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Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 5/30/2014 & The Weekend: Home, Sweet Home

Gahhhhhh….these long Moon voids…sometimes it feels like herding cats…only without the cowboys and the epic film score.

Easy does it this morning, as the Moon won’t get into gear until 10:13AM ET. That’s when it enters Cancer, the sign it rules, where it is happy to do what it needs for the sake of nurturing and the comforts of home, family, apple pie.  Want to do some chores around the house this weekend, maybe even a little redecorating? How about a home-cooked meal?

Exact planetary patterns are light and bright today. A meet-up between the Moon and mental Mercury at the Aries Point (0 Cancer) suggests a synchronicity between thoughts and feelings that gets noticed. That happens at 11:49AM ET…followed by a communicative connection between Moon and Venus (social expression) in sensual Taurus. That home-cooked meal will be sounding reeeee-ally good right about then…and into the evening, where a connection to the Moon from dreamy Neptune could prove blissful.

The wee hours of Saturday are driven by — OMG — cowboys and an epic film score (!), suggested by an easy macho/physical alignment between Mars and the Sun at 4:01AM ET. Could get feistier around 5:29AM ET, when the sensitive Cancer Moon may be provoked by a Martian hissyfit…followed by a power play or catharsis around 12PM ET, when Moon is challenged by regenerative Pluto. A revelation or upset is suggested around 4:42PM ET, when Moon is challenged by rebel Uranus…but it all settles down by 10:39PM ET, courtesy of a stabilizing connection from Saturn.

There’s no Moon void to deter you from shopping your heart out on Saturday, but don’t you go near the malls on Sunday. Moon will be void from 2:32AM ET until 9:43PM ET. Chill out and get ready to party — or at least play — when the Moon enters Leo (at 9:43PM ET).

No sleeping in on Monday. Heads up that the Moon will be void for much of the business day on the East Coast on Tuesday…and all of the day next Friday. Plan accordingly.

What’s going on in YOUR horoscope? Plan a strategy for maximizing opportunities in a personal astro-logical consultation. Here’s how to contact me.

Astro-logical Forecast for Thursday 5/29/2014: Curiouser and Curiouser

Well? Have you been paying attention to your dreams? I’ve been hearing about some that have been stratospheric.

You may be rarin’ to go on yesterday’s New Moon energy, given an innovative buzz between the mental Gemini Moon and technogeek Uranus, exact at 5:59AM ET. The buzz could fizzle, as Moon immediately goes void until 10:13AM ET on FRIDAY.  Plus we’ve got two planets changing signs, which may leave some of us feeling a bit diffused and wobbly. Curious in both senses of the word: inquisitive and a little weird.

Still, words and mindset pull focus, with mental Mercury leaving Gemini for 0 degrees of Cancer (the Aries Point) as of 5:12AM ET. Less left-brained, more right-brained in thought processes. Meanwhile, as of 9:46PM ET last night, Venus (social expression, women, money, art) left a tough placement in Aries for the much more secure and mellow sign of Taurus. Now you can think about a getting new haircut or cosmetics, as Venus functions beautifully in one of the signs it rules (the other sign is Libra).

You know the drill for dealing with voids: stick to routine tasks; avoid impulse shopping; be aware of the higher probability of flakes and twists in your efforts to move forward in a straight line. Go with flow. Don’t turn a molehill into a mountain. Chill, chill, chill!

And now, the news.

Today’s theme is “under the influence…of nebulous Neptune”.

Exhibit A: The 113th Congress. It started on a void of course Moon in perfection-seeking, sometimes hypercritical Virgo. A void of course Moon suggests nothing of consequence will likely be accomplished, and here is an article confirming that the 113th has not done much of anything. As we expected 18 months ago. And how fascinating to note that Virgo refers to health concerns, e.g., the Affordable Care Act. We could expect health concerns to run away with the horoscope of the 113th Congress, and I do believe it voted to repeal ACA over 50 times. Also running wild in that horoscope: Neptune, which refers to a big dream, an awful lot of faith…or the delusions that drive one to do the same thing over and over and expect a different result. Also known as insanity.

Exhibit B: Edward Snowden, whose horoscope we’ve been following for nearly a year. Lots of pixie dust here, with many planets aligned with Neptune. Things are likely not what they seem — and here’s an earlier write-up posted last year.Of particular note: Sun at the Aries Point (29 Gemini) and Mars in opposition to Neptune (also close enough to the Aries Point to count, suggesting he will be KNOWN for mystique, sacrifice, illusion/delusion). If you’ve been paying close attention to the last two forecasts you’ll recall that mental Mercury is at 29 Gemini and thus making contact with Snowden’s horoscope. And there he was making headlines yesterday — about an interview he did with Brian Williams that aired last night on NBC —  revealing that he “wasn’t just an analyst; he was a spy”. Shades of Secret Squirrel! Interesting to note that NBC’s efforts to interview Snowden — his first with an America media outlet — were also sprinkled with pixie dust.

