Mercury Retrograde – Election Day

This Election Day the planet Mercury turns retrograde at 6:04 PM EST.  That is the day starts off with Mercury in direct motion and ends with Mercury in retrograde motion.  As Mercury rules the short trip, the neighborhood, voting, and the process of counting those votes the change of direction on this day holds particular significance. On Election Day in 2000 Mercury moved from retrograde motion to direct motion. Hanging chads and a Supreme Court decision to decide the election is just the sort of mischief that Mercury, direct or retrograde, is the master of.

In the  Homeric Hymns  the ancient Greek texts that celebrate the Gods, the hymn to Hermes (Mercury) describes him as  “a child who was a shrewd and coaxing schemer, a cattle-rustling robber and a bringer of dreams,”  He was born in the morning, made and played the lyre at noon and in the evening he stole Apollo’s cattle.  Quick, clever and not entirely honest, that’s Mercury.

Mercury is also associated with the “Trickster” the mythological creature found in many cultures who messes with your head, often behaving in a confusing manner.  As Mercury turns retrograde on Tuesday he is in alignment with another trickster, the planet Uranus. Uranus likes to break down rigid social constructs, create revolution and in general disrupt the normal flow of things.

On Election Day there are many planetary factors in play.  The ongoing Uranus/Pluto square which is playing out all around us in government, business, weather and personal lives is one very important aspect that brings with it change in the culture and the social order.  This election is just a blip in the planetary dance of these two heavy hitters. Saturn’s entrance into Scorpio, a 29-30 year cycle signifies accountability and responsibility.  In Scorpio, the reckoning involves debt and taxes.  Jupiter in Gemini guarantees a huge turnout and in alignment with Venus in Libra says women will be a big factor in this election.

What this Election Day will bring is anybody’s guess but with the type of configurations in play, especially that between Mercury and Uranus, we haven’t got an inkling.  We haven’t heard any hints on the news nor have the polls or opinion pieces given any clues.  Something weird, wild and straight out of left field, with Uranus, if you can think of it, that ain’t it.

The Full Moon – A Stormy Week

Here on the East Coast of the USA this Full Moon brings with it storm, wind and rain. The Full Moon chart for the nation’s capitol has wet Pisces on the Ascendant and windy Gemini on the 4^th house cusp.  Weather storms are not the only types of storms that this Full Moon heralds. Venus, the planet of love and money, opposes Uranus and squares Pluto.  Venus having just entered her home sign of Libra sits in the 7^th house, her natural home giving her some extra oomph something she will need as she moves into exact aspect with the big boys Uranus and Pluto.  Expect storms to brew within relationships with issues of money, freedom and who is in control to surface.  Mars in Sagittarius opposes Jupiter in Gemini.  Mars is all about action and Jupiter brings abundance to the table. Mercury enters Sagittarius early Monday morning promising some big talk and perhaps loose tongues promising more than can be delivered. Mercury making a square aspect to Neptune in Pisces indicates delusional thinking.  There’s a lot of that going around so be sure to check the facts before climbing on board someone’s bandwagon.

Moon moves from fixed Taurus into airy, mutable Gemini on Wednesday afternoon.  Moon moves into aspect with the major players of the Full Moon chart kicking off events related to the symbolism of the particular planet.  Neptune planet of illusion, delusion and the mystical may reveal some truths when hit by transiting Moon. Or is it the truth? One never really knows with Neptune.  A Gemini Moon opposing a Sagittarius Mercury guarantees discussions often about the big picture and generally overflowing with information and excessive verbiage.  Try to get to the point quickly before your audience begins to yawn.  Late Wednesday night Moon makes a lovely trine aspect to Venus and talk of love fills the air. Money and values will enter the picture as well.   

Early Thursday, November 1^st Moon connects with volatile Uranus and anything goes.  By early evening Venus will make her opposition to Uranus exact and Moon will conjunct Jupiter.  These aspects may trigger a big news event on the world stage and on a more personal level lightning bolts and out of the blue actions and events disrupt relationships, money deals and social plans.  Early Friday morning Moon opposes Mars in Sagittarius setting off sparks.

Early Saturday morning, November 3^rd Moon enters Cancer. Moon is at home here and emotional actions and reactions will reign over the next three days. Saturday afternoon brings the exact square between Venus and Pluto. Pluto likes to abduct fair maidens and Venus in Libra is the fairest of them all. Venus in Libra speaks to fairness and justice and these values may get hijacked by the corporate institutions that Pluto represents.  On a personal level it is a relationship between equals that needs to be maintained.  

The optimal way to ride out the storms of this week is always to try and take the high road.  Take care of your own interests and stand in your truth for sure but examine your motives and try not to let the big ego take control. Often that is easier said than done.  A little meditation goes a long way during these volatile periods.

A Little Bit of Saturn and A Big Election

Today, October 25, 2012 Sun makes a conjunction with Saturn.  This is the first time that the Sun and Saturn have been conjunct in Scorpio since Saturn was last in Scorpio in the early 80’s. Saturn is the sign of duty, responsibility and accountability.  Saturn restricts and contracts. The sign Scorpio known for sex, death and transformation is also concerned with debt, interest rates and taxes. The death of Scorpio is not the physical death but the death of an old way bringing rebirth and the new.

The fixed signs of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius will feel Saturn’s restrictive influence most strongly.  All signs of the Zodiac will feel the impact of Saturn in Scorpio on some level. Saturn spends approximately two and one half years in a sign.  In December of 2014 Saturn will move into Sagittarius then due to retrograde motion will slip back into Scorpio in June of 2015 finally leaving that sign in September of 2015. If you are a Scorpio ask your Libra friends what life has been like for the past two years or so.

The houses of the horoscope represent particular areas in the life of an individual.  The first house is the self; the second house is money etc.  The house in your horoscope that Saturn travels through is where it is payback time.  Or if you have done your work, did your homework and accepted responsibility you may find this to be reward time. Saturn gives you what you have earned. If you have been deluding yourself in any area of your life Saturn brings you face to face with the reality of the situation.

Over the next couple of years Saturn will form a trine aspect with the money planets, Venus and Jupiter, in the July 4, 1776 chart of the USA.  At this pre-election moment, Saturn is in harsh aspect to Obama’s Mercury. His ideas and opinions face obstacles and challenges.  His challenger, Mitt Romney has transiting Saturn moving into trine his Mars, the planet of action and energy. Saturn brings focus and the ability to organize and get the job done. He is a formidable opponent at this time.  Concurrently he has Saturn making a harsh aspect to his natal Venus.  This aspect points to the Republicans apparent problem with women.  There may be strains and disagreements within his relationships and a difficulty relating to people.

