The Astronomy & Astrology of the
The Dwarf Planets

Haumea & Makemake

Nick Anthony Fiorenza

Copyright © 2008-2009 Nick Anthony Fiorenza, All Rights Reserved

Extensive new material on Haumea & entirely new material on Makemake
added March 21, 2009

Introduction to Haumea & Makemake

Due to the similar orbits of Haumea and Makemake, I discuss them together on this web page.

Haumea (pronounced how-MAY-ah), the third-largest known dwarf planet in the Kuiper belt (at the time of discovery) was discovered on Dec 28, 2004 by Mike Brown; et.al. of CalTech using the Keck Observatory in Hawaii.

Makemake (pronounced MAH-keh MAH-keh - "e" is pronounced "ay" in Polynesian), of similar size, was discovered on March 31, 2005 also by Mike Brown.

Exploring the astrological nature of a newly discovered planet

Although it requires astrological research over a lengthy period to truly validate and hone in on the astrological nature of a newly discovered planet or asteroid, there are several things to explore that can give us significant insight into the astrological nature of new astronomical bodies. These are 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 things to consider.

Haumea & Makemake's Size & Orbits

Orbital Illustrations:
Nick Anthony Fiorenza/CarinaVoyager

Illustration: NASA

The top view of the orbits of Haumea & Makemake reveal their relationship and how the orbits lie in their own realm, separate from that of Neptune, Pluto and Eris. However the the orbits of Haumea & Makemake cross that of Pluto's. They also cross each other's orbit four times. Haumea's aphelion (furthest point from the Sun) occurred in 1987, recently in its 285-Earth year orbit.

The edge-on view shows the inclination of their orbits, slightly more than that of Pluto's; with Haumea at 28.2244° and Makemake at 28.9989° compared to Pluto at 17.142°.

Makemake's orbit ~310 years; Haumea's ~283 years; and Pluto's 248 years.

Haumea, Makemake & Pluto Cross-resonances

Haumea Makemake Aspects

Due to the similar orbital sizes of Haumea and Makemake, aspects occurring between the two should be considered extra significant, although due to similar orbital speeds, the angular arc between the two changes slowly. They were 30° apart (semi-sextile) around 1948-49, when Makemake conjoined Castor of Pollux and Haumea conjoined Algenubi of Leo, the Eye of the Lion. The two are currently about 18° apart ~(2008).

Aspects between Haumea, Makemake and Pluto (and a few other Dwarf Planets) are extra significant due to the orbital resonances between those planets, and thus something to watch when exploring astrological charts. Pluto squared Makemake (90°) in 2003. Pluto sextiled (60°) Haumea in 1997 (at the time of the Pluto-Quaoar conjunction, and Pluto will square Haumea in 2025.

Haumea-Makemake Orbital Plane Crossings

Another time when significant resonances occurs is when one planet passes through the orbital plane of another. Haumea crossed the Makemake's orbital plane (moving from south to north of Makemake's orbit) recently, on February 1, 2007—while both were in Coma Berenicies, over the Virgin.

Relationships and Financial Strategies

This occurred days before a Juno-Haumea conjunction and the start of a new Juno-Haumea synodic cycle, which began on March 1, 2007 in mid-sidereal Virgo (primary star alignment - Algorab of Corvus) and will continue until the next synod of January 13, 1016, in late sidereal Virgo—about an 8.8-year cycle. This suggests that March 1, 2007 marked the start of a new birth occurring in relationships, and in regard to related Juno themes (diplomacy, mutual respect, cooperation, etc.); with impetus for partners and colleagues to heed the signs of the times expressing through the natural world. Makemake's influence (discussed below) added additional context to this theme—regarding financial strategies. Makemake will not cross Haumea's orbital plane until March of 2024.

Haumea: A New Birth in Consciousness

Haumea artists conception

Haumea, believed to be composed of pure rock with a pure ice shell, has an ellipsoidal shape, is about the size of Pluto in length,and has an orbital period of 285 Earth years. It spins extremely rapid end-over-end at a rate of 3.9 Earth hours. Haumea maintains a state of equilibrium due to its rapid rotation. Although not round, this why it is classified as a Dwarf Planet.

Ann Field / Space Telescope Science Institute / ESA/NASA

The Dates of Significance

Haumea (2003 EL61) was discovered on
Dec 28, 2004 by Mike Brown of CalTech using the Keck Observatory in Hawaii.

Haumea has two orbiting satellites (moons) called
Hi'iaka (discovered on Jan 26 2005) and Namaka (discovered Nov 7 2005), both discovered by Mike E. Brown, A.H. Bouchez, and the Keck Observatory Adaptive Optics teams.

The formal naming of Haumea and its satellites was approved by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) on
September 17, 2008.

Haumea (pronounced how-MAY-ah)
Original designation: 2003 EL61
Minor Planet Number 136108

Haumea is 3/4 the size of Pluto.

Hi'iaka (pronounced HEE-'ee-AH-kah)
Namaka (pronounced nah-MAH-kah

Current viewing information for Haumea and Namaka's unique edge-on alignment with Earth occuring over these few years can be found at: http://web.gps.caltech.edu/~mbrown/2003EL61/mutual/

Haumea's Mythology & Naming

Haumea's discovery has an interesting set of synchronicities that add insight into the nature of Haumea's arrival into the awareness of humankind.

Controversy about ownership over Haumea's discovery

The naming of 2003 EL61 as Haumea, the Hawaiian Goddess of Childbirth and Fertility, seems quite fitting especially when reading Mikes Brown's story about Haumea's discovery, the presentation of its discovery to the world, and about the naming process. Mike tells us that as he was finishing the scientific paper on July 7 2005 to formally present Haumea's discovery, the birth of his daughter "Lilah" interrupted his presentation to the world, almost causing him the loss of credit for its discovery due to the presentation of Haumea's discovery 21 days later on July 28 2005 by a Spanish team led by Jose-Luis Ortiz of the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia in Granada, Spain. But some have disputed the claim, revealing that someone had accessed Brown's online observing logs of the object two days earlier.

IAU however approved the name "Haumea" submitted by Mike Brown's team, but with the location of discovery in Spain, and with the discover still being somewhat ambiguous. Read Mike Brown's full and interesting story here: http://www.mikebrownsplanets.com/2008/09/haumea.html

What's in a Name

In Mike's words: "The name (Haumea) was chosen by David Rabinowitz of Yale University, one of the co-discoverers of Santa (along with me and Chad Trujillo of Gemini Observatory in Hawaii). He chose the name because the name Haumea is closely associated with stone, and Santa (as we knew it at the time) appeared to be made of nothing but rock."

And to quote: "Haumea is the goddess of childbirth and fertility in Hawaiian mythology. Her many children sprang from different parts of her body. She takes many different forms and has experienced many different rebirths. As the goddess of the earth, she represents the element of stone."

Haumea's Moons

"Hi'iaka was born from the mouth of Haumea and carried by her (older) sister Pele (also born from the mouth of Haumea) in egg from their distant home to Hawaii. She danced the first Hula on the shores of Puna and is the patron goddess of the island of Hawaii and of hula dancers. (Haumea I, Hi'iaka, discovered 2005 Jan 26 by M.E. Brown, A.H. Bouchez, and the Keck Observatory Adaptive Optics team)"

"Namaka is a water spirit in Hawaiian mythology. She was born from the body (breasts) of Haumea and is the sister of Pele. When Pele sends her burning lava into the sea, Namaka cools the lava to become new land. (Haumea II, Namaka, discovered 2005 Nov 7 by M.E. Brown, A.H. Bouchez, and the Keck Observatory Adaptive Optics teams)" (Quotes also from Mike Brown)

Hi'iaka is the name of Haumea's largest Moon and Namaka of the smaller.

More to Ponder about Haumea's Myth

The English subtitle common to Haumea (Goddess of Childbirth and Fertility) is somewhat of a simplistic reduction of the nature of the Hawaiian Goddess Haumea. Her essence is more than this. Being the Hawaiian ancestress and producing a royal genealogical line of chieftains is significant. M.W. Beckworth suggests the name Haumea more naturally comes from Hanaumea, meaning "sacred birth." Hence we have an essence of "purity" or a birth of speciallness, the ablity to produce a fresh or clear state of consciousness.

It is the essence of purity for which this new Dwarf Planet is named—being smooth, of pure rock and of pure ice—unadulterated fundamental elements spinning rapidly in a state of equilibrium (in contrast for instance to rip-roaring methane covered Eris). This aspect of purity is also fitting to its discovery in Coma Berenices and of Virgo-being of the Virgin principle—being able to birth souls of an unadulterated nature, soul aware.

Haumea is said to be the Goddess of Childbirth due to her knowledge of the birthing process, not only that of the soul but also of the biological-ecological relationship with life—having been said to have saved a woman from a cesarian by using an herbal remedy to induce birth. Haumea's knowledge of fertility extends to that of the plants of the forest and the use of herbs.

