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"Thank you Elisabeth. Your reading has become a launching point into my future. I will keep you posted on how things develop. And I will definitely tell my friends about you. Your gifted insight and depth of thinking are so appreciated."
--D.H.
Seattle

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Friday 3/30/2018 & the Weekend: Blue Full Moon in Libra; Pope Francis, Roseanne, Sean Penn & Me

TGIF!

The Virgo Moon was void  today until 1:52 PM ET.  Chill, focus on routine and don’t make a mountain out of a molehill. Once the Moon enters Libra, people-pleasing, fairness and diplomacy in relationship drive the agenda. There are no tough aspects to the Moon today, suggesting an easy flow of action.

Meanwhile, Venus, which refers to social expression, aesthetics and finance, leaves fiery Aries at 12:54 AM ET on SATURDAY. Destination: earthy Taurus, one of the signs Venus rules. For the next few weeks, note how a need for tangible value, comfort and security manifests in the news.  Note that any planet in Taurus can be stubborn and resistant to change. It’s interesting to see how Venus will be in harmony with Mars and Saturn through mid-April. Mars and Saturn in Capricorn are reflecting the heavy militant action potential we’re seeing in the headlines, for better or for worse.

We’ll see some bumps starting in the wee hours on  SATURDAY.  At 3:12 AM ET and 5:22 AM ET, Moon clashes with Mars (action/anger/assertion) and Saturn (control/patriarchy). Emotions will be on the rise and by the time the Moon waxes to its fullness at  8:37 AM ET, the mood may be cranky. What’s it going to be: war or peace?  Guns or butter? Me or us? Action or discussion? These are a few polarities a Libra Full Moon opposing an Aries Sun bring to mind.

With Mercury retrograde meeting up with the Aries Sun on SUNDAY at 1:53 PM ET, the mind may be blinded by a crusading, pioneering, idealistic light. The action potential in the aftermath of this Full Moon is exceptional. We’ll see some of it around the weekly clash between the Moon and heavy hitters Pluto and Uranus, exact early Sunday AM and mid-afternoon, respectively.

Chill during the Moon void on Sunday between 2:29 PM ET and 6:57 PM.

Absolutely no sleeping in on MONDAY. The Moon will be in Scorpio, moving ahead with ruthless depth on its quest for world domination.  The Mars-Saturn meet-up that’s been a galvanizing force for the past couple of weeks will be exact at 11:44 AM ET. Make the most of it in your own personal world.

The Sabian Symbols for this Full Moon are “the president of the country” (for the Sun in me-me-me Aries) and “a professor peering over his glasses” (for the Moon in we-we-we Libra). I dunno, what do you think? Brute executive willpower vs.  refined studied knowledge? The links in the last sentence will take you to thoughts from Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee.

Fun fact: when we set the Full Moon chart in Washington DC, most all of the action is happening behind the scenes. Neptune is running wild, as it has been for weeks, suggesting continued fog, scandal and things not being as they seem. The heavy Mars-Saturn meet-up is in the 9th House, suggesting militant action in publishing, foreign affairs, education and higher courts — just to name a few.

You are more personally affected by this Full Moon if you have a planet or angle around 11 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn. Consult your local astrologer for details.

And now, the news.

In the category of disruptive, militant, streamlining in an effort to take control:

  • Any story about the Parkland shooting survivors, who are simply not going away. This week  companies pulled advertising from Fox host Laura Ingraham‘s show. She mocked student David Hogg after he was rejected by several colleges.  I share this story for Avid Readers who may have children receiving college rejection letters this week — it’s the season. Take heart! Your children have bright futures ahead of them, regardless.
  • The ouster of VA head David Shulkin, who responded by penning a scathing op-ed decrying a perceived threat to the agency: privatization. In thinking of a suitable  replacement to run one of the largest and challenged federal agencies, I’m sure the first name that popped into your head was Dr. Ronny L. Jackson, P45’s personal physician. No? You’re in good company. In another scathing op-ed co-penned by a former colleague, Dr. Jackson is criticized for a seemingly-stunning affability and lack of objectivity. And I thought to myself, I bet Dr. Jackson has Moon in Pisces, in touch with Neptune. And in fact, he does! The big windfall opportunity that just landed on his plate is suggested by a spark between transiting Uranus to  his natal Jupiter. Birth data: May 4, 1970 in Levelland, Texas. Fun fact: Stormy Daniels has one of those, too.
  • In Kentucky, lawmakers found a novel way to prevent coal miners with black lung disease  from claiming disability benefits: muzzle certain medical professionals
  • Add the unconventional attractions potential of Wednesday’s meet-up of Venus and Uranus to the streamlining mix and you might be “Scrubbed Clean: Why a Certain Kind of Sex is Disappearing From the Internet.”
  • More on the 2020 U.S. Census: “The Trump Administration’s Plan to Make People Disappear.”
  • In the UK, a man who moved there from Antigua 59 years ago received a letter from the Home Office saying he might be sent home. See? It’s not just the U.S.

UPDATE: Pope Francis. Even in the Afterlife, the population has been streamlined, according to His Holiness — in a recent meeting reported by The Guardian:

During the meeting…the pope [was asked] where “bad souls” go, to which he was quoted as responding: “They are not punished. Those who repent obtain God’s forgiveness and take their place among the ranks of those who contemplate him, but those who do not repent and cannot be forgiven disappear. A hell doesn’t exist, the disappearance of sinning souls exists.”

No Hell? Wow! That’s a shock — with likely more to come this year, as transiting Uranus hits the  pope’s 0 degree Taurus Midheaven multiple times. What other status quos will he overturn? In his horoscope, we can see that his  Cancer Ascendant and his Capricorn Mercury are being activated by the Mars-Saturn meet-up, as well as tomorrow’s illuminating Full Moon. Whatever he has to say on Easter Sunday should be equally illuminating.  For more on the Pope’s horoscope, click here.

Meanwhile…

Roseanne Barr is all over the news. The revival of her sitcom — Roseanne — has gotten rave reviews, with initial ratings to match.  What’s going on in her horoscope?  She’s a Scorpio, driven by the Moon in  Gemini, needing to be the cleverest, most intensely entertaining gal in the room, even if what comes out of her mouth is boundary-pushing and sloppy.  It needs to be with her Gemini Moon opposed by Mercury in Sagittarius. Her Scorpio Sun is currently under the expansive potential of Jupiter — soon to hit the top of  her horoscope this fall.  This adds to the bigness she needs to express in everything she is, suggested by her natal Jupiter (in comfort-seeking Taurus) opposing her natal Sun.  Her Ascendant is Aquarius, suggesting a need to be seen as a humanitarian — if perhaps in a somewhat eccentric, detached way.  Militant, explosive, innovative, fanatical and charismatic — an odd mix of the old guard and avant garde —  is suggested in a tense pattern among her Mars, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus. Those planets have been or will soon be supercharged by transiting Pluto.  We see the potential for persuasive action and disruption in the recent past, with a tremendous effort required now through 2019 that may be somewhat angst-driven.  We shall see.

UPDATE: Sean Penn, whose horoscope was last covered here in early 2016.  This renegade Leo king (his Leo Sun is conjunct Uranus) is driven by a home/family security-seeking Cancer Moon. The mask he wears is a righteously opinionated, boundary-pushing Sagittarius Ascendant. He needs to be seen that way — big time, with Jupiter sitting right on the Ascendant. His social expression is likely to be perfectionist and intensely empowering (on a good day); wasteful overkill (on a bad one) — suggested by a Venus-Pluto meet-up in Virgo, challenged by Mars. Control and authority is a constant adjustment in matters of walking and talking. Other patterns suggest visionary thinking — for better or for worse.

Why are we talking about his horoscope now? He’s just written a book — and critics agree it’s a mess! “Repellent and stupid on so many levels,” says one. “Sean Penn the novelist must be stopped!” Where do we see this train wreck potential in the horoscope? How about two patterns involving Neptune — one to his Midheaven (reputation/status) and the other to his Ascendant. He needs to be a visionary, but one potential of a heavy Neptune phase is delusion, bewilderment and ego-wipeout. Ouch! Plus, transiting Saturn is opposing his sensitive Cancer Moon.  That can be harsh and isolating. Double ouch!

Hope you’re having a better week than Sean Penn. And that you won’t be hit by debris from a falling Chinese space station. As for me, I’m spending my birthday with my right foot wrapped and on ice. Back in October 2016, on an exact hit to my Ascendant and other planets in my horoscope, I stepped in a pothole and twisted my ankle and knee. With transiting Mars back at the exact same place this week, the foot has flared up — and I’m just not in mood to consult a doctor to see if she thinks it’s a sprain, stress fracture, tight calf muscles or whatever.  Yes, astrology is amazing.