This election is a difficult one to call for a lot of reasons.  Mercury changes direction on Election Day moving from direct to retrograde.  Mercury was in retrograde motion on Election Day 2000 so there may be some dispute or discrepancy that will take a while to sort out.

The winner of this election will face Saturn’s transit of the USA’s Venus, Jupiter and Sun. The Sun rules the head of state and as mentioned before Venus and Jupiter the money.  Saturn can surely depress the economy but can also bring a certain amount of stabilization.  Saturn in Scorpio can restrict or contract the debt. At any rate, it will be “get your ducks in a row” time and whoever is in the driver’s seat will have their work cut out for them.

For the rest of us Saturn will be very personal according to the house it transits and the aspects it makes to the individual’s chart. A Saturn transit is real and concrete. It manifests in the physical world. Even if you don’t know Saturn from a hole in the wall you can identify where Saturn is by locating where the principles of Saturn are manifesting in your life.  A Saturn transit is a good time to see an astrologer.  Remember no matter how difficult it gets: This to shall pass.

 

The Planets Stir It Up This Week

We begin this week in the Balsamic phase of the Luna cycle. The night sky is darkening as the Moon shrinks as it moves closer to the Sun to begin the next New Moon phase.

The Balsamic phase is a good time to give your brain a rest. Logic doesn’t work so well during these dark nights.  Dream, meditate and banish what is no longer useful in your life. Clean out your closets and through away or recycle the outworn.  Cut your hair if you don’t want it to grow fast, likewise weed your garden. Weed your life as well. Don’t begin anything new until the New Moon on Friday, August 17, 2012 at 11:54 AM EDT.

Before we make it to the New Moon there are some volatile and interesting planetary configurations this week.  On Wednesday morning Venus, ruler of love and money, opposes Pluto, ruler of power, control and debt. About an hour later, Mars, the action planet, the warrior and athlete joins up with Saturn the Lord of Time, the ruler of the structure and form of society. Mars wants to act; Saturn wants to contain that action. This can be a time of wise use of energy and favors tasks and projects that require controlled, systematic action.  Early the following morning Venus squares off with capricious Uranus.  Venus is the trigger gal setting off the unstable, unpredictable and at times dangerous Uranus/Pluto square. Anything goes.

These aspects are still in force at the New Moon which occurs at 25 degrees of Leo. Mercury another little trigger is moving into an aspect of ease with Uranus.  

With all of these planets involved in some complex configurations the energy is charged and change is in the air. Expect disruption in the daily routine and people acting and reacting in unexpected ways.  The Cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn will be rocking and rolling with the punches but the rest of the Zodiac will not be let off the hook. Where these configurations fall in your horoscope will tell the tale.

The New Moon is in Leo at 25 degrees. Leo is a fixed sign and a New Moon here speaks to the other fixed signs, Taurus, Scorpio and Aquarius, sometimes the talk is not so gentle. 

This week the Moon moves from Cancer, on Monday, a cardinal, water sign that brings emotion to the fore.  People are sensitive and usually speak from the gut.  On Wednesday Moon moves into Leo, here folks like to be appreciated for what they accomplish and do and for who they are.  After the New Moon on Friday night Moon moves into Virgo. Now is the time for intellectual pursuits. People have a need for order and tend to get in the organizing mode.

Try to remain centered as the energy moves and shifts around you.  Deal with issues that arise and be aware of the things you can change and those things that you have no control over.  Sometimes we have to accept what is. We can change ourselves but we cannot change others. Venus on the prowl this week brings the relationship and money issues to the front burner.  If these issues have been simmering on the back burner they will bubble up and boil over now. Remember to breathe.

Monday Again! Venus in Cancer – Mercury Direct – Last Quarter Moon

The week starts off with Moon in “get up and go” Aries. Folks are enthusiastic, ambitious and energetic. Not a bad way to begin the Monday morning grind. Be wary of impulsive actions; try to think things through before you start something new. People can be temperamental under Aries Moon and flare-ups and arguments often spark and burn before flaming out.

On Tuesday Venus the planet of love, money and relationships moves from talkative Gemini into emotional Cancer.  Venus in Cancer becomes the nurturer.  She’ll bring you a cup of tea, wipe your brow and offer a shoulder to cry on.  Watch out for emotional outburst with moody Venus in Cancer.

Mercury moves into direct motion early Wednesday morning.  All the communication snafus, missed appointments, and crossed wires come to an end as projects on hold move forward.  New information surfaces and new ideas blossom as we begin to understand what our friends, colleagues and relatives really meant.  Clarity arrives. 

Moon moves into Taurus shortly after Mercury’s change in direction.  Taurus Moon kicks aside the impulsiveness of Aries and settles into a routine.  Caution is the name of the game under Taurus Moon.  Change is not a word in this Moon’s vocabulary, maintaining the status quo is the primary focus. Folks get stubborn under this Moon as they dig their heels in from a sense of insecurity.  We identify with our “stuff” under this Moon and fear we don’t have enough.  Emotions can run high now as Taurus enhances the Luna attributes.

Thursday the Last Quarter Moon arrives as we enter fully into the winding down process.  We assimilate and prepare for the upcoming New Moon.  This is the time to incorporate and let go.  Take what is needed and shed what is useless. Make ready for the rebirthing process that comes with the next New Moon.

This Last Quarter Moon has Venus in Cancer forming a sweet little aspect with Neptune in Pisces. On the high level this can bring relationships of a spiritual nature.  Taking the low road can bring relationships that emphasize escapism whether through seeing the other through rose colored glasses or getting together for a round of drinks in order to flee from reality.

The work week ends with Moon in Gemini. Under this Moon making a decision presents a problem.  Dualistic Gemini sees all sides of every issue. Something as simple as choosing a restaurant or a movie becomes a major production. This is a good time for the intellectual, puzzles and mental challenges as under this Moon folks are curious, restless and looking for change.

Moon moves fast through the sky and throughout this speedy passage through the Zodiac Moon touches all planets. It rules the ups and downs of daily life.  Transits from the outer planets to an individual’s horoscope often get triggered by the swift moving Moon. When that happens life’s ups and downs can get a bit steeper. A consultation with an astrologer can prepare you for these bumps in the road.

Look Up! The Moon is Full

Look up this Wednesday night and see that big old Moon beaming down at you. This is a fixed Full Moon falling along the Leo/Aquarius axis. Full Moons bring to fruition what was planted at the New Moon, the beginning of the cycle.  The horrendous events in Aurora, CO. kicked off this New Moon. Now as the Full Moon perfects the alleged perpetrator is being charged with 24 counts of murder.

