A time for oddballs

I always hesitate to post about astrology because I'm well aware that not only do many people think it's weird and superstitious but that those who are "into it" are flaky. On the other hand, I've studied astrology informally for something like 20 years and I continually find very practical wisdom there. I've met professional astrologers who are down-to-earth and insightful, and I've read much writing on astrology that's lucid and enlightening. That it also attracts a fair share of "flakes" is understandable because astrology offers a safe haven for oddballs, for people who feel like they just don't quite fit in with the norm. Astrology says, here's who you are and what's normal and right for you. What you're going through is this transit and you're playing out these aspects so of course you're feeling like that. And here's a way to work with that energy instead of fighting against it. It's very validating, and frankly a lot more helpful for us misfits when we're dealing with personal problems than telling us, well if you just followed these <whatever normal rules apply>...

Anyway, I found this recent article in Mountain Astrologer magazine that struck a chord with some discussions elsewhere with folks who say they've always felt like oddballs and misfits. Help is on the way!...

Chiron, the archetype of the Wounded Healer, is about to enter Aquarius for the first time in 50 years and will remain there until 2011. His six-year transit through the eleventh sign signals a time of healing for the black sheep, mavericks, and oddballs of the world. We can make the journey from outcast to catalyst, from being against the old order to being for the new. The Water Bearer dispenses universal ideas and the baptism of collective consciousness - the realization of connection, community, and collaboration. Chiron transiting through Aquarius draws off the bandages from our wounds of alienation and shows us where we have not individuated - where we still hide, hedge, and kowtow. We are all different, but we are all a necessary part of the whole. Healing happens when we come out of the closet and connect with other black sheep, other progressive thinkers and doers.

Comments

[Dave]

I'm not really a believer in astrology, BUT - my niece was born early this morning. Comments?

[maria]

Well, I edited a couple of astrology columns and sites back there in the mid and late 1990s ... and I got drawn in, too, though I didn't quite understand it then, and I can't quite get it now either. I know that a couple of astrologers, whose columns I edited, thought Chiron important. I think that in my horoscope, Chiron is pretty near Aquarius, but not quite out of Capricorn. But, Aquarius is my sixth house, with the Moon in it ... so the question of healing has been an importnat one in my life.

I do enjoy your posts about astrology, Leslee...!

[Chris Clarke]

I don't believe in astrology.

However, I don't believe in Episcopalianism either and I get along with Beth just fine. So no worries.

(Congrats, Dave! Nieces are a great thing. I myself have dozens, it seems.)

[leslee]

Congratulations, Dave! Since you didn't supply time/place of birth, I can't see her rising sign. However, she looks to have a wonderful chart! Many planets in Aquarius point to a unique and interesting person. Sun conjunct Mercury - quick mind and good conversationalist (once past the babbling stage, of course). Venus conjunct Neptune - imaginative with a love of beauty. All these planets are blessed with a trine from beneficent Jupiter - fortune smiles on her. And Moon in Aries means she should be rather high spirited.

Thanks, Maria! I'm still learning about Chiron, but it's big in my chart - on the cusp of my 7th house (relationship/partner) opposite my Moon/Ascendant. Maybe one of these days I'll get to the healing part of that "wounded healer" thing there.

And thanks for your acceptance, Chris! I do appreciate it.

[elck]

Acceptance for black sheep?

That can only be a good thing.

I'm the black sheep of my family, which is saying a lot since my whole family is black. :)

[leslee]

Heh. Maybe it's reversed in black families. The white sheep? The purple cow? Whatever stands out from the norm.

[Brenda Wilkinson]

My Chiron is in Aquarius in the first house, and it rules the 11th house of my chart.
Saturn is in my 11th house which has Sagittarius.