Exhibit C: Maya Angelou, the beloved author, poet, activist and Tony-nominated actress, passed away. On Facebook, one of the many heartfelt tributes I read included a friend’s reaction to hearing Miss Angelou speak:

“This woman has access to the same words as everyone else. How is it she puts them together more beautifully than anyone, and with such ease?” In awe of her power then. In awe now…

That powerful way with words is suggested, of course by her horoscope.  Immediately we see nebulous Neptune sitting right on top of a queenly Leo Ascendant — opposed by action hero Mars, suggesting a need to be seen as the charismatic projection of a sublime, lyrical, soulful ideal.  Alternatively, this pattern could have been expressed as a bewildering or suppressed sense of personal identity — at least in the early home life. The suggestion of suppression (a “caged bird”) is echoed by potent Pluto challenging her Sun in warrior Aries. A need for poetic social expression and thinking (a caged bird that sings!) is suggested by an idealistic connection between Mercury and Venus in Pisces. Also of interest: rebel Uranus running wild — and rising ahead of the Aries Sun — suggesting a need for uncompromising freedom and unconventionality — especially in her vocation.  Miss Angelou managed the potential of Neptune well — and became an inspiration. Her last Tweet: “Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God.” RIP.

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday 5/28/2014: New Moon in Gemini; Brainpower Makes Headlines (Mercury at the Aries Point)

Finally the Moon is in gear — as of 12:48AM Wednesday, when it entered Gemini. Alas, too late for the New York Rangers, who were apparently favored to win last night’s match against the Montreal Canadiens. The game took place during yesterday’s long Moon void, when efforts to move forward in a straight line are more likely to experience surprise twists. In sports matches, I’ve observed that when the Moon is wandering aimlessly (void), we often see upsets favoring the underdog.  The NY Rangers lost in a “wild” game. Oh well, there’s another game on Thursday, and today you might as well think positively about it, suggested by a harmonious connection between Mercury and Venus, exact at 9:58AM ET. How passionately witty, charming and entertaining can you be? Very much so, if the rosy glow of today’s exact challenge between the Sun and Neptune can also weigh in.

A New Moon offers us an opportunity to re-set  intentions and goals for the next lunar cycle. Today’s New Moon is exact at 2:40PM ET — at 8 degrees of Gemini. Around June 5th, on the First Quarter Moon, we can expect a challenge to those goals, with appropriate adjustments made. At the time of the Full Moon on June 13th , we can expect illumination on the success or failure of our goals for the cycle. If we succeeded, we can consciously release our success into our reality; if we failed, we let go of whatever did not work. After the Third Quarter Moon on June 19th, we can review our achievements, tie up loose ends and get ready for another round with the New Moon on June 27th.

Gemini is an air sign, ruled by Mercury, which refers to the mindset, information and communication. Gemini is a double-bodied sign (it is represented by the Twins), and is thus capable of going either way — or more than one way simultaneously — in a situation. Gemini invented the phrase “…on the other hand” — and guess what? Gemini also rules the hands. It likes to have its hands in a lot of different pies.

It’s interesting to note how similar patterns are in this year’s New Moon in Gemini compared to last year’s, when we had plenty of pixie-dust potential suggested by a challenge between Mars, planet of action and rose-colored Neptune. This year we have the potential for even more prominent ideas and visions, suggested by a dynamic connection between the Sun-Moon conjunction and Neptune in soulful Pisces. The prominence comes courtesy of mental Mercury close to the Aries Point, which regular readers know is the very beginning of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. Planets on these degrees seem to have a knack for attracting attention.  Example: Meryl Streep, born with the Sun and rebel, one-in-a-million Uranus at 0 degrees of Cancer (June 22nd of 1949). There is nobody else like her — and she is known for it. Right?

Also driving visionary thoughts and communication is an easy connection to the New Moon from action-hero Mars, now moving forward in diplomatic, airy Libra. We are building to a super-charged push around the Full Moon on the 14th, courtesy of a challenge between Mars and ruthless Pluto. We also have the “good for business” trine (easy connection) between expansive Jupiter and disciplined Saturn, which facilitates plans that can actually be structured.  And of course we can’t forget the never-ending square between rebel Uranus and ruthless Pluto, a.k.a. The Planetary Pattern Everyone Should Be Talking About, which is determined to disrupt the status quo — for better or for worse — in the name of freedom and all that.

