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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 Wednesday 4/25/2012: Just the Facts

Too much information? Hold tight; we’ve got another day of Moon in Gemini ahead of us, and its need to know, coupled with the incisive challenge between ruthless Pluto and mental Mercury could likely hand you “just the facts, ma’am” — without any effort to coat them with sugar. This challenge is exact at 10:50AM ET — and we’ve been seeing it reflected in the headlines all week. Mercury-Pluto gets straight to the point, often without mercy. If you have a tense aspect between Mercury and Pluto in your horoscope, you likely have an investigative mind, persuasive communication skills — and if anyone rubs you the wrong way, you’ve got a theme song, too — Rip Her To Shreds — take it away, Debbie Harry http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgqmuH7FEKg   Me-ow!

Point is, be mindful in your interaction with others, lest you let fly an especially cutting remark. This applies to all of us, and particularly those who have 8-10 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn prominent in the horoscope. On the plus side, the facts presented today can be constructively applied to your plans for world domination, as Moon makes an easy connection with disciplined Saturn. Moon goes void at 4:31pm ET for the rest of the day, not to enter Cancer until 1:42AM ET. Remember with Moon voids, crises that crop up usually turn out to be much ado about nothing. Keep calm and carry on, despite the buzz that may surround you (it might just be all in your head). And no major purchases — especially impulsive ones, if you please.

Meanwhile, look no further than front page for reflections of current planetary patterns. Did we anticipate a day of dirt being dug up? Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards is on trial for misappropriating campaign funds in order to cover up an adulterous affair http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/25/opinion/dowd-brutality-of-servility.html?hp  James Murdoch takes the stand in the most recent development in the phone-hacking scandal involving the Murdoch media empire http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/25/world/europe/murdoch-case-shifts-its-focus-to-jeremy-hunt.html?ref=business  the SEC officially files charges of “making material misrepresentations” against Egan-Jones, the ratings agency that annoyed everyone  last year when it downgraded the credit rating of the United States http://www.cnbc.com/id/47161874 and a few more Secret Service agents will be leaving their jobs as a result of their dalliances with prostitutes in Colombia. This case is getting quite intriguing, as the investigation has revealed that apparently not all the women who spent the night with the agents in question were prostitutes. So what difference does that make? http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/25/us/2-more-secret-service-employees-resigning.html A debate on this juicy subject would be one way to spend a day featuring Moon in chatty Gemini and philosophical Jupiter running wild in earthy, sensual Taurus, as nebulous Neptune (fantasy) opposes horny Mars in prissy Virgo. What else can you come up with?

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Tuesday 4/24/2012: Seeing the Light

A day driven by a need to know — and what becomes known may have some dirt on it….or be experienced as powerful/empowered or cathartic, blunt or simply perspicacious. Otherwise, the day is light on planetary activity. Moon in pixie chatterbox Gemini makes contact with mental Mercury at 5:17AM ET, suggesting an ease of communication, especially of pioneering ideas and thinking outside the box.

The day ends with an indulgent connection between Moon and loving Venus, exact at 11:36pm ET. When in Gemini, Venus knows how to keep social interactions charming and light.

Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 4/23/2012: Ease on Down the Road

A potentially slow start to the morning, with chances of a high flake factor or unexpected twist, especially if you live in the eastern times zones in the U.S. As I type, Moon has been void of course in material comfort-seeking Taurus since 1:10PM ET Sunday…and it doesn’t enter Gemini until 1:05PM ET Monday (today). I spent part of the void applying the inspiration and innovation of planetary patterns (read Friday’s forecast for details of said patterns) into a rich asparagus soup and a lemon-thyme roasted chicken, which will provide much material comfort over the next few days. You?

Other Moon voids for the week: Wednesday 4:31PM ET – Thursday 1:42AM ET; Saturday 3:05AM – 12:10PM ET

Moon’s ingress into Gemini quickens the pace of the afternoon, as the need to inform and be informed pulls focus. Pick up the phone; write that email and have that conversation, using an easy application of practical energy suggested by a smooth connection between Sun in Taurus and Mars in detail-oriented Virgo (exact at 8:59PM ET). As the evening progresses, note these two caveats: 1) a challenge between Moon and nebulous Neptune, at 6:33PM ET which adds inspiration and/or confusion to the mix; 2) a challenge between Moon and nitpicky Mars at 9:46PM ET, suggesting heightened egos and/or emotional outbursts.

Meanwhile, if you’re digging for truth or dirt, this week’s challenge between ruthless Pluto and mental Mercury (exact Wednesday at 10:50AM ET) suggests the potential for communication that cuts right to the heart of the matter.  Watch for more news from underground as the week progresses.

