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Charts in the News: Justin Trudeau

This commentary was written in May 2019 and originally published in the Jun/Jul issue of The Mountain Astrologer.  It was fun to re-read now (on October 21, 2019), the day Canada went to the polls. The election results: “Canada’s Trudeau retains power but will have a minority government”. Saved by the referenced Jupiter return (in the commentary linked below), but the streamlining squeeze of transiting Saturn is still in effect through November.  Astrology is amazing.

TMA Charts in the News Jun-Jul 2019

Charts in the News: Nancy Pelosi, the 116th Congress, California & More

I’m thrilled to be writing this column for The Mountain Astrologer. Look for it in the student section of each issue. This column went to press in early March 2019 and was published in the April/May 2019 issue.

419-TMA-Charts in the News — Commentary by Elisabeth Grace

 

Monday 10/21/2019: Sneak Peek at the Week; Politics, As Usual

Writing this forecast one minute before the Cancer Moon — which has been void since 8:39 AM ET — leaves Cancer and gets focused in party-hearty Leo at 12:26 PM ET. Now is the time to shine — and help others shine, too. It’s also the time for drama queens and kings to take the stage, hoping the madding crowd will fulfill the Leo Moon’s need for love and honor. In effect for the past few days — and exact at 3:41 PM ET — is a trine (harmony) between Venus (a bit witchy in Scorpio) and Neptune (happily wallowing in Pisces). A Venus-Neptune alignment suggests a need for idealism; the water signs involved suggest depth of feeling; the Scorpio Venus may take you to places you’ve never been before. At 10:29 PM ET the Leo Moon meets up with rebel Uranus, suggesting a shock or other upset to the status quo. The rest of the week goes like this:

  • TUESDAY Moon in Leo drives the day with little interference from other planets, save for a clash of values/aesthetics possibly involving women, as the Moon squares Venus at 6:54 PM ET. Not the time to call Mom.
  • WEDNESDAY — the Leo Moon goes void at 5:14 AM ET, on a square to Mercury. A challenge to a regal ego as Mercury in Scorpio digs up dirt? The Moon void lasts until 3:30PM ET. Roll with the twists and flakes; stick to routine concerns; avoid impulse shopping and finalizing decisions. The crisis that crops up during a Moon void is usually much ado about nothing. It will all get sorted out when the Moon enters Virgo, aided by accommodating authorities and helpful friends. Meanwhile, during the void the Sun ditches Libra and enters Scorpio at 1:20 PM ET — there’s no need to run screaming down the hall. While Scorpio may spark fear in those who follow stupid astrology, we do not do stupid astrology in this forecast. For example, I will never tell you which zodiac sign is mostly likely to get a dog this fall, even if you are a reporter writing a story about it (this actually happened last week). That would be stupid. But back to the Sun in Scorpio.  It demands substance; none of that airy-theory-rational stuff that Libra does so well. Scorpio is a deeply emotional sign, noted for its need for privacy, power and control.  Scorpios “build all the way up to Heaven…and all the way down to Hell,” wrote astrologer Linda Goodman. Hopefully you can hang with one who builds a stairway to Heaven. A Scorpio heading for Hell will happily annihilate everyone and everything in its way. Really, they are so very interesting.  Scorpios also have a strict code of honor and are known to be loyal to a fault. Scorpio is a Fixed Sign — which does not mean they are neutered. It means they are here to create form — and they are quite stubborn in their way of being. Theodore Roosevelt is a Scorpio who famously said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” He probably had one of those famous “Scorpio stares” that wordlessly inform you (a scorpion has no need for words when it has such a compelling sting) that he sees right through your song and dance. Joaquin Phoenix — currently starring in “Joker” — is also a Scorpio, and transiting Uranus opposing his Sun is being reflected in his life big time, wouldn’t you agree? What a crazy-genius, powerful and deep performance, eh? I’d be stunned if he wasn’t at least nominated for numerous awards, as Uranus will be activating his Sun into early 2020.
  • THURSDAY — get thee to work with efficiency and discernment, driven by the Virgo Moon’s need to get it right. Moon opposes Neptune at 6:07 PM ET; put on your rose-colored glasses and escape.
  • FRIDAY — East Coasters note that the Virgo Moon goes void at 9 AM ET and won’t enter Libra until 4:20 PM ET. West Coasters, the Moon void is likely to reflect twists and flakes in your morning routine — and perhaps you’ll need a push to get going. Venus sextiles Pluto at 5:49 AM ET, suggesting an easy flow of communication involving emotional depth and catharsis, in effect all week.
  • SATURDAY — Moon in Libra drives the day with a need for balance and harmony in relationship — and a willingness to talk about it. Heads up around 4 PM ET, when the Moon’s need for equilibrium is supercharged by a meet-up with Mars (at 3:48 PM ET) and then gets doused by a cut or wet blanket when it is squared by Saturn (4:32 PM ET). It may be a sneak peek of the square between Mars and Saturn, exact on…
  • SUNDAY — at 10:30 AM ET. Mars-Saturn patterns are known for militant discipline, only too happy to fight for control. If you’re an authoritarian dictator, this is your time. And if you want to have secret meetings to advance your plans for world domination, the dead Moon’s (it’s the end of the lunar cycle) lack of light will facilitate your wish to fly under the radar. The New Moon in Scorpio kicks in at 11:38 PM ET — details in the next forecast. For now, let’s just note that while last month’s New Moon squared Pluto (power plays and corruption revealed), this New Moon opposes Uranus (shocks, seismic activity, technological breakthroughs, astrology, rebellion). Watch the headlines as this buzz builds all week.

Want to know what all this means in your own personal world? Here’s the 411 on consultations. If it’s been a year since your last chat with your astrologer, you’re overdue for a check-up. Consider this your personal invitation.

And now, the news.

UPDATE: on Israel’s horoscope, which you can read more about in my column in  the next issue of Mountain Astrologer. Avid Readers know from past posts that Israel is totally ripe for upsets this year, especially with respect to its elections. Despite not getting as many votes as challenger Benny Gantz and operating under charges of corruption, PM Benjamin Netanyahu was still tapped by Israel’s president to form a government…which Netanyahu has failed to..for a second time. So now Benny Gantz gets to have a go…and I’m doing a Snoopy Dance over the astonishing accuracy of astrology.

UPDATE: on Boris Johnson, who is experiencing the potential blow-up of action hero Mars crossing his people-pleasing Libra Ascendant (today) and squaring his Midheaven (career/status point) on the 23rd. Try as he might to wheel and deal his wretched Brexit through Parliament, he failed to do so over the weekend and again today. More time is being asked for, as opposed to  Johnson’s wish to cut ties from the EU on October 31st, the day Mercury goes retrograde. The smart move says buy more time or call the whole thing off altogether.

UPDATE: on the usual elephant in the room, whose horoscope continues to function as designed. Avid Readers will recall that P45 is primed for boundary-pushing action last week and this week, as transiting Jupiter activates his blah-blah-blah Gemini Moon and desperately-seeking-respect Sagittarius Moon. When not betraying allies, bowing to authoritarian leaders and serving as Commander-in-Chief of retreating troops that are pelted with rotten potatoes (further diminshing the status of the United States as suggested by the transit of Saturn squaring the U.S. Saturn, which is exact TODAY), P45 declared last week that yes, in fact, the next G7 summit would be held at one of his own resorts despite an Emoluments Clause in the U.S. Constitution that says that is a no-no. He still has a job, but when members of his own party pushed back, he dropped the idea.

Also boundary-pushing: a face-off between Nancy Pelosi and P45 at the White House last week, resulting the release of a  photograph that not only went viral, but is being analyzed to death by some unconventional pundits. Here is a body-language expert — and here are a few art critics. And now, for the astrology, which no mainstream publication has asked for, because they are too busy “having fun” over which zodiac sign is most likely to get a dog this fall…or was it a hamster — now I can’t remember.

Anyhoo…

This face-off involved  P45 having a meltdown tantrum  (another way of saying he lost his head) and Nancy Pelosi standing up and pointing out his disturbing loyalty to Vladimir Putin.  This happened on Wednesday, October 16th, when the Moon was void in Taurus and conjunct the Fixed Star Algol — a.k.a. the Gorgon Medusa.  Thus, the Taurus Moon was activating the horoscopes of both Pelosi and P45.  Like Robert DeNiro, Nancy Pelosi has action hero Mars conjunct Algol — and who messes with Robert DeNiro, right? But Algol is also square P45’s Mars — and within a few degrees of his 23 Taurus MC and square his wannbe regal Leo ASC. You can see already how the two might not see eye-to-eye. But right now, Pelosi holds the sceptre, thanks to a current power surge in her horoscope between Pluto (power) and Jupiter (expansion). As an Aries driven by Moon in Scorpio, Pelosi is a natural born warrior. P45’s Mars on the ASC makes him need to be seen  a fighter, but essentially he’s a Gemini salesman driven by an entertaining, pie-in-the-sky Sag Moon. He’s also in the hospitality business.

