Daily Forecast Archives - Page 3 of 156 - Elisabeth Grace

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).

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

TGIF!

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

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

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

And now, the news.

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

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

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

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

White House aides have been asked by P45 to look into buying Greenland, reports the Wall Street Journal. The idea was declared by Relevant Parties as “frankly insane.”
P45 says the way to combat gun violence is to bring back mental institutions.
P45 has now been recorded as making over 12,000 false statements since taking office in 2017.
P45 “…persuades Israel to Deny Entry to [Congresswomen] Ilhan Omar and Rashaida Tlaib”.

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

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

In other news…

More Uranus square Mercury disruption, as predicted:

Customs and Border Patrol computers are down, causing delays at airports.
Power outages hit London (again).

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

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

Thank you for reading this forecast.

Monday 8/12/2019: Sneak Peek at the Week; Full Moon in Aquarius

Arise, go forth and make it happen. Jupiter, planet of expansion, is finally moving forward — pushing boundaries in Sagittarius, the sign it rules. A Capricorn Moon drives the day, starting with a heavy focus around 5:53 AM ET (Moon meets Saturn), followed by a dreamy lunch (Moon harmonizes with Neptune at 11:59 AM ET), ending on a catharis or power play (Moon meets Pluto at 6:11 PM ET). Chill after hours, as the Cap Moon immediately goes void, not to enter Aquarius until TUESDAY at 11:35 AM ET. During the void, roll with the twists and flakes that may disrupt efforts to move forward in a straight line. Remember that crises and worries which crop up during Moon voids are usually much ado about nothing. Stick to routine concerns — and do not worry if you oversleep the next day.

The rest of the week goes like this:

TUESDAY — the day officially gets into gear when Moon enters Aquarius at 11:35 AM ET. It cruises through the day without much input from other planets, save for an opposition to Mercury in regal Leo at 4:33 PM ET. Mercury refers to how we need to think; in Leo, the thoughts may be more like pronouncements. An Aquarius Moon — with its focus on innovation and all of humanity — may force an illuminating challenge. Sunny idealism is in the air, as a meet-up between the Sun (leaders, willpower) and Venus (women, art, money, social expression) suggests optimism that may be worth its weight in gold. If you have a planet around 20 degrees of Leo pick up a couple of lottery tickets and let me know what happens. This is a research project, mind you — not a guarantee.
WEDNESDAY — Moon makes its weekly clash with rebel Uranus, reflected by a disruption of the status quo around 1 AM ET. at 2:07 AM ET, the Sun-Venus meet-up will be exact? Did you win anything? Caveat regarding planets that get too close to the Sun: they can’t be clearly seen against that bright light; hence the potential for idealism. Meanwhile, emotions are likely running high, as on…
THURSDAY — at 8:29 AM ET, the royal Leo Sun is challenged by the Moon in “we the People” Aquarius. Happy Full Moon! The Sabian Symbols offer clues to form and content of a likely illumination and release. For the Sun “a bareback rider;“ for the Moon “a big bear sitting down and waving all its paws.” “Bear” and “bare” in the opposing Symbols…how did Elsie Wheeler (the intuitive who downloaded the Sabian Symbols) manage to do that? I don’t know, but this bare-bear pair suggests a powerful surge of creativity that may be harnessed, if you stay centered and seated on a bumpy ride. Blain Bovee writes that we should apply this pair “with a mind to attempting to bring grace to raw power; bring beauty to beast; rein in animal nature through practice and training.” Know what else Bovee says? He notes that Chiron, the wounded healer, was not only the first centaur (an immortal bareback horse and rider), but that “the wild race of centaurs was known only for their rude lust for women and wine: immature, below-the-belt instincts causing harm.” Well, whoaaaaaaa Nellie. Do you think we’ll be seeing any of that in this week’s headlines? More in a minute. Moon goes void at 9:02 PM ET and enters Pisces at 11:49 PM ET.
THURSDAY — Also note that Mercury officially comes out of its shadow period. It’s at 4 degrees of Leo, which is where it was when it turned retrograde on July 7th. See if any communications that were hot back then get a bump forward today. The Messenger Planet is abuzz this week as it prepares to square Uranus on…
FRIDAY — at 1:06 PM ET. The tension between Mercury and Uranus suggests shocking communications involving technology and transportation, especially aviation. Countering the disruptive buzz is the Pisces Moon, which seeks to simply go with the flow…and flow it may well do all day, as it travels without much interference.
SATURDAY — More Moon in Pisces flow, which may be especially dreamy or foggy around 12:09 PM ET, when Moon meets up with Neptune. Chill after 6:34 PM ET, when the Moon goes void…and feel free to sleep in (but not shop) until…
SUNDAY — when the Moon charges into Aries at 12:33 PM ET. There are no exact planetary aspects on this day, but Mars — planet of action — will exit Leo and enter Virgo at 1:19 AM ET, Mars in Virgo needs to execute its action plan with detailed precision. Soon we’ll have even more details when Sun and Venus enter Virgo next week.

And now, the news…brought to you by:

Jupiter in Sagittarius turning direct: BIG, publishing, education, collective beliefs/opinions, boundary-pushing, travel, sports
Uranus in Taurus turning retrograde: SHOCK, revolutions, nuclear, seismic, innovation, bizarre, unique, technology….against the backdrop of…
Saturn conjunct Plute-South Node in Capricorn: authoritarianism/control in matters of the PTB; anguish
Neptune in Pisces square Jupiter: refugees, victims, religion/faith, vision, dreams, drugs — BIGtime

Ready?

The NYT Sunday Magazine cover story is nearly always a reliable reflection of planetary patterns. “He dreamed of educating the children in his village. But soon he learned it was dangerous for the Rohingya to dream. (The Schoolteacher and the Genocide)”
“Masked Men Raid Office of Russian Opposition Leader Sobol” — the raid was filmed and live-streamed by Lyubov Sobol as the men broke down her door. Presumably she was arrested — this happened on a day of continued protests (the BIGGEST in 8 years) in Russia. A quick glance at patterns on her 9/13/1987 birthday reveal a Virgo Sun-Venus squared by Uranus and Saturn, and therein lies the potential for tough-as-nails revolutionary idealism (Mercury — her mindset — is squared to visionary Neptune).
Sunday NYT front page story: “The Global Machine Behind the Rise of Far-Right Nationalism.”
Rebels with a cause in sports Exhibit A: “Champion fencer Race Imboden takes a knee at the Pan-American Games.”
Rebels with a cause in sports Exhibit B: Gymnast Simone Biles “Breaks the Internet with two extraordinary tumbling passes.” I wrote about her horoscope three years ago, when her boundary-pushing moves were reflecting transiting Jupiter activating multiple planets. Three years later, Jupiter is now in touch with those planets by square; ergo, more boundaries pushed!
“Protests cancel flights in Hong Kong”
“Startling clue leads to new quest for Amelia Earhart’s plane.”
“US officials suspect new nuclear missile in explosion that killed 7 Russians”
“North Korea tests short-range ballistic missiles”
“Globe-trottiing influencers are changing the way we think about the world.” (from WaPo)
“How Peter Greenberg, travel expert, spends his Sundays.” (NYT)
Told ya we’d see something especially streamlining this morning, in the wake of the Moon-Saturn meet-up: Trump administration aims to make citizenship more difficult for human beings receiving public assistance.
…and the Administration also announced a streamlined squeeze on the Endangered Species Act, making it harder to protect your favorite wildlife from extinction.
“Guatemala elects hardline president…”
“Hardliners” may have a chance to claim power in Italy’s next election, too ….and don’t even think about sitting on the Spanish Steps when you’re in Rome, as you will now be fined.

Meanwhile, we had the big shock of Jeffrey Epstein’s reported suicide in a NY federal jail cell, just hours after the release of unsealed court documents naming names one of Epstein’s accusers says she was forced to have sex with, including “many other powerful men, including numerous prominent American politicians, powerful business executives, foreign presidents, a well-known Prime Minister, and other world leaders.” How the death of this man — who is believed by many to have serious compromat on scores of aforementioned powerful men — was allowed to happen simply boggles the mind. And yet, this bizarre, scandalous and mysterious “wipeout” does reflect the potential of planetary patterns in Epstein’s horoscope.

We don’t have a birth time for Epstein; all we have is January 20, 1953 in Coney Island. Could be a Capricorn or an Aquarius — but definitely driven by the Moon in me-me-me-first Aries. Epstein’s exact Venus-Mars conjunction in Pisces dissolves boundaries in relationships and can suggest an element of victimization. That conjunction has transiting Neptune sittting right on top of it, further adding to the potential for scandal, fog, victimhood, martyrdom or escape. Epstein may no longer have a body, but his horoscope is still very much alive — and over the next few years his “life events” may be aptly described as surreal, streamlined and anguished in the extreme.

Why are these scandals of rich and powerful men — of all political persuasions, thank you very much — victimizing women (allegedly with assistance from at least one gender-betrayer) happening NOW? Avid Readers will recall the opportunity to heal “toxic masculinity” suggested by Chiron’s ingress into Aries in March. I tip my hat again to astrologer Eric Francis, who pointed out that Chiron is meeting up (as I type) with a planet called Salacia (think of the word “salacious”). This planet was discovered at the Aries Point a couple of years ago — and Franics opined that we’d be in the throes of a major major scandal in September, when that Chiron-Salacia conjunction is exact. Indeed. You can read Francis’s post about it here — Salacia is at the bottom. And you can listen to me talk about Chiron in Aries here. Astrology. Is. Amazing.