And speaking of news, I found these headlines especially in line with planetary patterns. Regarding Sunday’s Uranus-Mercury conjunction suggesting innovation and aviation, I was intrigued by a New York Times Magazine piece on inventors http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/magazine/is-this-really-the-golden-age-for-inventors.html? Also of note: progress made on a possible merger between bankrupt American Airlines and U.S. Air http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/21/business/us-air-strikes-deal-with-amrs-unions.html   travel agents may be making a comeback http://travel.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/travel/are-travel-agents-back.html?hpw   and a plane crash in Pakistan.

Of note in the “Confuse-A-Cat”* category (nebulous Neptune opposing Mars), we saw numerous stories of spectacular showmanship/deception/things not being as they seem, including a fascinating front page story about a New York socialite’s made-up life http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/nyregion/the-secret-life-of-alan-z-feuer.html and a Discovery Channel documentary that had record ratings — about a woman whose harrowing tale of surviving the destruction of the World Trade Center turned out to be pure fiction www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/the-woman-who-wasnt-there-the-true-story-of-an-incredible-deception-by-robin-gaby  And then there’s Wal-Mart, apparently scandalized by big news of bribery and a cover-up in Mexico www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/business/at-wal-mart-in-mexico-a-bribe-inquiry-silenced.html?pagewanted=all

 

 

 

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 4/20/2012 & the Weekend: New Moon in Taurus

Well, dear Reader…after two hours of carefully crafting a splendid New Moon forecast, I hit “publish” in WordPress, and damned if my work didn’t go flying into oblivion — a first! I’m dedicated to my craft — and to you, dear Reader — so obviously I am going to re-create the forecast. I am also going to extend an invitation: if you appreciate these forecasts and wish to make a donation (via PayPal) as an expression of your appreciation, it would be accepted with much gratitude. The email is eg@graceastrology.com. Who wants to make my day?

On this last day of the lunar cycle, wrap it all up by 3:35PM ET, when the Moon goes void of course with a sigh…and a potentially sobering challenge from an authority figure or some other wet blanket. Moon in feisty, me-me-me Aries does not enjoy challenges from authority figures; it really cramps the Aries independent, self-reliant style. Will the markets close down? We shall see. Meanwhile, if you have a major initiative to launch, definitely wait until after the New Moon on Saturday.  TGIF…

Chill on Friday evening; Moon enters Taurus just after midnight on Saturday and is born again at 3:18AM ET. You can stay up late or wake up early to meditate, light a candle and set your intentions for what promises to be an especially fertile lunar cycle. What inspiration will hit you around 5:25AM ET (note your dreams)? The rest of Saturday offers energy and practical resources — don’t waste a minute of it.

Sunday offers more inspiration and an easy communication of intangibles: spirit, music, feelings, healing — and yes, dreams again, courtesy of nebulous Neptune casting a rosy-pink glow on the light of the Sun. Moon goes void at 1:10PM ET on an uplifting connection to Jupiter, the cosmic sugar daddy. Indulge your senses: good food, wine, women/men and song…perhaps continuing into late morning on Monday. Moon won’t enter Gemini until 1:05PM ET. You could probably sleep in without consequence.

Also of note on Sunday: a brilliant hook-up between mental Mercury and rebel Uranus, the third of a series we’ve experienced since March 5th. Watch for potential breakthroughs in technology, aviation, outer space — and maybe even astrology.

Meanwhile, there’s a lot to love about the New Moon at 1 degree of Taurus. If Aries is the spark that generates an idea, Taurus takes that idea and gives it form.  Now is the time to implement the strategy you planned during Mars retrograde (Jan. 23rd – Apr. 13th). You know, the strategy that hit you like the voice that whispered in Field of Dreams, “If you build it, he will come”. In the movie, “he” was baseball legend Shoeless Joe Jackson. You can substitute “he” for the reward of your choice. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_of_Dreams

In the New Moon chart, we see the Sun and Moon in harmony with action-oriented Mars — still in perfectionist Virgo — and resourceful Pluto. This is excellent for planting seeds that actually grow. Need a spark? The aforementioned hook-up between mental Mercury and rebel Uranus together in Aries suggests innovative, revolutionary ideas are inspiring the action. How about a vision? Nebulous Neptune in a supportive connection to the New Moon suggests the potential for channeled dreams to become real. And if you’re a wizard, a fanatic or a showman, Neptune opposing Mars offers the pixie dust to really razzle-dazzle ’em.

