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Saturday & Sunday 8/11-12/2018: New Moon in Leo/Eclipse; Catching Up on a Jam-Packed Week

Alll-righty then!

I’ve been writing  this forecast since Thursday. It started like this:

Sometimes you just have to drop everything and tend to your own personal garden. More on that in a minute.

Today (Thursday) is driven by the Moon in Cancer, a sign focused on building and maintaining emotional/family/home security. It went void at 7:20 AM ET, not to enter the next sign — Leo — until 12:18 AM ET on FRIDAY. Note your dreams and the potential for an emotionally intense start to the  morning, as the Moon was opposed by power broker Pluto when it went void. At 9:34 PM ET, Venus will be squared by Saturn, suggesting an opportunity to structure values (financial and aesthetic). Will the structure be felt as an advance or a cut? Saturn can go either way. Past Venus-Saturn contacts have featured no-nonsense stories of women, art, money and social expression. Remember the “resting bitch face”? It jumped into the news a few years ago on a hard aspect between Venus and Saturn. Coincidence or conspiracy?

On FRIDAY, the Leo Moon facilitates a need to party on, dude. Moon squares Uranus at 4:21 AM ET, suggesting a disruptive flash to the start of the day. Big ideas — regally pronounced and possibly half-baked — may infest the headlines, as Mercury (how we need to think) and Jupiter (expansion) square off at 2:32 AM ET. This is the second of a series of three Mercury-Jupiter squares. The first was on July 9th; the third happens on August 28th, when Mercury will be direct and likely demanding a rethink.

We are in the balsamic phase of the Moon, an apt time for wrapping up projects started at the beginning of the cycle. This would also be a time to fly under the radar, if it suits your purpose. During these “dead Moons” we may feel listless or restless, sensing that something new is around the corner, but we don’t know what it will be.

At 5:58 AM ET on SATURDAY we’ll have a New Moon in Leo, along with a partial solar eclipse — the final one of the summer eclipse season. This happens at 18 degrees of Leo, which happens to fall exactly on Barack Obama‘s Descendant, activating significant others and his relationship with the public. I expect we’ll see him pull focus in the headlines soon, especially when transiting Mars hits his 18 Aquarius Ascendant around October 26th. Other famous people whose horoscopes are affected: Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Beth Henley, Billy Joel, Candice Bergen, Mark Knopfler.  You are personally affected if you have a planet or angle around 18 degrees of Leo, Aquarius, Taurus or Scorpio. Consult your local astrologer for details

ThSabian Symbol for the New Moon  is “a houseboat party.” It’s fascinating to note that its opposing Symbol is “a forest fire quenched” — which would be a true relief  in many parts of the world. Sabian Symbol guru Blaine Bovee has written that we are wise to consider the opposition when considering a particular Symbol. So mote be….and so mote was on the Full Moon of August 2014.

Bovee observes that a houseboat is a place for social gatherings. It does not have a keel and is thus challenging to navigate in turbulent waters. “Forest,” he notes, is “derived from the word ‘foreign’ — meaning outside one’s own country; a forest fire is a wild, uncontrollable conflagration…imagine a flaming left-wing liberal finding himself at a conservative right-wing party on a houseboat. It’s a difficult situation, calling for diplomacy and delicate matters so as not to rock the boat.” Yep, he really wrote that, and this book was published in 2004.

Bovee also wrote that we should apply this pair of Symbols “with a mind to the challenge of controlling the burning passions of belief in light social circumstances divided along party lines; stewarding combustible situations; keeping an even keel in potentially interesting times.” Here is the link to his wonderful book.

So far, so good. Right?

This New Moon is more potent because it is also an eclipse. What does that mean?

A Solar Eclipse can act like a “bottleneck” of energy. Light flowing from the Sun is temporarily interrupted, focusing attention on that interrupted point, allowing something new and possibly fragile to 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. Got that?

make-way-for-ducklings-more-robert-mccloskey-dvd-cover-art

Sometimes what is brought into focus is a secret suddenly brought to light. Once out, there’s no going back. In this eclipse set in Washington DC, Mercury retrograde in Leo and right on the Ascendant, squared by bigly Jupiter. I expect a lot of big news to erupt in this lunar cycle, and the fact checkers should have a field day. Some of the fog and magical thinking will reflect the last of three trines (a harmonious pattern) between Jupiter and Neptune, exact on August 19th.

Jupiter-Neptune contacts suggest: blood, charity, empathy, film, photography, suffering, oceans. refugees, drugs, oil, scandal, spirits of all kinds, faith. The contact with Jupiter suggests expansion. Have you heard about Tallequah, the grieving killer whale, who has been carrying her stillborn calf through the waters off the coast of Washington state for the past EIGHTEEN DAYS? Big. Ocean. Empathy. Suffering. When we will ever learn? The first Jupiter-Neptune trine happened in December 2017; the second was on May 25th. You’re affected if you have a planet or angle around 14 degrees of Leo, Aquarius, Taurus or Scorpio.

Bringing us up to today….

…where the Leo Moon goes void immediately after the eclipse…not to enter Virgo until 11:59 PM ET. No impulse shopping during the void! On SUNDAY, the urge to sort and prune sails free and clear…taking on an even more earthy, “get down to business” drive at 10:13 PM ET, when Mars moves back into Capricorn. More of the same is scheduled for Monday — no sleeping in.

Meanwhile, here are the patterns that made the past week extra special:

Venus entered Libra on Monday evening, at the exact same moment as a big, bold outburst between the Leo Sun and expansive Jupiter. Venus functions with great efficiency in Libra, sign of sweetness, balance, diplomacy and partnership. On Tuesday Venus was trine Mars, offering an opportunity to soften the cranky edginess of Mars being retrograde (i.e., frustrating desires and delaying action), and arrive at an accord. Also on Tuesday, Uranus turned retrograde, suggesting we tune in and connect with our inner rebel. Are the chains that bind you self-created? How can you set yourself free? Idealism — or being blinded by the light — was suggested by Wednesday’s meet-up between the Leo Sun and retrograde Mercury.

And now, the news…reflecting the patterns above:

As predicted, airplanes are making big news (with added confusion/changes of course courtesy of Mars/Mercury retrograde):

In other news:

Because this post is so jam-packed, I will wait until the next forecast to tell you about my “garden adventure.” As Beth Owl’s Daughter observed when I posted about it on my personal Facebook page , it’s an apt microcosm of our current macrocosm, with many teachable moments I hope you will find helpful and inspiring.

Meanwhile, I would love to provide you with insights about your own personal horoscope. Here is the 411 on consultations.

Thank you for reading this forecast.

Astro-logical Forecast for Monday & Tuesday 2/22-23/2016: Sneak Peek at the Week; Harper Lee & Umberto Eco, RIP

Happy Monday!

I hope you are starting the week with efficiency, using the discerning faculties of the Virgo Full Moon (exact at 1:20PM ET) to perfect your boundless ideal in greater detail. Said “ideal” would be suggested by the Pisces Sun in an approaching meet-up with visionary Neptune (exact on Sunday). A practical technical analysis may lend itself to you, courtesy of a communicative flow between Mercury (mindset) and Saturn (structure; ambition) — that’s exact on Thursday. What will you do with this potential illumination?

Structuring and focusing an all-encompassing vision is a theme echoed in the Sabian Symbols for this Full Moon. Don’t know the story of these cryptic Symbols? Here it is. For the Sun at 4 Pisces: “a colored child playing with white children” (remember that these Symbols were channeled in 1925); for the Moon at 4 Virgo: “heavy traffic on a narrow isthmus”.  Huzzah for the ever-helpful Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee, who points out that “‘play’ is an activity that blissfully ignores boundaries, rules and narrowly drawn lines of convention and bias”; whilst the latter of the two Symbols suggests “a well-defined sense of procedure that narrows into a bottleneck situation”. We are advised, says Bovee, to apply these Symbols “with a mind to the challenge of being tolerant while following a focused, narrow path to one’s goal; crossing social and ethnic boundaries with childlike ease…bottleneck issues slowing progress…needing to get away…funneling energy towards the key thing”. Bovee offers many other insights too numerous to mention here, but are readily available in his wonderful book.

