Winter Solstice and Beyond - A Rock and Roll January 2016

The Sun entering Capricorn is the moment that winter begins. A time of the year that has been celebrated since before recorded history.  This marks the turning of the wheel of the year, it is the longest night and hereafter the days begin to grow longer. It is and has been a celebration of the return of the light. 

Astrologers cast a chart for a given location for the moment that the Sun enters Capricorn to ascertain what the season will bring.  This is called an Ingress Chart.  I cast the chart for Providence, RI, which is my neck of the woods. The location gives you the angles, i.e., the cusp of the 1^st, 4^th, 7^th, and 10^th houses. The angles change for a chart erected for a difference location.  In Providence, the Ascendant or cusp of the 1^st house is 0 degrees, 59 minutes of Libra.  A chart erected for Washington, DC has 26 degrees, 29 minutes of Virgo Rising on the Ascendant.  This changes the tone of the chart considerably and moves the planets into a different house than the one set for Providence. If you want to know what is going on in the country you set the chart for the capitol of that country.  If you want to know what is going on in a particular state you set the chart for the state capitol. 

Wherever you set the chart, the planetary configurations remain the same. The Sun, indicating the head of state, Governor/President moves from the third house in the Providence chart to the fourth house in the Washington, DC chart.  Here the Governor sits on the angle so her actions will be more noticeable.  The President with the Sun off the angle into the fourth house will take action that is more foundational.

Overall in Rhode Island and across the country money, debt, interest rates and unexpected action from open enemies will occupy the government and the people.

The first week of January 2016 will start the year off with a bang.  Mars goes home to Scorpio. The warrior is vengeful in this sign. He takes action and cuts to the quick. Mercury and Jupiter go retrograde and the Sun squares off with Uranus.  This is a lot of energy packed into one week.  Jupiter can be a real good guy bringing plenty of pizza and a couple of six packs to the party but he can also bring a lot of hot air.  Folks promising more than they can deliver, exaggeration and a philosophy that says my way or the highway.  Sun, square Mr. Surprise Uranus, lights the torch of anything goes. 

On January 25^th Mercury goes direct.  When planets change direction they slow down and seem to sit in one spot, the energy of that planet is strong at this time.  At this moment of direction change Mercury sits on the degree where Pluto was in the Ingress Chart, the Winter Solstice.  Pluto goes to the extreme, in the 4^th house of the Ingress chart he speaks of extreme weather.  A 60 degree Christmas Day is pretty extreme. But be ready because he can go just as extreme in the opposite direction. At the Solstice there was only 4 degrees separating Mercury and Pluto, this is considered a conjunction.  When two planets are conjunct they energy melds, combines and can be either positive or negative depending on other circumstances.  When Mercury changes direction on that degree we revisit what went on at during the Solstice period.  Weather wise Mercury can be windy, with Pluto strong wind.  The wind could come from the mouths of those who wish to keep societal constructs in place or from those who want to do just the opposite.  Remember Pluto can destroy, but always something better comes after.  But the transition is always tough.

Remember to keep your cool during this period. Don’t fall victim to fear and hysteria and try to maintain compassion.  Not an easy thing to do.  During difficult times it is important to operate on the highest vibration possible.  Get your inner Mother Theresa going. Breathe, meditate and go to your happy place.  Get outside and touch the Earth. Stay grounded and stick to the high road. 

Sky Talk Week of December 13, 2015

Last week, on the 7^th there was a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Tajikistan. Tajikistan is a mountainous country located between Afghanistan, China and a couple of other “stans”. Throughout last week Mars moved from a square to Pluto and an opposition to Uranus; an earthquake is the perfect manifestation of these aspects. If these aspects made a direct hit on your horoscope than a more personal type of earthquake may have manifested.   On the brighter side, a climate agreement was reached in Paris. Whether countries will follow through is another matter. Only time will tell.

The New Moon on Friday brought a collective sigh of relief as the intensity of Scorpio passes and we move into the hopeful optimism of Sagittarius.  New Moons are just that, new beginnings as one cycle ends and another begins.

On Monday the confidence and optimism of Sagittarius goes into exaggerated mode when Sun squares off with Sagittarius’ ruler, Jupiter.  This is an aspect of “too much”

We try to do too much, may say too much and often get a feeling of overload in general. During the holiday season overload is easy, this aspect enhances that energy.  Slow down and breathe.

Monday afternoon when Mercury connects with Neptune don’t believe everything you hear. Imagination runs wild.  Do some fact checking before you succumb to the prevalent paranoia. Moon in Aquarius until 12:45 PM Wednesday brings a feeling of fellowship and folks operate from an intellectual stand point rather than emotional.  Good for that fact checking.

On Thursday Venus promises some intense relationship issues when she connects with Pluto. Venus is in Scorpio, ruled by Pluto. Placed here there can be jealousy, suspicion and lots of passion.  Once again, don’t get paranoid.  “They” may be crazy but they are not out to get you.  Moon in Pisces throws logic out the door and folks are more in tune with the intangibles paying attention to the subtle vibes around them.  It’s really hard to differentiate between what is real and what isn’t.  With Pisces it pays to take the high road. Escape from reality, what Pisces Moon wants, is best done through meditation, not a bottle of scotch. But do pay attention to the signs and symbols around you.

Friday morning the First Quarter Moon is a time for action.  The little seeds planted at the New Moon are beginning to sprout.  You are going to have to do something to move that growth along.  Often this is unconscious, instinctive action that requires little thought. Simply the natural unfolding of events.  Don’t over think it. 

On Saturday, with Moon in impulsive Aries, Mercury joins forces with Pluto.  Mercury in practical Capricorn lays out the facts.  Pluto promises an intense conversation, perhaps relationship oriented, perhaps a business meeting.  Remember with Moon in Aries people want to start something new, have a lot of enthusiasm but may not think things through. Mercury in Capricorn calls for logic and the emotional need for change has to get past that.  If you have been thinking about something for a while, a waxing Moon is a good time to begin. My class on Astrological timing gives more information about when to start, stop and plan.

Big Changes Coming for Miley Cyrus

When Miley Cyrus was born her parents named her Destiny Hope because they believed she was destined to accomplish great things.  She turned 23 this year and since her debut album in 2007 went quadruple platinum you wonder if her parents had a Crystal Ball. 

Born with Sun in Sagittarius, Miley has two stelliums, a stellium is two or more planets conjunct in a sign other than the Sun sign. A stellium concentrates the energy.  She has Moon, Mercury and Pluto conjunct in Scorpio and Venus, Uranus and Neptune conjunct in Capricorn.  The Capricorn stellium emphasizes and enhances Miley’s Scorpionic nature as those Capricorn planets are placed in her 8^th house, Scorpio’s natural home. 

The Moon/Pluto conjunction speaks to a strong emotional bond with the mother. And indicates a mother who is controlling.  In Miley’s case her mother got a handle on her finances and representation early on engaging financial managers and agents that served and protected her daughter through her formative years. Miley’s behavior as she reached maturity may in part be a reaction to that motherly control. The heart and soul of the girl is Sagittarius and as such, freedom is of the utmost importance.

