Mercury Retrograde & Inspiration

21 July 2005
Please visit our worthy sponsors
View and visit sponsors' ads in new window.

Greetings Everyone,

The Grand Fire Trine is rapidly passing. Sun will move to Leo in a couple of days. And, Mercury will go into retrograde, appear to be going backwards, on the same day, until 16 August 2005. Whew! Lots of action Leos. But we shall prevail!

Mercury influences metal processes, communications, short rang travel--running around town. Gemini and Virgo are ruled by Mercury. So, you guys should be a bit more careful too. During a Mercury retrograde, it can be difficult to bring things to a conclusion. Expect "snafus" in communicating with others or when trying to make plans. Most importantly, don't go nuts trying to wrap things up. More than likely, it'll be better and healthier for all of us if we just take a deep breath and concentrate on planning, taking care of all those pesky little tasks that have to be done before completing any project.

I plan to take my own advice and set the groundwork for some new ideas. Lately, have needed to do a lot of "virtual running around" to encourage web traffic. There's no getting around it, can be interesting, but after awhile, some new blood's got to be infused. Frankly, the Retrograde may be a refreshing change of focus to see the big picture in a clearer light.

So, for the next few weeks, let's look at the bright side of what's normally seen as gumming up the works!

Have a great weekend!
~Paula Gaon

Fire, Fire Signs, & The Half Blood Prince, Latest of the Harry Potter Series

Greetings all! Wishing everyone a peaceful, healthy, successful and happy week.



This week the operative word is fire. First of all, and unfortunately, the unrest and violence in the world, secondly The Grand Trine in the Fire Signs of the Zodiac, and last but not least, Saturday's release of the latest book in the Harry Potter series, Half Blood Prince. In case you're not a Harry Potter Fan, Harry's Sun Sign is Leo, the second of the three fire signs.



Fire, represents humanity's control over the environment, our ability to improve our quality of life by creating lasting and durable goods as well as control the quality of our health and diet by cooking and/or preserving food. In the ancient world, fire was considered an element. Today, we've further analyzed fire and no longer consider it a basic element, but the fact remains that the ability to use and control fire is one of the abilities that separates us Homo Sapiens from the rest of the Animal Kingdom. Mythologies throughout history relate to the importance of fire; and world literature abounds with stories about fire. The Ancient Greeks thought that fire originally belonged to the gods and was stolen by Man. The symbol of rebirth was the Phoenix; the mythical bird who was reborn from the ashes of fire that consumed it. Even in the Biblical Tradition fire holds a special place. No fire is mentioned in the Garden of Eden; everything was provided, meat was not eaten, why would Adam and Eve need fire? The Jewish Sages taught that G-d gave them fire upon their expulsion from the Garden of Eden because they were so afraid. And, no matter how High-Tech we get, fire and the ability to use and control fire will always be essential.



As I've said before, I'm not getting into discussions of the geopolitical situation. Frankly, I'll never understand it and have decided to restrict BFT's discussions to the higher ideals. (If you'd like to read a few of my political rambling, see LittleGreenFootballsBlog) What else can you expect from someone whose Natal Chart has Jupiter in the Ninth House, ruled by Sagittarius, a Fire Sign? More about that later.




Now, on to the current Astrological Map. A Grand Trine occurs when at least 3 different planets align at roughly the same angle, one in each of 3 signs, all signs the same element. In this case, Mars in Aries, Mercury and Venus conjuncting, combining energies, in Leo, and Pluto in Sagittarius. In addition, from Monday afternoon through Tuesday, Moon will conjunct with Pluto, in Sagittarius, giving Pluto's powerful aggressive nature a romantic intensity. Trines bring easement, to those them in the Natal Chart, as well as events. A Grand Trine even more so. Since this one involves so many planets, it should be very interesting. In case you haven't guessed, the 3 signs involved are the Fire Signs. And by the way, the last Grand Fire Trine was in September 1975. So we see what a special astrological event this is.



The Fire Signs are physical, authoritative, aggressive, farseeing, honorable and studious. They tend to project the self, the ego, will and creativity. They show how one is distinguished from others.



Again the planets involved in the Grand Trine, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Pluto, and Moon, for about 24 hours, let's discuss the influence of each Trine.



