The Daily Astro for August 15, 2013

by Valerie Sylvester

TODAY’S ASPECTS:

The Moon remains in active, aspirational Sagittarius today. It segues into a Fire Grand Trine with Mercury and Uranus, which gives us a nice blast of easy-flowing fire energy. This can create a great deal of exuberance, but you might want to “curb your enthusiasm” at appropriate times. With Sagittarius involved, and Mercury in the picture, hoof-in-mouth disease is a definite possiblity. This is enhanced because the day begins with that Sagittarius Moon square Neptune in Pisces at 4:24 AM EDT. Since this is early for those of us in the Northern sphere, it can indicate Byzantinely-confusing dreams. If we’re awake, we may need a little extra grounding. There’s a tendency to get tangled up in our own idealistic wish-fulfillment fantasies with this combination. Maintain clear communication channels, and walk away from situations that don’t feel right.

A Moon/Mars mashup at 8:52 AM EDT unleashes our inner crank–try not to get into a fight with the guy hogging the seat on the train this morning. Insecurities or a feeling of being stuck may prompt us to rash action that isn’t in our best interest. The Moon connects with Pluto at 12:56 PM EDT; time to get clear about your future plans. Concentrated effort now with an eye to the future can pay off down the line. The Moon next inconjuncts Jupiter at 2:49 PM EDT, so emotional adjustment or some down-dialing of dreams may be necessary. Maybe we’re ready to sail off into the wild blue but still have things to do at home, or maybe we go overboard in an inappropriate place or time.

The Moon trines Uranus at 4:49 PM EDT. Time to expand your horizons, do something radically different, let your imagination run free. Anything that’s new, different, or promises an adventure will appeal right now. The mood continues through the day as the Moon trines Mercury at 9:00 PM EDT. Mind and mood are in gear; we’re feeling inventive. Again, stay open to new ideas–be flexible. With the Moon square Chiron at 6:01 PM EDT, we might experience breakthrough moments that relate to our sore spots. Our experience can help us show others the exit door when they’re trapped in painful situations.

I noticed that the Moon is contacting quite a few asteroids and Trans-Neptunian Objects today, so it looks like on some level our emotions may take us on a wild ride. Don’t be surprised if people’s reactions seem over-the-top today. It’s as though some are trying to keep certain primal forces under control –but can’t quite manage it. It’ll probably be interesting, as we’ll get a view of what’s under the facade as people connect with these intense energies.

THE SYMBOLS:

Sabian Symbol for today’s SUN: “An untidy, unkempt man.”

Kozminsky Symbol for today’s SUN: “An old rusty sword, over which grass is growing, outside a rustic cottage.”

The Keyword for the Sabian Symbol is: “ IMPERTURBABILITY. ”

The Keyword for the Kozminsky Symbol is: “RENUNCIATION.”

Both of today’s Symbols relate to walking your own path and not concerning yourself with the opinions of others. They also both can indicate someone who has experienced a tumultuous life but who is now looking for simplicity and peace. The Sabian Symbol is one of the reversed symbols. The meaning resides in the idea that the messy outer appearance belies what’s going on inside. Here’s someone who is so wrapped up a quest or a mission that he doesn’t care about the way he looks. This shows an intensely inner-oriented person. Obviously, he’s not vain about his appearance and probably doesn’t care what people say behind his back. It’s also a warning that we cannot take things at face value as the true worth lies deep within.

This Symbol tells us that we must do what we’re compelled or inspired to do, no matter what others think. The classic “mad scientist” comes to mind here. Today’s Moon in Sagittarius trine Uranus in Aries aspect represents this energy well. There’s an inner fire, a quest for adventure, a certain amount of self-possession and courage, plus a broadly rebellious tendency that allows us to turn our backs on convention or social mores and follow our inner voice.

The Kozminsky Symbol relates to Mars (the sword/soldier motif). The image is of a retired warrior, someone who’s seen it all. On a practical level, it relates to doing a Thoreau, choosing a simpler, more peaceful life. The battle’s over. Kozminsky connects it to someone who has fought for all the world has to offer, but later realizes the pointlessness of that path and “throwing away his aggressive sword he retires to a life of peace and simplicity”. It’s about recognizing what’s truly valuable and what is just an illusion. Where do you need to give up the fight? Sometimes we’re just flailing at a mirage, wasting precious energy. We generally see “giving up” in a negative sense, but renouncing certain things opens up that quiet space which leads to new inspiration. In religious circles, it’s common for renunciates to release anything that ties them to their former identity.

THE DAILY DRAW:

10 of Wands / 4 of Wands

“Going Home”. Two fire cards today, quite appropriate for today’s Grand Trine in Fire. This combination connects with today’s Kozminsky Symbol, as it relates to finding our true home after a time of enormous stress. The Ten of Wands is a card of overwhelm, of being trapped by what you originally pursued with all that enthusiasm. This card’s like forest fire-all it takes is one spark, as the tinder is dry and ready to explode into flames. Here’s where trapped by the structure we’ve built, by responsibility, material goods, or the daily burdens of a complicated life. We’re taken a lot on and are reaching maximum overload. Maybe we’ve gone through an extremely trying situation. This can indicate a perfectionist, someone who can’t or won’t delegate. This combination shows that renunciation (see the Symbols, above) is the path to happiness. The 10 of Wands tells us we need to take a hard look at what we’re holding on to. Time to let go!

The 4 of Wands that follows shows what happens when we learn to let go. It’s a place of protection, where we can renew ourselves and relax a bit. It’s harvest time- put down your burden and join the festivities. It’s the fallow period after the reaping. Instead of trying to go it alone, we join with others and gather forces for the future. 4s relate to the material plane, the process of coalescing into form, and all things squared. (In astrology, the square is a somewhat challenging but dynamic aspect.) It’s about getting back to basics and establishing a new foundation. On a mundane level, this pair can relate to renovating your home, taking time off after an intense period of work, or being laid off and deciding to start a new business from your home.