The sexual antics are a given with all that Scorpio energy in her chart.  She identifies herself as “gender fluid” and pansexual.  Scorpio gets down to the nitty gritty of all that stuff and while her actions may shock some for Miley it doesn’t have the same kind of meaning.  She’s digging down to the universal and she recognizes, not just logically, but on some deep level, that the sex act is the act that creates life.

For the past 2 years Miley has had some intense relationships that may have felt fated. More of a compulsion than a love affair. Some relationships have ended while others have deepened.  Saturn entering her 7^th house of marriage, relationships and partnerships brings challenges to any relationship.  The good ones last, those you don’t really need end. 

Through it all she has had to face up to responsibilities and has often felt isolated. She’s not out of the woods yet. In January of 2016 events will bring a rude awakening on some level and trigger a period of inner exploration.  Miley will be digging into the inner workings of the psyche, her psyche trying to find out why she acts the way she does and why her actions don’t bring about the results that she expects.

Being the artistic and creative type when she emerges from this deep mind stuff expect some really creative, innovative and very different types of work from her.  With Venus in Capricorn ruling her Taurus Ascendant, conjunct visionary Neptune and quirky Uranus, she has to create and she has to bring it into the real world.  With a prominent Saturn angular in the 10^th house ruling that Capricorn stellium it’s a given that the world is going to see her and her work. 

I’ll be keeping my eye on Miley Cyrus.  2016 through 2017 will be a huge transformative period for Miley Cyrus as transiting Pluto rolls over her Capricorn stellium. Pluto destroys in order to build something completely new and better.  Her Venus ruler of love, money and the arts has already been engaged by Pluto.  As Pluto continues his slow, relentless trek through Capricorn he will bring Miley a crisis of faith, perhaps in herself and a crisis in her creative self.  With all that Scorpio in her chart, she is fixed and determined and after Pluto schools her she will emerge successfully and not without a few surprises. 

Sky Talk for the Week of November 29, 2015

The Saturn/Neptune square that was exact on Thanksgiving Day continues to influence. They will be in range of one another throughout 2016.  On Sunday the Sun shines bright beams on the two of them further enhancing their energies.  It’s like a war between illusion and reality.  Unfortunately we are witness to the actions of many a deluded soul out there.  On a personal level this energy can bring those people and ideas that we hold up as high ideals crashing down.  Flaws in character can be revealed and it comes as a shocker to find that some folks are just plain folks; a mixture of the positive and the negative.  As tough as that may be it is much better to deal with a real person not what you think that person is.

Tuesday morning expect an upsetting commute when Mercury makes nice, nice with Uranus.  We can also expect some shocking news or shocking words from unexpected quarters.  Mercury rules transportation in all forms and Uranus rules the shocking, bolt out of the blue.  Be careful out there and try to avoid impulsive speech and action.

On Thursday in the wee hours of the morning the Last Quarter Moon occurs.  This Quarter Moon is in Virgo.  The Moon is waning. When the Moon is on the wane the energy is good for getting rid of something or something you want to reduce. Waning Moon in Virgo is the optimal time to start a diet to lose weight. It is great for breaking any habit that is detrimental to your health, like smoking.   Moon enters Virgo on Wednesday morning at 5:09 AM and goes void of course on Thursday at 11:59 PM, which means it does not make any aspects until entering Libra on Friday at 5:34 PM.  Best not to start anything when Moon is void of course.

If you’re interested in learning more about Astrological timing I will be holding a class on December 14, 2015 at Positive New Beginnings on Astrological Timing, Getting in Sync with the Rhythms of the Universe.  We will cover Planetary days, Planetary hours, and the waxing and waning Moon. 

On Friday morning December 4^th Mercury is at it again, this time squaring off with Jupiter.  Mercury and Jupiter are in Mutual Reception.  This means that they are in each other’s ruling sign.  Mercury is in Sagittarius and Jupiter is in Virgo. They help each other out.   Mercury in Sagittarius often has foot in mouth disease. People say things without thinking about it at all just blurting out whatever comes to mind.  Jupiter is the king of excess.  Be wary of people who promise more than be delivered and try not to be one of those yourself.  Another possibility with this aspect is big news blown way out of proportion to the actual facts.  Wait before passing judgement. 

Late Friday night Venus leaves Libra and enters Scorpio.  This is a whole new ball game for Venus. In Libra she’s all sweetness and light.  In Scorpio she takes off the velvet gloves and goes bare knuckled.  Lots of passion here as well as suspicion. Make sure your suspicions are well grounded before Mercury in Sagittarius shoots his mouth off.

My schedule:  December 5, 2015 – Readings @ Mother Mystic, 179 Dean Street, Providence, RI, 353-3099

December 12, 2015 – Readings @  Positive New Beginnings, 222 Warren Avenue, East Providence, RI, 432-7195

December 14, 2015 – Class @  Positive New Beginnings, Astrological Timing, Getting in Sync with the Rhythms of the Universe. 

Tracy Morgan Revisited - Up From the Ashes

Back in June 2014 I had written a piece about Tracy Morgan after the horrific car crash that left him in very serious condition.  With massive head injury, broken leg, nose, ribs, temporary blindness along with, no surprise here, depression.  During his recovery he has said (interview in GQ) that he wasn’t in a good place mentally.  He didn’t get out of that dark depression until ten months later.

At the time of his accident, Saturn, the taskmaster of the Zodiac was sitting on his Scorpio Sun.  Saturn transits bring restriction and contraction.   Saturn has a 29 year cycle.  Back in 1985 when Saturn hit his Sun the first time he learned his father had aids.  Both Saturn transits have coincided with low points in his life.  Under the influence of that first transit, his father died and he married.  Saturn brings responsibilities. Tracy had them and resorted to selling drugs in order to fulfill them.  And just as Saturn brings you to the lowest point, a Saturn truism is when you hit bottom, the only way is up.  And Saturn often has you crawling out of that pit, making progress one step at a time.

Ten months after the accident when Tracy emerged from the depressive state after months of therapy, Saturn had moved off his Sun, rolled over his Neptune and entered Sagittarius.  His progress was incremental.  Speech therapy, physical therapy, cognitive therapy, every kind of therapy there is.  Judging from his October 2015 appearance on SNL it looks like he’s got all the pieces put back together. 

On February 5, 2016 he is to resume touring with the “Picking up the pieces tour”.  In his own words, “It is my responsibility to come back and come back strong.”  I think he’ll do it.  He also stated about his comedy, “I think it will be deeper.”  I think so too, Tracy.  On that night, Mars in Scorpio sits on his Scorpio Sun giving him the energy and drive he will need.  The Sun in Aquarius squares that Mars and his Sun.  Squares make things happen.  He’ll come back strong but he will be working at it.  That night there is a lot of Capricorn energy in the air, which is great for comedy.  Capricorns are funny and many comedians have strong Saturn and/or lots of Capricorn planets.  Capricorn is also about timing which is essential in a comedic routine.  Venus and Pluto have an exact conjunction that night.  This guarantees that Tracy’s comedy will be deeper and, if possible, more raunchy. With these aspects in play I am wondering, does Tracy have an astrologer?