1) The trine between Mercury and Mars suggests an alertness and cleverness. There is a practical and positive approach to life. Reasoning powers and action are harmonized. Creative energy is facilitated as well as the ability to express it. The ability to be productive is linked to the success in controlling restlessness. There is almost immediate response to all mental stimuli. This aspect strengthens the mind.



2) The trine between Mercury and Pluto shows the ability to get to the roots of an issue in a mental sense. Concentration is intense. There is an easy understanding of logic, and of cause and effect.





3) The trine between Venus to Mars facilitates warmth, affection, and congeniality. Public relations are particularily enhanced. This placement often provides talent in music, art, or drama. And energy to bring such talent to expression.



4) The trine between Venus and Pluto shows an intense, well directed romance nature. Affections are not scattered or wasted. Integrity is solid and unshakable.



5) A trine between Mars and Pluto shows that assertiveness well aligned with the dedication to causes. Effectiveness in solving problems in society is facilitated because there is a deep understanding of those problems and their origins. Services are offered out of spiritual convictions. Romantic connections have deep meaning and interest. There is a caring nature that extends in several directions to transform others.


6) Moon's 24 hour presencein the Sunday through Thursday Grand Trine will give the Trine a dimension of emotional stability. Problem solving, especially for emotional and domestic problems, should be greatly enhanced. Imagination, psychic energy and intellectual powers should also be greatly enhanced. Simply, life can be more harmonious.



A major event this week could have real historical significance. Who wouldn't like to see the focusing of the Grand Trine's energies towards a major breakthrough in getting to the roots of and solving at least some of the world's problems?



Children born during this Grand Trine could turn out to be very special leaders of the next generation. The emotional and intellectual balance, the right kind of assertiveness, the psychic energy, along with the intellect and cleverness of the Grand Fire Trine could produce some leaders of very special talents. I for one hope to be around to see them in action! I'd even be happy to see what those born in 1975 in action!



All the very best,

~Paula Gaon









Subject: Harry's Astrological Reading
At the Beginning of Year Six

Hello Everyone,

Yes, it's been a long time since I've posted; have been lurking, but now like everyone else, am waiting with baited breath for Half Blood Prince.

The one thing that really sticks in my mind was the end of Order of the Phoenix. Remember the end, when Ron mentions a couple of times that they saw Uranus. Can't help but think that this is JKR giving us a bit of foreshadowing. Uranus is associated with sudden, swift and unexpected changes, progressiveness--it's the wildcard of all the planets. So I did a little looking into my astrological charts, figured out Harry's chart and looked up the position of the planets at the beginning of the school year in Book 6. I posted a few months ago Harry's chart, so this time, thought it would be fun to look at the influences our hero will be facing at the beginning of the school year.

To review a little, Harry's a Leo Sun, and Pisces Moon. This combination is likely to be a very serious person with motives that are usually the highest. Pisces is considered by most to be the most psychic of Moons. (Harry's pretty close to a Grand Trine in water signs, too, but that's another story.) So the confidence and majesty of Leo combined with the more regressive, psychic Pisces Moon give us out kind hearted, tuned in Harry. Harry's natal Mercury is in Cancer, hence the intuitive and emotional mind that we know and love. Venus is in Gemini, generating the need for a variety of experiences and curiosity about people, as well as the need for intelligent company--Harry/Hermione Shippers love this one. Unfortunately our hero may have a fatal flaw. Moon and Saturn are opposing, possibly restricting the spontaneous flow of ideas and generating a bit of pessimism. Remember that Moon also rules home, family and family traditions. Harry has certainly known restrictions on this front!

On to the astrological influences at the beginning of the school year: The first thing that stands out is the fact that Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are all in retrograde, appear to be going backwards--not exactly calming influences. At the beginning of Harry's sixth year, Uranus, the wildcard and up setter, was in the area of home, family, roots. Could a major cataclysm be about to take place at the Dursleys? Wouldn't it be a scream if Aunt Petunia decided she's had enough of her fat and fussy husband? Or, better still, what if we were to find out that both Auntie and Dudley have been hiding magical powers all this time and that Dudley's such a bad boy due to Vernon's constant raging? I really have a strong gut feeling that JKR is likely to give us a real surprise on the home front. In addition, transit Uranus is very favorably aspected with Pluto, planet of power, possibly giving Harry surprising and sudden easement and lasting strength in several areas--love, higher studies, and possibly some good times without the chaos that Uranus can bring on. Uranus' angle with Venus in Harry's natal chart could cause us to see a side of our hero that we've never seen before--can't wait!

