Follow us on TwitterFind us on FacebookFind us on Tumblr

Get daily Astro-Logical forecasts delivered to you here.

"... an incredibly insightful and delightful astrologer! We met for a an Essential Consultation with a Lifeline review and it was so worth it! Everything that we went over was so on point -- I left the consultation feeling validated that I'm on the path I want to be on. In fact, I plan to consult with Elisabeth every year."
B.G.
New Jersey

I CAN'T WRITE THIS WITHOUT YOU : ) PLEASE support my time and efforts. CONTRIBUTE to my COSMIC TIP JAR using the gold button below. THANK YOU.


Monday 1/30/2017: Sneak Peek at the Week; Arise, Go Forth & Conquer

Good Morning!

Note your dreams upon waking; the Pisces Moon meets up with inspirational Neptune at 6:18 AM ET, getting the work week off on a potentially rose-colored or visionary spin. Depth of perspective and talk about it are suggested around 7:27 PM ET and 10:31 PM ET, when the Moon harmonizes with Pluto and Mercury, respectively.

TUESDAY begins on a possible downer or ambitious reach, as the vulnerable Pisces Moon is challenged by the controlling and righteously opinionated drive of Saturn in Sagittarius. Stop the presses? Order in the court? Watch the headlines. At 12:36 PM ET on Tuesday, Moon meets up with Venus (women, art, money, social expression), covering the same ground as Mars (action, aggression, courage) did last week at the very end of Pisces.

Milk the compassion and empathy for all its worth, because on FRIDAY Venus shifts into me-me-me Aries for most of the time between Feb 3rd and June 6th. That’s because Venus turns retrograde on March 4th (how apropos for Venus in ARIES) — turning direct on April 14th. More on that pattern as we get closer to March — but here’s what I’ve written about Venus retrogrades past.

The other planet pulling focus this week is Mercury — mindset, travel, communication. It met up with power player Pluto yesterday and clashes with rebel Uranus on Tuesday. Then it clashes with expansive Jupiter on Thursday. For more on this pattern, refer to the last post — about Friday’s New Moon in Aquarius. It’s been updated, with more news items in sync with planetary patterns, as well as some astro-cartography on P-45.

Your Moon voids for the week (here’s the 411 on Moon voids, if you are new to this forecast): Tuesday 12:36 PM ET until 4:47 PM ET; Thursday 11:50 AM ET until 8:50 PM ET; Saturday 5:42 P ET until 11:44 PM ET. Stick to routine; avoid impulsive signings and purchases. Roll with the twists and flakes and chill! Crises that crop up during Moon voids are often much ado about nothing.

We’re heading into warp drive, dear Avid Readers — a volatile week.  Use this energy for the highest good.

And now, the news.

Mars charging into Aries after midnight ET on Saturday suggested prominent battles, sports, cars and crusades — possibly for the underdog (which Aries tends to favor). Stupendous match between tennis greats Federer and Nadal  at the Australian Open — with Federer victorious. Another match between the Williams sisters, Serena and Venus — and if only that was the most exciting news story to report.

But no, here in the U.S., thousands showed up to crusade against the travel ban against citizens of seven Muslim countries — the one announced on Friday’s potentially cold, cruel Saturn squaring Venus — not to mention the “cover of darkness” of a totally dead Moon. The order was signed at 4:42 PM ET, with a 0 Aries Midheaven and an 18 Cancer Ascendant, opposed by that Pluto and Mercury meet-up. Federal judges in three states issued temporary stays — but it has been reported that not all border agents are complying. To be continued — with obvious crusading energy on both sides this week.

Also headstrong and combative: Stephen Bannon, the former editor of Breitbart News — now an adviser to P-45, successfully lobbied for a permanent seat on the National Security Council. That Mercury-Pluto conjunction in the middle of Capricorn made contact with his unaspected Mars at 16 Libra; of course we see the potential for a persuasive power play; it’s in line with observations made in the middle of November. While the immigration ban is getting most of the attention in the news, this story   deserves your attention. Even the Washington Times — one of Justice Scalia’s two favorite newspapers — called this shuffling of the deck “baffling.”  Buzzfeed has more — and a transcript of a speech Bannon gave in 2014, while under the influence of a visionary/bewildering transit to his righteous Sagittarius Sun from Neptune. In it, he presents a “global vision” — of course!

Meanwhile…cars! Uber was accused of trying to break a taxi strike at JFK; a calls for an Uber boycott hit the wires and Lyft — Uber’s major competitor — pledged to give $1 million to the ACLU.

In other news, Brunhilde Pomsel, who served as a secretary to Joseph Goebbels, passed away at 106. Her horoscope was discussed here in August. Her NYT obit includes this quote from an interview with the Guardian last summer:

“In the little time that’s left to me — and I hope it will be months rather than years — I just cling to the hope that the world doesn’t turn upside down again as it did then, though there have been some ghastly developments, haven’t there? I’m relieved I never had any children that I have to worry about.”

In the aftermath of the seven Uranus-Pluto squares we experienced between 2012 and 2015, the chances of the world not turning upside down would be slim.

Here’s a fun headline for a weekend with Mars demanding focus: “Gazing Into Danakil Depression’s Mirror, and Seeing Mars Stare Back”  And last, but not least — an ad from AeroMexico uses the power of Mercury (message) with Uranus (innovation, aviation) and Pluto (potent perspective; breakdown) to trump the isolation potential of a chilly Saturn squaring Venus. Check out this visionary (Neptune running wild) ad, released last May — but obviously making the rounds again now.

What’s going on in your horoscope? In your child’s horoscope? I would love to provide you with practical insights. Book a personal consultation this week and I will include the written Astro-Basics Report (a $27 value) — with my compliments. We will have an excellent discussion together.

Thank you for reading this forecast.

Friday 1/27/17 & the Weekend: New Moon in Aquarius

TGIF!!!

Since 3:37 AM ET, the energy of the day is being driven by the Moon in Aquarius, seeking to fulfill its need for social significance and to be appreciated for being unique. Aquarius refers to these keywords: innovation, eccentricity, friendship, humanitarian, unconventional, rocket scientist and/or mad genius. It is an airy — i.e., cerebral — energy and it is fixed, which is to say it is likely stubborn in thought and action, but also adept at bringing ideas together in an organized form.

There are two aspects of note today. First, the Venus-Saturn square we’ve been talking all week will be exact at 12:50 PM ET. By now, you should have a clear idea of how that pattern may be reflected in the headlines. Second, the Moon meets up with Aquarius Sun at 7:07 PM ET. Happy New Moon!

Let me first note the significant patterns happening this weekend. They are all part of the New Moon chart. First is Mars, now at the very last degree of Pisces – — about to enter Aries at 12:39 AM ET on SATURDAY. This suggests prominence —  fast and furious — in matters involving action, warriors, courage, cars, steel, aggression,  and sports, to name a few Mars keywords. Pisces refers to refugees, FYI. When Mars enters Aries, we can see the potential for action that is headstrong, impulsive, brave, aggressive, inspiring and/or pioneering. If you have a planet or angle around the first degree of Aries, Cancer, Capricorn and Libra, you are likely feeling energized — for better or worse — with respect to that planet or angle. Obviously this includes anyone born around a solstice or equinox.

Next up: Mercury, which today finally got back to 15 degrees of Capricorn, which is where it was when it turned retrograde on December 19th. So we may see the return of an issue that was active back then — with potent new information. December 19th was when the Electoral College met to vote — there’s more about that via the previous link. On  SUNDAY, Mercury finally meets up with Pluto at 3:18 PM ET. In general,  Mercury-Pluto contacts suggest news from underground; persuasive communication and ideas; investigations and corruption exposed.  But wait — there’s more: on TUESDAY at 10:31 PM ET, Mercury is challenged by rebel Uranus, suggesting information and communication that disrupts the status quo.  I would not be surprised to hear explosive news of  covers blown — possibly big time, given that all next week, Mercury will be supercharged by expansive Jupiter, exact on THURSDAY at 10:16 AM ET. Here’s an example: after 62 years, the woman whose allegations led to the murder of Emmett Till admits her story was false.