Tracy Morgan has travelled a long hard road.  In true Scorpio fashion he will come back better than ever.  Also in true Scorpio fashion he will remember those who were there for him during those dark days.  A warning to those who weren’t, don’t try to weasel in now, he’ll cut you off at the knees.

According to Tracy God told him, “Your room ain’t ready. I still got something for you to do.”  Tracy may not know what that something is but for sure he will definitely be picking up the pieces and moving on with his life.  My guess is that he will be better than ever. And it is joyous to see someone come back from the brink.  Way to go Tracy.

What's Happening in the Sky This Week

There’s a lot of planetary action going on leading up to and beyond the Full Moon on Wednesday, November 25^th.  On Sunday, November 22, 2015 the Sun enters optimistic Sagittarius leaving the heavy emotion of Scorpio behind preparing us for the holiday season.  On Monday Venus the planet of love and money opposes Uranus.  Uranus brings about the unexpected and pushes us to alter our daily routine because one thing Uranus hates is routine.  With this aspect in play we long to escape that daily routine.  We seek excitement and stimulation.  It is a good time to meet new people and have new experiences.  Relationships begun under this aspect are usually very exciting but lack stability.

As Monday shifts into Tuesday, Mars the warrior connects with Saturn the teacher and task master of the Zodiac.  Mars is subdued in Venus’ sign of Libra, he wants to fight, Libra wants to negotiate.  Mars is also the planet of action, connected with Saturn it is a great opportunity to get a lot accomplished in an orderly and productive manner.  Around midnight Mercury gets in the act and serious discussions take place.  Communication might be difficult for some.  Mercury the traveler proceeds with caution when hanging with Saturn.

On the Full Moon day, Mercury moves along connecting with Neptune and Mars.  With Neptune, Mercury dreams big and visualizes what can be.   The connection with Mars calls for action of some kind.  Perhaps beginning to bring those dreams to fruition.

The Full Moon is exact at 5:44 PM EST.  The horoscope set for Providence, RI puts Venus in the driver’s seat.  Venus rules money, love, relationships and desire.  In this chart she is in the 5^th house, the house of fun, games, children, romance and creativity. This is good for the artistically inclined and also good for all kinds of relationships.

While Venus holds a lot of power at this Full Moon she is outgunned by the energy of the slower moving planets in dynamic configuration at this Full Moon.  Venus is a fast mover and her influence is fleeting.  Grab it while you can.  

At this Full Moon the Sun is in Sagittarius and the Moon is in Gemini.  In close contact with the Sun is Saturn and Mercury.  These three oppose the Moon in Gemini and square Neptune in Pisces.  The exact square between Neptune and Saturn becomes exact on Thanksgiving Day.  This square is the big dog. Saturn and Neptune have a 36 year cycle, they were conjunct in 1989-1990 and in opposition in 2006-2007.  This is the first of 3 squares between the two.  The second and third take place in 2016, June 17 and September 10.  Keep your eye on those dates, the weeks leading up to those dates and following.  They are slow moving planets and their energy is felt for months.

Neptune rules oil, religion, music, the oceans and natural gas. Mass migration in a search for a better life relates to Neptune.  Saturn represents the conservative side of society, corporations, law enforcement, and order. World affairs certainly reflect these issues. Squares make things happen, action must be taken but often it is not easy.  With Neptune in the picture, it is not clear.  

On a personal level this square brings a dose of harsh reality to those who have been looking at the world through rose colored glasses.  Neptune is the rose colored glasses and Saturn is the harsh reality.  Folks like Mother Theresa glide through Neptune transits with ease because they operate on a very high plane of existence.  The rest of us are down here in the muck and the mire slogging along as best we can. Neptune can be deceit and deception.  Someone dealing from the bottom of the deck.  Before you accuse be sure the deception is not self-deception.  On the bright side, Saturn can ground and manifest the dreams of Neptune.  Be advised, this is not wave the magic wand time, Saturn requires you to put in the effort.

November New Moon Cycle - Started With a Bang - Will End With One Too?

The current lunar cycle began with the New Moon in Scorpio on November 11, 2015.  The horoscope for that moment put Mars in the driver’s seat.  Mars, the God of war manifested a few days later in the horrific event in Paris, France that has rocked the world.  The horrors of the present day aside this period calls for clear conversation to avoid misconception. There is definitely a lack of clarity in the air and misunderstanding is high on the list of possibilities.

As the Moon waxes heading towards the First Quarter Mars steps aside and Venus gains power.  Love, money and diplomacy become the weapon of choice.  Neptune stations, or stops, and proceeds to move in direct motion.  Some obscure, hidden facts may come to the surface now.  These facts remind us that it never pays to rush to judgement.

As we move from First Quarter to Full Moon jealousy and sexual tension can lead to unconventional behavior.  As the Sun and Mercury enter Sagittarius we leave the deep water and enter a landscape that allows us to see the far horizon.  A look at the big picture encourages free speech but beware of speaking before thinking.  Words can hurt despite the best intentions.  Love and money can come from unexpected sources.

At the Full Moon Venus rules the day.  But she’s looking for some conversation.  There’s some serious discussion going on.  Travel delays are possible.  Check schedules, be clear in your conversation and be on the lookout for deception.  Thanksgiving Day brings a reality check as Saturn in Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces. Neptune in Pisces is the dreamer, on the high road this combo symbolizes the Mother Theresa’s out there.  On the low road the deluded fanatic.  Saturn in Sagittarius brings the material to the spiritual.  If we are truly spiritual beings we must walk the talk in this world of cruelty, insane acts and harsh reality.  Avoid snap judgements as there is more going on than meets the eye.  A positive use of this energy is to dream big and find ways to incorporate those dreams into your life.

From the Last Quarter on December 3, 2015 up to the next New Moon on December 11, 2015 expect turbulence and explosive actions as this lunation period will end as it started, with a big bang. Warfare, weather, power plays and the urge to dominate create havoc.  This is true in personal as well as global situations.

From the Last Quarter to before the next New Moon is a good time to banish something.  Get rid of a bad habit, an emotional tie, or simply negative thoughts.  This is a time for meditation and contemplation as you prepare for the next New Moon on December 10^th.  After the New Moon is the time to begin anew.

As the Sun traverses Sagittarius keep in mind the positive aspects of this sign.  Sagittarius is the sign of philosophy and religious beliefs and most importantly of all it is the sign of tolerance.  It is not “my way or the highway” but “all roads lead to heaven.”