The Full Moon chart has Jupiter in Gemini sextile the Sun in Leo and trine the Moon in Aquarius.  Jupiter in Gemini for the next year brings big news, reporting that is over the top. In personal lives Jupiter in Gemini can bring to much information about siblings, neighbors and folks in general.  A sextile between Jupiter and the Sun is a beneficial connection. People with lots of sextiles in their horoscope often have a network of helpful friends and colleagues. Jupiter in trine to the Moon is a sure guarantee that something big is going to grab the attention of the public. There’s a lot going on in the world today, the Olympics, Syria, the US Presidential election, the global financial crisis, any one of these could grab the headlines.

Venus in Gemini makes a pleasing trine to Saturn in Libra.  Venus is about love and money. Saturn is about the structures we build in our lives. Often a Venus/Saturn connection between the charts of two people signals a long term relationship that leads to that old institution, marriage.  Institutions belong to Saturn while relationships belong to Venus. If marriage is not in the picture, a transit like this often moves a relationship from casual to more committed one such as a contract employee becoming a permanent hire.

At this Full Moon the influence of the Uranus/Pluto square continues to weigh in as it will through March 2015 and beyond.  This 126 year cycle brings about huge societal changes. The waning square occurred in the early 1930’s the deepest part of the Great Depression.  The conjunction of the two occurred during the turbulent 1960’s. Both eras brought big change and those changes did not come easy. Now we are experiencing global financial stress, political divisions that seem impossible to bridge and a society that is divided and on one hand confused and on the other hand well informed.  One thing for sure is that change is coming.

Mercury continues in retrograde motion in the Full Moon chart so be wary of false information, don’t make snap judgments, reconfirm all reservations and read the fine print before signing anything. Mercury goes direct on August 8^th.  After the change in direction new information surfaces, clarity emerges and we are better able to make decisions. During the retrograde period it is best to revise and review.  Clean out your closets and reevaluate what is important to you and what is not.

It is important during this period to be ready to roll with the punches.  Work on what you can control and deal with what you can’t control. The trick is to recognize and accept the things that are out of your control.  That’s the tough one!

New Moon in Cancer - A Bit Chaotic

The July 19^th New Moon in Cancer kicked off a cycle that is bound to be quirky and full of surprises. Moon rules this cycle for sure, in Cancer, in the fourth house, the sign and position where the lunar energies are most strong and function at the optimal level. Folks will be leading with their emotions. Saturn in Libra, square the lunation point offers a bit of temperance but he may very well be out gunned by the strength of the Moon.   Mars in Libra opposing Uranus in Aries receives a boost from friendly Jupiter in Gemini. This combination speaks to impulsive actions, gut reactions and the ignoring of that old adage, “look before you leap”.  In the big wide world, high stakes games are being played.  Be prepared for some crazy rhetoric and irrational thinking.  A lot of drama and conflict with some “good stuff” in between. 

This lunation cycle with Moon in Cancer brings up stuff from the past. If these issues have not been resolved previously, this resurfacing brings the opportunity to settle the matter once and for all.  The energies prevalent now call for change; the important thing to remember is not to change simply for the sake of change.  Think it through, examine all the possible outcomes, and dig deep within yourself to insure that the changes being made are what you truly want.

Of course, with the current planetary configuration in play of Mars opposite Uranus and both squaring Pluto, change may be unavoidable and will come from outside events over which the individual has no control.  As the First Quarter Moon approaches news and shocking events trigger strong emotional response. Be aware that information may be distorted, exaggerated and possibly not true at all. This cycle of misinformation carries through the Full Moon period.  At the Last Quarter we are able to sort the truth from the lies and begin the process of assimilation and dissemination of what we have gained during this cycle.

During these changing and chaotic times it is essential to plant feet firmly on the ground and to keep head, heart and emotions clear and free of clutter. Some things cannot be changed and have to be dealt with. Other things can be changed.  The real trick is in recognizing what can be changed and what can’t. In relationships we often beat our heads against a stone wall for a long time before we realize that this particular significant other is not going to change. Either we accept that or we don’t. If we don’t it is the “I” not the “thou” that has to make the change. Change can be difficult as well as liberating.

The Cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn receive the energies most strongly and obviously. The Mutable signs of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces catch these configurations on a more subtle level. They get a sense of something but are not sure or clear on what it is.  The Fixed signs of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius make connections and receive information that requires review.

Regular meditation and times of quiet contemplation provide a respite from chaos and can bring clarity to the jumble of thoughts and emotions that the current planetary configurations bring.  Remember to breathe.

The Grist Mill Fire – Uranus Square Pluto

The Grist Mill is a local landmark that has been around since 1745. As the name suggests in the early days it was a grist mill where the local farmers brought grain for grinding. In my memory it has always been a restaurant.  Early Sunday morning, June 24, 2012 around 5:30 AM a trailer truck loaded with bananas smashed into the Grist Mill Restaurant in Seekonk, Mass.  The time comes from a Providence Journal report that states the owner said he received a call from a neighbor about the crash at 5:30 AM.

At 4:14 AM EDT the first of seven squares between Uranus and Pluto reached exactness.  A little over an hour later the accident occurred kicking off this series of squares with a bang.  This event embodies the symbolism of the Uranus/Pluto square. Uranus is all about shaking up the status quo, rattling the cages of the establishment. Uranus despises rigid ruts and hidebound attitudes. Uranus also rules the sudden, unexpected and the shocking. In Aries, fire is always a possibility and a connection to Pluto signals explosion.

Pluto is the great transformer, destroys in order to build something new and better. In Capricorn Pluto is digging deep into established institutions, like government, banks, and corporate entities.

The Grist Mill is an institution here in Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts, folks wept as they watched it being torn down. A friend having talked with the owner relayed the information that he planned to rebuild. If this is the case, true to Pluto’s connection to Scorpio, the New Grist Mill shall rise triumphantly from the ashes.

Like the cycle of the Sun and Moon, from New Moon to First Quarter to Full Moon then waning down to the Last Quarter, the planets have similar cycles. While the Sun/Moon cycle is a monthly one the Uranus/Pluto cycle is a long 126 years. The previous closing square or Last Quarter happened in the early 1930’s.  They moved into conjunction, together in the sky in the mid 1960’s.  And beginning now, through March 2015, they will be moving back and forth in the opening First Quarter square aspect. The slower moving planets and the aspects they make to one another signal broad social movements. The Depression of the 1930’s brought some reform, the creation of Social Security and the Security Exchange Commission. The explosive 1960’s triggered broad social change and the establishment of Medicare. The issues and movements associated with Uranus and Pluto reverberate today as they make their waxing square. The thread continues with the Occupy movement, health care issues and the economy.

