I am the goddess associated with the exchange of love, beauty and desired values. I am a daily guide – principle, even. (Venus is the oriental planet – the one that rose immediately before the sun in this chart – making it a daily guide or principle.) I value speed. (Venus is exalted in quick-thinking Aquarius) However, knowing that a goddess need never rush, I shall tell a languid tale of the start of a new day:
I awaken my charge. Thalia is her name. “Good morning, Morning Star,” though she is already awake, restless creature. Already awake to the day with multiple options spinning inside her head, my task is to awaken Thalia to herself. Dazzling in her complexity, she is like a multi-faceted diamond. Her inner chambers, wherein I dwell, are not unlike a crystal hologram. Can my charge see the projections from within this hall of mirrors? (Look to the spectacular visual of the aspect patterns, in the inner centre of Thalia’s chart). She was born into that place I liken to the cosmic void, where all potentials exist – the beginning and end of manifestation. (A reference to the splash pattern in effect.) As an agent of reform – for I am the Morning Star, though I descend to the Underworld to be re-born as the Evening Star – I relate to this transformative aspect of her. (Humanitarian Aquarius Venus is ruled by Uranus retrograde, the planetary embodiment of reform.) I know that part of Thalia’s journey requires the ability to float in this inner sanctum, and this is where I push her to know her Highest Self. I do require a sacrifice for my counsel – I am a goddess, after all – and this sacrifice – call it a gift – is her creativity, which she possesses an abundance of. Thalia must know that if she does not share her artistic gifts, she succumbs to the fear of being swallowed by the cosmic void into which she was born (a possible manifestation of the splash pattern). It won’t actually happen, though her fear is somewhat understandable, for she knows no boundaries. By that, I mean to say that she instinctively understands that all boundaries are illusory to begin with; she sees the union between the solid world and the unseen realms. (Pisces Sun ; Pisces North Node; grand water trine) Still, she must live in this three-dimensional world, where humans require boundaries. (Though it is Lord Saturn who teaches her about boundaries and other necessary restrictions, not I.) And so I push her to create.
“Wake up, Morning Star,” I exhort, “His Lordship, the Sun is soon to rise.” (Venus is the oriental planet.)
Thalia takes refuge under her blankets, dreading the day. “I can’t go in to work today, please let me return to the dreaming,” she pleads. I ask her for more information (also sensing that the act of speech will help rouse her into action).
She matter-of-factly outlines her concerns at work: “Relationship issues have been problematic,” (Houses 3, 7 and 11 are the relationship houses) she begins. “I work with individuals who have mental and physical disabilities (Mars in Scorpio in the 12^th House of mental health) and encounter lots of indifference and lack of support (Neptune retrograde conjunct/fused with Saturn retrograde in Libra) when advocating for the rights and happiness of these individuals (Jupiter in Aries). I seem to be making waves (Neptune retrograde) and always encountering opposition (Neptune retrograde opposite Jupiter) fighting (Mars) for the basic human dignity of these individuals (Venus in humanitarian Aquarius, Saturn in fair-minded Libra). I’m feeling tired and doubting myself in the face of adversity.” (Chiron square Saturn) Satisfied that she has answered my question, she pulls the blankets taut over her head.
“But what will you create with this new day?” I ask, retracting the covers.
She sighs as she steps gingerly onto the floor. She knows I won’t allow her to sleep anymore. “What is my creative ability or strength?”
I venture, “You have multiple gifts and abilities.” (1: splash chart pattern; 2: grand water trine; 3: grand air trine)
“So, how to choose, how to choose?” she implores. “It’s hard to pick an option, nail it down and commit – who knows what other better opportunity may lurk?” (1: a typical concern associated with the splash chart pattern; 2: A grand air trine supports effortless, even genius ideas, but the possible drawback is to live in the head and think about the possibilities, rather than act on them; 3: especially with so much mutable/adaptable energy, 4) no earth energy to ground the ideas and 5) a “multiple options, please” Gemini chart signature.)
