A Tale of Two Retrogrades

When working on a set of charts, one of the things astrologers look for is patterns. Patterns in divination usually tell a story of sorts, pointing the seeker in the direction of more precise knowledge. They are generally to be found somewhere; at times following a bit of digging out, archaeology-style.

At other times, they can be staring you right in the face.

Comfort Zone Ejector Seat

It's almost time for that impressive astronomical light show otherwise known as eclipse season. First is a hybrid solar eclipse, taking place on 20th April at 04:12 UT; this is followed up by a penumbral lunar eclipse on 5th May at 17:33 UT*.

Astrologically, these phases can be pretty intense, as if time were compressed and everything happening at once; the decisions made during them can be far-reaching and potent. In order to harness the power of an eclipse window, it is useful to understand where we are in our present life, where we seem to be headed, and where we would like to be - in every sense. As possessors of free will, we are capable of turning certain circumstances to a variety of possible accounts. For the two weeks in question, that ability may get an extra boost.

Pluto in Aquarius News: Artemis II Crew Announced

NASA has announced the four crew members who will be involved in the Artemis II manned mission to the Moon. I came across this news today and thought it very apropos: the exercise of our power (Pluto) in the realms of space exploration and technology (Aquarius). Interestingly, November 2024, the date projected for the mission launch, is the month in which Pluto leaves Capricorn for the last time.

The mission will be the first test of NASA's new Orion spacecraft, and will involve a flyby approximately 10,000 kilometres above the Moon's far side, before returning to Earth. The crew are not intending to land.

Focus On: (136199) Eris

Basics

Class: Dwarf planet
Location: Scattered disk
Orbit length (approx): 562.03 years
Discovered: 21st October 2003, 06:25 UTC, from Palomar Observatory, California, by Michael E. Brown, Chad A. Trujillo and David Rabinowitz
Notes: Most massive and second-largest known dwarf planet (ninth known most massive object orbiting the Sun) in the Solar System. High-eccentricity orbit; has one large moon, Dysnomia.
Events at time of discovery:

• October 21 – War on Terrorism: US officials state that they believe Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl was killed by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.
• – Scientists call for a total ban on fishing for cod in the North Sea to allow stocks to recover from near extinction.
• – The commander of United Nations forces in Afghanistan warns that the security of Kabul is at risk if security is not achieved in the Afghan countryside.
• – Occupation of Iraq: Human Rights Watch (HRW) accuses US troops of using excessive force against civilians in Iraq.
• – Iran's Supreme Council agrees to comply with the IAEA, allow inspections of its nuclear facilities, and suspend its uranium enrichment program.
• – Outbreaks of locusts are reported in Mauritania, Niger and Sudan.
• – The British Government confirms that elections to Northern Ireland's devolved administration will be held on November 26. The Provisional IRA announces a further act of weapons decommissioning. Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams declares "the end to physical force republicanism".
• – Israeli-Palestinian conflict: The UN General Assembly approves a resolution demanding that Israel remove a security fence in the West Bank by an overwhelming majority of 144 to 4, with the US voting against the motion.
• – Ecuador: US oil company ChevronTexaco is charged in court with polluting a once-pristine swath of the Amazon rainforest. The plaintiffs' lawyers have put a US$1 billion price tag on clean up and medical care for the region's inhabitants.
• – Death of Fred Berry, 52, American actor
• – Death of Alfred Rose, 71, Indian Konkani singer, composer, and actor
• – Death of Elliott Smith, 34, American musician
• – Death of Arturo Warman, 66, Mexican anthropologist, author, and politician

Focus On: (136108) Haumea

Basics

Class: BB-type dwarf planet/plutoid
Location: Trans-Neptunian Object (TNO)
Orbit length (approx): 281.07 years
Discovered: 7th March 2003, 00:40 UTC, from Sierra Nevada Observatory in Spain
Notes: Third-largest known trans-Neptunian object, after Eris and Pluto.
Events at time of discovery:

• March 7 – Death of José Márcio Ayres, 49, Brazilian conservationist and zoologist, founded Brazilian rain forest reserves
• – Death of Manfred Durniok, 68, German film producer, director and screenwriter
• – Death of Monica Hughes, 77, Canadian SF author
• March 8 – Malta approves joining the European Union in a referendum.