Astrology April 23, 2010: Mercury, Pluto, and The AIDS Virus Discovery

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The statistics on AIDS are staggering.

More than 25 million people around the world have died from AIDS-related diseases.

At the end of 2007, UNAIDS estimated that 32.9 million people were living with HIV/AIDS worldwide.  That’s compared to 29.5 million in 2001.

Suffice it to say, probably most of us have been touched by HIV/AIDS in some fashion or form.  I was first personally impacted in the early 1990s when a co-worker of mine died from AIDS. We were the same age.  I remember he had open sores all over his legs from the disease.

HIV is a “lentivirus” that attacks the immune system. The term “lentivirus” denotes a “slow virus” that takes a long time to manifest harmful effects in the body.

As most of us know, HIV is spread by sexual contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted by sharing needles or syringes with someone who is infected. Less commonly, it is spread by blood transfusion, but the incidence of this has gone down with the advent of blood-screening for HIV antibodies.

The first recognized cases of AIDS occurred in the U.S. in mainly gay men in the early 1980s.

It was back on April 23, 1984, that the AIDS (acquired immune deficiency) virus was identified. The discovery of the AIDS virus was viewed at the time as a gigantic breakthrough in medical research.

On the same day the AIDS virus was identified, transiting Mercury was exactly opposite Pluto in Scorpio. But unless you were an astrologer, you probably didn’t know that at the time. Nor would you have cared.

Mercury rules news and information. It also governs our thinking and ideas.

Opposition aspects often signify turning points or a culmination in awareness.

Pluto, as the ruler of the sign of Scorpio, symbolizes death and rebirth and transformational changes. Pluto’s ray is often associated with life-altering events, historic firsts, matters impacting the masses, and yes, breakthrough discoveries.

Scorpio is the sign of the zodiac that is also connected specifically to medical research. It also rules sex and intimacy, and Pluto represents sexual issues.

What is also noteworthy here, when life-altering, transforming Pluto entered the sex sign of Scorpio, is essentially when most of us really became aware of AIDS.  It’s also when we started seeing glimpses of the impact of that deadly disease upon the world. Pluto first entered Scorpio in November of 1983.  It left that sign in November of 1995.

Patrice Thompson

Copyright 2010

Source Notes:

HIV Virus: http://www.avert.org/origin-aids-hiv.htm

HIV statistic: http://www.globalhealthreporting.org/diseaseinfo.asp?id=265

AIDS story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/april/23/newsid_2524000/2524039.stm

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Disclaimer

For entertainment purposes only. The information and data contained on and through this site is to be treated purely for your entertainment purposes only. Any prediction or other message that you receive is not a substitute for advice, programs, or treatment that you would normally receive from a licensed professional such as a doctor, lawyer, mental health professional, or financial advisor. Cosmic Life Coach Astrology Blog and Patrice Thompson provide no guarantees, implied warranties, or assurances of any kind, and will not be responsible for any interpretation made or use by the recipient of the information and data mentioned above.

Astrology: Saturn in Taurus Sets Stage for “First Earth Day”

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“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find resources of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” Rachel Carson.

“Taurus” is the sign of stewardship. Under its influence, we learn how to value and effectively manage our resources.

So it should come as no surprise that on the very first “Earth Day,”  April 22, 1970, transiting Saturn, which also depicts the Earth in astrology, was moving through the sign of Taurus.

Earth Day was originally founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as a way to inspire awareness and appreciation for the resources of the Earth.

As many of us know, Saturn is traditionally billed as the “Taskmaster,” he teaches us some of our most important lessons in life. Some astrologers equate him to “karma.”

Saturn also shows us where we may have blockages or limitations and where we may be resistant to change.

Saturn itself represents the “principle of conservation.” With Saturn, we often are forced to make do with less, often through hardship or loss.  As a result, we learn not to waste any of the resources at our disposal.

