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Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 4/29/2016 & the Weekend: Obsessively Yours with Venus, Mars & Mercury

TGIF!

The next two days are driven by the Moon in Aquarius, seeking friendship and a good humanitarian cause.  Lunar energy flows without interference until 11:29PM ET, when we’ll have a square between the Aquarius Moon and the Taurus Sun — a.k.a. the Third Quarter Moon. Whatever your agenda was at the New Moon seemingly eons ago, here’s a chance for another burst of effort.

Venus enters Taurus at 8:36PM ET, joining Mercury and the Sun in their quest for material comfort and security. Currently at 29 degrees of Aries, the planet of social expression, women, money and aesthetics is exiting feisty warrior Aries  accompanied by a plethora of fighting women in the headlines which I’ll get to in a few more paragraphs.

Consider a way to marry the old guard with the avant garde in your approach on Saturday, as the Moon makes easy connections to Saturn and Uranus at 8:46AM ET and 7:55PM ET respectively. Or you could apply seriously constructive energy to a project during the day on Saturday and hang with your favorite eccentrics at night. Note that around 10:56PM ET the Moon will go void on a charged square between the Aquarius Moon and Mercury — now retrograde in Taurus. These can be stubborn signs — something to consider if you’re wishing to negotiate an overnight deal to make a dream come true under the rose-colored glasses of  an easy flow between the Sun and Neptune at 8AM ET Sunday.

No harm, no foul during the overnight Moon void. Moon enters Pisces at 10:33AM ET, seeking an intangible escape. Looks like a lovely day for art, spiritual and healing pursuits — on the upside. A REtreat sounds divine, as we adjust to Mercury’s recent retrograde turn. Follow the lead of those who gathered at the White House last night for a final Seder hosted by President Obama.  What — a Seder at the White House — since when? Since a spontaneous Seder happened on the campaign trail in 2008. The story is charming, and this passage is so apt for the weekend’s planetary patterns:

Part of the Passover tradition includes an invocation to recline; rituals of rest and reflection are key to the celebration. “And so we paused from this historical campaign, we paused from how tired we were, paused from the ups and downs of traveling. We knew deep down that our lives were about to change – and the senator’s life would change the most – and this was a chance to reflect…”

No sleeping in on Monday — do note your dreams, as the Moon will meet up with Neptune at 6:23AM ET.

And now, the news.

Did I mention that Mercury turned retrograde on an obsessive quindecile to a retrograde Mars….AND Mercury has been conjunct the Fixed Star Capulus at 23-24 degrees of Taurus? Capulus, as some may receall from an earlier write-up on Donald Trump’s horoscope,  is associated with aggressive energy — usually masculine and sexual. Trump’s Midheaven (public status, career) is 24 Taurus. So is Hillary Clinton’s North Node — a focal point of growth potential in the horoscope. Hmmm. Take Mercury, Mars, Capulus and Venus at the end of Aries, and we might see headlines like “Are Some Women Headed for the Draft? Support for the Idea Grows in Congress”…or “NYT Boss Sued Over Ageist, Sexist…Policies”…on the same day the NYT runs with “Trump and Clinton Gear Up for a Race Defined by Gender”.  My personal favorite: “Royal Mail Threatens to Halt Deliveries to Home of Mail-Snatching Cat”, whose expression in the accompanying photo looks remarkably like Venus at the end of its rope in Aries.

Meanwhile….

The conventional astrological wisdom advises against rushing into or cementing partnerships when Mars is retrograde. That unity pledge between Ted Cruz and John Kasich, vowing to work together to stop Donald Trump lasted all of five seconds.  Mars retrograde also suggests that Ted Cruz and recently-declared running mate Carly Fiorina may be a match made in Hell. But don’t take it from me, take it from John Boehner, who called the would-be Presdent “Lucifer in the flesh.” The former Speaker may be inclined to act with more abandon than his diplomatic Libra Moon often dictates, now that rebel Uranus is adding the element of surprise and shock to his precision-crafted Mars in Virgo.  The internets went wild! How quickly we forget that NYT columnist David Brooks said as much back in January. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Satanic Temple was not amused.

Are we having fun yet? We will have even more fun in a personal consultation about your own unique horoscope. Here’s how to contact me.

Thank you for reading this forecast.

 

 

 

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday & Thursday 4/27-28/2016: When Mercury Goes Retrograde…

Allll-riiighty then!

A Capricorn Moon drives today and tomorrow with an enterprising energy. Alignments to the Moon flow smoothly to the earthy Taurus Sun, expansive Jupiter and visionary Neptune today. Tomorrow the enterprising drive is challenged by an early morning clash with emotionally intense Pluto at 5:20AM ET, followed by Uranus at 12:59PM ET.

Be advised that mental Mercury is at a standstill now, about to turn retrograde tomorrow at 1:20PM ET. BACK UP YOUR COMPUTERS NOW — otherwise, there’s no need to panic. Here’s a reprint of helpful guidance on surviving this planetary pattern:

Even if you know nothing else about astrology, you may have heard this term before. Often it’s accompanied by curses and groans, and that’s a shame. Yes, all of the flights on American Airlines might be grounded because of a computer glitch. Or the entire country of Finland might be offline because there’s a transportation strike (actual Mercury Rx events). But there’s much good that can be accomplished when the Messenger Planet appears to be retracing its steps.

Mercury—which in the language of astrology refers to mindset, travel and communication—will appear to move backward through the sky until May 22nd. It’s not really moving backward, but that is how it looks from our perspective here on Spaceship Earth. Mercury goes retrograde 3-4 times each year, for a period of 22 days.

Contrary to popular belief, Mercury retrogrades are no reason to freak out. Mercury retrograde gets a bad rap because we are geared, in this crazy modern age, to always be thinking, doing, moving FORWARD. You know what that gets you? BURN OUT. We need our down times, and Mercury retrograde is a perfect time to give our minds a rest. Why else would your computer, phone and/or car choose THIS time to malfunction? Because you are supposed to be slowing down. And as you slow down, it is vitally important that you FOCUS.

When Mercury is retrograde, be prepared for travel delays, scheduling screw-ups, mechanical breakdowns, computer crashes, having to repeat what you’ve just said, misunderstandings, the past coming back for a second look, surprise reunions and having to repeat what you just said. Use your FOCUS and double check important details, like whether the restaurant you’ve chosen for a meet-up is still in business. Or whether it is booked for a commercial shoot or a private party — all of which has happened to me during Mercury retrogrades.

