THE RISE OF THE CORPORATE MYSTIC

If you were not aware that we are in a time of momentous change then you are either new to astrology, or you have been otherwise engaged in recent weeks. We have an unusually bright Comet blazing forth in the sky; a Sunspot larger than Jupiter; Mars not only coming to its closest position to Earth but also out of bounds in declination and due to oppose four planets lining up within a few degrees of the Galactic Centre! Phew, take deep breath everybody because that's not all....

This celestial showstopper is all happening as we move towards Jupiter changing signs for the first time in a year (to the sign of Capricorn). Then Saturn will bow its head and stand still, as a crash of cymbals sound at the Sun/Pluto conjunction. The Sun also stands still from Dec 20th (we pause and bide our time) as it prepares to turn around at the Winter Solstice. We then move towards the always highly emotional and dramatic Full Moon.

The great 'Orchestral Conductor' in the Sky is obviously trying to build the tension up to a crescendo, for this one occurs on Christmas Eve. It's a Full Moon like no other as it is inextricably linked with the Mercury/Jupiter/Pluto/Mars alignment - and the Moon actually occults (eclipses) Mars at it's brightest point. Disregarding longitudinal positions, retrogrades etc for a moment we can say then that the planets, Sun/Moon/Mercury/Earth/Mars/Jupiter and Pluto are all coming into synchronisation close to the Galactic Centre and the Solstice point. That's some symphony. If you click on the image at the top you will see a visual depiction of this.

The gestalt of the Christmas Eve line up is that of an imbalanced see-saw, denoting that there's pull between inner and outer feelings, home and career, freedom and closeness, head and emotions. Whatever you are grappling with now there are contrary pulls on your time and there may be ethical and moral dilemmas. Feelings of wanting to move forward but being held back because practical details have yet to fall into place will be commonplace.

The overall feel is one of important announcements, speeches and decisions, truths emerging and tipping points being reached. A changing of the guard, an ascent to a mountain peak (debt??) that can go no further. A belief system or ideal that now has to to be turned into practical action. A bridge between theory and practice needs to be crossed. Spiritual beliefs and teachings need to start permeating out into the real world.

In fact if you have held a belief system or believe strongly in making a difference now it the time to move this out into the corporate world. The New Ager, The Eco Warrior, The Astrologer, the person with a vision; the person who understands the interconnected nature of life - all are now about to get a voice in corridors of power.The spiritual person - the unsung heroes of daily life who keep business and productivity moving i.e the secretaries, the admin people, the 9-5 workforce, the bosses - they have to rise up and become 'Corporate Mystics', Taking their beliefs out into the real world and make them tangible.

The Celestial pile up is occurring at the most globally visible part of the Zodiac, the MC, and this means a major transition point in Leadership (Royal Family, Presidents, your Boss, your parent, you role) The Sun, and Mars, have gone as far as they can go, the only way now is back down - symbolically bringing us all back down to Earth. Back to more reality and truth.

Many of us simply can't go any further now with plans, ideals, beliefs, dreams or fantasy - and that includes denial, lies and cover-ups. We have to sit down and take practical steps to address or lives. Dreams have to be earthed in practical action. Lies and fantasy bubbles (over inflation) have to be pierced and the fall out dealt with. The planets are all piling up in Fire signs which equate to spirit, they are due to move to an Earth sign that relates to matter. Constructive action has to replace mental deliberation, agitation and crises of conscience.

For example it's all very well in theory to keep piling money on a credit card if you intend to pay it off month by month, but eventually there becomes a tipping point where the interest is unmanageable and you simply have an insurmountable mountain of debt. Now we are being forced over that mountain and have to take practical steps to reduce it. Self- preservation of all you have built up is key but only in ethical ways. Choosing voluntary bankruptcy as an easy way out would be unethical. New credit arrangement to pay back in smaller increments wouldn't.

Whilst writing the World Banks have taken the unprecedented move of all joining together to inject cash into the failing economy. This is highly symbolic of the changes occurring at high levels where the good of the whole system is being looked at. Joining forces on a global basis (Galactic Centre) to create change.

Some of you may have been building up to taking some new position or role in life; a promotion or a complete change of career; getting married; becoming a parent; taking retirement. Now you will have to balance out all the realities of assuming that new role. Management of your time, your family commitments, laying down your manifesto for the future. Those of you desperately seeking recognition or fame may have to watch it doesn't flip over into notoriety or infamy. 'Status' and 'Celebrity' won't have the same kudos from 2008/2009 onwards that it once had. Socialism will begin to replace Capitalism. People won't care what you have or who you are, they'll care what you do, what you say, and how you make a practical contribution for the good of the whole.