Meanwhile, I was fascinated by this WaPo interview with Steven Hoffenberg, who spent 18 years in prison for partnering with Epstein in a Ponzi scheme. So why wasn’t Epstein held accountable for that? As I said, the interview is fascinating, and an astrologer trying to divine a birth time for Epstein would do well to pay close attention to the words his former close associate uses to describe him.

Finally, an UPDATE on Anthony Scaramucci. Seems like it was only yesterday that he was appointed White House Communication Director — a post he clung to for exactly eleven outrageous days. It wasn’t yesterday– it was two years ago — and I found that reassuring, Because time really does fly, and it won’t be long before we can’t believe it’s been X number of years since an alleged malignant narcissist with possible dementia occupied the Oval Office.

In any event, Scaramucci was once P45’s biggest fan — but not anymore. Now he says P45’s “racism and bullying are bad for the country”, and the GOP should run another candidate. What could possibly have happened to reflect Scaramucci’s change of heart? And why is he all over the news NOW? Well, we have his horoscope — with an approximated birth time. And the publicity is reflecting transiting Jupiter sitting right on top of his natal Pluto (expansion of power and resources). Meanwhile, transiting Saturn is sitting right on top of his 15 degree Capricorn Sun — and squaring his people-pleasing Libra Moon AND his me-me-me-fall-down-stairs-because-it’s-faster-than-walking Aries Ascendant. Translation: a sobering reality check and/or an ambitious advance. Coincidence or conspiracy?

Thank you for reading this forecast, which I am pleased to present as an historical record and public service. May these astrological insights infuse the news with new meaning and understanding. If they do, please let me know.

Friday 8/9/2019 & the Weekend: Jupiter Turns Direct; Uranus Turns Retrograde

TGIF!

The Moon in Sagittarius drives the day with a need to push boundaries in matters of opinion. Get out of that box — into nature or a foreign film. The workday itself ends BIG, as the Moon meets up with Jupiter at 7:25 PM ET. And ohhhh lookie — here’s a reflection of that potential, combined with the week’s other exact patterns: Chase Bank is exiting the Canadian market and forgiving all debt owed by its Canadian customers. Don’t you just wish…!

Saturday offers more of the same. The Sag Moon goes void at 3:50 PM ET, so do your shopping for items you wish to be of significance before then. Why? Because impulse purchases made during Moon voids have a higher than average potential for not serving as originally intended.

At 12:50 AM on Sunday, Moon enters Capricorn and gets down to business. Mind the buzz in the air, as Jupiter and Uranus are changing direction (9:38 AM ET and 10:26 PM ET, respectively). If you have a planet around 14 Sagittarius, Gemini, Virgo or Pisces, you are especially affected by Jupiter’s change. Why? Because Jupiter has been sitting on that degree since the end of July, and will continue to sit on it until August 28th. What’s expanding in your life these days?

The Sabian Symbol for Jupiter direct is intriguing: “a groundhog looking for its shadow.” We haven’t focused on this one since the Full Moon of June 2012. Sabian Sage Blain Bovee writes that this Symbol suggests “a heightened sense of alertness or wary regard for what may lie behind.” Hmm…behind, eh? Yet the sight of the shadow (or not) portends what lies ahead. Hmm. Bottom line: apply this Symbol with a mind to looking for signs of reassurance that you are on the right path.

The Sabian Symbol for Uranus turning retrograde is “a woman of Samaria.” We last looked at this one on the Full Moon of October 2012. The woman of Samaria’s story involves a well), and back in October 2012 I asked the rhetorical question, “Must the cosmos hand us [a Symbol] referring to water when part of the world is anticipating a hurricane & flooding?” So perhaps we will see severe hurricanes and floods during this Uranus retrograde, i.e., until January 10, 2020.

Blain Bovee calls the woman of Samaria “an image of a moment of truth.” To paraphrase Bovee’s further musings, we are advised to be alert to situations where we must determine the authenticity of what is presented. Consider matters more deeply before moving forward into unfamiliar territory. Settle for nothing less than unconditional truth.

For general thoughts on the significance of Uranus retrograde and what it means for you, look here. You are more personally affected if you have a planet or angle around 6-7 degrees of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius.

In other news, Mercury leaves Cancer and enters Leo at 3:45 PM ET on Sunday. It joins Sun, Venus and Mars in Leo, adding more regal entitlement and/or sunny drama to collective mindset and communication.

No sleeping on Monday. The Capricorn Moon needs to make things happen, with gravitas. Moon meets up with sobering Saturn at 5:53 AM ET and Pluto at 6:11 PM ET.

And now, the news.

In matters of health, Jupiter refers to the liver and pancreas; Venus refers to sugar. Together they add up to insulin and diabetes. With Jupiter at a virtual standstill and Venus trining Jupiter this week, here are the relevant headlines:

At 5:30 PM yesterday, barely an hour after the Venus-Jupiter trine, Bernie Sanders pinned this to his Twitter account, accompanied by a video: “The inventors of insulin sold the patent for $1. A vial costs $6 to make. Drugmakers sell it for $300 a vial in the United States.”
“Michigan man with diabetes dies in Iraq after ICE deported him.” Jimmy Al-Daoud came to the U.S. when he was an infant. He was born in Greece. He died for lack of insulin.
“Diabetic groom-to-be dies after taking cheaper insulin to pay for wedding.” This happened in New York. The man was 27, and was no longer covered under his father’s health insurance. He could not afford the monthy $1200 cost of insulin that actually works.

Jupiter refers to horses, especially in Sagittarius, the Centaur. Within the past 20 minutes, these stories were posted on my limited Twitter newsfeed — on a day with Moon in Sagittarius, about to meet up with a stationary Jupiter:

NYT headline about a shooting at a New Jersey riding stable
From Reuters: “Khartoum Equestrian Club struggles amid Sudan upheaval”

Coincidence or conspiracy?

Jupiter refers to BIG and foreigners. Uranus in Taurus suggests shocks to the systems in general — and also in agriculture/food processing. Factor in Jupiter’s upcoming third and final square with Neptune in Pisces (exact on September 21st), and we can appreciate how matters of immigration and refugees are looming larger and larger. Add in the authoritarian vise of the ongoing conjunction of Saturn (control) – Pluto (resistance is futile) in Capricorn (government), and we have: “680 people arrested in largest immigration sweep in a decade.,‘ a.k.a. “the largest single-state workplace enforcement action in the country, ever.”

Last year, the owner of one of the the poultry processing companies in Mississippi (where the arrests were made), agreed to a $3.75 million settlement after it was sued for sexual harassment and discrimination against its Hispanic workers. Koch Foods is a private company based in Chicago — something to consider perhaps, next time you’re buying chicken. Putting your money where your mouth is — that’s another likely focus of Uranus’s journey through Taurus. Why? Because Uranus is a disruptor and a truth-teller. Taurus refers to values, money and possessions. In other news, Joaquin Castro made waves this week when he tweeted a list of top Trump donors — which sparked a debate among some Texans about whether they should patronize businesses owned by those donors. Meanwhile, New York is also all a-Twitter over the revelation that Stephen Ross — a big investor in oh-so-fab fitness clubs Equinox, Soulcycle and Pure Yoga — is hosting a big-ticket fundraiser for Trump in the Hamptons. Will this awareness change the spending patterns of some Soulcycle devotees? An NYT reporter was determined to find out. Meanwhile, restauranteurs backed by Ross are begging him to cancel the fundraiser. Do you know where your spending dollars really go?

WaPo fashion critic Robin Givhan penned an op-ed, using apt words for Uranus-as-disruptor pulling focus:

“But as the story of Ross and his fundraiser has unfurled, for many people, it’s as if all that sweet power is slipping away. The false certainty that, if only for 45 minutes, everything was just as it should be in their world, is suddenly upended. Blown apart.”

Other disruptions in foreign affairs/intelligence, in case you missed them:

Jon Huntsman, U.S. Ambassador to Russia, resigned.
After Dan Coats, Director of National Intelligence “resigned” in the dark of the Moon, his deputy — Sue Gordon— has also “resigned,” leaving a handwritten note.
State Department suspends staffer linked to white supremacist group.
Chuck Park, a Foreign Service Officer, has also resigned. His op-ed explaining why is food for thought. “I can no longer justify being a part of Trump’s ‘Complacent State.”

An astrologer could argue that these streamlining events reflect the squeeze of transiting Saturn squaring the U.S. Saturn — noted in the last forecast. Here’s a bit about the last U.S. Saturn Return in August 2011, which was also experienced as a squeeze. The current square is a challenge to the seeds of ambition that were planted in 2011. How is it working out?

As always, I leave you on an optimistic note — the entire home page from the Good News Network — perfect for a Moon in Sagittarius conjunct Jupiter. Here’s another one: Discovery Channel’s BIG TV nature documentary — Serengeti — is generating BIG BIG ratings. Enjoy!

Thank you for reading this forecast.

Monday 8/5/2019: Sneak Peek at an Expansive Week; Venus-Uranus in the News; Jupiter Pulls Focus

Don’t worry. Be happy.

