The Aesthete

Battle Royale

The struggle between dark and light intensifies during the days of the Via Combusta.

by Shelley L. Ackerman

The Via Combusta literally means “the fiery way.” Astrologically, the catchy Latin phrase refers to a particularly dramatic 30-degree patch of the 360-degree zodiac in which “stuff” seems to hit the fan. This 30-degree section, from 15 degrees of Libra to 15 degrees of Scorpio (most intense at the last degrees of Libra and first degrees of Scorpio), includes Samhain aka Halloween. Get the picture?

With the exception of 2008, several of the biggest stock market crashes of all time occurred while the sun transited the treacherous degrees of late Libra and early Scorpio. A coincidence? Nah!

No one seems to know exactly why these specific degrees are often so turbulent. True, the late Libra degrees are heavy on the “truth or consequences” theme, and the first half of Scorpio is where the veil between this world and the underworld is especially thin. And upon looking closely at those talented and tortured souls who were born with either their Sun, Moon and/or other key planets placed within this area of the zodiac, their sagas undeniably epitomize the struggle between dark and light and the battle to overcome life’s most intense and rigorous adversities.

Not surprisingly, a number of exceptional dramatists (who excel at depicting the torrential and shadier aspect of life), theorists, composers, entertainers, politicians and entrepreneurs celebrate their birthdays during the Via Combusta, including Sarah Bernhardt, Mario Puzo, Bela Lugosi, Eugene O’Neill, Laura Nyro, Friedrich Nietzsche, BD Wong, Sam Shepard, Larry Flynt, Bill Gates, Wendy Wasserstein, Fyodor Dostoevsky, KD Lang, Oscar Wilde, John le Carré, F. Murray Abraham, Jeff Goldblum, Moss Hart, Ruth Gordon, Sean (P. Diddy) Combs, Michael Crichton, Dylan Thomas, Roberto Benigni, Hillary Clinton, Arthur Miller, Fran Lebowitz and Alfred Nobel (who achieved notoriety in both the dark and light side of global accomplishments by inventing dynamite AND establishing a much sought after Peace Prize).

We begin our work week with Monday’s new moon in Libra, which occurs as precisely 8:03 a.m. EDT. The degree of this new moon is 22 degrees and 32 minutes of Libra. The Sabian Symbol for the 23rd degree of Libra is “A chanticleer’s voice heralds sunrise,” not a bad omen at all. However, the chart itself for that moment has stern Saturn right smack on the ascendant as if to say that in these parts (ascendants are always local), there’s little room to mess around. In other words, we are not to squander or take any opportunity for granted. Chanticleer means “clear singing voice,” encouraging transparent, unclouded and understandable thought and communication. That idea is further emphasized by the simpatico synergy between Venus in Virgo and Mercury in Scorpio. With a penetrating and clear mindset, humility and teamwork anchored in a spirit of cooperation, collaboration (based on a shared vision) and goals that serve the majority, a lot of good can be accomplished.

HOROSCOPES FOR OCTOBER 15TH TO OCTOBER 21ST

ARIES: If you’re walking around with a sense of something good about to pop in your world, you’re right. Though the specifics may not be completely clear just yet, the undeniable feeling of excitement bubbling up from within is on target. In the meantime, help it along by being at one with what really moves you and aligning with either a co-worker, colleague or someone in a service position who you may not pay that much attention to as a rule. He, she or “they” may have the inside track on info and ideas that are crucial for your moving forward at this time. On Monday’s new moon in your 7th house of partners and contracts, curtail impulses to self-sabotage while keeping in mind that no man (or woman) is an island. 

ARIES Go To: How did WWII change NYC? Through October 27th, the exhibit at The New York Historical Society (77th Street and CPW) explores the impact that WWII had on our metropolis, NYC’s critical role in the war effort and how the Big Apple was changed forever. 