Let the record show that the July 2nd solar eclipse hit P45’s Mercury, which relates to appreciation received from others, friends and associates, self-worth and other assets. that eclipse was triggered by Mars last week — suggesting potential release and revelation. Mercury refers to how we need to think and communicate, and what was revealed in concert with that Mars trigger was a letter P45 wrote to Turkish premier Recep Erdogan. It is a further example of the diminished status of the U.S., pushing boundaries of diplomacy so far that many who read it thought it was written by The Onion. Coincidence or conspiracy?

UPDATE: Mars also triggered a planet in Mitt Romney’s horoscope, too: Neptune, planet of illusion. He was outed over the weekend as the man behind a “secret” Twitter accountquelle scandale! (Actually, not really).  His nom de plume: Pierre Delecto. Transiting Jupiter is squaring Romney’s Pisces Sun — which is being reflected by his expanded stature in the headlines. But pourquoi “Pierre Delecto”? I don’t know, but Pierre means “stone” and delecto is Latin for “delight.”

FUN FACT: Hillary Clinton’s natal Neptune was also triggered by Mars. And we did get an update — a final end to the final end — on the “but her emails” scandal. A P45 Administration inquiry found “no deliberate mishandling of classified information.” And  a CNN legal analyst is apologizing all over the place, but Fox News remains skeptical.   However, in that link you will find a surprising statement HRC made over the weekend about how she believes Russia will work to undermine the 2020 elections, and if she is correct, it would be scandalous indeed.

Meanwhile…

As Uranus continues its seven year stay in Taurus, we see the potential for disruptions (Uranus) in Taurus concerns. Venus rules Taurus, hence those concerns are related to pleasure and material goods, e.g. food, clothing, shelter Shopping just isn’t the thrill it used to be — and who has time to haunt the malls — and why would you when you can get anything from Amazon, destroyer of malls and small businesses everywhere? High-end retailer Barneys filed for bankruptcy, as did another chain in the UK, but I can’t remember which one.  Disposable clothing outlet Forever 21 is also going out of style, as is trashing the environment. So here’s an apt primer on how to buy clothes that are better for the planet and  are built to last. 

Thank you for reading this forecast, which took three and a half hours to put together. Fun stuff — and onward!

 

 

 

Monday 10/7/2019: Sneak Peek at the Week: Sun Square Saturn is Heavy; Politics, As Usual

Good morning!

The start of the work week is driven by the Moon in Aquarius, seeking to be appreciated for the social significance of whatever makes it unique — while hanging with other weird birds of the same feather. There is absolutely nothing contradictory here; it’s just the nature of Aquarius. Arise, go forth and network, stimulated by the buzz of whatever hits the wires in the wake of the 2:16 AM ET opposition between Mercury (how we need to think and travel) and Uranus (technology; aviation; innovation; gender-benders).  More surprises and upsets to the status quo continue as the Aquarius Moon squares Mercury and Uranus at 10:32 AM and 11: 36  ET. Meanwhile, the Libra Sun (patriarchs, CEOs, authority figures, heads of state) is squared by a high-functioning Saturn at 3:07 PM ET.  Events that were hot in the second weeks of July and April may be back in the limelight, taken to a new level.  Links to headlines from past Sun-Saturn squares may be found here.  You are feeling the streamlining pressure more than most if you have planets around 13 – 22 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn — or were born around the 5th – 14th of January, April, July or October. Resistance is futile. There is definitely an upside.  Consult your astrologer for details.

After today’s Sun-Saturn square, there are no exact contacts among the planets — except from the Moon — until Saturday night. These stretches of little t0 no planetary action should not be thought of as times when nothing is going on. We last had one of these “lulls” back in — oh, lookie — mid-April (around the last Sun-Saturn square). These apparent lulls are often deceptive. It’s like looking  at a giant ice shelf on the most sparkling sunny day ever…and then, for no apparent reason, half the shelf crumbles into the ocean. So if an “other shoe” drops in the headlines, I will not be surprised, and neither should you. It is interesting that — as with the April “lull,” we are warming up for a Full Moon, which will be exact on Sunday night. The rest of the week goes like this:

  • TUESDAY – An easy flow in the early part of the day. The Aquarius Moon goes void at 2:27 PM ET — ship it beforehand, then take care of routine tasks for the rest of the business day. Roll with the twists and flakes. CHILL OUT if a crisis crops up; it’s likely much ado about nothing. This is a loooooong void; Moon enters Pisces at 12:05 PM ET on Wednesday. Meanwhile, at 1:06 PM ET, Venus exits Libra and enters Scorpio. Venus in Scorpio needs depth and substance in social expression, along with passion, for better or for worse. “For worse” would be revenge, served cold. It’s an honor thing with Venus in Scorpio. There is a certain code that must be followed. It’s a tough, but somebody’s got to do it. Point is, Venus in Scorpio will be reflected in news about social expression, women, money and other values until November 1, when Venus enters Sagittarius.
  • WEDNESDAY — If you sleep through the alarm, no big deal. Moon is void until 12:05 PM ET, when it enters Pisces. How apt for Yom Kippur, a.k.a. day of atonement. Pisces invented empathy, compassion and forgiveness.
  • THURSDAY — More of the same — but no Moon void.
  • FRIDAYMoon goes void in Pisces at 5:55 AM ET — for the rest of the day. Are you skipping out early for a long holiday weekend? You won’t be missing anything of consequence at the office. Monday is Thanksgiving in Canada says my calendar.  It’s Columbus Day in most of the USA, although as of April,  more than 60 states and cities have renamed it “Indigenous Peoples’ Day”.
  • SATURDAY —  Moon charges into Aries at 12:46 AM ET; alerting our senses and demanding our focus. The buzz in the air is the unconventional attraction reflected by the annual opposition between Venus and Uranus at 6:06 PM ET. We’ll see disruptive news about money (watch the markets on Friday), women, art and social expression. Love at first sight?
  • SUNDAYMoon in Aries continues its me-me-me-first crusade (unless it’s looking out for the nearest underdog). Aries is fearless and inspiring at best; reckless and selfish at worst (which explains why that jerk cut you off on the freeway). But since you are now aware of this planetary pattern, you won’t react in anger to that jerk, right? You’ll just roll your eyes and know that things will settle down once the Moon enters Taurus, which happens around noon ET on Monday. But first you must live though this day, which begins with a bit of a wet blanket at 5:36 AM ET, as the me-me-me Aries Moon is squared by authority figure Saturn.  Hmm. Take a second look at that “creature like no other” you might have brought home last night?   Your moment of sobriety may be soon lifted by a jolly and cooperative connection between the Sun and Jupiter, exact at 2:02 PM ET (and in effect a few days before). But wait — there’s more! The Full Moon is exact at 5:08 PM ET, 51 minutes before the Moon’s weekly clash with Pluto, and just hours away from Pluto’s square to the Sun. There’s much to be released over the next couple of days involving power plays, resources, news from underground and emotional catharses. Will write more on this Full Moon later in the week.

And now, the news.

I finished the first half of this forecast around midnight, just as a surprise  announcement (Mercury opposing Uranus at 2:16 AM ET) from the White House that after P45 spoke with Turkish  Prime Minister Erdogan yesterday, P45 was pulling US forces out of Syria, “getting out of the way” of a planned Turkish invasion. “Getting out of the way” also means “abandoning the Kurds, our longtime allies in the fight against ISIS,” which would be a potential reflection of today’s brutal Sun-Saturn square, as in “life sucks, then you die.” But don’t worry, the Trump Tower in Istanbul is going to be just fine.

