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Collaboration

Dec 15

Posted by Ellen in Saturn in Libra, Signs of our Times | 6 Comments

The scales of balance. (Source:Wikipedia)

The scales of balance. (Source:Wikipedia)

Hello, everyone.

It seems like every business article I read these days is talking about collaboration.  This seems apropos to Saturn in Libra.  In prior posts we’ve been assessing the current transit of Saturn through Libra which began at the end of October and will continue for the next two years.  (See the category at the right.)

When I saw this word “collaboration” again today I thought I’d look it up in the dictionary.  What I found surprised me.

The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language posts two definitions for “collaborate”:

             1.  To work together, especially in a joint intellectual effort.

             2.  To cooperate treasonably, as with an enemy occupying one’s country.

We’re all familiar with the first, but did you know the second?  Both definitions represent Saturn in Libra and they are each worth watching for as they impact your business.

Joint Intellectual Effort

Libra is an air sign and air signs are concerned with “joint intellectual effort”, as in the first definition above.  Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac and addresses our growing awareness of the need to interact and cooperate with others in order to further our personal development and business success.  Marriage and other unions are the province of Libra, as well as business alliances and partnerships.  Diplomacy, skill in negotiating alliances, is a key trait of Libra.

When Saturn is in Libra, there are two distinct ways this desire for interrelationship can be expressed.  The first is like the first definition above: a serious committed undertaking with another or a team.  Saturn is exalted in Libra, which means that its usual tendency to constrict receives a breath of fresh air and can bring seriousness and maturity without an authoritarian stamp.  Saturn brings wisdom to the table in a way that supports combined efforts, and removes lack of commitment and Libra’s tendency to vacillate.

You may well see this is your business relationships.  Are you noticing a new seriousness in your alliances and partnerships, and a sense of realism about the direction your business needs to take to insure success?  With my clients I have seen a renewed interest in budgeting and a seriousness about getting legal and contract issues in writing and signed by all parties.  It’s been interesting to see people with an independent attitude suddenly become much more sober about working things out with the people around them.  And some of this has been hard work!  I have witnessed wrenching discussions, coming to agreements, and yes, collaboration, haven’t you?

 To Cooperate Treasonably?

The second definition above is startling though.  We’re used to thinking of collaboration as a mutually beneficial relationship to some benign end.  But to cooperate treasonably with the enemy?  Unfortunately this is also a manifestation of Saturn in Libra.

When Saturn is in Libra situations come into our life with difficult lessons about loyalty and cooperation.  Saturn can play the employee who betrays you.  Saturn can be the competitor who undercuts you.  Saturn can be that notice from the government that the auditor is coming.  Saturn can be the partner who is demanding accountability from you or the virus that infects your network.  These are the negative faces of Saturn in Libra:  Saturn the taskmaster spurring your progress through challenging situations with others.

Two Faces

So be on the lookout for both kinds of collaboration.  The first is the antidote for the second.  If you’re running into the negative face of Saturn in Libra, collect a loyal team around you and accept their guidance.  That’s how to maintain the balance that is the goal of Libra.

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Saturn/Pluto Strategy #3 – Act!

Nov 19

Posted by Ellen in Current Events, Pluto in Capricorn, Saturn in Libra, Saturn/Pluto Square, What to do now | 18 Comments

AUDIO VERSION: Saturn Pluto Strategy 3

Hello, everyone.

We’re outlining the strategies to use the current Saturn/Pluto square effectively in business.  So far we have:

Strategy #1 – Alignment , and

Strategy #2 – Identify the challenge

Now we’re ready for

Strategy #3 – Act!

To review where we are so far:  when we have a planet in air (Saturn in Libra) squaring a planet in earth (Pluto in Capricorn) one party, one part of ourselves, one part of our world is focusing on physical structures and material security and another is focusing on the ideas and relationships that provide meaning in our lives.  They are each vying for attention and with these two planets there’s no subtlety involved. 

Trumbull's Declaration of Independence (Source:Wikipedia)

Trumbull's Declaration of Independence (Source:Wikipedia)

If you really think about it you will recognize this conflict in the atmosphere of your business – a new idea or relationship that is competing with the need for material security and structures.  But the good news is that planets in square aspect to each other carry the energy to solve the problem.  So much tension is generated that we are forced to take action.  Cardinal squares are resolved through action.

What actions should we take?

