Pisces New Moon - Mars, Jupiter and Saturn Stir Things Up

The New Moon in Pisces at 2:59 AM EST on Saturday morning, March 1, 2014 makes a positive connections with Jupiter in Cancer.  This is a great for spiritual openings, heightening of the imagination and enhancing artistic abilities.  Mercury in Aquarius went direct the day before and Mars goes retrograde at 11:24 AM EST and just like that the energy shifts and changes.   More changes come as Moon enters Aries on Sunday and Saturn in Scorpio turns retrograde.  When planets change direction the energies that those planets embody heightens, strengthens and often manifests concrete events according to the sign they are in and in the individual horoscope, the house they are in.  In the afternoon, Venus in Capricorn squares retrograde Mars in Libra. Relationships are strained, arguments ensue.  The masculine and feminine principles clash. This does not bode well for diplomacy on international fronts as well as the kitchen table variety.  Moon in Aries wants things right now.  Impulsive action that is not well thought out is a signature of this Moon. 

On Monday, March 3, 2014 before most folks make it to the job this Aries Moon bounces off Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto stirring things up.  Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto are in an ongoing T-Square that is Jupiter opposing Pluto and both squaring Uranus, looks like a T.  Squares agitate and make things happen; oppositions are just that, opposing viewpoints, folks on opposite sides of the fence.  We see this symbolism acted out in world events.  In the Ukraine, it’s between East and West, in the US it’s liberal and conservative, rich and poor etc. So when Aries Moon sets this off things happen.  When Moon passed through Libra kicking things off from the opposite side of the Zodiac forming a Grand Square demonstrations began in Kiev. Aries Moon may escalate things.  In the afternoon Sun in Pisces forms a congenial aspect with Pluto in Capricorn, although congenial any time Pluto is involved there are issues of power and control.

On Tuesday afternoon at 2:12 PM EST Moon enters Taurus bringing out our need for emotional stability. We don’t like change and favor the traditional while Moon travels through this fixed earth sign.  Folks tend to be a bit stubborn now.  On Ash Wednesday, with Moon still in Taurus, Venus moves into Aquarius.  Venus, the planet of love and money in this sign is looking for friendship first. The unconventional or odd appeals and socializing is often done with a group of friends while Venus is in Aquarius. 

On Friday, Jupiter in Cancer changes direction stirring up Uranus and Pluto in the process.  In the evening Moon moves into versatile Gemini and we seek mental stimulation.  Talking and the exchange of ideas keep folks busy.  The duality of Gemini often makes it difficult to make a decision. A good time to take care of correspondence and return phone calls as information simply flows.

All in all this is a week of change.  In some areas things that were on hold begin to move along, while in other areas a reevaluation may be in order.  We can expect more demonstrations, authorities flexing their muscles and the common folk flexing theirs as well.  On an individual level it may be difficult to extend the olive branch but attempts at peace making are always worth the effort.  The fruits of those efforts may not manifest right away, but during periods of turmoil it is wise to lay the foundation for the hoped for stability to follow.

Waxing Moon – First Quarter – Could Be Trouble

Sunday, January 05, 2014 dawns with Moon in sensitive Pisces. There’s a heightened awareness of those things that go bump in the night when Moon is in Pisces.  Folks are impressionable now so it is important to surround yourself with the positive.  We sense the mood of others and absorb it.  Stay away from those who would bring you down. During the afternoon Sun in Capricorn opposes Jupiter in Cancer bringing a lot of confidence and optimism into the atmosphere.  The flaw here is over confidence.  Jupiter is expansive; in Cancer he expands the emotions.  Sun in Capricorn is all about reining things in and keeping everything neat and tidy.

Before the Sun rises on Monday morning Mercury in Capricorn connects with Saturn in Scorpio.  This is a practical Mercury ready to get down to business.  Saturn wherever he maybe, is always ready to get down to business. This aspect sets the stage for the first full week of 2014 and gives an able assist to those ready to tackle the chores left hanging during the festive holiday season.  Holiday’s over folks. 

Monday afternoon Moon moves from dreamy Pisces into action oriented Aries. Aries Moon favors vigorous action and initiative.  People want change when Moon moves through Aries.  It is important to remember that change for change sake is not always the best move to make.  Try to avoid impulsive action now.

Tuesday afternoon Mercury joins forces with Venus, both in Capricorn.  Under this aspect the time is ripe for signing documents pertaining to money or partnerships.  Venus is retrograde so these deals may fall under review. These issues won’t be resolved until month end when Venus goes direct. The first week of February provides a window of opportunity to tie things up before Mercury goes retrograde on February 6^th.