The Turkish invasion was a surprise to Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC & Senate Judiciary Chair & P45 golf buddy) — who was relying on “press reports” for details early this morning, according to his Twitter feed. Graham would be feeling provoked today, with Mars squaring his Venus, after Uranus squared his Jupiter two days ago. Usually a Uranus-Jupiter square suggests a windfall opportunity, though astrologer Robert Hand opines that “Jupiter symbolizes our ability to go along with the social and economic system in which you live and make it work for you. The square from Uranus tests your ability to handle your relationship with the system.” Hand also suggests that this transit may reflect a reality check on an otherwise unworkable viewpoint. Graham is a homeland/emotional security-seeking Cancer, driven by an adaptable Pisces Moon (July 9, 1955 in Central, SC). His Sun is at 16 Cancer, meaning it was squeezed by Saturn in February and July, with a third Saturn opposition on November 17th. But that’s not all, as the first quarter of 2020 is dominated by two solar arcs (another way astrologers measure time) suggesting disruption of the status quo and a significant loss (SA Pluto = Uranus and SA Saturn = Sun, for the astro pros reading this forecast). Graham’s latest tweet said that he would introduce a resolution in the Senate opposing the US withdrawal from Syria.

Bear in mind that the pattern driving most of action between now and January is the Saturn-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn on January 12th. This is a no-frills attitude to authority and responsibility,  taken to extremes. There’s no dreamy/visionary pattern (e.g., Jupiter square Neptune) to soften a stark perspective. We are even seeing this in news coverage, as WaPo’s Jennifer Rubin writes today: “The media figured it out, just in the nick of time.”   Jupiter is the media; Neptune is fog; the fog is fading. Time to get real!

In other news, we need to keep an eye on October 19th, when Mars will be at 10 Libra, triggering the July 2nd solar eclipse. That will be an especially expansive week for P45, as noted in prior forecasts. Jupiter will be at 20-21 Sagittarius, activating P45’s Sun-Moon-Nodes and the US Mars-Neptune square.

Meanwhile…

Mercury in a challenging aspect with Uranus symbolizes humor of the wackiest kind. RIP to wacky comic Rip Taylor, a mainstay on the deliciously bizarre Gong Show.  Bizarre humor and a stark patriarchal perspective (Sun square Saturn-Pluto) is clearly reflected by Joker, which smashed box office records this weekend and has been hailed by at least one critic as a sign of the times.  Joker star Joaquin Phoenix was born with an exact Mercury-Uranus conjunction — one of several patterns in his horoscope that would enable him to step into that particular character.

In other news…

Reflecting last week’s Pluto change of station, suggesting breakdown in infrastructure and corruption exposed:

With Pluto squaring Venus last week, life and death matters involving women included

Other important SCOTUS cases to be heard during this stark period of planetary patterns involve gun rights and LGBT rights.

With Mars (men, desire, aggression, assertion) at the Aries Point and not behaving at its best in Libra last week, naturally a jockstrap had to make news, as Stephen Colbert explains somewhere in these clips.  Meanwhile, I told you Elizabeth Warren’s horoscope (Sun-Uranus conjunction) would be activated by this transit, and here she is smacking down tech mogul Mark Zuckerberg, and here she is smacking down absurd allegations by a lying ex-Marine…and here is SNL’s Kate McKinnon turning those absurd allegations into another brilliant sketch.

Andrew McCabe’s horoscope is triggered by planets at the Aries Point. “Judge to DOJ: decide on charging McCabe by Nov 15 or face release of FBI records.” A grand jury has yet to return an indictment.

UPDATE: Joe Biden has Neptune at the Aries Point, with Neptune ruling the area of his life related to home and family; transiting Mars activated the area of his life related to children. Mars on Neptune suggests scandal, deception, idealism, escapism, vision, victimization, drugs, alcohol. Thus we should not be surprised that Biden’s son Hunter is having his name dragged through the mud regarding past business dealings in the Ukraine because hid dad’s run for office is a threat to P45. What’s interesting about the timing of these events — from an astrological perspective — is that we can see in Biden’s horoscope that Neptune will soon be opposing his 19 Virgo Midheaven, both by solar arc (exact on January 1) and by transit (in 2020 and 2021). This suggests an element of confusion/fog and other Neptune themes in matters of home, family and public/professional status.  Another interesting astrological element is that I had not looked too deeply into Hunter Biden’s story, but The New Yorker ran an in-depth piece back in July, when the Cancer Sun was opposing Saturn and Pluto And, as I said, stories that were “up” at that time are likely to be back this month….and again in January 2020 because planetary patterns repeat themselves. And here we are. I did not know that Hunter Biden had struggled with so many Neptune issues…until now. And we see them being brought forward at this time by action in Joe Biden’s horoscope.   For more on this story, I refer you back to Jennifer Rubin.

UPDATERick Perry has Uranus at the Aries Point. Last week’s Mars trigger activated areas in his horoscope related to his professional status, hidden enemies and self-sabotage. Meanwhile, transiting Uranus (ruler of his Aquarius MC/point of professional status) is squaring Venus, ruler of his Taurus Ascendant. Translation: SURPRISE! Last week P45 blamed Rick Perry for making him call the Ukrainian president and ask him to do him a favor in return for US military aid. Yes, it’s all Rick Perry’s fault — and now he’s stepping down as Secretary of Energy in November. Well, his Mars is at 8 Libra, conjunct the toxic South Node and the fixed star Diadem.  My trusty astrological software posits that one of the influences of Diadem in the horoscope is “to sacrifice oneself.” Oh. As of two hours ago, Rick Perry says he’s not stepping down.   OK, let’s see where he’s at in mid-2020, when transiting Uranus will be putting continued pressure for change on his Venus AND his 9 Aquarius Midheaven.

UPDATE: Mitt Romney is also under attack. And like Rick Perry, he has Venus in “I love you, but don’t take it personally” Aquarius conjunct the MC, only Romney’s MC is under pressure now, whereas Perry has to wait several months. Here is his horoscope, which I’ve written about many many times — search the archives. Last year it was obvious that he’d win his bid to serve as a US Senator from Utah, and current measurements suggest expanded expression of his values, generally well-received. But next year, patterns shift. That’s why it’s good to check in with your astrologer every six months to a year, btw — because patterns — like the weather — are always changing. Anyhoo, we see that Neptune will be activating Mitt Romney’s horoscope in ways that are somewhat similar to Joe Biden: home/family/country/core foundation — in a cloud or fog.

Random hardcore reality checks reflecting Sun square Saturn-Pluto, from the Sunday New York Times:

Ending with a couple of uplifting (literally) headlines reflecting technological innovation (Mercury opposing Uranus) and Sun square Saturn (bones, especially spine):

Thank you for reading this forecast — and sharing it with your friends.

 

 

 

 

Friday 9/13/2019 and the Weekend: Full Moon in Pisces; the Wiggy Continues: Big Giant News Round-Up

TGIF!

The Moon is in Pisces and emotions are on the rise. Here’s reminder of planetary patterns today and this weekend:

  • FRIDAY — Lots of action, as the Pisces Moon makes contact with multiple planets between 10 AM and midnight: Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Neptune and Pluto. The hours around 4 PM may be exceptionally assertive, in a fanatical/sexy/scandalous sort of way. That’s when Moon makes contact with Mars and Neptune, as the planets of action/assertion and vision/fog prepare for a face-off minutes after the Moon waxes to its fullness on Saturday.
  • Meanwhile, Mercury and Venus will meet up at the very end of Virgo at 11:12 AM ET. They will both be at the Aries Point over the next few days, suggesting prominent matters in the headlines involving contracts and other documents, communication, arts, women, money and social expression. Power players — including energy resources as well as people — are likely consolidating forces, as the Sun trines (harmonizes) with Pluto at 3:36 PM ET.
  • SATURDAY — the Full Moon in Pisces occurs at 12:33 AM ET, close to the Aries Point.  This is an especially wiggy one, as it is within minutes of the Mars-Neptune opposition at 1:26 AM ET. Quelle scandale — likely involving fiercely held matters of faith. Meanwhile, Mercury and Venus both leave Virgo for Libra at 3:15 AM ET and 9:43 AM ET, respectively. Mercury’s condition diminishes; Venus’s condition improves. The Pisces Moon goes void at its moment of fullness….not to charge into Aries until 6:32 PM ET. Once there, it focuses its me- me-me needs against the we-we-we drive of Mercury and Venus for the rest of the evening.
  • SUNDAY — Moon continues its crusade in Aries without interference; you are free to shop, as it will not be void. Moon squares Saturn at 10:29 PM ET. Do we really have to go to work on Monday? Yes. Yes, we do.