We'll all be forced to appreciate the material plane for its true value. Abundance will no longer be enough. It is illumination ( and the fulfillment that this engenders) that we are being asked to seek.

If you have been in a romance that has been all love and passion, you may feel compelled to take it to the the next level. You'll probably be considering further commitment. If you have been in denial about a bad relationship, or set of circumstances, now you are weighing up your options. What is clear is that for many of us things cannot go on as they were - but they can get better.

JUPITER INTO CAPRICORN - DEC 18th 2007
The likely manifestations of this new position can be found all over the Internet from a simple Google search. The title of this post is the message I most want to be impart. Jupiter into Capricorn - the beginning of the march of the The Corporate Mystic/The Spiritual Leaders.

Oprah Winfrey led the way last week when she stepped out of her comfort zone and spoke up for Barack Obama because she believes in him. She wanted to put her money, her mouth and her faith behind his ( and her) vision for a new America. It is the people who do have a vision for humanity - and not just for their party or their own egotistical reasons- who will rise up the ranks now.

Jupiter is the planet of social change. It is also the planet of teaching. We may not be a boss , a leader or have any obviously significant role but this inspirational video from www.makeadifference.com shows just how easy it is for us all, with just a slight shift of perspective, to make a profound difference to the lives of others.




Click Here To Watch

JUPITER/PLUTO - An Invitation

Here we are then, just hours away from the exact Jupiter/Pluto conjunction. I think I have said enough about this aspect recently (here) so today I thought it would be nice to post a poem at this precise and historic moment - Moon/Jupiter/Pluto. This famous poem has been inspirational in my life. If you haven't ever read it, I hope from today it can become an inspirational touchstone in yours.....


The Invitation

It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.

It doesn’t interest me how old you are.
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool
for love
for your dream
for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon...
I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow
if you have been opened by life’s betrayals
or have become shrivelled and closed
from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
without moving to hide it
or fade it
or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy
mine or your own
if you can dance with wildness
and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes
without cautioning us
to be careful
to be realistic
to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me
is true.
I want to know if you can
disappoint another
to be true to yourself.
If you can bear the accusation of betrayal
and not betray your own soul.
If you can be faithless
and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty
even when it is not pretty
every day.
And if you can source your own life
from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand at the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,
“Yes.”

It doesn’t interest me
to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up
after the night of grief and despair
weary and bruised to the bone
and do what needs to be done
to feed the children.

It doesn’t interest me who you know
or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand
in the centre of the fire
with me
and not shrink back.

It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom
you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you
from the inside
when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone
with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep
in the empty moments.

* * * * * *

THE MISSING PEACE

Do you want a future different from your past? Are you missing peace and true contentment in your life? One organisation may be able to offer you a solution. It's called the Hoffman Process.

Those of you who have visited Kathryncassidy.com may have seen a discreet link directing you to details of this organisation. It's there because in September 2001, just as the Saturn/Pluto opposition was occurring (and the Twin Towers were falling) I was packing my bag to go and deconstruct (Pluto) my life and to try and rebuild it (Saturn) in a better shape.

As we approach a pile up of planets at the end of Sagittarius- the Jupiter/Pluto conjunction, Sun/Pluto, Jupiter and Pluto into Capricorn - I know many of you will be feeling that things simply cannot go on as they are. Something has to give in your life and a fundamental change made. You will have arrived at the realisation that it's futile to try and change others, you simply have to knuckle down to changing yourself.

In general people hear of the Hoffman Process only by word of mouth. The message tends to arrive at exactly the right time and it immediately resonates. An inner compulsion arises to learn more about it and you feel guided to explore the possibility of attending. Then a little voice wells up in the back of your mind and it shouts things like ' What! I can't afford that' or 'How could I possibly take that much time out of my life, what about the kids, the job, the dog' and whatever.

However, and I know all ex Hoffies (we use the term Graduates but I was reluctant to tell you that for fear that you will immediately label it as some weird cult) will agree, the call to do this process is so strong that, in those for whom it is destined, providence immediately starts to move to address all those mundane issues. Money suddenly arrives unexpectedly in exactly the amount required to pay for the course. Someone offers to have the kids etc., etc.

If The Hoffman is not for you, you'll know too. In fact you probably haven't even got this far down the page. You won't have a running battle with yourself in your head about the pro's and con's of attending. There simply won't be the magnetic pull. That's okay.

