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Astrology for News Junkies

This planetary commentary offers advance notice and analysis on the zeitgeist of the day, with an emphasis on what's happening in the headlines. It is presented as a public service for your information, education and enlightenment. If you have ever wondered "why is this happening NOW," these unique astro-logical insights will transform what you see and read in the news, adding new meaning and understanding. So if you're curious to know why the Impossible Burger is trending now...or why efforts to decriminalize marijuana have been so successful in recent years...or why "Woodrow Wilson, Stud Muffin" was a New York Times headline in December 2013, you will find it here. Use the SEARCH function to find your favorite public figure or world event in over a decade's worth of historical research and reporting. Sign up here to receive this forecast by email (with my compliments).

Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 10/26/2012 & The Weekend

Oh man, what a day it was on Thursday — so many heavy stories in the news and from out in the field of our own personal worlds.  We’ll do the recap in a bit, but let’s look at Friday (today) first.

The dreamy– and often vulnerable — Pisces Moon continues on course until 11:04AM ET, when it goes void until 3:31PM ET. Empathy and compassion for all who suffer; the the ability to see ourselves in each other; the intuition that flows from understanding this connection; and the melancholy that results when such depth of feeling can not be communicated (for lack of words or a receptive audience) — these are some Piscean possibilities. Will ye sink or will ye swim?

With the timing of today’s void-of-course Moon, suggesting a natural break in our efforts to move forward in a straight line, East Coasters could plan an especially long lunch hour. West Coasters could show up late at the office, but be prepared for the dynamic shift in tone when the Moon enters Aries at 3:31PM ET/12:31PM PT. Moon in Aries is impulsive, impatient and needs to get there first. Aries energy also moves fast, and let the record show this Moon is waxing full, suggesting a build up of energy that will find its release as we approach 3:49PM on Monday the 29th.

Late Friday/early Saturday suggests the usual jolt, disruption or emotional power play we have been experiencing in the first few hours of every Moon in Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn for the past several months.Why? Because these Moon make challenging contact with the disruptive Uranus-Pluto square that is the dominant planetary pattern from 2011-2016 (and covered extensively throughout this forecast). If you are looking for a cause, excitement or a physical release, this is good weekend for you. Not only do we have the Moon waxing full in Aries, but also aggressive Mars (which rules Aries) is in opinionated Sagittarius, about to oppose expansive Jupiter in (hot air) Gemini exact on Sunday at 8:56AM ET. This pattern, suggesting exaggeration — or boundaries pushed —  in thought, words and deeds, has been keenly expressed all week in numerous headlines and — oh, look, is that a big hurricane heading our way? Yes, it is — if you live in the Caribbean or the East Coast of the United States.

On Saturday the Aries Moon goes void at 9:32PM ET and does not enter Taurus until 2:15AM ET 0n Monday. This suggests the edge may be taken off the threat of said hurricane, as actions that occur during voids tend to be of no consequence. It does not diminish the potential for much sound and fury, however; i.e., plenty of worry about a crisis that is not as dire as anticipated, albeit with surprise twists before finally blowing over. I am more concerned about Monday being a time of dealing with tangible fallout from this storm. And after typing that last sentence, I went to the National Hurricane Center’s tracking page for Hurricane Sandy (a.k.a. “Frankenstorm”), and currently Sandy is expected to land in North Carolina/Virginia around 8AM on Monday.

Too much to cover on the shifting patterns we will see going into next week, so I will save those thoughts for the next forecast. Let’s talk about the stunning headlines we saw during yesterday’s Sun-Saturn conjunction in Scorpio, which was anticipated to reflect heavy themes of focus and loss. Sex, death and money — that is the domain of Scorpio — and in our society, any of our attitudes, obsessions, fantasies and fears on these subjects are hidden away. Saturn in Scorpio suggests we are forced to confront these beliefs — and take responsibility for the consequences that follow, no matter how ghoulish they may be. Saturn in Scorpio adds fuel to the purifying fire of Pluto in Capricorn (2008-2024), which continues to expose corruption in hallowed institutions that then will likely be transformed or torn down. Add to this mix the power of one person to disrupt an entire system, suggested by rebel Uranus in me-me-me Aries, and you may conclude (correctly) that resistance is futile. We will have plenty of opportunities to confront our dark side over the next two to three years. Trick or treat!