If you are looking for a job, Mercury retrogrades are a perfect time to reach out to people from your past. Mine your address book and trust that your contacts will be happy to hear from you. However, do not be frustrated if your target is away on vacation or keeps rescheduling meetings. Also, triple check your emails and resumes before you hit “send,” as there is a higher probability of typos and other sloppy snafus.

In your business, you’ll need to make sure all communications have been received and are clearly understood. Be mindful of the higher potential for communications equipment to go on the fritz. MAKE SURE YOUR FILES ARE BACKED UP. Also be aware of a higher than average probability for delays in shipping and travel arrangements. For this you will need an extra dose of patience.

You may also find it profitable to REview a project from the past. Maybe you shelved it then, but now is the time to REconsider. However, be advised that a spontaneously, “out-of-the-blue” idea for advancement may not be so sound when Mercury turns direct. This is why the conventional wisdom advises against finalizing and/or signing contracts on deals during Mercury retrograde. An exception might be supported if you are REnegotiating or RElocating. If you absolutely must close a deal, triple check everything. The key is not to RUSH.

This is a good time to schedule a corporate REtreat. Any activity that affords the opportunity to REview past performance is encouraged. REsearch on a new strategy is also favored.

Mercury retrogrades are not favored for launching a new website or a new communications systems. There is a higher than average probability of technical glitches and confusion.

In general, adopt a playful attitude of flexibility to whatever twists you encounter. Avoid making major purchases (especially electronic ones). Don’t believe everything you hear or read in the papers. Rumors have a higher probability of spreading during Mercury retrogrades. Avoid losing patience — that’s a big one.

When in doubt, be silent!

Do plan on RElaxing, REviewing, REsearching, REorganizing, REgenerating, REconnecting and REcreating….and REviewing your life with your astrologer.

This Mercury retrograde happens at 23 degrees of Taurus, suggesting that whatever is up for REview and RElaxation likely involves steady, focused thought about its tangible reality, worth, comfort and/or security. If you have a planet or angle around 23 degrees of Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius and especially Taurus, you are more personally affected by this particular Mercury retrograde than most. This includes Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. Mercury will move backwards through their respective 6th Houses, suggesting a focused review on health and work processes.

Astrologer Robert Wilkinson has written a whole book on Mercury retrograde; here’s an intriguing quote about its transit through the 6th House: “This is a time of practical adaptation and adjustment before something comes to the surface, a time of learning and reviewing the place and function of what has individualized up to this point in the process. See the possible practical application of power; prepare to take something public.”

This Mercury retrograde stations almost exactly atop Donald’s Trump’s 24 Taurus Midheaven. Did he get the message out yesterday — winning all five states in the so-called Acela primaries — or what? As Mercury retraces its steps through Donald Trump’s 9th House next month, we see an opportunity for him to reconsider the value of his message to the masses. How will it be revised over the next few weeks? UPDATE: a few hours after this posted, Trump gave a major speech on foreign policy — a 9th house “big picture” topic indeed.

And now, the news.

With Saturn (controls) squaring his Sun (ginormous ball of fire), the bern was tempered in last night’s primaries — as was speculated here last week. Hillary Clinton won four states; Bernie took Rhode Island. Transiting Jupiter conjunct his Virgo Sun should bring more expansive times in June, but with the third hit of Saturn to the Sun just after Election Day in November, it may not be enough to realize his current quest. We shall see.

Donald Trump is experiencing transits we would all willingly pay for: a yugely resourceful double hit of a Pluto-Jupiter square and a swoon of a solar arc to his regal Leo Ascendant from his Gemini Sun. The Ascendant-Sun thing is exact in July. It’s hard to imagine a hotter horoscope ruining his personal party before then.

And now, more news.

In the last forecast, we were writing about the surreal quality of the current tense T-square among Jupiter (expansion), Saturn (reality) and Neptune (dissolves whatever it touches). How apt to see a piece in The Atlantic entitled “The Case Against Reality.” Reading it recalled the nights I spent in  college writing philosophy papers arguing that no one can perceive a chest of drawers in exactly the same way. Especially when reading bits like this:

So while neuroscientists struggle to understand how there can be such a thing as a first-person reality, quantum physicists have to grapple with the mystery of how there can be anything but a first-person reality. In short, all roads lead back to the observer.

Happy mulling over those deep thoughts, on a pre-Mercury-retrograde-in-material-security-building-Taurus!

Thank you for reading this forecast. Feel free to contact me to schedule a personal consultation about your own unique horoscope — Mercury retrograde is an excellent time for REview, doncha’ know…

banana mercury

thx to Beth Owlsdaughter for the creative Photoshopped Mercury Rx w/banana peel

Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 4/25/2016: Sneak Peak at the Week; Beyonce, Right on Schedule

Good Morning!

Note your dreams upon waking, as the boundary-pushing Moon in Sagittarius squares off with visionary Neptune at 7:27AM ET. This is the first of three contacts the Moon will make today to a loose T-square among Neptune, Jupiter and Saturn — the last two at 11:42AM ET and 3:47PM ET, respectively. The Jupiter-Saturn square — which will be exact for the third time on May 26th — suggests the last charge in a 20-year business cycle which began with the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in material security-seeking Taurus at the end of May 2000.

Let the record show that the chart for that Great Conjunction had an info-junkie Gemini Sun opposing power & resources Pluto, driven by a me-me-me Moon in pioneering Aries. Jupiter & Saturn were squared by technogeek Uranus, and it’s fascinating to see how that pie-in-the-sky pattern has been reflected in the explosion of tech-driven businesses that seemingly allow us to be so free and independent. We’re in the back half of the cycle until 2020, and the current square suggests the challenges created in the expansive first half of the cycle will pull focus. From the weekend’s headlines: “In An Age of Privilege, Not Everyone Is in the Same Boat”  and  “The Secret Shame of Middle-Class Americans” — truly a must-read. Neptune added to the mix suggests themes of spirits and other escapes; empathy and suffering — along with a dose of the surreal, as in “how can this be happening?”

That being said, there are no exact planetary patterns — other than to the Moon this week. This does not suggest that the week will be meh, as I’ve noticed in weeks with a similar lull before. In your own personal world, be aware that mental Mercury will turn retrograde on Thursday at 1:20PM ET. BACK UP YOUR COMPUTERS NOW.

Another shift this week is Venus, heading into Taurus on Friday at 8:36PM ET, just before the Third Quarter Moon. Venus in Taurus is a sensual placement, which may help you slow down and take time to smell the roses in May — so apt with so many planets retrograde.