If this Sunday morning accident is symbolic of the energy and events generated by the Uranus/Pluto square we can expect trailer trucks smashing into our beloved institutions. Uranus and Pluto can be very selective often targeting those institutions that have become hidebound and outlived their usefulness. They need to go, they need to be reorganized and rebuilt in a new and better way. The destruction and rebuilding of the Grist Mill illustrates this principle.  In the process of rebuilding the owner will incorporate the latest and the greatest equipment and design while retaining the historical charm and flavor that has been the mainstay of the Grist Mill Restaurant.

So don’t despair when over the coming years events shake the foundation, rattle the doors and crack the walls; if the edifice collapses something new and better will replace it.

A June to Remember – Complex Configurations and Some Tips on What to Look For In An Astrologer

This week brings the New Moon and the Summer Solstice. New Moons and Solstice/Equinox points are always important and these two are no exception. They are even more important due to other planetary configurations that are unfolding from now until the end of June. Events that take place now will have far reaching effects that we might not be aware of now. Obviously the elections in Greece and Egypt will certainly play an important role in the financial and political arenas effecting the lives of many around the world.

In addition to the New Moon and Summer Solstice on Sunday, June 24, 2012 the first of seven squares between Uranus and Pluto takes place. These planets were conjunct in the 1960’s. Prior to that, their last (closing) square occurred in the early 1930’s. Political and social unrest and upheaval accompany these two planets when they are in hard aspect. Broad social movements result. The financial calamity the world is in today is not quite as disastrous as the 1930’s because of the social programs put into effect at that time. Here in the United States particularly Social Security and unemployment insurance provide a safety net protecting many from total deprivation. During the 1960’s there was the Vietnam War, the beginning of Medicare, the youth movement, civil rights movement and the women’s movement; all serving to shake up the status quo. Echoes of those times when Uranus and Pluto were in aspect reverberate today as they again meet.

On Monday, June 25, 2012 Saturn in Libra changes direction shifting into direct motion, Mercury moves into Leo and Jupiter forms a square aspect to Neptune. On Wednesday, June 27, 2012 Venus changes direction as well, turning direct in busy Gemini. So this is the set up we’re moving into and these planets represent the energies we have to live with and live through in the months and years to come. The outer planets, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto move slow and the change they bring on a societal as well as a personal level is slow and inexorable.

The Square between Uranus and Pluto that repeats seven times from now until March 16, 2015 involves the Sun, Jupiter and Venus in the July 4, 1776 horoscope of the United States. The Sun represents the head of state while Jupiter and Venus are the money planets. The economy is a big issue in this election and will continue to be until this aspect plays out and even beyond.  The Venus direction change hits the Uranus in the US horoscope. A money surprise is in order. Venus rules money, women and diplomacy. Uranus rules things you cannot conceive of. When Uranian events occur they are seemingly out of the blue and shake us out of our complacency.  The Mars in the Summer Solstice sits on the Neptune of the US horoscope and squares the US Mars. Mars rules aggressiveness and war. Neptune in a natal chart is where we see things through rose colored glasses. My guess is the people of the United States are going to be sold another bill of goods about making war somewhere in the world, Iran comes to mind.

This warmongering Mars sits on President Barack Obama’s natal Mars. Mars goes retrograde about every 2 years and this year in January it went retrograde at 23 Virgo, right on Obama’s natal Mars and at this Solstice it reaches that point again. Warrior Mars in a natal chart is the action planet and governs how you use your energy.  Obama with Mars in Virgo is a detail man. He’s very meticulous in appearance, and probably in his thought process and how he tackles issues and problems. With Mars reaching his Mars my guess is that he will come out swinging on the campaign trail and in his dealings with Congress. The gloves are coming off folks. This week he’ll be taking a combative stance.

The celestial set up over the next few weeks is a complex one and defies generalization. On a personal level where in the chart, the houses the planets are transiting and the natal planets they aspect tell the tale. Mars traveling through the houses of the horoscope reveals where your energy focus will be. Mars traveling through the fourth house of home is a great time to do spring cleaning regardless of the season as a person with this placement puts the energy focus on the home. Jupiter is another good yearly planner as it stays in a sign for one year.  Jupiter is considered a bringer of good things but can also bring too much of a good thing. Saturn remains in sign for two and a half years and makes a complete circuit of the chart in about 29 years so you know when he comes along often life changing events occur. Uranus with an 84 year cycle entered Aries in April of 2011 and will remain there until March of 2019. When Uranus hits a natal planet he wants to shake things up. One thing Uranus hates is when he finds an individual in a rigid rut. My advice to clients when receiving this transit is usually to make a change in the area affected, be proactive. If not an outside event of a disruptive, surprising nature occurs that forces a change and while upsetting these changes often turn out to be beneficial in the long run. Neptune has a cycle of 165 years while Pluto takes a whopping 248 years. Analyzing a natal horoscope along with the current transits to that horoscope in a comprehensive manner is a complex and multifaceted project that takes time and effort. The actual time spent with the client is the culmination of hours of examination and study.

The next couple of years will be a rocky road for a lot of people. Many will feel the need to consult with a professional and some of those professionals will no doubt be professional astrologers. If you are one of those people do not be afraid to ask the astrologer some questions before you engage their services. Ask them how long they have been studying the subject, who they studied with and what, if any, professional organizations they belong to. A person is not an astrologer who read a book about astrology.  Nor are they an astrologer if they had their chart done and learned about themselves. A competent astrologer has probably read a thousand books and analyzed tens of thousands of horoscopes. A good astrologer belongs to one or more professional astrology organizations, has taken classes, gone to conferences and is continually learning and studying.

I have been studying astrology since the late 1960’s. I learned by reading books, examining horoscopes, taking classes and going to conferences.  In the 1990’s I was certified after taking an examination with the National Council on Geocosmic Research (NCGR) and began seeing clients professionally. I still go to conferences and monthly NCGR meetings to hear lectures by other astrologers. The learning process is continuous. I see clients and write an astrology column “Lunar Notes” for Motif Magazine. If you call me, don’t be afraid to ask me questions before you engage my services. I am not clairvoyant and will not wave a magic wand to make things right. I will ask you questions, get your birth data, analyze your horoscope and do the best for you that I possibly can to guide and prepare you for your personal planetary cycle.

