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New Year Begins at Crossroads in the Heavens

Just as we are making our entry into 2006, the Sun and Moon will be together close to the center of the galaxy. The Sun crosses the galactic equator close to the center of the galaxy at the time of the winter solstice (Dec 21). The moon, in its monthly orbit around the earth catches up with the sun on December 30 at 7:12 pm PST.

What makes this event unusual and interesting is that at the same moment Saturn, Neptune, Mars and Jupiter will be spread out around the sky at 90 degree intervals forming a cross or a grand square. All at once we have the sun and moon together at the natural cross-roads formed by the ecliptic and the galactic equator together with this big square or cross being formed by the planets.

A Grand Cross in the Fixed Signs

Saturn, Neptune, Jupiter, and Mars are currently forming a cross or square in the sky. This event is somewhat rare because it involves Saturn in opposition with Neptune (once approximately every 35 years). The last Saturn/Neptune opposition happened in 1971-1972 and accompanied the events leading to the Watergate scandal. According to E. Alan Meece (author of Horoscope for the New Millenium), this astronomical event often accompanies political scandals. Meece also points out that events involving Mars and Jupiter with Neptune often give energy to grassroots movements and popular uprisings.

In addition, Venus is retrograde and conjuncting Chiron just as Chiron is changing signs (moving from Capricorn to Aquarius). The last time Chiron entered Aquarius was in the mid 1950s. During these years (1955-1956) Rock-n-Roll got started and Rosa Parks made her famous bus-sitting protest against racism. Venus retrograde emphasizes the opportunity to take stock of all our relationships. It favors those willing to be more aware of how they treat others and how they are treated by others.

This moment is one that brings to all of us the opportunity to reflect. More than most years, this new year is especially potent for examining the effects of our actions and priorities. This is not a time for worry or pointing the finger of blame, but a wonderful opportunity to see ourselves and our circumstances more clearly. Clarity brings the opportunity for new and better choices.

May we all sieze the opportunity to see more clearly and make choices that fully support the blessings of our lives and the thriving of all those with whom we share relationships.  

Blessings for your journey into this new year.