McKusick’s second book conveys a broad explanation of the body as an electrical entity living in an electric universe. It is divided into two main sections. The first deals with this general paradigm shift in thinking, and the story of how she came to work with subtle energy fields. The writing style is easy to read and easy to understand.
In the second part, one chapter is devoted to each chakra where she discusses how to optimally maintain the vibrancy of that energy center through affirmation, choices, habits of speech, thought, and attitude.
As another reviewer already pointed out, this book explains more of the what and why, but almost none of the how. If you want a taste of the the “how”, check out her first book, Tuning the Human Biofield.
Biofield Tuning training classes are currently sold out on McKusick’s website. Foundation classes of this healing approach are going for about $1600 with an additional $1600 for the complete practitioner training.
After reading McKusick’s first book I was curious enough to contact a local practitioner for a session to try it out. I was really surprised by how different it felt from say, a Reiki session, or other kinds of energy work. It felt powerful and yet I was at a loss for words of how to explain it other than saying, “it definitely rearranged some stuff energetically.”
Many questions remained for me. Would recorded sound waves work just as well? Can people effectively treat themselves using tuning forks? Do different frequencies have any negative effects?
Though many efforts are made to call this a hypothesis, much more research will need to be done to validate it and understand it fully. Still, it certainly opens some new doors of possibility.
If you want to learn more about sound healing this was a good resource. Author includes case studies and testimonials.
McKusick has a scientific mind and it comes through in her writing. She developed her own therapeutic method to using tuning forks as a healing modality, which she now offers through trainings, books, products, through her website and more.
I enjoyed reading her personal story of how she came to this. She went from working in her family restaurant business and needing serious physical healing, to taking up yoga and the healing arts as a vocation. Before reading it, I was mostly interested in music’s healing effect on the body. Chapter 7-9 covers what and how she works with the tuning forks.
After reading it, I am more intrigued and interested in how a single tone or sound frequency has an effect on the body and the science behind it. Connecting that to the ASTROLOGY is whole other side or piece that I have long been investigating now.
There are now even more questions in my mind about the subject. My biggest take-away was the idea that we cannot FORCE the body with healing. This is something that I am learning first hand as I nurture my first broken bone, and something that I am learning in other areas of my life too right now, as I work on some mentoring with Carlo Monsanto and IOLEE. This books reiterates that same message of not forcing things for me.
I went ahead and bought her next book, Electric Body and am continuing to learn about sound healing, music, what writers new and old have said about sound, music, astrology and healing and how these fields intersect.
I finally understand why all of my Gen X girlfriends call their Boomer parents narcissists. The gaps between generations and the societal tensions we feel between Millennials, Gen Z’s, Gen X’ers and Baby Boomers are well-explained through understanding the Pluto Generations in astrology.
I have not yet found a more spot-on description of this phenomenon than Daljeet Peterson’s series of articles on this topic. While his series goes more in depth into each generation with many more examples than I will outline here, I will attempt to provide a summary, while pulling from a few other sources.
Pluto’s active principle is transformation and transmutation. Pluto represents a collective soul purpose for a generation according to evolutionary astrologers. Each Pluto generation has come along at the perfect time and with the perfect gifts to transform some aspect of society on a collective level.
While there are some Pluto in Cancer Generation still alive, (born 1913-1938) the youngest of them are nearing their 90’s now. These are the children of the Depression era, the WW2/Korean War era veterans. Cancer as a zodiacal sign, is concerned with nourishment and the security of home. This generation gave us Social Security because they felt the effects on their parents during the devastation of the Depression. I know one such native, born in 1933. His biggest observation about the world that we live in now is how greed-infested and selfish our world has become. As on astrologer noted,
When they’re all gone, family values and domestic security will greatly suffer(as is already happening).
Behind the Pluto in Cancer folks were the Pluto in Leos, the BabyBoomers.
