AstroGems

Planets and Their Effects on Mind and Body

- PlanetaryDynamics

The Solar System consists of interrelating electromagnetic fields. The components of these fields are defined by the eight individual planets along with the two Lights – the Sun and Moon. A planet is the visible core of matter, energy, and intelligence, similar to an atom whose protons and neutrons are orbited by electrons that produce electrical impulses. The fields are encoded impulses perpetually traveling through space with their focus on encompassing the reaches of the solar system including Earth. The planets’ waves of energy interact among themselves to coalesce into a complex messaging system and it is the astrologer’s task to decode their intent and purpose.

The emanation of the intelligent, magnetic fields permeates the solar system, and the earth becomes immersed in its collective energies. The effects of these interacting forces are felt strongly when planets align at geometric angles in relationship to natal planets. In astrological terms, these configurations are called major aspects. The five geometric angles of import are the conjunction, sextile, square, trine, and opposition. These are defined by the planets that are 0, 60, 90, 120, and 180 degrees apart, yet have a 10-degree orb of allowance for the planets, 12.5 for the Moon, and 17 degrees for the Sun. The electromagnetic fields are spherical and three-dimensional.

The human body acts as an antenna absorbing the planetary emanations through the energy centers of the body also known as the chakra system. These energies are usually felt as intense pressures and are felt as emotional stresses within the body and mind, similar to when the opposite poles of a magnet are exposed to each other but not yet actually touching. This magnetic pull is often misinterpreted as being caused by a physical illness or mental pathology. It can be accompanied by anxiety leading the individual to seek to avoid or suppress their emotional and bodily feelings. As planets move into exact aspect positioning they become indicators of an auspicious time for personal growth, however, the ego wishing to remain in a pleasant state often resists these precious times of personal evolution. Planetary interactions communicate in an astrological, geometric language that astrologers can interpret for a person wishing to understand the meaning of the profound feelings that are generated by them.

An astrologer should look to fast-moving progressions and slow-moving transiting planets to identify the sources and meanings of these periodic crises in consciousness. The planets, as representatives of higher intelligent forces, act in this way to gain the attention of the individual. An experienced astrologer is the interpreter of the intense and demanding call to transformation that the planets have in store for the recipient of the forces at play in the solar system.

 

Meaning of the North and South Moon Nodes

- PlanetaryDynamics

MoonNodes
From an online forum dialogue in 1998, between a Uranian (Midpoint) astrologer and Sarah Kalvin

Question: Has anyone worked out a simple method of differentiating between the North and South Nodes?

SARAH: Just considering the Moon’s Node: When you think of the fact that in traditional astrology the Moon refers to contact and connection with the outside world through emotional outreach, (including to family, blood ties – Moon rules Cancer), it is not difficult to see that there is little difference between the traditional and symmetrical (Midpoint Astrology) approaches concerning the nodes. One difference between the two systems is that different words are used to describe the same astrological points – the Nodes. Also, it is a case of keywords not having the capacity to explain everything. Different groups of people cling to various keywords, however, it is best to consider that the Moon’s nodes are the points in space where spirit and matter meet (their junctions). They track the orbit of the Moon (soul) in relation to the orbit of the Earth (matter) and mark off this unique interrelationship. The journey of the soul on its earthly path balances between moving forward in the exploration of experience, and drawing on the support from its past, to define personal evolution. The nodes represent the combined symbolic relationship of the Moon and the Earth, each affecting the other to give definition to ourselves and others in the development of our spiritual journey in a material world.

MoonNodes_smMark wrote: Then anything aspecting or in any way arousing the one node, would automatically be aspecting and releasing the other node. So how does one arrive at seemingly opposite meanings for each node?

SARAH: There are unique meanings assigned to the North and South Nodes (NN, SN) because they are defined by an axis with a positive and negative pole, indicating one’s Karma and Dharma. The NN is defined by the Moon as its orbit crosses the plane of the Earth’s ecliptic on its way north. The path upward represents Dharma – the experience one is required to explore. It points to the expansion of conscious living as opposed to the SN’s connection with the personal, subconscious elements of the soul. The SN outlines one’s Karmic past through programmed, autonomic behavior. The polarity of the nodal points represents the crossroads of the two worlds of matter and soul, of conscious and unconscious experience.

That which is new and in need of experience is North and future, and that which comprises accumulated conditioned experience is South and past. Therefore they do not express the same meaning. When the NN is aspected by any planet in progression or transit, the function of the native is to assimilate new factors into consciousness. If the SN is directly aspected, conscious awareness is required to monitor the involuntary reservoir of programmed responses to allow for an adjustment in consciousness.