But y’know what would really make my day? Share this forecast with your friends. If they’re not news junkies, or may not be able to appreciate an astrology forecast written at this level of sophistication (see how smart you are?), then please tell them about my consulting services — which are always offered in plain English — none of the astrological jargon used here!  I bet you have at least a dozen friends who would love to understand themselves, their significant others and their children through the astonishingly accurate lens of astrology. I love referrals!  And invitations to teach, speak and/or write about astrology. Finally, consider supporting the work of this blog — about to enter its 10th year of service — by making a contribution to the Cosmic Tip Jar.

Thank you for reading this forecast. I hope you enjoyed reading it. I had a blast writing it.

Wednesday 3/28/2018 & a Few Days: Catching Up on the News; an Extraordinary Eclipse

 

All-righty then!

At 10:30 AM ET the Moon entered Virgo, driving most of the next three days with a need to make things right in exacting detail. How is your Mercury retrograde REorganizing going? What are you throwing out? A lot, potentially, using the streamlined, proactive focus of the soon-t0-be exact meet-up between Mars and Saturn on April 2nd.  Not to mention THURSDAY’s 10:16 AM ET square between Saturn and the Aries Sun. In the language of astrology, Saturn refers to necessary control, ambition and discipline. The Sun refers to ego, leaders, vitality.

Headlines that happened in the aftermath of Sun-Saturn squares can be found here and here.  Search the archives and you’ll find more. You are more personally affected by the potential for a streamlined squeeze or advance if you were born around the 28th of March, June, September and December…or if you have a planet or angle around 4-9 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn. Now would be an excellent time to book a personal consultation — and I know this because the horoscopes of most of my recent clients fall into this category. Join them!

You can also be proactive about REconnecting with people from your past. I spent yesterday morning catching up with college classmates whom I had not spoken with in years. Found out that one had triplets — what a surprise! And that surprise was an apt reflection of this evening’s meet-up between Venus (women) and Uranus (did I mention surprise?).  Who or what has suddenly returned in your life  since Mercury turned retrograde on March 22nd? You have until April 15th to RE-establish ties. Go for it! And especially GO FOR IT this week, where there are few bumps impeding the flow of the Virgo Moon.  It doesn’t get choppy until Saturday….

And now, the news.

Streamlining is all over the news – militantly so:

Serious Saturn-Sun news involving heads of state:

  • Kim Jong-un visits China’s Xi Jinping 
  • P45 has been officially summoned in a lawsuit alleging he is violating the emoluments clause of the U.S. Constitution. Maryland and D.C. are the plaintiffs.
  • P45 loses in his company’s arbitration efforts to regain control of its Panama hotel.
  • Add in the disruption of status quo involving money and aesthetics (suggested by today’s meet-up between Venus and Uranus):  no more public funding of portraits of federal agency heads and politicians.

Meanwhile, Helen Gurley Brown’s horoscope is also under tension. Her 28 Aquarius Sun was impacted by last August’s Big Fat Total Eclipse, as well as the eclipse at 27 Aquarius in February. Transiting Saturn (control, cuts) is squaring her natal Saturn and her Libra Midheaven (public status). Saturn rules her 2nd House — referring to money and self-worth. On today’s disruptive Venus-Uranus meet-up at 27 Aries, Walmart removed Cosmopolitan  from its checkout aisles. Does Ms. Brown have a tense aspect between Venus and Uranus in her horoscope? Of course she does.

Did you know that Cosmopolitan was founded in 1886 — as a “family magazine?” It was also once a “literary magazine.” It was in 1965 — the first hit of the revolutionary Uranus-Pluto conjunction — that Helen Gurley Brown became Cosmo’s editor. She turned that magazine upside down! In the aftermath of the 2011-2016 Uranus-Pluto square, perhaps another transformation is in order.

UPDATE: House Speaker Paul Ryan, whose horoscope has been discussed here many times. This week it was rumored that the Speaker would be resigning “within 60 days.” Speaker Ryan denied it — with Mercury retrograde, one is always advised to refrain from believing everything one reads in the papers. What does his horoscope suggest? Certainly there are tensions now — with a critical period happening at the end of June and early July, as transiting Mars stations and turns retrograde on his natal Sun. Feels like a battle requiring physical/assertive energy. This fall, after Election Day, transiting Jupiter meets up with Neptune and his Ascendant — that’ll happen at 0 degrees Sagittarius.  This suggests an expanded idealism — and possibly an expanded personal projection. I wonder where he will be a year from now, when transiting Neptune hits the bottom of his horoscope. In my experience, this transit may be experienced as if one is suddenly standing in quicksand, unclear about how one fits into one’s home/foundation. A windfall opportunity may present itself later in 2019, followed by a break for independence in 2020.

In other news, Avid Readers may remember these guys from a forecast posted last August called “The Wiggy Uranus-Neptune Semi-Square”

That’s a picture of Uranus and Neptune when they met up in Capricorn in the early 90s. Their mission: to dissolve boundaries, and connect everyone together into one big spooky, ooky family…with the Capricorn part of the picture suggesting a potential corporate backing. That meet-up (technically called a conjunction) planted the seeds for the cycle. The semi-square is the first challenge to the seeds planted. Do we like what we planted? Now that we’re all connected via Facebook and Google, perhaps you’d like to know what they now know about you. Look here.   Is it spooky, ooky — or something even….(insert your adjective here).

So now we are seeing these big tangled webs of connection being challenged — the timing is perfect.  Mark Zuckerberg is being called to testify before Congress (after apparently dissing requests to appear before Parliament). And we are finding out more about the good folks who worked with Cambridge Analytica to come up with those fun “what kind of pasta/flower/horror movie creature/superhero are you?” personality quizzes that plagued Facebook in the early stages of the U.S. presidential campaign.

We do not have a confirmed birth time for Mark Zuckerberg, but we can see that his Mercury (how he needs to think and communicate) at roughly 29 Aries is under the influence of this Uranus-Neptune semi-square. The next exact hit — the third of five — happens on June 16th.  Patterns in the chart for the launch of Facebook (Feb 4, 2004 in Cambridge, MA) are also impacted by the Uranus-Neptune semi-square. Let’s see what happens.

Meanwhile, WaPo’s James Hohmann is on the case. In today’s Daily 202, he wants you to know about historian Niall Ferguson’s new book:

The Square and the Tower” is a cautionary tale that challenges the conventional wisdom that growing interconnectedness is inherently good for society…

To understand the current eraFerguson believes we need to look more at what happened after Johannes Gutenberg developed the printing press. Like the Web, the use of these presses was difficult to centrally control. “At the beginning of the Reformation 501 years ago, Martin Luther thought naively that if everybody could read the Bible in the vernacular, they’d have a direct relationship with God, it would create ‘the priesthood of all believers’ and everything would be awesome,” said Ferguson.

From an astrological perspective, we see Gutenberg using new technology (Uranus) to advance a spiritual connection (Neptune). Now — Uranus and Neptune hadn’t even been discovered in 1439-40, but guess what pattern they were in back then? Uranus was squaring Neptune! Coincidence or conspiracy?

Finally, thanks to Avid Reader Jennifer who sent in an apt reflection of how Mercury retrograde often coincides with secrets from the past revealed. “After 51 years, police recover remains believed to be of missing Cutchogue woman”   The woman was Louise Pietrewicz, who disappeared at age 38. Investigative reporter that I am, I dug further and found her birth date: August 22, 1928 — in Sagaponack, NY. Her Sun is at 29 Leo, conjunct Neptune at 28 Leo. Avid Readers will instantly realize that her Sun and Neptune would have been totally eclipsed back in August — and again in February. It is fascinating to note that her “cold case” was reopened last fall! And that her remains were finally uncovered after the eclipse in February. Eclipses — like Mercury retrogrades — have an odd way of coinciding with bringing what was hidden to light.

So. To all of you Avid Readers whose horoscopes were affected by last August’s eclipse — how have you seen that manifest in your life?

Thank you for reading this forecast. Here’s the 411 on personal consultations. 

 

 

 

 

Monday 3/26/2018: Sneak Peek at Another Militant Marching Week; Mars, Saturn and the Sun

Good Morning! Afternoon, actually. Takes a few hours write these forecasts.

The next two days are driven by the Moon in regal Leo, seeking to shine and help others shine, too. — with little interference from other planets.  The stage is set for drama, play and plenty of royal edicts. Whatever initiatives about home/family/emotional security that were pitched over the weekend, when the Moon was in Cancer, the Leo Moon facilitates efforts to organize them into a tangible form.