A few notes on the Full Moon, which will be exact at 21 Pisces, opposing the Sun at 21 Virgo. This is a significant activation for the United States. In the U.S. horoscope, this Full Moon will trigger the fanatical potential of the U.S. Mars-Neptune square. This is the part of the U.S. horoscope that reflects our romantic idealization (Neptune) of everything Mars, i.e., soldiers, cars, guns, action heroes, etc. — and also our need for diverse, clever and entertaining initiatives (the U.S. Mars is in Gemini) for the perfect American Dream (the U.S. Neptune is in Virgo). Avid Readers will recall that many many many heavy players in U.S. politics have horoscopes that are tied to the U.S. Mars-Neptune square. Exhibit A: P45, whose Sun and Moon are at 22 Gemini and 21 Sagittarius. So whenever his blah blah blah Gemini Sun and righteously opinionated Sag Moon are activated, the U.S. Mars-Neptune square is also activated. Isn’t that interesting? Mike Pence has Mercury (how he needs to think and communicate) at 21 Gemini. Modern Russia has the Sun at 21 Gemini. Coincidence or conspiracy?

Here is the horoscope for the Full Moon, set in Washington D.C.

The Sabian Symbols for the Full Moon are (for the Pisces Moon) “a man bringing down the new law from Mount Sinai” and (for the Virgo Sun) “a royal coat of arms.” Sabian Sage Blain Bovee writes that these symbols suggest awareness of two shared motifs: “Might is right” and “all authority goes to blazes.” We are advised to apply this pair with a mind to awareness of “…the prevailing standards of privilege and power; justifications that can really burn you up,” along with spiritual rationalization of actions and authority; preaching from a clueless perspective; “intense feelings about the chosen one; passions that champion divine rule.” Here is a link to Bovee’s book on Sabian Symbols — a most excellent add to your library.

What’s going on in your horoscope? Is it being activated by this Full Moon or other planetary patterns? If you haven’t consulted with your astrologer in over a year, you’re due for a check-up. Here’s the 411 on consultations.

And now, the news.

The fast-approaching T-square among Jupiter in Sag, Mars in Virgo and Neptune in Pisces suggests headlines involving scandal, faith, horses, fanatics, liver, water in all excessive forms, victims, saviors, toxins, chemicals, drugs, healing, education,  film, music, intrigue, guns, cars, the surreal and the sublime. Here’s a sampling:

Meanwhile, even P45 is reflecting planetary patterns — in general and in his own horoscope. This week he and Melania announced an initiative to ban all flavored e-cigarettes because six people have died and hundreds have apparently been sickened by toxic contaminents. Toxins and other drugs are oh-so Mars-Jupiter-Neptune. So is befuddlement and memory loss. So when P45 spoke of his wife having a son — followed by a seemingly hesitant “together,” many found it odd, including The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah, who has it on tape.  But ever since the Sun, Mars, Venus and Mercury crossed P45’s 29 Leo Ascendant a couple of weeks ago, the way in which he is being seen by others (which is a key symbolism of the Ascendant) is generating more attention. And what is being seen is more and  more bewildering. Last week, he reinvented the weather, armed with a Sharpie, a cat video and a tweet at midnight –– after sending Alabama into a panic. Last night during the Dem Debate, he complained that energy-efficient lightbulbs were expensive and “made him look orange.”   Is there something else activating his Ascendant, perhaps?

Yes, there is. In effect for the past few months and exact on October 1st, we see a measurment between the Ascendant and Pluto. Keywords for Pluto include empowerment, transformation, breakdown and decay. An upside potential of this measurement is successful persuasion (projecting the power potential of Pluto on the public, for better or for worse). Another measurement in effect for the past few months and exact on September 27 is between Venus and Neptune. In P45’s horoscope, Venus refers to the area of his life that involves siblings, neighbors, local travel — and how he thinks and communicates. It also refers to his professional status. How do Venus and Neptune combine? Upside: the creation of an aesthetic ideal or romance. Downside: Neptune denies material form, seeking to dissolve whatever it touches. Neptune suggests illusion.

In P45’s natal horoscope, Neptune is involved in how he needs to think and communicate, as his Mercury (how he needs to think, etc) is squared by Neptune. Upside: inspiring and intuitive visionary communicator. Downside potential: snake oil salesman; fanciful; delusional; confusing. Over the past several years, when Neptune has activated P45’s horoscope, it has been weird. In 2011 and 2012, when transiting Neptune opposed his Ascendant, he falsely claimed that President Obama was born in Kenya, and that President Obama’s Hawaii-issued birth certificate was fake. Total Neptune delusion. Now, in 2019, transiting Neptune is squaring P45’s natal Uranus, which refers to matters involving partnerships (marital and business) and the public. Neptune in his horoscope refers to matters of shared values and investments. Robert Hand opines that transiting Neptune squaring Uranus can reflect sudden mood swings, secrets outed, having to face the truth about a difficult aspect of oneself — or about the world in general. In 2021, transiting Neptune will be exact or quite close to a square to his Sun-Moon opposition for the next two years. Wherever he is during that time span may recall the weirdness of his birther conspiracy campaign.

In the near-term future — i.e., the next six weeks, Avid Readers will recall that October is when transiting Jupiter will activate P45’s Sun and Moon for the third and final time this year. The first hit was in February — and here’s what happened then. We can anticipate similarly expansive and persuasive actions from P45 in last ten days of October. Even before then, we anticipate daring and/or reckless assertion, as transiting Mars squares his Uranus, Moon and Sun between September 15th and the 23rd, with one more expansive risk or innovation suggested on September 28th.

OK. Enough about P45. Look at all these cool and uplifting stories compiled on the Good News Network — yayyyy! And look at this way- cool NYT op-ed: “Even Physicists Don’t Understand Quantum Mechanics.” Y’know, physicists have a lot in common with astrologers…

What’s going on in your horoscope?

Thank you for reading this forecast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday 8/16/2019 & the Weekend: Uranus Square Mercury Generates Buzz

TGIF!

Between now and Sunday, the day is driven by the Moon in Pisces, seeking to empathize, idealize and go with the flow. The buzz that’s been in the air — and disrupting communication and electronic gizmos — is Mercury (how we need to think) squared by rebel Uranus at 1:06 PM ET.  If you have a planet around 6 degrees of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius, you are more personally affected. The rest of the weekend goes like this:

  • SATURDAY — More Moon in Pisces flow, which may be especially dreamy or foggy around 12:09 PM ET, when Moon meets up with Neptune. Chill after 6:34 PM ET, when the Moon goes void…and feel free to sleep in (but not shop) until…
  • SUNDAY — when the Moon charges into Aries at 12:33 PM ET. There are no exact planetary aspects on this day, but Mars — planet of action — will exit Leo and enter Virgo at 1:19 AM ET, where it will remain until October 4th. Mars in Virgo needs to execute its action plan with detailed precision — and here are thoughts on how to do just that — from a post in 2011.

No sleeping in on Monday. Moon will be charging forward in Aries as fast as it can — until around 6PM ET, when it makes its weekly clash with brick wall Saturn.

And now, the news.

Last week we were talking about the likely diminished status of the United States, reflecting transiting Saturn square the U.S. Saturn. The second square was exact on August 15th; the third square is exact on October 21st. This week the stock market dropped 800 points after a “rare” inversion of the yield curve between 2-year Treasury bonds and 10-year Treasury bonds. It is not a good sign when the expected long-term return on U.S. Treasury bonds is lower than the return on the short-term 2-year bonds.  Talking heads in the media were saying that it wouldn’t be surprising if a recession kicked in 18-24 months later, as apparently it has done before. I wouldn’t be surprised either, as in 18-24 months, we’ll have transiting Saturn in Aquarius square Uranus in Taurus. I’m not a financial astrologer, but I have observed in the past that hard aspects between Saturn and Uranus coincide with bubbles bursting.

Bear in mind that the U.S. is not the only horoscope with planets being hit a Saturn squeeze in the aftermath of the 2011-2016 series of disruptive Uranus-Pluto squares.

On another note, when I wrote on Monday that Wednesday’s Sun-Venus conjunction in Leo was likely to be “worth its weight in gold,” this is what was going through my mind — which did in fact manifest on Wednesday: “Gold marks highest finish since 2013 as recession risk lifts the metal’s haven appeal.”   Astrology is amazing.

