After not knowing what murmuration meant really, I encountered it twice yesterday. I think it's mesmerizing! It's the rhythmic dance of shapes that starlings create. I first saw it on philosopher-astrologer Ann Kreilkamp's post A Great Human Murmuration is Underway....

In her intro to an article by James Howard Kunstler, she writes of the need to avoid historical murmurations that have turned violent. The breakdown of public trust has opened us up to a wild winds moment, where spontaneous, sudden shifts can happen, both for good and ill. Ann writes, "Let us remain non-violent as we engage in a long-term, moment-by-moment revolution of values."

As a very natural phenomenon that looks supernatural, it's making me think of these last days of Neptune in Aquarius. What erratically shifting winds are causing movements to form, or inspiring that creative group there? And how does the vibratory quality of our thoughts affect those we move with?

Air sign Aquarius is about frequencies and the mysterious way we pick things (ideas, inspirations) up from the air. Or the phenomenon of a breakthrough happening in different places, at the same time. Sometimes it's called the 100th Monkey effect, from observations about how monkeys picked up on a behavior, without seeing it firsthand, and how it spreads around to isolated family groups.

This month of Aquarius is a time to see who you're in synch with, enjoy that electrifying sense of being in motion with them. Aquarius is friendships, colleagues, associations, guilds, social networks, troupes and activist posses. Are you part of inspiring murmurations? Or is it time to fly off and vibe with another flock?

I also saw Tree of Life (the movie) yesterday with some scenes of murmuration, along with stunning images of the cosmos and nature. And you can see video of murmuration in the UK here and specifically Bristol, and Denmark.

Is your emotional-mental-physical ship seaworthy for 2012? The Dragon is in the element water, and soon we'll all be finding our sea legs with Neptune, as it enters its own sign Pisces (February 4th). Pisces and the 12th House are about learning to master the art of surrender to the big oceanic waves of the universal soul -- without getting lost at sea.

On Neptune in Pisces, Robert Wilkinson of Aquarius Papers writes, "Pisces is associated with both dreams and nightmares, compassion and betrayal, forgiveness and hypocrisy. Now a force "beyond our control" begins to work these upon humanity, each responding according to what waters they swim in. For some, prophetic dreams and visions, while for others, ancient ghosts of terrifying shapes residing in the subconsciousness of humanity, leftovers from human misconduct and misunderstanding across millennia."

Along with self-awareness and intense discernment, the next while invites us to make art of our nightmares or "ancient ghosts of terrifying shapes." On the first day of February, a name that itself means purification, beauty-lover Venus is opposite Mars Virgo (retrograde). Venus Pisces has the gentle, empathic touch to lure out this reticent Mars (in Virgo.) Through art, sharing songs, poetry, inspiring quotes, invoking awe, we can retrace the steps, and with actions, fill in gaps that lead to wholeness.

For all that's swampy and a big chaotic mess, some kind of self-expression is a catharsis. It's a great time to rediscover a daily practice that allows you to share your experience of the big everything, as "witness." Again from Wilkinson, "Pisces is the sign of the witness, the conscience, the collective imaging where we lose our separateness and come together in what is common to all beings. Pisces is the last sign, where karma works at the end of a long process. Pisces is the sign of bondage, but also rewards."

We can work with Mars (retro) in Virgo to be more diligent in our self-care, by eating the best foods available, and watching what waters we swim in. Virgo's scrutinizing eye shows us where we're being self-destructive and too loose with what we imbibe, or allow to enter our mindstream. When we are able to digest what we're experiencing, we grow confident, and even revel in our roles as witnesses to this astonishing age.

• See More Photos of the Week from Around About

As I write this, the magnetosphere is "unsettled" (here's some NOAA data), on the verge of major storming. It's the leading edge of the coronal mass impact of a fast-moving flare fired off Sunday night. And a searing and potentially igniting start to the Dragon Year, 2012!

I'm fascinated by this, because I feel solar storming more than any other astronomical or astrological influence. Sometimes it's heart flutters, insomnia, other times head tensions, or sensations in the ears. I also at times feel knocked out of my groove, which can be disorienting. But these are charged moments to receive, says astrologer Michael Erlewine, and to be altered by the experience.

In his recent message on Solar Impacts, Erlewine writes, "This kind of experience is not a call to activity and getting things done, but more like an imprinting, a taking things in, allowing this new information to enter and register deep within us. Later, we will (or can) read it back out as it affects us personally and make some kind of sense out of it. It is creative!"

A popular resource for following the Sun -- and place to see amazing aurora images from around the world-- is Spaceweather.com. And here's another one from Michael Erlewine: Solar Eruptions and the Self Breaking Apart & Remaking

The vermillion spectacle that's the Chinese New Year begins today (January 23rd), so Gong Hei Fat Choy! In Chinese culture, red is fire, the life force itself, happiness, and luck. And the Dragon Year (to February 9th, 2013) heralds a year of passion, epic love and luck for those who dare.

It's so lucky, that the birth rate rises as much as 20% in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore -- couples going for Dragon year bundles of joy. As well known author Suzanne White writes in Love in the Dragon Year, "Dragons are lucky, healthy and wise. If you're thinking of making a Dragon baby... get started now!" She also has mini love 'scopes for each of the 24 signs from Aries to Pig, in a year of lust AND, Suzanne tells us, passionate love.

And for the overview on what to expect, see the Year of the Dragon, 2012. Here you'll find the annual teaser horoscopes for each Zodiac sign (Chinese and Western), and a Chinese calendar to find yours.

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