Lunar Eclipse, Transit of Venus and all that Jazz

It’s a busy sky this week what with the Lunar Eclipse on Monday and Venus’ occultation of the Sun on Tuesday. This Venus transit of the Sun is second in a series of two that occur every 100 years or so. The first occurred in 2004. This is a momentous event often signaling social, political and cultural changes of a broad range. The Protestant Reformation began around the time of the 1519 transit. The 1631-1639 pair brought the European to the Americas while the 1761-1769 coincided with the rise of revolutionary fervor here in, what was then, Colonial America. The Eclipse falls along the Gemini/Sagittarius axis and the Venus transit occurs in Gemini, both fall in the mid degrees of their respective signs. After Monday’s Eclipse in the morning, Neptune turned retrograde and Venus squared off with Mars.  The transit of Venus across the face of the Sun occurs on Tuesday, June 05, 2012 at 9:10 PM EDT. Here in Rhode Island the Sun and Venus are in the Sixth house of workers, (unions and civil servants in particular) health, and the armed forces, emphasizing issues of public health, labor and wage conditions, and the food supply possibly involving restaurants and other venues that serve food and drink. Mercury in Gemini, on the cusp of the 7^th house of relationships still trines Saturn in Libra, in the 10^th. The 7^th house is all about relationships and the 10^th represents authority figures, heads of state, the boss and one’s standing in the community.

With all this going on remember that we are in the Lunation cycle that began on May 20^th with the Solar Eclipse in early Gemini. As previously written this cycle is all about communication within relationships. Those with planets in the mid degrees of the Mutable signs of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces will feel the kick more than others but the Cardinal and Fixed gang are not off the hook. The house position of the Eclipse and transit of Venus will really tell the tale.

Early Thursday morning, June 7, 2012 chatty Mercury moves into Cancer where people tend to articulate what they are truly feeling. Up to that time folks tend to intellectualize their thoughts considering it more of an exchange of information, Mercury in Gemini loves the informational give and take. Mercury in Cancer is a different kettle of fish as emotions come into play. Friday evening when Mercury gets friendly with Neptune in Pisces emotions may overflow and what is being said may not be particularly clear. Things can get foggy but there is also the opportunity for some intuitive information to surface. Any brilliant ideas that surface, it is best to write down as it will be gone as quickly as it comes.

What occurs this week and throughout the month of June offers us a glimpse of what will manifest over the next couple of years as this month is a kick off point for many planetary aspects and configurations. Hang on to your hat.

Donna Summer – The Gift of Saturn

In astrology Saturn is considered a malefic and he usually does not bring good news. He brings hard lessons, hard work, contractions and constriction. Saturn represents conformity to the social norms. Capricorn, the sign Saturn rules, has that Saturnian flavor as well. Capricorns are known for their work ethic and attention to duty.

Donna Summer, a Capricorn has Sun, Moon, Mercury, Mars and Jupiter in Capricorn in the 5^th house of creativity.  A Virgo rising with Saturn sitting on her Ascendant it is no wonder that the title of one of her signature songs is “She Works Hard for the Money”. A song she wrote after an encounter with an “exhausted washroom attendant”.

Despite the bad reputation that Saturn/Capricorn has for concentration on the material world and social status they often exhibit a strong presence in the charts of artists, musicians and comedians.  This presence affords the individual the ability to create and manifest in physical reality the dreams and visions that spring from that deep well within from which all creativity springs.

Donna Summer’s combination of Virgo Rising, Capricorn and Saturn on the ascendant provides an example of how these energies work within the individual. Often musicians, song writers and vocalists have strong earth and utilize the precision that Saturn/Capricorn/Virgo provides.  Saturn is the Lord of Time and Virgo lives and breathes meticulous exactitude. Songs are “constructed” and as any good musician will tell you, it’s all about the timing.

So for the woman who inspired all this poking around into the workings of Saturn, disco diva, Donna Summer, I say, give it up for the girl, she worked hard for the money.

Solar Eclipse – Relationships, Like It or Not, You’re Going to Have to Deal With It.

The New Moon of May 20, 2012, as always, marks the beginning of the monthly cycle.  This cycle is a bit different because it begins with a solar eclipse. A solar eclipse that occurs just minutes into the tropical sign of Gemini. Eclipses in Gemini often bring windy days but the gusty winds often spring from mouths that are all talk and no action. 

There are a couple of real interesting configurations going on at this eclipse.

Venus in chatty Gemini is in an aspect of ease to Saturn in Libra. The eclipse chart set for Washington, DC puts Saturn, already strong in Libra, in the 11^th house which he naturally rules.  Saturn is the big dog here and he usually does not bring tidings of great joy. Saturn in Libra connected to Venus in Gemini speaks relationships, partnerships and negotiations. Saturn in Libra often tests relationships or brings them to a more serious level.  Venus in Gemini wants to flirt, is changeable and above all wants to talk about it.

Another powerful pattern has Pluto in Capricorn, Mars in Virgo and the asteroid Vesta in Taurus creating a Grand Trine.  Vesta rules the hearth and home; Mars makes war and Pluto, into power and control, plumbs the depths in order to bring about transformation.

The asteroid Juno in Scorpio opposing her lover, consort and cheating husband, Jupiter in Taurus further emphasizing relationship issues.  

The final little tidbit has Neptune in Pisces, mystical, magical and illusionary, in aspect to the eclipse and the moon’s nodes. This is like a blanket of fog spreading over all activities obscuring the truth while offering tantalizing glimpses of prophetic clarity.

We can expect legal issues involving money, marriage and partnerships.   Ongoing discussion and activism involving marriage equality and the so called war on women bring out the powerhouses on both sides of the issues. Powerful women step up and take part.  Mars in Virgo at the top of the Washington, DC chart digs into details. Involved with Pluto and Vesta those details expose financial, agricultural, military and labor issues.

Relationships on a grand scale, those that catch the public eye containing issues that trigger the collective psyche, stand out. Curiously the John Edwards trial goes to jury deliberation at this eclipse that has Juno, the long suffering wife opposing Jupiter, the philandering husband.  Perhaps not so curious, perhaps more in the nature of cycles, what goes around, comes around.