Meanwhile, as Mars makes its way through the last few degrees of Leo, it is activating the Midheaven, Leo Mars and Leo Ascendant of P45. Thus astrologers who Follow Such Things were prepared for a new cycle of regal initiatives and attacks. Occurring against the general backdrop of the potentially wacky/shocking square between Mercury (mind) and Uranus (wacky), so far we’ve had:

Guess what? Israel’s Mars is also in Leo, where it is able to “get away with murder” more than any other Mars placement. Its new two-year Mars cycle began yesterday, with Mars returning to its place in its natal horoscope.  So did its new Mercury cycle, with transiting Mercury returning to its natal position, starting a new cycle of communication and mindset. That makes Israel’s decision to ban Rep. Omar and Tlaib especially significant. Apparently Rep. Tlaib made a personal plea to visit her nonagenarian grandmother, whom she has not seen since 2007. Israel agreed to grant the request as a humanitarian gesture, on condition that Rep. Tlaib keep quiet about her political views. The point here is that free speech continues to be a hot topic in the zeitgeist,  with Jupiter still in Sagittarius. And we have added shock value courtesy of the Uranus-Mercury square. Rep. Tlaib considered accepting Israel’s limitations, but then declined as a matter of principle. Born on July 24, 1976 in Detroit, Rep. Tlaib’s Leo Sun is squared by freedom-seeking Uranus, as are three other planet in Leo: Mercury, Venus and Saturn. No one is going to dictate to her how she is to think or what she can and can’t say.   Here is a video of Rep. Tlaib’s “sity” (grandma), courtesy of WaPo. Here’s a post about Israel’s horoscope from May 2019. January 2020 is going to be interesting.

Have you ever been to Israel? I have. It is an extraordinary experience.

In other news…

More Uranus square Mercury disruption, as predicted:

Here’s a fun case of astro-timing. On July 3rd, with Mercury just about to turn retrograde at 4 degrees of Leo, a federal judge sent an email to colleagues about an upcoming seminar on climate change. Another judge wrote back, forgetting to double check everything thrice before mistakenly hitting “reply all” — and yesterday, with Mercury now back to where it was on July 3rd, we’re getting the gory details. Case closed.

Here’s another event that occurred on July 3rd — recently updated. Princess Haya, one of the wives of Sheik Mohammed (billionaire and VP of the UAE), fled the country with her children and has since applied for a protective order against her husband. Sheik Mohammed had high-flying innovations planned back in 2017, when transiting Uranus squared his 22 degree Cancer Sun. This year — and into early 2020, he gets to deal with the power plays, streamlining and transformation suggested by transiting Pluto and Saturn opposing that Sun. Remember how cranky communications were around June 20th, when Mercury and Mars were at 22 degrees Cancer? You can believe that Sheik Mohammed was feeling mighty provoked. And then, two weeks later, Princess Haya escapes to London, under the “windfall opportunity” potential of a rare measurement in her horoscope (May 3 1974 in Amman, Jordan), between Jupiter (expansion; luck) and Uranus (freedom). Sheik Mohammed was born with Venus and Pluto conjunct in drama king Leo — and the two are in harmony with visionary Neptune. Venus and Pluto suggests emotional extremes, with some measure of artistry, courtesy of Neptune. Posting poems of betrayal and vengeance on Instagram is one of his understandable coping strategies. I wonder if he’s ever consulted with an astrologer…

Thank you for reading this forecast.

 

 

 

 

Tuesday 5/28/2019: Sneak Peek at a Short Work Week; Jupiter Makes It BIG

Happy Tuesday!

If you’re adding an extra day to the Memorial Day weekend, good for you. The Moon is in Pisces — and void of course since 12:21 AM ET. It won’t enter Aries — with verve and focus — until 2:32 PM ET. Avid Readers know that Moon voids are apt times to avoid launching an initiative you hope will be of consequence. That includes major purchases. Stick to routine concerns; allow yourself to wander, even if you never make it to the office. Know that crises which crop up are likely much ado about nothing. Roll with the twists and flakes that may disrupt your efforts to move forward in a straight line. One of those flakes could even be you. Today I almost poured cold water over my freshly-ground coffee; my mind was not quite focused.   If you are new to this forecast and unfamiliar with Moon voids, here’s a primer.

Once the Moon enters Aries at 2:32 PM ET, see if you notice the energetic shift. An Aries Moon needs to pick up the pace and charge ahead — possibly even falling down stairs or off a cliff in its rush to get wherever it’s going FIRST. That me-me-me Aries Moon will drive the week until 12:43 AM ET on Friday, when a Taurus Moon demands that we consolidate our great ideas into something establishing a status quo.

And what great ideas we are likely to see in the headlines this week — some of which may not be based on reality! Right now we’re under the influence of a challenging pattern (a square) between Mercury (how we need to think) and Neptune (vision, deception and fog).  That’s exact on WEDNESDAY at 9:23 PM ET. On THURSDAY, a need for idealism in matters of women, art, values and money is reflected by a harmony (sextile) between Venus and Neptune, exact at 12:51 PM ET. Pushing the envelope at 11:12 PM ET is an opposition between Mercury (ideas) and Jupiter (expansion). I anticipate big initiatives involving publishing, sports, courts, foreigners and/or horses, with this caveat: while Mercury and Jupiter are both in signs they rule (Gemini and Sagittarius, respectively), each is also in the sign of the other’s detriment. A traditional astrologer would say that Mercury is not at its best in Sagittarius; Jupiter is not at its best in Gemini. Let’s see what happens.

On THURSDAY we will also have the Moon’s weekly clash with patriarchal Saturn and potent Pluto, at 5:16 AM ET and 11:08 AM ET respectively. An authoritative advance/wet blanket, followed by an emotional catharsis or power play may make headlines.  On FRIDAY, the day begins with the Moon’s weekly clash with rebel Uranus, exact at 9:26 AM ET. That’s followed by a harmony between a high-functioning Venus in Taurus and Saturn in Capricorn. This pattern supports that day’s Taurus Moon in its efforts to preserve the status quo in matters of of women, money, art and social expression. On SUNDAY Venus will trine Pluto, facilitating depth and potential transformation and/or extremes.

We will have a New Moon in Gemini on MONDAY at 6:02 AM ET.

In other news, here is Tarot Diva Beth Owls Daughter’s Card of the Week. It’s the Five of Cups — same card that was pulled for the week of April 8th-14th. Here are some of the headlines from that week, with corresponding planetary patterns. As with this week, we see Mercury in a challenging relationship with Jupiter. The Five of Cups suggests a potential loss, but Beth’s weekly card pulls are usually spot-on.

And now, the news.

Two major patterns dominated the headlines last week — and will continue to do so. First is the highly toxic austere/patriarchal/authoritarian crush of Saturn, Pluto and the South Node closerthanthis — but not quite exact — in corporate Capricorn. This pattern ruthlessly continues until at least January 12th, 2020, when Saturn and Pluto stop flirting and finally hook up. The second pattern is the second of three squares (a challenging aspect) between Jupiter and Neptune in Sagittarius and Pisces, respectively. To recap Jupiter square Neptune, from  January 6th:

Another dominant pattern for 2019 in this New Moon is the first of three squares between Jupiter and Neptune (exact on January 13th, June 9th and September 21st). Pushing the limits of faith? In Sagittarius, Jupiter refers to expansion and/or excess in matters including, but not limited to: opinion, dogma, horses, liver, pancreas, optimism, bombast, foreigners, media, law. In Pisces, Neptune refers to fish, oceans, drugs, spirits, lies, fog, refugees, victims, gurus, viruses, chemicals, toxins, suicide, etc.  Here’s one of many headlines reflecting this pattern: “Japan’s Sushi King Pays $3 Million for Giant BlueFin Tuna.” That’s one BIG (Jup iter) FISH (Neptune), and it wouldn’t command such a high price if it weren’t so SCARCE (Saturn-Sun-Pluto conjunct in Capricorn).

Isn’t it interesting that with the second Jupiter (big!) – Neptune (fish! lies!) square just days away from being exact, we saw this headline in the NYT: “He Claimed He Caught  a Record-Breaking Fish. Now He’s Being Called a Liar.”

As you know, Jupiter turned retrograde at 24 degrees of Sagittarius in April. It backed up to 22 degrees Sagittarius on May 11th; 21 Sagittarius on May 21 and will hit 20 Sagittarius on May 30th. Why is this signifcant? As you know from prior posts, P45’s Moon and toxic South Node are at 21 and 20 Sagittarius; his Sun is at 22 Gemini (directly opposite 22 Sagittarius). So we were able to anticipate months ago that he would be pushing boundaries yugely during this time.

Also note that transiting Jupiter at 21-22 Sagittarius activates the wiggy Mars-Neptune square in the horoscope of the United States, expanding our national idealism/fixation in matters of cowboys, guns, religion and glamour (to name a few).  After Jupiter turns direct on August 12th at 14 Sagittarius, it will hit 20-22 Sagittarius for the third and last time (in this cycle) in October. That’s when we will see more boundary-pushing action from P45, resulting in headlines similar to these:

Random counterpunch: “Texas secretary of state resigns after botched voter purge that questioned the citizenship of 100,000 people.”

