by Awareness Institute’s Astrologer Damian Rocks
Inspiring Innovation
Tempus fugit. This familiar phenomenon couldn’t be more apparent than it is now. The world we once knew is cracking up. Immense and rather hostile weather patterns spin around the globe. Information Wars are tearing up the techno-sphere, as we marvel at the wonder of instant communication whilst discovering revolutionary ways to use it. The stability of the US as both a financial and moral force is in serious jeopardy. China has become The Super Power, without perhaps the progressive vision required by the other citizens of the world. And all around, people like us are very rapidly coming to terms with the fact that there is no dress rehearsal. Innovate or perish seems to be the astrological theme-de-jour, and with this in mind, 2011 rushes through your door.
The big news this year comes courtesy of the major planets Uranus and Neptune as they “ingress” into new areas of the sky. The word “ingress” is used to describe the beginning of a planetary epoch or cycle. When a planet enters a new sign, it is said to “ingress”. It symbolically represents the beginning of a new phase of archetypal interaction as our species continues to evolve and grow. Thus 2011 will feature some big shifts in human affairs.
Before we go on, lets recap the fundamental principle which astrology is based upon. In essence, there seems to be some essential and synchronous pattern which connects the structure of the human psyche with the structure of the solar system or cosmos. How or why it works, no one really knows. But the evidence for its existence can be found in the recorded observations of astrologers who, for at least 5000 years, have noticed that when the planets change their relationship to each other or us here on Earth, that then also seems to correspond with changes in both individual and collective experiences.
It is as if there is some singular, immense and eternally changing field that unifies and structures all life. We as human beings respond to changes in that field by experiencing events/emotions/insights in our own lives. When we turn our attention to this pattern and learn how to read it, we gain the opportunity of flowing with the organic changes that are part of all manifest reality, making smarter and more informed choices in our personal lives. It’s a lot like knowing in advance what the weather is going to be, which helps us decide whether or not to carry an umbrella.
In March, Uranus returns to the sign of Aries. This happens every 84 years. The last time it was found in this part of the sky was between 1927 and 1935. We get a sense of what this is likely to represent by looking back. World markets were rebooted courtesy of the Great Depression, fascism rose in Europe and Japan with Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin, whilst the Chinese Civil War began, ultimately leading to the rise of the People’s Republic and the annexing of Taiwan. Uranus represents the urge for freedom. It symbolizes a collective surge for emancipation and change. Aries is about fresh starts as well as assertive action. Over the next few years, major forces will push through a new kind of global status-quo. Governments will fall and financial systems still look very unstable. Whether this helps or hinders our personal lives will depend on how evolved as a species we can be.
We’ve already had a hint of what we might expect as Uranus makes its way through Aries. We have arrived in an era of Information Activism. The Wikileaks controversy has seen the first shots fired in what is undoubtedly soon to become a major social issue – the right to freedom of information across the world wide web. Governments have shown how desperate they are to cut access to truthful information about how they deal with resources and decisions. Individuals are discovering the unforseen power of collective action through net-based initiatives. Hackers have compromised some of the world’s biggest corporations to show what will happen if such information crackdowns proceed, whilst groups like Get-Up and Avaaz have had stunning political successes based on group action that makes personal integrity a more significant force than power or profit. 2011 should bring some startling developments here as the Wikileaks thing hits the headlines again early in the year.
Adding to the upswing in possible turgid, yet deeply significant changes, is the celestial conflict soon to be expressed through Uranus and Pluto. We are about to enter the next phase of a global cycle that began to unfold in the years 1965-1969. These two planets were side by side in the sky at that time, heralding the major social changes sweeping the planet then. All persons born around that time have a particular job to do. They are here to take part in a collective revolution around the supply of essential services such as food, health and hygiene. They are here to help bring about new ways of thinking in terms of food and health services. We are likely to see much more information available now about ways to empower ourselves with better choices in terms of health and wellbeing.