Keep on plugging with discernment on Tuesday, using Virgo’s practical and earthy drive. Note the potential for an ambitious reach or a wet blanket around 1:02PM ET, as the Moon is challenged by taskmaster Saturn. Depth of analysis is facilitated around 3:17PM ET, as Moon trines Pluto just in time for tea. The evening builds to an enthusiastic release around 9:44PM ET, when the Moon meets up with expansive Jupiter.

Get it off your desk on Tuesday if you can, as the Virgo Moon goes void on Wednesday at 9:22AM ET, wandering through the day without dynamic thrust until 5:41PM ET. You might focus on routine tasks that require innovative sorting and refinement.  I say this because Mercury (mindset, communication) is in an easy alignment with Saturn (exact on Thursday) and Uranus (exact on Friday).  Roll with the twists and flakes that may detour your efforts to move forward in a straight line; perhaps indulge in a creative outlet that takes you in an unexpected direction. Resist the urge to turn a picayune molehill into a mountain of crisis. Chill — and avoid impulse purchases, as those made during Moon voids have an odd way of proving themselves not nearly as useful as you hoped they would be. But don’t just take it from me. Test the theory for yourself.

Once the Moon shifts into gear in Libra at 5:41PM ET on Wednesday, it drives the next few days with a need for social graces in relationship, as well as an appreciation for rational discourse seeking balance. In the wee hours on Friday morning ET, the balance may be disrupted by the Moon’s weekly clash with Pluto and Uranus. It goes void on a face-off with the latter at 6:18AM ET, facilitating your plans to start your weekend early.

And now, the news.

At the start of last week, I opined that the relative lack of action among the planets suggested a set-up for a dramatic event, seemingly happening out of nowhere on a perfectly routine day. On Saturday such an event happened in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Six people were killed — and others wounded — by one man in a series of series of random shootings. What’s interesting from an astro-logical perspective is that the chart for the time of the first shooting — around 6PM on 2/20/2016 in Kalamazoo — paints a picture of a potentially violent outburst. Immediately we see lethal Mars (guns, anger, war) very strong in Scorpio, not in connection to any other planet (thus demanding attention by “running wild), but smack dab on the angles of the horoscope. Planets on the angles of the chart for an event say much about its nature.

Which makes me think of another incident back in January I meant to write about as soon as it happened, because what was reported did not reflect what is suggested in the horoscope.  This was an alleged gang-rape of an 18 year old girl by five teens in a Brooklyn playground. It happened around 9:10PM on the 7th.  The first thing to notice is Neptune — planet of illusion, fog and alcohol — right on the angles of the chart. Other patterns suggest boundaries pushed, accounts revised and/or retracted, details blurred and  twisted and a potentially kinky expression of assertive energy. I did not believe initial reports in the papers, and I wondered why one reporter (and her editors) at one rag have paying jobs in journalism — see that initial write-up here. A week later, after the five teens were found, arrested and  charged, the case against them was “crumbling,” as murky and disturbing allegations involving the young woman’s father emerged. The DA apparently has until June to build its case for a grand jury.

I believe there were a few debates among the candidates running for president around that time. If memory serves, Neptune was on an angle at the start of each of those debates, too. Take that with a grain of salt.

If you’re a student of astrology and you just learned something new and exciting, why not express appreciation for the gift of knowledge right here. You would totally make my day.

Meanwhile, Jeb Bush formally ended his presidential campaign just as transiting Jupiter hit 20 degrees of Virgo. Why is that significant? 20 Virgo was the degree of a potent eclipse in September, and as you may recall, Governor Bush’s horoscope was personally affected. The eclipse fell in his 12th house, close to his 23 Virgo Ascendant and square his Gemini Midheaven. Back in September, I noted that we needed to keep an eye on his horoscope in 2016, when Jupiter would trigger September’s eclipse. And speaking of eclipses, we have two of them next month, and you’ll find a bit of info on how eclipses can operate in that last link. As for Governor Bush, perhaps the third hit of Jupiter to his Ascendant and Midheaven in August will bring expansive opportunities, accompanied by shoes he can actually fill. By the end of this year and into 2017,  he likely be needing to get serious about core foundation and family concerns, as transiting Saturn hits the angles of his horoscope.

In other news, Umberto Eco — truly a one-of-a-kind novelist and scholar — passed away over the weekend. Looking at his horoscope, I expected to find eccentric/genius Uranus all over it. Yep. It’s there — sitting right at the top of the chart on the Midheaven, square to his Capricorn Sun and Mars. Those planets and that Midheaven have been under a high level of tension in the past couple of years, with transiting Uranus and Pluto supercharging them. Mr. Eco passed away with transiting Saturn exactly on his high-flying, big-picture focused Moon in Sagittarius.

Harper Lee, author of the beloved classic, “To Kill A Mockingbird, ” also passed away. I expected to see Uranian/Aquarian humanitarian themes in her horoscope, too .Yep, they are there. Ms. Lee is a Taurus, with her ruling planet — Venus — conjunct Uranus in Pisces, suggesting a need for sensitive yet avant garde social values and expression. Venus also rules her people-pleasing Libra Ascendant. Uranus trines the Midheaven, suggesting a need for that social consciousness to be expressed in her vocation. Additionally we see Mars conjunct Jupiter in Aquarius, in a complex and dynamic T-square pattern. They oppose Neptune — suggesting no small amount of energy and charisma —  and all three square a seriously intense meet-up between Moon and Saturn in Scorpio. This is a woman who would need to be appreciated for depth and substance. She is described by the NYT as “reclusive,” and her horoscope suggests that need, too.

It is fascinating to see that Ms. Lee’s 25 Libra Ascendant is about to be opposed by transiting Uranus starting in August of 2016, and again in May of 2017, then hovering around 25 Libra for weeks between  December 2017 and February 2018. Transits to the Ascendant from Uranus often suggest a fresh start, and horoscopes live forever.  Guess what’s planned for Ms. Lee around that time? A new production of “To Kill A Mockingbird”, written by Aaron Sorkin. This play has never had a Broadway run. A fresh start indeed — and potentially quite a splash when it premieres. Transiting Jupiter will cross her Ascendant in October of 2017 — how nice for a public debut. Transiting Jupiter will then conjoin her Moon-Saturn conjunction and engage and expand the other three planets in that T-square in the spring of 2018. Tony nominations, anyone?

UPDATE: have to add that Umberto Eco’s horoscope, as noted above, also reflects the “fresh start” potential of transiting Uranus to the Ascendant and/or Midheaven. And guess what? Mr. Eco had a book scheduled for publication this May….but now it will be published this weekend! Astrology is amaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing.

Finally, because it’s always fun to end on a bright note — the weekend’s Leo Moon coincided with a heartwarming cat story. Did you hear about Kunkush? He belonged to a family of refugees who fled Iraq last fall. En route to their new home in Norway, Kunkush was lost on the island of Lesbos. Incredibly, he was reunited with his family last week. Roll heartwarming tape. Grab box of Kleenex.  Imagine a world where everyone treats everyone else with the kindness and care shown to Kunkush.

Thank you for reading this forecast. Here’s the 411 on consultations. I can’t imagine why you would not want to understand how planetary patterns are reflected in your own personal world. We will have an excellent and enlightening discussion together.

Astro-logical Forecast for Thursday-Sunday 12/24/2015: Merry, Merry, Happy, Happy; Full Moon in Cancer; Uranus Direct; More Astrology in the News

Happy, happy, merry, merry….even if you are not preparing to celebrate a holiday tomorrow or Saturday. A pixie chatterbox Moon in Gemini has been driving the action since Tuesday at 9:22PM ET, and today it receives an expansive boost from jolly Jupiter at 12:16PM ET. Sweetening the deal is a cooperative connection between said Jolly Jupiter and Venus — which in astrology, does in fact, refer to sugar. How generous can you be to those on your shopping list, along with the rest of the Free World?

Get it done by 3:04PM ET and then prepare to roll with any twist or delay which may crop up in your efforts to move forward in a straight line. The Moon goes void on an easy connection to Mars, planet of action at that time, not to enter Cancer until 12:26AM ET on Friday, a.k.a. early Christmas Day — or late Christmas Eve, for those in time zones west of New York — at least in the Americas.

Remember that crises which crop up during Moon voids tend to be much ado about nothing. Also remember that the emotional tide is rising, as reflected by the Moon, which will be exactly full on Friday at 6:11AM ET.