The Sabian Symbol for yesterday’s Sun-Saturn conjunction at 2 Scorpio is “a broken bottle and spilled perfume”. Our go-to Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee has much to say about this symbol, described as “an accidental release of essence that permeates the air…in a way that is not easy to dispel”.

Imagine a situation that appears to flow along easily when, after a mounting of pressure, something disturbs the atmosphere. Sitting beside a woman on a bus who is wearing a powerful perfume might stir up uncomfortable feelings…perhaps the woman drops her perfume bottle, releasing an overwhelming stench and causing friction to mount such that something has to give. One may have to suddenly get off the bus.

Two ghoulish stories hit the news yesterday, in neighborhoods that could arguably be called utterly boring and bourgeois. One involved the arrest of a 28 year old police officer — married, with a baby girl — and his alleged conspiracy so evil and twisted some are calling him the “Cannibal Cop”. The other involves the arrest of a nanny (currently in a medically induced coma) who killed two of the young children in her care before apparently attempting to kill herself.

In China, the New York Times has been blocked after it ran a story about the billions mysteriously accumulated by the family of one of China’s ruling elite in the 14 years since he rose to power. Now why would China want to hide a story like that, hmm? Meanwhile, across the Pond another scandal that “threatens to become a political crisis” is brewing, as inquiring minds demand to know why the BBC apparently did nothing to stop a popular TV host from sexually abusing boys and girls over the course of 40 years. In Brazil, corruption in its infrastructure was exposed yesterday during a power outage that left 53 million people in the dark. In Italy, judgement was pronounced on Silvio Berlusconi, the former prime minister. He is going to jail for tax fraud. And in Japan, a “firebrand” politician has quit his post as governor of Tokyo and vows to form a new political party. And finally, as a follow-up to an earlier story this week about Mitt Romney’s now-disputed testimony in a friend’s nasty divorce case, the court files have now been unsealed. Did I leave anything out? Why yes, I did. This baby walrus is adapting to his new life in Brooklyn after being rescued from certain death in Alaska. He is really cute. And serves as a reminder that of all that is good and light in the world, even on days when it feels like darkness has the upper hand.

Next week, by special request, I promise to write about the intriguing horoscope of Lance Armstrong.

October 26th, 2012 | Tags: , , , , , | | Leave a comment

Astro-logical Forecast for Thursday 10/25/2012: Sun Conjunct Saturn

No major shifts in the planetary patterns we have been experiencing all week, with the exception of two challenges to the dreamy Pisces Moon this morning. After the Sun and stern Saturn meet up in Scorpio at 4:32AM ET, Moon is squared by aggressive Mars at 7:32AM ET,  suggesting a steamy or fiery response to the potentially heavy price levied by the Sun-Saturn meet-up. A few hours later, when expansive Jupiter squares Moon, an emotional response may be equally over-the-top. Please, oh please, double check the facts before you go off on a tangent — and realize that others who may be doing so could be operating under the influence of an idealistic connection between mental Mercury and arts/women/money/social graces Venus at 1:11PM ET. Stay focused and on message and get it off your desk before the Moon goes void at 11:04AM ET on Friday.

October 25th, 2012 | | Leave a comment

Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday 10/24/2012: More Real and Unreal

Interesting patterns today. Moon is in Pisces, as of 7AM ET, where it soon met up with nebulous Neptune, suggesting a morning tinged with themes of fantasy, illusion, delusion, spirit and other soulful escapes. The Sun and stern Saturn are together in Scorpio, suggesting a serious focus, reach for ambition, consolidation or loss (note that the markets have dropped in recent days). Mercury and Venus are linked in a pattern that suggests a need for idealism; aggressive Mars is in opinionated Sagittarius, challenging bombastic Jupiter in information-junkie Gemini, suggesting actions that may push boundaries.  Looks like a memorable day — and in your own personal world, much can be accomplished if you are working consciously to give tangible form to a dream, especially if you can focus on what is essential. Do not be distracted by tangents.

