Aquarian Rants

Moon Musing

2012-01-30T12:14:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-24T12:50:00.002-05:00

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!

Full Moon – Lunar Eclipse—Happy December

2011-12-01T14:24:00.000-05:00

The approaching Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on December 10^th brings with it a mixture of grief and happiness. This one is tough to call with Mercury retrograde and “Mr. Surprise” Uranus changing direction hours before the Full Moon perfects. When a planet stations, (seeming to stop in the sky before changing direction), the energy of that planet is concentrated thus becoming stronger. We have become so accustomed to scandal that it is difficult to conceive of any event that could shock us but shocking is Uranus’ stock in trade. Perhaps Congress may actually agree on something involving the budget, tax cuts and deficits. Now that would be a shocker!

With Mercury playing retrograde games of misinformation, missed appointments, and general all round communication snafus we will need to keep our wits about us while sorting through what may or may not be the facts. Tensions will build up to the Full Moon and then we can expect a release of that tension. An earthquake, a volcanic eruption, not necessarily in the physical world, prompts breakups and regroupings. A major event brings about unity in sorrow. A breakdown in negotiations and communications provokes some people to speak before thinking. The fallout will be something to see. The media will report everything and anything without a thought to checking the facts. It will become apparent that many are pushing their own agenda and the truth will be hard to find.

On the 13^th when Mercury stations and begins to move in direct motion, the time to hit the reset button and begin anew is at hand. As it stations pay attention to all things Mercurial; traffic, news, information, neighbors and siblings. Check out the action that surfaces around that time. Situations that have hit a snag may begin to move forward. In the meantime you can revise, review and clean out your intellectual and emotional closet.

Venus in Capricorn during this Eclipse wears her business suit. She’s all about money and into committed relationships. In the Chart set for Washington, DC, Venus in the 12^th house of secrets sits close to the Ascendant. The Ascendant is the point of entry into the outside world and carries a lot of weight in horoscope interpretation. Women figure prominently, in diplomatic relationships, world affairs and in personal relationships. Venus, ruler of love and money promises unanticipated events around those issues. Bewildering is the operative word here.

Venus and Saturn at the Eclipse are in Mutual Reception, each in the other’s home sign, so they help each other out. Saturn is the big dog, holding sway over societal structures and institutions like marriage, Congress, and the like. In Saturn he is the chief negotiator. Venus in the 12^th is his willing ally and is perhaps involved in some secretive mission. Venus in the 12^th is also about secret love affairs. Those secrets are about to be revealed.

Mars in Virgo in the 8^th house of joint finance, debt, taxes and insurance brings the action and attention to these issues. Mars is energy, pure and simple. In Virgo, he’s focusing on the details. Social Security, pensions and public loans get scrutinized. There is a hint of sorrow here.

A confusion of themes and a variety of subject matter bubble to the surface during this cycle. By the Last Quarter on December 17^th the cat will be out of the bag. An international incident, a judge and the judicial system, and/or some type of religious fanaticism grab the headlines.

Through all of this confusion remember that the Sun, the source of all life, is in Sagittarius. Here the sunbeams light up all things Sagittarius and allows us to step back and see the big picture. People and events in our life are all part of the process. Sagittarius says open up to the possibilities; take step to the edge of your comfort zone and a little beyond. There’s a big world out there, so don’t limit yourself.

Solar Eclipse, Retrograde Mercury, Occupy and Other Good Stuff

2011-11-24T11:43:00.002-05:00

We kick off this Holiday Season with a Retrograde Mercury and a Solar Eclipse. The Eclipse is in Sagittarius; the sign of philosophies, religion, publishing and the judiciary. Mercury sits at the bottom of the chart set for Washington, DC so we can count on mixed messages, confusion and outright obfuscation coming from that quarter. The failure of the Super Committee to do what it was designed to do may actually be a blessing in disguise as actions taken under a Retrograde Mercury usually have to be revised and done over. Eclipses are powerful and their influence last longer than the usual New Moon to New Moon cycle. This Eclipse stresses an already stressed monetary system. The Euro is under pressure and the family of nations that comprise that union may be looking at divorce as some countries may opt out. Here in the United States the Federal Reserve and the money planets of the United States face tension and strain. We can expect more confusion. Financial matters and the huge debt facing nations and municipalities continue to threaten as the power brokers struggle to maintain the status quo. In the upcoming months expect financial surprises and secret deals. When those secrets are revealed it will bring the downfall of a famous person. The Occupy movement will continue to focus the lens on the excessive corporate, big money influence on Congressional affairs. The politicians, pundits and power brokers are trying to figure out this movement so they can turn it to their advantage. They don’t get it. This movement resonates with lots of people and cuts a wide swath through society touching many people at many levels. Most importantly, they are committed. This movement is in its infancy and is not going away. From an astrological standpoint it is part of the great 126 year cycle of Uranus and Pluto. In the early 1930’s they were in a closing square aspect moving to conjunction. This was the depression era and the time of the Bonus Army, the WWI veterans who camped out in DC because they wanted the bonus that was promised to them. From that 90 degree closing square Uranus and Pluto moved into conjunction, together in the sky in the mid-sixties, planting new seeds of social revolution. Now we are approaching the waxing square between these two, the first of which occurs on June 24, 2012. From June of 2012 to March of 2015 they move back and forth forming a series of seven exact squares. This period of time holds the flavor of the thirties and echoes of the sixties. The slower moving planets stimulate broad social change. Uranus represents revolution and rebellion. Rules are made to be broken. Pluto brings about deep transformation and he is not above destroying an existing system to bring that transformation about. For the near term, it will pay to check all facts and don’t take anything on face value. Do your research and always get a second, even a third opinion. Amuse yourself by watching the Politicians dance a jig around the hard truths so they can maintain their relevance in a changing world.

How It All Began - Occupy Wall Street - New Moon in Scorpio

2011-10-23T12:22:00.003-04:00

Occupy Wall Street began when a group called Adbusters sent out the call, on July 13, 2011, to assemble in New York on September 17, 2011. (I don’t have the time that Adbusters posted this) The revolutionary tactic outlined in the initial call was to focus on one issue, articulate that issue then demand and congregate in a public space until that demand is met. The original demand was for President Obama to form a Presidential Commission whose task is to end the influence that money has over Congressional affairs. Good luck with that one.

This call went out under a Cardinal Grand Cross which consisted of Pluto in Capricorn, Uranus in Aries, Saturn in Libra and Venus in Cancer. Pluto is all about issues of power, control, debt, and destruction. Pluto usually destroys in order to build something new and better. Uranus in Aries is the new, the revolutionary and the innovative. This movement reverberates with Uranian energy. Quoting from the original Adbusters document we have: “A worldwide shift in revolutionary tactics is underway right now...” This leaderless movement also reflects the Uranus in Aries mantra, the individual is all. Saturn in Libra brings societal structures to the table. In Libra, Saturn is the great negotiator but Saturn can be rigid in the face of change. Venus in Cancer lends her blessing to this movement. Venus is social, attracting and diplomatic. In Cancer she nurtures. Venus wants everyone to get along. A walk through Burnside Park in Providence, RI reveals Venus’ presence and influence. But don’t be fooled, when she takes off her party hat and gets down to business she’s all about the money. The cardinality present when the initial call went out indicates that this is just the beginning. The square between Uranus and Pluto speaks to masses of people and broad societal change. Despite being leaderless and sending out mixed messages this movement is not going away.

On the day that this call went out the Moon moved from Sagittarius into Capricorn at 10:14 AM EDT. In Mundane astrology, the astrology of events, the Moon rules the people, women and public opinion. Moon in Capricorn does not have an easy time but often this placement can harness the emotional impulse and use the emotion to bring about concrete results. Astrologers use a technique called Secondary Progressions, where a day in the ephemeris, (a table that lists the future positions of the planets) equals a year in the life of the person or event. This moves the planets along in the natal chart and offers a glimpse of what issues, incidents and occurrences the entity will face. In the Adbuster’s call to action chart the Moon moves through the chart making its first critical alignment with Uranus, (revolution), then Pluto (the power structure). The Moon hit those points on that day and will do so through the process of Secondary Progressions as time progresses. The symbolism of these configurations clearly reflects the reality, the people are confronting the power structure.

The first actual march on Wall Street began after the first gathering on September 17, 2011 at 12:00 PM EDT. That horoscope has Sun in Virgo, Moon in Taurus and the Ascendant (the sign on the horizon, a critical point in any horoscope), in Scorpio. With the Sun and Mercury in Virgo there is a danger of getting bogged down in details and forgetting the big picture. The Moon in Taurus speaks to the fixed purpose of the people; they “will not go gentle into that good night.” Pluto making a station, from retrograde to direct, located in the second house of money and ruling the Ascendant tells it all. The Ascendant and first house signifies grass roots movements. Scorpio rules debt and Pluto is all about power and the misuse and abuse of that power. Venus making nice-nice in Libra opposing rule breaker Uranus says that diplomacy is about to engage in a new tactic.

This week the New Moon on Wednesday, November 26, 2011 at 3:56 PM EDT is in early Scorpio. Scorpio always brings the crap to the surface. People tend to get very emotional and tongues get razor-sharp. Remember that people get hurt very easily and can take offense when no offense was meant. For the Occupy Wall Street movement the Lunation occurs in the twelfth house of secret enemies. Beware of the infiltrator. The enemy has deep pockets and has a lot to lose. The Scorpio energy will not suffer fools lightly. Scorpio gets to the heart of the matter, quickly and without the niceties that Libra applies. It’s down and dirty time. When things get emotional it is important to step back and breathe. Keep your eye on the big picture and know that this is all part of the process. Think of it as growing pains.

Occupy Providence - Corporations Own Our Government

2011-10-21T10:57:00.000-04:00

When I first heard of the Occupy Wall Street movement I thought, they should be occupying Washington, DC, not Wall Street but I soon realized they had it right because as stated in their first official statement, their reason for being, is “because corporations own our government.” The power lies in Wall Street.

Here in Providence, RI, Occupy Providence officially began on Saturday, at 5PM, October 15, 2011 with a rally at Burnside Park and a march through Providence. My first impression as I entered the park was that this gathering had a definite sixties flavor to it. Not surprising. In the mid-sixties Uranus and Pluto were aligned in the sky and today they are approaching their first major alignment since then, sparking that revolutionary fire. The revolutionary impulse springs from Uranus and the process of transformation comes from Pluto. The 1960’s alignment, the conjunction, brought the anti-war, anti-establishment, civil rights, and women’s rights movements. Raising consciousness, eye-opening and “click” moments were the order of the day. In those days demonstrators faced opposition and hostility from the police, the politicians and the general public. Today, with the recent history of the banking bailout, i.e. rewarding the banks for bad behavior, this movement resonates with a large segment of the population. The police, at least here in Providence, seem to be in sympathy with the occupiers, as are the Providence Fire Fighters who have made donations to the cause.

Personally, with a large dose of Aquarius in my horoscope, these group efforts, rallies and revolutionary movements bring joy to my heart and arouse my curiosity. I am drawn to Burnside Park and the people there, I want to know about them, find out what their motivations are, and see how they are managing this mass of people camping out in a public park.

The first thing I noticed is that they are well organized. They’ve erected booths for food distribution and media. They have a donations intake tent and a couple of medical tents. They recycle the trash and compost what they can. Volunteers man these posts.

Here are some snippets of conversation, thoughts and reasons for getting involved from some of the people I have talked with.

Bobby, the 19 year old who holds the live streaming gig at Burnside Park related to me how he saw a news blurb about 700 people who were arrested in NYC in connection with their involvement in Occupy Wall Street. He waited for two weeks and did not see or hear anything in the main stream media about the Occupy Wall Street movement. He decided to volunteer because he felt that the movement needed to get the word out and he was adept at live stream. He feels that the government controls the media. He’s a registered voter and gets most of his news from the internet.

I spoke with Shantal at the food booth, a 24 year old volunteer who feels that “the current system has failed us economically, politically and socially”. She volunteers after work spending her evenings dishing out food to the occupiers and the homeless.

Tom, 26, describes himself as an anarchist and feels that the “right to eat should not be dictated by money.”

Dave, 43, was drawn to this movement by “a blend of grief and anger….about our broken promises to our most vulnerable population…..”

Jessica, 25 feels the “power balance is out of whack.” And that through the “government and corporate media we are manipulated….it creates a woundedness….consumerism is shoved down our throats.” She is down here because she feels it is about waking people up to what is going on around them. A very wise young lady she says, people need to ask themselves, “Why are you unhappy?” and follow that to the root cause.

Elliot, a retiree, is down here because he feels that the country is “going down the tubes.” He listed a variety of issues, banking reform, health care reform, unemployment, “it is a real shame that we are in these dire straits.”

Carol, another retiree, is “depressed at the direction the government is going.” She feels that corporations buy candidates and campaign financing should be regulated and campaigns should only last three months. She has lived abroad and finds the health system here appalling.

Will, 24, has not voted for awhile because he has no faith in the electoral process and feels to effect change we need direct democracy. “The bailouts are symptoms and we need systemic change.”

Willie, 42, feels that “greedy people create problems” Corporations are so greedy that they are putting people out of work, out of their homes and people are unable to take care of the basics. “The country is suffering.”

I did not see any evidence of partisan politics. The movement is not about that, it is about the corruption of the entire system. On my daily walk through Burnside Park I have seen the tents sprout like mushrooms as more people get involved. I think everyone should go down to Providence to see for themselves, to talk to the people and make up your own mind. I will continue to make trips down there to talk to people and get their ideas and thoughts.

My next post will analyze the horoscopes of Occupy Wall Street and Occupy Providence. These horoscopes show the direction, duration and outcomes of this movement. Stay tuned.

Get Ready to Rock and Roll With This New Moon

2011-09-26T12:54:00.004-04:00

The New Moon occurs at 7:09 AM EDT on September 27^th here on the eastern seaboard of the United States. Begin, begin, begin cries the New Moon. The New Moon marks the beginning of the new cycle and simply put, it is the time to start something new. Inspiration and intuition flow into consciousness, and the wise do not ignore these spontaneous ideas that pop up, seemingly from nowhere. It pays to watch how they develop as the Moon waxes into the Crescent and First Quarter phases. Often new ideas meet resistance or face obstacles at these points in the cycle. If the idea or project has merit and is important to the individual, these impediments can be overcome. As the Moon reaches the Full Moon phase on October 11, 2011, seeds planted at the New Moon flourish and reach fruition.

This particular New Moon falls in the sign of Libra. The Sun and Moon together in the sky square off with Pluto in Capricorn and oppose Uranus in Aries. This is a volatile, explosive combination. The indications point to strikes: lightning, labor, sit ins, and protests involving youth in particular but also the public in general against the corporate, political and financial power structure. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions grab the headlines. The quakes and eruptions are not limited to the physical earth. As the public agitates, the power structures respond. As the Uranus/Pluto conjunction that occurred in the 1960’s approaches its First Quarter phase echoes from that era reverberate today. This New Moon period offers a glimpse of what may happen over the course of the series of Uranus/Pluto squares beginning in June 2012 and continuing through March of 2015.

Calculating the chart for Washington, DC puts the Sun and Moon conjunct the Ascendant. The Ascendant is an important position in any horoscope as it designates the point of entry into the world for the individual or entity. The Sun represents the father, head of state, CEO’s etc. The Moon represents the mother, females, the public and public opinion. The Sun, Moon, Mercury cluster in Libra opposing Uranus in Aries straddles the Ascendant/Descendant axis. The Ascendant represents the self, while the Descendant symbolizes the other. The Descendant or cusp of the 7^th house is the house of the “significant other” as well as open enemies. The Sun opposing Uranus along this axis suggests that authority figures will meet the opposition, the rebellious and the revolutionaries head on. Here in the United States, President Obama will also meet his opponents head on. He will confront those who contest his policies to the delight of his supporters and the dismay of his opponents. The public is very much involved here. The use of social media, the trend and tool of the modern grassroots organizer, continues to grow with novel twists and innovations along the way as Uranus in Aries shakes up the status quo for most of this decade.

As the Moon waxes moving into the First Quarter phase on October 3, 2011, the discontent with existing conditions in the political, commercial and personal arena reach a point where some action needs to be taken. Land values, real estate and agricultural themes focus around money, interest rates and the cost of goods and how these issues impact the work force. The general public is in a serious and somber mood. At the Full Moon the money problems continue as political opponents, the public, parents, youth, management and labor threaten to leave the bargaining table behind with diplomacy forgotten.

The Last Quarter Moon on October 19^th brings a change in public opinion as a new determination takes hold. Social unrest resonates with young and old alike. The buzz circles the globe. Here again, this is the button that will get pushed time and again over the next few years. For the immediate future, now is the time to assimilate all that has been learned and experienced during this current Lunation cycle. This cycle holds the Libra theme of partnership, negotiation and social awareness. Libra needs to relate. People need people now and despite political differences, are more than willing to try and work it out. The next Lunation Cycle begins with the New Moon in Scorpio on October 26, 2011. Try and resolve any relationship issues while the Libra influence is in play as the Scorpio New Moon promises to take no prisoners.

Waning Moon – Planetary Shifts – Life Goes On.

2011-09-16T09:35:00.001-04:00

The period between the Full Moon to the Last Quarter Moon is called the disseminating phase. Now is the time to share what you have learned during the waxing phase. What projects, events have unfolded and what have you learned. What wisdom have you gained from your inner dialogue? At this time there is an urge to reach out to others and relate our experiences. This is the letting go and the giving back phase. When we get to the Last Quarter Moon phase on the 20^th its inner reflection time; a time to maybe take a break. A project may come to an end or need to be put on hold for awhile. Quarter Moons are action times, times of crisis. In the waning phase the crisis is inner, more of consciousness than in the physical realm. A good time to ask yourself where you are in life and where you want to be. Let go of what is holding you back, get rid of bad habits and toxic people now. As the Moon shifts from the crescent into darkness we enter the Balsamic phase. This is just prior to the next New Moon. One cycle is ending and begins to blend with the new. This is the time to dream, logic does not do well in this phase. Dream the fantastic. What works in this phase is, cutting something that you don’t want to grow back fast, your hair or the weeds in your garden. While the night sky is dark prior to the New Moon on September 27^th clean out your closets, get rid of clutter and anything you haven’t used for awhile. Its painless under this phase of the Moon, we don’t cling so much to objects that we might be sentimental about, like our skinny jeans or the battered baseball from our youth. It is wise to hold off starting anything new until the New Moon and the beginning of the new cycle.

During this period leading up to the New Moon and the Fall Equinox Venus enters her home sign of Libra on September 14^th. Venus loves it here and our social lives usually pick up and relationships take on a rosy hue. Venus in Libra signals the time to make amends and iron out differences within relationships. On the 16^th Pluto moves into direct motion. When a planet changes direction the energies of that planet are intensified. Pluto in Capricorn has much to do with societal norms, institutions, and hierarchies. Pluto in real time adversely aspects the money planets of the USA’s July 4, 1776 chart, (Venus and Jupiter) as well as the Sun/Pluto opposition in the Federal Reserve chart, money, budgets and debt will rule the headlines. Currency wars reveal where the real power is. On the 18^th Mars, the planet of action and how we use our energy enters the fire sign Leo. Mars here gives self confidence, drama and the grand gesture. Mars in Leo does not take criticism lightly. Nonetheless, with Mars in Leo the show must go on. These planetary shifts and changes set the stage for the upcoming Autumnal Equinox on the 23^rd when all things Libra rule. By the 27^th when the New Moon in Libra perfects it will be a brand new day.

Hurricane Irene, Dark Moon, New Moon, Mercury Direct

2011-08-28T22:36:00.000-04:00

Hurricane Irene rolled up the eastern seaboard of the United States under a dark Moon forcing us to comply with the Lunar dictates of quiet, meditative inner work while the Moon finishes one cycle and prepares for the new. Rain, wind and power outages were the enforcers of those dictates. What else could you do? The New Moon occurs on Sunday night at 11:04 PM EDT in the sign of Virgo. This New Moon has a lovely trine, an aspect of ease, between Venus and Jupiter. Not a bad influence for the upcoming month. In traditional Astrology Jupiter is known as the Greater Benefic while Venus carries the moniker the Lesser Benefic. They are money planets and also have a much to do with international diplomacy, treaties and negotiations. They can bring about to much of a good thing as well. With Mercury direct, the New Moon under our belt, and Irene trekking into the interior the work week begins with a burst of energy and activity. Projects and plans that have been on hold or that have hit a dead end begin to move forward as new ideas and information change the picture. The trine between Jupiter and Venus becomes exact in the wee hours on Tuesday morning, August 30^th shortly before Jupiter turns retrograde. The capitalist, bankers, lawyers and diplomats will react. In the afternoon when Moon enters Libra at 2:25 PM EDT the real negotiations will begin. Libra Moon brings a strong desire to socialize as people want to connect with their fellows. This is a good time to form partnerships or to work on a team. Libra Moon loves balance and harmony so take advantage of this Moon to iron out any differences you may have with friends, loved ones and co-workers. The cooperative energy remains until Moon moves into Scorpio. Moon in Scorpio pulls in the energy of Scorpio’s rulers Mars and Pluto. People are sensitive and take things very personal. Feelings get hurt and folks lash out. It is hard to forgive and forget under Scorpio Moon but it is wise to remember that when Scorpio and Pluto are involved it is best to take the high road. These deep emotions offer the opportunity to connect on a soul level with those around you. On Friday Sun kicks off the weekend by making nice-nice with Jupiter. Sun is in Virgo and loves the details; Jupiter always sees the big picture. An aspect of ease brings a nice blend of these two opposing ideals. When Moon enters Sagittarius on Saturday, September 3^rd, there’s a general feel of restlessness and the urge is to get up, get out and do something. Folks are warm and friendly so it is a good time for socializing, especially if it involves a sporting event. The Moon, in the waxing phase, offers a great time to begin new projects and with Mercury in direct motion all systems are fired up and ready to go. Take action.

A Classic Mercury Retrograde Blunder

2011-08-21T19:47:00.002-04:00

In writing about the Moon’s waning phase this week and the jangle of energy winging its way along as the night sky darkens; in true Retrograde Mercury fashion I neglected to mention one of, if not the most important shift of the week. That is the Sun’s entry into Virgo on Tuesday morning at 7:21 AM EDT. As mentioned in the prior post, Monday evening Sun opposed Neptune in Aquarius. (This is the last aspect the Sun makes before moving into a new sign and will be kicking up some dust.) The Sun’s annual trek through Virgo signals the end of summer and prompts preparation for the upcoming Autumn and Winter. This is the harvest time. Sun in Virgo is discerning, able to differentiate between the wheat and the chaff. The Sun’s energy brought to bear in Virgo enhances our ability to differentiate between what is valuable and what is junk. Virgo will achieve the most while doing the least because of a natural bent towards efficiency. The Virgo energy of astute perceptiveness may be hampered while Mercury continues in Retrograde motion. But rest assured once Old Murky goes direct it’ll be clear sailing. While Sun remains in Virgo get rid of the useless, clean out closets and cupboards and get organized. Virgo Sun will send those bright beams down and help you tackle the sometimes difficult task of parting with possessions that no longer serve. An assist we can all use.

Another Fun Week! The Change Comes From Within

2011-08-21T11:27:00.000-04:00

The Last Quarter Moon reaches perfection at 5:54 PM EDT on Sunday, August 21, 2011 kicking off a busy week of planetary sign and direction changes. Quarter Moons call for action, in the waning phase the action/change occurs on the inner planes. This is the time to finish projects, do some tweaking here and there and take a little break, especially as we segue into the Balsamic phase. The Crescent Moon is shrinking and soon the night sky is dark. Dream the future, stop, smell the roses and listen. In the quiet new ideas formulate and creativity percolates preparing for the start of the next cycle, the New Moon on the 28^th/29^th of August. Hold off beginning the new until after this New Moon. Before we reach this new phase we will have to get through this week of fluctuating energy. On Sunday, Venus moves from fiery Leo to the more sedate Virgo. Venus loves to indulge herself and Virgo has no patience for fancy frills and extravagance. The love of Venus in Virgo is a more practical love. Venus in Virgo will weed your garden or cook you a pot of soup. Venus in Virgo minds the budget and is reluctant to spend on luxury items. A new stove is fine; a silk scarf questionable. Moon moves into Gemini Sunday night. Waning Moon in Gemini is a great time to clear your desk of all communications that require a response. People are busy, busy, talky, talky while Moon is in this sign. On Monday, the Sun opposes Neptune bringing a jangle of discordant news and exposure of a few dark deeds. The real truth of it all comes out after Mercury turns direct on Friday, August 26^th at 6:03 PM EDT. In the meantime Gemini Moon keeps pumping out the information until Wednesday morning when Moon slides home to Cancer. Things begin to get emotional. Gemini Moon thinks; Cancer Moon feels. Wednesday could turn out to be an emotional roller coaster, try not to base any decisions solely on emotions. On Thursday morning Mars in Cancer squares off with Saturn in Libra. Think difficult. In traditional astrology these two are considered the Greater and Lesser Malefics. Things could get ugly. Disputes, fights, foul weather, and some nasty explosive types of events are possible. Moon goes Void of Course at 9:04 AM. When Moon is Void of Course the best course of action is one of kicking back and letting life flow around you. Actions and decisions made during Void of Course periods have a funny way of running in unexpected directions. So whatever the Mars/Saturn configuration stirs up the wise will remember to take those ten deep breathes before reacting. In the evening, Venus plays the diplomat with powerful Pluto. Political shenanigans come to mind. On Friday noonish Moon enters Leo. People want to be loved and appreciated when Moon is in Leo. The creative, playful side emerges. Leo Moon is a great way to start a fun weekend. At 6:03 PM Mercury shifts into direct motion. Over the weekend new information surfaces and the news, scandals and false reports all receive a makeover as the truth finally comes out. Let the dust settle and wait until Monday before deciding, acting or beginning anything.

After Last Week, What Next?

