any individual who provokes us into a strong emotional response, who affects us, has unwittingly invited a shadow dance with our 7th house. Keep your wits. Hold your complaints at arm’s length and study them. Let them send you on a scavenger hunt for those very qualities inside yourself. Of course this spoils the fun of righteous indignation. But it’s worth the effort.”

Famous Librans via CafeAstrology

e.e. Cummings (Sun and Venus in Libra), Matt Damon (Sun and Mercury in Libra), Zac Efron (Sun and Mars in Libra), Eminem (Sun, Venus, and Mars in Libra), Sarah Ferguson (Sun and Mars in Libra), F. Scott Fitzgerald (Sun, Mercury, and Venus in Libra), Angela Lansbury (Sun, Moon, Mercury, and Mars in Libra), Avril Lavigne, John Lennon (Sun and Mars in Libra), Heather Locklear (Sun, Mercury, and Mars in Libra), Emily Post (Authority on etiquette – Sun, Moon, and Mercury in Libra), Kelly Preston (Sun and Mercury in Libra), Christopher Reeve (Sun and Mercury in Libra), Susan Sarandon (Sun and Mercury in Libra), Alicia Silverstone (Sun and Mars in Libra), Bruce Springsteen (Sun, Moon, and Mercury in Libra), Jean-Claude Van Damme (Sun and Ascendant in Libra), Kate Winslet (Sun, Moon, and Mercury in Libra), Yo Yo Ma (Sun, Mercury, and Venus in Libra), Catherine Zeta-Jones (Sun and Mercury in Libra), Mohandas Gandhi, Oscar Wilde

Tina Dico was born on October 14, 1977 under the cardinal air sign of Libra ♎

Notes

1. The Libra Myth
2. Skyscript: Libra the Scales
3. The 7th House
4. Libra
   
5. Gore Vidal: The Best Man

Virgo ♍ Ingress – Inner Marriage

“I long to accomplish a great and noble tasks, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker.”

– Helen Keller

On August 22, at 12:07pm CDT our Sun ☉ transfers into the methodical, industrious, and mutable earth sign of Virgo (♍) until September 22. The keywords for Virgo are “I Analyze,” indicative of trademark Virgoan themes of intelligence, conscientiousness, and order.

Preceding sign Leo ♌ basks in attention, praise, and fun, while Virgo is responsible, self-contained, modest, and derives satisfaction from being of service to others. Adjacent signs always carry evolving lessons, so a good bit of Virgo can help to humble the mightiest of Lions.

In my experience Virgo is one of the most misunderstood signs, mostly because of its symbol being the Virgin. Trivial astrology will probably tell you all about a sign that is picky, clean, and organized.  While it’s not uncommon to encounter a Virgoan individual with a critical outlook on themselves and others, or practicing purist actions or aforementioned tidiness, the opposite is often true. I think it’s important to look at the origin of the word Virgo in Latin which translates into “self-contained.”

“In astrology, those born under the sign of Virgo are said to behave in an individualistic, self-sufficient manner. Their nurturing comes from a place of not needing others to find fulfillment for them, but being able to create for others because they can already create for themselves.”

The most popular Myth of Virgo surrounds Persephone, the virgin daughter of Demeter (the goddess of grain, agriculture, and fertility) and Zeus (god of the underworld). When Zeus abducted Persephone and carried her to the underworld to be his wife, Demeter became enraged and threatened to starve the inhabitants of the earth with famine. Thankfully, a consensus was reached. Persephone would spend part of the year with Hades and the rest with Demeter. Whenever Persephone left her mother to return to the underworlds, winter began. Hence the myth of the changing seasons. Through this Myth, we can also see the affinity that the signs of Virgo (Persephone) and Scorpio (Hades) have for each other

Virgo♍, Mercury ☿, and House VI – Work, Health, and Service

A virgin may choose not to behave in sexual activity for a number of reasons, but in the case of Virgo it stems from a desire to achieve a certain image of perfection which ironically may not be typical perfection (it is usually varied and unique for each individual.) In this way, I like to think that Virgos often adhere to their own personal systems often having specific ways to go about routines and habits. It doesn’t always make sense, but it makes sense to them!

In order to find the perfect partner, Virgo cannot merge with just anyone and valuable keys are found through the intellectual, versatile, and reasonable planet of Mercury (☿).

“Clear reason can only emerge when disentangled from the conflicting ties of emotional attachment; yet although it has a just reputation for control over passions, Virgo is not an unsympathetic or insensitive sign.”

We can learn a valuable Virgoan lesson from Mercury, the arts of conscientiousness and healthy discrimination. The simple truth is that we tend to find ourselves in better situations by applying a bit of discrimination to our choices. Some might experience Virgos as ultra critical beings, which they can be at extremes, but looking deeper you might learn that this stems from inclinations towards efficiency, detail, and improvement. At the end of the day, Virgo truly wants to help.

