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New Moon in Capricorn 12/29/2016; the Surreal and Sublime Mars-Neptune Meet-Up

Light a candle; make a list; say a prayer. The New Moon in Capricorn begins at 1:53 AM ET.

A New Moon offers us an opportunity to re-set  intentions and goals for the next lunar cycle.  Around January 5th, 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 January 12th, 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 the 19th, we can review our achievements, tie up loose ends and get ready to begin another New Moon on January 27th.

Capricorn is an earthy, enterprising, social-climbing energy which means business like no other sign in the zodiac. Capricorn knows how to use resources (including people) to get what it needs, which is to make things happen and move things forward. This New Moon chart has two other planets in Capricorn: retrograde Mercury, recently fried-by-the-Sun and perhaps struggling to express an acutely-felt idealism of things and people passed. The other planet is Pluto, marching relentlessly through the back half in its quest to die with the most power, resources and other toys.

A curious harmony between Jupiter and Saturn suggests cooperation in matters of business, publishing, law and other collective belief systems.  I say “curious” because the harmony between them will not be exact until August. The two move away from each other  (in early February) — like two ships passing in the night? Who is flirting with whom?

Meanwhile, Mars and Neptune are coming together in Pisces (exact on Jan 1st). Mars is action; Neptune is vision and their meeting suggests — for better or for worse —  pixie-dust, scams, scandal, chemical warfare, sex appeal, faith-based actions and spiritual warriors.

With rebel Uranus turning direct just a few hours later than today’s New Moon, more shake-ups and/or flashes of insight may be store. In your own personal world, Uranus turning direct suggests that genius insights and notions of freedom can now be applied outward. Surely you’ve been feeling an intense buzz about making a break, especially if you have a planet or angle around 20-24 degrees — two thirds of the way through —  Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, yes?

Last but not least, this New Moon features Venus in Aquarius, doing its best to stay friends.

The Sabian Symbol for the New Moon seems joyful:  “birds in the house singing happily.” Although Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee notes that birds are normally flying freely in the wild, not “cheerfully domesticated.” He also notes that birds “primp and preen,” actions often associated with “to pride or congratulate oneself.” We are advised to be aware of “boastful displays, domesticated sensibilities; doing the best with what one has, within realistic limits; adapting to social realities.” In the U.S., Inauguration Day happens during this lunar cycle. How interesting.

You are likely feeling the spiritual awareness of  this New Moon more personally if you were born around the 28th of March, June, September or December…or if you have an angle or planet around 7 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn.  This includes Capricorns Denzel Washington, Tiger Woods and Jon Voight.

On Thursday (today) at 7:11PM ET, Moon makes its weekly clash with Pluto, followed by another hard contact with rebel Uranus at 2:19AM ET on FRIDAY. That’s a window for potential power plays, upsets and emotional catharses.

The Moon will be void between 3:07AM ET and 8:29PM ET on FRIDAY. After the Moon enters Aquarius on Friday night, there will be no exact aspects among the planets until that potentially wiggy Mars-Neptune meet-up at 1:53AM ET on New Year’s.  Stick to routine and chill. A spiritual retreat — with retrograde Mercury — could be a fine way to ring in 2017. Other celebrations will be more dazzling…and preferably colored rose.

Ready to plan your strategy for 2017? Here’s the 411 on personal consultations. We will have an excellent discussion together.

And now, the news.

I told you there would be more shocks this week.

Volcanoes in Peru.

Carrie Fisher. I can’t even. May the force be with her.

Sun in Libra; Moon in Taurus; Capricorn Ascendant. The latter explains the cheekbones, the self-deprecating wit and the fact that of course she would ditch the “princess” title and become General  Leia. I’ve been meaning to get to her horoscope, ever since her latest book, The Princess Diarist, was published.

Debbie Reynolds. Carrie Fisher’s mother, in case you did not know.

Sun in Aries; Moon in Aquarius; Libra Ascendant. The former explains this movie’s tagline and the word “unsinkable.” The latter explains why of course she would be seen as “America’s (people-pleasing) Sweetheart.”

RIP and stop it already, 2016.

No other words.

Thank you for reading this forecast.

Tuesday 12/27/2016: Sneak Peek at the Week

Moon continues in Sagittarius, pushing boundaries and spouting opinions, whether you asked for them or not. It goes void at 8:45PM ET, not to enter Capricorn until 10:12AM ET on WEDNESDAY. Chill during the void and resist the urge to make a mountain of crisis out of a molehill. With the added snafu potential of Mercury  still retrograde, chances are you may have misunderstood whatever was said. Err on the side of caution  and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.

The Moon will be void again on FRIDAY between 3:07AM and 8:29PM ET – another day to chill and take care of routine concerns.

We are in the dark side of the Moon — the end of the lunar cycle.  It’s a good time to wrap up projects started a few weeks ago, if you haven’t wrapped them all up already before adjourning for the end-of-the-year holiday break.  Cooperative connections between the Sun (life force; ego expression) and Mercury (mindset; communication) and Mars (action) and Neptune (vision; inspiration) offer plenty of productive potential for Mercury “RE” projects: REpair, REvise, REsearch, REconnect, REorganize, etc.

The New Moon begins at 1:53AM ET on THURSDAY at 7 degrees of Capricorn. Its enterprising drive may be accompanied by quite a jolt, vision or scandal. Why? First, Uranus turns direct on Thursday at 4:29AM ET. Uranus refers to revolutions, seismic events, rebellion, innovation, genetic mutation, accidents, aviation, space travel, technology, astrology, uranium, rocket scientists, mad scientists, lightning and genius, to name a few. So we may see movement in the headlines on these areas  — and in fact, we already have.  On the 25th, a 7.6 quake in Chile made news.

Also on the 25th: a Russian military aircraft whose passengers included 64 members of “the famed Alexandrov military music ensemble”disappeared off the radar two minutes after take-off at 5:25AM in Sochi and apparently crashed in the Black Sea. Hmm…military and music…symbolized by Mars and Neptune, respectively. These two planets will be at an exact meet-up in Pisces on January 1st. Currently they are separated by the South Node, which can suggest destruction. I had to look up the chart for the plane’s departure — wasn’t surprised to see this trio right at the bottom. No astrologer would choose this time for a successful launch.