A Cancer Moon is driven by a need for emotional security. Wherever you may be over the next few days, I hope it feels like a nourishing space where you feel at home. However it may feel, you may well receive a flash of soulful, yet practical insight, courtesy of the day’s other planetary patterns. First, a soulful connection between Moon and Neptune infuses the morning, exact at 1:20PM ET. Second, big ideas and ease of communicating them are suggested by an easy flow between Mercury and Jupiter at 3:19PM ET. Whatever thoughts are percolating now, they may return for a second and third review on January 14th and February 6th. Third — as noted in the last forecast, Uranus — the cosmic disruptor of the status quo — turns direct at 10:53PM ET. More on that in a minute.

The last time we had a Full Moon on Christmas was in 1977. Why is that important? I’m really not sure, but let’s note for the record that the asteroid Chiron was discovered in 1977. Chiron is known as the “wounded healer,” suggesting tremendous potential for awareness and empowerment — after no small measure of angst. Chiron is also seen as a bridge between what is old, material and visible (Saturn) and what is new, electric and unseen (Uranus — which is can’t be seen with the naked eye). Hmm. Star Wars was released in 1977, too — now that was a big cosmic awakener, hmm? Perhaps the biggest since the Uranus-Pluto conjunctions of 1965-66 were reflected by Star Trek.  Hmm, again.

You may feel the emotional depth of this Full Moon more personally if you have a planet or angle around 4 degrees of Cancer or Capricorn, and to a lesser extent, Aries and Libra. The Sabian Symbols for these degrees are as follows. For the Sun at 4 Capricorn: “a party entering a large canoe”.   For the Moon at 4 Cancer: “a cat arguing with a mouse”.  Inspired by Sabian Symbol guru Blaine Bovee’s masterful musings, our immediate response to these Symbols might be “why”?  Why would a cat argue with a mouse? What’s there to argue about? Cats are born to hunt mice — end of story, right? Why would a “party” enter a canoe? Canoes are, as Bovee notes, “notoriously unstable”. How dumb is that? What are we to make of these Symbols at this time?

First, I recommend you get Bovee’s wonderful book, so you can read his whole take. Briefly, he notes that a cat arguing with a mouse suggests an image of “the power differentials between instinct and reason”. A “party” in an (old, fast but unstable) canoe  could be a group of people on a festive outing, or it could be a group with a shared philosophical purpose, such as a  — huh — “political party”.  How interesting, given what is dominating headlines in the United States, though the U.S. is hardly the only nation experiencing unstable and/or shifting political climes.

Bovee suggests we apply these Symbols with a mind to the “challenge to find one’s place between the instinctive animal urges and the sublime natures of being human…calling for order while entering an unstable circumstance…rationalizations, especially those that smell fishy…sexual politics…hidden motives behind well-reasoned positions…rocking the boat…knowing when to pounce”. He offers more in his wonderful book.

This week I’ve been thinking a lot about “the challenge to find one’s place between the instinctive animal urges and the sublime natures of being human,” as well as “calling for order while entering an unstable circumstance”. That’s because I’m reading The Life of Pi. I’ve mentioned the movie in years past as an apt reflection of Neptune’s ingress into Pisces. So now I’m finally reading the book — beautifully written as it is. It’s a story about faith in God and what it takes to survive as a human being in the direst of situations. “Pi” is the name of the main character; it’s short for “Piscine,” the French word for swimming pool — and, as you can see, is related to Pisces.

Pi is Hindu, though his parents are more secular. His older brother is into sports. Pi is into God, and he sees the beauty in all religions. As a young boy, he becomes a practicing Christian and a practicing Muslim, in addition to being a practicing Hindu. The priest, the imam and the pandit at their respective houses of faith are moved by Pi’s pi-ety, until they discover — in Chapter 23 — that he has been practicing all three religions.  Pi’s faith is challenged, much as Neptune in Pisces is currently being challenged by controlling Saturn in righteously opinionated Sagittarius, (which also refers to dogma). Would that this book were required reading for all — hint, hint —  if you’re looking for a last-minute gift idea other than a gift certificate for a personal astrological consultation (I am able to send beautifully decorated gift certificates via email, FYI — it’s not too late)

Moving on to Saturday…

In the early AM, while most in the Americas are sleeping, the Moon will make its weekly clash with Pluto and Uranus. Given that the two planets are only a degree apart, and that Uranus will have just changed direction, we may wake up to startling headlines. We’ll see more drive late in the day, as the Moon opposes Mercury at 7:21PM ET, followed by a clash with assertive Mars at 9:57PM ET. A connection with Venus may help smooth things out around 10:36PM ET, as the Moon goes void for the rest of the night. Chill!

On Sunday at 5:31AM ET, Moon roars into fiery Leo, seeking applause, playtime, creative self-expression or regal drama. If you’re working on Monday, no sleeping in. The Moon will still be in Leo, and it will still be engaged.  Consider ways to shine — and help others shine, too.

And now, the news.

This week I’ve been tracking stories relating to 1) PROMINENCE, suggested by the Winter Solstice and the Capricorn Sun at the Aries Point; 2) the disruptive insight suggested by Mercury meet-up with Pluto and  challenge from Uranus last weekend; and 3) Uranus in me-me-me pioneering Aries, as it sloooooooows down to a standstill (relatively speaking) and prepares to change direction late Friday night.

FYI — the flashes of insight we experienced related to the Mercury-Uranus-Pluto engagement may be up for review again Jan 20-Jan 22nd, as well as Jan 30-31st.  More FYI: Mercury refers to writing, communication, travel. Uranus refers to aviation, freedom, rebels, eccentrics, technology and…astrology.

Exhibit A: “U.S. Says Hacker Stole IDs and Unreleased Scripts from Host of Celebrities”“Start-Up Personalizes Books for Children, With Robot as Co-Author”  Technology. Fame. Innovation. Me-me-me! Meanwhile, Elon Musk “hailed a revolutionary moment” when his company successfully “launched and returned a rocket to Earth, landing it in an upright position”.   So awesome, and Mr. Musk continues to dazzle, as anticipated here two years ago.  This did not stop him from being labelled a “Luddite” by some who believe his concerns about AI are unwarranted. Hmmm…

Exhibit B: unbeknownst to most, the TSA announced a change in its opt-out policy for passengers who would rather undergo a pat-down than walk through the full-body scanning whizbang machine. As of Friday, some passengers may not be allowed to opt-out, and it is not clear whom. A lawsuit challenging the policy change has been filed. Aviation. Technology. Personal freedom….

…so where’s the astrology? Again in the New York Times, following up on the “Modern Love” essay noted here last week. This week, its “Room For Debate” section asks, “What is the Appeal of Astrology?”:

A recent essay in n+1 examines the appeal of astrology, even among those who say they don’t believe in it. Are horoscopes fundamentally irrational, or are there reasons to read to them? Why are so many of us drawn to them?

And by “horoscopes,” they are referring to those fluffy Sun Sign blurbs you might find in the comics section of your local paper, which may or may not have been written by an astrologer with professional credentials (and most likely not).  What’s clear from reading the opinions of all of the panelists is that none have the faintest idea of what astrology is and isn’t. What’s fascinating is that if the NYT were writing about any other subject, my money says they would have found a few people with legitimate understanding of the subject. In this case, it is as if they wanted to have a debate on the merits of believing in sonograms, and asked a flight attendant, a welder, a cake-decorator, a U.S. Congressperson and a lumberjack to weigh in.  Can you imagine if they neglected to include a radiologist in such a discussion?

It should not surprise you to learn that no professional astrologers were invited to the debate.  Instead, they asked a historian, a psychology professor, a therapist, an editorial assistant and  a fiction writer who also pens fake horoscopes. But hey…it’s a start….it’s a start, and perfectly timed, even if the Paper of Record won’t win a Pulitzer for it.

If you do happen to read the debate, don’t miss the reader comments.