Donald Trump - The Greatest Show on Earth

Since announcing his run for President of the United States Donald Trump has been dominating the headlines and leading the Republican pack. His incendiary comments have offended minorities, majorities, genders, and any and all special groups from veterans to vegetarians. How does he do it? Donald Trump’s over the top, exaggerated style and look are clearly reflected in his natal horoscope. Trump is a Gemini with a Sagittarius Moon and a Leo Ascendant. He’s a Full Moon baby born hours before a Lunar Eclipse. With his Gemini Sun in the very public 10th house and his Leo Mars conjunct his Ascendant it is no wonder that he loves the spotlight and actually thrives there. That Mars so close to the Ascendant manifests in that combative style that keeps him in the headlines. That combination also amps up his love for the spotlight. It is also a text book case for that bulldog look and belligerent stance. His 2nd house of money has Neptune and Jupiter. Neptune brings vision but can also denote the disappearing dollar. Trump has done the bankruptcy thing a few times but I am thinking it was more as a strategic business move. Jupiter brings “lots of” to the area of life where the planet resides. Trump’s Jupiter is in a sweet, lucky trine aspect with inventive, innovative Uranus in his 10th house of career. Uranus in Gemini conjunct his Gemini Sun and opposite his Sagittarius Moon in the 4th house of home and Real Estate provides a template for success in that field. With a Leo Ascendant and a Sagittarius Moon Donald Trump is enthusiastic, optimistic and exuberant. Failure is not part of his vocabulary and his ego is huge. The Gemini Sun makes him curious, restless and easily bored. He’s always looking for something new. With Uranus in that picture that something new is really new. In his 11th house, money earned from career as well as friends and plans for the future, Trump has Mercury in Cancer and a conjunction between Venus and Saturn in Cancer. The ruler of all this Cancer energy is the Moon. His Moon is quite at home in the 4th house. Moon is what you need, Venus is what you want. A critical motivator for Trump is security. With Mercury in Cancer he says what he feels. So how does he do it? How does he grab the headlines and maintain the lead while offending most of those within hearing distance? The combination of his basic natal style and the position of the transiting planets holds the key. The two benefic planets of the Zodiac, Jupiter and Venus have been running hand in hand for the last few months, in Leo, a sign that is key to Trump’s personality and success. When he announced his plan to run transiting Venus was sitting on top of his natal Pluto in Leo in the 12th house. Transiting Jupiter, also in Leo was closing in on his natal Mars and Leo Ascendant. Venus attracts lovely things when she connects with natal planets and points in the horoscope. Jupiter expansive and grand insures that whatever he brings there is lots of it. Venus moved through Leo, entered Virgo, then went retrograde and is currently retracing her steps back into Leo over Trump’s ascendant and his Mars in Leo. This past week during the time of the first debate Venus and Jupiter were together in the sky hanging out with Trump’s Mars and Ascendant. You can’t get any luckier combination than that. Add to this luckiest of the lucky combo, Mercury, the planet of communication at those same degrees, insures that his voice will be heard. With this energy surrounding him he can’t help but steal the show. Retrograde Venus moves back to 14 Leo before going direct on September 6th. She will then bring her attracting energy back over Trump’s Mars and Ascendant during late September and early October. During Venus retrograde periods reassessing and reevaluating takes place in the areas of life that Venus rules, money, love, relationships and social intercourse. Our attitude changes and events move forward after she moves into direct motion. Will Trump’s shining star diminish when Venus revisits those critical points in Trump’s chart? I don’t think so. With lucky Jupiter moving through his first house until September 2016 his Mojo will still be working for a while. Mars moving through Leo and Virgo from August 8th until November 12th fires him up while setting off the energies of Venus and Jupiter while they travel through critical areas of Trump’s natal chart. During September Trump has a Mars return that is, Mars in the sky returns to the point where it was at his birth. This is an event that happens approximately every two years and is an indicator of how one will use one’s energy over the next couple of years until the next return. Mars brings energy, ambition and strength of will and is doubly important for Trump since his natal Mars plays such a critical role in his personality. What is striking is at this return, Venus, that little lover and bringer of goodies is at the exact midpoint of his magical Jupiter/Uranus trine. Love him or hate him, he’s not going away. While it may be hard to believe that the traveling show of Donald Trump will be the next President of the United States his natal horoscope indicates that anything goes with this guy. He’s mercurial, changeable and capable of pulling a rabbit out of the hat. He’s definitely going to shake up the establishment. He’s authentic and not the pre-packaged product that passes for political candidates these days. With natal Uranus conjunct his Sun and opposing his Moon his actions are unpredictable. The action and energy from transiting planets hitting his natal planets over the next year feed his unpredictable nature. If you think his actions are bizarre now, hang on tight as the roller coaster continues.

Moon Madness and More

This New Moon cycle started off with a bang.  Literally.  Less than 24 hours after the New Moon perfected another horrendous slaughter took place in Chattanooga, Tenn. And that is just the beginning.

 While the Lunation cycle covers a month in time and the Solar cycle a year, the slow moving outer planet cycles cover a much broader period of time.  Because they are slow moving their period of influence have a much longer duration.  Such is the cycle of Uranus and Pluto.  Since 2012 they have been moving back and forth into a square aspect of 90 degrees.  The current Uranus / Pluto cycle began in the mid 1960’s coinciding with the great social upheaval and change of that period.  Now they are in the opening square period and echoes of the 60’s reverberate. Because they are slow movers when they connect exactly the influence is felt for a number of years plus/minus exactness.  This current square period was ushered in by the financial meltdown.  With the last square occurring in March 2015 the influence will be felt until 2019 or so. Into this mix the 20 year Jupiter/Saturn jumps in bringing Venus and monetary concerns into the picture.

During this Lunation cycle Mercury and Mars bounce off Uranus and Pluto.  Mars is the warrior, at the New Moon he and Mercury the communicator mixed it up with Pluto. As the month unfolds they will connect with anything goes Uranus. In the run up to the Full Moon on August 31^st planets change signs and change direction which by itself triggers action. Throw in all the other stuff that’s going on and we’ve got a volatile stew.

This week the Sun, trines Saturn on the 21^st then slides into home base the next day.  Mercury trines Saturn that day and the next day joins the Sun in Leo.  This is an energy change which might feel very subtle for some, the Leo’s and other fire signs, Aries and Sagittarius will feel an infusion of energy.  The First Quarter Moon on Friday sets the tone for the weekend. Venus is poised to go retrograde early Saturday morning with stir it up Mars squaring off with the unpredictable Uranus.  Uranus is scheduled to go retrograde the following day, Sunday, July 26^th.

When planets change direction they are moving slow and at the point of change they seem to be not moving at all.  We know that they don’t really move backwards they just appear so from the Earth.  But when they are at this point the energy and symbolism of those planets are strong.  Venus rules your love, your money and your desires. Mars rules your will and ability to act.  Uranus rules the innovative, inventive and eccentric.  These aspects can take the positive side and the negative side.  Mars in emotional Cancer does not function well.  Mars is a planet of action and when emotions get in his way he does not behave in the best manner.  Couple this energy with eccentric, excitable Uranus and it is anyone’s guess what the outcome will be. 