Haumea, born as a woman, had Kamala, a god (one who came from the heavens) as her husband. Haumea is noted to "change herself from old to young through rebirth" so as to marry her own genealogical line. Although some may take this to mean an extended life of perpetual rejuvenation, it more likely refers to her rebirthing as a soul into incarnate form over many lifetimes, not necessarily occurring in one lifetime—thus alluding to the continuance of the soul through the incarnational process—and also of maintaining awareness of her durative soul nature from lifetime to lifetime. At one point in the line of marriages she is said to be discovered as the original Haumea. Another facet to ponder is the statement that she births children from various parts of her body—her brain, her thighs.

It helps to consider the nature of Haumea in the context of the ancient Polynesian view of life; thus it is worth mentioning the Hawaiian "Kumulipo" to help gain context for the unadulterated essence of Haumea and her lineage of souls. The Kumulipo is an epic poem about creation and the evolution of life on Earth, over two thousand lines long, at one time recited from memory by Kahuna (high priests) during ceremony. In the Kumulipo, humans are acknowledged to be integral with the Earth, the land, and all living creatures—one wholistic system—providing a biologically-ecologically wholistic view of life, and thus teaching the sacredness of life, of being wholistically attuned to our embracing sojourn on Earth as evolving souls. Keep in mind "The ancient Hawaiians were astronomers, and the terms used (in the Kumulipo) appertained to the heavens, the stars, terrestrial science, and the gods." as stated by Queen Liliuokalani in her introduction to the Kumulipo translation.

Ref: The Kumulipo: Composed by Keaulumoku (1700) and
translated by Queen Liliuokalani during her imprisonment (1895-7)
University of Hawai'i Press. Sydney : Hordern House
Web version: http://www.sacred-texts.com/pac/lku/index.htm

A version by Martha Warren Beckworth with commentary was also
published in 1951 by University of Chicago Press

Haumea's Orbital Parameters

Exploring the stellar alignments of a planet's orbital parameters lends additional insight into the astrological nature of a planet—how it is working in our lives and in which areas.

There are four points of primary significance in a planet's orbit: the planet's perihelion (the location in a planet's orbit when it is closest to the Sun); its aphelion (the location in a planet's orbit when it is furthest from the Sun); a planet's ascending node (also called the north node - the location in a planet's orbit when it crosses from south to north of Earth's ecliptic plane); and a planet's descending node (also called the south node - the location in a planet's orbit when it crosses from north to south of Earth's ecliptic plane). These four points compose a planet's "orbital cross."

The perihelion-aphelion axis reveals more of the general nature and role of planet, where as the nodal axis reveals more about how a planet is interacting with Earth.

The angle of a planet's orbit with respect to Earth's ecliptic plane (called a planets's orbital inclination) is also of significance. Its orbital plane, is the planet's own ecliptic. The constellations and stars of its ecliptic can reveal much as well, just as our zodiak does for our experience of life on Earth.

Haumea's Perihelion & Aphelion

The Perihelion reveals the area of a planet's primary influence in our lives. The Aphelion (opposite perihelion) star alignments provide perspective to the nature of its primary influence—sort of the intent behind or motivating its presence. Here, at the furthest reaches from the Sun, the planet gather's its momentum, and begins its journey back toward its perihelion—to bring forth the quality of its aphelion to its perihelion presence.

A planet may be north or south of the ecliptic at its perihelion (and aphelion). When a planet's perihelion occurs north of the ecliptic, this suggests that the area of its primary influence is working more in a conscious, externalized or overt way in our lives. When the perihelion occurs south of the ecliptic, this suggests that the area of its primary influence is working more at a transcendent, subconscious or internalize way in our lives, or within the underlying energetics of our lives.

All sidereal longitudes are referenced to the Galactic Ayanamsa (Add 0°14' for the Fagan-Bradley Ayanamsa). Note: using a different Ayanamsa does not change the actual location of the planets with respect to the stars.

Haumea's Perihelion

Haumea's peirhelion, expresses into early sidereal Pisces (2° 51'), at "the circlet" of stars that create the head of the western fish, specifically conjoining Lambda and Iota Pisces, of the circlet. This area of early sidereal Pisces is about humanity's creation; our fundamental need for nourishment, specifically that of the masses as a whole; and the primordial forces underlying life. It is also about submerging into and palpating the wet emotional world.

Due to the Haumea's 28.223° orbital inclination, Haumea's perihelion lies 23° 56' south of the ecliptic and within a 2° orb to the South Galactic Pole (SGP), which resides at 5° sidereal Pisces. Haumea's perihelion resides just 6° north of the SGP. Conversely, Haumea's aphelion has a similar relationship with the North Galactic Pole (NGP). Because of this, our galaxy's polar axis (although 2° away by orb), and the constellations in which they reside, are also of significance. Haumea's last perihelion occurred on Jan 1, 1849.

Our galaxy and its polar axis relates more to the purpose or mission of the soul than to our personality-level experience. The polar axis of our galaxy in particular inspires us to stand in the integrity of souls' greater evolutionary purpose, attuned to the fundamental forces governing life. The South Galactic Pole (the foundation of life in our galaxy) resides in Sculptoris and conjoins Alpha Sculptoris, which lies about 2.7° south of the SGP. Sculptoris, the Sculptor, articulates the sculpting or creation of humanity, and at a personal level, how we sculpt of our lives.

The South Galactic Pole also conjoins Scheat of the Great Square of Pegasus, which lies north of the ecliptic, as well as conjoining the most northern point (in ecliptical latitude) along the galactic equator, which I call the "Primordial Origin" of Earth's precessional cycle.

Scheat reveals the essence of early sidereal Pisces and the very foundation of life—water. Scheat brings attention to our life force and the use of it. Scheat also brings attention to the waters of life and to the purity of our body fluids, especially our "lymph," which means Flowing Spirit of the Living Waters of Life. Scheat pertains to all waters of the world, but also to body fluids, especially water's relationship to the purification of the physical vehicle and the body's requirement for refined life force energies to express through the fluids molecular matrix. Scheat also brings attention to our blood, sacred sexual fluids (semen and clitoral ejaculate), and saliva, as well as to the types of fluids that we bring into our bodies. The purity and movement of the lymph and blood is not only essential for the elimination of toxins, but is also required for the transference of subtle light energies of cosmic intelligence (our soul's essence) to express through our genetic coding. The more light we express the truer we express the vibrancy of our souls, and the more life giving spirit substance we embody. This is why peoples throughout history have sought Living Water—healing springs flowing endlessly from the ground of their own accord, water said to bring immortality—the word immortality here meaning "not being subject to premature degeneration and death." Alignments with Scheat ask us to consider what we are doing with our primordial life force, how we are using our Chi / Xi. Scheat also asks us to integrate our primordial essence with our spiritual essence—to realize they are one flowing life-giving force.

Directly north of Scheat is the Primordial Origin. I dub this northern location along the galactic plane as the "Primordial Origin" because this is the primary fiducial (the fundamental starting point) of Earth's precessional cycle. When Earth's north celestial pole (NCP) resides at this location (which occurred 270° ago in the precessional cycle), Earth's polar axis is most parallel to the galactic plane, submersed in the plane of galactic light. Here Earth's pole lies at rest in the precessional cycle of the Holy Cross. From this point onward, the pole begins to lift itself, awakening from its place of rest in unified galactic awareness to begin its precessional round and the evolutionary unfoldment of human consciousness. Also at this time, the vernal point (the birthplace of the soul) resides on the Gate of God—the primary reference point in the zodiak. (See the Holy Cross movies.) Here in early Pisces we are concerned with the creation of man, the origins of life, and genetic engineering, which is articulated by the stars of Reticulum, which enter the zodiak at the Aquarius-Pisces cusp.

The "Primordial Origin" is gaurded by Lacerta, the Lizard, which lies north of the Pegasus Great Square along the Galactic Equator. Lacerta embodies the pure unadulterated reptilian essence—primordial self—the Akka guardians of Mu. The Lacerta mediate between the benevolent loving intent and tenderness of who Abraham Merrit (The Moon Pool. Liveright Publishing Corp., New York, 1919) calls the "Silent Ones" who emanate "Holiness," they who have full understanding, mastery and experiential knowledge of primordial and elemental forces which mold consciousness itself into organic form; awareness that precedes even telepathy or for that matter thought itself. Merrit brings us through the entry-way to Muria, our sub-merged mother land Mu, through the ruins of Nan Madol of the Micronesian island Pohnpei to meet our inner-Earth friends. From their gaze, in Merit’s words "streamed a current of reassurance, of good will—nay, of intense spiritual strength. I saw that they were not fierce, not ruthless, nor inhuman, despite their strangeness; no they were kindly; in some unmistakable way, benign and sorrowful—so sorrowful!" Merrit continues referring to the inner-Earth Lizard beings as those who ally for the Silent Ones as "...an evolution of highly intelligent beings from ancestral sources radically removed from those through which mankind ascended. These half-human highly developed batrachians they call the Akka...." The Polynesian also refer to their ancestral origins, though as the Mo’o, again as an inter-extraterrestrial origin of high-vibrational light-being pure spiritual reptilian essence. The Lacerta are the guardians to the Primordial Origin of Earth's Precessional Cycle—the "Evolutionary Cycle of the Soul"; the keepers of the ancient wisdom regarding the primordial origins of the Earthian race.