2011-08-14T12:42:00.000-04:00

True to the symbolism of Mars, Uranus and Pluto in unhappy aspect last week can best be described as turbulent. We saw that volatile energy reflected in societal unrest as well as in the political and financial worlds. Here in the United States the big event that occupied a huge chunk of the news cycle was the Iowa Straw Poll involving the Republican hopefuls. This poll, begun a couple of hours before the Full Moon with retrograde Mercury opposing Neptune, has no legal standing but is highly symbolic and a win is much sought after by potential candidates. Michele Bachman won with Ron Paul pulling a very close second. Mercury rules the vote, in a standoff position with Neptune and retrograde to boot, the message is often false and misleading. The Full Moon axis fell on Ms. Bachman’s Natal Jupiter/ Pluto conjunction bringing luck and good fortune but transiting Retrograde Mercury was sitting right on top of that conjunction as well. Little Mercury rings the bell of false promise and false power. She will face tough competition from the likes of Ron Paul, Rick Perry as well as Mitt Romney.

Now that we are past the Full Moon we enter the disseminating phase where we must use or lose the energy generated from New to Full Moon. Actions, ideas and emotions are ripe for the picking. This is the time to share what you have learned. Scatter them little nuggets of truth. The Pisces Moon from Sunday to Tuesday offers a time to reflect and touch base with our more intuitive and sensitive side. On Tuesday, August 16, 2011 Sun, Venus and Mercury make nice, nice and we find people once again at least talking to one another in a civil manner. This will not last long as Moon moves into Aries on Tuesday night. People often act before thinking under Aries Moon, they want to start something and always be on the move. On Wednesday it all hits the fan when Cardinal Aries Moon lights a fire under Uranus, Pluto, Mars and then Saturn. This will be a “hump day” to remember. Expect more fireworks on Thursday when Mars and Jupiter stir the pot. Late Thursday into early Friday morning EDT, Aries Moon sparks the diplomatic inclinations of the Sun, Venus, Mercury trio before settling down and entering the more stable sign of Taurus. Taurus Moon favors the practical, the real and the lasting. People tend to stubbornness while Moon travels through this fixed, earth sign. Here the energy of the Full Moon begins to crystallize as we prepare for the Last Quarter phase beginning on Sunday.

The volatility, instability and unpredictability of the times continues. Somewhere amid this chaos we need to find our still center. Many events we cannot control but we can control our own actions. From that still center we find our rock of stability. Try to act and react from that rock keeping the chaos at bay.

You Think Last Week Was Tough? Get Ready for More

2011-08-07T14:08:00.006-04:00

After teetering on the edge of default Congress finally reached an agreement to raise the debt ceiling; an agreement that many are not happy with. They reached this agreement on Tuesday just before Mercury went retrograde. In typical Mercury retro fashion (nothing resolved) the agreement included a plan to form a committee of 12, 6 from each party to review the budget cuts, revenue and debt ceiling again at the end of the year. If they don’t do this, automatic spending cuts will be implemented in a wide variety of programs. On Friday Standard and Poors downgraded the United States credit rating, from AAA to AA+ citing “the difficulties of bridging the gulf between political parties.” On top of all this, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell to its lowest since December 2010.

In the July 4, 1776 horoscope of the United States the money planets, Jupiter and Venus are conjunct in the early degrees of Cancer. Pluto, the great destroyer and ruler of debt, taxes and interest rates is presently sitting directly across from these planets at 5 degrees of Capricorn. Revolutionary Uranus currently at 4 degrees of Aries has been and will be creating a stressful square to the US Jupiter and Venus as well as to transiting Pluto. The energies created by the dynamic action between Uranus and Pluto impact financial, political and social constructs all over the world. Their last conjunction, occurring in the tumultuous sixties, should give you an idea as to how they shake up society. Today in their waxing square aspect we have most of Europe, along with the US, is in the financial toilet, revolutionary fire spreading across the Middle East; terrorism rearing its ugly head in the most unlikely places, natural disasters and weather extremes creating human misery across the globe.

Here on the eastern seaboard of the United States, Mars entered Cancer early Wednesday morning on August 3, 2011. Zero degrees of any Cardinal sign; (Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn) is a potent degree. These are the degrees that change the seasons, a lot of energy there. Pluto and Uranus are in the early degrees of Cardinal signs as is the Jupiter and Venus of the United States. Pluto and Uranus are already messing with these money planets and when Mars enters the picture, well he is the original Action Jackson.

Last week there was quite a bit of turmoil in the United States, politically as well as financially. There is more to come. Today, Sunday, August 07, 2011 transiting Mars is conjunct the US Venus. Before the week is out he will connect with the United States Jupiter bringing more money woes for sure with the diplomatic arena not looking to healthy either. Transiting Saturn, hip deep into the Cardinal sign Libra will move into stressful square aspect to the United States Sun. As the Sun in a mundane chart signifies Heads of State it is safe to assume that Obama’s got himself a big headache. Transiting Saturn often puts you between a rock and a hard place.

Monday morning at 5:46 AM EDT, pesky little Mercury retrogrades back into Leo and then he opposes Neptune in Aquarius. I would check every fact and figure that crosses my radar. Don’t take anything at face value. Do your homework and avoid snap decisions. On Tuesday, 12:34 PM EDT, Mars, Mr. Action, squares off with Uranus, Mr. Upset and later in the afternoon the Moon enters Capricorn and the fun begins as Old Lunar kicks off those Cardinal Degrees. By Thursday when Mars opposes Pluto be ready for scorched earth, literally and figuratively. Major events are unfolding now and we may not know or understand what is really happening or what the fallout will be for many Moons. Whatever the case may be, this week’s run up to the Full Moon in Aquarius on Saturday will be volatile, unpredictable and violent.

Barack Obama's Solar Return 2011

2011-07-29T15:09:00.002-04:00

I always look at the Solar Return chart of the President of the United States because what is going on the President’s chart holds significance for the country as a whole. A Solar Return chart is a horoscope for the moment in time when the Sun makes its annual return to the sign and degree of the natal Sun. This chart is a valuable predictive tool that reveals the conditions, events and themes of the upcoming year for the individual. The Sun’s placement in the Solar Return chart reveals the focus for the upcoming year. In President Obama’s Return chart the Sun falls in the second house of money. Money, debt, budgets and value systems play an important role. No big surprise there. The President faces powerful opposition. For the most part he knows who opposes him but this year will bring some surprises. There are those that are not being quite honest with him and when the truth comes to light there will be a few shifts in alliances. Women and diplomacy play an important role, a smart, intellectual, thinking woman in particular. There will be a lot of tense public meetings and events. Whatever agreement they come up with over the next few weeks will not be one that will stick because it will not really settle anything in a permanent way. The President knows this and will work throughout the year to consolidate, revise and review; getting all his ducks in a row for the big 2012 push. He will have a serious communication problem with difficulty getting his message heard and understood. Surprising, unexpected, innovative and unusual actions and events will highlight his year. Since he is the President much of this will play out in the public arena. He will appear moody, emotional and at times petulant. There will be a lot going on behind the scenes. He may do an about face when he finds that those he thinks he can trust are perfectly willing to stab him in the back. There are powerful forces aligned against him and his reactions will often be based on emotion rather than intellect. Within him this year is a need to negotiate, to see both sides of the picture and come to a just and equitable agreement. This is a year where President Obama will make enemies of friends and friends of enemies. Life will not be dull as the President faces difficult choices, hard negotiations and powerful, influential enemies. The week after his birthday as we roll up to the Full Moon in Aquarius will be a week of action. When listening to the late, breaking news, don’t rush to judgment. Be wary of lies, slurs, exaggerations and plain misinformation coming from all sides of the political spectrum with the media jumping in without a thought to something as simple as a fact check.

Amy Winehouse and the Critical 27th Year

2011-07-26T12:29:00.001-04:00

Amy Winehouse, the talented and troubled Diva is the latest to join the unfortunate Club 27, the group of the young and talented who have died at the age of 27. What is it about this year in the life that makes it so critical? Astrologer’s look at planetary cycles and transits to the natal horoscope for clues. One of the techniques in the Astrologer’s tool box is the “day for a year” method. The theory is that the first day of life relates to the first year of life, the second day of life to the second year and so on. Using the person’s current age the astrologer moves the planets and house cusps of the horoscope along to where they were the same number of days after birth and casts a horoscope for that day. This is called Secondary Progressions. In the 27^th year of life the Secondary Progressed Moon is at the same degree as the Natal Moon. The Progressed Moon on the degree of the Natal Moon brings up many childhood and emotional issues. The Club 27 members all had the Secondary Progressed Moon near to the degree of their Natal Moon. Now many of Rock and Roll's bad boys and girls have rolled through the 27^th year and lived to tell the tale. What is the difference? First we always look at the natal chart, if it is not promised in the Natal, no amount of transits or progressions will change the basic nature of the person. This progression happens to everyone. What is different about Club 27’s is the promise of the natal as well as other transits occurring during the year 27. In this instance, Ms. Winehouse was undergoing a series of significant transits that contributed to this regrettable outcome. As you would expect given her flamboyant lifestyle her Natal Horoscope is most interesting. A Virgo, with Retrograde Mercury in conjunction with the Sun, these two are in square aspect to her Moon in early Capricorn conjunct Neptune in late Sagittarius. Her horoscope is filled with planetary pairings; Mars and Venus conjunct in Leo, Uranus and Jupiter conjunct in Sagittarius, Pluto and Saturn in out of sign conjunction in Libra/Scorpio. These pairs are all connected to one another, either by easy trines and sextiles or the more difficult squares. So when a transiting planet hits one pair the energy reverberates around her chart. At the time of her death Mars was transiting her first house, the physical body conjunct her natal North Node. The Nodes are the point where the Moon’s orbit takes her to the ecliptic going north or south. The North and South Nodes are exactly opposite. The transiting Nodal Axis put the North Node on her Natal South Node and the transiting South on her North. The Nodal cycle is 18.6 years and the Nodes themselves have much to do with relationships, Karma and past lives. So transiting Mars, the action, energy planet, who can be a real bad guy when he wants to, fired up her Nodal Axis, which in turn activated her Moon/Neptune conjunction. Moon/Neptune turned around and spit in the eye of the Sun/Mercury conjunction. Her Mars/Venus, connected to her Moon/Neptune as well as Bad Boy Mars brought more energy to the party. Her horoscope clearly reflects her incredible talent and artistic ability and the transits to it reveal difficulty, stress and a certain amount of anxiety. Most of the planets in her horoscope are below the horizon, indicating someone who prefers privacy and shuns the public eye. Her life took her in the opposite direction and while a blessing it could not have been easy for her. It is a sad day when a creative light is dimmed.

Pluto in Capricorn

2011-07-21T12:37:00.001-04:00

Here is a little something I blogged about in August of 2009 when Tom Ridge admitted when he was Director of Homeland Security that he was pressured to raise the terrorist alert level every time President George W. Bush’s poll numbers went down during the 2004 election season:

“So now, Pluto in Capricorn is set to change all things Capricorn. Capricorn represents government, authority figures, big business, and heads of state. The structure and form of our society, society’s rules as it were, all fall under Capricorn’s purview. So the real sleazes (not the honest do-gooders) who represent our authority figures in government, media and business are about to be exposed in ways they cannot foresee.”

While Capricorn rules societal constructs, Pluto is at home in society’s under belly. Pluto represents unconscious forces that bubble to the surface and often take over from the conscious mind. Pluto's purview includes sex, death, debt, interest rates, taxes, transformation and rebirth. Wherever Pluto goes in an individual’s horoscope he brings the wrecking ball with him. In Capricorn he’s going after big government, big business, big debt. Usually Pluto destroys in order to build something new and better.

Right know he stands at 5 degrees 37 minutes of Capricorn. This degree opposes the Jupiter/Venus conjunction in the United States’ horoscope of July 4, 1776. As Jupiter and Venus are the money planets this perfectly reflects the financial crisis we are facing. Pluto entered Capricorn in 2008 ushering in this global financial crisis with the subprime mortgage disaster triggering other financial calamities worldwide. Pluto will remain in Capricorn until 2023. We are in the early, destructive phase of Pluto’s transit through Capricorn. Some examples of Pluto’s influence can be seen in other events of the past few years. Wikileaks, the Stock Market plunge, the rescue of those institutions that are “to big to fail”, assorted sexual scandals involving influential people, extremes in weather, natural and manmade disasters. Rupert Murdoch and the phone hacking scandal that is threatening his media empire is a good example of what Pluto can do. Murdoch is a Pisces with a Capricorn Ascendant. The Ascendant is a critical point in the horoscope and Pluto has crossed it and now transits Murdoch’s First House. Over the next few years Pluto will be moving closer to an opposition to Murdoch’s natal Jupiter. Jupiter rules publishing. Pluto’s energy is slow and inexorable. This current scandal is only the beginning of Mr. Murdoch’s troubles. In 2013 when Pluto hits that Jupiter his empire will be completely different. At that time he will have some nice transits from Venus and Jupiter. My money is on Rupert Murdoch reinventing himself and his media conglomerate.

By the time Pluto exits Capricorn in 2023 the financial system will be quite different as well as governments and authority figures. Pluto is about power and control so expect some takeovers, rebellions, governmental collapses as people jockey for position in order to grab a piece of the pie for themselves. Things could get ugly.

What Next for Casey Anthony?

2011-07-18T11:43:00.001-04:00

The big question on everyone’s mind these days is what is in store for Casey Anthony. Although she was acquitted, her infamy places her under a life sentence. She faces a number of law suits and cries of “murdering baby killer” will follow her where ever she goes. The event chart for the time of her release tells the tale. News reports put her release time at about 12:10 AM on July 17, 2011. Uranus conjunct the Ascendant opposing Saturn (on the Descendant) and squaring Pluto (on the Midheaven), all on the “angles”, describes the media frenzy, the notoriety, the deep emotions aroused by her release. Mars in Gemini in trine to the Moon and Saturn speaks to the aggressiveness (Mars) of the public (Moon) and to the fact that although released from prison, she is under severe restrictions (Saturn). Her Solar Return for 2011 reveals more details. In that chart Jupiter (legal issues) joins Venus, a nice aspect that speaks to victory in the judicial arena. The Moon (Mom and home) opposing the Sun (the core self, the consciousness) reveals the discord between mother and daughter as well as the lack of any feelings of contentment in her domestic environment. The Moon in Virgo reveals the public scrutiny she will be under. Sun opposing Moon in a Solar Return reflects a year when the inner, emotional nature, the yin of self is not in harmony with the cognizant self, or the yang. She is free at last, but not really free. The big transit to her natal chart IMHO is the dynamic T-Square involving Uranus, Pluto and Saturn all in cardinal signs, impacting her natal Neptune. Casey Anthony is a Pisces and Neptune is her ruling planet. Her Neptune is in Capricorn. Capricorn is all about form and structure, the material world and reality. Neptune is about dissolving boundaries, dreams, illusions and things not of this world. Pluto has been rolling back and forth over this Neptune since 2010 and at her release was a minute away from precise conjunction. Pluto destroys and creates. Whenever Pluto enters your life in the form of a transit this process of destruction and creation is inevitable. Her natal Neptune is in aspect to her natal Jupiter in Pisces and her natal Pluto in Scorpio, so Pluto’s transit to her Neptune pulls in these planets as well. Her delusional world is subject to the destructive forces of Pluto. Illusion is stripped away and she is stuck with cold reality. Psychotherapy is her best bet as there is a good possibility that someone will enter her life with the power to transform it, for good or ill. There are issues of power and control and the abuse of that power. At the time of Caylee’s disappearance transiting Pluto was in harsh aspect to her Sun. So Pluto has had a hand in all of this from the beginning. Murder is the ultimate abuse of power. The truth of this matter may never be revealed. The next couple of years will not be easy for Casey. She seemingly does not have a friend in the world and due to her notoriety, is not likely to be seen at any local hangouts. With all the debt and lawsuits pending, a book deal is a distinct possibility. Guilty, delusional or just plain stupid Casey Anthony will never again be a private citizen. We haven’t heard the end of this tale and the ending, I am thinking, will be a shocker.

Wedding Bells for Patrick Kennedy

2011-07-15T11:41:00.002-04:00

So little Patrick is getting married; on the day after his annual Solar Return no less. The astrological detective in me knows that this Solar Return deserves a look. The Solar Return chart is a valuable tool used by astrologers as a means to assess what the coming year will bring for the native. An important fact to remember when dealing with Solar Returns and other transits is that the energies of the Natal horoscope rule, if it is not promised in the Natal, it ain’t happening. Patrick Kennedy is a Cancer with a Libra Moon and Scorpio on the Ascendant. That Scorpio Ascendant tells us that what you see is not necessarily what you get. Scorpio Ascendant is secretive and not likely to reveal to much personal stuff. Libra Moon conjunct Mars in the 12^th house of secrets enhances his private nature. Simply put, a Scorpio Rising does not want people knowing their business. The first thing I notice about Patrick’s Solar Return is that the current Uranus/Saturn opposition straddles his MC/IC axis, the public image/sphere vs. the private/domestic sphere. Saturn in the 4^th house of home in the Solar Return indicates changes in the domestic arena. Sometimes this can mean a move to a new home or a remodeling of an existing dwelling. Whether he moves or remodels, he has a new wife with a child moving in. Change enough. More change is indicated by the planet Uranus hugging the Solar Return MC, the Midheaven, and highest, most visible point in the chart. Think public and out in the open. The MC is an “angle” and in astrology planets on the angles are important. Here, Uranus on the most public point speaks to unexpected, unusual, and weird things happening in a very public manner. This could include a change in career, job and professional standing. My mantra when it comes to Uranus is, “if you can think of it, that ain’t it.” Because Uranian event are so out there, so unexpected the rational intellect can’t conceive of them. The upshot is this is going to be that kind of year for Patrick, unexpected, bolts out of the blue events. The Mercury in the Solar Return chart is at 17 degrees of Leo. That Mercury falls on his Natal Midheaven. Here we are at the most public point again with Mercury, ruling the media, news and information in Leo the show biz sign, on his MC. He’s in the news for sure and will be for the next year. The Solar Return Venus at 12 degrees of Cancer sits on his Natal Mercury. Venus=social events, love and marriage. Will Patrick be in the society pages as opposed to the political? The Solar Return Chart also has Cancer on the Ascendant, very domestic, with the Sun in the 12^th hugging the Ascendant. So close to the Ascendant, or cusp of the First house it can be read as Twelfth or First. I am thinking Twelfth because of other factors in the Solar Return like Solar Return Moon/Pluto conjunction in the Sixth house. This indicates that Patrick is going to be taking care of someone. His mother is the obvious candidate as she is of the age where this would be expected and has had some issues in the past. In the final analysis Patrick will want to maintain a low profile, be private and behind the scenes enjoying his new found domestic bliss. And bliss it is as transiting Pluto trines his natal Venus; passion there for sure. But events will prevent that and force him into the limelight. His physical and mental health may be an issue as well. At this time in his life he wants to finally do what he wants to do and not what other’s expect of him. He’s got another year or so before he will be able to accomplish that. My advice to Patrick this year would be to expect the unexpected, take care of yourself first and then take care of those around you. This is going to be a Rock and Roll year for Patrick Kennedy. Stay tuned.

Casey Anthony – Not Guilty?

2011-07-06T11:56:00.005-04:00

I have been trying to avoid the sad, sordid tale of Casey Anthony and the tragic death of little Caylee and I have been trying to resist looking at the horoscopes of Mother and Daughter. But I am an astrological paparazza, ghoulishly looking at horoscopes of life, death, love, hate and assorted tragic events. I take no joy in these forays into the dark side of human life. I do try to learn, to find out why and ultimately answer the question, “What does it mean?” I haven’t answered that question yet. But I keep trying. With Casey Anthony receiving a not guilty verdict I finally took a look at her horoscope. I have a birth date of March 19, 1986, in Warren, OH, not time. Casey is a Pisces, with retrograde Mercury in Pisces. She has Mars conjunct Uranus in Sagittarius squaring her Sun/Mercury conjunction. There is a real vulnerability here, a vulnerability to take the road to fantasy land. (Sun/Mercury retrograde in Pisces) Her behavior when it became known that her daughter was missing is clearly not that of a person who thinks, or is thinking in a rational manner. The Mars conjunct Uranus speaks to a volatile nature. We don’t know when this poor child died but some reports
say that she was last seen on June 16, 2008. On June 19^,2008 the planet Mercury went stationary direct. What this means is that Mercury appears to stop in the sky and change direction from retrograde to direct. Planetary stations concentrate the energies of the planet involved. Mercury in Casey’s chart, IMHO, is a planet of significance because of the aspects to it. So a station of that planet is going to kick up some stuff. At that time Casey’s horoscope was receiving some significant transits. The Sun in Gemini was squared, 90 degrees, Casey’s Natal Sun in Pisces. Uranus was in Pisces conjunct her Mercury and squaring her Natal Mars/Uranus
conjunction. Transiting Mars was at 22
degrees Leo squaring her Natal Mars/Uranus. Pluto in retrograde motion at the 29^th degree of Sagittarius sent some powerful energy to her Natal Sun. The transits suggest something unexpected (Uranus), impulsive (Mars) which would intimate some kind of accident. Pluto says there is some powerful, psychological force at work. Transiting Saturn was at 3 degrees Virgo squaring her Natal Saturn and opposing her natal Jupiter. Saturn says; you’ll pay for it, one way or another. This story is not over yet. We will see Casey Anthony on The View or being interviewed by some talking head. We can’t control that but we can choose to listen to it or to turn it off.

So The Dog and Pony Show Begins and Shirley Does a Rewrite….

2011-06-28T08:02:00.000-04:00

A couple of days ago I wrote about the Presidential race in a little piece about Mitt Romney and Michelle Bachman. I have since deleted it for the simple reason that I had an incorrect birth date for Michelle Bachman. I wish I could plead a fuzzy Neptune transit but I can’t. Sloppy keyboarding is my only excuse. So here is a rewrite and an update.

The dog and pony show is of course the US Presidential Race. The Republicans are jockeying for position while the Democrats are hoping that the bloom is not off the Obama rose. Republican Michelle Bachman officially kicked off her campaign Monday in Waterloo, Iowa. Michelle Bachman is an Aries. I don’t have a birth time for her but chances are her Moon is in Aquarius. Her ruling planet, Mars, is exalted in Capricorn. What that means in plain English is, her Mars, the planet of how we use our energy, is in practical Capricorn and operates well there. She uses her energy in a Capricorn manner seeing some physical manifestation of that energy. The world sees the results. And make no mistake, Aries likes to be first and they are ever ready to do battle. She is a strong woman and her announcement comes under a waning Taurus Moon. The waning part of this equation gives me pause because traditional lore has it that if you want something to grow you begin when the Moon is waxing. The Taurus Moon, in perfect trine with Mars at the announcement, speaks to longevity and tells us that Michelle will not give up this fight easily. Mitt Romney, the current front runner is a Pisces with retrograde Mercury in Pisces as well as Mars. The interesting thing about Romney is his Moon/Jupiter conjunction in Scorpio. Wow! A lot of emotion, deep and profound. His Pisces Sun is trine to the Moon/Jupiter conjunction. A trine is an aspect of ease so his emotional, instinctive nature is in tune with all that he is conscious of. Pisces can sometimes come across as wishy-washy because they can be religious, escapist and not concerned with things of this world. With Moon in Scorpio hugging Jupiter, this guy is no light weight. He may be an altruistic Pisces but that Moon in Scorpio conjunct Jupiter says he is in it for the long haul as well and is not above getting down and dirty to get what he wants. It is early days yet and there are a number of possible candidates out there. Newt Gingrich, a Gemini has good name recognition but he may be carrying too much baggage. Then there is the lightning rod, Sarah Palin. She’s an Aquarian thus an expert at the unexpected. At this time I am leaning towards her not running but with her track record I wouldn’t rule out a last minute run avoiding the grind and tough questions from the media. All the while remaining in the spotlight with bus tours, speaking engagements and even a new documentary out about her; she’s a clever one that is for sure. It is early days yet and I will be looking at all of the horoscopes of the Republican hopefuls. Stay tuned.

Let’s Look at Lincoln Chafee

2011-06-19T10:31:00.000-04:00

When Lincoln Chafee was elected Governor of Rhode Island it was a three way split so it is not like he was elected by a landslide. It was more like a squeaker. A lot of people were upset, they don’t like his politics, and they don’t like his sales tax, beverage tax or any other plan that he might have to balance the budget. This week the General Assembly voted on Chafee’s proposed budget. Chafee had stated that he did not expect it to survive as written. The relevant quote from the article on Projo.com is that Chafee had “wins, losses and some compromises.” The word that jumps out at me is “compromise”. Compromise is Chafee’s middle name. You wouldn’t think so, him being a “me first Aries” but his natal Venus, retrograde in Taurus has a lot of what astrologers call “Essential Dignities” which makes Venus a potent energy operating within his personality. Lincoln Chafee does not come across as an aggressive Aries. He has this super dignified Venus along with retrograde Mercury in Pisces. The world sees that Mercury and that Venus. A softness and less than clear articulation is the signature of Mercury in Pisces. His mode of operation is reflected in that Venus. He is known for reaching across the political aisle, reaching a consensus, looking for a compromise. His formation of a pension committee is a clear expression of this strong Venus. Remember Venus in Taurus is about money and Venus in general rules tact and diplomacy. This year began with Pluto in Capricorn in square aspect to Lincoln Chafee’s natal Sun. This aspect remains in force until the end of the year as Pluto rolls back and forth over his Sun. Now a square aspect creates problems and issues that require action. A battlefield over debt(Pluto), pensions (more Pluto) and budgets perfectly describes this aspect. Lincoln Chafee has his work cut out for him but do not be fooled by that Venus in Taurus, Mercury in Pisces persona. Chafee is an Aries and Aries loves a battle. Jupiter’s entry into Taurus in early June hit his Venus and his Mars. Jupiter brings gifts so I would venture a guess that this budget that has passed in the General Assembly has more of what Chafee wants then meets the eye. His troubles are not over though. His entire tenure as Governor will be a series of battles, upsets and unexpected events. His personal life will not escape either. In November 2011 he will experience his second Saturn Return, a major life cycle event. This is a 29 year cycle. In May of 2012 he will have a Jupiter return, a 12 year cycle. In the midst of all this he will be contending with Uranus conjunct his Aries Sun. That’s another slow moving transit that begins in April of 2011 and ends in February of 2013. Uranus’ cycle is one of 84 years and when the Master of Surprise conjuncts a personal planet get ready for the far out, the unexpected and the unusual. My mantra for Uranus transits is, “if you can think of it, that is not it.” Events occur that are so beyond your personal scope they jolt and jar your very existence. My advice to Lincoln Chafee, should he ask, is to be ready for change and don’t resist it. With Uranus, areas where we have become entrenched in a rut or lifestyle that is not beneficial to us are ripe for disruption. Uranus says, make the change or else I will do it for you. And by doing it for you he means, some event outside yourself will occur that will force the change. The powerful planetary lineup in the sky this summer, Pluto, Uranus and Saturn in a difficult T-Square aspect, reflects the difficulties prevalent in the world today. Pluto is about sex, death, taxes. Uranus speaks to the sudden upset of the status quo while Saturn works to maintain that status. These three energies are at odds with one another. Lincoln Chafee, as Governor, must steer the ship of state that is Rhode Island through that tangle of energies. The average citizen must make their way through the confusing often debilitating morass that life in modern society has become. Change what you can. Deal with what you can’t. Keep the faith and remember to breathe.