Now that Uranus and Pluto meet up once more, they bring to completion Phase One of what was started all those years ago when the Hippies started thinking about alternative ways to be in the world, and what good physical and spiritual hygiene might really be about. Another revolution in consciousness appears to be at the door, and this time, it will involve rethinking how corporate and governmental powers influence our personal lives with intentionally corrupt messages about what is in the collective good. Attempts to control food and health services for corporate benefit might become part of the mainstream news as we shift to a point where we can no longer be manipulated so easily by turning a blind eye. This transformation will take a number of years to unfold, but as Uranus hits Aries in March this year, expect the wheels of corporate progress to fall off a bit, especially in industries that do not support the highest good.
The other major ingress involves Neptune entering Pisces from April this year. This subtle yet all-pervasive influence will be in effect for the next 14 years, and has something to do with the largely untapped function of human imagination and creativity. Neptune symbolically relates to the spiritual and transcendental spheres of life. It rules the sign of Pisces, so expresses its themes powerfully through this sign. The last time Neptune was here was 1861 through until 1875, a period in history which involved the discovery of colour photography, modernism in art and culture and the birth of cinema. The modern New Age movement could be seen to have been born then too, with the founding of The Theosophical Society and the rise of Madame Blavatsky. How we see ourselves in terms spiritual consciousness is connected to Neptune, and this period was also instrumental for the return of both spiritualism and astrology to the mainstream. And so, we are also about to learn a lot more about the potential of the human imagination as a projection of spirit, and what that can teach us in terms of our broader, universal purpose.
At a personal level, Uranus challenges each of us to innovate. 2011 is a spectacular opportunity to find new ways of interacting with your world, taking pet projects and personal passions to a whole new level of reality by finding unique ways to develop them. 21st century Star-People will be responding to this energy by looking for ways to innovate, renovate and revolutionize the activities in their lives. Anything you do that is future-oriented, expansive and visionary will be helped along by these prevailing Uranian energies. The first half of 2011 is ideal, with both Jupiter and Uranus aligning in Aries to favour unique ideas and fresh starts. Each and every one of us has a unique contribution to make toward life here on Earth. To find out what that is you need to listen to heart. In 2011, those who ignore fear and follow faith will go forward. Those who wobble and stand still will feel fractured. It’s up to you which side of the fence you end up on, as we all have the freedom of choice. 2011 begins the quickening into the global transformation that seems scheduled for 2012. We can all empower ourselves and each other by thinking of new ways to make a unique and holistic contribution to someone else’s life.
With the energy of enlightened initiative, let the New Year begin!
Aries-
As an Inspired-Initiator, you are no stranger to being first. You’re always the first to see an opportunity, and receive the spark of a fresh idea. All your life you have been ahead of yourself, rushing from one great idea to the next. The trouble always seems to be getting everyone else around on board, informed and up to pace. Now at last your time has come. What started to bubble up for you in 2010 blasts off at lightning speed in 2011. With both Jupiter and Uranus in your sign for the first half of the year, you couldn’t be in better shape. Expect a revolution in every area of your life as you open up to be the Magnificent-Instigator you actually are. This is the ideal year to begin an innovatory phase in your life. Travel, education, publishing and media activities are all in the Aries spotlight. Saturn sits in Libra and adds structure to your plans. Success lies in strategic partnering so look for ways to work with others without losing your independence. Early April is the best time for you to launch, so plan with that in mind. Those of you suffering performance anxiety and low levels of energy must not let that stand in your way. Get your pins lined up and be patient. This year is yours for the taking. So have it.
Taurus-
Not to be outdone by other, more ostentatious signs, Taurus enters expansionary mode from the second half of 2011. From June this year, Jupiter enters your sign and opens the way for growth in your world. You take the stabilizing energies that have propelled you forward since 2008 and make something lovely with them as opportunity and abundance synchronize for you from June until March next year. Your ruler Venus is direct all year, so take that as planetary permission for you to go forward. Money matters settle down and investments prosper. Debt, however, needs to be eliminated and this may be a prime concern. You might sense a certain frisson in the air as less stable types hyper-ventilate through the ups and downs of 2011. Your job – as ever – is to keep your lovely little hooves on the ground, sharing the pleasure that can be found in the smell of roses whilst diligently toiling to bring your personal happiness about. Jupiter energy suits growth, travel and education. Start to plan now about how you might broaden horizons in either physical or intellectual terms. A super-spiritual synergy in June brings colour and life to your life. Keep your eyes peeled for fresh insights and let your passion be your guide.