So. Big visionary ideas, channeled with great effort and passion — striving to become real — based on a dream or delusion — ultimately seeking emancipation and empowerment. What might we see in the headlines in this lunar cycle? Let’s look at the Sabian Symbol. The Sabian Symbol for the New Moon at 8 Gemini is “an industrial strike,”  which Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee notes is:

“a situation wherein the locus of industry is surrounded by disgruntled workers. When the work stops, industry grinds to a halt. Energy is directed instead to issues of inequities, of worth, of brewing social awareness being stirred up in the work force…such issues become inflamed as the pressure builds between two distinct strata, moving in different directions.”

Fascinating. We’ve certainly had a ton of disruptive headlines about inequities of worth in recent months, especially in the aftermath of last month’s supercharged Cardinal Grand Cross. And I have not even mentioned that as of June 7th, Mercury will be turning retrograde until July 1st. And that strikes do tend to flare up during Mercury retrograde periods.  And also that ideas and communication — whether visionary or delusional — come up for review during these times.

Bovee also notes that “to strike” is to “deliver a blow with suddenness”.  Often one strikes out of protest. But one can also “strike a balance” — a mutually agreeable compromise. Or  one can  seize an opportunity and “strike while the iron is hot”.  Hmmmm…what kind of strikes will we see in June….

In your own personal world, if you have a planet or angle around 8 degrees of Gemini, Pisces, Sagittarius or Virgo, you’re more likely to be affected by the need for an empowering new vision that allows you to strike in a specific area of your life (consult your local astrologer for details). Same if you were born around the 28th of May, August, November and February.  For an intriguing take on why you might need an empowering new vision, check out Tarot expert Beth Owlsdaughter’s Card of the Week, which always seems to be in synch with planetary patterns.

That being said, the energy for implementing new projects is a bit stop-and-go over the next couple of days. Two planets — Venus and Mercury — will change signs, and our brains may need some time to adjust. With dreamy Neptune’s influence so strong, your creativity and intuition may be going gangbusters (write it all down!), but factual details may be blurry. Plus on Thursday, the Moon will be void of course for nearly 24 hours, starting at 5:59AM ET, which is not a time to launch an initiative you wish to be of consequence. Friday is another story.

And now, the news…because I promised I’d share some stories, even though this New Moon post is long.

You may recall from yesterday’s forecast that Mercury at the Aries Point suggested that ideas and communication — and here, I would be thinking about ideas regarding mindset and actual brainpower — would attract attention. How intriguing to note that the Supreme Court ruled “that Florida’s I.Q. score cutoff was too rigid to decide which mentally disabled individuals must be spared the death penalty,” as reported in the NYT.  In other news, here’s a story about why our metabolism is different from, say, that of a sloth (blame it on the brain). Meanwhile, rocket scientists as young as six years old showed off their stuff at the 4th Annual White House Science Fair.

Across the Pond, the good folks at The Guardian published the first installment of a series about America’s mental health crisis, as the media feasts on yet another mass murder perpetrated by a clearly delusional (transiting Neptune square a horny, perfection-seeking Venus-Mars conjunction) young man — this time in Isla Vista, CA. I’ve written down my thoughts on the event chart and the horoscope of the delusional young man in question — too much to include in this lengthy post — will wait until tomorrow. Last, but not least, Mercury (brainpower) at the Aries Point (prominence) was reflected in this story listing America’s 10 Smartest  — and Dumbest — States. No surprises about the 10 Smartest States…although given the latest dubious accomplishment by certain folks in Wyoming, I’m surprised it did not make the list of the Dumbest. Wyoming, in case you had not heard, became the first state to reject new national science standards that would require students to be informed about the impact humans have on climate change, as well as evolution. Why, oh why, Wyoming?

We’re now in the shadow of Mercury’s next retrograde, which begins on June 7th. Mercury retrogrades are excellent for RE-viewing your life with an astrologer.

Astro-logical Forecast for Tuesday 5/26/2014: Dark Side of the Moooooon in Taurus (void, of course)

Back to work after a long holiday weekend, are you? With the Moon void-of-course in comfort-seeking Taurus all day long (5:10AM ET until 12:48AM ET on Wednesday), you may be getting a slow start to the week. A sound strategy would be to stick to routine organizational tasks during the day — and indulge your senses this evening. Roll with whatever twists and detours crop up in your efforts to move forward in a straight line. Remember that crises that crop up during voids are often much ado about nothing, so instead of getting yourself all worked up, just go with the flow. Chill!