Tuesday evening, January 7^th the First Quarter Moon occurs.  Quarter Moon’s are a time of action and this one is especially so because of various planets involved with the Sun and Moon configuration.  Mars opposing the Moon and squaring the Sun agitates to put it mildly.  Jupiter opposing the Sun and squaring the Moon blows things way out of proportion.  Moon in Aries acts on emotional impulse, while Sun in Capricorn along with Mercury and Venus tries to maintain order.  This cluster of planets in Capricorn is outgunned by Pluto in Capricorn. Pluto’s the howitzer and he stirs the pot mightily.  Diplomacy really doesn’t have much of a chance. Uranus is widely in the mix as well, so anything goes from the personal to the political.  Mother Earth may rumble. This week is a period of volatility in the business, personal, political and natural world.

On Wednesday, Moon goes Void of Course at 11:22 AM EST.  In the afternoon, the agitator Mars squares off with Jupiter.  This may bring some disruption, inflated and overstated actions and reactions.  Moon moves into the more stable Taurus at 9:24 PM EST.  People are cautious under this Moon sign.  This is fixed earth and change is an option that is difficult to take.  This is the “I have” Moon and this Moon wants to keep it. Financial and material security is paramount under this Moon.  Try to avoid being stubborn and digging in the heels.  Some change is good.

Moon remains in Taurus until Saturday, January 11^th at 7:26 AM EST.  Before Moon enters Gemini at this time, Venus makes a strong connection with Saturn.  Venus is in Saturn ruled Capricorn and is in the cautionary stage of retrograde so this aspect could prove to be very productive but the fruits of that productivity may not be evident for awhile.   Sun passes over both these planets during the course of the morning hours lending strength to the organizational energy precipitated by the Venus/Saturn conjunction.  Moon in Gemini takes it all in.  People are curious, inquisitive and talkative under this Moon.  Gathering and sharing information are hallmarks of Moon in Gemini.  We’re open to change and are able to see both sides of the picture.  Juggling comes to mind as this Moon enhances our capacity to multi-task.

Late Saturday afternoon Mercury enters Aquarius.  Mercury is comfortable in this air sign and reaches far and wide for news and information.  We hear about stuff that old Pluto in Capricorn at the First Quarter Moon has been trying to keep under wraps. During these few days when Moon is in Gemini, Mercury’s ruler, there’s lots of traffic, on the roadways, the internet and in the intellect.  There’s much to think about and process.

Try to grab a few moments to ground and center.  Remember to breathe.

New Moon in Cancer - A Bit Chaotic

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get Ready to Rock and Roll With This New Moon

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.

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.

Let’s Look at Lincoln Chafee

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.

Tom Ridge, Terror Alerts, Pluto in Capricorn

Tom Ridge says that when he was Director of Homeland Security he was pressured to raise the terror alert when President Bush’s poll numbers went down during the 2004 election. Like that’s a big surprise. How about during his entire term of office, since 9/11, every time his approval rating went down; the terror alert was raised. A fact pointed out to me during those years by a savvy 16 year old. This kid, like all kids, used the internet to great advantage. He pulled up all of the polls and terror alerts with the coinciding dates that each occurred and saw the clear pattern. This is something the power brokers haven’t quite gotten yet. For as many gullible Americans there are that believe anything a talking head on television says, there are a growing number of citizens, young and old alike who search and research the subject and know the truth and are able to form an informed opinion. They also know when the talking head, be it a politician, a pundit, a “news” person or whatever is talking out his or her ass. We know that the emperor has no clothes and that the man behind the curtain is a carnival shill. This revelation is symbolic of Pluto’s entrance into Capricorn and it is only the beginning. Pluto went into Capricorn in 2008 and will be there until 2023. To give you a sense of what Pluto does, think back to 1995 when Pluto went into Sagittarius. Sagittarius is about such diverse subjects as philosophy, religion, publishing, travel and distant cultures. Pluto changes what it touches and usually the first thing that happens is that the crap comes to the surface. Put Pluto (sex) in Sagittarius (religion) and what have you got? All the sordid, lurid details came out. While the Catholic Church may seem the same on the outside, you can bet that internally a lot of changes have been made. The publishing industry has undergone major change as well. The shrinking newspaper and the expanding online content attest to that. 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. As an example of how Pluto works, during the Watergate break in, Richard Nixon was being hit by a Pluto transit. We know how that turned out.