The Chinese appropriately combined the stars of Lacerta with the early portion of Cygnus as their "Flying Serpent" (or I would suggest, more appropriately, the "Flying Dragon") again representing the pure unadulterated essence of the Dragon—the Chinese seem to have an understanding of the Dragon energy as a quality of pure unadulterated reptilian consciousness, seemingly lost to most other cultures.

Lacerta the Lizard, a sub-order, along with Serpentis, belongs to the order Squamata of the class Reptilia. On Earth’s surface, lizards can range in size from the tiny Geckos of a couple inches to the giant monitors of Komodo Island (the Dragon Lizard), which can be 10 ft. in length. Iguanas (also called the "Chinese Dragon") of the American tropics, can reach 6 ft. in length. In Hawaii, the spiritual significance of the Gecko is honored: Their presence in one’s home is certainly welcomed an appreciated. The tiny Gecko’s chirp is often taken as an affirmation of significance. The Gecko is one of the seven infraorders of Lacerta. The seven infraorders is one indicator of the various genetics streams through which consciousness expresses on Earth.

From the Holy Cross Movies

Now in Earth's 25,000-year precessional cycle, Earth's vernal point resides at ~5° sidereal Pisces, creating the erect Holy Cross. Thus the vernal point aligns with the longitude of our Primordial Origin. This reveals our need (the human race) to embrace our humanness, our primal essence, to have respect for the origins of life, and to amalgamate our true primordial nature with the wisdom gained throughout our entire sojourn on Earth—to fully infuse our spiritual soul awareness into the depths of our primal essence—to illumine the very genetic vessel through which soul expresses—to become one unified spiritually awakened spiral of light. The vernal point's placement here also reveals our need to realize the fundamental importance of water and all of life's fluids. it reveals our need to embrace the integral and entwined roles of the masculine and feminine.

Haumea, in this light, suggests its presence in our lives is aiding our rebirth in consciousness at a very fundamental level, inspiring our need to fully embrace our primordial origins, the essence of our physicality. From this perspective, "a new birth in consciousness" does not mean emergence or leaving something, but to submerse into life fully—certainly a statement about getting into the water—to fully palpate the emotional aspects of life and to recognize and honor our fundamental human needs as one unified race.

Also conjoining Haumea's Aphelion is the M100 Spiral Galaxy in the constellation Coma Berenices, a prominent member of the Coma-Virgo Cluster of Galaxies.

Image Credit: Hubble, NASA and STScI

Our Galaxy, the Milky Way, is a whirling disc composed of hundreds of billions of stars, of which our Sun is one. Our galaxy is one of about 30 galaxies comprising a cluster of galaxies called our "Local Group." The galaxies in our Local Group gently revolve around each other much like organisms floating in a protective embryonic fluid.

Our Local Group is merely one galactic cluster of many that comprise yet a large group called our "Local Super Cluster." All of these embryonic clusters, harboring many evolving galaxies, each with billions of stars, are like protective cocoons floating within the care of our Local Super Cluster.

The Coma-Virgo Cluster is one of the larger members of the Super Cluster, the closest to us, and has about 2000 member galaxies. "Sub-clusters of galaxies" are seen to be forming around the major galaxies in the Virgo Cluster, which have yet to coalesce into new galaxy clusters of their own, revealing the continuing creative unfoldment of the Coma-Virgo Cluster. The Coma-Virgo Cluster lies at the center of our Local Super Cluster—hence the location of our "Super Galactic Centre" (marked by the galaxy M87).

Haumea's Aphelion

In early sidereal Virgo (2° 51'), Haumea's aphelion lies between the longitudes of Benatnasch, the tail of Ursa Major, which also conjoins Zavijava of Virgo, and the North Galactic Pole (NGP), which resides in Benenices. It also conjoins several of the stars of Crateris, the Cup, which lies just south early sidereal Virgo (Epsilon, Delta, Beta, Theta and Gamma of Crateris).

Similar to Haumea's perihelion, the Haumea's aphelion lies 23° 56' north of the ecliptic in Coma Berenices, and thus very close to the NGP. Haumea's last aphelion occurred in November 1990.

Benatnasch is of the old totalitarian world powers, and Zavijava of their unquestioning followers. I have discussed these stars and their surrounding theme including underlying Crateris at length in The Earth-Saturn Synodic Cycle of March 8, 2009, section of the Saturn-Uranus Opposition article, so I will not expound upon them here. The point of significance here is that Haumea's aphelion lies just past the longitude of these stars, and more importantly, it resides in Coma Benenices, which lies just north of the Virgin's head. Coma (for short) can also be thought of as the Halo or Crown of the Virgin. More succinctly, Coma is home to not only the NGP (5° Virgo), but also to the "Super Galactic Center" (SGC)—the spiritual center in the heavens (~7° Virgo). Coma, in general, articulates our spiritual guidance, the essence of soul consciousness, and inspires our need to live attuned to that guidance as it expresses through the natural world. The greater imagery here of the constellation Virgo is of the Virgin birthing a soul (essence consciousness)— expressing down from Coma (SGC), through the Virgin and into the Chelae of the Scorpion. (See "The Astronomical Truth of the Virgin" for more about this mythological imagery of the Virgin. Thus, Coma and Virgin also articulate the theme of a pure unadulterated birth, that is of the means to be able to produce a birth that is able to maintain soul-level awareness in incarnate form—quite fitting to the mythological theme associated with the goddess Haumea.

In History

Haumea's aphelion occured in November 1990. Surrounding this time (1990-1991) in history: General Manuel Noriega surrenders in Panama (Jan 1990); Yugoslav Communists end 45-year monopoly of power (Jan 1990; Communist Party relinquishes sole power in Soviet government; South Africa frees Nelson Mandela after 27 years of imprisonment; US-Soviet summit reaches arms agreement (June1990); Western Alliance ends Cold War and proposes joint action with Soviet Union and Eastern Europe (July 1990); East and West Germany reunite (Aug 1990); Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invades Kuwait (Aug 1990); UN Security Council demands Iraq withdraw from Kuwait (Nov 1990) by Jan. 15, 1991; Operation Desert Storm launched on Jan. 18, 1991; Kuwait is liberated at the end of Feb 1991; Cease-fire ends Persian Gulf War (April 1991); South African Parliament repeals apartheid laws (June 1991); France agrees to sign 1968 treaty banning spread of atomic weapons. Bush-Gorbachev summit negotiates strategic arms reduction treaty (July 1991); China accepts nuclear nonproliferation treaty (Aug 1991); Boris Yeltsin becomes first freely elected president of the Russian Republic (July 1991). (World History from infoplease.com)

Haumea's Aphelion-Perihelion Summary

Let us keep in mind, the aphelion stars articulate more of that which is behind the more prominent perihelion theme—thus sculpting our lives, that of mass-consciousness (early Pisces), from this spiritual essence (early Virgo). The aphelion-perihelion axis clearly reveals, and is quite in keeping with the name given to this heavenly body, that Haumea supports a new birth in consciousness, or more so, aiding humanity's re-birth into a spiritually aware state of being. It would seem Haumea's driving intent is that to intercede in what the old totalitarian powers have repeatedly demonstrated throughout Earth's history—the repetitive destruction of the peoples of the Earth and inability to ensure a safe evolution and ascension of humanity. The mention in the myth of the goddess Haumea interceding in an a barbaric cesarian birth with a natural solution fits this theme as well. Haumea's aphelion lying north of the ecliptic and its perihelion lying south suggests Haumea's influence works within the underlying structure of human consciousness.

Haumea's Nodal Axis

The Nodal Axis can be thought of as a magnetic pointer, revealing a planet's path of movement and action—(from the planet's south node theme to its north node theme) as it interacts in our lives on Earth.

The Descending (south) Node stars reveal the nature of that which we must bring forth and express through the theme revealed by the the Ascending (north) Node stars—how ot apply the south node theme through the north node theme. We can consider the south node to reveval an area where driving our need to change, and the north node to reveal the area for externalized action, how to change.

Haumea's South Node - Eye of the Eagle & Global Vision

Haumea's (descending) South Node resides at 07° 06' in sidereal Capricorn and primarily conjoins Altair, Eye of the Eagle and Alshain, Beta Aquila. Also conjoining are Sham, Alpha Sagitta; Albireo of Cygnus; and Algedi, Alpha Capricorn.

