It's a sad thing...

I do try to follow multiple astrology sites to find and acknowledge different astrological opinions, ideas and interpretations.  What I find unattractive or, or should I say, disgusting, is the distance that some professional astrologers will go to be *disingenuous with their predictions. Some will backdate newly posted articles on their blogs or website, and present the new information as having been there "all along."  Some will post pieces that have blatantly false information on the planetary transits in an effort to support predictions, knowing that many readers don't have the astrological knowledge or skills to see through the deception. To me, that is a sad thing....

I'm not here to "out" anyone who is utilizing these types of deceptions. I just want people to be aware that the practice of cheating is used by some professionals.  While Neptune and Chiron are both retrograde in Aquarius, I feel that it is perhaps time that I share my observations with my guests. Chiron's wounding and healing process can be reviewed more thoroughly while in retrograde motion. There is a form of victimology that Chiron's transit can create. Neptune's illusions (delusions?) cannot be so easily swept under the rug when transiting retrograde. Neptune's transits can be creative and beautiful, but there's usually a nebulous cloud that envelopes everything.  Uranus' retrograde in Aries will be moving back into Pisces soon, and the mutual reception between Uranus in Pisces and Neptune in Aquarius will provide one last chance of cleaning up this trickery practice. Uranus' transits can have the shock and awe effect. There is usually a surprise outcome when Uranus is involved.

For my part, I truly appreciate it when people call me out on my mistakes.  I want to know that I've made a typo or a miscalculation. I want to hear that I've goofed (or even if I haven't goofed... that my message was confusing.) I recognize that not all astrologers want that type of feedback. I do. I not only want to promote a better world through astrology, I want to be perceived as having the heart and ethics of wanting to be a better astrologer.

Okay, I'll get off my soap box now and get back to reading.

Be well :)

---

* disingenuous: giving a false appearance of simple frankness
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2010.

Merriam-Webster Online. 25 July 2010
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disingenuous

Mail List Updates

I dusted off the updated mailing list script that I have been sitting on for a year with the hopes that I would not need to make any changes. But, alas, it looks like I need to make the upgrade change now. I decided that the eclipsing message about change was inevitable, and, well, now's as good a time as any to put my skills and talents to work. I hit a few glitches. Turns out that I was able to also dust off my PERL scripting skills and put them to good use. Made a few minor changes to get this script to work better for me... So, with that accomplished, the newsletter subscription feature is back online. If you have NOT received some type of notification that the newsletter mailing list has been changed, and you want to continue to receive the newsletters, submit a new request (opt-in) through the website.

Again, thank you everyone for your patience and willingness to let me work through this latest issue with the mailer.

Be well

Lunar Living Newsletter - Eclipsed Again?

Big Sigh. Once again, the newsletter program has taken a big hit. It seems that for each and every fix I make on the program, something else comes along and wipes out the program. The majority of the issues have been occurring around the time of the eclipses. This recent Solar Eclipse landed in Lunar Living's 2nd house of security and vulnerabilities while the Lunar Eclipse landed in Lunar Living's first/7th houses of self and partnerships. Well, there are a variety of things that this could be trying to encourage me to do. I recognize that change is an important piece of the Eclipses.

I need to assess whether I can afford to change, what specifically do I need to change and how to go about making the best change. So I have my work cut out for me to research, review the various options and evaluate my resources.

In the meantime, it appears that the newsletter features are down and out. I don't know if/when I can get them operational. I apologize for any inconvenience that this might cause for you and I thank you for your patience.

Be well,

Lunar Living's Very First Lunar Article

This was the beginning article that blasted Lunar Living online.

Solar Eclipse

in Solar Sign: Cancer 00'
June 21, 2001

This solar eclipse occurs on the longest day of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere) on the summer solstice. The strength of this eclipse will be noted by its nurturing energy. Emotions and sensitivity are key traits of Cancer. This eclipse will accentuate these traits. The energies of the eclipse will be felt for an extended period time, possibly as long as three to six months, depending on whether this eclipse will be closely interacting with your natal chart.

June 21 is known as the "Day of Worldly Rapture" (1). Individuals born on this day are considered to be success-oriented, brilliant, and/or eccentric. The day of the summer solstice embodies the richness of the cosmos' bounty. The expansive nature of the day personifies the characteristics of Jupiter and all that Jupiter represents. The opportunities presented by Jupiter's placement in Gemini on this day should be felt over the next few months through improved communication. The emphasis will be placed on positive interactions with people and one's environment, as well as exploring all the new ideas that will be brought to light as a result of the eclipse.