Gemini-
The eternal struggle for you Gemini folks seems to be between the rational and the irrational parts of yourselves. On the one hand, with Saturn nicely aligned for you all year long, 2011 is excellent for lists, details and long-term projects that excite the constant-schemer in you. The “Good” rational Twin gets the chance to gain kudos from demonstrating hard-earned expertise. And when Uranus lines up in Aries from March, you benefit from being well-informed on every new development. Keep yourself super-relevant for the first half of the year by knowing just a little bit about every new gadget, fad and philosophy to hit the streets. Spooky things loom from June though, when you enter a eclipse cycle falling into your sign. You may find yourself looking back to 1993 to get a handle on what is happening again for you now. In June, a solar eclipse coincides with a Mars/Neptune square from your sign. The Bad ‘irrational’ Twin is unleashed. The second half of the year is all about adventures of a psycho-spiritual kind as you journey into dimensions of consciousness previously unexplored. Try and make the best of both worlds by making sure that the rational you can front up and perform on the day-job, whilst the irrational you gets time off to be kooky, different and out-of-this world. Blend to be at your best under such surreal conditions.
Cancer -
As this is the year to innovate, those of you in The Crab Collective should be nicely prepared with a showcase of wonderfully practical ideas gleaned all the way through 2010. Whilst the past 12 months or so have been emotional, difficult and sometimes slow, the next 12 are much more suited to people like you – people who want to take action in their worlds. Whilst new possibilities have beckoned through 2010, you may not have been ready to activate them. Now, as 2011 unfurls you, get to unleash your radical creativity as the right synergy of opportunity and inspiration opens doors for you to do things very differently from what you have done before. The most perceptive of you will be noticing a subtle undercurrent that has steadily built in your life since 2008. From March of this year, an electrical energy boosts the charge and makes what has been latent come to life. Simply say yes if life/events/lovers/horizons demand a very rapid response in the first half of the year. You have spent the past few years getting rid of bad habits and emotional baggage. Ideally, you should be able to spring into action in 2011 based on what you knew deep down was happening, and a fresh point-of-view courtesy of Uranus in Jupiter in simpatico signs. Better commercial practices flourish this year. Be relevant.
Leo-
Just like the film of the same name, 2011 is a year in which “Some like It Hot” and they get the chance to play in it. Creative synergies in Aries, another Fire sign, fill your great, big generous heart with amazing new ideas. You are burning hot, smoking with sincerity and looking for a way to show it. The good fortune that has been falling on you since around June of 2010 takes a stellar turn to increase ten-fold. Lucky Lions make the most of the first half of this year by asking themselves how they can take what they are already good at and putting a fresh spin on it – making it more gorgeous and spectacular along the way. Look for new ideas courtesy of unusual courses, good books and power lunches with fellow Up-and-Comings. This is a great time to get futuristic, so if you have been dreaming about becoming something better than you already are, then now is the time to do it. At the end of the day, you are here to lead. Let the unexpected developments of the first half of the year take you to the heart of the action. From another tack, the weird/difficult relationship angst that has featured in your life since 2005 eases off now. From March this year, a fresh batch of prospective admirers make their way into your life. Old flames re-burn and fresh ones leap higher. Confidence comes when you learn to laugh at who you think you are. In 2011, you are released from the tyranny of your own projections.
Virgo -
The year for you starts of with a bang. What has gathered momentum since mid 2010 falls into place at the start of the year. For some Virgos, you begin the year high-flying. Once Jupiter leaves Pisces and begins to crank the Aries engine, you settle in for a year of momentum-building. But patience is needed for the bulk of the year as erratic energies may see you stop-starting more than you would otherwise like. Pluto in Capricorn helps you along but it is not until the end of 2011 that Virgos gets another lift courtesy of Mars in your sign. Additional support comes when Jupiter arrives in Taurus mid-year, but again you must rely on your own inner reserves. From June, be open to growth opportunities and let things happen in the way and when they will. Steer clear of complicated dramas in June and July when communication with others has a strong potential to be pear-shaped. At the lighter end of the stick, many of you continue to prosper from the matrimonially-inclined energies of the asteroid Juno in your sign. For the first half of 2011, she is walking your halls and helping you to get into a marrying frame of mind. Relationships that have bloomed since the end of 2010 are on track to stay with you for the long haul. Those that have dropped away have done so for good cause. It’s time you sorted out your relationship reality, and went to a new level of one-to-one.
