Missive From Mars - Michelle Piller

This week’s Creative Astrology in Action is in response to a man concerned with business. Because so much of what he does depends upon how he deals with his warrior planet Mars, I offer this Missive from Mars:

On Relationships:
Even though I appreciate new beginnings (Aries Rising; intercepted Mars in Taurus), I always have this nagging feeling that it’s too late, or out of my reach. All my life I’ve felt compelled to keep moving and growing (t-square). Sometimes that makes me a leader and teacher; other times an agitator or malcontent (Mars is the handle of the bucket in a Bucket chart pattern). I guess it depends on the situation and people involved. I tend to take things pretty personally (1^st house of Self). But since my ambition is so entwined with my career (Mars is the principal planet), I need to get a handle on my unconscious drive to assert myself (intercepted Mars; Mars is the handle of bucket). I think everyone else is the enemy (Mars is handle of bucket), when really I’m my own worst enemy. I guess this is what they mean when they say “own your shadow.” I need to find the balance between peace and passion or else I’m doomed to repeat the same mistakes and keep encountering the same annoying people (Mars conjunct South Node).
I have this unconscious drive to experience union with The All (intercepted Neptune retrograde in Scorpio). Even though I don’t give my trust to just anyone, I really want to trust just about everyone (intercepted Neptune retrograde in the 7^th House of relationships). It’s very confusing. My relationships are coloured with idealism and compassion, but also deception and fuzziness (Neptune). But I’m definitely meant to explore the realm of relationships (North Node in the 7^th House), even though they are characterized by intensity (North Node in Scorpio). Some intensity is good for me: it would help me to shift from complacency to passion, from comfort to change (South Node in Taurus). Since my finances are affected by the quality of relationships I share with business and marital partners (Venus rules 7^th house), I need to know that I can trust others as I trust myself (intercepted Neptune retrograde in the 7^th House). Or do I trust myself? (Intercepted Neptune retrograde opposite Aries Ascendant.) I need to find the solution to my conflicting desires to be awakened versus anaesthatized, liberated versus lost in a fog (Neptune retrograde square Uranus retrograde).
On Finances:
I have 2 income streams available from working in groups and associations (Mercury rules Gemini 2^nd House of earned income from 11^th house of groups and associations). I don’t give my trust to just anyone (Saturn in 8^th House). I crave freedom and I’m terrified by freedom (Sagittarius Saturn in 8^th House). It’s all or nothing with me. When I look for funds through resources that aren’t mine alone (such as loans, shared assets, funding, inheritances) it can be fraught with delays and restrictions, or fall through altogether (Saturn in 8^th House). I must appreciate what I already have. I can feel that it’s time to get organized, work, polish my craft, purge, find my passion and deepen my commitment to it. I’d better attend to my debt as well (Progressed Sagittarius Moon in 8^th House).
(May 20-June 15 Transiting Sun illuminates income issues. Transiting Venus helps out May 24-June 14.)
On Vocation and Career:
I grow and I’m supported when I am in service to others or to a cause (Jupiter retrograde in Virgo in the 6^th House). This feels pretty familiar to me, like an old song I know by heart (Moon trine Jupiter retrograde). In order to make the most of my gifts, I must be methodical and pay attention to detail (Virgo). There are no shortcuts for me, however much I may wish for them (Jupiter retrograde). I have the magical ability to fix situations in need of improvement.
I experience joy and good fortune when I’m creative. I have an affinity for dance, film and camera work in general, poetry, counselling, and compassionate service (Part of Fortune in Pisces). Indeed, being in the hospitality industry is a good option for me. So is working on a cruise ship or in corporate business. I’m also built for leadership, mentorship and teaching – even publishing.
I feel secure being a leader in the public realm (Moon in Capricorn in the 10^th House of public reputation). I have a good poker face because I don’t like to make a display of my emotions (Moon in Capricorn). I feel driven to achieve and get new things going (Moon is the only cardinal planet), but it stresses me out at the same time (Moon is the most-aspected planet). Even so, I’m uncomfortable asking for help – I don’t give my trust to just anyone, you know (Moon in Capricorn). But I need to let people in high places help me achieve my goals (Moon trine Jupiter retrograde), especially since my career affairs fluctuate (Moon conjunct Midheaven). I sacrifice intimate relationships for my career and then I wonder why I’m alone (Saturn rules Midheaven; Neptune retrograde conjunct Libra Decendant). I’m a visionary but sometimes I drift along without purpose. I feel frustrated when I don’t get recognition for my contribution, or when I experience delays and restrictions (Balsamic Moon phase).
I shine with friends, in groups, and getting involved in collaborative efforts, especially humanitarian concerns (altruisitc Pisces Sun in 11^th House of groups and associations; Mercury exalted in humanitarian Aquarius; Venus oriental planet in Aquarius). I know there’s a degree of instability and eccentricity in my group affairs (Uranus retrograde rules the 11^th House), but I feel a sense of awakening and liberation – brilliance even – when I work within groups. Tangible rewards come to me from being structured and practical (Saturn co-rules 11^th House), and through inspiring others with my benevolent leadership (Moon trine Jupiter retrograde ). If I face the emotional pain in my life I will discover my own natural sense of authority (Chiron sextile Saturn).
But here’s the problem: sometimes there are power struggles involving friends and colleagues (Venus opposite Pluto retrograde). Other times I notice a tug-of-war over the distribution of wealth and creative resources (mine as well as the group’s). Part of me wants to distribute everything equally (Venus in Aquarius), while part of me says, “This is mine.” (Pluto retrograde in Leo) And for years now, I’ve noticed this sense of divine discontent (Transiting Neptune conjunct natal Venus). I guess I want more – but more what? I need to get clear about my values.
I could lighten up a bit. That would go a long way to solving the battles I’m torn by (Venus opposite Pluto retrograde). When I play and get creative I’m like an alchemist turning lead into gold, transforming myself and others (Pluto retrograde in Leo). I bet I’m a magician in another lifeline. I’ll use the magician archetype as a metaphor for what I can do in this lifeline.
(May 25-July 18 Transiting Saturn expects me to create something that will benefit others. Transiting Mars will give me a boost with this. Jun 27-July 3 I need to beware of getting into major power struggles.)
And now I will attend to my business in every sense of its meaning…