Your Moon voids for the week: Tuesday 11:51AM ET until 7:54PM ET. I shudder to think of the potential twists and flakes that may lie in store for people trying to vote in tomorrow’s primaries, starting with Rhode Island, which is closing two-thirds of its polling places as a “cost-saving measure,” just as Arizona did in its primary fiasco. Let the righteous opinions of the Moon in Sag begin! That’s the only Moon void you’ll have to consider during business hours; the only other one is on Friday between 3:07AM and 4:47AM ET.

OMG…I just realized that yesterday marked the seventh anniversary of this forecast. Seven years — and no Pulitzer yet? I can’t even…

And now, the news.

Plenty to report in the aftermath of Friday’s emotionally intense Scorpio Moon, along with its surprisingly unconventional Venus conjunct Uranus attractions. You may recall Hillary Clinton’s Scorpio Sun (likely in her 12th House) was directly affected. Things the 12th House refers to include that which is behind the scenes, self-undoing, big giant institutions. Surprise, surprise — guess who thinks she might be a better president than the Republican challengers? None other than Charles Koch. Mrs. Clinton rejected the flirtatious endorsement via Twitter — but not for reasons some might prefer.  FYI, in the past, Mr. Koch has personally contributed to these political campaigns.

Another surprise in the NYT, in which former U.S. Senator Harris Wofford writes of his upcoming second marriage. He was with his wife for 48 years until she passed away in 1996. On April 30th, he will wed his partner of the past 15 years — a younger man he met on a beach at age 75.

Meanwhile, Beyonce surprised fans with the unexpected release of an album, “Lemonade,” right after the airing of her HBO special on Saturday. Not surprisingly, Beyonce is currently experiencing transiting Uranus opposing her natal Venus-Pluto conjunction in Libra. We’d expect an emancipated expression involving over-the-top emotion and partnership right about now. Isn’t astrology amazing?

What’s going on in your horoscope? I’d love to share insights with you in a personal consultation. Here’s the 411 — we will have an excellent discussion together.

Many clients have found me because a friend posted my forecast on Facebook or some other public forum. To those of you who have shared my musings, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you for reading this forecast.

Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 4/22/2016 & The Weekend: Full Moon; the Queen, the Prince & Other Regal Types

TGIF!

Moon entered Scorpio as of 8:17PM ET last night and may have already waxed to its fullness by the time you read this, assuming you’re reading this after 1:24AM ET.  A Scorpio Moon seeks to fulfill its need for emotional depth and substance — people-pleasing be damned. Scorpio represents resources and values that are ours-ours-ours,  as opposed to resources and values which are mine-mine-mine, symbolized by the Taurus Sun. Therein lies the potential for conflict, as Taurus and Scorpio are known to be a wee bit fixed in their respective positions.  Where do 3 degrees of Taurus and Scorpio fall in your horoscope? That’s where you may find a bit of illumination in matters of mine vs. ours.

The fallout of this Full Moon includes the exact meet-up between Venus and Uranus in me-me-me Aries at 5PM ET — noted earlier this week. Possible reflections include a demand for independence; an attraction to the unconventional; a leveling of the playing field in gender issues and feisty warrior women, among others. Watch the headlines.

In Hillary Clinton’s horoscope, this Full Moon falls exactly on her Scorpio Sun, so we might expect a bit of illumination on her essential being in the immediate future. That’s what I was thinking a few days ago when prepping to write this forecast. If we use the proposed yet unconfirmed 8:02AM ET birth time, we note that the Sun is the 12th house — of the unconscious, the self-undoing and institutions — ruling the 9th house — of publishing and international concerns, to name a few. How interesting to see an in-depth profile of Mrs. Clinton in the NYT Sunday magazine entitled, “How Hillary Clinton Became A Hawk.” Also interesting is the fact that the NYT did not publish this article until after the New York primary.

On Saturday, you can wish John Oliver a happy birthday. You’re free to shop until 5:46PM ET, when the Moon goes void until 8:46AM ET on Sunday. There are no exact aspects to any planet on Sunday, including the Moon, which will have moved on to Sagittarius with a sigh of relief. Take a gambol or gamble; express your righteous opinion; broaden your horizons; get out in nature or some other expansive space. No sleeping in on Monday; the next void won’t kick in until Tuesday.

So much news to cover. Queen Elizabeth celebrated her 90th birthday on Thursday. Transiting Uranus makes the first of three squares to her obviously Capricorn Ascendant on the 26th; the third happens in early 2017. That suggests a significant move or fresh start for Her Majesty. What will happen?

Prince passed away. His Gemini Sun was about to be opposed by Saturn, just before Saturn turned retrograde last month. We talked about Saturn-Sun transits in the last forecast. It’s fascinating that he passed away just before Venus met up with Uranus, as Prince has a Venus-Uranus square in his horoscope. He needs to be unconventional in his values and social expression, likely focused on material/sensual comforts, with Venus in Taurus. His Mars is at 0 Aries — running wild and ruling the 5th house of creative self-expression/sexuality. Was he hot or what? You bet — and he makes a powerful impact, too – with Pluto sitting atop his chart, opposed by a sensitive Moon in Pisces.

Meanwhile, Kelly Ripa is making disruptive waves at the office — as in not showing up for work this week. Does she want to keep her job? Her 19 degree Virgo Ascendant, along with her Mars and Mercury will be hit again by Jupiter (expansion) this summer. Well, that’s certainly an expansive hit to a feisty front — just ask Donald Trump. But Saturn will square that trio later in the year, while also opposing her 17 degree Gemini Midheaven.  An advance or a separation — and a need to focus on shoring up family and core foundation concerns.

I wish I had time to post links and more details, but I just can’t do it today. Today is Earth Day. Do something nice for the planet.  And if you’re really feel like making a dramatic Venus-Uranus change, a new environmental study suggests you consider this. It’s a mine-mine-mine vs. ours-ours-ours kinda thing. And Venus refers to food, doncha’ know…

Thank you for reading this forecast. Here is the 411 on consultations. We will have a fine discussion together.

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday & Thursday 4/20/2016: Venus in the Headlines

Alll-righty then!

Moon continues in Libra today, fully engaged and driving the day with a need for balance, fairness and social graces in relationship. Think “we” not “me”. The energy flows without blips until we get close to 6:52PM, 9:54PM and 2:13AM ET, which is when the Moon makes its weekly clash with Pluto and Uranus. In between there’s a face off against Venus in definitely me-me-me Aries, so already we can see the potential for a short-lived, yet jarring disruption, emotional catharsis or other power play at a theater near you.