Have I mentioned that Neptune — which refers to fantasy, intangibles, compassion, forgiveness, delusion — to name a few — is currently running wild?

No Moon void on Saturday suggests you are free to shop impulsively. Moon will be void on SUNDAY between 12:52 AM and 11:10 AM ET — a time to chill or get some Mars in Aries action with your best Moon in Aquarius buddy. After 11:10 AM ET the Moon will be in Pisces, ideally seeking compassion for all who suffer; the the ability to see ourselves in each other; the intuition that flows from understanding this connection; and the melancholy that results when such depth of feeling can not be communicated (for lack of words or a receptive audience). These are some Piscean possibilities. Will ye sink or will ye swim?

No sleeping in on Monday.

And now, the New Moon. This is our chance to re-set intentions and goals for the next lunar cycle.  Make a list; light a candle; plant those seeds. Around Feb 3rd, on the First Quarter Moon, we can expect a challenge to those goals, with appropriate adjustments made. How are our seedlings doing?  Keep on nurturing them, and around the Full Moon on Feb 10th, they may flower. Illumination on the success or failure of our goals for the cycle is suggested, either way. If we succeeded, we can consciously release our success into our reality; if we failed, we let go of whatever did not work. Heads up that this Full Moon will be an eclipse. After the Third Quarter Moon on February 18th, we can harvest our achievements, tie up loose ends, compost and get ready to begin another New Moon cycle on February 26th — also an eclipse.

I calculated the New Moon chart using Washington D.C. for the location. It’s the capital of the U.S., and thus this chart offers a sneak peek of potential experience in the national arena. The angles of the chart —  the Ascendant and the Midheaven —  are 29 Leo and 24 Taurus, respectively. If those angles look familiar, it’s because they nearly exactly match another horoscope that has been discussed here many times: POTUS 45. Why is that significant? Because in ancient times, the horoscope of a king was considered to be a reliable map of the fortunes of the country. With the angles of this New Moon chart matching 45’s horoscope, we see the potential for this next lunar phase to be as personally significant to the United States as it is to him.

Notice that the 29 Leo Ascendant of the New Moon chart for Washington  is conjunct the Fixed Star Regulus, suggesting a need for a sterling presentation of the self-image…with success, so long as vengeance is avoided. It will be interesting to see what happens to initiatives made in this lunar cycle, given that 29 Leo is the degree of the August 21st Great American Eclipse.  Let’s see where they are at in early September, when the eclipse will be triggered by Mars and Mercury.

A 24 Taurus  Midheaven is conjunct the Fixed Star Capulus — suggesting a need for a public status of male aggression and sexuality. Another Fixed Star adding intensity to this highly energized New Moon chart is Scheat, which is conjunct Mars at 29 Pisces. This suggests potential for actions that backfire.

Fascinating sidebar: are you familiar with Astro-Cartography? This is a method by which you can discover what kind of experiences you are likely to attract, depending on where you live. Today I ran a chart for 45’s prospects, now that he has moved to Washington D.C. Guess what planet is exactly on the Ascendant of the relocated horoscope? MARS! So we can see the potential for his experience in D.C. to reflect these keywords: military, militant, anger, war, steel, action, courage, crusade. Have you ever had your Astro-Cartography done? It’s fascinating — and here’s how to contact me if you’re interested.

Another observation about Mr. 45 I may not have stated: overall patterns in the horoscope suggest a need for a defensive posture, developed out of a vulnerability to being victimized by circumstances. This week Russell Simmons warned his friend about the dangers of the latter. Gail Collins echoed this potential in her column, too — still under the effects of the heavy mindset suggested by transiting Saturn to her Mercury, no doubt.

The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon is “a flag turned into an eagle.” Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee writes:

…when a flag turns into an eagle, an idea or ideal is dramatically brought to life. One might possess revolutionary ideals for society and carry a flag that comes to be known for those ideals. Should the flag incite public passions to take action, the flag is infused with life, like heat applied to water that comes to a boil.

“Revolutionary ideals” — sounds apt for a New Moon in Aquarius. You are more personally affected by the need to turn an ideal into action if you have a planet or angle around 9 degrees (a third of the way through) Leo, Taurus, Scorpio and especially Aquarius. Like George Orwell, for example.  1984 — his famous novel — is a best-seller again.   He was born near the Summer Solstice, so Mars is energizing his horoscope, too — along with other planetary patterns.

And now, more news…briefly.

We can see shades of the potentially controlling Venus-Saturn square combined with the prominence of macho Mars in these stories. In Russia, “some forms” of domestic violence have been decriminalized. Harsh. Newly-confirmed U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley “issued a stark warning…to allies and rivals abroad,” reports the NYT. Tough. Mike Pence and Kellyanne Conway spoke to thousands of  people at the annual “March for Life.”  Christiane Amanpour said on CNN that the media would not shut up, as Steven Bannon said it should do on Thursday.  We’ll have Saturn in Sagittarius all year, increasing the potential for controls in matters of speech….

…and foreigners. Today an executive order was issued banning travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Somalia — including U.S. green card holders. Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. were not included in the ban — and they are countries in which Mr. 45 has business interests. Coincidence or conspiracy? The ban appears to violate U.S. law.

Here’s one that is super-depressing: a new study says that girls as young as six think that being brilliant is just for boys.  Still??? In other news, the Doomsday Clock has been moved forward by thirty seconds.  It’s now 11:57:30 PM. Meanwhile, here are this week’s  “five best” essays from conservative media sites, courtesy of the Guardian. Saturn with Venus tends to be more conservative than, say, Jupiter or Uranus with Venus. Those patterns won’t happen again until May….

…and we need a lift to get us through the weekend! May I suggest seeing Hidden Figures?  It’s the true story of three brilliant African-American women of steel who worked at NASA in the early 60s. Their genius helped rocket astronaut John Glenn into orbit. Their wardrobes are fabulous! Take all the little girls you know to see it, so they can see how brilliance isn’t just for boys.

To find out what opportunities are likely to present themselves for you in these verrrrrry interesting times, consider scheduling a personal consultation. We will have an excellent discussion together.

Thank you for reading this forecast.

 

Wednesday-Thursday 1/25-26: Inauguration Day; Saturn Square Venus in the News

All-righty then!

True story from yesterday’s Moon void, which occurred between 12:33 PM ET until 5:43 PM ET. Avid Reader Jane accidentally doublebooked her 1PM appt. Two clients came at the same time and she had to decide which one she would need to reschedule. Yikes! Then her 3:15 PM appt showed up at 3:45 PM — without a word of apology or acknowledgment about her tardiness. How rude, right? Turned out that this client thought her appt WAS at 3:45PM — she thought she was exactly on time — d’oh!!!  An awareness that the Moon was void helped Jane react appropriately to the “crisis” at hand  — i.e., not to turn a molehill into a mountain. She rolled with the twists and her life is stress-free as a result. Word!

Since 5:43 PM ET on Tuesday, the Moon has been in Capricorn, driving the day with an ambitious need for action. Look at the headlines and you can see that happening — as anticipated at the start of the week.  An especially steaming and prominent Mars — the symbol of action — is at the very end of Pisces,  adding to the push. It’s colored by the potentially steely or just plain cold & cruel square between Saturn in Sagittarius and Venus in Pisces, exact on Friday at 12:50PM ET.

Venus challenged by Saturn can put a stern face — literally — on matters ruled by Venus: women, art money, social expression.  Remember the “bitchy resting face” that first made headlines a few years ago? That was on another Venus-Saturn square — and noted in this forecast.  In this Venus-Saturn square, Venus is in Pisces, symbolizing empathy, vulnerability, compassion. Saturn in Sagittarius suggests a block or structure to Venus’s expression — in the form of controls based on righteous belief systems.