We are also in the dark side of the Moon, amplifying the wandering, listless potential of the void. We can feel that something new is just around the corner, but we don’t know what it is. Wrap up tasks from the to-do list you made for the last lunar cycle and get ready to re-set your intentions for the next New Moon, which happens tomorrow at 2:40PM ET. You’ll need your best pair of rose-colored glasses to do it, and whatever thoughts come to mind between now and tomorrow may have a greater need for attention than usual. Pay attention to your dreams; note your inspiration and intuition. I say this because one of the more significant patterns of the week  — and the chart for the New Moon — is a dynamic connection between the Sun in airy Gemini and visionary Neptune in soulful Pisces. Not only that, but mental Mercury will be at the very famous — to regular readers of this forecast — Aries Point, suggesting that ideas and communication generated now are more likely to attract attention.

Meanwhile, note these other Moon void periods this week: Thursday from 5:59AM ET until Friday 10:13AM ET; Sunday 2:32AM ET – 9:43AM ET. If you’re new to this forecast (welcome!), and you’d like to know more about Moon voids and how to handle them, it’s all here.

There’s a ton of news to discuss, all reflecting planetary patterns in the usual astonishing, but perfectly astro-logical ways. Check back later today for a round-up of recent newsmakers and all the relevant planetary patterns that reflect so clearly why they need to do the things they do.

 If you’ve ever wanted an answer to the question, “Why am I like this?” or “Why is this happening?”, a personal astro-logical consultation will be helpful and enlightening. Here’s how to contact me.

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Thursday 5/22/2014: Ain’t It (mini) Grand?

Just do it.

Moon in watery Pisces makes a supportive connection to depth-seeking, regenerative Pluto this at 6:56AM ET. By the end of the work day (4-5pm ET), Moon will — ever so briefly — make one of those magical Grand Trine patterns that people who know just enough about astrology to make them dangerous love to rave about. Why? Conventional wisdom holds that they suggest luck, abundance & harmony. If you look back at what was going on around July 17 of last year, you may remember the buzz about a longer-lasting Water Grand Trine involving Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Mars. “So much depth of feeling; so much intuitive potential; so many possibilities to turn a dream into reality.” Today it’s just the Moon, Jupiter and Saturn and, as I said, it’s ever-so-brief. But you could still buy a lottery ticket or two, especially if you have a planet or angle around 18 degrees of just about any sigh. Hey, you never know…

Jupiter and Saturn (expansion and structure) will be exactly trine on Saturday at 1:48PM ET, completing a cycle of three exact contacts that began last July. This is another reason not to dawdle today — go with the easy Moon in Pisces. Moon will be void tomorrow between 2:26AM ET and 12:01PM ET, offering a brief rest before the pace quickens tomorrow afternoon and all weekend.

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday 5/21/2014: Dream On…

Moon enters soulful, sensitive Pisces at 8:18AM ET, after a 14-hour meandering void through Aquarius. We have fully-engaged lunar energy to drive things forward, but first — at 8:59AM ET, the intuitive Pisces Moon is challenged by the Sun in mental Gemini. This 3rd Quarter Moon suggests a push, conflict or block involving the agenda you set at the time of the New Moon on April 29th. A revelation or release involving that agenda likely occurred on last week’s Full Moon (5/15/); perhaps the dust hasn’t quite settled yet?

The rest of the work day is free and clear of planetary bumps and grinds, so go with the flow. A dreamy evening is suggested, given the Moon’s hook-up with nebulous Neptune at 9:05PM ET. Note your intuitive hunches; have a glass of wine; say a prayer; make some music or art….

What’s going on in YOUR horoscope? Plan a strategy for maximizing opportunities in a personal astro-logical consultation. Here’s how to contact me.

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Tuesday 5/20/2014: Dish ‘n That

Happy last day of the Sun in Taurus, and happy birthday to Cher! Tickets for her latest tour went on sale yesterday. We should all be so active at age 68…but given that Cher is a Taurus with Moon in “make-it-happen” Capricorn, her busy schedule is hardly a surprise. With rebel Uranus soon to square her enterprising Moon, we can expect to see more show-stopping expressions of her unique persona toward the end of the year and into 2015…

As for the rest of us, get up and get it done….preferably by 6:21PM ET when the “who’s yer buddy?” Aquarius Moon goes void-of-course until 8:18AM ET on Wednesday. Make those calls and pitches…dig into your Rolodex…hang with your posse. Note a potential reach for ambition (upside) or serious wet blanket (downside) around 2:11PM ET, when a stubborn Aquarius need to be appreciated for its social significance is challenged by an equally stubborn authority figure (Saturn).  Dish about it all night, as Moon harmonizes with mental Mercury in Gemini…joined at 10:59PM ET by the Sun’s ingress into the sign of the Twins.