Taurus Ingress, New Moon in Taurus

Today, shortly after noon time here in the EDT time zone Sun moves into “feet on the ground” Taurus.  Taurus is a very sensuous, luxury loving, practical earth sign.  When a planet or “light” (Sun and Moon) enters a new sign astrologers cast a chart for that moment. This is called an Ingress chart.  The theory is that this chart will provide clues to what events and concerns will be prevalent while the planet or light moves through that sign.  The Sun’s transit through a sign and the corresponding Lunation cycle offer useful tools to use if you want to get in sync with the rhythms of the universe.  The Sun’s importance in the life cycle cannot be underestimated. We could not live without the Sun.  In astrology the Sun is the creative spark, the core self and everything else in the horoscope is filtered through the Sun’s position.  When the Sun travels through a particular house in the horoscope it literally lights up and activates the symbolism, ideas, people and events associated with that house.  A first house transit is very different from a twelfth house transit.  We shine and feel energetic and assertive while Sun travels through our first house, while a twelfth house transit often has us feeling fatigued and content to work behind the scenes.

This Ingress chart set for Washington, DC has some interesting planetary configurations that are in play for the New Moon in Taurus on Saturday, April 21^st.  The asteroid Juno conjoins the North Node in Sagittarius. These two form a favorable trine aspect to a Mercury/Uranus conjunction in Aries.  The asteroid Juno represents marriage, relationship, and the harmony and discord within relationships.  The Nodes of the Moon symbolize the past and the future.  Nodal contacts between people, IMHO, often means the two have to do “stuff” together. It may or may not be the be all and end all of relationships, but it often takes you out of your comfort zone forcing you to grow. At other times those relationships send you diving for cover back into your comfort zone triggering an awareness of repeating patterns.  Mercury and Uranus together jumps out and says be ready for some startling news.  Mix it all together and what do you get?  In Mythology, Juno is the Roman counterpart to Greek Hera, wife of philandering Zeus.  Juno/Hera was not of the “turn the other cheek” variety she was more the “hell hath no fury” type. Relationships are highlighted for good or ill.

Another important configuration involves a “grand square” with Mars in Virgo, opposing Neptune in Pisces, both squaring the nodal axis, North Node in Sagittarius conjunct the aforementioned Juno, with South Node in Gemini with Venus just out of the picture in Gemini as well. Mars is all about action, energy and how we assert ourselves. In Virgo the Martian energy is focused on analyzing, organizing, work, health, and diet. In Virgo it is important to express anger and not let it build up for it is sure to affect the health. While Mars in Virgo is all for the concrete and real across the Zodiac sits Neptune in Pisces wallowing in the mystical and magical at work dissolving walls and boundaries.  Whatever Neptune in Pisces is, it is not clear. If it is clear, it is clear to those who are highly evolved.  The Mother Theresa’s and Buddhist monk among us tune into Neptune in Pisces’ highest vibration in direct communication with the Goddess/God and walking the path of righteousness. Those less evolved don the rose colored glasses and often seek the divine in a bottle of booze.  

Last, but certainly not least, is the Grand Trine between the New Moon,  Sun/Moon in Taurus trine Mars in Virgo (Mars is busy in Virgo), and Pluto in Capricorn.  Now trines are considered aspects of ease and a Grand Trine can be a blessing in the natal chart as it indicates talents that come easily.  But just because it is easy does not mean that it is good. One must not forget that Mars’, in shy, retiring Virgo or not, first order of business is war and aggression.  Pluto brings transformation and issues of power and control to the fore.  Pluto rules debt, interest rates and the like. New Moon in Venus ruled Taurus is about love and money.  This is a Grand Trine in earth, nothing mystical here.  This Grand Trine will manifest in the real world.

Love, money and assorted relationships will top the list of concerns facing people this month.  Some relationships will end with a sparkling explosion while some of the more casual will deepen into a serious commitment. The issues of honesty, faithfulness and gaining trust will test many. By the Full Moon on May 5^th it’s all going to hit the fan. Money and the misuse of funds, love and betrayal, deception and truth create a mine field of intense emotion.  Many will shoot off their mouth without thinking.  While a lot may need to be said, think.  Are you done with this situation? Can anything be salvaged from this relationship? Or is it time to move on?  Last Quarter Moon, with Moon in Aquarius trining practical Saturn tones down the emotional roller coaster and brings some rationality into the picture.  Last Quarter Moon is a good time to end things. Ending or not different attitudes and feelings develop after the Sun moves into Gemini May 20^th and the next Lunation cycle begins.  This New Moon will be a Solar Eclipse in Gemini. A new cycle, new attitude and new ideas bring a fresh perspective.

April Fools’ Day Let the Fun Begin– Venus in Gemini, Mercury Direct

Before dawn on Sunday April Fools’ Day Moon moves into fun loving, fiery Leo. Everyone’s a star while Moon travels through this show biz sign. People are ambitious, looking for romance and need approval for the next couple of days. Be wary of April Fools’ Day jokes that backfire or have unexpected results when Moon forms a sparkling aspect to Uranus on Sunday afternoon.  This energy favors change, opportunity and independent action.  Get out there and find new friends and new prospects.

 Monday morning Sun and Moon fire up the beginning of the work week. Enthusiasm reigns.  When Moon squares off with Jupiter in solid Taurus, expect a few flies in the ointment.  Especially when it comes to money and any plans to improve the diet, Jupiter comes with a big appetite and often promises more than can be delivered.

Tuesday dawns with purpose, do your job and take care of business as Leo Moon joins forces with sober Saturn. Mid morning Moon and Venus, at odds with one another, bring mood swings and difficulty in relationships.  Moon goes void of course for a big 6 minutes then enters Virgo.  Here Moon retreats from center stage operating more comfortably in the background. Virgo Moon prefers the intellectual over the emotional. Tasks that require attention to detail or organization do well under this Moon.  Use this energy to clean the house, rearrange storage space and sort what is good from what is ready for the dustbin. Before noon Venus moves into flirtatious Gemini.  Sociability increases, folks make many contacts but not many with staying power. Venus in Gemini is easily bored. After lunch, Moon opposes Neptune and relationships hit another snag. Be wary of deception, especially self deception. By evening commute time Moon, in lock step with Mars warns against impulsive actions and outbursts of anger. Chill. 

 During the wee hours of Wednesday, April 4^th in the Eastern Time Zone Moon connects with Pluto and dreams reveal some deep psychological issue.  As the Sun rises, Mercury stations and begins to move in direct motion. Hurray and halleluiah! Projects on hold begin to move along, information flows and facts previously unknown are revealed. Virgo Moon, making nice, nice with Jupiter promises good opportunity for those on the lookout.

