Copyright © 2006-2009 Nick Anthony Fiorenza, All Rights Reserved
The Orbit of Sedna
Animation by NASA Spitzer
A quote from NASA: "In March 2004, a team of astronomers announced the discovery of a planet-like object, or planetoid, orbiting the Sun at an extreme distance, in the coldest known region of our solar system. Mike Brown, along with Doctors Chad Trujillo of the Gemini Observatory in Hawaii and David Rabinowitz of Yale University, New Haven, Conn., originally found the "planetoid" on November 14, 2003, using the 48-inch Samuel Oschin Telescope at Caltech's Palomar Observatory near San Diego. Within days, the object was observed by telescopes in Chile, Spain, Arizona and Hawaii, and soon after, NASA's new Spitzer Space Telescope looked for it.
The planetoid (2003 VB12), since named Sedna for an Inuit goddess who lives at the bottom of the frigid Arctic ocean, approaches the Sun only briefly during its 10,500-year solar orbit. Sedna is about one-quarter to three-eighths the size of the planet Pluto. At the farthest point in its long, elliptical orbit, Sedna is 130 billion kilometers (84 billion miles) from the Sun, lying in the cold distant Oort Cloud - that's about 86 AU, compared with the mean distances of Neptune (about 30 AU) and Pluto (about 39 AU)." Sedna's orbital eccentricity is 0.84413. Her orbital inclination to the ecliptic is 11.928°.
Cold and removed, Sedna, shows her self rarely, only once in her 10,813-year orbit, but never travels inside the Kuiper Belt. Sedna curiously has a peculiar reddish color, like that of Mars.
Mythically, their are several versions of Sedna's story. Basically, Inuit Sedna is a beautiful but vain maiden who is quite content living at home with her parents. She refuses several potential husbands but is finally coerced to marry by her father. She ends up marring an evil bird disguised as a man and is wisped away to a distant island for a life of misery. Her father comes to rescue Sedna, but on their way back in her father's kayak the birdman attacks the kayak. In a vicious struggle and in fear of his life, Sedna's father either inadvertently or deliberately pushes Sedna overboard into the frigid Arctic waters. Sedna eventually drowns in dramatic scenario of deceit, betrayal and abandonment. Sedna becomes the goddess of the sea watching over the mammals of the oceans. Sedna has the head and torso of a woman and the tail of a fish—our mermaiden.
Sedna's myth may exemplify a female who does not want to commit in marriage, participate with men, or even be here on Earth, due to her fear of being hurt—an unresolved issue or molding from her unfortunate past, one that only perpetuates a life of loneliness. But that is about to change, as Sedna's path through the heavens reveals.
The following exploration of Sedna is based on the principles outlined in "Guidelines on How to Explore the Astrology of Newly Discovered Objects in Our Solar System". You may wish to read that first. It explains the meaning of a planet's Orbital Cross; a planet's aphelion, perihelion and its nodes in the ecliptic; as well as other points of significance.
Observing Sedna's orbital path in the heavens reveals a great deal about Sedna. Sedna's discovery location reveals the area of our lives that Sedna is currently addressing, why Sedna made her appearance. Sedna's perihelion (the closest distance to the Sun in her orbit) reveals her purpose, the area in our lives of her greatest influence. Sedna's nodes reveals her path of action, how she interacts with Earth's ecliptical plane.
Sedna was discovered just south of the ecliptic in Cetus, just past the jaws of ole' Cetus (Menkar) in late sidereal Aries. Sedna's recent path brought her right through the head of Cetus, our technobureaucratic monster of collective human consciousness. Sedna passed just over Kaffaljidhma, the brain of Cetus, and then just over Menkar, the snapping jaws of Cetus, in the late 1990's, passing less than a degree north of these stars. Thus, the theme of these stars are quite significant when exploring Sedna's emergence into our lives.
Sedna's perihelion occurs in sidereal Gemini, just across her north galactic node (passing from south to north of the galactic plane) and conjoining Tejat, the foot of Castor.
Sedna crosses her north node exactly on the cusp of sidereal Leo, under the auspices of the Head of the Lion.
Menkar marks the jaws of Cetus. North of the ecliptic and conjoining Menkar is Almach the foot of princess Andromeda. Further north is Tish, the whip of the princess' mother, the intolerant Queen Cassiopeia. South of Menkar is Zibal of Eridanus, the river of life.
In classical astrology Almach is considered to be "honorable and eminent," however, Almach is the beautiful but snagged foot of Andromeda about to be snapped by the jaws (Menkar) of ole' Cetus, the fear-instilling technobureaucratic monster created by collective human consciousness.