The keywords for Gemini are “I think.” Geminis are known for their curiosity, diverse interests and energy to disseminate information. So in the interest of “dishing” and disseminating information as a public service (thank the humanitarian Moon in Aquarius), here is the most-emailed article from the Sunday NYT. No, it’s not about Jill Abramson, but as promised, I did post a write-up of her successor’s (Dean Baquet) horoscope — along with a bit about how their horoscopes likely interact — late yesterday afternoon.

The most-emailed article from the Sunday NYT is about more research strongly suggesting that the reason you may be overweight and always hungry is because you eat way too much sugar and refined carbs. The amount of fat you eat is not the problem, nor is the problem the number of calories you consume. Of course this would hit the headlines on a day when Venus (ruler of things sweet) would be challenged by expansive Jupiter in Cancer…

For very helpful books about healthful eating habits, consider reading these books by Michael Pollan: The Omnivore’s Dilemma and In Defense of Food.

And now that everyone’s diet is on a new, healthful track, let’s talk about the rest of your life, as suggested by your horoscope….

…and consider this cool article about scientists who project that they will be able to create matter out of light very, very, soon. Cue Joni Mitchell now, please…

To find out what’s going on in YOUR horoscope — or in the horoscope of your child (recommended for all parents!) — here’s how to contact me.

 

Astro-logical Forecast For Monday 5/19/2014: Sneak Peek at the Week; Mars Direct; DSK on Schedule Again; More on the NYT Drama

Good Morning!

No sleeping in today; Moon enters humanitarian Aquarius at 5:58AM ET.  Those of you who have been feeling like a truck spinning its wheels in the mud since March 1st, take heart. You’re likely sensing the energy of action-hero Mars, which has been retrograde (held back and/or frustrated) since then. Today Mars is at a dead stop  — but finally turning direct at 9:31PM ET. Hooray! It will take until July 20th for Mars to get back to 27 Libra — where it was on March 1st. Projects initiated in haste or out of impatience and frustration may be up for review until then.

An example of someone possibly feeling the frustrated drive of Mars would be Dominique Strauss-Kahn, whose horoscope we’ve been tracking since 2011. His Midheaven — a point referring to career, public status and reputation — is 9 Libra, and Mars has been hovering opposite that point all month, likely stirring up a bit of anger and angst in matters related to his personal space. There’s a new film out in which Gerard Depardieu plays a sex addict who assaults a maid, and DSK is taking it personally. Today he filed a lawsuit, claiming the film is defamatory. Interesting to note that DSK’s Neptune at 13 Libra was supercharged by last month’s Cardinal Grand Cross. Among the intangibles ruled by Neptune are vision, film and scandal. Neptune is in DSK’s 4th house, which refers to family, home and core foundation issues. With Neptune in this house, there may be confusion/illusion/bewilderment in these areas, now triggered by transiting Mars. Fascinating!

We’ll see what comes of this lawsuit, though conventional astrological wisdom advises against starting a legal battle when Mars is not moving forward. For just about everyone else, Mars turning direct this evening suggests the wheels of your truck will no longer be spinning in the mud, and you will be able to move forward on strategies you devised over the past two and a half months. Hooray again and huzzah!

Other patterns of note this week: the Sun moves into Gemini tomorrow night, so everyone can be informed about the structures that were built while the Sun was in Taurus, inspired by ideas generated while the Sun was in Aries. Meanwhile, on Saturday (but felt all this week), we’ll have the third and final harmonious connection between expansive Jupiter, the cosmic sugar daddy and Saturn, planet of structure, discipline and ambition. This cycle began last year — around July 17th. The second hit occurred on December 12th. Go re-read the forecasts I posted on those dates — especially around July 17th.

What started back in July and took a major step forward last December? What’s the status of that project now? Jupiter in Cancer in harmony with Saturn is generally good for business; good for solid, conservative, reality-based planning — especially in areas concerning home, family and emotional security. You’ll feel it more personally if you have a planet or angle around 18 degrees of just about every sign. I know I am.

There are few Moon voids this week — natural breaks in the cosmic action — to delay or detour your efforts to move forward in a straight line. Mark your calendar and chill out during these times: Tuesday 6:21PM ET – 8:18AM ET on Wednesday; Friday 2:26AM ET – 12:01PM ET.

On Friday we looked at the horoscope of Jill Abramson, recently-fired editor of the NYT. I’m going to post about her replacement, Dean Baquet, but want to get this forecast out to subscribers by 9AM. So check back on my website for an analysis of Baquet’s horoscope. It’s fascinating, especially compared to Ms. Abramson’s…

[Break time!]

