Weekly Astrology with Risa D'Angeles

for the week of January 1, 2009

view the columns of the past three weeks
See Risa's Winter Astrology & Planetary Guide on Monthly Horoscopes.

Aries
Taurus
Gemini
Cancer

Leo
Virgo
Libra
Scorpio

Risa & Radio -
Risa will be once again on web radio, Awakenings Show, Friday, January 2nd, 12 noon - 1:30 pm PST. Go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/awakenings.

Love Calls to us From Distant Stars; The New Year; Saturn Retrograde; The Night Sky; Obama & Science; Thoughts for the Season of Winter; Radiation of Light – Goodwill

Happy New Year, everyone. 2009 begins with Mercury entering Aquarius (a message concerning the new culture and civilization humanity is to create) and Saturn retrograde (reviewing the last eight months) in Virgo (in detail). Our concerns until May are work, health, and the structure of our daily lives, which will be tumultuous because Pluto in Capricorn will continue its onward push toward transformation and change.

So, what’s in store for 2009? Change beyond belief, love calling to us from distant stars (especially Sirius), community emerging from Aquarius (it will save our lives), everything falling down, and a reordering of all structures (political and otherwise) that will bring forth radical (Uranus) opportunities, new scientific (Ray 5) thinking (Ray 3), new possibilities forging the seeds of the new culture and civilization (Ray 7). See the chart for January 1, 2009 here.

Saturn Retrograde
Saturn retrograde will tend the door of Initiation as the Dweller on the Threshold, testing our strength, resiliency, transparency, and vision. It will be a year we’ll look back on as “the year shock set in realizing the policies of greed fostered and nurtured for generations were winning, when we realized profit should and cannot govern our lives, when we finally saw the patterns (of profit and greed) that have enthralled and captured us.” It will be the year we realize capitalism doesn’t (didn’t) work and that to sustain our families, communities and the Earth, we must take a stand on the side of the Forces of Light (the Kingdom of the Soul), step out from the illusions handed to us (tempting credit) and, humanity working together, begin to create the new sharing society. It will be difficult; we’ll be severely tested, for the prevailing forces are very clever (however clever, they have no love), indeed. But together, and with this understanding, we can overcome. For we have love on our side.

In the Night Sky
Look up after sunset into the southwest. This is what you might see in the night sky! Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Moon, Venus, Jupiter, Mercury. Visit www.spaceweather.com....

Obama and Science (both Ray 5, the Science Ray)
President-elect Barack Obama has named his scientific advisory team and they are real scientists! Not lobbyists. This is a “climate change” within the Presidency where science will no longer be “muzzled”, forgotten, ignored, or controlled by distorted thinking. "Promoting science is not just about providing resources. It's about protecting free and open inquiry," said Obama, seeming to address the previous administration's record on scientific advice. "It's about ensuring that the facts and evidence are never twisted by politics and ideology. It's about listening to what our scientists have to say, even when it's inconvenient. Especially when it's inconvenient. Whether its the science to slow global warming; the technology to protect our troops and confront bio-terror and weapons of mass destruction; the research to find life-saving cures; or the innovations to remake our industries and create twenty-first century jobs today, more than ever before, science holds the key to our survival as a planet and our security and prosperity as a nation," Obama said in his weekly radio address. "It's time we once again put science at the top of our agenda and worked to restore America's place as the world leader in science and technology."

Obama – Ray 5 of Concrete Knowledge & Science
Esoterically we look at Obama’s chart to understand his ability to clearly see science as most important and valuable in the coming times – holding the “key to our survival as a planet”. Obama is Aquarius rising and Leo Sun. Aquarius (and Leo) is Ray 5 which is the actual ray of science and scientific thinking. The Aquarian Age, ruled by the scientific Ray 5, brings forth knowledge and scientific thinking (Ray 5) in order to create the new culture and civilization that will grow (and prosper) in the Aquarian Age. In order for the new culture and civilization of equality, sharing, communities, etc. to come forth the old ways of life are being destroyed, dissolving away within their own non-sustainability. Ray 5 rules (oversees, influences) not only Obama, but also the entire scientific community and the present Aquarian Age. (View Obama’s chart here)

Thoughts For This Season of Winter
We are in the season and months of winter now. Even though the new year has begun and the new light (expanding solar force) is ascending (since Winter Solstice, the Sun’s light moves northward, the days have incrementally more moments of light), there is a sense of endings, a sense that a year has passed and in the seeming darkness and wintry weather (gray, cold, snow and rain in the northern latitudes), there seems to be somewhat of a sorrowfulness. In this multiple-shades-of-greys interim, as thoughts about the purpose of life approach, we wonder about the meaning and duties of each day, the accomplishments of the past year. Things fall away from us, we have less energy, we feel the need for sleep and rest more than is usual.