The intolerant queen Cassiopeia, crusted with frustration due to finding herself unable to have that which she knows she is entitled, in-between the tormenting forces of both the manipulative gods (astronomical cycles of life) and the monstrous human world, and at loss with how to deal with either, becomes spitefully arrogant. It is Cassiopeia righteous arrogance that got her daughter Andromeda chained to the rocks to be devoured by Cetus to start with, as the queen was boasting that her daughter was more beautiful that the nymphs of sea, an attitude which the gods did not like. Fortunately or unfortunately as the case might be, when feeling trapped and we lash out against the world around us, the whip of arrogance (Tish, Gamma Cassiopeia) often snaps back to scar our hand, especially when applied with vengeance. Lowering ourselves to this level or resourcefulness, using a tool found only in the dramatics of the monstrous world, will lead us only to our own demise. Here we have a statement of something we must surrender to receive that which we are due—we must surrender our righteous arrogance, the attitude that keeps us from our very own fulfillment.
Although we may find ourselves in entrapping situations apparently caused by forces around us, here we are inspired to take responsibility for our naiveté and to do the inner work to become self-reliant rather than dependent and thus continually at the mercy of any manipulative forces around us or entrapping situations we may find ourselves in; or become forever snapped at by the jaws of ole Cetus.
Zibal marks a pause, a point of consideration, along Eridanus, the river of life. Zibal invites an introspective moment while the stars of Triangulum (also conjoining just above Aries) invite us to look beyond the dramatics occurring in the world around us and of own life scenarios to realize any entrapping conditions manifest in our lives are but a reflection of the projection of our own fears—a principle key in the revelation found along the river of life.
Also conjoining from the south is Alpha Horologium, reminding us that time is ticking away. However, we must free ourselves from our own righteous attitudes to escape our entrapments first, otherwise stupid moves from arrogance will only exhaust us and tighten the chain of our bondage. We must take responsibility for our own lives rather than waiting around for someone else to change first, for events to change on their own, or for someone to come save us. Instead we must diligently do with focus and brilliance that which we must to claim our freedom and to step forth into our fulfillment.
This is an interesting stellar environment for Sedna's appearance in our lives and one with a strong message. It is a difficult situation considering Sedna's (representing the feminine principle's) unfortunate past, having drown into a deep sea of loneliness due to a dramatic scenario of deceit and betrayal over eons of time; partly placed upon her by outside forces and then reinforced in a struggle of bitterness and resentment. Sedna, having been deeply hurt, has unfortunately has removed her self in far depths of the sea and simply refuses to commit to any participation in fear of being deeply hurt again. However, Sedan's discovery indicates she it ready to make her re-emergence. More significantly, Sedna's passage right through the head of Cetus, over Kaffaljidhma, the brain of Cetus, and over Menkar indicates she is addressing (and revealing our need to address) the very intelligence driving the fear-based and entrapping technobureaucratic monster of collective human consciousness—the very mechanism that had pushed the feminine principle into the depths of obscurity.
Sedna's message here is that humanity's must recognize the truth about the suppression, persecution, abduction and exploitation of the feminine force in the world; and this mentality perpetuating such must be addressed and changed. Although it is quite obvious of our need for female's re-emergence and balanced reintegration with the overly dominant patriarchal world, there is still dire hesitancy for such participation due to the often awry, deceptive and exploitative use of creative power by the masculine force in the world. Although this is beginning to change with more awakened males taking active leadership roles in the world, time is ticking away.
The Foot of Castor
"IC433 is a supernova remnant of a star that exploded about 35000 years ago. It is located approx. 5000 light years away. To the left is IC444, a large emission nebula, which also contains a small reflection nebula (the small bluish patch in the upper middle). The two bright stars are Eta (Tejat) and Mu (Dirah) of Gemini." Eta and Mu are less than 2° apart.
Image Credit: NASA Hubble Space Telescope
Sedna's purpose and her area of most influence is revealed by her perihelion (the closest distance to the Sun in her orbit). This occurs just south of the ecliptic in sidereal Gemini and just across the galactic equator—at her galactic north node.This placement and her movement north of the galactic plane alone indicates Sedna is addressing the very evolutionary path of the soul collective on Earth; with intent to create an awakening in consciousness—into galactic awareness.
Sedna's perihelion conjoins the foot of Castor (which stands upon the "Gate of Man"). Tejat (Eta) and Dirah (Mu) create the foot of Castor along with the Bright Emission Nebula IC 444. Sedna's path also lies just before and just south of Alhena, the foot of Castor.