As for an answer to the question the NYT posed, before you read a horoscope such as one you might find in the comics section, you should do what you would do with anyone from whom you might seek a professional opinion. Check the writer’s references. Where did she go to school? Is she a professional credentialed astrologer? And then, let’s clearly define our terms. If by “horoscope” we mean to say “fluffy blurb in comics section, designed to apply to general Sun Signs,” take what is written with a grain of salt. It’s general information. If by “horoscope” we mean to say “unique planetary patterns at the moment of your birth” and you’ve checked the credentials and references of the astrologer you’ve hired to interpret the chart, then congratulations, you are going to learn a lot.

A wise astrologer was once asked by a reporter, “When did you start believing in astrology?”

“I don’t believe in astrology,” the wise astrologer replied.

There was an uncomfortable pause, as that wasn’t the response the startled reporter expected.

“Astrology isn’t something to believe in,” the wise astrologer continued. “It is something to know about”.

Funny thing, though. Regardless of your belief in astrology, astrology believes in you. Not sure why it works, but it does.

And now, an adorable baby otter.

Thank you for reading this forecast.  Thank you for sharing it with others. Here’s how to contact me to schedule a personal consultation.

Astro-logical Forecast for Tuesday 10/27/2015: Full Moon in Taurus; Lots of Virgo in the News

Alrighty, then!

The Taurus Moon waxes to its fullness at 8:05AM ET. Like the last two Full Moons before it, this is a SuperMoon, meaning that the Moon is closer to Earth than usual, and will appear to be that much bigger in the sky. Thus emotions are also likely running higher than usual. Or so the theory goes.

By the way, I hope you’ve been looking up at the sky in recent weeks, to appreciate Venus, Jupiter and Mars so close together in Virgo — it’s quite a lovely sight.

A Taurus Moon can be quite resistant to change. It prefers to establish material security firmly in its own comfort zone. A Scorpio Sun is interested in jointly-held or shared resources. It is the conflict between MINE and OURS that we may experience in this lunation. If you remember the seeds planted at the New Moon two weeks ago, you may recall it had to do with startling revelations involving relationship. So…more of the same here, with a focus on establishing security.

This Full Moon happens at 3 degrees of Taurus, which considered a favorable placement. It is opposed by the Sun at 3 degrees of Scorpio. So if you have planets or angles at 3 Taurus, Scorpio — and to a lesser extent — Leo and Aquarius, this Full Moon will impact your life more personally. If you don’t know where your planets are, then consult your local astrologer.

The Sabian Symbols for the Full Moon are — for the Moon — “a rainbow’s pot of gold,” and — for the Sun — “a youth holding a lighted candle”. Don’t those sound dreamy? And in fact, we see in the patterns of the Full Moon chart an alignment between the Sun and dreamy Neptune. Yes, something about the illumination potential of this Full Moon borders on the ideal. But are we not “such stuff as dreams are made on?

Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee suggests we apply these symbols with a mind to “the challenge of the enthusiastic pursuit of reward; balancing dreams that enrich the spirit with appreciating what one already has.” He cautions us against gussying up something of intrinsic value. Isn’t it fine just the way it is? Three planets in Virgo in this Full Moon chart can be so fussy! Hmm…maybe your relationship is just fine, too.

If you like these Symbols and find them fascinating food for thought, get Bovee’s wonderful book.   He has plenty of other things to say about these two Symbols, but space and time do not permit me to list them here.

In the 24 hours following the Full Moon, we’ll see a loose Grand Trine among the Moon, Pluto and Jupiter-Venus-Mars — all in Earth Signs. As noted yesterday, a Grand Earth Trine is a pattern suggesting material self-sufficiency and ease of effort in establishing material security. So apply this practical Earth energy to building your monument to material comfort over the next day or so….seasoned with a liberal dash of dreams.  This pattern would seem to bode well for the alleged efforts going on in Washington to reach a budget accord without having to default. Nice.

And now, the news.

How interesting that yesterday did begin with a jolt, as anticipated. There was a 7.5 quake affecting Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Another jolt was a health study from WHO, advising that processed meats “rank along smoking as cancer causes”. A Moon void much ado about nothing? It’s not like this news has not been published before — it has. But this was how The Guardian presented the study, which was all over social media. Nobody wants to give up their bacon! Later that day, it was fascinating to see how the NYT told the story, with these words in the first paragraph:

But the increase in risk is so slight that experts said most people should not be overly worried about it.

Have you read The China Study yet? It was billed as “the most comprehensive study of nutrition ever conducted,” and it’s a page-turner. Darn these three planets in Virgo — and especially Jupiter, which suggest the potential for expanded awareness in matters of health, nutrition and food processing.

Last week I noted that with Venus meeting up with Jupiter over the weekend, I wondered if we’d see a story involving diabetes or some other health matter involving sugar. And in fact, we did see one on Monday, dissecting and criticizing (how very Virgo) a study published last month which concluded that honey was no better than high fructose corn syrup and sugar. What the article did not say is who funded the study that dismissed honey.

Meanwhile, women’s hygiene products are also homepage news in more than one paper in more than one country. Venus (women) conjunct Jupiter (expansion; good fortune; excess) in Virgo (health, hygiene)…with probably a little bit of the adjustment suggested by a current tense pattern between Venus and Uranus (revelation; freedom). Wanna hear these stories? Of course you do. “Under Pressure, Feminine Product Manufacturers Disclose Ingredients” is one. A second is this one:

Britain will lobby Brussels for an end to the 5% rate of VAT on tampons after a threatened rebellion in the House of Commons.

Hear that? Rebellion! And while we’re Going Down There, and since we’re also talking about rebellion, check out the innovative tactics that one woman used to  singlehandedly disperse a protest outside her local Planned Parenthood on Sunday.  That’s what happens when you mix the wacky lightning bolt of Sunday’s Mercury-Uranus opposition with a pile-up of chick-friendly planets in Virgo.

Also making news in the world of women (Venus) and abundance (Jupiter): Wellesley College (my alma mater) announced it has received a gift of $50m, the largest in the school’s history. Huzzah! That’s pretty big — and the timing is perfect, given planetary patterns. What’s also perfect is Wellesley’s launch of its biggest fund-raising campaign, too. My money says they will meet their goal of $500m. Go Blue!

Astrology is amazing. What’s going on in your horoscope? I can’t believe you do not want to know. Taking 90 minutes of time to put the significant events in planetary perspective is a worthwhile investment.  Why? Because patterns repeat themselves, and if you’re facing a challenge or an opportunity now, we can see  how you handled events under similar patterns. This inspires clarity and confidence, and it’s much cheaper than therapy. Here’s the 411 on personal consultations.

Thank you for reading this forecast.

 

 

 

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 9/25/2015 & the Weekend; Full Moon in Aries; Total Lunar Eclipse

TGIF!!

Moon is void of course in humanitarian Aquarius until 3:44PM ET. Combined with Mercury retrograde, here we have a major chill opportunity. Whatever crazy rumor — or craze — that occupies the Internet today is likely much ado about nothing, as pleasant or intriguing an escape it might be. Like a dress that is either blue and black…or white and gold — remember that Moon void obsession? Stick to routine matters — or follow the Pope as he continues to take New York by storm. Go with the flow of whatever twists that may derail your efforts to move forward in a straight line.

After 3:44PM ET, Moon shifts gear into Pisces. This is an emotional drive that needs to identify what is ideal. Compassion, intuition and soulful co-mingling can be a Pisces thing. So is vulnerability and faith. This sensitivity may be subject to a particularly militant, explosive or frustrating influence, as the Moon is challenged by action hero Mars and wet blanket Saturn at 4:30PM and 4:40PM ET, respectively. But wait, there’s more.

At 9:12PM ET Mars clashes directly with Saturn. You may be feeling the push to move things forward forcefully if you have a planet or angle at the very beginning of Virgo, Pisces, Sagittarius or Gemini. Fine, so long as you’re not beating yourself up…or the person sitting next to you. People born with Mars square Saturn in their horoscopes can be fiercely determined and disciplined. So can cats…and I know, because I had one with this aspect. She took her work on Planet Earth very seriously.

Note your dreams upon waking on Saturday, as the Moon hooks up with nebulous Neptune at 4:11 AM ET. Moon goes void at 12:32 PM ET on a regenerating contact with Pluto. Skip the yard sales and shopping malls; wander where you will; note that lush emotions are on the rise, as on Sunday we’ll have…

…the Moon void continue in Pisces until 3:29PM ET. How lovely for sleeping in! The pace picks up noticeably when it shifts into me-me-me Aries, trying to fulfill its need to be Number One within the constructs of a relationship. The relationship part is the Libra Sun. Hmmm. Its quest is stabilized by constructive Saturn at 4:30PM ET, but fiery emotions continue waxing Full — and are totally eclipsed at 10:50PM ET.