Libra -
First off, start the year with a spot of self-congratulations. You are steadily and progressively making your way through the transit of Saturn in your sign. His influence is both heavy and stabilising, which can lead to the effect of making you feel all grown up. Hard work and endurance is required of you, and the rest of the year continues on a similar vein. The last 18 months have been a testing ground where you have been quizzed on your ability to stand up for yourself, identify the bottom line, speak out when justified and come to the party on all manner of sundry social necessities. Hopefully you have learnt these lessons well as 2011 leaves little room for the indecisive and overly meek. Cardinal energies in your opposite sign of Aries suggest that everyone is getting busy reinventing their own world. People who can say what they do and don’t want are much better prepped to take advantage of the energies that come. For you, this can mean sudden and exciting opportunities which allow you to range out into unforseen territories. January and March are especially suited to “A-ha!” and Eureka moments so make a note in your digital planner. Speaking of all things digital, opportunity knocks at the door of technological innovation, so think about ways to use new ideas, information and systems in whatever you do. 2011 is a turning point in your life. Find the balance between new growth and consolidating what has been started for best results. April is most active. Be ready
Scorpio -
2011 helps Scorpio to transcend. The energy of inspiration stirs hidden longings within your subconscious mind, to help you remember how powerful you can be. 2011 is all about innovation and the people who have the courage to live it. For you, this awakens deep and almost forgotten talents from within the creative depths of your being. Your inner resource manager awakens as you see the profit that can be garnered from putting best practice policies into place. To see the most pragmatic way forward means you have to let go of the past. Resolve to leave behind what is done and dusted so that you can make the most of the influences about to come. As early as in the next few weeks, some Scorpios catch wind of a magnificent plan unfolding. The first month of the year favours brilliant beginnings. Then from February until July, the line-up of energy in Aries assists start-up plans. Go with the zeitgeist by lending support to your own and others’ dreams. Everything inspirational is in vogue this year, and fortune favours the brave. Then things change gear for you from the middle of the year when Jupiter enters Taurus, your opposite sign. This suggests that new horizons open in partnership with others, or that other people bring you the excitement that you need. August and September are great for revamping the projects you already have in place, whilst the rest of the year supports long-range planning after the fresh start you needed has come. Rebirth yourself with glee.
Sagittarius -
Smart Sagittarians think big this year. Every now and again, cosmic forces align to lend a special emphasis to certain modes of being. 2011 favours inspiration, innovation and the brave-hearts who have the vision to go with it. In the past few years, you have had a few such moments, with the benefit of Jupiter activating your lives. But in 2011, the powers that be again come to your aide, this time bringing you super-deluxe expansive, visionary and innovative promptings courtesy of Jupiter and Uranus in Aries. This rare alignment speaks right to the core of your adventurous heart, prompting you to seek higher than you ever have before. Glimpses of what you might achieve were on the table June and July 2010, but from Jan – July 2011, put yourself on notice. It is your time to fly. Dream the impossible dream, dare to have outrageously good fortune and seek the meaning of life. Under these skies, you will find it. Saturn in Libra keeps your feet on the ground and gives you the necessary desire to pay attention to details. Launch a new way of life in the first half of this year. You will be surprised at how savvy this turns out to be. March and April are most dynamic, so pounce on openings then. As June kicks in, it’s time to check the bottom line, so schedule the second half of the year for balancing the books and bringing down to earth everything you have imagined and achieved. Golden opportunities fall at your door, and things will happen quickly. In 2011 stand out from the crowd and make this the year you say “YES” to freedom.
