by Alison Dhuanna, UK Astrologer

The Oscar’s are always a good test of where Western society is at as ideas tend to appear first in the arts, and are then transmitted to the rest of the people. Astraea, Goddess of the Sacred Arts is in the big line up at this Pisces new Moon so it seems fitting to share this today.

We went to watch Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri in our 1930’s Cinema in Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire where you can enjoy a mug of tea whilst watching your film. It’s a delightful experience. We were blown away by the power of the film, I barely slept that night processing it all.

The story, whether consciously or not, is based on the archetypal journey of Ceres. Her daughter Persephone is abducted into the underworld and raped and Ceres enters a state of despair where she brings a famine upon the Earth. That women have been dishonored is central to the healing of the land. This very much accords with the Kali Yoga period of history from which we are emerging. Ceres is in Leo this year and so becoming more visible in the world through this film is very apt. The success of the film speaks of the collective transmutation of ‘Ceres’ consciousness that is underway.

The transformation of the male characters in the story is very profound too, reflecting Pluto themes and the many ways men might react to ‘Ceres’ issues. The police chief who is dying is sympathetic to the central character’s despair, even though it is his name on the billboard. His sergeant, who is not very likable for most of the film, ends up being the hero after embracing love. It is truly brilliant alchemical storytelling.

The central character played by Frances McDormand, who won Best Lead Actress has many Pallas Athena traits as she is androgynous in appearance and mannerisms. She certainly breaks with what Hollywood has considered central to success of a film, a feminine, beautiful leading lady.  I like that the film challenges ideas around beauty. For me her intense grief creates a beauty in itself. There were also many older actresses presenting at the Oscars and so it felt like a real honoring of elder women all round.

Following hot on the heels of Three Billboards came The Shape of Water to our cinema. In the past year, many of us reading this are connecting with the ‘Fish people’. I feel them as an aspect of the Hathor’s and channel them often through gong baths and sound healing. They have a great resonance with whale and dolphin consciousness, healing flowing to Earth through the star Sirius.

By incredible synchronicity the day before seeing the Shape of Water I was reading about the origins of the fish gods’, also known as the ‘Fisher king’ in Persia, which is current day Iran and Syria. These mysteries were transferred to Europe via the Knights Templar and became our King Arthur Holy Grail mysteries. To direct our prayers and energy towards peace and healing in these areas of the world is of monumental importance in this big shift we are experiencing. Simply to acknowledge and honor the Eastern origins of our Western philosophies, medicine and spirituality is a great healing act. The true history of the world is being revealed and its’ just as the Mayan astrologers said it was. Transmissions from East to West and visa versa programme the ‘world brain’. The book I refer to is The Guardians of the Holy Grail: The Knights Templar, John the Baptist and the Waters of Life by Mark Amaru Pinkham. It’s well worth reading if this is resonating with you.

The Shape of Water also reflects many unfolding Vesta themes this year as she travels with Mars such as ‘what is God or divinity’, challenging patriarchal ideas around the assumed superiority of white men as reflecting the image of God.

The Fisher King in astrology relates to Chiron, the Centaur and Wounded Healer archetype. There is a long tradition of the Holy Grail Guardians being wounded and yet also very magical and immortal beings. Transforming Chiron in our birth charts is one of the key bodies to shifting from a personal to a transpersonal perspective, readying ourselves for devoted service to the Creator and obedience to the Divine Laws of Creation. Chiron opens the key that turns suffering to compassion.

As if to give me a perfect reference point in social history for my intuitive thoughts about the Oscar winning films, yesterday we went to watch Some Like It Hot. Some Like It Hot is a 1959 American romantic comedy film set in 1929, directed and produced by Billy Wilder, starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon.

It’s funny in a large part because the male actors, dressed as women, discover what women have to put up with being groped a lot. Marilyn Monroe is vulnerable, an addict and someone I would relate to in my twenties when I felt incapable of standing up to or saying no to men around me. Pallas Athena, who is the assertive part of us, was wounded I feel in both of us. I felt a sadness for her death and wondering how it was for her being the woman she was in the 1950’s. I’m sure she was considered a great icon for many women then. If that was your era I’d love to hear your views about how she influenced women’s rights or issues then.

I am co-facilitating a retreat on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides from 17-22^nd June called ‘A Return to Innocence for women. We will be visiting the Callanish Stones at summer solstice along with other sacred site visits and healing practices. If you would like to see the flyer please email me.

I also offer one to one chart readings, please email at astroalison@gmail.com for further information. Many love and blessings.