Astrology
On April 25, Pluto stations retrograde. Pluto is linked to the Freudian id, the primordial urges within us that compel our conscious actions. It is particularly associated with themes of power and control, and the experience of obsessions and compulsions. Pluto governs the unseen elements that allow for magic, but also the unspoken motivations that can manifest as manipulation. Pluto retrograde is a wonderful time to parse our own inner psyche to get a grip on the secret longings that fuel our regenerative energy and let go of the hidden fears that steer us toward more destructive tendencies. Ultimately, though, Pluto is a transpersonal planet. While this planet affects the individual, its influence is best understood when viewed in the broader scope of the collective. We are in a time when the shadow side of society has taken center stage. The deceleration of civilization offers a reintroduction to our wild, instinctive nature. The stripping away of our accepted norms lays bare the channels of power we have created. Pluto is all about inner resources. As we are given pause to examine how and how fairly our natural resources are sourced and distributed across the planet, we are also given the opportunity to tap into our inner strength and transform how we choose to participate with these constructs.
Astronomy
March snowstorms gave us an extension on the winter season, and there’s still time to catch the “Winter Circle” in the sky! The Winter Circle is a large, hexagonal asterism that connects six first-magnitude stars that include and surround Orion. At this time of year, it can be found in the southwestern sky after sunset. To locate this pattern, start by finding Orion’s belt, beneath which is Rigel, one of Orion’s “knees.” Next, draw a line eastward from the belt to find the dazzling star, Sirius. From Sirius, track upward to find Procyon, the brightest star of the constellation Canis Minor. Northwest of Procyon lie Castor and Pollux, the twin stars of the constellation of Gemini. West of these two is the red star Aldebaran. It is north of Rigel, and the brilliant planet Venus is currently nearby, providing an extra guidepost. Draw a line between Pollux and Aldebaran and then track north-westward from its midpoint to find Capella, the star directly opposite Sirius in the circle/hexagon. On April 26 through 28, the waxing Crescent Moon will move through the Winter Circle.
~Dawn Andreoni is yoga teacher and astrologer living on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. You can find more about her offerings at celestialdawnastrology.com or follow her at facebook.com/astronotions.
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