Get it off your desk today if you can, as the Moon goes void on that 2:13AM ET clash with rebel Uranus, sending ripples throughout Thursday imbued with some brand of independent buzz. Go with the all-day flow; roll with any twists that may crop up in your efforts to move forward in a straight line. Watch the headlines for a much-ado-about-nothing “crisis” involving Moon in Libra themes. Note that emotions will be rising, as the Moon will be waxing and also plunging into the depths of Scorpio at 8:17PM ET. It will be exactly full on Friday at 1:24AM ET. Cue howling wolves now.

And now, the news.

As noted last week, Venus (women, social expression, arts, money) is pulling focus this week, squaring off with Pluto yesterday and meeting up with Uranus on Friday. This suggests stories of  ruthless (downside) or empowered/emancipated/unconventional overtones on those Venusian themes. Thus it occurred to me that these patterns strongly suggested a major smackdown on North Carolina’s recently-passed law making it illegal to use a bathroom whose posted M or W does not match the XY or XX chromosome you were born with. Because a state legislature needs to have priorities.  And because plumbing and unconventional gender identity are so very Venus-Pluto-Uranus.

But then I thought, “nah, they won’t repeal that law just yet, even though there have already been significant economic consequences, with more to come. “  Should have posted it anyway, because what DID  happen is that a federal judge in the 4th circuit court of appeals (of which North Carolina is a part) ordered a lower court to reconsider its decision to rule in favor of a Virginia school district. Said school district is being sued by a transgendered high school student who wishes to use the boys’ room.

In other related stories, an intriguing study asserts that there may be a connection between the timing of one’s first sexual experience and one’s DNA. Did you get that? The timing. You know where else you’ll find a strong suggestion of the timing of your first sexual experience — and other events in life development?  In your horoscope. I have a theory that the genetic markers scientists will eventually identify as suggestions of promiscuity — say — or alcoholism — or of a biting wit — will correlate to planetary patterns. Maybe everyone with a gene called CADM2, for example,  will also have particular Neptune or Uranus contacts in their horoscope.

To find out more on the timing of events in your own personal world, here’s the 411 on consultations.

More news. “How the world’s wealthy hide millions offshore — from their spouses.”  Or: “What we cherish in a spouse today is different than it was in 1939.”  The Washington Post is batting well today in its apt reflection of planetary patterns, don’t your think?  Here’s a piece about tech company Yahoo! likely soon to be disrupted, despite efforts of its female CEO Marissa Meyer to monetize the company to its investors’ satisfaction. Meanwhile, Senator Elizabeth Warren lit up social media sites with a scathing post rebutting a fundraising email in which Ted Cruz whined relentlessly about how the demands of running for president is cutting into precious family time (a must-read if you are not familiar with Cruz’s stand on family issues).

Oooh — this just in — in the category of empowerment, emancipation, women and money — how fitting that Harriet Tubman — who received the most votes in an online poll — will soon grace the front of the USD $20 bill — what perfect timing! Meanwhile, that British research boat I mentioned last month will not be named “Boaty McBoatface” even though that name did win the most votes. That’s your sobering reality check on democracy inaction. We can’t take it for granted.

Speaking of democracy, New Yorkers voted in  primaries yesterday — though not as many who could have voted did, for a number of troubling reasons including voter names mysteriously disappearing from “the system.” This happened to a friend of mine in my neighborhood and many others, too.

Hillary Clinton took Manhattan and its ‘burbs, along with Long Island, Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse. Bernie Sanders prevailed in the rest of the state, but it wasn’t enough. John Kasich also took Manhattan — by less than a 1000 votes out of only 20-something thousand cast. Trump got the rest of the apples in the pie. That being said, while some pundits are saying Kasich and Sanders should call it quits, the NYT (which endorsed Clinton and Kasich) thinks the underdogs should stay.

Astrologically, it will interesting to see how transiting Saturn square Sun will be reflected in Bernie’s quest when it is exact for the second time on April 25th. The first exact hit was on February 23rd; the third will be on November 12th, just after Election Day. Is that good or bad? Ask the Chinese farmer from Monday’s post! Saturn-Sun transits on the upside suggest discipline, focus and streamlining. On the downside they suggest potential fear of loss, isolation, overwork, being pushed to the limit — and sometimes, actual grief. It is not uncommon for a parent to pass away under a tough Saturn-Sun measurement in a child’s horoscope.

Are you a professional astrologer or a student of astrology who enjoys and learns from these forecasts? Are you sharing these posts with the entire free world? If so, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Donations to encourage my resolve to keep on writing are always accepted, with much gratitude — as well as some nifty Mercury Retrograde Survival Guide Bookmarks, if you send me your mailing address, along with your donation. Mercury will be retrograde on April 28th!

Back to Bernie. On the 25th, he’ll also have transiting Mars to the Midheaven, suggesting a need for action and recognition that may change his status. On June 18th, he’ll have the third transit of Jupiter to his Virgo Sun, suggesting expansion, for better for worse.  Regardless of whether we use the 8 AM or PM time for Hillary’s horoscope, we see significant action to the Midheaven (career; status) from Uranus and Pluto. In the AM, the Pluto one will be exact in September, but in effect for a few months before and after.  In the PM, it was exact in March. Noel Tyl interprets this measurement as, “recognition and the ultimate power position are probable; past mistakes can be opened to view and threaten ruin.” Also in the AM horoscope: a Jupiter transit suggesting success in relationship in early November.  Isn’t that fascinating?

One last 1000 words on Venus-Uranus in pioneering Aries, challenging Establishment Pluto in Capricorn,  reflecting the potential for empowered and emancipated women — on a day with Moon in equality-minded Libra:

susan b anthony headstone

Thank you for reading this forecast.

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 4/18/2016: Sneak Peek at the Week; A Guide to Mars & Pluto Retrograde

Ease on into the work week.

Monday is driven by a Virgo Moon, seeking to be efficiently correct in its quest for a more perfect union. It went void at 8:29AM ET, first making easy contacts to Mercury and Pluto. It’s a self-sufficient blend of mindset and transformation that may gently glide you through a day of  focus on routine analysis and organizational efforts.

Roll with the twists and delays that may crop up in your efforts to move forward in a straight line. Crises that arise during voids are often much ado about nothing. Real-life example: a friend had an interview scheduled today — the second with this particular company. I told him last week that it might be rescheduled.  It was. No worries.