That’s the upside potential of this week’s exact planetary patterns. Jupiter — symbol of expansion, abundance and optimism — will trine (harmonize) with the regal Leo Sun on Wednesday. The Sun refers to leaders and willpower, suggesting support for your inner CEO. On Thursday Jupiter will trine Venus, suggesting expansion and generosity in matters of women, money, art and social expression. Ask and ye may receive.

As you know, Jupiter has been in Sagittarius — the sign it rules — all year. It is pulling extra focus this week as it slows to a standstill (from our perpective on Earth) and turns direct on Sunday morning. Watch for an abundance of news involving Jupiter-in-Sagittarius themes: travel, free speech, press, court opinions, foreigners, mass communication, sports, horses — to name a few. If you have a planet or angle around 14 degrees of just about any sign, but especially Sagittarius, Pisces, Virgo and Gemini, you’re feeling the expansive rush more than most.

Meanwhile, rebel Uranus is also slowing down. It changes direction on Sunday — but it’s turning retrograde, not direct. We’re see this focus in the news via stories including but not limited to: revolutions/innovations in general and in matters related to money/banking, agriculture/food, seismic activity, possessions, beauty — and maybe even astrology. If you have a planet around 6 degrees of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius, you’re feeling the disruptive buzz more than most.

One horoscope that comes to mind immediately is “Moscow Mitch” McConnell, who has two — and possibly three — affected planets. We know his Venus and Pluto are affected, and these two planets reflect his potential for stubborn emotional extremes. We don’t have a birth time for Moscow Mitch, but if he was born around 3 or 4 PM ET on Feb 20, 1942 in Sheffield, AL, his Moon would be at 6 Taurus. A Taurus Moon needs to preserve comfort and material security, however it feels Things. Ought. To. Be. Now his Moon is likely feeling the effects of transiting Uranus sitting right on top of it, shattering his personal status quo. The fact that “all of a sudden” everyone is calling him #MoscowMitch (much to his displeasure) and that he fell and broke his shoulder over the weekend are apt reflections. His broken bone also reflects transiting Mars (energetic outburst) square his Mars-Saturn-Uranus conjunction in Taurus, which were exact over the weekend. Uranus refers to accidents; Saturn refers to bones; transiting Mars is the energy of action triggering a potential fall.

Anyhoo….

The week goes like this:

MONDAY: Driven by the Moon in Libra, seeking to avoid conflict and faciliatite fairness and balance. A sobering initiative or block marks the morning, as Moon is squared by restrictive Saturn at 10:46 AM ET. Carry on through the rest of the business day, noting the potential for a power play or catharsis around 9 PM ET, as the Moon makes its weekly clash with roto-rooter Pluto.
TUESDAY — The Libra Moon goes void between 3:36 AM ET and 11:31 AM ET, so there’s your excuse for sleeping in — and/or rolling with whatever twist or flake disrupts your morning commute. Once the Moon enters Scorpio, the focus is on depth and substance, for the the sake of power and control. No more airy-fairy Libra theories, thank you very much. Around 11 PM ET, Moon opposes rebel Uranus, suggesting a potential upset or revelation. Still, spirits may be feeling grand, courtesy of…
WEDNESDAY — Jupiter trines the Leo Sun at 3:31 AM ET. Did you buy a lottery ticket? Around 1:31 PM ET, tensions may flare as the Scorpio Moon squares the Leo Sun, arguing about how joint resources are to used for a kingly/queenly pet project, perhaps. Happy First Quarter Moon! The dust settles in the afternoon, and the evening begins on a soothing harmony between the Moon and Neptune, exact at 7:16 PM ET. Plan your beautiful escape.
THURSDAY — the Scorpio Moon goes void at 10:58 AM ET — not to enter Sagittarius (the next sign) until 4:35 PM ET. Chill chill chill during the Moon void — if you haven’t already executed your escape plan. Avoid shopping impulses. Remember that crises which crop up during voids are usually much ado about nothing. Chill — and then exhale when Moon soars into Sagittarius, just minutes after the indulgent trine between Venus and Jupiter, exact at 4:27 PM ET.
FRIDAY — Moon in Sagittarius drives the day with a need to push boundaries in matters of opinion. Get out of that box — into nature or a foreign film.
SATURDAY — more of the same. The Sag Moon goes void at 3:50 PM ET and enters Capricorn at….
SUNDAY — 12:50 AM ET. Note that the first degree of Capricorn is at the Aries Point. Hmm. Something especially prominent in the headlines, perhaps — along themes suggested by Jupiter and Uranus changing direction on this day (9:38 AM ET and 10:26 PM ET, respectively). A Capricorn Moon is driven by a need to get things done, however it can make things work. Capricorn understands strategy and how to make the best use of things and people like nobody’s business. Another shift today: Mercury leaves Cancer and enters Leo at 3:45 PM ET. It joins Sun, Venus and Mars in Leo, adding more regal entitlement and/or sunny drama to collective mindset and communication.

And now, the news.

Back in 2014 and 2015, the horoscope of the U.S. was under exceptional stress, as any horoscope with planets around 13 and 14 degrees of Aries, Libra, Cancer and Capricorn would have been. For the U.S., the most stressful aspect was transiting Uranus and Pluto square the U.S. Saturn. Disruptions in matters of structure and authority are suggested by Uranus on Saturn. Pluto on Saturn, as Avid Readers will recall, suggests potential anguish in the face of considerable loss. Two issues that were dominating the news: the events in Ferguson (and why they happened), and the realization that military surplus equipment had been given to local police (this links to an astrological analysis from 2015). Now that Uranus and Pluto are off of the U.S. Saturn, we now have transiting Saturn squaring the U.S. Saturn, demanding a sobering reality check and/or advance on the matters raised back in 2014 and 2015. So that’s one way to look at the U.S.’s 249th and 250th mass shooting in 219 days. We are due for serious advances and sobering realities, for better or for worse. Videogames are not the culprit, and we know this because videogames exist in other countries, and they do not have mass shootings. We also know from the U.S. horoscope that this country has a romanticized relationship with guns, soldiers and cowboys. Ray of hope: the Murdoch-owned New York Post put a call for a ban on assault weapons on today’s front page.Yup, it’s time to get real.

Meanwhile…

I have a whole slew of headlines reflecting the potential of Friday’s square between Venus (women, who and how we love, art and money) and Uranus. Translation: unconventional attractions; free-spirited women; disruptions in matters of money:

“107 year-old Bronx woman’s secret to life: ‘Stay single.'”
“Craving freedom, Japan’s women opt out of marriage.”
“New medical procedure could delay menopause by 20 years.”
Markets are volatile, as anticipated. Not fun, but accurate.
Have you ever heard of Misfits Markets? They sell “ugly duckling” produce for 50% less than the conventionally attractive fruits and veggies. I got a postcard from them on Friday. With Uranus in Taurus for the next several years, we anticipate significant disruptions in the food industry, as Uranus in Aries disrupted the auto industry (think Uber and self-driving cars) over the past seven years.
Venus also refers to sugar. Here’s what happened to one reporter when he stopping consuming it.

Finally, this WaPo op-ed offers a wild take on what scientists really know about gravity. Turns out it’s not much. I love this op-ed because lately I’ve been using the concept of gravity to help people understand how astrology works. “Astrology is like gravity. You don’t have to know it’s there for it to have an effect.” And now scientists seem to be admitting that they really don’t know what gravity is. I can relate. I can’t tell you what astrology is — or why it works. But I can tell you how and when it works — and more specifically, how and when it works in ways that are meaningful in your own personal world.

Thank you for reading this forecast. Pepper says hi.

Thursday 8/1/2019: New Moon in Leo; Dem Debates & More

Happy, happy August!

Here’s a recap of planetary patterns driving the day — as you may recall from Monday’s Sneak Peek at the Week:

THURSDAY — the day begins with an optimistic harmony between the Leo Moon and Jupiter, planet of expansion. Ease on down the road — but not full speed ahead, as our minds need time to adjust to Mercury’s change of direction. A regal outburst or executive action may manifest around 4:48 PM ET, when the Moon meets up with Mars in Leo, a placement more likely to get away with murder than any other. Moon goes void after the Mars meet-up, so take time to chill and do not make mountains out of molehills.

If you are new to this forecast and unfamiliar with the term “Moon void,” know that during these natural rest periods, we have a higher than average probability of twists and flakes that disrupt efforts to move forward in a straight line. If you’re the one that flakes, do not worry. Stick to routine tasks, as initiatives launched during voids are likely to be of little consequence. Crises which crop up during Moon voids are usually much ado about nothing — a theory that was proven consistently when I worked in news. A hot project would land on my desk that had to get done not now, but RIGHT NOW — and invariably the crisis would fade into a classic Emily Litella “Never mind.” For more on Moon voids, here is a detailed primer.

The Moon enters the next sign — Virgo –at 9:20 AM ET on Friday, determined to restore order in the aftermath of the Leo Moon’s party.

Now about yesterday’s New Moon in Leo. It was exact at 11:12 PM ET, when the Sun and Moon met up at 8 degrees of Leo. There’s still time to make a list and light a candle today. A New Moon offers us an opportunity to set intentions and goals for the lunar cycle. Around August 7th, 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 August 15th, we may have 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 the 23rd, we can review our achievements, tie up loose ends and get ready to begin anew, with the New Moon in Virgo on August 30th.