 Moon goes void of course at 1:37 AM EDT Thursday making a last aspect with newly direct Mercury setting the stage for the revelation of new facts.   Moon slides into Libra at 11:32 AM EDT ending the void period.  Libra Moon highlights partnerships, harmony, and social gatherings.  This is not the time to “go it alone”; Libra Moon encourages interaction with others, preferably in pleasant surroundings.  In the afternoon Moon and Libra’s ruler Venus form a harmonious blend. This is a good time to try and resolve any difficulties and disagreements in relationships.  All is peace, love and goodwill.  Complete any discussions before Moon faces off with unpredictable, unconventional Uranus around 8PM EDT.   Moon/Uranus combinations are volatile and disruptive.  Libra Moon wants to join forces while Uranus craves independence.  Later Venus squares Neptune an aspect of tension. Venus with Neptune can lead one to believe they have found their true soul mate. The reality is usually quite different.  There is a real danger here of overindulgence in intoxicants of all kinds in order to escape reality. Venus/Neptune contacts offer great opportunities to escape through music, art, prayer and meditation.

Moon squares off with Pluto during the small hours of Good Friday and we wake up to some deep revelation. At 3:19 PM EDT the Full Moon perfects, Libra Moon opposes Aries Sun.  This Full Moon brings eruption, disruption and other assorted shocks.  Thinking is quick, words leap to the lip without any consideration of the havoc those words may create.  Outrageous news and scandalous behavior mar the Easter/Passover weekend.

 Early Saturday morning Moon joins Saturn in an effort to sober everyone up and put them on a more stable track as Moon goes Void of Course.  Entering Scorpio at 11:18 AM EDT, Moon evokes passion and desire.  Intense moods and heightened suspicions create complications when communicating with others.  Throughout the day Moon moves along connecting with Neptune then Mars sparking an overly active imagination, doubt and distrust. Passions ignite when Venus squares off with Mars Saturday night.  Sexual desire demands as all romance gets thrown out the window. This does not sit well with some. Harmony and cooperation becomes difficult.  Take a breath, take a break, and try to relax. Realize that all this discord arises because there is a need under Scorpio Moon to merge with others on a deep, emotional level. We want to feel. Allow passions to cool don’t make a decision in the heat of the moment.  Don’t throw out all that peace and good will generated earlier in the week.  Slow down and try to think dispassionately. What is really going on here?

What’s Up This Week? Where’s That Moon?

On Saturday, March 24, 2012 Moon goes void of course in Aries at 1:17 PM until 5:43 PM when the energy shifts as Moon moves into Taurus.  During the hours that Moon is void of course it is best to avoid making major decisions. Things never go as planned when Moon is void. Wait until the fiery impulsiveness of Aries gives way to the more staid, solid, stolid energies of Taurus. Folks get more cautious and conservative while Moon travels through Taurus. A note of stubbornness creeps in. Before this changeover, the Sun in Aries joins forces with Uranus in Aries. Sudden, surprising events upset the routine. Pay close attention to the news and trends of this weekend as these are a preview of things to come. Saturday evening when Moon connects with Neptune inspiration and imagination rule.  Avoid excess use of drugs and alcohol.  Escape through music, meditation, or art. Sunday morning Moon greets the day with a positive aspect to retrograde Mars in Virgo.  Mars is energy, Moon is emotion. This is a good time to work on home projects.  Throughout the day Moon connects with Pluto then Jupiter.  Strong emotions bring about strong reactions. Expect emotional eruptions. Try not to get pulled into the dark and snarly emotional baggage of others. By Monday afternoon Moon makes nice nice with Venus. Venus at home in Taurus is strong now. This is a good time for romance, a party or any social gathering.  Moon’s last aspect before going void of course is with retrograde Mercury at 12:35 AM EDT Tuesday morning. This is a blend of the mind and emotions. People say what they feel. Lines of communication are open; it’s a good time to clear the air.  Moon enters flirty, chatty Gemini at 6:43 AM EDT.  More communication, exchange of news and information and true to Gemini’s dual nature, some difficulty in making up one’s mind or changing one’s mind. Gemini’s airy nature brings with it restlessness and people get antsy if they start to get bored. Midmorning fantasy runs head on into the reality of the daily routine when Moon agitates nebulous Neptune. The evening commute brings a few surprises as Moon bounces off Uranus and Mars. Watch out for road rage.  Don’t let traffic jams push you over the edge. Remember to breathe. By late evening Sun and Moon form a congenial aspect and harmony and peace reign.  Wednesday Gemini Moon makes no exact aspects but expect to be busy under this Moon. Thursday morning Moon squares off with Gemini’s ruler Mercury. Retrograde in fuzzy Pisces, Mercury brings rumor, innuendo and unclear messages.  Be wary of signing or starting anything. Do some reviewing and revising.  The afternoon brings a nice Mercury/Venus contact that offers an opportunity to smooth troubled waters. Trouble could be due to a misunderstanding, go back and have that conversation to clear the air. When Moon connects with Saturn, the conversation gets serious and some solid information emerges. Then Moon goes void of course.  Before Moon slides home to the sign of Cancer, the Sun makes a bold, brassy aspect to the power broker, Pluto. This is another one of those moments that provide a glimpse into the future. The headlines will tell the tale. Moon, in Cancer, after 7:07 PM EDT gets mystical and intuitive with Neptune before midnight, now is the time to dream the dream. Be sure to see things as they really are not how you wish them to be.  On Friday Cancer Moon is busy making aspects with those heavy hitters, Uranus, Mars and Pluto before squaring off with the Sun bringing us to the First Quarter Moon phase. Quarter Moon time is a time of crisis and action. A decision has to be made. At this Quarter Moon it will be difficult to maintain peace. Don’t fly off the handle, get the facts and see the picture clearly before taking any steps that might make the situation worse. Let Venus in Taurus, (at the top of the Quarter Moon Chart here in New England) rule the day. Think beauty, peace and harmony.

Moon Musing

Everyone, even the most skeptical, seems to have their own Moon tales. Fishermen fish and farmers reap and sow according to the Moon’s sign and phase. First responders, from Police and Fire to emergency room personnel, all relate stories of how things get crazy when the Moon shines brightly in the night sky.  While the believers and skeptics all know their Sun sign, many are totally unaware of what their Moon sign is. While the Sun provides the vital, essential energy, the Moon supplies the primal survival instinct.

The Moon presides over the inner realm, the unconscious, instinctive actions and reactions.  The natal Moon points to how or what makes you feel secure. What you need to make you happy and how you express your feelings. The Moon tells of childhood experience, of being nurtured, or not. The sign and house position of the Natal Moon provides a vital piece to your personal puzzle. It is where you instinctively go and drop into like a worn, old, comfortable shoe. Natal Moon placement points to where you adapt, what you are open to. The very nature of the Moon is fluctuation so even the fixed sign Moons are open to change in the area where the Moon falls in the natal chart.