And now, more news.

UPDATE: on Queen Elizabeth. Back in April and June we noted the potential for a break-up or fresh start for Her Majesty in 2016 until February of 2017, as transiting Uranus shakes up her enterprising Capricorn Ascendant. The Brexit break-up would reflect this potential — and how intriguing it is to read a BBC reporter’s claim that a source told her that the Queen supported it. Of course, with Mercury retrograde (and other planetary patterns currently in effect), one is wise to be a bit skeptical of what makes headlines.

In other news, Merriam-Webster declared “surreal” to be the defining word for 2016. How very Saturn (reality) square Neptune (meltdown of whatever it touches), which was 2016’s defining planetary pattern.   Dictionary.com voted for “xenophobia” — another astrologically apt reflection. Fear (Saturn) of foreigners (Sagittarius), amplified irrationally by the Neptune in Pisces challenge. Astrology is amazing. I predict the words for 2017 will reflect the spectacular windfall potential of Jupiter square Uranus, mixed with Saturn  trine Uranus. Have to think about what those words might be. Any ideas?

I’ve been meaning to look at Dan Rather’s horoscope for a few months, given the buzz his beautifully written posts have generated on Facebook. The legendary journalist celebrated his 85th birthday on October 31st. He’s a Scorpio with Moon in Cancer; Taurus rising. So he needs to use his depth and substance in ways that establish emotional and home(land) security, and be seen as a steady rock of material comfort. He was born in 1931 — during revolutionary Uranus in Aries square Pluto in Cancer. This year, transiting Pluto and Uranus made contact with his natal Uranus and Pluto, suggesting opportunity for a radical breakout and/or transformation in his professional status and his connection with the public (or a significant other). And behold, he has become a comforting Facebook sensation. Coincidence or conspiracy?

UPDATE: as of Jan 4, 2017, Mr. Rather now has a million followers on Facebook. Huzzah!!

RIP, George Michael. Your untimely passing at the tender age of 53 has dominated headlines all week, sadly reflecting planetary patterns suggesting upsets, music and other intangibles….

Got a burning question about your potential in 2017? I’m all ears! Here’s how to order a report or schedule a personal consultation.

Thank you for reading this forecast.

Saturday 12/24-25/2016: The Astrology of 2017, Part 1; Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto in the Spotlight

Merry Happy Happy Merry…I don’t know where the week went, either.

Since 9:43AM ET on Friday (yesterday), the energy of the day has been driven by the Moon in Scorpio, seeking depth, control and substance.  It goes void at 2:22AM ET on SUNDAY (Christmas Day/Hannukah)…and will remain drifting/wandering until 10:19PM ET. That explains any twists and flakes that may disrupt your efforts to reach Grandmother’s house for your holiday dinner (and do keep in mind that Mercury is still retrograde, also interfering with focus, communication and travel plans).

We haven’t had any exact aspects among the planets — except to the Moon — since December 12th. That changes today, starting with a rare harmony between Saturn and Uranus, exact at 7:17PM ET. This is the first of three exact trines (that’s the technical term for the “rare harmony”) that will happen between now and through 2017.  This easy flow between Saturn and Uranus is one of the dominant patterns of the new year. And may I just say that it is astonishing to note that as 2017 approaches, Spellcheck still underlines “trines” in red because it does not believe it is a word.

Pattern #1: Saturn trine Uranus.

Keywords for Saturn include the old guard, patriarchy, authority, ambition, gravitas, structure, fear, control, limits, brick walls, time and borders. Saturn is in Sagittarius for most of 2017, as it was in 2016. Thus, we expect to see structuring efforts in Sagittarius concerns which include: publishing, foreigners, collective beliefs (legal, higher education and religious), opinions, broad comedy and the need to push boundaries. Possible manifestations include efforts to control the media, collective thoughts, personal opinions and borders. This includes access and censorship.

Keywords for Uranus include disruption, the avant garde, innovation, seismic events, aviation, genetic mutation, shocks, technology, eccentricity, freedom, astrology, fringes, chaos and rebellion. Uranus is in Aries through 2017 and has been there since March 2011, the day of the earthquake in Fukushima. So we the continued potential for innovation and disruption in Aries concerns such as self-reliance (think: gig economy); war (think: drones); automobiles (think: self-driving, Uber et.al); head injuries (think: concussions; amazing tech cures).  Got that?

With Saturn and Uranus symbolically in harmony, we see the potential for cooperation between the old guard and the avant garde; innovation and structure – for better or for worse. What could that suggest? Here’s a recent example, perhaps: the Electoral College — an old-guard institution — votes for the Uranian Trump. Here’s a hypothetical scenario for 2017:  old guard Republican senators like John McCain, Lindsey Graham and Susan Collins break ranks to support a bill introduced by the opposing party to…errm…uhhhh…I have no idea. Russia something? Rosh Hashanah?But somehow they are able to reach across the aisle in a curious coalition.

Another scenario: lawmakers approve tons of legislation to use technology (Uranus) to control, limit or structure (Saturn) access and expression of opinion (Sagittarius) by individuals (Aries). So much for that “controversial” visitor registry President Obama ordered to be dismantled? Perhaps. Another scenario: the Powers That Be (Saturn) are united in their efforts to shake up the system (Uranus). Organized chaos? We shall see.

You are more personally affected by the potential to structure your ambition with surprising innovation if you have a planet or angle around 19-27 degrees of just about any sign, and especially 27 Leo. The exact dates of this trine are Dec 24, 2016; May 19 2017 and Nov 11, 2017.

Pattern #2: Jupiter opposing Uranus and…

Pattern #3: Jupiter square Pluto

We experienced the expansive influence of Jupiter with Uranus and Pluto in 2013 and 2014, when Jupiter in Cancer opposed Pluto and squared Uranus. More recently, Jupiter squared Pluto on November 24th — Thanksgiving Day. The next two hits are on March 30th and August 4th, 2017.

The first exact Jupiter – Uranus opposition happens at 1:32PM ET on December 26th. The next two hits are March 2, 2017 and September 28, 2017.