I think Saturn in Taurus finally began to open our eyes to the fact that the Earth’s resources are finite, and that they needed to be better preserved.  We started coming to the conclusion that we had not been managing Earth’s bounty properly. We had been wasteful and self-indulgent.

Also at the time of the first Earth Day, expansive Jupiter, the planet of opportunity, was at 0 degrees of Scorpio, the sign of rebirth, depicting opportunity for a “re-awakening consciousness.”  I think it was very symbolic, too, that it had just entered that sign, spawning fresh awareness.

Scorpio also has to do with management of joint or shared resources, as the opposite sign to Taurus. Very appropriate here for the management of shared resources and Earth Day, this quote by Wendell Barry:

“The earth is what we all have in common.”

What was also very beautiful about the energy of April 22, 1970, Venus, showing what we love and value, was at home in its own sign of Taurus and applying to an exact harmonious trine to transforming Pluto in Virgo.  Pluto is the ruler of regenerating Scorpio and represents the Earth’s inner core, while Virgo governs health and proper nutrition.

It’s as if suddenly that day, with Venus trine Pluto, we had a new, healthy, transforming love affair with Earth, with a desire to make it a better place. We got a renewing glimpse of its value and meaning to all of us. Venus-Pluto is associated with emotionally powerful love affairs that seem to have the added element of “fate” or “destiny” to them.

“There is enough for all. The earth is a generous mother; she will provide in plentiful abundance food for all her children if they will cultivate her soil in justice and in peace.” Bourke Coekran.

Written by Patricia Thompson.

Copyright 2010

Source Notes:

Origination of Earth Day: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Day

Wendell Barry quote: http://thinkexist.com/quotations/earth/

Butterfly picture: butterfly photo: butterfly picture: http://www.weforanimals.com/wallpapers/butterflies/page-1/butterflies-1.htm

Disclaimer

For entertainment purposes only. The information and data contained on and through this site is to be treated purely for your entertainment purposes only. Any prediction or other message that you receive is not a substitute for advice, programs, or treatment that you would normally receive from a licensed professional such as a doctor, lawyer, mental health professional, or financial advisor. Cosmic Life Coach Astrology Blog and Patricia Thompson provides no guarantees, implied warranties, or assurances of any kind, and will not be responsible for any interpretation made or use by the recipient of the information and data mentioned above.

Astrology April 20, 2010: Chiron Enters Pisces – Civil Rights, Medical Marijuana

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Cosmic Watch:

The same day that Chiron, the Wounded Healer, enters Pisces, the leading female figure of the 1960s civil rights movement – 98-year-old Dorothy Height – dies. Too, the last time that Chiron was in Pisces – from 1960 to 1969 – that period coincided with the rise of the civil rights movement and the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Pisces is thought to symbolize, among other things, civil rights/disenfranchised entities, the downtrodden, medical/hospital workers, as well as such qualities as unconditional love, compassion, and empathy.

Chiron symbolizes our deepest wounds and attempts to heal them.

Also today, the D.C. Council approved a bill to allow chronically ill patients to use marijuana with some stipulations.

Of course, the medical marijuana issue has been ongoing for a while, around the country. Pisces also rules drugs and medications.

Patrice Thompson

Source Notes:

D.C. medical marijuana: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/local-breaking-news/dc/dc-council-approves-medical-ma.html?hpid=topnews

Civil rights leader Dorothy Height.

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Disclaimer

For entertainment purposes only. The information and data contained on and through this site is to be treated purely for your entertainment purposes only. Any prediction or other message that you receive is not a substitute for advice, programs, or treatment that you would normally receive from a licensed professional such as a doctor, lawyer, mental health professional, or financial advisor. Cosmic Life Coach Astrology Blog and Patrice Thompson provide no guarantees, implied warranties, or assurances of any kind, and will not be responsible for any interpretation made or use by the recipient of the information and data mentioned above.