With Pluto in Capricorn, the proper action is to align ourselves with the energy of endings and renewal.  Let something go, let something die, and rebirth will follow.  With Saturn in Libra the proper action is to open ourselves to other people, especially the older and wiser, to listen to advice and implement. 

The cardinal square is not the time to stand by and see how things unfold.  It’s also not the time to take small steps, doggedly pursuing some course of action.  Often a square presents us with a choice and too much energy gets dissipated if we stand at the crossroads too long.  It’s time to take action:  powwow with the best people around you, seize the best idea, and put in into practice.  Try new tactics, it’s time to be bold. 

The Silver Lining

And there’s a silver lining to all this.  Pluto is in Capricorn, the sign ruled by Saturn.  Saturn is in Libra, the sign of its exaltation.  While a square aspect is always stressful, these planets recognize and understand each other.  Saturn likes to build structures, and in Libra likes to build structures of communication and relationship.  Pluto in Capricorn is forcing us to come to terms with the past structures we’ve created, especially in business and government.  Finding and working with the common ground between them is the key to effective action. 

How do they work together?  Pluto is exposing everything that is rotting the structures we have placed our trust in.  As Pluto digs up everything impure, decaying, and non-functional Saturn brings in integrity, honesty, and the willingness to do the hard work of establishing a new system.  The new system can be infused with Libra values such as equity, parity, diplomacy, collaboration and cooperation if we are willing to do the work to achieve it.

Remember, Libra is an air sign so a purely mental action satisfies.  Choose any one of the Libran values and bring it into your business.  Discussion, debate, even argument will bring the idea to life and Pluto in Capricorn will bring it to material form.

Let me give you a great example.  Pluto was in Capricorn and Saturn in Libra in 1776, when the United States Declaration of Independence was signed.

Not to say that time in American history was easy and neither will this be.  As astrologer Lynn Hayes says in her blog post, “Saturn square Pluto:  Reshaping the world we live in”,

Any time we encounter Pluto in its guise as the Lord of Death we can become fearful in the face of the certainty of endings and change.  But Saturn requires that we face our obligations and work diligently to overcome them, regardless of the obstacles that are placed in our path.  In doing so we become stronger and more powerful; better able to navigate any rough waters that we encounter.

This is a powerful square and a powerful time.  If we use it wisely and consciously it can unleash a major transformation in our business lives.  Go for it!

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Welcome to Saturn in Libra

Nov 4

Posted by Ellen in Saturn in Libra, The Planets, The Zodiac Signs for Business | 2 Comments

Taos Pueblo Dancer. (Source:See photo attribution below)

Taos Pueblo Dancer. (Source:See photo attribution below)

AUDIO VERSION: Saturn in Libra

Hello, everyone.

I used to live in northern New Mexico, in Taos, the town just outside the Taos Indian Pueblo.  When there was a major celebration at Taos Pueblo, my friends from the Pueblo would invite me saying there would be “big doin’s” that day.  I’ve always loved that expression, big doin’s, and it comes to mind now.  There are big doin’s in the sky right now, really big.

Welcome Saturn to Libra!

To begin to understand the impact on our businesses we’ll start by examining Saturn’s transit in Libra.  Saturn has been in the sign Virgo for the last two years and will be under Libra’s influence until October 2012.  Saturn is said to be exalted in the sign of Libra, so he brings his best qualities to the matters of the sign as long as we are willing to do the work required.

The energy of Saturn has a natural affinity with business.  Quoting my post, “Saturn in Virgo – Managing by the Details”,

We’ve spoken about Saturn and how its qualities are beneficially associated with business ownership.  Saturn understands conservatism, budgeting, and the needs for controls, policies, and rules.  Saturn contracts the energy of ideas and inspiration into the material plane.  It sees the goal at the top of the mountain and can patiently follow a prescribed plan to get there.  Saturn does rule boundaries and limitations, yes, but willingly accepts these as a fact of life on this physical earth and knows how to put these things to use to accomplish success. 

Saturn in Libra’s idea of Success

So what is success when Saturn is in Libra?  Libra is a major turning point in the zodiac and also in the business cycle.  In the first six signs of the zodiac we are building inner resources and strengthening our skills and innate talents.  When we come to the seventh sign, Libra, we enter the phase of the cycle when our engagement with others becomes more the focus.  It’s almost as if we’ve spent the previous six signs perfecting ourselves so that we are ready to make a positive contribution to the lives of others.