As I type, Donald Trump is 45 minutes away from making a “big announcement”, allegedly about Barack Obama.Let the record show that  Trump is a Gemini with  Moon in Sagittarius, who therefore needs to tell you his opinion, projected to the public with all the regal entitlement that a Leo Ascendant can muster. His horoscope is currently influenced by nebulous Neptune opposing the Ascendant, suggesting potential bewilderment, confusion, fantasy or a “savior-victim” complex in matters of relationship and public outreach.

Meanwhile, The Boston Globe is allegedly asking for papers in a certain nasty divorce case to be unsealed, so it can investigate reports that Mitt Romney lied under oath about the value of certain assets, which were reportedly sold at a profit. If you’ve been reading these forecasts for a couple of months, you may recall a post noting that planetary patterns in the last few days leading up to the election are potentially “witchy-bitchy”, with plenty of dirt and elevated emotions for all. Let’s see how these stories develop over the next week…

And now, a positive story of healing accomplished when a man diagnosed with lung cancer focused on essentials. Instead of undergoing chemotherapy, he leaves the United States and goes back to his ancestral home, which just happens to be a Greek island. He does not have chemotherapy. He is fully prepared to die. But he doesn’t. And that was in 1976. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Given the real/unreal potential of a day with heavy themes of control (Saturn) and vision (Neptune), let’s work on manifesting stories like this — and leave the guttersniping to someone else.

 

October 24th, 2012 | Tags: , , , , , | | Leave a comment

Astro-logical Forecast for Tuesday 10/23/2012: Real and Unreal

I don’t know about you, but I am definitely feeling a palpable increase in intensity, reflected by the Sun moving into Scorpio last night at 8:14PM ET. Adding to the pressure and/or heaviness is Thursday’s hook-up with stern Saturn on Thursday. Distracting us — perhaps by threatening to dissolve whatever reality we thought we could count on — is today’s trine between the Sun and nebulous Neptune, exact at 7:15AM ET. Here’s an excerpt from yesterday’s forecast on what we can expect:

…if you’re feeling a urge to merge with a higher consciousness or escape into some other rarefied, intangible state (music, spirit or drug-induced fantasy), then you are in tune… It’s a helpful aspect to have if you’re trying to keep the peace. It’s also a potential set-up for a vision or pure fantasy, deception or lies.

Keep the peace, eh? Was Mitt Romney tuning in to the cosmos in last night’s debate? Repeatedly stating a desire for “peace” was a surprise to more than one pundit, including this conservative one. Real or unreal?

Today’s Moon in Aquarius encourages a detached, friendly approach to the challenges of the day. You could even consider experimenting with the unconventional, though be aware of a potential verbal challenge to your experiment around 9:27PM ET, when Moon is squared by mental Mercury…and then goes void. Chill for the rest of the night; Moon enters Pisces at 7AM ET on Wednesday.

 

 

 

October 23rd, 2012 | Tags: , , | | Leave a comment

Thoughts on the 3rd Presidential Debate (because I said I would post some)

A few thoughts on the third debate, as promised. And “few” is indeed the operative word. After looking at the horoscopes involved, I don’t have much to say. Tonight’s event begins at 9PM ET in Boca Raton, FL and planetary patterns suggest another pugnacious start, courtesy of aggressive Mars making an opinionated challenge to the 9 Gemini Ascendant of the event horoscope. The Aquarius Moon suggests themes of social significance: freedom, humanitarianism, independence. Aquarius is detached, intellectual, scientific…and often on one stubborn fringe or another. The Moon is in the 9th house at the start of the event, immediately suggesting a focus on Big Picture ideas with an international reach — and isn’t that interesting that tonight’s focus is, in fact, foreign policy.