The Moon phase you were born under indicates personality type and how you act/react to the outside world. While you share the waxing and waning of the Moon with the rest of the world when this phase recurs monthly it is the beginning of your personal cycle. As an exercise in self knowledge note how you feel and react to events around you when you experience a natal phase return.

The Moon returns to the exact sign and degree of your Natal Moon every 27 ½ days. This is your Lunar Return. A horoscope erected for that moment in time reveals the temper of your times, the flavor of the month so to speak. This pinpoints the focus of your upcoming month.

Through the method of Secondary Progressions, where a year in the life of an individual corresponds to a day in the ephemeris, astrologers “Progress” the horoscope. This moves the planets along changing aspects and signs through the course of a lifetime. The Progressed Moon moves 12 degrees a year thus, over a two and a half year period it hits every point in a chart. And every two and half years it changes signs. The Progressed Moon is the thermometer that takes your emotional temperature. When the Progressed Moon forms an aspect to a natal planet or angle, a change, an event or attitude adjustment is on the horizon.

The Moon makes a complete circuit around the Zodiac in 27.33 days. This is called the sidereal cycle. From New Moon to New Moon is the Synodic cycle, a period of 29.53 days.  Whatever the cycle, the Moon activates every point in the horoscope on a monthly basis. Fast moving, the influence of the Moon is often fleeting. Just as it rules the tides, the Moon rules the ups and downs of daily life. Knowing where it is, what phase it is in and how it relates to your horoscope allows you to “catch the wave “.  Timing is everything so use the Moon to your advantage.

New Moon Start Anew And Other Delights

New Moons signal the beginning of a new cycle. This New Moon, in Aquarius, on January 23, 2012 holds some noteworthy patterns and points of interest that will hold sway far longer than the typical lunation cycle.  Mars in Virgo, stations in preparation for a 3 month retrograde period a few hours after the New Moon perfects. The New Moon, the conjunction of the Sun and Moon, is involved in a dynamic pattern with Saturn and Jupiter called a T-Square.  Saturn and Jupiter oppose (180 degrees) one another and the New Moon squares (90 degrees) them both. Saturn and Neptune are in a trine aspect (120 degrees) from Libra to Aquarius and they both are in the critical 29^th degree of their respective signs. Tying it all up is the developing waxing square between Uranus and Pluto. The seeds planted at this New Moon will continue to bear fruit well beyond this lunation.

Mars goes retrograde about every two years. The last time was from December 2009 to March 2010 in the sign of Leo.  When a planet is retrograde the qualities of that planet are more pronounced and it often does not function in the normal manner. Mars is the planet of action. In a natal chart Mars is the juice that gets you going, gives you the energy to function in the world and moves you across the finish line. In the big wide world Mars rules the military, wars and disputes of all kinds.  During this retrograde period Mars moves backward from 23 degrees Virgo to 3 degrees Virgo. Those with planets and angles within those degrees will be exposed to this energy three times, when Mars goes forward over them, retrograde and forward again. Mars was at 3 degrees of Virgo around November 18/19, 2011 and will station to go direct on April 13/14, 2012.

 Barack Obama has natal Mars at 22 degrees Virgo and Pluto at 6 degrees Virgo in his 7^th house of partners, relationships and open enemies. Transits to the horoscope of a head of state move from the personal to the very public. In Mundane astrology, the astrology of events, the 7^th house has to do with wars, foreign policy and international relationships. A Mars transit juices up the planet it touches and often brings out aggressiveness, belligerence and makes one prone to a snappy or snarly response. Mars prompts a combative stance. Obama will make his State of the Union address on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 9PM with transiting retrograde Mars conjunct his natal Mars. My guess is he will come out swinging and over the coming months he will face his opponents both foreign and domestic, within the party and without; in ways that are not his normal mode. What worries me is the natal square between Neptune (22 Virgo) and Mars (21 Gemini) in the horoscope of the Declaration of Independence.  Mars square Neptune means war for all the wrong reasons. Retrograde Mars, jazzing up this square, is up to no good.  High ideals dragged through the muck of combat seldom emerge pristine.  

The involvement of the New Moon in the Jupiter/Saturn opposition sends a frisson of energy to the long term Jupiter/Saturn cycle. Jupiter and Saturn form a conjunction every 20 years and their interactive dance over the years plays a big role in political, financial and societal events. The opposition is the half way point. Oppositions are just that, two opposing forces colliding head on. Jupiter wants expansion while Saturn wants contraction.  Jupiter wants to try something new while Saturn favors the tried and true.

Saturn is also involved in a trine with Neptune. Saturn is reality; Neptune the ideal. Before this Lunation cycle is over, Neptune will leave Aquarius for the final time and enter the home turf of Pisces, while Saturn turns retrograde.  (Neptune was briefly in Pisces from last April to August 2011) In the final degree of a sign a planet seems to always give it the “last hurrah” before leaving that sign, an event that signifies the symbolism of the sign and planet.   Neptune in Aquarius can denote a spiritual brotherhood. That’s the upside. The downside can be fraud, slander and misrepresentation.  Not much scandalizes us any more so it is difficult to imagine what event or revelation could set us on our heels.  We can only hope that the positive prevails, the sharing, caring and sense of universal human hood evidenced in the Occupy movement and other protests around the world.

The waxing square between Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn reaches exactness on June 24, 2012, the first of 7 squares from June 2012 through March 2015. These squares are part of the 126 year cycle of Uranus/Pluto.  This cycle brings about broad societal change. Uranus is the revolutionary rebel and rule breaker, in Aries; he’s willing to fight for it. Pluto is the great transformer, in Capricorn; he’s about altering the structure of business and government.  Here again it is the old against the new.  Think of these 7 squares as growing pains.  It will not be easy. Echoes from this New Moon will reverberate at the time of the first Uranus/Pluto square on June 24^th as Saturn moves in direct motion and Mars, once again in direct motion, reaches 22/23 degrees of Virgo.  Get ready to Rock and Roll.

This is not an easy time. These planetary dynamics touch each of us on a personal and collective level.  Transits to the natal planets and through the natal houses tell the tale of personal challenges and opportunities. A consultation with an astrologer is a valuable tool in troubled times. Astrology points the way around that stone wall so you don’t have to bust your skull trying to go through it.  As a timing device, astrology pinpoints the moment of chance and change.  Astrology gives you an edge when you need it and a heads up when difficulties loom.  Carpe Diem – seize the day!