The Dance of the Cosmos
by Lady Deane

When I was first asked if I wanted to write an astrological "yearly predictions" article, my biggest challenge was figuring out the best way to fit celestial time--which is how the planets move, into calendar time--which is how we measure the year. I mean it's not like the planets have daytimers (those annoying calendar thing-ys that corporate types are so fond of). They pretty much do their own cosmic dance with one another. Sometimes they do a slow dance and sometimes they tango. Occasionally there's a rave. When you get right down to it, astrology is nothing more (or less) than the study of planetary dance steps, which astrologers call cycles. Except that in the case of the heavens (which are vast), it's cycles within cycles within cycles. Each planet does its own little dance in the overall "Stardust Ballroom" of the Universe. And what happens in the heavens is mirrored here on earth ("as above, so below"). So, in contemplating various planetary cycles for 2003, it made the most sense to me to consider the annual eclipse cycles; because these specifically follow the dance of the Sun, the Moon and the Earth.

In ancient times eclipses were seen as malefic or evil influences. In some places people even tried to hide away from them in caves. But eclipses do nothing more than show you how you've been handling the various issues in your life. Their purpose is simply to bring certain themes to light--to give you the opportunity to consciously focus on them. The effect is not unlike closet cleaning. And like cleaning out a closet, eclipses afford you the opportunity to "clean up your act" in whichever area is highlighted by the eclipse point. Out with the old, in with the new. And when it's over, you have a much cleaner understanding of how to best process the life experiences connected with them.

Apart from the effect on individual lives, eclipses also bring into consciousness themes of the collective unconscious--issues that many people will be processing and be affected by--so they can be powerful tools in identifying areas for growth and self-improvement for individuals as well as entire communities. These are themes that require people to process their potential in whatever areas the eclipses are highlighting--or to take the consequences of failing to process them. The effects of each eclipse are often apparent in the weeks just before or after the eclipse; and the overall effects can be felt for approximately 6 months. Themes are often repeated, or restated, by more than one eclipse in a given year. So in some cases, you may have up to an entire year or more to process the various aspects of any given eclipse theme.

And how do you figure out what these themes are? Well, there are two ways to consider the possible effects of an eclipse in advance. You can have your own personal chart cast, which will show you what houses of your horoscope the eclipse points will contact. Or you can just consider the sign (and sign polarity) the eclipse will occur in. Each sign of the zodiac has its own theme. For 2003 the sign polarities of Taurus/Scorpio and Gemini/Sagittarius are emphasized.
There are generally at least four eclipses per year, and sometimes more, depending on the year. There are several types of eclipses, with the "total eclipse" being the strongest.

For 2003 there are three total eclipses and one annular eclipse; here are the dates...

· May 15, 2003: Total Lunar Eclipse,
Sun at 24 degrees Taurus; Moon at 24 degrees Scorpio (full moon)

· May 31, 2003: Annular Solar Eclipse
Sun/Moon both at 9 degrees Gemini (new moon)

· November 8, 2003: Total Lunar Eclipse
Sun at 16 degrees Scorpio; Moon at 16 degrees Taurus (full moon)

· November 23, 2003: Total Solar Eclipse
Sun/Moon both at 1 degree Sagittarius (new moon)

As you can see, there are two opportunities this year to process Taurus and Scorpio themes--one in May and one in November. This is typically how eclipses work. For the total lunar eclipses of May 15th, and November 8th, both Taurus and Scorpio themes will emerge into the collective unconscious. Taurus and Scorpio are opposite signs in the natural zodiac. They are fixed signs which favor stabilizing, maintaining and preserving what's already begun. Taurus and Scorpio both have much to do with personal resources, so finances will be a major theme for people this year. Taurus rules the 2nd house of the natural zodiac and so how people make and spend their money is a primary theme now. Taurus buys for time, beauty and practicality. In other words, what you purchase now must be well-crafted, functional, and gain in value over time. The quintessential Taurean purchase makes money by holding its own and accruing value with age. Collectibles, antiques, land, homes, etc. So, where the stock market is concerned, stabilize or further develop what you already have. Where homes are concerned, improve on what you have or buy a fixer-upper with a solid foundation. Scorpio rules the 8th house of the natural zodiac and this means that you can expect joint finances (either thru marriage or business partnerships) to gain prominent focus also. Issues of financial dependence vs independence will surface and must be dealt with. Scorpio wants depth and personal transformation, and people will be deepening ties with (or severing ties with untrustworthy) significant others now. Trust, power, and control are big-time Scorpio issues. Scorpio does nothing half-way and rules over nothing less than the life cycle: birth, death, and regeneration (rebirth), as well as the underworld, so everything takes on heightened meaning and life and relationships are full of mystery, intensity and drama.

Another strong Taurean theme that will likely emerge is "the pleasure principle." People will want to enjoy life more, take time to smell the roses, relax and feel good. Think: comfortable, luxurious and 1st class, as everyone will suddenly want to beautify their personal environments--both home and office spaces--and the presence, or absence of beauty in their lives will become an issue. If it's already there, they'll immerse themselves in it and appreciate their surroundings even more. If not, they'll wonder how they lived so long in such drab, boring, uncomfortable spaces and take steps to introduce beauty and comfort into their environment. In fact, "Environment" will suddenly have a capital "E" for many people. Because Taureans are the stewards of the earth, environmental issues and caring for the earth will gain new prominence. Taurus rules the five senses and is a symbol of fertility and erotic pleasure; no other sign can rival it for the pure sensuality of it. Scorpio also rules sexual expression so passion, indulging the senses and heightening all sensual pleasures will become a mission for some people. If you are one of those people who has denied yourself fun for the sake of work--rolling that boulder day after never-ending day up the hill like Sisyphus--then this will be your cosmic wake-up call. Life is short. People were not meant to live in sealed up offices in dark stale little cubes sending emails all day while fluorescent lights suck the life out of them. Get out there and enjoy life!

