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Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday 2/18/2015: New Moon in Aquarius (again!); Elizabeth Warren, Rand Paul, DSK & More

No exact planetary aspects happening on this truly Dead Moon morning, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be stuff happening. Venus and Mars are within orb of the Aries Point, suggesting Venus-ruled matters (social expression, women, money, values, aesthetics) and Mars-ruled matters (assertion and action) are likely to pull more focus than usual. Right now they’re on the Pisces side of the Aries Point, so add themes of compassion, universal suffering, ideals, impressions and soulful mingling to the mix. When they do meet on the Aries side on Sunday, watch for themes of me-me-me, pioneers, inspiration and conquest.

At 6:47PM ET, the Sun and Moon both meet up at 29 Aquarius. Blink and you’ll miss it. Moon immediately goes void — but only for one minute. It enters Pisces at 6:48PM ET, followed by the Sun in Pisces at 6:50PM ET.  It’s rare to have two New Moons in a row in the same sign. January’s New Moon was at 0 Aquarius — the very beginning. This month’s New Moon is at the very end. So we get a second chance to focus on Aquarian concerns, including (but not limited to): innovation, eccentricity, friendship, humanitarianism, freedom, technogeeks and the needs of the collective as opposed to the needs of the individual. Watch for new beginnings and endings in these areas.

A New Moon offers the opportunity to re-set your intentions for the next 30 days.  Make a list; light a candle; plant those seeds. Around the 25th, on the First Quarter Moon, we can expect a challenge to those goals, with appropriate adjustments made. How are our seedlings doing?  Keep on nurturing them, and at the time of the Full Moon on March 5th,  they may flower. We will receive illumination on the success or failure of our goals for the cycle, either way. 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 March 13th, we can harvest our achievements, then tie up loose ends, compost and get ready to begin another New Moon cycle on March 20th.

In the chart for this New Moon, the Sun and Moon are approaching contact with Saturn in Sagittarius. At the last New Moon, there was an easy communication of humanitarian ideals and how they are to be achieved. This cycle requires an ambitious advance on those ideals — at the risk of rejection. Practical  — albeit emotionally detached — planning and communication is suggested by an easy connection between mental Mercury and Saturn in Sagittarius. We’ve already noted the potential of Venus and Mars coming together with prominence at the very end of Pisces — plenty of emotional resources suggested here.

With Jupiter about to make the second of three exact trines to Uranus, we see the potential for ground-breaking initiatives. Look back to events happening around September 25, 2014 — that was the first trine of the cycle. The second will be on March 3rd. The third one happens on June 22nd. Last, but hardly least, the revolutionary Uranus-Pluto square is inching closer to its grand finale scheduled for March 16th. And by grand finale, I mean the final release of tension between two planets symbolizing revolution and transformation on a collective scale. What does that suggest? Consider and compare events that happened before and after the three Uranus-Pluto conjunctions in 1965 and 1966.

The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon is “the field of Ardath in bloom,” or, as Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee describes it,

“…an open expanse flourishing with growth from an ancient era. ‘The field of Ardath’ is a reference to ancient Babylon and a mystic meadow symbolizing the blossoming of a mystical brotherhood….associated with ‘the cradle of civilization’…a meadow without specific identity or characteristics: a symbol for all peoples in all times”.

I find it intriguing that of 360 possible Sabian Symbols, the one that shows up at this time, when events in that part of the world formerly known as Babylon are approaching critical mass, just happens to be the Symbol that specifically references — at least on one level — that location. On another level, the Symbol refers to all of us, as we collectively approach the critical mass of the seventh Uranus-Pluto square. It is a hopeful Symbol, as Bovee notes that “a whole field in bloom suggest richness and bounty beyond imagination.”  A hopeful symbol (with a garden theme) is also presented in Beth Owlsdaughter’s Tarot Card of the Week. So, let’s hope.

In your own personal world, if you were born around the 18th of February, May, August and November…or if you have a planet or angle around 29 degrees of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and especially Aquarius, you will be more personally affected by this New Moon. Wherever it falls in your horoscope is where you can expect seeds planted for a blossoming of potential. Don’t know where your planets are? Order the Astro-Basics Report for $18 — look here for more details.

And now, the news.

First, while we’re still in the dark side of the Moon, here is a story about women now living in the Dark Ages — in certain areas of Iraq controlled by extremists.

Meanwhile, reflecting the groundbreaking potential in matters of power and resources suggested by the Uranus-Pluto square and the second Jupiter-Uranus trine, Elon Musk announced a new status quo: living off the grid, thanks to a battery that will allow homeowners to store energy. Elon Musk continues to be innovative in a most supercharged manner, as noted in this forecast back in August of 2013.

Elsewhere, Rand Paul is apparently set to formally announce he’s running for president in April. It makes sense he’d be looking for greater freedom and empowerment, given that his Sun at 16 Capricorn will be supercharged in 2015 and 2016 by Uranus and Pluto. Plus, a solar arc to his Sun by Mars suggests a need to take action, despite recent revelations that he  lied about having a college degree.  Not having a college degree has never been an issue for Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin, which perhaps explains why his latest mission is to slash funding for Wisconsin’s public university system in exchange for giving it greater autonomy. Serious focus on the practical value of higher education, along with streamlining and restructuring of the system (student loans, anyone?), would be expected with Saturn  in Sagittarius for the next couple of years.

I’ve been meaning to write about Elizabeth Warren’s horoscope  for months. People are begging her to run for president. She’s gaining greater prominence in the Senate. Hillary Clinton met with her in private recently — this is how important the senator has become. Regular readers of this forecast should have a hunch at what’s going on. We don’t have a confirmed birth time for Ms. Warren, but an astrologer has proposed one, and the related chart does seem to work rather well. Still, take my observations about that proposed Ascendant and Midheaven (“the angles”) with a grain of salt. A chart with a proposed birth time is called a ‘rectification’ or ‘rectified horoscope.’

First, she can’t help but attract attention for her quirky independence and rebellious spirit. Like her astro-twin Meryl Streep, Warren’s Cancer Sun is conjunct Uranus at the Aries Point. Second, I am fascinated that both Ms. Streep and Senator Warren have Midheavens (point in the horoscope referring to career status) at 18 and 19 degrees of a Cardinal Sign, i.e., 18 Aries for Ms. Streep; 19 Cancer for Senator Warren. Therefore. we expect the careers of both women to reflect the empowerment and emancipation/change of direction potential of Uranus and Pluto for the next two years (another Oscar, Ms. Streep?)

In Elizabeth Warren’s  rectified horoscope, that potential is even stronger. She would experience Uranus and Pluto from all angles, given that proposed 17 degreeLibra Ascendant. In fact, we can argue that 2014’s exact solar arc to her Ascendant from Pluto has already mandated a change of perspective about how she is seen. She’s emerged as a serious power player, and we can expect that trend to continue — whether she runs or not. Also of significance: her Venus at 18 Cancer (conjunct her rectified Midheaven — you just have to like her), rules that Libra Ascendant. It will also be supercharged by Uranus and Pluto, suggesting her social expression and values will also become more prominent and persuasive.