I reiterate what Thalia surely knows already: “You experience the joy of growth through pioneering creative endeavours.”(Chart ruler Jupiter in Aries in the 5^th House of creative endeavours)
“Great, great – could you be more vague?” she replies.
“You’re highly imaginative.” (Sun in Pisces)
“As in, I’m imagining this conversation?”
Oh, she’s in fighting form this new day. I remind her that she is artistic, creative, intuitive. (Neptune – creative, intuitive – in artistic Libra rules the 5^th House of creativity)
“So, do you have any actual concrete info for me, or should I just suck it up and get to work?” she asks.
“It is rather unrefined to say ‘suck it up’ but – yes, you should get to work. Besides, since when do you respond to concrete information? We both know that you communicate poetically, imagistically – vaguely actually. You understand symbols.” (1: Mercury in Pisces; 2: Mercury is the least-aspected planet, which brings it into high-focus; 3: Neptune conjunct Saturn)
“Good stuff – is there a symbol for I hate my job right now?”
I offer that she is well-suited for occupations connected with entertainment and schools. (Mercury in the 5^th House of creative expression and children.) “You must sense plenty of creative opportunities from supervisors or mentors?” (Venus sextile Jupiter) Thalia looks at me, rolling her eyes.
I continue: “Of course, you’ll eventually have to stop dreaming about all of these marvellous possibilities and actually commit to some of them.” (Mercury quincunx Neptune retrograde is the tightest aspect in this chart, so dreaming versus doing is a nagging issue.)
“Mm-hm,” says Thalia, “Well, if you want to just wave your magic wand, I’ll happily stop working with the tyrants I encounter every day, to do something artistic and refined. Won’t that be la-di-da.”
I pause for a moment, unsure of how to proceed. “Has it occurred to you that these confrontations with your co-workers are all part of the plan?”
“Uh no, that had not occurred to me,” she replies with a half-raised eyebrow, “But thanks for confirming that there is indeed a plan to make me miserable.”
“Well no,” I object, “the plan is not to make you miserable, per se. Rather, the plan involves being an agent of transformation in the lives of the people you work for – that includes not just the disenfranchised souls that you advocate for, but your colleagues as well. And there’s no use denying that you don’t love the drama.” (This highlights the complex at the heart of an intense aspect pattern known as a fixed t-square. In it, creative Venus and power-loving Pluto retrograde are in an opposition/tug-of-war, while each of them squares volatile Mars. This makes quick-to-burn Mars the apex planet/release point in the configuration, which means that anger is the likely result of confrontation; 2: beleagured Mars is also the most-aspected planet; 3: these confrontations are a facet of career life with Pluto retrograde conjunct the Midheaven/career marker and 4: Mars ruling the 6^th House of daily conditions and health care; 5: The big blind-spot – with Mars intercepted/closeted and 6: in the 12^th House of subconscious and self-undoing, Thalia is unconsciously driven to assert herself.)
“Well then, to listen to you,” she reasons, “I should just stick with what I’m doing, since the whole sturm and drang thing is part of the miserable plan.”
“Or” I reply, “You could apply some of your creative energy into a hobby so that you can enjoy some release from the pressures.” (Jupiter opposite Neptune retrograde on the creativity axis)
“Swell – a hobby’s going to improve my career?”
“In a manner of speaking. Actually, picking up a paintbrush or dancing now and then, or writing, singing, watching films or live theatre, taking a class in any artistic discipline – any or all of these would inspire you in ways that you just can’t see right now. (Expansive Jupiter in the 5^th House of creativity and pleasure signifies that these are the fields of experience where much of Thalia’s energy and effort manifest, and where she encounters issues that are deeply important to her.) Part of the problem is that you feel things so deeply (Mars in intense Scorpio intercepted in the 12^th House of the unconscious). Not everyone is as intense as you, dear one – you practically court controversy.” (Venus – Pluto retrograde - Mars t-square)
“This I love,” she replies disdainfully “It’s right up there with the ‘blame the victim’ mentality I run into from unenlightened people at work.” While I admire her quick wit, my point is not to antagonize my charge. I suggest, instead, that she find some benefactors who would be interested in sponsoring a creative exchange of sorts, for the benefit of the mentally and physically challenged folk that she aims to protect. “After all, they are virtually shut out from all forms of culture,” I say, “and without culture, humans become mentally ill, truly.”