What’s up with Weiner, other than his penis?

2011-06-14T17:46:00.009-04:00

Anthony David Weiner was born on September 4, 1964 in Brooklyn, NY. He has a stellium of planets in Virgo. A stellium is a multiple conjunction of planets, 3 or more, in one sign or house of a horoscope. Here the stellium is in Virgo and includes his Sun, Mercury, Uranus and Pluto. He is of that 60’s generation with the rare Pluto/Uranus conjunction in Virgo. In this case his Sun, the heart and soul of the individual, is smack in the middle of this Pluto/Uranus conjunction. Virgo’s are known to be fastidious, into details and usually health conscious. They are considered the nit pickers of the Zodiac. Despite all that they can be pretty sexy. Virgo is an earth sign after all and Virgo’s can get down and dirty with the best (or worse) of them. Even without a birth time, it is safe to say that Weiner’s Moon is in Leo. Now Virgo may be shy and retiring and that is part of Weiner’s conscious personality but Moon in Leo loves and needs the spotlight. Moon is your instinct and emotional needs. He needs to be appreciated. The big boast of this blog is how “Pluto in Capricorn will change it all” and in this case Pluto plays his part both in the natal chart and in the transits to the natal chart. According to an ABC News report Weiner sent photos to a Megan Broussard of Texas who states that the online relationship began on April 20, 2011 and the photo was sent on May 5, 2011 at 3:08 PM. The May 5^th chart, set in

Washington, DC has 16 degrees of Virgo on the Ascendant

which puts all of Weiner’s Virgo planets in the 12^th House of

secrets and behind the scenes stuff in that chart. The kicker is his natal Pluto at 13 degrees, 55 minutes of Virgo close to the Ascendant of the event chart, poised to come out of the closet, so to speak. Pluto in the sky at that time was at 7 degrees of Capricorn almost exactly trine Weiner’s natal Mercury. His Mercury is retrograde and is the beginning planet of his Virgo stellium. Mercury rules the communication portion of all this and Pluto transiting and natal is out to kick some ass. In addition to all of this, transiting Neptune in Pisces is conjunct Weiner’s natal Saturn. Now Saturn is your planet of discipline, structure and order. Saturn keeps you in line, has you doing your duty with your nose to the grind stone. Neptune dissolves, fantasizes, dreams and escapes responsibility. When these slow moving planets come along and hit a natal planet like they are doing in Weiner’s case, Pluto trining his Virgo stellium and Neptune conjunct his natal Saturn, the person’s world begins to change and often there is a feeling of things spinning out of control. Neptune’s job is to dissolve reality and have you talking to God while Pluto’s is to destroy what is to build something new and better. The Monks and Mother Theresa’s of the world seem to handle these outer planet transits with ease. It may be that these types have less concern with the material world and status than the rest of us. Weiner, with natal Sun conjunct natal Pluto is into power. Pluto has a strong influence on him and has helped get where he is. But Pluto has his own code of ethics and he can bring you down harder and faster than he raised you up. Anthony Weiner is another in a long line of misbehaving men who have gotten caught with their pants down. With revolutionary Uranus in pioneering Aries, change is in the air and I think in cases like this the old “boys will be boys” mind set is crumbling. We will no longer see the long suffering wife standing faithfully by the miscreant’s side and society will not forgive and forget so easily.

April Lunation Cycle 2011

2011-04-01T10:49:00.000-04:00

Viewing the Astrological Chart of the New Moon on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 10:32 AM EDT makes one think that there is a macabre cosmic April Fool’s Joke going on. But it is no joke; it’s a potent planetary configuration that promises earth shattering events. At this New Moon it is hard to say what is the most important factor as there are so many of them. The Sun and Moon, conjunct in Aries form a wide square (90 degrees) aspect to Pluto and an opposition to Saturn. Jupiter, bringer of “big” stuff is close to the Sun/Moon conjunction and opposes Saturn. This Jupiter/Saturn opposition is the “Full Moon” aspect of their 20 year cycle, which began in 2000 kicking off the Dot.Com financial bust out. To light the fire under all of this is that Wicked Warrior, Mars in Aries (at home and in fine fighting fettle) conjunct Uranus in Aries. Explosion is the keyword for this combination. But Mars will be busy all month. By the First Quarter Moon he pulls in closer to a square to Pluto and by the Full Moon he will oppose Saturn. Along with all of this we have Mercury Retrograde for most of the month. Check the facts, read the fine print and wait until the dust settles before you make a decision or form an opinion. Retro Mercury is the master of the fake out. The day after the New Moon, Neptune moves into Pisces. Neptune has been in Aquarius since late 1998. When these slower moving planets change signs it is “an event”. When Pluto moved into Capricorn in September of 2008 Lehman Brothers collapsed and the financial implosion began. When Uranus went into Aries on March 11, 2011, Japan, earthquake and tsunami filled the headlines. Neptune can be a saint or a scam artist and plays each part equally well. Oil, oceans, pharmaceuticals fall under Neptune’s rule. The master of illusion Neptune often distorts, deludes and misrepresents. Neptune on the high road brings the Mother Theresa’s of the world to the fore, on the low road, think Bernie Madoff and the like. With all of the outer planets in the mix this month major upheaval in governments, finance, natural and manmade disasters will dominate. My thinking is as Mars moves along his merry way touching base with his fellow bad boys he will be igniting fires as he goes acting as a trigger for all of the slow movers. There are some major power struggles going on now and for the rest of this decade the question is who will hold all the cards, own the power and rule the world. Really. The problem for the Power Brokers in this era is the readily available information that moves around the world in a flash. What the puppets of the powerful say to today is available tomorrow for review. And we know how often they contradict themselves. On a personal level, where these configurations fall in the individual’s horoscope will tell the tale. The house in the horoscope where Aries and the other Cardinal signs fall, Libra and Capricorn will be feeling the stress. Indeed those with Sun in Aries, Libra and Capricorn and with other planets in these signs are taking a big hit this month. Guaranteed they will be talking to their Astrologer, broker, or favorite bartender. For all of us we need to remember to breathe and keep the faith.

Jupiter in Aries

2011-01-20T13:31:00.004-05:00

When you think about Jupiter you have to think global. Jupiter is the high priest, the prophet, the philosopher, the legal expert and wise judge. Jupiter in excess or taking anything less than the high road brings exaggeration, overestimation, fanaticism, intolerance and a tendency for overindulgence. Jupiter has to do with holding society together through rulership of laws and legal systems.

Aries represents the spring awakening. The powerful force that germinates and pushes to the surface, Aries is impulse, pioneering, initiative, impatience, seizes the untried, the new and finds new solutions to old problems. Aries on the dark side can be brutal, violent, prone to start and fail to finish, a big ego with no regard for the feelings of others.

A blending of these two begins this Saturday, Jan 22, 2011, when they join forces as Jupiter enters Aries. Last June, 2010 Jupiter popped into Aries spending a quick 3 months, returning to Pisces in September 2010.

A Jupiter transit in a personal horoscope expands the individual’s universe, the consciousness and at times the waist line. The energy flows easily and the house it transits is the area of growth. Bad habits can grow as well as good habits. The cautionary tale of a Jupiter transit is “don’t overdo.”

Jupiter’s transit through the sign of Aries will be the luckiest of times for natives of this sign. This time signals a twelve year cycle of growth. Aries will feel good, optimistic and hopeful.

The Aquarius and Gemini receive favorable vibes. This transit brings good relationships and opportunity. For Leo and Sagittarius good stuff comes your way but this transit can make you lazy, so pay attention and don’t let opportunity pass you by. Capricorn and Cancer, while generally favorable need to navigate the snags and snafus that arise and threaten the benefits Jupiter brings. The Pisces and Taurus’ may be totally unaware of the benefits and good luck that is around them while the Scorpios and Virgos experience annoyances that if left unattended can blossom in a big way. Libra experiences this as a culmination; it is a Full Moon type of occurrence as Jupiter is opposing its Libra position of 2004-2005. Libra’s chance for success is good now but a focus on the spiritual will better serve.

For a clue to what this means for you personally think back to last June through September, what was happening in your life then. For a broader picture of what is going on in your life think back to 1999 when Jupiter last transited Aries. That cycle is ending now and a new one is beginning. Where were you twelve years ago? What wonders of the universe opened up for you? Get ready for another round. And remember, at its highest Jupiter is all about connecting to ones spiritual self. Jupiter brings material goods but the best gift Jupiter brings is the spiritual blessings that are pearls beyond price. Meditate and get in touch with your higher self, your inner spiritual self and how to turn those selves into the pioneer embodied in the Jupiter in Aries archetype.

Ophiuchus - This is an Old Non-Story

2011-01-15T08:42:00.003-05:00

The breaking news story this week was about a
13^th sign and has people wondering what their

sign really is. Relax and rest easy. If you’re a Gemini, you’re a Gemini still. The Zodiac signs as we know them are the constellations that occupy the ecliptic. The ecliptic is the apparent path of the Sun as it moves through the heavens during the course of the year. We know that Earth revolves around the Sun but from our view point it appears to be moving. This apparent movement is what gives us the seasons. Back in antiquity when the Sun moved into Aries, it really was in the constellation Aries. Today due to the precession of the equinoxes that moment places it in the constellation of Pisces. Not to worry, Western Astrologers use a different system of measurement. The point where the Sun reaches the equator, going from South to North is the moment when spring begins, the Spring Equinox. Western Astrologer’s measure the Zodiac from this point; this is zero degrees of Aries. This system is called the Tropical Zodiac and here in the Northern Hemisphere is tied into the seasons. The Tropical Zodiac, measuring from zero Aries, allots 30 degrees to each of the 12 signs of the Zodiac giving us the 360 degree circle of the Zodiac. Ophiuchus is in the news because some astronomer noticed that due to the precession of the equinoxes this constellation is inching its way onto the ecliptic, something it has been doing for millennia. So paranoid Scorpions and fastidious Virgo’s can relax, Ophiuchus is not strong arming its way into the Zodiacal line up. Here's a Link for More Info about Ophiuchus

Last Quarter Moon - Week of December 27, 2010

2010-12-27T10:14:00.002-05:00

Here in Rhode Island, in the EST time zone, the Last Quarter Moon occurs at 11:18 PM EST on Monday, December 27, 2010. The angles of the chart set for Providence, RI are closely conjunct and square the degrees of the recent Lunar Eclipse. The angles of a horoscope are the cusps of the first, fourth, seventh and tenth houses. These are very important points in the horoscope. In a personal horoscope transits to these points often coincide with important events in the life. The mix of energies prevalent at the New and Full Moons continue as the Moon winds down appearing smaller each evening until the darkness prevails. This is the time where we assimilate all that we have learned during the waxing and full phases and prepare for the coming New Moon, Solar Eclipse in Capricorn on January 4, 2011. In preparation for this Last Quarter Moon, Moon enters Libra at 12:38 PM on Monday. Libra is a social sign and we feel like talking, mingling and interacting with our fellow human beings. Libra has the knack of seeing both sides and weighing things in the balance. This is useful when operating under the stressful aspects that prevail at this Last Quarter Moon. This week as the Moon travels from Libra, to intense Scorpio into exuberant Sagittarius, Mars will make a stressful aspect to Saturn. This is a good time to work on projects that require diligence, organization and practical use of energy. Things can get done under this aspect although it may not be easy. The other big news this week is Mercury turning in direct motion on Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 2:21 AM EST. You will notice things beginning to move forward that were “stuck”. New information surfaces and rumor is laid to rest. You may find that you have to redo or reorganize projects begun under retrograde Mercury. Wait to begin new projects until after the New Moon of the 4th. Finish up what has been started, tie up loose ends and prepare and be ready for the new that is sure to come with the New Year and the New Moon. Peace!

Christmas Day – The Return of the Light

2010-12-24T09:13:00.000-05:00

During the course of the Solar Year the Sun inches its way along the ecliptic (the apparent path of the Sun through the heavens). At the Winter Solstice (in the Northern Hemisphere) the Sun seems to stand still, rising and setting in the same place for three days. On the fourth day the rising and setting of the Sun begins to move in the opposite direction signaling “the return of the light” as the days begin to get longer. This has been a time of great celebration from remote antiquity to the present day. The Romans had Saturnalia, the Hebrews Hanukkah and the Christians, recognizing a good thing, declared this day of returning light to be the birth of Christ. (Historical scholars, biblical and otherwise dispute this date.) The Solar Kings of ancient myth are reborn this day. Christian or not, it is altogether fitting that we light candles, string lights, burn the Yule log or do whatever your personal tradition calls for at this time of year. It puts us in tune with the natural rhythms of the earth. This Christmas Day begins with the Moon in royal, regal Leo, so appropriate for celebrating the birth of a king. Before dawn, the Moon goes Void of Course until 10:14 AM EST when Moon enters Virgo. The sign of Virgo is of course, the Virgin. In ancient times she was “a woman unto herself” which meant, she did not need a man. Indeed our most famous Virgin delivered a son without as much as a handshake from her husband. Seasonally, Virgo is the sign of the harvest when we separate the wheat from the chaff selecting the best of the best from the fruits of the earth. This day the Virgo Moon will help those preparing the Christmas feast, the gravy will have no lumps, and the food will all be hot and arrive on time. Virgo Moon raises our awareness of what is good for us and what is not. So you can forget overindulgence and take an afternoon walk to work off some excess calories. And by all means we must share the light and love that this holiday season signifies and calls for.

Oprah Winfrey and the Lunar Eclipse

2010-12-20T20:02:00.001-05:00

The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on Tuesday falls precisely on Oprah Winfrey’s Ascendant/Descendant axis. An eclipse, falling so closely to a planet or point in the chart, can accompany life changing events. Oprah has already announced that her daily show will end in September of 2011 when her contract ends and she is launching her new network OWN on January 1, 2011. The Moon at this Eclipse sits on her Descendant, the cusp or beginning of her 7th house of relationships. Oprah’s personal one on one relationships receive this eclipsing energy. A Lunar Eclipse emphasizes the emotional aspects of her relationships. Her most famous relationships are with her BFF Gail and with her long term love, Stedman. Rumors about her sexual orientation persist as she is seen with Gail much more than she is seen with Stedman. Oprah is an Aquarian. Aquarians are known to march to the tune of a different drummer. They do the unexpected and are usually ahead of the curve which makes their actions seem all the more unusual. With an eclipse on her relationship house there is a possibility of disputes and disagreements with those close to her. Oprah may become more private about her personal relationships. I would venture a guess that there is more going on in Oprah’s personal life, in her personal and business relationships than the gossiping media is even aware of. An event involving someone who is important to her will upset her emotionally. It could prove to be a learning experience for her. Only time will tell.

Winter Solstice - Full Moon - Lunar Eclipse - Quite a Combination

2010-12-18T12:55:00.002-05:00

This Winter Solstice occurring on the heels of a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse is a jumble and a jangle of elements, inner tensions, and fluctuating opinions. Politicians be warned, the natives are restless. Astrologers use the Solstice chart to get a handle on the political, economic and social trends that will predominate for the season. As such, the Solstice charts are a valuable tool in forecasting. The Lunar Eclipse at the 29^th degree of the Sagittarius/Gemini axis, the Galactic Center, accompanying this Winter Solstice brings extra potency to an already strong planetary alignment. While there is some debate about how long the influence of Eclipses are the influence of the Solstice chart is in effect until the changing of the season. At this Solstice we find Retrograde Mercury in a stressful square aspect, to Jupiter and Uranus. This combination screams shocking, unexpected, wildly distorted, big news or events. The Sun in Capricorn in the 6^th house along with Mars, Pluto and the North Node emphasizes the working class, the armed forces, and public health. Common public needs and institutions like the water supply, the school system, Police and Fire Departments move to the forefront and the issues associated with these institutions are complicated and not easily solvable. It will take more than political hot air to resolve. Labor Unions, workers, civil servants, employment/unemployment push the emotional buttons of the general public. Earthquakes, explosions, hurricanes and other weather related events affect agriculture and food supplies. Immigration, emigration, international diplomacy or lack of create situations ripe for distortion. Remember Retrograde Mercury and wait until the dust settles before you rush to judgement. Covert military action, hostage situations, and basic human rights hit the headlines. There are opportunities to work with the opposition, with people who do not agree with you. It will not be easy, will take listening on both sides but compromise and agreement can be reached. Hammered out is the phrase that comes to mind. Often when these great planetary alignments occur we do not see the manifestation of these energies for months, even years to come. It is like a person who is overweight; making the decision to get on the healthy track of good diet and exercise. The decision is made while under a particular planetary configuration the results of which we don’t see until months have passed. Actions taken now will have far reaching effects/affects. When in doubt, always take the high road. Usher in this winter season with a meditation on healing, peace and serenity. Spread the light!

Julian Assange – Wikileaks – Terrorist or Man on a Mission?

2010-12-16T14:15:00.003-05:00

With the release of hundreds of thousands of US diplomatic cables and email, Julian Assange, Wikileaks founder, has created uproar in diplomatic circles worldwide. Some consider him a hero while others the vilest of villains. Born with an eighth house Sun in nurturing Cancer trining a Scorpio Moon in the twelfth, this is a man who loves the secret, the hidden, and the taboo. And delights in revealing it. Mercury, in Cancer, the news and information planet sits in the ninth house of publishing making an aspect of ease to Jupiter in Scorpio in the first house. Jupiter rules publishing and promises a big splash with big news. Venus in Gemini, in the eighth house as well, makes a difficult aspect to Pluto in Virgo. Gemini is a big news and information sign and Venus here squares off with Pluto, speaking truth to power. Pluto in the eleventh reveals that Assange has some powerful connections. The natal Saturn opposes Neptune and squares Uranus. Saturn keeps it real, Neptune speaks to high ideals and Uranus loves nothing better than shaking up the status quo. Mars the planet that indicates how we use our energy and take action is in the humanitarian sign of Aquarius. The North Node of the Moon, the point in the horoscope that points to what the native is striving for in this life, is in Aquarius as well. Transiting Saturn in Libra (where Saturn is in the sky now) has entered his twelfth house of prisons, seclusion and hidden enemies. You can make book with Saturn; he is always right on the money. Because Assange’s twelfth house runs from 13 degrees Libra to 17 degrees of Scorpio, Saturn will be here until December, 2013. The 17^th degree of Scorpio marks the cusp of his first house. This is the Ascendant, the point in the horoscope where the individual first faces the world at large. The furor over these latest leaks will continue and Assange will be limited and constricted whether he faces jail or not. It will be interesting to note how events unfold towards the end of the month. First, Venus in Scorpio, now in his twelfth house will hit the Ascendant on Christmas Eve. Will more secrets be revealed or will Julian Assange get a welcome Christmas surprise? Second, all of these charges related to an alleged rape in Sweden, court proceedings, and bail hearings are taking place under a Retrograde Mercury. Mercury stations and turns direct on Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 2:21 AM EST. Mercury Retrograde loves the rumor, to misinform and to generally play the trickster. When a direct motion occurs, new information comes to light, the false rumor is revealed and the truth emerges. January 8, 2011 and March 8, 2011, give or take a week, are two key dates that will figure prominently in this continuing saga. Love him or hate him, Julian Assange is the 21^st Century’s version of the investigative Journalist. He fills a vacuum left by the corporate media that has become more entertainment than news.

Mars Squaring Uranus Kicks Off the December to Remember

2010-12-03T11:51:00.002-05:00

I write this as Mars squares Uranus. When Mars and Uranus are in hard aspect like this I am tempted to head for the bunker and hunker down until the smoke clears. The word explosive comes to mind. With Moon in Scorpio in the deepest, darkest waning phase of the Lunar Cycle and Uranus poised and ready to move into direct motion after Sunday’s New Moon in Sagittarius it is hard to say when or where the next shocker will come from. This December will be the December to remember. Between the New Moon and First Quarter Moon Uranus goes direct, Mars moves into Capricorn and on Friday, December 10, 2010 Mercury goes retrograde. At the First Quarter Moon on Monday, December 13th Mars and Pluto join forces. Going from a square with Uranus to a conjunction with Pluto, Mars is the igniter. Uranus is Mr. Surprise, the unexpected, the unusual, often bringing a shocking jolt out of the blue. Pluto is that deep rumble below the surface that erupts and brings about powerful transformations. The Full Moon occurring hours before the Winter Solstice is a Lunar Eclipse at 29 degrees Gemini/Sagittarius. This is the Galactic Center that plays such an important part in the Mayan Calendar and the hullaballoo about 2012. Venus having retraced her steps will be at the point where she went retrograde back in October. In Scorpio, the sign of sex, death and taxes, she is through playing games. Diplomatic secrets will continue to be revealed. Venus has a sharp tongue here and walks a razor’s edge. At the Last Quarter Moon on December 27th busy Mars once again enters the picture with a hard aspect to Saturn. Mars in Capricorn works well, likes to work toward concrete results. Who better to deal with than Saturn, the Lord of the Material World? A hard aspect, the square, says it “don’t come easy”. On the 30th Mercury stations and begins to move in direct motion. All the false rumors and misinformation will begin to sort itself out. As the planets change signs and directions the dynamic changes as well. With the direction changes the energies and symbolism of the particular planet is enhanced and emphasized. The fallout from the latest Wikileak will impact international relationships as well as the public’s perception of government. We’re talking worldwide here. The financial situation here at home and across the world will serve to educate the people to the amount of manipulation of public opinion and political figures going on behind the scenes. More secrets will be revealed. Unusual weather patterns unfold and earthquake and/or volcanic action literally and figuratively shake things up.

Last Quarter Moon and Week of November 28, 2010

2010-11-27T10:51:00.000-05:00

The Last Quarter Moon occurs on Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 3:36 PM EST with the Moon in Virgo and the Sun in Sagittarius. This is the half and half Moon, half light and half dark. The winding down phase and like all squares it is a time for action. In this waning phase the action is one of assimilation as we process inwardly what this cycle has brought us. We are preparing for the next New Moon when the cycle begins again. At this Last Quarter Moon the planet Mars squares off with Jupiter. Squares make things happen. Mars in Sagittarius, the sign of philosophy, religion and belief systems in a hard aspect with Jupiter in Pisces the sign of spirituality, illusion, high ideals, smoke and mirrors suggests a flare up of differences on the international front. North Korea’s attack on South Korea comes to mind but I am thinking more Middle East, Oil, Christian, Moslem area of world events. Jupiter promises big stuff and he can deliver. As co-ruler of Pisces and ruler of Sagittarius Jupiter has some power here. Mars is the spark. The planet Uranus is in the picture as well. The exact square aspect between Mars and Uranus occurs on Friday, December 3, 2010 at 9:01 AM EDT. Before that happens, Venus, that mysterious lady, leaves the all sweetness and light sign of Libra and enters the dark waters of Scorpio on Monday night. Venus, in addition to ruling love, beauty and the arts, rules money, values, and diplomacy. Scorpio, among other things, is the sign of debt. Venus in Scorpio is not diplomatic; she’s donned her combat boots and is through talking. On Tuesday evening Mercury the planet of communication, business transactions, contracts, and the daily commute moves into Capricorn. Capricorn wants the facts, demands logic and organization. Mercury is only too happy to oblige. The Moon begins the week in Virgo; the details will make us happy while Moon is here. On Tuesday morning Moon enters Libra. This is the people need people Moon. Libra Moon reminds us that we are social beings. On Thursday morning, Moon enters Scorpio and passions run high. The Mars square Uranus becomes exact under this Scorpio Moon. We will have a lot to absorb and assimilate as we prepare for Sunday’s New Moon in Sagittarius when another cycle begins that looks to be quite volatile. Stay tuned.

