{"id":3461,"date":"2015-05-17T12:04:06","date_gmt":"2015-05-17T12:04:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.lanawooster.co.uk\/?p=3461"},"modified":"2015-05-20T15:01:08","modified_gmt":"2015-05-20T15:01:08","slug":"aspects-for-the-week-beginning-17-may-2015","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.lanawooster.co.uk\/?p=3461","title":{"rendered":"Aspects for the week beginning 17 May 2015"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gemini Totems and Archetypes<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Sun goes into Gemini this week on\u00a0 Thursday (21st) at 8.45 a.m. in the U.K.\u00a0 I intend to look today at some of the animal totems and Archetypes for this birth sign.<\/p>\n

I will start with the Animal Totems of this sign.\u00a0 Although the traditional emblem of the sign is The Twins and it is one of the few signs which does not have an animal representation traditionally, I have been working since the late 1980s with animal totems, and a few have consistently presented themselves over the years.\u00a0 I first developed my work with animal totems when I worked jointly with Sandy Colyer in Watford, who sadly passed away a few years ago.\u00a0 We called ourselves ATTEMPT (Astrological Totem Tarot encompassing Massage and Past Life Therapy)! These totems and archetypes can relate to you whether you have Gemini Sun or Ascendant in your chart, or a prominent Mercury.\u00a0 Otherwise, it might make your observation of Gemini family and friends more interesting.<\/p>\n

Animal Totems<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Definition of \u201cAnimal Totemic Theology\u201d <\/em>by Barbara Hand Clow: \u201cSystems that explore how the gods act through humanity by showing characteristics in humans and gods that mirror animal traits.\u201d<\/p>\n

Monkey<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This refers to both the mischievous side of Gemini, and to the restless mind which they refer to in meditation circles as \u201cmonkey mind\u201d, an inability to still the mind and settle to meditation.\u00a0 Monkey is also associated with a talent for mimicry, at which Gemini can excel.<\/p>\n

Butterfly<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Gemini is an adaptable sign, one of the four \u201cMutable\u201d signs as they are known.\u00a0 Butterfly refers to the Geminian tendency to flit from subject to subject, or, as with Venus in Gemini, the social butterfly who works the room at a party or gathering. <\/em>Butterfly also describes the Geminian love of variety, ephemeral change (as distinct from the deep change of Aquarius and Uranus).<\/p>\n

Jamie Sams and David Carson write in \u201cMedicine Cards\u201d where Butterfly comes up:<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a need for change in your life that you are not recognizing.\u00a0 This could be a possible need for freedom, for a vacation, or for a new job.\u201d<\/p>\n

There is a deeper side of Butterfly as an aspect of Transformation, associated with the sign of Scorpio, and the planet Pluto.\u00a0 If I should carry on with this theme as a series for all the signs, I may get to that!<\/p>\n

Chameleon<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I think one of the manifestations of the Chameleon for Gemini is related to the fact that one of the talents of Gemini is mimicry, and it is remarkable that a high proportion of successful impressionists are Geminian.<\/p>\n

Famous Examples: Mike Yarwood (a pioneer of the art) and John Culshaw (of Dead Ringers and Newzoids); Harry Enfield (who worked on Spitting Image), and Debra Stephenson (who worked with John Culshaw on Dead Ringers, and now accompanies him on Newzoids).<\/em><\/p>\n

Gemini in combination with Pisces<\/em><\/strong><\/span> <\/strong><\/p>\n

Certain combinations of signs turn up animal totems.\u00a0 An example is the dragonfly which comes up for Gemini in combination say with a Pisces Ascendant.\u00a0 This incorporates the sense of illusion and delicacy from Pisces\u2019 ruler Neptune.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bird Totems<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

All air signs bring up bird totems, but Gemini does especially.<\/p>\n

Eagle<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Eagle is the most prominent bird totem for Gemini, and particularly the Bald Eagle, which is strong for British Geminians, and I imagine would be even more so for U.S. Geminians!\u00a0 It heralds all the bird totems in the zodiac, in the way that Gemini heralds the Air signs.<\/p>\n

Nicky Scully writes, in \u201cThe Golden Cauldron\u201d: \u201cEagle clarifies choices.\u00a0 As you soar with him, you can view your choices and make decisions about your life based on the keen vision and lofty perspective you have as Eagle\u201d.<\/p>\n

Magpies<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Magpie refers to the slightly kleptomaniac tendency of some Geminians (though not all), as well as its curiosity.\u00a0 It is the sense in which they collect bits of information, but also pass it on. [I have been indebted to a certain Gemini collector of information this week]. \u00a0 Magpie\u2019s reputation has been linked with superstition through the old rhyme \u201cOne for sorrow, two for joy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