Astrology April 20, 2010: Sun Enter Taurus, Chiron Enters Pisces

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Cosmic Watch:

The Sun enters consolidating Taurus.  It’s time to focus our energies more upon building things of value and permanence.  It’s also time to discern and evaluate the existing structures around us to gauge their ongoing purpose and relevance in our lives.

For example, we may enjoy certain things or activities, however, due to shifting priorities, we may need to phase some stuff out now, as we become more aware that we only have so much time and energy at our disposal. Taurus energy is all about focusing and building upon our successes. It is very practical, material, and no-nonsense, and prefers things plain and simple.

With the Moon in nesting Cancer, we may also want to focus our thoughts now on finding value in our homes. Some possible questions to ponder here: How do we regard our home spaces?  What do they reveal about us? Are they warm and inviting? Do they reflect our personalities? Do they give us peace? If not, why not?

“The most important work you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes.”

Since spring is a time of renewal, a period when we are symbolically born again, it is often deemed a perfect time to rejuvenate our living quarters. Also, with Saturn presently opposite Uranus, we are perhaps being urged by the cosmos now to discard whatever is outworn (Saturn) in order to grow (Uranus).

Additionally, with the Sun, Mercury and Venus all in the money and possession sign of Taurus, we may want to have a yard sale and sell the things we no longer want, while pocketing some cash in the process.

Wounded Healer Chiron also enters Pisces today. The last time it was in this sign was from 1960 to 1969 coinciding with the peace and civil rights movements and free love and hippies. Pisces at its most noble expression represents Divine Love and compassion and the transcendence of physical boundaries. Back in the 60s, psychedelic drugs became popular with many young people trying to dissolve the hold of the physical world around them.

I have a feeling this time around with Chiron in Pisces, there may be far-reaching advances in medicine and perhaps more focus on natural and or homeopathic treatments, especially since spiritual Neptune will also be entering Pisces in the near future.

I also think we will be focusing more and more of our attention on the sea and our water supply, which is also ruled by Pisces.  Also, on oil.  Hopefully, Chiron will help us to both heal ourselves and the planet by living greener and more naturally.

Enjoy your Tuesday!

Patrice Thompson

Copyright 2010

Source Notes:

Harold B. Lee quote: http://www.quotationspage.com/subjects/home/

Butterfly picture: butterfly photo: butterfly picture: http://www.weforanimals.com/wallpapers/butterflies/page-1/butterflies-1.htm

Disclaimer

For entertainment purposes only. The information and data contained on and through this site is to be treated purely for your entertainment purposes only. Any prediction or other message that you receive is not a substitute for advice, programs, or treatment that you would normally receive from a licensed professional such as a doctor, lawyer, mental health professional, or financial advisor. Cosmic Life Coach Astrology Blog and Patrice Thompson provide no guarantees, implied warranties, or assurances of any kind, and will not be responsible for any interpretation made or use by the recipient of the information and data mentioned above.

Astrology April 19, 2010: Sun Quincunx Saturn, Pope Benedict XVI

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“Safe upon the solid rock the ugly houses stand: Come and see my shining palace built upon the sand!” Edna St. Vincent Millay.

Cosmic Watch:

The Moon enters nesting Cancer (at 7:39 am) accenting home and family matters. Cancerian energy is nurturing and protective and is sometimes afraid of letting go or venturing outside of perceived comfort zones. Too, just taking baby steps – instead of big leaps – is often a good way to expose to new experiences.

The Sun is finishing up its annual romp in initiating Aries today. Also, the Sun’s quincunx to Saturn, in organizing Virgo, may press us to be accountable for some of our actions of late and whether we have been putting our time/resources to good use.

“This is the very perfection of a man, to find out his own imperfections.” Saint Augustine.

*All times EDT

Memorable event in history on this date:

April 19, 2005 – Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, becomes the 265th Pope. The Cardinal (b. 4/16/27) had the transiting and transforming Pluto in Sagittarius exactly conjoined his 10th house of career when he became Pope.