Here is the New Moon chart set in Washington DC:

Leo refers to the heart. A Leo Sun comes to the table with the energy to be recognized; a Leo Moon needs, needs, needs to be loved, honored and respected. Here, the Sun and Moon are separating from Venus and on their way to Mars. Thus we see a need for ginormous love, applause and creative self-expression, with a dramatic dose of idealism and possible regal entitlement. How are we going to manifest the creativity that gives us the recognition and love we need? Those are our marching orders for this lunar cycle.

The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon is “glass blowers.” I have found that these New Moon Sabian Symbols have an uncanny way of working their way into the headlines. The Sabian Symbol for the last New Moon was “a clown making grimaces.” Exhibit A:

“Boris Johnson Plays a Clown…“
“NY Daily News Mocks Trump as a ‘Clown’ on Independence Day” (two days after the July 2 New Moon)
“There Was No Clown on Board: Cruise Ship Company Denies Report of Violent Brawl Started When Passenger Dressed Up as a Clown” (when Mercury is retrograde, don’t believe everything you read in the headlines)

How will this New Moon’s Sabian Symbol be reflected in the news? I don’t know, but it will be. Sabian Symbol sage Blaine Bovee notes that glass blowers are challenged to craft their work “without blowing it out of proportion or shattering [it].” He observes that a skilled application of temperature is key to a glass blower’s success. When is it apt to heat something up, cool it down or break it and start over? We are advised to apply this Symbol with “a mind to the art of animating a base material into a living thing” (italics are mine — I suspect those words will crop up in the news). Bovee has more to say here. We’ll probably see plenty of headlines about temperatures, like this one from today.

Wherever 8-9 Leo falls in your horoscope is the area of your life in which you may experience a crafting and/or re-crafting of a heart-centered creative ideal. If you have a planet or angle at 8-9 degrees of Aquarius, Taurus, Scorpio and especially Leo, you are even more affected by this creative challenge. Aiding and abetting your creative spark — as reflected in the New Moon chart — is the courage to innovate. Venus — which represents what, whom and how we love — is squared by Uranus (exact on Friday). Venus-Uranus patterns suggest unconventional attractions, gender-benders, free-spirited women and disruption in matters of money, value and art. As Susan Sontag told my Wellesley class at our commencement, “Be bold, be bold, be bold.”

Meanwhile, Mercury — how we need to think and communication — is also strong in this New Moon chart, as it turned direct minutes after the New Moon. Avid Readers will recall that a planet at its stationary point is demanding focus, the way an insistent driver demands focus when he/she leans on the horn. Mercury turned direct at 23 Cancer; its Sabian Symbol is “a woman and two men on a bit of sunlit land facing south.” In other words (advises Bovee), this is an image of a classic love triangle, suggesting that a choice between two perhaps worthy but different options must be made. The “sunlit land” is the issue highlighted that must be decided. The last time this Sabian Symbol demanded our focus was…on the New Moon in July 2015.

And now, the news.

Round #2 of the Democratic candidate debates happened over the past two nights, and everyone declared CNN’s format the loser. The Moon was dead’ Mercury was stationary; some were declared listless and/or confused — reflecting the potential of those planetary patterns. Meanwhile, the candidates with the hottest horoscopes got a ton of attention for being hot, to no skilled astrologer’s surprise.

MARIANNE WILLIAMSON — is having a banner week. I’ve been writing about her horoscope since 2012 — here and here. After her debate on Tuesday, she was the most Google-searched of all the candidates in every state but Montana. She scored the most new Twitter followers, too. No one who has seen her horoscope is surprised by her straightforward address of challenging questions such as racism in America and how that needs to be dealt with before we can move forward with a wonky action plan. Marianne Williamson is driven by a Capricorn Moon; taking care of business and making things happen is her top priority. This week, she’s reaping the potential success of transiting North Node on her rebellious/fiercely unique Sun-Uranus conjunction in Cancer. Her revolutionary prescription for establishing emotional and homeland security is likely to connect with the masses at this time. Meanwhile transiting Mars will be exactly on her Pluto this week, supporting a forceful and empowered application of energy. Also facilitating a successful expansive public outreach: transiting Jupiter opposing her clever Gemini Ascendant three times in 2019. While I am not convinced she will become the Democratic nominee, patterns in her horoscope are ripe for continued expansion into early 2020. Part of her success is the timing of her message, as it reflects the needs of planetary patterns impacting us all. And those would be the need to address matters of faith (symbolized by the ongoing Jupiter-Neptune square) and the need to have a solid and authoritative action plan (Saturn-Pluto in Capricorn).
STEVE BULLOCK — he’s the governor of Montana, and thus was the most-Googled candidate in his home state. I told you he would be a notable contender back in May, when he announced his candidacy. Did it matter that he didn’t qualify for the the first debate in May? Hell, no. Born on April 11, 1966 — time unknown — he is a pioneering Aries driven by a Capricorn Moon. His 21 Aries Sun is being supercharged by transiting Pluto, just as AOC’s horoscope was when she “came out of nowhere” and trounced her incumbent opponent. Resistance is futile. Also, Bullock’s exact Uranus-Pluto conjunction in Virgo gives him revolutionary potential, which was activated this year by Mars (solar arc — another way of measuring time) and by transiting Jupiter. In July 2020, he will have transiting Jupiter square his Aries Sun, another suggestion of expansion and recognition. His big campaign issue: getting “dark money’ out of politics.
JOHN DELANEY — another Aries with Moon in Capricorn — April 16, 1963, no birthtime. His 26 Aries Sun is not reaping the full empowerment potential of transiting Pluto (waiting until 2021), but it’s possible that Pluto may be on his Moon, reflecting exceptional zeal. Or perhaps his Moon is closer to transiting Saturn right now, as after Elizabeth Warren zinged him for being a wet blanket, his Wikipedia biography was hacked and he was declared dead. Saturn refers to ending and limitations, doncha’ know. As for why John Delaney has suddenly burst upon the scene…well…think about this. What planet is associated with “sudden?” And if you’re thinking “Uranus”, congratulations — because Uranus is all over John Delaney’s Sun (by solar arc), so we can see the lightning bolt potential happening right now, for better or for worse.

None of the above candidates have qualified for the third Democratic debates, which are scheduled for September 12 and 13th. Here are the seven who have — all have been discussed in this forecast — search the archives. Meanwhile, reflecting the tech innovations of Venus and Uranus with respect to relationships, the NYT has just posted a wacky op-ed that presents the candidates as if they were prospects on Tinder. Will you swipe left or swipe right?

Meanwhile, this week’s Sun-Venus square to Uranus suggests unconventional attractions and technology. Cue convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, whose personal horoscope suggests he’s in for more than a year of freakshow scandals, to the extreme. Still, even I wasn’t prepared for the extreme freakshow reported yesterday: “Epstein reportedly hoped to establish super-race of humans with his DNA.” Oh, and…“Jeffrey Epstein wanted to freeze his head and penis after dying.” This is going to get weirder and weirder — and I’ve written more about Epstein for the next Mountain Astrologer. But while we’re on the subject, here’s a WaPo article about the 2004 real estate deal that happened just before Epstein and P45 apparently severed ties. How does this saga reflect planetary patterns, you may be wondering? It reflects the likely healing focus on toxic masculinity that Chiron’s March ingress into Aries offers — and here’s the podcast.

In other news…

Venus square Uranus nearly always coincides with an unconventional item in the world of art. It’s just been announced that “Portraits of Courage” will be the first exhibit at a new space at the Kennedy Center. The artist is George W. Bush, who created this series of 66 paintings to honor the armed services. The exhibition at the Kennedy Center opens October 7, exactly when transiting Jupiter opposes his natal Uranus. Jupiter rules his 5th house (of creative self-expression); Uranus rules his 7th House (public outreach). Jupiter in contact with Uranus can reflect a windfall opportunity. The timing of this announcement happened with the Leo New Moon on his Leo Ascending Mercury and Pluto. Of course it did! Astrology is amazing!!

And now that I’m looking at Dubya’s horoscope, 2020-2021 has change written all over it. A fresh start, a geographic relocation, a declaration of independence or other upset to the status quo, coupled with a transformational empowerment involving home and homeland is on the horizon.

