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Number 71

 This month is influenced by two very powerful planetary aspects: the challenging square between Saturn and Pluto and the potentially healing conjunction of Chiron and Neptune. Mid month see the New Moon in Aquarius heralding Chinese New Year and the Year of the Tiger and an inspirational conjunction of the Sun, Moon, Chiron, Neptune and Venus.

 Mars and Saturn continue their retrograde energy, slowing things down and challenging us to review how we operate and learn from experience. 

 Blessings

Christine 

Christine Rothwell

' 03 9584 6532

Email: christiner@netspace.net.au

Website: www.christinerothwell.com.au 

Contents

1. February Overview
2. Chiron Conjunct Neptune
3. 2010 Astrology Classes.

·        Beginner’s / First Year on Monday nights

·        Intermediate / Second Year on Thursday nights

·        Advanced / Third Year one Saturday afternoon per month

4. Consultations and Gift Certificates 

1.    February Overview

 February is dominated by two seemingly contradictory configurations: the challenging square between Saturn and Pluto that suggests confrontations with the personal and collective shadow and the highly idealistic and potentially healing conjunction of Chiron and Neptune. The imagery suggests that we may need to undergo a descent to face a few demons before we can embrace the gift of healing offered by Chiron and Neptune.

 The month begins under the shadow of the powerful square between Saturn and Pluto that began on November 16 when Saturn squared Pluto for the first of three transits. On a personal level the combination of these two planets talks of taking responsibility [Saturn] for our personal and collective shadows [Pluto].  Both these planets symbolize energies that can lead to wisdom and self mastery through confrontations with the shadow. Saturn/Pluto often confronts us with hard truths that we would rather ignore, but we do so at our own peril. To ignore powerful archetypal energies such as these invites in dark, destructive and subversive energy. Both Saturn and Pluto can constellate the shadow as they are associated with fear, depression, power, control as well as self mastery. Saturn invites us to become an authority in our chosen domain and Pluto offers us initiation into the hidden mysteries. [See the November Newsletter at www.christinerothwell.com.au for more information about the Saturn / Pluto square]

 Saturn and Mars are both continuing their retrograde journey, challenging us to slow down and become more conscious of how we use our Mars and Saturn. Remember, whenever a planet goes retrograde [appears to move backward from our vantage point on Mother Earth] we have an opportunity to develop a new perspective on how we relate to its energy. A doorway opens and we can become develop a more objective viewpoint. It suggests a time of reflection is necessary, especially about how we deal with the affairs of the house where the planet is retrograding.  Mars retrograde is challenging us to review our Mars function: how we go about getting what we want. It is associated with issues around anger, assertion and competition. Saturn retrograde invites us to take a reality check and reflect on our boundaries, achievements, personal authority, integrity and ambition. As part of this reflection we may encounter our inner critic. If this happens, try to make friends with this old foe instead of letting him beat you into submission/ depression. Saturn is a powerful teacher when we are willing to learn from life and take responsibility for ourselves. [There is more information about the retrograde cycles of Mars and Saturn in the January newsletter.]

 Mercury leaves the retrograde loop on February 4 after turning direct on January 16. The time between January 16 and February 4 is a call to action insights that emerged during the retrograde period. From February 4 Mercury resumes his normal speedy motion around the zodiac until the next retrograde period in April.

 The New Moon in Aquarius on February 14 heralds the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Tiger. It contains a very potent and inspirational conjunction of the Sun, Moon, Chiron, Neptune and Venus. This configuration is highly idealistic and altruistic as well as offering enormous healing if we can open our hearts to forgiveness and compassion. This is a powerful time to let the wounds of the past go and set some positive intentions, especially around wounds that may have left us feeling rejected and alienated. Chiron always invites us to see the bigger picture of our wounds. We may need to face our shadow and see how we have unconsciously colluded to create situations where we feel unwelcome and marginalized. [See section 2 for a fuller discussion of the Chiron / Neptune conjunction]

 Aquarius is a fixed air sign with a passion for freedom, democracy, reform and social justice while the shadow side of Aquarius can be fanatical, contrary and anarchistic.  Aquarius sees the big picture and often feels called to question the status quo. Aquarius needs to find a constructive way to challenge authority that doesn’t lead to alienation. The New Moon in Aquarius and the potent line up mentioned above invites us to reflect on how we experience this process. Aquarius also rules friends and groups of like minded people so this is a good time to decide to join a group or reflect on your friendships and group / community involvements.  [Information about creating a simple New Moon ritual can be found on my website at www.christinerothwell.com.au/page7.htm]  

There is no full moon during February in Australia as it is a short month and the full moon in Virgo [Sun in Pisces] falls on March 1 and the Leo [Sun in Aquarius] full moon was on January 30. 

2. Chiron Conjunct Neptune

• May 27  2009 [within 15 minutes – Chiron 26›15, Neptune 26› 29]
• 17 February  2010 AEDT, 4pm at 26Ò Aquarius 15'

• Within orb again November 2/3 2010 at 25 Aquarius 55 minutes. 

Chiron and Neptune came very close to meeting in May last year but February 17 marks the only exact meeting between these two planets and the beginning of a new Chiron/Neptune cycle. This is the first conjunction since Chiron was discovered in 1977, symbolizing the first conscious meeting between these two potent archetypes. The meeting takes place in the sign of Aquarius, the Water Bearer. The next conjunction does not happen until 2094. 

This alignment symbolizes a complex and multi-layered phenomenon that will operate on many levels and can take many forms both positive and negative. Much has already been written about this alignment and the potential for spiritual [Neptune] healing [Chiron]. The gifts of insight, healing, compassion and love [Neptune rules Divine Love] will come to those who are willing to face their wounds [Chiron] and grow through this process. This is one of the most potent healing configurations possible, especially for those consciously working to raise their vibrations and release their fear.  

Chiron may re-open old wounds to allow the healing of ‘unfinished business’, especially around rejection and alienation and Neptune can sensitize our wounds to facilitate this process. The danger here is to fall into the victim archetype and miss the potential for healing and growth. Chiron always works homeopathically and presents us with a little bit of the old toxin so we can integrate it and move beyond the old pattern. We are being called to let go our wounds and see the BIGGER PICTURE, personally and individually.  

Neptune enhances our connection with the greater whole and allows us access to what is normally hidden or veiled. It may be possible to catch a glimpse of the ‘Divine Plan’ if we sit quietly and believe it is possible. As the higher octave of Venus, Neptune rules our connection with Spirit and Divine Love. My sense is that this alignment is calling us all to come into our hearts and find new ways of relating that transcend the limitations of race, religion, ethnicity etc 

The shadow side of this transit can occur on many levels. Beware of:

• falling into the Chironic abyss and become overwhelmed by feelings of PAIN, ALIENATION AND REJECTION.
• getting lost in the shadow side of Neptune and falling prey to our illusions and delusions. We may choose to escape into addictive and self destructive patterns rather than deal with any pain that emerges. 

Interestingly, both Chiron and Neptune are associated with viruses: Neptune can sensitize the immune system [Chiron]. The so called “Mexican Flu” burst onto the scene last year when this aspect first constellated but the virus and seems to be more a marketing opportunity for Big Pharma than a real pandemic... the illusory energy of Neptune prevailed here.

Courses, Workshops and Classes

 Contact Christine on 9584 6532 or christiner@netspace.net.au for a brochure. 

 

Blessings

Christine Rothwell