Greta Thunberg - Climate Girl

Pictures of Greta Thunberg, a lone girl with a lone sign saying "strike for climate" has flashed around the globe in the wake of yesterday's global climate strike.   From a humble start a little girl has activated millions.

Greta Thunberg is of the generation with Pluto in Sagittarius,  Neptune in Aquarius and Uranus in Aquarius along with David Hogg survivor of the the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.  From guns to climate, this generation will create change.

Greta Thunberg is a Capricorn.  Although I have no time for her birth it's a good bet that her Moon was in Capricorn as well.  She was born at at Mercury station, meaning Mercury was changing direction when she was born, going from Direct to Retrograde.  Planets at stationary points are very powerful.  It is no surprise that Mercury the messenger is so strong in her chart.  That Mercury is in Capricorn as well and insures that her message will manifest in the world in a concrete way.  

When she began her strike on August 20, 2018 Retrograde Mars in Capricorn was transiting, sitting on, her Mercury.  Mars is about action and this Mars brought energy to that message.  Also Saturn was a couple of degrees into Capricorn.  Saturn rules Capricorn.  At that time it was just beginning to aspect her natal Sun. 

As she sailed across the Atlantic, hit the United Nations and the US Congress transiting Saturn was rolling across her Sun. 

Saturn transits mark significant periods in a person's life.  Capricorn's in general are sometimes old when they are young and young when they are old.  When Saturn comes around it is usually pay back time or time to do your job.  If you don't, in 7 1/2 years or so, Saturn will hit you from another angle and demand pay back. Greta Thunberg has done her job and will continue to do so.

Jupiter will enter Capricorn in December and remain there for a bout a year rolling over her Capricorn planets.  Jupiter is the Good Luck guy.  Saturn will conjunct Pluto on January 12, 2020 smack in the middle of Greta's Capricorn planets. 

This young lady is not going away.  She will continue to spread her message and that message will resonate with the masses.  The kid is a game changer.  

Campaign Madness – 2016

While major media outlets would have you think that the presidential nomination process is in the bag for Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton; the primary season is far from over.  With a couple of thousand delegates on the Democratic side and over a thousand on the Republic side the race, though close, is ongoing.

Between now and June when the primary season ends there is a planetary alignment taking place that will have an impact on the candidate’s prospects. There is a mutable T-Square unfolding between now and June involving Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune.  A T-Square is an aspect of stress involving two planets opposing each other and both being squared by another.  In this case Jupiter in Virgo opposes Neptune in Pisces while Saturn in Sagittarius squares them both.  The signs involved are all mutable signs.  Mutable signs are changeable signs.  If this T-Square was across the fixed signs we could expect folks to dig their heels in and not budge from their positions. But with the mutable signs involved change is in the air. 

Another planetary action of significance to this race is Mars’ period of retrograde motion.  Unlike Mercury the planet that goes retrograde a couple of times a year, Mars goes retrograde every two years.  This year Mars turns retrograde on April 17^th in Sagittarius.  It then proceeds to retrograde back into Scorpio on May 27^th then goes direct again on June 29^th at 23 Scorpio.  Mars is the planet of action providing the impetus that gets us moving.  Retrograde it can slow a person’s momentum and bring a reassessment of what action to take.

The final point to consider is Mercury’s retrograde period beginning on April 28^th and ending on May 22^nd. This Mercury retrograde period overlaps with the Mars retrograde period and with Mercury in Taurus the Taurus/Scorpio axis so much in play already receives another shot in the arm.

The mutable T-Square impacts Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders in particular.  Bernie Sanders, a Virgo has Jupiter traveling back and forth over his natal Virgo Sun during this period.  This is good for him and will provide a welcome boost to his campaign.  That is not to say it will be easy for him for Saturn in Sagittarius squares his Virgo Sun signifying an uphill battle.  But battle he will, with Scorpio Rising he’s got the stick to it energy required for the fight. 

Donald Trump is a Gemini with Moon in Sagittarius opposing his Gemini Sun. The planet Saturn is approaching that Sun/Moon opposition and Jupiter will square the pair. So this mutable T-Square in effect through June gets up close and personal with him as well.  He too faces a battle with the established powers.  Trump, with a Leo Ascendant, the sign on the horizon at his birth, with the planet Mars on that Ascendant is pugnacious, in your face and very much in his element when the battle lines are drawn.