Pluto often delivers to us those life-altering experiences and circumstances that can only be described as our destiny. Pluto also rules power and control and Pluto’s alignment on his 10th house conferred upon him the ultimate power as head of the Catholic church.

The sign of Sagittarius is on the Cardinal’s career house in his birth chart, originally suggesting a possible life path in the church, as Sagittarius rules traditional religion. The Pope also has several other aspects in his horoscope that reiterate a more spiritually focused undertaking for this life.

***

Enjoy your Monday!

Patrice Thompson

Copyright 2010

Source Notes:

Perfection quote: http://thinkexist.com/quotations/perfection/

Quote on safety: http://thinkexist.com/quotations/safety/

Event in history: http://www.brainyhistory.com/days/april_19.html

Butterfly picture: butterfly photo: butterfly picture: http://www.weforanimals.com/wallpapers/butterflies/page-1/butterflies-1.htm

Disclaimer

For entertainment purposes only. The information and data contained on and through this site is to be treated purely for your entertainment purposes only. Any prediction or other message that you receive is not a substitute for advice, programs, or treatment that you would normally receive from a licensed professional such as a doctor, lawyer, mental health professional, or financial advisor. Cosmic Life Coach Astrology Blog and Patrice Thompson provide no guarantees, implied warranties, or assurances of any kind, and will not be responsible for any interpretation made or use by the recipient of the information and data mentioned above.

Astrology April 18, 2010: Saturn Square Neptune – Sainthood for Joan of Arc

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Cosmic Watch:

Joan of Arc reportedly believed she was “handpicked by God” to lead the army of France in battles with England.  Although she felt war was part of her calling, she did not carry a weapon on the battlefield, as she reportedly did not want to hurt anyone. She only carried a banner.

Joan of Arc was declared a saint by the Catholic Church on April 18, 1909.  At the time, Saturn, the planet associated with protocol and recognition, was in Aries, the sign which pertains to combat/the military/self-defense.  It was also in exact alignment (square) to Neptune in Cancer. Neptune is thought to represent our “link to the Divine” and governs all matters spiritual, while Cancer symbolizes the nurturing principle and represents home, family, patriotism, and our roots.

Seemingly quite fittingly then, the “Saturn-Neptune” influence manifested in such a way that day that Joan of Arc, a past war figure (Saturn in Aries) was formally bestowed a religious status/sainthood (Neptune) by the Catholic Church.

***

Enjoy your day!

Patrice Thompson

Copyright 2010

Source Notes:

Event in history: http://www.brainyhistory.com/days/april_18.html

Butterfly picture: butterfly photo: butterfly picture: http://www.weforanimals.com/wallpapers/butterflies/page-1/butterflies-1.htm

Disclaimer

For entertainment purposes only. The information and data contained on and through this site is to be treated purely for your entertainment purposes only. Any prediction or other message that you receive is not a substitute for advice, programs, or treatment that you would normally receive from a licensed professional such as a doctor, lawyer, mental health professional, or financial advisor. Cosmic Life Coach Astrology Blog and Patricea Thompson provides no guarantees, implied warranties, or assurances of any kind, and will not be responsible for any interpretation made or use by the recipient of the information and data mentioned above.

Astrology April 17-18, 2010: Mercury Turns Retrograde, Ford Mustang Debut

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The pace quickens as the Moon leaves laid back Taurus for “Can we talk?” Gemini (at 2:08 am). Mercury also turns retrograde in Taurus (at 12:06 am). Perhaps best to defer signing important contracts until May 11th when Mercury resumes direct motion again.

Meanwhile, a sextile aspect from relationship Venus to abundant Jupiter bodes ideally well for romance and our power of attraction.