Notable planetary patterns this week: on WEDNESDAY at 8:46 PM ET, Venus (in warrior Aries) meets up with rebel Uranus. Venus refers to money, social expression, women and aesthetics.  When in touch with Uranus, we see the potential for unconventional attractions, gender-benders and disruptions to the status quo in Venusian concerns.  Watch the headlines.  Hours later, on THURSDAY at 10:16 AM ET, the Aries Sun is squared by Saturn in Capricorn.  Challenges between the Sun and Saturn are likely to be reflected in the headlines as an ambitious reach or a heavy cut, often involving political and corporate leaders. In your own personal world, if you have a planet or angle around 8 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, I’d want to ask you about the streamlining squeeze you’ve been feeling over the past few week, for better or worse. That squeeze isn’t going away anytime soon, and there’s plenty of positive things you can do with it — likely building on the revolutionary changes you experienced a few years ago.

Don’t know what degrees your planets and points are? Consider ordering one of my reports — or book a personal consultation. Astrology is a powerful planning tool. 

Emotions are on the rise this week, building to a crest at 8:37 AM ET on SATURDAY,  when we’ll have the Full Moon in Libra.  A few hours earlier, Venus will leave firebrand Aries and settle into comfortable Taurus.  I expect we’ll see headlines involving militant idealism and action over the weekend, reflecting 1) a meet-up between the Aries Sun and Mercury retrograde on SUNDAY at 1:53 PM ET, followed by  2) the high-functioning, make-things-happen meet up of Mars and Saturn in Capricorn, exact on MONDAY at 11:44 AM ET.

Take advantage of the proactive energy that will carry us through to next week. Tackle a project requiring focus and discipline. Use the potential suggested by Mercury retrograde to REview and REorganize.  Get rid of what no longer serves, as you lay down the bones for a new structure. Onward!

Your Moon voids this week — times to chill over perceived crises and stick to routine concerns — happen on WEDNESDAY 5:54 AM ET – 10:30 AM ET,  FRIDAY 12:59 AM ET – 1:52 PM ET. and SUNDAY 2:29 PM ET  – 6:57 PM ET.  Remember that Mercury is retrograde, so take the time to FOCUS and double check everything thrice before hitting “send.”

And now, the news.

With the weekend’s Cancer Moon needing to focus on home and family security, coupled with an energizing square between militant Mars (in Capricorn) and the pioneering, crusading Aries Sun, could there have been a more perfect day for Saturday’s March For Our Lives in Washington?  As I was not able to  join the rally in person, I channeled the physical energy of the Sun-Mars square into a thorough deep-clean of the oven while listening to the speeches. Here are some video highlights of these courageous young citizens.  If you’ve been in despair over the state of our union, take heart, for they are our future. Extra kudos to Emma Gonzalez (still no birth date available), whose stirring words were made more mesmerizing by six minutes and twenty seconds of silence.

“When in doubt, be silent” is apt for times when Mercury is retrograde. When chatter ceases and the mind is quiet, notice how some people find it uncomfortable. You’ll see it in the video of Emma’s speech. Why is this so? What comes up in the silence that requires people to create a noisy distraction? Another example of the power of silence: the opening scene from Contact, starring Jodie Foster. From radio chatter to radio silence, as the camera pulls away from Earth and into the solar system. When I saw this movie in theaters years ago, the audience could not keep quiet. Again, one wonders why.

Kudos to WaPo’s James Hohmann for pointing out the similarity between the current student protests against out-of-control gun violence and the ’60s student protests against the Vietnam War. Remember that those Vietnam protests occurred in the aftermath of the disruptive Uranus-Pluto conjunction of 1965-66. These protests are happening in the aftermath of the Uranus-Pluto squares of 2011-2016. We are just getting started. If you remember how volatile things were in the last ’60s and the early ’70s, that’s where we are again now, only the stakes are even higher.

But let’s get back to the pugilistic energy of Mars, which was reflected in headlines leading up to and through the weekend:

One story I’m dying to tackle, but just can’t make the time today: Cambridge Analytica.  Have you seen the Channel Four documentaries? Heard the latest on how CA has been accused of violating U.S. election laws?  Minutes ago, Cook County filed suit against CA and Facebook on how it exploited Facebook users’ data, violating an Illinois state law. Stay tuned!

Finally, Congress passed a spending bill last week and P45 signed it. Good news for lovers of NPR, PBS and NEA — they were not cut — hooray! Find out why The Atlantic calls this bill “A Domestic Budget  to Make Barack Obama Proud.”  I admit I did not see that  one coming.

Thank you for reading this forecast — and for all the wonderful client referrals! I leave you with Jennifer Hudson singing “The Times They Are a Changin'” — performed at the March For Our Lives. Where have we heard this song before? In the mid-60s, duh — from Bob Dylan.  The times were also a changing, then, but under patterns similar to ones we have not. Those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it. Let astrology be our guide!

Friday 3/22/2018 & the Weekend: Mercury Retrograde Survival Guide; Action & Power Plays

TGIF!

So much for my plan to write more often this week.  A dear friend is in the hospital. That’s been my focus in recent days.  To Avid Readers who are Reiki healers, chanters and senders of love and light, I invite you to send some healing beams to Avid Reader Frank. He was one of the first Avid Readers of this forecast, and his constant support in those early days kept me inspired to keep on writing.  He’s a sensitive soul — highly intuitive — and I know he will sense you are thinking of him. Gratitude.

Big news on Thursday (yesterday) was Mercury turning retrograde at 8:19 PM ET. I hope you BACKED UP COMPUTERS and other electronic devices. Here’s what else you need to know about coping with Mercury retrograde:

Even if you know nothing else about astrology, you may have heard the term “Mercury retrograde” before. Often it’s accompanied by curses and groans, and that’s a shame. Yes, all of the flights on American Airlines might be grounded because of a computer glitch. Or the entire country of Finland might be offline because there’s a transportation strike. Or some trickster might set off all the tornado warning alarms in Dallas — those are all prominent news stories that happened during recent Mercury retrogrades. But there’s much good that can be accomplished when the Messenger Planet appears to be retracing its steps.

Mercury—which in the language of astrology refers to mindset, travel and communication—will appear to move backward through the sky from March 22nd until April 15th. It’s not really moving backward, but that is how it looks from our perspective here on Spaceship Earth. Mercury goes retrograde 3-4 times each year, for a period of 22 days. This time it’s backing up in Aries, a sign that falls down stairs because it’s faster than walking. Plenty of impulsive outbursts that one might live to regret?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When in doubt, be silent!

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

The Sabian Symbol for this Mercury retrograde is fascinating: “two prim spinsters.” Harmless enough, until Sabian Symbol Guru Blain Bovee gives us his two cents: “two unmarried proper ladies spinning yarns of mutually reinforced personal realities….a reality spun out of a need to compensate for what didn’t happen” i.e., that they never married. So whaddaya they know? We are advised to be on the look out for “stories that reinvent the past; that maintain a precision about a shared experience; that spin around a central point”…and that’s just for starters. You’ll feel this more personally if you have a planet or point around 17 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn.

Gratitude to Beth Owls Daughter for creating this fun Mercury Rx illustration:

Meanwhile…

Friday is driven by the Moon in Gemini, seeking  the buzz, buzz, buzz of who, what, when and where. But remember — Mercury is REtrograde — so be careful about believing what you hear!

The impulse to act and/or lash out is especially heightened over the next few days. On Friday at 7:13 PM ET, potent Pluto squares Venus in Aries. Be especially mindful of the potential for emotional overkill, power plays and witchy-bitchy women. The sign of the Ram is a tough placement for Venus, often suggesting a consummate flirt with an overwhelming need for approval and great sensitivity to rejection. On the plus side, this aspect can also suggest passion of the juiciest kind.

Moon enters Cancer on SATURDAY at 4:53 AM ET,  after a five hour void.  A Cancer Moon suggests a need to build and preserve emotional/family/home/homeland security — but that need may well be fraught with conflict. Why? Because at 11:35 AM ET we’ll have a clash between the me-me-me Aries Sun and the family-centric Cancer Moon, with an added dose of provocation from warrior Mars. Minutes later, at 12:08 PM ET, Mars squares the Sun. If you’ve got a planet or angle around  4 degrees of Aries, Capricorn, Libra or Cancer do something productive with those high-octane physical and creative urges.

