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Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 3/15/2013 & the Weekend: Habemus Papam; Mercury Turns Direct

…and the dust is settling for most of us, courtesy of the Moon moving into the grounded (as in “earth”) sign of Taurus on Thursday at 3:08PM ET. Those who are still feeling supercharged, crazed or cranky likely have planets around 3 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn…or were born around the 23rd of March, June, September or December. For those born in the last five or six days of those months, you’re still in the middle of a once-in-a-lifetime ride, with much more in store.

Aspects to the comfort-seeking Taurus Moon are light through Saturday, with the exception of a potential wet blanket or ambitious reach from stern Saturn at 12:27PM ET. And you know how much I love a weekend with Moon in Taurus; it’s a fine time for staying put, eating well and other sensory/sensual pleasures. Moon goes void on Saturday at 7:11PM ET, adding to the potential for a nice little chill.

Moon enters information junkie Gemini at 2:09AM ET, creating more than the usual buzz. First, it’s St. Patrick’s Day and the green beer may start flowing especially early, given the Moon’s square to nebulous Neptune at 9:39AM ET. Lively discourse — with some facts being more relative than others — is a distinct possibility as Mercury turns direct at 4:03PM ET. With Mercury moving forward,  focus in all matters of communication and travel is suggested. Sunday evening is marked by friendly and expansive aspects to the chatty Moon from innovative Uranus and expansive Jupiter.

So…the papal conclave, as promised. My sense, given that it started with Moon and Mars in impulsive, get-it-done-yesterday Aries (among other proactive patterns), was that a decision would be made quickly — and it was. But really, choosing a pope when Mercury is retrograde and the Moon is void of course? Oy vey! Regular readers of this forecast know that contests during voids often favor the underdog and upsets, which certainly applies to Pope Francis. Actions initiated during voids often prove to be of no consequence; i.e., they do not live up to expectations. Perhaps the most famous Moon void/Mercury retrograde election in recent history was the US election of 2000. Surprising upset? Underdog favored? Didn’t quite live up to expectation? Point is, Pope Francis will likely continue to make a surprising impact  — for better or for worse.

We do not have a birth time yet for Pope Francis; here is the noon chart. He is a Sagittarius with Moon in humanitarian Aquarius. The Sag Sun (which is peregrine & thus running wild) brings boatloads of energy for opining on big picture subjects: law, philosophy, world travel, religion/theosophy. The Aquarius Moon needs to be of unique social significance. Venus (love, women, money, art) is probably conjunct the Moon and both are challenged by rebel Uranus (which rules Aquarius). This is a suggestion of popularity; a friendly social expression; and unconventional approaches to relationship which require freedom and independence, as in “I love you, but don’t take it personally”. This horoscope is well-equipped to relate to the masses, pun obviously intended — and it is likely easier for it to function as a man of the people as opposed to one intimate partner, with stubbornly quaint ideas about how relationship should be conducted. Isn’t that interesting?

Saturn, which refers to the father/authority/ambition is opposed by nebulous Neptune, suggesting that issues related to the father, etc. may be intangible, spiritual, bewildering and/or escapist. Saturn is in Pisces. Astrologer Michael Lutin says that Saturn in Pisces “turns its suffering into an art form”. And anyone I know with Saturn in Pisces knows what I’m talking about. It is amazing how these people can turn emotional lemons into creative lemonade.

Pope Francis’ Mercury, which refers to mindset, is in patriarchal, proactive Capricorn and also in an obsessive-compulsive aspect with potent natal Pluto. This suggests a powerful intellect, and it is fascinating to note that on March 14th, this Mercury was exactly supercharged by transiting Pluto. Really, it is as if this horoscope suddenly became “an idea whose time had come”! Pope Francis was allegedly the runner-up in 2005. Not in 2013.

Elsewhere in the horoscope we find Mars — running wild — but in the conflict-averse sign of Libra. A warrior for peace? Jupiter, which is where the horoscope finds its reward, is in Capricorn.  Hmmm…a philosopher/theologian who needs to help people, whose reward is making things happen and finding its place in the established order — most likely at the top.