In business, of course, this translates into business partnerships, business negotiations, business alliances – all the activities that take us out of the more personal, more entrepreneurial phases of business and into active engagement with the public, both our supporters and our competitors.  Businesses have a life cycle that is reflected by the zodiac signs and again quoting from a prior post, “The Zodiac and Business Life Cycle – Expansion”,

At the Libra point the business begins to establish partnerships to aid in its expansion and deals with responsibilities to investors.  There will be a focus on networking to expand the customer/client base as well as a further shift in management to a more broad-based model.  As the employee base expands as well, effort goes into recruiting the right people and dealing with human resources complexities.

Leadership in this phase will bring in outside consultants and new board members to engage the skills necessary for expansion.  Legal issues may become more serious now, with outside threats to product brands and legal challenges as the company becomes more known in the market.

So what will Saturn bring to these Libran activities?  What are the Libran ideas that Saturn will crystallize into matter?  Here are some ideas:

  • Fair and equitable partnerships
  • Responsibility to others
  • Social justice
  • Direct, honest communications
  • Respect for and inclusion of the elderly on your staff as sources of wisdom
  • Disciplined responses to threats from competitors

 

What to watch for

Justice-a good image for Saturn in Libra. (Source:Wikipedia)

Justice-a good image for Saturn in Libra. (Source:Wikipedia)

If any of these areas are out of balance in your business, Saturn will make it known over the coming months.  When the energy of Saturn the taskmaster first begins his instruction, it looks (and feels) like restriction, limitation, and failure.  Things we thought were going smoothly reveal another side.  Anywhere we have polarized – us and the government; me and my competitor;  my partner is the smart one;  I’m conservative and my partner is spending all the money – will be challenged as we learn to reclaim our power in the situation.

Saturn will shine a light on our ability to commit and to do the arduous work to play by the rules of partnership.  It will demand structure and a concrete commitment to fairness and equity.  Fortune or misfortune may look like it comes through others when Saturn in is Libra, but blame will have no place to stand as we are tested regarding our own integrity and honesty.  Saturn is known to demand truth and when he is in Libra he dispels our illusions about ourselves in relationship to others.  Saturn will expect us to act like grown-ups and to run our businesses according to fundamental social values, rather than convenient shortcuts we may have learned from others.

And the payoff?

All this work then clears the way to be able to join with others in cooperative, mutually beneficial relationships.  And remember, Saturn is exalted in Libra, so while it sounds like a lot of hard work, the payoff is tremendous and permanent.

Depending on the position of your natal Saturn, this could be easier for some, harder for others.  But we will all feel the impact and you will see it in the news, too.  And as I said earlier, this is just one of the influences at play during this complicated time.  I’ll explain more about it in upcoming posts.

See you soon!

 

 

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Astro4Business Week – October 26

Oct 25

Posted by Ellen in Astro4Business Week, What to do now | No Comments

Phases of the Moon, as seen from the Northern Hemisphere. The Southern hemisphere will see a mirror image of this phase. (Source:Wikipedia)

Phases of the Moon, as seen from the Northern Hemisphere. The Southern hemisphere will see a mirror image of this phase. (Source:Wikipedia)

AUDIO VERSION: October 26

Hello, everyone.

This week Mercury and Saturn change signs and the Moon continues to wax toward Full.  The first two days are fairly quiet and then the action begins on Wednesday.

Wednesday

On Wednesday Mercury, the planet of communications, enters the sign of Scorpio where it will remain until November 15.  The mind deepens and is interested in what lies beneath the surface.  Use this time for research and analysis as well as deep heartfelt conversations that lead to agreements regarding sharing resources, including money.

On the same day, Venus trines Jupiter, bringing an optimistic outlook.  This is a great day to make financial decisions, because generosity and hopefulness rule the day.  This is a good day for big productions or gatherings so plan to bring out your sales force or initiate a new marketing campaign.  This aspect uplifts all markets, including the stock market, because when people feel good, they act with confidence. 

Mercury and Pluto also shake hands amicably today.  Look for penetrating conversations that leave no stone unturned.  Your speech is powerful today so use your words well.

Thursday

On Thursday, with the Sun square Mars, there is an intense output of energy that can lead to stress and even accidents.  Take it easy!  You may have head-to-heads with your second in command as they challenge your authority.  If you can find a way to let them shine their own light, their productivity could soar today.  Just keep your hands on the reins because the tendency today is toward impulsive action.