SUNDAY features the Moon’s weekly clash with Pluto at 4:41 PM ET, followed by Uranus at 2:58 AM ET on MONDAY. Pluto suggests power plays and emotional catharses; Uranus suggests upsets to the status quo. Well that should give us something to talk about that morning. No sleeping in — the Moon will be void at 2:58 AM ET, but it roars into regal Leo at 7:45 AM ET.

 

Thank you for reading this forecast.

 

 

Monday 3/19/2018: Happy New Moon in Pisces; Mars in Capricorn, Mercury Retrograde & Much, Much More!

…and happy Monday, too!

The work week begins with the Moon in me-me-me Aries, challenging you to arise, go forth and conquer.  If you were born halfway through Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn — or if you have a planet or angle around 16 degrees of Aries, how are you being inspired by the fierce idealism suggested by a meet-up between Venus and Mercury at 16 Aries, exact two minutes past midnight tonight? Meanwhile, power plays and upsets are anticipated today, as the Moon makes its weekly clash with Pluto and Uranus, at 5:05 AM ET and 3:29 PM ET, respectively. Moon then goes void until 9:07 PM ET. That would be a time to roll with the twists and flakes, stick to routine concerns and refrain from impulse purchases and making mountains out of molehills. Chill!

Once the Moon enters Taurus, see if you notice the shift from me-me-me impulse to “hey, let’s consolidate, organize and keep things as they ARE — especially with respect to material comfort and security.” The Taurus Moon goes void on WEDNESDAY at 1:21 PM ET for 12 hours. It buzzes into info junkie Gemini at 1:30 AM ET on THURSDAY, driving Friday afternoon’s news dump with a dose of likely emotional overkill, courtesy of an exact square between Venus in Amazon woman/virago Aries and potent Pluto. “If I be waspish, best beware my sting.” Ruthless much? Perhaps, and also exceptionally assertive (for better or for worse), given a square between two high-functioning planets:  Aries Sun and Capricorn Mars. Bottom line: a busy, busy week. Do something good with all of this potential, won’t you?

Mars finally exited loud-mouthed, boundary-pushing Sagittarius for a two-month stay in Capricorn. That happened over the weekend — on Saturday at 12:41 PM ET. Until May 15th, action and assertion seek practical, enterprising, status-improving expression. The goal is achievement — as in taking care of business, period. Got that? The end of March and early April have potential for an exacting discipline — militant, perhaps — as Mars meets up with Saturn.  A rush of action to seize power may be seen around the third week in April, as Mars meets up with Pluto.  Twists, shocks and tech advances are likely to disrupt headlines around May 15th, when Mars will square Uranus at the verrry end of Aries and beginning of Taurus. You’re affected by these Mars patterns if you have points or planets around 8 degrees, 21 degrees and 29 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn, respectively. When was the last time you consulted with your astrologer? What’s your strategy for managing all of this can-do potential?

Other shifts this week: on TUESDAY at 12:16 PM ET, the Sun leaves Pisces for Aries, marking the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere; winter in the Southern Hemisphere. It is also the first day of the astrological New Year. Looking at a chart set for Washington, D.C., we immediately see Neptune right on the Midheaven, yet otherwise unaspected. Potential: all themes Neptune — fog, lies, oil, drugs, spirits of all kinds, wipe-out, scandal, etc. — running wild with respect to leaders, government and corporations. Ya think? We also see Mars and Saturn on the cusp of the 7th House, opposing a 5 degree Cancer Ascendant.  Control, cuts and conflict — affecting the need of this Cancer Ascendant to establish emotional/family/home/homeland security.  What drives this chart? A high-functioning Taurus Moon, seeking to preserve the status quo, material comfort and security; otherwise resisting change. Hmm.  Moon is in an obsessive quindecile pattern with Jupiter retrograde in Scorpio, suggesting a compulsive fixation of those juicy Jupiter in Scorpio  scandalous themes of wretched excess in  sex, death and money.  #MeToo isn’t going anywhere, suggested by the Moon’s meet-up with the Fixed Stars  Hamal and Schedir.  Looking at the upside potential, Hamal suggests issues involving following one’s path; Schedir refers to power…of a Queen. Should we be surprised that ancient astrological texts gave short shrift to the constellation containing a star referring to power expressed through the feminine? Time’s up, already! And while we’re speaking of Fixed Stars, let the record show that the Sun at 0 Aries is conjunct the Fixed Star Scheat, affectionately pronounced by some astrologers as “sh*t.” Just remember, there is always an upside potential!

On THURSDAY, Mercury turns retrograde at 8:19 PM ET.  It backs up through Aries until April 15th, when it will turn direct. You may notice this pattern more personally if you have a planet or angle around 16 degrees or 4 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Capricorn or Libra. Wherever Aries falls in your horoscope is where you may apply yourself to a REview of those affairs. NO WHINGING about Mercury retrograde — here’s your survival guide, if you’ve forgotten the essentials.  And yes, I still have a number of my world-famous Mercury Retrograde Bookmarks, so you’ll always know when Mercury is retrograde and how to react to the tech and communication snafus that are sure to be dominating the headlines. Email me for details on how to get bookmarks for you and your friends.

But wait — there’s more! We have to talk about the New Moon in Pisces, exact at 9:12 AM ET on Saturday (last weekend). Set in Washington D.C. (the better to see what’s likely coming down the pike for the U.S.), we immediately note six planets: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Uranus and Chiron — buried behind the scenes, in the 12th House. This is a focus on self-undoing, hidden enemies and social institutions where we might house the otherwise invisible (e.g., refugees, inmates, hospital patients, etc). Upsets to the status quo (again!) are suggested by Uranus squaring the Midheaven. As with the chart for the Vernal Equinox, Neptune is unaspected — running amok in a fog of dreams and/or lies, aided and abetted by the idealism suggested by the meet-up between Mercury and Venus. Mars is at the verrrrry end of Sagittarius, suggesting boundaries pushed…and the potential for conflict and righteous action is suggested by its square to Sun and Moon.

The Sabian Symbol for the New Moon in Pisces is a curious reinforcement of the Sabian Symbol for February’s New Moon in Aquarius. For February: “a tree felled and sawed.” For this month: “a harvest moon.” Sabian Symbol Guru Blain Bovee notes this as a time of reaping and gathering…cutting down crops and paying a portion in tribute to the Designated Authority Figures.  In financial matters, Bovee advises us to pay attention to hidden costs and misappropriated funds. Hmm…like that helicopter Jared and Ivanka took from DC-NY today — instead of flying coach? Or Ben Carson’s $31K dining set for his office at HUD? Or EPA chief Scott Pruitt’s $25K sound-proof booth that actually cost $43K? Probably…and much more. Bovee’s bottom line with respect to this Sabian Symbol is this:

The question is: “How is the pie divided up?”

The operational rule could be this: anything that chips away at what you actually have… such as your own financial reserves… is bogus. Anything that nickel and dimes you is vestige of an old system that will drain your life-blood and wallet as sure as harvest time.

What you need to understand through Pisces 27, is ‘where are you in this process?’ If you do not pay attention, you are going to go broke… and be charged interest on that as well.

Well, OK! Let’s watch and see how this Symbol plays out in the headlines. You are more personally affected by the activating potential of this New Moon if you have a planet or angle around 27 degrees of Pisces, Virgo, Gemini or Sagittarius.

Here’s the 411 on personal consultations. We will have an excellent discussion together.

And now, the news.

Any planet at the end of Pisces — at the very end of the zodiac — is subject to a bit of despair, thinking it’s the end of the world.  The Sunday NYT obliged, with feature and front page stories about the end of Easter Island and whether we should allow some species facing extinction to just die out.   NYT columnist Nicholas Kristof hit it out of the park again with “A Parable of Self-Destruction.”

In the days leading up to the New Moon last week, we had the dark of the Moon adding a sense of listlessness and restlessness to the mix. We may see some prominent exits between now and the Sun’s ingress into Aries. One that qualified bigly was Friday’s late-evening news dump  that  former deputy director of the FBI Andrew McCabe was fired — just 26 hours before his 50th birthday, the day he would have been eligible to retire with full benefits. That means that his pension — for 21 years of public service — is in jeopardy. And isn’t is just fascinating that the firing would come as transiting Mars in Sagittarius squared his 28 Pisces Sun.  And that his Pisces Sun is conjunct Fixed Star Scheat — suggesting shipwrecks? With transiting Pluto supercharging his high-functioning Mars in Aries this year and into 2020, I anticipate persuasive action from Mr. McCabe during this time. For starters.

“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly.” Spring is coming!