….and here are some interesting things about Mr. Baquet’s horoscope — born September 21, 1956 in New Orleans (time unknown). First of all, his Sun is at 28 degrees of Virgo, exactly opposite Jill Abramson’s Sun at 28 Pisces. Fascinating to note that Arthur Sulzberger, Jr. — the publisher of the NYT — also has Sun at 28 Virgo (9/22/51 in NY NY). So, like Ms. Abramson, their Suns are conjunct the Aries Point (the first degree of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn), and thus need to attract prominence. It also means that all three will experience transits to the Sun at the same time. No surprise to see that back in 2011, Abramson and Baquet were promoted. He was made managing editor; she was named executive editor.

Mr. Baquet has Moon in Aries — like Dominique Strauss-Kahn, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, Leonard Bernstein and Lauren Bacall (the last two are also Virgos). He needs to be a pioneer. He needs to be appreciated for being FIRST. As well-supported by loving Venus (in royal Leo) Baquet’s Aries Moon may be (and thus more likeable than most), the me-me-me need of Aries is still going to crave being Number One. Rumor has it that what finally drove Mr. Sulzberger to fire Ms. Abramson was her failure to inform Mr. Baquet of her intention to hire a co-managing editor , a position “comparable to his own”. Mr. Baquet’s Aries Moon would not have liked that one bit. If I were Ms. Abramson’s astrologer, I might have suggested that her natural need for uncompromising freedom could be problematic given 1) Mr. Baquet’s need to be thought of first, and also 2) the Gemini Moon of her boss, Mr. Sulzburger, which needs to be informed. We could have discussed strategies that would have allowed her to be true to herself while considering the needs of her colleagues.

See how useful astrology can be? And all this time you thought it could only tell you if those cute dimples you have are because your Sun is in Libra. Or how sexy you are because you are a Scorpio. Dear Readers, there is so much valuable, practical and sophisticated knowledge to be gained from understanding not only the needs of your own horoscope, but the needs of other horoscopes, too — like those of your spouse, children, friends and co-workers.

Back to Mr. Baquet. His mindset (the way he needs to think and communicate) is reflected by his Mercury at 8 Libra. He needs to think in ways that are fair, rational, balanced and diplomatic, though he may go from one extreme to another in search of that perfect balance. And he may take forever to release an idea he’s been mulling over inside his head. His Mercury is retrograde, which suggests a double agenda in thoughts and communication. All through 2012 and into 2013, his Mercury was supercharged by the never-ending Uranus-Pluto square, suggesting unique ideas and communication needed an empowering outlet. Guess what happened in April of 2013, shortly after the last exact contact his Mercury received from disruptive, shocking Uranus? Apparently there was a heated argument with Ms. Abramson, and Mr. Baquet “slammed his hand into a wall” (looks like there was an exceptionally energetic contact to his Mars — action — by expansive Jupiter, too).

Speaking of Mars, it is interesting to note that both Abramson and Baquet have nearly exact oppositions between Mars and Jupiter. Abramson has Mars in Sagittarius, suggesting a need to act in ways that are righteous, blunt and provocative. It is opposed by Jupiter in Gemini, which needs a certain expansive buzz of information that is clever, intense and entertaining.  Mars in Sagittarius can still be tough for women in today’s modern society, as is Venus in warrior Aries (Abramson has that, too). It is intriguing to see that Baquet has Mars in soulful, empathetic, martyr-prone Pisces…and that this Mars is retrograde. This can be a tough placement for a man in today’s modern society. Direct confrontation and action could be a challenge; there could be a tendency to sit and steam or stew over matters instead. Baquet’s Mars is opposed by Jupiter in discerning Virgo, which seeks perfection as a reward, not the clever “buzz” of a Jupiter in Gemini. In the article about last April’s startling confrontation, it was reported that Abramson wanted more “buzz” from Baquet.

Any Mars-Jupiter opposition is likely to generate a ton of rambunctious energy (including physical energy). Abramson’s has an easier channel of expression than Baquet’s — for better or for worse. Gemini-Sagittarius would naturally be challenged by Virgo-Pisces, so Ms. Abramson and Mr. Baquet would have had to be especially conscious of their different styles and needs in order to work effectively together. There’s plenty more to say about these horoscopes and how they work — or don’t work — together. I’m more intrigued by the similarities between Ms. Abramson and Mr. Baquet than by their differences, especially since Mr. Baquet just took over as executive editor of the Times. The more things change, the more things stay the same?

To find out what’s going on in YOUR horoscope — or in the horoscope of your child (recommended for all parents!) — here’s how to contact me.

Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 5/16/2014 & the Weekend: Upsets and Power Plays at the New York Times

Allll-riiighty then!