Is that good or bad? That depends on you. Here in the U.S., the new administration wasted no time reinstating a global gag rule that prohibits U.S. funded NGOs from providing services for — or even mentioning — abortion. Imposing controls on  vulnerable women based on a righteous belief — Venus squared by Saturn. In contrast, The Netherlands announced that it would establish an international fund for such services, countering the global gag rule. Ambitious financing program with an international reach, suggesting a compassionate approach to a women’s issue — based on a righteous belief. Venus squared by Saturn! You can decide which one is good or bad. Planetary patterns have no opinions whatsoever.

If you have a planet or angle around 24 degrees of Gemini, Virgo and especially Sag and Pisces, you are more personally affected by the steely resolve — or cuts —  of Venus squared by Saturn. Consult your local astrologer for details.

And now, the news.

First, as promised —  the chart for the inauguration of the 45th president. What does it suggest?

There’s the Sun — the essential ego energy — right at the top of the chart in Aquarius. Keywords for Aquarius are humanitarian, eccentric, fringe, innovative, genius — that’s a partial list and experience will prove which ones apply. This Sun is not connected to anything else in the chart — and this is significant. It’s just highly visible — the only truly visible planet in the chart, frankly — and it needs to attract a ton of attention for its unique social significance. We can see the potential for it to be isolated and out of step. This potential is echoed in minor patterns (midpoints) linking the Sun to other planets — in pictures suggesting optimism — but mostly acting as a free agent — and not as satisfied as one might expect.  Cue Gilbert O’Sullivan now, please. With this chart, “Alone Again — Naturally” may have been a more fitting inaugural song than “My Way.”

What needs are driving this chart? The Moon in Scorpio — seeking to fulfill its need to be seen as something of depth and control. It is planted in the daily processes of work and other routines — reaching out to control communication, mindset, home,  homeland security and family/core foundation concerns. The only planet the Moon is looking to connect with is Neptune, suggesting these potentials: vision, dream, fantasy, healing, deception, faith, drugs, oil. Moon in Scorpio can certainly be loyal, operating on its own honor code. It can also be waspish and vindictive. Not a happy place for the Moon in an event horoscope, say the traditional teachings of astrology. Especially when we notice a connection to the Moon from Mars and Saturn, suggesting potential moodiness, loss and depression.

The chart has a Taurus Ascendant, suggesting a need to present an image of material comfort and security — perhaps by building a monument symbolizing those Moon in Scorpio controlling needs.  How about a big wall? Venus (money, women, art, social expression) is strongly placed in Pisces — but is sorely challenged by Saturn. This Venus-Saturn square is the second of three patterns that the energy of this event is moving toward. Ambitious and strategic in social expression, perhaps — but chilly. No love lost here. Also of interest about this strongly placed — but challenged — Venus: a connection to Mars and Neptune that suggests a bedazzling magnetism — for better or worse.

A third aspect this event is moving toward is a harmony between Mercury (mindset; communication) and Neptune. This is a strong suggestion of rose-colored glasses, vision, idealism and/or alternative facts. So…in the context of this particular presidency, we would be advised to take whatever is said with a grain of salt. Especially when we notice that this Mercury in the chart is also connected to Saturn and Pluto, two planets suggesting possible hardcore realism and anguish.

The man who now works in the Oval Office has a square between Mercury and Neptune in his horoscope, along with a meet-up between Venus and Saturn. Isn’t it interesting that his horoscope reflects some of the patterns we see in this inauguration chart?

Other observations, in no particular order. If this were a person’s horoscope, I’d expect him to have a need to shake up the system — bigly — with a know-it-all, militant approach. The placement of Pluto in this horoscope suggests a need to mix and mingle with the Powers That Be. Another measurement suggests success with ventures involving those with power and resources — no worries at all in that regard.

Keep the analysis of this chart in mind when reading headlines this week about building walls, keeping foreigners out, issuing gag orders, freezing hiring and research grants at government agencies, deleting White House webpages about climate change and civil rights, pulling out of the TPP and possibly NAFTA and the UN. Can you see how these actions reflect the potential in the chart? Also consider these actions: defending “alternative facts” and other flat-out lies — to the point where the mainstream media is finally saying that the lies are lies.

Compared to the chart for the 115th Congress, I would argue that the inaugural chart is ultimately less potent, given that it is on a waning Moon, whereas the 115th Congress chart is a waxing Moon — something that needs to grow. And then I think back to January 2011, when I first wrote about the chart for a new Congress and observed (to myself), that it didn’t look as if Congress would be able to act effectively until 2017. Is that good or bad? Hmm. Any questions?

Obviously, we could continue to talk about this political stuff, but let’s move on.

Random observation about the stock market — given that the Dow broke 20,000 today. In late 2014 I spent time looking at some bubbles that coincided with challenging patterns between Saturn (reality) and Neptune (surreal), which I wrote about in January of 2015.  I wondered if there was a pattern that coincided with the bubble bursting. And yes, there seemed to be one. Then I looked for when that pattern might occur in the aftermath of last year’s Saturn-Neptune square  — and I did not see it happening immediately. And I thought, “Really?” And now here we are at 20,000. Amazing.

In other Saturn-Venus news — and here I would be looking for a positive application of militant ambition that seeks to advance women, not control them — photos of Sunday’s women’s marches from around the world.  Together, they added up to the largest gathering of protesters ever — in history.  Here’s another item of gravitas: ten things you did not know about the clitoris — making headlines. Meanwhile, Chelsea Manning has a few thoughts on why a militant approach to solving problems is preferable to compromise. Here’s a piece on why women quit working — and it’s not for the reasons men do.

Another Venus-Saturn story — not uplifting, I’m afraid. Mary Tyler Moore has passed away — here is her horoscope — and you can see that her Midheaven is 21 Sagittarius — hit by Saturn at the end of December. Right now she is being hailed in obits as a feminist icon…as this appreciative NYT article explains.   This NYT article has culled seven of the finest episodes of the Mary Tyler Moore Show for your thoughtful entertainment. Mary Tyler Moore was a trailblazer. Her alter ego — Mary Richards — would have marched on Washington last Saturday. RIP.

Thank you for reading this forecast. Here’s the 411 on personal consultations. We will have an excellent discussion together.

Monday 1/23/2017: Sneak Peek at the Week; Mars Again

Good Morning!

Another day to note your dreams upon waking. Moon is pushing boundaries in Sagittarius, sign of the philosopher clown. It is challenged by visionary Neptune at 2:38AM ET and then gambols through the bulk of the day without interference. At 4:29PM ET Mercury (mindset, communication) will harmonize with Neptune. This is lovely for artists, healers, visionaries and spiritual types. Mercury-Neptune contacts may also facilitate rose-colored glasses and/or alternative facts. You may wish to double check all communications today — which may be more righteously opinionated than usual, as a Moon in Sag needs to be.

TUESDAY begins on a sobering note, courtesy of the Moon meeting up with Sagittarius at 5:38 AM ET. Sobering — or perhaps controlling and authoritative. Reaction to whatever ambitious reach is proposed may be quite combative around 12:33PM ET, as the Moon is challenged by warrior Mars. Moon goes void at that time until 5:43 PM ET, suggesting that whatever outrage that ensues may be much ado about nothing. Stick to routine concerns; give yourself permission to wander without focus if you can. Chill!

By WEDNESDAY we’ll be in the dark of the Moon — the end of the lunar cycle. Time to wrap up projects and be still — with the potential listless or restless feeling you may have until FRIDAY, when the Moon will once again be new. Friday’s New Moon happens at 7:07 PM ET in Aquarius.

On THURSDAY note the potential for volatility in the wee hours until 10:30 AM ET, as the ambitious Capricorn Moon makes its weekly clash with Pluto (4:22 AM ET) and Uranus (10:18 AM ET).