At 10:38AM ET disciplined Saturn makes an easy connection with Venus (money, women, art, love, beauty), facilitating a flow in the management of  resources and relationships. After today, matters related to Venus are subject to the supercharged disruption and/or empowerment suggested by 1) a square to Pluto on Tuesday at 4:49PM ET; followed by 2) a meet-up with Uranus at 5PM ET on Friday, in the aftermath of Friday’s Full Moon in Scorpio. Here’s what hit the headlines under a similar pattern last year.

Also of note: tomorrow the Sun leaves firebrand Aries for earthy Taurus at 11:30AM ET. That may bring the volume down a notch or two over the next few weeks. Moon voids this week are today (Monday) until 7:24AM Tuesday; Thursday 2:13AM ET until 8:17PM ET; Saturday 5:46PM ET until 8:46AM ET on Sunday.

The biggest news in the cosmos is  — as noted last week — Mars turning retrograde yesterday — Sunday — and Pluto turning retrograde today at 3:23AM ET.  Is that good or bad? That’s the question I most often hear when reporting on a planetary pattern. Good or bad — as if it necessarily must be one or the other. Isn’t it interesting how programmed we are to think in terms of duality? Why is that (she typed, rhetorically)?

Sounds like the perfect time to repeat the tale of the Chinese farmer. There are plenty of versions online. The first one that came up on Google is this one from the website of Dr. Marlo, a psychologist in Arizona.

A farmer and his son had a beloved stallion who helped the family earn a living. One day, the horse ran away and their neighbors exclaimed, “Your horse ran away, what terrible luck!” The farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.”

A few days later, the horse returned home, leading a few wild mares back to the farm as well. The neighbors shouted out, “Your horse has returned, and brought several horses home with him. What great luck!” The farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.”

Later that week, the farmer’s son was trying to break one of the mares and she threw him to the ground, breaking his leg. The villagers cried, “Your son broke his leg, what terrible luck!” The farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.”

A few weeks later, soldiers from the national army marched through town, recruiting all the able-bodied boys for the army. They did not take the farmer’s son, still recovering from his injury. Friends shouted, “Your boy is spared, what tremendous luck!” To which the farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.”

Planetary patterns are neither good nor bad. When it comes to choosing how to use these (symbolic) patterns, some choices are better than others. It depends on what you are trying to achieve!

Getting back to Mars and Pluto, neither of which are marshmallows….

Mars refers to energy applied; Pluto refers to “news from underground,” among other keywords noted below. It wasn’t surprising to note a series of earthquakes in Japan and Ecuador occurring as both planets were turning retrograde.

Retrograde planets symbolize an opportunity for introspection and review. They may also suggest a need to connect with an inner authority, as opposed to an external outlet.  If Pluto refers to power, control, regeneration, transformation and healing, one suggestion might be to cease trying to control the world around you.  Instead use the next few months (until September 26th), to work on controlling (mastering) your own inner world.  After your awesome inner focus, perhaps the world around you will start to reflect your newly-masterful self.   You’ll feel the potential for a change of perspective more personally if you have a planet or angle around 14 to 18 degrees of Aries, Libra, Cancer — and especially Capricorn. Keep an eye on Governor Paul Le Page (R-ME), whose Sun is at 16 Libra.

Pluto is retrograde for months at a time, so unless its retrograde directly impacts your horoscope, you might not even notice it. Not so with Mars, which retrogrades “every two years or so,” according to an official NASA site, so it must be true.  That NASA site has a nifty animation explaining why planets seem to be moving backwards in the sky, btw.

As the planet of action, you might imagine that Mars moving backwards is not a comfortable orientation. Thus you may notice an uptick in the levels of irritation, impatience and frustration between now and June 30th, when Mars turns direct. Projects you thought were good to go since  February 17th, may hit an unexpected snag, as Mars backtracks over the ground it covered since then. Initially the issues involved may include free speech and other matters of opinion; collective belief systems (legal, religious), publishing, foreigners, sports and entertainment. Why? Because Mars is retrograding in Sagittarius. After May 28th, when Mars backs into Scorpio, we may note a shift to matters of sex, death and money. Whatever the hitch, bear in mind that there may be a second opportunity for a revision when Mars moves forward again, finally moving into new territory  when it hits 9 degrees of Sagittarius on August 23rd.

Depending upon where Mars is traveling through your horoscope, you may feel like a truck spinning its wheels in the mud. Frustration built up can lead to an urge to jump into reckless action. This is a potential pitfall of Mars retrograde. You are more personally affected if you have planets or angles at 8 degrees of Gemini, Virgo, Pisces and especially Sagittarius.  You are also personally affected if you have a planet or angle around 23 degrees of Taurus, Aquarius, Leo and especially Scorpio. That’s where Mars will be sitting for almost a month starting in mid-June.

Right now Bernie Sanders has Mars squaring his 8 degree Virgo Midheaven, Adding to other patterns noted in prior forecasts this month, you can see why his public status could be energized by an invitation to jet off to the Vatican to deliver a speech to  global economic forum, as befitting his position as a U.S. Senator representing the people of Vermont. Bernie’s Ascendant is 25 degrees Scorpio, so June and July are also hot for his horoscope. Equal time: Hillary will have transiting Mars hitting her Midheaven during the second week of May. If the 8:02AM birth time is correct, let the record show that her Ascendant is 22 Scorpio — to be almost exactly hit  by Mars in June/July, still creating tension. Her South Node is 24 Scorpio — that’s a definite hit. Hmm.

Back to what it means for you. An appropriate use of Mars retrograde would be as an opportunity to plan an effective review and strategy in the area of your horoscope impacted. Think of a coach calling a time out on the playing field. Everyone gets into a huddle — literally turning inward.  Are those players sitting around doing nothing? No!

That being said, conventional astrological wisdom suggests caution when contemplating launching certain initiatives during this time:

A marriage contract
A sexual relationship
Filing for divorce
Elective surgery
Taking title to property
Buying a car
Hiring a new employee (unless it’s a temp)
Quitting your job in a frustrated huff
Starting a lawsuit
Signing a contract
Starting a war

When in doubt, consult your local astrologer about your own personal horoscope, which has a lot of moving parts!!

In a natal chart, Mars retrograde suggests a need to go over and over an action plan before letting it fly. Since we’re on the subject, Bernie Sanders has Mars retrograde in pioneering Aries. My money says he’s got “strategy” covered, but perhaps Mars retrograde reflects why it took days longer than you might think it ought to finally let his tax return fly. Equal time: Hillary has Mars in Leo — not retrograde — and in a supercharged meet-up with Saturn and Pluto, squared to an idealistic meet-up of Mercury and Venus.  Mars in Leo needs to act with drama and regal entitlement. With Saturn and Pluto, it has discipline and persuasive force in spades, channeled into how she needs to think and what she values and her social expression. Those five planets in fixed signs — not to mention her Scorpio Sun — can be tenacious as heck.