The first decan of sidereal Capricorn can involve a diversely-intented group of individuals and levels of consciousness, those either covert, manipulative and driven from self-interest (as the character of the old business & military paradigms), and those spiritually aware and integrous, including shamans and keepers of sacred knowledge and sacred ways. Here we find native indigenous peoples, often ornately dressed or adorned. This is the world of the shamanistic, the ceremonial, fanaticism, obsession, and passion. Although seemingly driven from personal motive, it is often of those with global vision and interest. Either way, surface appearances, cloaks and facades often shroud who is who in an aura of mystery.

This several degree area of the zodiak is of personal motive and secrecy, of esoteric knowledge, religion, higher education, and science; as well as the secret places and orders associated with such, or merely places of personal retreat and seclusion—but places strategic to one's purpose. Here we find locations such as military-scientific-extraterrestrial bases, hermitages, exclusive retreats, or isolated places with a spiritual focus—sacred sites or places of power under the care of their mysterious stewards. We also find an arsenal of strategic tools (technological or magikal), to either aid or control humanity as well as the skill to use them.

This is also where an eloquent and artful play of seduction and consent co-exists; but also one that can be insidiously cunning or even voraciously violent. Hear lies the nature of the tools of business and war: the interplay of people in their sexy disguises, whether cloaked in the eloquent and sleek stealth jet, particle beam laser based satellites; or merely dressed in seductive leather and lace. Microscopic discernment is required to see through the alluring facades inherent in this world of mystery, esoteric knowledge, personal motive, and covert maneuvers, to identify what is truly nurturing verses what just tantalizingly appears to be so.

Aquila, the northern Eagle, perched high above the Earth, is of of removed stillness and astute observation. As Eagle sits high upon its perch, with eyes capable of focusing on the most minute detail (conjoining Microscopium), it assesses, examines, and awaits its opportunity. Removed and alone, Eagle embodies the willingness to examine our deepest emotions and hidden but true feelings; to gain our balance and poise, to pin-point our objectives, and to then dive into the world with surety and boldness.

Altair, eye of the eagle, and Alshain, Beta Aquila, are of global and extraterrestrial vision; of strategic locations to achieve our purpose, also of military sites as well as Earth's sacred sites. Altair inspires us to perceive from a global, even extraterrestrial perspective; and not merely from a local, isolated view, but with a focus of precision detail. In classical astrology, Altair is of assertive authoritarian militaristic leadership, of military force and power. Siderealist Andrés Takra adds: "Altair has been associated with kings, emperors, conquerors, tyrants, politicians, but also with mystics, occultists, and wise spiritual hierophants of mystery-religions…."; and on Capricorn in general he adds "...Capricorn has been linked with birds such as eagles, vultures and crows, which give it further connection with secrets, mysteries, supernormal powers, as well as with greed, cruelty, parricide, spite, terror, perversion, lechery, debauchery, dismemberment, murder and death. Capricornus has also been related to wolves, coyotes, hyenas, crocodiles and prehistoric beasts, especially the most cruel and ugly ones. Fossils also fall under its sway. Persons strongly influenced by Capricorn tend to stay alone quite a lot. They are often people who are awkward socially and shy away from the company of others even though deep down they crave their attention and support. Others may find them cold, distant, uncaring and nasty, but this is usually a way of hiding painful feelings of insecurity and fear of rejection." I have to say I see this relating most to early sidereal Capricorn.

Algedi, Alpha Capricorn (and Dabih, Beta) is of covert and secret places: caves, spiritual retreats, sanctuaries and sacred sites. Algedi is also of places of unique purpose: scientific or medical centers, even military outposts. Although such places may seem to be isolated, lying helter-skelter upon the Earth, they are strategically and naturally distributed upon Earth’s energy grid. That which occurs at these locations is of significance in the greater evolutionary process for all souls and for the Earth herself because the energy at these points radiates throughout the Earth's energy matrix. Algedi also brings attention to the importance of our personal locations (bases/domiciles)—the resonance of which influences greatly the nature of our experience and the fulfillment of our pursuits. Algedi can also be of covert operations, manipulative maneuvers, and all that is secret or hidden behind the scenes.

Albireo, the beak of Cygnus the Swan, is of sexuality-based pursuits and personality-level relations; of our mutual compatibilities in everyday life and our agreements about them; also about how our incompatibilities, when we have denials about them, can lead to covert or forceful actions that sacrifice the needs of one party or the other. Here we must look behind the sexy, alluring and seductive disguises, cloaks, facades, appearances, masks, makeup, costumes of the incarnate form, those that are deliberately or unconsciously used to express our human mold. Here we may ask: are we hiding behind the masks we wear, living a lie, or are our costumes expressions of our true selves?

Sagitta, the Missile of Zeus, extends over the first decan of sidereal Capricorn. Sagitta embodies our strategic arsenal of tools—whether applied for war or peace—this includes our personal tools or attributes we use to accomplish our goals in the material world.

Also articulating the nature of this area of the zodiak is Vulpecula cum Ansere, the Fox with the Goose. Placed by Hevelius in the 1600's, it is described (by Allen) as "uncomfortably crowding, and jammed into the space between the Beak of the Swan (Alberio) and Sagitta the Arrow." It lies along the galactic equator. However, Vulpecula perfectly and succinctly elucidates the meaning of this zodiakal band. Vulpecula articulates, in the very first couple of degrees of Capricorn, the deep appreciation of the exquisite beauty found in nature, but which can quickly turn, a few degrees later, into an “insidiously cunning and voraciously violent” characteristic.

Without this addition, one might consider only the more eloquent and artful play of seduction and consent by both parties, as elucidated by Albireo and the story of Zeus and Leda. But here, the taking can turn for personal desire with no concern whatsoever for the wellbeing or survival of another. In fact, a resultant death of another is implied. The real death is that of the high spiritual intent embodied in our earlier sign of Sagittarius resulting in the aberrations and confusions inherent when manifesting into the structures of the human world.

Vulpecula cum Ansere sums up the entire first half of sidereal Capricorn. Lying directly over the missile of Zeus, Sagitta, Vulpecula amalgamates the Albireo theme with that of Sagitta, with that of Algedi, and with that of neighboring Aquila as our war machine—all revealing the nature of the tools of business and war. Here is the interplay of people in their sexy disguises: whether cloaked in the eloquent and sleek stealth jet particle beam laser based satellites; or merely dressed in seductive leather and lace. The Fox is indicative of the sexy, sly, cunning, covert maneuvers used to get the goose, and, as is most often the case, disguised to be something other than what it truly is.

Also influencing is Indus, a southern constellation directly under the first decan of sidereal Capricorn, which was added in the early 1600's by German astronomer Johann Bayer, of Augsberg. Bayer articulates the qualities of this constellation as a nude (native) man holding arrows in both hands, (without a bow). In Chinese astronomy, Alpha Indus is the desert Persian. (Allen) Indus articulates the keepers or stewards of sacred land. Such beings are most often highly astute and specialized, able to comprehend the intimate relation to the unseen forces guiding our lives and the natural world in which we live. They often use ceremonial magik and prayer. Indus articulates the capacity of those who are attuned to the Earth and heavens, particularly the primordial skills of any indigenous people, like those typically associated with a Native American elder, Aboriginal, Persian or Desert Arab.

Indus indicates a shamanistic way of life, one having an intimate understanding about the relationship between the space and time—the natural cycles that govern life. Indus indicates the essential attunement required to the heavens and the land—the astronomical-Earthgrid relation. Indus understands our connectedness to the land, and the importance of the location in which we live, our "places of power" that support our wellbeing and purposes in life. This also alludes to why military installations are often found on or near sacred sites, strategic locations on the Earthgrid.

The Australian Aboriginal's extensive understanding of the heavens and application of astronomical movement was integral in their culture, indicating not only how to live in attunement to nature. Aborignal astronomy is said to predate that of the Babylonians, Chinese and Incan by thousands of years. The Aboriginal or shaman understands the intimate connection between the heavenly spirit world, the natural physical world, and the human world.

Haumea's North Node - Nurturing the Masses

Haumea's (ascending) North Node resides at 07° 06' sidereal Cancer. Haumea crossed from south to north of the ecliptic plane on April 5, 1928.

The stars that make up the constelation of Cancer the crab are few and faint, with the primery entry being Praesepe, the Beehive star cluster toward mid-capricorn. The first star of Cancer encountered as we move through the sidereal sign is Tegmine (Tegmen), Zeta Cancer. which conjoins Haumea's North Node. Tegmine is a multiple star system containing at least four stars. Tegmine refers to the protective shell of the crab.

A unique view of the very unique
Starburst Galaxy M82 in Ursa Major

"M82 shows intense star formation packed in dense star clusters. This powers plumes of hot gas that extend for tens of thousands of light-years above and below the starry plane of the galaxy. This cosmic hurricane is traveling at more than a million miles an hour into intergalactic space."
(Dr. Linda Smith, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London)

Image credit: Mark Westmoquette (UCL), Jay Gallagher (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Linda Smith (UCL), WIYN/NSF, NASA/ESA.