Last but not least, it is interesting to note that transiting Saturn, now at 10 Scorpio —  will definitely be challenging Pope Francis’ Venus in the next month or so…and may be challenged or will soon challenge the Aquarius Moon. Feelings of isolation and heavy responsibility and/or ambition are not uncommon with this particular transit, which applies through the summer. Well, that sounds reasonable. It can be lonely at the top. Cue Joan Osborne singing fabulous song now…and get your Pope Francis I cookies right here, baked with love from the Bronx.

Astro-logical Forecast for Thursday 3/14/2013: Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire

Moon is still in Aries…and still void of course. Go with the flow of the action; roll with the twists and enjoy the adventure. At 3:08PM ET, Moon enters Taurus, seeking stability and organization out of whatever excitement has transpired in the past 36 hours. Time for ideas to take form!

My week has been very busy. Yes, there is lots to say about the new pope and the astro-logical patterns of yesterday’s election (see clever follow-up headline to this forecast, playing off the one posted yesterday). Stay tuned…I’ll write it up when the dust settles.

Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday 3/13/2013: “Where’s the Fire?”

The Aries Moon goes void at 4:01AM ET, on a challenging square from ruthless Pluto. Will we wake up to a power play or emotional catharsis hitting the headlines? For 35 hours the intense need of Aries to lead, to inspire and be “number one” may feel frustrated by efforts to move forward in straight line. This may result in an outburst. All this and Mercury retrograde, too! The usual Moon void suggestions apply: roll with the twists and double check everything. Chill if you can — or brainstorm. If you can let yourself wander and allow your intuition to pave the way (instead of your logical mind), you could create a wonderful adventure.

Lots of fun headlines reflecting the ingress of Mars into Aries today, which is  beginning to trigger the status quo-disrupting Uranus-Pluto square. First, exciting news from — Mars! — as scientists now report that the Red Planet could have supported life long ago. Second, scientists announced fragments of fossils discovered in a “fireball” (how Mars in Aries) that landed in Sri Lanka on December 29, 2012. This news hardly seems surprising, given planetary patterns back then. Third, “flammable ice” appears to be viable as an innovative (Uranus)  energy resource (Pluto), according to reports from Japan.

Meanwhile, an image of apparent Piscean compassion and empathy by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sparks creative rationalization (and photoshopping) among clerics back home, whilst appearing to be a perfect reflection of the potential downside of the Sabian Symbol for this new lunar cycle.

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Tuesday 3/12/2013: Pedal to the Metal

After yesterday’s long Moon void, the new lunar cycle gets into gear when the Moon enters Aries at 7:17AM ET and immediately aligns with Mars, which entered Aries at 2:26AM ET.  Note the impulse — in you or others — for sharp, quick, impassioned words and actions, driven by the need to be Number One. And while you are driving, I again suggest more awareness than usual, given that Mercury (thought, communication, travel) is still retrograde. As anticipated, headlines noted some unusual accidents and outbursts. In other news, the stock market is still going up, up, up — and breaking record highs. The potential for another jolt or startling revelation arrives by 9:06PM ET, as this highly proactive Moon is challenged by rebel Uranus.

Note that the Moon will be void of course as of 4:01AM ET Wednesday…not to enter Taurus until 3:08PM ET on Thursday. Patience could be your greatest ally during that time. Ship it today…but double check it thrice.

Today’s forecast is brought to you by fire-engine red, and has been approved by the Moon in Aries. Impulses to find out how planetary patterns apply in your own horoscope may be satisfied here.

