Mutable Midheaven Reinvention Time

I know I have gone on record saying I like change about as much as most fixed sign types but when it comes to my public face represented by my Midheaven, it seems like I’m always in a state of flux. Over the years, I’ve done many different types of work and most of it part time, sometimes holding down a couple of part times jobs at once.

My Midheaven is in the Mercury ruled sign of Virgo and some of the closest aspects in my chart deal with the Midheaven and Mercury. My nodal axis with the North Node in the other Mercury ruled sign, Gemini is square the Midheaven – the closest aspect in my entire chart! That is followed by a semi-sextile from Pluto to the Midheaven and Mercury in Scorpio inconjunct Uranus in Gemini. Oh yes, Mercury is also conjunct my Ascendant - a little Mercury theme going on here?

Why it take me so long to spot something so obvious in my own chart I’m not sure but this pattern pretty clearly describes the need for lots of stimulation and mental challenges; otherwise boredom raises its ugly head. It does make clear why working for Taurus bosses is not good for them or for me even though Taurus is the sign on both the cusp of my sixth and seventh houses. They love me because I’m a reliable, competent worker who shows up on time, every day. They are baffled and hurt because I usually walk after a couple of years when terminal boredom sets in.

Now that I’m my own boss, there are these schizoid discussions with myself about how I can make changes in what I’m doing and how I’m presenting myself to keep things fresh and interesting. Probably what is inspiring me to drop the nom de plume of Neith and start using my actual name of Diane as well as developing another website with a new title and new look – Libra Seeking Balance. Next will come some radical changes to the type of services offered because doing long, detailed reports is not only detrimental to my wrists but too time consuming. There are some ideas floating around in the back of my brain about quick and dirty synastry evaluations – inexpensive and very tight.

These changes swirling around are largely superficial because I’m one of those who believe the core person doesn’t change over time so much as become more clearly themselves. Some people like to rearrange their furniture in their homes; I like to rearrange my public persona and working online makes that soooo easy.

Are there others with mutable signs on their Midheavens who have had similar experiences? What about those with cardinal and fixed Midheavens – does the idea of constantly fiddling with this feel very disturbing to you?

**I am publishing my new posts on both this blog and my new website until the new one is completely pulled together and fully operational.

Image: This was taken on New Year's Day and I just loved the lighting effect on the horizon, hinting the fog was getting ready to lift.

More on Civility and the Saturn-Pluto Square

When I sat down to write the post for the Cancer Full Moon on December 31, 2009, for Real Astrologers, the message for me was about civility since both Libra and Capricorn favor behaving appropriately in our social interactions. The raucous behaviors of the Pluto in Sagittarius years are becoming less and less acceptable though many of us sure had some good times!

Saturn in Libra is now slowing down and will go retrograde on January 13, 2010. This means the square to Pluto in Capricorn is going to start tightening again and all the issues surrounding this aspect will move right back into the forefront for the rest of January and the first part of February 2010. I am happy to leave the big picture to mundane astrologers who specialize in it and focus my attention on the personal sphere. To me, this means learning about the gift of civility and why it is so important.

A couple of things got me thinking about this, one was the editorial in our local newspaper I mentioned in my Real Astrologers and the other was the concept of being PC or politically correct. After mulling it over for a day – I process data slooooowwwwllly – it seemed to me there are some differences in being politically correct and behaving with civility. Being PC evolved during the Pluto in Sagittarius years and was based on avoiding using terms that would offend. Civility, on the other hand, is based on treating others with respect and paying close attention. The root of “attention” is “to attend to.” Practicing our listening skills is part and parcel of this.

If we keep in mind Saturn rules Capricorn, is exalted in Libra and both signs like the idea of a set of rules for social conduct, i.e., manners; it is possible to understand why we’re having more and more discussions along these lines. The ongoing series of eclipses in Cancer and Capricorn draws attention to family and what better place to learn manners than in a family setting. When I was growing up in the fifties, we ALWAYS sat down for meals as a family, something few make time for in this fast paced world. This is sad because it is the perfect setting to teach basic manners as our granddaughter is learning because her parents make the effort to share at least one meal a day as a family.

What I am advocating has little to do with mushy, “feel good” Neptune stuff either. I’m talking about the Libra concept of behaving appropriately which has little to do with embracing all in “Love and Light” (all the gratuitous hugging of the New Age days annoyed the hell out of me). This is cold, clear air sign rules of conduct – always remember to say please and thank you, avoid using obscenities if possible when in public, treat others with the respect you would like receive in return and generally keep your cool. We don’t have to like someone in order to be polite to them – simple as that.

Try these ideas out and see what you think. Since this is my normal mode of behaving in public, and I have rarely, if ever, had anyone yell at me for behaving like an ass, I know they work.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Image: Much to my surprise the poinsettia I bought in December 2008 decided to bloom for me this winter. Not quite sure how I got it to do this because poinsettias bloom according to day length and are native to Mexico. It is pretty though.

Happy Capricorn Season!!

If you haven’t already noticed, Sagittarius season is over for this year and we’re moving into full on Capricorn with bells on. We have two eclipses in Cancer-Capricorn coming up, a Mercury retrograde in Capricorn and Venus moving into Capricorn first thing Christmas morning. Yes, it is time to focus on why papa knows best and all the rest of the delights of family.

My plan is to settle in and take each day as it comes and do my best not to get in a hurry. This will be an excellent time to catch up on unfinished projects and write all those thank you cards. This too shall pass!

Saunter through the snow like these wild turkeys and make the most of life in the slow lane for a change . . . and please don’t shoot the messenger. :::grin:::

Boundaries, Reciprocity & Saturn in Libra

Reading the post on Sky Writer this morning on Saturn in Libra: How to Set Healthy Boundaries was a wakeup call for me. With a natal Moon-Neptune conjunction in Libra, being very clear about who I am, what is and is not acceptable, and maintaining a strong sense of Self is just good sense. Otherwise, my relationships can get very muddled and murky, frustrating all concerned.