At the Full Moon the energy reaches its peak with lots of internet chatter, tweets, twits and shocking headlines. Sunday, August 2^nd Saturn turns retrograde setting a sober tone and signaling it is payback time.  Jupiter squares off with Saturn on the Monday triggering some financial swings and leadership problems.  Venus joins Jupiter on Tuesday which brings an expansive attitude of liberal spending on luxury items.  Don’t be so quick whipping out that credit card because on the following day, Wednesday the 5^th she connects with old sober sides Saturn in Scorpio who is all about debt, interest rates and the balance due.

The Last Quarter Moon on the 6^th is a day of action as well. Mars makes a sweet aspect with Saturn which is anything but sweet when these two get together.  Things could get ugly.  Mercury whispers sweet nothings into Venus’ ear then moves along quickly and gets serious with Saturn and the conversation goes from billing and cooing to a lovers quarrel with finance being a big issue.  On Friday, Mercury moving along connects with Jupiter and the conversation is quite different.  Saturn is all about responsibility and contraction, Jupiter is the opposite, he wants to expand and see the world. Diplomatic conversations get down to the smallest details when Mercury enters Virgo shortly after.  Mercury in Virgo sees the trees and will have no truck with Jupiter’s forest.

Over this weekend Mars moves into fiery Leo on Saturday the 8^th.  Mars is a fiery planet and takes the lead in Leo.  Leo likes to be the center of attention and Mars likes to be first. With this entry into Leo Mars sets the stage for a big splash. 

In the days leading up to the next New Moon on August 14^th Jupiter moves into Virgo a sea change from his sojourn through Leo.  Jupiter is the big picture guy while Virgo finds comfort in examining the tiniest pixel. Practical Mercury in Virgo opposes nebulous Neptune in Pisces.  These are truly opposites, Mercury wants just the facts while Neptune envisions the ideal, what could be.  Neptune’s fog and mirrors.  Some scandalous truths are revealed.  The cycle closes like it started, with a bang.  The Sun in Leo makes an aspect of ease to Uranus in Aries.  My mantra for Uranus aspects and transits is “if you can think of it, that ain’t it.”  Uranus is the bolt from the blue, the hit from left field, the unthinkable. 

This period is a stir it up, mix it up time that activates the long term cycles that have been active.  We’ve seen some big changes over the past years, from Supreme Court decisions like Citizens United dealing with campaign finances to the more recent one concerning gay marriage.  Greece, debt and the European Union and the diplomatic deal with Iran spark outrage and/or support as society reflects the planetary patterns of conflict between ideologies and ways of life.  The media stirs up the conflict and folks are prone to knee-jerk reactions. 

On the personal level we can’t fall into these traps.  Squares and other harsh aspects between the planets offer an opportunity to resolve differences.  That does not mean that it is going to be easy.  Resolution will require work.  These aspect also force us to face harsh truths about ourselves, our situation and the people in our lives.  Difficulties lead to growth and growth leads to a newer and better life. Harsh times force us to really look to find a way out of difficulty.  In that looking we see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Sometimes all you can do is soldier on.

A Kick Butt New Moon

This New Moon has an incredible amount of energy and promises a month of surprises, upsets and earth shattering events.  Why? At the time of the New Moon, Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 9:24 PM EDT Mercury and Mars are together in the sky opposing Pluto.  The New Moon, Sun/Moon conjunction, makes an aspect of agitation to anything goes Uranus. Venus and Jupiter in Leo squares off with Saturn in Scorpio.   A lot of planets in tight aspect but unfriendly aspect to one another creates a lot of tension.

The Uranus/Pluto square that has been bopping back and forth over the past few years brings societal changes, unrest and challenges to the status quo.  This New Moon and the aspects the planets make over the following month until the next New Moon bounce off both Uranus and Pluto.   Jupiter and Venus together in the sky can signify big money and grand diplomatic endeavors.  They both square off with Saturn in Scorpio.  Jupiter is expansion, Saturn in contraction.  Saturn in Scorpio rules debt and signifies that it is time to pay the piper.

On the 18^th Venus pokes her nose into Virgo, on the 25^th she turns retrograde moving backwards into Leo on the 31^st.  Venus remains retrograde until September 6^th. Venus involves money, love and diplomacy.  This means she will be going back over territory and issues that she has already traversed.  At the beginning of August she will be back in the arms of Jupiter and both will be squaring Saturn.  The agreement reached between Greece and the European Union as well as the Iran Treaty will be revisited, revised and readjusted.  On a personal level, makeups and breakups get a second look. With Saturn in the picture that second look involves facing some harsh truths.  A Saturn truth is if a relationship ends, you didn’t need that person anyway.  Those relationships that survive have Saturn’s stamp of longevity.  A clearer picture emerges after Venus goes direct on September 6^th. 

The last week of July and the first weeks of August brings a period of unrest. Headlines will reflect this.  Venus, Uranus and Saturn change direction.  Mars, the warrior enters the picture and squares off with Uranus.  Mars can be explosive and connected to Uranus can bring just the spark needed to set things off. Mars in watery Cancer and Uranus in fiery Aries is a recipe for steamy events.  Molten lava comes to mind.

During this period Jupiter and Saturn square one another.  This is an important point in their twenty year cycle with one another.  This is the closing square.  The dance that these two waltz to have a strong connection with the economy and with societal rules and constructs. Watch for ups and downs in the stock market.

This lunation period is a rock and roll roller coaster.  Weather events, Earth changes, financial ups and downs and political situations around the world impact all of us.  We live in a global village and we cannot ignore what happens halfway around the world.  Events occurring during this period are pivotal points, in personal relationships and finances as well as on the world stage.  Often it is only in hindsight that we realize the significance of certain events.  Upsets, disruptions and altering one’s course occur quite frequently during this period.  Remember there is light at the end of the tunnel.

 

Full Moon Madness or Sanity?

The Full Moon of July 1, 2015 is a mixed bag of the benevolent and the malefic.  The Sun in favorable aspect to Neptune brings forth compassion and caring.  The Venus/Jupiter conjunction in the early hours prior to the Full Moon are symbolic of love and luck. These two planets are known as the Greater (Jupiter) and the Lesser (Venus) Benefic.   That lucky combo connects favorably to anything goes Uranus. Venus brings harmony and rules diplomacy, Jupiter adds an international flavor ruling foreign countries and affairs as well as law and the judiciary. Whenever Jupiter joins the party he brings a “lot of” whatever it is he is toting. The danger of Venus and Jupiter in harmony together while quite lovely and favorable for romance and money can bring too much of a good thing.  Over indulgence, over spending and over the top in general. Throw Uranus into the mix and it’s anyone’s guess what the outcome will be because Uranus loves to surprise and brings the unexpected to the party. 

While the Sun in caring, nurturing Cancer remaining in that lovely connection to Neptune in Pisces can bring out the Mother Theresa in all of us there are other factors in play at the time of this Full Moon.  Mars, known as the Lesser Malefic (Saturn being the Greater Malefic) sits very closely to the Sun and squares the nodal axis. The Nodes in astrology are the points where the Moon’s orbit intersects with the Earth’s orbit. The Nodes have a lot to do with relationships and at this Full Moon with the Venus/Jupiter conjunction new relationships will form while others break up.  This is true on the personal level as well as the global level.  Countries will form new alliances while old treaties and agreements are revised or broken.  Greece and the European Union come to mind.