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 3/11/2013: New Moon in Pisces

The New Moon in Pisces officially begins at 3:51PM ET, offering us an opportunity to re-set  intentions and goals for the next lunar cycle. Next week will be about planting seeds to turn your intentions into reality. Around the 19th, on the First Quarter Moon, we can expect a challenge to those goals, with appropriate adjustments made. At the time of the Full Moon on the 27th, we can expect illumination on the success or failure of our goals for the cycle. If we succeeded, we can consciously release our success into our reality; if we failed, we let go of whatever did not work. After the Third Quarter Moon on April 3rd, we can review our achievements, tie up loose ends and get ready to begin another New Moon on April 10th.

A New Moon in Pisces suggests a need — or an opportunity — to access intangibles and share them for the benefit of something greater than the Self.  Typical “intangibles” include film, intuition, music, faith and dreams. Pisces is a watery/emotional sign whose wisdom comes from an keen understanding of the longings, joys and sorrows we share in common.  Pisces is known for its compassion and sensitivity to human suffering. You can learn a lot about Pisces energy by listening to the “Aquarium” section of Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saens or by just watching the ethereal, unified action in this clip from the Osaka Aquarium.

OK, so this New Moon has seven out of ten planets in a dreamy energetic Pisces flow. What’s in it for you?  Well, first of all, it’s happening at 21 degrees of Pisces. So if you were born around the 11th of March, June, September or December…or have an angle or planet around 21 degrees of Pisces, Gemini, Virgo or Sagittarius, you’ll likely feel this New Moon more than most. If you don’t have a planet in any of those degrees, then look to see where 21 Pisces falls in your horoscope; that is the area of your life where a focus on dreams and other intangibles may pull focus.

The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon is “a prophet carrying tablets of the new law is walking down the slopes of Mount Sinai” – and it’s just loaded with helpful hints on what we can expect in this cycle. This is an image of someone who has had a “peak experience” — spiritually and physically — and he or she is bringing back to earth certain tangible guidelines that have been presumably channeled from the Divine. On the plus side, it suggests bringing your actions in line with a higher authority and/or relying on your intuition for guidance. On the down side, Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee notes the potential for “spiritually rationalizing one’s actions and authority” and “to pontificate from an out-of-touch vantage point”. Really, “pontificate”….just as a papal conclave has gathered to choose a new Pope. And they are waiting until after the New Moon officially kicks in (and with Mars at 0 Aries and the Moon in Aries on Tuesday, my sense is that it will not take long for them to make their decision). Think this story will dominate the news in this cycle? Coincidence or conspiracy?

Another important signature of this New Moon is Mars, planet of action at 29 degrees of Pisces — the very last degree of the zodiac. Mars is not a happy warrior in watery Pisces, but things are about to change because Mars enters Aries, the sign it rules, on Tuesday. From 0 to 60 MPH anyone? Mars is very comfortable with the pioneering, headstrong and often rash Aries fire. Not only that, but any planet at the beginning of Aries NEEDS to be prominent!

We should see some daring actions happening as of Tuesday, especially with the Moon in Aries on Tuesday as well. Today we are just on the verge….which is why it is so important that you become a clear channel and set your intentions in alignment with the highest good for ALL. Mars in Aries can be rash, and Mercury is still retrograde. Be careful on the roads, won’t you?

General note for the rest of the month:  Mars (assertive, aggressive action) is hot, especially between the 19th and the 31st, as it makes contact with rebel Uranus and ruthless Pluto on either side of the Full Moon on the 27th. On the plus side, we should see some bold moves and breakthroughs — especially with Mercury moving forward on the 17th. On the down side, we may see some spectacular battles, outbursts and startling news from underground.

The Pisces New Moon goes void immediately at 3:51 PM ET today  and enters Aries at 7:17 AM ET on Tuesday. Moon will also be void all day on Wednesday until 3:08PM ET on Thursday. Plan accordingly.

PS: In honor of politicians reaching across the aisles on Thursday (as forecast) and actually sharing lunch and dinner together,  I meant to include this delightful link of an owl cavorting with a pussycat. No, not the ones in the poem; I’m talking about Fum and Gebra. They are best friends. Enjoy!