Meanwhile, this NYT headline sums up two of the major patterns now active in P45’s horoscope:  Newly Emboldened, Trump Says What He Really Feels.  The patterns are (as noted in prior forecasts): 1) a solar arc between the Moon and the Ascendant, suggesting that — hello — his emotional needs and expressions are right on the surface for all to see; and 2) a solar arc between Uranus and Mars, suggesting a need for risk and daring in action. Right. Emboldened. The Moon-ASC arc will be exact on April 23; the Uranus-Mars arc will be exact June 14th. On August 19th we’ll be seeing the expression of another high-tension arc between Mercury (how he needs to think and communicate) and tech-savvy rebel Uranus. Alert the media. Meanwhile, major transits in P45’s horoscope include transiting Saturn (control, authority, heaviness) squaring his natal Mercury-Neptune square. This is the part of his horoscope suggesting an intuitive, fanciful, idealistic or bald-faced lying need in the areas of thinking and communicating. It’s in heavy focus for the rest of the year, with significant developments around Feb 11, Mar 30, May 6, Jun 27, Nov 11 and Dec 10. I’d argue this activation is being reflected by his recent demand that drug dealers (Neptune) be dealt with harshly (Saturn), calling for them to be executed.

Last week, with Mars at the end of Sagittarius, pulling focus as it approaches the Aries Point (o degrees of the cardinal sign Capricorn), we anticipated an increase in headlines of violence, aggression, assertion and accidents, as well as anyone with planets triggered by the Mars making headlines. For example:

  • Vanessa P45 Jr., the wife of P45 Jr., filed for divorce and hired a criminal attorney. In P45 Jr.’s horoscope, last updated here, we noted that 2017 was a year of heavy thinking. Now that Saturn has moved on to conjoin his Venus and will soon be sitting on his 9 degree Capricorn Sun. We see potential cuts in love, money and social expression; it’s quite a potential squeeze. The news of the filing came as transiting Mars squared his natal Mercury at 28 Virgo.  In her case,  her 27 Sag Sun was triggered, soon to be followed by her Mercury at 3 Capricorn. We do not have a birth time; but if her Moon is in the early degrees of me-me-me Aries, the sobering and separating influence of Saturn squaring that Moon would apply.
  • Austin, Texas has a horoscope — as does everything under the sun.  Birth time  for Austin is unknown, so we do not know if it is late Capricorn or early Aquarius. Feels like Aquarius, given Austin’s reputation for quirkiness, humanitarianism and tolerance. Its Capricorn Sun was hit by a third square from disruptive Uranus, and last week its 28 Virgo Mars was triggered by transiting Mars. Since then, the fourth in a series of package bombs has exploded, killing two and seriously wounding others.
  • Last June it was reported that the Russians had developed a cyberweapon that could disrupt power grids of other countries. Last week,  with transiting Mars almost exactly opposite where it was last June, comes an update. Not only do they have these weapons, they have actually infiltrated said power grids, etc. How many times will this story need to be reported before people start paying attention?
  • Do you think Mark Zuckerberg’s horoscope was affected by transiting Mars last week? Yes, and so was the horoscope for the launch of Facebook . In Zuckerberg’s case it was his Neptune at 0 Capricorn. Mars-Neptune patterns suggest infection, scandal, irritability. In the horoscope of Facebook (launched on Feb 4 2004 in Cambridge — if anyone knows the exact time, let me know), we see Venus squared by transiting Mars…and transiting Saturn opposing its natal Saturn, with transiting Uranus squaring Mercury. We see the potential of an attack on social expression, money and values; a critical point in Facebook’s development with challenges/illumination on the success of its original mission statement; a disruption to the status quo in matters related to communication. The big headline over the weekend was that it banned data mining/research company Cambridge Analytica  for using the personal info of 50 million Facebook users in its effort to win support for P45 on social media platforms.  With transiting Uranus about to meet up with Facebook’s natal Mars this summer, I wonder what disruptive/daring initiative we might see…
  • Fascinating read: “I made Steve Bannon’s psychological warfare tool.” This is by the data-mining whistleblower re: the above.
  • Stormy Daniels, whose 26 degree Pisces Sun was activated by transiting Mars and Saturday’s New Moon. She was hit with a $20 million lawsuit by P45 for allegedly breaching an agreement to not talk about an affair P45 says never happened. Meanwhile, her attorney hit back with a no-holds-barred “YES” when asked if Ms. Daniels was ever threatened with physical harm (he did not say by whom). Her attorney is Michael Avenatti. His natal Pluto at 29 Virgo was spiked by transiting Mars. Translation “no holds barred.” Meanwhile, CBS says it will air Ms. Daniels tell-all interview on 60 Minutes…on March 25th. That’s when she’ll have a measurement between Pluto and Moon, suggesting an emotional catharsis.
  • Also triggered — Martin Shkreli — once the most hated man in America.  He’s was sentenced to prison ten days ago, when transiting Mercury and Venus squared his natal Neptune at 29 Sag. Bewildering for him, to be sure.  Over the weekend he had  transiting Mars squaring his 26 Pisces Sun and conjoining Neptune. Provocative

Other headlines reflecting a prominent, boundary-pushing Mars:

I am struggling mightily to find a feel-good piece reflecting planetary patterns. So let’s end on a random quirky one. Those weird purple lights in the sky over Alberta, Canada finally have a name. Meet Steve.

If you’re near a computer around 9:30 PM ET/6:30 PM TONIGHT, tune in to HeyZ Radio. The most excellent host of Cosmic TuesdaysAnthony S. Picco —  has invited me back for another fun 90 minutes of dishing about the astonishing synchronicity of planetary patterns and headline news. Otherwise known as Astrology For News Junkies. Here is the link to tune in. Join the chat room and you can ask questions!

Thank you for reading this forecast.  THANK YOU for the recent contributions to my Cosmic Tip Jar. You are AWESOME.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday 3/14/2018: Saturn on the March

Happy Pi Day!

The Moon is in Aquarius, driving the day with a need to be appreciated for being unique and of social significance. Arise, go forth and network.  I hope your life was relatively unscathed by any downside potential of the advances and cuts reflected by  yesterday’s 8:39 AM ET square between Venus  (aesthetics) and Saturn (control). For me, my day started with a ugly notice from the co-op board, instructing all residents to remove any decorative item they might have posted on their door, such as a wreath — or in my case, a sparkly plaque that says “Welcome.” Sure it’s a rule that been on the books for years, but it’s never been enforced — until now. Why now? Venus in ungracious Aries square Saturn. It helps to have an astrological perspective on the timing of life events, even the unpleasant ones. Fortunately, the day got better, reflecting the potential of abundance suggested by a harmony between the Sun and expansive Jupiter.  Communication was also favored, courtesy of an easy flow among the Moon, Mercury and Venus. How did that go for you?

Today the Moon cruises without interference until 4:53 PM ET, when it connects with Jupiter. Maybe too much of a good thing for some — or an expression of bombast; otherwise Jupiter hits tend to feel good. Think outside the box around 11:34 PM ET, when the Moon will be in harmony with innovative Uranus. After  a brief void between 3:32 AM ET and 6:12 AM ET on THURSDAY, Moon enters Pisces, seeking to connect with ideals and impressions. Go with the flow and wrap up your projects for the lunar cycle. We re-set on SATURDAY when the Moon will be new at 9:12 AM ET

Meanwhile, the results of Monday’s poll are in. Thanks to the Avid Readers who unanimously voted to keep covering the never-ending saga of P45. Requests were made for more frequent posts. The tribe has spoken. To support the work, your contributions to my Cosmic Tip Jar are much appreciated — and dare I say inspiring.

And now, the news.

Let’s start with the chart for the P45 Inaugurationfirst discussed here — and updated many times since.  Its unaspected Aquarius Sun suggests an isolated leader — one making a lot of noise but not at all sure how to fit in. Right. I think that’s turning out as expected. As is the continuing manifestation of the unkind cuts and controls against those who are most vulnerable. Yep — that’s Saturn square Venus we are talking about.  It’s in the  Inaug Chart, too. All driven by a Moon in Scorpio need for  control and secrecy, clouded by a Neptune fog.