Cancer is also the Egyptian Scarabaeus, an image that articulates the theme of humanity's emergence from darkness, dogma, and delusion and its reawakening back to light. The Scarab is an appropriate mythical figure, as no one knows the exact time of the emergence of the beetle from its snuggle in its own dung, because it does not seem to follow any natural cycle in nature. This theme also applies to our individual emergence from the family nest or from the collective consciousness that we co-create. The Scarab is a symbol of regeneration, transformation and re-birth, of being self-created, or self-made, to rise from itself—hence humanity's association with the beetle emerging form its own dung. 

Haumea's North Node primarily conjoins Talitha, Iota of Ursa Major, and Kappa,which mark the forefoot of the Great Bear. I dub Talitha to be the protectress, guardian, and nurturer of humanity. This duo is also the Chinese "High Dignitary." Although minor stars, they should not be taken lightly, as they hold a principal office within the Bear. Of the Great Bear they are associated with the global scene and world powers. They inspire us to become a caring and nurturing force for each other, an enabling force that responsibly supports our emergence from darkness, dogma, and delusion, emergence from the limits and bounds created by selfish, fearful or controlling beliefs, a force that supports us to move into freedom and in greater personal fulfillment.

Also conjoining Talitha and Haumea's North Node is the pulsar (APO 0823+26) in Cancer, inspiring us to emerge from psycho-emotional issues common to collective consciousness and from our engrained limiting thought patterns. It inspires us to be independent and free thinkers rather than co-dependant followers of dogmatic belief structures of mass-consciousness or the groups we have been participating with that limit our ability to initiate creative action that supports the manifestation of our greater personal and collective fulfillment. Pulsars are navigational beacons for the soul, guiding us if we listen. Generally pulsars lie along the galactic plane, but because this pulsar has a non-galactic orientation, we must watch the propensity to turn our actions into yet more rhetorical dogma. For the less aware, it may even reinforce behavior driven from such dogmatic consciousness, creating monotonous drone-like creatures of habit.

Haumea Nodal Axis Summary

Haumea's South Node in early sidereal Capricorn conjoining Altair of Aquila, and its North Node in sidereal Cancer conjoining Talitha, the fore-foot of the Great Bear, motivates us to move from self-interest-based covert and manipulative shenanigans to that of being a caring force supporting the nourishment and awakening of humanity. It also reveals the need for world powers to move from a power-hungry, authoritarian, tyrannical, militaristic focus toward one that creates a protective and nourishing environment from which humanity can awaken into a new light of being. In a slightly different light, this axis suggests our need to use our arsenal of tools (both that of our nations and those personal) with global vision, but to support our families and the domiciles and environments in which we live.

Haumea's Discovery in Coma Berenices, Crown of the Virgin

Haumea's passage through and discovery in Coma Berenices and over the Virgin (in sidereal Virgo) is another significator bringing insight into Haumea's astrological role in our lives. Here we are looking at the nature of the stage setting in which during which Haumea emerged into our conscious awareness.

Geocentric Star Chart (looking from Earth) showing the additional planetary placements
around sidereal Virgo at the time of Haumea's formal naming on Sept 17, 2008.

Notice the Mercury-Venus-Mars conjunction of Sept 2008 in sidereal Virgo; and the Sun on the cusp of sidereal Virgo, also conjoining Makemake (discussed below), which lies on the Gamma star of Coma Berenices. The official naming occurred at the Disseminating Moon in the Aug 30, 2008 Lunar Cycle—a phase change in the lunar cycle about the last minute preparation for the "birth point" in the lunar cycle—the point of "manifestation and demonstration." Notice Saturn conjoined Chort, at the hind of the Lion.

Haumea's discovery occured after Haumea moved from its apehelion at 2° 51' Virgo through Coma Berenices to 17° 25' Virgo (about 15°). Haumea moved slightly further, to 19° 26' Virgo, by the time of its official naming. It was 27° north of the ecliptic in the constellation Coma Berenices, moving toward the star Mufrid, which marks the right foot Boötes, he who is consort and protector of the Virgin. The primary conjoining stars at the time of discovery were Gienah, Minkar, and Al Chiba all of Corvus, the Raven messenger, and the Corvus Nebula (NGC 4361). Also conjoining was Beta Hydra. The primary conjoining stars at the time of naming were Algorab of Corvus; the Sombrero Galaxy M104 of Virgo; and Beta Volans of the southern flying fish (the latter constellation, quite south, is not shown in the above star chart).

All sidereal longitudes are referenced to the Galactic Ayanamsa (Add 0°14' for the Fagan-Bradley Ayanamsa). Note: using a different Ayanamsa does not change the actual location of the planets with respect to the stars.

The Corvus Nebula

Image Credit: Elliot Gellman and Duke Creighton/Adam Block/NOAO/AURA/NSF

Corvus the Raven is the keeper of secrets, a knowledge holder, but is also a reveler, the messenger bird to those who are spiritually intented and who ask and listen. Corvus reminds us to pay attention to the signs or messages naturally expressing through the world around us moment-by-moment. The signs found in the simplest of life experience have meaning if we are willing to be attentive to them. In fact, we can even ask to receive guidance simply by briefly holding the intent to inquire and then letting it go. It is the sincere projection of clear intent that vibrationally invokes a response from the world around us. Corvus is a protector as well, of both the animal and human worlds, and will forewarn of approaching danger as well as affirm fortuitous opportunities or events so we may participate accordingly.

Volans (Pisces Volantis), the unique flying fish, generally found in warmer tropical oceans, is known for its winglike pectoral fins that allow it to glide through the air. Volans, resides quite south in the heavens, under the stern and keel of the Argo, which is associated with navigational mapping and transcendent forces and evolutionary currents that direct our lives. Volans is associated with our soul-ar plane (not earth plane), specifically, laying the foundation that supports our souls' uninhibited true expression.

"Flying Fish" by Herbert James Draper (1864-1920) www.leicestergalleries.com - Royal Academy Pictures, (Cassell & Co., London 1910)

The flying fish mythically articulates an extraordinary force, the ability to gather the momentum and build up the speed to make the leap into and glide through a new realm of experience, one not common to itself. Generally the flying fish is leaping into the air to avoid its predators, adding the element of strategically creating an alternative environment for a safe passage. Primarily however, I tend to take Volans to articulate the soul in its submerged transcendent environment about to birth into visible form—a theme of the Virgin. Volans conjunction with the thigh of Boötes and the sacrum of the Virgin brings awareness about the subtle but powerful soul-directed primal / sexual / creative forces guiding our lives and the need to participate with powerfully directed intimate sensitivity of intent to pierce the limiting envelope of our existing perceptional bubble and birth a new life expression.

The Hydra, in general, is of transcendent forces, those stirring at a sub-conscious level. Beta Hydra along with Xi were the Chinese "Tsing Kew" meaning "Green Hill" (Allen). Beta Hydra, conjoining Algorab of Corvus is of warnings regarding subtle forces that may lie hidden just below the surface of our conscious awareness, or just around the bend or over the hill along our paths. Here is where we find Corvus providing messages about such potential encounters, not only for our protection but also for the protection of any benevolent creatures of the natural world we might injure if we are not cautious and attentive. Beta Hydra invites to slow down and to be perceptive to our surroundings, to what we do not yet see.

The theme at this zodiacal longitude is one of the elements of nature—specifically requiring the intimate sensitivity to attune to the messages from soul-level (Coma) expressing through the natural world around us. It is one of gestation, nurturing, protection and gentleness. It is a time of preparation, of creating the proper environment or foundation for a new birth; of gathering the momentum to leap into a new realm of experience. Hidden forces are at work within, creating a metamorphosis that will allow us a new level of expression and participation, a breakthrough, a breath of fresh air. Here is Haumes's message as she emerges to let us know of her role in our lives.

Haumea's Path into Boötes Now 2011-2017

Haumea is currently passing through the foot of Boötes. Muprid (Eta), Tau and Upsilon create the left foot of Boötes. Haumea conjoined Tau in late 2011. It conjoins Muprid and Upsilon in early 2013, when it will lie just south of Muphrid by less than 1/2° in ecliptical latitude. Haumea will conjoin southern Eta Carinae of Argo Navis in mid-2016, and Archturus and Spica in late-2017. Archturus and Spica mark the sidereal Virgo-Libra cusp.

Haumea's entry into Boötes and its passage across the left foot of Boötes brings extra significance to these stars and their energetic influence upon Haumea. The planet "Tau Boötis b" was one of the first exoplanets to be discovered back in 1996, one of the closest planets known. Tau Boötis b is a large “hot Jupiter” planet orbiting very close to its parent star. Source:
http://www.eso.org/public/news/eso1227/

Mufrid also conjoins Seginus, the upper left shoulder of Boötes. Also conjoining is Kraz of Corvus, and Alpha Volans.

