Stellar stuff – 16th - 31st October 2008

By Stella Woods

Aboriginal Astronomy – The Seven Sisters

Our Australian Aborigines were arguably the world’s first astronomers. Their complex systems of knowledge and beliefs about the stars and heavenly bodies have evolved as an integral part of a culture that has been handed down through song, dance and ritual for some 40,000 years, predating the stargazing cultures of Babylon, ancient Greece, China, India and Meso-America.

In Greek mythology, the cluster of seven bright stars known as the Pleiades, near the constellation of Taurus, probably derives from the Greek word πλεῖν (to sail), as the Pleiades star cluster was visible in the Mediterranean region from the middle of May when it conjuncted the sun in Taurus until the beginning of November when it opposed the sun in Scorpio. This marked the start and end of the summer sailing season in ancient Greece.

In Australia (and in many other parts of the world), the Pleiades are known as the Seven Sisters. As the earth rotates, the constellation appears to move from east to west. The bright stars following the Seven Sisters, such as Aldebaran – the Bull’s Eye of Taurus meaning ‘the follower’ in Arabic - were often included in a story that illustrated this movement. Here is one such story.

There were once seven beautiful sisters and any man who ever set eyes on them, wished he could marry them. The seven sisters were sitting down in the bush, enjoying a feast of wood ant larvae. They had used their digging sticks to open the ant nest and were unaware they were being watched by the warrior, Warrumma.

After creeping close to the sisters, Warrumma reached out with his hand, stole two of the digging sticks and crept back to hide. The two sisters who had lost their sticks stayed to search while the others went off to continue gathering food. This gave Warrumma his chance and he grabbed the two sisters. Nobody else heard their loud screaming and Warrumma used all his strength to hold them firmly. As their struggling and screaming finally grew less, Warrumma explained he wanted to actually take care of his captives. He was lonely and his desire was to marry and protect them!

The two sisters could see no alternative so they travelled with Warrumma while always on the lookout for a means of escape. At last their chance came. While gathering pine bark to light a fire they decided to escape up a pine tree. Higher and higher they climbed into the branches of the tree which grew taller and taller. Finally they reached the sky where waiting for them with open arms were their five lost sisters.

McCain or Obama? Old School or New Rule?

Astrologers all over the world are falling over themselves to predict who will win the 4th November US Presidential Election. Democrat Barack Obama currently has transiting Saturn on the rise moving to conjunct his Midheaven ruler Mars, while Republican John McCain has transiting Saturn in his 12th house descending towards the horizon. Traditionally this means Obama’s fortune and fame are on the rise, while McCain’s star is falling as he reaches the end of a cycle.

The Saturn-Uranus opposition mentioned in my last column will be exact on Election Day. As these two planets go head to head, Saturn in Virgo could be said to symbolise the old school and dependence on the past. John McCain and the Republican Party seeking to preserve the status quo by supporting and maintaining President Bush’s “surge” policy in Iraq and the gun lobby. Meanwhile Uranus in Pisces, a more radical energy, could be said to symbolise the energy of the future – a new world order represented by the youthful and progressive Barack Obama with his Afro-American heritage. Who will emerge triumphant? Will the American voters break free and vote for Uranian liberation? Or will the recent housing and financial crisis push them to play it safe and stick with the Saturnian devil they know? Only time will tell.

Alexander Ruperti, in his book Cycles of Becoming, says of the Saturn-Uranus cycle: “Habit patterns will always resist change and when the pressure of some creative challenge is felt, the ego will experience a sense of impending doom, generating fear and resisting change.” It remains to be seen whether the urge for change (Uranus) will overcome the fear of change (Saturn).

Key Astrological Events – October

After the stagnation of recent months, many will breathe a sigh of relief, especially after the 16th when Mercury resumes its forward journey.

Venus moves into light-hearted Sagittarius on the 19th bringing a desire for fun, travel and study. This is a good time to plan a summer holiday or book a weekend away.

The Scorpio new moon on the 29th is a potentially intense time. Use the energy to meditate and plant dreams and goals for the months ahead.

Finally Pagans celebrate the festival of Beltane on the 31st. The European Celts lit great bonfires to mark this time of transition from spring to summer. Beltane honours fertility – nesting birds, mating livestock, blossoming trees and buzzing bees. Traditionally anything went during this holiday so use your imagination!

Moon Placements - October

Launch projects at the New Moon, bring them to completion in the period from just before the Full Moon to the Third Quarter phase and wind them down and reflect on developments in the week before the next New Moon. Important events such as parties, conferences and weddings are best held close to the Full Moon or when the Moon is in the same sign as your Sun (or Star) sign.

Stella Woods is an astrology consultant and teacher based in St Kilda, Melbourne. Contact Stella for private readings on (03) 9534 5021 or stellaw@ozemail.com.au or visit www.stellastarwoman.com and sign up for Stella’s free AstroUpdate or read your Monthly Stars. Hear Stella on 3RRR 102.7 FM or on line every second Wednesday (10 -11 am).