Meanwhile, in VP Land, note that Mike Pence has Mercury at 21 Gemini — tied to the U.S. Mars-Neptune square — and activated by transiting Jupiter:

In other news…

As you know, Neptune refers to drugs and Jupiter is still BIG“Oklahoma takes on drugmakers Johnson & Johnson and Teva in landmark opioid trial”

Meanwhile, you may recall that when Chiron entered Aries back in March for an eight-year stay, one of the themes we could expect to see addressed in the headlines was “toxic masculinity.” Earlier this month I neglected to mention a gripping NYT Sunday magazine cover story on that exact subject. And even though I expected to see it addressed, it was still a “wow!’ when it was published. Astrology is amazing.

In countries that are not the United States:

In other news, with Uranus (upsets) now in Taurus (retail, stuff, food, banks, cows), we expect to see disruption/shocks in those areas over the next seven years:

UPDATE: CNN’s Jim Acosta was discussed back in November. Given patterns observed back then, it is no surprise that he’s just published a book called “The Enemy of the People.” Plus, transiting Jupiter is squaring his Venus at 22 Pisces.

Random boundary-pushing stories with cosmic (Neptune) themes:

And finally, Randy Rainbow’s horoscope is right on schedule. I wrote about it in the Jun/Jul issue of Mountain AstrologerBack in January, Rainbow released his brilliant satirical take on All Things P45, set to “Cell Block Tango” from the musical Chicago. That was when transiting Jupiter was at 22 Sagittarius, triggering his Mars-Neptune opposition at 22 Gemini-Sagittarius. We can expect another creation any minute now — and oh lookie, here it is, hot off the press, and it’s called “Just Impeach Him.” But wait — there’s more! Posted on WaPo just two hours ago: “Randy Rainbow’s witty world: how a musical nerd reinvented political satire for the YouTube age.” 

I have yet to find a more empowering tool for understanding why you are the way you are and why things happen when they do. Have  you? To find out when things are likely to happen in your life, why not consider scheduling a personal consultation to discuss your horoscope. Plan B: if you find this forecast engaging and informative, you may support the work by making a one-time or monthly contribution to the Cosmic Tip Jar.

With gratitude.

Thank you for reading this forecast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday 4/8/2019: Sneak Peek at the Week; Power Plays and Streamlining; Jupiter Turns Retrograde

Good morning!

Moon is still in Taurus, seeking to build and maintain material comfort and security. It went void at 4:28 AM ET and won’t enter the next sign — Gemini — until 5:15 PM ET. A Moon void suggests an apt time to focus on routine concerns, with a higher than average probability of a twist or a flake in your efforts to move forward in straight line. Your mission is not to make a mountain out of a molehill over any perceived crisis. Chances are it will be much ado about nothing. This is not the time to launch an initiative you hope will be of consequence. Avoid impulse shopping. Moon voids are excellent times for drafting proposals; writers, type away!

Meanwhile, over the next few days we are building to seriously significant patterns that will be exact on WEDNESDAY and FRIDAY. These heavy hitters are evident now — just look at the news. It goes like this:

  • TUESDAYMoon in Gemini drives the day with a need to be the smartest kid in the room. Buzz, buzz, buzz — with information. The day begins on a provocative meet-up between the Moon and Mars at 4:16 AM ET — the outburst of courage and/or aggression ripples through the rest of the day.
  • WEDNESDAY — the first of two annual squares (tense, tough, dynamic releases) between the Sun and Saturn happens at 4:47 AM ET. Why did Trump just demand the resignation of the Department of Child Caging  Homeland Security chief Kirstjen Nielsen? Because she wasn’t lean and mean enough to suit the lean, mean and ambitious agenda of reflected by a Sun-Saturn square. For headlines from past Sun-Saturn squares, look here and here. We can expect more sobering, streamlining cuts and advances involving heads of state over the next few days.
  • WEDNESDAY — But before that happens, we’ll have a release of events reflecting compassionate and aesthetic vision/ideals, reflected by a truly lovely annual meet-up of Venus (women, money, arts, social expression) and Neptune (ideals, healing, deception, oil, drugs, fog). Combine that pattern with the structuring potential of the Sun-Saturn square, and of course the NYT would tell you “How to Make a Vision Board That Works, For Real, This Time.  The empathy for all human suffering may also be applied here: “Someone is Always Trying to Kill You” — a seriously sobering story on the plight of women in Honduras — one of the “three Mexican countries” (per Fox News) that will no longer receive humanitarian aid from the U.S., if Trump has his way.
  • WEDNESDAY Moon goes void at 1:27 PM ET; chill chill chill until 11:31 PM ET, when the Moon enters Cancer. More investigative dirt should be hitting the fan, courtesy of the third sextile (a pattern suggesting ease of communication and cooperation) between Mercury and Pluto, exact at 5:40 PM ET. Mind the void and don’t freak over a bit of info that later proves toothless.
  • WEDNESDAYJupiter, planet of expansion, turns retrograde at 1 PM ET. As you know, Jupiter is in Sagittarius for most of 2019, expanding matters ruled by Sag: freedom of speech, publishing, foreigners, immigration, travel, sports, courts, dogma — to name a few. If you’ve got a planet or angle around 24 degrees — two thirds of the way — through Gemini, Virgo, Pisces and Sagittarius, you may be in an expansive phase in one or more areas of your life. Jupiter the cosmic sugardaddy has been hanging out at 24 Sag for several days, slowing to a virtual standstill (from our perspective on Spaceship Earth).  Jupiter retrograde suggests that whatever was expanding may now be subject to a review and/or delay — especially in the areas related to Jupiter I just listed. Jupiter turns direct on August 11th at 14 degrees Sagittarius. It returns to 24 Sag in early November. FYI, the Sabian Symbol for this Jupiter retrograde is “a chubby boy on a hobby horse,” an image of an immature mind playing with power (the horse is a power symbol). Last time I wrote about this Symbol was on the Full Moon/Eclipse of June 2011. For further provocation, read what Sabian Sage Blain Bovee has to say.
  • THURSDAYMoon in Cancer all day, traveling without interference. A Cancer Moon needs to focus on home/homeland/family security. Consider fortifying your home; indulge in a homecooked meal; whatever nourishes your emotional well-being.
  • FRIDAY Mercury squares Jupiter for the third and last time in this long Mercury in Pisces cycle — the one that started way back in February. More big news hits the fan. Moon opposes Saturn at 11:05 AM ET, then Pluto at 4 PM ET. This suggests heavy advances and power plays. Venus (money, art, women, social expression) harmonizes with Saturn at 11:08 AM ET, suggesting cooperation regarding those heavy advances, for better or for worse. Moon goes void at 7:33 PM ET and enters Leo on…
  • SATURDAY — at 3:50 AM ET. Fourteen minutes later, the me-me-me Aries Sun is squared by Pluto, amplifying the power plays that have been in effect during this intense week. Heads may roll or expand; there may likely  be news from underground (including seismic action, power and resources — oil, gas, nuclear). You are likely feeling this potent pattern personally if you were born 20 to 23 days into the signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. Significant challenges and changes in your life are strongly suggested, brought by forces seemingly beyond your control. No, it’s not all bad; Pluto transits can be quite empowering, even though structures you have relied upon may be taken away. Rise from the ashes and build yourself anew!
  • SATURDAYMoon makes its weekly clash with rebel Uranus at 7:13 AM ET, suggesting a jolt or surprise to Saturday’s start. But oh….does that Leo Moon love a party. How many ways can you shine — and help others shine too, now that the tough patterns of the work week are behind you? Generosity and indulgence are supported by…
  • SUNDAY — a lovely harmony between the Aries Sun and Jupiter, exact at 9:40 AM ET. Exceptional depth may be found in matters related to art, women, money and social expression, reflected by a communicative pattern between Venus and Pluto, exact at 7:48 PM ET. Have those heart-to-heart talks; count your blessings….and tune in for the aptly-timed season premiere of Game of Thrones (sure to be epic and record-smashing).  Rumor has it that this is when Pete Buttigieg may formally launch his presidential bid. Verrrrrrrry interesting.

And now, the news.

A fascinating op-ed which feels like a metaphor for one’s first Saturn return (at age 29-ish) vs. one’s second Saturn return (at age 58-ish): “The Moral Peril of Meritocracy,” by David Brooks for the NYT. Whaddaya think?