Two other patterns of note this week. First, a chilly clash between Venus (women, art, money, social expression) and controlling Saturn will be exact on Friday at 12:50PM ET  — but felt all week. Here’s what I wrote about another clash between Venus and Saturn in 2013:

The other planetary pattern exact today can provide necessary discipline and controls, even though some will find it a bitch. And this is chilly Saturn… squaring Venus (women, money, aesthetics, social expression)…If you are on the bitchy receiving end of this transit, see if the old cliche “whatever doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger” can apply. Here’s an example from today’s NYT: how some college students worked their you-know-whats off to pay for their tuition — tough, disciplined and inspiring. Another example of formidable discipline and resolve in a most feminine form is a front page piece on how Gabrielle Giffords, whom you may recall was shot in the head at point blank range two years ago, is evolving into a passionate advocate for sane gun controls. Did you see her one-minute speech before Congress a few weeks ago — well you must see it now and here it is — deeply moving. And strangely in synch with the Crosby, Stills & Nash song  Find the Cost of Freedom popping into my head while writing the New Moon forecast. In other news, more and more women are buying guns, says the homepage of the NYT as of 6PM ET.

The second pattern of note is Mars, which will traverse the final degrees of Pisces all week, gaining prominence as it reaches zero degrees of Aries at 12:39AM ET on SATURDAY. Mars rules Aries, sign of the warrior, the big squalling baby and the people who think “Ready. Fire. Aim!” is a reasonable strategy. (That’s a quote from fellow Aries astrologer Rick Levine. My quote is that “Aries falls down stairs because it’s faster than walking”). So we are likely to see stories of prominent action involving Mars concerns: guns, war, head injuries, sports, cars, military, courage — and of course, Mars.

Will get to the serious news in the next forecast.

Thursday 1/19/2017: Soldier on Through the Void…

The Libra Moon went void at 3:55 AM ET and wanders with no particular focus or direction until 5:09 PM ET. Mind the void! If you are new to this forecast, here’s a lengthy explanation of what Moon voids are and how to manage them. Stick to routine concerns; roll with the twists that may disrupt efforts to move forward  in a straight line. Whatever crisis that erupts is likely much ado about nothing — and I can give you tons of examples from personal experience. Resist the urge to make a mountain out of a molehill. Chill!

Meanwhile, happy birthday to Aquarius! The Sun enters this airy (mental), fixed (organizing) sign  at 4:24PM ET.  Keywords for Aquarius include innovation, eccentricity, friendship, humanitarian, unconventional, rocket scientist and/or mad genius. If you were born with the Sun in Aquarius, you have the energy to innovate and intellectualize with others. If your Moon is in Aquarius, you need to be socially significant — and dare I say appreciated for it. You probably need to be unusual, too. I look forward to your empowerment when Pluto enters Aquarius in 2023. If that feels like too long to wait, take heart. You’ll be building on the seeds of change planted when Uranus enters Taurus in 2018, intensifying your need for freedom of expression.

Around 5:13 PM ET, a stubborn clash of wills may roll across the wires, courtesy of the Third Quarter Moon. The Moon will have gotten into gear in Scorpio at 5:09 PM ET, plunging into the murky emotional depths of power and control.  Soldier on through the next few days, in the aftermath of the today’s militant Mars-Saturn square, which may have taken form while you were sleeping. That square was exact at 4:15AM ET.

And now, the news….in which we parade more examples of horoscopes that have planets around 22 degrees of Sagittarius, Virgo, Pisces and Gemini — and are thus directly affected by transiting Saturn at 22 Sagittarius square Mars at 22 Pisces. If you don’t know where your planets are, you can order an Astro-Basics Report here and follow along.

Exhibit A: Chelsea Manning and President Obama. The latter has Mars at 22 Virgo.  Ms. Manning has four planets clustered between 22 and 26 Sagittarius: Mercury, Saturn, Sun and Uranus. Transiting Saturn on Mercury suggests gravitas, as well as potential depression. And a Saturn return suggests a potential new lease on life, which is true for most people born between mid-1987 and early 1988, as well as 1958 and the very beginning of 1959. A Saturn return is a life-milestone, worth discussing with your astrologer. On Tuesday President Obama commuted Ms. Manning’s 35-year sentence. She will be re-leased (!) on May 17th, a few weeks after transiting Uranus (freedom) squares her natal Venus (the feminine). Isn’t that interesting? Ms. Manning’s horoscope is a fine example of how Uranus coincides with needs and actions involving freedom and unconventional expression, as noted in past posts here and here.

Exhibit B: President George H.W. Bush and Jeb Bush. I last wrote about the former governor in February of last year:

…Jeb Bush formally ended his presidential campaign just as transiting Jupiter hit 20 degrees of Virgo. Why is that significant? 20 Virgo was the degree of a potent eclipse in September, and as you may recall, Governor Bush’s horoscope was personally affected. The eclipse fell in his 12th house, close to his 23 Virgo Ascendant and square his 22 Gemini Midheaven. Back in September, I noted that we needed to keep an eye on his horoscope in 2016, when Jupiter would trigger September’s eclipse….By the end of this year and into 2017,  he’ll likely be needing to get serious about core foundation and family concerns, as transiting Saturn hits the angles of his horoscope.

This is President Bush’s horoscope. His Sun is at 21 Gemini — just opposed by transiting Saturn. This week he was hospitalized with a bout of pneumonia.

Barbara Bush was also hospitalized. Here is her horoscope. Her Sun and Midheaven were hit by Saturn in November. Her Moon is at 16 Capricorn — challenged by Pluto all through 2016. 7Here is George W. Bush’s horoscope, which I’ve written about a few times over the years. His Moon is at 16 Libra. His father’s Moon is at 17 Libra, just squared by transiting Pluto.

Wishing President and Mrs. Bush a speedy recovery.

In horoscopes, members of a family often have planets or angles at the same degree; thus we can anticipate periods of development that they all will share.   Even if you are not a genealogy buff, you would find it fascinating to see how planetary patterns have been handed down through generations in your family. When you understand the needs of your parents, siblings and other key relatives — as suggested in their horoscopes — your relationships with them can improve. At the very least, your new understanding of their needs and challenges can give you a measure of peace, especially if you’ve had difficulty with some who have since passed on.

Meanwhile…

The militant discipline of this week’s Mars-Saturn square showed up in Donald Trump’s reality bubble.  Which we would expect, given that it makes contact with both the Sun and the Moon in his horoscope. Yesterday he waxed poetically about staging military parades in Washington D.C.  — or having military planes fly over New York. Kinda like they do in North Korea, I suppose. Just look at the ginormous military parade they had in 2015, reportedly to show “it was ready to defend itself against the United States.”

A battering ram is an apt example of the action of Mars combined with the discipline of Saturn. And “rammed” is a word I saw in more than one source to describe how the Republican leaders in the Senate are conducting this week’s incoming Cabinet nominee hearings. If you have not watched parts of the hearings on C-Span, you are missing quite a show. Disclosures required to complete clearances have not been filed by all of the nominees — so there will be no public debate on anything questionable discovered after the hearings. One of the worst of the worst was the hearing of Betsy DeVos, the nominee for Secretary of Education — and a big campaign contributor to 10 of the 12 Republican senators on the committee. A summary of that hearing by Esquire‘s Charles Pierce is worthwhile.

Let’s end on a hopeful, silver lining. In October I wrote:

Continuing along Venus-Neptune lines, as the two together also suggest compassion and forgiveness, this leads me to opine that in some respect we must be grateful to Donald J. Trump for personifying the worst in human potential. Without him serving as a magnet, we would not have the opportunity to bring toxic thought and behavior patterns to light. And if they don’t come into the light — and into our consciousness — they can’t be healed.