The Pluto in Leo Generation were born 1937-1956, and represent our oldest generation currently alive. Leo as a sign represents the SELF, and so we could say this generation took hold of transforming the self through a flurry of creativity and regeneration. The Pluto in Leos are known to be leaders and to be concerned with following strong leaders, and we see this in the radical changes of the 1960’s, the civil rights movements, and the dramatic changes in music and popular culture. But Leos also can be quite arrogant. Daljeet Peterson states,
“They can be annoyingly arrogant in declaring theirs the “best” generation that produced the best music, the best art, the best movies, the best everything. As a generation raised on Father Knows Best, it’s like they are collectively taunting: “Who’s your daddy now?” They’re also quick to dismiss the creative output of any other generation as sub par. They jumped at the opportunity to shit all over their successors, that “slacker” Generation X that dared try and follow them. And they held similarly dismissive views of the “overly-coddled” Millennials who came after.”
Pluto in Virgo generation (1956-1972), is obsessed with self-help books, New Age enlightenment and living a different, more conscious kind of life than its elder Leos. Pluto in Virgo saw a jump forward in the purification of the body, but also a shift toward eco-consciousness which one could say was a bent toward purification of the earth body. We could also think of Pluto in Virgo in terms of the personal fitness crazes and holistic healthcare industries. In a separate article as part of his series, Peterson aptly describes each generation in turn with many more examples, and as such he describes Gen X’ers as having a chip on our shoulders.
GenXers are a generation with a giant chip on our shoulders. And of course, we have set it up for ourselves this way. Why else would a collective of souls choose to incarnate under the Pluto in Virgo signature? We have all come into this life to learn Virgo-inspired lessons of humility, service, duty, criticism, analysis and improvement. This is our generational cross to bear, so perhaps the “X” designation is symbolically more appropriate than we might think.
the transition from the Pluto in Leo generation to the Pluto in Virgo generation marks one of the most jarring and difficult periods in the entire 248-year cycle.
This is because in moving from Leo to Virgo we learn the lesson of serving others, not only serving ourselves. Speaking as a cuspy (Pluto in/Pluto in Virgo) representative of the Gen X club, I agree that this shift in consciousness has been a difficult one and has represented part of the “dark night of the soul” that our culture has been experiencing. I think at least from an American perspective, Babyboomers were post-WW2 era “kids” who believed they were the best, and came of age when America was “on top of the world.” Except that, there was on problem, the world was under threat of nuclear war. Peterson calls BabyBoomers the apex predators “on top of the world,” just like the Lion Apex predator symbol.
While books like Silent Spring were beginning to be published in the 60’s, by 1971 books like Diet for a Small Planet were published and movies like Soylent Green were released in 1973, where in the dystopian film the year is 2022 and only the rich can afford to eat healthy food. The Virgo push toward health and purification really hits mass consciousness in a bigger way during the adulthoods of Gen Xers who continued with movements like Earth Day and pushed for recycling and more awareness of the depletion of earth resources. The recycle symbol, for example began to be used in 1970 and has become universally used since then.
Progress forward and we move into the Pluto in Libra generation, (of which this writer is a member). This generation is often thought of as the “lost generation” because many of us were latch key kids, and there were huge spikes in the divorce rate when we were growing up. This generation does “the commitment thing in powerfully re-imagined ways,” as Molly Hall puts it in her article. Libra is all about relationship, as a sign ruled by Venus. This generation was not going to abandon the kids. Even if we divorced, we would attempt to co-parent.
Beyond Libra we have the Pluto in Scorpio Generation, which began in 1983 and lasted until 1995. Pluto is at home in Scorpio and is considered the modern ruler of Scorpio. This Pluto Generation represents the Millennials born during this time, who are comfortable diving deep into anything taboo or secret. Exposing secrets is a well-known Scorpionic trait and here we have Edward Snowden, who was born in 1983, for example. This generation has also famously explored their sexuality and all taboos associated with sexuality. It was a time impacted by the the AIDS epidemic, but these natives also put legs on the acceptance of all forms of sexuality. Times truly began to speed up, continuing to require kids to grow up faster and faster. In 1982 the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High was released, echoing what was experienced as the “times” we lived in were speeding up faster and faster.