Transits to this chart suggested dramatic shake-ups last week — and especially around March 7th and March 12th. Why? Because on the 7th, transiting Pluto squared the chart’s Uranus — always a disruptive pattern. And more important, the chart had its third and final square from shockjock Uranus to the chart’s 26 Capricorn Midheaven. Transits to the angles of a chart are usually the most intense and immediate. So it was no surprise at all that the big surprise yesterday was the firing — by a tweet, no less — of Rex Tillerson, now former Secretary of State. Let the record show that one of the last things he said as Secretary of State was that Russia was clearly responsible for the poisoning of  a Russian ex-spy and his daughter. BTW, Mr. Tillerson’s Aries Sun is at 3 degrees, meaning he’s been personally impacted by Mercury and Venus at the Aries Point (last week) and will be hit by transiting Mars when it get to 3 Capricorn next week. So add him to Monday’s list of people we’d expect see in the news. Maybe Mr. Tillerson will strike back next week.

P45 has named CIA Director and former  Kansas Tea Party Congressman Mike Pompeo to replace Mr. Tillerson. The nomination does need to be approved by Congress — though no one in the press is thinking for one second that it won’t be approved. We have a horoscope with a birth time to review –huzzah. Instantly we can see why he gets along so well with P45. They are cut from similar cloth. Both are Full Moon babies — born after an eclipse. Pompeo’s enterprising Capricorn Sun is driven by a Cancer Moon, seeking emotional and home(land) security. It’s interesting to note Neptune exactly opposing his Taurus Ascendant. He needs to be seen as rock solid and secure.  That Neptune placement suggests issues involving clarity in relationships, with a caveat against giving himself away to any significant other.  Hmm. Currently, transiting Pluto has been sitting right on his Mercury and Mars, suggesting a need for persuasive communication and forceful action. That started last year and continues through 2018. Meanwhile, transiting Saturn is making the first of three conjunctions to his 8 Capricorn Sun (see how a Saturn transit can manifest as an advance?).

Meanwhile, P45 has nominated Gina Haspel to fill Pompeo’s shoes as the new CIA Director.  Ms. Haspel is perhaps best known for overseeing a torture operation in a secret CIA prison in Thailand and then allegedly destroying evidence. Where do we see that potential in her horoscope? Wikipedia gives a birth date of October 1, 1956 — no place or time. If true, that gives her an 8 Libra Sun — exactly squared by transiting Saturn right now — similar to her former boss. (See? Another advance. Stop fearing Saturn!).  She also has Mercury at the Aries Point — activated by transiting Mercury, Venus and Mars. See how this works? It should not surprise you to see Venus in regal Leo squared by Saturn in ruthless Scorpio.  Venus is also tied to Pluto — and possibly the Moon (Leo or Virgo).  This is a suggestion of potential emotional overkill. The most compelling pattern reflecting a life associated with torture/anguish is an exact square between Saturn at the very last degree of Scorpio and Pluto at the very end of Leo. Saturn-Pluto patterns suggest hard, hard work — against a threat of loss.

In other news, thanks to Avid Reader Ellen for bringing my attention to a tweet claiming to have received Stormy Daniels’ birth time — 1:10 AM. What does this add to the initial write-up posted here last month? A 26 Sagittarius Ascendant — with transiting Mars right on it over the weekend (and squaring her 26 Pisces Sun), reflected by her boundary-pushing actions against the NDA she signed in October of 2016. She’s taped an interview with “60 Minutes” which is likely to air. Add her horoscope to other newsmakers affected by transiting Saturn.  It’s squaring her Mercury at 8 Aries. In her horoscope, Mercury rules the 7th and 9th houses, which refer to the public, significant others and lawsuits…and broadcasting/publishing, respectively. A serious squeeze and an advance in matters related to how she needs to think and communicate, expressed through these houses.

With respect to P45’s horoscope, we can see the attraction: her Neptune at 20 Sagittarius, entrancing his Gemini Sun and Sag Moon by opposition and conjunction. Plus her Neptune connects with his Nodes. She’s a fantasy to him. Her Uranus is close to the MC/IC axis, shaking up his professional and family status. Ya think? Her Mercury is exactly square his Mercury at 8 Cancer. Yes, I’d say that they are currently at odds in the way they need to think and communicate. And yes, that means his Mercury is also being squeezed by Saturn, only in his horoscope Mercury refers to matters of self-worth, money and love received from others. And that’s going on for him all year. I wish I could say there are bigger challenges in his horoscope, but I’m not quite convinced.  Other big hits suggest continued personal recognition — he is who is is, and we’re all going to see it (in April) He is in a phase where I would anticipate risky action in foreign affairs, possibly overindulgent — yet satisfying — perhaps reaching a peak around June 14th, his birthday.

Briefly:

Thank you for reading — and sharing this forecast. Thank you for supporting this work by contributing to the Cosmic Tip Jar. To find out how patterns involving Mars and Saturn are likely to push you to make an advance or cut, here’s the 411 on personal consultations.

Monday 3/12/2018: Sneak Peek at the Week; Hard-Headed Women and Other Mercury-Venus-Saturn Reflections

Good Morning! Or perhaps afternoon, by the time this is posted. It takes a few hours to gather these stories and make sense of them through the lens of astrology, especially since I do not write every day. Yet the astonishing synchronicity of planetary patterns and headline news continues to enthrall, so gather and analyze I shall. Gratitude to Avid Readers for your continued support — fan email,  shares, contributions to the Cosmic Tip Jar and of course, requests for personal consultations. As of next month, I will have been writing this forecast for nine years. Here’s to another nine more!

The Capricorn Moon goes void today on its weekly clash with rebel Uranus at 11:36 AM ET suggesting an upset to the status quo. Roll with whatever twists, flakes and/or crises may disrupt your efforts to move forward in a straight line. Stick to routine matters and chill until the Moon enters Aquarius at 6:44 PM ET. Other Moon voids this week are THURSDAY 3:32 AM ET until 6:12 AM ET, and SATURDAY at 9:12 AM ET until 2:57 PM ET. On Saturday we will have the next New Moon — in Pisces — at 9:12 AM ET.

Meanwhile, we’ve got a boatload of action to talk about.  On TUESDAY at 8:39 AM ET, Venus in warrior Aries is squared by patriarchal Saturn. Venus refers to social expression, money, women and aesthetics; Saturn refers to control, structure and discipline. Hardheartedness  would be one potential, as in streamlining in all matters related to Venus. Downside: budget cuts and other financial controls, with empathy tossed out the window. Upside: women of steel making themselves known.  We had a whole month of Saturn square Venus last April. Here’s what was going on then.   If you were born around the 29th of March, June, September and December or have a planet around 8 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Capricorn or Libra, you are likely feeling a squeeze — for better or for worse. This is not always “bad;” often Saturn reflects just the discipline we need to move a plan forward!

Also exact on TUESDAY (but reflected in the headlines a few days before): a harmony between the Pisces Sun and Jupiter in Scorpio. This suggests expansion — for better or for worse —  if you have a planet around 23 degrees of Scorpio, Pisces or Cancer. It’s the silver lining after the squeeze of Saturn. I see this reflected in Beth Owls Daughter’s Tarot card for this week — the Five of Cups — check it out.

As we get closer to the weekend, we are likely to see stories of action, aggression and courage pushing boundaries with prominence. Why? Because Mars (action, courage, aggression) is at the end of Sagittarius, which means it will hit the prominent Aries Point when it enters Capricorn on SATURDAY at 12:41 PM ET. You are affected by this more personally if you have a planet or angle around 0 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn. Count to 10 before you lash out and be mindful of your surroundings.  If you’re running a marathon or need a boost of energy to apply to a constructive task, a hit from Mars may serve you well. Familiar newsmakers  off the top of my head whose horoscopes are affected include Hope Hicks, Paul Ryan, Jeff Sessions, Rafael “Ted” Cruz, William Shatner,  Orrin Hatch,  Barack Obama, Harvey Weinstein, Meryl Streep, Elizabeth Warren,  Michael Moore, Gary Oldman, Bill Murray, Steve Mnuchin, Louise Linton.  Watch the headlines between this weekend and next.

And now, the news.

How many times in November and December did we say that the rush to pass a tax reform bill with Mercury retrograde in sloppy Sagittarius  (not mention the muddle-headed influence of transiting Neptune) would result in a mess? Too many to mention, but here’s one for reference.  Meanwhile, from the Sunday front page of  the NYT: “GOP Rushed to Pass Tax Overhaul. Now It May Need to Be Altered.” Ya THINK?!?

Remember that Sunday’s aspects included a hard-headed square between Mercury and Saturn; an innovative/risky harmony between Mars and Uranus; and a potent harmony between the Sun and Pluto (power and resources; news from underground). “In Britain, Learning to Accept Risk, and the Occasional ‘Owie'” is about a new initiative to expose school children to “the element of risk in everyday environment” out of fears that the children are too soft. Another front-page story: “Targeting Rules ‘Written in Human Blood'”  is about the innovative ways the oil industry is lobbying to change (Pluto) the restrictions (Mercury-Saturn) on drilling (Pluto) imposed during the Obama years.