"The goal of the Process is to create peace on Earth one person at a time." Bob Hoffman - Hoffman Process Founder

For those of you who are already more than curious, The Hoffman Process is virtually worldwide and is known as the Rolls Royce of self- discovery 'therapies'. It attracts people from all walks of life and past graduates include politicians, actresses, investment bankers, unemployed, barristers, housewives, therapists. TV anchors, writers, astrologers! It's not a kind of re-hab. It doesn't deal with addictions or severe mental problems. It is a unique course designed solely for people to get in touch with their Quadrinity - their intellect, emotional self, physical self and spiritual self - in equal measure. It particularly focuses on the patterns we all carry with us from childhood which blight our lives as adults. The Hoffman Process is a profound spiritual journey and a wonderful tool for change. Here's what others have to say about it............

“Some of the most visionary leaders of our time have been through the Hoffman Process and all of them say, ‘Boy, this thing is really good, this is designed well, executed magnificently, attracts tremendous, great and inspiring teachers, and delivers a uniform result where people get what they want. It doesn’t tell you who you are or what you’re going to be. It helps you see your inner magnificence and the wonder called ‘you.’

Mark Victor Hansen
Co-creator of Chicken Soup For the Soul book series

What is the Process? Liza describes it as:
A retreat where you make profound inner change by resolving what's unresolved in your own heart. The Process allows you to deal with what cannot be dealt with through your intellect or even by knowing it so well that you could write a story about it.

Why do the Process? Raz has this to say about the benefits:
There's a pretence that when you become an adult you'll magically know how to get married, raise children, sustain love, have a career, grow old gracefully, save money, and so on. But nobody teaches us this, so we imitate what we see on TV, but unfortunately, much of popular culture is empty and meaningless. The Process initiates us into finding answers within, to live a life based on love, peace, dignity and contribution, rather than on things we imagine will bring us satisfaction, but don't. At the Process we see a lot of successful people confronting a lack of deep meaning; they want a bigger life; to really be alive.

How do you see the Process in the future? Raz replies:
I'd like to see some of the central values of the Process embedded into the culture. I'd like people in high school to be taught about child development. I'd like people to know that authenticity is at the heart of leadership. And for people to understand that every human being is an absolutely unique gift. Children need to be given respect, dignity, appreciation and love.

You can read this article in full here

Author Debbie Ford says:
'The Process was one of the pivotal experiences that changed my life. I believe that anger is connected to our passion and creativity. Although I did some anger work before, it was in the Hoffman Process that I embraced my anger and came to terms with it. The Process had a profound impact on my life. So if you haven't yet done the Process, take the step. It's such an amazing experience.'

Author and Coach, Debbie Ford

The Hoffman Process takes place across the world including Argentina, UK, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Middle East Australia, USA and more. For details of the Process
Countries other than the UK go here

The UK Hoffman site is here

Jupiter into Capricorn speaks loudly of taking our spiritual beliefs and putting them into practice out into the world. In 2008/2009 these will start to permeate across the home/worklife axis of everyone. As such more and more professionals are gradually incorporating spritual practices into their business ethos. When Saturn opposes Uranus the real revolution will start.....

The question is not ‘does the Process work?’ The question is, ‘are you ready to do the work to change your life?’

ACCIDENTAL NECESSITY?

Earlier this week I heard an horrific story that has once again got me ruminating on the subject of fate vs freewill.

The friend (let's call her Kate) of an acquaintance of mine was delivering 'Road Safety' leaflets. While she was doing this a woman driving along a nearby road was suddenly blinded by the Sun. Unable to see, she hit a parked (empty) lorry and sent that vehicle careering into the garden where Kate was delivering leaflets. A passenger in the car died and as a result of her injuries Kate had to have her arm amputated above the elbow. What strange fate lined these three people up like a row of dominoes in that instance of time and space and changed all their lives forever?

The title of this blog gives you a good idea of where I stand on this subject; I believe we all have an unalterable basic destiny or role to fulfil (Fate). A role that from our narrow vantage point may appear to have very little rhyme or reason behind it, but when viewed from a higher plane is essential to the overall outcome and workings of the system we call humanity.

Now we could start delving into the astrology of it and the correlation between what she was delivering and the nature of the event but somehow that seems pointless. It was what it was and I doubt it could have been prevented. I believe we can only collaborate with fate to the extent that we can realise the connectivity of us, as an individual, to the collective whole - and by that I mean the entire Cosmos. As such we can come to an understanding and peace within ourselves that everything happens in a divine order and ultimately for the good of the entire 'system'. Here the word ultimately can encompass a span of time far outside that of our physical existence.