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

Monday 7/29/2019: Sneak Peek at the Week; U.S. Mercury Eclipsed; Saturn-Pluto stress & the Power of YES

Dashing off a few thoughts to carry us through until Wednesday’s New Moon in Leo, exact at 11:12 PM ET. Until then, remember that we are in the dark of the Moon and thus may feel a sense of restlessness or listlessness, as we sense that something new is just around the corner. Look up in the sky tonight and you can enjoy the annual Delta Aquarids meteor shower. Meanwhile, the week goes like this:

MONDAY — Moon enters Cancer at 7:31 AM ET, shifting our focus to matters of home and emotional security. It comes after an especially long Moon void that started at 11:25 AM ET on Sunday, which gave us a chance to chill. The buzz that’s been in the air for the past few days reflects the electric energy of the Leo Sun’s square to rebel Uranus, exact at 7:13 PM ET. Keywords for Sun-Uranus (in the headlines): aviation, rebellion, tech innovation, seismic activity, sudden shocks, astrology. If you were born around the 29th of July, October, January or April, you are feeling the buzz more than most. Your state of independence could make headlines, as it did last week for Dr. Leana Wen, who was ousted from her post as the head of Planned Parenthood. I wrote about Dr. Wen’s horoscope in the Aug/Sep issue of Mountain Astrologer.
TUESDAY — A challenging day for the Cancer Moon, as it makes its weekly clash with Saturn and Pluto at 9:57 AM ET and 7:27 PM ET, respectively. For the former, we see a potential authoritiative advance or control; for the latter we have a potential emotional catharsis or power play. The hours in between have an easier flow for getting things done, though communications still have a higher than average probability of being misunderstood or simply stuck. Double check and triple check before you hit “send” — and keep your cool no matter how many times you may have to repeat what you just said. Moon goes void at 11:33 PM ET, not to enter Leo until…
WEDNESDAY — …at 9:18 AM ET. The early Moon void is the East Coaster’s excuse for the twist or flake to her morning routine. Once the Moon enters Leo, it seeks opportunities to shine like the drama queen it needs to be. A jolt or revelation may present itself around 7:54 PM ET, when the Moon squares Uranus. The New Moon kicks in at 11:12 PM ET, and minutes later, at 11:58 PM ET, Mercury turns direct. I will write more on the New Moon in Leo later this week.
THURSDAY — the day begins with an optimistic harmony between the Leo Moon and Jupiter, planet of expansion. Ease on down the road — but not full speed ahead, as our minds need time to adjust to Mercury’s change of direction. A regal outburst or executive action may manifest around 4:48 PM ET, when the Moon meets up with Mars in Leo, a placement more likely to get away with murder than any other. Moon goes void after the Mars meet-up, so take time to chill and do not make mountains out of molehills.
FRIDAY — At 5:59 AM ET, Venus is squared by Uranus, echoing the Sun-Uranus square that started the week. Venus-Uranus patterns suggest unconventional attractions, gender-benders, free-spirited women and disruptive news in matters of money, value and art. Volatility in the markets is one potential. I hear the Fed is going to cut interest rates…. At 9:20 AM ET the Moon enters Virgo, determined to restore order in the aftermath of the Leo Moon’s party and/or parade.
SATURDAY — More Virgo Moon and no void to deter your shopping expedition.
SUNDAY — Moon goes void at 12:27 AM ET and enters Libra at 9:30 AM ET. The focus for Libra is balance and fairness in relationships; social decorum and avoidance of conflict.

Overall, planetary patterns for August are much more expansive than the patterns dominating July. For now, the patterns reflecting authoritarian control and naked power plays are humming in the background, like so much white noise. But they will be back front and center in October, when Saturn and Pluto again challenge the Sun, as they did in July.

And now, the news.

Frankly, the news has reduced me to tears on more than one occasion this month, as in here — here — here — here — and here. Not that any of it should come as a surprise, given the aforementioned authoritarian power plays that reflect the approaching meet-up between Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn in January, and especially how this meet-up activates the horoscope of the United States. I could spell out a few of those distressing headlines, but why be such a Debbie Downer (I think to myself as I write). I could also direct you to a resource where you can see them all for yourself, and here I would be referring you to Amy Siskind, whom I last wrote about in June of 2017.

Ms. Siskind has been publishing The Weekly List since November 20, 2016. Her inspiration? “Experts in authoritarianism advise to keep a list of things subtly changing around you, so you’ll remember.” When I wrote about the Weekly List in June of 2017, I offered this perpective on the US horoscope:

There are 82 items on Amy Siskind’s list posted on June 24th, Week 32.

Where might this be going? In 2018, Saturn moves into Capricorn, the sign it rules. Saturn refers to patriarchy, structure, authority, ambition, corporations, governments. It will square the U.S. Venus and Jupiter in 2018, suggesting a streamlining squeeze. Then it will oppose the U.S. Sun and square the U.S. Saturn in 2019. The U.S. last experienced this pattern in 2010 and 2011, so a look at government initiatives back then would be helpful — fodder for another post. In 2020, Saturn will meet up with Pluto, which it has not done since 1982. Here’s a helpful article on the Saturn-Pluto cycle. In 2021 and 2022, the U.S. will have its first Pluto return, along with transiting Neptune squaring our natal Mars and our natal Neptune. Breaking down and rebuilding (Pluto) on a new vision (Neptune-Mars)?

Meanwhile, the July 16th lunar eclipse happened on the U.S. Mercury, which is at 24 Cancer. Mercury symbolizes how we need to think and communicate. The U.S. Mercury is at the midpoint of P45’s Saturn-Venus conjunction (23 and 25 Cancer, respectively). To me this is an image of extremely narrow and controlling values regarding family and homeland security, imposed on the U.S. mindset. Also in the picture: Eris — symbolizing discord created by those scorned, now demanding a seat at the table. Eris is now at 24 Aries, squaring the U.S. Mercury and P45’s Saturn-Venus. Yesterday Mercury was at 24 Cancer, activating the July 16th eclipse, P45’s Twittering thumbs and the U.S. Mercury. What dominated the headlines? P45’s horrible nasty racist Tweets lobbed at Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) and his entire district, which P45 called “a disgusting rat and rodent-infested mess…where no human being would want to live.” And since his son-in-law Jared Kushner owns hundreds of rental properties in Baltimore that have been cited for code violations (including vermin infestation), P45 would be in a position to know.

Mercury will be on or closerthanthis to 24 Cancer through August 5th, keeping this discussion in the spotlight. In 2020, when Saturn and Pluto oppose the U.S. Mercury, I expect we will experience greater extremes in thought on issues of race and “us” and “not-us.”

UPDATE: on Robert Mueller, as some Avid Readers have asked. He testified in two hearings last Wednesday (7/24). Moon was in me-me-me Aries during the morning hearing (held by the House Judiciary Committee), but by the time the afternoon hearing (held by the House Intelligence Committee) got underway, the Aries Moon went void. I wish it had been the other way around, because the focus was on Russian interference in the 2016 election, as Adam Schiff summarized in his opening statement. What also contributed to the fizzle effect of Mueller’s testimony, as opposed to a potential sizzle? In a word: Neptune. As Avid Readers may recall, transiting Neptune has completed a series of oppositions to Mueller’s razor-sharp Mercury in Virgo and is now in the middle of a series of oppositions to Mueller’s equally precise Virgo Mars. Neptune dissolves and fogs whatever it touches — and in this case, it’s Mueller’s ability to act with said laser-precision. And the media just couldn’t get over it, preferring to dwell on Mueller’s “performance” as opposed to the hardcore facts of his investigation. Neptune will continue to exert its foggy influence on Mueller’s Mars for the next 12 months. Immediate fallout from his testimony could have been seen as a personal attack — and aptly reflected transiting Mars on Mueller’s regal Leo Sun, exact on July 25th. Coincidence or conspiracy?

Meanwhile, across the pond, Boris Johnson is now Britain’s new Prime Minister. Born 6/19/1964 in NY, NY at 2 PM, Johnson is a Gemini driven by a Scorpio Mooo, fronted by a people-pleasing Libra Ascendant. While he may be benefitting from the expansive potential of Jupiter activating planets in the area of the horoscope related to international affairs and mass communication, I’m not convinced he will be in the same position of influence by early fall of 2020.

In other news, the revolutionary potential of today’s Sun-Uranus square was reflected thusly:

Puerto Ricans took to the streets for 12 days, finally prompting its corrupt governor to resign.
“Russian police crack down on protests as (opposition leader) Alexai Navalny suffers possible poisoning behind bars”
“Asteroid that could have wiped out city narrowly missed Earth, catching scientists by surprise”

I leave you with another horoscope that’s currently hot: Jon Anderson, lead singer and collaborative creative force behind the progressive rock group, Yes. What a powerful statement that name is: YES! I confess I didn’t really “get” Yes when I first heard their music back in the Stone Age. Now I realize Yes was way ahead of its time. Anderson is a Scorpio driven by the Moon in humanitarian Aquarius, likely fronted by a Libra Ascendant. His Sun and Moon are supercharged by transiting Uranus this year and into early 2020, suggesting an intense time of individuation. Right now he’s on tour — and I had the good fortune to catch his first stop in Staten Island on Friday. If Jon Anderson is coming to a venue near you (accompanied by eight other musicians from around the world), don’t miss this show! Anderson may be 74 going on 75, but a potent Sun-Mercury-Mars stellium, trine to Saturn affords stamina and discpline. Sublime aesthetic expression is suggested by Venus in boundary-pushing Sagittarius, sextile Neptune and trine Pluto.

I don’t know about you, but my plan is to remain on Spaceship Earth for at least another 40 years, doing what I am doing now: helping others realize their full potential — and never shutting up about the astonishing synchronicity of headline news and planetary patterns. We will have some wild stories to share, I am certain.

Thank you for reading this forecast — and thank you for your patience as I emerge from my Mercury REtrograde REtreat and finally return emails and phone calls…

Monday 7/8/2019: Sneak Peek at a Jam-Packed Week; Mercury Retrograde Survival Guide!

Allll-righty then!

A lot to unpack today, starting with Mercury—which in the language of astrology refers to mindset, travel and communication. It is now retrograde (as of Sunday at 7:15 PM ET) and will appear to move backward through the sky until August 1st. It’s not really moving backward, but that is how it looks from our perspective here on Spaceship Earth. Mercury goes retrograde 3-4 times each year, for a period of 22 days.