Last but not least: Dominique Strauss-Kahn is back in the news. We’ve been tracking his horoscope ever since his assault of a hotel chambermaid cost him his post as head of the IMF.  Now he’s on trial– charged with pimping. I looked at his horoscope a couple of weeks ago and noted a measurement of the Sun to his Midheaven. This is usually a measurement of success and fulfillment in matters of career and reputation. I thought to myself, “hmm…I’m not convinced these charges will stick.” And in fact, this week some charges were dropped, and yesterday a prosecutor asked the court to acquit Mr. Strauss-Kahn.   Julian Assange had the same measurement in his horoscope when Ecuador allowed him to stay in their London embassy, thus avoiding arrest and deportation to Sweden. Astrology is amazing.

Finally, a lighter piece reflecting the reality check Saturn in Sagittarius can have on travel destinations. The candor of tourism officials in the current frozen wasteland of Ithaca, New York deserves applause and a note to put that city on your bucket list….

What’s going on your horoscope?  Find out in a personal astro-logical consultation. We will have an excellent discussion together.

 

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 1/26/2015: It’s Greek to Me

So who noticed the decided shift in energy as of 8:31AM ET on Saturday, when the Moon charged into proactive Aries, after almost 24 hours of wandering Moon-voidness in dreamy Pisces all day Friday? I hope you accomplished much over the weekend in a Mercury retrograde vein: reorganizing, reconnection, reviewing, etc. — but with Aries gusto!

Speaking of Mercury retrograde, which continues until February 12th, there was an article about Mercury retrograde in the NYT Sunday Magazine a couple of weeks ago. I have been so preoccupied with workshops and seminars this month that I missed it. So thanks to reader Karen for sending it along.

It’s not the first article the NYT has published on this subject,  and I dare say it won’t be the last. What’s especially fascinating are the reader comments. There are only 23. That’s it. As if Times readers simply do not know how to process talk of astrology. So they do not respond at all. Fascinating.

I’ve been having my share of Mercury retrograde snafus, especially with the contact form on my website. Apparently I have a hyperactive spam filter which has been blocking some of the real emails sent by real clients. I am so grateful to those of you who figured out that I also have a telephone number (clearly posted on my website here), or who asked the friends who referred me to you for my email address. That address is eg at graceastrology dot com, and please write me or call me if you’d like to schedule a consultation and are wondering why I haven’t written you back. We will have a fine discussion together.

We’re starting the work week with a Moon void in Aries from 9:23AM – 11:37AM ET, suggesting a slow start or twist to your morning routine. Moon enters Taurus thereafter, intent on building material comfort and security. There are no exact aspects during business hours, but you may be starting to become aware of a challenge or a surge of energy regarding the New Moon agenda you set last week.

This challenge would be the First Quarter Moon at 11:48PM ET. Push through blocks with steady calm and patience, as the Taurus Moon continues fairly unimpeded through Tuesday, until it goes void at 9:18Pm ET…not to enter Gemini until 5:36PM ET on WEDNESDAY. Yes, if that monster blizzard really does materialize on the East Coast, planetary patterns will truly support chilling out, going with the flow and rolling with unexpected twists that may come up in your efforts to move forward in a straight line.

Pick up the pace again on Thursday. Note that the Moon will be void again all day on Friday: 4:24AM ET until 2:08AM ET. Plan accordingly. No major purchases. No launching important initiatives. No freaking out over crises that more often than not, are much ado about nothing.

And now, the news.

I am fascinated by recent headlines reflecting the potential of last week’s New Moon, and especially its Sabian Symbol:

The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon is “an old adobe mission,” or, as Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee describes it, “a sun-baked building erected for a specific cause in a foreign territory…imagine the burning fervor of someone whose deep beliefs motivate a journey to a foreign, even hostile place”.  Bovee suggests we apply this degree with a watchful eye toward “a willingness to go into hot spots; a willingness to take on hard cases.” In light of current events, I am particularly struck by this: “the quest to carry beliefs far afield exposes all concerned to the inadvertent spread of foreign disease; in this case, even a kindly message can have striking repercussions”. Watch for these themes in the headlines.

“Sun-baked” adobe, eh? As in this Tweet by Melissa Jamrock calling out the Pantone colors of Speaker John Boehner’s tan at the State of the Union? Why would such a thing go viral now?  Speaker Boehner also made headlines when he invited Benjamin Netanyahu (Israel’s Prime Minister), to address Congress, sparking a controversy. Will the PM’s kindly message also have striking repercussions? We’ll find out later than originally planned, as the February address has been rescheduled  for March. Sudden cancellations and a need to reschedule is typical of Mercury retrogrades.

Meanwhile, President Obama is in a foreign place — India — also with a kindly message with striking repercussions. On a heavier note, the image of two orange-clad Japanese hostages held captive in the desert also seems in sync with a symbol suggesting fervent beliefs, hot spots, foreign places and repercussions. Meanwhile in Greece, there’s been a overturning of the status quo, as the people decided they’d had enough of an anguishing transit of Pluto to Saturn. After Pluto moved on to make its third and final contact with the Ascendant of Greece’s horoscope,  suggesting a radical change of perspective about its identity, the anti-austerity Syriza party swept to a “stunning victory” in last week’s elections.  Greece has been under intense pressure for a few years, as Uranus and Pluto have made contact with five planets before hitting the Ascendant, usually a highly responsive point in the horoscope.

Read that last linked article and you may understand the potential for further disruptions of the status quo extending to the rest of Europe. Fun fact: Patti Smith’s anthem, “People Have the Power” has become “the unofficial anthem of the Greek populist movement“.  How very New Moon in Aquarius….

…against the backdrop of the ever-intensifying seventh and last hit of the Uranus-Pluto square on March 15th. So many other disruptions of the status quo recently: a new king in Saudi Arabia; Yemen’s government collapses.  Pay much attention to the Swiss franc lately? We live in such interesting times.

Here’s the video of Patti Smith’s People Have the Power, for those of you who do not have paid subscriptions to the New York Times. Of course one of Smith’s songs would become the anthem for a revolution right about now, with Uranus and Pluto making contact with her Capricorn Sun and Mars, and her Libra Midheaven (public status) and Neptune (music, vision).

Astrology is amazing, isn’t it? Thank you for reading this forecast and for sharing it with friends.

Onward!

 

 

 

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Tuesday 1/20/2015: New Moon in Aquarius; the Surreal Fallout of Mars Conjunct Neptune

At 4:44 AM ET — an Angel Number suggesting “all is well” —  the Sun enters Aquarius. The Moon follows at 7:59 AM ET, and the Sun and Moon both meet up at 8:14 AM ET. Happy New Moon! This is our chance to re-set intentions and goals for the next lunar cycle.  Make a list; light a candle; plant those seeds. Around the 26th, on the First Quarter Moon, we can expect a challenge to those goals, with appropriate adjustments made. How are our seedlings doing?  Keep on nurturing them, and at the time of the Full Moon, they may flower. We will receive illumination on the success or failure of our goals for the cycle, either way. 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 February 11th, we can harvest our achievements, then tie up loose ends, compost and get ready to begin another New Moon cycle on February 18th.