***Need help setting your goals and intentions? A personal astro-logical consultation can help. Details are on the Services & FAQs page, or just click here***

Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 3/8/2013 & the Weekend: Dark Side of the Moon

Moon continues its sojourn through Aquarius, happy to network and mingle with all sort of weirdos until it hits a bit of a wall at 5:08PM ET when stern Saturn challenges the Moon’s need for freedom and independence. Hmmm. We’ll see how that plays out. The dominant aspect today is Saturn in Scorpio in a rare sextile with Pluto in Capricorn, and this cooperative aspect for dealing with whatever simply must be dealt with was covered in depth in yesterday’s forecast. The sextile is exact at 3:03AM ET, and my favorite manifestation so far is that President Obama lunched with Paul Ryan on a day when I suggested reaching across the aisles. And then he had dinner with a whole bunch of Republicans. How cool is that, and where is my bonus check — that’s what I would like to know.

There’s a buzz of big ideas and information likely flying around, courtesy of a waxing square between mental Mercury and expansive Jupiter, exact at 10:38PM ET on Saturday. Take it all with a grain of salt, as 1) Moon goes void on FRIDAY at 5:08PM ET, not to enter Pisces until 1:19AM ET on SUNDAY and 2) Mercury is still retrograde. But what  a nice long rest period of socializing you can have between now and then.

We are in the dark side of the moon; the new lunar cycle begins  at 3:51PM ET on Monday. This is the time to wrap things up from the last New Moon agenda, and prepare to reset your intentions for the blast of fresh energy that will arrive on Monday. During these “dark” times we may feel restless or listless, sensing there is something just around the corner, if only we knew what it was.

Go with the flow on Sunday; the Moon will be in dreamy Pisces, and well supported by a crew of lovely planets. A productive conversation that broadens the mind is suggested around suppertime ET. Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday; Daylight Savings Time begins at 2AM — Spring is almost here. Hooray!

***Mercury is retrograde until March 17th. It is an excellent time for REconnecting and REview. Why not review your life in a personal astro-logical consultation?  Details are on the Services & FAQs page, or just click here***

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Thursday 3/7/2013: Rand Paul’s Perfect Timing

Sobering thoughts and communication of the most constructive kind are possible today, provided you are brave enough to leave no stone unturned. This applies to projects from the past that may have landed on your desk during this Mercury retrograde, begging for a second chance. Investigate, research, focus — and if you see something, say something.

The enterprising Capricorn Moon carries East Coasters through most of the work day before going void at 4:14 ET on an impassioned and constructive connection with action-oriented Mars. The following six-hour void bodes well for a break or brainstorming possible Plans A, B and C. Don’t be afraid to reach across the aisle to win support, especially when the Moon enters Aquarius at 10:02PM ET. Aquarius likes to network with unconventional types and help out for the sake of being seen as socially significant.

The potential for finding allies in unexpected places is also suggested by the second sextile (a supportive connection) between stern Saturn and ruthless Pluto, exact on Friday at 3:03AM ET. The first sextile occurred during the Christmas holiday, and you may recall it was part of an alignment with expansive Jupiter known as a yod or “Finger of God”. It was this alignment that led me to opine that we would not be jumping off a fiscal cliff at the end of 2012 — and here is some of what I wrote then about Saturn and Pluto:

… it is rare to see such a cooperative aspect between the planet of structure and the planet of transformation. This connection is especially significant because Saturn rules the sign of Capricorn and Pluto rules the sign of Scorpio…and thus, the two planets are said to be in “mutual reception”. “Mutual reception” is an astro-logical technogeek term for “really constructive connection” — but for doing what? How about moving forward on doing what needs to be done when the writing is on the wall without whingeing about it?  This is your challenge– whether it is dealing with a ginormous budget deficit, or taking your own impossible dream to the next level. Whatever you need to do, DO IT. You may find yourself surprised at the positive results!

And here is what I wrote about the addition of Jupiter to the mix, which we’ll be experiencing with greater intensity as we approach the end of March/early April.