The role of the Gemini Twins is of partnership in mutual cooperation participating in the human world, one of linking and uniting the mission of the soul (galactic plane) into and through our daily affairs in the world. The Twins work hand-in-hand for the betterment and evolutionary fulfillment of humankind. And of course, Gemini is of communication, commerce, and daily activity. Ubiquitous Castor involves in all walks of life, the colleages that get things done through teh daily affairs in the physical world.
The foot of Castor (Tejat, Dirah and IC 444) portends eminence and renown, and will make visible that which has been suppressed, oppressed, hidden in the closet, but destined to be seen.
Alignments with the foot of Castor indicate that it is time to come out of hiding, to become visible, to stand forth in the limelight, and to make self visible, available, and approachable. This can also indicate the need to emerge from our own mental obscurations and illusions. Tejat may indicate it is time to claim one's role in the physical world, and to take the steps at hand that are required for the physical unfoldment of what we want and for our participation in the world. It is time to do what is required. Tejat can also indicate those who are physically marked in some way: including birth marks, genetic marks, or other unique features including tattoos, and especially jewels; or it may reveal marks or signs indicating that it is time for action.
As Tejat brings to the surface that which has been suppressed, we may see parts of our selves that seem rather dark and opposing to our emergence—the fears, hesitancies, and blockages within our selves that we must step through into our paths of fulfillment in the world. Tejat asks that we be willing to walk through the shadows of self to claim our power and place in the physical world. The more we express the truth of who we are openly in the world the less forces attempting to suppress that truth have any power.
Alhena of Gemini is also of significance due to its close proximity to Sedna's perihelion. Alhena is the brand, mark or seal and (along with Alzirr) marks the foot of Pollux the ambassador. Alhena represents "commencement" and inspires us to act on our greater truth and purpose. Alhena is a marking stone for the unfoldment of what lies ahead and indicates a milestone or a turning point has been reached. It reveals our need to get off of the fence of indecision, to drop any hesitation, as the "time is at hand" to go forth anew. As the brand, Alhena also indicates that the time, events, or relations are marked or destined. Alhena can also indicate the need to sign a document or legalize a project, involvement, or commitment. It is the consecration of our commitment through demonstrable action that anchors the etheric vision of our soul truth into the physical plane to become realized truth. This concretization prepares for a greater event yet to come. Alhena can also manifest simply as a unique sign, indicating an opportunity is at hand. As the dividing star of the sidereal sign of Gemini, Alhena indicates a separation, a leaving, a departure, even an exodus. Behaviorally, Alhena marks the leaving an older or less fulfilling way of participation or way of life, and the time of our transfiguration.
Sedna's perihelion suggests her purpose is to bring forth that which has been hidden or latent; supporting the emergence of the long-suppressed feminine principle in the world; and the participation of females equally with males in all walks of life; prominently, openly and without fear, abuse, prejudice or exploitation. Sedna seems to make the simple statement that we need women's active participation.
A planet's nodal axis is created by the intersection of the planet's orbital plane and the ecliptic plane. This axis can be thought of as a magnetic pointer, motivating action in a particular direction—(from the planet's south node theme to its north node theme). The Descending (south) Node stars reveal the nature of that which we must bring forth and express through the theme revealed by the Ascending (north) Node stars—to apply the south node theme through the north node theme.
Sedna's unique orbital tilt causes Sedna's North node to lie not much further from her perihelion in ecliptical longitude. Sedna's path continues from its perihelion in sidereal Gemini, and emerges from south of the ecliptic to north exactly on the Leo cusp—prominently and proudly stepping onto the world stage.
The Lion faces west in the zodiak, with its head looking over the Cancer-Leo cusp. The starts creating the Lion's head are of breaking trail, exploration and new discoveries. Sedna's north node exactly conjoins Subra, the paw of the Lion, which lies below the head, marking the cusp. Conversely, Sedna's south node lies on cusp of sidereal Aquarius, conjoining Sadr of Cygnus, heart of the swan.
The cusp of sidereal Aquarius is marked by the wing of Cygnus the Swan, which extends from Sadr, the heart of the Swan, to Gienah, the tip of the wing. We also have the Veil (Lacework) Nebula residing on the wing near Gienah as well. This point in the ecliptic is where we are motivated to strip off the cloaks of personality-based facades and shenanigans to reveal true heart-level self and to live from our deeper hearts' truth for the greater nourishment of all. Sadr, the heart, and the wing of Cygnus lifts us from a self-centered exclusive focus to a more embracing and inclusive level of participation. This marks the start of the true humanitarian facet of the zodiak.