Aquarius is an airy (mental), fixed (organizing) energy. Keywords for Aquarius include innovation, eccentricity, friendship, humanitarian, unconventional, rocket scientist and/or mad genius. If you were born with the Sun in Aquarius, you have the energy to innovate and intellectualize with others. If your Moon is in Aquarius, you need to be socially significant — and dare I say appreciated for it. You probably need to be unusual, too. I learned these nifty, pithy expressions of solar energy and lunar needs from my mentor, Noel Tyl. “I love you, but don’t take it personally” is another nifty, pithy Aquarian  expression — and I came up with that one all by myself. If you have Venus in Aquarius, chances are you especially know what I’m talking about.

In the chart for this New Moon, the Sun and Moon are augmented by practical Saturn in high-flying Sagittarius. There’s a need for easy communication of humanitarian ideals and how they are to be achieved. Mercury and Venus, which refer to mindset and values — are also in airy, Aquarius, which is also the sign of “the people”.  Both are opposed by expansive Jupiter in kingly Leo. Hmmm. With Mercury at a near standstill and about to turn retrograde on Wednesday (BACK UP YOUR COMPUTER NOW), big ideas may be stalled and up for review before they can move forward.

Meanwhile, action hero Mars and visionary Neptune are together in soulful Pisces, adding pixie dust and considerations of sacrifice, empathy, idealism, surrealism or fanaticism to the mix.  Interesting that the Sun and Moon in humanitarian Aquarius are reaching out to Saturn; Mars and Neptune (and all that they represent) are moving away from Saturn, which refers to structure, ambition, etc.  Moving from vision to practical reality?

Last, but hardly least, the revolutionary Uranus-Pluto square is inching closer to its grand finale scheduled for March 15th. Isn’t this an interesting backdrop for President Obama’s State of the Union speech tonight, which is not happening during a Moon void, and thus may actually be of consequence? Tax breaks for the middle class — to be offset by an increase in taxes on the richer are allegedly on the agenda.

The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon is “an old adobe mission,” or, as Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee describes it, “a sun-baked building erected for a specific cause in a foreign territory…imagine the burning fervor of someone whose deep beliefs motivate a journey to a foreign, even hostile place”.  Bovee suggests we apply this degree with a watchful eye toward “a willingness to go into hot spots; a willingness to take on hard cases.” In light of current events, I am particularly struck by this: “The quest to carry beliefs far afield exposes all concerned to the inadvertent spread of foreign disease; in this case, even a kindly message can have striking repercussions”. Watch for these themes in the headlines.

In your own personal world, if you were born around the 20th of January, April, July and October…or if you have a planet or angle around 1 degree of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and especially Aquarius, you will be more personally affected by this New Moon. Wherever it falls in your horoscope is where you can expect a fervent belief to spark a mission. Consult your local astrologer for details, especially since Mercury will turn retrograde on Wednesday. Mercury REtrogrades are excellent times to REview your life!

And now, the news.

It’s interesting to read the headlines of obituaries in the New York Times and marvel at how they reflect current planetary patterns, such as Monday’s charismatic, magical and/or surreal Mars-Neptune conjunction in Pisces. “Jane Wilson, Artist of the Ethereal, Dies at 90“. “Kim Fowley, Rock Producer and Svengali, Dies at 75“. “Yoko Nagae Ceschina, Countess and Fairy Godmother to the Arts, Dies at 82”. Fairy godmother? Ethereal? Svengali? Clearly the NYT reporters are under the influence. Yea verily, you may not believe in astrology, but astrology definitely believes in you.

Here’s a wiggy item in the world of sports (Mars),  in which the New England Patriots, who defeated the Baltimore Colts on Sunday, are now being investigated to determine if they cheated (Neptune) and used “deflated balls” in order to tip the odds in their favor. As this story broke during yesterday’s all-day Moon void, I’m inclined to think this is much ado about nothing. Meanwhile, in the world of film (Neptune), we have the surreal box office success of “American Sniper,” (Mars). It’s earned ten times more than “Selma,” a film about Martin Luther King, Jr and the civil rights movement. Here’s a how a few people who saw “Selma” reacted, while in Alabama, a school superintendent refused to allow a high school history club to see it, because of concerns that the language would be offensive. So they all saw “American Sniper” instead.

OK, I made that last line up. Point is, when Neptune is prominent, double check for accuracy. Especially in the news. That advice also applies to the next Mercury retrograde, which will continue through February 12th.

For example, elsewhere in the media (Neptune), Fox news issued an apology for repeatedly perpetuating the falsehood (Neptune) that parts of Paris and the UK were considered “no-go zones” for anyone who was not Muslim. Did you know that Jon Stewart has an equal in France? Here is a French version of “The Daily Show,” in which the Fox story is deconstructed and exposed. On a bien rigole!

Finally, here are a couple of “wake up and smell the coffee” items in the spirit of the Uranus-Pluto square. They’re about climate change and income inequality. First, a study released yesterday (on that expansive and indulgent Venus-Jupiter opposition), reported that the 1% now own 50% of all the wealth in the world. But true to the spirit of the Aquarius New Moon, this issue will allegedly be a hot topic at the world economic forum starting on Tuesday in Davos (and in the State of the Union speech, as noted earlier). Second, three more studies on climate change were released last week — in case you had not heard.

On days when I read articles like these, Angel Numbers like “444” are doubly reassuring. Onward!

 

 

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Sunday-Monday 1/4-5/2015: Full Moon in Cancer; Bono & Other News

…and a very Happy New Year to you.

Writing this during the long void-of-course Moon in Gemini that’s been going on since 6:55AM ET …not to enter Cancer until 8:08PM ET tonight. If you’re doing Moon void-y things like chilling out, going with the flow, focusing on routine tasks and generally resting or wandering, the otherwise supercharged patterns happening today may well pass you by. And those patterns would be the enterprising Capricorn Sun hooking up with Pluto at 6:32PM ET, ready for a power play hours after freedom-mandating Uranus insists on a state of independence.  Upside: potential empowerment and/or emancipation. Downside: for whose benefit? Remember, planets have nothing to do with how energy is used. We humans have plenty of free will to choose whether we act for better or for worse.

Meanwhile, at 9:48AM ET, Venus (love, money, art, women) entered “I love you, but don’t take it personally” Aquarius. Venus in Aquarius suggest less status-seeking and social-climbing; more friendly vibes and humanitarian concerns in social expression, if a bit unconventional.  That’s the vibe until January 28th, when Venus enter Pisces with a sigh an empathic sigh.

Tonight’s Cancer Moon is happy to stay close to home, where it can focus on preserving emotional security. If emotions are running high, look to the Full Moon, which will be exact Sunday at 11:53PM ET. During the day tomorrow, there is much practical potential in the social expression front, as Venus will be anchored by Saturn in philosophical Sagittarius. Where are you going and what does it all mean — in your relationship — and your finances? What do you value?