Also on Thursday, after two years in Virgo, Saturn is moving into Libra.  More on this later in the week, but a teaser is…we should see a return to more reasonable unemployment levels which is good for everyone, our businesses included!

Saturday

Happy Halloween, a very Scorpio-like celebration!Halloween-witch_svg

Sunday

Be careful today.  Similar to Thursday’s Sun/Mars square, today’s Mercury/Mars square can cause arguments and conflicts to erupt.  Since Mercury rules information systems, we could see an overload of energy causing mechanical breakdowns and then blame going back and forth between your IT team and your operations team.  Someone needs to make sure all your data is backed up before the weekend, and that someone is you.  The people around you are acting first and thinking second, a good recipe for problems.

 

Let me know how the week plays out.

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Astro4Business Week – October 12

Oct 11

Posted by Ellen in Astro4Business Week | 18 Comments

Phases of the Moon, as seen from the Northern Hemisphere. The Southern hemisphere will see a mirror image of this phase. (Source:Wikipedia)

Phases of the Moon, as seen from the Northern Hemisphere. The Southern hemisphere will see a mirror image of this phase. (Source:Wikipedia)

AUDIO VERSION: October 12

Hello, everyone.

A very important week ahead with Venus and Mars changing signs, Venus aspecting Saturn and Pluto, Jupiter resuming direct motion and the New Moon at week’s end.

Monday

Monday is the day to get things done with our drive and motivation (Mars) supported by hard work and discipline (Saturn).  We’ll be able to harness our energy and make progress in business and practical matters.  If you need to establish your authority about something or with someone, this is the day to do it.  It will be easily accepted today.

Tuesday

Tuesday is also a good day.  With Jupiter standing still, in anticipation of resuming its direct motion, optimism will return and the future will look brighter. 

Later, financial discipline, the gift of Venus with Saturn, supports our intention and desires (Mars) and the result is economy, diplomacy, and business agreements that consider all points of view and are beneficial to everyone.

Wednesday

On Wednesday, Venus, which rules money, creativity, and our social instincts moves into Libra, the sign she rules and loves.  She is happy!  Here is where she is at home and at her best.  Our business dealings and other relationships will become more refined and fair-minded, direct and clear. 

Thursday

On Thursday, Venus moves into a challenging relationship with Pluto in Capricorn.  Venus rules money and Pluto rules the economy as a whole, including banking and taxes.  This could go either way:  something will probably come to light regarding your financial situation, but Pluto can uncover either treasures or losses, depending on what you’ve set in motion in the past.  But don’t be afraid, because…

Goddess of Wealth, Maha Lakshmi Devi (Source:Wikipedia)

Goddess of Wealth, Maha Lakshmi Devi (Source:Wikipedia)

On Thursday we are protected by the Hindu celebration of Dhanteras.  In the word Dhanteras, “Dhan” means wealth.  During this celebration, the goddess Lakshmi, a very Venus-like goddess, is worshiped as the one who provides prosperity.  In the business community, business people purchase gold and silver to keep in their safes, as precious metals are thought to attract good luck.  So by remembering Lakshmi on this day we invite her blessings of wealth and prosperity into our lives and businesses.

The following story is an interesting legend about the origins of Dhanteras, particularly because of the Venus/Pluto contact today, as it holds images of both of these energies.

Once the sixteen year old son of King Hima was doomed to die by a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage per his horoscope. On that particular day his young wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid all her ornaments and lots of silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband’s bedroom and lighted innumerable lamps. She spent the night telling stories and singing songs.

When Yama, the god of Death, arrived in the guise of a serpent to collect the prince his eyes were blinded by the dazzle of the brilliant lights and he could not enter the Prince’s chamber. So he climbed on top of the heap of ornaments and coins and sat there the whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away. Thus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then Dhanteras came to be known as the day of “Yamadeepdaan” and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in reverential adoration to Yama, the god of Death. [Adapted from Wikipedia]

Friday

On Friday, Mars enters the sign of Leo.  You will notice a very different energy begin to unfold:  dramatic, enthusiastic, ambitious, and passionate.  Fire in a fire sign brings tremendous vitality and courage.  Look for more on how to take advantage of this energy later in the week.

Also on Friday our essential authority (Sun) is flooded with inspiration and compassion (Neptune).  Read the posts on Neptune in Aquarius (see sidebar) and contemplate how you can take advantage of our collective desire to support each other through innovation and technology during the coming months.