There ain't no such thing as an accident; there ain't nothing happens in the world but what's ordered just so by a wiser power than us, and it's always for a good purpose ... - Mark Twain

Bad things do happen to good people but without evil people in the world how could we know good? Without despair how could we really appreciate happiness; without suffering how could we ever cultivate compassion - and who is doing the labelling of bad and good anyway? One person's despair may be another's happiness. It is we who place judgements on the nature of specific events and it is usually relative to our own unique viewpoint. We may deem this aforementioned incident 'horrific' but to the family of Kate, they may be repeatedly offering thanks and saying how lucky they feel that she wasn't killed. To yet another person, perhaps reading about it in a local news article, it makes no impact at all and they are more interested in the football results. Likewise to the people who live in Afghanistan, Angola, Bosnia Herzegovina, Cambodia, etc where entire families regularly have their limbs ripped off by landmines, Kate's accident wouldn't even warrant a mention.

Looked at from this viewpoint we are all participants of a perfect mechanism that is the sum of all of its parts. We all strive to live storybook perfect lives, a life of some recognition; whether that be for the talents we have, the love we can give, the change we can effect or what we can leave behind for others. Perhaps understanding what our role in the system is, accepting it with grace and fulfilling it to the best of our abilities is all that is required. A life devoid of angst, trauma, highs and lows would really be no life at all.

Lynn Hayes over on Astrological Musings put it very eloquently when she spoke about life as being a mission to fulfil:

The birthchart is where we find our inescapable fate. The planets and their configuration around the space of the universe that enfolds us form our destiny on Planet Earth, and it is our mission, whether we choose to accept it or not, to engage in a process of experience that maximizes the potential of this fate.

How we pursue this process is where our free will comes in. We can resist the hand that has been dealt to us, which in my experience is a losing battle. Or we can embrace it and learn how to find the gift that lies within the burden of our challenges.

Here's what some of the greatest philosophers and minds in the 'system' had to say on the subject:

The right way to wholeness is made up of fateful detours and wrong turnings. - Carl G. Jung

We are not permitted to choose the frame of our destiny. But what we put into it is ours.
Dag Hammarskjold

and my favourite:

Destiny is what you are supposed to do in life. Fate is what kicks you in the ass to make you do it
Henry Miller

Who knows what Kate's 'mission' is.... to campaign for road accident victims? To help other amputees? To begin a personal quest to discover why she may have been singled out, thus delving deeper into the meaning of her life than she otherwise would have?

It may be any or all of things - or far more. I haven't been in such a situation so I can never truly empathise but there's surely something to be said for this:

God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
the courage to change the things I can;
and the wisdom to know the difference.

I sincerely hope Kate, and the millons of others like her who feel they were dealt a cruel blow by fate, can find courage, forgiveness and acceptance in the face of their adversity and let others learn from their strength.

* * * * *

Gift ideas for Xmas.





Take a look at the lovely Lunar Planners, Gifts and 2008 Astrological Calendars on this great site.





How about a Beautiful Personalised Astrology Book, bound and personalised just for you.

Vision Boards are becoming the must-have tool for serious manifesters and cosmic orderers! I wouldn't plug anything that I don't 100% believe in and this is the Board I use on my computer to great effect.

Finally I have expanded the books and gifts on my Georgian Planet Bookstore (By the way, Georgian planet is another name for the planet Uranus, planet of Astrology). The link for those looking or purchasing in the UK is here or for those in the USA or who wish to take advantage of the great dollar exchange rate the USA link is here

MARK & CERYS - Is it love? The astrology.

When I go to write the names of the two loved-up 'I'm A Celebrity' contestants, Mark Bannerman and Cerys Matthews, these Irving Berlin lyrics come whirling into my head:

There may be trouble ahead,
But while there's music and moonlight
And love and romance,
Let's face the music and dance....

For those of you in other climes here's the story; Actor, Mark and singer Cerys entered the popular British reality programme, filmed in the Australian jungle, via a 1,000ft bungie jump from a helicopter then promptly started going gah-gah over each other. Perfectly fine and romantic under ordinary circumstances but Mark has a live-in girlfriend, actress Sarah Matravers, and her man was wooing the Welsh warbler Cerys in front of the whole nation - ouch.

Surprisingly the British viewers showed their compassionate side and, after a tearful interview with his spurned girlfriend was aired, they promptly booted Mark out of the jungle. To his utter and obvious devastation, (this man is a proud Leo) he now held the ignominious titles of 'Contestant with lowest number of votes' and 'Love Rat'.

After a suitably Oscar winning performance of contrition, Mark flew back to London (and this is visually amusing) in a plane chasing the one that Sarah had recently left on. However he left behind a romantic missive for Cerys, a letter which he knew would be read out on prime time TV, saying that he had gone back to London ' to sort things out' but would be back to be there for her on her exit from the camp. Double ouch to Sarah! Talk about compounding a wrong.