Also in the chart: Venus (women, art, money, beauty) running wild in glib Gemini; Jupiter (reward, luck, expansion, bombast) running wild in possession-fixated Taurus. A grand good time can be had by all…with the caveat of having way too much of a good thing. Like those Secret Service agents consorting with prostitutes in Colombia http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/19/world/americas/colombian-escort-speaks-about-secret-service-scandal.html?pagewanted=all  or that government agency bingeing in Vegas with your tax dollars http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/05/opinion/collins-send-in-the-clowns-and-cheese.html  Credit the Neptune-Mars opposition (scandal) and the relentless square between Pluto in Capricorn and Uranus in Aries for bringing this corruption of hallowed government institutions to light. And expect more of the same in a headline near you…

Getting back to the New Moon and what it means for you: wherever 1 degree of Taurus falls in your horoscope is an area primed for planting those seeds. I challenge you to do the work required to make those seeds grow. Sure, you can spend this time rolling in the meadow, smelling the flowers. But if that’s all you do this month, you could be missing out on a prime opportunity.

The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon is “an electrical storm”. As always, we consult Blain Bovee’s wonderful book on Sabian Symbols for details: “…an image of an arousing natural event that crackles with illumination while disturbing the atmosphere…the aha! experience…sudden, blinding; a discharge of energy that often brings about a change and release from a stagnant situation…” Are you ready? Go!

Whew! Done — for the second time in one night. Whaddaya think? Did I earn that caffe latte?

To be continued…

Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday 4/18/2012: After the Void, Engage!

So how are you enjoying this long void of course Moon in dreamy Pisces? Are you going with the flow? Feeling inspired or especially empathic? I couldn’t get Erik Satie’s romantic music out of my head  (see yesterday’s forecast), and recognizing that Pisces also rules the feet, I wandered off to a ballet class. Better to dance than shop for shoes when Moon is void of course (impulse purchases are not generally favored during voids). It was an incredibly productive use of time…

Speaking of impulses, Moon finally moves into Aries at 11:59AM ET, joining mental Mercury in Aries at 3:28PM ET. What an afternoon for quick thinkers and fast talkers! Don’t forget to write some of those great ideas down, especially since Moon will be hooking up with innovative Uranus at 11:45PM ET, likely accompanied by a surprise, jolt or revelation — especially in the tech sector.

More general notes: first, we are in the balsamic phase of the Moon — a time to wrap up projects begun at the New Moon and start thinking about the next lunar cycle, which begins at 3:18AM ET on Saturday. Second, Jupiter, the cosmic sugar daddy happens to be running wild in sensual, material Taurus, needing to find reward in creature comforts. Venus, which refers to love, beauty, money and women — is also running wild in oh-so-charming Gemini, seeking social expression by being informed, intense and entertaining.

Venus and Jupiter may well be reflected by actions that suggest feeling good, generosity, abundance and/or indulgence. Could this also be reflected in the 200-point surge on the Dow yesterday, along with seemingly-upbeat earnings reports from a few key corporations? Details on the surge are here http://www.cnbc.com/id/47077966

In your own personal world, find a few simple joys…..

P.S. Henri the Existential Cat is becoming quite the celebrity — you read it here first http://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonykosner/2012/04/17/mon-dieux-save-us-from-the-existential-cat-videos/

Astro-logical Forecast for Tuesday 4/17/2012: The Odd Synchronicity Of The Dreamy Fish

Moon in dreamy Pisces goes void of course at 10:34AM ET, on a supportive connection to expansive Jupiter (the cosmic sugar daddy). This sets a jolly tone to the brainstorming potential of the next 25 and a half hours. If you are new to this forecast and you are not familiar with the term “void of course Moon”, read the forecast posted on February 10, 2012 for a detailed explanation https://www.graceastrology.com/2012/02/10/

Briefly, a Moon void is an ideal time to let your mind and body take a break. Efforts to move in a straight line are often thwarted by unexpected twists…some of which act like they are huge crises when in fact they are not.  Moon voids are not considered to be favorable for doing anything you hope will be of consequence, such as signing a contract or launching a company. Be prepared to roll with any punches that come your way — and just enjoy going with the flow, especially with this Moon in watery Pisces, which needs to work with intangibles: music, spirit, feelings, flickering images — you get the idea.