A hint of things to come — if not by early 2020 (when Saturn and Pluto meet up in Capricorn), then perhaps in early 2021 (when Saturn (structure, corporations) is squared by Uranus (disruption): “How regulators, Republicans and big banks fought for a big increase in risky but lucrative corporate loans”

Oh, but that’s a long way off. Plenty of time to indulge in the beautiful fantasy worlds reflected by this Wednesday’s lovely meet-up between Venus and Neptune:

To find out what these potent patterns mean for you here’s the 411 on personal consultations. Thank you for reading this forecast.

 

Tuesday 9/18/2018: Late Sneek Peek at the Week; Mars Square Uranus; Men Behaving Badly

Good morning from 35,000 feet!

My seat belt is fastened — literally and figuratively speaking. These next couple of weeks should be interesting, as the Chinese might say. As in “interesting times,” and all that.

The work week (Monday) began with the Moon in enterprising Capricorn, facilitating efforts to take care of business — and no whinging, if you please. The earthy, practical drive continues through today (Tuesday), going void on WEDNESDAY at 1:10 PM ET. Moon enters Aquarius on Wednesday at 7:52 PM ET, driving the rest of the week with a need for social significance and networking. You can start the weekend early on FRIDAY, when the Moon goes void….not to enter Pisces until 8:27 AM ET on SATURDAY. Focus on routine concerns during these long voids. Roll with whatever twists and flakes disrupt your efforts to move forward in a straight line. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill, as crises which crop up during voids have a weird way of dissipating once the Moon changes gears into the next sign. Chill!

Notable planetary patterns this week:

  • TUESDAY (today): Mars (action, courage, machismo, aggression) squares Uranus (aviation, rebels, technology, innovation, seismic activity) for the third time since May 15th; the second time was August 6th. This third square happens at 7 PM ET. Upside: technological breakthroughs and gender-benders seen in a positive light, e.g. news about Cuba contemplating a new Constitution which would prohibit discrimination based on gender and/or sexual identity. Downside: accidents and other forms of spontaneous combustion; rash/reckless actions; men behaving badly. The potential for “badly” is amplified by Mars about to meet up with the South Node, a point of destruction and toxic release. That happens on Saturday. Meanwhile, note the potential for a power play or emotional catharsis around 9:03 PM ET, as the Moon makes its weekly clash with Pluto.
  • WEDNESDAY: harmony among the Capricorn Moon and the Sun and Mercury in Virgo at 10:20 AM ET and 1:10 PM ET facilitates willful communications of executive authority, possibly blinded by their own idealistic light. Moon clashes with Uranus at 11:35 PM ET — note the potential for shocks and other upsets.
  • THURSDAY: A feisty assertion of independence is suggested by a Moon-Mars meet-up at 12:23 AM ET, followed by a stubbornly self-indulgent expression of values around 9:46 AM ET, as the Moon squares Venus in scorekeeper Scorpio. At 9:52 PM ET, idealism crests with prominence, as the Sun and Mercury (how we need to think and communicate) meet up in the last degrees of Virgo, close enough to trigger the Aries Point.
  • FRIDAY: Note the potential for an exuberant or excessive surge around 1:13 PM ET, as the Aquarius Moon squares Jupiter. In the ensuing Moon void, Mercury leaves Virgo for Libra at 11:40 PM ET. The quest for perfection and exacting detail in thought and communication is replaced with a quest for fairness and balance — at least in theory.
  • SATURDAY: Happy Autumnal Equinox! With the start of a new season, the Sun enters the cardinal sign of Libra at 9:55 PM ET. Avid Readers will recall that cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) are turning points (that’s what “cardinal” means). And this is why any planet around 0 degrees (the beginning) of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn is reflected with prominence. Just to confuse everyone, these four points are collectively known as the Aries Point. We pay attention to the start of a season, as things are about to change, right? Is that why the Wheel of Fortune is Beth Owl’s Daughter’s Tarot Card of the week? Well, her cards are always in sync with planetary patterns, doncha’ know. In the news, watch for especially prominent news involving leaders; e.g., CEOs and heads of state.
  • SATURDAY: Some of what we read about our dear leaders may be toxic, as Mars meets up with the South Node. And there will be more to come next week, as Mars returns to 4 degrees of Aquarius on September 27th, triggering the total lunar eclipse we had on July 27th. I expect headlines involving a bottleneck of energy released. If you have planets or angles around 4 degrees of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius, you are more affected than most.
  • SUNDAY: Emotions are on the rise as the Moon waxes to fullness in Aries on MONDAY at 10:52 PM ET. Meanwhile, gravitas and streamlining in communication and leadership are likely hot topics in the headlines. Why? Because on Sunday at 12:46 PM ET, Mercury will square Saturn (authority, control, patriarchy); next Tuesday the Sun will square the cosmic karma cop. If you have planets or angles around 2-3 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn, you’re likely to be feeling the squeeze more than most.

Bottom line: at least two weeks of disruptive breakthroughs and revelations, for better or for worse, involving action, aggression and way-too-macho men.

And now, the news.

Hurricane Florence did make landfall 10 miles east of Wilmington, NC — as intuited — and during last Friday’s Moon void. It hit the coastline as a Cat 2, with much less force than feared, though record-breaking rain is doing plenty of damage. Wilmington became an island, completely cut off from access by land. Wow. Meanwhile, another monster storm — Typhoon Mangkhut landed in the Philippines before heading towards Hong Kong.

Storms, storms and more storms:

  • Dianne Feinstein continues to reflect her Moon-in-Gemini’s need to be the smartest kid in the room. For the third time in four years, we’re writing about her making headlines for making sure people know about Certain Information. Here’s a post from 2014 (with a link to her horoscope); here’s one from January of this year. Her Cancer Sun is at the Aries Point, suggesting she is born to prominence. This year she’s been feeling the squeeze of transiting Saturn opposing her Sun, along with the pressure to “change or die,” suggested by a measurement between Pluto (transformation) and her pioneering Aries Ascendant. In February, the Democratic Party declined to support her bid to stay on as the senior senator from California (ouch!), but California voters handed her a victory in the primary anyway. I expect we will see plenty of courage and initiative from DiFi through the year, sparked by a measurement between her Mars and Sun.
  • Right now, DiFi is moving heaven and earth to stop Brett Kavanaugh from becoming the new kid on the SCOTUS block. Ever the information junkie, of course she would have a letter from a woman — Christine Blasey Ford — alleging that Judge Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her back when they were teens. And now they will both be testifying about it before the Senate — on Monday, during an almost-full Moon in Pisces…void. Hmm. And now there are report that Ms. Ford’s appearance is not confirmed. Well, there is sure to be some empathy, in between the hard-nosed heaviness of aforementioned patterns among Mercury, Sun and Saturn. In Kavanaugh’s horoscope (birth time unknown), we note that transiting Jupiter has moved on to his natal Neptune (as I type!), suggesting an expansion of ideals, faith, spirits of all kinds and scandal.
  • Monday’s testimony is just one chapter of the encyclopedia we’re reading for the next few weeks on Men Behaving Badly. Some say boys will be boys and we should forgive them their youthful transgressions. On the other hand, it’s difficult to forgive what has not been acknowledged and owned. Let this compelling essay — “I Believe Her” — spark your next water cooler conversation.
  • UPDATE: Paul Manafort continues to feel Saturn’s squeeze all over his horoscope, as anticipated.  Last week he copped a plea rather than face a second trial. Not only that, but he’s agreed to cooperate with Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller. Even better: the millions of dollars in assets he will forfeit more than covers the cost of Mueller’s investigation. Now that’s what I call draining the swamp.
  • UPDATE: As you know from a recent post, P45’s horoscope suggests that now is the time for close and formerly close associates to tell us what he’s really like — in gory detail. As if Omarosa, Anonymous White House Op-Ed Guy/Gal and Bob Woodward haven’t given us enough disruptive revelations about P45 and his (lack of) administration, here comes Stormy Daniels with the naked truth about his lackluster performance and penchant for cheating. Her book, “Full Disclosure,” will be published next month, further realizing the potential noted in her horoscope earlier this year for hard-nosed thinking, publishing and a potential windfall. Note that her Moon is at 4 degrees of Scorpio and will be affected by transits from Mars and the South Node. Last time this happened (over the summer), she was served with divorce papers.
  • In other news, McDonalds’ employees in ten cities are on strike today, protesting the company’s culture of “sexual harassment.”
  • Meanwhile, a small town in Missouri will soon have a new newspaper — The Uranus Examiner. The town thinks it’s pretty funny — and it is, in a provocative Mars-square-Uranus way. Though if they spelled Uranus correctly, i.e. “Ouranos” — pronounced Oo–RAH-nos” — perhaps it wouldn’t be the butt of so many jokes. Thanks to Avid Reader Katya for making sure I didn’t miss that one!
  • This just in…“Russia Blames Israel After Reconnaissance Plane Downed by Syrian Air Defense.”   Also Mars (aggression) square Uranus (aviation, accidents).
  • Keep an eye on this reckless act of aggression involving prominent communication: “P45 Orders Russia Investigation Documents Declassified.”
  • UPDATE: Hillary Clinton’s Scorpio Sun is being squared by Uranus, suggested a need for greater independence and a potential for disruptive actions and experiences. Last week The Atlantic published her gripping essay, “American Democracy is in Crisis.”  Meanwhile, the Texas Board of Education voted to drop Mrs. Clinton from school curriculums, along with Helen Keller. Moses, however, was voted in.
  • UPDATE: California continues to live up to this year’s revolutionary potential, noted in prior forecasts. Supercharged by transiting Uranus, it has recently announced plans to launch its own satellite to monitor climate change; ban for-profit charter schools; eliminate cash bail for suspects awaiting trial; and defy the FCC’s anti-net neutrality ruling. We’ll see more more more of that pioneering spirit in the months ahead.