Let us look at nature. She is resting also. After a year of productive growth of flora and fauna, fully alive and golden, nature during winter looks bleak indeed. The preparations and cheerfulness (some forced) of the holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah) are long past, in the shadows of a time far away. We can no longer remember them. The joy of Jupiter (Sagittarius’ ruler) has given way to the somber shadows, strictness and discipline of Saturn (ruler of Capricorn and Aquarius). We wonder what there is in the present that calls us to cheer, to action, to love and to joy? What will take us out from under the mantle of sorrow and sadness (and a strange pressure) many of us feel during this ending time called winter? And particularly this new year of 2009.

An added note for winter 2009. The Winter solstice chart tells us something of the coming three months ahead. Sun was conjunct Pluto and on the west coast Scorpio was rising. Pluto is the god of the underworld, of darkness and shadow – all of which transform us. However, the Path to the underworld is fraught with difficulty, strange turns, unexpected encounters, all of which plant the seeds of transformation and the deepest of changes. (View winter solstice chart here)

The fact that these three months of winter are only a part (1/4) of the twelve months in a yearly cycle is significant. It means that winter will not be with us forever. Soon spring will spring forth and the white rootlets in the earth underneath the first green shoots (the two small leaves look like the symbol of Aries) will be lit by a fire from the heart of the Sun. It is this fire that initiates the growth of each plant and it occurs only at springtime. But during winter we can wonder what is there to celebrate and what is lit by fire? How do we endure and what is there to do in this seemingly dark time we call Winter?

Radiation of Light – the Task of the NGWS
One of the tasks of an esotericist is to be a Light in the Darkness, to radiate out to the kingdoms of earth the Light within our hearts (goodwill), minds (will-to-good from the ajna center) and Souls (unifying Love/Wisdom), wherever and whenever darkness is encountered. There is purpose in being this radiating Light. Both purpose and Light provide direction. Purpose creates Right Action. These are important words to ponder – purpose, direction, Right Action, Light. They are like virtues to follow. When we function within these intentions, Right Relations with all kingdoms is created. Without intention we forget our purpose, lose our direction, and function outside of Right Action. Let us light the Way for others through our intentions for Goodwill. This is the Mother aspect. Being a Light in the Darkness, radiating Goodwill serves humanity and uplifts them. The constant task of the New Group of World Servers.

However & Simultaneously…
Simultaneously, something else is occurring in and around us that we do not have explanations for. A strange inability to see the future is occurring along with nothing making much sense. In science/physics there is something called the phenomena of novelty. These words do not refer to things novel and new, but to an experience in which simultaneous realities occur at the same time that create clashes and upheaval – seeming non-rational, illogical, unreasonable events coming together. The result is a confusing sense of non-knowing. Everything seems to be shifting about, on its own time schedule, in transition, denying many of the laws of the past, while the new paradigms or models have not arrived yet to replace them. What we are used to no longer works anymore while much that we have lived with (beliefs, systems, ideas, etc.) seems no longer viable (or perhaps even understandable). The hopes we tended so carefully for our well being we realize no longer have any hope of manifesting.

Our collective architecture seems to be crumbling while there is a simultaneous sense of pressure to get things done, make decisions and changes, much of which we know nothing about, nor is there clear direction. Let me write here that this pressure is not going to dissolve away in the near future. It will continue for some time to come. This is the pressure of the collective (all of humanity including the Earth and her kingdoms) being called into its destiny which is occurring through an inner and outer transformation (Pluto’s behind it, in Capricorn along with Neptune in Aquarius and Uranus in Pisces, the last two planets presently not in harmonious signs).

We Realize…Yet…Non-Rational Situation
We realize we must orient ourselves toward a different model of living, but many of us do not know yet what that model looks like. We realize (some) we must step out and meet our destiny. However, without much (or anything) in our world making sense to us, and under extreme discomfort and duress, we don’t know where to place our individual or collective feet (Pisces, the sign that is being withdrawn). Let us realize now that our planet is experiencing the very same distress along with humanity, this situation is a growth phase, the situation will be ongoing, and the dynamics behind it, on every level, is almost incomprehensible in its vastness.

It is not necessarily a rational situation that we are experiencing. Our only course of action is to function within the very moment of each moment. Much beyond the moment seems to have no existence (it has not been fully formed yet). What is the purpose of this experience? We are learning to live within the essence of life, live with only essentials. The main learning is that humanity is (and will continue to) learning how to adapt within pressure, we are not being allowed to remain static, we are becoming sensitive to the different rhythms entering our world (especially Pluto in Capricorn) and above it all we are learning how to remain poised and balanced amidst the transformations and changes.

We remember two things esoterically – 1. Humanity is the kingdom that must adapt and, 2. Libra (seeking balance), Ray 3 (Divine Intelligence), enters into our world during times of transitions.