“Virgo forms reliable instinctive impressions through a powerful gut-reaction, (their energy is seated in the gut), aided by their ready ability to analyse complexities and penetrate superficial presentations. The result is a talent for forming good judgment quickly and applying it to practical affairs.”

Virgos are also known to be among the hardest and most efficient workers of the zodiac so it’s no wonder that it is linked to house VI of a natal chart which describes our work life, daily routines, health, and habits. Planets in house VI often call use to set our ego aside and adjust whether it is becoming more efficient with our time, or practicing health consciousness.

“Adults have routines, but children have rituals. Rituals create energy; routines drain it. Rituals invite assistance from the invisible world. They serve a magical protective function—acting as the garlic and sacred cross that keeps the 6th house vampires at bay.”

Another notable trademark of Virgo is body awareness. In many cases, people with Virgoan energy tend to be critical of their bodies or in contrast, very aware of them. To the outsider this might sometimes be observed as hypochondria. However, it is known that Virgo does tend to have a sensitive digestive system so it’s not uncommon to encounter someone following a strict health regimen. I was once listening to an astrology podcast that made the joke that all Virgos like soup. I thought that this was hilarious as the abdomen and digestive system does fall under the rulership of this sign and I have observed a good number of those with Virgoan energy to frequently experience digestion related upsets, especially under stress.

Virgo ♍ vs. Pisces ♓ – Details vs. Diffusion

As the opposite sign of Virgo, Pisces includes valuable lessons of balance and is deeply linked to the qualities of Virgo. Think of the number of people you have seen who have entered into toxic relationships with an ill-matched partner. Chances are that one or both partners have neglected to connect with their inner Virgo. If we do not work to better ourselves, we will attract people into our lives that also do not do the same.

Virgo and Mercury seek order, reality, and structure while Pisces and ruling planet Neptune are diffuse, dreamy, and idealistic. However, it’s important to find a balance between these two signs. At their center, astrologer Claire Martin deems the dynamics between these two signs as the axis of devotion, two signs that often derive pleasure from serving others. You might commonly encounter a Virgo wrapped up in work and reality and not stopping to reorient to the bigger picture, or a Pisces who is so scattered and unable to cope with the intricate details of life.

“Virgo’s who are addicted to work will often encounter a crisis which forces them to take a sabbatical, re-enacting the Persephone myth by experiencing a crisis and retreating to the cool, dark depths of their personal underworld where healing is possible.”

House XII is represented by Pisces and lies opposite of House VI in a natal chart. In House XII, we learn that we must withdraw from our hectic schedules in order to rest and recharge our batteries in solitude. If we work too hard and push ourselves, we may become ill. Virgo and Pisces are here to remind us of that.

“If we identify only with the Virgo end of the axis, then we may become consumed by duty and drudgery, and we will long to escape. But until we can see the whole picture, we will always feel that anything we try to achieve is spoiled or imperfect in the making. On the Pisces side of this axis, we prefer to remain merged, undifferentiated and unformed in order to avoid having to grapple with the details and practicalities of life. In this case we are likely to find ourselves forced to engage with the world in practical ways, something we may bitterly resent.”

Moon ☽ in Virgo ♍– Efficiency and Conscientiousness

Virgo is naturally one of my favorite signs probably due to the abundance of water and earth in my chart (Taurus Sun and Cancer Rising). I was born with my Moon ☽ at 16° Virgo. The Moon in Astrology oftentimes represents our perception of our mother. Sure enough, I have countless memories of my mother making me do something over again because it was not done “the right way”. The strange thing is that I always resented it when it occurred, yet I discovered that I was comparably conscientious about things when I began my first job at age 16. I’ve always prided myself on my work ethic and worked in several management positions.

“According to the ancient sources the gifts that she bestows are purity and grace; a charming turn of phrase, diplomacy, a mastery of words; a discriminating intellect and propensity for study; a talent for investigation and analysis; skilful creativity, and a keen appreciation of the mysteries of nature.”

The downside to this is the fact that I can sometimes become lost in the details surrounding my quests to bring order to everything and that can be mentally exhausting sometimes. This is where Virgo also gains it’s reputation for sometimes being scattered or a procrastinator. However, I like to think that my Virgo Moon has granted me with valuable powers of insight and healthy discrimination. I enjoy research and analysis while always looking for the most efficient way to accomplish a task.

Joyce Mason wrote one of the most insightful articles on Virgo that I’ve read, visiting the concept of “Inner Marriage” that I love. Inner marriage denotes that Virgo is married to herself until she is able to provide for herself. With my Moon in this sign, I emphasize self-sufficiency and carefully choose my associates.