As Sunday evening falls, the potential for revelations and catharses (for better or worse) rises, as the Moon makes its weekly clash with the never-ending Uranus-Pluto square. Communication may be jumbled as mental Mercury leaves Capricorn for rocket scientist Aquarius at 8:08PM ET. Mercury in Aquarius is happily wonky and less concerned with every darn word needing a practical purpose or why bother saying it. The jumble comes from having to adjust to the new mental vibe….and OMG we’ll have plenty of time to appreciate the weirdly stubborn-yet-perfectly-cerebral-technogeek Aquarian mindset, given that Mercury won’t leave the sign of the Water Bearer until March 12th. Why?

Because Mercury turns retrograde on January 21st. You will love it.

Keep an eye on world events on this Full Moon in comparison to events that happen around April 4th. Both lunations will trigger the Uranus-Pluto square, so we’ll see if things that happen now will be moved further along in April (I expect they will be).  Certainly if you have a planet or angle around 15 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn, you will be feeling some shift in your life, especially if Sun, Moon or angles are involved. And if you do not know where your angles are and if they are involved, get thee to an astrologer forthwith! Otherwise I am going to wonder why you are reading astrological forecasts without considering how these planetary cycles might be reflected in your own life development — and how helpful it would be to know the game plan.

The Sabian Symbols for the Full Moon are, for the Moon: “A group of people who have overeaten and enjoyed it”; and for the Sun: “Many toys in the children’s ward of a hospital”. This inspired Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee to muse thoughtfully about themes of hospitality, hospices and stewardship, as well as the virtues of “guarding the joy and pleasures of life without straying into repeated excess” versus “avoiding life’s issues through indulgence in trifles”.  If you do not have Bovee’s lovely book about Sabian Symbols, consider adding it to your collection.

And now, the news.

I do love this week between Christmas and New Year’s, as much of the Western World takes time to rest without the pressure of daily deadlines. This doesn’t suggest a lack of productivity. It’s just….nice…and I hope you’ve enjoyed many blessings whilst ringing out 2014.

That being said, there are a few headlines that have caught my eye  — with more on what we might expect as reality check Saturn moves through Sagittarius (collective beliefs and mass communication) for the next two years.  Saturn is limitation and control.  So how about this item:  “Web Freedom Seen as a Growing Global Issue.” Ah..limited access…and perhaps…censorship?

Today there was a story about a widow who was stunned to watch her husband die on commercial TV — months after his passing — in primetime, no less. Seems that when he was taken to the ER after being hit by a sanitation truck, cameras were rolling in the operating room, courtesy of the “why should we bother paying writers and actors to create scripted shows when we can get them for practically free” forces behind the reality show, “NY Med”.  The family of the deceased patient has sued, citing violations of privacy. So far, they have not prevailed in court. What do you think?

Meanwhile, add Bono to the list of people with life events likely reflecting the potential squeeze of Saturn to planets and/or angles in the horoscope. In November he had an accident while bicycling in Central Park, breaking his arm in six places. Today he released a statement noting that “he may never play guitar again”. He will spend the next several months recovering and preparing for a summer tour, which is when Saturn will return to the place it was at the time of the accident — right at the top of his horoscope, ruling his Ascendant, an important health center. Feel free to send him healing thoughts so he may succeed with his efforts to be at the top of his game this summer. Overall patterns in his horoscope for the next few years are intense, as you might imagine.

As for Monday…

Sunday’s Cancer Full Moon at 11:53PM ET immediately goes void, not to enter Leo until 6:03AM ET on TUESDAY. So a slow or wandering start to the back-to-work week can be forgiven, though focusing on practical to-do lists is suggested  — and aided and abetted by a cooperative alignment between mental Mercury and disciplined Saturn at 5:21PM ET Monday. This is the only exact aspect of the day.

In the next forecast, I hope to offer some thoughts on major planetary patterns of 2015, including the end of the never-ending Uranus-Pluto square on March 15th/16th, depending on your time zone.

Thank you for reading this forecast.

To find out what planetary patterns suggest for you in 2015, consider scheduling a personal astro-logical consultation.

 

 

 

 

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday 9/24/2014: New Moon in Libra

If you want to know where you’re at, look at whom you’re with. You can quote me on that, assuming the grammar is correct (the downside of life without an editor). But seriously folks, this New Moon in Libra offers us the opportunity for a prominent focus on relationships of  all kinds — interpersonal, international, interracial, maybe even intergalactic.

The New Moon — i.e.,  the monthly meet-up of the Sun and Moon — happens at 2:14AM ET this morning.  A New Moon offers us an opportunity to re-set  intentions and goals for the next lunar cycle.  Sometime today or tomorrow, light a candle and make a list.  Around October 1st, 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 the 8th, we can expect illumination on the success or failure of our goals for the cycle. If we succeeded, we can consciously release our success into our reality; if we failed, we let go of whatever did not work. After the Third Quarter Moon on the 15th, we can review our achievements, tie up loose ends and get ready to begin another New Moon on the 23rd.

Libra is the sign of partnerships; marriage is an obvious partnership; some business relationships are partnerships, including adversarial ones. We went through the first half of the zodiac with New Moons focusing on the Self: Aries = my identity; Taurus = my values/possessions; Gemini = my mind; Cancer = my emotions/family; Leo = my love to give; Virgo = my service/work/body. Now we’re ready to go public. Take a look at your relationships: how are We doing? What is the State of Our Unions?  How do they reflect the Libran qualities of justice, fairness, diplomacy, peace, beauty and sweetness? Is there resentment or a lack of appreciation? Are there issues hanging in the balance (Libra is the sign of the Scales)?

Use a bit of creative visualization in your New Moon meditation  — and if you’re not a meditating type, grab a pen and paper and make a list of partnership objectives for the next few months.  If there’s anything/anyone on that list that you already have, make time for social graces and express your appreciation. Libra NEEDS appreciation for being valuable in relationship; by extension, our relationships need grace and appreciation, too.

The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon at 1 degree 8 minutes of Libra is this: “Light of the sixth race transmuted to the seventh,” and I’m so glad Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee has thought long and hard about how we might apply it in real life. This is an “image of a shifting in the quality of light energy into a higher, accelerated frequency,” he writes. “‘Race’ can be a dicey topic if approached in a less than enlightened manner.” Mmm-hmmm, so perhaps this suggests a need to proceed with a delicate consideration in relationships during this lunar cycle, especially since much of it will occur during mental Mercury’s next retrograde, which happens on October 4th. Mercury retrogrades suggest a higher probability for misunderstandings, doncha know.

And what about this idea of transmutation? “In esoteric philosophy, transmutation from the sixth to the seventh ray is the movement from a path of devotion to a path of ceremonial magic that realizes the unity of all things, as well as open-mindedness, gentleness and love.” Not bad traits to cultivate in your relationships during this cycle, along with “an awareness of all uplifting shifts within experience; from dark to light; cold to warm…consider ultrafine sensibilities; ultralight tenderness; imperceptible impressions”…all those refined expressions of appreciation Libra can do so well.