Capricorn -
A wacking solar eclipse on January 4th gets your huge New Year started. Fortunately, you have been under the influence of such celestial events for the past 12 months, and so have had time to get used to the energy. Eclipses bring change, and they mean letting go. Take yourself back to 1992 for an overview of the kind of emotional and material territories you are once again covering. When you see the patterns in place and areas of your life that are ripe for the changing, sit back and let things happen. Assume a calm place at the top of your own tree, to observe things with humour and compassion. Once January is through you will have a much better sense of what it is you will and wont be doing. Pluto in your sign has been transforming your world and helping you get super-established. Saturn in Libra is also helping you along as you are forced to consolidate every little step of your journey. Now Uranus moves into Aries to speed things up and Capricorns must move with it. Let the events which occur this January clear the way for your strategic and personal renewal. Be happy to let go of what leaves your life, and welcome openly that which comes in. From March 2011, the pace picks up exponentially, and you wont have time for regretting. April and May is ideal for long-term planning as you get the energy and outcomes needed to put plans into action. Then from June 2011, Jupiter arrives in Taurus, which consolidates all your restructuring. July and October are especially good for material growth and the getting of the lucre. 2011 means moving quick, and for you, that might mean lessening the reins on your sense of personal responsibility. Give yourself a big hug at the start of the year, and let the winds of change work for you.
Aquarius -
Aquarians like to ‘know‘ things in advance, and then watch with detached humour as what they already ‘knew‘ magically falls into place. 2011 is your year for knowledge as you scale new depths and breadths of perception. From January through until April this year, cosmic forces in the sign of Aries fill you with a clear sense of what is about to come. Brilliant insights and startling awakenings in the first 4-6 months sew the seeds for fabulous new beginnings.The first half of 2011 can provide you with the information needed to get new projects and group endeavours off the ground. Your intuition is strong and your perception keen as you use your laser-like antennae to tune into the spirit of the times. The next 7 years will see a collective shift that puts down the foundation for the coming 84. Tune into what is happening by noticing what your “knowing” is in the first half of this year. From June on, Jupiter enters Taurus and so empowers your ability to act. Material gain is well-suited to the second half of the year when both Jupiter and Saturn are on your side and quietly willing you on. The big news for super 21st century Aquarian types is the conjoining of asteroid goddesses Pallas and Vesta in your sign. These energies bring the power to focus or devote yourself to a cause together with the creative wisdom to find the best solution and to always come out on top. Every decision you make which has a higher need in mind will fall effortlessly into place. From March you will feel their gentle push, and by mid May you gain the kind of high-altitude clarity that comes from having your head tuned in with the stars. Middle of the year is your best time so keep fuel in the tank for then.
Pisces -
Do you remember way back when, when you thought people would finally start to get you? And do you remember how unsurprised you were when you woke up one day and found it didn’t happen? Pisces folks are complex types who embody the very essence of Mystery. You are so far ahead and away from the rest of the crowd, you cant help but be disenchanted. Yet those of you who have kept the faith are in for major inspiration. Suddenly the time is right, as other people are now getting on board with you and your real life mission. From April this year Neptune enters your sign and you swim in much friendlier waters. For the next 14 years we are all on your side, and understand the Piscean vibrations. This year is one of renewal for you, as you consolidate all that has happened. Through the last 7 years you have made radical shifts and have had serious changes to your perceived agenda. Now the disruptive influence of Uranus leaves your sign and shakes his fist in Aries. The far gentler flow of both Chiron and Neptune come into your life, restoring you to your highest vibration. This is your year to dream and flow as you bask in the light of soul-illumination. A spiritual re-alignment is soon to come and Pisceans will be the first to go with it. So let this year heal your wounds and bring peace to your self-understanding. Invest in spiritual health, mental wellness and physical rejuvenation. On the material level, there is work to be done, and this involves getting on with new beginnings. If it’s innovative and inspired then it should work especially well. For some of you, the love life has changed, especially since late October. The first half of this year continues the theme of clearing the way for much deeper romantic connections. Keep your heart open and your sweet little feet dipped in. 2011 wants you to be whole, well and happy. Enjoy the more soothing vibrations.
Damian Rocks is available at the Awareness Clinic for 30 min or 60 min readings each Friday. Contact the Awareness Clinic on 02 9436 1644 to make your booking.