The retrograde Mars period will impact the campaign tactics and activities of the candidates.  Mars is the ruler of Hillary Clinton’s Scorpio Sun and Bernie Sanders’ Scorpio Ascendant. Donald Trump with Mars sitting on his Ascendant in Leo is tuned into Mars in a big way.  Capricorn Ted Cruz with Mars, Venus and Jupiter in Scorpio will not get away clean either. 

For Ted Cruz, Mars goes retrograde in his third house and moves back into his second rolling back and forth over his Jupiter in Scorpio and Neptune in Sagittarius.  This signals a change in his message and finances. Natal Jupiter hit with the Mars energy may bring big donors to his door.

Donald Trump will face increased opposition from the powers that be as Mars squares his Mars twice going backwards then forwards.  It has already squared his Mars once and that energy has manifested in his combativeness, the violence at his rally’s and Republican establishment coming out against him. They will continue to come after him and he will continue to react. A mutable, changeable Gemini, Donald Trump is able to roll with the punches but with a Leo ascendant with Mars backing up that ascendant, he’s not going away.

Scorpio Hillary Clinton, with Mars moving from her fifth house to her sixth and back again will take a gamble and toss the dice at some point.  There is danger here of over confidence and that will become apparent when she faces opposition from the collective.  Youth and women play big roles in this campaign and for Hillary Clinton in particular.

Its ‘put your dukes up time” for Virgo Bernie Sanders as Mars moves back and forth over his Ascendant moving from the first to the 12^th and back again.  During that time those that oppose him will be working behind the scenes. But when Mars hits his Ascendant for the last time in July just prior to the convention, he will come out swinging.  The Mars retrograde period will prove beneficial to him.  With a strong natal retrograde Mars in Aries, the retrograde periods of Mars resonate with him and will not slow his momentum.

John Kasich, also with natal Mars retrograde in Scorpio; though lagging behind will not give up easily. A Taurus Sun, with Mercury, Venus and Jupiter in that sign as well, he’s no quitter. Mars opposes his Sun for the last time just prior to the convention.  He may still be in it because he carries the conviction that he is the best qualified. Whether that is so may not matter in the hurdy-gurdy atmosphere of this campaign.

Mercury begins retrograde motion on April 28^th at 23 Taurus and will move backwards until it reaches 14 Taurus on May 22^nd.  It will not reach 23 Taurus again until June 7^th a significant date in the primary cycle.  The primary in California on that day, with 548 delegates at stake could prove to be a deal maker or breaker.

 Ted Cruz will have Mercury moving through his 8^th house of financial support from others will get some action there as it moves over his Saturn in Taurus and activates by opposition his Venus and Jupiter in Scorpio in the 2^nd house of his money.  With Saturn involved it is a good guess that he will receive financial support from the establishment.  With his natal Mercury retrograde in Capricorn retrograde periods are smooth sailing for him.

For Bernie Sanders Mercury retrograde in Taurus creates a helpful trine to his Virgo Sun and North Node.  While moving through his sixth house of every day routine the retrograde period will be a time of reviewing strategy and revamping schedule.

 

Mercury goes retrograde just shy of Donald Trump’s Midheaven.  The Midheaven is the most elevated point in a horoscope.  This point relates to the individual’s public image, what they aspire to and the ideals they hold.  As Mercury backtracks through the 9^th house of publishing there’s a chance that the media’s love affair with Trump may ebb a bit.  Mercury will not hit the very important Midheaven until well after moving direct not reaching it until June 8^th at the end of the primary period.  This will be a significant time for Donald Trump.

In one of those astrological coincidences, John Kasich’s Sun sits at 24 Taurus conjunct the Donald’s Midheaven.  Retrograde Mercury will roll back and forth between Kasich’s Sun and Venus in Taurus.  The reassessment and reevaluation that Mercury retrograde periods are so famous for will be very up close and personal for Kasich.  Taurus has lots of perseverance but they are pragmatic and practical as well.  John Kasich will take a hard look at the facts.

Scorpio Hillary Clinton has natal Mercury retrograde in that sign. This Mercury retrograde period will oppose her Mercury and Venus in Scorpio. First in forward motion, then retrograde then forward again.  As Mercury moves through her 11^th house of networking, with Gemini rising, she’ll be working that network gathering support.  Once again, 24 Taurus occurs with Hillary’s North Node at that degree.