There’s no Moon void to delay or detour your efforts to move forward in a straight line today, though note the potential for a bit of emotional intensity or a power play around 9:39PM ET, when the Moon is challenged by ruthless Pluto. Adding to the mystical pixie dust of the fading Mars-Neptune square is an approaching easy connection between expansive Jupiter in regal Leo and rebel Uranus in Aries. Jupiter-Uranus connections spark high-flying ideas and ambitions….some humanitarian, others cosmic or at least, high-tech. Let’s watch the headlines for innovation and boundaries pushed….and oh, look, here’s a TV show premiering later tonight that perhaps aims to do just that. It’s called “black-ish,” which is quite intriguing, given the Sabian Symbol for the New Moon.

You may be feeling the high-flying optimism of the Jupiter-Uranus trine if you have a planet between 8 and 17 degrees of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. That would include NYT columnist David Brooks, whose shiny happy ode to New York in today’s paper has some readers wondering what he’s been smoking. Brooks has his Mercury (mindset) at 14 Leo, which is exactly where Jupiter is now. Jupiter making contact with Mercury suggests a need for uplifting and expansive thinking, for better or for worse. To be fair, the aforementioned column does segue into a more sober tone, perhaps reflecting the fact that stern Saturn at 19 Scorpio is squaring his 18 Leo Sun.  And last week, he wrote about the importance of friendship, as Uranus (ruler of “who’s yer buddy?” Aquarius) made contact with Mercury. I’ll bet your current train of thought is reflected in patterns in your horoscope, too.

And now, more news.

Pluto turned direct on Monday, suggesting a potent release of energy, possibly destructive. With Pluto almost exactly opposing the US Sun in Cancer, let the record show that airstrikes against ISIS were launched in Syria and elsewhere. News from underground often bubbles to the surface during Pluto activity, and in that article you’ll read about a troubling group of individuals known as the Khorasan. We’ve never heard of them before…until now.  Meanwhile, the Sun at 0 degrees Libra (the Aries Point, as discussed in the last forecast), suggested a need for prominence in the Libran concern for equality in relationship. And there was Emma Watson,  who brought Hermione Granger to life and is now serving as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, delivering an impassioned speech on gender equality. And boy did this speech attract attention — including threats from the social media trolls, who have now been categorically proven in this recent study to be the sociopaths, sadists and narcissists we always suspected them to be.

Finally, in case you missed the (virtually non-existent) TV coverage of Sunday’s Peoples’ Climate March in New York, here’s Jon Stewart’s take on the event, along with an excerpt of a  stunning recent hearing held before the Congressional Committee on Science, Space and Technology. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry — and you might find it helpful to know that all of the illustrious Congressmen in this Daily Show segment are up for re-election in November…and if you don’t vote, somebody else will.

Oh. One other astrological tidbit reflected in today’s news. Scientists (bless them) have released predictions on which US cities are most vulnerable to the anticipated effects of climate change. Which ones are your safest bet?  Which ones might be toast and which ones might be under water by 2047-2048?  It’s fascinating that scientists are keying in on 2047 as a significant date. Why? Well, for years we’ve been talking about the dramatic crisis/awareness suggested by the never-ending Uranus-Pluto square, a.k.a. the Planetary Pattern Everyone Should Be Talking About. But of course I say never-ending in jest; the seven series of squares wrap up next year, though the pattern will still likely be felt through 2016.  Then what? Well, in 2047, we’ll have the Uranus-Pluto opposition. For clues on what we can expect, think of the opposition operating as an opposition between the Sun and Moon (i.e., a Full Moon) — and re-read the second paragraph of this forecast. Will we work out the challenges of the Uranus-Pluto square (which operates like a First Quarter Moon) by the time the series completes? Fingers crossed….and here’s some good news: 40 companies have pledged to stop tropical deforestation by 2030 and others are stepping up to the plate. It’s a start.

Have an uplifting New Moon day planting beautiful seeds for graceful, balanced, loving relationships. Take time to express appreciation — you will raise the vibration of the entire planet; people will appreciate you in return and your generous heart and spirit will be rewarded a thousandfold…and you can take that straight to the Good Karma Bank.

Thank you for reading and sharing this forecast.

Your donations never fail to make my day, with much gratitude to you for  your appreciation. Gratitude also to those of you who share this forecast with friends. Here’s the 411 on personal consultations. Have a wonderful day!

 

 

 

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Monday-Wednesday 8/25-27/2014: New Moon in Virgo; Sneak Peek at the Week

Happy Monday — and Tuesday!

Did anyone else notice the subtle shift in energy around 10:13AM ET, the exact time of today’s New Moon? I was up very early this morning, as I have been in recent days, checking on the comfort of my beloved but ailing 17-year-old kitty. I planned to write this forecast in the dead of the Moon, but as it turns out, I needed more rest. What time did I wake up — without an alarm? 10:13AM ET — to the minute. Coincidence or conspiracy? I offer this an example of how you can use the times provided in this forecast. If something notable happens in your own personal world, see if it’s in synch with an exact planetary pattern. If you know your horoscope well enough to know what degrees your angles and planets are at, you can really have fun with this exercise. If you don’t know where your planets are, there’s a little Astro-Basics Report you can order here that will clue you in.

The New Moon — i.e.,  the monthly meet-up of the Sun and Moon — happened at 2 degrees 19 minutes of Virgo. For those of you who like to look up the Sabian Symbols, read for 3 degrees of Virgo (always round up to the next number when using these Symbols).  A New Moon offers us an opportunity to re-set  intentions and goals for the next lunar cycle.  Sometime today or tomorrow, light a candle and make a list.  Around September 2nd, 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 the 8th, we can expect illumination on the success or failure of our goals for the cycle. If we succeeded, we can consciously release our success into our reality; if we failed, we let go of whatever did not work. After the Third Quarter Moon on the 15th, we can review our achievements, tie up loose ends and get ready to begin another New Moon on September 24th.

Last month’s New Moon in Leo focused on creative self-expression. How do you express your bliss? Keywords for this month’s Virgo New Moon  include perfection, discernment, work, service, integration, analysis. Whom or what does your creative self-expression serve? How does it function? How have you cooperated with and/or integrated it into your daily routine?

Virgo also rules the digestive tract, where it keeps busy instinctively separating the wheat from the chaff. It keeps elements that provide nourishment and eliminates those which do not. Some digestive systems work more efficiently than others, depending on what they are given to process. What is your process? Is it efficient? What does your gut tell you? Your instincts may well be functioning with laser beam intensity and accuracy in the wake of this New Moon — and I was delighted to see its potency reflected with the usual astonishing synchronicity in Beth Owlsdaughter’s Tarot Card of the Week.