The other day, a friend shared a video made after the election called “Why I’m Happy Trump Won.” If we can approach the immediate future with his perspective (which could be seen as militant), perhaps we can make some seriously good lemonade out of this distressing lemon. Planetary patterns suggest potential for sweeping, sudden changes in 2017 — and that doesn’t mean it’s all going to be “bad.”Hey, yesterday I read that China has built the world’s largest solar farm — that’s good, right?  It will send less pollution to Los Angeles. Less smog! And in New York tomorrow, many museums will be open — for free. Art — what a great thing to spend contemplating on a day with Venus (art) in harmony with Pluto (empowered perspective).

Thank you for reading this forecast.

 

Tuesday 1/17/2017: Sneak Peek at a Militant Marching Week

Continue reading Tuesday 1/17/2017: Sneak Peek at a Militant Marching Week

Thursday-Monday 1/12-16/2017: Full Moon in Cancer; Trump Again

Are we having fun yet?

Here’s a reminder from Monday about what we’re dealing with this week:

Not that the electrifying and rebellious buzz generated by Uranus making a hard contact with the Sun on TUESDAY at 11:21 AM ET is inclined to be patient. Combine that with the rising emotions reflecting the Moon waxing to its fullness (on THURSDAY). Add the yuge potential for expansive and empowered action suggested by WEDNESDAY’s challenge between the Sun and bigly Jupiter, along with a harmony between Mars (action) and Pluto (power). Color it prominently rose, suggested by a meet-up between Venus and Neptune on THURSDAY, along with Mercury — now direct — at the Aries Point.

Bottom line: the rush to act rebelliously is supported; however, chances are good that the action plan needs a re-think. We’ll see if it gets one.

Many thanks to Avid Reader Gene — one of the many gifted intuitives I am blessed to have among my readers. Gene writes: “I’m getting imagery similar to what you are talking about in your internet news letter. Very strong emotions dripping in color.” I love it when planetary patterns are in sync with other channels. Thanks, Gene!

How does that jive with Tuesday’s sensational headlines about President Obama and Donald J. Trump receiving security briefings about the Russians having personally compromising dirt on the latter?  And that a dossier of unconfirmed allegations has been in circulation among select journalists, political figures and intelligence officials for months? It fills in the potential suggested by the New Moons and Full Moons in recent months: November’s Full Moon at 23 Taurus, right on Trump’s Midheaven, illuminating career and reputation concerns.  December’s Full Moon at 22 Gemini fell on his Gemini Sun and Sag Moon; THURSDAY’s Full Moon at 22 Cancer sheds light on his Saturn at 23 Cancer and his Venus at 25 Cancer. Venus rules his Midheaven (career; reputation) and his mindset, and Venus refers to how and what he needs to love.  Saturn refers to ambition, patriarchy and fears. Together in his horoscope, Venus and Saturn are one of several suggestions of anxiety about whether he is worthy of being loved.

We can expect more illumination and release for Trump in the coming months. February’s Full Moon in Leo will highlight his Mars and square his Midheaven. March’s Full Moon at 22 Virgo squares his Sun and Moon, recalling illumination that was outed in December. April’s Full Moon in Libra squares his Saturn and Venus, perhaps recalling whatever is coming out this week.  May’s Full Moon in Scorpio impacts his Midheaven and his IC, referring to career status/and family. June’s Full Moon in Sagittarius connects with his Sun, Moon and North Node. And on and on and on…

…and don’t you wonder how these planetary patterns are likely to be reflected in YOUR horoscope? Here’s the 411 on personal consultations. We will have an excellent discussion together. If you already have an astrologer — or you are an astrologer — or a student of astrology who reads these forecasts for the wealth of knowledge they provide, a contribution to the Cosmic Tip Jar is appreciated. 

Back to today’s Full Moon, which is exact at 6:34 AM ET — and then goes void until 7:06 PM ET. However, before it waxes to exact fullness, the Moon makes its weekly charged connection to power mad Pluto and rebel Uranus at 10 PM ET on WEDNESDAY and 3:34 AM ET THURSDAY, respectively. Add in Jupiter’s expansive hits to the Sun and Moon, and I would not be surprised to see the aftermath of a big reveal in the morning’s news. — perhaps focused on home, family and homeland security concerns. My money says it will have something to do with the so-called “vote-a-rama” now happening in Congress, an all-night session which will lay the groundwork for the majority’s plans for world domination.

If they weren’t in recess so often, maybe they wouldn’t have to stay up all night. Or maybe they read the forecast and realized that the all-day Moon void was an apt time to take a break.

During the Moon void on THURSDAY — a time to stick to routine concerns — Mercury leaves righteously opinionated Sagittarius and enters strategy-focused Capricorn, where it demands a much more nuts and bolts approach in matters of mindset and communication. Whatever was going on around January 3rd is up for a re-assessment — with prominence.

Also happening in the void: the beautiful meet up of Venus in compassionate, soulful and suffering Pisces with Neptune, the ultimate dreamer. “Don’t you dare burst my beautiful bubble…la la la…I can’t hearrrrr you…might be one reflection.” Artists and healers and other spiritual types may be mystically inspired, especially if you have a planet or angle around 9 degrees of Virgo, Gemini, Sagittarius and especially Pisces. And of course LaLaLand won a truckload of Golden Globes on Sunday, along with Moonlight. Even the movie titles express lovely shimmering intangibles, as you’d expect with Venus meeting up with Neptune in Pisces.

That leaves us with the militant drive of Mars, challenged by Saturn. This potentially frustrating pattern will be exact on the morning of January 19th, and we are likely to see it strongly expressed until then. In the chart for the Full Moon set in Washington DC, Saturn rules the chart from a secretive position in the 12th house. An unaspected Mercury in the 12th at the Aries Point suggests a trove of buried information seeking prominence. The relationship between Saturn and Mars suggests highly-charged communications about assets and worth — with a hit from rebel Uranus for added shock value. Pass the popcorn!

 

The Sabian Symbols for the Full Moon, courtesy of Blaine Bovee’s wonderful book are 1) for the Moon at 23 Cancer:  “meeting of a literary society;” and 2) for the Sun at 23 Capricorn: “two awards for bravery in war.” Bovee suggests we apply these symbols with an awareness of “the internal struggles and agonies withing both the world of art and beauty, and that of the battlefields of war….the question is: What moves, what motivates, the awarding of recognition? Consider bestowal by grace or bestowal by the machinations of special interest…” Aren’t these Sabian Symbols FUN?

Once the Moon enters Leo at 7:08 PM ET on Thursday, there will be no exact aspects until 6:26 Am ET on SATURDAY. That makes Friday a play day, fit for a drama king or queen. See how you can help others shine! Moon goes void at 10:14 AM ET SATURDAY and doesn’t enter Virgo to clean up the confetti until 10:52 PM ET. No impulse shopping during the all-day void!

Sunday is a dreamy day for discernment in art and beauty. On MONDAY the Virgo Moon is opposed by Mars at 2 PM ET…and challenged by wet blanket Saturn at 5:13 PM ET. Not so dreamy. Do something productive with the assertive drive around lunch time. No sleeping in on TUESDAY.

Before I get to the news, thanks to Avid Reader Susan,  a double Sag who wants to know why I’ve referred to Sagittarius as a “sloppy” sign.  Totally fair question — and let me clarify. It’s not Sagittarius I’m calling sloppy. It’s Mercury in Sagittarius which — with great affection — I am noting may not be the most detail-oriented placement for a planet that refers to how we need to think. Consider Buzzfeed’s decision on Tuesday night to publish the 35 pages of unsubstantiated claims of aforementioned Russian dirt on Trump. That’s a Mercury in Sagittarius communication: pushing boundaries, supporting a righteous opinion, idealistic in scope and…eh…unsubstantiated… a minor detail. We’ll fix it in post. Let’s stay focused on the Big Picture!

And now, the news.