Meanwhile, it should come as no surprise that planetary patterns in Rand Paul’s horoscope (1/7/63 in Pittsburgh PA, birth time unknown) are currently under high developmental tension. Sen. Paul (R-KY) is an enterprising Capricorn with Moon in Gemini. OMG, does this Moon need to  talk talk talk, and probably still is talking, as I type this — for hours and hours on the Senate floor in a good old-fashioned filibuster. And you might talk, too if you woke up yesterday morning with that idealistic Mercury-Venus hook-up sitting right on top of your compassionate, philosophical Jupiter AND opposing ruthless Pluto. You would be more inclined than usual to fulfill a Moon in Gemini’s need to INFORM the entire Free World by drawing attention to the current Administration’s apparent stance that it is OK to use drones to kill American citizens on American soil without due process if the citizens pose “an imminent threat”, whatever that might mean.

You would also have plenty of stamina to hold court indefinitely, given supercharged and resourceful contacts between expansive Jupiter and potent Pluto. And you’d have no problem with the “holding court” part, because you’d have aggressive Mars in royal Leo and were naturally inclined to “get away with murder” (as pioneering astrologer Grant Lewi liked to say). And with transiting Saturn at 11 Scorpio squaring your natal Saturn at 10 Aquarius, we could expect an ambitious reach from you at this time. And guess what? Given current planetary patterns described earlier in the forecast, people who usually dismissed you as “nuts” might actually agree with you, like NYT columnist Gail Collins , for instance, who has an entertaining and provocative take, as usual.

Speaking of politics and Kentucky, there has been some talk about actress Ashley Judd running for the U.S. Senate in 2014 — against current Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. With Venus, the ruler of her MC (house of career/public status) and the 3rd house (communication) supercharged by the Uranus-Pluto square through 2014, you can see why a potential change of direction in career and an empowered social status is being suggested. Her horoscope is linked above.

Today’s Moon in Capricorn favors dark blue, black and making things happen in a personal consultation with your local astrologer.

Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday 3/6/2013: Make It Happen

Up and at ’em — perhaps with a jolt or revelation, courtesy of rebel Uranus challenging the enterprising Capricorn Moon at 7:28AM ET. This is a fine day to make things happen! During this 24 hour period, Moon will connect with 7 planets in ways that foster communication and cooperation — really, a most excellent day for advancement with surprisingly little resistance.

Enterprising energy is well-supported — of a practical, structural nature —  especially in areas ruled by Venus, which include finance, women, affection and aesthetics. Why? Because after Monday’s exuberant connection between Venus and  expansive Jupiter (how about that record high in the stock market), disciplined Saturn and resourceful Pluto now favor high-flying ideas turned into tangible form as both connect with Venus around 10PM ET and 9PM ET, respectively. If you have planets or angles between 7 and 12 degrees of ANY sign, you’re more likely to be feeling the boost reflected in current planetary patterns. Just do it.

Tonight ends with an idealistic hook-up between mental Mercury and Venus shortly before midnight, reinforcing whatever sharp focus hit you on Monday. This issue may return for a recap/resolution the week of April 8th, when Mercury and Venus are aligned again, only Mercury will then be moving forward. See yesterday’s forecast for thoughts on the potential pitfalls of idealism. Mercury and Venus connections in a horoscope suggest idealism, as do connections involving either of these planets with the Sun.

As for the potential upside, I looked no further than my Facebook feed and found an update about an extremely idealistic young boy who refused to let go of a dream. Have you heard about Caine’s Arcade? Briefly: 9 year-old boy spends summer in dad’s auto parts store in East LA; builds game arcade out of cardboard boxes, hoping he’ll have paying customers. All summer, he waits. Until finally, one customer shows up. Who happens to be a filmmaker. And a rainmaker. So often it only takes a connection with ONE person to kickstart a dream into reality. Yesterday it was announced that he signed with a major talent agency.

