Scientists and other materialists disparage the validity of astrology because it does not conform to their methodology; yet esotericists awaken the part of mind that goes beyond limits of rationality – as of course does love, genius and imagination. The learning process is not especially esoteric at all; it conforms to normal learning practices. We need to apply ourselves to study what others think, then to find new interpretations and understandings and bring our own knowledge into some useful application. We trust that our point of view is valid, even if it contradicts accepted ideas – despite the danger of affirming a foolish understanding simply through lack of skills and insight. We address this point here, by offering a way to track the transit of slower moving planets through the individual degrees and keep a diary of the events and feelings we encounter. I suggest that at first we include only Saturn – which crosses a few degrees per month – and Uranus, Neptune and Pluto – which typically show in only one or two.

In order for this process to be instructive it is necessary to come to terms with each of the variables: a) The planets’ core meanings in our lives; b) The qualities of each stage of a transit; c) The significance of personal events; d) The mystery of the Sabian Symbol for each degree.

Stages of a transit

A planet appears to move both forward and backwards, and so typically crosses the same degree three times, although it can be once or five times. Here are the nine stages typical of a transit.
Stage 1   Approach                           Forewarning
Stage 2   First hit                              Shock
Stage 3   Moving away                      Assimilation
Stage 4   Retrograde approach           Reminder
Stage 5   Second hit                          Echo
Stage 6   Going back                         Revision
Stage 7   Second approach                Preparation
Stage 8   Third hit                             Realization
Stage 9   Moving on                          Application

MAY 7 - JUNE 4

Release: Comedian entertaining a group 

​2nd degree of Aries (1°- 2°)

Life is the mirror that shows us who and what we are

Intuitively, the feeling of having our own distinctive mind-set of beliefs, needs, dreams and attitudes is subjective proof of our uniqueness of identity. Philosophers may suggest that this is an illusion born to form a particular relationship with our environment – although most assuredly, it has meaning to us.

To the soul, it actually matters very little what role we choose to play out but, probably because we seek self-reassurance, we repeatedly rehearse certain aspects of personality. These are naive attempts to experience life on our own terms. We can meaningfully identify ourselves as either the comedian or the group – entertaining or being entertained – yet simultaneously release ourselves from the idea that either position is the more relevant.

APRIL 17 - MAY 8
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Realization: Seal embraces woman rising from waters 
1st degree of Aries (0°- 1°) 

Knowledge of polarity awakens the power to create something out of nothing

As soon as duality occurs, we see the essence of relationship between things – the one is a tad more pushy, the other a degree more responsive. Taoism explains this phenomenon, which underpins all manifested realities. We are contemplating nothing more than the straightforward and intuitively pleasing arising of sex in its absolute essential form. The potential of space to give way has an awakening effect upon spirit to enter and express itself. The life-force of spirit naturally reaches wherever it feels that its desire-nature will be accommodated, and indeed meets an enthusiastic and willing response. 

MAY 2 - 26

Attunement: An angel carrying a harp 
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9th degree of Capricorn (8°- 9°) 

Heaven is a state of grace wherein all are together in cosmic attunement 

There is an overall coherence to life and it is like the harmony in music, in which each individual part is essential – and each added strand of resonant melody enhances the whole piece.   MORE