Last night President Obama gave a gracious farewell address, as we could expect from someone with the humanitarian exterior of a Aquarian Ascendant, the intellect of a Gemini Moon, the natural-born carriage of a Leo Sun and the prominence of a caring Venus in Cancer at the Aries Point. Today he has the first hit of transiting Saturn square his perfectionist Mars in Virgo, tempering action at this time. Still, his horoscope suggests a few remaining acts of significance between now and next Friday, especially around the 16th and 17th.

Today Trump had a press conference — his first in months —  and NYT columnist Gail Collins is here to tell you all about it. Usually she is cheerful, as we might expect from a Sagittarius Sun driven by a Leo Moon (Nov 25 1945). Not so cheerful today. I wondered why — thinking perhaps she might have a “Saturn thing” going on. And in fact, she does. Lay the blame on transiting Saturn sitting right on top of her Mercury at 22 Sagittarius. That can lead to some mighty heavy thinking. Astrology is amazing!!

As anticipated, the billionaire clown car of Cabinet nominee hearings originally scheduled to be speed-dated through Congress was reduced in size, as hearings were delayed until four of the nominees could be cleared by the good folks in the Ethics Office. Yesterday, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), who is the nominee for Attorney General, replied to a question in a way that reflects the narrow-minded efforts at thought control, courtesy of Saturn in Sagittarius:

(Sen.) Whitehouse (D-RI) wondered whether Sessions would have a problem with career lawyers “with secular beliefs,” having in the past criticized department attorneys for being secular. Sessions replied that he has used that language about secular attorneys to differentiate between people who recognize objective “truth” and those who take positions “in which truth is not sufficiently respected.”

Whitehouse replied, with a leading, and perhaps slightly conclusory question: “And a secular person has just as good a claim to understanding the truth as a person who is religious, correct?” At which point Sessions responded, “Well, I’m not sure.” For a few seconds the Senate chamber seemed to go completely silent.

Yes, I heard that pin drop, too.

There are other amazing things happening in the world, in sync with planetary patterns — specifically the expansive and innovative power and resources potential suggested by Jupiter’s contact with Pluto and Uranus. First, Dutch trains are now running on wind power — 100%. Second, the Indian Point nuclear power plant — located 30 miles from New York, is finally scheduled to close — in 2021. Third, the world’s largest peatland — a massive natural carbon storage “facility” — has been discovered in the Congo.  Fourth, two stars are set to collide in 2022, becoming a red supernova as bright as Polaris in the constellations Cygnus. Fifth, a Japanese insurance company made headlines when it announced it would replace its workers with A.I. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Sixth, the confirmation hearing of Exxon Mobil Chairman Rex Tillerson, who is up for Secretary of State — this one is all about power and resources, i.e., oil.

In other news, a Mercury retrograde clarification. Last week, it was announced that scientists had “discovered” a new organ in the human body. Not so fast, says Buzzfeed. Here’s what’s really going on.

Stay tuned to this channel for continuing updates. And for those who have asked, here’s a reprint of Trump’s horoscope happenings for 2017 — posted in mid-November. I have no opinion on whether he will actually be inaugurated on January 20th. But first, an adorable video of zoo animals frolicking in the snow.

“In Donald Trump’s horoscope, we see the first of three hits to his Moon, Sun and relationship point from transiting Saturn on 12/30, 1/6 and 1/14, respectively. Thus begins an ambitious agenda (upside) or a feeling of restrictive focus, control or loss. This pattern hits again in July, September and October. The Moon is only exactly hit once, but will still be under pressure in July. The restrictive influence of Saturn suggests he will not be able to have everything he wants — bringing to life the reality of the song he kept playing at rallies, despite objections from the artists.

(UPDATE: we should add that in Trump’s horoscope, the Sun refers to his self-image — how he needs to be seen — and also hidden enemies and the self-undoing. Saturn (along with Jupiter) refers to the area of his horoscope ruling creative self-expression, children, sexuality and speculative ventures.)

Back to the post from November 14th:

These limitations are countered by expansion — in the form of three hits of transiting Jupiter to his Jupiter, ruler of the area of his horoscope which refers to creative self-expression, children and speculative ventures. Saturn co-rules that area of his horoscope, so it may be six of one; half dozen of the other. Expansion of power and resources is suggested by an extraordinary double whammy of  Pluto — also to his Jupiter — now and through 2017.

A need for innovation and excitement that disrupts his mindset, communication and professional status is also at work in 2017, suggested by transiting Uranus squaring his Venus. When I think of Venus with Uranus, I think “I love you, but don’t take it personally.” I think of unconventional attractions and surprises involving women, values, money and aesthetics.

(UPDATE: soon after this forecast was posted, we learned that Melania would stay in New York with her son, Barron, so he would not have to change schools in the middle of a school year. And now of course, we have allegations of other unconventional arrangements in relationship making news now).

Chiron the Wounded Healer is still in play now and next year, continuing to expose toxic patterns and relationships going back years. This week, a month from now and January-February are active for Chiron (exact hits on January 3, 26 and February 12),  as are June, July (major hit between Chiron and his Sun) and August.

Of special interest: the total eclipse that will fall across all of the continental United States on August 21st. This hits two points in Trump’s horoscope: Mars and his Leo Ascendant, at a time when Mars (action, aggression) will be more easily provoked. The eclipse will be triggered on September 3rd (this applies to anyone with a point or planet at 29 Leo, Aquarius, Taurus and Scorpio). Mitt Romney’s Ascendant was eclipsed in May of 2012. Jeb Bush’s Ascendant was eclipsed in September of 2015. Mark your calendars.

…and if you’re wondering how that total eclipse of the Sun is likely to be reflected in your horoscope, it’s not too soon to contact me for a consultation. Thank you for reading this forecast.

Monday 1/9/2017: Sneak Peek at the Week; Mercury Direct; Meryl Streep, Right on Schedule

Good morning!

Note your dreams this AM, as the info-junkie Gemini Moon is challenged by visionary Neptune at 9:09 AM ET. Neptune aspects can be fuzzy, and combined with Mercury’s move forward Sunday in sloppy (but righteous) Sagittarius, you may need to take it slow. A day with Moon in Gemini suggests a need to be the smartest kid in the room; to chat up a storm; to seek out the facts — but still…

Not that the electrifying and rebellious buzz generated by Uranus making a hard contact with the Sun on TUESDAY at 11:21 AM ET is inclined to be patient. Combine that with the rising emotions reflecting the Moon waxing to its fullness (on THURSDAY). Add the yuge potential for expansive and empowered action suggested by WEDNESDAY’s challenge between the Sun and bigly Jupiter, along with a harmony between Mars (action) and Pluto (power). Color it prominently rose, suggested by a meet-up between Venus and Neptune on THURSDAY, along with Mercury — now direct — at the Aries Point.

Bottom line: the rush to act rebelliously is supported; however, chances are good that the action plan needs a re-think. We’ll see if it gets one.

The Gemini Moon goes void on TUESDAY between 4:38 PM ET and 5:49 PM ET — you might not even notice. On THURSDAY, however, the Cancer Full Moon goes void at 6:34 AM ET…not to enter Leo — the next sign — until 7:08 PM ET. That’s a heads up to focus on routine concerns and not make a mountain out of a molehill. And no impulse shopping, if you please. Roll with whatever twists and flakes may crop up in your efforts to move forward in a straight line. If you oversleep, don’t worry — you probably did not miss anything of consequence. Chill!

That’s the overview of planetary pattern for this week.

And now, the news.

On a day with Mercury turning direct in Sagittarius — a sign not known for its attention to detail — we could expect a few glitches in print. Even a newspaper like  The Guardian — usually a reliable source — can screw up. “Barack Obama says Donald Trump may have ‘enough craziness’ to be president,” is the headline that’s been on its home page all day — and that’s not what President Obama said at all. Which you’d find out if you read the first paragraph of the article:

Barack Obama thinks Donald Trump is “very engaging and gregarious” and “not lacking in confidence”, to the point where he may have “enough craziness to think [he] can do the job”.