This election season plays out against the backdrop of the planetary configurations of the slower moving planets, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.  When any or all of them are engaged societal changes occur.  The proof of this is in the continued success of the “outsiders” in each party, Trump and Sanders.  And as much as the establishment would like them to go away, they are both here to stay.

Both conventions will be a slugfest. With so many planetary wild cards in play it is difficult to predict a winner.  What is for sure is the uniqueness of this campaign season which will continue to be unusual and full of unexpected surprises.  As the mutable T-Square unfolds the changing political landscape will at times slide into the muck and become more absurd and bizarre.  For sure, the unheard voices outside the mainstream will make their presence felt. 

Full Moon Madness or Sanity?

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Month Ends With a Bang! – From Balsamic to New Moon in Aquarius

Sunday, January 26, 2014 Moon in enthusiastic Sagittarius moves into the Balsamic phase of the lunar cycle with the Sun when the Moon becomes smaller and smaller soon to vanish from the night sky.  Wiccan’s call this phase the Crone’s Moon.  A time of inner wisdom, a time to let go and dream of what is to come.  Like winter time, the seeds lie dormant beneath the surface waiting for the warmth of the Sun to generate movement.   As the Moon moves into Capricorn right after midnight on Tuesday the 28^th continue to reflect.  Capricorn Moon while not conducive to dreaming it is favorable for making concrete plans.  Dreams are not farfetched under this Moon they consider the practical.  Wisdom comes with Balsamic Moon in Capricorn.

Early Wednesday morning, a few hours before dawn, Sun in Aquarius makes a healthy connection with Aquarius’ ruler Uranus.  This aspect jolts us from our complacency.  The morning news or commute may provide a disruption in the routine or way of thinking. At 11:30 PM EST Moon enters Aquarius and we start thinking about the other guy, those that are less fortunate that we are.  A detached, intellectual Moon, Aquarius is not going to tote a pot of soup to the neighbors.  Writing a letter to the editor decrying deplorable conditions is more this Moon’s style.

At 4:38 PM EST on Thursday, January 30^th the New Moon occurs.  The New Moon is the start of a new cycle.  At this point the night sky is dark, the seeds are still dormant but beginning to stir with the vibe of the new.

New Moons set the tone for the upcoming month.  This New Moon in Aquarius has Pluto and Venus joining forces in Capricorn with Venus poised to turn direct.  They oppose retrograde Jupiter in Cancer and square Uranus in Aries.  This combination is bound to kick up some dust.   Early Friday morning the Jupiter/Pluto opposition reaches exactness.  Later, Mercury enters Pisces and in the afternoon Venus stops and turns in direct motion.  The month ends with a bang! In the big wide world protests and humanitarian causes make the headlines.  Getting down to the personal, here on the east coast of the USA, relationships require work.  The happily ever after needs diligence and maintenance.  Domestic and neighborhood issues beg for attention.

Late on Friday evening Moon enters Pisces.  We are sensitive to the vibes around us under this Moon so be sure to surround yourself with the positive for the rest of the weekend.  Folks are emotionally vulnerable and sentimental now.  Escapism plays a key role now.  It’s easy to drink to much, eat to much, and cling to much in an effort to gain emotional security.  Take the high road, listen music, and meditate.

 

Hooray! Mercury Direct - First Quarter to Full Moon

All those missed connections, traffic snafus, and tangled communications begin to clear up and clear out now that Mercury turns in direct motion on Sunday afternoon.  This is the First Quarter Moon day as well kicking the week off with a lot of action.

 On Monday, with Moon in Pisces, Mercury trines Neptune in Pisces and imagination runs wild; this combination is good for writers, musicians and healers. There’s otherworldliness about it all. We reach into the mystical with ease under this aspect. Just remember to pay attention while driving.  Meditation behind the wheel is not a good idea. 

Tuesday Moon goes void at 9:34 AM and Sun trines Jupiter.  Trines, a 120 degree aspect, are an aspect where the two energies blend with ease.  Sun and Jupiter together are a happy pair.  There is danger though of overconfidence here.  You may have to take your enthusiasm down a notch in order not to overwhelm. 

Moon enters Aries in the wee hours of Wednesday.  Neptune goes direct on Wednesday afternoon and with that earlier assist from Mercury some issues become clearer.  There’s a suggestion of movement although it may be very subtle. This is a good time to listen to that inner voice.