Thalia muses aloud, “Where are the cultural representations for people with varying disabilities? Where do they get to see themselves represented?” (1: Thalia’s 10^th House of career is ruled by a creative Pisces Sun on the career axis; 2: her Midheaven is ruled by dramatic Leo; 3: Pluto retrograde in Leo conjuncts the Midheaven – we’re talking about the power and urge to transform herself and others through public affairs.)
Thalia chews on this for a moment, and then comes back with: “You know what everyone at work will say – how that’s not our focus, that there is neither the time nor the resources.”
“But now that you know that your role at work involves acting as an instrument of change through the power of creative expression,’’ I interject, “maybe you can happily plan a cultural event in the background without raising the shackles of your colleagues. If finding financial backers is difficult, you could also consider connecting with high-school arts students who wish to create something (gratis, of course) for the disadvantaged.”
“Hmm – I’ll think about it – but no guarantees,” she says.
“Oh, I don’t deal with guarantees,” I reply. “There are no absolutes, no guarantees where I come from. You can bet your last dollar on it – and I know how much you love a good wager.” (Jupiter in Aries in the 5^th House of speculation)
“Ya, well I bet you can’t fix the mess with my kids…”
“What now?” I ask.
“There’s lots of conflict and confusion with my children. (Jupiter opposite Neptune retrograde on the children axis) The divorce has been hell on them,” she adds.
“You’ve always had a propensity to idealize your relationships, even those with your family and children” I observe (Neptune retrograde in Libra).
“Ironic” says Thalia, “After all, I’m supposed to be the family rebel.” (Her 4^th House of family is ruled by revolutionary Uranus retrograde from the family and mother sign of Cancer)
“True,” I respond, “but how about some structure in your home life, dear one? It is a bit lacking, yes?” (Saturn quincunx Sun)
She shoots me a look. “Structure? And this will resolve the mess with my kids, how?”
I tell her that everyone – children, adults – needs some structure, that they need some clearly-defined boundaries for respect to flow both ways. But, of course, motherhood is not my domain – that belongs to Mistress Moon. I am the very embodiment of love, and so I counsel her to approach all matters – even the conflicts – from a heart-centred place. “You do need to change your approach with the children,” I suggest. (Scorpio Mars quincunx Mars-ruled Jupiter in the 5^th House of children spells lots of intense adjustments to quell volatility.)
“Change my approach?” she asks with that eyebrow raised. “Are we back to blaming the victim again?”
“Are you quite sure you’re a victim, dear heart?” I ask. “I find you to be an immensely strong and dynamic woman, not at all a victim. Actually, where I come from, there are no victims.”
“Nice place, can I go there?” she shoots back.
“You still have work here, my dear. There’s plenty for you to do with your time in this realm. Restore your faith in yourself, restore your faith in love.”
“Love,” sighs Thalia and gazes far off into the distance. She is thinking of the man she loves, with whom she is separated by geography and other logistical concerns. She wonders aloud if there is a possibility for a loving relationship in her future. I wonder if she has found the heart to love herself first and foremost (Chiron in Capricorn in the 2^nd House of inner resources).
Still I venture, “You experience love as a force of nature – think lightning, tornadoes, total sublimation – you’d probably be thrilled if your lover abducted you to some far-away land.” (1: Venus - Pluto retrograde - Mars t-square echoes Hades’ abduction of Persephone; 2: Venus is ruled by de-stabilizing Uranus retrograde; 3: the instability is partly necessary to satisfy an Aquarius Venus trine restless Gemini Moon on the 7^th House marriage cusp.)