In another uplifting update, it appears that Billy Ray Harris,  a homeless man who made headlines last month for returning a diamond engagement ring to the charitable young woman who accidentally dropped it into his cup, will soon have a home of his own. The young woman and her fiance were so grateful that they started a fundraising effort for Mr. Harris, and as of this week, $175,000 had been collected. He now has a job, has reconnected with his family (after 16 years) and plans to buy a house. Talk about dreams coming true.

I chose these stories for today’s forecast not only as illustrations of the idealism and wish fulfillment reflected in current patterns, but as a counterpoint to the startling, “get real” video about wealth distribution in the US that was posted yesterday. Here it is again, if you missed it. While it may be true that 40% of the wealth is in the hands of  1% of the population, with a meager 7% of the wealth shared among the bottom 80%, it is also true that fortunes can change suddenly and dramatically when enough people become aware of a situation and decide to do something about it. And sudden awareness followed by action are what we can anticipate during this 33-month long square between freedom-loving Uranus and power-loving Pluto. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. I’m an idealist.

Speaking of Uranus and Pluto, here is the latest on the search for the elusive Higgs boson particle— a big piece that explains everything, and just posted yesterday.  Physicists theorized the existence of the Higgs boson (also called “the God particle”) in the mid-60s, when Uranus and Pluto were conjunct. I bet they’ll find conclusive evidence of its existence during this 33-month long Uranus-Pluto square. That gives them until the end of 2015…

Today’s Moon in Capricorn favors dark blue, black and making things happen in a personal consultation with your local astrologer.

Astro-logical Forecast for Tuesday 3/5/2013: Make a Wish

Bouncing out of bed with enthusiasm or all riled up about something this morning — which will it be? The opinionated Sagittarius Moon is challenged by steaming Mars in Pisces at 10:28AM ET, which sets the tone for the day and then immediately goes void-of-course. Go with the energetic flow, find a way to expand your horizons and get ready for a wave of “make it happen” energy once Moon enters enterprising Capricorn at 7:14PM ET.

Tomorrow should be busy, busy, busy — with planets figuratively bouncing off one another like a pinball machine. In fact the whole rest of the week offers excellent productivity, in that Mercury retrograde REstructure, REview, REorganize, RE anything way. We are in the dark side of the Moon — the end of the lunar cycle — good for bringing projects to completion. I was delighted to see the idea of completion and fulfillment echoed in the weekly Tarot card pulled and posted on Beth Owlsdaughter’s well-written blog.

And now, the news. We were talking about the idealism suggested by Mercury’s blinding hook-up with the Sun (exact yesterday), and a reader sent in this video that’s been spreading like wildfire. It’s quite simple:  a status quo-disrupting wake-up call, true to the ever-present hum of the revolutionary square between Uranus and Pluto (from now through 2015).  It shatters idealism with a hand from heavy Saturn in nitty-gritty Scorpio.The video is about wealth distribution in America — how people think it should be shared in an ideal world; how they believe it is being shared currently; and how it really is being shared. Can you handle the truth?

Check it out, and be advised that when you come across a horoscope with Sun conjunct Mercury you’re likely dealing with an idealist — someone who sees things the way he or she needs to (perhaps as a survival strategy), but who may not be willing or able to acknowledge harsh realities. I learned that from astrologer Noel Tyl. Thank you, Noel!

Shall we look at few lighter news items that reflect current planetary patterns? OK! We’ve got six planets floating through Pisces right now (if you include Chiron), and this dreamy concentration can be oh-so hard to pin down. I’ve gotten plenty of email noting how slooooooow things feel right now — like watching fish swim in a goldfish bowl — or herding cats, as I noted last week. Things WILL pick up — and quickly, as we will may see as early as the next week’s New Moon.  Meanwhile, here’s a story about efforts to herd cats that is going on right now in New York. These folks are so in tune with the cosmos…

Finally, perfectly reflecting the sugary sweetness suggested by yesterday’s square between Venus and Jupiter, would you believe this charming and eloquent post showed up in my Facebook feed about — wait for it — the importance of owning a candy dish.