And there is no doubt in my mind we will be learning more about reciprocity during Saturn's stay in Libra. Elsa P was the first person to mention this term in relation to Saturn in Libra in a post on love and relationships and I heartily second the motion.

Houses & the Sun in Synastry

I got to thinking about the importance of where another person’s Sun falls in our charts because the Sun in particular we usually feel as a warm and energizing presence. However, depending on our relationship with the individual, it can be very good or a tad awkward at times.

In the synastry between my Aries spouse and me, this exchange works quite well and is very appropriate. My Sun falls in his seventh house of partnerships and his Sun is in my fifth house for fun. This is a nice blend for us and we have managed to live together quite happily for close to twenty years.

For friendships in general, having another’s Sun fall in the air houses – the third, the seventh and the eleventh – makes this work quite well because we can share thoughts and ideas easily. And if their Sun or Ascendant falls in our first house, they will usually brighten our day whenever we spend time with them. I know I love my Sagittarius Sun and Rising friends and welcome their input any time. The Sun falling in the fire houses – first, fifth and ninth – adds opportunities for fun, laughter and general enjoyment.

If you feel out of sync with someone, it could be due to an uncomfortable mix in the synastry. Say your supervisor’s Sun falls in your fifth house and your Sun falls in their tenth; it is possible you both will feel awkward with one another in your work place roles. There is a tendency to naturally defer to someone whose Sun falls on the top of your chart since we see those individuals as having some authority over us. We want to look up to them. I have this going on with Virgos and sometimes it catches me off guard.

An emphasis on the earth houses – second, sixth and tenth – is conducive to being productive and for handling daily practicalities. Co-workers whose Suns are in your sixth house are often those easiest for us to get into a good work routine with; and if their Sun is in your second house, there is a very good chance they will see ways to benefit your personal finances. Capricorns and Taurus Sun people have been very good for me in that regard.

The water houses – the fourth, the eighth and the twelfth – are where we best connect on an emotional, feeling level. Of those houses, it is having someone’s Sun fall in our twelfth where we may need time to find a comfort level with them. If you are looking for ways to improve your home, seek out those whose Sun is in your fourth house.

I realize this is on the general side but it is fun to toss around and see what will come up. Anyone else have an opinion about this? I’m curious as always and welcome input!!

Image: I scanned in this photo of an old family Christmas card from the fifties. My dad had his own darkroom and made our Christmas card from his own photos. We had some serious snowy winters in those days.

A Libra Question & Miscellaneous Links

I have a question for those of you who read here with a strong Libra signature in your chart. It has to do with automatically moving to balance what’s happening or the recognition there is always another side to the story.

Over the years I have noticed if others are taking a strong stand on some issue, there is little voice that pips up in my head urging me to look at the opposing point of view. For instance, when I was reading all these glowing accounts of the wonderful changes Neptune conjunct Jupiter in Aquarius was going to bring us, my response was “Wait a minute! That reeks of to good to be true to me.” And I started blogging about making sure to be aware of expectations did not exceed reality. Lucy of Lucy Looking Upward coined what I still feel is the most appropriate term for the Aquarius stellium of Neptune, Jupiter and Chiron – The Clusterfuck of Doom! At the other end of the spectrum, reading the “sky is falling” posts made me feel the need to say “not likely.”

I tend to do this my relationships too but have learned to step back from taking this too far. Libra can get so caught in being the balance wheel; they forget to look after their own needs, hopes and dreams.

What I’m wondering is if anyone else deals with too. It seems to me the typical response to an expression of a strong opinion by one person is most people jumping right on board . . . like sheep in a flock.

Links to Blogs of Interest

Over the past few weeks I have had the good fortune to find a couple delightful but veeerrry different Aquarius bloggers hard at work in the astro-blogosphere. Sammie K of My Libra Rising is all elegance and beauty while Larry Fowler of Life, Spirit and Astrology whose Sun is conjunct Jupiter with Leo Rising has plenty of tales to share from his rich and varied experiences.

If you wish to see beautiful images and read posts on fashion, beauty tips, fine food and other topics related to all things Libra, then stop by My Libra Rising. If you enjoy reading a well told story with astrology thrown in, then head over to Life, Spirit and Astrology. Larry is another of us past their Second Saturn Return and has lived a full and interesting life . . . which to his amazement, he survived.

As always, stop by Donna Cunningham’s blog, Sky Writer, to read her tips and suggestions for dealing with the upcoming Mars retrograde in Leo. I cannot think of a better place to find out what we need to know to not only survive this transit but handle it with grace and style. Also know I’m not alone in being very thankful Donna decided to start blogging! Thanks, Donna for all your contributions!

Just want to remind everyone to remember to check out the latest posts on Elsa P’s AstroDispatch, the single best place I know of to find what is happening in the astro-blogosphere.

Image: Winter is here and all the lovely, bright leaves of Fall have fallen. This is the same aspen grove I photographed earlier this fall . . . big change.

Saturn in Libra, Part two

Time for another short video on something else that occurred to me on the subject of Saturn in Libra. I also wish to add as long as Pluto is closely squaring Saturn, it will be even more difficult to avoid the realization there are some serious differences between an individual's potential and the reality of their behaviors.

My recommendation is to always pay close attention to the non-verbal clues. Some people have a way with words but if their behaviors are not consistent with what they are saying that's the signal to double check the facts.


A little aside: The sweater I'm wearing is one I knit from my own handspun yarn but the yoke pattern I borrowed from another designer just because I loved the crossover look.