Jupiter keywords include: collective belief systems, such as higher education, religion, political philosophies and the media; optimism, benevolence, inflation, bombast. Whereas Saturn restricts, Jupiter expands, for better or for worse.  How will it apply its expansive efforts in 2017? Through the sign of Libra. Keywords for Libra include: fairness, balance, relationship, compromise, rational discourse, people-pleasing, diplomacy and the rule of law. Got a conflict? What a horrible concept for a Libra. Conflict? Eek! How can we avoid it?  Can we talk about it? Rationally? Weighing the pros and cons? In court or with some other mediator?

Pluto keywords include: perspective, news from underground, plutocrats, power, seismic activity (volcanoes), breakdown, elimination, transformation, corruption, obsession, regeneration and catharsis. Oh — and radiation — especially when coupled with Uranus, as in uranium and plutonium and nuclear power and arms. Is it any surprise that the Twitterer-in-Chief rattled nerves a few days ago by suggesting the U.S. expand its arsenal of nuclear weapons?

Jupiter opposing Uranus suggests sudden changes of fortune, luck in speculative gambles, breakthroughs and breakouts. It suggests inflation and exaggeration of Uranus in Aries concerns.

Jupiter square Pluto refers to expansion of power and resources, along with exaggeration and inflation of Plutonian themes.  With Pluto in Capricorn, we see the potential of expansion in Capricorn concerns: the Establishment, corporations, government institutions, status, infrastructure.

With Jupiter is in Libra, we see the potential for efforts to expand power and resources to be met with howls of “That’s not fair!” followed by “See you in court!” Or we might see a lot of, “Gee…I can’t make up my mind. I’ll just go along with whatever so-and-so says.” Judgments issued in 2017 when Jupiter is in touch with Uranus and/or Pluto may be shocking, tipping the balance of power.

Meanwhile…over the next two days…

Along with major contacts among Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus, the next two days offer input from other planets that are potentially sweet. On SUNDAY, Venus in “can’t we all be friends” Aquarius harmonizes with Jupiter, Uranus and Saturn at 8:23 AM, 11:35AM and 1:33PM ET respectively. Count your blessings in the Moon void; revel in tidings of comfort and joy; chill and enjoy the day. A dreamy alignment between Mercury (mindset) and Neptune — exact at 11:19PM ET on MONDAY may infuse the next two days with a rosy glow.

This friendly planetary vibe reminded me of two old Looney Tunes cartoon characters: Ralph the Wolf and Sam the Sheepdog. When they’re on the clock, Sam defends his flock against Ralph’s deadly schemes. It’s a cartoon, so naturally Ralph never succeeds. When the two adversaries punch the clock at the end of the business day, they’re the best of buddies. Funny how that is — and here’s a clip so you can see for yourself.

Rumor has it that at the end of our shift on Planet Earth we will all see ourselves in each other  — recognizing that every one of us comes from the same source:  love. Rumor has it. And I’m an idealist at heart.

Thank you for reading this forecast. Thank you to Avid Readers who have shared and supported my work for nearly eight (!) years. I could not do this without you. Thank you especially to Avid Readers who are also clients. I am deeply appreciative of your trust and faith in astrology. Thank you for allowing me to be of service.

The 411 on consultations and reports is here. The link to the Cosmic Tip Jar is here. PayPal says the link has been made 100% hassle-free, as of last week. Time will tell if PayPal is right.

To be continued…

Late Weekend 12/17-18 Post: Mercury Retrograde Alert; Mars in Pisces; Going to Carolina in My Mind

Party on, dudes!

Since 8:15AM ET on Friday, the Moon has been in rip-roarin’ regal Leo, cruising without interference to fulfill its need for love-love-love me do. How can you shine — and help others shine, too? Buy them a warm and fuzzy gift. Pay them a compliment. Get together and play. On the downside, watch out for other kinds of plays made by would-be drama kings and queens.

There’s no Moon void to deter your shopping this weekend, save for one hour between 11:55AM ET and 12:53 PM ET on SUNDAY. After that hour of potential cranky twists and flakes (the void begins on a combative face-off between Mars and the Moon), Moon enters Virgo, getting everything organized and sorted for the last week before the holy-days. And perhaps putting back in order whatever feathers were ruffled over Sunday brunch ET.

BACK UP YOUR COMPUTERS. Did I mention BACK UP YOUR COMPUTERS?  Mental Mercury is slowing to a dead stop, turning retrograde at 5:55AM ET on MONDAY. There is no need to panic or grouse!

Those who know just enough about astrology to make them dangerous often curse Mercury retrograde, and that’s a shame. It gets a bad rap because we are geared, in this crazy modern age, to always be thinking, doing, moving FORWARD. Ya 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 — and an opportunity to review our progress over the past few months. Why else would your computer, phone and/or car choose this time to malfunction? Because you are supposed to be slowing down.

Be prepared for travel delays, scheduling screw-ups,  computer crashes, having to repeat what you’ve just said, misunderstandings, people you haven’t seen in years showing up on your doorstep and having to repeat what you just said. Take advantage of this prime opportunity to review and rethink a project you may have abandoned. It’s probably worth a second look.

Get out your Rolodex and reach out to people. Trust that they will be delighted to hear from you. Take a break from your routine. Take a vacation. Unplug your computer and cellphone.  Avoid signing contracts, making major purchases (especially mechanical ones) and losing patience. Make sure the restaurant you’re meeting at is still in business. Don’t believe everything you read in the papers and ignore the juicy gossip at the water cooler. Do plan on RElaxing, REviewing, REsearching, REorganizing, REgenerating, REconnecting and REcreating.

A key survival tactic to Mercury retrogrades is FOCUS. Your mind is tuned inward. Your autopilot is not reliable. FOCUS and triple check before transmitting thoughts and speech in any form.

Mercury retrogrades have a curious way of revealing what’s been hidden — often in plain sight.