Full Moon November 21, 2010

2010-11-20T17:24:00.002-05:00

The Full Moon occurs on Sunday at 12:27 PM EST in the final degrees of Taurus (Moon) and Scorpio (Sun). The 29th degree of any sign is considered a critical degree. The final degrees of Taurus are associated with sorrow while these same final degrees in Scorpio sharpens the Scorpion sting. No matter how you look at it, it is not a pretty sight. The Full Moon Mercury and Mars in Sagittarius are conjunct the Mercury and Venus of the Federal Reserve chart. The Fed has been much in the news lately and will continue to be. The Pluto/North Node conjunction joins the Fed Sun and opposes the Fed Pluto. The revolution to come will not be fought with guns and bullets, but with currency. The money planets is the USA chart of July 4, 1776, Venus and Jupiter in Cancer are taking the hit from this Pluto/North Node combo. Money, debt, the devaluating dollar will continue to rock the foundations of this country. The Tea Party, the Coffee Party and the Scotch and Soda Party will all have their say. With Pluto around, there is usually a grab for power. But, Pluto destroys and transforms whatever it touches. When you are standing in the rubble it is difficult to see how this destruction could result in something better, but with Pluto, in the end the rebuilt structures are an improvement over the old. Shortly after the Full Moon, the Moon slips into Gemini and people lighten up a bit after the intensity of Scorpio Moon. Gemini Moon brings the ability to be flexible. When the Sun enters Sagittarius, there is generally more optimism in the air. This is the season of faith, faith in the future, and faith in oneself. The recent change to forward motion of the Benefics, Jupiter, the Greater and Venus the Lesser increase the hopeful optimism of the season. You will notice certain areas of your life that seemed to have been on hold, now begin to move forward. Thanksgiving Day here in the USA will be a great day for home, family, eating comfort foods, all encouraged by Moon in Cancer. Try to keep your emotions in check as Moon bounces off Jupiter, Uranus then Venus during the course of the day. Think peaceful thoughts and try to have a peaceful day as world events will have to be faced and dealt with on the morrow.

The Lame Duck Congress Convenes - Or "The Hot Air Conference"

2010-11-15T09:36:00.000-05:00

Congress reconvenes today at 2PM EST in Washington, DC. The map of the heavens at that time shows the constellation Pisces on the horizon with Moon in Pisces within one degree of the Ascendant in the 12^th house. Jupiter, co-ruler of the Ascendant is conjunct Uranus in the 1^st house. The good side of Pisces speaks to idealism and selfless sacrifice the bad side brings in fraud, deceit and disillusionment. Jupiter and Uranus together in the angular 1^st house indicate the potential for a big surprise. Uranus’ slogan is, “if you can think of it, that ain’t it” while Jupiter promises “lots of” whatever surprise Uranus has in store. The Sun, the heart and soul of any horoscope, is in the money and debt sign of Scorpio in Scorpio’s own 8^th house. Retrograde Venus in Libra, on the cusp of the 8^th moving to the 7^thtells us that the debate over taxes, debt, and insurance will be public and the 7^th house says you will know your enemy. Mars and Mercury conjoined in Sagittarius suggest that fiery debate is in the offing. The Sagittarius factor brings belief systems, philosophies, religion as well as international affairs and immigration to the table. Saturn in Libra is the big dog here, he has a lot of dignity and is posited in the 7^th house. Saturn here says, “You can talk, blither and bluster all you want but you will get something done”. In a horoscope, Congress is ruled by the 5^th and 11^th houses. The 5^th house signifying the Senate in this instance has the sign Cancer on the cusp, the Senate this session is operating under the influence of a Pisces Moon; a lot of high ideals, plenty of mystical references but not a lot of practical accomplishments. On the other hand, the House of Representatives has Capricorn, ruled by super dignified Saturn, on the cusp. The House will do a lot of hard work and have something to show for it after all is said and done. But here is the thing, Harry Reid, still the Senate’s head honcho, has natal Sun in Sagittarius conjoining Mercury/Mars as this session opens. His Pisces Mars sits on the Ascendant, in the 12^th and his natal Jupiter is mixing it up with the Jupiter/Uranus conjunction in the sky presently. A lot of his work is going to be done behind the scenes and make no mistake, he is still a power to be reckoned with. Another power to be reckoned with is Nancy Pelosi, Reid’s counterpart in the House of Representatives. Nancy Pelosi’s Aries Sun sits in the 1^st house of this chart. Her retrograde Mercury in Pisces sits on the Ascendant, conjunct the Moon. She will speak to the heart of the matter, to the core, to the instinct. She’ll hit those Representatives where they live and arouse some gut reactions. It is pretty obvious that she is the only Democrat with any balls. She has a stellium (2 or more planets in a sign other than the Sun sign) in Taurus. So not only does she have the initiative of Aries but also the stick to it, stubbornness of Taurus. You are not going to budge a Taurus once they have dug their heals in. Try it sometime, let me know how you make out. After the Moon shifts into Aries on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 the action should heat up. Congress will be meeting late into the night on Wednesday as the Sagittarius Mercury makes a connection with Saturn in Libra. Thursday is a big day though, for Congress and for everyone as both Jupiter in Pisces and Venus in Libra change direction and begin moving in forward motion. Things may not hit the fan then but you can be sure it is on its way. We may have to wait until the Full Moon in Taurus on Sunday on the 29^th degree along the Taurus/Scorpio axis. This is going to be a real “banger”. Stay tuned, more to come.

Scorpio New Moon

2010-11-05T10:49:00.002-04:00

Passions are aroused when Moon enters Scorpio Friday morning, November 5, 2010 at 2:15 AM EDT. Scorpio Moon brings out strong feelings and desires. People are more sensitive to real or imagined hurts. Be careful when dealing with members of the opposite sex. There is a strong desire to merge and meld, not merely in sexual passion but on a deeper soul level. People do not forgive and forget easily under this Moon. Tread carefully. The New Moon occurs at 12:52 AM EDT on Saturday morning, November 6, 2010, in Scorpio. So the flavor of the month is Scorpio. While this sign can generate secretive, passionate and intense feelings it is also about being resourceful and brings about transformation. Where this New Moon falls in the Natal Horoscope is where the native is going to dig deep and plumb the depths. Expect some earth shattering events. The physical earth, i.e. volcanoes, earthquakes and the like as well as in the business and political world. I am thinking this because the North Node of the Moon is conjunct Pluto in Capricorn at this New Moon. The North Node is the point on the ecliptic where the Moon crosses the equator from South to North. It is an 18 year cycle that is very important in world events and on a personal level as well. Pluto is a great destroyer and rebuilder. Societal structures belong to Capricorn. When the North Node was traveling through Cancer, opposite to where it is now, housing (Cancer) prices were at their peak. Now, in the opposite sign of Capricorn, housing prices are in the toilet. Adding to this mix, on Sunday, Neptune stations and turns in direct motion. The Neptunian energies are strong. Psychic stuff as well as fraud, oil, drugs, think scandal. Retrograde Venus moves back into Libra signaling a reappraisal of relationships and negotiations. On Monday, November 8, 2010 Mercury moves into Sagittarius. Here come the fiery speeches espousing strong religious, philosophical and political views. At the First Quarter Moon on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 11:39 AM EST, the seeds planted at the New Moon begin to sprout. The Moon is in Aquarius and the Sun is in Scorpio, two fixed signs knocking heads. Scorpio has deep passions while Aquarius has strong convictions. Neither is inclined to budge. Venus in Libra and Mercury in Sagittarius may open the door for some conversation and keep the lines of communication open until a more auspicious time. This will be true on a personal level as well. When you hit a stone wall, step back and take a breath. Upon further reflection and review we usually find a way around the obstacle. Obstacles, hitches and glitches force us to take action and although not easy or pleasant, accomplishment is the result.

Election Day – and the Mood of the People

2010-10-31T10:35:00.005-04:00

The big question this election is; are the Democrats going to get the boot or what? When looking at elections I cast an Election Day chart for 6 AM EDT and locate it in Washington, DC. This year a couple of things hit me right off the bat. First, retrograde Venus in Scorpio will be making a trine, 120 degrees, to the USA Venus, (July 4, 1776). The USA Venus is in Cancer. Venus is a money planet and also has dominion over the arts, women, relationships, love, diplomacy and the social graces. In a horoscope Venus symbolizes what you want. In the USA the love of home, family, Mom and apple pie predominate. Politicians love pushing those buttons. This year, Venus in Scorpio reflects the concern with the economy and debt, personal as well as national. The other piece that jumped out at me was the position of the Moon in Virgo. The Moon rules the public and public opinion. Here Moon makes a nice, easy connection to Mercury in Scorpio. Mercury rules the vote. So a nice connection like this indicates a big turnout, more than usual for a midterm election. The Moon in Virgo tells us what is on the mind of the people. In Virgo, they are looking way beyond the snappy slogan. Virgo wants, loves and needs the details. Virgo Moon indicates concerns with health care, unions and the armed services. These elements of society will be out in force. Through the course of the day Moon will move into opposition with both Jupiter and Uranus in Pisces. This brings an anything goes flavor to the party. There will be some surprises, those expected to win will not and the predicted losers will be the victors. These factors will play out from the smallest towns to the biggest cities. Local as well as national politics are in for “Mr. Toads Wild Ride”. In Mundane Astrology, the astrology of events, the houses and planets in the horoscope represent components of society, the first house represents the people, the Sun represents the head of state etc. The 5^th house represents the Senate while the 11^th represents the House of Representatives. In the Election Day chart the 5^th/11^th house axis runs along the Aquarius/Leo axis, with the Senate being the Aquarians and the Representatives the Leos. These are both fixed signs and could indicate no change. But the overall chart has a strong Cardinal flavor, with Libra on the ascendant and Cancer on the Mid-Heaven, two very important, strong points in a horoscope. This would indicate something new, a beginning or a fresh start. No matter how it turns out I think the politicians, pollsters and the people are in for a bit of surprise. There is a strong anti-incumbent feeling out there and it is not necessarily going to be the Democrats taking the brunt. There are going to be changes from Wasilla to Washington. The people will have spoken, and that is what it is all about.
Addendum:

The above was written using a 6AM opening for the polls. It has come to my attention that the polls open at 7AM. The time change changes the important points of the horoscope, the Mid-heaven and Ascendant moving them from Cardinal to Fixed signs. This new time further enhances the importance of the planet Venus as we find Venus and the Sun in Scorpio straddling the ascendant. The intense, oft time heated rhetoric of this election season will continue right up to the end. Moon and Mercury are still in aspect. The Virgo Moon and Scorpio Ascendant insure that the public is looking at this election, the candidate and the issues with x-ray vision. The polls and pundits are missing something and we won’t find out what that something is until the polls close and the ballots are counted.

Mars in Sagittarius, Venus Retrograde Conjunct the Sun, Last Quarter Moon

2010-10-29T17:04:00.004-04:00

In the lead up to the Last Quarter Moon on Saturday, October 30^th two significant events occurred on Thursday the 28^th. First, Mars left his home base of Scorpio and moved into Sagittarius. Mars is the planet of action. Mars in a horoscope points how we do and what we do. Entering Sagittarius Mars signals the return of enthusiasm and optimism. Mars in Sagittarius sees the glass as half full. There can be a certain amount of impulsiveness when Mars and the Archer join forces. Mars is the warrior and in Sagittarius battles can assume the aura of a holy crusade. At the extreme, Mars in Sagittarius can bring the foaming at the mouth religious fanatic to your doorstep. But most of the time the anger of Mars in Sagittarius is anger at an injustice. This energy is good for the sportsman and athlete. Sports and athletics provide a positive outlet for this energy. Thursday also saw the conjunction of retrograde Venus with the Sun. This is called the inferior conjunction. Inferior conjunction occurs when Venus is retrograde and is closest to the Earth. Venus lies directly between the Earth and the Sun. It is a New Moon type of occurrence. It is a special moment, a time to plant Venusian seeds. Venus is concerned with love, art, money and relatedness. Venus attracts but she is more than just a pretty face. Venus in a horoscope signifies what you want, your value system and what matters to you. At the conjunction, Venus is not visible in the night sky. After the inferior conjunction Venus will appear well before dawn in the morning sky beginning November 4^th. It has been said that when Venus rises in the morning she calls the men to war. Let’s hope that she doesn’t intend to rouse them now. If you want to figure out how this will affect you think back to eight years ago. Every eight years Venus will retrograde and conjoin the Sun in approximately the same area of the Zodiac. The cycle begun at that time is ending and a new one is beginning. This is the time to plant those seeds you wish to grow and flourish during the upcoming eight years. On Friday evening, October 29, 2010 at 8:38 PM EDT Moon enters the sign of Leo heading towards a square to Scorpio Sun. This is the closing square; the Moon grows smaller in the night sky winding down bringing the darkness of the New Moon on November 5th. The waning square between the Sun and Moon is a time to wrap things up and assimilate all that was taken in and learned since the previous New Moon and to clear the decks to make way for the new. Meditation and inner reflection do well during these periods. This is the weekend for quiet, romantic evenings. Leo Moon brings out kindness and generosity in people. There’s warmth and affection in the air. Enjoy!

Moon in Taurus opposes the Scorpio Gang - Hang On To Your Wallet

2010-10-22T08:11:00.000-04:00

Moon enters Taurus at 10:29 PM EDT on Friday, October 22, 2010 grounding the energy and bringing enough oomph to the table to finish those projects begun under the impetuous Aries Moon. Earthy Taurus Moon shifts the focus to the material world. Our sense of security comes from our “stuff”. Caution is a key word here and there is a tendency to maintain the status quo. Change can be difficult. This weekend Taurus Moon will oppose the cluster of planets in Scorpio. On Saturday the oppositions between Moon, Mercury and Venus occur. And the last aspect Moon makes before going void of course on Monday, October 25th at 3:49 AM EDT will be to Mars in Scorpio. Taurus and Scorpio are both money signs. Oppositions between these two signs represent mine, (Taurus)/ ours (Scorpio). Taurus does not want to share and Scorpio loves the power of it all. On Sunday morning Mars and Uranus trine one another, a trine is an aspect of ease. The Warrior and Mr. Unexpected join forces from Scorpio to Pisces. This indicates an explosive period with unanticipated and startling events unfolding. After the Moon enters Gemini on Monday morning, the 25th at 7:47 AM EDT the news begins to pop and sizzle. Mercury, that faithful little news gatherer snuggles up to Retrograde Venus. They are together in Scorpio so you can bet the news will be about hot sex, dirty politics and filthy money. We all get a bit chatty under Gemini Moon. We become more adaptable and willing to change. Sometimes we can’t make up our mind being so busy looking at both sides of the picture. We speak spontaneously and the truth of what we say may only be true for a moment as situations shift and change rapidly under this Moon. Change may come when the Sun in Scorpio connects with Pluto in Capricorn. When the Sun brings light to the God of the Underworld you can expect something that has been hidden, buried and secretive to surface. Exposed is the word that comes to mind. Moon goes void of course on Wednesday morning at 10:19 AM EDT. It will be an intense couple of days and deep, emotional issues will surface. Money issues that have been ignored will have to be dealt with. What is mine, what is yours and who owes who are questions that will need answering. The headlines will reflect this, as well as the checkbook. Remember to breathe.

Full Moon Aries/Libra and the Scorpio Season

2010-10-17T11:19:00.001-04:00

Moon goes void of course at 2:49 PM EDT on Sunday, October 17, 2010 until 10:52 PM EDT when Moon enters Pisces. There is softness about Pisces Moon, a dreaminess, a heightened sensitivity to the ethereal. Under this Moon we tune into the subtle nuances around us. People are more emotional and tend toward the spiritual. There is a need to escape the harsh realities of life. The danger here is donning the rose colored glasses, seeing what we want to see, not what really is. Mercury makes an aspect of ease to Neptune on Monday morning. When these two join forces the possibility of illusion, deceit, false rumors and fake news increases. This aspect is great for imagination and creative work but it is hard to be objective in practical matters. Keep in mind with this aspect often not all the facts are known. On Tuesday morning the Sun sends loving beams to Neptune. This aspect can literally be illuminating as sunlight reveals some of the dark secrets Neptune has kept. The Moon goes void of course on Wednesday morning at 6:25 AM EDT moving into independent Aries at 11:23 AM EDT. People are fired up under Aries Moon, eager to begin, to start something new or go off exploring. People are enthusiastic, energetic and impulsive. Many times projects begun under Aries Moon never reach completion. Completing projects requires more than an initiative impulse; follow through and a stick to it attitude is required. Wednesday is also the day that Mercury enters Scorpio. Mercury rules the intellect, the thinking process, communication and transportation. The transaction, the buy and sell of business and commerce falls under Mercury’s purview as well. Scorpio is the sign of finance, banks, debt and co-mingled resources. In world events and markets, Scorpio brings out the power hungry, threat, crisis and the old fear factor. In this day and age think complicated transactions that end in default. An individual with Mercury in Scorpio has a mind that is sharp, decisive, likes the mysterious and has an x-ray quality when it comes to digging up the details. Mars in Scorpio mixes it up with Jupiter in Pisces creating some aggressive competition. Expect some ugliness on the campaign trail and an increase in international tensions. In the lead up to the Full Moon on Friday, October 22, 2010 at 9:37 PM EDT Mars in Scorpio squares of with Neptune and Mercury connects with Pluto. This Full Moon falls along the Aries/Libra axis at the 29^th degree. Soon the Libra mode of accommodation will give way to the intensity of Scorpio when the Sun enters that sign on Saturday morning, October 23, 2010 at 8:35 AM EDT. There is a lot of planetary action around this Full Moon. Exposed is the word that comes to mind, on all levels and all fronts. By weekend we will be in full Scorpio mode with Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars all traveling through Pluto’s territory. Pagans and Christians alike recognize this time of the year as the time of the dead, when the veil between the two worlds is the thinnest. Samhain, All Hallows, All Saints and All Souls signal the close of the harvest and the preparation for winter. Whether you prescribe to the theory that one can talk to the spirits at this time or not, you can expect the Scorpio season to raise fear and suspicion. Complicated financial transactions will continue to collapse, more scandals will be revealed and politicians, public opinion and public actions increase in intensity. Scorpio tempts with the allure of power but will bring you down if you don’t take the high road. That is the key, taking the high road, the more spiritual path. It is hard to do when the energy is permeated by the sex and death sign of Scorpio. But it is through sex that life is created. So think about that for awhile. And when the going gets rough, ground, center and meditate. Remember to breathe.

The Week Ahead – October 10, 2010

2010-10-10T10:24:00.003-04:00

Sunday, October 10, 2010 Moon enters Sagittarius at 6:09 PM EDT and enthusiasm takes over. Sagittarius Moon ruled by Jupiter likes big ideas, big action and big adventures. There is a warm, friendliness in the air coupled with a feeling of restlessness. Independence spurs an itch to travel and/or participate in sporting events. The Moon goes Void of Course on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 8:07 PM EDT. The Void period ends at 12:17 AM EDT on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 when Moon enters sober Capricorn. We are cured of the travel bug and settle down to the business at hand. Enthusiasm gives way to pessimism. The best thing to do now is to concentrate on the job at hand, the tasks before you. Good feelings come from accomplishment, creating structure and form around you and getting organized. Capricorn Moon triggers our ambition and favors work that will advance our cause. The First Quarter Moon occurs on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 5:27 PM EDT. “Stuff” happens, action is taken and decisions are made around the Quarter Moons. The Quarter Moon occurs with the Sun in Libra and the Moon in Capricorn. The Cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn will feel the agitation of this Quarter Moon and will continue to do so as the energy builds to the Full Moon next week at 29 Aries/Libra. At this Quarter Moon the Libra/Capricorn energies speak to concrete issues involving relationships, negotiations, career path and public image. Cardinal signs are great for starting and initiating and the waxing phase of the Moon brings energy to that impetus. The decisions of this Quarter Moon may well be about beginnings, getting started, and taking a first step. The Moon goes Void of Course on Friday, October 15, 2010 at 5:49 AM EDT until 10:24 AM EDT when the Aquarius mode takes over. People get friendly under Aquarius Moon. They also want to come and go as they please and express themselves in a unique and personal way. This is a great time to get together with a group that shares the same cause or purpose, especially if that cause is to benefit mankind in some fashion. This is a good weekend to expand your social network and to make new connections. Be ready for the spontaneous and take advantage of it. Be aware that we are still under the Venus Retrograde in Scorpio. Venus runs on an eight year cycle, thus is retrograde in the same sign every eight years. We have completed that cycle and are now beginning anew. Think back to your own life experiences of eight years ago; where were you, where were you going and what were you doing. Remember, Venus has to do with what we value, what matters to us not only the love and money aspects of our lives. Another Venus fact is that every eight years at your Solar Return you experience a Venus Return at the same time. This is a very personal, individual eight year cycle. At any birthday, the best gift you can give yourself is the gift of a consultation with an Astrologer.

Moon in Libra-Scorpio and Venus Retrograde

2010-10-06T10:30:00.003-04:00

Today the Moon goes Void of Course in Virgo at 12:43 PM EDT until 3:51 PM EDT when entering Libra. Avoid making decisions, starting something new or making purchases until the Void period is over. Unexpected results and difficulties are common when projects are initiated during Void of Course periods. The Libra Moon offers an optimal time for team efforts, social engagements and negotiations. Libra’s rulership by Venus brings art, beauty and romance to the table. A good time for beautifying your surroundings and connecting with friends, lovers and partners. Libra Moon goes Void of Course on Friday, October 8, 2010 at 9:38 AM EDT until 3:52 PM EDT. The big deal on Friday is Venus in Scorpio turning retrograde. Venus goes retrograde every 18 months or so. This time Venus will be retrograde until November 19, 2010 although the influence of retrograde Venus will last until December 20^th when Venus finally moves beyond her retrograde degree of 13 Scorpio. Venus retrograde periods, like all retrograde periods, are a time of review and reassessment. So we review our Venus stuff, money, possessions, beauty, romance, relationships. Venus in Scorpio rouses passions. Venus in Scorpio speaks to shared resources, interest rates and debt. What do you value? What matters to you? Who matters to you? What do you want? Meditation and reflection upon these issues will help to clarify. This is not one of those moments where we snap our fingers and all is well. Time, thought and inner guidance bring answers and action. When the Moon enters Scorpio Friday afternoon at 3:52 PM EDT passions and desires are aroused. People are suspicious and sensitive to real or imagined slights. Tread lightly around the feelings of others. Pay attention when this Moon rolls over the 13^th degree of Scorpio, (sometime mid Saturday), feelings, actions, encounters will provide a clue or bring awareness to the areas of life that deserve reflection and review. Venus in Scorpio plumbs the depths. Only you know what is right for you. This Venus will help you find that out.

Moon and Mercury Set the Stage For a Wild Weekend.

2010-10-01T12:10:00.000-04:00

We begin the month of October with the Moon in Cancer. Moon is at home in Cancer and operates at full bore here. Emotion run high, sensitivity ratchets up and we all need to give or get a hug. Be aware of this heightened sensitivity as you negotiate the mine field of emotions until Moon enters Leo on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 2:21 PM EDT. Creative enthusiasm reigns under Leo Moon. Our true selves emerge and we want to be recognized for our special gifts. And we all have them. Mercury plays a big roll this weekend as well. Mercury reigns over transport, trade, ideas, the highway, the byway, the daily commute, bus/train stations, airports as well as news and information. On Friday, Mercury opposes Jupiter. Jupiter rules philosophies, belief systems, the judiciary, foreigners and foreign travel. Jupiter is a big guy and he brings “lots of”. Since both planets have to do with writing, publishing and the media we might expect some bombshell news event over the weekend. This is further indicated by Mercury’s opposition to Mr. Surprise, Uranus on Saturday morning. Uranus represents the urge for freedom, the innovative, the unexpected and the unusual. When Uranus comes calling, you can review every possibility that comes to mind and Uranus will still surprise you. In addition to revolutions and such Uranus brings events in the natural world, earthquakes, violent weather etc. (Here in the Northeast we are experiencing some of that wild weather) On Sunday morning Mercury leaves the dust of Virgo behind and enters Libra. Mercury in Libra talks nice, negotiates and pours oil on troubled waters. Do not be lulled or gulled by the smooth talkers. Mercury often acts as a trigger for events set up by the outer slower moving planets. So hang on to your hat and get ready to Rock and Roll.

Expect the Unexpected…….

2010-09-16T09:26:00.002-04:00

Moon in Capricorn from Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 4:30 PM EDT until early Saturday morning, September 18, 2010 at 3:35 AM EDT signals a time of structure, organization and a concern for the material aspects of life. Capricorn Moon is not a dreamy, imaginative Moon. This Moon wants to see, feel and touch in order to verify reality. Anxiety over security issues sparks ambitions and sends us off to perform the various chores and duties required to get ahead in this material world. It is best to perform the tasks at hand beneath this Moon, focus on today and not worry about the future. Avoid the pessimistic and remain positive. Moon goes void at 1:35 AM EDT on Saturday morning. Before dawn Moon enters the intellectual air sign of Aquarius. There’s a different feel in the air. Like Capricorn, Aquarius is also ruled by Saturn. Saturn brings structure, form and contraction to the table. Aquarius Moon speaks to concrete ideas, logical arguments delivered in an airy manner. Aquarius’ co-ruler Uranus brings spontaneity and innovation into the equation. Under Aquarius Moon there is a desire to speak our minds and to have the freedom to express our thoughts. This is a great time to make connections and network. On Saturday evening, Jupiter makes a conjunction with Uranus; this is the 2nd in a series of three. The first occurred on June 8th at the Cardinal degree of zero Aries. Since then both planets have retrograded back into Pisces so the second conjunction and the third in January of 2011 will occur in the sign of Pisces. Events and issues that surface at the first conjunction surface again at the second conjunction only to be finally resolved at the third conjunction. When two planets are in the sky together like this their energies combine and intensify. Jupiter is considered the greater benefic, it supposedly brings the good stuff. That stuff can be good or bad, depending on whom Jupiter is running with. For sure, Jupiter brings “lots of.” The general principles of Jupiter include belief systems, the search for life’s meaning, wisdom, growth, success and expansion. An exaggerated, afflicted Jupiter can bring the religious fanatic to the fore, a closed mind rather than an open one. Uranus symbolizes the urge humans have for freedom and individuality. Uranus carries surprise, sudden upheavals, and brilliant flashes of inspiration. Blending these two energies creates an anything goes atmosphere. The house in the horoscope where the conjunction falls is where the action is. Any aspects to natal planets from this conjunction bring further clarity to the issues at hand. On a more Mundane level, world events, the same anything goes attitude prevails. The political world is surely feeling the effects of these conjunctions and we have not heard the last from Mother Nature. We’ll feel the influence of this conjunction from several days before (Primary Elections) to several days after. Next week we have the Autumnal Equinox, when the Sun moves into Libra and shortly after the Full Moon along the Aries/Libra axis. These events kick off the zero Cardinal points that have been active on and off all year so expect the unexpected, be prepared to roll with the punches and above all, keep an open mind.