I have a theory (not a prediction) that we may be listening to a very grand vision around 9:22PM, which may keep the fact-checkers busy. I also have a theory that if Obama is speaking at around 10:23PM ET, it will be an excellent opportunity for him to make the audience feel secure about his ability to preserve homeland security. There may be a noticeable shift from intellectual ideas to strong feelings of patriotism, as the Gemini Ascendant will have just changed to Cancer.

Planetary patterns suggest a strong showing for both candidates, with Obama having the advantage. He is a much better position righthisveryminute to connect with women — and in fact, if only women were voting in this election, he would win by a very large margin.

October 22nd, 2012 | | One comment

Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 10/22/2012: Sun in Scorpio

And a delightful Monday morning to you. Well, perhaps not so delightful for East Coasters waking up a few hours after an exact challenge between stern Saturn in stubborn Scorpio and Moon in quirky, yet equally stubborn, Aquarius (exact at 4:30AM ET).  A sense of loss, which fuels a reach for ambition — or perhaps some Designated Authority Figure throwing a wet blanket on someone’s rose-colored dream? In your own personal world, maybe all you’ll need is a second cup of coffee to get you buzzing through the day, picking up inspired and inventive ideas when the Moon is supported by “mad scientist” Uranus at 11AM ET. Hash them out in a brainstorming session with the rest of the gang.

The big astro-logical news today the Sun leaving airy, cerebral Libra for the watery, emotional sign of Scorpio (exact at 8:14PM ET). This adds to the demand for substance over theory suggested by disciplined Saturn’s ingress into Scorpio on October 6th. It should heighten the intensity of this evening’s third and final presidential debate, which starts at 9PM ET.  I will post a separate forecast for the debate later today.

Meanwhile, if you’re feeling a urge to merge with a higher consciousness or escape into some other rarefied, intangible state (music, spirit or drug-induced fantasy), then you are in tune with the patterns suggested by nebulous Neptune in harmonious contact with the Sun (life force), an aspect which is exact on Tuesday at 7:15AM. It’s a helpful aspect to have if you’re trying to keep the peace. It’s also a potential set-up for a vision or pure fantasy, deception or lies.

In contrast, a big dose of reality may hit when the annual meet-up between controlling Saturn and Sun (life force) on happens on Thursday morning. Last year, when the Sun and Saturn hooked up in Libra, we saw some heavy judgments handed down in the headlines. This year, with the hook-up in Scorpio, what debts will be called in from the depths, like so much karmic retribution? If you are celebrating a birthday around the 25th of October or July, or the 21st of February or April, you are likely feeling this more strongly than most.  Maybe your energy is a little low; maybe you’re feeling restricted or controlled — it’s all in an effort by the Universe to get you streamlined and  focused on what is essential.

Moon voids this week: Tuesday 9:2PM ET — Wednesday 7AM; Friday 11:04AM — 3:31PM ET.

 

October 22nd, 2012 | Tags: , , | | 2 comments

Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 10/19/2012 & the Weekend: Mercury Retrograde Alert

I don’t know about you, but it feels like the week flew by! TGIF! Moon continues its gambol through fiery Sagittarius, egging on the expression of opinions everywhere. Which makes this op-ed by Deborah Tannen about the etiquette of expressing said opinions especially timely (Ms. Tannen is the author of You Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation). Fortunately today’s lunar aspects suggest you can keep the jousting friendly. Pretend you have an open mind, even if you don’t. Because the forecast was posted later than intended this week — and some of you may have missed it,  I am re-posting the link to this non-partisan site — isidewith.com —  as a public service. If you take this nifty quiz it will match your beliefs with the presidential candidate who is most in synch. You may be surprised by the results.

After a Moon void starting at 4:27PM ET (head to the bar early!), Moon enters Capricorn at 9:41PM ET — perhaps too late in the evening for East Coasters to notice the enterprising shift in tone. Saturday dawns with a potentially potent jolt, when the make-it-happen Moon is supercharged by clashes with rebel Uranus and ruthless Pluto. News from underground, perhaps? We shall see. But if you’ve got a weekend project to launch, these next two days will speed you on your way to accomplishment.