All astrological indicators have their supportive opposites. Polarity is a universal principle and there is a difference between the positive and negative poles of life and death, light and dark, hot and cold, although they are on the same axis. This is why the nodes have different meanings in human experience and understanding, yet their purpose is to work in unison.

Hope this helps. Sarah

 

Retrograde Planets Prove the Universe is Mind

- PlanetaryDynamics

The animation illustrates Mars during its retrograde motion from June to November 2003, while the diagram below depicts the movement of Mercury during one of its shorter yet more often retrograde phases.

It’s crucial to understand that planets don’t literally reverse their orbits to go retrograde and then resume their direct motion. This peculiarity is an illusion based on the Earth’s vantage point. With the exception of the Sun and Moon, all planets periodically appear to slow down, pause, and then reverse their direction before resuming their forward motion once again. This orbital idiosyncrasy arises due to the varying speeds of the planets relative to Earth’s orbit and is a perspective based on Earth at center, taking the place of the Sun.

While retrograde planets do exert influence, their effects are primarily subjective. Life operates on the principle of duality, where the subjective and objective realms complement each other. When individuals sense the effects of a retrograde, they are essentially tuning into changes in the electromagnetic field of the human mind and body. External realities resonate with their internal reflections, creating a harmonious, closed-loop system within the intricate fabric of the universe.

Planetary positions in the solar system can be observed with the naked eye or through telescopes, but their influence extends far beyond their visible physical attributes. Planets emit subtle  electromagnetic waves generated by the rotation of their axes and their movements along their orbits. We act as antennas and receivers for these intelligent signals, tapping into the mysterious and non-local interconnectedness that binds all things together. This concept has been encapsulated in the age-old adage, “As Above, So Below,” highlighting the interconnected nature of the universe and its reflections in both macrocosm and microcosm.

Consciousness is pervasive, and the perceived movement of retrograde planets can sometimes lead us to believe that our actions are dictated by external forces. However, we are a dynamic reflection of both subject and object, embodying a unified experience within ourselves.

Retrograde planets resonate within us, mirroring their apparent motion in the sky. They serve as markers of cosmic timing within the solar system’s framework. Our conscious awareness expands through challenges presented by astrological transits, progressions, and other celestial phenomena. However, the most transformative shifts often occur when a planet nears a stationary point before entering a retrograde or direct phase. These station-retrograde and station-direct periods signal imminent adjustments, either on a profound or subtle scale, influenced by the planetary alignments in their geometric configurations at that moment, especially in conjunction and opposition aspects.

Why Mercury Retrogrades Pose Problems

mercury-retrograde-diagram3

Mercury retrograde periods have gained increasing recognition among the general public, leading to greater attention, acceptance, and respect for this astrological phenomenon. However, the exact reasons behind the disruptions often associated with Mercury’s apparent backward motion remain elusive to many. During Mercury retrogrades, concerns about the reliability of both private and public transportation can arise. The functionality of the internet, digital technology, and devices may be compromised, and issues with high-value purchases may come to the fore. These challenges are linked to the 3rd house in astrology, which governs communication, transportation, and everyday conveniences. Retrogrades often shake up the dependable nature of these areas, particularly since Mercury rules the 3rd house, highlighting the temporary disruption of what is usually taken for granted in our daily lives.

During Mercury retrograde periods, issues ranging from contract errors to the malfunctioning of household appliances and vehicles often come to light. These challenges are tied to the 3rd house in astrology, which governs communication, transportation, and everyday conveniences. Additionally, health issues, physical limitations, and remedies fall under the domain of the 6th house, influenced by Mercury’s rulership in these areas.

Mercury, associated with our daily routines, can act as a disruptor during its retrograde phases. Life operates on a principle of duality, so it’s not uncommon for unexpected events to occur when Mercury goes retrograde, challenging our usual expectations. When Mercury is direct, the harmonious interplay between the conveniences of the 3rd house and the adjustments needed in the 6th house helps maintain the smooth functioning of our lives.

The Meaning of  Outer Planet Retrogrades

Slow-moving planets with complex meanings can take years to complete their cycles. Their oscillating retrograde and direct movements facilitate transformation over extended periods of time. These prolonged shifts in direction offer ideal opportunities to address long-standing issues that seek lasting solutions. Change, in this context, is characterized by continuous adjustment and readjustment, mirroring the apparent shifts in the energy spheres of influence we recognize in a planet’s idiosyncratic cyclics.