So, could it really be love after less than two weeks of knowing each other? I'll look at the astrology in a moment but let me just add something here: Girls and Guys, here's a top tip for attracting a mate and ensuring you both become totally besotted - do an extreme sport together on your first date. Psychologists and human behavioural experts have long known that if, when two people meet, they engage almost immediately in an activity that gives them a huge adrenaline rush, they'll both literally become instantly addicted to each other.

You'll have to do a Google search to read about the ins and outs of this (excuse the pun - and no, that activity doesn't count) but basically when two people are very attracted to each other their adrenaline rises. If you then artificially stimulate this in large quantities via some shared activity such as an extreme sport, AND you are halfway attractive to the other person, then Bingo! One loses all reason in order to constantly recreate that rush which you wrongly attributed as emanating from the other person's presence.

Add a Venus/Pluto cross aspect between your charts and a bit of an ardent nature anyway and it's a guaranteed recipe for lurrrrrrve.

Are these two astrologically compatible? Yes there are some fantastic links and I have no doubt that they would have been attracted in more normal circumstance anyway. Mark's Uranus opposite Cerys' Sun tells us about the excitement, the spark and the sudden attraction. Marks' Sun in Leo and Cerys' posited in Aries speak of a fiery match but think of Cerys as a flame thrower with a flame that consumes everything then quickly burns out and Mark as a campfire that takes a while to ignite, then takes ages to ever extinguish, and you about have the measure of it. Their Moon signs are not harmonious which means their emotional natures are ultimately very different and with a Sun/Chiron cross aspect Marks actions, which forced open declarations of love after such a short time, could eventually leave them both publicly licking some very open wounds.

Cerys has her Moon in the detached, but friendly, sign of Aquarius but she's certainly not immune to grand gestures and big romances. Like most women though it was the swashbuckling, adventure hero that she fell for, not a doormat puppy dog.

The thrill of the chase is all important in any relationship but the obsessive/compulsive element to this romance seems to have superseded any normal courting rituals. I think this romance does have some way to run as it will feel so compulsive and exciting, but eventually I believe Cerys will tire of Mark and find him too possessive of her. She'll like her space and he'll guard it a bit too tightly. He'll like his space too but she'll let him have it just when he'd rather be with her. This combination will cause an on-off element to persist. Cerys also appears astrologically to be more of a forceful, willful package than he envisaged (or any of us can see on our screens) so it's fair to suspect that eventually it will be more off than on.

Ultimately this is fine as it will leave Mark to do what he does best - have dramatic and intense love affairs believing each one is his ideal woman, a Princess to his Leo King. However this time he may not be able to shake this one out of his system quite as easily as he has done his live-in relationship with poor Sarah.

........Soon, we'll be without the Moon
Humming a different tune - and then
There may be teardrops to shed

* * * * * *

My newsletter will be mailed at the end of the week. It has articles on Astrology and The Law of Attraction, Colour Therapy and Healing, Declinations, Oprah Winfrey and more. If you would like to be on the mailing list please e-mail me from the sidebar link or go to my site www.kathryncassidy.com and leave your address there.

More Gift ideas for Xmas.





Take a look at the lovely Lunar Planners, Gifts and 2008 Astrological Calendars on this great site.





How about a Beautiful Personalised Astrology Book, bound and personalised just for you.

Vision Boards are becoming the must-have tool for serious manifesters and cosmic orderers! I wouldn't plug anything that I don't 100% believe in and this is the Board I use on my computer to great effect.

Finally I have expanded the books and gifts on my Georgian Planet Bookstore (By the way, Georgian planet is another name for the planet Uranus, planet of Astrology). The link for those looking or purchasing in the UK is here or for those in the USA or who wish to take advantage of the great dollar exchange rate the USA link is here

ALL THE STARS ARE COMING OUT TONIGHT

Whilst marvelling at this latest incredible image of Comet Holmes, I was alerted to some intriguing synchronicity. Filling the room around me was a piece of music emanating from my favourite radio station - Magic FM. The piece I was hearing contained a continual reprise of the lyrics....

All the stars are coming out tonight
They're lighting up the sky tonight
For you, for you

Now quite obviously, when the UK band Take That first recorded these lyrics (which are part of the sound track to the aptly named film Stardust) they had no idea the song's release on 22 October 2007 would coincide with one of the most spectacular sky/star events in living memory. In retrospect though it does seem to have been a marvellously serendipitous omen! The film, released in the UK on 19th October 2007 has already netted over $12o million dollars.

Another synchronicity that myself and fellow Blogger Barbara Palliser had noted is, coincident with the arrival of this comet, was the sudden appearance on the world stage of the X-Factor (UK equivalent of American Idol) contestant Rhydian Roberts. Throughout the auditions Rhydian was seen as a slightly wacky and weird choice for inclusion in the final line up but, from the first live show his brilliance began to emerge. Shortly after the discovery of Comet Holmes Rhydian was described as "World Class" by Simon Cowell, then made a truly 'out of this world' appearance in a sparkly silver sequin suit and ever since his star has been rising.

