First, some breaking astronomical news I encountered shortly before this post was scheduled for cyberspace. Astronomers named the minor solar system body 330836 (2009 HW77) as Orius. I'll be digging deeper into this over the next while. The object is rather ordinary as Kuiper Body Objects go, but no doubt there's a reason for the naming. Orius means “of the mountain," and was the father of Oxylus and Hamadryus, and a giant bear twin with Agrius. He was turned into an eagle owl by the gods for being cannibalistic and disrespectful to humans and the gods. Stay tuned. In the next Sky Scraping I'll work up the nodes and perihelion signs for you.
In other astronomical news, the brightening of comet C/2012 F6 (Lemmon), fills up blog space and the increasingly stunning photos deserve heaps of time to observe. (www.spaceweather.comSo, let me just declare here and now, this green-colored comet poses no threat and it is not the blue star in Hopi prophecy. Other than a potential showering of some light radiation (hopefully of the consciousness-awakening variety) and a great show for anyone with a good pair of binoculars and a star map, is there anything to expect?
Yes. Hopefully the restoration of awe. The north node of this comet discovered on Mount Lemmon, Arizona lies at 2 Pisces 43 (heliocentric). Funny that on January 18th, Mars, as seen from the Sun’s point of view crossed the comet’s node and its popularity dramatically increased in cyberspace and amongst astronomical enthusiasts as it exceeded brightness expectations. Astrologically, we can look to Pisces for the nodal aspiration of this comet: inspiration, awe, wonder, yearning for understanding and the seeding of unapologetic creative vision(s).
Presently this 10,750 year orbital period comet passes through 8 Sagittarius 49 and on the day of closest solar passage those on Earth will see it at 21 Pisces 57.
Can the average bear without a telescope or binoculars make something from the Piscean stir caused by the comet even if they don’t bother to stop for a look? Absolutely. A piling on into a pot of Piscean potpourri begins virtually now. Mars, as seen from the Sun’s view reached his closest contact to the Sun on January 24th. This actually is a time traditionally marked by volatility in the ambient energy field out there. Certainly this came to light as the leader of North Korea issued very direct threats to South Korea and the United States right on that time marker. Anomalistic weather patterns classically occur with Mars at perihelion. That’s been true on many places on the planet. And more personally, internal agitation makes a person want to fire their inner intern and get on with doing stuff right and on time, especially regarding loftier goals and more creative objectives.
The push for resetting awe and inspiration increases in impact tomorrow as Mars cannonballs into the waters of Pisces, followed hours later by Venus departing potentially stingy Capricorn. Two days later Mars aligns with the ethereal, visionary planet Neptune and lord of the oceanic realm of Pisces. Inspiration and the “get on it” and “get it going now” energies rise to a polite cresting point. If you follow the stimulation to create, design and enact visions, all is well. If you do not, there’s potentially a brackish backwash at fecundity foggy bottom.
As the first week of February concludes, Mars opposes the “other Pluto” Orcus, now transiting early Virgo. An underworld god, Orcus is charged with dealing with those who do not keep promises and oaths. So, given the Piscean pressure to release the relief valves on the pent up inner artist, writer, genius, sage and/or muse, if you declare you’re going to write that whatever, paint the next coat on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, or conjure up a new theory in quantum physics that makes sense and captures the imagination of the world, you need to do it... and in a timely manner. Otherwise, Orcus will loudly knock on the door of your psyche demanding a chat.
As the first seven days of February comes to a close, Mercury and Mars match positions in Pisces. Yes, there’s enough room for both in the pool, provided they serve each other well. This pattern insists that if you say it, you match it with action. No fair putting ideas out there hoping that someone will take it on for your gain. It happens all the time. If you filter through screenwriting posts online, there are a million “I have a great idea for a movie” and all I need is a writer to put my undeveloped idea on paper, sell it, and get it produced, taking up months of years of life and all for free. Also abundant are the “my life would be a fascinating movie” posts. The funny thing about emotional drama is that it’s very subjective... as is the nature of Pisces. So, to avoid additional drama in your life, use Mercury, Mars and Orcus. Affirm aspirations and activate immediately. Most have a very short expiration date.
Guess what happens by doing all of the above? The rush of participating in creative surges soothes the psyche, calms the spirit, and floods a being with strengthening vibes. Not only does this happen naturally, presently as Mars passes by Chiron on or about February 11th (you know, depending upon where in the world you are), emotional and psychic healing results from creative expression.
If only Jupiter, who in the mythic tales sanctioned Chiron’s healing, could be brought on the project as a philosophical investor. Wait! We are so in luck! On February 9th, Mars and Jupiter square from Pisces to Gemini. In case that doesn’t sound all that promising given the innate tension of a square and the disparity between the feel of Pisces and the think of Gemini, remember this: Any contact with Jupiter offers resolution, reconciliation and repair. All gods did answer to him and comply with his wishes. And the generous side of Jupiter appears more swiftly for those approaching him with grace, humility and respectful propitiation.
Consider Mars square Jupiter to be an ego check at this bend in the road. A question may be forwarded to the psyche processing department that asks, “Who in your favorite underworld do you think you are? Fred or Fredrica Salvadore Dali Einstein Melville Buddha?” To which the proper reply is something like, “I am an inspired soul filled with a respectful awe of the bounty of fecundity freeing floating about in Universal Consciousness. I am one who willfully explores, develops and manifests the fabulous morsels of insight and creative spark that I encounter.”
Regardless if you can see the comet or not, take some time... or several times in the next few weeks to step outside and explore the wonders of our celestial canopy. It can be at dawn, dusk, during the darkest hours of night. Just look up and wonder. The recreation of awe is but seconds away. Grab some awe while the awe-grabbing is good.