Young adults represent the Pluto in Sagittarius Generation, born between 1995 and 2008, also known as Generation Z, and they have become truth-tellers in the era of FAKE NEWS. All three of my children were born between 1995 and 2005 and I can attest to their dislike for fakeness on social media. This generation was too young to remember 911, unlike Millennials, they do not remember a time before the creation of Homeland Security. I also attribute the popularity of unicorns to this horse-fascinated generation of Sagittarians. They will form the philosophical foundation for what the Pluto in Capricorn generation will recreate in institutions. (See also, Mountain Astrologer’s Pluto in Sag Article, written by a Pluto in Sag native, for a more true to life representation.)
The Pluto in Capricorn Generation began in 2008 and will carry forward until 2024. I began to see how different this generation was when they started arriving in my first grade classroom around 2014. They are markedly different from Pluto in Sag kids in their stubbornnes and refusal to accept the status quo. This generation was born one year after the release of the first iphone and may be known as the Post iPhone generation. They have been challenged by growing up in the midst of the pandemic and school shutdowns. They have seen more mass shootings than any other generation. They have witnessed the effects of the pandemic on mental health, and the dissension and strife in society and our institutions as we have tried to adjust to the demands of the Pandemic. They have also now witnessed the hostile, January 6th Capitol riot/take-over. They are witnessing the devastating effects of climate change at every turn. They are quite intolerant of the antiquated institutions they find themselves subjected to, though I am speaking merely as an observer. Here I am mostly referring to their rejection of our current school system and their unwillingness to cooperate with school authorities. Never before have I seen more students of a younger age throw desks and chairs. I have never seen a group of students more unwilling to cooperate. It has gotten to the point that teachers are required to train in restraint techniques. I predict that when they arrive at adulthood they will promptly make changes to our educational system and perhaps to healthcare, law enforcement, the prison system, and government, since Capricorn is the sign associated with institutions and Pluto is the transformer. It is my opinion that HIGH SCHOOL teachers and college professors SHOULD TAKE NOTE of this Pluto in Capricorn generation, though I am not sure that there is anything that will adequately prepare us for the changes that this group will eventually make.
By the time we make it through the end of Pluto in Capricorn in 2024, we will see the beginning of a generation born with Pluto in Aquarius, and I think this generation will be who we might think of as “The Jetsons.” If I make it to see them arrive into adulthood I will be quite old. Perhaps they will yield a truly technologically- advanced society based on the foundation laid by Pluto in Capricorn, embracing AI and carrying forward in new ways. This could go wrong in many ways of course as one generation’s shortcomings build upon another’s as each generation parents the next one. We are in this together, like one big dysfunctional multi-generational family, trying to over-compensate for each other’s downfalls. Whether we like it or not, folks we are in this together weaving the complex story of humanity and human evolution. There is no “they” and “them”, only the story of “us.”
If you love the stars and history, what a sweet little treasure you will find in The Star Tales of Mother Goose. This is a fun read, full of beautiful, playful illustrations and the beloved mother goose rhymes for the little ones. For adults, it is informative and engaging and re-ignites our childhood wonder of the stars. Stewart-Adams explains the history and meaning of each Mother Goose Rhyme for adults and brings it alive with stories.
For example, in the well known rhyme Humpty Dumpty, she explains how the king’s horses and king’s men are the four constellations of the four seasons and that Humpty Dumpty himself is the SUN! Summer solstice is the wall, “the moment when the sun stands still, highest above the celestial equator.” Then the sun falls back down again and Bootes, Hercules, and Perseus are the KIng’s men and Pegasus and Equeleus are the horses. In like fashion, she explains ten different rhymes and their starlore meanings.