So what’s so potent about this New Moon? First, a potentially ruthless application of penetrating energy, for better or for worse , suggested by today’s hook-up (at 3:30PM ET) between action hero Mars and stern Saturn in take-no-prisoners Scorpio. If you’re in a vengeful mood, you could do some damage. If you want to execute a meticulously detailed plan that might even have a humanitarian purpose, you could create something wonderfully helpful and healing. What will you choose? Aiding and abetting this meticulous plan or a genius germ of an idea is mental Mercury in Virgo, supporting the Mars and Saturn. This suggests exacting efficiency and ease of communication. Not a bad week to make a pitch — just avoid the Moon voids.

As for the humanitarian part, this morning at 5:38AM ET we had a lovely alignment between Venus (love, money, social expression) in drama queen Leo and Uranus in pioneering Aries. Venus-Uranus contacts suggests a willingness to go outside the box, and as long as you’re not a cat, that is usually a very good thing. Expressed with passion, this plan may well challenge the established order, suggested by a tense connection between Venus and the Mars-Saturn hook-up. In the past we’ve seen Venus-Saturn challenges reflected in “cutting” or  “chilly” or “reality check” headlines…. and also by stories of “women of steel” (up side). This challenge is exact at 2:22PM ET on Tuesday. An example of an reality check just in:  a report from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. An example of a “woman of steel” — see note on author and pioneer Laura Ingalls Wilder in a few paragraphs.

Venus will challenge Mars on Wednesday at 11:46AM ET. We can expect combustion or fiery passion between the sexes, and the latter can be quite juicy. It seems to me that this Virgo New Moon, together with these challenges to Venus,  is inviting us to consider how we can better integrate feminine archetypical expression (Venus) vs. masculine/patriarchal archetypical expression (Mars-Saturn) — perhaps with a spiritual perspective, suggested by an opposition between Moon and nebulous Neptune, exact today at 6:15PM ET. For those seeking a dreamy escape tonight, there’s your opportunity.

The Sabian Symbol for the New Moon at 3 Virgo is “two guardian angels”. Now this is a very comforting image. But why two? Perhaps one is masculine and the other is feminine — or some other duality? Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee writes that the angels suggest “divine stewardship”, and that we might consider this Symbol as with an eye open for “soft, imperceptible realities that stand guard” in the face of hard or otherwise unyielding structures, or new ways of thinking seeking to penetrate old forms.

You will be more personally influenced this New Moon if you have planets or points around 2 degrees of Virgo, Pisces, Gemini and Sagittarius. And this week, those of you with planets or points at around 16-19 degrees of Leo, Taurus, Scorpio or Aquarius may well experience a release of the conflict or ambitious call to action suggested by the tension among Venus, Mars and Saturn. For example, Barack Obama’s Ascendant is 18 Aquarius. Today he authorized “air surveillance flights of ISIS over Syria,” as a “potential precursor to actual airstrikes”.

In other news, the autobiography of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of “Little House on the Prairie,” will be published this autumn for the first time. Yup, finally the real story of her life, not the fictionalized — albeit much-loved — version.  Wilder’s horoscope has the Sun at 18 Aquarius and Mercury conjunct Jupiter at 15 Aquarius — a powerhouse combo for a writer.  Also of note: her charismatic Mars-Neptune square has been supercharged by Uranus and Pluto for several months now. And the book publication will coincide with her fifth Saturn return, an event everyone experiences every 28-29 years. A Saturn return is a critical stage in life development, usually offering an opportunity for a new lease on life.  Isn’t astrology amazing?

Keep your organizational focus going on Tuesday, as the Virgo Moon is well-supported during business hours. Get if off your desk if you can, as the Moon goes void at 10:29PM ET… until 5:54PM ET on WEDNESDAY. That should make for some interesting upsets at the U.S. Open. Go with the flow of whatever twists and delays may crop up in your efforts to more forward in a straight line; stick to routine and chill, chill, chill. Your other Moon void this week happens Friday at 12PM ET — until Saturday at 4:53AM ET. Sounds like an early start to the Labor Day weekend….

…which you might as well enjoy to the fullest, given the “bitter, frigid conditions” predicted this winter by the Farmer’s Almanac. This is the same publication that correctly predicted last winter’s polar vortex (modern meteorologists did not). How does the Farmer’s Almanac do it?

The publication, not to be confused with the New Hampshire-based Old Farmer’s Almanac, uses a secret formula based on sunspots, planetary positions and lunar cycles for its long-range weather forecasts.

Of course it does.

Your donations never fail to make my day, with much gratitude to you for  your appreciation. Gratitude also to those of you who share this forecast with friends. Here’s the 411 on personal consultations. Have a wonderful day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 6/27/2014 & the Weekend: New Moon in Cancer

Note your dreams upon waking this morning.

The New Moon in  Cancer officially began today at 4:08AM ET, offering us an opportunity to re-set  intentions and goals for the next lunar cycle.  Around July 5th, on the First Quarter Moon, we can expect a challenge to those goals, with appropriate adjustments made. At the time of the Full Moon on the 12th, we can expect illumination on the success or failure of our goals for the cycle. If we succeeded, we can consciously release our success into our reality; if we failed, we let go of whatever did not work. After the Third Quarter Moon on the 18th, we can review our achievements, tie up loose ends and get ready to begin another New Moon on the 26th.

This New Moon occurs at 6 degrees of Cancer and the only connection it makes is a harmonious aspect with Neptune, the planet referring to vision, intuition, deception, delusion, spirits of all kinds, oil, oceans, drugs & other toxins, charity, suffering and martyrdom  — just to name a few. Moon is generally very happy to be in Cancer, the sign it rules. In Cancer, the Moon seeks to fulfill a need for emotional/homeland security; this month we can expect that need to be met in rose-colored hues. Venus in this New Moon chart is also making contact with one other planet — and again that would be Neptune. This suggests idealism in social expression, as well as in issues concerning women, art and money. You may recall that Neptune and idealism were strong themes in last month’s New Moon, so we can expect more of the same — some of it magical; some of it mystical and some of it simply bewildering.

In the New Moon chart, mental Mercury is retrograde and running wild in Gemini,  suggesting this month will be again notable for shifts in the way we think and communicate. Given that Mercury is retrograde, we can expect plenty of that thinking to be concerned with reviewing issues from the past (a positive potential of Mercury retrograde), or flat-out sloppy and misinformed (a downside potential of Mercury retrograde). Mercury turns direct on July 1st and reaches the Aries Point (o Cancer) on July 13th; watch the headlines for especially prominent mindshifts — some of involving women, now that I’m also noting Venus at the Aries Point (0 Cancer) on July 19th.

Mars, symbolizing our need for action, is still in Libra, but picking up speed for its entrance into Scorpio on July 26th. Huzzah! In this cycle we will continue to process the tension released this month by the warrior planet’s forceful contacts with the Uranus-Pluto square, which on the upside may be reflected in the supercharged World Cup soccer games. Go team! Jupiter and Saturn are also running wild, but with very different agendas. Jupiter is wrapping up its year-long stay in Cancer, seeking its reward in the expansion of emotional security/nourishment/home/family concerns, augmented by an obsession with power and resources. Jupiter enters Leo on July 16th.