Eclipses interrupt the regular flow of light and whatever other energy flows from the Sun or the Moon, like a river meeting a dam. This creates a bottleneck of energy that must eventually find a release, usually over the course of a few months’ time. In the case of this eclipse, the time frame is about five and half months.

Eclipses often highlight an area of life where something needs to be brought to a close. Wherever the eclipse falls in your horoscope is where you can expect a bottleneck, followed by a release, likely of an emotional nature. The bottleneck is an opportunity to gather your resources and/or forces before the release. Since the normal flow is disrupted, the opportunity is ripe for changing the flow. That can be a very good thing, as new opportunities are presented. It can also be experienced as quite an ordeal, if the karma cops are behind what is being shut down.

Look for 5 Aries (Moon)/5 Libra (Sun) in your chart and take note of the house which contains it, and planets or angles that are near it. Then write down these dates: November 12th and November 20th, and see if anything is triggered — especially the 20th.  As an exercise, if you have planets around 5 Capricorn and 5 Cancer, you, too, can take note.  Consult your local astrologer for further details.

For further insight on the potential significance of this Full Moon/Eclipse, we turn to Sabian Symbol Guru Blaine Bovee. His take on these cryptic Symbols is so appreciated. For the Moon at 5 Aries: “a triangle with wings”; for the Sun at 5 Libra: “a man teaching true inner knowledge”.

Bovee suggests the triangle represents  “an idealized form of transcendence”. The “man” seems self-explanatory, but how interesting to see “true inner knowledge” appear when Mercury is retrograde. You’re all supposed to be tuning in for information when the Messenger Planet appears to be moving backwards in the sky.

I also find it fascinating that the idea of transcendence is connected to the Aries Symbol, as Aries is all about the self! Equally fascinating is the idea of “true inner knowledge” — or self-knowledge — connected with the Libra Symbol, as Libra is all about partnership!

Bovee suggests we apply these Symbols with a mind to “a creative ease with which personal affinities rise to express one’s true self; getting to know who one really is…not being ruled by others…guiding, not dominating…being comfortable about not quite being in the social picture…being oneself and getting away with it.” I expect to see a few breakouts and breakthroughs for people whose horoscopes are directly affected by this lunar eclipse…and perhaps a breakdown, too. Until, look up in the sky tonight — you can see the eclipse from most anywhere.

And now, the news.

Pluto squares Mercury and digs up dirt; Pluto turns direct; Mars in Virgo squares Saturn, suggesting a brutal dose of militant controls involving opinions and detailed data. “Police Program Aims to Pinpoint Those Most Likely to Commit Crimes,” reads a headline now on the NYT home page. Have the police thought of consulting with an astrologer or two? Not that they would tell anyone if they had…or did.

Meanwhile, across the Pond: “Student Accused of Being a Terrorist…for Reading a Book on Terrorism”. The student is enrolled in a “terrorism, crime and global security master’s program,” but whatever. Guess what his first name is? Shades of Saturn in Sagittarius, as Sagittarius refers to publishing, academia, foreigners; Saturn is control, fear, etc.

In other news, Bill Cosby continues to be right on schedule, as suggested by his horoscope. Within days of the second hit of transiting Uranus (disruption of the status quo) to his Cancer Sun, he’s been stripped of two more honorary degrees and is reportedly lawyering up — for a potential criminal defense. Is his horoscope affected by Sunday’s eclipse? Yes — his Saturn, which sits in the 12th house of self-undoing and rules his 10th of career/public status — is at 5 Aries.  I expect we’ll continue to see heavy and disruptive action in Mr. Cosby’s life into early spring and even beyond…

What’s going on in your horoscope?

 

 

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 9/14/2015: New Moon in Virgo; Solar Eclipse; Sneak Peek at the Week

Good Morning!

By the time you read this, the Moon will have left discerning Virgo for Libra, as of 10:41PM ET on Sunday. There it will cruise without interference for all of Monday ET.

A Libra Moon drives the energy of the day with a need for people-pleasing in relationship. It is a cerebral energy that needs to weigh the pros and cons of a situation in an effort to find the balance. Generally speaking, it abhors conflict. I have seen some Moon in Libra types do outrageous things in an effort to avoid confrontation. Really, it would have been better if they’d screwed up the courage to face their fears of ruffling feathers head on.

But I digress.

Other than the Moon’s weekly clash with Pluto and Uranus — Tuesday at 1:10AM ET and 2:27PM ET , respectively, exact planetary patterns are fleeting and mild, except for the action that happens on Thursday. That’s when we’ll have a triple hit on our plates.

First, expansive Jupiter opposes Neptune. That should be an awesome aspect for Pope Francis’s planned visit to the United States.  It will also be reflected in plenty of continuing headlines about Neptunian themes, which include faith, dreams, illusion, delusion, healing, migrants, compassion, oil, drugs, blood — for starters. We’ll also see more of Jupiter in Virgo themes: an expanded focus on matters related to labor, union, food and food production, diet, health care, ecology — again, just for starters.

Second, Mercury turns retrograde at 16 degrees of Libra at 2:10PM ET. BACK UP YOUR COMPUTERS NOW!  Third, Saturn fiiiiiinally leaves Scorpio for high-flying Sagittarius at 10:47PM ET. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, Saturn!

Moon voids this week are as follows: Wednesday 12:22 AM – 11:43AM ET; Friday 3:49PM ET – 11:32PM ET. Both of these voids may feel like Mercury retrograde on steroids. Roll with the twists and flakes, and double check everything thrice before you hit “send”. Be patient with the communication snafus, and do not hold a national election during those times!

Meanwhile…

It’s not too late to consciously set your New Moon intentions, even though the exact lunation (and solar eclipse) happened on Sunday at 2:41AM ET. Go ahead and light a candle; make a list. Around September 21st, 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 27th, 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 October 4th, we can review our achievements, tie up loose ends and get ready to begin another New Moon on October 12th.

Last month’s New Moon in Leo focused on creative self-expression. How are you living — or not living — by being true to your heart? On this Virgo New Moon we can focus on 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?  Perfection, discernment, work, service, integration, analysis, cooperative systems, diet: these are also Virgo keywords up for focus and review.

 

Virgo 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?

The New Moon happened at 20 degrees 10 minutes of Virgo. So if you have a planet or angle around that degree of Virgo — and to a lesser degree Pisces, Sagittarius and Gemini, you are more likely to feel the need to plant seeds in the areas related to that planet and where it sits in your horoscope. These seeds have more than the usual potency because this New Moon is also a solar eclipse.

If your life is on track, you may reap an abundant harvest. If your life is not on track, this New Moon/Eclipse may call attention to certain flaws, resulting in quite a challenge. This is time to consult your astrologer for details — or order an Astro-Basics Report if you want to know what degrees all of your planets and angles are at.

A Solar Eclipse can act like a “bottleneck” of energy. Light flowing from the Sun is temporarily interrupted, focusing attention on that interrupted point, allowing something new and possibly fragile to 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. Got that?

make-way-for-ducklings-more-robert-mccloskey-dvd-cover-art

We noted last week that both Serena and Venus Williams have significant planets at 20 Virgo, so we expect to see some activity — one way or the other — in their life experience as 20 Virgo is triggered by Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn later this year and into 2016 (by Jupiter). Let the record show that Donald Trump has his Sun and Moon at 22 Gemini and 21 Sagittarius; Jeb Bush; has his ASC at 23 Virgo; so we’ll want to keep an eye on him, too. Interesting that in 2012, Mitt Romney also experienced an eclipse on his Ascendant.

The Sabian Symbol for this degree is “a girls’ basketball team”. The opposing symbol — in Pisces — is “a little white lamb, a child and a Chinese servant,” and boy I am glad Blaine Bovee wrote a book shedding light on what these Symbols might mean and how to apply them productively. You do know how these Sabian Symbols came about, don’t you? Here is the story.