On the second of its three retrogrades of 2019, Mercury starts at 4 Leo and moves backwards into Cancer. In Leo, Mercury is not interested in sorting through data and analyzing it, as much as it is interested in declaring what it knows to be true, with pride and regal flair. When a planet stations and turns on a particular degree, picture an impatient driver leaning on the horn. It’s a point of focus, right? Perhaps the Sabian Symbol for this degree offers clues. It is “rock formations at the edge of a precipice” and it was the one of the focal points during last July’s lunar eclipse. Therefore, anyone with a planet or angle around 4 degrees of Leo, Aquarius, Taurus and Scorpio may experience a rush of information and/or action right about now.

Of this particular Sabian Symbol, Blain Bovee notes that these “large, hard stones…may be teetering…on the brink of a deep fall.” A “precipice” is a high vertical or overhanging face of rock, suggesting a perilous situation. Yes, indeed — judging from many headlines hitting the wires in recent days. But did you know that the word “precarious” originally meant “to be obtained by begging,” thus suggesting an “uncertainty in one’s sense of existing.” Contemplate that for the next three weeks, with respect to wherever Mercury falls in your horoscope. Bovee’s book is chock full of wonderful bits of wisdom.

Here’s how to handle Mercury retrograde — regardless of what sign it’s in:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When in doubt, be silent!

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

Would you like to know how this Mercury retrograde will activate your horoscope? Toss $44 into my Cosmic Tip Jar and email me your birth time, place and date. I will email you a few paragraphs of insights in a day or so. If that link gives you trouble, there’s another link at the bottom of this email (if you’re receiving this forecast via email). For a more detailed discussion about all of the planetary patterns that are hot in your horoscope, here’s the 411.

Ohhhhh-Kay! Now for the rest of this jam-packed week:

MONDAY — Moon is in Libra, driving the day with a need for fairness and balance. At 11:31 AM ET Venus (women) was sextile (harmonizing) with Uranus, disruptor of the status quo and champion of a level playing field. You better believe those women soccer players who just won the World Cup — again! — deserve equal pay; not now, but RIGHT NOW. At 6:28 PM ET, a verbal assault may take no prisoners, as Mercury and Mars meet up in drama queen Leo.
TUESDAY — The day begins with the streamlined challenge of the First Quarter Moon, followed by Moon’s weekly clash with Saturn. Oh wait there’s more, as kings and CEOs may be feeling the squeeze of the Saturn’s annual face-off with the Sun, exact at 1:07 PM ET. Saturn suggests limits and structure; the Sun refers to vitality. What heavy reach for ambition and/or heartless cut will make news today? At 3:35 PM ET, Moon goes void on its weekly clash with Pluto, suggesting a catharsis or power play in the name of the Libra Moon’s quest for fairness and balance. Chill during the void and roll with the twists and flakes that may arise, especially since Mercury is retrograde!
WEDNESDAY — Enough with the talk, as the Moon plunges into the emotional depths of Scorpio at 5:29 AM ET. You’ll get less resistance in the morning hours ET; the afternoon features dynamic clashes between the Moon, Mercury and Mars — all in Fixed Signs, suggesting a resistance to give in with all parties concerned. At 4:20 PM ET, rebel Uranus happily shakes up an impasse, clearing the way for a beautiful escape, truce or display of compassion…which is somehow part of a daring initiative or technological breakthrough. This would be the upside potential of two patterns exact on…
THURSDAY — as the nurturing Cancer Sun makes beautiful music with Neptune at 12:32 AM ET. I’m not kidding about the music; I challenge you to notice how many people on the streets are singing or humming out loud over the next few days. So that’s the pattern reflecting the potential beautiful escape, compassion or vision — and if you’re a creative or spiritual type with a planet around 18 degrees of just about any sign, you can take that vision to the bank. The Scorpio Moon travels through this day supported — not thwarted — by the other kids in the planetary playpen — use it or lose it. Meanwhile, Mars, planet of aggression and action, squares rebel Uranus at 1:59 PM ET. This is your potential daring initiative or tech breakthrough. A downside potential could involve seismic activity and other explosive outbursts. Moon goes void at 8:28 PM ET, so chill until…
FRIDAY — when the Moon soars into Sagittarius at 11:05 AM ET, pusheing boundaries of opinion and territory. Get out of the house; get out of Dodge; get out of that state you’re in.
SATURDAY — More of the same from Friday. You’re free to shop without worry that what you purchase will not serve as imagined until 9:31 PM ET, when the Moon goes void until…
SUNDAY — at 7:05 PM ET, when it enters Capricorn and gets down to business. The Moon void may take the sting out of the power play or news from underground that coincides with the Sun’s annual face-off against Pluto, exact at 10:46 AM ET. History buffs can refer to these two forecasts from last July to review what was going on in the news on the last Sun-Pluto opposition. If you were born around the 10th of July, October, January or April, when was the last time you consulted with your astrologer? I know you’d have plenty to talk about…

The news will return in the next forecast. If you’re wondering about the timing of the big news about sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s arrest on federal charges of sex trafficking, note that transiting Saturn is at 17 Capricorn, where it was on the last big burst of info on this story, noted here in March. We don’t have a birth time for Epstein’s obviously hot horoscope (Jan 20 1953 in Coney Island), but I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the missing components in the chart is around 17 degrees of Aries, Libra, Cancer or Capricorn. Perhaps transiting Saturn is putting the squeeze on a 17 Aries Moon or an angle? Meanwhile, here’s the latest from Intelligencer — and of course, the Miami Herald.

Thank you for reading this forecast. And thanks to Beth Owl’s Daughter for the fun Mercury retro/banana mash-up. Here’s her awesome Tarot Card of the Week.

***UPDATE*** The Forecast is on a brief Mercury retrograde hiatus, while your faithful astrologer focuses on other writing that must be done. I am available for consultation, should you need personal insights. Meanwhile, make the most of the Mercury retrograde’s potential for REview, REtreat, REvision, RElaxing and REconnecting. Stay tuned…

Tuesday 7/2/2019: Late Sneak Peek at a Holiday Week: New Moon in Cancer; Solar Eclipse

The Cancer Moon is not yet new (as I write), and I don’t know about you, but the restlessness and listlessness of the dead Moon seems stronger than usual. Perhaps because this New Moon — exact at 3:16 PM ET — will also be a total solar eclipse, the first one since the Great American Eclipse in August 2017.

A New Moon offers an opportunity to set our intentions for the next 28ish days. The eclipse adds potency to seeds that may be planted, and here’s the theory. Solar eclipses act like a “bottleneck” of energy. Light flowing from the Sun is temporarily interrupted, focusing attention on that interrupted point. As light is held back, something new and possibly fragile may enter the picture and grow. And here I would be thinking of Michael, the kindhearted policeman in the storybook Make Way for Ducklings, who stopped the flow of traffic on Beacon Street so Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and their brood of eight could safely make their way to the Boston Public Garden. Otherwise, they would have been roadkill. Got that?

With the Moon in Cancer, the seeds planted involve matters of emotional and home/homeland security. Y’know, core foundational concerns. Are you standing on solid ground? Where is your home? Tell me about your family, your mother, your ancestors. How are you being nourished and nurtured? How are you nurturing others?

To see what this eclipse suggests for the U.S. this cycle, let’s look at the chart in Washington D.C.

We see the Sun and Moon in the area of the horoscope related to foreign affairs, publishing, collective belief systems (law, religious dogma, philosophy) and higher education. The two are about to meet up with the North Node in Cancer. The North Node symbolizes an opportunity for growth. In Cancer, the path to higher development involves caring, mothering and nurturing. What gets in the way of growth is represented by the South Node in Capricorn (patriarchy, status, governmental structures — without feeling). With Saturn retrograde in Capricorn and about to oppose the Sun-Moon in Cancer, there’s strong potential for growth to be blocked by corporate Powers That Be.

Rebel Uranus is on the 7th House cusp — a.k.a. the Descendant — a.k.a. one of the angles of the horoscope. This is in-your-face disruption/revolution/innovation/surprise. Mercury (how we need to think) and Mars (how we need to act) are aligned in royally entitled drama king Leo (so prepare for thoughts and actions accordingly). Mercury and Mars are also about to square Uranus, adding a possible mad scientist, true genius, reckless warrior, genetic mutation and/or shock factor to royal expression and action. Meanwhile, Venus — women, money, values and social graces — is isolated at the end of double-talking info junkie Gemini, attracting attention but not connecting with any of the other kids in the sandbox. Somewhere, somehow during this lunar cycle, we may witness a woman saying, “I told you so.”

The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon — offering clues to what we will be hearing in the news this month — is “a clown making grimaces.” To quote George Takei, “Ohhhhhhhhhh my.” Sabian Symbol Blaine Bovee describes this symbol as “the image of a buffoon, professional or by nature, making faces of pain, disgust or fright.” Did you know that the word “fool” derives from the Greek word follis, meaning windbag or bellows? “The art of a clown,” says Bovee, “is to show an exaggerated expression of an obvious nature through a painted face. We should apply this symbol with a mind for “a need to cleverly camouflage oneself and the question, ‘Who is the fool?'”