*All times EDT

On This Day in History:

The “Ford Mustang” is formally introduced on April 17, 1964, with a base price of $2368.  Fortuitous Jupiter had just entered possession-sign Taurus and was exactly sextile to structuring Saturn in Pisces – seemingly a perfect time to debut a product for long-term success.  Also, Mars was strong at home in speed demon Aries, potentially giving us a passion for ports cars!

***

Enjoy your day!

Patrice Thompson

Copyright 2010

Source Notes:

Wilson Pickett YouTube ceoglobalmusicgroup

Events in History: http://www.brainyhistory.com/days/april_17.html

Butterfly picture: butterfly photo: butterfly picture: http://www.weforanimals.com/wallpapers/butterflies/page-1/butterflies-1.htm

Disclaimer

For entertainment purposes only. The information and data contained on and through this site is to be treated purely for your entertainment purposes only. Any prediction or other message that you receive is not a substitute for advice, programs, or treatment that you would normally receive from a licensed professional such as a doctor, lawyer, mental health professional, or financial advisor. Cosmic Life Coach Astrology Blog and Patrice Thompson provide no guarantees, implied warranties, or assurances of any kind, and will not be responsible for any interpretation made or use by the recipient of the information and data mentioned above.

Astrology April 16, 2010: Saturn/Uranus – New Same-Sex Hospital Rules

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President Obama ordered new rules Thursday allowing for “same sex hospital visits.”  The new regulations give gays and lesbians the right to visit their partners in the hospital and have input into their care.  This marriage benefit has been something that has not always been extended to gay couples.

“Gay and lesbian Americans…are often barred from the bedsides of the partners with whom they may have spent decades of their lives-unable to be there for the person they love, and unable to act as a legal surrogate if their partner is incapacitated,” Mr. Obama said in his order according to the online Wall Street Journal.

These new rules come on the heels of Saturn’s retrograde back into the sign of Virgo (Virgo rules health) and its opposition to change-agent Uranus in Pisces (Pisces rules hospitals).  Saturn pertains to rules and established protocol while oppositions potentially bring about “turning points.”

Questioning Uranus is thought to characteristically attempt to overturn the structure that Saturn has erected, especially when that structure has the effect of “stifling or repressing” individual self-expression.

In this instance, Uranus in Pisces seemingly serving as a catalyst for changing the rules (Saturn) that hospitals (Pisces) have traditionally followed, regarding the dissemination of health care services (Virgo).  Uranus in Pisces potentially triggering the need for new policy with a wider application among a diverse population group. The present Saturn opposition to Uranus formally “finalized” this policy change.

Additionally supportive for the implementation of these new rules: Venus, which rules love relationships, and Mercury, which governs thinking, are conjoined now in practical, workable Taurus. Both planets are also harmoniously sextile to expansive Jupiter in Pisces, the sign of hospitals. Venus aligned with Jupiter is traditionally regarded as one of the “luckiest aspects” in astrology, bringing about favorable conditions and circumstances.  So, on the surface, this would seem to be an especially good time (Jupiter) to usher in new guidelines (Mercury) pertaining to “intimate couples” (Venus). Jupiter’s ray is such that it tends to have a broadening or growth effect on the areas or activities that are ruled by the sign that it is passing through.  Jupiter intrinsically represents and fosters new growth opportunities and generally coincides with a more optimistic outlook.

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Enjoy your day!

Patrice Thompson

Ccopyright 2010

Source Notes:

Same sex hospital visitation rights: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304510004575186893862169492.html

http://www.wisdomquotes.com/cat_security.html

Butterfly picture: butterfly photo: butterfly picture: http://www.weforanimals.com/wallpapers/butterflies/page-1/butterflies-1.htm

Disclaimer

For entertainment purposes only. The information and data contained on and through this site is to be treated purely for your entertainment purposes only. Any prediction or other message that you receive is not a substitute for advice, programs, or treatment that you would normally receive from a licensed professional such as a doctor, lawyer, mental health professional, or financial advisor. Cosmic Life Coach Astrology Blog and Patrice Thompson provide no guarantees, implied warranties, or assurances of any kind, and will not be responsible for any interpretation made or use by the recipient of the information and data mentioned above.

