Introduction

     Greetings loyal readers! As I write this first column of the new millennium just after the last new Moon of the old millennium I am struck by the power of the Aquarian energy moving into our consciousness in this new cycle. The Moon is in Aquarius as I write (in December of 2000). In January of 2001 the new Moon is in Aquarius, along with the Sun, Mercury, Uranus and Neptune. Of these, Mercury conjuncts Uranus and the Sun conjuncts Neptune. The Sun and Uranus are large, powerful planets. Conjunctions with these planets can be extremely intense. This column will explore some of these Aquarian energies and what they mean for the evolution of our planet.

     Sun, Moon, Mercury, Uranus and Neptune in Aquarius

     Aquarius is the fixed air sign. Fixed signs hold energy. They have great power to focus and direct energy. The negative polarity to the fixed modality is stubbornness and inflexibility. Aquarius is symbolized by the water-bearer and is ruled by Uranus, the planet of sudden inspiration and flashes of genius. Aquarius rules the eleventh house. The eleventh house is above the horizon, and as such is one of the higher spiritual houses. This house rules friendships, group activities and higher aspirations. Thus Aquarius is concerned with social consciousness and individual expression. Aquarius loves freedom and craves the unusual.

     The Sun is a personal planet. So are the Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars. Jupiter and Saturn are social planets, while Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are transpersonal planets. Personal planets move quickly enough to affect each of us as individuals. They define who we are as individuals and distinguish us from each other. The social planets define our relationship to society as a whole. They define us in terms of the benefits and obligations of interacting in human society. The transpersonal planets move so slowly as to have no personal effect in an individual’s chart. Rather, these planets define our membership in a generation. The transpersonal planets give us access to what David and Lucy Pond call a “collective identity.”

     Myrna Loftus, in her excellent work A Spiritual Approach to Astrology, describes the “psychological urges” or “personality functions” of the Sun as follows:

“Individuality.” Our ego, the inner you, your essence. It is the unchanging part of you – the calm, steady, deep and lasting force felt within a person. It enables you to exert willpower, make decisions, and direct all the other parts (planets) of your life.

“Personality.” The Moon is our emotional responses based on past experiences. It comprises all the little surface peculiarities, moods, and changes which have to do with physical life which are disturbing and fleeting.

“Mind.” Mercury is our capacity to collect, sort, classify, and communicate the knowledge you gain through your experiences. It, also, analyzes and discards what is unnecessary.

“Awakener.” Uranus represents the unconscious urge to become aware of your true inner individuality (the Sun). It is your intuition awakening you to a world beyond our social structure.

“Dissolver.” Neptune is the planet of the unconscious urge to dissolve the boundaries of your ego-centeredness in order to “lose yourself” in the “Kingdom of God” within…our Superconscious. It dissolves life’s patterns in order to teach new meanings in the quest for universal wisdom.

     What the Conjunctions Mean

     Mercury is a small, fast-moving planet. As such, Mercury rules communication, the rational mind and the intellect. Thus Mercury governs speaking, writing and educational pursuits. David and Lucy Pond call Mercury the “messenger of the senses.” David and Lucy Pond, in their priceless work The Metaphysical Handbook, describe Uranus as follows:

     Uranus represents the voice that awakens the individual to what is beyond the personality and social identity. It represents the voice of evolution that enters life unexpectedly and demands attention…The lightning bolt of Uranus consciousness zaps the individual’s normal world as a reminder of the unexpected in life.
     At the Uranus state of consciousness there are no accidents. The unexplained is welcomed as evidence that there are events in life over which we have no control. The information coming into conscious awareness via the Uranus function shakes the existing socially-trained structures of your identity. This either evokes fear and resistance…or excitement at the opportunity of seeing life differently at the Uranus stage of consciousness.

     When Mercury conjuncts Uranus, there a power is released that awakens the unconscious mind. This aspect favors intuition and psychic energy, as well as progressive and original thinking. When this conjunction takes place in Aquarius, the awakening unconscious is concerned with social welfare and the betterment of society as a whole, as well as improving life for individuals. Intuitive and psychic gifts are applied for the well-being of all, and for reshaping social structures that benefit the few at the expense of the many. This influence energizes the forces that labor to assist society’s poor and the downtrodden.