While her Mars is not retrograde, Hillary’s Mercury is retrograde, suggesting a need to go over and over things in her head before she commits them to paper or the spoken word. Perhaps that’s why she finds it so difficult to answer a direct question, such as whether she personally supports a carbon tax, with a simple yes or no. Fun Fact: Bernie and Hillary both have only one planet retrograde: rebel Uranus, suggesting — as astrologer Bil Tierney writes on page 191 of Dynamics of Aspect Analysis:

These individuals…often feel polarized or alienated by the social standards they nevertheless are expected to submit to.  Their desire is to know internal freedom before advancing social freedom. The inner path to liberation they tend to follow may seem counter-productive to what society wants or demands from such a generation.

Like Pluto, Uranus is retrograde for more than a few months at a time. Lots of people have it — perhaps even you.

Finally, my favorite “news from underground” story of the past few days: “Barn conversion unearths palatial Roman villa.”

Thank you for reading this forecast.

 

 

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Thursday 4/14/2016 & a Few More Days: Earth Grand Trine; Mars and Pluto RX Alert

Moon enters Leo at 9:53AM ET, ending the void it’s been in since 11:59PM ET last night. A Moon void suggests a higher probability of twists and delays in efforts to move forward in a straight line, which can be your excuse for any flakiness you experienced this morning. Pour hot water over coffee beans you forgot to grind? Been there; done that. Focus on routine concerns; chill if you can; don’t make a mountain over a molehill of crisis.

In Leo, the Moon facilitates a sense of play, creativity and self-expression. Let the drama queens reign, for better or for worse. Throw a party. Help others shine. A Leo Moon without love is a sad thing indeed. Be generous with compliments today and tomorrow; they will come back to you.

The only exact aspect today is an easy flow between Mercury in Taurus (thinking about material security) and Jupiter (expansion) in Virgo. These two are closely aligned in another easy flow with Pluto (power and resources) in Capricorn (the Establishment). All together, they make a loose Grand Trine in the Earth element. This suggests a potential for abundance — or at least the projection of material self-sufficiency. Interesting to note that the markets hit a high for the year yesterday — the second day of a rally. This is not at all unexpected.

Moon continues in Leo through Friday and into Saturday. It goes void at 1:48PM ET, entering Virgo to put things back in order at 7:23PM ET.  On Sunday, Mercury aligns exactly with Pluto, suggesting more of what we’re already seeing this week in terms of news from underground coming to light, likely involving power and resources. Such as? Such as this release of still more documents suggesting that Exxon knew — way back in the 60s — about the damage fossil fuels could do to the environment. Exxon denies these allegations.  Meanwhile, Oxfam released a report on the top 50 US corporations, alleging they have $1.4 trillion stashed in offshore accounts. Did you know that $1.4 trillion is more than the combined economic output of Spain, Russia and South Korea? Me neither.

More important: Mars turns retrograde at 8:14AM ET on Sunday. Pluto turns retrograde hours later at 3:23AM ET on Sunday. Mars and Pluto slowing down now suggest that matters involving boundary-pushing action/aggression and power plays are likely to pull greater focus in the headlines over the next several days.  They’ll pull greater focus in your own personal world wherever these planets fall in your horoscope. Consult your local astrologer for details.

The Virgo Moon will be void as of 8:29AM ET on Monday. It won’t get into gear until 7:24AM ET on Tuesday. So that gives us a whole day to adjust to the change of direction for Mars and Pluto. Note that on Tuesday, Venus (social expression, money, women, aesthetics) in me-me-me Aries clashes with Pluto at 4:49PM ET. On Thursday, we’ll have a Full Moon in Scorpio, accompanied by a Venus meet-up with rebel Uranus. We’re set up for a particularly dynamic week of action. Will have more to say on the retrogrades in the next forecast.

And now, more news.

The Sun refers to the heart. Uranus making contact with the Sun, as it did last Sunday, suggests a disruption involving the heart. How fascinating to read that a drug which forcibly lowers “bad” cholesterol and raises “good” cholesterol had absolutely no apparent effect on preventing heart attacks and strokes. This was a shocker. Meanwhile, headlines were abuzz yesterday over a revelation in another study done 45 years ago, but never published. Thousands of people were put on a no animal-fat diet. Instead, their diets included vegetable oil, specifically corn oil.  Not surprisingly, their cholesterol levels went down. Surprisingly, they saw an increase in the rate of heart disease. Here, the NYT weighs in.

Elsewhere in matters of energy and resources: the Senate seems poised to pass the first comprehensive energy bill since the Bush Administration. Let the record show that the bill is sponsored by two female senators reflecting yesterday’s Venus in Aries (pioneering women) trine Mars, perhaps. Yesterday a bill sponsored by another pioneering woman — Senator Elizabeth Warren — proposes simplifying tax filing for millions who do not itemize their taxes by putting the onus on the IRS to determine what is owed. If you’re wondering what impact energy and resources have on your life expectancy, this study concludes it depends on where you live — at least in the U.S. Check out your state here.

Here’s an uplifting Venus in Aries trine Mars in Sagittarius (schooling) headline: “Female Chief in Malawi Breaks Up 850 Child Marriages; Sends Girls Back to School”

Finally, Neptune — which dissolves whatever it touches — is currently challenging Mars (the head) in Sagittarius (pushes boundaries), as both are simultaneously challenged by Jupiter (expansion) in Virgo (detail). There have been a number of interesting stories about drugs hitting the headlines this week — but consider this one about what the brain looks like under the influence of LSD.  Boundaries dissolved, indeed!

Astro-logical Forecast for Tuesday 4/12/2016: Venus Trine Mars; Paul Ryan; Mitt Romney

Moon in Cancer as of 4:07AM suggests an engaged focus on home, family and nurturing concerns. Here’s a reprint from yesterday of planetary happenings today.

At 5:40AM ET mental Mercury makes an easy connection to Neptune, suggesting the potential for inspired and/or rose-colored thinking. At 3:17PM ET, Venus (women, social expression) makes a harmonious connection to Mars. With Venus in Aries and Mars in Sagittarius, fiery impulses that push boundaries with great fervor are favored. If there’s a potential downside, it would be the integrity of the pixie-dust involved, suggested by Mars is in a challenging aspect with Neptune all month long. Is that passion sublime or scandalous?