Mercury will turn retrograde allllllmost exactly on a meet-up with dirt-digging Pluto at 15 degrees of Capricorn. So close — but no cigar? In terms of whatever revelation that could tip the balance of power if thoroughly reviewed? On a day when the Electoral Collage meets to vote on whom shall be declared fit to become the 45th U.S. President? With Moon in Virgo needing to get it right? The plot thickens…

Mercury will travel backwards through practical, status-seeking Capricorn — back to 0 degrees Capricorn (the prominent Aries Point) on January 5th. It backs further still into sloppy Sagittarius — to 28 degrees (where it was on December 1st),  before turning direct on January 9th. During that period of sloppiness and prominence (Jan 5-  Jan 9), the 115th U.S. Congress will meet.  Mercury will finally meet up with Pluto at 15 Capricorn on January 29th — let’s see how what’s going on in the headlines then compares to what’s going on in the news on Monday.

Now is the time to get your 2017 Really Useful Mercury Retrograde Survival Guide Bookmarks(which includes this upcoming retrograde).   They are $3.88 for one and $5.99 for three — cross my palm with silver via my Cosmic Tip Jar and I’ll send them off to you pronto — and I’ll need your snail mail address.

No sleeping on Monday — there is no Moon void. You might want to note your dreams that morning, as the Virgo Moon will be in touch with nebulous Neptune. You might need a double espresso to clear the fog — but proceed with caution. Also of note on Monday: Mars — symbolizing action and anger — leaves rebel Aquarius and plunges into the soulful waters of suffering Pisces — about an hour before Mercury turns retrograde.

Frankly, Mars is not particularly comfortable in Pisces; it’s like putting a hot poker into a vat of water. What do you get? Plenty of steam! Point is, Mars is more comfortable in an element which allows it to be direct, whereas the nature of Pisces is diffusive. Not only that, but on January 1st, Mars will be aligned with nebulous Neptune, ruler of Pisces. What does that suggest, you ask. On the plus side, it is excellent for glamor, charisma, show-stopping Hollywood spectacles, healing, faith and sublime escapes. On the down side, it can facilitate con artists and deceptions of all kind, fanaticism and seamy scandal — often in government and religious institutions. Actions taken or proposed may not be what they seem to be — especially with Mercury retrograde — so read the fine print if something lands on your desk on the last week of the year.

And now, the news.

In the wake of this week’s Full Moon and other patterns noted in the last forecast, I expected a few ice shelves to fall into the ocean — metaphorically speaking.

“Aleppo is now a synonym for hell,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told reporters in New York this week. It is humbling to confess that I can’t remember all the reasons why and all the parties involved in the war that has been going on for years in Syria — Syria is where Aleppo is, for geography-challenged Avid Readers. It’s like the war in 1984 — George Orwell’s prescient dystopian novel a must-read and/or worthy re-read in the aftermath of Saturn in Sagittarius square Neptune (fake news; thought control) and Uranus square Pluto (upheaval of the status quo). The war’s been going on for so long — and no one can remember since when or why. It keeps people in a state of tension and fear. This week, the hell that is life in Aleppo got even worse.

Meanwhile, some may recall that at the end of November a court ordered North Carolina to redraw 28 electoral districts, finding that they were unconstitutional and discriminated against Latino and African-American voters. A special election is to be held at the end of 2017 — unless the federal judge’s ruling is overturned by the Supreme Court.

Republican legislators who oversee redistricting blasted the decision in a news release:

“This politically-motivated decision, which would effectively undo the will of millions of North Carolinians just days after they cast their ballots, is a gross overreach that blatantly disregards the constitutional guarantee for voters to duly elect their legislators to biennial terms,” Rep. David Lewis and Sen. Bob Rucho said in the release, adding that they have already appealed the original U.S. District Court ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.

This week, Republican legislators staged a coup. A Democratic governor — Roy Cooper — will be sworn in next month. The Republican legislators, working with the current Republican governor — Pat McCrory — spent the day passing a slew of bills in a special session expressly intended to curtail the governor’s authority. Stunning. How can this be happening?
Not a day goes by when I do not remember first reading  — around 2005 or so — astrologer Bill Herbst’s sobering essays on how the seven squares between Uranus and Pluto (2012-2015) might be reflected in world events. He’s the one who piqued my interest in learning how planetary patterns are likely to be reflected in world events….which led to me developing my own passion for what we see in the daily headlines. Herbst pointed out that the last time we had a square between Uranus and Pluto was back in the early 30s — with rebel Uranus in warrior me-me-me Aries (where it is again now) challenging Pluto.  Mussolini and Hitler played roles suggested by Uranus in Aries — e.g., electrifying  and eccentric demagogues. Bill Herbst correctly anticipated over 10 years ago that this most recent Uranus-Pluto square would likely coincide with the rise of other rebel and eccentric (Uranus) leaders (Aries). And here we are.
Back to North Carolina…
Governor-elect Roy Cooper (D-NC) was born on June 13, 1957. Like Donald Trump, he has a 22 degree Gemini Sun — which means it was hit by this week’s Full Moon — and it will be opposed by transiting Saturn in January — the first of three hits, like Trump. Saturn refers to control, authority and limitation; the Sun is life force; ego energy. Unlike Trump, Cooper has Moon in Capricorn. He needs to make something happen with his diversified intelligence; he’s not desperately seeking respect. Still I’m intrigued — let’s see what kind of controls and focused advances these two men playing on opposite teams will experience around the same time in 2017.
Like Trump, Cooper has a planet or point at the end of Leo, conjunct the fixed star Regulus. This star is strongly connected to matters of honor and reputation, but the conventional wisdom caveat for people with a strong Regulus is this: “success if revenge is avoided.” Really. Hmm. In Cooper’s case, he has Pluto conjunct Regulus — so matters of power and transformation are tied to integrity and honor. In Trump’s case it’s his Leo Ascendant and  Mars — how he needs to be seen and how he needs to act. The total solar eclipse of August 21st happens at 28 Leo.
I wish we had a birth time for the incoming governor, but even so, his horoscope is hot in 2017. His Jupiter (expansion) is at 22 Virgo, and transiting Saturn squaring this planet suggests a serious structuring effort, tempering exuberance. Other measurements suggest an intense application of effort and force, possibly innovative and daring, though with transiting Neptune squaring his natal Saturn, reality is likely to be surreal or confounding in the near-term.
In other news…
A few quick stories reflecting illumination of information — and the fallout of this week’s Gemini Full Moon. First, Facebook is now fact-checking and flagging fake news. Second, if you have Google Chrome, you can get an extension that will fact check every one of Trump’s truth-twisted tweets instantly, courtesy of the Washington Post. Third, Google Chrome users can also get an extension that will change every image of the president-elect into an adorable kitten. Pepper the Thanksgiving Cat is lobbying hard for that one — and with her Mars in ruthless Scorpio, odds are she’ll prevail. Let’s close with the ever-cheerful NYT columnist Gail Collins, dashing off thoughts about the bromance between Vladimir Putin and the instantly-morphed adorable kitten that’s now on my computer screen.
Thank you for reading this forecast. To find out how Saturn may be streamlining your sphere of influence in 2017, schedule a personal consultation — or consider giving a consultation as a gift this holiday season.