It's also difficult to dismiss the synchronicity between Rhydian's explosion to fame, the meteoric record sales this month of last year's X-Factor winner Leona Lewis, and the opening titles of the X-Factor show which depicts a comet streaking around the globe!

Besides the obvious connections of new celebrities (stars) exploding on the global stage, I was also struck by the fact that the aforementioned Take That song is entitled 'Rule The World'. Many astrologers are making an association with Comet Holmes to the bright star in the sky (popularly thought to be the Jupiter/Saturn conjunction) which accompanied the birth of Christ. Clearly I'm not for one minute suggesting that Take That are the new Messiahs ;-) but, as I already mentioned in my previous post, there is an upcoming major planetary alignment that could herald a new leader. By anyone's standards the Jupiter/Pluto conjunction in Sagittarius portends something very special.

HOW DO WE INTERPRET A COMET?
When looking to interpret the meaning and likely manifestations of a Comet, astrologers utilise four main methods:-

1) We look to previous appearances of a comet as they all have a periodicity or cycle.

2) We look at what is happening out in the world at the time the Comet reappears and what, or who, is in the headlines.

3)If the Comet's appearance is coincident with a major planetary alignment we can look at what happened at the time of previous configurations. In this case the Jupiter/Pluto conjunction. (Unfortunately as Pluto was only discovered in 1930, although it was obviously up there for eons prior to this date, we have a distinct lack of empirical data).

4)We seek to understand the correspondences of the Comet via a study of mythology.

With regard to number 4, I recently received an e-mail from a reader of my blog called Thomas Jackson. Thomas knew that Comet Holmes was travelling* through the Constellation Perseus and he realised that myself and my colleagues would be looking for the symbolic interpretation. Therefore, he very kindly sent me some fascinating information which, with his blessing, I copy here for your enjoyment and/or research:

Reading about the myth of Perseus, I came about some extraordinary connections to historical and archaeological facts that have only been understood and revealed relatively recently. The destruction of the Minoan civilization by the volcano at Thera in 1600 BC is the event preceding the Perseus myth. The rise of the Mycenaean civilization after it is attributed to Perseus.

If one reads the myth of Perseus, and seeks out the information about the ancient cities and peoples, and the relations among them, some startling discoveries can be made. For example, the son of Perseus was named Perses, who founded an empire in "Aethipoia." But this is not the Ethiopia that we know commonly. The domain of Perses and his descendants was an ancient empire that occupied present day Syria, Israel, Jordan and part of Saudi Arabia. These people were known to the Assyrians, the Hittites and the Egyptians, and they were called the Parsua. When this empire later merged with the Median Empire, they were known as the Parthians, and they later became the rulers known as the PERSIANS.

The period that the descendants of Perseus created their empire in "Aethiopia" was the same period as the rise and dominance of the Mycenaean Empire, after the fall of the Minoans, due to the cataclysm on Thera.

In a recent documentary on the History Channel (US), scientists showed how the volcanic eruption on Thera could have caused ALL of the plagues that befell Egypt as related in the Bible, in the same order. Thus, the establishment of Israel after the Exodus probably took place after the fall of the Mycenaean Empire, c 1100 BC.

I have found that study of the myth of Perseus, with regard to archaeological evidence, is a rich source that may shed some light on the meaning of the explosion of the Comet Holmes.

Look to the meaning of the horse-trade in the ancient Mediterranean, for it was the source of Perseus' stepfather's wealth. Perseus is said to slain "the Gorgon, Medusa." Yet the Gorgon were said to live in what is present-day Libya, and you will find some interesting facts about ancient Greek cities established there, particularly Cyrene. The Gorgon was said to have been "part horse ," and the name "Medusa" means "Queen." The Gorgon Medusa was said to have formerly been a priestess of Athena's temple. And indeed, in the city of Cyrene, there are temples to Athena, Zeus, and Demeter.

All of the things I have read so far paint a picture, for me, of an ancient struggle among the surviving Minoan cities for control of the horse trade, and possibly, for control of the entire financial system, following a catastrophe that destroyed the dominant civilization of the time.

I have heard conflicting stories about the place of the Comet Holmes in the sky, but since it is moving, I'm not sure whether to discard one story or another.