On Sunday morning the practical vibe is softened by pleasing social and communicative boosts from loving Venus and mental Mercury. It is toward the end of the evening when you may face a challenge to the New Moon agenda you set on Monday, suggested by the First Quarter Moon at 11:32PM ET.

Last, but not least — we are now in the “shadow period” of the next Mercury retrograde, which happens on Tuesday, November 6th at 6:04PM ET — a.k.a. Election Day.  Translation: Mercury is now at 18 degrees of Scorpio. It will continue moving forward to 4 degrees of Sagittarius, where it will be on Nov 6th. It will retrograde back through Sagittarius and Scorpio, until it reaches 18 Scorpio again on Nov. 26th. Then it turns direct.  It will take until Dec. 14th for Mercury to reach 4 degrees of Sagittarius. That’s is when we will be fully clear of the necessary period for focus, review and R & R. More guidance as we get closer…but start backing up your computers and other databanks now, won’t you?

October 19th, 2012 | Tags: | | Leave a comment

Astro-logical Forecast for Thursday 10/18/2012: Expand Your Mind

With the Moon now fully engaged in Sagittarius, spirits are lifted, and the reigning need is to say what you think, likely with passion at around 9:41AM ET, just as this forecast is posted. Such passion may lead to a boisterous clash, if the receiving party is not in agreement. That would be unfortunate, because the energy of Sagittarius offers an excellent opportunity to broaden your mind and your horizons. It’s also good for getting physical, taking a gambol or a gamble.

The evening is marked by a buoyant connection to the Moon from expansive Jupiter, suggesting the potential for indulgence. Planetary patterns are relatively light for the next few days. Enjoy — and mind the Moon void which occurs Friday at 4:27PM ET to 9:41PM ET.

…with apologies to you all for the delayed forecast, thanks to tech snafus which I must confess were all my fault. Sigh.

 

 

 

 

October 18th, 2012 | Tags: , | | Leave a comment

Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday 10/17/2012: Mind the Void

Moon is void-of-course in Scorpio for most of the day, not to enter opinionated, fiery Sagittarius until 8:26PM ET…then promptly squares off with nebulous Neptune, setting a potentially dreamy vibe for the night. Feel like broadening your horizons? If you are in New York — Williamsburg, to be precise — then wander over to this otherworldly place no later than 7:30PM. I will be giving a talk called “The Intelligent Person’s Guide to Astrology” (suggested donation: $15 How cool is that?

Until then, roll with any twists that may crop up in your efforts to move forward. Long void days can feel like they are moving in slow-motion, which is especially frustrating for people who work in fast-paced environments or are pressured by deadlines. This makes Moon voids an excellent exercise in  patience and faith.

And now, the news — and there were plenty of headlines yesterday reflecting planetary patterns, especially the square between Venus (women, art, money, social graces) in detail-oriented Virgo vs. over-the-top Jupiter in information junkie Gemini. We had a major art heist in the Netherlands; the CEO of  Citibank suddenly stepped down and a defense of “literary excess” made the pages of the New York Times.  I must point out the need for details — a key theme in Monday’s New Moon — was clearly expressed by the website www.romneytaxplan.com, which I saw posted umpteen times on Facebook like so much kudzu.  And let us not forget the grand statement made in last night’s debate — “binders full of women”  — now trending everywhere. If that phrase doesn’t convey the over-the-top potential of Venus (women) squared by Jupiter (expansive) in information-obsessed signs (Gemini & Virgo), please show me one that does.

As for the debate, it was filled with jabs, exactly as anticipated. Zing! Zap! Ker-Pow! I think it is fair to say that everyone who favors Romney thinks their candidate did an excellent job, while those who support Obama are no longer on suicide watch. If you are still one of the undecided, consider taking this nifty quiz, courtesy of the non-partisan website, www.isidewith.com. It will match your beliefs on all kinds of issues with the candidate whose beliefs are in synch with yours. Even if you know which candidate you are voting for, chances are you will find this quiz an eye-opener.