TAURUS: The new deal that’s been brewing in the work place is poised to take hold just about now. If you’ve been looking for a new position, your ship should come in fairly soon. If you’re gainfully employed, expect changes and good ones. However, they’ll require some flexibility on your part. Your special ace in the hole is the energy between a pet project that you adore being immersed in and a BFF’s or partner’s keen and supportive insight into your talent and very core. Tap into the new moon mojo to fine-tune your physical vehicle (your bod), which may include tweaking your food story and/or exercise regime.

TAURUS Go To: On a pre-holiday diet? Then by all means feast your eyes instead! Word has it that Durer to de Kooning: 100 Master Drawings from Munich at the Morgan Library & Museum is a rare exhibit worth seeing.

GEMINI: Not to get all 12-steppy on you, but the slogan “it works if you work it” is a goodie and applies to this week’s chapter of your continuing saga. Monday’s Libra new moon in your house of romance and play is so delicious. However, it comes with instructions: Libra’s ruler is Venus, which is now in Virgo, implying that this new chapter of love will require rolling up your sleeves and taking thorough stock of where you’re at and cleaning house as it were. The good news is that you’ll have access to the deepest parts of your mind and that insight into the situation is readily available. This applies to a creative impulse as much as it does to a potential playmate. Love does save the day; you’ll need to stay put and fully grounded for this one.

GEMINI Go To: Forty years before Carrie Bradshaw and Sex and the City and nearly 50 years before Mad Men, author Rona Jaffe captured the pre-liberation sexual-workplace dynamic of the late 1950s. Through October 20th, celebrate the new moon in your love-centric 5th house by taking in The Best of Everything, which is playing at Here (145 Sixth Ave in the Village).

CANCER: Moon-ruled crabs wait all year long for the Libra “Hunter” new moon as it takes place in your all-important 4th house of home and family, prompting a productive archeological dig in your abode. What might you find? Who knows, but you can bet that hitting the refresh button where you live and breathe will do wonders for you, your brood and your general outlook. While you’re at it, now might be a good time to embrace the adage “love thy neighbor” as he or she is willing to help out with curb appeal. PS: An offspring and sibling should spend some quality time. It’ll do ‘em both some good.

CANCER Go To: Into a mindless musical feel-good night out? Thought so. On Friday October 20th, Micky Dolenz (yes THAT Monkee) is at B.B. King’s on West 42nd Street at 8 p.m. singing “Last Train to Clarksville,” “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” “Daydream Believer” and more. You gotta believe. 

LEO: Being amongst friends with whom you can reveal and share your most authentic self with is always an elixir of sorts. This week, it’s precisely what the doctor ordered. Monday’s new moon not only revs up your house of communication (what about your skill as a debater?), it also serves up an opportunity to up the ante financially and further feather your nest very nicely. Dare we even think about a move to greener pastures? Why not? If you’ve been delaying a call or an email to a sibling, take a deep breath and reach out on Thursday.

LEO Go To: As the memory of summer by the sea slowly fades away, you can keep it going via your taste buds all through autumn and winter with that summer seaside lunch favorite, the New England Lobster Roll. Check out the very new and groovy Lobster Smack at 90 West Houston Street. The fresh lobster meat dressed with avocado lemon cilantro mayo on a gluten free roll is to die for.

VIRGO: The ball is almost entirely in your court this week to get things moving and just the way you want ‘em. Monday’s new moon in your 2nd house of income is driven by your passion, your taste and your integrity with extra “oomph” added by deep and gutsy communication of what really matters most to you. Don’t be shy. Being demure and reticent has its charm at certain moments, but not right now. A fiery foreign or politically-minded male presence in your home could stir the pot and warm the cockles of your heart. Enjoy, but proceed with caution.

VIRGO Go To: With your ruling planet in “deep thoughts” Scorpio, you can use lightening up with some laughs: On October 17th at 6 p.m., SNL’s Chris Elliott is at Barnes & Noble in Tribeca, discussing “Guy Under The Sheets,” his new unauthorized autobiography. On that same night at 7:30 p.m., drop into Caroline’s for “fumerist” Kate Clinton’s, “All Fracked Up,” which crashes through American domestic affairs and culture. 