“Well,” replies Thalia,” we both know that’s not going to happen as long as he’s–”
“No dear, I know” as I interrupt her. “I’m intimately aware of your tale of two lovers.” (The 7^th House of committed partnership is ruled by the Gemini twins – signifying two important relationships, possibly marriages – from the sign of Pisces -total submersion- in the 5^th House of love.)
“So, no inside scoop on my love-life?” she presses.
“Yes” I respond, “Love yourself first to ensure that its flame burns brightly enough to ignite another’s heart.” (Saturn retrograde in Libra)
“Cue the violin music,” she replies, clearly unimpressed.
“Let’s focus on getting you off to work on time, shall we?” I suggest. “And let today be the start of a new way of being.”
“A new way of being?” she queries.
“Why not?” I respond. “Has it been going so well banging your head against a brick wall? When you take risks to express yourself and try new things you stimulate greater opportunities. (Venus sextile Jupiter in Aries) You have well-developed leadership abilities (Jupiter in Aries, Saturn retrograde in Libra). Just try to bear in mind that too much aggression and force will thwart you.”
“Are you suggesting that people think I’m confrontational?” she asks, astonished.
“Yes, dear one. (Thalia’s Sun squares Moon – her internal conflict brings about change – and because each of these planets falls in an angular house, this is a visible component of her personality) But while you are marked for leadership amongst your peers, still you must find the peaceful path.” (Saturn retrograde/authority is 1: exalted in Libra, 2: in the 11^th House of group organizations; 3: Saturn retrograde is the apex planet /release point in yet another t-square; 4: Saturn retrograde sits on a critical degree, giving it more energy)
“Easy for you to say – you’re all about peace. Must be a great job.”
“My lady, I remind you of an agreement you whispered long ago from out of the cosmic void: to learn a sense of inclusion and humility, to be less focused on details, criticism and control, and more focused on emotional maturity. (This is the soul’s directive with a Pisces North Node/Virgo South Node.) It would be politically shrewd for you to find the balance between being a passionate advocate and a skilled peace-maker.” (Saturn retrograde in Libra)
“But that’s what I thought I’ve been doing!” she responds in complete exasperation.
“I truly know the value you place on equality amongst your peers (Venus in Aquarius). I also know that a sense of justice is central to your destiny. (Saturn retrograde in Libra) But it’s been such a challenge for you to see beyond the turmoil at work with so many issues obscuring your magnificent abilities.” (Neptune retrograde conjunct Saturn retrograde in the 11^th House of collaborative expression can blur issues with peers, simultaneously undermining authority.)
“So, how do I get clear?” she asks.
I reply, “The only authority you need is found in your heart. Live up to your own expectations rather than the expectations of others. ” (Saturn retrograde.)
Thalia takes it in for a moment, and then I continue: “You are meant to awaken people to new ways of reaching out to the disenfranchised. Gather your contacts and start your own parade – you be the leader. Remember that you operate best on instinct, and that you deeply need to make a difference. You were born for this.”(1: The majority of Thalia’s planets are in angular, yang, relationship houses; 2: she was born in the crescent lunar phase, revealing her process of rapid growth, as reflected by the growing light of the Moon, and signifying her call to challenge the status-quo.)
“You’re so right about that,” she says as she buttons her jacket.
“But you can’t resort to controlling situations through your keen intellect, rather than truly engaging with others.” (1: A possible trap with the crescent lunar phase; 2: Gemini Moon needs to feel secure by objectifying emotions, rather than feeling them. There is a need for lots of social contact, though the hidden trap is that interactions may be surface, a form of avoiding true heart-centred connection and engagement with others.)
“A new day, then?” she asks, with her hand poised on the door handle.
“Yes, dear heart. Today we break the chains of your old habits and limited expectations. (Uranus retrograde in the 8^th House of transformation) Throw off the past! (Pluto retrograde) No more escaping into your dream world. (Neptune retrograde) Tango with all the bureaucrats, if that’s what it takes to make positive changes, just don’t step on their toes. Now, dance with your life!”
And with that Thalia is out the door.