Another Changing Wild Week Suggest An Unsettling Primary Day

2010-09-12T11:38:00.000-04:00

This weekend began under the pleasant auspices of congenial Libra Moon only to shift early Saturday morning into the Scorpio mode. Scorpio Moon is known for raising our suspicions. While often this is perceived as a negative this is not necessarily so. Scorpio Moon enhances our sensitivity; we note actions and behaviors that were not so obvious under the more obliging Leo, Virgo, Libra Moons. Scorpio pulls no punches, has no time for small talk and goes directly to the crux of the matter. This is why things that have been brewing beneath the surface often boil over under Scorpio Moon. The weekend ends with the yahoo, yippee and hooray moment when Mercury stations (stops) and turns direct in motion. All of the loose ends or tangled, snarly threads of life can now be tied up or unsnarled and allow events to move forward. Mercury stations at 5 degrees, 21 minutes of Virgo. The house where 5 Virgo falls in your chart will tell the tale. The houses represent areas of life. Issues and principles associated with that area will begin to move, get active and progress after being held up by snags, snafus, misinformation or lost data. This direction change by Mercury sets the stage for another busy week. Moon enters Sagittarius on Monday, September 13, 2010 at 8:52 AM EDT after being void of course for an hour. Sagittarius Moon brings lots of enthusiasm and a positive attitude, somewhat of a relief after the intenseness of Scorpio. We head off to work with some reluctance because Sagittarius Moon evokes a desire for the unfamiliar, travel and pursuits of a philosophical bent. Getting down to business is not the favorite pastime of Sagittarius Moon. Shortly after midnight at 12:35 AM EDT on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, Pluto also changes direction moving again in direct motion. Pluto has been in retrograde motion since April. (think about what has been happening in your life since April and note what areas start to sizzle and pop) Now in direction motion this power house will stir up all things Plutonian. Pluto rules such pleasantness as death, taxes, debt along with the more positive attribute of transformation. The death that Pluto brings is not necessarily a physical death. It is often the death of an old mode of behavior that brings about a more positive result. In the evening, at 6:38 PM EDT, Mars moves into Scorpio. Mars is the action planet and where it is in the natal chart signifies obviously where the action is. Pluto and Mars co-rule the sign of Scorpio so those with a Scorpio Sun, Moon or Ascendant receive the pumped up energy of these two planets. Other planets in the natal horoscope in Scorpio will receive this energy boost as well. Tuesday is Primary Election day here in Rhode Island and the shifting planetary denotes shifting energy. With Pluto going direct and Mars entering Scorpio the campaign rhetoric may devolve into some pretty vicious attacks. It is a day of change. The opinion polls may prove to be wrong due to Mercury’s retrograde motion when they were taken. Now direct, the proof is in the ballot box. We are in a period of change and fluctuation and things may get rowdy before we’re through. More to come before the week is through. Stay tuned.

Labor Day and Beyond – Virgo New Moon – Venus – Jupiter Sign Changes

2010-09-05T11:43:00.002-04:00

The emotional level ratchets down a notch when Moon enters Leo Sunday morning, September 5, 2010 at 5:45 AM EDT. Fire sign Leo Moon brings out the drama queen/king in all of us, the emotional need is to be recognized for our unique selves. We need a little romance and affection along with that recognition. You couldn’t ask for a better Moon to celebrate the Labor Day Weekend than a Leo Moon, this Moon encourages plain old fun. So enjoy with no guilt. Moon goes void of course on Tuesday morning, September 7th at 4:17 AM EDT until 5:53 AM EDT making the shift into Virgo in time for the beginning of the work week. Party’s over. Virgo Moon sets the tone and is a perfect time to clear the clutter from your desk and get organized. Order and analysis are the needs of the day. Tasks that require attention to detail do well know. The New Moon occurs on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 6:30 AM EDT. At this New Moon we find Venus poised to transition into Scorpio (at 11:45 AM EDT) and retrograde Jupiter ready to slide back into Pisces. Venus and Jupiter are the money planets so expect a financial shift. Scorpio rules debt, Pisces oil, drugs, fraud and deceit (when you take the low road). Virgo Moon goes void of course Thursday, September 9th at 4:59 AM EDT. Moon enters Libra a few minutes later at 5:01 AM EDT. Libra Moon creates a pleasant atmosphere as harmony is the key word with this Moon. Social gatherings, partnerships of every ilk and tasks that require teamwork do well beneath this Moon. Later in the evening Mars makes an aspect of ease (Trine – 120 degrees) to Neptune. Mars and Neptune in combination can produce some confusion. Motives for action and true goals can be swathed in a murky cloud. Sit tight until Mercury goes direct on Sunday night, September 12th. This week the energy shifts. The feelings, atmosphere and motivations prevalent at the beginning of the week undergo a change, setting the tone for new thoughts, new needs and new actions. The New Moon is the time to plant the seed for what you want to manifest during this cycle. Some find a New Moon meditation or ritual helpful in clearing away the old and clarifying the needs, wants and vision for the future. Whatever your style, be sure to wait until after the New Moon, not one minute, not one second before. A Virgo New Moon speaks to organization, detail, health, and diet. Exercise programs, allergy relief and what part do the emotions play in your ability to clear the clutter and focus on the tasks at hand. The issues related to the house the New Moon falls in are the issues that are highlighted for the Lunar month. In the 10th house, career and public standing, in the 4th house domestic issues, 7th house brings relationships into play. An accurate birth chart will pinpoint for you where the action is. A consultation with an astrologer can alert you to difficult periods, opportune moments, and signal when it is best to punt, pass or pull an end run. This Lunation Cycle triggers the complex Cardinal transits that have dominated 2010 and will continue to dominate for some time. Issues and events in public and private lives will be activated. The next few weeks will shake things up. The use of astrology can help you weather the storms in your life. Forewarned is forearmed.

Last Quarter Moon - Incorporate, Assimilate and Meditate.

2010-08-30T10:03:00.000-04:00

Moon in Taurus keeps us grounded and cautious. We get emotional about our money, possessions and sense of security. Our “stuff” takes on greater importance. Venus ruled Taurus indicates a time to enjoy beautiful things of an earthly nature, sunrise, sunset and moonrise. Moon goes void of course on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 7:13 PM EDT and enters Gemini about an hour later at 8:19 PM EDT. Air sign Gemini moon lightens things up a bit; we are motivated by the intellect rather than the gut. It is easy to see both sides of the picture and because of this we often have difficulty making up our minds. There is a certain busyness, a talkativeness and restlessness about this moon. This moon is great for writers and communicators. The Last Quarter Moon occurs on Wednesday, September 1, 2010. Quarter moons are times of crisis and action. The waning phase is a time for introspection and assimilation. This current cycle began with the New Moon in Leo. The New Moon plants the seed, at the Full Moon that seed is in full blossom. Now as the moon wanes we incorporate what we have learned and prepare for the next phase to begin. Completion is the key word here. Finish what has been started rather than beginning something new. Wait until the New Moon on September 8, 2010 to initiate the new. The Gemini Moon goes void of course on Friday, September 3rd at 1:40 AM EDT until 2:50 AM EDT. At this time Moon slides into the welcoming arms of Cancer. This is where moon belongs, home base; the emotional nature of the moon flourishes here. We become a little more sensitive, tend to get weepy and sentimental and need to nurture or be nurtured. This is gut reaction time where the intellect takes a back seat. Beware of the over stocked Buffet line while moon travels through Cancer as food brings a great deal of comfort to the sensitive soul. On Friday, sun conjoins a retrograde Mercury, so be sure to dot the I’s and cross the T’s. On Saturday, Venus makes a lovely trine, an aspect of ease, to Neptune. This could be true love, soul mate time or bring the great deceiver into play. Be sure you are seeing things as they really are not how you want them to be. A concert, a visit to an art gallery or a meditation brings the positive qualities of this aspect to the fore. This is a great week to quietly adjust to any recent changes in your life and to prepare for the New Moon and upcoming planetary shifts in store for next week. Stay tuned.

An Interesting Week - Moon in Aquarius - Pisces

2010-08-22T11:06:00.000-04:00

Moon in Aquarius from Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 9:37 PM EDT until Tuesday the 24th at 10:11 AM EDT cultivates a friendly but impersonal atmosphere. We’re concerned about the welfare of others but tend to write a check rather than tote a pot of homemade soup to our neighbor. We flex our independence muscle and feel the need to come and go as we please. Pay attention to the spontaneous and serendipitous, it may be advantageous to go with that flow. On Monday the 23rd sun moves into Virgo. The sun is the source of all energy and the annual solar rhythm affects our energy levels. You may notice at certain times of the year you have more energy than at others. This is due to the transiting sun’s relationship to your natal sun. The sun also acts as a trigger setting off the long term transits of the outer planets. If these long term transits are in range of your natal planets, the sun will turn on the ignition precipitating an event or action. While sun travels through Virgo the spotlight is on health issues, the military, jobs and unemployment. Mercury, ruler of Virgo, remains in retrograde motion until September 12th. Transiting Mercury directs our focus and attention. In retrograde motion, in Virgo, critical analysis and review is your best bet. Tuesday morning, moon enters Pisces and the Full Moon culminates that afternoon. Under Pisces moon we’re dreamy, a bit unfocused and impressionable. The music moves us, the painting speaks to us and the author has us talking to ourselves. It is important to stay with and be with the positive now as we are easily influenced by the energies around us. On Thursday, August 26th the sun trines Pluto, a trine is an aspect of ease. Although considered to be beneficial, a trine between two people can make it easy for an abuser to abuse. In this instance, the sun’s beams kicks off the long term aspects between Pluto, Saturn, Uranus and Jupiter. On a personal level the natal houses and planets involved in this configuration will tell the tale. It will be an interesting week. With Mercury retrograde try to remain flexible as plans may change, hit a snag or the information received is incorrect. Notice your energy level as the sun changes signs and pay attention to your mood as the moon slips from Aquarius to Pisces. You will begin to see how the knowledge of when and where the planetary shifts take place can be a valuable tool when planning your course of action.

Saturn Square Pluto – What Does It Mean to You?

2010-08-21T09:28:00.002-04:00

Early Saturday morning, August 21, 2010 Saturn, in Libra, makes the final square aspect to Pluto, in Capricorn. This series of three square aspects began in November 2009. A square is not a friendly aspect. The two planets are poking and prodding one another, often trying to push in a direction that is not comfortable. Squares do make things happen. Saturn usually indicates a contraction of sorts. If Saturn is moving through your house of money expect less cash and be prepared to tighten the budget. Saturn through the house of relationships brings a testing of your relationships. Pluto purges and transforms. Through your house of money you’ll go from one extreme to another, from floating in dough to abject poverty and back again. In your relationship house, Pluto reveals the psychological dynamics of the relationships along with issues of power and control. These two are not nice guys. You are not going to sit down, have a beer and watch the game with Saturn and Pluto. You are going to work hard, dig deep into your core self and pull yourself out of whatever hole you’ve got yourself into by grit, guts and sand. The houses in the horoscope they are transiting are the areas of life that have been and are facing challenge. If Saturn is transiting your 7th house of relationship, Pluto is in your 10th house of career, public image and destiny. In this instance, relationships with your significant other, your boss and authority figures are under pressure. If Saturn is transiting your 10th house, Pluto is in your 1st. The 1st is your physical appearance, how you relate to others and your approach to the world. Pluto transiting here points to a deep transformational experience, with Saturn in the 10th there is a restriction or some block to your progress. An accurate timed birth chart can tell you what houses the planets are transiting at a given time. A Venus transit through the 1st house is very different from a Saturn transit. A look at the upcoming transits prepares you for the tough times, the fun times and most importantly, the right times.

Moon in Sagittarius – Capricorn and a TGIF You Won’t Forget

2010-08-17T07:22:00.002-04:00

Things lighten up a little when moon moves into Sagittarius early Tuesday morning, August 17, 2010 at 1:34 AM EDT providing some relief from the intense Scorpio energy experienced over the last few days. Sagittarius moon brings the influence of Jupiter to the fore, ruler of Sagittarius. A warm, friendly attitude prevails. We see the big picture and may get a little restless as we need independence and freedom of movement. Interest in the spiritual peaks and we are curious about other’s viewpoints and philosophies. By Thursday, August 19, 2010 we will have had enough of this exuberant Sagittarius moon and will be ready for the shift into the Capricorn mode when moon steps into Saturn’s domain at 10:17 AM EDT. We get down to business under Capricorn moon being concerned with the material aspects of life and with a need for security. This need sparks our ambitions and prods us to “get ahead”. We sometimes become insensitive to the feelings of others as we work our way up the ladder. This is a good time to organize and work on the tasks at hand. Friday, August 20, 2010 the annual opposition between the sun and Neptune takes place. The energy of Neptune can be murky and difficult to pin down. The sun shining bright beams on this mysterious planet may reveal some secrets and expose deceit. There is much going on behind the scenes and the revelations may come as a shock. Before the day is through, Venus and Mars will get up close and personal and Mercury will begin its retrograde motion. On Saturday, the last of the Saturn/Pluto squares takes place and they both are in aspect to Jupiter and Uranus. This is the famous cardinal t-square that is stressing the horoscope of the United States, July 4, 1776, as well as the horoscope of the Federal Reserve. In the US chart, the money planets Jupiter and Venus are getting whacked and the t-square is dead on the Pluto/sun opposition in the chart of the Fed. The Mercury station retrograde point at 19 Virgo sits on the Mars of the New York Stock Exchange. On the world stage it is all about money and power. Those that have it don’t want to let it go. People are clamoring for change and are not getting it. On a personal level, you love him/her, you hate him/her, you can/can’t live without etc. etc. The job sucks, I need the job, I can’t get a job, I quit this job. All kinds of fun and games are going on and trying to figure out where you stand, where you want to go and what you want to be and who you want to be with is a full time job in and of itself. The retrograde Mercury period from August 20th to September 12th is an opportune time to reflect, review and meditate. This too shall pass.

Fun and Games All Around - First Quarter Moon and Jupiter opposite Saturn

2010-08-14T11:37:00.001-04:00

Today, Saturday, August 14, 2010 moon goes void of course in Libra at 4:06 PM EDT until entering Scorpio at 8:26 PM EDT. Void of course periods are good times to kick back, avoid taking decisive action and to recognize that our judgments may not be up to par. There are unknown factors at work. Of course life goes on so don’t tie yourself up in knots if you do have to take some kind of action. The weekend shifts into the Scorpionic mode which kicks the pleasant sociability of Libra to the curb. Things get intense while moon travels through Scorpio. People get jealous and suspicious. “Just because you’re paranoid, doesn’t mean they are not out to get you.” That is the Scorpio Moon rallying cry. The best thing you can do when things get intense is to remember to breathe. The breathe calms and centers. You’ll need it. The First Quarter Moon occurs on Monday, August 16, 2010 at 2:14 PM EDT and the second in a series of three oppositions between Jupiter and Saturn follows at 4:45 PM EDT. Saturn and Jupiter have a 20 year cycle from conjunction, (together in the sky) to opposition to conjunction again. (The moon does this in about 28 days). This First Quarter Moon occurs in the middle of the rare Cardinal T-Square that has accompanied all the financial, political and environmental crap we have been dealing with. The moon in fixed, intense Scorpio is 90 degrees (square) from the sun in fixed, fiery Leo. The lights, sun and moon, pull nebulous Neptune into the picture; Neptune has been laying low for awhile, but that does not mean he hasn’t been up to some mischief. It just means we don’t know what it is. The Quarter Moons are times of action; they create the energy that moves things, people and situations along. With the slower moving planets involved; this is about big societal changes. We all know something is going on, we can’t put our finger on it, nor can we articulate it yet. We are not seeing the big picture or getting the true story. I am still waiting for the other shoe to drop.

So You Survived the Weekend, Well, It Ain't Over Yet!

2010-08-11T10:47:00.001-04:00

Well it looks like we survived the weekend with all of the unsettling aspects that went on but I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. The symbolism of these slow moving planets, when in rare configurations as they are now, sometimes take months, even years for the true meaning to unfold. Sometimes it hits you right away, like being hit over the head with a baseball bat, sometimes the realization comes in retrospect, “so that’s what that was!” We may not know or reach the realization of what has gone on until the Full Moon of September 23rd or when Mars enters Capricorn in December (the 7th), or around the Lunar Eclipse at the Winter Solstice; all of which spark the early degrees of the Cardinal signs where the slow moving planets are currently transiting. Today, the moon in Virgo goes void of course at 8:04 PM EDT and is void until tomorrow evening, Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 6:42 PM EDT when Old Luna enters Libra. Now there is a lot of Libra energy around now with Venus, at home, in Libra and Saturn, very comfortable, exalted as the astrologer’s say, on Venus’ home turf. Mars is here also, not so comfortable; in “detriment”, opposite the sign he rules. It is like this, Mars is strolling through the drawing room in his combat boots mucking up the carpet. He is not comfortable in these posh, beautiful Libran surroundings. He has no idea what he is doing here. His energy is more suited to the great outdoors, the sports arena or the battlefield. High tea and crumpets ain’t his thing. Venus here wants to make nice-nice, Saturn wants to negotiate a truce and Mars, well, Mars’ job is to take action, make war, or be a pioneer. That drive is stunted in Libra. Now all this Libra action has been receiving input from Jupiter and Uranus, in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn, all in Cardinal signs and in early degrees of those signs. Moon is going to jump into Libra and by Friday morning will have bounced off all of these planets activating all of these complex configurations. Generally moon in Libra encourages sociability and friendliness. There’s a sense of fairness and balance in the air. It is a good time to reach out, settle differences and smooth ruffled feathers. Late Friday evening, Uranus slips back into Pisces. The sudden, unexpected and unusual meets the guru, the oil slick and/or the drug pusher. Libra moon, all sweetness and light may not be able to cover up the darkness that may be revealed. Life goes on so enjoy, go to a party, an art gallery or take in a movie. There ain’t much you can do about it anyway.

Moon in Cancer sets up a Wild Weekend

2010-08-06T14:15:00.004-04:00

Moon enters Cancer Friday, August 06, 2010 at 5:50 PM EDT and before the night is through touches base with all the big boys involved in the great, rare cardinal t-square currently in the sky. The big boys, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto are slow movers and have been in orb of one another for some time. The moon often acts as a trigger setting off the prevalent energies. Moon in Cancer operates at full bore. The emotions, the instinct and the needs of people belong to this moon; here those energies are strong and easily manifested. Venus shifts gears and enters her home sign of Libra before midnight. Over the weekend Venus first opposes Uranus (Saturday morning) then conjuncts Saturn (Sunday afternoon). Venus is all about love, money, the arts, and relationships of all kinds, think of these attributes combined with, first, Mr. Anything Goes, (and the more surprising the better), Uranus. Then, blending with uptight, traditional, prim and proper Saturn, I would guess a wild Saturday night ends up with a wicked hangover Sunday morning. All of this with Moon in Cancer, ruler of our emotions, has us acting and reacting through our gut, logic is thrown by the wayside. Moon goes void of course Saturday afternoon, August 7, 2010 at 2:46 PM EDT and is void for the rest of the day until Sunday evening, August 8, 2010 at 7:23 PM EDT. Void of course moon is great for meditation and quiet contemplation. It is not a good time to make a decision. With Venus bouncing between Uranus and Saturn all weekend you may want to put the brakes on when it comes to commitment or even a one night stand and definitely keep your money safe, try to avoid impulse buying. Moon moves into Leo Sunday night and Venus, under this Leo for lover's moon, butting heads with Jupiter and Pluto Monday and Tuesday, insures that the rock and roll roller coaster is not over yet. We may have to wait until Moon moves into Virgo, Tuesday night, August 10, 2010 at 7:01 PM EDT to sort things out. Sorting out is what Virgo moon does and we will be reviewing and nit-picking every move, every word and every gesture, he, she or it made over the weekend. People will be calling their astrologer, doctor, lawyer, therapist or Tarot card reader to get a clearer picture. What happened?

Happy Birthday Barack Obama

2010-08-03T13:43:00.002-04:00

I took a look at Barack Obama’s Solar Return chart for this upcoming birthday. The Solar Return chart is a forecasting tool astrologers use to predict what the upcoming year is going to be like for the individual or entity involved. Obama’s Solar Return has a Lunar Return this year as well. Both the Sun and the moon have returned to the place in the sky where they were when he was born. This is a somewhat rare occurrence. Moon represents, among other things, what you need. Obama’s moon is in Gemini, he needs to talk and he does it very well. Both his Natal moon and Solar Return moon are in the 3rd house of the Solar Return chart which further enhances the need to talk. This will be a yak, yak, yak year for him. The asteroid Juno figures prominently this year as well. Juno is the Goddess of marriage, the melding of the masculine and feminine and, the committed relationship. One of her major concerns is the equality of the sexes. In the Natal chart of Obama Juno is at 0 Aries and is getting a direct hit by Uranus and Jupiter. The symbolism is so apt, women and the law. Thus far he has nominated two women to the Supreme Court. His wife is an Aries type of woman independent, athletic and a trailblazer in her own right. Obama is and will continue to be a strong advocate for women’s rights. The sun in the Solar Return chart is in the 6th house, as is his natal sun. Issues of health care and the armed forces will be topics of discussion. The Uranus/Jupiter conjunction and the Great Cardinal Crescendo figure prominently in his Solar Return Chart, as it will/does in all the Leos this year. In Obama’s case the 1st (I) and 7th (you) houses figure prominently. He’s got Venus, Mars and Saturn in the 7th and Jupiter and Uranus in the 1st. Venus will be the diplomat, Mars brings the heated discussion, Saturn helps to hammer out the differences. The agreements will be literally hammered out. The 1st house represents Obama himself, his physical body, his persona and how people see him. With Uranus there he is still seen has the revolutionary First Black President. Jupiter gives him great confidence but also may have him biting off more than he can chew. Pluto in the 10th house of the Solar Return chart insures that the public will have no doubts as to who is in charge and in power. He is through playing games with the opposition and will not be looking for consensus. For all his talking he will still have a problem getting his message across. The inauguration chart for his presidency has a retrograde Mercury, very prominent thus very important. Most often he is misunderstood or opens his mouth inserting foot and has to go back and fix it. Think Gates, Sherrod etc. This will not be an easy year for him and probably not an easy year for the rest of us. So, Happy Birthday Barack Obama.

Feel Like You Are Riding a Roller Coaster? You Are.

2010-07-24T09:32:00.000-04:00

Right now we are hip deep into the most volatile period of the year. I have written about the converging cycles of the outer planets that reach their crescendo during the summer months of 2010. So here we are in the thick of it. Jupiter squares (90 degree angle) Pluto today, July 24, 2010 at 9:51 PM EDT. Saturn will make the 5th and last opposition to Uranus on Monday, July 26, 2010. The first of this series occurred on Election Day in 2008, and the election mirrored the symbolism of these two in opposition, old/young, tradition/innovation, and the conventional as opposed to the revolutionary. Obama not only changed the game because he was the first black President but also in the way he raised massive amount of money through small donations. Prior to this, that kind of money was only raised through rich, powerful people and entities. By the end of the week, Mars will move into Libra and will first oppose youthful revolutionary Uranus on Friday and on Saturday he will join hands with conservative Saturn. The first week of August, Jupiter will once again square off with Pluto. Mars will join the party, with an opposition to Jupiter and a square to Pluto. What Mars brings to the table is military action, a bit of strife, and a willingness to dispute or fight. If your birthday falls during this period, these energies will be present in your Solar Return, the Solar Return chart is a strong indicator of the types of issues, events and action you will be dealing with for the upcoming year. These major aspects occur and affect the early degrees of the cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn as well. So if your birthday falls between the 19th and 27th of March, June, September and December you can expect the Rock and Roll that your life has become to continue for awhile. These are life changing times for you. At times the outside events bring great change to your life but often there is an inner change that occurs that can be or bring about an enormous change. For all of us we can expect weather related events, fluctuation in the stock market and financial world, a few natural or manmade disasters, a diplomatic or international crisis or two to add to the fear and terror many feel when the world around them is changing. During these troubling times a little meditation goes a long way. Find your still center, this is the calm in the center of the storm, this is your true north. Listen, breathe, this too shall pass.

Solar Eclipse, Sunday, July 11, 2010

2010-07-09T14:12:00.001-04:00

This week brings the New Moon of July 11, 2010, a total Solar Eclipse visible across the Pacific and lower South America. The New Moon energy is felt for the entire lunar month. With a Solar Eclipse the impact is felt for a longer period. If the Solar Eclipse is up close and personal with a planet or personal point in your chart you can expect a year of change. The planet/s touched by the eclipse and the house it falls in give you an idea where the action will take place. A tenth house eclipse might signal a career change, a new boss or a shift in your life’s direction. An eclipse conjunct a personal planet like moon (emotions, Mom), Mercury (communication, siblings), Venus (love, money, relationships) or Mars (energy, action) will shake up the issues associated with that planet. This eclipse, sun and moon are in a close aspect with the planet Mars situated 60 degrees away in the sign of Virgo. This type of aspect brings opportunity through connections or networking. The eclipse itself is in Cancer, the sign of home and family. Here in the United States, the chart set for Washington, DC, the eclipse falls in the 9th house of international relationships. International affairs, diplomacy, courts and religion take center stage. We are within the time band of the stressful configuration between the outer planets, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto. Around the Full Moon, Saturn and Uranus make their 5th and final opposition in the series that began on Election Day in 2008. This Solar Eclipse serves to stir up the conflicts, issues and personalities that frame the present day. Worthy and unworthy individuals will rise and fall. Political change is a given. Treaty violations, border disputes create international incidents requiring delicate diplomacy. Women play an important role in these affairs. Wall Street will try to wiggle out of any regulation. The end of July will see more scandals involving important people involving finances, the environment or the low down cheating spouse; or all of the above. A natural eruption, flood or major storm stretches an already stretched budget. As much as we try to ignore and insulate ourselves from the discord around us it becomes nearly impossible. Remember to breathe.