She also guides the inexperienced in locating these stars with easy descriptions of how to find them and their constellations without any technical terms. Wonderful for parents and children to watch the night sky together with and dream or just for the young at heart. I highly recommend this book for parents of young ones or to give as a gift.
The birth chart of the school year could be said to be the first day of school, so here I have taken the start date for the first day of school for my locality as August 17, 2021 at 8:00am, Tomball, Texas CDT.
Quick Summary: A positive year for communicating, thinking and learning with a theme of conserving or storing resources for the future and keeping one’s true identity and values foremost in one’s mind as one plans for the future. (See Interpretation Below)
Highlights of this Chart
Mercury is the ruler of the chart
Mercury and Mars conjunct Virgo on the ASC
Sun, Mercury, Venus and Saturn all in Rulership – a bit of a conference
Trines with the Nodes to Venus and Saturn
Moon & Mars in Accidental Dignity
Venus in Libra in the First House, but First House ruled by Mercury
Uranus Rx – Aug. 20 Mercury Rx Sept 27-Oct. 18 Mars in Scorpio on Halloween Pluto direct – Oct. 6 Saturn direct – Oct. 11 Mercury direct and Jupiter direct -Oct. 18 Eclipses – Nov 8, Nov. 19, Total Solar Dec. 4 Mercury Rx – Jan. 14-Feb.4 Venus Rx Dec. 19-Jan. 29 Jupiter in Pisces – Dec. 30 Uranus direct – Jan. 18, 2022 Chinese New Year – Feb. 1, 2022 – Begins Year of the Tiger Pluto Rx – Apr. 29, 2022 Partial Solar Eclipse – Apr. 30, 2022 Mercury Rx May 10-June 3, 2022 Total Solar Eclipse – May 16, 2022 Summer Solstice – June 21, 2022
Interpreting the Symbolism
The 2021-22 school year has a positive outlook. With many planets in air signs, it will be a productive year for learning, thinking, and communicating, which brings some hope for integrating all of that was learned by teachers and all that was not learned by students in schools since the pandemic.
Mercury is the ruler of the chart at 10 Virgo, the symbol for which is a child molded in their parents’ aspirations. There may be pressure to live up to others’ expectations, and a need to go after what you want instead. With Mars conjunct we are given the “oomph” or grit to assert. But, if we cannot accept our true identity, we may be in trouble as our true identity is exposed. We are no longer able to hide or pretend because Mars at 11 Virgo’s symbol is a bride with her veil being snatched away.
Here we can imagine the image of the Norse God Thor, acting the part of Freya with a veil in order to trick his enemies.
Thor dressing as the bride, Goddess Freya to trick his enemies.
If you are the bride, accept the new realities and commit without pretense. If you are the one doing the snatching away of the veil, there may be feelings of violation or a rude awakening to the reality but we need to accept the situation.
This school year may bring a theme of evaluating the changes that took place during pandemic and taking the best of the past going forward. Venus is at 1 Libra, Lynda Hill describes the Sabian Symbol this degree:
“This wonderful Symbol shows a time of new beginnings with an implementation of a brand new order. Often, this shows people being interested in attaining spiritual transformation and attainment. As you change and grow there’s a need to respect the value of what is waning, and to take the best qualities from the past with you into your future. This often shows being within reach of your ultimate potential. Some aspects of society are left behind for a higher, more evolved state. ” – from SabianSymbols.Com
Loose ends from previous experiments need to be tied up, and so it will be a year of trials, creativity, and problem solving. This requires good communication and a back and forth flow of test and revise, and test again until the fine tuning of right solutions emerge. The ASC of this chart is 8 Virgo, an expressionist painter making futuristic drawings.
So with Venus at 1 Libra and taking the best of the past and bringing it forwards into a new order, we can be creative and visionary in drawing up future plans, but we have the danger of being too idealistic as well. We may be living in the mind too much or overemphasizing the future without considering reality of the present. Venus at Libra 1 suggests new beginnings and bringing forward collective wisdom in service to the future.