The area of your horoscope in which this New Moon/eclipse falls is where you is where you may have an opportunity to plant seeds that can create greater emotional security. You are more personally affected by this lunation if you have a planet or angle around 10 degrees of Cancer and Capricorn — and to some extent, Aries and Libra.

And now, a look at patterns for the rest of the week. There aren’t any among the planets, except from the Moon. I’ve noticed that weeks with these seemingly light patterns have coincided with events not unlike that of an ice shelf in Antarctica falling into the ocean for no apparent reason or warning. If an actual ice shelf makes news this week, I won’t be surprised. That being said, the rest of the week goes like this:

WEDNESDAY — Moon’s weekly clashes with hard-nosed Saturn and powerbroker Pluto happen at 3:01 AM ET and 10:25 AM ET, respectively. Keep an eye on action on the other side of the International Date Line, and watch for a possible catharsis or power play in the Americas before noon. At 11:18 AM ET, Venus enters Cancer, suggesting an opportunity for Elizabeth Warren and Barack Obama to be noticed, as both have planets at 0 and 1 degrees of Cancer. Also likely to make headlines: mothers and other caring women; financial security; investments in the arts. Meanwhile, mind the Moon void that begins at 10:25 AM ET and won’t end until 11:19 PM ET. Chill during the void; skip out early for your 4th of July long weekend. Once the Moon enters Leo, bring on the fireworks and parades for two and a half days of pomp, partying and pageantry.
THURSDAY — Moon meets up with Mars at 1:41 AM ET, offering a dramatic expression of will. We’ll hear all about it around 5:50 AM ET, as the Leo Moon meets up with Mercury. When the Moon squares Uranus at 9:11 AM ET, a surprise may capture our attention.
FRIDAY — Moon harmonizes with Jupiter at 2:24 AM ET, ending America’s birthday celebration on a jubilant note. Moon then goes void for the entire day and night…so chill, chill, chill…and don’t freak out over a perceived crisis, as the Moon void suggests it is likely much ado about nothing.
SATURDAY — Moon enters Virgo at 12:25 AM ET, determined to clean up the Leo Moon’s mess and set things right. This is a good time to BACK UP YOUR COMPUTERS as…
SUNDAY — MERCURY TURNS RETROGRADE at 7:15 PM ET. As the Virgo Moon will be VOID between 12:50 PM ET and 2:07 AM ET on MONDAY, we have a higher than average potential for people wandering off course. Your mission is to MAINTAIN FOCUS — and I will have more to say about Mercury later in the week.

And now, the news.

The days before a New Moon are apt times for planning and executing strategies you’d prefer to remain unseen. Thus it was an intriguing time for last week’s G-20 summit in Osaka, even in the afterglow of last week’s “can’t be all be friends?” harmony between the CEO Sun and wacky buddy Uranus. Follow that link to Japan’s helpful website and you will learn that the G-20 represents 80% of the world’s GDP. Sure, everybody wants to rule the world, but too bad, there’s only enough room for 20 at this here table. And how that 80% of the world’s GDP is managed and distributed is what th”Who Se ongoing tango among Saturn, Pluto, the toxic South Node — all in PTB Capricorn — is about. January 12, 2020 is when Saturn and Pluto finally meet up.

Here are the lowlights of the conference, helpfully compiled by Mother Jones.

Speaking of secrets, as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture moves ahead on efforts to neuter scientific research by moving the Department’s headquarters from D.C. to Missouri, Politico published an in-depth report on “the best-kept secret” in the Department.

Elsewhere, the afterglow of the Sun’s harmony with unconventional Uranus was an apt backdrop for the largest celebration of LGBTQ pride in the world — right here in New York City this weekend. Mother Nature herself got into the spirit — and sent a rainbow messenger to kick off festivities. Coincidence or conspiracy?

Meanwhile, Neptune in Pisces offered us another chance to master the lesson of empathy, along with a few cautionary tales…

“Ocasio-Cortez Live-Tweets ‘Horrifying’ and ‘Dehumanizing’ Treatment of Migrant in U.S. Detention Facilities” Hearings will be held next week in the House.
“As major city in India runs out of water, 9 million people pray for rain.”
“Who Should Live in Flooded Old New York?” — another installment in a fascinating series of NYT op-eds that could be published decades from now. Sci-fi fans, rejoice.

Gahhhh — most of these stories are so heavy — (you might be thinking). Welcome to the world of headline news in interesting times. Still, there are always a ton of stories on goodnewsnetwork.org — enjoy! And Beth Owls Daughter’s Tarot Card of the Week offers a potentially heroic application of the regal Leo spin on words and actions we can try over the next several days. Leo rules the heart, doncha’ know.

Plus, right now the U.S. women’s soccer team is ahead in the semi-finals — happening live as I go to press. Megan Rapinoe isn’t in the game — sidelined — perhaps — by a frustrating hit of restrictive Saturn on her Mars (action). Her birthday is on the 5th — she’s a Cancer with Moon in Aquarius, just like the U.S. We don’t have a birth time — but you tell me if you think she’ll have reason to celebrate on Friday. Here is her horoscope.

No sleeping in on Monday. Mercury and Mars will meet up in Leo and Venus harmonizes (by sextile) with Uranus. Human kindness (it’s overflowing) and a courageous stand would be the upside potential of those patterns. Cue Bette Midler with that song from Beaches now, please. It’s been in my head all day — for the children in cages, the citizens of Chennai, India and everyone else who needs a lift.

Thank you for reading this forecast.

Friday 6/28/2019 & the Weekend: It’s Debatable

TGIF!

The stability-seeking Taurus Moon moooooooooves at a steady pace today. With no interference from other planets, it’s easy to preserve the status quo. Steady as she goes, into the weekend. A Taurus Moon is always up for a sensual delight: good food and a snuggle with your sweetie — whatever brings you feelings of material comfort and security. On SATURDAY, more of the same. The Taurus Moon goes void at 2:38 PM ET and enters Gemini at 5:09 PM ET. Indulge the Gemini buzz with a clever and entertaining diversion. On SUNDAY, that buzz may be made bigger around 11:06PM ET, thanks to an opposition to Jupiter.

No sleeping in on MONDAY. The buzz of the info-seeking Gemini Moon continues through the evening. By then, we will be in the dark side of the Moon — the end of the lunar cycle. This accounts for feelings of listlessness or restlessness some may experience, sensing that something new is around the corner, but we’re not sure what. The New Moon happens at 3:16 PM ET on TUESDAY and it will be the first of two eclipses this month.

Eclipses offer opportunities for acceleratied focus, growth and release in whatever area of the horoscope it falls. It’s been a few years since I’ve offered an eclipse special, and I’m pleased to do so now. If you’d like a few paragraphs of personal insights on how the eclipses of July 2nd and 15th are likely to be reflected in your horoscope, send me your birth data on this contact form (or via return email, if you are a subscriber). Then toss $44 into my Cosmic Tip Jar, and I will send insights within a day or so.

And now, the news.

The first round of the Democratic debates is over, and as anticipated, three candidates made notable waves: Elizabeth Warren on Wednesday; Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg on Thursday. Former HUD Secretary Julian Castro also did well, and we can see the potential boost in his horoscope. His Virgo Sun and Moon are both under the expansive influence of transiting Jupiter through 2019. Plus, just a few days ago transiting Pluto opposed his Cancer Ascendant. Castro is a perfectionist and caring thinker/communicator. Transiting Pluto offers an opportunity to become more empowered, literally through connections with power and resources. “Castro Sees Strongest Fundraising Day Post-Debate.”

Senator Cory Booker scored points — and his horoscope is also being boosted by Jupiter — and Uranus, too. The latter squared his Aquarius Ascendant several weeks ago, facilitating fresh starts and opportunities for individuation. His 6 Taurus Sun is thisclose to being hit by transiting Uranus, so the break-out buzz can be felt, but hasn’t quite released. That won’t happen until the end of April 2020, which is about when we can expect to see a change of status. It’s interesting to note that both he and Elizabeth Warren have rebel Uranus at the Aries Point. Both can’t help but attract attention for all the ways in which they break the conventional mold. According to his Wikipedia biography, Booker is “one of the most prominent Democrats.” He is a vegan, doesn’t drink, has never been married and has a knack for success with social media (Uranus = technology).

To be continued…

Thank you for reading this forecast.

Monday 6/24/2019: Sneak Peek at the Week; Venus-Jupiter-Neptune in the News

Good morning!

The work week begins under the big dreamy spell of Venus (women, art, money, social expression) making contact with Jupiter (big) and Neptune (dreamy). Stories involving luxurious indulgence, empathy for human suffering and bewildering escapes are likely to grab our attention. Was it just a coincidence that a Facebook friend took the time to comment on how many of her friends were posting pictures of ‘smores (a total indulgence) over the weekend?