Astro-logical Forecast for Monday-Tuesday 12/12-13/2016: Full Moon in Gemini; Sneak Peek at the Week

Good Morning!

Monday’s buzz is brought to you by the Moon in info junkie Gemini as of 7:41AM ET, looking to yak it up with facts and figures. It travels without interference throughout the business day. At 10:31PM, clarity may be challenged by a hit from rose-colored Neptune. Trust, but verify, as it were.

Guess what kind of week this is? A week with no exact aspects among the planets except to the Moon, other than a harmonious flow between the high-flying Sagittarius Sun and innovative technogeek Uranus, exact at earlier today — 1:56AM ET. It’s already behind us.  In fact we’ll have to wait until Christmas Eve for any planet to make a major contact with another planet other than the Moon.

You know when the last time this happened? The week of the November 8th election, for which I wrote:

There are no major aspects between planets this week — except to the Moon. I’ve found that these apparent lulls are often deceptive. To me it’s like looking at a giant ice shelf on the most sparkling sunny day ever…and then, for no apparent reason, half the shelf crumbles into the ocean.

Verrrry interesting.

Also interesting: the Full Moon at 22 Gemini opposing the 22 Sagittarius Sun. That happens at 7:05PM ET. Full Moon suggest illumination. You know who has key planets at those degrees? Donald Trump, with his 22 Gemini Sun opposing his opinionated, boundary-pushing, desperately seeking respect Moon at 21 degrees of Sagittarius.  Fun fact: we had a Full Moon on this axis the day before Trump’s birthday in 2014 — so that would have been an important time of potential illumination for him personally. Wonder what he had on his calendar?

Gemini refers to a individual’s need to think and communicate. Language is a Gemini thing — the practical mechanics of communication. Sagittarius refers to how we think as a collective — which may be a boundary-pushing opinion. What is our collective philosophy, religion, laws, etc.? A Gemini-Sagittarius Full Moon may be seen as a opposition between how the individual thinks vs. the collective. Which is truly the smartest in the room?

Summer Brennan has posted a must-read article: “Notes From the Resistance: A Column on Language and Power.” Words speak volumes. Those in power choose them carefully.

Orwell wrote that freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two equals four. He wrote that he who controls the past controls the future, and that he who controls the present controls the past. If you can colonize the minds of a population with untruths and confusion, you forcibly re-write reality. This is done with stories. It’s done with language. How we speak about the world is a reflection of how we see it.

freedom

It is interesting to note two midpoint pictures demanding prominence this week — they are at the Aries Point. One is between disruptive/weird Uranus and nebulous Neptune; the other is between Jupiter (publishing) and Neptune. Both suggest strong prominence of the surreal and faith-based facts, a.k.a. lies.

The Sabian Symbols for this Full Moon are — first, for the 22 Gemini Moon: “three fledglings in a nest high in a tree.” Now remember, this also is the Sabian Symbol for Trump’s 22 Gemini Sun — his life force — what he brings to the table. Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee says of this Symbol: “Little birds sing the tune of their family of species. Having voracious appetites, they sing for their supper with competitive insistence: ‘Me first!’…Fledglings are impatient to leave the nest…they’ve yet to stretch their wings in flight in the open air…a bird’s song expresses identity and a kind of bravado: ‘This is who we are, our clan, our family, and we are safe high in our tree!'” Or high in a penthouse in a tall tower.

You can use these Sabian Symbols to gain a deeper perspective on the potential of every planet and angle in your horoscope. They are fascinating.

Speaking of being high in a tall tree, did you know that Hitler’s retreat was called Eagle’s Nest? And that the Third Reich ran on  crystal meth? “High Hitler: How Nazi Drug Abuse Fueled the Course of History.“Amazing how these Sabian Symbols crop up. Looking at Hitler’s  horoscope, with transiting Uranus hitting his Mercury and his Ascendant next year, we can see the potential for electrifying thought and a fresh start. The horoscope lives forever, doncha know — and if you want to read more, Astrodienst selected my article about this amazing phenomenon as its complimentary offering from The Mountain Astrologer. Here it is — although frankly, if writers and their words have any value to you at all, I believe you should pay for them.

Back to the Symbols for tomorrow’s Full Moon in Gemini, opposed by the Sag Sun.

For the Sagittarius Sun we have: “immigrants entering.” So immediately we see a polarity between fledglings who are not quite ready to leave home (but must, eventually),  and the immigrants who have left their homes and just arrived in a whole new world. Bovee suggests we apply these symbols with a mind to “…a passage to a new life, a new level of maturity, the moment before a new independent life takes off…conflicting emotions about what lies just ahead but is still out of reach…songs of home and nationality…trembling in the face of being received.” Bovee has a lot more to say, and if you enjoy the Sabian Symbols, why not buy his book.

How interesting to have these Symbols activated one week before the Electoral College meets to presumably elect our next president.  Last month I noted that we could expect a battle. I can’t bring myself to speculate which way it will go right now, but I am convinced that if you believe you have a stake in the outcome, it is useless to act as if you are a spectator in someone else’s drama.