As of 3:43AM ET, the Moon in high-flying Sagittarius is void of course — not to enter the next sign — Capricorn — until 4:12AM ET on Saturday. This suggests a day of opinionated, righteous optimism, all dressed up with no particular place to go. Or optimistic, righteous opinions to fuel a philosophical debate.

Moon in Sag is always up for a gamble or a gambol — and in the void, there’s likely little consequence for indulging in either. Use the energy — or lack thereof — for Sagittarian pursuits including, but not limited to broadening your mind, wandering a bit, getting out in nature or mulling over your travel plans for next month, when Mercury retrograde on June 7th suggests an opportunity for escape.

On Saturday  & Sunday, make good use of an enterprising and practical Moon in Capricorn to take care of projects around the house. There’s no Moon void to deter you from finding thrifty bargains at yard sales or hitting other retail stores. The “thrift” is the Moon in Capricorn. On the other hand, an indulgent connection between loving Venus and expansive Jupiter on Sunday at 11:31AM ET counters that thrift with an inclination to consume three instead of just one. “But it was such a good price!”. Yeah, OK, enjoy.

Be mindful of a challenging connection between the make-it-happen Moon and willful Mars around 7:14PM ET on Saturday; this suggests the potential for outbursts on the roads and in the house. Find a positive channel for all that energy and you’ll be fine.  The wee hours between Saturday and Sunday are colored by the usual upsets and power plays we’ve come to expect once a week, as the Moon engages with the disruptive Uranus-Pluto square. Could be interesting if you happen to work in an ER.

On Monday there’s a brief Moon void between 3:02AM and 5:58AM ET — and then it’s off to work — no sleeping in.

And now, the news.

My, my, my what a rollicking few days we have had in the aftermath of Wednesday’s Full Moon and Venus (women, money, arts, social expression) hooking up with rebel Uranus in warrior Aries and squaring power-mongering Pluto in Establishment Capricorn (Wednesday & Thursday). First, as I’ve noted before — the Venus-Uranus-Pluto patterns suggest volatility in the markets. How interesting to see record highs in a number of markets on Tuesday…followed by “the worst two-day drop since a swoon in mid-April”.

Second, a truly startling upset involving a woman behind the headlines now making headlines: Jill Abramson, the first female executive editor of the New York Times, was abruptly fired — ten minutes after the potentially nasty and cutting square between Venus and Pluto and one hour before the Full Moon in equally cutting Scorpio. Whoa! How could this happen? Was it because she discovered her pay package was far less than male predecessors? Was it because she was “pushy” (and a woman)? Better to ask, “what’s going on in her horoscope?” Let’s find out, since everyone who knows nothing about astrology is abuzz over this event — at least here in New York.

Ms. Abramson was born March 19, 1954 (time unknown) in New York. She’s a Pisces, with her Sun conjunct the Aries Point, which regular readers know is a suggestion of a need to become prominent. Her Pisces Sun is also conjunct the Fixed Star Scheat, which suggests great intellect, on the one hand. It is also associated with shipwrecks. Yes, really. Yikes. Her Moon is either late-degree Virgo (a need for exacting perfection) or early degree Libra (a need to be appreciated, seen as fair and/or people-pleasing) — and either way, the Moon is also likely on that Aries Point. Her natal Uranus is unaspected (“running wild”), suggesting a bigger than average need for freedom. This could easily manifest in a work situation as a failure to keep others in the loop. Also running wild: her Venus (social expression) at 10 Aries — and this is a tough placement. Venus in Aries can be a champion for the underdog; a pioneering warrior. It also can be brash, self-absorbed and impulsive. Y’know, pushy. Deal with it. Back in June of 2011, when Ms. Abramson became the executive editor, Saturn was at 10 Libra — exactly opposing her Venus. This suggests an opportunity to anchor the “running wild” energies of Venus with practical, diplomatic and gracious ambition. Interesting to note that transiting Uranus had just completed a series of conjunctions to her Sun, suggesting a need for greater freedom of independent expression — and an opportunity to be recognized for her unique talents.  (Also interesting to note that on May 8, 2007 — just three days before ruthless Pluto made a second conjunction to her Sun, she was hit by a truck in Times Square. The story of her recovery — and of other New York Times colleagues hit by reckless drivers in New York — was published earlier this month —  talk about adding insult to injury).