Bringing more rain on the parade, that benevolent Venus/Jupiter combination is in a wide square, an aspect of agitation, with the Greater Malefic Saturn.  Venus/Jupiter wants to spread the love, is expansive with all that is fun, lovely and good.  Saturn is the wet blanket bringing reality and practical considerations to the table.  Jupiter expands, Saturn contracts and while not a head on collision at this point there is an awareness that the party must be paid for at some point.

At the Last Quarter Moon on the 9^th bad boy Mars moves in to break up that compassionate party between the Sun and Neptune.  The down side of a Mars/Neptune get together can bring out fanaticism and illusion.  Mars in Cancer acts on emotions. Neptune energy can be smoke and mirrors with only the highly evolved seeing the true picture. 

This is a transitional time and a turning point for many.  Think before you act. Try to see all the possibilities available to you.  From Full Moon to the next New Moon is a time of digestion and assimilation.  Let all the information and emotions settle a bit.  Adjust, listen to others and to your own intuition and heartfelt desires.  We’re in a volatile period all around and the next New Moon while bringing a fresh start does not bring an end to the volatility.  Remember to breathe.

 

So How Was Your Week?

I figured that this past week with Mars hitting Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto would be volatile and explosive and I wasn’t wrong.  Here in Providence, RI we had a huge fire in an old mill building that blanketed the city with smoke creating some air quality issues.  That was on Tuesday.  On Wednesday there was another fire in Warwick, RI as a Condo building went up in flames. That fire was first reported at 10:25 AM.  A chart erected for that moment shows Mars and Uranus minutes away from a conjunction, with both in harmonious aspect to Jupiter.  Jupiter is placed a few degrees inside the 4^th house of the horoscope. The 4^th house in astrology is the house of the home.  About a hundred people were displaced because of that fire.

In addition to this local activity events on the national and international front reflect the explosive, impulsive, unpredictable nature of the prevalent energy.  The stock market here in the United States went down, up and then down again throughout the week. Ferguson was in the news again with the shooting of two police officers and more madness from the ISIS terrorist group posting pictures of child assassins. The Republicans penned a letter to the Iranian leaders warning them that any agreement reached by President Obama could be revoked at the stroke of a pen once Obama leaves office.  Forty-seven Republicans signed this letter.  Some news reports claim that many of those who signed were on their way out of Washington, rushing to catch a plane or whatever.  This is clearly a reflection of a Mars/Uranus conjunction in Aries.  Impulsive actions that are not thought through to the possible conclusions combined with Jupiter which brings in the international, diplomatic component.  I always thought that the Democrats were the masters at shooting themselves in the foot but it appears that the Republicans are trying to take that title away from them.  There has been a lot of backlash about this letter even from those within their own party.

Then there is the Hillary Clinton and the email brouhaha.  Some folks are up in arms while others are ho hum about it all.  Hillary is a Scorpio with a Mars/Pluto conjunction in Leo. During this past week Jupiter currently traveling through Leo was sitting right on this conjunction.  The Mars/Uranus conjunction in the sky was in a trine aspect to her Mars/Pluto conjunction.  You can’t make this stuff up.  Love her or hate her, with Sun, Venus and Mercury in Scorpio along with the Mars/Pluto conjunct as well as Saturn in Leo she is one tough customer.  Scorpio and Leo are fixed signs and fixed signs stick to it. She’s a lightning rod with all this heavy energy.  Think about it, her husband cheats on her, she’s publicly humiliated, decides to stay with him, for whatever reason and she’s hated for it.  Bill Clinton seems to have skated through without a care in the world as popular as ever. Double standard? Maybe.

That was last week.  Next week starts off with a bang as Uranus and Pluto make their final square aspect.  I expect that the fireworks are not over yet. Venus changes signs on St. Patrick’s Day, moving into Taurus.  Venus rules Taurus so she’s quite at home here and the Venusian energies operate at the optimal level.  People like to buy stuff when Venus is in Taurus.  Luxury goods, items that have a soft and sensuous feel to them.  Tactile touch, folks want to feel it and it needs to feel good.  A Venus in Taurus relationship requires longevity, loyalty, and stability.  Faithfulness is a key word.  Sometimes a Venus in Taurus relationship doesn’t know or doesn’t want to throw in the towel when things are not working. Venus in Taurus stays to long at the fair.  When they shut the lights off it’s time to go home.

Another big event this week is the Solar Eclipse on Friday early in the morning and the Sun’s entry into Aries marking the moment Spring officially arrives. The show ain’t over folks! That requires an entry all on its own.  Suffice to say that the energies will be shifting as a new day dawns.  An Eclipse can bring new developments, discoveries and advances.  Keep a positive attitude.  It’s the only way to travel.

Don’t forget the “Get Your Mojo Working – Natal Moon/New Moon Class and Study Group starts this week.   Contact me for information if you are interested.

March Madness

Due to the planetary line up during March which includes the 7^th and final square between Uranus and Pluto some of my posts may seem to be filled with doom and gloom.  There very well may be some ugly events taking place during this month but the Uranus Pluto combination does bring about change and some of that change is not a bad thing.

During their last square in the early 1930’s the Great Depression was raging and many suffered financial hardship.  But at the same time Roosevelt established the SEC to watch dog Wall Street as well as Social Security to insure the welfare of the elderly.  Not a bad thing although there was a lot of objection to these measures from a lot of quarters.  It was not an easy time.

Another tumultuous decade, the 1960’s found Uranus and Pluto together in the sky in what is called a conjunction.  There were three exact conjunctions over the course of that decade.  Then we were involved in an unpopular war, the civil rights movement exposed rampant, systemic injustice and Lyndon Johnson in addition to signing Civil Rights legislation established Medicare.  All of these created dissension, protest, and tension between various segments of society.

While these actions occurred during periods of great volatility, tension and anxiety they resulted in positive outcomes that improved society.

The current ongoing square between Uranus and Pluto has brought similar emotions and anxiety to the surface as the current situation carries echoes of those past periods when they were closely connected.

Uranus is most definitely about change, whether you are ready for it or not.  Pluto speaks to death, rebirth and transformation. Often with Pluto it is deep rooted and pre-verbal, you can’t articulate what is really going on.

Since around 2008 when Uranus and Pluto moved into close range many have experienced life changing events.  But this is not always a bad thing.  The birth of a child, certainly a life changing event but one that brings great joy.  A new job that takes you half way across the country, disrupting maybe but ultimately a good outcome. 

Uranus brings change.  We are creatures of habit and sometimes our habits become crystalized and we find ourselves in rigid ruts.  When Uranus comes along he says you need to make some changes here.  If you don’t an event occurs that forces you to make that change.  Sometimes you lose your job, divorce, have to move because the landlord sells the property.  All painful and disruptive but they are events that force you to take some kind of action. That first step leads to another, then another and when the dust settles you find yourself in a better place.