Taking a look at transit Neptune, we see some interesting possibilities. Neptune is the chameleon of the planets--rules dreams, wishes, hopes as well as illusions. And in retrograde, logic can completely fall by the wayside. However, creativity can get a real boost. Neptune is at a very favorable angle with Harry's natal Moon; there's a strong possibility that he could be influenced strongly by a woman. Normally, we'd be afraid of some sort of illusion here, but Neptune is also at a favorable angle with Harry's natal Saturn, which will have a very sobering effect on any possible illusions.

Finally, let's take a look at the transit influences on Harry's Sun, the essential star in any birth chart. Again, Uranus is figuring into the equation in a major way! It's opposing (about 180 degrees from) Harry's natal Sun. This is a very stressful aspect, and likely to produce far-reaching changes. Let's hope our hero makes them slowly and carefully because this aspect is also associated with accidents. Transiting Saturn, in retrograde indicate that Harry should keep a close eye on his wider circle of associates--an existing problem is likely to surface here and will have to be dealt with. Could the Malfoy family have a dirty trick up their sleeves? Or can we expect a betrayal of some sort?

Harry's under some pretty complicated and intense influences at the beginning of his sixth year. I'm sure we're all anxious and maybe a little worried. But take heart. JKR has created our hero with the natal chart of one who's likely to emerge a strong, authoritative, and benevolent leader, not the least bit afraid to fight if there's no choice--watch out "He Who Must Not Be Named", you've met your match!. Harry may well emerge a successful politician. Anyone suspect that Harry's on the fast track to step into DD's shoes when the time comes?

See Harry's Natal Chart at:
http://www.astrologywithcommonsense.bravehost.com/harry.html

More HP Astrology http://www.bft.blogspot.com/

See the Mythical & Magical Creatures: http://www.cafepress.com/bft/311601







Subject: The latest Harry Potter Book + A Little Astrology



Click here to view Harry's Natal Chart in a new window.

In a little more than a week, the latest Harry Potter book will go on sale. I'm beside myself waiting and am desperately trying to scrape together a little extra money to buy a copy of Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince. Have already read the first five of this seven book series--each one two or three times and still can't get enough. In my humble opinion, J K Rowling's HP series of an English schoolboy who discovers he's a wizard and goes off to study at a special school for wizards and witches for the next 7 years is the most exciting, mentally stimulating and just plain fun cultural phenomenon to come out in many years. Her depth and breath of knowledge in so many fields, world mythologies, human psychology and behavior, even Biblical Tradition, to name a few, combined with such creative and imaginative storytelling never cease to amaze. I'm looking forward to more than a few hours riveted to the pages of the next book.

Book Five, Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix, like any self-respecting serial novel, left us hanging. For the past two years, I've been mulling over where the last big scene would lead. In the end, I decided that there must be an astrological slant to the whole thing. So I've done a little "research" and am sharing a few ideas.

At the end of Order of the Phoenix Ron, Harry best friend, mentions a couple of times that they saw Uranus. JKR is a great plot developer, and I'm almost willing to bet that she's giving us a bit of foreshadowing. Uranus is associated with sudden, swift and unexpected changes, progressiveness--it's the wildcard of all the planets. After studying Harry's astrological chart and the position of the planets at the beginning of his school year in Book 6, I'm daring to post at least a couple of articles here with a few theories. Enjoy!

Harry's a Leo Sun, and Pisces Moon. This combination is likely to be a very serious person, as we know Harry to be, with motives that are usually the highest. Pisces is considered by most to be the most psychic of Moons. So the confidence and majesty of Leo combined with the more regressive, psychic Pisces Moon give us a kind hearted, tuned in Harry. Harry's natal Mercury is in Cancer, hence the intuitive and emotional mind that HP fans know and love. Venus is in Gemini, generating the need for a variety of experiences and curiosity about people, as well as the need for intelligent company--Hermione fans love this one. Unfortunately our hero may have a fatal flaw. Moon and Saturn are opposing, possibly restricting the spontaneous flow of ideas and generating pessimism and difficulties relating to others and expressing ideas. Moon also rules home, family and family traditions. Those who've read any of the books know this score.