Muphrid is the facilitator to the transmutational process involved in the new birth from the Virgin (the principle of pure intent). Muphrid inspires action to to take a stance to provide personal and intimate support by making possible and ensuring proper energetic environments are created so an unadulterated spiritual (conceptual) to physical transmutation for a new birth can occur.

"The brightest explosion ever seen"
Artist's Impression (ESO)
March 19, 2008

Conjoining Seginus and Muphrid is GRB 080319B in Boötes (just south of Seginus). The jets of the gamma-ray burst (GRB) were aimed almost directly at the Earth, at almost the speed of light. GRB 080319B was so intense that, despite happening halfway across the Universe, it could have been seen briefly with the unaided eye.

"Gamma-ray bursts are the Universe's most luminous explosions. Most occur when massive stars run out of fuel. As a star collapses, it creates a black hole or neutron star that, through processes not fully understood, drives powerful gas jets outward. As the jets shoot into space, they strike gas previously shed by the star and heat it, thereby generating bright afterglows." (ESO 08/08).

ESO Full Story

Muphrid conjoins Seginus, the left shoulder of Boötes. Seginus reveals our responsibility to ensure proper environments are maintained and not interfered with by meddling forces or ill-intended powers that would like to see otherwise and that attempt to manipulate our evolutionary fulfillment.

Boötes functions not by outward force but by spiritual awareness and intellectual prowess in the application of the knowledge about such environmental issues and transcendent subtle forces. Boötes' action is based from a place of receptivity and sensitivity to the situation at hand, action associated with planning, preparation, and strategy. Muphrid and Seginus lie over the lower spinal sacrum  (sanctum) of the Virgin and the Virgin's womb—protecting these principles and those of sacred sex, its purity, and the secrets behind gestation, birth, and life itself.

This stellar environment alone is fitting to the nature associated with the Hawaiian Goddess Haumea—with this discovery foretelling of the "new birth" of consciousness on Earth. It also emphasizes the impportance of creating the proper environmental energeitcs to suppport our new birth in consciousness. On a more mundane level, it may also be indicative that souls incarnating now may have the opportunity to maintain more of their unadulterated soul awareness and wisdom as we continue to progress through our evolutionary transition and return to a more unified awareness. In this light, perhaps offering a message about our need for sensitive and mature parenting that honors the level of awareness of these new arrivals, and especially being cautious that we do not instill the clouds of dogma and delusion upon these new purer souls, something that inherently occurs as we 'attempt" to teach our young. It also brings attention to the nature of the environments in which our children are raised and the importance that these environments are supportive of maintaining attunement to the heavenly cycles and to Earth, to the natural astronomical cycles of life.

One key theme for Haumea, I believe, is "facilitating a new birth." In addition, I find the theme of "dynamic movement while in a state of equilibrium, balance and poise" to also be of significance. Haumea spins rapidly end-over-end at a rate of 3.9 Earth hours. Curiously, it is this rapid rotation that allows Haumea to maintain her state of equilibrium—certainly a message there. Perhaps one suggesting dynamic movement from a place of equilibrium is essential to facilitate humanity's imminent and required re-birth in consciousness.

Haumea Key Phrases

Haumea's Nature and Role
- Haumea's propensity is to intercede with dynamic motion from a state of equilibrium and poise to support a new birth in consciousness with a greater spiritual awareness about the fundamental primordial forces of life.

Haumea's inspiration for Action
- Haumea motivates action to reorient world powers' militaristic destructive use of power and resources into a nurturing force that supports and protects life, home and family; and that aids humanity's emergence into a spiritually and primordial aware state of being. At a personal level, Haumea inspires the application of our personal attributes and resources for the same principles.

You can post your thoughts / experiences about Haumea on the Lunar Planner Forum: under "New Planets, Asteroids & Comets."

The Paths of Haumea & Makemake

Star Chart showing the paths of Haumea and Makemake.

The Moai at Rano Raraku, Easter Island
Image by Aurbina / taken during January 2004
Public Domain

Makemake: In search of the Golden Egg

Makemake was discovered on March 31, 2005 by Mike Brown, C.A. Trujillo, and D.Rabinowitz at Palomar Observatory. A star map of its path through the heavens and its discovery location can be found just above.

The formal naming of Makemake was approved by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) on
July 19, 2008.

Makemake
(pronounced MAH-keh MAH-keh - "e" is
pronounced "ay" in Polynesian)
Original designation: 2005 FY9
Minor Planet Number 136472

Makemake is 2/3 the size of Pluto.

Makemake's Mythology

"Motu Nui at Easter Island" Motu Nui, with the smaller Motu Iti (Rapa Nui) in front and the isolated sea stack of Motu Kau Kau in the foreground. Viewed from the top of a 250 meter (820 feet) sea cliff at Orongo. Image by Aurbina, Public Domain

Makemake is the Polynesian name for the creator god of humanity in the mythology of the South Pacific island of Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Makemake is the chief god of the Tangata-Manu Ceremony at Orongo. An annual ceremonial competition was held in which islanders would compete to be the first to get a sea swallow egg from a precarious breeding site of the seabirds at the tiny islet of Moto Nui. This was a high-adventure contest requiring contestants to traverse dangerous cliffs and swim through shark-infested waters—needless to say not all contestants survived. The winner was honored with the title Tangata-Manu (bird-man). The chief of his clan was given control of the Rapa Nui people for the year. The last birdman competition took place as late as 1867. The Tangata-Manu competition was part of the Make-Make tribe of Orongo Village.

Ref: "The Mystery of Easter Island 1919"
by Katherine Routledge

As Haumea seems to facilitate a new birth in consciousness, a new way of life, I am tending to think of Makemake as supporting the discovery of or uncovering that which is nourishing in the material / physical realm of life, of that which provides our fundamental physical sustenance, of economics; and invovling the politics governing the "fundamental provisions for the people." We might also surmise a quality of audacious braveness and physical agility in discovery, considering the perilous cliff-hanging egg-hunting contest. We can also consider the significance of Rapa Nui itself; its prominent Earthgrid placement, its stone Moai statues, and that this is the first object being named after a god of an island of the southern hemisphere (working with the underlying structure of things). And let us especially take note of Mike Brown's impulse, the discoverer who named this object and who takes the naming of objects in the Solar System quite seriously. He associates Makemake with "fertile abundance." The Easter theme is also of significance as Mike points out: i.e., the Christian re-birth; the March equinox, the current birthplace (vernal point) of the sun-son-soul; the pagan fertility goddess Oester, from which the word Easter is derived; and an Easter-egg-hunt. See Mike Brown's web page about Makemake's discovery.

Makemake's Orbital Parameters

Exploring the stellar alignments of a planet's orbital parameters lends additional insight into the astrological nature of a planet—how it is working in our lives and in which areas.

There are four points of primary significance in a planet's orbit: the planet's perihelion (the location in a planet's orbit when it is closest to the Sun); its aphelion (the location in a planet's orbit when it is furthest from the Sun); a planet's ascending node (also called the north node - the location in a planet's orbit when it crosses from south to north of Earth's ecliptic plane); and a planet's descending node (also called the south node - the location in a planet's orbit when it crosses from north to south of Earth's ecliptic plane). These four points compose a planet's "orbital cross."

The perihelion-aphelion axis reveals more of the general nature and role of planet, where as the nodal axis reveals more about how a planet is interacting with Earth.

The angle of a planet's orbit with respect to Earth's ecliptic plane (called a planets's orbital inclination) is also of significance. Its orbital plane, is the planet's own ecliptic. The constellations and stars of its ecliptic can reveal much as well, just as our zodiak does for our experience of life on Earth.

Makemake artist's conception

Ann Field / Space Telescope Science Institute / ESA/NASA

Makemake's Perihelion & Aphelion

The Perihelion reveals the area of a planet's primary influence in our lives. The Aphelion (opposite perihelion) star alignments provide perspective to the nature of its primary influence—sort of the intent behind or motivating its presence. Here, at the furthest reaches from the Sun, the planet gather's its momentum, and begins its journey back toward its perihelion—to bring forth the quality of its aphelion to its perihelion presence.

A planet may be north or south of the ecliptic at its perihelion (and aphelion). When a planet's perihelion occurs north of the ecliptic, this suggests that the area of its primary influence is working more in a conscious, externalized or overt way in our lives. When the perihelion occurs south of the ecliptic, this suggests that the area of its primary influence is working more at a transcendent, subconscious or internalize way in our lives, or with the underlying dynamics in our lives.

Makemake's perihelion is south of the ecliptic, thus its primary influence is more subtle, (not necessarily less potent); working with our internal psyche, structure of consciousness, and the underlying principles articulated by its stellar environment.