The Moon sails smoothly through most of the day, squaring off with Venus at 7:50PM ET, when someone’s me-me-me indulgence may clash with the otherwise caring vibe.  Sweet dreams may be yours at 11:28PM ET, when Moon aligns easily with Neptune.

And now, the news.

In light of planetary patterns noted in the reprint above, Sunday seemed like a fitting launch for a new series from Steve Soderbergh called “The Girlfriend Experience.” From a review in The Guardian:

There’s an illicit setting, in this case high-class escorting. There’s nudity (entirely female of course, at least in the premiere). And there’s an aggressively dislikeable antihero in law student Christine Reade, played with disengaged froideur by Riley Keough.

Society can be so hard on a woman (Venus) who dares to be so aggressively me-me-me (Aries) in matters of love and/or social expression (Venus).

Add to this Saturn’s current journey through Sagittarius, suggesting structure, controls and gravitas (Saturn) in matters of opinion and media (Sagittarius), and you might find a first-ever analysis concluding in great detail (Jupiter in Virgo) that the majority of abusive reader commentary is lobbed at writers who are women.

Meanwhile, Venus in Aries can be such a tease. Yesterday, the ex-lawyer of a D.C. Madam once again flirted with the notion that his client’s files contained names that could impact this year’s election. No doubt.

I’ve been meaning to update House Speaker Paul Ryan’s horoscope for weeks. There he was on the home page of the NYT again, among whispers (which he denies) of him becoming the Republican Party’s surprise nominee at the Republican convention in July. Others have whispered how he might orchestrate a sudden change of rules that would enable someone like Mitt Romney to become the party’s nominee in a “contested” convention.

The question is, how hot is Ryan’s horoscope? And Romney’s?

In July, Speaker Ryan will have the first of three oppositions from transiting Uranus to his Libra Moon, electrifying his people-pleasing abilities in matters of communication and shared values. Jupiter will hit the top of his horoscope for its final pass (the first one coincided with him becoming Speaker); Mars will be triggering his need to be a visionary — however impractical others may claim his vision to be. There’s a lot of that going around now and into the summer, with the U.S. having a major bewildering Neptune identity crisis, etc.

In Romney’s horoscope, we see Uranus, the ruler of his Midheaven (career/status), getting its own hit of Neptune pixie dust, along with the same stunningly assertive thrust we saw in March. Mr. Romney will also have an expansive (Jupiter) boost to Uranus — often suggesting a windfall opportunity — as well as a boost to his Pisces Sun. It’s hard to imagine either Romney or Ryan sitting quietly in the bleachers this summer. Pass the popcorn.

To find out what’s going on in your horoscope, here’s the 411 on personal consultations.  A big THANK YOU to the few Avid Readers who tossed a token of appreciation into the Karmic Tip Jar yesterday. What a lovely surprise!

Thank you for reading this forecast.

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 4/11/2016: What’s the Buzz; Sneak Peek at the Week

Good Morning!

The start of the work week is brought to you by the Moon in chatty Gemini, seeking to be the smartest kid in the room. Just ask Barack Obama, who was born with the Moon in Gemini. At 4:36AM ET, a need to know may have been smacked down by a higher authority in the form of a face-off with Saturn. Good thing most of us were sleeping, eh?  Check the headlines for a potential early morning wet blanket in the headlines, and enjoy your caffeinated buzz.

This day offers much promise for gadding about in balanced, innovative and visionary ways. Moon makes an easy contact with Uranus at 11:58AM ET, followed by another easy contact with the proactive Aries Sun. Pick up the phone; send that email; make that pitch…at least until 2:57PM ET, when the Moon goes void until 4:07AM ET on TUESDAY.  Then, wait and see what “much ado about nothing” story will seize the media’s attention until the Moon gets back into gear.

Moon will be in Cancer on Tuesday,  happily focusing our needs on home and emotional security. At 5:40AM ET mental Mercury makes an easy connection to Neptune, suggesting the potential for inspired and/or rose-colored thinking. At 3:17PM ET, Venus (women, social expression) makes a harmonious connection to Mars. With Venus in Aries and Mars in Sagittarius, fiery impulses that push boundaries with great fervor are favored. If there’s a potential downside, it would be the integrity of the pixie-dust involved, suggested by Mars is in a challenging aspect with Neptune all month long. Is that passion sublime or scandalous?

On Wednesday we’ll have the First Quarter Moon, presenting a potential challenge or advance to last week’s New Moon agenda. We’ll also have the Moon’s weekly clash with Uranus and Pluto — this time between 10:57AM ET and 4:45PM ET. This sets the stage for potential power plays, revelations and other upsets to the status quo. Moon goes void on Wednesday at 11:59PM ET, roaring into love love love Leo at 9:53AM ET on Thursday.

Thursday’s only exact aspect is an easy flow between Mercury and Jupiter, facilitating big ideas about  earthly matters in great detail.  The party-hearty Leo Moon will be void on Saturday between 1:48PM ET and 7:23PM ET — so avoid the malls and making a mountain of ego drama out of a molehill. The big news of the week happens at 8:14AM ET on Sunday, when Mars goes retrograde at 8 degrees of Sagittarius, backing up into Scorpio until June 30th. Pluto turns retrograde in the wee hours the very next day.  Stay tuned for details as we get closer to the weekend.

The news will be back tomorrow. If you’d like to have an informative discussion about what’s going on in your horoscope, today would be an awesome day to contact me to schedule an appointment. Moon is in Gemini, after all — and today it makes a harmonious connection with Uranus, ruler of astrology. How cool is that? Timing is everything.

Thank you for reading this forecast.

 

 

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Thursday-Sunday 4/7-10/2016: New Moon in Aries; More Rolling Heads and Warrior Women

Feeling especially charged this morning? Fizzle out as the day progressed?

Between 4:33AM ET and 10:56AM ET, the me-me-me Aries Moon made contact with Saturn, Pluto and Uranus, before going void for the rest of the day on that Me-Without-Compromise Moon-Uranus meet-up. At 7:24AM ET, the new lunar cycle officially began, as the Moon met up with the Aries Sun. Light a candle; make a list and take time to re-set your intentions for the next thirty days.

A New Moon in Aries suggests a need — or an opportunity — to be a courageous, inspiring pioneer and/or warrior, preferably on the side of the angels. At its best, Aries is a champion for the weak and vulnerable. It inspires people to take initiatives and defy the odds…yes, sometimes foolishly, but hey — if Plan A blows up, there’s always a Plan B, a Plan C and D. A true Aries never never never gives up. There is always a tomorrow.