One story says that the Comet exploded in the third eye of the Medusa in the constellation of Perseus. For me, this would seem to indicate a sort of "self realization" of the monster. ie, the monster becomes aware that it is the monster. It can also mean that "the monster is awakened." This story would support an interpretation that the "horse-trade" financial system that Medusa ruled over as Queen has been revived. A one-world hegemonic financial system. The "monster" was created, according to archaeology, by the disaster at Thera. The "monster" was slain by Perseus, founder of the Mycenaean civilization. In today's terms, it could be a portent that a massive catastrophe will destroy the global financial system, and thus "awaken the monster."

The myth of Perseus says that the monster was created by Athena, who is said to have been outraged that the God Poseidon seduced Medusa inside the temple. The tsunamis created by the explosion at Thera come to mind. Medusa, Queen of the horse trade, was "seduced" by the sea to become "hateful toward men," (presumably, the men of Athens!). So, presumably, after the disaster, control of the horse trade shifted from favoring Athens, which probably had some influence over the horse trade from Libya previously.

The Gorgan was said to "turn men to stone," and here I note that the Greeks had quite a fascination with turning stone into men! Human likenesses were immortalized in sculpture, though this, and my previous point, are both speculation. However, fame and wealth and patronage of the arts were the functions of those who controlled trade.

There is more to say, but let me turn to the other story about Comet Holmes. That story says that the Comet exploded in the vicinity of Perseus' penis. That story strongly suggests "the seed of Perseus," and as I have already said, the son of Perseus, named Perses, is said to have been the ancestor of the Persians.

I noted your astrological work on the chart of the nuclear age, and the importance of Algol in that chart. Algol is the star nearest the Comet as we see it, and we can have no doubt that this is a portent about the current crisis over Iran's nuclear program if we interpret it according to this second story.

Whatever disaster may be in store for us, the myth of Perseus is also a myth of hope, and we have ample evidence that those who survive the disaster are likely to share in a new beginning, as the Mycenaean civilization was.

Though the above is by no means complete, or even well documented, I offer it to you as food for thought. Astrology is not my vocation, and these inspirations may be better fashioned in your hands rather than mine.

0-----0

Thomas also gave the following link - The Dome of The Sky

So, as you can see, thorough interpretation relies on looking at the Comet in an historical, mythological and popular context and it is likely to have multifarious correspondences.

One final correlation that I leave you with from the popular context is this..... On the night that the Comet appeared Kate and Gerry McCann were recording an interview which 'brought to light' a hitherto unrevealed image of the person Jane Tanner says she saw at the time of Madeleine McCann's abduction. This only held any significance for me when I heard that the Comet had appeared at around 6 degrees of Gemini, for this is exactly where the Asteroid Madeline (correct spelling of asteroid) was on 3rd May 2007, when Maddie disappeared.

The appearance of Comet Holmes could be seen to have coincided with an explosion of disbelief in the McCann's story, as 70% of the viewers watching that interview felt the parents were hiding something. However the revelation of the new drawing also reignited the abduction-by- a- stranger theory and renewed possible sightings of the little girl. It may therefore be of some synchronistic relevance that the Comet is now heading towards the Sun sign of Madeleine, i.e. Taurus, and astronomers think that a second explosion of the Comet sometime between now and January is a possibility. Whether this coincides with further illumination, or news of what happened, remains to be seen.

I offer this only as an example of how the heavens often mirror a turn of events on Earth and not as any particular further personal comment on the McCann case.

Thanks for reading

* * * * *

I have also been receiving a lot of interesting information on the Comet from a lady in North Dakota, America who I won't name without her permission but she knows who she is. I would like to sincerely thank her. This led me to wonder too just how many visible stars are contained in that image at the top of the page - could it be 50? One for each of the 50 US States? Happy Thanksgiving for later this week to all Americans.

* Some astronomy websites say the Comet is heading West which is perfect symbolism for Rhydian's Song choice this week - Go West!

JUPITER/PLUTO & HOLMES

Cor blimey! Forget 2012. According to Sorcha Faal over on Whatdoesitmean.com (thanks to Astrococktail for the link) we probably aren't going to make it that far. In fact perhaps even Christmas should only be pencilled in.

Now, having my Moon in Leo I'm quite partial to a bit of theatrics but Sorcha appears to be a firm contender for this years 'AmDram' award when she (he?) writes........

"The signs of the heavens are given to all of us, good and bad alike. So, know this, your destruction is assured, everything you know is about to be overturned, the World as you know it is about to disappear in a cataclysmic series of events that will leave your mind reeling to the point of insanity if you allow it to happen. You may from this point be able to say many things, but this you can never say…. “I was never warned.”

The article in its entirety refers to the transit of Comet Holmes over the malefic fixed star Algol.