Thursday Moon goes void at 3:57PM and does not enter Taurus until Friday morning at 9:49 AM.  Over the course of these two days, Venus squares Uranus and conjuncts Pluto.  The square to Uranus on Thursday night brings excitement, the unusual and the unconventional.  The Friday afternoon conjunction with Pluto in Capricorn promises intensity.  Capricorn is about business and societal structures. Venus is the diplomat. Discussions are passionate and topics are deep.  No idle hour chit chat for these two.

The Full Moon on Sunday morning falls along the Scorpio/Taurus axis.  These are fixed signs and folks may not want to budge from their positions. At this time you get a hint of what the New Moon Solar Eclipse is all about for you as the Full Moon energy is a culminating energy, bringing things to a head, as it were.

A little note about Moon Void of Course:  The Moon is a fast mover traveling through all twelve signs in a lunar month.  When the Moon gets near the end of a sign it makes its last aspect before entering a new sign.  This is called the Moon Void of Course period.  This can last for a few minutes, hours or even days depending on where the other planets are transiting.  Actions taken during Void of Course periods have a tendency to turn out in ways that were completely unexpected.  Decisions made now often have difficulties or run into delays. Void of Course is a good time to go with the flow.  Focus on the spiritual, do a little meditation, and spend some time reflecting.  In the real world this is not always possible as life goes regardless of the Moon’s position. So just keep moving and do what needs to be done.  If possible postpone decisions until the void period ends.  But don’t get your knickers in a twist if you can’t. Life is full of adjustments and readjustments.  We truck on.

A Week of Shifting and Change

If the Solar Eclipse on Sunday wasn’t enough to rattle your cage a few planetary shifts in the upcoming week may accomplish what the eclipse did not.  Although an eclipse is quite a vehicle for change any New Moon period is the time of planting the seeds of change.  We don’t often see results or action right away but must wait until the seeds begin to sprout.

This week; helping to move that process along are a couple of planetary changes that will change the flow of energy.  Early Tuesday morning Venus kisses the fiery freewheeling sign of Sagittarius behind and dons her business suit as she enters the earth sign of Capricorn.  Capricorn is all about business, structure and form.  Venus here wants a solid relationship and does not encourage frittering money away on trivial things.  You can put a new roof on or buy a new furnace but forget the mink coat and diamond earrings.  In relationships, while Venus always loves the fun and games, in Capricorn she is looking for stability.  Capricorn is an earth sign and folks tend to forget that earth signs are not without passion, although Capricorn usually gives more while expending less energy.  Relationships begun now are usually slow to start but tend to last awhile.

As Wednesday rolls into Thursday, Jupiter, Thursday’s ruler, changes direction, turning retrograde.  Retrograde periods are times to revise and review.  Jupiter in Cancer has a lot to do with the home front, nurturing, and things of an emotional nature.  Jupiter in Cancer turns on the water works with emotions overflowing and at times exaggerated. Where Jupiter is transiting in the natal chart will tell the tale.  This is the area where the brakes are applied and a little evaluation and reevaluation will be going on until Jupiter goes direct again on March 6, 2014.

The First Quarter Moon, just after midnight on Sunday pits the Scorpio Sun against Aquarius Moon, two fixed signs that help you to dig your heels in and persevere.  This great but sometimes change is necessary.  Don’t cling to the old and useless, try to embrace the new.  At 4:12 PM EST on Sunday Mercury, at last, goes direct.  Decision making should be put off until after this change in motion.  Over the following few days, new information surfaces, new ideas form and channels of communication open up.  We tend to see things a bit differently after Mercury goes direct. So hold off decision making or signing important papers until next week.

Some may get a glimpse of what the Solar Eclipse of the 3^rd holds for them.  Eclipses are about change, news and new directions.  Although this is a tough eclipse period with a lot of discordant energy there is always a silver lining, a gold nugget or a precious gem lying beneath the surface.  A little meditation goes a long way during this period.

Full Moon – Lunar Eclipse—Happy December

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.

Waning Moon – Planetary Shifts – Life Goes On.

 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.

You Think Last Week Was Tough? Get Ready for More

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.

Pluto in Capricorn

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?

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.

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

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.

April Lunation Cycle 2011

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.

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

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?

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.

Last Quarter Moon and Week of November 28, 2010

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

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"

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^th tells 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.

Election Day – and the Mood of the People

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.