Physically, Taurus rules the neck and Scorpio the sex organs. Expect physical ailments, if any, to be focused in those areas of the body. But this is also where people can expect to see physical improvements, especially if there have been prior issues with these areas of the body that have needed resolution.

This year also offers opportunities to process Gemini and Sagittarius themes--Gemini in May, and Sagittarius in November. For the annual solar eclipse of May 31st, Gemini themes will emerge into the collective unconscious; and for the total solar eclipse of November 23rd, Sagittarius themes will emerge. Gemini and Sagittarius are opposite signs in the natural zodiac. They are mutable signs which favor flexibility and prepare you for the transition to whatever comes next. Gemini and Sagittarius both have to do with communication, so telling others what you think will be a major theme for people this year. Gemini rules the 3rd house in the natural zodiac, so talking, listening, writing, emailing and all forms of communication become primary themes in May. Gemini rules over siblings as well as your local neighborhood--people and places you see everyday. When Gemini is emphasized expect more contact with brothers and sisters, family reunions, and neighborhood get-togethers. You'll be out and about more too, scurrying here and there, running more local errands and taking in the local scenery.

Sagittarius rules the 9th house in the natural zodiac, so learning, teaching, and traveling become primary themes in November. Education is a prominent theme for both signs and many will consider whether or not they need to return to school to upgrade their skills. Some will be involved in the academic world through writing and publishing. Travel is still another Sagittarian theme and people will be doing more of it. Sagittarius specifically rules air travel and the airline industry will continue to have to make changes if they want to stay in business. Aging aircraft will need to be updated and/or repaired. Issues of national security and customer safety will continue to be important. However, this year the customer is king so treating them with respect and providing for their comfort will become just as important as their safety. Look for airlines who make the customer "Job One" (like Jet Blue, for instance) to expand and do very well. Customers are talking and those airlines not listening will not be around for long. Sag also rules "thinking big" and when Sag is emphasized in the heavens people want their tiny worlds to grow somehow. Some will literally want to occupy bigger spaces. Some will want bigger ideas, bigger deals, bigger families, bigger cars, bigger minds. Plus a philosophy of life that can encompass the whole wide world. Expansion is the key principle operating here.

Physically, Gemini rules the arms and hands and Sagittarius the upper legs, hips, and thighs. Expect physical ailments, if any, to be focused in those areas of the body. But this is also where people can expect to see physical improvements, especially if there have been prior issues with these areas of the body that have needed resolution.

So how do you tell how well you, personally, are handling the eclipse energy? During the Taurus/Scorpio eclipse times, ask yourself these questions: What's mine? What belongs to me, what to my partner? How are we doing in combining and sharing our resources? What are my resources (keeping in mind that talents and abilities are also resources)? What do I deserve? What do I have a right to? What is my time/talent/etc. worth? Then consider whether you're experiencing more of the positive or negative qualities of the signs involved. Positive manifestations of Taurus/Scorpio include: stability, practicality, being dependable, building financial security, preparing for retirement, sharing the wealth, trusting your partner, developing the physical senses, appreciating beauty in all its forms, appreciating the earth, using your perception and intuition, developing depth, personal transformation. Negative manifestations of Taurus/Scorpio include: spending beyond your means, compromising financial stability, stubbornness, being uncooperative, not being a team player, having a "stick-in-the-mud" attitude, inertia, getting into ruts, trying to control others, keeping unhealthy secrets, hiding the truth, overdramatizing or creating tense situations.

During the Gemini/Sagittarius eclipse times ask yourself these questions: Am I communicating clearly? Am I being understood? Am I listening intently to others? Am I teaching positive things by example? Do I need more education or training to maximize my potential? Am I walking my talk? What do I believe in? What area of my life needs to grow, to be bigger? Then consider whether you're experiencing more of the positive or negative qualities of the signs involved. Positive manifestations of Gemini/Sagittarius include: curiosity, flexibility, diversity, variety, generosity, learning new things, communicating, being open to new ideas, seeing the big picture, growth, expansion, seeing opportunity, keeping your sense of humor, believing in a higher power, having hope for the future. Negative manifestations of Gemini/Sagittarius include: being superficial, vacillating, being restless, not finishing what you start, missing the details, thinking that your way is the only way, pushing your ideas onto others, not listening, gossiping, petty arguments, over-promising, over-committing, expanding too far too fast, rushing to completion.

So, there you have it. However you experience the cosmic themes of 2003, I wish you much happiness and great good fortune. And remember, it's just a dance. Have some fun along the way. Play. Smile. Be kind. Then look up and thank your lucky stars.


Lady Deane is a professional astrologer, psychic, and teacher with over 22 years of experience in New York, California, and Maine and holds elder clergy credentials with CoG (Covenant of the Goddess). In addition to personal readings she offers classes in beginning, intermediate, and advanced astrology and workshops on various metaphysical topics.

(207) 282-0717
P.O. Box 121 - Saco, ME 04072