Whether by accident or design Elsa P had obviously picked up on this transit for she recently posted a wonderful article on Top Ten about The Horror-Scope of Algol, written by Nick Kollerstrom in 2005. In this Nick points out that on April 11th 1996 Comet Hyakutake passed over the dreaded 25/26 Taurus Algol point swiftly followed by Comet Hale-Bopp the following year. Both of these events coincided with rising tensions in the Middle East and various untoward events on Earth.

Just in case you have never heard of Algol, let me fill you in. This star is located in the constellation of Perseus. The name is taken from Ra's al Ghul - The Demon's Head but is also known as Caput Algol and Caput Medusae. It was known as Lillith to the Hebrews after the nocturnal vampire said to be Adam's wife. To the Chinese it is known as Tseih She or piled up corpses- it's not looking too good so far is it?

Vivian Robson (1923) gives it the nature of Saturn and Jupiter and says it causes misfortune, mob violence, decapitation, electrocution, causes death to the native or others and if with Mars in Gemini or Pisces the hands and feet will be cut off. Not surprisingly then it is considered the most evil star in the heavens.

Astrologers have no reference books delineating the effect of Comets transiting Algol due to the relative infrequency of the event and their haphazard periodicity, so basically we have to make it up as we go along by looking back at what events transpired with previous sightings. This is somewhat of a hit and miss affair because, according to each astrologers expertise and what they are focusing on, it may be that one unwittingly ascribes an effect on Earth to a Comets transit over a fixed star, when in truth there was also a difficult aspect or midpoint being triggered between two malefic planets. In general though it has to be said Algol has been shown to coincide with some bloodshed or nasty events when transited by the Sun or other planets. So there is no reason to suspect it will be any different from the symbolism point of view when a comet passes through this area of the heavens.

Indeed almost all ancient texts tell us that comets are harbingers of death, doom and gloom, especially to Leaders and Royalty as well as spreading viruses, plagues etc in their wake. The Bayeaux Tapestry records Kind Harold's dismay when a comet appeared in 1066. The diarist John Evelyn wrote in 1680,' They may be warnings from God'. In Germany they were taken seriously too, although in this era it is reported the Dutch elite were contemptuous of comets as omens. However, in the same year puritanical preacher Increase Mather gave a sermon on 'Heavens Alarm to the World". In this he said:

" As for the sign in the heaven now appearing, what calamities may be portended thereby?.....In general we have cause to fear that sweeping judgements are thereby signified; that the Lord is coming down from Heaven with a long besom of destruction which shall sweep away a world of sinners before it..."

When sermons like this winged their way around the world via word of mouth we ended up with the equivalent of the modern day conspiracy theory and an ingrained traditional belief - Comet = bad things.

With regard to this particular comet, Comet Holmes, one has to say that looking at its sheer beauty and magnificence it is difficult to see it as an omen of terror. It appears to be lighting up the World in much the same way as a bright star in the heavens foretold the birth of a Messiah at the birth of Christ.

This comet will pass by Algol around 10 -15 December 2007 (although this site gives it as Jan 22 2008) but it should be remembered that it has already passed by Algenib ' the elbow of the Pleiades' which brings a gift for oratory and enthusiasm and eclipses Algol with its brightness. After leaving Algol it will pass over other fixed stars and according to the star chart on the site just mentioned, on July 23 2008 (if we are still here!) it will transit Castor. This star, sometimes named Apollo, speaks of 'A Ruler yet to come' Could this be Obama?

The Ephemeris for Comet Holmes is :

05 Nov - 5 Gemini 24
10 Nov - 4 Gemini 21
15 Nov - 3 Gemini 12
20 Nov - 2 Gemini 01
25 Nov - 0 Gemini 50
30 Nov - 29 Taurus 41
5 Dec - 28 Taurus 30 ?
10 Dec - 27 Taurus 19 ?
15 Dec - 26 Taurus 08 ?
20 Dec - 24 Taurus 57 ?
25 Dec - 23 Taurus 46 ?
30 Dec - 22 Taurus 35 ?

In offering this information I seek to remind people that the current atmosphere of negativity that is swirling around us is often driven by people's tendency to look for the cup being half empty instead of half full. There is no denying that our World seems to be in a precarious state with wars, famine, disease and the latest threat of global warming. However all these things are part of the great cycles of evolvement and it may be prudent to keep perspective. The coming Jupiter/Pluto conjunction in Sagittarius, the sign of Faith, coincides with one of the dates that Comet Holmes is expected to reach Algol, Dec 11th 2007. This could indeed speak of calamity and strife arising from despotic leaders in the name of religion or even global/galactic horrors. However, this stupendous comet and these aspects could also herald the birth of a new way of thinking and being. An illumination of spiritual consciousness that is leading us into a wonderful new era under the guidance of some very wise men or women.

If you gaze at the image above can you really see this dazzling vision as a harbinger of evil?