Anyway. Now, just three years later, it is fascinating to see that her dismissal happened with Mars stationary retrograde — sitting at a dead stop at 10 Libra — exactly opposing her Venus. The Scorpio Full Moon at 24 Scorpio exactly squared her Pluto, suggesting an illumination or release involving power and resources. [Note to Arthur Sulzberger, Jr., Ms. Abramson’s former boss: firing and hiring employees when Mars is retrograde is not generally advised, as it is highly probable that such actions are motivated more by impatience, resentment and frustration than by rational thinking. Time will tell.]  Also of interest in Ms. Abramson’s horoscope: 1) her Saturn at 9 Scorpio was eclipsed by the powerful New Moon on April 29th. An eclipse to Saturn in the horoscope often brings career and status into focus. 2) her Neptune at 25 Libra is in alignment with an important midpoint which refers to writing and publishing. Neptune (and the writer/publisher midpoint) was also eclipsed: last month — on the April 15th Full Moon at 25 Aries/Libra, and last year on October 18! Astrologer Celeste Teal notes in her book, Eclipses, that Neptune naturally rules the 12th house — which is the house of self-undoing. On the plus side, Teal notes the potential for increased “inspiration, creativity, spirituality and absolutely blissful times.” Interesting to also note that in 2010, before Ms. Abramson was promoted, three of the year’s four eclipses personally impacted her horoscope.

Looking ahead at prospects for Ms. Abramson, we see the New Moon on August 25th exactly opposing her natal Mercury, suggesting seeds planted in areas related to communication and mindset. Around March of 2015 (give or take a few months — wish I had her exact birth time), a connection between rebel Uranus and expansive Jupiter suggests a windfall opportunity that affords her greater independence and satisfaction.

Other prominent women of arts and letters making headlines: author Mary Stewart passed away at 97. She wrote The Crystal Cave, which retold the legend of King Arthur from Merlin’s point of view. Love that book. RIP. And Barbara Walters is retiring from television today — at 84.

What’s going on in YOUR horoscope? Plan a strategy for maximizing opportunities in a personal astro-logical consultation. Here’s how to contact me.

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Tuesday 5/13/2014: Venus & Mars Help Each Other Out

OK, get to work — but first note your dreams and intuitive hits upon waking, courtesy of the Moon in the watery depths of Scorpio in harmony with visionary Neptune. Go about your business with strategic flair, as you seek the knowledge you need to support your plans for world domination. Get it structured, organized and under control — despite those around you who may be erratically acting out the buzz of this week’s meeting of Venus and Uranus, challenged by ruthless Pluto (see yesterday’s post for details). Oh yeah — and note that the Scorpio Moon is waxing full — exact tomorrow at 3:16PM ET. You’ll want to ship your stuff by then — or wait until Thursday if it’s a project you wish to be of consequence.

And now, the news.

I was not able to post a weekend forecast, though there was plenty of planetary action  — especially on Mothers Day. The people-pleasing Libra Moon was supercharged by contacts with generous Jupiter, rebel Uranus and potent Pluto. A need to see things in the most beautiful light was suggested by a rose-colored connection between mental Mercury and dreamy Neptune. There were so many gracious, soulful and appreciative (Libra keyword!) posts about moms on Facebook that there were actually posts thanking people for posting them.

Also exact on Sunday: a passionate connection between Venus in Aries and Mars in Libra, doing their best to help each other out. How so? Well, Mars is in a sign that is ruled by Venus;  Venus is in a sign ruled by Mars. So there’s a helpful connection there & the technical term for it is mutual reception. It is fascinating to note that in traditional astrology, Venus in Aries (the Ram — make a note of this) is considered to be a very challenging placement. All that feminine energy running around in a warrior sign…horrors! And Mars in Libra is also thought of as challenging. The warrior planet sitting in a feminine sign associated with cotton candy pink and sweet talk…eek! To add insult to injury for Mars — it is retrograde — dancing backwards — and we know only girls do that, right? Geez.

Thus I was fascinated to see that football player Michael Sam — who so looks like he might have Libra Ascendant, with that perfectly balanced face — made headlines on Sunday. Michael Sam is the first openly-gay player in the NFL. It could be argued that being gay has traditionally been a disadvantage in the  “macho” world of pro football. Kind of like macho Mars at a disadvantage in graceful Libra? But on the day that Mars in Libra was exactly opposed by Venus in Aries — traditionally suggesting a passionate connection between partners — Michael Sam is chosen to play (drafted)…at the very last minute….by….the planet of love (Venus) helping out the planet Mars…with Venus played by…the St. Louis RAMs. Of course Venus is all super-charged, given its connection with Uranus and Pluto this week. Perfect time for “unconventional” attractions and disrupting the status quo!

I could not make this stuff up if I tried. And between that story and all the tributes to Mom on Facebook,  you really needed to have a box of Kleenex handy on Sunday. Many more stories to share…but my taxi to the airport will be here any minute.

Mahalo for reading this forecast. Gotta fly!

Dear New Yorkers, I’ll be back in the city this week and  will be available for in-person consultations. Dear Rest of the Free World, I am always available for personal consultations via Skype or telephone. Here’s how to contact me.