If we go with the more liberal method of calculating aspects, angles between planets, Harry has what's known as a Grand Water Trine. This simply means that there is at least one planet in each of the water signs, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, and each planet is 120 degrees from the other two. Remember the Zodiac is a circle. A Grand Trine isn't so common, and is considered an incredible easement. Harry's Grand Trine: Mercury in Cancer, Uranus in Scorpio, and Moon in Pisces. The trine formed between the Moon and Mercury indicates a shrewd, careful, and common sense mind. A Moon/Uranus Trine shows one who's not exactly a rebel to authority, but would never hesitate to challenge anyone who assumes power irresponsibly. Those of you who've read the series certainly recognize this trait. The trine formed between Mercury and Uranus grants a special type of mental ability associated with the intuition. Flashes of intuitive insight are amazingly accurate. Again, HP fans will identify these traits immediately.

When I did Harry's "reading" for the first day of the new school year, Uranus, the wildcard and up setter, is indeed transiting, moving through, Harry's natal chart at a very critical point. We can expect some swift, unexpected and very surprising changes and/or revelations in Harry's home life. At least, that's my gut feeling, and I have Jupiter in Pisces--big-time expansive psychic abilities.

So, in the next post, will discuss a few theories for Book 7.

~Paula

So What's BFT All About?Which are you, mouse, cheese or cat?

Which are you, mouse, cheese, or cat?

12July 2005

Hello Everyone,

Hope all is well and we can enjoy a little peace in this world. Frankly, the news headlines around the world never cease to shock. I find it harder and harder to even listen; so much is simply beyond comprehension--explosions in London, then Cesme, Turkey. I was lucky enough to live in Izmir, Turkey for 2 years, very near Cesme--one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. The only question that has always and still comes to mind is "What do terrorists want and what do they really have to gain?" It's beyond me; and time spent listening to news is directly proportioned to my blood pressure reading--the more news, the higher the reading. But, BFT is not a blog for geopolitical issues. I'll post those on "Little Green Footballs".

So what's BFT really about? To answer that question, I'll have to tell you a little about me, the Blogger. First and foremost, I'm an artist, in spite of the fact that for many years I've wished that I'd been born just a normal person who could hold down a regular soul-sucking job. All of us have to earn our daily bread. Secondly, I'm just the type of person who's slated to be a life long learner and work more efficiently and creatively when working independently in the peace and quiet if my own home. If you're into astrology, you'll recognize the syndrome of Jupiter in the 9th house, plus Sun/Saturn conjunction. An interesting aside here, Sun is squaring, about 90 degrees from, Mars for most of the month. This aspect is known for encouraging agressive behaviour--take a deep breath.

With all of the above said, BFT is simply my stream of conscious thoughts and ramblings about the creative process and the sharing of images and thoughts. I'm convinced that none of us is totally unique; there has to be a common thread of consciousness; somebody somewhere's bound to enjoy each of our ramblings. In addition to that, it would be nice to knock out some of the pessimism that's built up over the years:

"They hate you if you're clever and they despise a fool."

~John Lennon

No one is doomed to be the cheese all his/her life and just sit there!

Happy Trails,

~Paula Gaon

Thoughts on the World& A Little More Harry Potter

Be sure to visit the HP Convention Cities

Click here to view Harry's Natal Chart in a new window.

Hello Everyone,

Here's wishing you a good week--a safe, quiet and peaceful week where ever you are on this ever shrinking planet. The attact in London has us all bummed out. Back in the 70's when I was just a goofy college student, London was THE PLACE to go and wander around at all hours from place to place with no worries of security. Unfortunately, those days are gone for now--it's hard to imagine. Let's all hope and pray that they will return soon.

OK, on to a happier note. It's less than a week before the newest Harry Potter book, Half Blood Prince. I'm not the least bit ashamed to admit that I'm besides myself with anticipation. Even an old lady like me needs a little fantasy. The imagination has to stay alive. In honor of the upcoming event, yes maybe this is going off on the deep end, have added an "astrological prediction page" to my astrology site for fellow HP fans.