“A true Virgo has done the difficult work of self-betterment, aiming for perfection or the best possibility. She chooses carefully to whom and to what she will give herself. She is very self-reliant, merging the mental (left-brain) aspects of traditional Mercury rulership with her feminine (right brain) sign. (It is the same, of course for the male Virgo.“

Famous Virgos via CafeAstrology

Billy Ray Cyprus (Sun and Mercury in Virgo), Cameron Diaz (Sun and Mars in Virgo), Gloria Estefan (Sun, Mercury, and Mars in Virgo), Richard Gere, Stephen King, D. H. Lawrence (Sun and Mercury in Virgo), Keanu Reeves (Sun and Mercury in Virgo), Charlie Sheen, Beyonce, Sean Connery, Pink, Ludacris, Nick Jonas, Michael Jackson, Shania Twain

Lacey Sturm of Flyleaf was born on September 4, 1981 under the mutable earth sign of Virgo ♍

Notes:

The Virgo Myth Gods and Monsters
Mapping The Psyche Vol. II Claire Martin
The Sixth House Dana Gerhardt
Wholeness and the Inner Marriage: The Chiron Sector and Relationship Joyce Mason
Virgo the Maiden Skyscript

Earth and Water – A Grand Trine Story

Earth and Water – Taurus ♉ and Pisces ♓

If you are familiar with the basic concepts of astrological compatibility, you might know that in general, Earth signs (Taurs, Virgo, Capricorn) and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) signs relate well together. As a Taurus (earth) I’ve had quite a few friends born under the sign of Pisces (water). Most of my Piscean friends displayed otherworldly artistic talent to envy and each and every one of them that I can recall contained a distinct affinity for exercises of the imagination.

A beautifully articulated Article by Molly Hall on About.com states:

“Earth signs can help the emotional Water signs find tangible outlets for imaginative gifts. Like the banks to a flowing river, the Earth sign can guide the Water sign toward a goal. Water can help Earth by softening its rigid structure. If you think of how a potter uses water to soften, and then re-shape clay on the wheel, you get the picture. Water nourishes the ground of Earth with a feeling of being cared for, and this can add a dimension of meaning to their lives.”

I’ve studied the natal charts of many musicians for my radio show, and I have to say that Neptune is certainly a powerful artistic influence in the charts of an abundance of successful artists and Pisces is among the most creative signs.

Like most astrologers, I follow the yearly path of the Sun ☉ across all twelve signs of the zodiac as the location of the Sun in a natal chart at a person’s exact time of birth determines which sign of the zodiac they are. Our Sun spends about a month in each sign, traveling at an average rate of 1° per day. Currently, the Sun, is nearing the end of its travels through the sign of Pisces and preparing to enter the sign of Aries on March 20th.

Seeing as how my own natal chart is primarily composed of planets placed in Earth and Water signs, the  recent astrological weather and the abundance of Piscean energy has been quite nice for me. I have found myself naturally engaged in an abundance of wonderful creative and imaginative projects that I will be posting here on Aphelion Blog as well.

I wrote the following about the astrological sign of Pisces on February 19, 2012:

“Pisces represents gentility, peace, transcending the ego in favor of collective needs, and is often characterized by a boundless imagination, and spiritual resolve.”

Pisces is a water sign, along with Cancer and Scorpio meaning that it is somewhat ruled by the emotional realm. While Cancer and Scorpio tend towards being  more self-protective, Pisces is indeed the most receptive to an array of emotional and/or environmental influences and this is part of what makes them such great seers. Although innately sympathetic and compassionate, the dark side of the sign includes a go-with-the-flow attitude and martyr-like behavior. However, many of the world’s unparallelled artists, and insightful visionaries were born under this highly creative, versatile, receptive, and intuitive water sign including; Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, and  Michelangelo.

Positively expressed Earth energy is materially conscious, grounded, productive and practical while the opposite extreme can entail rigidity, skepticism, and too much self control.

Grand Trine Earth – Mars ♂, Jupiter ♃, & Pluto ♇

Furthermore, we have a less common aspect called a Grand Trine in the sky between the Earth Signs: Mars in Virgo, Jupiter in Taurus, and Pluto in Capricorn. This aspect is indicated by the light blue triangle on the right in the center of the wheel.

Simply put, a Trine is formed when two planets are 120° degrees of each other and a grand Trine is when three planets all Trine each other. The Trine is thought to be an extremely fortunate aspect, although it is also indicative of complacency. I was born with a configuration of two Grand Trines in my natal chart in the elements of Earth and Water, also known as a Star of David and I can say that the general interpretations about Grand Trines are true.

The beginning of the Mars retrograde period this year in the sign of Virgo brought focus and determination as it formed a conjunction with my natal moon, and formed a Trine to my natal Sun, Moon, Neptune, and Uranus. Transiting Mars in my House VI (Home) also translated into a change of residence, however temporary. Despite the many fluctuations I have faced, I have managed to remain very grounded and focused.

Will Weisenfeld of Baths was born on April 16, 1989 under the sign of Aries in Los Angeles, CA.