Saturn remains in Scorpio, continuing its nitty-gritty reality check on the consequences of sex, death and money, i.e. debt — watch the headlines. It turns direct on July 21st, but will spend the entire month sitting at 16 degrees of Scorpio. So if you have a planet or an angle around that degree — or also around 16 degrees of Leo, Taurus or Aquarius, I can appreciate why you may be feeling squeezed by outside controls — or feeling pressured to act on your ambition all month long — and wondering why it also feels as if you’re not making any progress. Same applies if you were born around the 9th of August, November, February or May. President Obama is in this category; his Ascendant is 18 Aquarius.

Neptune is retrograde in Pisces, hanging out at 6-7 degrees all month. You’re feeling the fog and/or need for a more beautiful vision more personally if you were born 5-9 days into Pisces, Gemini, Virgo and Sagittarius…or if you have a planet or angle at 5-9 degrees of those signs. Neptune in Pisces will continue to be reflected in the headlines with stories of oceans, fish, drugs (all pot all the time in the US) and the huddled masses, large and small. And let us not forget the never-ending Uranus-Pluto square challenging the status quo and exposing corruption in our hallowed institutions.

The Sabian Symbol for the New Moon at 6 Cancer is “game birds feathering their nest,” which I see echoed in the New Moon chart by Jupiter — as described above. The always-insightful  Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee observes that this Symbol refers to refining home security concerns and prosperity accumulated by tending to one’s property or thoughts for future comfort. He offers the curious observation that “game birds” are the quarry of hunters, and that “anyone thought to be fit for ridicule or criticism is said to be ‘fair game'”. Hmmmm.

Bovee suggests we apply this Symbol with a mind to “an urgent sense of making progress; a sense of frustration with obstacles…considering [among other things] overrefinement of strategies; game natures clashing with ponderous delays.” (If you enjoy these Sabian Symbols, I recommend you get Bovee’s book so you can read his whole take on each Symbol).  If you have a planet or angle around 6 degrees of Cancer, Capricorn, Aries or Libra, you will feel initiative (and perhaps the urgency) of this New Moon more than most.

General notes for the weekend: dreamy, courtesy of exact contacts between Sun and Venus with Neptune at 3:23AM ET and 3:31PM ET on Sunday, respectively. Vision, spirit, healing, music — all sorts of idealized beauty and rose-colored escapes are favored. Add a dramatic flair when Moon enters Leo at 4:43AM ET Sunday.

But first — on Friday — a potential power play or deep emotional response around 5:39PM ET, when Moon is challenged by Pluto…followed by an upset or revelation around 1:16AM ET, when Moon is challenged by rebel Uranus. Be careful on the roads late Friday night and in the wee hours on Saturday.

No exact aspects during the day on Saturday until 9:03PM ET, when Moon hooks up with expansive, expensive Jupiter. Oh joy! Moon will be void until 4:43AM ET Sunday. No harm, no foul.

And no sleeping in on Monday.

And now, the news.

Interesting to note right after I posted yesterday’s forecast noting stern Saturn’s challenge to Obama’s Ascendant that the Supreme Court issued a control (Saturn!), ruling that certain recess appointments he made in 2012 were unconstitutional. On a lighter note, I wish I’d seen this fun Tweet from the coach of the US soccer team in time to share it with you before yesterday’s all-day void of course Moon. It’s a permission slip you could have given to your boss, excusing you from work so you could watch the US play Germany at the World Cup, and thousands did — as reported by WJLA in DC. What perfect timing!

 Your donations never fail to make my day, with much gratitude to you for  your appreciation. Gratitude also to those of you who share this forecast with friends. Here’s the 411 on personal consultations. Have a wonderful day!

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Thursday 6/12/2014: Full Moon in Sagittarius

The high-flying, righteously opinionated Sagittarius Full Moon is exact just after midnight — 12:11AM ET — on Friday. Innovation and action are favored in the morning and early afternoon, courtesy of “think outside the box” Uranus and warrior Mars connecting with the Moon. There’s no Moon void in business hours to add further potential confusion to Mercury’s current retrograde — huzzah!  Moon does go void at 12:11AM ET — not to enter the next sign, Capricorn, until 1:04PM ET, so get it off your desk today if you can’t wait until tomorrow afternoon.

This Full Moon — which offers enlightenment and a potential release of whatever agenda you set on the New Moon on May 28th — is not a chocolate-covered marshmallow bunny. At 12:09AM ET, there’s an opposition between Venus (love,money, women, art, social expression) and Saturn (discipline, patriarchy, authority, control) suggesting a no-nonsense approach that may seem ambitious, cutting or controlled. You may recall from yesterday’s post that Eric Cantor has a Venus-Saturn square, and he is not known as a social charmer.

At 8:34AM ET, the Mars-Pluto square we’ve been talking about all week will be exact. This is significant because it is the third in a series of Mars-Pluto squares we were scheduled to experience with Mars in Libra, where it has been since December. The first square was on December 31st; the second was on April 23rd. If you have a planet or angle around 11-14 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn, you may have been involved in a power play or exerted an unusually powerful effort.

Speaking of Eric Cantor, the Sabian Symbol for the Full Moon at 23 Sagittarius is “immigrants entering”. Which is fascinating, given all the reports speculating that Cantor lost because of his stance on immigration issues…and also that his defeat suggests that there’s no way an immigration reform bill will be passed this year (there’s no way the 113th Congress will likely do anything of consequence, as noted in prior forecasts). Fun fact: the Cantor re-election campaign did an internal poll between May 27 and May 28, showing he had a 34-point lead over his opponent. We had a dead Moon in Taurus all day on the 27th,  a sign that does not like change — and it was void-of-course.  The New Moon did not begin until 2:40PM on the 28th — and if you recall, it was sponsored in part by the rose-colored fog of nebulous Neptune. Take-away lesson: if you’re going take a opinion poll and you want reliable information, don’t do it on a dead void of course Moon. Here’s the latest on Eric Cantor and his victorious opponent, cheerfully presented as usual by NYT columnist Gail Collins.

The other Sabian Symbol in this lunation is the Sun at 23 Gemini: “three fledglings in a nest high in a tree”. So immediately we see a polarity between these fledglings who are not quite ready to leave home (but must),  and the immigrants who have left their homes and just arrived in a whole new world. Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee suggests we apply these symbols with a mind to “…a passage to a new life, a new level of maturity, the moment before a new independent life takes off…” Bovee has a lot more to say, and if you enjoy the Sabian Symbols, why not buy his book. In your own personal world, you may receive illumination or a release on a “let’s get down to business” new stage in life if you have a planet or angle at around 23 Gemini or Sagittarius.

And now, some more news.

Minutes ago, this item hit the wires about the current upheaval in Iraq, reflecting a great effort involving money that is quite sobering: $425 million seized by militants in a successful series of bank robberies, making them “the world’s richest terrorist group”. Also minutes ago: the Supreme Court (Saturn) rules that money in an IRA (Venus) inherited from a parent (Saturn) is not protected from creditors should you declare bankruptcy.