This Week July 5, 2010 - Change is in the Air

2010-07-03T17:08:00.000-04:00

This week will be a week of change and a shift in trends, path and focus. Monday, July 5th Uranus changes direction going from direct to retrograde. When a planet appears to slow down and stop before it changes direction the energies of that planet are enhanced and qualities associated with that planet come to the fore. Of course, it really does not go backwards, it appears so from our vantage point here on earth. Where transiting Uranus falls in your chart is the area that gets the vibe from the changing direction. The only thing we can say for sure about Uranus transits is: expect the unexpected. Uranus brings change and something new into your life. This can be good or not so good, depending on how resistant you are to change. We are creatures of habit and the good or bad of a Uranus transit depends on whether your life is one of the rigid, stuck in a rut variety. Often we remain at a job we hate or in a marriage that makes us miserable because we cling to the familiar and fear the unknown. When Uranus comes along, be ready for change. You can make it easy on yourself by being open to that change. If you don’t change on your own initiative, outside events will force that change upon you. Hate the job? Along comes Uranus and the plant shuts down. Unhappy marriage, out of the blue comes the unfaithful spouse. Uranus is a game changer and rule breaker. When Uranus gets up close and personal with one of your planets or transits sensitive points in your chart, brace yourself. Moving on to Venus, the Goddess of Love and Money, who makes one final aspect to that old deceiver, Neptune before she exits center stage Leo and moves into the more shy, sedate Virgo. Venus brings things/people/events to you as it is a Yin planet. A keyword for Venus is attract, which is why it rules love because we must be “attracted” to someone before we can begin the game of love. Venus transits are usually nice, so nice that we often don’t notice them. Venus brings the creative impulse, as well as a bit of lazy, self indulgence. A Venus transit through your first house will bring invitations, people, and cultural events into your life. Another mover and shaker this week is the planet Mercury as it makes interesting aspects this week before changing signs as well. First a friendly chat with sober Saturn before leaving Cancer, then a grand entrance into Leo on Friday; where by the end of that day, a fiery connection with Uranus hints at an upset to the norm or some shocking news. Mercury rules our everyday routine. The people, places and things that we do so routinely that we barely notice them. We often fail to see how important these day to day exchanges are until they are not there. How we depend on that barista who makes our coffee just so. When Mercury transits a particular area of the horoscope, that is where you find the mental focus, communications with and discussions about. What we want, how and who we talk to, will shift as the week progresses up to Sunday’s, (July 11, 2010) New Moon Solar Eclipse. The Fourth of July celebrations on Monday, July 5th will have the flavor of the Uranus direction change and will start the week off with a bang, literally and figuratively. Make a mental note when Mercury changes signs on Friday and Venus on Saturday. Who do you want to talk with, who do you want to be with and what do you want to do? And where is Uranus nudging you into change?

Karl Rove, Lunar Eclipse, Solar Eclipse and Pluto

2010-06-22T11:44:00.006-04:00

Karl Rove was George W. Bush’s Senior advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff but his connection to the Bush family goes back to 1973 when Bush Sr., then chairman of the RNC, chose him to be the chairman of the College Republicans after a contentious and controversial convention where the College Republicans had 2 votes and 2 winners. At that time transiting Saturn opposed his natal sun and transiting Pluto was on his natal Saturn. These two planets were in their waning square phase, as they are now. Saturn is about society’s structure, organization and authority figures. Pluto’s nature brings issues of power and control, most often beneath the surface or behind the scenes. When playing on the world stage Pluto manipulates on a mass scale through propaganda and psychological warfare. This relationship between Rove and Bush, father and son, is a Plutonian one. In the May 27, 2010 issue of Rolling Stone there was an article entitled “Rove Rides Again” about Karl Rove’s involvement with various conservative 527 organizations. 527’s are tax exempt organizations that avoid regulations by the Federal Election Commission. In essence, Rove is capturing all the big money donors that normally contribute to the Republican National Committee. This is a Plutonian end run around the official front of the Republican Party. They are amassing huge funds because Barack Obama, through his collection of hundreds of millions in small donations, has changed the game. This group loves all the hoopla around the Tea Party, Sarah Palin and the like because it allows them to work quietly behind the scenes, Pluto again. What sparks may astrological interest is that this week’s Full Moon Lunar Eclipse falling at 4 degrees of Capricorn, has the moon and Pluto joined at the hip, as they oppose the sun at 4 degrees of Cancer. They sit right on Karl Rove’s natal sun at 3 degrees of Capricorn. In July, the New Moon of the 11th is a Solar Eclipse with sun and moon at 19 Cancer opposing his Mercury and Venus. His moon in Cancer, with no exact time I cannot tell where, may configure in as well. With Pluto so strong in the picture here my guess is that Karl Rove is making a major move now. Pluto on the sun is a powerful, transformative transit. Pluto sucks you in, leads you down the garden path and fills you with hubris. It is very important with Pluto transits to maintain a high spiritual purpose otherwise Pluto will bring you down. Expect news and events concerning Rove, fundraising tactics and techniques to surface now. With Uranus and Jupiter in the picture the “big news” will be big on the shock factor. This summer promises to be one that we will all remember. And keep your eye on Karl Rove.

Summer Solstice, Full Moon, Lunar Eclipse

2010-06-21T00:09:00.002-04:00

The Summer Solstice, the moment when the season changes from spring to summer, takes place on Monday, June 21, 2010 at 7:30 AM EDT. The Ingress Chart, the chart cast for the moment the Sun enters Cancer, is a useful tool to forecast what the season will bring. This Summer Solstice chart reflects the current turmoil in the world and promises more to come. The Sun in these Mundane Charts represents heads of state, CEO’s, leaders and any person who is in charge. Where the Sun is situated and aspects from the other planets point to the types of activities our leaders will be up to. Here in the US, with the Ingress Chart set for Washington, DC the Sun falls in the 12th house of secrets and behind the scenes manipulation and machinations. The Sun is under a lot of pressure receiving stressful aspects from the heavy hitters of the Zodiac, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto. President Barack Obama, a Leo, will put a good face on it all but he faces battles on many fronts, Wall Street, bankers, Congress, Courts as well as an international crisis or two to keep him on his toes. The season should get off to a rousing start as the Sun quickly squares off with Uranus, Mr. Surprise, and then Jupiter, Mr. Abundance. At the end of the week, the Full Moon Eclipse on June 26th sits with Pluto. This is not a happy little aspect. Pluto brings major upheaval. With Uranus and Jupiter in the mix, it is anything goes, from natural disasters, like earthquakes, volcanoes, storms and fires to manmade disasters like we are seeing in the Gulf of Mexico. It is going to be a roller coaster ride so hang on to your hat. I expect something really bizarre, seemingly from out of nowhere that will shock and dismay many people. Some of that shock comes from the actions of heads of state. Expect the unexpected. Meditate and take the higher path always. The highly spiritual individuals withstand these tumultuous periods easier than those who cling to social status and material things. Remember, this too shall pass.

David Cicilline a Rhode Island Kinda Guy

2010-06-08T10:02:00.001-04:00

Yesterday David Cicilline formally kicked off his campaign for Congress. David Cicilline has a brother who is a convicted felon, a father who is a mob lawyer and he is gay. He’s a Rhode Island kinda guy, you know what I mean? Cicilline’s a Cancer with, I am fairly certain, a Leo Moon. Cancer’s love to nurture and be nurtured, they are sensitive and at times moody. His Leo Moon loves the spotlight. With Mercury in Cancer he speaks what he feels. David also has a wide, out of sign conjunction between Saturn and Jupiter. Saturn is strong in Capricorn. Saturn rules the father in a natal chart. His father is strong and powerful making a deep impression upon him but the relationship was not without problems. At the same time the relationship brought great benefits. A familiar conundrum many of us face. We have known for months that David Cicilline is running for Congress but the formal kick off is an important event and the chart for that time offers clues to how the campaign will go. Yesterday transiting Venus was sitting on top of David’s Sun. Venus is considered the “lesser benefic” bringing good fortune wherever she goes. Venus attracts. Venus is an important planet in David Cicilline’s natal chart. He leads with that Venus. Transiting Mars had just shifted gears moving from Leo to Virgo bringing a lot of energy to his Leo and Virgo planets. He is going to attract a lot of money, make important connections and put on a “really big show”. On Primary day transiting Mercury (the vote, the polls,) hugs his natal Pluto (power, control, masses of people) and transiting Pluto opposes his natal Mercury. He has a lot of action going on between his natal planetary positions and the current planetary positions, as all the candidates usually do and like Patrick Lynch, who is running for Governor, he has made his candidacy formal under the very powerful conjunction between Jupiter and Uranus. The planetary lineup on Primary Day indicates to me that that is where the action is. It is going to be an interesting day and not without a number of surprises. Cicilline is running with that energy. His opponents are Bill Lynch and David Segal with Anthony Gemma expected to join the race. This campaign season promises upsets, surprise and unexpected events. Stay tuned and keep your eye peeled for the proverbial monkey wrench.

Patrick Lynch's Run for Governor

2010-06-07T09:47:00.001-04:00

Saturday, June 5, 2010 Attorney General, Patrick Lynch formally launched his bid for Governor of Rhode Island. He faces a Primary election on September 14, 2010 against Frank Caprio. Patrick Lynch is an Aquarian with a Pisces Moon. Without a time of birth it is impossible to pinpoint the exact degree of that Moon, but a noon time chart places it at 19 degrees Pisces. This tells me that given the speed of the Moon that the Moon was in Pisces at the beginning of the day as well as at the end of the day. So Pisces Moon it is. Now an Aquarian Sun is intellectual, original, independent, and usually a humanitarian and reformer. Aquarians depend upon the rational; they look to topple the old in order to bring about the new. Pisces Moon, pardon the pun, is another kettle of fish. Pisces Moon is gentle, intuitive, dreamy and sensitive. There is a tendency to be self sacrificing, sympathetic and empathetic. Often these individuals have trouble defining their space, their sense of “I am” as they seem to meld and merge with those around them. The Sun is what we are conscious of; it is the heart of the person and all other planets and points are filtered through that Sun. The Moon is our unconscious, our emotions, and signifies what we need. Patrick Lynch needs to talk to God, to escape from the harsh realities of this world. Some with strong Pisces in their chart do this by bellying up to the bar; others sink to their knees before their favorite altar. Most are somewhere in the middle. With Patrick Lynch this Aquarius/Pisces combination brings a strong desire to serve, help and assist. The Aquarius Sun does this intellectually, while the Pisces Moon does it through the gut, it “feels” like the right thing to do. On the day that his formal announcement took place; the waning Moon was in Pisces, a Lunar Return for Patrick Lynch. Waning Moon is not good for starting something you want to grow, but transiting Moon on his Natal Moon pumps him up for action. Emotionally he’s in sync with the prevalent energy. What intrigues me most about the planetary positions on that day is that between the transiting planets, (where the planets are in the sky at a given moment) and his natal planets a combination was created that astrologer’s call a YOD, or as it is sometimes called, “the finger of God”. People born with this aspect are generally unique and kind of special, like Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. (To be clear, Patrick was not born with this aspect, he’s no Da Vinci) This set up between the transiting planets and Patrick Lynch’s natal planets says a lot about what kind of campaign he will run. The planets involved speak to the type of energy expended. On this day of formal announcement Patrick Lynch’s natal Venus at 29 Capricorn was sextile (60 degrees) to transiting Jupiter at 29 Pisces (where Jupiter was in the sky that day). Venus was also Inconjunct (150 degrees) from transiting Mars at 29 Leo. A sextile is nice and easy, creating flowing connections while an Inconjunct is an aspect of agitation and adjustment. Mars is the apex of this configuration. This is a competition, a fight and Mars wants to win. Also, transiting Saturn was conjunct (right on top of) Patrick Lynch’s natal Mars. What this means in plain old English is: Saturn on his Mars tells me that Patrick is going to have to work hard and his victories will come in increments. Any advances will be hard fought and hard won but they will be advances that are worth the fight. Mars at the apex of the YOD also indicates a great deal of energy expended and with Jupiter in that configuration, think abundance of energy. Venus, the natal planet involved in this configuration signifies what Patrick wants. Moon is what you need, Venus is what you want. Venus in Capricorn is all dressed up in her business suit and wants to be the executive, the head of state, chief of staff. All this energy is focused on that Venus. On Primary Day, Jupiter, through retrograde motion, comes back to that Venus. This can be good but Jupiter; running with Uranus on that day tells me that there is going to be a certain element of surprise. With Uranus, if you can think of it now, that isn’t it. I mean surprise, straight out of left field, the cosmos, the bolt from the blue. For sure, Primary Day will start out one way and end up in a totally different place.

Volatile Times with Jupiter and Uranus

2010-06-06T08:26:00.001-04:00

The key word these days is volatile. Back in January when I wrote about the upcoming year I had said to pay attention to the period between April and August and that actually we would not be able to ignore it. Well we have had a few natural disasters, earthquakes, volcanoes and floods as well as the huge manmade disaster that is currently going on in the Gulf of Mexico. It is painful to watch. As painful as watching the stock market dive again. The roller coaster ride is not over. At the Full Moon of the 27th Uranus moved into Aries. This is a major shift in energy, from dreamy, foggy, meditative Pisces to the action oriented sign of Aries. Aries wants to move, to be first and is eager to initiate. Uranus rules the innovative, the shocking and unexpected. So expect the unexpected. On Sunday, the 30th, Saturn went from retrograde to direct. On Monday, Neptune went from direct to retrograde. When planets change direction the energy of those planets is strong and concentrated. Saturn is all about structure, form and the concrete facts of this world. Neptune melts and dissolves all of that Saturn stuff. Neptune is hopeful and optimistic, Saturn is melancholic and reality based. On Sunday the 6th Jupiter will move into Aries and on Monday, Mars will enter Virgo. Mars in Virgo likes to get down to work and find solutions. Tuesday brings the exact conjunction between Jupiter and Uranus in Aries. Prepare for the fireworks. Mercury connects with all the major players this week, making quick connections, transferring information or bringing the news then quickly moves on. Tuesday with Saturn, Wednesday with Neptune, two very different conversations. Thursday, Mercury moves into home territory, Gemini and the pace picks up and the news and events are hard to keep up with especially when Mercury hooks up with Jupiter than Uranus on that same day. Friday Mercury squares off with Mars in Virgo. Mercury rules Virgo as well Gemini so little Mercury carries some weight here tying up some loose ends and delivering the goods to Mars so he can take action. Events will happen fast on the world stage as well as in individual lives. When planets change direction and sign then hook up with one another in rapid succession the energy moves and shifts. Some things slow down and others pick up. Where these planets fall in an individual’s horoscope tells the tale of who, what and where. This upcoming week is the dark of Moon time, when the Moon is dwindling down until it is no longer visible in the night sky. This is the time to assimilate what has gone on for the past lunation period and to plant the seeds for the new cycle which will begin with the New Moon on Saturday June 12th. Waning Moon is a great time to meditate and look inward. With all the disruptive action going on this is not a bad idea. Keep your focus, your feet on the ground, and don’t let outside events knock you off your true path in life.

I'm Back!!

2010-06-05T06:06:00.000-04:00

After two weeks in Italy I am home again. I am now recovering from the climb into the dome at Saint Peter's Basillica. My legs feel it today.

The North Providence Three – Larry, Moe and Curly - and the Saturn/Uranus Five

2010-05-08T11:01:00.001-04:00

The scandal that has rocked North Providence involves three Town Council members, Joseph Burchfield, John Zambarano and Raymond Douglass III, who are accused of accepting bribes to vote in favor of construction of a super market. While I don’t have birth data (if you have it, please send it) for the accused their ages were given in newspaper reports as well as a timeline of events. The oldest of the three, Zambarano is 47 while the younger two, Burchfield and Douglas are 42. All were born in the turbulent 60’s during the rare conjunction of Pluto and Uranus in the sign of Virgo. The time line given for the events leading up to their arrest coincides with the first 4 oppositions between Saturn and Uranus that are triggering the degrees of the Uranus/Pluto conjunctions of the 60’s. What this means is that where Saturn and Uranus are in the sky today is touching where Pluto and Uranus were when these guys were born. It is called a transit and transits from the slower moving planets usually produce some life changing events. The first, in this series of five oppositions between Saturn and Uranus occurred on Election Day, November 12, 2008. On this day at a National League of Cities conference in Orlando, Fla., a North Providence official overhears a conversation about a bribe connected to the supermarket deal. The second opposition occurred on February 5, 2009. In late January, 2009 the FBI tapes an incriminating phone conversation. On February 9th in a taped phone call Zambarano promises a pay off and a part in future deals to “confidential source #1”. On February 10th the Town Council votes to approve a zoning change for the supermarket deal. After this Council meeting the FBI tails Zambarano as he meets with the developer’s lawyer presumably to collect the cash. Later he meets with his cohorts and the following day delivers 4K to the confidential source. The third opposition occurs on September 15, 2009. On October 14, 2009 the FBI records a conversation between Zambarano, Burchfield as they assure the confidential source they will include him in future extortions. The fourth opposition occurred on April 26, 2010 and it all hits the fan. The final opposition will happen on July 26, 2010 when we will probably see them in court. On that fateful February night when the deal went down transiting Neptune was at 23 degrees of Aquarius. Neptune, while at times very spiritual, can be about fraud and deceit. I will wager that Zambarano, who ran around collecting and distributing the cash, has natal Saturn at 23 Aquarius and that the 5 oppositions between Saturn and Uranus squarely hits the natal positions of Uranus and Pluto of all three. Pluto is all about power, control, and secrets. Uranus is about the sudden and unexpected and Saturn is about pay back. This sad tale is not over yet. Stay tuned and pay attention around the date of the final opposition, July 26th.

Rielle Hunter on Oprah

2010-05-01T08:19:00.000-04:00

Just when you thought it was all over and you did not have to hear anymore about the sordid mess of Rielle Hunter and John Edwards, up pops Ms. Hunter spilling her guts to Oprah. She talked about the spirituality of it all and how her first words to him we’re “you’re hot” in the same breath. She’s about as spiritual as a trader from Goldman Sachs. I’m not surprised that these two are in the news again. The 4th Saturn/Uranus opposition, (of 5) occurred on Monday night, April 26, 2010. The dance of these two planets moved into opposition range right around the time the story first broke in the National Enquirer. (Which says a lot about the state of journalism these days, but that is another story). This week transiting Uranus and Jupiter are straddling John Edwards’ Midheaven. The Midheaven is the highest point in the chart and is the most public. It indicates career and destiny path. Uranus is all about the shock factor, the unexpected and unusual. Jupiter is considered a benefic, a good guy. Jupiter brings abundance and whether it is good or bad depends on who he’s hanging with. Opposing this group is Saturn in Edwards’ 4th house. Saturn speaks to responsibility, contraction, and structure. Saturn brings the chickens home to roost. Home is not a happy place these days for John Edwards. The mess with Rielle is only part of it. Elizabeth Edwards’ illness weighs heavily upon him. May 10th is a date to watch for Edwards to be in the public eye again. The next opposition between Saturn and Uranus occurs on July 26, 2010 along the Aries/Libra axis at 0 degrees, 25 minutes. Prior to this, Uranus and Jupiter will hit Rielle Hunter’s Sun at 0 Aries followed by and opposition from Saturn just before the final and last Saturn/Uranus opposition. For Rielle this is the proverbial whack upside the head. The first week of June Ms. Hunter should be riding high. She should enjoy it while she can for in mid to late July the hammer falls when Saturn comes to call. Saturn has a way of revealing the truth in the harshest terms. Be ready for it, because you know you will not be able to avoid it.

Saturn and Uranus can't wait for Pluto to Join the Party

2010-04-25T07:29:00.001-04:00

The fourth opposition, in a series of five, between Saturn and Uranus takes place this week on Monday evening, April 26, 2010 at 7:27 PM EDT to be exact. Oppositions represent just what the word implies, two opposing forces working against each other. This force is strengthened by the nature of the planets involved. Saturn symbolizes the traditional, stability, and structure. Uranus corresponds to the revolutionary, the innovative and the progressive. The first of the oppositions between these two planets occurred on Election Day, November 4, 2008. The race between John McCain and Barack Obama was the physical manifestation of the Saturn/Uranus opposition and the Obama administration continues to play out the battle between the old and the new. The second opposition occurred on February 5, 2009, right around the time Obama signed the stimulus package. The third opposition happened on September 15, 2009 coinciding with Barack Obama’s big speech to Congress and the famous or infamous “You lie.” Now at the fourth opposition, we find Barack Obama taking on Wall Street. The first four oppositions occur along the Virgo/Pisces axis. The last one on July 26, 2010 will involve Aries/Libra and will occur at zero degrees of these Cardinal signs. This is a very potent degree. Cardinal signs initiate and there is not much that is more powerful than the initiatory energy of 0 Aries, (thing spring). The Saturn/Uranus dance over the past few years symbolizes the polarity we see in society today. And we see it played out in the fierce opposition that faces the change and reform that this administration is attempting to achieve. The final opposition will also involve a 90 degree angle, from both Saturn and Uranus, to Pluto in Capricorn. Now Pluto entered Capricorn in 2008 and will be there until 2024. Pluto, dwarf planet or not, changes everything it touches and what it touches is relative to the sign that it is in. When it was in Sagittarius, the sign of philosophy and religion, from 1995 to 2008, the scandals of the Catholic Church first gained prominence. Capricorn rules structures, governments, big business, and institutions. Capricorn also has rule over Heads of State, the CEO, Presidents, Popes and whoever is in charge. Today, the scandal of the Catholic Church has reached the Pope. This is Pluto in Capricorn. In July at the final opposition between Saturn and Uranus, Pluto joins the party. This planetary configuration signifies a huge power struggle and you can be sure that the rhetoric is going to get ugly. There’s big money involved and those who want to maintain the status quo will not hesitate to spend it in an effort to keep things as they are. Just remember that not only are we being served corporate coffee at the local Starbucks, we are being served corporate news on the TV, radio and at the news stand.

Mercury Retrograde, FEMA and Rhode Island Politics

2010-04-17T09:48:00.002-04:00

Mercury goes retrograde at 12:06 AM EDT on Sunday, April 18, 2010 and remains so until Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 6:27 PM EDT. Mercury is all about communication, information, transportation and commerce. In a Natal Horoscope, Mercury indicates how we think and communicate. It rules our siblings and our immediate neighborhood. Mercury Retrograde throws a spanner into the works of all things governed by Mercury. This is why it is advisable during Mercury Retrograde periods to check all your facts, reread documents, and be clear when communicating. If you’re traveling be sure to confirm all train, bus, plane schedules before setting out. Projects initiated under a Retrograde Mercury tend to develop in unexpected ways. It pays to be flexible now as disruption, delay and detours are the norm. Those born with a Mercury Retrograde generally do not suffer these pesky little problems as the prevalent energies are theirs, they own it and work with it. Lincoln Chafee, Elizabeth Dennigan and Jim Langevin all have Retrograde Mercury so we can expect to hear from them and that their message will be effective. For Dennigan and Langevin, who are competing for the same position this will serve to clarify their positions. It will give Elizabeth Dennigan a needed boost in her campaign giving her additional name recognition. For Chafee it may well provide him with an edge over his opponents. On another front, FEMA was created by Presidential order on April 1, 1979. For many, especially those in New Orleans, this would turn out to be the cruelest April Fool’s joke of all time. Here in Rhode Island as our citizens begin to recover from this historical flood, flood victims are quickly learning that FEMA is not the fairy godmother coming to wave her magic wand and fix it all. It should come as no surprise that FEMA was “born” with a Retrograde Mercury in water sign Pisces no less. Retrograde Mercury in Pisces is great for a musician, a poet or a meditating monk. This Mercury is intuitive, inspired and imaginative. Not the best Mercury for organization, practical matters and methodical thinking. Now as Mercury begins Retrograde motion the energies harmonize with FEMA’s energy so the road blocks to recovery for those suffering should be removed. The misinformation about what FEMA does and does not do will be cleared up. And for many, those much needed checks will start to arrive. It is still necessary for people to save all receipts, review all documents and ask pertinent questions in order to clarify. It pays now to be able to roll with the punches because disorder, interruption, and interference rule the day.

Federal Reserve

2010-04-13T08:14:00.000-04:00

I originally posted this on November 18, 2009 and with Wall Street facing Congress again I thought it timely to post it again.