Speaking of music, a reader advised me that the cut from the Diva soundtrack that was used to score yesterday’s feature, Henri, The Existential Cat was “Gymnopedie No.1” by Erik Satie (born May 17, 1866 at 9AM in Honfleur, France). Did you know Satie also wrote a piece called The Dreamy Fish? How cool is that? No Pisces in Satie’s horoscope, but he did have Moon in (watery) Cancer in the 12th house, which is naturally ruled by Pisces. Even more fascinating: Moon conjunct rebel Uranus…square Mars, Midheaven (career point) and nebulous Neptune (ruler of Pisces). Satie is practically a Pisces by default. And isn’t is also interesting that Satie’s horoscope has patterns that are similar to patterns going on now? The dazzling, surreal, sublimely sexy — and/or bewildering connection between Mars and Neptune is just one of them.

Bottom line: if you need some musical inspiration today, Erik Satie will fit the bill. And I’ll wager fifty cents that Satie’s music — or the man himself — will be honored again between now and next year. Why? His Mars, Neptune and Midheaven are at 10 and 11 degrees of Aries, about to be supercharged by Pluto at 10 Capricorn and Uranus at 10 Aries. In the three years that I’ve been writing about people, countries and events making headlines, I can’t recall one that didn’t have one of those two heavy planets active in the horoscope when they were on the front page.

Meanwhile, if you enjoyed the ennui of Henri, here is a second installment. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q34z5dCmC4M  And if you know the music in this episode — do tell.  It’s so much fun writing for such a super-smart, creative and talented crowd. Thank you for reading this astro-logical forecast.

For more on composer Erik Satie — http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erik_Satie

For more on the potential impact of Pluto and Uranus on your own horoscope, you may find this article helpful, especially if you are studying astrology http://www.astrologynyc.org/articles/

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 4/16/2012: Henri, the Existential Cat as Metaphor…

Happy Monday!

So…in light of Mars (action) moving forward in Virgo (organization) late Friday night, how many of you spent Saturday cleaning out closets and other major housekeeping chores? That query was posted as the Facebook status of an astrologer colleague, and within minutes several people, myself included, ‘fessed up to having enthusiastically cleaned the refrigerator, organized the garage, etc., no doubt aided and abetted by the disciplined potential of Sunday’s opposition between controlling Saturn and the Sun.

Another potential of Sunday’s Saturn-Sun opposition: reports from Europe of an increase in the number of suicides related to despair over austere (Saturn) economic measures http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/16/opinion/krugman-europes-economic-suicide.html?_r=1&hp — and this one, much more uplifting: the (tongue-in-cheek) depression experienced by Henri, the Existential Cat http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0M7ibPk37_U  which found its way into my emailbox on Saturday.  Perfect timing! Set to music with a track from the sweetly haunting score from Diva, Henri’s dilemma is an apt reflection of one potential of today’s Moon in dreamy Pisces, as it first makes contact with nebulous Neptune at 6:26 AM ET (note your dreams), followed by possibly irritating opposition to hypercritical Mars in Virgo at 8:44AM ET. Either that, or your allergies are acting up. Go with the flow…

…and note the shift in mindset and communication that occurs as mental Mercury marches forward into pioneering, impulsive, fearless, sometimes downright militant Aries at 6:42 PM ET. Militant or not, the ideas that spring forth this week are likely to be fresh and innovative — and may recall big ideas that were percolating on March 5th and 18th. They could be just the thing to get Henri out of his existentialist rut — and you, too —  as demonstrated by the relentlessly creative (and militant) Confuse-A-Cat crew at Monty Python http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2Je1CEPkUM

By evening, a deep emotional connection…followed by sweet indulgence may well transpire.

Your Moon void alerts this week: Tuesday 10:34AM ET until 11:59 AM ET Wednesday; Friday 3:35PM ET until 12:05AM ET Saturday. Don’t know what a void of course Moon is? Read the forecast posted on February 10th, 2012.

 

 

 

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Saturday & Sunday 4/15-16/2012: Lend A Hand

Moon in humanitarian Aquarius suggests a need to be seen as socially significant. Is there anyone in your world who would appreciate a helping hand? Even if it’s just a second opinion, based on your wisdom and experience, such social interactions could be especially appreciated.

Opportunities to mix and mingle are also favored. With Aquarius, who knows what nutty, but delightful new friend you may meet. Here is a song to carry through the day, courtesy of The Beatles http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWs1-NEV9O0

On Sunday, the Sun in independent, pioneering Aries is opposed by disciplined, patriarchal Saturn in Libra. Watch for cuts and REstructuring (Saturn is currently retrograde) in the news. In your own personal world, you may feel the effects of this pattern especially if you were born around the 15th of January, April, July and October. What’s this need to focus/streamline/structure all about?