Meanwhile, taxi drivers in Europe angry (Mars square Pluto) about the success of the taxi app Uber are causing traffic meltdowns (Mercury retrograde) everywhere. Yesterday Uber announced a ginormous amount of investment capital raised on a stupendous $17 billion valuation.  Finally, a group of moms (Venus) meant serious business (Saturn) when they attended a Target shareholder meeting to demand it prohibit the open carry of guns (Mars) in its stores.   I’ve seen a lot of posts about open carry on Facebook this week, including this purportedly helpful cartoon/PSA.

What’s going on in your horoscope? Mercury retrogrades are excellent times for reviewing your life with an astrologer. Here’s the 411 on personal consultations.

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 7/22/2013: Sneak Peek at the Week; Full Moon in Aquarius

A week of wobbles, fits and starts, with increased volatility as we get closer to the weekend…carrying over to next week. Ready? Here goes:

Driving the energy of the day is an enterprising Capricorn Moon, just dying to get down to business, as it was likely able to do as of 2:39PM Saturday through 11:53AM Sunday. But then…with a sigh…all that drive may have felt like it went into neutral, as the Moon went void of course, where it will continue to drift until 2:07PM ET. And yet…

…the need for exuberant action reaches a crest at 3:35AM ET on Monday, reflected by aggressive Mars and expansive Jupiter meeting up. How will you blow off steam? Adding to the need for release is the Moon waxing full (exact at 2:15PM ET) — and yes, as you may have heard, it is a SuperMoon (the last one of 2013), suggesting an increased likelihood of seismic shifts and intense weather patterns. And over the weekend we’ve seen crazy storms in Michigan and earthquakes making headlines — in China and New Zealand —  just for starters. Coincidence or conspiracy?

But before we get to this afternoon’s Full Moon, we must also contend with three planetary shifts that challenge our sense of equilibrium. First, Mercury is now direct, as of 2:22PM ET Saturday. Huzzah! As Mercury retraces its steps, until August 5th we’ll have plenty of opportunities to discover errors in thinking and communication made during the June 26th-July 20th retrograde. Be patient — especially with today’s Moon void — in all matters of communication and transportation.

Second, as of 8:41AM ET, loving Venus leaves sunny Leo for prissy Virgo. In matters of love, art, women, gone is the regal drama queen; enter the prissy school marm, demanding we have our I’s dotted and our T’s crossed. Form may become more important than content in social expression — something to consider in overtures and negotiations. And all this week, this perfection-seeking social energy is challenged by the rose-colored fog of nebulous Neptune, suggesting that the beauty we seek may be an ideal (don’t worry, reality will likely hit by Saturday).

Third, the Sun leaves watery Cancer for fiery Leo, where it is very much at home. The Sun in Leo is born to shine — and help others shine, too. But before you mail the party invitations, consider that stern Saturn is poised to fling a wet blanket on the festivities when it squares the Sun on Saturday the 27th — but not without howls of stubborn protest between now and then. Demands for cuts and discipline on the one hand; outrage expressed on the other, with the howling protestors screaming bloody murder. Or at the very least, putting on tremendous displays of persuasive effort. You’ll feel the pinch or ambitious push of Saturn squaring the Sun more than most if you have a planet or angle at 4-6 degrees of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius — or if you were born around the 27th of July, October, January or April.

OK, so: Mercury direct; Venus and Sun changing signs — all in effect today. Things may feel wobbly, exacerbated by waxing emotions of the Full Moon. Meanwhile, the volatility I’m seeing for later this week and into next is suggested by aggressive Mars and expansive Jupiter engaging with the disruptive Uranus-Pluto square. Somewhere, somehow we’re likely to see more than the usual power struggles and “if it bleeds, it leads” headlines, including accidents. Watch for news from underground and tech breakthroughs, too (See? There’s always an upside). In your own personal world you are advised to count to ten before you fly off the handle, especially if you have a planet or angle between 8 and 13 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn; or if you were born up to five days after the 29th of March, June, September and December. Even if you’re not throwing your toys out of the pram, others around you might be. Choose your battles with care. Consult the previous link for helpful strategies.  On the plus side? If you are grounded and clear about your plan to achieve greater emotional/homeland security, you’ll likely find the energy to push through boundaries successfully.

With the Full Moon in Aquarius we see the potential for illumination and/or conflict between the  for personal recognition/glory (Leo Sun) vs. the need of the collective (Aquarius Moon). The Sabian Symbols are: for the Sun at 1 degree of Leo — “a case of apoplexy”; for the Moon at 1 Aquarius — “an old adobe mission”.  And once again, Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee’s wonderful book offers a meaningful interpretation. Given the strong volatility suggested by this week’s planetary patterns, the “case of apoplexy” is remarkable. “To be apoplectic refers to any effusion of blood into an organ or tissue…sudden fits of rage or embarrassment”. Sounds pretty Mars-Uranus-Pluto to me. What about “the adobe mission”? Bovee describes it as “a sun-baked building erected for a specific purpose or cause in a foreign territory…imagine the fervor of someone whose deep beliefs motivate a journey to foreign, even hostile places”. Fascinating.

In the aftermath of this Full Moon, we are advised to watch for “focused enthusiasm eager to broadcast self-evident, universal truths…an intense desire to burst out of the mold; dramatic outsets of fever, feverish expression or fervent belief…watch especially for creating circumstances in which the unexpected can strike”.  It’s as if the germinating seed (the Sabian Symbol for this lunar cycle’s New Moon on July 8th) has taken root; now we can watch as the message is disseminated. You’ll see this theme manifest on more personally for you if you have a planet or angle around 1 degree of Leo or Aquarius…or if you were born around the 22nd of July or January.

At 10:02PM ET we can expect a dose of reality or ambitious reach to hit as the stubborn Aquarius Moon, seeking social significance, is challenged by the equally stubborn Saturn in “pay what you owe” Scorpio.

Your Moon voids for the week — and there are a lot of them. All this planetary activity…and plenty of rest time so we can assimilate the action without our circuits blowing…we hope. Avoid initiating projects, important meetings, signing contracts and major purchases during these times…and roll with the twists that are sure to crop up. Chill, chill, chill!

Monday until 2:07PM ET;

Tuesday 10:01AM ET until WEDNESDAY 2:22PM ET;

Thursday 2:43PM ET until FRIDAY at 5:29PM ET;

Saturday at 10:19PM ET until 12:43AM ET on MONDAY the 29th

For those of you keeping track of Angel Numbers, this is the third time since July 4th that we’ve had a cosmic event at 2:22 — the meaning of which can be found here — reassuring, isn’t it?

Will do a news re-cap in the next forecast — meanwhile, here’s an item that will be excellent fodder at the water-cooler. It’s called “Why Men Need Women” — and it’s currently the most emailed story on the NYT website. Keep it in mind when I post the next batch of headlines — mostly about resources and/or the lack thereof. Stay tuned…