One thing Bovee notes about this Sabian Symbol pair is that we have a team allegedly working together, on the one hand, combined with three separate entities that don’t seem to have much in common, on the other. How is anything going to get done?  It’s weird and bewildering — but y’know, that fits the patterns of the chart for this New Moon, so somehow it makes sense: Mercury about to turn retrograde and that exact opposition between Jupiter and Neptune.

Honestly, with Mercury retrograde, a period of review and reorganization seems in order during this lunar cycle. But you can still move forward by going back…over your old contacts and projects. A reconnection may be just what is required to get that idea to the next level.

Bovee’s bottom line advice is to approach this lunar cycle with “…an awareness of differences within so-called level playing fields; personal concerns within a cooperative setting…” (for better or for worse). This next bit is interesting, given what’s going on in the world right now, “Consider feeling strange about having to learn foreign moves in order to reach one’s goal; enormous patience while coaching others; improving; honing; carrying the ball”.  We’ll watch for those themes to be expressed in the headlines.

Speaking of which…

With Saturn at the end of its rope at 29 Scorpio, I noted with interest the following items involving last-gasp efforts re: the consequences of sexual energy, for better or for worse.

First, you’ve probably heard that the House of Representatives hosted an investigative hearing about Planned Parenthood last week, as it ascertains whether it can get away with murder (Mars is in Leo) by cutting off federal funds — or at least threatening to shut down the government over it.  But would it surprise you to know that in its efforts to investigate what Planned Parenthood is all about, it did not invite anyone from Planned Parenthood to the hearing? So just how stunningly uninformed are some of the people elected to the U.S. House of Representatives? That’s a rhetorical question. But here’s an answer anyway .

Meanwhile, the front page headline on Sunday’s NYT was about another matter of life and death: “a young woman’s effort to transcend death” through cryonics. Elsewhere, Erica Jong has a new book out: Fear of Dying.   How interesting that Ms. Jong’s taboo-smashing book, Fear of Flying, was published in the aftermath of the Uranus-Pluto conjunction in the mid-60s. Now, in the wake of the Uranus-Pluto square, she writes a follow-up. Coincidence or conspiracy?

And briefly: 1)  a federal study about blood pressure with new data that is allegedly “life-saving” reflects Jupiter in Virgo (expanded focus on healthcare) opposing Neptune (blood); 2) the NYT wonders why so many celebrity couples broke up this summer (hello? aftermath of Uranus-Pluto square plus Venus retrograde in Leo, hello????) — and obviously did not consult with an astrologer; 3) in light of Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy’s August break-up, his new flame, Denise is totally living up to Venus retrograde expectations, as the word on Twitter is “what was he thinking???”

What’s going on in YOUR horoscope? If you’re feeling a need for clarity and guidance, consider making an appointment for a personal astro-logical consultation. Thank you for reading this forecast — and sharing it with the Entire Free World :)

 

 

 

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Monday-Sunday 7/20-26/2015: Sneak Peek at the Week, Part 1

Good Morning!

Moon is in Virgo today, where it has been since  8:47PM ET on Saturday.  Use its organizing and discerning energy to put things right in your world today. Your efforts can be supported by an easy flow of communication and action, as the Moon makes contact with Mars (action) and Mercury (mindset) at 7:3oAM ET and 11:02PM ET, respectively. Refine, revise, reform….with an eye towards perfection and service.

Construction, stabilization and productive use of time is supported by two other easy flows among Sun and Mercury in emotional security-conscious Cancer and Saturn in reality check Scorpio. Those aspects are exact tomorrow at 7:08AM ET (Sun-Saturn), and Wednesday at 1:51PM ET (Mercury-Saturn). Use these building blocks well!

The smooth flow of planetary patterns at the start of this week give way to more excitement towards the end. After a brief Moon void on Wednesday (6:06AM ET – 9:23AM ET), Moon enters Libra and attempts to find balance, social graces and fairness in relationship — at least in theory. Note the potential for an emotional catharses or  power play around 1:36PM ET when the Moon is challenged by ruthless Pluto. Late Wednesday night, the Sun leaves Cancer for drama queen Leo. Mercury follows suit on Thursday (8:15AM ET) and then meets up with the Sun (3:24PM ET). This suggests a certain stubborn and fiery idealism in thought and communication.

Early Thursday the peace-seeking Libra Moon is further rattled by conflict and upsets from Mars and Uranus (12:04AM ET and 3:02AM ET) — exciting, if you’re working the night shift. Patterns are relatively supportive for the rest of the day on Thursday, though be advised that the Moon will be void between 2:12PM ET and 10:07PM ET. That’s a good time to focus on routine matters and roll with any twists that may crop up in your efforts to move forward in a straight line.  Crises during voids tend to be much ado about nothing.

If you work in a mercurial business such as the media, where you have daily deadlines, you’re more likely to notice these “road to nowhere” crises. When I was working onsite in TV news, I can’t tell you how many times a “hair on fire” project would show up during a void, and somehow fizzle out after the void was over — but not before a number of tech snafus and other flaky events that could have raised my stress levels if I were less informed. So CHILL if this happens to you.

Friday’s fun includes a tense and stubborn First Quarter Moon at 12:04AM ET, as the Moon, now in control and depth-seeking Scorpio, is challenged by the regal Leo Sun. Whatever agenda you set on last week’s New Moon may now be adjusted. A dreamy flow between Neptune and the Moon at 4:41PM ET aids your need for a weekend escape.

Humming in the background on Friday are three significant patterns exact on Saturday and Sunday. First, the other shoe of last Wednesday’s face-off between Mars and Pluto drops at 5:42AM ET. That would be rebel Uranus (aviation, seismic activity, accidents, sudden outbursts, technical breakthroughs, astrology) in a hard aspect to Mars (action & assertion, for better or worse).  Second, Uranus pulls focus again on Sunday at 6:38AM ET when it turns retrograde at 20 degrees of Aries.  It  will back up to 16 degrees before turning direct again on December 26th.

When a planet is retrograde, the energy it represents is best expressed by turning inward, instead of outward. When direct, Uranus tends to rebel against the status quo set by others. When retrograde, Uranus needs to set itself free from limits that are self-imposed. So if you have a planet between 16 and 20 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn…or if you were born around the 10th of April, July, October or January, you can expect an intense second hit of issues you’ve recently experienced (i.e., since April),  involving freedom, independence, being yourself without compromise, sudden revelations and upsets of the status quo.  Exhibit A: Bill Cosby, whose status has definitely been disrupted, as predicted in this forecast last year — with more to come all this year and into 2018 (because after Uranus is done with Mr. Cosby’s Cancer Sun and Aries Ascendant, Pluto will take over).

The Sabian Symbol for this year’s Uranus retrograde is this: “a pugilist entering the ring”. Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee suggests we apply this symbol to “the focused contest between social organization and individuality; the natural inclination to define one’s space; finding the range of one’s power, the impact of one’s punch”.  What are we fighting for? Are we championing a noble cause or are we just in it for ego recognition, born of insecurity? Will we inspire the world with our battle cry or will we just throw a temper tantrum and never mind the damaging consequences of our actions? Aries can go either way — big baby or warrior-hero — what will it be?

Third, Venus — which refers to women, aesthetics, social expression and values/worth — also turns retrograde. That happens at 5:29AM ET at O degrees of Virgo. In Leo, Venus needs a dramatic, playful, heart-centered expression of affection and values. In Virgo, such expression is likely to be more analytical and refined in its quest for perfection. It can also be priggish and hypercritical.  Venus has been in Virgo since 6:38PM ET on Saturday (last weekend), so perhaps you’ve already noticed the shift.

Tomorrow I’ll post some helpful guidelines for handling this year’s Venus retrograde. I’ll also recap the news — always amazing to see the synchronicity between planetary patterns and the headlines. Isn’t it fun to have a sense of what’s going to happen before it makes news? I’m only planning to post two forecasts this week — and I’ll tell you more about that tomorrow.

Meanwhile, why not find out more about what these planetary patterns mean to you? Consider that an invitation to schedule a personal consultation. Find out why you are the way you are, what you need in order to feel fulfilled, and what opportunities you can create for yourself now and in the near future. Astrology is amazing.

Thank you for reading this forecast.

 

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 5/18/2015: New Moon in Taurus; Mercury in Retrograde

Good Morning!