 

 

 

 

October 17th, 2012 | Tags: , | | Leave a comment

Astro-logical Forecast for Tuesday 10/16/2012: Round Two

From the grousing I noted on Facebook about what a frustrating start Monday was to the work week, many of you will be relieved to know that the Moon is officially in gear — no longer void of course as of 8:06PM ET last night,  when it left people-pleasing Libra for intense and moody Scorpio. In Scorpio, as you know from yesterday’s forecast, the need is for depth and substance. Knowledge acquired is used to maintain power and control. It is a fine energy for researching and digging up dirt. Without assistance from other planetary patterns, it can be a tough lunar placement for articulating emotions, given that Scorpions do not talk — or even roar or bellow, as a Lion (Leo) or Bull (Taurus) might do. It does not mean that the emotions aren’t there; quite the contrary.

As it turns out, there is planetary support for the Scorpio Moon today, from ruthless Pluto, mental Mercury and socially gracious Venus. So as long as you are prepared to discuss the details and you have something of substance to say,  go ahead and make your pitch or launch your grand plan. You’ve got until 10:23PM ET to make it count before the Moon once again goes void of course, not to enter high-flying Sagittarius until 8:26PM ET on Thursday. You know the drill on Moon voids: moving in a straight line is often a challenge; crises that crop up are often much ado about nothing; chill, baby, chill.

Meanwhile, there is another debate tonight between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney — at 9PM ET in Hempstead, NY. What might happen? Well, I will be curious to hear what is being said around 9:20PM, 9:45PM, 10:05PM, 10:15PM and 10:23PM. This is a little research project to see if the most memorable moments happen around those times. It is a test of a theory, mind you — not a prediction.

The chart for the debate has the Scorpio Moon almost exactly conjunct Mercury (mind, communication) in the 6th House, ruling the 2nd House. What does that suggest? How about emotional, intense concerns from the “town hall” audience about jobs and healthcare (6th House) and how we are going to be able to afford it (2nd House). Well, DUH, you might say — but isn’t it interesting that this is supported by the chart for the debate? And the responses to the questions asked darn well better be of substance, as required by that Scorpio Moon. Or else.

Mitt Romney happens to have Moon in Scorpio — conjunct optimistic Jupiter — so his level of comfort may be higher that Barack Obama’s. What Romney lacks, however, is any Earth in his horoscope, suggesting he may be challenged to ground grand schemes in the specifics of practical application. Nothing new here. Transits in Romney’s horoscope do suggest he can easily connect with the public, despite the current nebulous Neptune fog shrouding his “real” identity and what he really believes. Well, one of his advisers did say in March that the Romney campaign would be re-set in the fall, just like an  Etch-a-Sketch.

Barack Obama may well be looking as if he is chomping at the bit, right from the start — with a potential sharp remark within a few minutes of 9PM. His natal Uranus exactly opposes the Midheaven — point of public status — of the debate chart. Aggressive Mars in opinionated Sagittarius is challenging his natal Pluto, which rules his natal Midheaven. Despite his extracurricular activities, which include having a full-time job and two school-aged children living at home, planetary patterns do suggest he will deliver a debate performance sharp enough to prevent his loyal supporters from throwing all their toys out of the pram. Would it help if he wore a cape and tights? And when Obama does jab, Mitt Romney will likely jab right back, given that Romney’s natal Mars is under pressure from transiting Mars, too.  Obama is the one who apparently needs to make up ground from the last encounter, and odds are strong that he will. Let’s see if there is a noticeable drop in energy or lack of focus after 10:23PM ET, when Moon goes void.

In the third and final debate on October 22nd, voters will be thrilled when Obama and Romney dispense with debating all together and go mano a mano — live — from the MGM Grand in beautiful Las Vegas. OK, perhaps that’s a bit of a stretch. But if you Google “obama vs. romney boxing”….well…I will not be held responsible for the consequences.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 16th, 2012 | Tags: , | | Leave a comment
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