Two trines exist between two planets in rulership to the north node, Venus in Libra, the MC/Nodes in Gemini, and Saturn in Aquarius. This could bring a creative synergy of ideals and values that align with true purpose.
The Lunar Node is on the midheaven of this chart at 7 Gemini. This is the Sabian Symbol for aroused strikers surround a factory. Social tensions have been high for quite some time, and that is not likely to abate. We still have Uranus in Taurus which might suggest revolution (Uranus) in the realm of physical resources (Taurus). Mercury and Venus near the horizon of this chart suggest embracing one’s true identity. This is also inconjunct to Chiron, at the degree whose symbol is a bomb failing to explode.Note here, this need not be a literal bomb, but could rather a symbolic one and seems to suggest disasters averted rather than things exploding.
There is a back and forth between urgency and fanaticism on the one hand and the need for crowd control, and calm, stable leadership.
The Moon at 19 Sagittarius gives the Sabian symbol of in winter people cutting ice from a frozen pond for summer use. This brings to mind the image of planning ahead and conserving resources, which shows up in a few other symbols for this chart. Where can we be like wise Joseph as Pharoah in the Old Testament, storing grain for the drought?
Meanwhile Saturn at 9 Aquarius has the Sabian symbol for a person who had for a time become the embodiment of an ideal is made to realize they are not this ideal. This repeats the theme of embracing one’s true identity, just as the symbol of the veil being snatched away. Where can we recognize what is and what is not the ideal? How accurate are our assessments of these ideals? Judging things by the level of popular support does not always equate to what is truly ideal or what is best.
The Sun is at 24 Leo is opposing Jupiter in Aquarius. With the Sun in rulership here in the 12th house, we have an image of a large camel crossing a vast and forbidding desert. We may have to carry the load for a long distance for others. The warning here is to prepare for the journey, to collect reserves and resources, and avoid mirages. We may have to push ahead in difficult times, be self-sufficient, have mental stamina and exercise mental self-control on a journey through a desert. This also rings true for the Chinese Astrology for this year – the Metal Ox, next year we move into the Year of the Tiger. This axis shows the polarity of self (Leo) and the collective (Aquarius). There is also this idea of bringing something of value or great importance across an expanse of desert to someone in need of it, in other words, precious cargo that requires self-sacrifice.
The Sabian symbol for 27 Aquarius is a tree felled and sawed to ensure a supply of wood for the winter. It is interesting to have so many repeated symbols for conserving and storing resources for future use. Who is going to need the precious resources and how will we get it to them, who will make that journey or sacrifice to ensure it?
Chiron, Neptune, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto are all moving retrograde suggesting consolidation of ground previously covered in the social movements and collective of the day.
Venus is in rulership in Libra and her location in the Taurean house of resources seems positive. At the same time we have Pluto in Capricorn requiring transformation. How can we transform the idea of power based on material resources? Where are we merely creating more waste or peddling our knicknacks and where are we setting a standard for excellence in what we create that is in alignment with values for the future? Since Venus inches near to the second house it is suggesting that we are not quite there yet. Rather than focusing on our fears of what we don’t want, have we clearly defined what we value and what we do want? While our values may not all be the same, where can we find common ground and work together? Here we need a solid sense of identity before entering commitments. Chiron in Aries points us toward being examples of calm leadership. Sharing our values and ideals may be one of the most important creative acts of service we can render because to fail to bring these out, or to hide under the veil is to fail to participate. That is like putting your head in the sand, thereby ensuring common ground will never be found. A move forward begins with conversations that matter and self-assertion (Mars) and revealing our true nature. Having conversations about shared values and conserving physical resources will be relevant this year.
For more information on Sabian Symbols, please see Lynda Hill’s Sabian Symbols.
Eagle Eye Astrology 