     The Sun is the central focus of the entire solar system, and thus is perhaps the most important celestial body in the zodiac. The Sun’s mass holds the planets in orbit through its immense gravitational field. The Sun, in combination with the earth, the air and the water, gives us life on this planet. The Sun represents the ego, the core of our self-concept, our individual identity as integrated into all other planetary aspects. The Sun gives purpose and meaning to our lives. The Sun defines us more powerfully than any other entity.

     Neptune is the planet of illusion, mysticism and other-worldly knowing. Neptune empowers our visualization capabilities and fertilizes the fields of our imagination. In its negative polarity, Neptune can lead to delusion and escape from reality through substance abuse. Here are some of the Pond siblings’ thoughts on Neptune:

Ideally, Neptune represents the stage of consciousness where you identify the imagination process within yourself, and integrate it into your daily life in a healthy manner. Neptune represents the vision that connects you to your transpersonal identity. In esoteric astrology, Neptune represents the umbilical cord between you and God. The power of faith is known to the individual who has integrated this layer of consciousness into his or her being. This is the type of faith that can only be called powerful in its ability to imbue your life with meaning.

     So here we have the power of ego combining forces with integration of the power of the imagination. This, too, has an effect on psychic ability and creative visualization talents. This conjunction enhances the power of focused, directed, magical practice. There is an empathy and a sensitivity with this conjunction that is further enhanced by the Aquarian preoccupation with the welfare of the group. This influence can sometimes cloud one’s ability to distinguish reality from illusion. However, if transformation through creative visualization is the goal, then this aspect can prove extremely productive.

     Let’s Hear From the Tarot

     I’ve been having so much fun these past few columns consulting the tarot that I cannot resist the temptation to pull one card to describe the best way we can take advantage of these powerful Aquarian energies during the new millennium’s first new Moon. This time, as last time, I am using a physical deck of cards instead of a computer program. Once again I am using the Aleister Crowley deck and will quote interpretations from Gerd Ziegler’s classic work The Tarot: Mirror of the Soul.

     Five of Wands

     The card that came up was the Five of Wands. The number five is about freedom, invention, liberation and change. Wands are the suit of fire. Fire represents our creative energies, our life force. Here is Gerd Ziegler’s interpretation of this vibrant card (which Crowley calls “Strife”:

Key Words: Saturn in Leo; Restriction; unfulfilled desire; embittered; fearful; vain striving.

     The central wand has become as heavy as lead. The winged disk which normally would indicate an upward swing into higher spheres now bears a star pointed downward. The center of the star is covered by five small overlapping disks. The eye of Horus has lost its clarity of vision. The serpents of regeneration look sluggish and sleepy. The phoenix heads are turned away from each other, as if to avoid one another.
     This card signifies a general condition in which the creative power of the Lion is blocked (Saturn). Because the free flow of energy is generally restricted, it has begun to stagnate. This concentrated charge of energy strives vainly to find a possibility for expression. Life becomes a burden. The tiny wings at the bottom of the staff continue to struggle, attempting to lift the leaden weight.

Indications: In this situation, the danger of resigning yourself is great. Saturn reminds us that all things must be taken care of step by step. Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed. Always look to the flames behind the wand which burn on despite impediments. When you draw this card, it is a sign that you are ready to face the situation and do something about it.

Questions: What insurmountable obstacles seem to stand between you and the realization of your goals? How does the mountain of duties and tasks which stands before you look right now?

Suggestion: Go step by step! Take everything a little easier.

Affirmation: I am more and more capable now of expressing my feelings and my creativity in my work.

     So there you have it – the January 2001 Aquarian energies are meant to be applied in overcoming bitterness and vain striving by enhancing one’s creativity and expressing those energies in one’s life work. Many blessings to you in performing this sacred work!

Copyright 2001 Marcy J. Gordon. All rights reserved. The author wants you to know you are free to copy and distribute this article for noncommercial purposes, provided you reproduce it in its entirety and credit the author. For quotation permission, please contact the author at mgordon@pipeline.com.

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