In \u201cBirds Divine Messengers\u201d Andrea Wansbury writes:<\/p>\n

\u201cA magpie is saying you need to adopt a more enquiring mind and not be so resigned about your life by putting everything down to fate or ‘that\u2019s just the way life goes’.\u00a0 In this age of becoming conscious, we have to switch to detective mode, probing into our own lives to discover our fears and negativities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wren<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It has only come to my notice this week, after some feverish polling, that Wren seems to be one of the popular birds amongst Geminis, possibly because of its cheerfulness, a trait which Geminis often have.<\/p>\n

Parrot<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Parrot speaks for itself!\u00a0 Gemini is a conduit for its social environment, and passes on information as a natural function: a veritable winged messenger.<\/p>\n

Combinations<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Red Kite for Sun in Gemini in combination say with Aries Ascendant (or vice versa)<\/p>\n

Blackbird for Gemini in combination say with Scorpio Ascendant<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Archetypes<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Definition of \u201cArchetypes\u201d <\/em>by Barbara Hand Clow: \u201cThoughtforms that shape reality, which may have existed before reality manifested and may even have precipitated reality; the primordial ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n

Communicator<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Communication is the most basic principle for this sign.<\/p>\n

Famous Example: the loquacious Russell Brand<\/em><\/p>\n

(Related to the Parrot Bird Totem)<\/em><\/p>\n

The Thief<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

This Archetype has a more negative connotation than most, although all archetypes can have a positive side, and a shadow side.\u00a0 This correspondence with Gemini derives from the ruler of this sign Mercury (Roman god, and Hermes the Greek equivalent).\u00a0 He apparently stole Apollo\u2019s cattle while still a toddler! \u00a0<\/em>This trait may be a function of the Geminian cleverness, outwitting opponents.\u00a0 And in the modern world, it may refer especially to the stealing of information (as in cribbing essay notes from Wikipedia).<\/p>\n

(Related to the Magpie Bird Totem)<\/em><\/p>\n

Other Gemini Archetypes:<\/em><\/strong><\/span> <\/strong><\/p>\n

Teacher, Scientist, Scribe, Intellectual, Merchant <\/strong><\/p>\n

These Archetypes feature heavily in Geminian careers, and potential.<\/p>\n

Combinations<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Gemini in combination with Aries: The Engineer<\/p>\n

Gemini in combination with Virgo or Aries: The Critic<\/p>\n

Gemini in combination with Virgo: The Gossip<\/p>\n

Caroline Myss writes of this Archetype:<\/p>\n

\u201cMost people would hesitate to choose this archetype because of its negative implications, yet many others make their living in the business of political, social and entertainment gossip in a positive way.\u00a0 The Archetype is connected to lessons of truth, integrity, and honouring the trust another has placed in you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Famous Example: Gossipy style of Joan Rivers\u2019 humour<\/em>
\nApplications<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Hope you have found it interesting to peruse the many faces of this multi-faceted sign!<\/p>\n

The animal and bird totems reflect the traditions of shamanism and Native American culture.\u00a0 If you are out in nature, the appearance of a particular animal or bird can carry a message, empowerment, protection or intervention for you for that time.\u00a0 Perhaps a bird has been following you around, which sometimes happens.\u00a0 Birds are often seen as messengers from the spirit worlds, after the departure of a loved one.<\/p>\n

Archetypes are dynamic forces in the psyche, and can depict or highlight a psychological issue in a vivid and dramatic way.\u00a0 Both animal totems and archetypes as they appear in meditation, dreams and sometimes in past-life regressions can be worked with in dialogue with each other or in role play.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bibliography:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cMedicine Cards\u201d <\/strong>by Jamie Sams and David Carson<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Golden Cauldron\u201d <\/strong>by Nicky Scully<\/p>\n

\u201cBirds Divine Messengers\u201d <\/strong>by Andrea Wansbury<\/p>\n

\u201cSacred Contracts\u201d <\/strong>by Caroline Myss<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Aspects<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The start of the week brings a New Moon at 26 degrees Taurus.\u00a0 In the office that may mean a minor reorganization.\u00a0 In the retirement garden, there may be a new spirit of landscaping; moving plants and trees where they need to go, according to your listening skills.\u00a0 In the artist\u2019s studio, a new painting or artform may begin.\u00a0 I have been attending an art course, and have painted my first bird!\u00a0 Hence the inspiration for this Gemini bird totem blog.<\/p>\n

