Given the many theories about our current collective circumstances there is one thing we can say for sure. We are in a period of dramatic change. Many would say it’s necessary change. We are navigating tragedy, grief, tremendous uncertainty and much more. How we respond to that will depend on our individualised consciousness. Yet assuredly there are encouraging shifts taking place in these currently challenging issues. The natural world is certainly benefiting from humanity’s seclusion.
Global crisis is nothing new. Yet this one brings a difference. It is a global crisis that touches each one of us directly. Perhaps that’s what it takes for us to pay attention? Perhaps in what is called ‘unprecedented’ we are also anchoring the potential for a different kind of world? How might astrology support our deepening understanding in that?
I’ve written many blogs about the deconstruction process we’re involved in collectively, as mirrored through planetary transits. Deconstruction inevitably makes way to change. Not ‘back to normal, or even ‘back to a new normal’ but deep-seated change. As we move through this year towards the major alignment of Jupiter and Saturn on 21 December potentials of innovation are appearing… slow but sure. For instance many European cities are now making more space for cyclists. The catalyst may be an unhealthy one but what’s needed to keep us safe over this year is bringing unforeseen benefits. Meanwhile, astrologically, as the lunar nodes change signs on 5 May, we begin to receive pointers towards new energetic direction. The transition between ‘normal’ (Was it normal? And if it was who wants to go back to it?), the static state of lockdown and new possibilities is emerging globally. Our outlook is also receiving a much needed boost.
The Nodes of the Moon are points in the zodiac connected to the relative positions of the Moon, Earth and Sun. In astrology the Nodes represent the qualities that are well- developed within us, that we can rely on, and the qualities we are being called to develop. Natal placements of the Nodes point towards a karmic imbalance and capacities we need to grow. Transiting placements of the nodes act as a collective evolutionary pointer and change signs every 18 months. We are in that transition between signs now.
When we look at the foundations of astrology many individuals will be aware the zodiac signs are divided into four elements – fire, earth, air and water. The earth element is strong this year. Perhaps less well know are the modes, or the ways the signs operate. These are cardinal, fixed and mutable; cardinal energy (Aries, Cancer, Libra & Capricorn) gets things moving through action; fixed energy(Taurus, Leo, Scorpio & Aquarius) is the stabilising and maintaining mode; mutable strength (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius & Pisces) is in being flexible and spontaneous, adapting ways of being. All three modes of being are essential aspects of life: cardinal to kick-start, fixed to build and mutable to adapt or change. The mutable sign energies govern periods of transition. It’s hardly surprising then that the mutable signs are becoming prominent now. As the Lunar Nodes move from Cancer and Capricorn to Gemini and Sagittarius we begin to notice a lighter rhythm, a different focus, a new season tentatively emerging.
The two nodes are always oscillating in opposite signs. The Gemini-Sagittarius axis is polarised but the thread connecting these two signs is the mind: how we use it, what motivates us, routes towards learning and their efficacy, ie traditional education or experience.
Gemini is about information, facts, rationale, language and communication (oral or written). It is interested in what’s new or news right now. Gemini, like the wind, is here for the short haul and can change its mind at moment’s notice, especially if new information or stimulation is available. As an Air sign it’s about lightness of being, fun, playing the field and making new connections. Gemini is full of curiosity and nervous energy yet easily distracted, can’t stand boredom and can tend to flippancy. Anything for a laugh or a juicy piece of gossip! Nonetheless as a sign of high intelligence Gemini wants to explore, discover and learn in order to be able to communicate and educate through what it knows. In communicating what it knows it makes the connection it seeks and that fulfils, even in just a moment, especially right here right now. Gemini Archetypes: teacher, student, journalist, scientist, networker, salesperson, writer, social butterfly, clown, messenger, twin, trickster, Peter Pan.
Sagittarius is the mental polarity to Gemini. Inspired by adventure and exploration, Sagittarius mode of learning is through experience or in-depth study and immersion in a subject. Hence Sagittarius is known as the philosopher of the zodiac. Its fire energy is intense like a forest fire, moving fast, consuming everything in its path in the quest to expand. To increase knowledge and discover greater meaning is a quest for Sagittarius. Whether that’s through an overseas journey, a university programme or spiritual practice what underlies the quest is the desire to develop a set of deep-seated, ever-evolving beliefs. Where Gemini is inspired simply by facts, or what it thinks about those facts, and communicating that, Sagittarius motivation is the deeper meaning to those facts or knowledge and where they lead; it’s both/and thinking to Gemini’s either/or definition. It’s the right brain hemisphere ‘bigger picture’ capacity to the left’s logic. Sagittarius archetypes: explorer, guru, teacher, student, gypsy, adventurer, truth seeker, globetrotter, mentor, optimist.
So what does this movement of the Moon’s nodes suggest for this next 18 months? Being mutable air and fire elements the move is upwardly mobile, spontaneous and flexible, exploring our world in new ways, experimenting, lightening up, taking the positive perspective. The North Node focus of growth is in Gemini. Gemini energy is like a butterfly. It makes the connection then moves on. It provides what serves then changes focus. Gemini connections activate change, much like the wind blowing seeds around. Whether each seed germinates is no matter to Gemini; it’s in their dissemination that change is activated. There’s a freshness about this approach that inspires and energises – think breath and how that energises the body. The dangers: we can get too scattered, spun out or confused with air and fire energy; stressing out from information overload; getting hooked into fake news; ‘knowing’ too much, communicating carelessly (without care), are all distinct potentials. We’ll be discovering much about how we think, learn, connect and communicate over this next 18 months. It’s a good time to reflect on the question: what new learning can expand my horizon right now? As we move towards the mutable energies of air and fire this one question could be the light at the end of the tunnel that inspires new life in you right now.