At its worst, well…let’s just say Aries can be utterly self-absorbed and go to disturbing extremes in order to get there FIRST. Wherever, whatever…so long as something gets started. Astrologer Rick Levine — who celebrated his Aries birthday yesterday — aptly describes the Aries strategy for success as “Ready? Fire. Aim!” I like to say that Aries falls down stairs because it is faster than walking. You got a problem with that?

New Moon seeds planted now may be imbued with a strong need for freedom and empowerment, suggested by Moon’s contact with Pluto and Uranus.  They also hold an easy structuring flow, courtesy of the Moon’s early AM contact with Saturn. Also in an easy flow: prominent crusading values and righteous opinion, suggested by Mars in Sagittarius trine to Venus at 2 Aries, at the Aries Point. Want some pixie dust with that? Mars and Neptune have been in a tense pattern for weeks, and the tension continues through May, returning for a last huzzah at the end of August. Your dusted pixies may be fanatical, magical, scandalous, seductive or drunk on their own delusions. It’s we who choose how we will manifest the potential suggested by planetary guideposts. Upside or downside — we decide.

Many astrologers have noted that this New Moon makes contact with Eris, known in mythology as the Goddess of Discord. File this under “increased potential for righteous outrage from those who perceive they haven’t been offered a seat at the table.” Also file it under “bullheaded/intractable  thoughts and communication, potentially running wild,” suggested by Mercury unaspected in Taurus.

In the New Moon chart for Washington DC, we see this Mercury exactly on a 2 degree Taurus Ascendant, with the Sun and Moon exactly squaring an 18 Capricorn Midheaven, atop which sits Pluto at 17 Cap.  There are four planets, plus Chiron, Eris and the South Node in the 12th house. This house traditionally refers to covert concerns, secret enemies, institutions, the self-undoing and issues we bury in the subconscious. Sounds like a lot of behind-the-scenes, backroom power plays which — with that Mercury on the ASC, we should hear about in plodding detail or pixie-dusted spin. Also hidden away in the chart for Washington: Mars and Saturn in the 8th House. Intriguing.

You’re more personally affected by this New Moon if you have a planet or important point at 19 degrees of Cancer, Libra, Capricorn, and especially Aries. Bernie Sanders has Moon at 20 Aries, Mars at 24 Aries and Venus at 23 Libra. The entity that continues to wreak havoc in the Middle East and elsewhere has Sun at 20 Aries, Venus and Eris at 23 Aries and Mars at 22 Aries.  Justin Trudeau has Moon at 18 Aries. Pope Francis has Mars at 20 Libra — and he’ll be making headlines on Friday.

The Sabian Symbol for 19 Aries is “a magic carpet.” Ooh — more pixie dust!  A magic carpet is empowered by something outside conventional norms, transcending the Earth, rising above it. What an interesting perspective you can get by introducing a little levity into your life. Or alternatively, as Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee writes:

Suspending natural laws implies effecting the extraordinary or not appreciating the gravity of the situation….

(cue “Shock Horror Riff” now, please)

Bovee’s  take on this Symbol seem to echo the overall patterns of this New Moon with its breakout, magical or delusional potential. In applying this Symbol in our daily lives, Bovee adds:

Think of magic as the wisdom to know when to stand above the fray; to transcend situations that could lead to bereavement; to ascertain the right moment to touch down.

How interesting that the Sabian Symbol for last month’s New Moon suggested the potential for being swept away by the madding crowd.

On Friday, the Taurus Moon seeks to build and maintain comfort and security — perhaps in ways that are fiercely unique, given Saturday’s meet-up between the Sun and rebel Uranus. The Taurus Moon will be void all day Saturday. Chill and avoid the malls.

Moon buzzes into Gemini at 1:59AM ET on Sunday, clashes with Mars at 4:06PM ET and squares off with nebulous Neptune at 7:59PM ET. Double check your communication channels to make sure what you heard is what was said.

No sleeping in on Monday, as the Moon will not be void in the morning.

And now, the news.

The disruptive Sun-Uranus-Pluto action this week continues to be reflected in rolling heads (the Sun) of state and other bright stars. In the wake of the Panama Papers massive leak, Argentina’s leader now faces an investigation. British PM David Cameron appears to be coming clean. In China, no heads are rolling, but websites posting the leak have been censored. Because if you censor it, that means it didn’t happen.

In Alabama, articles of impeachment were filed against Governor Robert Bentley (R-AL), who is currently mired in a sex scandal amid other questionable actions.  In other news, Thomas O. Staggs, thought to be the likely successor to Disney CEO Robert Iger, was suddenly let go.

Meanwhile, Don Blankenship, the former CEO of Massey Energy, received the maximum sentence — one year — for conspiring to ignore federal mining safety regulations. This is considered extraordinary, the first time such a high-ranking executive has been found guilty of a workplace safety violation.  You may recall that six years ago, 29 miners were killed in an explosion in one of Massey’s mines.

Venus entering Aries on Tuesday suggested prominent stories of fiery, independent and/or warrior women. I’d heard of Burning Man, but not the Dinah, where this year 20,000 lesbians gathered for a five-day festival in Palm Springs. The fest has been happening since 1991. Meanwhile, the NYT just posted a depressing piece about how Boko Haram is training abducted women to become suicide bombers. Feels like there are shades of Eris, Goddess of Discord in that one.

Discordant women in Indiana are attracting attention nationwide today, as a campaign called Periods for Pence made the home page of the NYT. In response to Governor Mike Pence signing a bill requiring, for instance, that a miscarried or aborted fetus must be now buried or cremated at the woman’s expense, Hoosiers with hoo-has have been peppering the governor’s office with status reports and questions about gynecological concerns. A suit challenging the constitutionality of the law has just been filed.

Meanwhile, in Australia, prominent Venusian themes of sugar, women, money and social graces made headlines in this story about a Gender Gap Bake Sale intended to expose wage disparity, yet exposed something even uglier. Also ugly: a very lengthy expose on sugar itself, arguing that it is poison. What’s interesting about that story — which I’ve heard before — it that it builds on research that was published in the aftermath of the Uranus-Pluto conjunctions of  1965-1966. The research was not well-received, and now another scientist is having a go with research of his own.

That’s it for the news! Have a wonderful Moon in Taurus weekend, indulging in good food, drink and a snuggle with your sweetie. To facilitate your efforts to build material security, here’s how you can stash away some tax-free funds right here in the good ol’ USA. No need to call anyone in Panama.

Thank you for reading this forecast. Here’s how to schedule a personal consultation. We will have a fabulous discussion together!