Moon entered Gemini at 5:27AM ET. A new day, a new week — and five hours earlier, a New Moon. More on that in a minute.  High-flying ambition and action designed to tell the world about it are in play, as Moon is challenged by Saturn at 8:49AM ET, followed by a meet-up with warrior Mars at 1:26PM ET.

Hmm. I wrote that line last night, and the headline dominating the home page of the NYT is this: “Obama to Limit Military-Style Equipment for Police Forces”. Excellent, Mr. President. Now when are you going to back off this TPP (doubtful).

Be aware that mental Mercury is at at standstill (from our Earthbound perspective) and will turn retrograde at 9:53PM ET. You can be quite productive during this period of mental review, so no whinging, please.

Did you back up your computers and other electronic gizmos? Good. Will you promise to triple check written communications before you hit “send”? Excellent. Do you swear you will call the restaurant before you meet that important client, just to confirm that it is still there and/or not closed for private party? Awesome. And will you promise to slow down enough to make sure that what you say and what you hear are accurately understood? Great! You’re going to be just fine.

I meant to post this forecast last night, but my computer “mysteriously” froze. I did not get upset. I read an inspiring book and then went to sleep. This morning the computer is functioning as designed.

Contrary to popular belief, Mercury retrogrades are 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. Ya 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 tuning IN. And as you slow down and tune inward, it is vitally important that you re-adjust your FOCUS.

When Mercury is retrograde through June 11th, be prepared for travel delays, scheduling screw-ups, mechanical breakdowns, computer crashes, having to repeat what you’ve just said, misunderstandings, projects from the past coming back for a second look, surprise reunions and having to repeat what you just said.

Adopt a playful attitude of flexibility to whatever twists you encounter, as with void-of-course Moons. Avoid making major purchases (especially mechanical ones). Avoid gossiping and believing everything you hear or read in the papers. Most important, avoid losing patience. Make friends with your inner Zen Buddha instead.

Mercury turns retrograde at 13 degrees of Gemini. If you have a planet or an angle around that degree, you’ll be more personally affected than most. If you know where 13 degrees Gemini falls in your horoscope, that’s the area of your life that will be most stimulated by Mercury’s apparent backward motion.

Do plan on RElaxing, REviewing, REsearching, REorganizing, REgenerating, REconnecting and REcreating. Mercury retrogrades are excellent times to REview your life with your astrologer.

The NYT published a superb article about Mercury retrograde back in January. So encouraging to see a Serious Newspaper run a serious, smart article about astrology. In February, the Washington Post also ran a piece about Mercury retrograde, but with a sensationalist headline. Mercury retrograde “madness”? Give me a break. For potential “madness,” wait until Memorial Day. That’s when we’ll have a fanatical/delusional/starstuck challenge between Neptune and Mars and a challenge in which rebel Uranus shakes up Venus (women, social expression, art, money). But I’m getting ahead of myself.

About this New Moon…

The New Moon in Taurus happened at 12:13AM ET, offering us an opportunity to re-set  intentions and goals for the next lunar cycle.  Make a list, light a candle, say a prayer. Around May 25th, 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 2nd, 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 9th, we can review our achievements, tie up loose ends and get ready to begin another New Moon cycle on  June 16th.

New Moon in Taurus needs to build material stability and security. So what do you want to have? What do you value? How creative can you get when it comes to acquiring what you want?

There is a dynamic action potential in this New Moon chart, for better or for worse. The Sun and Moon are applying to warrior Mars and controlling/ambitious Saturn. The Sun and Moon are also conjunct the fixed star Algol, which you may remember was prominent in the departure chart of that ill-fated Germanwings flight.

Algol suggests losing one’s head. The word “alcohol” comes from “Algol” — isn’t that interesting? Algol also suggests “immense female passion and power,” as you’ll read in this fascinating piece by UK astrologer Nick Kollerstrom.

The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon at 27 Taurus echoes this overwrought feminine theme: “a squaw selling beads”. “Squaw” is a controversial word. Some say it is derogatory because it means vagina. This is also a point of controversy. But with two powerful symbols of feminine energy that is seen through a distorted lens and is thus feared, I’m curious to see how this will manifest in the headlines.

Sabian Symbol guru Blaine Bovee suggests that “a squaw selling beads” is a image of someone having to take on a job that is beneath her dignity. Is she selling herself short? Why does she have to “sell out”? Bovee also notes that Manhattan was sold for a handful of beads.  How interesting to be faced with this Symbol as the aforementioned  Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement gains traction in the news.

On the plus side, Bovee suggests this Symbol implores us to consider being true to ourselves. How we can not “sell out”? How can we not throw our precious pearls (beads?) before swine?

And on that note, I’ll close…so I can post this by 10AM ET. Apologies for any typos left uncorrected as a result…

To be continued…

 

Astro-logical Forecast for Saturday & Sunday 4/4-5/2015: Full Moon in Libra & Lunar Eclipse

Wake up early and you’ll be able to catch the third of the four consecutive total lunar eclipses happening between last April and this September. Did you know that this series is called a “tetrad”? You learn something everyday. Here’s a nifty video I found on website of The Washington Post which explains it all for you.

Yea verily, I am digging WaPo lately because of its stories outside the usual box. For a couple of years now, it has been hosting live chats with a well-known astrologer — yes, an astrologer — in a serious newspaper like The Washington Post. How cool is that? Totally, though if you ever see me participate in such a forum and I tell a querent that her “love stars will be twinkling perfectly by December,” take the glass of Scotch out of my hand.

Astrology is a complex language, to be expressed with eloquence and gravitas. Sheesh. And don’t ask me for tips on how to seduce a Gemini (as if all Geminis are exactly alike), or what Sun Sign you should date if you’re an Aries. I’d much rather use my years of serious study to help you have a better relationship with yourself. Then we can talk about attracting a significant other. Geez.

Saturday’s eclipse is exact at 8:05AM ET, as the Libra Moon is opposed by the Aries Sun. Aries-Libra suggests a push-pull between me vs. we in relationship, with the Libra Moon pulling for the latter and the Aries Sun pushing back. Uranus and Pluto are in close contact with the Sun and Moon, suggesting exceptional intensity, revelations, upsets and transformations accompanying whatever is illuminated and released.

If you were born halfway through Aries, Libra, Cancer and Capricorn, or if you have a planet or angle at around 15 degrees of those signs, this eclipse may recall whatever you experienced in the aftermath of the one that happened on October 8th. That eclipse happened at 15 degrees of Aries-Libra; this one happens at 14 degrees. FYI: the horoscope of the United has Saturn at 14 Libra; its Sun is at 13 Cancer.

The Sabian Symbols for this eclipse are — for the Sun: “an Indian weaving a blanket,” and for the Moon: “circular paths.” Right. Let’s see how Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee can help us make sense of these images.

OK. I just read three paragraphs of Bovee’s marvelous prose, and the bottom line is this: we are all connected and we have all been here before. Life is cyclical. Every action taken impacts everyone else. Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.

Bovee suggests we apply these symbols with a eye for “the genius of connecting a single thread to the whole of life….an appreciation of weaving the differing dimension of existence into a whole; a deep understanding that human failure is ultimately an illusion.” That last one was deep. Cue Joni Mitchell with The Circle Game now, please.

That being said, the immediate fallout from this eclipse — as in upsets and power plays — may be apparent before noon, as the Moon makes contact with Uranus and Pluto and then immediately goes void until 3:04PM ET on SUNDAY. This suggests a long period of time to chill, absorb and go with the circular flow. Avoid the malls and do not make a mountain of a molehill of crisis…for surely it will turn out to be much ado about nothing.

Sunday’s highlight is a challenge between the Aries Sun and Pluto at 11:05AM ET; on Monday we’ll have a meet-up between the Sun and rebel Uranus at 10:08AM ET. This electric buzz suggests a higher potential for news from underground (including seismic activity), rebellions, breakthroughs in technology or the cosmos, nuclear news and other power plays. Here’s the news from last year’s meet-up; here‘s a 45-second video that captures the eccentric-yet-potent genius of inventive Uranus combined with the very independent Aries Sun, amplified further by covert Pluto.