Yuge difference there — right? C’mon, Guardian proofreaders! Stay focused and pay attention to planetary patterns!

Meanwhile, a newspaper in Germany has taken pains to dispute an utterly false story reported by Breitbart. No, hundreds of Muslims did not set fire to an historic church on New Year’s Eve.  And if these fake news stories tick you off, the NYT offers this empowering piece: “How to Destroy the Business Model of Breitbart and Fake News.”  More effective than signing your name to a petition — go for it!

Last Monday, the top story was the secret vote taken by members of the Republican Congress to hobble the Office of Congressional Ethics. Ordinary voters  were given credit for helping to save it by flooding the offices of Congressional members with phone calls — depending on where you get your news. Over the weekend, ethics was again a hot topic. Why? Because there are at least nine Senate confirmation hearings scheduled to begin this week — for incoming Cabinet nominees who have not yet been cleared by the Office of  Government Ethics: “Ethics Office Warns Confirmations for Trump Nominees Are Moving Too Fast.”

Let the record show that House Majority Leader Mitch McConnell clearly outlined his expectations for how Cabinet nominees were to be vetted and confirmed — in a letter to Harry Reid dated February 12, 2009. This is one of two must-sees in today’s forecast. His response to Democrats demanding the same standards now: “Grow up.”   If you’d like to contact Senator McConnell and remind him of the courageous letter he wrote back in 2009, here’s how to contact him. You’ll also find contact info for all members of the Senate. Phone calls are more effective than emails.

UPDATE: Meryl Streep, whose horoscope I ve been following for several years. She and Elizabeth Warren are astrotwins — born on the same day and year — at the beginning of Cancer, suggesting an essential being focused on caring and emotional/home (land) security. Their Suns are conjoined with Uranus, a planet symbolizing rebellion and lightning bolt clarity. They are both born to be prominent — as fiercely humanitarian individualists, daring to buck the system. Their Moons are in Taurus, also seeking comfort and stability — but in a material form. They need to build something tangible out of all that caring energy. You can feel that, right? As if they are cut from the same cloth. They are!

Two years ago I wrote about Ms. Streep’s horoscope and noted the strong potential for significant recognition right about now, given that transiting Pluto is squaring her Midheaven.  Action to the Midheaven suggests action in matters  of reputation and professional status. Pluto suggests fame and empowerment, and it will hit Ms. Streep’s MC three times in 2017. 

Last night, with transiting Mercury (communication) at the Aries Point, thus making contact with her Sun and Uranus conjunction, Ms. Streep was awarded the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award at the Golden Globes. Her acceptance speech is the other must-see item in this forecast. It lit up social media and brought many listening to tears.

Astrology is amazing. Want to know when you’re likely to win an award — and/or otherwise rock the world? Consult your local astrologer. Here’s the 411 on consultations. Together we will plan a strategy for this New Year. 

Thank you for reading this forecast.

Friday 1/6/2017 & the Weekend: Fast & Furious; Power Plays and Such

TGIF!!

So. How did the past two days of a fast and furious Aries Moon, supercharged by power player Pluto and disruptive Uranus, treat you? Get much done? Shake things up? Well, there’s more of that raging fire until the late afternoon. Channel it into something positive — or take it out at the gym. The me-me-me Aries Moon goes void at 1:41PM ET and enters earthy Taurus at about a quarter past three,  seeking to fulfill its mission of building material comfort and security.

Oh, if the Taurus Moon agenda were only that easy. A weekend of fine wine, food, music and a snuggle with your sweetie in flannel sheets would be a Taurus dream, backed by a fat bank account. Go for it. But be aware that first we must get through the 1:41 AM ET meet-up of power maven Pluto and the Sun in Capricorn, the fallout of which will likely be felt through the weekend.

And then we must realize that Mercury is once again slowing to a dead stop, about to turn DIRECT on SUNDAY at 4:43AM ET. So triple check and triple check again all communication and travel plans. And remember that Mercury will be hovering at the very end of sloppy Sagittarius until the Full Moon on THURSDAY, bringing communication about all things foreign to prominence, along with boundary-pushing opinions and traffic and travel plans.

Finally we must keep in mind that the intense buzz of TUESDAY’S challenge between rebel Uranus and the Sun may be reflected in upsets and tension you could cut through with a knife. And that emotions are on the rise, given that aforementioned waxing Moon.

There is no Moon void to deter your comforting material purchases on SATURDAY. However, the Moon will be void as of 9:23PM ET — and won’t enter Gemini until SUNDAY at 5:06AM ET. Snuggle and enjoy the snow, if it’s falling near you. Take it slow on Sunday, given Mercury’s change of station. No sleeping in on MONDAY –but still, take it slow —  and note your dreams upon waking, given that the Moon will be activated by visionary Neptune. It’s gonna be some week.

And now, the news.

Fast and furious indeed over the past few days, with that “Ready! Fire! Aim!” quality of an Aries Moon (as astrologer Rick Levine likes to say).

Venus is in Pisces and this weekend, it meets up with a point many astrologers call the South Node. Venus in Pisces suggests compassion for all living things, secure in the wisdom that LOVE IS ALL and ALL ARE ONE. Venus also refers to the feminine. The South Node suggests destruction. Throw everything that is Venus in Pisces under the bus, and marvel at the latest unpresidented development: “In Break With Precedent, All Obama Envoys are Denied Extensions Past Inauguration Day” — and while we’re at it, let’s have the Speaker of the House announce that Planned Parenthood will be defunded (if he has anything to say about it), and let’s have a U.S. Senator (Mike Enzi) submit a bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act without any replacement plan on the table. Venus in Pisces under the bus, supported by a falling-down-stairs-because-it’s-faster-than-walking Aries Moon — and underwritten by that power-mad Sun-Pluto in Capricorn, with a boundary-pushing macho thrust, courtesy of Uranus in Aries opposing Jupiter.

Meanwhile, you may have heard that Congressional leaders have said they are A-OK with funding the big fat wall on the U.S. – Mexican border — you know, the one Trump said he would make Mexico pay for. Who wants to buy my cool bridge in Brooklyn?

Compare the assault on Planned Parenthood to the status of women living in Nepal, where you’re considered impure if you are menstruating or have just given birth. Thus you must remove yourself to a freezing cold hut and hope you don’t die from exposure — or worse, as a story on the NYT home page currently reports. It may be too much for the delicate senses of a staffer in Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA)’s office, who told a constituent caller that talking about menstruation in the context of a discussion about  defunding Planned Parenthood was “too graphic.” This  made news today, too. I wonder if Senator Toomey has a fainting couch in his office. I wonder if he thinks the U.S. is more advanced than Nepal.

Did you know that 17 of the Tweeter-in-Chief’s proposed cabinet picks have as much wealth among them as 43 million American households — the bottom third — of the “haves” barrel? It’s an apt reflection of one potential of “he who dies with the most toys wins” Pluto traveling through the back half of Capricorn.

Time for a more uplifting perspective: Tarot Diva Beth Owlsdaughter has posted a card reading — not for the week — but for the whole year. She writes so well!!

On Saturday, January 21st there will be marches all over the country, thanks to a Facebook post by one woman in Hawaii. Wow! Of course her name is Teresa Shook — as shaking up the status quo is so apt in these interesting times. Thank you, Uranus (shake ups) in Aries (individual), where one person can make a difference. So here’s a fun piece on the upcoming marches with input from Mercury retrograde:

At first I thought, “If only WaPo had consulted with an astrologer, she would have advised them to triple check everything before hitting ‘print.'” That’s the symbol for Mars/men, not Venus/women on that WaPo Express cover.  Oops. But now I think that WaPo should have said that the Mars symbol was intentional, because in astrology, Mars is the symbol for “action” and “courage,” and action and courage are what the women who are marching will be expressing! It’s not just a man thing, right?