We are to remember also, and this is most important, that we did not create the changes that are occurring in our world. And we have no ability to influence the purification that must occur. The changes are greater than we are, and their source is almost unfathomable, though astrologers know that the timing and influence comes from the planets and signs close to us – Saturn, Uranus & Pluto along with Virgo, Pisces, Aquarius and Capricorn.

Overall, the word mindful seems to be the most descriptive state of reality we must adapt. Tending to the situations at hand is mindfulness. When we are mindful, we allow stability to enter into our lives and the lives of those around us. Mindfulness also provides us with comfort. In this way we “manage” our part. There is a mantram that is helpful…

Let reality govern our every thought.
And truth be the master of our lives.
And so let it be.
And help us do our part.

Dear Friends, Each day I respond to all emails received. If you do not receive a reply within a week, that means that we did not receive your communication. Please write again. Risa

	I was struck by the chart of January 1, 2009 because the sign Aries looks to be the most potent of the coming year. You’ll not only deeply experience relentless change but will actually personify change for others, especially in your work world. This means you have the opportunity to initiate completely new and transformative ideas that will re-shape the structure of your personal and professional life, co-workers, and all environments. Everyone around you will listen.
	After the holidays and New Year begins you, knowing full well the reality of the times we’re in, will work harder this year to provide essentials and establish stabilization among your circle of family and friends. You have the knowledge, energy, impetus and constancy to reach out to those in need providing information on needed preparation. Many will look to you for guidance. We stand with you.
	You know many things, often hiding them from others. You wonder at the reality of your intuition but truly it’s intact and revelatory. Use it to guide others in ways that reveal to them their own spiritual worlds. Use your intuition also to improve the life of someone entrusted to your care. I know you will do this. It’s in your heart and Venus guides you. It’s love that informs your intelligence.
	Working with others brings all your gifts forth. At first it may seem difficult to enter into groups of people. That’s natural for Cancer preferring to remain at home. Contact family, distant relatives, tend to close relationships with special care especially children, renew vows of marriage and commitment, and march forward steadily in the radiating light of goodwill propelling you. And do your taxes early this year.
	Communication becomes quite interesting as the year begins. Talk of love and detachment, dispassion and discrimination interweaves and undulates through all conversations. However, you will be fraught and burdened with work in between. Balancing the two – relationships and daily work – is what your health needs. Concentrate primarily on what creates happiness. Relationships do, and they heal wounds.
	The challenges of the last years ease. A more calm and peaceful time, relatively, will begin although you may feel there is simply too much work, too many papers and communications may be in excess. A new sense of opportunities and possibilities not felt before will emerge. Focus on romance, even if not a focus for forever. Deepen into your commitments through intention. When you do so, inspiration awakens.
	Home continues to be a primary focus and will continue to in coming years. You seek what sustains and comforts, nurtures, reassures and calms. There will be situations this year offering insight into your early years. A truer more substantial understanding will surface creating psychological changes needed for your health and well-being. All of this is good. Your work may change, too.
	The New Year finds you contemplating childhood years, seeking what nurtured, what your parents provided, and how your psychological foundation influences your present life. Thoughts run deep, feelings deeper. Wounds resurface but soon they dissolve away. A finely tuned creative vein begins materializes. You seek ways to express yourself differently than before. Play for you is serious. Nonetheless find some children and play with them.
	You go through periods where you’re thrilled with life. And then days where you wonder what that was all about and can’t find joy in your work, home, responsibilities or tasks. You are learning life’s ups and downs that become tools for living. All the challenges you’re experiences are training for deeper service. We don’t learn through comfort. Seek new friends and professional contacts. They are waiting.
	Always seeking to be productive, you find satisfaction, pride of accomplishment and solace through work. This year and for many to come, Pluto is your taskmaster. You’ll be called to shape the new culture and civilization, lead in creating communities, and be part of the transformation that must transform our planet to make her sacred. What is not needed in your life will fall away. Your time has arrived to be part of the New Group of World Servers.
	A spiritual crisis may unfold in your life this year. Many of us skirt spiritual issues or reject past religious upbringing or have no religious attractions whatsoever. You will ask deeply religious and spiritual questions and form out of your experiences a philosophy of Life. Seclusion, retreat and contemplation will help should irritations beset you. This will pass. It would be good to say the Integration Mantram.
	Great benefits from unknown sources will be offered to you this year. Your spiritual studies and work deepens. Solitude will be your keynote even when you reach out to groups, friends and family. There will be a desire to make peace with everyone. Remember that peace is the result of Goodwill, which creates Right Relationships with all kingdoms. People will come to you. Guard them and yourself with care.
Risa's email is risa@lrec.org and her web journal, where much more esoteric information and her writings can be found, is www.nightlightnews.com In California: Esoteric & Astrological Studies & Research Institute PO Box 2780, 523 Center St. Santa Cruz, CA 95063, 95060 831-426-1143 In Oklahoma: Sparrow Hawk Village & Sancta Sophia Seminary Tahlequah, Oklahoma 74464