LIBRA: The October 15th new moon in your sign presents an intriguing dilemma. On one level, being revitalized by this lunation should get your motor going into full throttle. However, Venus, your ruling planet now in Virgo (and inner-directed) and in your hidden 12th house, may have you holding some of your best self back as you survey the landscape before you and weigh your options. It’s okay to be in two head spaces at once, and if there’s anyone who can make it work, it’s you. Playing your cards close to the vest could also prove to be advantageous financially. Pay close attention as the specifics reveal themselves ever so subtly. 

LIBRA Go To: This dynamic duo has been on the road for weeks with their lively and cutting cultural and political commentary, and now Frank Rich and Fran Lebowitz are at Town Hall on Saturday October 20th at 8 p.m. on West 43rd Street. 

SCORPIO: Though Monday's new moon takes place in your 12th house of hidden happenings, motives and agendas, you yourself are more visible than you may think. And as uncomfortable as feeling exposed is (on a psychological level), there's comfort in knowing that several decent and ethical people have your back. Furthermore, you've nothing to fear in the financial department as long as you play by the rules.

SCORPIO Go To: This Bud’s for all you Scorpio sex addicts (or even if you’re an online lust “dabbler”): Through November 4th, Universe of Desire at the Museum of Sex (27th Street and 5th Avenue) explores sexual habits and digital behavior on the Internet. A little research can’t hurt.

SAGITTARIUS: Why the long face? There are several damn good reasons to celebrate and much to be upbeat about starting with Monday's refreshing new moon in your house of friends, associates and community. What's more, the flurry of social activity funnels right back to your professional life. Creative sparks are flying, too! Your biggest problem may be choosing between invites and offers. Not a bad problem to have.

SAGITTARIUS Go To: If you can’t get your travel fix in this week, perhaps some highbrow concert music on October 18th at 8 p.m. by gifted Icelandic violinist Eva Ingolf at the Church of The Holy Family on East 47th Street will transport you. The concert will feature works by Kreisler, Shostakovich, Ysaye, Szymanovsky and Bach.

CAPRICORN: Profile rising? And how, especially with Monday's sweet new moon at the top of your chart promising a rebirth professionally and in the way the world sees you. Perhaps guiding this development is a philosophy or worldview that you're enamored of and one that is shared by a group you're deeply devoted to. It's high time that these three key areas of life worked together for you as a unit. Soul satisfaction is on the upswing. High five!

CAPRICORN Go To: Feeling alone lately? Before Saturn in Scorpio places you in an isolation tank, get your rear over to Fair Folks. This new, airy and inviting hangout on West Houston Street is a delight. Three very young and cool community-minded business guys committed to “collaborative consumption” and getting people to hang out and talk have created a unique and welcoming space. For $25 you get unlimited coffee, espresso and cappuccino all month. Wi-Fi is free, and art is for sale.

AQUARIUS: A group of friends who urge you to go with an inspired and insightful idea of yours are 100 percent on target. This one's a winner with legs, and the timing couldn't be better! Monday's new moon strikes the set in your philosophical 9th house and motivates you to delete an obsolete mindset that no longer serves you. Besides, your legions of admirers have been waiting to hear you sing a new number.

AQUARIUS Go To: The musical based on Aquarian Charles Dickens’ The Mystery of Edwin Drood is back for a limited run at Studio 54. The revival of this very “democratic” show (the audience votes each night on how the play will end) with an enchanting score by Rupert Holmes, begins previews on October 19th.

PISCES: Career-wise, the week starts off with a bang by way of a head honcho backing your new financial take on things. This, as the relationship quadrant of your chart buzzes like mad. The new moon in your 8th house of sex and shared resources is supported by your spouse or work partner, and that in turn gets a nod from the legal department. The biggest challenge for the moment is keeping the budget in check at home (that new top-of-the-line backsplash can wait a little longer).

PISCES Go To: This coming weekend why not take the plunge into the New Age at The New Life Expo 2012. From October 19th to 21st, saturate yourself with lectures on everything from herbs, UFOs, vibrational healing, Eastern Medicine, magnets, acupuncture, mediumship, aromatherapy, you name it. There are booths with products and books galore, and many opportunities to sample what’s offered.