Divination
A Brief History Of Astrology
The energies of the planets and stars affect us on many levels every day, whether we were aware of it or not. The earliest humans looked especially to the movements and phases of the Sun and Moon to guide them in their decisions about when to hunt, when to plant and harvest, and when to prepare for winter or migrate.
From this evolved the practice and study of Astrology. The early civilizations of Mesopotamia were the first to observe the patterns formed by stars in the galaxy as long ago as 3000 BC, while Indian astrology began to emerge as far back as 1200 BC.
The original astrologers identified five ‘wandering stars,’ which together with the sun and moon became the seven original ‘planets.’ More planets were of course identified over time, as technology advanced to introduce the telescope and other astronomical devises.
The Babylonians are generally credited for first developing formal Astrology, because they developed astrological charts to predict the recurrence of the seasons and certain celestial events. Centuries later, Ancient Egypt and Greece discovered Babylonian Astrology, where it soon became highly regarded as a science and was eventually also embraced by the Romans, as well as in the Middle East. In time, its popularity spread throughout the rest of the world. Today, we still use the Roman names for the zodiac signs.
Meanwhile, separate systems of Astrology also emerged in India, China, and Mesoamerica. It remains unclear whether the Babylonian, Indian (known today as Hindu or Vedic Astrology) and Chinese systems of Astrology evolved in isolation and independently, or whether they mutually influenced each other. There are many similarities between these systems, but also many distinct differences. Scholars have been studying and debating this for centuries, but the matter remains inconclusive.
Astrology Forecast December 5 – 11, 2022
Today’s Taurus Moon will prove most productive, as we plow through our obligations and free up the rest of the week for personal pursuits.
Take care however to maintain your mental equilibrium this afternoon under the Taurus Moon conjunction with Uranus in Taurus, as this transit is known for disrupting our reason and inner balance and cause us to act out of character. You may also get a surprise visit from a long-lost friend or estranged relative this afternoon, so keep your cool if someone shows up unannounced.
Your mood may be a bit down or sad this evening due to the Taurus Moon square with Saturn in Aquarius. Do not ‘self-medicate’ with rich, heavy foods or alcohol, as you will pay for it with indigestion that will only make matters worse! Do some light exercise instead by dancing in your living room or playing with your pets.
Mercury will move into enterprising Capricorn tomorrow, setting us on a course to gather more information and review current methods to see where change might be needed.
The Moon will wax full in Gemini on Wednesday, marking the start of a two-week period of reflection and reconnecting with those dearest to us over the holiday season.
Venus will move into Capricorn on Friday, adding a creative flair to all we do and reminding us to practice more authenticity and become more grounded in all we do.
The Cancer Moon on Friday and Saturday will turn our thoughts to home and family, as well as creating a sense of security and stability.
A Leo Moon on Sunday will cast a generous and heart-centered air around us, compelling us to take better care of ourselves and others.
Messages From My Totems
Do you have a specific animal, bird, reptile, or insect that keeps catching your attention? I am not speaking of your dog or cat or pet bird, but of those that you repeatedly cross paths with in nature, or even in your dreams.
Each one of us has at least one totem or spirit animal, and sometimes more, that show up in some way throughout our lifetime. The term totem comes from the Ojibwa word ototeman and was introduced in English in the 18th century to refer to a ‘designated guardian spirit animal.’
When our totems show up, the most important thing is to recognize what is currently happening in your life, or what thoughts are going through your mind at the time you see it. You may also notice that whenever you are in turmoil you tend to see this specific creature (or creatures) more than when life is going smoothly.
Each totem is a symbolic representation with a specific message. They warn us of danger, or help us make important life decisions, or comfort us when we are struggling, or just bring a confirmation or a sense of peace.
They bring to us whatever we most need at the time they cross our paths. It is up to you to just trust the energy you are in when you come across one of these beautiful creatures.
Three totems that have been present in my life at specific times are the Eagle, the Owl and the Wolf. Each offered me specific support I needed at that time, and they brought me reassuring messages. At times they have also inspired me with confidence, power and strength when I most needed it. Below are a few examples of what these totems have represented to me. Maybe it will help you identify, understand, and trust your animal totems.
Astrology Forecast November 28 – December 4, 2022
We’ll need to practice flexibility today and tomorrow, as the Moon transits Aquarius and upends our plans on an hourly basis. Take heart though, as the disruptions and shifts are bound to work in our favor, eventually!
Do not worry too much should you feel a bit slow to kickstart your week this morning, as a Mars in Gemini trine with Saturn in Aquarius this afternoon will soon boost our organizational abilities and professional enthusiasm, inspiring us to take decisive action.