Makemake's Perihelion & the Economics of Human Affairs

Makemake's perihelion lies in late sidereal Pisces (23° 24'), is south (25 S 51) in Cetus, and conjoins one of the few principal stars of Pisces, Revati, Zeta Pisces. Revati lies above Cetus--the technobureaucratic monster of collective human consciousness, the whale of human emotional experience. Also north are several stars forming the outstretched arms of the princess Andromeda. Makemake's perihelion also aligns with Tau Ceti, both in ecliptical longitude and latitude (within 1° of this star), in the belly of Cetus. Revati of Pisces literally means riches, money, wealth, and financial resources. Prominent alignments with Revati indicates involvement with economics and money—material wealth gained from participating in the dramatic psycho-emotional world of human affairs—where the bucks are. This zodiakal longitude is a couple of degrees to that of Baten Kaitos, the belly of ole Cetus, where the transformative process occurs while in the whale of human emotional experience. This is also the exalted seat of Venus—bringing attention to the relation of the flow of abundance and living from the heart. (Venus rules money and assets.)

In the far northern heavens is Nodus Secundus of Draco, the second node or fold in the Dragon. This is the Delta star of Draco, also called Altais, and also Aldib, meaning Atlas of the Heavens. Altais lies about 4° from the North Ecliptic Pole. Altais adjoins the stellar themes of  the irregular shaped galaxy IC 1613 of Cetus, Alpheratz of Cassiopea, and Alderamin of Cetus. The Irregular Galaxy IC 1613 of Cetus, which nests slightly south of the ecliptic, can manifests as aberated psycho-emotional life scenarios by which we may seemed helplessly trapped. The Second Node of the Dragon can indicate initiatory lessons to claim our own power regarding this theme, to stand in our soul integrity rather than turning our heads in arrogant denial and falling into a sense of perpetual helplessness.

Here we are asked to become attentive to the fact that our intent of purpose can be diverted and dispersed by psycho-emotional forces that congest us when toxic physical conditions exist, when we are naive to such forces, or simply in mental-emotional denial. Our psycho-emotional fog can then perpetuate confused life scenarios, antiquated involvements, or entrapments that are no longer in our highest interest nor serving our well-being, especially regarding our fundamental physical needs and emotional desires.

This perihelion conjunction with Revati suggest that Makemake influences our financial world and all that is associated with the flow of financial resources and abundance in the world and in our lives. Makemake's perihelion lying south of ecliptic (also conjoining Tau Ceti) suggests it is working with the underlying dynamics of the financial world as well as subconscious issues we hold about financial resources in our lives. Its conjunction with Altais of Draco reveals our need to claim our personal power while in the psycho-emotional turbulence of the human world. This all seems fitting with Makemake's perilous cliff-hanging "hunt for the golden egg."

In History

Makemake's periapse occured around July 22, 1880. The late 1800's marked the dawning of the modern scientific age: This was the time of A.G. Bell and T. Edison, and the development of electricity (the light bulb, phonograph, telephone, etc.). 1879 was the year Albert Einstein was born. World History from Din Timelines.

Makemake's Aphelion & the Messenger Bird

Makemake's aphelion lies in late sidereal Virgo, north (25 N 57) at the left foot of Boötes, and conjoins Kraz, the Beta star of Corvus the Raven; and Seginus of Boötes. This is also the ecliptical longitude of the recent and spectacular Gamma Ray Burst in Boötes, which brought attention to the theme of this part of the heavens and energized its influence (shown above in the Haumea section).

Makemake is currently approaching its aphelion, which occurs around May 13, 2033.

Kraz, is the claw of "silvery Corvus," the Raven messenger bird. Corvus is of intelligence and ingenuity, and provides prophetic messages through the natural world. To heed the Raven's messages often averts potential danger or unnecessary mishaps; but such messages can also be omens, often indicating significant meetings or events about to occur.

Seginus, the left shoulder of Boötes, the Virgin's consort and protector, is of strength and responsibility; and conjoining Muphrid, the left foot of Boötes, articulates the facilitator taking bold action to support a new birth from the Virgin. Seginus and Muphrid inspire responsible action to provide personal and intimate support by making possible and ensuring proper energetic environments and physical conditions are created so an unadulterated birth can occur—so a spiritual (conceptual) to physical transformation can occur. Seginus and Muphrid was also discussed above in the Discovery of Haumea section.

Virgo among several things, is of the land, agriculture, and the vineyards; and Boötes in this context is of custodianship and guardianship, the harvester—again regarding that which nourishes people. More on Boötes and the Virgin can be found in the "Astronomical Truth of the Virgin."

The motivating (aphelion) force behind Makemake's perihelion influence (Revati, etc) is that of a protector and provider, with clear intent to create the environmental conditions supportive of a healthy, prosperous and abundant life. Corvus clearly reveals Makemake asks us to listen to and heed the omens and affirmations expressing through the natural world around us, the language of nature, the environment, and the signs in our everyday lives.

Makemake's Aphelion-Perihelion Summary

Makemake's aphelion to perihelion axis suggest Makemake reveals our need to get clear on the use and application of resources. Clearly finding the golden egg is not about greed and lust, trapped in the fear-based technobureaucratic monster of collective human consciousness, but is about the proper use of the land and its resources in providing for our nourishment and wellbeing, the use of resources to free those entrapped (Andromeda) from the Jaws of ole Cetus.

Makemake's Nodal Axis

The Nodal Axis can be thought of as a magnetic pointer, revealing a planet's path of movement and action—(from the planet's south node theme to its north node theme) as it interacts in our lives on Earth.

The Descending (south) Node stars reveal the nature of that which we must bring forth and express through the theme revealed by the the Ascending (north) Node stars—how ot apply the south node theme through the north node theme. We can consider the south node to reveval an area where driving our need to change, and the north node to reveal the area for externalized action, how to change.

Makemake's South Node - place selfish motives in the Centaur's Pyre

RCW120 Bright Nebula Star Factory
"the baby scorpions"
on the tail of the Scorpion

"Colour composite image of RCW120. It reveals how an expanding bubble of ionised gas about ten light-years across is causing the surrounding material to collapse into dense clumps where new stars are then formed."

Image and caption credit: ESO/APEX/DSS2/SuperCosmos

Makemake's South Node lies at the right leg of Ophiuchus at 24° 20' sidereal Scorpio, which stands over the Scorpion, and over the Altar of the Centaur. The South Node specifically conjoins Zeta Ara and the Ara Black Hole X-Ray Source V821.

The mythical image here is of the Centaur placing Lupus the beast (lower-order self) with conscious deliberation upon the Centaur's sacrificial altar. V821 in Ara is an x-ray emitting & fluctuating binary star. This is a collapsed object (like a old neutron star) that accretes matter, and thus had been placed in the Black Hole category by astronomers and is commonly called the Ara Black Hole. V821 accretes emotion for consummation in the Centaur's Pyre. Here we must place, with conscious deliberation, lower-order ego-drivin motives, as well as any long standing grief, guilt, and resentments (especially self-judgment related that we may be holding) upon the Altar of the Centaur for our transmutation. North from the Sting of the Scorpion drips the transmuting elixir (the often harsh lessons of life), upon the Altar. This act is essential to experience the actual neurological transmutation made possible here, and that leads to our greater self-mastery—the mastery of the creative and carnal forces of life exemplified by Ophiuchus, who stands over the Scorpion and this entire scene. If we are not ready to surrender our antiquated emotional baggage and selfish motives, we are held back or sidetracked, and continue to experience upsets and even traumatic and catastrophic events in our lives. Until we place lower-order self into the Centaur's pyre, we are not truly emotionaly mature enough to step into a greater self-empowerment, nor to participate in something of greater value.

Makemake's South Node placement reveals our need to claim and stand in our personal power, however this requires we consciously surrender selfish motives and resentments of the past to act upon the North Node theme—as Makemake's cliff-hanging crossing has no room for such nonsensical baggage.

Makemake's North Node - Strategic Planning and Enterprising Action

Makemake's North Node resides at 24° 20' sidereal Taurus, at the horns of the Bull, and conjoins AE Auriga & the Flaming Star Nebula IC405; Zeta (Haedus) Auriga; Nihal, Beta Leporis; Bellatrix of Orion; and Alpha and Beta Camelopardalis. Flanking are Rigel, Beta Orion and Capella, Alpha Auriga.

This is an enterprising area of the zodiak, bringing the strength and motivation for detailed strategic planning and the execution of and endurance for long and arduous projects that support the physical needs and wellbeing of families.

Bellatrix, Gamma Orion, is the Female Amazon Warrior, the conqueror, star of the Amazon. Bellatrix holds excellent capacities in "strategic planning," (in contrast to Betelgeuse, the male warrior, whose capacity is more about response in the moment). Classically, Bellatrix is lucky in administrative accomplishment—in civil, political, and military office. Bellatrix is especially favorable for women, and brings a loquacious quality. This star announces the rising of the more brilliant enterprising star Rigel, the left foot of Orion.

The northern Camel (Alpha and Beta conjoin Bellatrix) articulates the nature of this zodiakal band in Taurus well. The Camel spreads wealth around the world through commerce and business, is a resilient, enduring, hard working and intelligent beast of burden with the ability to go for days without water before becoming distressed, one suited for long and arduous journeys. This also articulates the planning and administrative nature of Bellatrix and the plodding and enduring nature of Taurus in general.

