As we recover from most of our holiday revelry, the Moon, Mars and the star Spica bear watching in the early morning skies. The Moon is closing in
on the star, Spica, in the constellation of the Virgin Priestess, and will occult it (as it has at other times this year), that is pass in front and completely obscuring it from view. However, this event will not be visible since that part of the sky has not yet risen. On the Pacific coast, it will be the early morning of the 27th when the Moon will be below and to the left of Spica. This part of the sky will be worth seeing because of Mars’ conjunction with the star Porrima, which represents the “Angle/Corner of the Barker” or the shoulder of the Priestess. Spica represents a “Sheaf of Wheat” or “Ear of Corn” depending on who you talk with.
Most of the constellation lies in the sign of Libra now, whereas 2000 years ago it was in the sign of Virgo. Spica, the most prominent and visible star of this constellation is at 24 degrees Libra and is described as “the symbol of knowledge and insight” by the astrologer, Bernadette Brady and Spica “shows the potential for brilliance.” As the Moon in Libra passes by Spica in in its waning last quarter phase, we can look within our knowledge as to how we relate to others and potential to see how our past lessons can guide us to to more balanced and conscious relationships.
Just above the Moon and Spica, Mars is to the right and very close to the fainter star, Porrima, which makes up one of the angles that form the trapezoid-like shape that we most associate with this constellation. Mars, the Moon and the Virgin Priestess constellation are best visible about 1-2 hours before sunrise in the southeast morning sky. Also of note is the asteroids Vesta and Ceres both in Libra and in this constellation, emphasizing the Libra archetype and how it is expressed beyond the mental qualities and more with the heart in the form of tenderness, love, sacredness and spirit.
These alignments in Libra are picking up where Saturn left off after is passage through Libra in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The shedding of the old structure of relationship is commencing and taking on new forms and expressions as well as opening up the channels to our distant past to learn from the ancients. We are breaking new ground and emerging in new territories. We don’t have to do this perfectly, but with honesty, conscious-heart, wisdom, joy and love.
by Erik M Roth, Shamanic Astrologer
References:
Star Lore by William Olcott
Star and Planet Combinations by Bernadette Brady
Stellarium, astronomical software