The Aesthete

Happy Birthday Mr. President

Obama turns 51, Marilyn's been gone 50 years and there's an Aquarian full moon

by Shelley L. Ackerman

Seeing clearly is quite the issue this summer.

As we close out July and approach Midsummer’s Night 2012, Mercury is still retrograde (direct on August 8th), the presidential campaigns have less than a month to go before the conventions (in Tampa and Charlotte, respectively), and it’s still easier to buy 600 rounds of ammunition online and a limitless numbers of guns just about anywhere in the USA than it is to get a pair of contact lenses without an updated prescription. I know, I just tried to buy lenses so I could see well enough to write this.

Anyway, I now can see again and was reminded of how Neptune, planet of dreams, glamour and escapism, often manifests as myopia and confusion. When at its best, Neptune, as the higher octave of Venus, speaks of divine and universal love. When negative, it is the embodiment of addiction, poison, deception and religious zeal.

This week, President Barack Obama turns 51 on August 4th. Just as he was celebrating his first birthday in 1962, Marilyn Monroe, the reigning sex goddess of the silver screen, was about to slip into the drug-induced slumber that she never awoke from. Both Monroe and Obama share the same placements for their “lights” (Sun, Moon and rising signs), but in different combination: Marilyn had the Sun in Gemini, Moon in Aquarius and Leo rising, whereas Obama has the Sun in Leo, Moon in Gemini and Aquarius rising. And both had profound father issues to overcome.

They both also share a poignant connection to Neptune. In Monroe’s case, she had Neptune rising in Leo, which provided glamour and allure for days, but it also contributed to her shaky sense of self (she literally felt “not there” much of the time). Obama has Neptune elevated in his chart in hard aspect to his Sun and Mercury in Leo. Of great significance (pointed out by DC-based astrologer Caroline Casey) is the fact that Obama’s Mars at 22 Virgo is conjoined with the USA’s Neptune at the exact degree, meaning there’s something about his energy that activates and animates our collective dreams and illusions. He is, after all, called a “rock star” by his opponent Mitt Romney and although Mitt is a Neptune-ruled Pisces, allure is not one of his strongest qualities.

For better or worse, the collective tends to project a great deal of subconscious material on Neptunian types, just ask Jesus Christ (the ultimate Neptune figure), or JFK, a close second, or Princess Diana, a good third. Neptune also rules music, fantasy, fads and film. We still have a ways to go before we’re totally at the end of the (Neptune-ruled) Piscean Age in which the victim/savior paradigm has been the order of the day. And as we inch ever closer to the Age of Aquarius it is our task both individually and collectively to strive for clarity and resist the hypnotics of negative habits, patterns and folks who do not have our best interests at heart. To that end, this week’s full moon on August 1st at 11:27 p.m. EDT, can be most useful.

 

HOROSCOPES FOR JULY 30TH T0 AUGUST 5TH

ARIES: Think in terms of sweat equity on Monday and Tuesday when the Capricorn Moon (and extreme heat) at the career sector of your chart insists on setting any impetuousness aside and bearing down (and dealing with a tough cookie or two) to get on top of several tasks/assignments that have lingered for too long. Wednesday night’s full moon sheds light on the synergy between your creative passion and vision and the merits of the team in place (or that should be in place) to support it. Your move.

ARIES Dos & Don’ts: For Mars-ruled types in revolution mode: On July 30th, Bryant Park Film Festival presents James Dean in the classic film that needs no introduction, Rebel Without a Cause. Set up your red blanket at 5 p.m.

TAURUS: Though full moons are oftentimes full of high drama, the one on August 1st could shake out very nicely for you. And despite a tug of war between needs of home(s) and family, both are well supported by Jupiter in your 2nd house of income and friendly associates who are on call to pitch in. Venus closing out its four month run in Gemini suggests it's time to assess the values and meaning that you’ve both gathered and set aside during this period. When you think about it, are you the same person that you were before?

TAURUS Dos & Don’ts: Sensual bulls in the mood for something soft and gentle on their skin might like the Beautiful Bamboo T-shirts that are on sale in the Graybar Passage of Grand Central Station. The enticing prints (handmade in Brooklyn) by Berlin-born artisan Susanne Schubert include various botanicals, bicycles, birds and geometrics. 