Also apt for a Mercury retrograde: in France, workers now have a legal right to disconnect from office email after business hours.

UPDATE on Adolf Hitler: less than a month ago I noted that his horoscope suggested “electrifying thought and a fresh start” in matters of mindset and communication. Guess what book has become a bestseller in Germany –– or so we learned this week?  Mein Kampf! The horoscope lives forever — and you can read more on that subject in a piece I wrote for The Mountain Astrologer.

The story about the Russians — and specifically, Vladimir Putin — influencing the U.S. election continues to develop., with the declassification of an intelligence report this afternoon. Earlier today, Congress certified the Electoral College’s presidential vote — but let the record show that 11 members of Congress voiced challenges on grounds including Russian interference, electors not meeting requirements of their own state constitutions; Voting Rights Act violations and more. What more did they need? The support of one senator — and they didn’t have it.

A popular horoscope for modern Russia gives birth data as follows: 1:45PM on June 12, 1990 in Moscow. It’s fascinating to see its Sun at 21 degrees of Gemini, making it conjunct Trump’s 22 Gemini Sun and opposite his 21 Sagittarius Moon. Remember how 22 Gemini-Sagittarius was illuminated in last month’s Full Moon, and how many other current newsmakers have planets and angles at those 22 Mutable degrees?

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….then again in June and October.

So now we add Russia’s horoscope to the mix — and note that Russia will also get it  from all angles when Saturn hits its 24 degree Gemini Midheaven and its 26 Virgo Ascendant three times in 2017. We also note that Russia has been on  a potent expansion of power and resources, with transiting Pluto opposing Jupiter, ruler of Russia’s 4th House — it’s territory — from 2014 — 2016.  So we see the potential for the expansion of territory! In April 2017, we see the third hit of  potentially surprising disruptions in territorial concerns, as transiting Uranus squares Saturn — the co-ruler of Russia’s 4th House. This pattern began last summer.  This third hit will coincide with a measurement suggesting significant communications and thinking about its status and image. Should be an interesting spring, for many more reasons I haven’t gotten around to listing here. Stay tuned!

Wouldn’t you like to know how current planetary patterns are creating opportunity for you in your own personal world? Or in the personal worlds of your children or your significant other? There are so many ways astrology can be used to help you live life better. Check out the types of consultations and reports I have to offer and let’s plan to talk soon. We will have a fine discussion together.

Thank you for reading this forecast.

 

 

Tuesday 1/3/2017: A New Year, A New Congress — the 115th

Good Morning!

Yes, that is when this forecast was supposed to ship, but it didn’t. Thank you, Mercury retrograde!

The Moon in Pisces continues its glide through murky waters. If you’re in the captain’s seat, cooperation from the Sun and Pluto to the Moon during most of the business day will aid your quest for world domination, no matter what your passengers think. An ambitious reach or authoritative wet blanket may pull focus the closer we get to 8:33PM ET, when the Moon is challenged by Saturn in Sagittarius, righteously setting boundaries on opinions.

With Mercury at 0 Capricorn — the Aries Point — communication in matters involving the Established Order are likely to make headlines.

And now, the news.

Oh what tangled webs we weave when a Pisces Moon meets up with Neptune (as it did last night at 11PM ET). As I type, the home page NYT headline reads, “With No Warning, House Republicans Vote to Gut Independent Ethics Office”. Right-o. Nothing screams scandale like Neptune.

And what, pray tell, has captured the home page of the Washington Times, the deceased Justice Scalia’s favorite newspaper? No sign of the Ethics Office “gutting” to be found. Instead we read, “Trump, Philippines’ Duterte seek connection as China looms.”

The politics and diplomacy may be murky, but, based on a visit to the area late last month, the infrastructure here is ready to roll.

And this would be the same Rodrigo Duterte who has admitted to personally killing other human beings.  Meanwhile, the editor-in-chief of the Wall Street Journal (Justice Scalia’s other favorite paper) made news when he said he was reluctant to call false statements made by the Tweeter-in-Chief “lies,” citing the question of “intent,” as Merriam-Webster defines it:

Definition of lie
  1. 1:  to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive
  2. 2:  to create a false or misleading impression

Also murky, non?

In other news, Neptune himself caused a scandal on Facebook when a photo of a statue of the Roman god was blocked for being “explicitly sexual.”  The blocking would be a reflection of the censorship and other controls placed on expression I expect we will see in 2017, as Saturn (control)  continues through Sagittarius (publishing, opinion). Also in this category: part of the new House rules package that will be voted on this week contains a proposal to punish Congresspersons take videos or photos of the House floor. What could possibly happen in Congress that members would not want the public to see?

That was a rhetorical question.

Speaking of Congress, the 115th Congress begins at 12PM ET. Here’s an update on the bit I posted last time about the pile-up of planets in Pisces in this Congress’s horoscope not looking like much of a power play or upset. What does look like a screamingly obvious potential for an upset is rebel Uranus sitting right on an Aries Ascendant, opposed by expansive Jupiter. Apologies for not including that in the last forecast. I blame Mercury, which will be retrograde until the 8th. The chart is at the bottom of this forecast.

A Jupiter-Uranus opposition suggests potential for sudden, sweeping change. It’s comparable to the illumination and release potential of a Full Moon. What compares to a seed-planting New Moon? A Jupiter-Uranus conjunction. When did that last happen? In January 2011, in the aftermath of the 2010 midterms in which Tea Party Republicans were elected in swarms. Thus we could assess 2017 to be their make it or break it year.

Here’s another story that made breakthroughs during that series of Jupiter-Uranus conjunctions: A.I. How will these types of stories reach fulfillment in 2017?

I think 2017 is going to be a very good year for astrologers, as Uranus rules astrology.

Back to the chart for the 115th Congress, as I mull over the potential of that 12th House Pisces Moon, with its intuitive insider’s perspective, squared by Saturn in Sagittarius. Moon-Saturn squares can suggest discipline and ambition — but can be harsh. With Saturn in the 9th House, along with that prominent Mercury at the Aries Point, we see how these patterns are likely to be expressed in 9th House concerns: collective belief systems (religion, philosophy, law); courts, publishing, broadcasting. Then we add 12th House concerns: hospitals, churches, prisons, to name a few. So much going on behind the scenes in this legislative body.

The Sun and Pluto are together in Capricorn in the 10th, as they were in the chart for the 114th Congress in 2015. This suggests a power grab, with a potential tear-down and transformation of the Establishment.

Venus, ruler of the 2nd House and 7th House, is strongly placed in Pisces. The 2nd House refers to values and money; the 7th to partnerships and the public. While it may be strong, it is also moving to a meet-up with the South Node, suggesting a potential destructive or toxic element. As in the potential for all that is compassionate, loving and kind to be thrown under the bus. Ouch.

Last but not least, we note that there are no planets in Fixed Signs in this chart, and there is only one planet — Jupiter — in an Air Sign. The deficit of Air suggests a lack in matters of intellectual discourse and debate. “We don’t need no stinkin’ Ph.D in this here canteen, no we’re not gonna talk — or write — about it in standard forms. We’ll invent our own form of communication and intelligence, and it will be the most creative thought and communication ever.  Now can we get this thing done already?” The absence of Fixed energy suggests an entity that is likely to be active and flux — no need to hold on to cherished traditions here.

Meanwhile in Finland, a radical experiment has begun. Unemployed citizens are going to be paid a minimum basic income of $587 per month, in addition to whatever unemployment benefits they may receive. And that basic income will not be taken away once they are working again. Why? Read the article.

Thank you for reading this forecast. I know you must be dying to find out what “make it or break it” potential is suggested for you in 2017. Here’s the 411 on consultations. We will have an excellent discussion together.