Mercury retrograde is an excellent time to REview your life in a personal astro-logical consultation. Mercury turns direct on March 17th.

Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 3/4/2013: March Forth!

If you’re just tuning in to the Daily Astro-logical Forecast, welcome! What a day we’ve got in store…

Gone are the probing depths of yesterday’s intense Scorpio Moon (as of 4:11PM ET on Sunday). Moon is now in high-flying Sagittarius, a sign that needs to tell the world exactly what it thinks  — and the more righteous, the better. Donald Trump and Charlie Sheen have Moon in Sag; if you concluded that Sagittarius is prone to bouts of foot-in-mouth disease, you would be right. Much boisterous, expansive and indulgent energy is available for hire today, courtesy of challenging input from Jupiter (the cosmic sugar daddy and ruler of Sagittarius) squaring loving Venus (women, love, aesthetics and some glittery things, too).

There’s also a blinding hook-up between the Sun (life force) and Mercury (mind, communication, travel) that suggests strong potential for focused idealism. Really, you may have to take a lot of what you hear with a grain of salt, especially given that Mercury is retrograde through the 17th. Chances are good a few key details are missing. You may want to refrain from engaging in heated discussion around 4PMish ET, given that the opinionated Moon will also be challenged by mental Mercury. On the other hand, witnessing such discussions could be vastly entertaining.

Ship it today if you must ship, as the Moon is void-of-course from 10:28AM – 7:14PM ET on Tuesday.  Other voids this week are Thursday from 4:14 – 10:02PM ET and on Friday from 5:08PM ET until 1:19AM SUNDAY. For those new to the forecast, Moon voids suggest natural rest periods, a time to wander, chill, turn inward and/or brainstorm. If you can’t take advantage of the break, be advised that efforts to move forward in a straight line are more likely to plagued by twists, flakes, delays and crises that turn out to be much ado about nothing. Roll with the twists and don’t freak out.

A typical example of Moon void phenomena happened yesterday,  when a friend on Facebook reported that a man walked into a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown and asked if the restaurant served Chinese. D’oh! Another happened to me whilst shopping at Trader Joe’s, as somehow I ended up schlepping two bottles of olive oil home instead of the one bottle I needed. Wtf?? This is one reason why impulse shopping during voids is not advised. Chances are higher that whatever you buy won’t be as useful or satisfying as you hoped.

And now, the news. First, with Venus and Jupiter now in a hard aspect to each other, it was no surprise to see this story about the real cause of diabetes making headlines. Why? Consider this: in a horoscope, hard aspects between Jupiter and Venus often reflect the presence of diabetes in a person’s extended family (we know this thanks to the work of astrologer Noel Tyl). Fascinating, eh? Now consider this: in the horoscope of the United States, where diabetes is rampant, Jupiter and Venus are in a hard aspect to each other. Coincidence or conspiracy?  (cue Twilight Zone music now)

Second, as stern Saturn continues its slow retrograde grind at 11 degrees of Scorpio, we’re seeing stories of elite gatherings — for better or for worse —  including last Thursday’s farewell to the Pope and the conclave that has gathered to select a new one. The Supreme Court is another elite body that made headlines last week, courtesy of Justice Scalia, who seemed to say that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a “perpetuation of racial entitlement”. Let the record show that another happening in 1965 was the status quo-disrupting conjunction between rebel Uranus and “resistance is futile” Pluto. Regular readers of this forecast know that Uranus and Pluto are now squaring each other, which suggests that issues raised and seemingly resolved back in the mid-60s are all up for review and revolutionary expansion in the mid 2010s. So if you were around in the 60s and things feel familiar, there is a most excellent astro-logical explanation for it.

And in case you missed it, here is the response to Justice Scalia from the good folks at Saturday Night Live.

Mercury retrograde is an excellent time to REview your life in a personal astro-logical consultation, especially if you have not done so in over a year.