Keep in mind the thing about Uranus when he comes along is if you can think of it, that’s not it because Uranus brings the bolt out of the blue, the unexpected,  weird event that changes it all.

Pluto brings deep emotional change, primal urges, and often fated connections.  Issues of power and control surface when Pluto comes along. Pluto can raise up the lowly and bring down the mighty. We’ve already seen a few of our icons brought low and there will probably be more.  We probably won’t recognize those that rise until we gain some historical perspective.

During this disruptive time it pays to be ready to roll with the punches.  Some events we will have no control over, we can only control our own actions. Powerful energies and emotions surface during these times so it is important to find your still center and stay grounded.  Take the high road, it’s the only way to go.

 

Full Moon Fallout

There’s a lot of action going on around this Full Moon as the energy culminates. In the lead up to the Full Moon Venus the planet of love, money and diplomacy has been making the rounds connecting with the big boys, Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto.  This combination encompasses diplomacy, foreigners, power and control.  The headlines reflect this as a foreign Prime Minister Netanyahu addresses Congress with the warning that agreements with Iran are dangerous and those talks in question resuming the very next day.  There’s a bid for power going on here, internally as well as internationally.  What about the power struggles in your own personal relationships? Has Venus done her job? It is for sure that with Uranus and Pluto involved anything goes.

If relationships are rocky as the Moon sails into Libra on Friday evening, March 6^th, the energy become more congenial as Libra Moon favors all kinds of relationships.  Folks want to get along under this Moon, to connect and socialize.  With Moon here over the weekend it is a great time for parties, a get together or a simple conversation to clear the air. That’s the thing about relationships, when the parties involved get over emotional they often forget that a simple conversation can chill things out and move the relationship along. When you do this, I feel that. Simple.

If Venus has gifted you with smooth sailing don’t become complacent as Mars takes the reins as the Moon begins to wane moving into the Last Quarter phase on March 13^th

On Tuesday the 10^th with Moon in intensely emotional Scorpio Mars makes a sweet aspect to Jupiter.  They are both in fire signs, Aries and Leo respectively and while Mars lights the fire Jupiter ensures that it becomes a conflagration.  Mars in Aries is the master at confrontation. The next day, Wednesday, he joins forces with anything goes Uranus and the powerful transformer Pluto. War, strife, the unusual coupled with the desire to be free and unfettered create a volatile mixture.  Explosive is a keyword here. 

That evening the Moon moves into fiery Sagittarius bringing a desire for movement and a change of scenery.  Sagittarius Moon can bring an open mind or the opposite, a proselytizing, closed minded fanatic. Generally folks are warm, friendly and enthusiastic under this Moon and are curious to see how the other guy lives.

As we get closer to the Last Quarter on Friday Mercury enters Pisces and throws logic out the window.  Mercury in Pisces learns by osmosis. While you are sure that you see the truth in a situation often Mercury in Pisces places the rose colored glasses on your reasoning abilities. Good for meditation and inward contemplation.  Listen to music, watch a beautiful sunset or engage in activities that connect you to your own spirituality. You can go to church and light a candle, say a prayer or sit on a park bench and enjoy the beauty around you.  With Mercury in Pisces you see it or sense it all around you.

The Last Quarter Moon brings a lot of action leading up to it and following it. If you have learned anything from the last New Moon to the Full Moon now is the time to share that learning and spread the information around.  Moon in Sagittarius at this Last Quarter favors the teacher. We all have knowledge this is the time to spread that knowledge.

On Saturday the 14^th of March Moon moves into practical Capricorn.  People what some respect for their talents, for a job well done and for the efforts they apply to their responsibilities.  This Moon is a good time to tackle the tasks at hand.  It’s a double Capricorn day as the ruler of this Moon, Saturn changes direction in Sagittarius going retrograde until August. Saturn is the planet of limitation as well as manifestation.  Saturn is all about the real world, the material world and what we have to do in order to survive in this world. He’s not a fun guy but he will reward you when you take care of business in a timely manner. Saturn says, “You don’t get brownie points for doing what you are supposed to do.”  But in the long run, heading out to the job every day, paying the mortgage and living a healthy lifestyle brings the rewards that you have earned. So this is a good weekend to take of those tasks that are necessary to keep life running smoothly.

On Monday the 16^th Mercury in Pisces squares off with Saturn in Sagittarius.  Mercury in Pisces is the dreamer and visionary.  Saturn deals with cold reality.  A square is an aspect of agitation and irritation.  This aspect can push the dreamer into manifesting the dream into reality.  A good time to write down those ideas, make plans to implement the dream or to take some action in the real world that moves your dream along.

The big aspect of the day, the month or the year even occurs on this day as well Uranus and Pluto make their 7^th and final square aspect on Monday night.  The first of the 7 occurred on June 24, 2012.  On this date the square became exact but Uranus and Pluto had been in range for many years. This is a 126 year cycle and this current aspect ushered in the financial crisis and the major unrest felt around the world.  Although this is the last in this series they will be in range for another year or so.  We are not out of the woods yet.  When these two get together they bring about broad societal changes.  In the early 1930’s they were in the closing square aspect.  In the mid 1960’s they were in conjunction. Both these periods ushered in major changes. 

For some folks this series of squares has ushered in major life changes of a very personal nature while others have experienced changes due to the business, political or social climate.  No matter how you look at it, it is all personal.  The Cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn have felt these aspects strongly while the rest of us have felt it on some level or another.  Stress and tension ushers in change and while the change may be needed and result in a positive outcome it can be a difficult adjustment.

During this week before the next New Moon the Moon is in the Balsamic phase.  This is the Crone’s Moon. She reminds us that change is constant.  This time as the Moon slowly disappears from the sky is the time to dream, to let go of the old and be ready to prepare for the new at the next New Moon.  Meditate and let your ideas incubate.  Be patient and take the time to assimilate what you have learned and be ready to take your next steps after the New Moon of the 20^th.

Quarter Moon - Where the Action Is

We hear lots about the New Moon and the Full Moon but very often events occur around the Quarter Moons.  The First Quarter Moon occurs halfway between the New Moon and Full Moon.  This is the waxing Moon, the Moon gets bigger every night until it reaches fullness.  Then each night it begins to diminish.   When it is halfway between the Full Moon and the next New Moon it reaches the Third Quarter stage.  This is the waning Moon.

The current First Quarter Moon occurs February 25^th with the Sun in Pisces and the Moon in Gemini.  Gemini Moon is a busy Moon, folks are more adaptable under this Moon and tend to be more talkative. Gemini Moon enhances our ability to see both sides of the picture which can be a good thing but it inhibits the decision making process.  This will be a very busy day.  Short trips, conversations, and overloaded in boxes are just a few threads that will have to be pulled together.