In your own personal world, if you have a planet or angle at 22 Gemini or Sagittarius — and to a lesser extent 22 Virgo or Pisces, you may receive illumination or a release on a “let’s get down to business” new stage in life. As I’ve noted before, many people making headlines now have planets and angles at these degrees — off the top of my head: Trump, President Obama (Virgo Mars), Hillary Clinton (Pisces Moon), Mitt Romney (Pisces Sun), the United States (Mars and Neptune), James Comey (Sun, Pluto), Mike Pence (Gemini Mercury and possibly Gemini Moon), Stephen Bannon (Gemini Jupiter). Everyone noted here will be experiencing the first of three sobering hits from transiting Saturn at 22 Sagittarius, starting in January.

Your Moon voids for the week: Wednesday 12:57AM ET until 7:09AM ET; Thursday 4:37PM ET until 8:15AM ET FRIDAY — so in the Americas it’s mostly a full speed ahead work week, with few voids during business hours that may throw a wrench into your efforts to move forward in a straight line.

HOWEVER…

MERCURY is slowing down, getting ready to turn RETROGRADE at 5:55AM ET on MONDAY 12/19. Now is the time to BACK UP YOUR COMPUTERS.  Mercury will be retrograde until January 8th, giving us a chance to review our progress over the past few months.

Now is also the time to get your 2017 Really Useful Mercury Retrograde Survival Guide Bookmark (which includes this upcoming retrograde).   They are $3.88 for one and $5.99 for three — cross my palm with silver via my Cosmic Tip Jar and I’ll send them off to you pronto — and I’ll need your snail mail address.

And now, the news.

You may recall my forecast for Friday, posted on Thursday:

Watch the headlines for whatever shocker they are hoping you won’t notice as you’re heading out to do some holiday shopping or join a holiday party on a Friday evening.

The “shocker,” courtesy of the Washington Post late Friday night — hours before the Sun (leader; life force) and Saturn (heavy; control) met up early Saturday morning — was that:

The CIA has concluded in a secret assessment that Russia intervened in the 2016 election to help Donald Trump win the presidency, rather than just to undermine confidence in the U.S. electoral system, according to officials briefed on the matter.

The article reports that there was a “secret meeting” in September in which these allegations were presented to Democratic and Republican congressional leaders by intelligence officials, asking for a bipartisan agreement, i.e.,

a “show of solidarity and bipartisan unity” against Russian interference in the election, according to a senior administration official.

Specifically, the White House wanted congressional leaders to sign off on a bipartisan statement urging state and local officials to take federal help in protecting their voting-registration and balloting machines from Russian cyber-intrusions.

The article reports that the Democrats were all for it; but:

According to several officials, (Senate Majority Leader Mitch) McConnell raised doubts about the underlying intelligence and made clear to the administration that he would consider any effort by the White House to challenge the Russians publicly an act of partisan politics.

Some of the Republicans in the briefing also seemed opposed to the idea of going public with such explosive allegations in the final stages of an election, a move that they argued would only rattle public confidence and play into Moscow’s hands.

McConnell’s office did not respond to a request for comment. After the election, Trump chose McConnell’s wife, Elaine Chao, as his nominee for transportation secretary.

Meanwhile, over at the Washington Times, the lead story on the home page quotes Donald Trump denouncing intelligence claims that the Russians hacked the election in his favor as “ridiculous.” Another story on the home page reports that U.S. senators have said America should be “alarmed” by the report, accompanied by a photo of Senator John McCain (R-AZ). Nowhere in the Washington Times will you read  a current  Washington Post home page story quoting Trump saying that “nobody really knows” if climate change is real.  Who are you going to believe? Where do you get your news?

There are less reindeer in the Arctic now, reports today’s edition of The Guardian, because of climate change.

In other news…

The president of South Korea is going to be impeached. The NYT published a photo essay documenting “57 homicides in 35 days” in the Philippines — casualties of President Rodrigo Duterte’s “antidrug program.” In other words, the United States is not the only country that seems to be going berserk. While the New York Times wondered in a headline posted over the weekend (that I can no longer find), “Why Are So Many Governments Falling Apart” (or something to that effect), Avid Readers of this forecast know that this potential was anticipated years ago, as a reflection of the release of the Never-Ending Uranus-Pluto Square that happened seven times between 2012 and 2015. Such a shame that mainstream media outlets have so little respect for practical insights astrology can provide.

Last but not least — Madonna’s second Saturn return was exact this weekend. She gave a speech about women, sexism and ageism. People are still talking about it.

Thank you for reading this forecast. Please support my efforts to keep you informed by gifting yourself with Mercury Rx bookmarks, reports and consultations — details are here. Random acts of kindness are also appreciated, as the Cosmic Tip Jar never closes.

Happy holy-days!

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Thursday & Friday 12/8/2016: Jupiter Returns; Pet Rocks & Other Mind-Blowing Sensations

Alll-righty then!

By the time you read this, the Moon will have zoomed into me-me-me Aries, falling down stairs because it’s faster than walking. This happens at 5:16AM ET. It rushes about on its mission to lead, inspire and cut in front of you at the post office — without much interference. There’s a friendly connection with Venus at 7:02AM ET — a sweet way to start the day. The only resistance could come around 6:43PM ET, when the fiery Moon is challenged by some status-conscious wonk’s way of thinking,  represented by Mercury in Capricorn.

Sparks are more likely on Friday, as the Moon makes its weekly clash with power playing Pluto (at 8:52AM ET), followed by a meet up with disruptive Uranus at 4:24PM ET. Watch the headlines for whatever shocker they are hoping you won’t notice as you’re heading out to do some holiday shopping or join a holiday party on a Friday evening.

Speaking of shopping, astrology reports and/or consultations make totally awesome thoughtful gifts. Please indulge, as I love making up gift certificates for lucky recipients of your generosity.  My Really Useful 2017 Mercury Rx Survival Guide Bookmarks are fun stocking stuffers, and they will come in handy soon — Mercury turns retrograde on December 19th! Bookmarks are $3.88 for one and $5.99 for three — cross my palm with silver via my Cosmic Tip Jar and I’ll send them off to you pronto.