If you are a writer or thinking type, take advantage of the easy flow between mental Mercury and publishing house Jupiter, exact on Monday at 9:26AM ET. It will be in effect all weekend. In fact, innovation and persuasion are favored through the week. No sleeping in on Monday, by the way. The Moon will be in Scorpio as of 3:04PM ET SUNDAY, seeking power and control; depth and substance — and all day Monday and Tuesday.

And now, the news.

Did someone say “news from underground?” This item reports how “big oil” is pressuring scientists to not link fracking to all the seismic activity in Oklahoma, which now has more earthquakes than any other state in the U.S. Meanwhile, one innovative item about power and resources was the White House announcing its intention to train 75,000 workers in the fast-growing solar energy sector by 2020. 75,000 workers compared to the 35 permanent jobs that would have been created if the Keystone XL pipeline had been greenlit? That doesn’t sound so bad.

For “nuclear news and power plays,” consider “An Iran Nuclear Deal Built on Coffee, All-Nighters and Compromise”. As for elements of “compromise,” look for that Libra concept to be a subject of discussion through the weekend.

With Uranus prominent in planetary patterns, we’d expect more than a few headlines of liberation. In Alabama, a man who spent 30 years on death row has been set free. Interesting that the former inmate, Anthony Ray Hinton, is 58 years old — and thus going through his second Saturn return. A Saturn return often coincides with an opportunity for a new lease on life. Everyone goes through a Saturn return around ages 29, 58 and 84. Consult your local astrologer for details.

There will be many family gatherings on this holiday weekend — all different kinds of families. In closing, here is a thoughtful and lovely video the good folks at Honey Maid released one year ago today, after it received a ton of backlash from other folks who found some of the families depicted in Honey Maid ads offensive.

And here is Honey Maid’s latest two cents — in response to Indiana’s “religious freedom” bill that dominated headlines this week. We are all connected. We have all been here before.

To find out what state your horoscope is in, when and why things happen when they do — and how you can use awareness of planetary cycles to live your life better, consider scheduling a personal astro-logical consultation. Even if you don’t believe in astrology, rest assured that astrology believes in you.

To be continued….

Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 11/24/2014: Sneak Peek at Most of the Week; Moving Ahead on New Moon in Sag

Late New Moon post, I know, but I’ve been busy stuffing envelopes with Really Useful Mercury Retrograde Bookmarks for those of you who responded to the offer. It’s always an interesting exercise to see how others respond to something you’ve released to the world. Makes you appreciate that we each process information in our own unique way. It doesn’t matter what you may have intended to express. You can’t control how the information has been understood. And given the New Moon’s suggested themes of information and communication, it’s an apt subject for discussion.

For example, the wizards at WordPress can tell me how many people clicked on the link to contact me and ask for a bookmark (but not who). And I’ve been intrigued to learn that twice as many people clicked on the link compared to the number who actually sent a request. Why was that, I wondered? Was it because the link takes you to the same contact form you can fill out if you want to book a consultation? Did you find that confusing?

Just to clarify: even though there are spaces on that contact form for your birth data, I do not need that information in order to send you a Really Useful Bookmark. Just send me your name, email address and in the “Message Body” section of the form, type in your mailing address. And then type in whatever numbers are in the little security box at the bottom of the form to prove that you are human. That’s it. Really. Although friendly little notes are always appreciated, and I am over-the-moon with gratitude to the two  awesome readers who sent in donations that will cover a good portion of the postage and printing costs. Thank you!

Fun fact: 30% of requests have come from readers in the Tri-State area (NY, NJ & CT), which is no surprise, since I’m based in New York. Tied for second, with 10% each: California (also not a surprise) and….CANADA?  Eh? I am delighted to have so many book-loving fans in the Great White North.

OK so…the New Moon and the week ahead.

First, be advised that the Moon is void of course on Monday AM until 11:31AM ET. So there’s your excuse for any slow starts or twists in your usual morning routine. Once the Moon enters “make it happen” Capricorn at 11:31AM, you can move ahead on your high-flying Sag New Moon agenda.

A New Moon offers us an opportunity to re-set  intentions and goals for the next lunar cycle.  Around the 29th, 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 December 6th, 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 14th, we can review our achievements, tie up loose ends and get ready to begin another New Moon on December 21st.

This New Moon happened at 0 degrees of Sagittarius at 7:32AM ET on Saturday, offering us the opportunity to lighten up.  Sagittarius refers to collective belief systems —  e.g. law, religion and the philosophical foundations of political inclinations, as well as “big picture” avenues of communicating these beliefs, e.g., publishing, broadcasting and academia. Belief systems are not always factual, yet they’re used to create all sorts of constructs that control how we live in the “real world.” Ooh, deep thought. I had to share it. And needing to share deep thoughts and opinions is very Sagittarian indeed. You don’t have to ask a Sagittarius for input on anything; they’re sure to tell you — bluntly and righteously.  And if they don’t, they are not living up to their full Sagittarian potential.

With Sagittarius, the sky’s the limit. Patterns in this New Moon chart are quite optimistic, if potentially idealistic and bombastic. Mental Mercury (mindset, communication) is challenged by expansive Jupiter in Leo, sign of royalty — so look for kingly/queenly thinking and communication in the headlines and your own personal world. The color rose is also highlighted, with the Sun and Venus in Sagittarius challenged by visionary Neptune. The latter happened last Thursday; the former will be exact on Wednesday, casting a dreamy spell on Thanksgiving — but not before some serious focus lands on your plate late Tuesday, courtesy of an intense meet-up between mental Mercury and stern Saturn.

If you’re one who thrives on disruptions of the status quo, you won’t be disappointed by the headlines as this lunar cycle progresses. On December 15th, the never-ending Uranus-Pluto square will make its sixth of seven exact squares, and we’re likely to see how we’re doing in terms of integrating the huge paradigm shift mandated by this powerful — and rare — pattern. So this New Moon carries the potential for significant breakthroughs in belief systems. You’ll feel if more personally if you have a planet or angle around 12 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn.

The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon at 0 degrees of Sagittarius is “a Grand Army of the Republic campfire,” and with the help of Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee, we’ll see how this Symbol supports the overall New Moon patterns of “big picture” thinking. First, note that the Grand Army of the Republic was an organization of Union Army veterans who fought in the U.S. Civil War. These were people who’d seen quite a few horrors, put their lives on the line for a common cause and were forever bound together as a result of their shared experience. In this Symbol, I find it interesting that the war is over. Bovee notes that the group was dedicated to supporting each other by establishing pensions and such, and the implication is that only the people who fought on one side of the conflict were included. To the victor goes the spoils? Hmmm.

Bovee advises us to apply this Symbol with an awareness of a “Rah! Rah” spirit…affected appeals to gather ’round the campfire; books and movies evoking a past sense of glory”. We are also advised to be mindful of gatherings “organized around self-serving interests…capitalizing on sentiment in the wake of hardship.”

You will feel this rallying cause more personally if you have a planet or an angle at 0 degrees of Sagittarius, Gemini, Virgo or Pisces. Senator Mary Landrieu is a  Democratic Senator from Louisiana whose bid to pass a bill supporting the construction of the Keystone  XL Pipeline was narrowly voted down by her Democratic colleagues last week. She was born on November 23rd. She’ll find out on the Full Moon of December 6th whether or not she still has a job. She’s also going through her second Saturn return. She has a pixie dust configuration in her horoscope that is similar to one found in the horoscope of Senator James “Climate Change is a Great Hoax: Inhofe (profiled here last week). She is advised to let go of what no longer serves.

Moon voids for the week, other than this AM: Wednesday 10:30AM ET – 2:23PM ET; Friday 12:14PM ET – 5:03PM ET; Sunday 3:47PM ET – 8:14PM ET — avoid the malls during those times.

And now, some news. Briefly.

Reflecting the “big picture” potential of the weekend’s Mercury-Jupiter square, I noted these stories. First, the FCC is auctioning off some public airwaves to the tune of $34 billion — way more than the $10 billion expected — and it seems the price may go even higher. Here’s why this is significant for consumers. Meanwhile, in Texas, the State Board of Education approved some new social studies textbooks, and soon students can look forward to reading about how influential Moses was on the Founding Fathers. Educational standards is definitely a collective belief system, and we can expect a “get real” battle to kick in once Saturn enters Sagittarius at the end of this year. Oy.

What’s going on in your horoscope? Here’s the 411 on personal consultations.