While the Moon is in the waxing phase it is a good time to start something that you wish to see grow.  A waxing Moon in Cancer is the optimal time as Cancer is a very fertile sign.  This week the Moon enters Cancer at 7:50 AM on Friday morning, the 27th and remains there until Sunday evening at 6:43 PM when Moon enters fiery Leo.

But before the Moon enters Leo on Sunday it becomes “void of course”.   When the Moon makes its last major connection to another planet and will make no other connections until it moves into the next sign, it is said to be void of course.   Voids can last for seconds, minutes or days.  With the current planetary lineup there are long periods of void of course.

Things begun under a void of course Moon have unexpected results.  One’s judgment can be faulty and facts are not readily at hand.   This period is best for routine work.  Meditation and spiritual matters work well during this period.  It’s a great time to simply kick back. 

Despite all this Sunday will be a busy day with some unusual activity going on.  Mercury in Aquarius connects with Uranus and Jupiter during the daylight hours.  Mercury rules all kinds of communication, transportation, the wind, the mind and how we process information.  Uranus nudges our urge to freedom bringing change that often occurs suddenly.  Mercury and Uranus together can signal aviation disasters, sudden destructive winds, communication and transportation snafus.  Jupiter symbolizes optimism, enthusiasm, and justice.  The planet of expansion, Jupiter brings abundance. A Mercury / Jupiter connection can bring a lot of hot air.  Expect a lot of political pontificating coming from the Sunday morning talk shows.

When Jupiter catches up to Uranus early Tuesday morning sparks will fly.  Justice, liberty and freedom are themes splashed across the headlines.  Jupiter always brings something big while Uranus is a true wild card bringing something totally unexpected.

On Wednesday, March 4^th Moon enters practical Virgo.  Moon in Virgo is a great time to organize messy kitchen drawers, sort through papers and any tasks that require attention to detail.  We get concerned about our diet and health issues while Moon travels through Virgo.  Venus has a busy day on Wednesday touching base with Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto.  Venus rules love and money, she is a yin planet so has the ability to attract.   We don’t feel much like working when Venus is around, we just want to have fun.  Venus and Uranus together in the sky signals some unusual and very different types of relationships.  This can be an exciting combo but love affairs begun under this influence while they have a lot of sizzle and pop they can fizzle and plop just as quickly.  Venus with Pluto can bring love affairs that have a fated feel to them, almost an obsession.  Often issues of power and control come to the surface in existing relationships.  Venus’ active presence in the lead up to the Full Moon brings some sweetness and light to all situations.   Collaboration is a key word for Venus’ involvement.

The Full Moon in Virgo on Thursday, March 5^th triggers a lot of communication, news reports and a search for truths that are not readily apparent.  Virgo Moon forces attention to detail and there is danger of not seeing the forest for the trees.  Step back and take a look at your own situation and try to gain some objectivity. 

After the Full Moon it is Mars’ turn to take the wheel.  Unlike Venus, Mars is set to light the fuse, the more chaos the merrier. 

Stay tuned for the next Quarter Moon installment.

New Moon, Black Moon Super Moon, What’s All the Fuss About?

This New Moon is called the Black Moon because it is the third New Moon of the winter season. It is called a Super Moon because a few hours after the New Moon the Moon reaches its closest point to the Earth.  So the Lunar energy is stronger thus high tides run higher as do emotions.

This New Moon is unique for another reason as well.  It occurs at 29 degrees, 59 minutes of Aquarius, and a mere minute later the Moon enters Pisces with the Sun following 2 minutes after that.  The 29^th degree of any sign is a critical degree.  29 is the end so this period will be about endings which is not all that bad because you can’t start something new unless you finish the old. 

This lunation cycle is one of transition.  The day after the New Moon on Thursday, February 19, 2015, Mars the planet of action and energy enters Aries.  Mars rules Aries, he functions well here.  Venus follows him into Aries on the following day.  Venus does not function well here.  Venus is yin while Aries is yang.  Venus attracts, Aries acts.   A little after midnight on Sunday morning the 22^nd Venus and Mars get together.  This can be hot little love affair time.  Mars in Aries sizzles bringing Venus to the table, or to the bedroom, and passions peak. 

By the First Quarter Moon on the 25^th both Venus and Mars have connected to Saturn.  It’s reality time and the weekend affair that was so hot and sizzling may fizzle.  But while Saturn can throw a wet blanket on any situation in affairs of the heart he can signal commitment.  With both Venus and Mars in impulsive Aries it is best to wait before making that commitment. Venus enters her home sign of sensuous Taurus on March 17^th, best wait until then to see if the fires still burn as hot.

On Sunday, March 1^st Mercury in Aquarius connects with Uranus and Jupiter.  Mercury rules news, information, transportation and youth.  Uranus is the original rebel who loves to shake up the status quo.   Jupiter is the big old jovial Uncle who can be a benevolent influence but be wary.  Jupiter can bring an overabundance of whatever he’s involved in. 

These Mercury connections set the stage for the lead up to the Full Moon on the 5^th.  On Tuesday, the 3^rd, Jupiter mixes it up with Uranus. On Wednesday Venus bounces off Jupiter, then Uranus and by nighttime she’s squaring off with Pluto.  

The Jupiter Uranus connection holds the promise of something big. Jupiter brings an international flavor, finances, religion, and can sometime signal border disputes.  If your neighbor has shoveled out a parking spot, don’t park there.  Uranus when under stress can signal lightning storms, high winds, and other violent natural events.  Airplane and train mishaps, demonstrations, technological breakthroughs and snafus. Although he’s not under stress now, he will be, read on.

In the week after the Full Moon, Saturn turns retrograde.  Any time a planet changes direction the principles of that planet are emphasized. Saturn is reality and the area of the horoscope that Saturn is visiting is the area where one is usually between a rock and a hard place. Saturn transits force one to take care of business.  The real bugger is Mars as he makes the rounds touching base with Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto.  This is not a pretty sight. Now Uranus is under stress.   Mars’ connection with Uranus and Pluto fires up the already tense square between Uranus and Pluto. The final square, of seven since June 2012, between Uranus and Pluto takes place on Monday, March 16^th.

There will be storms aplenty whether literal or figurative. Some folks might reach for power that is not truly theirs.  Others may try to free themselves of constraints they can no longer tolerate.  March will be a volatile, convulsive, disruptive time. Violence in many forms is all around.  Financial markets react to world events just as violently.

No matter what happens, Pluto is about deep rooted stuff.  It is important to look beneath the surface to find out what is really going on.   A Pluto transit to a natal house or planet digs deep into what that house or planet represents.  When Pluto plunges deep into the subconscious often the issues can’t be intellectualized at first.  There’s a feeling or a compulsion to do or to act or to change. 

Uranus is all about change.  When habits have become rigid and no longer serve the higher good Uranus comes along to break up those crystalized, inflexible lifestyle routines. Uranus is the bolt out of the blue, the shock and awe guy.  But that bolt generally sets off a process that results in a much better situation further on down the line.  Sometimes it is hard to see the light at the end of that tunnel.  But keep trudging, it’s there.