Moon goes void at 6:42PM ET Sunday. Take a break for the rest of the night. The work week begins with Moon in dreamy Pisces, as of 1:38AM ET on Monday….

Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 4/13/2012: Real and Surreal; Mars Turns Direct

Keep on makin’ it happen this morning and see if you note a shift in energy when the Moon in enterprising Capricorn goes void of course…with a sigh…at 1:05PM ET. If you’re on the East Coast, maybe you can sneak out of the office early, as the void will continue until 5:48PM ET, just in time for happy hour. On the West Coast, that 10:05AM PT – 2:48PM PT time frame may toss a twist or a flake your day, or bode well for an especially long lunch.

It’s a mixed bag today. On the one hand, the potential for magic, escape, the surreal or the sublime illusion/ideal, especially in areas of relationship, money and beauty (nebulous Neptune opposing sexy beast Mars, with an especially glib and charming Venus in the middle). On the other hand, the potential for ambition, cuts and boundaries from a “get real” perspective (that wet blanket Saturn opposing Sun configuration I wrote about yesterday, with the added oomph of the Moon raising the emotional impact). Planetary patterns today remind me of an optical illusion that is almost 100 years old. Look at this picture and what do you see? A young woman or an old crone? Both images are there — it just depends on what pulls focus for you: http://www.grand-illusions.com/opticalillusions/woman/  In the news, here’s a story that reflects both: Brian Dunn, the (married) CEO of Best Buy, abruptly resigns. The company announces it is investigating Mr. Dunn’s “personal conduct”. Gee, I wonder what they will find? A  scandal and a cut.  Film at 11. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/12/business/best-buy-continues-investigation.html?scp=1&sq=brian%20dunn&st=cse

Of course the biggest planetary news today is Mars in Virgo finally turning direct after being retrograde since — oh — January 23rd, if memory serves. In your own personal world and in world events, we may see a  release of pent-up frustrated energy…followed by a sense of relief.  If you used this retrograde period productively, you worked out a fine strategy for your ambitions and are now poised to move forward. Stay tuned to this channel for details on the next significant retrograde of the year, brought to you by Venus. That happens in May.

To be continued…

Astro-logical Forecast for Thursday 4/12/2012: Saturn Opposing Sun

Moon continues its ambitious course in Capricorn, needing to make things happen. Fueling your plans for world domination is a potent hook-up between ruthless Pluto and that enterprising Moon. What losses will be cut? What power will be grabbed? How weird and surreal  — and intense — can it get?

The weird and surreal part is related to the continuing opposition between aggressive Mars and nebulous Neptune, which has been reflected in all kinds of lurid headlines, some of which were covered in this forecast. Another pattern in stark contrast is wet blanket Saturn opposing the Sun (life force) at 2:27PM ET on Saturday (we’ve been feeling this all week). Get real, get streamlined, get ambitious, get lean and mean, get depressed — or just get outta here.  I recommend choosing the most constructive option, and when in doubt, call Dad — or reach out to another authority whom you trust to see if you’re on the right track.

An expansive mood falls at the end of the work day on the East Coast — at 4:44PM ET — when lucky Jupiter makes a harmonious connection to the Moon. Will angels be smiling on us in the Eastern Time Zone? 444 is one of those “angel numbers” — and I confess I’ve seen it all over the place in recent weeks. What are angel numbers and what do they signify? Read all about it here: http://spiritlibrary.com/doreen-virtue/number-sequences-from-the-angels

Speaking of symbolism, I have to follow up on the Sabian Symbol for the New Moon at 3 Aries on March 22nd: “A cameo profile of a man in the outline of his country”. A recap from that forecast:

With this Sabian Symbol, Blain Bovee notes the potential “to stereotype others at the expense of their full individuality; to highlight only their prominent features” (suggested by the image of the cameo profile, which is only presenting one side of a person’s face). Watch for stories of  snap judgments based on general outlines — in the news and in your own personal world. One consequence of such (literally) trigger-happy thinking is illustrated in this disturbing story, likely to gain more traction in the headlines during this lunar cycle:   http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/17/opinion/blow-the-curious-case-of-trayvon-martin.html

Moving on to the Sabian Symbol for last Friday’s Full Moon at 18 Libra “two men placed under arrest” opposing the Sun at 18 Aries (Sabian Symbol: “an empty hammock”), George Zimmerman was arrested and charged with the murder of Trayvon Martin http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/12/us/zimmerman-to-be-charged-in-trayvon-martin-shooting.html?hp  And let’s not forget the TV producer who was fired over this same developing story: http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/06/nbc-fires-producer-of-misleading-zimmerman-tape/

Hmmmmmm….