On a day with  the Moon in me-me-me Aries, I feel I must also shamelessly tell you how excited I am to have my first byline in The Mountain Astrologer. The article is called “The Horoscope Lives Forever,” meaning that in writing this forecast for seven years, I’ve observed that people make news when their horoscopes are hot — and it doesn’t seem to matter if that person is dead or alive. Astrology is amazing! Magazines make great gifts, too!

And now, the news.

Oh, the outrage. The president-elect was named Person of the Year by TIME magazine — but really, we should not be surprised. And there’s no reason to get mad at TIME now — that moment was over a year ago. This recognition and apparent reward is an apt reflection of the president-elect’s horoscope, which has Jupiter at 17 degrees in  Libra.  That’s where Jupiter is right now, too  –it’s  a once every 12 year happening. It’s called a Jupiter return.  Jupiter will hit 17 Libra twice more in 2017 — more expansion, for better or for worse.

What does this mean for you? Well, if  you have Jupiter halfway through Libra — or any other significant point or planet — you are likely to experience opportunities for expansion, too. The president-elect’s 5th House is Jupiter -ruled, suggesting that expansion will happen for him in matters of ego recognition — and perhaps through his children. The key here is expansion. Whether it’s “good” or “bad” depends on what’s being expanded. There is a thing called wretched excess.

On the forecast for November 19th,  I just added some news items reflecting Neptune turning direct, i.e., “the bubble bursting.” One of the bubbles bursting was a fake news item known as Pizzagate. You may be surprised to learn that the Comet Ping Pong pizzeria in Washington D.C. was not the headquarters for a child sex slavery ring run by Hillary Clinton, depending on where you get your “news.” Hillary Clinton has never run a child sex slavery ring, but she did spearhead an initiative – SCHIP — to expand health care for children in the United States.

But if you’re like Maddison Welch, the North Carolina man who shot up Comet Ping Pong with an assault rifle on Sunday, {determined to “save the (non-existent)children”},  you might have been born (on 4/29/1988) with a whole bunch of planets in touch with nebulous Neptune. And we could understand why you’d have trouble discerning fact from fiction. Mr. Welch seems like a perfectly well-intended — if misguided — soul in this NYT interview. With his natal Jupiter also involved with multiple planets in his horoscope, we can see how he could blow things out of proportion.

The horoscope of the United States will continue to be under the influence of Neptune through 2017. One potential of this pattern is having a hard time seeing things clearly; wandering in a fog; tilting at windmills.

The antidote for Neptune is something rock-solid — just like the Sabian Symbol for last week’s New Moon at 8 degrees of Sagittarius. Do you remember what that Sabian Symbol was? “Rocks and things forming therein.” What is the hottest item at Nordstrom’s right now? A rock wrapped in a leather pouch — priced at $85 — and sold out.  So is the bargain-priced rock — sold out — at $65 each. These rocks must be sprinkled with a lot of Neptunian pixie dust to be selling like hotcakes. And of course that New Moon rock symbol was squared by nebulous Neptune. Coincidence or conspiracy?

Given a choice between gifting you and your loved ones with a rock in a leather pouch — or gifting them with the invaluable clarity and validation astrology can provide, I hope you’ll opt for the latter.

Thank you for reading this forecast — and for the kind words about Pepper the Awesome Thanksgiving Kitty. She’s a blessing. I hope that you have many blessings, too.

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 12/5/2016: Sneak Peek at the Week; Late New Moon in Sagittarius Observations

Good Morning and happy holydays — whichever one(s) you celebrate.

I did not intend to disappear last week, but as it turned out, the blast of New Moon energy coincided with a  calendar chock-full of doctor’s appointments I’d been putting off — routine except for the ones designed to address the knee malfunction I’ve been experiencing after stepping into a pothole on an exact Mars transit to my Ascendant. No ballet and tap this fall. Astrology is amazing. The knee is going to recover. I am determined.

Meanwhile, if there are any routine tests and appointments you’ve been delaying, take care those ASAP! You need to be in tip-top shape for the exciting times ahead. Put the oxygen mask on yourself first!

Today the Aquarius Moon is void between 6:23AM and 11:31PM ET. Taking care of routine concerns is apt, as is rolling with twists, flakes and other upsets that may interfere with your efforts to move forward in a straight line. My current upset is Pepper, a five-month old kitten adopted the day before Thanksgiving and pictured below. Interjecting herself between my hands and this keyboard is her prime directive this morning.

An Aquarius Moon favors the unconventional — but remember it is currently void,  thus suggesting matters of little consequence. As I type, I see that retired neurosurgeon/celebrity author Ben Carson has been named to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It seems an odd choice, inspiring one to wonder about his qualifications and experience.  Well, he might have a Taurus Moon, which does need to build material stability and comfort. Although with transiting Saturn putting a squeeze on his Virgo Sun in January, June and October, he may not be able to follow through completely on an ambitious agenda. For some reason this makes me think of a past life in network television, when the network would occasionally order an “Urban” promo. The copy would be pretty much the same as the non-Urban spot,  except we’d hire an African-American to read it against music from a production library  CD with a groovy name like “Urban Trax.” Did our Urban marketing messages connect effectively with our target audience? I guess so, because the network continued to ask us to produce them. This was many years ago, btw. I’m sure things have changed.

I think my kitten Pepper would make an excellent Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Tiny houses would rule.

Moon voids for the rest of the working week: WEDNESDAY 9:05AM until 5:16AM ET on THURSDAY — a bit of a wandering adventure, much like today, only the Moon will be in soulful Pisces, seeking a vision and laced with exceptional feeling and (potentially) suffering.

Other patterns of note this week: a cooperative connection between Mars in Aquarius and Uranus in Aries, favoring humanitarian, rebel-with-a-cause action, innovation and technology.   That alignment is exact TUESDAY at 10:30PM ET, and it follows another cooperative connection between Mars and Saturn (structure; authority) that was exact at 7:16AM on Saturday.

On Wednesday we’ll have the First Quarter Moon at 4:03AM ET, suggesting a challenge or next step in the New Moon agenda you set last week. More on that in a minute. Also on Wednesday: Venus enters Aquarius (mantras: “I love you, but don’t take it personally” and “Can we still be friends?”).

