June 17, 2008
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The Galactic Center
Our galaxy is The Milky Way. Since we are observing the galaxy from a spot far out on one of its spiral arms, it appears to the naked eye as a hazy trail of light across the night sky. Somewhere in the bright blob at the middle of the Milky Way is the Galactic Center. If, unlike me, you live some place where it gets dark at night in the summer, that is the best time to see the Galactic Center, because in the winter our Sun obscures it.
As far as anyone on this planet has been able to determine, nothing in the Universe is standing still. The Galactic Center moves in relation to distant stars beyond the Galaxy (or they move in relation to it — or both), but being the axis of rotation for the galaxy, its motion is apparently slower and less complex than that of its spiral arms.
Astronomers are very interested in the GC. Some astrologers ignore it, while others include it in every chart they do. I suspect that astrologers who ignore the GC don’t have any significant aspects to it in their natal charts. In my chart it is conjunct my Ascendant, square my Sun-Chiron conjunction, and quincunx my North Lunar Node. This explains why my husband often makes sarcastic comments or asks me bemusedly about the planet I come from. It also explains why, for as long as I can remember, I have had dreams about life on other planets.
In astrology, planets and points in aspect to the GC take on “otherworldly” or extraterrestrial qualities as well as deep spiritual and philosophical significance. I think that an examination of the natal charts of a lot of Trekkies, Crop Circle enthusiasts, sci-fi writers, etc., would reveal GC connections.
Tomorrow’s Full Moon (Sun opposite Moon) is conjunct the Galactic Center, with Pluto near enough to also be considered a conjunction, and with Venus conjunct the Sun. At 28 degrees Sagittarius-Gemini, it is close enough to my natal Ascendant in the 26th degree of Sagittarius, to be conjunct. I am energized, scattered, all raw nerve endings, as distractable and out of focus as I have ever been. I recognize in this an opportunity for personal transformation. If it’s going to happen, however, it will largely have to be done on autopilot, because the captain of this ship is out to lunch.
Since I’m not focused enough to interpret the ephemeris myself or distill today’s astrological energies from the half dozen or so sources I usually consult, here is Mark Lerner’s Cosmic Calendar for today:
While this week of maximum intensity unfolds, you also want to be well-prepared for tomorrow’s potent Full Moon (10:32AM PDT on Wednesday) that occurs in alignment with the heart center of the Milky Way. This area of the zodiac – particularly the lunar placement at 28 degrees of Sagittarius – connects every earthling with rarefied energies streaming in from our galactic home. What those unusual celestial energies might provide in the way of enlightenment is unknown, but you certainly want to keep an open mind if ingenious ideas are ready to lift your spirits. Right now you need to keep your buoyant attitude and optimistic approach to life going at full tilt. Athletics, treks into the countryside and workout routines are looking good under the aegis of enthusiastic Sagittarius Moon. Improve your golf swing or tennis backhand. Add beautiful touches around your residence and office – courtesy of two Juno aspects, a supportive, 60-degree link to Chiron (4:33PM PDT) and Juno’s monthly union with the Moon (8:24PM PDT). Strive toward empowerment, fairness, balance and equality in your primary partnerships. Don’t let others treat you with condescension or contempt. This is especially important since Venus in Gemini opposes Pluto in Sagittarius (11:45PM PDT). While this powerful liaison can equate with revelations in romance and insights concerning money matters, the shadow side is associated with breakdowns in communication with dear ones. Squabbling over minor problems is taboo. Don’t let someone else’s negative mood swings ruffle your psychic feathers. Patience is a cardinal virtue in the evening hours.