There is some information on the net linking this New Moon with the fixed star Algol, which frankly does not have a good press.\u00a0 The Sun is aligned with Algol in the constellation of Perseus at this time of the year, and the ancients were most fearful of its presentation in their lives.\u00a0 Bernadette Brady in her book of the Fixed Stars says: \u201cAlgol\u2026is the wild, raw, frightening face of the outraged feminine which has been labeled demonic or simply evil.\u201d<\/p>\n

There are some deeply negative reputations from ancient astrology for some of the Fixed Stars, of which Algol comes out as one of the worst.\u00a0 In astrological literature, I found these irredeemable until \u201cStarlight Elixirs\u201d by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld fell into my lap in 1992.\u00a0 Since then I have worked with this book in many applications, including a meditation group.<\/p>\n

So here is an alternative interpretation from that book, should you wish to adopt it as an alternative mindset:<\/p>\n

\u201cAlgol\u2019s ability to prepare individuals for understanding their destiny, their life purpose, and the ability to manifest this purpose more easily in the world, this is at once spiritual and practical.\u00a0 For most people what will usually result is an ability to understand their profession and accept it more easily.<\/p>\n

Algol can attune individuals to harmonies deep within their being.\u00a0 These are partly genetic in nature, partly past-life in nature, but more importantly are in attunement to the shared soul of the lifestream of humanity.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the early hours of Tuesday 19th (in U.K. time) Mercury is stationary, prior to going retrograde.\u00a0 It has become fashionable to be alarmed at this, and now the internet is issuing prior warnings in advance, of communication disruption in its \u201cshadow period\u201d, declaring that its influence is beginning even before it turns retrograde.\u00a0 Retrograde Mercurial disruption pertains primarily to old school communication, as Uranus represents the more modern and technological side of communication.\u00a0 When these two planets are squared, we are stymied from both aspects of communication.\u00a0 And of course much of our equipment these days, such as smartphones, double up for both functions.\u00a0 I have observed that communication can be disrupted outside of a Retrograde period (e.g. we have had a rail strike announced recently) and also perceive that with clarity and consciousness, successful communication can take place during a retrograde period.\u00a0 I feel that the Mercury Retrograde has been bigged up by the media as it is a phenomenon easy to see and to grasp by those not immersed in Astrology.\u00a0 But I also feel it is a negative and fearful way of seeing and working with Astrology.\u00a0 There are more likely to be glitches when Mercury is switching from direct to retrograde, but I do not favour the drama and demonizing of Mercury which is being perpetuated.\u00a0 So bear in mind that you need to make extra effort to get your communications clear, but otherwise don\u2019t panic.\u00a0 Also it is good to from time to time cultivate the skills of the old forms, such as snail mail, just to show that you are not totally dependent on technology.\u00a0 Practise handwriting. And mindfulness.\u00a0 The lower mind (Mercury) and the higher mind (Uranus) need to work together, so you don\u2019t need to let your natural skills go rusty.<\/p>\n

On Thursday 21st<\/sup> at 8.45 am in the U.K. the Sun enters Gemini, so we have a focus and emphasis on the Gemini way of consciousness.\u00a0 More communication (of the disrupted, the not so disrupted and even the harmonious kind), and more learning about the world.\u00a0 Gemini represents information and news gathered from magazines, newspapers and television (broadcasting is ruled by Gemini), rather than book learning.\u00a0 We may hear more about the new government\u2019s Education plans, as this is another area associated with Gemini.\u00a0 On Thursday, you may find your mind opening out to new areas of information, and new theories.<\/p>\n

Late morning there is a minor aspect of Jupiter quincunx Pluto.\u00a0 The aspect may be minor, but the two planets involved are major.\u00a0 So there may be power struggles arising both in private and public lives, and volcanic activity in nature.<\/p>\n

More volcanic activity, this time tending to be on the emotional front, on Friday 22nd<\/sup> in the early hours, as Venus opposes Pluto. \u00a0You may have retired to your bed fretting about an interpersonal encounter, but likely as not there may not be much you can do about it.\u00a0 Surrender to sleep and ask your subconscious to come up with a solution, which it may do.<\/p>\n

But Saturday (23rd<\/sup>) in the early hours may bring up another dilemma, with Saturn opposing the Sun.\u00a0 The issue that keeps you awake may not be as deep as the previous night\/morning, but may seem intractable and keep you weighed down.\u00a0 Again, acceptance may be the key, and the ability to work with solutions from your subconscious, superconscious mind, or Higher Self.\u00a0 In that way, a fresh outlook may await you in the morning as you emerge from your bedcovers.<\/p>\n

The week in bullet points:<\/p>\n