Saturday/Sunday

Floating candles on Diwali day. (Source:Wikipedia)

Floating candles on Diwali day. (Source:Wikipedia)

The New Moon on Saturday night or Sunday, depending on where you live, marks the celebration of Diwali.  Diwali is celebrated religiously by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains and culturally by most other Indians. Diwali is popularly known as the “festival of lights” and in Hinduism is dedicated to the Goddess Lakshmi.  In south India, Hindus wake up well before dawn, as early as two in the morning, have a fragrant oil bath and wear new clothes. They light small lamps all around the house and draw elaborate drawings in colored sand outside their homes.  It is believed that taking a bath before sunrise, when the stars are still visible in the sky is equivalent to taking a bath in the holy river Ganges.  After ritual prayers, children burst firecrackers heralding the defeat of darkness.  As this is a day of rejoicing, many people enjoy elaborate meals and meet with family and friends. 

Keep track of your days this week, and let me know how the energies are playing out in your life as the week unfolds.

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The Zodiac and the Business Life Cycle – Expansion

Sep 10

Posted by Ellen in Astro4Business Basics, The Zodiac Signs for Business | No Comments

Business Life Cycle

Business Life Cycle

We’ve been reviewing the business life cycle and correlating its phases to the signs of the zodiac.  We’ve examined the start-up phase and its correlation to the qualities of Aries, Taurus, and Gemini, and the growth phase, with its correlation to the signs Cancer, Leo, and Virgo.  Now the business is ready for the expansion phase.

Libra

Libra marks the beginning of a phase when the business will either continue to expand through entering new markets, enlarging the company through mergers and acquisitions, or taking the company public, or it will maintain the status quo, rest on its laurels, and coast toward its ultimate termination.  A business that does not move forward with the times and respond to social forces with innovation will eventually reach its termination.

At the Libra point the business begins to establish partnerships to aid in its expansion and deals with responsibilities to investors.  There will be a focus on networking to expand the customer/client base as well as a further shift in management to a more broad-based model.  As the employee base expands as well, effort goes into recruiting the right people and dealing with human resources complexities.

Leadership in this phase will bring in outside consultants and new board members to engage the skills necessary for expansion.  Legal issues may become more serious now, with outside threats to product brands and legal challenges as the company becomes more known in the market.

This phase is characterized by a period of growth into new markets and distribution channels.  This effort makes this phase similar to the Aries time, with an emphasis on entrepreneurial pioneering spirit and research and development of ideas that complement the existing business and capabilities.  The Libra qualities of diplomacy, equilibrium, and objectivity shepherd the business through this phase.

Scorpio

The Scorpio phase brings a dramatic point of crisis.  The power of the original owner has been usurped by the structure of the business they have created.  Banking relationships and investor dynamics have made the company reliant on outside resources, with corresponding requirements for compliance and control.  Advisors, lawyers, and tax agencies seem to conspire to wrest the business from the owner. The original entrepreneur must decide whether to leave the company altogether or transform him/herself into a cog in a machine much bigger than he/she is.  A seasoned, possibly international, management team must function in order to take the business forward into new markets.  

There is no way even a very great leader can handle the business single-handedly at this stage.  The business will be transformed during this stage, whether that means regression to a prior state, expansion, or failure.  The business that survives will have its operating structures in place, its financing secured, and a strong management team ready for expansion.  The Scorpio traits of discernment, integrity, and willingness to dig deeply to find the truth are important during this difficult phase.

Sagittarius

At this stage the business has weathered the Scorpio crisis and is preparing to be an institution.  The hard-won lessons have turned into capability to operate, communicate, and lead. 

In this phase there is expansion into new territories and products or services.  There is a natural rise in risk tolerance because of the stable financing established in the prior phase.  The new leadership team has weathered the storm and acts with confidence; this is the top of their game.  The focus is the forward thrust, the move into the future to gain a larger market share and find new revenue and profit channels. 

This is also when the business participates in philanthropic causes, whether born of a sincere desire to support the public or as a ploy to gain customers.  The risk at this stage is that lack of organizational discipline, born of a company moving into too many new ventures at one time, will take its toll on planning and profits.  The Sagittarian traits of optimism, risk-taking, judgment, and looking for opportunities near and far are characteristic of this phase.

In the next post, we’ll look at the mature phase of a business, and the transition into the next cycle.

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