Check it out, enjoy, have a few laughs. We can all use them!

See ya round,
~Paula Gaon

The Latest Harry Potter Book + A Little Astrology

Be sure to visit the HP Convention Cities



Click here to view Harry's Natal Chart in a new window.

In a little more than a week, the latest Harry Potter book will go on sale. I'm beside myself waiting and am desperately trying to scrape together a little extra money to buy a copy of Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince. Have already read the first five of this seven book series--each one two or three times and still can't get enough. In my humble opinion, J K Rowling's HP series of an English schoolboy who discovers he's a wizard and goes off to study at a special school for wizards and witches for the next 7 years is the most exciting, mentally stimulating and just plain fun cultural phenomenon to come out in many years. Her depth and breath of knowledge in so many fields, world mythologies, human psychology and behavior, even Biblical Tradition, to name a few, combined with such creative and imaginative storytelling never cease to amaze. I'm looking forward to more than a few hours riveted to the pages of the next book.

Book Five, Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix, like any self-respecting serial novel, left us hanging. For the past two years, I've been mulling over where the last big scene would lead. In the end, I decided that there must be an astrological slant to the whole thing. So I've done a little "research" and am sharing a few ideas.

At the end of Order of the Phoenix Ron, Harry best friend, mentions a couple of times that they saw Uranus. JKR is a great plot developer, and I'm almost willing to bet that she's giving us a bit of foreshadowing. Uranus is associated with sudden, swift and unexpected changes, progressiveness--it's the wildcard of all the planets. After studying Harry's astrological chart and the position of the planets at the beginning of his school year in Book 6, I'm daring to post at least a couple of articles here with a few theories. Enjoy!

Harry's a Leo Sun, and Pisces Moon. This combination is likely to be a very serious person, as we know Harry to be, with motives that are usually the highest. Pisces is considered by most to be the most psychic of Moons. So the confidence and majesty of Leo combined with the more regressive, psychic Pisces Moon give us a kind hearted, tuned in Harry. Harry's natal Mercury is in Cancer, hence the intuitive and emotional mind that HP fans know and love. Venus is in Gemini, generating the need for a variety of experiences and curiosity about people, as well as the need for intelligent company--Hermione fans love this one. Unfortunately our hero may have a fatal flaw. Moon and Saturn are opposing, possibly restricting the spontaneous flow of ideas and generating pessimism and difficulties relating to others and expressing ideas. Moon also rules home, family and family traditions. Those who've read any of the books know this score.

If we go with the more liberal method of calculating aspects, angles between planets, Harry has what's known as a Grand Water Trine. This simply means that there is at least one planet in each of the water signs, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, and each planet is 120 degrees from the other two. Remember the Zodiac is a circle. A Grand Trine isn't so common, and is considered an incredible easement. Harry's Grand Trine: Mercury in Cancer, Uranus in Scorpio, and Moon in Pisces. The trine formed between the Moon and Mercury indicates a shrewd, careful, and common sense mind. A Moon/Uranus Trine shows one who's not exactly a rebel to authority, but would never hesitate to challenge anyone who assumes power irresponsibly. Those of you who've read the series certainly recognize this trait. The trine formed between Mercury and Uranus grants a special type of mental ability associated with the intuition. Flashes of intuitive insight are amazingly accurate. Again, HP fans will identify these traits immediately.

When I did Harry's "reading" for the first day of the new school year, Uranus, the wildcard and up setter, is indeed transiting, moving through, Harry's natal chart at a very critical point. We can expect some swift, unexpected and very surprising changes and/or revelations in Harry's home life. At least, that's my gut feeling, and I have Jupiter in Pisces--big-time expansive psychic abilities.

So, in the next post, will discuss a few theories for Book 7.
Happy Flying,

~Paula Gaon

Happy Birthday, Ringo Starr!