The Federal Reserve System was “born” on December, 1913 at 6:02 PM. It was formed ostensibly to maintain monetary stability, contain risk and prevent bank and financial failures. In reality it controls money, credit and interest rates. It’s a curious institution in that the common assumption is that it is part of the United States Government, it is not owned by the United States Government, (it is private and nonprofit), but it is subject to The Administrative Procedures Act (1946) a federal law that governs how administrative agencies of the Federal government propose and establish regulations. It has the authority to act on its own without the approval of Congress or the President. The origins of this pseudo federal institution began when a group of bankers under the auspices of Senator Nelson Aldrich (R-RI) left New York in November of 1910, under a cloak of secrecy for a two week sojourn on Jekyll Island, Georgia, an exclusive enclave of the very rich. Beside Senator Aldrich, the head of the National Monetary Commission at the time, included in this group were Henry P. Davison, a Senior Partner at J. P. Morgan, Charles S. Norton, of the First National Bank of NY, Benjamin Strong, personal assistant to J. P. Morgan himself, and Paul Warburg, a German banker. (You know these guys had your best interests at heart right) During their time spent at Jekyll Island they formulated the Aldrich Plan, which later became the Federal Reserve Act which created the Federal Reserve System. The natal horoscope for this entity reflects the secrecy and the hidden power and control the Fed exerts over society. There is a powerful Sun/Pluto opposition, with Pluto, the power broker posited in the 12th house of all that is secret and behind the scenes. There is a wide conjunction in the 1st house of Mars and Neptune opposing Jupiter in the 7th. Any time you find Mars/Neptune and Jupiter involved with money it’s a case of the disappearing dollar, or fraud, or promising more than can be delivered. The Moon, the soul of any entity, is in the money, debt, and interest rate sign of Scorpio. The chart of the Fed has been under stressful planetary transit for some time now. Beginning in January of 2008, transiting Pluto has been battering the Fed’s natal Sun/Pluto opposition. Things really started to heat up around the time of TARP and the great financial meltdown of 2009, the very conditions that the Fed was created to prevent. The fun is not over but will continue through 2010, into 2011 and early 2012. During the spring and summer of 2010 things are really going to get shaken up when transiting Saturn and Uranus enter the picture. The planetary picture between the natal chart of the Fed and the transiting planets form a cross pattern. This pattern is in the Cardinal signs and is reminiscent of the planetary configuration present during the Great Depression of the 1930’s. Now, transiting Pluto is the big dog here, he can destroy and bring you low, to the lowest you have ever been, but in the process of recovery, what is rebuilt is usually much better. When Saturn joins the party, beginning now, November 13th to be exact and through the summer of 2010, the Fed is between a rock and a hard place. Uranus brings the element of surprise, the unexpected and unusual in the spring of 2010. While the analysts, authorities and pundits may predict an economic recovery I would not bet the farm. It doesn’t make me feel warm and fuzzy to know that the current Secretary of the Treasury, Tim Geithner was President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York before he became Secretary, during TARP, AIG, Goldman Sachs and all that good stuff. Having the fox guard the hen house is a long standing tradition in American government. When the Security and Exchange Commission was created President Franklyn Roosevelt appointed Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. as the first chairman, a master at manipulating the stock market. At any rate, false hope is in the air and it pays to beware, be aware and be careful.

Tales of Betrayal, Martha Stewart and Sandra Bullock

2010-04-01T11:20:00.001-04:00

I have been trying to write about Martha Stewart and Sandra Bullock but between the flood, the flu and the income tax I am flummoxed. It seem like betrayal is all around us and a curve ball from Mother Nature adds to the mix. Both Martha Stewart and Sandra Bullock are Leo’s with planets located in the late degrees of the mutable signs. Both are facing betrayals by people close to them. These planets have been taking hits from the 5 Saturn/Uranus oppositions beginning in November 2008 and continuing until July 26, 2010. The upcoming opposition between these two occurs on April 26, 2010 along the Virgo/Pisces axis at 28 Degrees. For Martha Stewart these oppositions involve her Neptune at 25 Virgo in her 11th house of friends. Her “friend” Marianna Pasternak has written a book about her which contains some nasty revelations. Neptune in our horoscope can be our blind side. Where we see things through rose colored glasses or where we hold the highest of ideals. When Saturn comes along and hit this planet in our chart the blinders are ripped off. Neptune can also be about deceit and betrayal. Can Martha Stewart be a “bitch”? With Sun in Leo and Scorpio on the Ascendant, I’d venture to say that she can be formidable and yes the B-word probably applies. But this same combination gives her executive and business ability. I don’t have birth data for Marianna Pasternak but when friends write about friends in an unfriendly manner it says more about the writer’s character than it does about the subject. Leo Sandra Bullock’s betrayal comes from the ubiquitous cliché of the cheating husband. In Sandra’s case the Saturn/Uranus opposition square (a 90 degree angle) her natal Mars/Venus conjunction in Gemini. Venus in a natal chart is all about money, love and relationships. Mars rules younger men, our drive and our passions (as co-ruler of Scorpio) Jesse James is 5 years her junior, a late Aries with Jupiter and Pluto conjunct in late Virgo also getting whacked by Saturn/Uranus. The final opposition between Saturn and Uranus occurs along the Aries/Libra axis and will bull’s eye his natal Uranus at 0 Libra. He won’t know what hit him but with Saturn involved, he will get what he has earned. Yes Virginia, there is justice in this world. All of this betrayal is entering the public domain as transiting Mars in Leo moves to conjunct Sandra Bullock’s natal Sun at 3 Leo and Martha Stewart’s natal Sun at 10 Leo. Mars reaches 3 Leo on April 4, 2010 and 10 Leo on April 26, 2010, the same day as the 4th Saturn/Uranus opposition. Mars in Leo energizes the Leo’s of this world and spurs them to action. What action these two dynamic Leo Ladies will take remains to be seen but with Leo you can be sure it will be dramatic, public and scene stealing.

Lady Gaga, Rob Fusari, Moon conjunct Pluto in Scorpio, a Strong Independent Woman

2010-03-22T12:35:00.000-04:00

With Moon conjunct Pluto in the sign of Scorpio it should come as no surprise that one of Lady Gaga’s charitable works involves the risk of HIV/AIDS to young women and has been proactive in raising awareness of this dread disease. Along with Cyndi Lauper she teamed up with MACAIDS Fund’s VIVA Glam campaign. All proceeds from the purchase of a VIVA Glam lip gloss or lipstick go directly to the fund to aid those infected with the disease. Gaga made a statement: “We want women to feel strong and feel strong enough that they can remember to protect themselves. To have this lipstick as a reminder in your purse, that when your man is laying naked in bed, you go into the bathroom, you put your lipstick on, and you bring a condom out with you...There are no exceptions.” I love her for this statement especially the “no exceptions”. Her song “Bad Romance” contains the lyric, “I want your love and I want your revenge.” You can’t get more Scorpionic than that. What prompted my look at Lady Gaga’s horoscope was the news that her former boyfriend/producer/business partner, Rob Fusari is suing her for $35 million. He claims he was instrumental in helping her develop her style and in selecting her name. After looking at Lady Gaga’s horoscope, I say, that Rob Fusari does not know who he is dealing with. Lady Gaga was born Stefani Germanotta under the sign of Aries which gives her a competitive edge because Aries always wants to be first, to lead the way and be a pioneer. ( Venus here says that is what she “wants” as well) Her Moon as stated previously is in Scorpio exactly conjunct Pluto and within 5 degrees of her Midheaven, the highest, most visible point in a horoscope. This point indicates a person’s stature and standing in society. Moon rules the public and Pluto rules great masses of people; on her Midheaven brings powerful forces to bear upon her career. She’s quite talented musically as indicated by her Mars/Neptune conjunction in Capricorn in her 12th house. Neptune is at home in the 12th house. Mars functions well and operates in top form while in Capricorn. Neptune, the 12th house, plus her Mercury and Jupiter in the 2nd house guarantee great musical ability. Capricorn on the Ascendant gives her the discipline and organization required in composing and performing music. One “constructs” a song and while music needs the dreamy inspiration of Pisces/Neptune it also needs the practicality that Capricorn and Mars in Capricorn can bring. She is a strong, independent woman. I don’t have birth data for Rob Fusari but I will venture a guess that before this law suit is over, he won’t know what hit him.

The Sordid and Sleazy Tale of Rielle Hunter and John Edwards Continues - You Can't Escape It.

2010-03-16T10:47:00.000-04:00

It is interesting to note that Rielle Hunter’s interview in GQ hit the headlines just as the Sun was moving over John Edwards Midheaven, the highest, most public point in a person’s chart. And Monday’s New Moon is at that point as well. So John Edwards and this sordid tale once again saturate the media. Rielle Hunter was born on March 20, 1964, a day when the Sun moved from Pisces to Aries. I have no time of birth for her, so cannot say if she is a Pisces or an Aries. She is a cusp baby, meaning she is at the end of one sign close to the beginning of another. Cusp babies, especially as close to the next sign as Rielle is are a blend of both signs. Under Pisces there may be a bit of not being realistic, under Aries there’s a charge ahead, impulsive piece to her character. I am leaning more towards a morning birth time for her because it would put her Gemini Moon snuggled up to John Edward’s Gemini planets, Sun and Mars. It would explain some of the attraction between them. For the past couple of years John Edwards has been receiving some tough transits from the outer planets. An interesting note is that Rielle Hunter stated in her GQ interview that she told him not to run until April of 2007 because her “intuition and astrology” told her it would be a difficult time for him. The astrology of it is this, Saturn was conjunct, together in the sky, with his natal Pluto and Neptune was in aspect to his Sun, while transiting Pluto was square his natal Mars. Neptune is all about deceit and deception, Saturn brings the chickens home to roost and the Pluto/Mars combination brings powerful forces to bear, i.e. becoming President, a fated affair, a compulsion. Today, transiting Neptune is in aspect to John Edward’s natal Mars and Uranus is square Mars as well. This guy does not know what hit him. Neptune to the Sun like that can give one delusions of grandeur. The Pluto/Saturn/Mars combination that hit him makes him think that he can rule the world, but Pluto and Saturn will bring you down as low as you can go. And that is just what is happening. He cheated on his wife, got another woman pregnant and denied the child was his. She, Rielle, filmed him having sex with her and when she wants to get rid of it, does she destroy it, no. She tosses it in the trash. The Andrew Young’s fish it out of the trash. This is quite a set up. I find it hard to believe that John Edwards would willingly participate in a film that showed him having intimate relations with anyone. He is a low down skunk but he is not that stupid. So what is really going on here? The only people profiting from this sleazy tale are the Young’s and Rielle Hunter. John Edwards is ruined. It smells like a setup to me but who would want to bring John Edwards down? That is the real question and I think the true answer would explode like a mega ton bomb. Perhaps time will reveal the truth of this matter. Until then we can only turn off the TV if it all gets to disgusting.

New Moon in Pisces and the Volatile Week Ahead-Unpredictable and Explosive

2010-03-15T11:16:00.000-04:00

Despite the fact that the New Moon takes place in dreamy, sensitive Pisces at 5:01 PM EDT on Monday, March 15, 2010 it will set off and spark an ass-kicking volatile lunation cycle. In the New Moon chart Sun and Moon are together in the sky at 25 degrees of Pisces. Mercury and Uranus are close by at 26 degrees of Pisces. This is a huge concentration of energy. Everything revolves around the Sun. The Sun represents the source of life, the King, the President, the father, our authority figures and our heroes. The Moon represents the mother, the nurturer, our feeling nature, instincts, emotions, women, the population and public opinion. Mercury rules public schools, youth, traffic, transportation, and the media. If Mercury has bad juju, expect to see traffic accidents, teacher’s strikes and the like. Uranus is the great God of the unexpected, the unusual, if you can think of it, that’s not it. The bolt from the blue, the out of left field type of event is Uranus’ joy. In the United States Uranus rules Congress and the House of Representatives. Also in general, Uranus has dominion over electricity, technology, earthquakes, fanaticism, anarchy, airline and train crashes and other fun stuff. At this New Moon they are all close together so their energies blend. Speedy little Mercury, the messenger will take off and first get real personal with Uranus at 5:41 PM EDT. The evening commute should be real interesting. On Wednesday the Sun will join forces with Mr. Unexpected, Uranus. This could mean something unusual, unexpected from our leaders. Here again, if you can think of it, that ain’t it. Then Mercury moves into Aries, very different from Pisces. In Aries, Mercury the talker is apt to talk of war, especially when Mercury makes favorable connections to Mars Wednesday evening, who better to talk war with then the God of War, Mars. Mercury in Aries is going to fire that bad boy up. The Sun joins the party with a strong connection to Uranus. This week is so busy and filled with such energy that anything goes. Thursday morning Mercury, after lighting fires all week, opposes Saturn. Now Saturn likes contraction, structure and in Libra is all about negotiation and the art of the deal. Saturday Mercury squares off with Pluto, talking with the big boys, the power brokers. Then the Sun enters Aries. I think this is going to be an earthshaking, bone rattling week. New Moon in Pisces is about health care that is for sure. But Pisces is all about the martyr, gas and oil, booze and drugs. I’m thinking explosive. But if we take the high road under Pisces influence we’re on our knees praying to the higher power, we’re the Mother Theresa of the neighborhood bringing soup and solace to the unfortunate. If we take the low road we’re in the bar knocking back a few, stumbling home in the wee hours to sleep it off. This week the markets will behave wicked weird. Think inflation and the disappearing dollar. Government leaders, CEO’s the Boss will be off the wall, taking surprise action. Diplomat relations, public or personal will be in the forefront for good or ill. Extending the olive branch while taking a stand is a tricky proposition but that is what we may find ourselves doing. More scandal involving public figures is a sure thing. We the people can only hunker down and ride it out when the volcano erupts.

Patrick Kennedy’s Rant about Afghanistan and the Media

2010-03-12T08:27:00.002-05:00

I watched the clip of Patrick Kennedy’s rant about Afghanistan and the failed media. Now that boys and girls is an Aquarian Rant, an impassioned plea concerning an injustice. In this case the fact that American men and women are dying on foreign soil and the media is blowing smoke up our ass about the latest sex scandal is a scandal itself. The media reports about this speech are all about his shaking hands, his voice and speculation about his mental state. So once again I take a peek at Patrick’s horoscope and the horoscope for the time of the event to make a comparison between the two. First Patrick and the shaking hands, which I don’t think has anything to do with drugs or alcohol. Patrick is a Cancer with Scorpio Rising. The Rising Sign or Ascendant is the sign that was on the horizon at the moment of birth. The time and place of birth determine what this sign will be. The Ascendant describes the personality, gives the first impression and is reflected in the native’s mannerism and style. With a Scorpio Rising Patrick is a private person. The public façade is very different from the private person. With the Sun and Mercury in the 9th house and Mars and Moon in the 12th house, the need for privacy and to remain behind the scenes is strengthened because these houses are private houses. The privacy urge is enhanced with planets in those houses. Another important point in the horoscope is the Midheaven which represents the native’s ideals and public image. Patrick’s Midheaven is in the show business sign of Leo. Leo likes the spotlight and center stage, think Obama and Bill Clinton and you’ll get the picture. This really contradicts Patrick’s core structure. Being in the public is a real chore for him. Public speaking has to be an ordeal for him. But with Leo at the Midheaven, he has no choice. With Mars and Moon in the 12th house he has to serve or suffer. At the time of the speech, I noted that Patrick took the podium at 3:06 PM EST. The horoscope for that moment puts the sign Leo on the Ascendant, or Leo was rising at the time, the degrees nearly conjunct or the same as the degrees on Patrick’s very public, very showy, Midheaven. He could have spoken as sedately as an old Granny and he still would have made headlines. The Moon at the time was at 25 degrees of Capricorn squaring (90 degrees) Patrick’s Mars and Moon. This is an aspect of stress but also an aspect of action, stuff gets done when planets are in square. That Patrick made this speech a few hours after Mars went direct is telling. Mars pumps up the action (Witness Obama taking his health care pitch on the road this week). Patrick has been thinking about this for a long time. Not about this particular subject, but about speaking in public in general. He knows it is not his strongest feature and at times he does not present well. He’s not a natural like Jack or Ted but he does have the heart and the convictions. I say, damn the public image Patrick and speak your truth.

This Week March 8 to 13 - Mars Direct and Barack Obama

2010-03-08T17:43:00.000-05:00

This week Mars ends the long retrograde period that began in December, making a station, (appearing to stop in the sky) and turning direct. Now Mars is the planet of action, in retrograde motion he puts a damper on any endeavor. Projects and plans suffer many starts, sputters, and stops while Mars is in retrograde motion. Mars goes direct on Wednesday, March 10th. Leo Barack Obama who has been pussy footing around the health care issue since last fall will pick up the gauntlet and begin aggressively pursuing his goals. Mars will give him the juice. During the retrograde period he has been positioning himself and strategizing. Direct Mars says planning and positioning is over, time to take action. He has from now until June to get the job done. Mars will give him the pump as he rolls over Obama’s Leo planets. He has already started ahead of the direction change. On the 29th of March Mars will join forces with Obama’s Mercury. This could signal some news or the signing of important documents. Leo Barack Obama will not lose this fight. Leo’s love the limelight, love to be on stage and they do not like to lose face. Leo’s are fixed signs and when they put their minds to it, they have an iron will. This week Venus makes important aspects on the day before Mars turns direct and on the day after. On Tuesday, Venus opposes Saturn in the sky. Venus rules money, Saturn rules contraction and restriction. The Dow closed lower today, Monday the 8th. On Thursday, Venus, the money gal, squares off with Pluto. Pluto rules big government, big banks, and big power structures. Venus is in his face. Venus likes fair and equitable. Pluto likes power. This is going to be an interesting week as we watch the markets and Obama take the gloves off and get down to some bare knuckle fighting.

Patrick Kennedy, Joan Kennedy and the National Inquirer

2010-03-04T09:39:00.000-05:00

I read in last week’s National Inquirer that the real reason that Patrick Kennedy is not running for reelection is to take care of his mother, Joan Kennedy. It must be true; it’s the National Inquirer after all, the paper of record. Don’t tell me you don’t read it, you know you do; even if it is only a quick peak when in the checkout line. The fact that they broke the John Edwards/Rielle Hunter story and the creative use of campaign funds shames the traditional and more “dignified” newspapers. That investigative reporting has been relegated to a supermarket rag tells the tale of the failed media. At any rate, the story prompted another look at Patrick’s natal horoscope. He was born around a First Quarter Moon, meaning the Sun and Moon were at 90 degree angles (a square aspect) when he entered this life. The Sun represents the father, the Moon, the mother; in square aspect like this it is safe to say that they were not seeing eye to eye. There was trouble in paradise. One of the greatest benefits of the revolutionary 60’s and Pluto’s trek through Libra, the relationship sign, is the transformation of traditional relationships. Thank God, the Buddha, the Baptist or the Oak Tree that people no longer stay in a marriage for “the sake of the kids”. If you are one of those “kids” you’ll know what I am talking about. Back to Patrick Kennedy, he has Mars snuggled up close to his Moon in Libra in his 12th house of secrets and the subconscious. This is the house where you serve or suffer. He needs to be of service to others or else he will screw himself up. His relationship with his mother is a bit complicated, as is his relationship with his father was. I’m not going there. But I will say that people born with Sun square Moon need to find their own way. They cannot “do” their Dad’s life or their Mom’s life. Patrick’s decision to leave the House of Representatives signals that he is about the business of going his own way. That 12th house Moon/Mars combination demands that his work involves helping others. The flip side is driving your car into an abutment late at night. I don’t think Patrick is going to take that route. His work will involve hospitals and institutions, the mental health issues that he has dealt with personally and professionally. With Sun in the 9th house of foreign and faraway places, he’d make a great ambassador. And yes, he’ll probably be involved in the care and keep of his Mother. I don’t think we need a lurid headline to guess that one.

This Week, March 1, Mercury, Venus, Uranus and Pluto

2010-03-01T16:27:00.000-05:00

March starts off with Mercury entering Pisces, joining, Sun, Venus, Jupiter and Uranus. Now that is a lot of Pisces. Now Pisces can be the Samaritan at the well or the junkie on the street corner. Jonah was swallowed by the whale (Pisces) and after a time was coughed up a purified man. Pisces is the last sign of the Zodiac, the end of the line, the end of winter before the burst of new energy that signifies spring. This is a period of high sensitivity, great intuition, and altruistic behavior. Things can also be vague, inconsistent and foster a victim mentality. Pisces brings out our longing for spiritual experiences. Pisces will have no truck with the material values of this world. The Sun here shines the light on all things Pisces. Venus operates well here and encourages the soul mate bond. Jupiter, co-ruler of Pisces, is like a spiritual advisor coming to town. Uranus encourages the freedom to follow one’s own vision. Mercury here promotes intuitive thinking, on the down side, illusion. Those who have a spiritual practice in place, like yoga, do well under the Pisces influence. Those who are overly attached to the material often run into problems with the Piscean ideals. Venus joins forces with Uranus on Wednesday evening, March 3rd. Venus rules love, art, money and diplomacy. Uranus rules the innovative, the unexpected, the freedom fighter and the individualist. When two planets are together in the sky like Uranus and Venus will be they combine their energies generating more power. It will be interesting to watch the world markets, the political scene and the love lives and relationships of the rich and famous and the not so rich and famous. With Uranus along for the ride surprise is on the menu. Startling is the word. On Thursday morning, Mercury connects with Pluto. Mercury bears the message, is the link and the mediator. Pluto is a force to be reckoned with. At this point, Pluto is gathering the information. Next week, more sign (Venus) and direction (Mars) changes by the planets as well as the Last Quarter Moon on Sunday, may signal the time for action. Stay tuned.

I'm Wondering

2010-02-26T02:21:00.000-05:00

I'm wondering,when Mars goes direct at 0 Leo and starts rolling over Barack Obama's Leo stuff, is that when he is going to start kicking some ass, or what? Has this Mars retro period been all about him positioning himself or is he just another bullshit politician? You tell me. Mars goes direct on March 10th at 0 Leo. Talk to me.

OK All You Love Birds, Moon Makes a Nice Aspect to Venus

2010-02-24T20:28:00.000-05:00

Tonight, the 24th Moon in Cancer makes a lovely aspect to Venus in Pisces. Venus in Pisces is all about soul mates and mystical connections. Moon operates full bore in Cancer so emotions are on the surface. This is a nice aspect so love birds need to get into the billing and cooing that love birds do.

Cheating husbands, Lame Apologies and The Bullshit Excuse, "Men Are Like That".

2010-02-21T10:26:00.003-05:00

Friday Tiger Woods publically apologized for his low down cheating ways. The Providence Journal published a piece about the differences in the reaction to this apology based on gender. Guys think it is no big deal that he cheated, after all, guys cheat, they need to have sex with different women, and it’s the nature of the beast and other such nonsense. (Way to go, Tiger) That is a cop out and an excuse for bad behavior. But that is the prevailing attitude, among men, whether it is Tiger Woods, John Edwards, Clinton, Sanford or Spitzer. That’s the way guys are, so let’s just move on. No. Married and/or men in a committed relationship who can’t keep it in their pants are self centered, self serving and into instant gratification. You can’t brush it off as, “oh that’s the way guys are” not when it is a betrayal of trust. What is Tiger Woods going to say to his child, his daughter, when that child is twenty and asks him about all of this? “Guys are like that and you can expect your husband to do the same." That is when his true punishment will begin; little girls marry men just like their daddies. Thank God we were not subjected to his long-suffering wife by his side. And women the world over cheered and jumped for joy at the sight of Jennifer Sanford moving out of the South Carolina State House. Way to go Jenny!

More Energy Changes - Pisces Rules

2010-02-14T08:30:00.002-05:00

Last week I blogged about Mercury and Venus changing signs and the opposition between Mercury and retrograde Mars and what it all means. How we would feel different at the end of the week than we felt at the beginning. Here is a quote from that entry. “In the political world it rules public opinion, treaties, the Secretary of State and the public school system. A few days after entering Aquarius, Mercury and retrograde Mars oppose one another, a combative stance that does not bode well for peace and harmony.” Last week the Superintendent of schools in Central Falls announced that the entire teaching staff at Central Falls High School would be getting the boot. The teacher’s union is up in arms. Mercury ruling the public school system,the young, in Aquarius,speaks to organized groups, unions. Opposing Mars it also speaks to opposing opinions. This week is a Pisces week. On Sunday, February 14, 2010 Sun joins forces with Neptune in Aquarius. Neptune rules Pisces thus bringing the Pisces flavor to the table. This is a perfect aspect for Valentine’s Day. Love in its highest form. Venua is in Pisces, where, in astrological terms, she is exalted, meaning the Venusian energy operates at full force. Venus rules love, money, the arts, negotiation and diplomacy. On Monday Venus makes a positive connection with Pluto in Capricorn. Pluto, in Capricorn from 2008-2023, has the enormous task of purging society of those involved in big government and big business who have profited from the misery of others. Right now the public’s anger is directed at Congress, Washington, DC, Wall Street and the financial industry. Soon this will expand to include Big Pharma, health insurance and Big Oil. This is not an overnight process and will take some time. Venus will join forces with Pluto many time over the course of Pluto’s run through Capricorn. This week, Venus in Pisces offers the olive branch as she takes on the persona of the diplomat. Tuesday she joins forces with Jupiter also in Pisces, the sign that Jupiter rules. So you see, the Pisces energy is super strong. Jupiter is optimistic, confident and hopeful. Pisces is about our wishes and hopes. How we want things to be ideally. There is danger with Pisces in seeing things through rose-colored glasses. Seeing things how we want them to be, not how they really are. This is the time when we need to do a reality check. As Venus moves along touching base with the big boys she greases the wheels of negotiations and diplomatic relations. Mars, the warrior, the planet of action makes a friendly aspect to Saturn on Monday mixing things up. Saturn is in Libra and is also exalted here. Saturn principles operate well here. Saturn in Libra is the chief negotiator. Retrograde Mars in Leo wants to stir things up. Here Mars is all about strategy. In the political debates and union negotiations the name of the game this week is how to position oneself. On Thursday, Sun enters Pisces completing the Pisces takeover of the week. Watch the news reports and you will see that events reflect the Piscean ideals. Keep your eye on your own feelings and situation and how the Pisces influence impacts you personally.
We need those intangibles that feed the soul now. Take heed.

Patrick Kennedy's Surprise Announcement

2010-02-13T11:50:00.003-05:00

Ever since Patrick Kennedy announced that he would not be running for reelection there have been so many names thrown around about possible candidates that it is hard to keep track of. I said it before on this blog that the September Primary election was where the action was going to be and I was not wrong. Patrick Kennedy has stated that he made the decision over the Christmas holidays. As an Astrologer it is interesting to note that transiting Mars had just gone retrograde in his 10th house of career and that Mars rules his Natal Ascendant, (the personality, the physical body) and his 6th house of work and service. Retrograde periods are times of review and revision. So contemplation about work, career, health and service would find the way on his to do list. On the outside looking in we deal with what is public about his life. Father’s illness and passing, political challenges and personal demons he has quite openly wrestled with. But we can’t crawl inside his head. A major life cycle change in a person’s life occurs when transiting Uranus, an 84 year cycle, opposes its natal position. This is a transit that Patrick has been experiencing over the last year or so. This also brings the sudden and unexpected into the picture. His decision has left the field wide open. Today, William Lynch, brother of Patrick Lynch has formally announced his candidacy. He should have waited until tomorrow, after the New Moon. Other names bandied about are Ralph Mollis, Theresa Paiva-Weed, Scorpio John Brien, Cancer David Cicilline and Aries Elizabeth Roberts. I think we may be hearing from Aquarius Stephen Laffey. I’m betting he won’t announce until mid March. Whoever or whenever, this political season here in Rhode Island reflects the change that is in the air across the country. Scott Brown in Massachusetts, a signal of voter discontent with the status quo, is a warning to all incumbents. Even former Presidential candidate John McCain is facing a serious challenge in his home state of Arizona. As I have written previously, 2010 is the year. Stay tuned.

