An Alchemical Passage

On February 28 a rare triple conjunction between Mercury, the Sun and Saturn occurs in Pisces. Time to break on through to the other side.

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EXACITUDE CARRIES A LOT OF PUNCH in astrology. The planets and the Moon are constantly in motion—touching off various relational aspects as they transit the Zodiac. But it’s unusual for a group of them to land simultaneously at the same degree of a sign. And when they do, there is a laser-like focus or intensification on what that part of the Zodiac ‘oversees’ as a style or expression.

On February 28, we’re afforded a unique opportunity to set an intention and ‘pierce the veils’ that separate the “un-manifest” from the “manifest.” The three key cosmic components that comprise any alchemical process—Saturn (the dross), Mercury (the transformative agent), and the Sun (the gold)—meet at 9 degrees of Pisces in a precise conjunction.

In alchemy, the conjunction is a phase that involves a marriage of disparate elements. Always, the process begins with Saturn—the planet associated with shit—the shadow or unwanted components of any experience. The aim is to reach the Sun—the ‘gold’—through the various stages of mutation that Mercury oversees.

The Sun is the great harmonizer in life. Still, access to the fully conscious solar principle involves confronting reality head-on without segregating what is deemed ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ The Sun shines on all of us—and everything—equally. Of all of the astrological components—when translated into the psychological lexicon—the Sun is directly related to what Jung called ‘individuation.’ And as a Sun-ruled Leo, he viscerally understood this concept.

Mercury is not beholden to any one function. He’s the proverbial Puer Aeternus—the mercurial shape-shifter—that escapes time’s bonds (Saturn) and transforms what he touches by introducing different parts to one another. That’s his only job. And this is why the planet is key to any alchemical transformation.

Given the exactitude of Wednesday’s conjunction in Pisces, we’re afforded a hint of what will optimize the tripling effect by studying the Sabian symbol for the 9th degree of the sign (each degree of the Zodiac has a particular symbol or ‘story’ associated with its position within the circle).

In his book An Astrological Mandala, astrologer and philosopher Dane Rudhyar highlights this degree as one of ‘mastery.’ The symbol is characterized as: “An aviator pursues his journey, flying through ground-obscuring clouds.”

Rudhyar gives the keynote as: “Man’s ability to develop powers and skills which by transcending natural limitations allow him to operate in mental-spiritual realms.” He associates this degree of Pisces with an individual in command of powerful energies “but also as heir to the industry of countless innovators and managers.”

So, what can you make of this in your own life? As I mentioned in the title of this post, a tunnel or ‘wormhole’ is presented as a deft way through (Mercury) limiting or restrictive situations (Saturn). The conjunction places the three critical alchemical players into your retort or cooking pot. All that’s required is clearing away the obscurations that veil your intention.

Call forth your visionary abilities and set your sights on a particular goal. Focus on purpose, but move off of the beaten path. Habitual ways of approaching a solution won’t generate a breakthrough. Honor and acknowledge an existing impediment (Saturn) and then disentangle (Mercury) yourself from what prevents you from seeing the full picture (Sun). Once we have a comprehensive lay of the land, it’s easier to progress towards a horizon.

Mark your calendar for six months forward—when the Sun has moved to oppose the conjunction/nexus date. Consider this a ‘manifestation point,’ where the fruits of your intention show up as a finished product, insight or expression.

Exciting stuff, yes? Good luck!

Love,

Opening painting: Jerusalem, c. 1804 by William Blake. Public domain.

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