With Mars near its closest approach to Earth, it now shines brighter than any other planetary or stellar object in the night sky. A few days ago while observing Mars, viewers were surprised to see blue-green flashes on the planet. Such flashes appear on the Sun and lucky observers on the west coast of the United States may see a coveted green flash at sunset.
These flashes result from atmospheric conditions and do not imply a catastrophic event nor are they secret signal beacons to super heroes - despite how much in need one might be at present. So why bother noting them? Because the flashes and celestial colors visible inspire the urge to look, and if fortunate enough to witness such an encounter, a profound sense of awe and reverence for all that is might be inspired.
Awe and inspiration in these times stands as hugely important. With Mars at relative nearness, earthlings feel the impetuous impulses of Mars through the shortest distance, resulting in an increase in gravitational intensity - which certainly intensifies the tugs of matters Mars on our collective consciousness.
Between the current eclipses, this is hugely important. We are coming off the solar eclipse where blind spots in conscious attention and lapses in consciousness might have occurred for some. And we now inch toward the lunar eclipse on the 27th where waves of emotional intensity fan all ongoing activities and seed and spark other ventures to life. Having a solid, grounded center and clear intentions for all aspirations going forward offers common sense remedies for celestially challenged times.
CNN already got the next eclipse going with an article about how it will appear blood red. That is likely, and with more wildfires blazing in the forests, and the more volcanic ash in the air, the resulting plumes add increased filtering to the palate of potential lunar eclipse hues. Pulpit-pounding preachers likely will proclaim the end of days (again) and demand that all parishioners empty their pockets into the collection plate as they drop to their knees in fearful prayer.
So, what are we to do? Mars flashes and blinks for our attention. We’re at the one down, two to go in the current eclipse pattern. Jupiter is now direct, and spinning surging sensations of full life passion that would be convenient to ignore. And then our quicksilver pal, Mercury is slightly more than a week away from his next retrograde. Goodness!
Let’s step through the personal planets for a look at what’s up.
Mercury is in Leo, where he will retrograde, and remain in Leo for the full duration of the retrograde tenure. Simply, speak your truth. Be bold. Be self-referential. Be confident. Be soulful, aspiring and inspiring. Leo wants the masses to rally around the banner. Make sure the banner bears a great logo, clear message, and is held high.
Let’s flip to Mars next. Now retrograde in Aquarius, he returns to Capricorn before resuming prograde motion. The important consideration of Mars’ current proximity is that anyone in your aura, those who will be impacted by your actions and assertions are going to react, also operate from a Mercury in Leo point of view. Mars reminds us that any action individually taken holds planetary import and all those sharing this planet vessel will be affected by everything you do. Mars so near to us, and retracing previous advances, seeks a reality check to ensure that every intended objective is weighed in the grand scheme of things.
Sure you want to do what you want to do. That everything will impact everyone you know, those you have yet to meet, and those you will never meet. Holding that perspective is key - the individual and collective are intermixed and inseparable.
Consider Venus in Virgo. It seems like a friendly place for her to be. She’s all scrubbed up, shimmering and offering a pure and authentic representation of herself at this time. Take notes. Mirror her action and agendas. Seek only those things of value. Use your skills and talents in the best manner possible. Do good. Be kind. On your way to personal accrual, be aware of all that feeds you - physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
Now Venus does not stand alone - she has allies in those fields in which she is out standing. In fact, right now she stands, close enough in conjunction to hold hands, with Ceres and Orcus.
For all practical purposes, Ceres in her reclassification as a dwarf planet, is a personal planet. In Virgo, where she is closest to the Sun, she stands in symbolically significant terrain. When incensed about the abduction of her daughter by Pluto, she threatened to destroy all the world’s agricultural, and in so doing, starve the planet - and herself.
So Ceres’ message right now is multifold. Get on the right side of the issue. From the moral high ground city hall can be confronted. Revenge, vengeance and rabid demands do not serve the higher purposes. Righting wrongs does the trick. With Ceres, be careful to not cut off the nose to spite the face or shoot and developing objectives in the foot at the threshold of success. Stay cool, stay factual, be precise and impeccable in all things, and enjoy observing the amber waves of grain swaying in the breeze.
Orcus needs ample consideration here too. According to Etruscan mythology, Orcus is an underworld lord much like Pluto, but with the specific charge of holding those accountable who fail to deliver on promises, oaths and contractual obligations. While working with Ceres to fan the fires of causes and with Venus to assure you receive the full bounty required in life, conduct one final reality check of all agreements made - verbal and written. While you’re at it, add the psychic promises that you’ve made to yourself... and to the powers above. Those count too.
So, we have amber from the Virgoan forces, blue and green from the red planet, and the moon offering a murky red. What sort of potential personal artwork resides in the heaping colors on the palate of life as applied by the cosmic color cues above?