So, by now, you’re probably wondering about that astrology. Right, then. As Len mentions, we are nearing the Capricorn solstice. This is when the Sun enters Capricorn (which occurs at 11:48 pm EST on Dec. 21), heralding the longest night of the year and the beginning of winter here in the Northern Hemisphere.
Each year, on its way to this point, the Sun aligns with the Galactic Core -- the center of our Milky Way galaxy. Our little solar system rests on one of the Milky Way’s spiral arms, way out there. This year, the centaur object Pholus (which has been moving through Sagittarius for a good while now) is nearly aligned with the Galactic Core (GC). The Sun is making a conjunction to Pholus today (Thursday). And although the Sun does not align exactly with the GC until Saturday at 2:41 am EST, it is definitely in the zone now.
So much so, I realized that the echoing messages I was reading on Planet Waves perfectly illustrate Sun-Pholus-Galactic Core. The key phrase for Pholus is “small cause, big effect.” And although this can have negative connotations (for example, in the chart of an oil spill gushing out of control in the ocean, or in situations involving alcohol combined with other volatile factors) I have also experienced Pholus lending its ripple-effect influence to positive experiences, emotions and actions.
Eric Francis and other astrologers tend to describe the GC as our “cosmic homing signal.” Located in the direction of the constellation Sagittarius, the core of our galaxy seems to correlate to that sign’s higher-expression traits of being philosophical, spiritually seeking and optimistic; that is, humane.
Without getting technical, the GC is theorized to contain a supermassive black hole -- an astronomical phenomena that is both drawing material into it and emitting radio waves. Astrologically, the GC carries connotations of “Source”; that is, whatever it is from which we came and also return to; or, rather, a metaphor for the collective unity of all life as we know it, and the message of that unity that we are so prone to forget.
Meanwhile, the Sun represents your conscious awareness, especially of yourself. Put all that together: your conscious awareness, small causes having big effects, and that message of unity and a “homing signal.” What do you get?
To me, it looks like a beautiful reminder that we often only need to make small actions: the kind word or smile; some small step of healing in your personal sphere; any act of connection; allowing your inner light to shine amidst the chaos, darkness and fear so that others might see it; looking far enough into what can seem like a “black hole” of despair to receive a message of awareness and unity. Those modest steps have the power now to ripple out, to multiply exponentially as they get passed along from person to person, magnifying their positive effect.
No, it is not instantaneous. It’s not even a finite endeavor; this is lifelong work we’re talking about. Yet our lives are made up only of a series of present moments. We can string them together to gain context from the past, and we can extrapolate them into the future to gauge and guide the possible consequences of our actions. Ultimately, we have right now; and you are well aware of how long journeys are made of single steps, each one made in its time.
Speaking of time, there are a couple other astrological aspects in effect at this time, as mentioned. The first I’d like to touch on happens Saturday along with the Sun-Galactic Core conjunction, quite fittingly: Mercury conjunct Pluto in Capricorn, exact at 1:56 pm EST.
Mercury conjunct Pluto relates beautifully to this idea of looking in the shadows (or the black hole) to gain awareness, and taking it with you into the light. The aspect relates to a mind that penetrates deeply and observes keenly; simply skating along the superficial levels of issues will not be satisfying this weekend. Yet this is not generally characterized as a mental tone that gets bogged down or depressed with all that delving; rather, it’s possible to use the agility offered very constructively.
That said, as with all things relating to darkness or power, there’s also the potential to act destructively. Beware of mental power struggles, such as getting so preoccupied with an idea (or something that’s missing) that you waste much of Saturday -- though the obsession should pass easily as Mercury moves along.