As we get closer to the weekend we will be seeing the reflection of the Sagittarius Sun’s cooperative contact with Jupiter on Friday at 4:39PM ET (expansive leadership), followed by the Sun’s annual meet-up with controlling Saturn on Saturday at 6:51AM ET (restrictions and structure imposed by Authority Figures). If you were born around the 10th of December, March, June or September your energy may be feeling a little pinched or restricted as you focus on essential concerns or ambition. A personal consultation about your strategy and timing would be beneficial. Here’s the 411 on consultations.

About last week’s New Moon — which was at 8 degrees of Sagittarius and thus directly affected anyone with that degree of Sagittarius, Pisces, Virgo and Gemini in their horoscope. Don’t know where your degrees are? Order an Astro-Basics Report and you’ll find out. Plus I will tell you how this New Moon and next week’s Full Moon is likely to affect you.

The New Moon was tightly configured with Neptune — suggesting issues of vision, water, oil, lies, victims, drugs would be front and center this cycle. Add to this the need of Sagittarius: to express its righteous opinion and push boundaries. What have we seen so far: righteous protests at Standing Rock over disputed boundaries, an oil pipeline and a fresh water source appear to have been resolved in favor of the rebels with a cause (Uranus in Aries) when the Department of the Army (Mars in Aquarius) announced it would seek an alternate route for the pipeline.

Let the record show that Mars and Uranus are in a pattern known as “mutual reception.” Mars is in the sign ruled by Uranus. Uranus is in the sign ruled by Mars. Thus we expect cooperation between the issues symbolized by the two planets, e.g., innovation and humanitarianism working effectively with martial action. This would be an upside potential. There is also a downside potential. Which would you prefer?

The Sabian Symbol for the New Moon is “rocks and things forming therein.” Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee notes that this suggests “the inner space where things like oil, water, diamonds and minerals are formed…crucial resources…[these things] can be material or immaterial.” We are advised to be mindful of opportunities during this cycle to release a pressure cooker of energy that has built up, for purposes that may be creative or destructive. We have a choice between “shoring up old ways” vs. clearing a path for something new.

For the record, when set in Washington DC — the seat of the U.S. government — the New Moon is in the 12th house of the chart — suggesting no small amount of backroom dealing going on — potentially obfuscated with the smoke and mirrors potential of dazzling and duplicitous Neptune. We do not know what we do not know — and this is a concern.

And now, the news.

Old news from the week of November 21st — reflecting what can happen under patterns suggesting  heavy thoughts and controls in matters of politics and education, combined with women who are empowered and extremely resourceful. The thinking is broad and idealistic, a bit short on details. Poster children: 1) Betsy DeVos, who is Trump’s pick to become Secretary of  Education. She’s a billionaire philanthropist (reflecting the abundance suggested by Venus in Capricorn square Jupiter and Pluto). She’s never gone to public school or sent her kids to a public school — and seems to be against the whole concept of public education (Saturn conjunct Mercury in Sagittarius). Think big! Fun Fact: Ms. DeVos actually  has Mercury conjunct Saturn in her horoscope! Born Jan 8 1958 — no birth time available.  And she has transiting Pluto about to meet up with her 17 degree Capricorn Sun — suggesting a major change of perspective and potential empowerment. And she will soon be having her second Saturn return, too.  What a year she has ahead of her.

Then there’s Jill Stein, who zooms out of nowhere to launch a recount effort in three swing states and is able to raise millions of dollars — $7 million so far of the $9 million needed (because the states involved keep raising their filing fees) — within days.  Dr. Stein says the recount is necessary to preserve the integrity of our election system — a righteous opinion indeed. I am sure errors will be found, if those recounts are completed. I am certain because I served as a poll worker on Election Day and saw first hand how human error and ignorance —  along with  technical snafus —  combined to prevent voters from casting a ballot that would count.

Will the recount make a difference? Will the Electoral College vote to elect someone other than the current president-elect when they meet on December 19th? I do not know. However, I am certain that if we act like we are mere spectators in someone else’s drama, nothing will change. For confirmation I give you Beth Owlsdaughter’s Tarot card for the Week — and read the one for last week, too.

Jill Stein is a Taurus with Moon either in Aries or Taurus, with rebel Uranus prominently placed in her horoscope. Her fun fact is her Mars at 22 Virgo — provoking Donald Trump’s Sun-Moon opposition in Gemini-Sagittarius. And also likely provoking Hillary Clinton’s sensitive Pisces Moon if that Moon is at 22 Pisces. Another fun fact: Dr. Stein’s Sun and Mercury are at 23 Taurus, shining their light on Trump’s Midheaven (point of career and status). One could argue that without Dr. Stein’s energy in the race, Mr. Trump would not be where he is today. Astrology is amazing.

Meanwhile…

On Friday mental Mercury was at the very last degree of opinionated, foreign-oriented Sagittarius. This is also the Aries Point, suggesting broad-reaching opinions and transmissions would be prominent in the headlines. The current president-elect has been pleased to reflect this potential, indulging in  a phone call with the leader of Taiwan (a country the U.S. does not have diplomatic relations with, thereby upsetting China); and tweeting 1) that he actually won the popular vote because that millions of votes were cast illegally; and 2) that SNL is not funny. Factually, one of those tweets is a lie; the second is a matter of opinion.

The United States is not the only country facing upsets and uncertainty in these interesting planetary times. The Prime Minister of New Zealand resigned. So did the Prime Minister of Italy, after a so-called populist coalition defeated an alleged establishment-backed referendum. In Austria, a right-wing populist was defeated in a re-do of the presidential election; the victory went to an independent who — according to this Guardian article — successfully addressed concerns that had made his rival so appealing in the first vote. There is a lesson to be learned here.

That’s it from me today. More inisghts can be had as follows:  Book a consultation to get clarity on what you can expect in your own personal world in 2017. Order a written report for yourself or a friend. Get the 2017 Mercury Retrograde Survival Guide Bookmarks — the next retrograde happens on December 19th! I will happily send you one for $3.88 or three for $5.99, along with a personalized note of thanks for your support.  Just click on that link to the Cosmic Tip Jar to make payment. Then reply to this forecast with your postal address and I will send bookmarks to you with good cheer and gratitude!

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