5 July 2005

Happy Birthday, Ringo Starr

7 July 1940

Happy Birthday, Ringo! Yes, I'm at it again wishing another Beatle a happy birthday. Ringo's birthday is only 19 days after Paul's, but he has a couple of real distinctions of his own. First of all, Ringo is the oldest Beatle, born 3 months before John Lennon. Secondly, he's the only blue-eyed member of the Fab Four. Eye color may sound a bit trite, but take it from one who remembers well, the sight of Ringo's baby blues brought more than a few to an old fashioned Victorian swoon. How many of you remember the breathlessness many of us teenyboppers experienced at the sight of Ringo's sweet innocent look, while wandering around to his theme, "That Boy" in "Hard Day's Night"? We couldn't see the color; "Hard Day's Night" was in black and white, nonetheless we certainly thought we could! Ahhhhh, such innocence!



I've already admitted that John was and always will be my favorite. But, Ringo deserves his due. No one could ever claim that he was a real looker; even back then we made fun of his nose. Nor, did he seem to have the intensity, drive and ego of Lennon and McCartney, or possess George's deep mystic understanding. But the few tunes that Ringo sang when he was with the Beatles (Remember "Honey Don't" and "They Gonna Put Me In The Movies"?) had a very distinctive style of their own. When the Beatles split, we really saw Ringo's jovial, Western, Bluesy, style in full flower--no heavy stuff or deep messages, just some real feel good tunes. I have to admit that in spite of the "sophistication" of my youth, I really enjoyed them. However, Ringo's real coup, in my humble opinion, was "No, no, no…". Many of you probably thought the Reagans came up with "Just Say No". But Ringo said it all in a nutshell a decade earlier: "No thank you please, it only make me sneeze; and then it makes it hard to find the door."



Seems like Ringo was trying to warn us back then--"been there done that, it's time to move on". Thanks a lot Ringo! Personally, I feel more and more that you were trying to tell us to find the door, go out and "Act Naturally". John Lennon probably summed it up best: "Ringo is Ringo, that's all there is to it. And he's every bloody bit as warm, unassuming, funny, and kind as he seems. He was quite simply the heart of the Beatles."






Wishing you a fantastic, wonderful, happy birthday, and many, many happy returns!

Health, and Good Fortune to my Fave Moon Child,
Always,
~Paula Gaon

For a little trip down Memory Lane...

This Month In The Stars

See Planet Positions This Month

Happy Birthday Moon Children

1-31 July 2005

July should be a very interesting month for us--full of energy, action, and no small amount of tension.



Sun will be in Cancer until 23 July, when it moves on to Leo. For the first week of the month, Sun will square, be about 90 degrees from Jupiter, in Libra. This aspect could lead to a lot of expansiveness and tendencies towards being a wheeler-dealer. Let's not get carried away and wear ourselves out. In addition, Sun will square Mars, in Aries. This is a high-energy aspect also. Expect to see a lot of energy and ambition this month.

From the 14th through month's end, Sun will conjunct with, be near the same angle as Saturn, in Cancer. Moon Children born near the end of the sign should particularily enjoy a new strength and resolve of will, to the point of being a bit of a loner. Good time to really go about what you intend to do, Moon Child.



Mercury and Venus will conjunct in Leo for most of the first 3 weeks of the month. This could be a nice social time for you, Leo. Others may well enjoy your company and you should get along with everyone, maybe a good time to close any pending business deals. But watch out! Mercury goes into retrograde, will appear to be going backwards, on the 23rd; and will remain so until 16 August. Leo, and all of us, be careful in all forms of communication and short-range trips, especially during the first week of the retrograde. In a word, let's not expect to bring much of anything to conclusion. Mercury retrogrades are usually best spent straightening up and planning--i.e., the more laid back the better.



Finally, before we get into a panic about Mercury. Let's not forget that the stars can be gracious. 16 July could be a very special day. We will experience a Grand Trine in the Fire Signs, Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. In general, a Grand Trine occurs when at least 3 different planets align at roughly the same angle, one in each of the 3 signs. In this case, Mars in Aries, Mercury and Venus together in Leo, and Pluto in Sagittarius. Trines tend to bring on easement; and in this case we may see some effective solving of problems in society. If not on this day, a child born today could grow up to be an outstanding leader in the next generation. Wouldn't that be great!!

Have a great month,

~Paula

See MoonTrek to keep track of Moon's ever changing influences.

---