Couldn’t watch the Emmys last night — too busy packing. Did notice that neither Elisabeth Moss nor The Handmaid’s Tale won this year. Ms. Moss’s Leo Sun was eclipsed last month. Coincidence or conspiracy?

Thank you for reading this forecast. To find out what all of these planetary patterns mean for you, consider booking a personal consultation. But don’t just take it from me. Take it from Avid Reader Meg, who writes:

“Take a leap and get a reading with Elisabeth.  She’s bright, articulate, funny, and sensitive. She knows her stuff. I’ve worked with a good number of astrologers over the past 40 years. I like variety and new perspectives. This was a fresh start for me and right on time. Thank you!” —  Meg R.

I am delighted to be of service.

Saturday & Sunday 8/11-12/2018: New Moon in Leo/Eclipse; Catching Up on a Jam-Packed Week

Alll-righty then!

I’ve been writing  this forecast since Thursday. It started like this:

Sometimes you just have to drop everything and tend to your own personal garden. More on that in a minute.

Today (Thursday) is driven by the Moon in Cancer, a sign focused on building and maintaining emotional/family/home security. It went void at 7:20 AM ET, not to enter the next sign — Leo — until 12:18 AM ET on FRIDAY. Note your dreams and the potential for an emotionally intense start to the  morning, as the Moon was opposed by power broker Pluto when it went void. At 9:34 PM ET, Venus will be squared by Saturn, suggesting an opportunity to structure values (financial and aesthetic). Will the structure be felt as an advance or a cut? Saturn can go either way. Past Venus-Saturn contacts have featured no-nonsense stories of women, art, money and social expression. Remember the “resting bitch face”? It jumped into the news a few years ago on a hard aspect between Venus and Saturn. Coincidence or conspiracy?

On FRIDAY, the Leo Moon facilitates a need to party on, dude. Moon squares Uranus at 4:21 AM ET, suggesting a disruptive flash to the start of the day. Big ideas — regally pronounced and possibly half-baked — may infest the headlines, as Mercury (how we need to think) and Jupiter (expansion) square off at 2:32 AM ET. This is the second of a series of three Mercury-Jupiter squares. The first was on July 9th; the third happens on August 28th, when Mercury will be direct and likely demanding a rethink.

We are in the balsamic phase of the Moon, an apt time for wrapping up projects started at the beginning of the cycle. This would also be a time to fly under the radar, if it suits your purpose. During these “dead Moons” we may feel listless or restless, sensing that something new is around the corner, but we don’t know what it will be.

At 5:58 AM ET on SATURDAY we’ll have a New Moon in Leo, along with a partial solar eclipse — the final one of the summer eclipse season. This happens at 18 degrees of Leo, which happens to fall exactly on Barack Obama‘s Descendant, activating significant others and his relationship with the public. I expect we’ll see him pull focus in the headlines soon, especially when transiting Mars hits his 18 Aquarius Ascendant around October 26th. Other famous people whose horoscopes are affected: Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Beth Henley, Billy Joel, Candice Bergen, Mark Knopfler.  You are personally affected if you have a planet or angle around 18 degrees of Leo, Aquarius, Taurus or Scorpio. Consult your local astrologer for details

ThSabian Symbol for the New Moon  is “a houseboat party.” It’s fascinating to note that its opposing Symbol is “a forest fire quenched” — which would be a true relief  in many parts of the world. Sabian Symbol guru Blaine Bovee has written that we are wise to consider the opposition when considering a particular Symbol. So mote be….and so mote was on the Full Moon of August 2014.

Bovee observes that a houseboat is a place for social gatherings. It does not have a keel and is thus challenging to navigate in turbulent waters. “Forest,” he notes, is “derived from the word ‘foreign’ — meaning outside one’s own country; a forest fire is a wild, uncontrollable conflagration…imagine a flaming left-wing liberal finding himself at a conservative right-wing party on a houseboat. It’s a difficult situation, calling for diplomacy and delicate matters so as not to rock the boat.” Yep, he really wrote that, and this book was published in 2004.

Bovee also wrote that we should apply this pair of Symbols “with a mind to the challenge of controlling the burning passions of belief in light social circumstances divided along party lines; stewarding combustible situations; keeping an even keel in potentially interesting times.” Here is the link to his wonderful book.

So far, so good. Right?

This New Moon is more potent because it is also an eclipse. What does that mean?

A Solar Eclipse can act like a “bottleneck” of energy. Light flowing from the Sun is temporarily interrupted, focusing attention on that interrupted point, allowing something new and possibly fragile to enter the picture and grow. And here I would be thinking of Michael, the kindhearted policeman in the storybook Make Way for Ducklings, who stopped the flow of traffic on Beacon Street so Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and their brood of eight could safely make their way to the Boston Public Garden. Got that?

make-way-for-ducklings-more-robert-mccloskey-dvd-cover-art

Sometimes what is brought into focus is a secret suddenly brought to light. Once out, there’s no going back. In this eclipse set in Washington DC, Mercury retrograde in Leo and right on the Ascendant, squared by bigly Jupiter. I expect a lot of big news to erupt in this lunar cycle, and the fact checkers should have a field day. Some of the fog and magical thinking will reflect the last of three trines (a harmonious pattern) between Jupiter and Neptune, exact on August 19th.

Jupiter-Neptune contacts suggest: blood, charity, empathy, film, photography, suffering, oceans. refugees, drugs, oil, scandal, spirits of all kinds, faith. The contact with Jupiter suggests expansion. Have you heard about Tallequah, the grieving killer whale, who has been carrying her stillborn calf through the waters off the coast of Washington state for the past EIGHTEEN DAYS? Big. Ocean. Empathy. Suffering. When we will ever learn? The first Jupiter-Neptune trine happened in December 2017; the second was on May 25th. You’re affected if you have a planet or angle around 14 degrees of Leo, Aquarius, Taurus or Scorpio.

Bringing us up to today….

…where the Leo Moon goes void immediately after the eclipse…not to enter Virgo until 11:59 PM ET. No impulse shopping during the void! On SUNDAY, the urge to sort and prune sails free and clear…taking on an even more earthy, “get down to business” drive at 10:13 PM ET, when Mars moves back into Capricorn. More of the same is scheduled for Monday — no sleeping in.

Meanwhile, here are the patterns that made the past week extra special:

Venus entered Libra on Monday evening, at the exact same moment as a big, bold outburst between the Leo Sun and expansive Jupiter. Venus functions with great efficiency in Libra, sign of sweetness, balance, diplomacy and partnership. On Tuesday Venus was trine Mars, offering an opportunity to soften the cranky edginess of Mars being retrograde (i.e., frustrating desires and delaying action), and arrive at an accord. Also on Tuesday, Uranus turned retrograde, suggesting we tune in and connect with our inner rebel. Are the chains that bind you self-created? How can you set yourself free? Idealism — or being blinded by the light — was suggested by Wednesday’s meet-up between the Leo Sun and retrograde Mercury.

And now, the news…reflecting the patterns above:

As predicted, airplanes are making big news (with added confusion/changes of course courtesy of Mars/Mercury retrograde):

In other news:

Because this post is so jam-packed, I will wait until the next forecast to tell you about my “garden adventure.” As Beth Owl’s Daughter observed when I posted about it on my personal Facebook page , it’s an apt microcosm of our current macrocosm, with many teachable moments I hope you will find helpful and inspiring.

Meanwhile, I would love to provide you with insights about your own personal horoscope. Here is the 411 on consultations.

Thank you for reading this forecast.