Astrology April 15, 2010: Indulgent Taurus Moon, Repealing Marriage Laws

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“Pleasure is the object, duty and the goal of all rational creatures.” Voltaire.

Cosmic Watch:

We are moving along but at a slower, more leisurely pace. Our need for adventure is coupled with a good measure of common sense and caution as the Moon cavorts through practical, yet self-indulgent Taurus.  This is an ideal time for evaluating the pros and cons of our new plans and for calculating costs, budgetary matters.

We are also weighing the itinerary of perks available to us if we expend energy in a new direction. For instance, will we still have time for a peaceful stroll in the park? What about being able to fit in time for a facial and foot massage? 🙂

On This Day in History:

On April 15, 1985 – South Africa decides to repeal sex and marriage laws against whites and non-whites. At the time, inclusive Jupiter was transiting humanistic Aquarius, potentially elevating the collective understanding and broadening capacity for diversity and tolerance.

Also, the trail-blazing Aries Sun was exactly quincunx Saturn in Scorpio.  The quinqunx is an adjustment aspect. Saturn in Scorpio suggests blockages or restraints regarding intimacy. The precedent-setting Sun here perhaps successfully challenging fearful Saturn in Scorpio to get out of its comfort zone and venture out into a new arena.

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Enjoy your day!

Patrice Thompson

Copyright 2010

Source Notes:

Voltaire quote: http://thinkexist.com/quotations/pleasure/2.html

Event in history: http://www.brainyhistory.com/days/april_15.html

Butterfly picture: butterfly photo: butterfly picture: http://www.weforanimals.com/wallpapers/butterflies/page-1/butterflies-1.htm

Disclaimer

For entertainment purposes only. The information and data contained on and through this site is to be treated purely for your entertainment purposes only. Any prediction or other message that you receive is not a substitute for advice, programs, or treatment that you would normally receive from a licensed professional such as a doctor, lawyer, mental health professional, or financial advisor. Cosmic Life Coach Astrology Blog and Patrice Thompson provide no guarantees, implied warranties, or assurances of any kind, and will not be responsible for any interpretation made or use by the recipient of the information and data mentioned above.

Astrology April 14, 2010: New Moon in Aries

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“All glory comes from daring to begin.”  Eugene F. Ware

The New Moon in pioneering Aries (8:29 am) propels us into action. We go forth into the world with a spirit of confidence and discovery. It’s a potentially inspiring period of rebirth, a time for embracing bold new challenges.

The Moon’s sextile to Neptune and Chiron triumphantly adds to the feeling of hope and majestic vision for the future and courageously goads us on to bury old hurts and wounds and free ourselves up from self-doubt.

If we don’t like where we are now and what we have become, this is a perfect day to start all over again.

“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished.  That will be the beginning.” Louis L’ Amour.

*All times EDT

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Patrice Thompson

Copyright 2010

Source Notes:

Louis L’ Amour quote: http://www.worldofquotes.com/topic/Beginnings/index.html

Butterfly picture: butterfly photo: butterfly picture: http://www.weforanimals.com/wallpapers/butterflies/page-1/butterflies-1.htm

New beginnings quote: http://www.wow4u.com/beginnings/index.html

Disclaimer

For entertainment purposes only. The information and data contained on and through this site is to be treated purely for your entertainment purposes only. Any prediction or other message that you receive is not a substitute for advice, programs, or treatment that you would normally receive from a licensed professional such as a doctor, lawyer, mental health professional, or financial advisor. Cosmic Life Coach Astrology Blog and Patrice Thompson provide no guarantees, implied warranties, or assurances of any kind, and will not be responsible for any interpretation made or use by the recipient of the information and data mentioned above.