GEMINI: Let Monday’s and Tuesday’s intensity roll off your back as the goodness that is Wednesday’s Aquarius full moon in your 9th house of big ideas and bright possibilities (beautifully buoyed by expansive Jupiter in your sign) will remind you in no uncertain terms “what a difference a day makes.” It’s under aspects such as these that you become aware of and one with the degree to which you are capable, gifted, unstoppable and in a zone to purge the clutter (real and symbolic) to make room for a host of new options to explore and sink your teeth into.

GEMINI Dos & Don’ts: On Thursday, August 2nd at 5 p.m., you could catch the two hours of “Norma Jeane” at the Drama Books Shop (see Aquarius) and if not thoroughly enthralled, scoot over at 7:30 p.m. to the Damrosch Park Bandshell in Central Park for On Sacred Ground: Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, arranged and performed by The Bad Plus, which features strings, horns and piano going techno with the help of a Moog synthesizer. Add the alchemic reactions of Germany’s electro-orchestra the Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble (in its U.S. debut) and voila! Should be a classical gas. Oh, and did you know that Igor was a Gemini?

CANCER: A partner or BFF is under the gun and testy on Monday, and there might be a lot of projection going on between the two of you, exacerbated by a career possibility that appears out of the blue (and threatens the status quo). And while the status quo could use a little shaking up, remember that Mercury Rx has a good week to go before going direct and no moves or decisions should be finalized or etched in stone this very second. Contain yourself please and wait 'til whatever it is blows over and you get ALL the facts.

CANCER Dos & Don’ts: Sometimes we all just need to raunch out and entertain our lower chakras, so here it is folks: See Live Girls! On Aug 2nd and 3rd (and every Thursday/Friday evening through September 28 if you want) and catch more than a glimpse at Coney Island’s Burlesque at the Beach, a saucy throwback to the Girlie Shows of yesteryear with a freaky sideshow to boot. 

LEO: A situation involving a woman at work (or a staffer, or even a care provider) may come to a head and a big release on Monday, but it’s her stuff and while it may affect you temporarily, it need not become YOURS. The being said, as Mercury, the quixotic planet of thought, motion and communication winds down its retro phase in your sign, know that yours is the voice of reason and ingenuity, especially this week when the Leo sun and Aquarius full moon favorably aspects Jupiter (luck, expansion) and Uranus (innovation and aha moments). The key lies in going back to ideas that have not been fully explored in the past and seeing how they can do the trick now.

LEO Dos & Don’ts: Why eat your heart out when you can sing it out? On August 1st at 8 p.m., sing out Louise (or Louis) and celebrate MTV’s 31st Birthday at 8 p.m. at The 80s Sing Along at Union Hall (702 Union Street between 5th and 6th Aves in Park Slope). BTW, wear your ‘80s clothes for the costume contest.

VIRGO: Speaking, typing, writing and texting too fast and without thinking first yields regrets, just ask Mitt Romney, who let it rip with a reporter in London this week. However, playing your cards right and keeping a careful low profile during this week’s Aquarius full moon could give you the cool break or two that you’ve been waiting on and could flow your way and set things right. Camaraderie and teamwork are the keys to making it happen.

VIRGO Dos & Don’ts: V is for Virgo and V-Note, the Blossom’s Premier Organic Eaterie on the UES is for everyone. And though the Gracie Square Art Show isn’t until Sept 22nd and 23rd, Carl Schurtz Park (two Avenue blocks east of V-Note), is one of the city’s treasures, right near Gracie Mansion, where NYC’s next mayor will presumably live, and the East River Promenade is beyond charming.

LIBRA: After Monday’s Moon/Pluto purging energy in the home (and family), aided by the sweet and welcomed aspect between your ruler Venus and Saturn, a clarity which has eluded you for months, maybe even years, will enter the picture and change things for the better if you’re committed to work with it. Sweat equity is where it’s at these days, and as Venus completes its four-month stint in Gemini, it may be worthwhile to think about all that you have learned since April and how you’d like to present it publicly in August. And in case you haven’t guessed, summer 2012 is not so much about time off but about time well spent. Sorry.