Jupiter is currently in close contact with Mercury which generally encourages expanded communication and short distance travels. However, at the moment, Mercury is "realigning" itself with the Sun as it appears to move backwards in the sky. This optical illusion is identified as a retrograde. The retrograde of Mercury tends to stymie effective communication or undo travel plans. However, within a few days, the planet will begin to turn around and get back on track with the world. In no time at all, the ability to express ourselves in an effective manner will be at our fingertips.

Mars, the planet of energy and physical activity, as well as Chiron, the planet known as the wounded healer, are interacting with Mercury and Jupiter as they appear to traverse backwards in retrograde through Sagittarius opposite of Gemini. These two retrograde planets will contribute to a sense of frustration and sadness, especially in relationship to religious and moral ideals. These interactions may be felt as stumbling blocks to many, and will be felt most strongly by those whose solar signs are in Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. It would be suggested that you take these obstacles in stride. Consider the setbacks as part and parcel of the learning process. Soon enough, the barriers will be removed and you will be that much wiser about how you should proceed.

Saturn will contribute to restriction and responsibilities as it moves forward on its trek through Gemini. Saturn will be helping to keep the interactions with others on an even keel. Saturn is typically considered to be an enforcer of the rules. As such, the rules of communication will be closely monitored and kept in check by Saturn for the next year and a half. Saturn will be balancing its restrictive tendencies with Pluto. Pluto also appears to be transiting in retrograde in Sagittarius as it opposes Saturn. Pluto is the planet of transformation, death and rejuvenation. So Pluto will be urging a transformation of ineffective views and beliefs.

Pluto also likely to create additional stir as it is forming a quincunx with Venus in Taurus. This interaction will most likely bring some women's issues to the surface. The fact that the sun is just beginning to enter Cancer, this eclipse should highlight the role of women within the family, the home and the work place.

Finally, and not to be left out, Uranus is contributing in a positive way to the key players of this solar eclipse. Uranus, in Aquarius, is forming trines with Mercury, Jupiter, Sun and Moon. Uranus is known for its sense of freedom and individuality. The interaction between Uranus and these four primary planets may stand out as a push towards truth, originality and self-expression.

With all these planets actively contributing to this solar eclipse, we would be wise to reflect on our emotional needs and be sensitive to those needs. Quiet meditation, prayer and reflection of our gentler side would be in order for this year's summer solstice. At the same time, we should celebrate the strengths and creative characteristics of Motherhood; whether the mother that we hold in our hearts is Mother Earth, Mother Theresa, or Dear Ol' Mom.

© J. McCaul, 2001

It's Our Birthday!

Lunar Living Astrology Online is nine years old this year! It's so hard to believe that we've been online all this time. Like all online organizations, we've hit a few bumps in the road, skidded across the pavement at least once (WHA - Web Host Abandonment), and even had a few online squabbles to boot. But, over all, we've had way more fun than ever anticipated, met some wonderful people all across the globe, created fantastic friendships and thoroughly enjoyed the outcomes. There have been a few moments that we were ready to say, 'OK, we're done' but you all have encouraged us to continue on with your upbeat praise and all out kindness. 

A shout out of thanks and appreciation goes out to Webhostingbuzz for hosting our website since 2005 when our prior webhost walked off with our payment and our domain name.... Webhostingbuzz helped us get it all back, up and running again. Namecheap, the best crew to work with when purchasing/maintaining domains. To Sellwide (no longer in business) for their wonderful mailing program that allows us to get our mailings out at least twice a month. To Google (yes Google) who has helped support us financially, helped us organize and continues to provide so many great FREE services for online/internet users everywhere. Signs of Intelligence, Astrologyhome and all my Delphi buddies who have become wonderful online resources and support. Also, a shout out to the Astrology Zone group; you all are (as Paris Hilton would say) 'Hot!' Oh, and yes, let's not forget all the Lunar Living 'wannabees' who have adopted the "Lunar Living" phrase into their various online activities. We actually do take that as a form of praise and reassurance that Lunar Living is fun and worth copying.

Happy Solstice to you all and a merry "be well."