Patrick Kennedy Not Seeking Re-Election Promises a Lively, Vigorous Primary

2010-02-12T10:35:00.000-05:00

I knew that the primary day was the day with all the action. With Patrick Kennedy not running the field is now wide open. I’ll bet Betsy Dennigan is kicking her ass. She’s the person running against Jim Langevin. In order to run against him she had to change her official residence. If she had stayed where she was, she’d be in a perfect position to run for Patrick’s seat. As it stands now, Republican John Loughlin is in the race and there is a strong possibility that Democrat Jon Brien may run. Speculation about David Cicilline, the Mayor of Providence, has been bandied about. My guess is we will be hearing from Stephen Laffey. I'll put money one it. I’ll post more when I have had a chance to study the charts of all involved as well as Primary Day chart. Things will start to sizzle and pop after Mars goes direct on March 10th. Stay tuned.

Mercury and Venus change signs and the energy shifts.

2010-02-08T11:38:00.004-05:00

This week the energy shifts, on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 Mercury moves into Aquarius and on Thursday, February 11, 2010 Venus enters Pisces. Mercury rules how we think, our immediate environment, transportation and communication of all kinds. In the political world it rules public opinion, treaties, the Secretary of State and the public school system. A few days after entering Aquarius, Mercury and retrograde Mars oppose one another, a combative stance that does not bode well for peace and harmony. Traffic accidents and tie ups, heated debates that verge on physical violence and difficulties in diplomatic relationships. Mercury in Aquarius fosters original thinking and ideas, innovative and unique solutions and a certain rebellious attitude against the status quo. President Barack Obama will have something to say, he will reach out and try to mend fences. Debt, finances and financial reform and the salvaging of the healthcare reform bill will be the subject of his speeches and focal point of his meetings. Venus’ move into Pisces extends the olive branch and furthers the cause of peace and reconciliation. Venus is the diplomat, comfortable and operating at full force in Pisces she settles things, brings people together in an altruistic manner. Venus here operates from the highest spiritual motivations. Mercury rules the young, Venus rules young women, and Mars rules young men, so the youth movement may begin to find their voice. In our personal lives the shift of these planets, from one sign to another, effects how we think (Mercury) and how we relate (Venus). Mercury in Aquarius wants to get together with a group of friends and bat ideas around. Venus in Pisces wants to merge with another on a spiritual level. We’re drawn to music, arts and humanitarian causes. Make a note of how you feel at the beginning of the week and compare it with how you feel by the end of the week. You’ll get the picture.

John J. Loughlin, Patrick Kennedy, Jon Brien, and the 2010 Election

2010-02-06T08:16:00.000-05:00

Republican John J. Loughlin II, a Pisces, formally launched his campaign for Patrick Kennedy’s seat in Congress. According to the Providence Journal he did so Thursday morning, “outside the office park where his Lincoln grade school used to be.” What significance the location has is anyone’s guess. Loughlin is pro-life and thinks we should maintain the ridiculous “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. His announcement was made under a waning, void of course Moon. Presidential candidates Al Gore and John Kerry received their nominations while Moon was void of course, as did Thomas Dewey, Richard Nixon (1960), Goldwater and McGovern. Nixon was re-elected under a Moon void of course. Couple the void Moon with a waning Moon, which is a great time to make things disappear, things don’t look too bright for Mr. Loughlin. Not that someone is not going to give Cancer Patrick Kennedy a run for his money given the current anti-incumbent sentiment. There is talk of, Scorpio, Democratic State Representative Jon D. Brien of Woonsocket entering the ring. Primary day is an interesting day and where all the action will be. In the days leading up to the primary, Mercury is in retrograde motion, changing to direct on the Sunday before the primary election. We need to be aware that information and polls are not always accurate under retrograde Mercury. Mercury retrograde is master of the fake out. On the day of the primary, Pluto changes direction and Mars moves into his home sign of Scorpio. Patrick Kennedy experiences a Mars return, a two year or so cycle, around that time as well. He will be fighting and aggressive. Brien, if he chooses to run, has some favorable aspects on his side. He too will be experiencing a Mars return around that time. (Funny that, the opposing parties have the same Mars in Libra, and that Mars is jazzed up and ready to roll, combat time.) On primary day, Moon, the people, will be rolling over Brien’s Sagittarius Mercury, the vote. It could give him a bit of a bump up. So it should be interesting. I will be keeping my ear pinned to the ground to make note of any official announcements and for birth times of Loughlin and Brien.

John Edwards, Andrew Young, Rielle Hunter and the Video

2010-02-05T10:17:00.001-05:00

Then sordid saga of John Edwards and his sordid affair with Rielle Hunter continues with reports of a video that depicts the two in a very personal and intimate situation. Today, the Andrew Young’s, the family that housed Ms. Hunter while she was pregnant and the Andrew Young who said that he was the father, are in court over possession of that video. Rielle Hunter says the video was made in September of 2006. The Young’s say that the video depicts Edwards having sex with a woman who is not Elizabeth Edwards and that the woman in the video is visibly pregnant. So they claim they are not talking about the same video. Got that so far? The Young’s are contesting a court order that restrains them from distributing the video and that seeks to return the video to Ms. Hunter. They claim that she abandoned the tape when she was living with them, throwing it in the trash and made no effort to recover it until two years after she left their home. She throws the video away; they dig it out of the trash. Nice people we are dealing with here. Gemini John Edwards has spent many long years with Elizabeth Edwards, a nurturing Cancer, a cardinal and at times manipulative sign. She also has Mars, the action planet, and Mercury, the thinker and talker, in Gemini, smack dab on John Edwards Gemini Sun. She is/was definitely a driving force behind her husband. Being a Cancer, she is the Mommy type, kissing and hugging and treating everyone around her like her kids. Up steps Rielle Hunter, an Aries, another cardinal sign but as unlike a Cancer as one can get. This is a me first sign. Mutable Gemini’s are flexible, changeable and easily bored. Aries and Cancers are Cardinal signs that push and initiate. Rielle is a 60’s baby with the powerful Uranus/Pluto conjunction in Virgo that neatly squares John Edwards’ Jupiter and Sun. Her Mars in Pisces squares his Mars in Gemini as well. Now squares are not pleasant aspects but they do make things happen. Edwards’ is easily led, and Rielle easily leads. Enter Andrew Young, another Aries. He too has the powerful Uranus/Pluto conjunction in Virgo squaring Edwards’ cluster of Gemini planets. Rielle and Young, the two Aries, may butt heads often but there is more in sync between them than between them and Edwards. There is more to this video than meets the eye. Edward’s is a scumbag who cheated on his wife and lied, denied and jumped through every kind of hoop to escape detection. But is he stupid enough to make a video? Is Rielle stupid enough to throw it away? Do the Young’s normally go through their house guest’s trash? This never ending saga continues. What is really up here? A clue, remember what Deep Throat said to Bob Woodward while lurking in the parking garage, “Follow the money.”

Whitney Houston and BET Awards

2010-02-02T12:47:00.001-05:00

I watched the BET Awards last night. I thought Virgo (with a ton of Libra planets) Jennifer Hudson stole the show. I thought Whitney Houston looked like a strung out junky or a woman with a serious case of hot flashes, or both. My first thought was what are they giving this woman an award for? Is this a reward for screwing up your life, similar to TARP rewarding banks for bad behavior? But you have to admit the woman is a huge talent, broke all kinds of records and smashed barriers of race and sex. In June of 1987 when her second album was released she was at the top of her game. Whitney is a Leo, with Venus in Leo near her Sun, (giving her her great good looks), and with Saturn sending evil glances across the Zodiac from her Aquarian 12th house. When this record was released transiting Saturn was exactly on her Midheaven, the highest point in the chart, the point that rules career and public standing. Saturn here indicates the culmination and reward for hard work. The Saturn cycle around an individual’s horoscope is a road map indicating when they rise and when they fall. As Saturn moves through the sky and rising through the horoscope reaching for the high point, the Midheaven or MC, it reflects the native’s professional success. As Saturn moves past that point and begins to head toward the bottom half of the chart, the success usually begins to wane. In July of 1992 she married Bobby Brown, right around the time of her first Saturn return, a transit that marks a major turning point in the life. Bobby Brown is an Aquarius and his Sun and Whitney’s Sun are within minutes of an exact opposition. Bobby Brown’s Sun falls in Whitney’s 12th house. The house of hidden enemies and ways we screw ourselves up. To say that this was not a wise move on her part is an understatement. When her daughter was born in 1993, the planet Saturn was finishing up a trek through her 12th house preparing to hit her Ascendant, the point of personality, physical body and another critical point, like the MC. This transit places limits on the native’s movements. People often feel restricted and wish they were someplace else. I’ll put money on the fact that at this point Whitney realized, deep down somewhere, that this marriage was a mistake. When Saturn moved to the bottom of her chart, the IC, the opposite of her huge success occurred. During this time there were reports of heavy drug use, a legal issue with her father and the death of her father. This was the literal bottom for her and where she began to make the turn around. Now Saturn is once again above the horizon, the first/seventh house axis, and she is really beginning the climb from those depths. Saturn traveling through the 7th is a testing time for relationships, some don’t last, and those that do are the ones that are worth it. She has a way to go, and everything she does now will be under scrutiny. She can’t make any mistakes. She will not attain her former heights of success until Saturn once again reaches her MC, top of the chart, in 2016. In the meantime she needs to, get straight, get some HRT (hormone replacement therapy) or start taking Vitamin E, great for hot flashes.

What happened to Barack Obama? Why is he not delivering?

2010-01-31T10:16:00.001-05:00

Everyone’s wondering what happened to Obama? I mean, he took the world by storm when he went up against Hillary Clinton. He won primary and the election, coming on with both guns blazing. Then he seemed to fizzle out. A look at his horoscope and the horoscope of his inauguration provides some answers. Barack Obama is a limelight loving Leo born in Honolulu, Hi. Trust me, when it comes to the accuracy of birth dates, birth times and birth places, Astrologers are more rigorous and rigid in their pursuit and demand for accuracy than any “birther” questioning Barack Obama’s suitability for the Presidential office. Obama’s Leo Sun is positioned in the 6th house of work and service to others. He has Mercury, (at home and functioning well in the 6th house) and Uranus in Leo as well. So what happened to his message and his administration? On Inauguration day, January 20, 2009, Mercury was retrograde at 0 Aquarius opposing Obama’s Leo Mercury. This speaks to the mixed messages and unclear positions that have been coming out of the White House and will characterize his term of office. The other culprit is Mars. On October 6, 2009, Mars entered Leo and proceeded to roll over Obama’s Leo Mercury, Sun and cross into his 7th house of significant others and open enemies. It hit his Sun on November 14, 2009; right around the time he announced that the 9/11 perpetrator would be tried in New York. On December 20, 2009 Mars went retrograde. When it hit Obama’s Sun again, the news was that the trial may not be in New York. Mars will travel all the way back to 0 Leo before it changes direction and begins to move forward on March 10, 2010. Mars will then revisit Obama’s Leo planets, Mercury on March 29th and the Sun on April 30th. (The terror trial will be in the news again) So what this means in plain English is, Mars has been cramping his style and will do so until it hits his planets again while in direct motion. Mars is the planet of action; it revs us up and keeps us going. In retrograde motion it lacks the drive, the sizzle and the pop. Mars retrograde is about strategy and the formulation of a battle plan. Leo’s like to be out there and up front and this type of action does not suit them. Obama is probably chafing and champing at the bit. Even though the election campaign was a long, hard, slogging battle, it will seem like a piece of cake after Obama has had four years of the White House. He may to appear more decisive and deliver clearer messages beginning in 2011 through 2012 but all indications lead to a tough uphill battle for him. The results of the 2010 elections will show us whether the task will become more difficult for him or not.

Saturn visit's Nancy Kerrigan

2010-01-26T10:30:00.000-05:00

Nancy Kerrigan is a Libra. In addition to Sun in Libra she has Jupiter, Uranus and Mercury in that sign as well. Uranus and Mercury are conjunct, or close together in her horoscope. She also has a Venus / Pluto conjunction in late Virgo that ties into the Uranus and Mercury. Saturn in the sky now is hovering over that Uranus (sudden/unexpected) and Mercury (siblings) conjunction in her natal chart. So, her brother has a struggle with her father and later he has a heart attack and dies. In astrology, Saturn is the ruler of the father. With Uranus and Mercury together in her horoscope these sudden, bolts from the blue (Think Tonya Harding) are an integral part of her life. Venus / Pluto together symbolize women and power. This too is integral to her life. When the attack on her occurred in January 1994 there was a cluster of planets in Capricorn squaring (not a fun aspect, tough stuff) her Libra planets. In particular Venus (women) and Mars (men, war, attack) were conjunct in the sky and in turn they both were conjunct her Capricorn Mars. Just a little astrological tidbit for you.

Emergency Health Care Rally

2010-01-26T08:37:00.005-05:00

Kennedy Plaza, Burnside Park
Tuesday, 26 Jan 2010, 12:00 PM
Meet us at Burnside Park for a lunchtime call-out rally. We're mobilizing to alert our Congressmen that we want aggressive action on Health Care -- no matter who is senator from MA. What we'll do at the rally: We'll call senators, we'll call representatives, we'll make noise, and we'll show the media that Reform is not over till it's over. I look forward to meeting you there!

John Edwards The Juggling Gemini

2010-01-26T08:32:00.001-05:00

Gemini John Edwards certainly lives up to the special capabilities that Gemini has for multi-tasking. Think of it, he was running for President, his wife has cancer; he’s having an affair, and diverting campaign funds to his Mistress. Oh yea, and he’s got his campaign worker taking responsibility for the child. Now that’s a juggling act any Gemini can be proud of. The National Enquirer broke the story in late 2007. In August of 2008 he gave an interview in which he stated that the child was not his, he knew this because the affair had ended 2 years prior. Ha! In 2009 the investigation into his tricky diversion of campaign funds began and on January 21, 2010 he finally admitted the child was his. The Astrology of it all is a fascinating study of planetary cycles. When the story first broke the planet Mars was retrograde in Cancer. Mars goes retrograde about every two years or so. When he finally admits parentage, Mars in retrograde in Leo. A little bit of serendipity there. Up until 2008, Pluto had been traveling through Sagittarius, opposing John Edwards’ Sun, Moon, Mars and Jupiter in Gemini. Pluto can raise you to the heights and bring you down lower than the low. The 5 Saturn/Uranus oppositions that began in November 2008 fall across Pisces/Virgo (all except the last one in July 2010) form a square aspect to his Gemini planets. (Tiger Woods has these two spoiling his game as well) Transiting planets that square or oppose natal planets can be very trying and stressful times. They are aspects of strain. They put the pressure on you and force you to act. Through all of this, Neptune, the planet of illusion and delusion has been sending happy smiley faces to his Gemini planets. He really thought he could get away with all of this. The planetary shifts in January 2010 have accompanied some startling events in the world. The devastating earthquake in Haiti and the Democrats loss of Ted Kennedy’s seat in Massachusetts are but a few. Many of the earthquakes occur in personal lives. Astrology can help you weather the storms. Although his political career is toast, I don’t think we have heard the last from John Edwards.

Coakley Loses

2010-01-20T07:27:00.004-05:00

Now you know why I don’t get into predicting elections, personal bias always wins. This win by Scott Brown is a shot across the Democrat’s bow. In 2008 they voted for “change they could believe in” and so far they have seen more of the same old, same old. For me the death knell sounded when Obama cut a deal with Big Pharma to continue the ban on importation of drugs. When Dick Cheney crafted energy policy in a closed door meeting with Oil industry representatives there was outrage among liberals, democrats and progressives. But these same groups played dead when this administration worked with the health industry to forge the health care reform bill. The health care reform bill that came out of the Senate is a disgraceful piece of work that is a gift to the industry that it is supposed to control. I can’t even begin to speak of the sins of Wall Street and the banks that continue unchecked. I was wrong about who would win this special election but I am right when I said the Democrats are expert marksmen when it comes to shooting themselves in the foot. With this election, the party in power has remained in power but they have lost that crucial one vote. The Democrats need to take a lesson from the Republican play book when it comes to legislation, jam it down their throats, whether they want it or not. But they won’t, they’ll just reload and shoot the other foot.

Martha Coakley, Scott Brown and the Special Election in Massachusetts

2010-01-17T09:42:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, January 19, 2010 Massachusetts will hold a special election to fill the late Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat. It is hard to predict political races for a number of reasons. One being the charts of the candidates are always active when they are running and, two, we bring are personal stuff to the table, making it difficult to be objective. Those facts aside, we forge ahead fearlessly. This battle is between Democrat Martha Coakley and Republican Scott Brown. I think that Martha Coakley is going to win. Here is why. This past week the polls have put Scott Brown in the lead. I don’t think that is the case, because polls taken during a Mercury retrograde period are usually off. Also, news reports indicate that the people are not happy with the Democrats. Here again, Mercury retrograde. Mercury went direct on Friday, and it takes some time to pick up speed again so the effects of retrograde motion are slow to shake off. I don’t think the people are totally done with the Democrats yet, not that they won’t be in the future, since the Democrats are great at shooting themselves in the foot. But anti-Republicanism is still strong. Other factors point to a Coakley win. The Winter Solstice chart of December 21, 2009, that we operate under until the next season change indicates that the party in power will remain in power. The horoscope set for 7AM, when the polls open in Massachusetts also favors Martha Coakley. The Moon in that chart is at 14 degrees of Pisces. The Moon rules the people. Scott Browns Mercury, ruler of the vote, is at 14 degrees of Virgo, at a difficult angle to the voting public. On the day of the election Martha Coakley has transiting Venus poised to move into her first house, a good sign. Also she has transiting Jupiter and the Moon in her first house. These are all favorable for her. Scott Brown has transiting Saturn on top of his natal Mars, which could restrict his actions. Saturn can go either way; mostly it indicates lack and tasks that require hard work. At other times, it will reward that hard work. Saturn has a moral code of its own and if you operate on the up and up he will reward you. Only Scott Brown has the answer to that. So there you have it, Martha Coakley wins. The fact that I am a left-leaning, bra burning feminist has nothing to do with this prediction. Ha!

Sarah Palin and Fox News Debut

2010-01-13T10:42:00.001-05:00

Sarah Palin made her debut on Fox News last night, January 12th at 8PM on the Bill O’Reilly show. On Fox, she will be preaching to the choir. I predict she won’t last. It will be another Sarah quits or Fox will give her the boot and here is why. First of all, the Moon is waning in Sagittarius. I have said it before and will no doubt say it again, if you want something to dissipate, begin when the Moon is on the wane. The Moon was just about to make an exact, friendly aspect to Jupiter before going void of course. Jupiter brings great big abundance of things and lots of confidence, over confidence even. Tied to the Moon (Moon=people/public) like this it says that Sarah’s first night on Fox brings huge numbers of viewers. She probably broke records. It also says she’ll burn hot and fast and then burn out. In addition, Mercury is retrograde which speaks to misinformation and things not turning out as expected. Sarah will put her personal spin on things which the fact checkers will have a field day with. Mars is retrograde also. Mars is the action planet. In retrograde motion it does not have the sizzle and pop it does when direct. It is good for well thought out strategy. Sarah Palin, with Sun, Mars and Saturn conjunct in Aquarius is quite capable of careful planning but with Mercury conjunct Moon and Venus and Jupiter in Aries she is a creature of impulse. That retrograde Mars in Leo is almost exactly trine her Aries Jupiter, a trine is a 120 degree aspect which brings favorable conditions. That Mars is going to come back to this position on May 10, 2010. She will probably last until then and maybe a bit further into the summer. You heard it here first.

Haiti and the Lunar Eclipse Connection

2010-01-13T09:50:00.001-05:00

The Lunar Eclipse on December 31st occurred at 10 degrees 14 minutes along the Cancer/Capricorn axis, with the Sun in Capricorn and the Moon in Cancer. Because the Moon was at perigee, i.e. at its closest point to the earth, it was called a super Moon (see December 30th entry) and earthquakes and volcanic eruptions often occur during the time frame of the lunation cycle they occur in. We are still in that time frame and will be until the New Moon of the 15th. (Or longer, depending on your opinion as to how long we feel the effects of an eclipse) There was a huge earthquake in Haiti on the 12th of January. Haiti received its independence from France through the Act of Independence which was signed on January 1, 1804. (Thanks to Nicholas Campion’s excellent book, The Book of World Horoscopes) This chart, for the birth of a nation has the Sun at 10 degrees of Capricorn. For Haiti, the Lunar Eclipse was a direct hit. For the Cancers and Capricorns among us, the earthquake occurs on an emotional and/or material level. The ground shaking beneath their feet may be due to a loss of job or standing in the community or whatever makes them feel secure. It can be scary and forces change either internally or externally. These types of coincidences between astronomical events and personal horoscopes are what intrigues the Astrologer and sends him/her digging through their charts for more incidents of serendipity. We usually find them.

January 2010, New Moon Solar Eclipse and Other Fun Stuff

2010-01-10T10:44:00.003-05:00

January kicks off this tumultuous year with a variety of shifts and changes not the least of which is a Solar Eclipse on January 15th (visible in Africa, India and Southeast Asia). A few days before the Solar Eclipse (New Moon), Saturn changes direction moving from retrograde to direct. A few hours after the New Moon, Mercury goes direct. On the 17th Jupiter enters Pisces, on the 18th Venus moves into Aquarius and the Sun follows Venus into Aquarius on the 19th. And let’s not forget the real biggie, Saturn square Pluto on the 31st. In the span of a few days we have a lot of planetary action going on. When they write the history books, January 2010 will be a stand out. The energy of Saturn and Capricorn is strong through this period as Saturn is changing direction and the New Moon Solar Eclipse is in Capricorn. When a planet changes direction the energy of that planet is strong. The Capricorn New Moon, ruled by Saturn, intensifies that energy. That energy, in this instance, says you’re going to have to work for it, whatever “it” is. Saturn/Capricorn generates a lack or need, extremes of weather and a tendency toward conservatism, as in conserve your energy and resources. We usually get a sense of it in the time period leading up to the event. With Saturn changing direction, the coldness across the nation and the threat to the Florida citrus crop is the physical manifestation of that direction change and the cluster of planets in Capricorn at this time. We will pay dearly for our fruits and vegetables in the coming months. The New Moon places emphasis on such things as transportation, communication, neighborhood and neighboring nations. Mercury is standing still at this New Moon, preparing to change direction, the Mercurial energy is strong. Confusion reigns when communication and public transportation breaks down. False accusations, phony news and television reports rule the day. Rumor runs wild on the web it goes viral. Don’t believe it until you check it out thoroughly. A Saturn ruled eclipse brings about political and governmental changes. A normal New Moon covers a period of a couple of weeks, there is some debate about the duration of influence of a Solar Eclipse, some claim that the degree of the eclipse remains “hot” for quite some time. In the future, when planets transit that degree, events occur related to the events around the time of the eclipse. In my experience this has proven to be true. This Solar Eclipse could very well topple governments. The mighty shall fall and persons of worth may suffer misfortunes that they don’t really deserve. Mercury strong now emphasizes public opinion and the youth. My money is still riding on the young, although we will have those misguided ones who set fire to their crotch in an effort to change the world. The Jupiter/Uranus conjunction in Aries (see 2010 blog) is about youthful revolution. It is about the new, the innovative and inventive. The idea that if you slaughter enough people sooner or later the world will come around to your point of view is an old one. This revolution is not about that. Not that we won’t see some explosive events involving young males from the 16 to 25 year age group. We will, but we will also see some startling breakthroughs and advances as a result of youthful initiative, male and female. On Sunday the 17th Jupiter returns to his home base, Pisces. He stays in Pisces until June, when he enters Aries. Jupiter summers in Aries then returns to Pisces in September. Jupiter brings abundance. Pisces can be very spiritual and intuitive. Pisces can take to the drink and the drug just as easily. Throw big time Jupiter in to the equation and you get a picture of where things can go. The Pisces individual is very sensitive to the environment they find themselves in. So Pisces, Jupiter can bring great gifts and opportunities, don’t blow it. On Monday, the 17th, Venus enters Aquarius. The Aquarians will all be popular and receive lots of invitations to socialize. In general, Venus in Aquarius sparks our interest in unconventional and odd relationships. We favor talking over touching, friendship over romance. It is not that romance is not possible; but romance begun now, begins as friendship and if it doesn’t last, it ends as friendship. The following day the Sun move into Aquarius further enhancing friendships, alliances and group activities that further humanitarian causes. At month end, Pluto and Saturn square off and we can expect some more terrorist activities, covert actions, and power struggles. This is the second square in a series of 3, the first of which occurred on November 15, 2009, (see November 15th post for more info). The decision to hold the trials of the perpetrators of the Twin Towers disaster was made at that time so they should hit the news cycle at month end. This Saturn /Pluto combination has a lot to do with CIA types of activities, secret and deadly. Every time Bush needed a boost in his ratings, some terrorist activity would surface and Saturn and Pluto were dancing to that tune. The world can be a dangerous place but don’t believe everything you hear. Learn to read between the lines and look beyond the obvious. On a personal level these planetary alignments can rock your world. Patience; all will be revealed and resolved in the fullness of time.