LIBRA Dos & Don’ts: In hot pursuit of an enchanted evening in the city? The rooftop bar at the Kimberly Hotel on East 50th and Lexington could be just the right setting to supply several steamy love connections: However, keep in mind that the ones you meet for the first time during Mercury Rx (thru Aug 8) may not be giving you the whole truth and nothing but the truth about their status and Lord knows what else.

SCORPIO: This Mercury Rx at the top of your chart has delivered a lion’s share of frustration and “I needed this from you yesterday, but tomorrow will be fine” communications from anxious career connections, which cuts into what should have been your down time. But this is exactly when your strong sense of discipline is needed most: Knee-jerk reaction mode is a no-no: Your powerful words, both written and spoken, as well as the thoughts behind them can either heal or harm. And while Scorpio’s medicinal utterances and Tweets work miracles, the sting of the thoughtless negatives penetrates deeply and lingers. Fret not, the full moon this week offers relief and Mercury Rx is over on the 8th. Whew!

SCORPIO Dos & Don’t’s: Appealing to the darker side of your warped sense of humor, on Saturday, August 4th at 8 p.m., Rooftop Films presents The Patron Saints, a ”darkly humorous glimpse into the everyday goings-on in a typical American nursing home” on the roof of the Old American Can Factory at 232 Third Street in Brooklyn. An extra show is added at 12:30 a.m. (technically August 5th). Be sure to instigate a talk back after the flick, it’ll be a hoot.

SAGITTARIUS: Monday money maneuverings based on a profound and transformative awareness of values (i.e. what really matters most) sets the stage for this week’s full moon in Aquarius in which communication is king. Sympathetic siblings, nurturing neighbors and assorted associates align with partners to form the most helpful think tank ever. Don’t be shy and take advantage of the goodwill and cleverness, which can position you for a nice leap forward when Mercury Rx ends on the 8th.

SAGITTARIUS Dos & Don’ts: Theatre aficionados and lovers of side-splitting satire will reel from the brand- spanking new edition of Forbidden Broadway: Alive and Kicking at the 47th Street Theatre, guaranteed to laugh your ass off.

CAPRICORN: Restraint is the name of the game when emotions run high on Monday, but the payoff will be sweet enough on Wednesday evening’s full moon. The alignment to Uranus and Jupiter does some very nice things money-wise, but more important is the spirit of joyful cooperation from co-workers and staffers. Better yet, it’s a rare opportunity to kick back and enjoy a hobby that may, in fact, lead to something productive and substantial. It’s the little things, you know.

CAPRICORN Dos & Don’ts: A reminder of the elegance that precedes us, feast your eyes on ancient manuscripts decorated with precious metals and lavish illustrations at Illuminated: The Art of Sacred Books at the Rubin Museum of Art (through September 3rd). 

AQUARIUS: An inspired fun-loving female sheds light on your sense of honor and propriety and a “Eureka” moment ensues: Creative, concise and compassionate thinking supported and cheered on by friends, Romans, and countrymen alike characterize this Aquarius full moon. Sounds pretty good, huh? We in the astrological world think so, especially when all signs point to a long-standing block being removed for good. Good riddance to that one. Breakthroughs are times for celebration — where and when will you toast yours?

AQUARIUS Dos & Don’ts: On the Aquarian Moon of August 2nd (reception and play 5 to 9 p.m.), The Drama Bookshop Celebrates Marilyn Monroe with Norma Jeane Enlightened, a play by Joanne de Simone. Be there, MM’s counting on you.

PISCES: Practiced, precise and pithy particulars make for perfect prose. And in case you didn’t know, Pisces, poetry and photography are perpetual partners in your school of life. Without it, “it” just doesn’t work. This week’s full moon is primo for perfecting your perception and your palette and pleasing your most persistent compadres. Comprende?  Take some peaceful downtime to commune with your muse, the full moon will insist on it.

PISCES Dos & Don’ts: Pisceans must partake in Poets House (10 River Terrace, downtown)—there’s so much there. All Neptunians will be inspired by the Beautiful Wisdom of Rudolf Steiner: Philosopher, Seer, Educator, Artist and Scientist (and fellow Piscean) class on July 31st at 8 p.m., which is part of a series that concludes on August 7th at The Open Center.