Also marking the cusp of sidereal Aquarius and conjoining Sadr of Cygnus is the Quasar 2134+004, which resides in Aquarius. This Quasar inspires us to enter deep within self and to bring forth our unique substance and soul essence that is of true value to each other and to the world, rather than projecting just superficial skin-deep appearances or false facades common to earlier sidereal Capricorn. Here we are motivated to demonstrate our capacity to participate with true humanitarian vision, with interest for all rather than for the manipulation of an exclusive few.
Subra, marking the sidereal Cancer-Leo cusp, is the paw of the Lion impressed in the desert sand. Subra is of prints, tracks, plans, codices and ancient maps—clues to hidden trails and paths obscured by the sands of time. Subra indicates a discovery process is at hand, one leading to the secret chambers, entryways, even to liftoff sites of the gods—places hidden from ordinary view. Simply, Subra asks that we dig, explore, uncover, and find a new way to navigate the passage that leads to living from the integrity and passion of out hearts, that which Regulus, the heart of the Lion, embodies.
Synthesizing with Subra is the primary star of the very southern constellation Pictoris, the Painter's Easel. Alpha Pictoris indicates a picture or scenario is emerging from the æthers. This is a picture assembling itself as we break trail in our discovery process. Alpha Pictoris asks us to see the pathway or entryway emerging out of the mist covering an abyss, in the rock of a mountain side, in the billowing clouds blown by the wind, in the leaves fallen upon the ground, or simply in our mind's inner eye. Alpha Pictoris asks us to creatively assemble the signs, to read the message, to see the coalescing spirit substance yet to become, to paint a new picture, a new life.
The Owl Nebula M97
Alpha Pyxidis, just into sidereal Leo, conjoins Subra, the paw of the Lion, and Alpha Pictoris. Pyxidis, a sub-constellation of the Argo, is the Crow's Nest (or compass) of the galactic ship. The stellar qualities of Alpha Pyxidis ask us to peer far beyond the common world to navigate through potential problems or obstacles upon our exploration. Pyxidis inspires us to find the map obscured in the sand, to see the picture waiting to emerge from the obscuring fog into visible sight, and to take an abode, place, vantage, or perspective from which we can see and find distant lands. Pyxidis indicates a process, one that requires patience, foresight, and perceptual attentiveness. Although this often is a lonely process, it is one serving our greater evolutionary journey, and as well, the journeys of our colleagues and companions. Pyxidis has little interest in the superfluous pursuits of the common world, always seeking new ground, looking forward, gazing ahead through time, to see through the present limitations into the depths of what can yet become.
Also conjoining Subra and friends is the Owl Nebula M97 in Ursa Major, which lies north, over the crown (Rasalas) of the Lion. The Owl Nebula is one of the largest planetary nebulas. It has a faint central star and two dark recessed regions that give the nebula its name. Nebulas in general create a type of facade or fog that colors the zodiakal theme. The Owl Nebula suggest we use wisdom and night vision to see that which is obscured by the dogmatic veils that we uphold with our existing belief structures, or those created by prominent ego-based individuals and world powers. Here lies the need to see through the existing picture of our reality, and to use creative (third-eye) vision to allow alternative realms and possibilities to emerge into our awareness. Only then can we step into the apparent abyss where a hidden bridge awaits—to step upon the Path of the Lion.
Sedna appears to motivate action from a mature social platform, to bring the open honest inclusive humanitarian focus articulated by Sadr into a personal expression in the world; to apply this focus in leadership, to use it to break trail along a new path of discovery; to demonstrate that this more feminine humanitarian type of leadership can provide the answers to the challenges our wold faces.
Self exile: refusal or hesitancy to participate in fear of being hurt or from resentment of being hurt; abduction or abandonment issues; fear of commitment.
A few Sedna aspects for astrologers to consider:
1952 (Dec) - 1953 (Aug) - Sedna (cuspal sidereal Aries) opposite Saturn (cuspal sidereal Libra).
1952 - 1953 - Haumea conjoins Sedna's North Node on the cusp of sidereal Leo.
1953 - 1954 - Sedna (cuspal sidereal Aries) opposite Neptune (cuspal sidereal Libra).
1953 - 1954 - Pluto conjoins Sedna's North Node on the cusp of sidereal Leo.
1963 - 1967 - Ixion-Sedna opposition (the realization point in the Ixion-Sedna synodic cycle): withdrawn and exiled feminine re-emergence to confront the tyrannical leaders of the world - fitting to the Flower Power Political Movement of the sixties.
Copyright © 2006-2009 Nick Anthony Fiorenza, All Rights Reserved