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November/December 2006 Starscope
Out of the Swamp and Up to Mt. Olympus

by Mark Dodich

Mercury Retrograde -- Jupiter Enters Sagittarius

Mark Dodich

It feels like it has been such a long year. This column has used words like opening your heart in spite of the heavy weight of restrictive Saturn. Many illusions were burst, preparing you for higher levels of service through sensitive destiny points moving into Pisces/Virgo -- like you really needed more to do! Even poor Pluto had to release its attachment to being a real planet, now being called a dwarf by the bigger planets. Well, it's time to rise above the heaviness to go on a quest.

Autumn brings two planetary events that transform your lower mind so that your higher mind can operate from an elevated philosophical perspective. November begins by dredging the dank swamps of your emotional subconscious. This sets the stage to climb to new heights. It will be an exhilarating ride.

Preparing you for this shift is the current Mercury retrograde cycle from Oct. 28 to Nov. 17. The "keep it light" communications planet spends an unusually long nine week period in deeply intense Scorpio. Intellect and deep emotions must blend together.

You are reviewing your most intimate needs during this cycle. November's task is to drain the swamp, meaning that you must release old emotional wounds and fearful behavior patterns.  If your natal Sun sign or other planets are in the water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), this communications breakdown cycle will be easier for you than the other signs. These signs are well suited to emotional processing.

Regardless of your birth sign, you benefit from this challenging cycle by tuning in to your psychological shadow side and communicating your deepest emotions. Just keep reminding yourself that this below the surface work is freeing you for the arrival of auspicious Jupiter.

Jupiter, known to the Greeks as Zeus, is ready to come down from the heights of Mt. Olympus to send you on an expansive new journey. On Thanksgiving Day, this optimistic god of thunder begins a year-long adventure in its favorite sign, Sagittarius. Both Jupiter and Sagittarius give you the urge to travel or relocate through December 2007. Publishing, teaching/coaching or exploring a spiritual path are well served by this energetic shift.

It is time to go to the next level of soul expression. Jupiter in Sagittarius requires you to speak the highest truth, even though it may not be what people want to hear. The danger is that Jupiter in Sagittarius can become "holier than thou." Avoid a self-righteous attitude, and give a wide birth to people who push a fear-based religious or political philosophy down your throat. Make certain their eloquent sermons are coming from their heart.

Jupiter in Sagittarius demands a price. You must release outdated beliefs and behavior. You must have faith in yourself and be willing to take a risk on manifesting your dreams. Like a newborn chick, you must break out of the shell that used to protect you, but now only restricts you.

Face your fears with a sense of optimism, knowing that the god of blessings is waiting in the wings to lift you above your perceived shortcomings. It is time to rekindle that youthful lust for life, putting your heart and energy into a project that calls to you, even if your logical mind tells you that you are crazy.

Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) and Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) signs have been anxiously awaiting this shift. Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) and Water element signs must step out of their comfort zone. Think back to the expansion in your life the last several times Jupiter was in Sagittarius to get a hint about what the coming year has in store for you. Those dates are: Dec. 1994-Jan. 1996, Dec. 1982-Jan. 1984, and Jan. 1971- Feb. 1972.

Of course, you have to be aware that activities or projects may not play out as you had hoped. There are no guarantees of success, only the thrill of throwing caution to the wind. Allow the wondrous child within to have his or her day once again.

Be willing to rise above your earthbound problems to remember that life is an adventure. Einstein said that a person must be willing to rise above the consciousness that created a problem in order to solve it.

Working without the safety net of guaranteed success is daunting, but Jupiter is the god of abundance. Know that you are supported in taking a risk on manifesting your highest aspirations. Jupiter wants to help you, but you must take the first step -- the proverbial leap of faith.

Mark Dodich has been a professional astrologer and intuitive consultant since 1980. Mark's specialties include Relocation Astrology to help you find your personal power places on the planet, and Seven Ray Esoteric Astrology for understanding you spiritual purpose in this incarnation. A Free Astrology Primer pdf can be downloaded at www.astromark.us. For a free copy of his ASTROMARK print newsletter, call 503-252-1558.