The front page of the NYT Sunday Styles section includes two Mercury square Saturn mind control experiments (Mars-Uranus). The Man Who Knew Too Little. is  about a man under a self-imposed news blackout since the November 2016 election. He has no idea what’s going on in the world, and he’s quite happy. He also has the resources to be completely self-sufficient, unlike the rest of us. The second story is about the newly-rigorous disciplined life in an Arizona “rehab” for...Harvey Weinstein.

Need an innovative control on your phone conversation? Time for a revamped perspective.  In the NYT Business section: “Dial ‘P’ for Privacy: the Phonebooth is Back”.  Meanwhile, on the Sunday Review front page, we see a screaming Venus-Saturn squareMoney is Power. And Women Need More of Both. 

Mercury refers to the lungs. Saturn refers to teeth.  This was apt and odd from WaPo:  “Dentists Keep Dying From This Deadly Lung Disease. The CDC Can’t Figure Out Why.”

I wanted to share this last week, when Jupiter turned retrograde and Venus was at the Aries Point: “15 Remarkable Women We Overlooked in Our Obituaries.” Better late than never, odd pun intended.

In other news…

It is fascinating to see  one of the stories that was hot under last April’s Saturn-Venus square back for an update at this time. Remember Robert Berinstain, the undocumented Mexican immigrant — married with children to a U.S. citizen (who voted for P45)? He was the  beloved owner of a restaurant in Granger, Indiana — suddenly deported. Outrage ensued. Where is he now? What happened to his successful restaurant? Where are his wife and children? Meanwhile, a policy of separating children from their immigrant/refugee parents has only gotten harsher, as this Sunday’s WaPo editorial laments (on a Saturn-Venus square, naturally).

More Saturn square Venus headlines:

  • Venus refers to sugar. Saturn refers to reality. Big Sugar vs. Your Body — is a reality check.
  • Lean, mean Betsy de Vos was interviewed on 60 Minutes. The interviewe aired with transiting Mars exactly on her Mercury in Sagittarius. As expected, the interview generated outrage. Her Mercury (in Sagittarius) is also conjunct Saturn — no surprise there — just another example of headliners in sync with planetary patterns. One provocative question asked was how she felt about being the most hated person in P45’s Cabinet — which was unfair. According to a recent poll commissioned by the mostly-cheerful NYT columnist Gail Collins, EPA head Scott Pruitt is the most hated — or at least, perceived as the very worst. With transiting Saturn  now opposing Pruitt’s Libra Moon, this is no surprise, either. Plus, he’s destroying the planet.
  • Venus refers to fashion. Saturn refers to endings. This just in: fashion icon Hubert de Givenchy has passed away.  It’s fascinating to see how even the obituaries reflect planetary patterns. I just learned that Givenchy was all over the “little black dress” — the color of Saturn in Capricorn. Wow.

OK, time for some fun stuff — before these heavy Saturn transits (some of which are impacting your faithful astrologer’s horoscope) take over the world. Although I must say, even the sketches on SNL had the sobering stamp of Saturn. Did you catch the cold open spoof of  last week’s trainwreck finale of The Bachelor, where Robert Mueller (played by Kate McKinnon) confesses to Becca Kufrin (played by Cecily Strong) that he just doesn’t have the goods?

Meanwhile, Uranus and Mercury refer to astrology. With those planets pulling focus over the weekend, combined with the transforming potential for a Sun-Pluto harmony, it was empowering and refreshing to see a positive, thoughtful take on why Millennials are so into astrology. Thanks to The Guardian!

UPDATE: on Michelle Obama, whose horoscope was discussed back in 2016.  On the last of three hits to her 26 Capricorn Sun (suggesting a need for freedom of self-expression), a truly unique portrait was unveiled in the National Portrait Gallery and her memoir will be published this fall. Not only that, but a photo of a two-year-old girl staring in awe at the painting went viral, which led to an adorable video of Mrs. Obama dancing with the little girl.

Writing about P45 can be exhausting. Are you exhausted by the continuing astrological updates? Let me know — and I  will consider your opinion when choosing what to write about in future forecasts. I kept it to a bare minimum today, though the continued chaos in DC is happening as we would anticipate, given his horoscope, the horoscope of the US and the horoscope of his inauguration. I’d also like to know if you enjoyed this forecast more when I wrote it every day.

Until next time, here’s to the positive potential of Venus under the influence of Saturn. Cue Cat Stevens now, please…

Thank you for reading this forecast.

 

Friday 3/9/2018 & the Weekend: In Brief…

TGIF!!

The Moon continues its sojourn in Sagittarius, pushing boundaries (borders?) and facilitating the expression of righteous opinions everywhere. Expand your mind; get out in nature; if you’re  the Dear Leader of North Korea, invite P45 over for lunch.  There’s a buzz in the air this morning, courtesy of the  tension released by the Third Quarter Moon at 6:20 AM ET. The rest of the day is smooth sailing, with an especially energetic release around 7:54 PM ET. That’s when Mars, planet of action, assertion and aggression, meets up with the Moon. Chill after 9:27 PM ET, when the Moon goes void.

On SATURDAY, Moon shifts gears in Capricorn at 4:52 AM ET. A Capricorn Moon needs to make things happen, so if you’re working this weekend, go for it. Or take care of practical chores around the house, executed with serious focus, innovation and empowerment. Why? Because we are under the influence of three patterns which will be exact on SUNDAY.  The first is a square between Mercury (mindset) and Saturn (ambition, control), exact at 3 AM ET. There’s your serious focus; your heavy thoughts; your ambition plan for control. The second is a harmony between Mars (courage, action) and Uranus (rebel, disruption of the status quo). Should be some cool stories of outer space and technology over the weekend. The third is a harmony between the accommodating Pisces Sun (leaders) and power broker Pluto in Capricorn (the Establishment).  I’d argue that we can see all three of these patterns expressed in yesterday’s aforementioned news of Kim Jong Un’s invitation to P45.

Moon goes void on MONDAY at 11:36 AM ET. East Coasters, make the most of the morning hours. West Coasters, stick to routine concerns and/or chill. The Moon won’t get into gear until 6:44 PM ET.

And now, the news.

When a planet goes retrograde, as Jupiter did yesterday at 11:46 PM ET, issues symbolized by that planet turn inward for review.  How cool is it, then, to see this headline yesterday:  “NASA Mission Discovers Jupiter’s Inner Secrets”   Way cool!

Will add more to this forecast later this afternoon. Right now I gotta fly….

Thank you for reading this forecast.  To find out what all of these planetary patterns mean for you personally, here’s the 411 on consultations and reports.

Monday 3/5/2018: Sneak Peek at the Week; Post-Oscar Neptune Bliss; the Aries Point Strikes

Happy Monday — what little is left of it….

The Moon entered Scorpio at 8:23 AM ET, driving the start of the work week with a need for depth, substance and control. Get it done today and tomorrow. On WEDNESDAY the Moon will be void of course between 3:55 AM and 5:03 PM ET. A Moon void does not mean “turn into a slug and do nothing.” It suggests that routine projects are most likely to succeed, even if you might need an extra push to get them started. It suggests rolling with whatever twists and flakes might disrupt your efforts to move forward in a straight line. It suggests not making a mountain out of a molehill, as crises which crop up during voids are often much ado about nothing. They often fade away once the Moon is focused in the next sign. No impulse shopping during the void.

We will have another long void on FRIDAY at 9:27 PM ET — ending on SATURDAY at 4:52 AM ET. Happy yard sale shopping over the weekend.

Meanwhile, we have three shifts this week. First, on TUESDAY Mercury and Venus both ditch Pisces and enter Aries. Mercury refers to how we need to think. Venus refers to how and what we need to love. So what’s the difference between Mercury and Venus in Pisces vs. Aries? Speed, for one. Pisces needs to feel its way through thoughts — and it takes longer to move through water. Aries falls down stairs because it’s faster than walking. So watch for snippier, snappier communication in your own personal world and in the headlines. When do we want it? Not now, but RIGHT NOW!

Second, while Pisces is all about “All for One and One for All,” Aries is all about me-me-me. Watch as the compassion and empathy expressed via Pisces is transformed into a pioneering Aries crusade for the underdog. That would be the upside potential.  The downside is that Venus in Aries can be quite the harpy. Combative, too. Same for Mercury in Aries, which is not inclined to care much about how others feel about what it needs to think and say.