AE Auriga and the Flaming Star Nebula

IC 405 is the red/blue nebula to the left of center. It is being illuminated by the energetic star AE Aurigae (embedded in the nebula).

Image and Caption Credit: Adam Block/NOAO/AURA/NSF
NOAO Outreach Program

Rigel is of enterprising entrepreneurialship. Orions in general are known for their architectural capacity. Prominent alignments with Rigel (and Bellatrix) bring the capacity to embody, direct and execute large, extravagant and grandiose projects; bringing good through commerce and business affairs. Kursa marks the beginning of Eridanus, the River of Life. Kursa is of new beginnings, new journeys, new involvements, and new legs of our lives. Although it may be time to go forth anew, into a new phases of our lives, we must be aware of the tenacious perseverance required when staring new life journeys, to move from the wars and trials of the past to the freedom of the future.

South of Orion is Lepus, the hare, with Arneb, Alpha Lepus, and Nihal, Beta Lepus, conjoining Bellatrix. Lepus, muscular and larger than the rabbit, and with much larger feet, is considered a female totem. The hare, like the rabbit mythically articulates creativity, except this is one who is boldly pro-creative, and often is silently and perceptively scheming to outsmart and outrun its competition for the multiplication of abundance—-another facet of the nature of Bellatrix and this few degree band of sidereal Taurus—a making for the managerial, administrative, and business-minded quality common to Bellatrix. The rabbit and the hare are both associated with the moon, the feminine and fertility, and let us note the Moon is exalted in sidereal Taurus.

North of Taurus is Auriga, the Charioteer and the energetic star AE Auriga in the Flaming Star Nebula C405. An interesting observation about the energetic star AE Auriga in the Flaming Star Nebula is that it came from the same location as Mu of Columba the Dove, emblem of Divine dispensation—both from the Great Orion Nebula. It appears as if the two stars had a very close encounter only to be expelled from the Orion Nebula, and now reside in different parts of the heavens. This suggests a renegade or outcast quality, one who lives outside the beliefs and conventions of its group, a free and highly creative thinker moving on its own, even with its own agenda, which is quite fitting to this longitude of Taurus and to impious but highly creative and enterprising Orion.

Also of influence is Capella, the principal star of Auriga. Capella is the messenger of light and the driver of the chariot. Capella, although said to have a stormy character, brings guidance from an un-biased spiritual perspective that breaks a stronghold, being removed (lying north of the galactic equator) from the dramatics of the political-religious factions fighting in the physical trenches of life. Capella and the stars of Auriga provide inspiration to mobilize what otherwise would be a rather sluggish process. Capella is actually a double-binary star system consisting of four stars: two yellow giants and two red dwarfs, with a 104.02-day eclipse period. Capella acts as a welcomed beacon of light that embraces and illuminates the paradox of duality and side-taking. Conjoining Capella is Phaet, Alpha Columba, the Dove, offering divinely guided dispensation; and El Nath, the north horn of the Bull, which brings the capacity for tenacious perseverance for accomplishment, and inspires the drive to continue to persevere to achieve a breakthrough. El Nath is of worthy pursuit for our future freedom.

In History

Makemake crossed its North Node in August of 1921. In July, 1991, the U.S. experienced a short, but severe, post-war recession due to industrial overproduction and elimination of defense-related industries, marked by widespread wage cuts and unemployment that reaches 5.7 million in August. In August, mass famine, with an estimated 18 million in danger of starvation, was underway in Russia due to continuing economic crisis. On August 21, the U.S. signs an agreement with Russia to provide relief, and by year's end, 1 million children are getting emergency food rations.

World History from Din Timelines

Also to note is that Aldebaran, the principle star of Taurus, lies exactly on the Makemake's ecliptic (on Makemake's orbital plane). Aldebaran, Eye of the Bull and one of the Four Royal Architects marks the center of sidereal Taurus. Aldebaran holds the vision for global leaders and world servers inspiring the administrative planning specifically for physical logistics and a global infrastructure designed to support humanity through evolutionary unfoldment and global change. Prominent alignments with the Aldebaran / Antares axis can express into the business, political and global arenas. The visions that many people attune to regarding alternative living centres, educational centres, emergency preparedness programs, etc., are of the inspiration from this star's emanations. At a personal level, Aldebaran can indicate involvement with physical places, infrastructures, and enterprises supportive of our physical wellbeing and family—the essence of sidereal Taurus.

Makemake conjoined Aldebaran (1913) about 8 years before it reached its North Node (1921). World War I, a world wide conflict, said to have been "a war of the likes of which had never been seen. It wasn't a war of battles but of grueling stalemates, of poison, and attrition," occurred from 1914 to 1919, ending just as Makemake was starting to cross its North Node (about 2° to its crossing).

Makemake's Nodal Axis Summary

Makemake's South Node conjoining the right leg of Ophiuchus in sidereal Scorpio, the sting of the Scorpion, and the Ara Black Hole, and with its enterprising North Node in sidereal Taurus conjoining Bellatrix of Orion and adjoining stars, suggests Makemake's path of action is to surrender the regrets of the past, to claim the wisdom from lessons learned, to create a new enterprising strategy, and to have the tenacious perseverance to achieve victory.

Makemake's Discovery

Mike Brown discovered Makemake on March 31, 2005. The formal approval of the name Makemake was released by the IAU (International Astronomical Union) on July 19, 2008, Paris. (IAU Press Release). The exploration of the star alignments at the time of discovery and naming adds additional insight into the nature of the Makemake's astrological influence and in specific, reveals the stage setting in which Makemake enters our conscious awareness.

At the time of discovery, Makemake was 29° north of the ecliptic approaching the Gamma star of Coma Berenices, the Crown of the Virgin and home to our Super Galactic Centre, which is of spiritual sustenance and guidance. In late sidereal Leo, Makemake was passing over the tail of the Lion and was under the auspices of Canes Venatici, the Barking Hounds, which lies just under the tail of the Great Bear. Makemake moved 3° 24' in its orbit around the sun from the time of discovery on March 31, 2005 to is formal naming on July 19, 2008, at which time it conjoined the Gamma star of Coma Berenices, both in ecliptical longitude and latitude. It also conjoined Cor Caroli, Alpha Canes Venatici, the primary star of the Barking Hounds. (See above star chart.)

There are a few points of significance here: the essence of the Barking Hounds; the influences of the tail of the Great Bear (Benatnasch) and the tail of the Lion (Denebola); and Makemake's passage in and through Coma Berenices.

I have discussed Benatnasch of Ursa Major, Denebola of Leo, the stars of Canes Venatici, and their surrounding theme at length in The Earth-Saturn Synodic Cycle of March 8, 2009 section of the Saturn-Uranus Opposition article, so I will not expound upon there details here other than Benatnasch is of the old-paradigm totalitarian world powers; Denebola of smoke screens and fowl breezes that could fuel a fire; and Canes Venatici, the Barking Hounds are of grand diversionary spectacles. In essence, the arena in which Makemake made its appearance is that of dramatic commotion, diversionary tactics and whirling smoke screens produced by the old totalitarian paradigm (both of world power politics and of big business).

As we can see from the exploration of Makemake's orbital parameters presented above, Makemake's role appears to be one associated with getting clear about the use of and application of financial resources, the need to base our use of resources from the messages provided from the natural world around us, rather from geed and lust. Makemake inspires our need to relinquish the past, that which led to our global "financial sting" and perpetuates the human struggle, and inspires strategic enterprising planning to create an economic environment that supports humanity's new birth in consciousness and the healthy evolution of all souls on Earth. Makemake's entry (discovery) within the grand commotion and spectacle of the old totalitarian paradigm is thus quite fitting and timely. Like Haumea, Makemake's passage through Coma Berenices suggests it is also expressing clarity, insight, and a purer unadulterated spiritual principle.

Makemake Key Phrases

Makemake's Discovery
- interceding in the dramatic, manipulative and diversionary antics of old-paradigm world politics and big-business

Makemake's Role
- economics, finance and money
- leadership as protector and provider for the people
- heeding the signs of the times and that of the natural world
- creating environmental conditions supportive of a healthy, prosperous and abundant life for all souls

Makemake's inspiration for Action
- surrendering lower-order ego-drivin motives and standing in the wisdom gained from the sting of past experience
- strategic planning and enterprising action based from this wisdom

Haumea and Makemake in Cahoots

Based upon the similar orbits of Haumea and Makemake, and the synchronicities of their paths in the heavens, it is clear that Haumea and Makemake are working together and intimately tie Haumea's theme of supporting a new birth in consciousness with Makemake's theme regarding the proper use of financial resources and strategic entrepreneurial planning—truly welcomed additions to our heavenly choir.

Your input and Discussion Invited

You can post your thoughts, insights and experiences about Haumea and Makemake on the
Lunar Planner Forum: under "New Planets, Asteroids & Comets."

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