If you did not manage to spend much quality time with your spouse or partner over the weekend, then this evening’s Aquarius Moon sextile with Venus in Sagittarius offers the ideal opportunity to make up for it with a surprise romantic dinner or an unexpected gift. There is also nothing wrong with a little ‘Netflix and chill’ on a Monday night. And if you’re single, then this evening will be the perfect time to go on that blind date, or at the very least make more of an effort with your online dating profile!
A Pisces Moon will put us in a more spiritual and reflective mood on Wednesday and Thursday, encouraging us to step back and take a look at the bigger picture as to what is happening in our lives.
Our most productive days of the week will be Friday and Saturday, as the Moon charges through assertive Aries and allows us to catch up on anything that slipped through the cracks at the start of the week.
Neptune will turn direct on Saturday, ending a five-month cycle of retrograde movement and allowing our intuitive and spiritual side to thrive.
A Taurus Moon hangs overhead on Sunday, encouraging us to take care of our physical bodies and restore balance to our personal surroundings.
Astrology Forecast November 21 – 27, 2022
The Sun will move into Sagittarius tomorrow, opening our minds and hearts a bit wider as we set aside our usual schedules for the next four weeks and embrace a more flexible and patient attitude.
A Sagittarius New Moon occurs on Wednesday, and we’ll spend the next two weeks embracing new possibilities and finishing up anything that stands in the way of free movement. Resolution is often an outcome of this Moon, so if there is a personal problem or life challenge that’s been troubling you, this next two weeks could bring the answers you seek. Jupiter will also turn direct on Wednesday, further helping to removing obstacles to attainment and setting us on a brighter course for the future.
Thanksgiving Day will unfold quite smoothly under the fun-loving Sagittarius Moon this Thursday, but watch out for over-indulgence, as this sign is famous for pushing boundaries!
Our industrious side will emerge over the weekend, as a Capricorn Moon encourages us to take action on the things we’ve been procrastinating on. Clearing out clutter, reorganizing files, or simply engaging in more physical activity are all ways to embrace the grounding power of the Capricorn Moon. It will also be a great help in restoring order to your home after the family’s Thanksgiving celebration.
Divination And The Element Of Air
Various ancient cultures, metaphysical traditions and mystical teachings identify five elements that constitute the world we live in. In Western occult traditions, these elements are typically arranged in the hierarchical order of spirit (aether), fire, air, water, and earth.
Spirit or aether is the nonphysical element (or ‘fifth element’) that serves as a bridge between the physical and the metaphysical realms. Spirit is the bridge between the body and soul.
Fire is the masculine element representing inner strength, transformative power, courage, protection, purification, and assertive action.
Air is the element associated with creativity, knowledge, learning, mental intention and the universal life force.
Water is the feminine element of emotion, intuition, inner reflection and the subconscious.
Earth represents grounding, stability, fertility, family roots, and the cycles of death and rebirth.
Air is my favorite element in spiritual practice, as is associated with ideas, concepts, inspiration, and innovative thinking. It is also the element of wisdom and divination.
Working with the air element sharpens ideas, enhances experiments, and paves the way for new inventions. Musicians and artists are typically inspired by the element of air. Air is however a fickle element as it can come as a gale-force hurricane, or a calm, soothing breeze…just like our thoughts.
Astrology Forecast November 14 – 20, 2022
Leo Moon energy has us in high gear for the first three days of this week, encouraging us to be more assertive and proactive in reaching for our dreams.
If you commute to work, be on the lookout for potential road ragers or aggressive people on public transport when you make your way home Tuesday afternoon, as the Leo Moon square with Uranus in Taurus could cause people to become extremely moody, irritable and unstable. Also avoid getting into an argument with your partner or spouse, as things could turn really nasty very quickly! The Leo Moon opposition with Saturn in Aquarius Tuesday night may add even more fuel to this fire, so it may be a good idea to avoid unnecessary drama at home by going to bed early.
Venus will move into Sagittarius on Wednesday, bringing out our light-hearted side as we begin to prepare for the holidays. Creativity will be heightened for the next six weeks, encouraging us to invent new traditions, create home-made gifts, and find innovative ways to celebrate the Christmas season that lies ahead.
Mercury will join Venus in Sagittarius on Thursday, adding even more fuel to the fire, as we let our imagination soar!
Thursday and Friday’s Virgo Moon will bring out our organizing side, encouraging us to start putting a detailed plan together for the weeks ahead. This Moon is also ideal for attending to important health and financial matters that need to be addressed.
A lovely Libra Moon transits this weekend, reminding us to embrace the beauty in our world and embrace an attitude of gratitude. It will be a good time to regroup, rebalance and relax.