Third, Avid Readers will remember that any planet at the beginning of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn is at the Aries Point. That gives communication and social expression an extra dose of prominence.  Did  you happen to notice Meryl Streep at the Oscars last night? Of course you did — how could you not see her? She was sitting in the front row wearing a bright red dress. Ms. Streep has the two planets at the Aries Point in her horoscope: Sun and Uranus. Impossible to miss!

Thus in the news, watch for matters of communication and aesthetics to be especially attention-grabbing over the next few days. If you have planets in your horoscope around the Aries Point, you’ll be impacted by Mercury and Venus transiting that Aries Point. I’d be surprised if your dance card wasn’t booked this week. Keep me posted, will ya?

The other pattern of note is Jupiter, planet of reward, expansion and indulgence. It turns retrograde on THURSDAY at 11:46 PM ET at 23 degrees of Scorpio. If you have a planet around 23 degrees of Scorpio, Aquarius, Taurus or Leo, you are especially affected. Why? Because Jupiter has been sitting on that degree since last month, and will continue to sit on it until March 20th.  What’s expanding in your life this month?

Jupiter retrograde suggests that whatever was expanding may now be subject to a review and/or delay. With Jupiter in Scorpio, the sign of secrets, sex, death and other people’s money, I expect we’ll see delays in the headlines involving those matters.  Scorpio also refers  to honor and integrity, and I am fascinated to see those words specifically called out in Tarot Diva Beth Owls Daughter’s always-in-sync Card for the Week.

Jupiter turns direct on June 11th — at 13 degrees of Scorpio. It returns to 23 Scorpio in early October. That’s when projects put on hold now are likely to move forward again. You can read what I wrote about Jupiter in Scorpio right here. How are we doing so far?

Perhaps you’d like to know what the placement of Jupiter in your horoscope suggests for you. Jupiter transits often coincide with opportunities for honors and promotion. I have plenty of cases in my files of clients whom I encouraged to expand during a Jupiter transit — with success! Astrology is a very good thing to know about. Here’s the 411 on consultations.

And now, the news.

I am still basking in the rose-colored afterglow of the weekend’s dreamy meet-up between the Sun and Neptune, exact at 8:55 AM ET on Sunday. It was followed by another rose-colored meet-up of Mercury and Venus in Pisces at 1:06 PM ET.  Mercury and Venus were still getting over the expansive indulgence of empathy and compassion we might expect after their respective harmonies with Jupiter last Thursday and Friday. You know where I noticed this dramatically? In my Facebook feed. I swear every post captured it to the max — in the form of beyond cute videos of animals. My fave: yoga with goats — OMG.  My second fave — not involving animals, but apt for a Sun-Neptune meet-up: drunk yoga. Cheers!

With Neptune pulling so much focus again last week,  I expected a truckload of stories involving fish, water, oil, drugs, glamour, fanatics, scandal, film, illusion, spirits, victims, pacifists, lies — to name a few — same as last week. The NYT hit it right out of the park with its Sunday front page story: “A Bright Light, Dimmed in the Shadow of Homelessness.”  This is a poignant investigative story about a homeless (Neptune) woman in NYC who passed away a couple of years ago. Her name was Nakesha Williams. She really was a bright light — a dancer  (Neptune) on a scholarship at Williams College. How did she end up on the streets? Way to go, NYT, for brilliant journalism in sync with planetary patterns!

UPDATE: P45, because he did what we expected last week, so let’s call it out.  With Mars on his Moon and opposing his blah blah blah Gemini Sun, we expected action. He announced he’s running again in 2020. He praised China’s president, who appears to be making a power grab to become president for life. “Maybe we should give that a shot,” said P45.  Meanwhile in Panama, he lost — and there is video. In other news, he announced tariffs on steel and aluminum, adding that “trade wars are good.” Mars rules steel, and as you may recall, that Mars transit also hit the US Mars, too (by opposition).  Guess who else was affected by transiting Mars at 20 Sagittarius? Carl Icahn, a longtime pal of P45.  He has Jupiter (reward) at 20 Sagittarius. He must be psychic, because he dumped tons of stock in steel-related companies only a few days before the tariffs were announced. Coincidence or conspiracy?

Also affected by last week’s Mars transit: Hope Hicks, who has an unaspected Venus at 20 Virgo. A need to be perfectly pleasing is suggested, echoed by the Sun in conflict-avoiding Libra and Moon in accommodating Pisces. We don’t have a birth time for Ms. Hicks, but that Pisces Moon has been under some serious spell for at least two of the past several years, courtesy of transiting Neptune. Maybe now the fog is lifting, especially in the aftermath of her first Saturn return all last year. Time to wake up and smell the coffee?

It is fascinating to note that like her former boss, the only aspect to her Mercury (how she needs to think and communicate), is a square from…nebulous Neptune. One can appreciate how a person with that pattern in his or her horoscope might have issues with magical (Neptune) thinking (Mercury). It’s interesting that while her 20 Virgo Venus is not connected to any other planet in her horoscope, it is strongly connected to P45’s  21 Sagittarius Moon, 22 Gemini Sun and the North Node at 20 Gemini. We see the potential potent draw…a fated quality, some might say. We may hear more from Ms. Hicks in the next day or so, as transiting Mercury and Venus move into Aries…right on her natal Mars at 0 Aries. Yes — the Aries Point! Birth data for Ms. Hicks: Oct 21, 1988 in Greenwich, CT.

There may be no Hope in the White House, but there’s plenty of hope in the U.S.  The students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School aren’t going anywhere. They are an apt reflection of the potential suggested in the last New Moon/eclipse at 27 Aquarius — which triggered the Great American Eclipse of last August, remember? When an eclipse is triggered it is not uncommon to witness a rush of energy, as something new is being born. Here’s that New Moon forecast again.

The Sabian Symbol for last week’s Full Moon in Virgo is “a bride with her veil snatched away.” Here’s Blain Bovee’s take on it.  It  certainly was a big week for revelations and exposure…with more to come this week. Honestly I can barely keep up with it.

In other news…lights! Camera! Action!

I dont’ know about you, but I was so happy to escape into the glamour of last night’s Oscars. Host Jimmy Kimmel continues to live out the “driving force” potential of his horoscope, noted here last fall. He’s totally on a roll.

No surprise that The Shape of Water took Best Picture. A romantic fantasy with “water” in its title? What else would win on a night with Neptune in such focus?  And the sparkly dresses and sets! Also Neptune…but also backed by something rock solid. Saturn in Capricorn, perhaps?

I’ll tell you what definitely was a reflection of  Saturn in Capricorn: the appreciation shown to men and women of a Certain Age. Eva-Marie Saint, Rita Moreno, Christopher Plummer, Helen Mirren, Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway and Jane Fonda — all looking fabulous. Did you know Rita Moreno wore the same dress she wore to the Oscars in 1962?  Saturn refers to what is old. It may be expressed with great dignity in Capricorn. All hail!

We don’t have a birth time for Frances McDormand, but there are bound to be patterns suggesting innovation, charisma and prominence, right?  For innovation and risk, check out her Mars-Uranus conjunction in regal Leo — squared by mystical Neptune. She was born to dazzle — in ways that few would dare. The prominence is suggested by her Cancer Sun at the Aries Point. The energy she has to facilitate emotional security is driven by a rock-solid Taurus Moon. No nonsense, no make-up — but still glamorous in her own quirky style. Right now — and all this year, transiting Pluto will oppose her Venus — also in Cancer. No wonder her social expression is so empowered.  And of course she has “a lot to say,” with Mercury in talk talk talk Gemini made larger than life by a square from expansive Jupiter. If you didn’t see last night’s acceptance speech, check it out and marvel at how the patterns of her horoscope we just called out are all expressed in a few  electrifying moments.  You do know what an “inclusion rider” is, don’t you? It’s the Sun with Neptune in Pisces combined with the idealism of Mercury and Venus in Pisces, driven by a fair and balanced Libra Moon supercharged by rebel Uranus. All for One and One for All!

OMG — just tuning in to the Erin Burnett’s interview with an apparently drunk Sam Nunberg. This is the man who announced today that he will defy a subpoena to appear before a grand jury in Robert Mueller’s ongoing investigation. Guess how many planets this man has at the Aries Point? Sun and Mercury at 0 Cancer — squared by Jupiter and Saturn in Libra. His Venus is at 20 Cancer — same as Frances McDormand — and thus currently empowered by transiting Pluto.  This will get very interesting when transiting Mars hits the Aries Point around March 18th…followed by the Sun on March 20th. Stay tuned….

…and thank you for reading this forecast.