Go with the intuitive flow today, suggests the Pisces Moon. It goes void at 7:10 PM ET and enters Aries at 10:38 PM ET. Chill during the void and roll with any twists or flakes that may disrupt your efforts to move forward in a straight line. The rest of the week goes like this:

TUESDAY — the me-me-me Aries Moon squares the homeland/family-focused Cancer Sun at 5:46 AM ET. The rest of the day is driven by the Aries Moon’s need to boldly go where no one has gone before, with no interference from other planets.
WEDNESDAY — More of the Moon in proactive Aries — but now with interference. Compare the energetic flow of Tuesday with your experience of Wednesday, as the Moon makes contact with four planets. Two are easy. Two are challenging, and those would be the Moon’s weekly clashes with Saturn and Pluto, exact at 10:38 AM ET and 6:42 PM ET. The former suggests an ambitious advance or a wet blanket; the latter suggests a catharsis or power play.
WEDNESDAY — at 8:20 PM ET, Mercury — how we need to think and communicate — leaves Cancer and enters rip roarin’ Leo. Cue the royal edicts now, please — until July 19th — with a return engagement August 12-29. The return engagement occurs because Mercury will turn retrograde on July 7th in Leo, backing up into Cancer on July 19th through August 2nd. Mercury turns retrograde at 4 Leo and turns direct at 23 Cancer. Back up your computers NOW.
THURSDAY — the Aries Moon goes void at 3:51 AM ET on a provocative contact with Mars, suggesting a potential minor scuffle over someone’s turf. Moon enters Taurus at 9:32 AM ET, driving the next three days with a need to settle down and secure the fort. At 10:23 AM ET, Moon squares Mercury in Leo, prompting a potential battle of the minds. Think outside the box in your approaches, tapping into the support suggested by a harmony between the Sun and Uranus, exact at 1:44 PM ET. In the headlines, this alliance suggests technology, innovation, aviation, astrology, unconventional attractions. At 8:34 PM ET a jolt may break an impasse, as the Moon makes its weekly clash with rebel Uranus.
FRIDAY — The stability-seeking Taurus Moon moooooooooves at a steady pace. With no interference from other planets, it’s easy to preserve the status quo.
SATURDAY — Easy-peasy. Taurus Moon goes void at 2:38 PM ET and enters Gemini at 5:09 PM ET, looking for a clever and entertaining diversion.
SUNDAY — More of the same Gemini buzz, made bigger around 11:06PM ET, thanks to an opposition to Jupiter.

And now, the news.

There was no way in a million years that a weekend dominated by the indulgent, compassionate and forgiving patterns among Venus, Jupiter and Neptune would result in Monday morning headlines about ICE (immigration authorities) dragging undocumented immigrant families out of their homes in the middle of the night. Even though P45 announced this intention just before last week’s brutal turf-defending patterns (Mercury-Mars-in Cancer opposing Pluto), it was not likely to be executed as planned.

And in fact, the plan has been delayed two weeks, when planetary patterns could actually support it. The week of July 7th includes a second Mercury-Mars meet-up, an authoritarian face-off between the homeland Cancer Sun and patriarchal Saturn (soon followed by a face-off with powerbroker Pluto). Let the record show that the Sun-Saturn face-off suggests an advance on whatever was going on in April 2019, which was the last Sun-Saturn conflict (it was a square). At that time, Kirstjen Nielsen was forced to resign as Director of Homeland Security, reportedly because she was unwilling to drag undocumented families from their homes in the middle of the night, etc., etc..

The week of July 7th also features a potentially reckless challenge between Mars (action) and rebel Uranus. By then, Mars will be in Leo, a common pattern in the horoscopes of many on the current world stage who are getting away with murder, as the expression goes. “Getting away with murder” is how the legendary astrologer Grant Lewi described Mars in Leo many years ago. If you want a free upgrade to first class, travel with someone with Mars in Leo.

So instead of brutal raids, this weekend presented an outpouring of empathy for the abusive conditions imposed on children in these camps on the U.S southern border, along with heaps of scorn for U.S. attorney Sarah Fabian. She’s the woman in the bewildering floral top and grey suitjacket combo whose arguments in federal court for why it’s totally safe and sanitary for children to not have soap, toothbrushes or a place to sleep can be heard in this video that has gone viral. Meanwhile, this article in The Atlantic gives us the legal history of the argument being made — and it turns out that it stems from a settlement made in 1997. This is significant astrologically because that is when Uranus was in the early degrees of Aquarius. Uranus is now in early Taurus, sparking action/disruption on anything that was born or created in 1997.

In other news, speaking of disruption, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets, demanding the resignation of their elected leader, a billionaire who won in part “because of his promise to fight corruption.” That leader has been dogged by scandal, and that protest happened in the Czech Republic.

Elsewhere, the UK’s Boris Johnson — born with the Sun at 28 Gemini (and can’t help but attract attention) — had a rough Summer Solstice. Police were called to his home by a neighbor who was concerned by a disturbingly explosive domestic argument between the would-be UK prime minister and his partner, Carrie Symonds. Coinciding with the weekend’s dreamy and romantic patterns: “No one is buying staged photos of Boris and Carrie in a Sussex field.”

Meanwhile…

To sleep, perchance to dream. On a Boeing Dreamliner, no less. Minutes after the 5:59 AM ET square between Venus and dreamy Neptune, WaPo posted a story about Tiffani, a woman who woke from a dream and found herself inside a dark and empty plane parked on a runway at Toronto’s airport, hours after her flight from Montreal had landed.

In other news, obituaries have an odd way of reflecting current planetary patterns. Venus with Jupiter and Neptune suggests glamor, publishing, women, fantasy and luxury. “Judith Krantz, Whose Tales of Sex and Shopping Sold Millions, Dies at 91.” Ms. Krantz was a Wellesley alum and I met her once at a gathering at her home in Los Angeles. She published her first book at 50 — imagine that. She told us she started writing it because her husband kept encouraging her to write a novel, and she wanted to prove to him that she couldn’t do it. So there’s a bit of inspiration for all you late-bloomers and self-doubters. Listen to those people who believe in you. They may be on to something…

Not dead, but very much embodying the luxurious and pixie-dusted Venus-Neptune-Jupiter connection: Charo, Vegas entertainer and goddess of cuchi-cuchi — and featured in Sunday’s NYT magazine.

No surprise that the markets hit a new high last Friday — and may hit another one today. Other imaginary money (bitcoin) hit a new high, too, as Facebook announced last week that it will launch its own cryptocurrency called Libra. That makes perfect sense when you consider that Libra is ruled by Venus, which rules money — and is being expanded and idealized by Jupiter and Neptune. Libra may look sweet, but it has a rep for being the “iron fist in a velvet glove.” Not sure we want to see this entity take off…

Meanwhile, “Your fat friends need you as an ally…”

Random PSA from WaPo on how Google Chrome is akin “spy software” and why you should switch to Firefox.

UPDATE: on Pete Buttigieg, last profiled in February. The potential anguish and/or grave effort in the face of potential loss suggested in his horoscope in 2019 is making itself known. Mayor Pete has suspended his presidential campaign to attend to a harsh challenge closer to home. “Black residents of South Bend unload on Mayor Pete” — in response to shooting of a 53-year-old black man by a white police officer on June 16th. The second exact hit of the potentially anguished pattern in Mayor Pete’s horoscope happens on July 4th. Coincidence or conspiracy?

UPDATE: on Kamala Harris, last discussed here in January — and will be discussed in more detail in my column for the next Mountain Astrologer. True to patterns exact in her horoscope this summer, Senator Harris is stepping out, being seen and being appreciated. “Kamala Harris steps out of her comfort zone — and it works,” writes WaPo’s Karen Tumulty. Yep. As anticipated.

UPDATE: on Elizabeth Warren. Avid Readers will recall that Senator Warren was born to attraction attention for her innovative, unconventional and/or revolutionary impact on matters of homeland and home/family. And all through 2019 that part of her horoscope is well-supported by a pattern that facilitates an ability to reach across the aisle and connect with a multitude of groups. Her Venus (her social expression and her values) is under the influence of sobering Saturn this year, and thus it is no surprise that her solid Moon in Taurus plans for material comfort and security are being taken seriously. She has a plan for everything. Watch her explain them all to you in the first Democratic debate on June 26th. Here she is on the cover of the NYT Sunday magazine: “Elizabeth Warren is completely serious.” Yes. What NYT said!

Also in the NYT: in preparation for the two Democratic presidential candidate debates on the 26th and the 27th, you can watch 21 candidates answer 18 questions. Then you can watch Stephen Colbert poke fun at some of the goofier responses.

What about you? Are you ready for next month’s eclipses and Mercury retrograde? How will those affect your unique horoscope? Find out in a personal consultation. Here is the 411.

Thank you for reading this forecast.

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Astrology for News Junkies

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Monday 8/12/2019: Sneak Peek at the Week; Full Moon in Aquarius

Friday 8/9/2019 & the Weekend: Jupiter Turns Direct; Uranus Turns Retrograde

Monday 8/5/2019: Sneak Peek at an Expansive Week; Venus-Uranus in the News; Jupiter Pulls Focus

Thursday 8/1/2019: New Moon in Leo; Dem Debates & More

Monday 7/29/2019: Sneak Peek at the Week; U.S. Mercury Eclipsed; Saturn-Pluto stress & the Power of YES

Monday 7/8/2019: Sneak Peek at a Jam-Packed Week; Mercury Retrograde Survival Guide!

Tuesday 7/2/2019: Late Sneak Peek at a Holiday Week: New Moon in Cancer; Solar Eclipse

Friday 6/28/2019 & the Weekend: It’s Debatable

Monday 6/24/2019: Sneak Peek at the Week; Venus-Jupiter-Neptune in the News

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