Busy is the Name of the Game – Action and Growth.

This Saturday, March 8, 2014 Moon hits its First Quarter phase.  First Quarter Moon phase is the time for decisive action.  Often a crisis will precipitate this action.  Most times it is instinctive and does not feel like a crisis at all as the Moon rules our daily life and it all seems part of the routine.  When you want something to grow, begin while the Moon is in its waxing phase, especially if it is waxing in Cancer.

 This First Quarter Moon, with Moon in Gemini and Sun in Pisces, promises a busy week ahead leading up to the Full Moon on the 16^th.  Gemini Moon is always a time of curiosity and the need for mental stimulation. If you want an idea to grow waxing Moon in Gemini is the time to voice that idea and get it out to the universe.  This Quarter Moon will impact in a very personal way Gemini and Pisces of course as well as Virgo and Sagittarius.  

Daylight Savings time begins at 2 AM on Sunday morning, March 9, 2014.  Moon slides home to Cancer at 9:33 AM EDT. Folks can get needy and moody while Moon is in Cancer.  There’s a need to nurture or be nurtured. We respond emotionally now, so tread lightly as people are vulnerable and sensitive. This is a most fertile time; the time to plant your garden and watch it grow.

Monday, the Moon’s day, is likely to be an emotional roller coaster as Moon bounces off Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto activating that dynamic T-Square that has been in play and will continue to be in play for some time.  Jupiter is about justice, Uranus rebellion and Pluto power, control and the ability to transform. We see this played out in global events and bringing it down to the personal the cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn feel the pressure of this uncommon aspect.  Life changing events trigger inner changes that alter the life path and plans.  Cardinal signs are always ready to start something new and usually adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

Early Tuesday morning, Mercury in Aquarius squares Saturn in Scorpio paving the way for some serious conversation and some sobering news. Here the fixed signs, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius feel the stress. The mercurial signs of Gemini and Virgo get pulled into the conflict as well as Saturn ruled Capricorn. Aquarius, Saturn ruled as well is hip deep into it and with Mercury there we are likely to hear one of those famous Aquarian rants.   Moon slips into Leo at 10:09 PM EDT.  While Moon is in Leo people are romantic, affectionate and looking for fun.  We need appreciation and recognition during this time, so don’t be slow with the compliments.  It should come natural as generosity of spirit is a signature attribute of Moon in Leo. 

During Thursday afternoon’s commute Sun in Pisces trines Saturn, the Sun and Saturn represent masculine authority.  A trine aspect indicates ease and agreement.  Authority figures reach an agreement.  The details emerge on Friday after Moon enters Virgo at 10:17 AM EDT.  Around noon time Mercury in Aquarius trines Mars in Libra and it is time for decisive action.  Moon in Virgo heightens our capacity for discrimination.  Detailed work and organizing projects do well now.  

The sky is busy this week and we will be busy as well.  A lot of news that stirs the emotions and a lot of folks who want to stir that pot.  Friday’s Mercury trine Mars will inject some clear logic and reasonableness into it all.  It will pay to let things gel a bit before flying off the handle so try to resist the Mercury/Mars connection and think about it a bit.

The Week Ahead – Last Quarter Moon – Venus Retrograde

Sunday, January 19, 2014 Moon travels through Virgo.  A good day for tidying things up, cleaning out closets/ drawers and general purging all around.  Don’t forget the junk food in the pantry.  Late in the evening Aquarians rejoice as Sun begins its monthly sojourn through that sign. Aquarius, like Capricorn, is ruled by Saturn and can be just as conservative.  Whereas Capricorn leans towards the corporate structure and serves societal constructs, Aquarius celebrates the individualist and often wants to topple those structures especially if they have become rigid and incapable of change.

 Moon remains in Virgo throughout Monday going Void of Course at 3:55 PM EST until the following morning, Tuesday, January 21^st at 7:43 AM EST.  When Moon enters Libra the energy shifts into a more social mode.  Venus ruled Libra Moon heightens the need for interaction with others.  Partnerships, associations and collaborations flourish under this Moon.  A cautionary note here: Libra’s ruler Venus is retrograde and has been since December 21, 2013 and will go direct on January 31, 2014. Venus retrograde can bring uncertainty into all relationships and confusion about finances. Like all retrogrades it is a time for review and reevaluation about the issues that the retrograde planet represents. Venus is about love, money, beauty, art and value systems. This is not the time to take action. It is the time to examine and become aware of issues revolving around love and money.  Often Venus retrograde can trigger extravagant spending on beautiful things that may not be practical.  It is important to remember to try and stay within the budget.  Relationship issues that surface now are not the signal to break off an existing relationship or begin a new one.  Venus is about what you want and what you value. Retrograde is the time to figure out what that is.  Keep in mind when Venus goes direct on the 31^st, Mercury is slowing down in preparation for retrograde motion on February 6^th. 

Wednesday while Moon is in Libra she connects with all the planets throughout the day kicking off a lot of action and discussion around Libran themes.  This is a good time to really listen to what the other person is saying.  Hear them and make sure they hear you.  Be sure that all involved are hearing what is really being said and not what they want to hear.  

Moon goes Void at 10:50 PM EST and moves into Scorpio on Thursday afternoon, January 23^rd at 4:43 PM EST.  Passions are aroused when Moon travels through Scorpio.  Scorpio Moon, ruled by Pluto and Mars, brings out aggressive tendencies and emotional outbursts. Despite Scorpio’s tough reputation, people are sensitive now.  Social interaction can get complicated when the green-eye monster emerges, even though there may be nothing to be jealous about. Suspicion is in the air.  When things get intense take a step back, take a few breaths and take it down a notch.

 At 12:20 AM EST, in the midnight hour the Last Quarter Moon perfects.  This is a time of reflection. As we reflect and assimilate we are ending one phase in preparation for a new beginning.  When Mercury connects with Mars on Friday morning it will be helpful to talk about what is on your mind.  While Scorpio Moon is intense and emotional, Mercury in Aquarius is detached and intellectual.  Mars in air sign Libra will be forced to listen. He may want to argue but Libra will have none of it. 

Saturday morning busy Mercury squares off with Saturn in Scorpio.  The talk is serious and Saturn reigns in Scorpio’s explosive emotions.  Doesn’t mean that it is going to be easy as some unpleasant truths may be revealed. It’s really difficult when those truths are about oneself.  Moon goes Void of Course at 8:55 AM EST and remains so until 10:13 PM EST when intensity falls by the wayside as Moon enters Sagittarius.

 Under Sagittarius Moon there’s a need to move, an itch to travel, a desire to kick the football around or go for a hike.  Sagittarius Moon generates a friendly atmosphere. Ruled by philosophical Jupiter we dive into books about self improvement, philosophical ideals and intellectual edification.  Restlessness under this Moon can lead to impulsive action.  Take a walk, vacuum the rug, simply get moving before you do something that your lack of thinking about will lead to complications later on.  

 

Last Quarter Moon – A Juicy Week Ahead

The week opens with the Last Quarter Moon on Monday the 25^th at 2:28 PM EST. The Moon is at the half and half stage, half light, half dark.  This is a time of reflection.  Quarter Moons bring crisis and with the waning quarter that crisis is usually internal.  Contemplation and meditation do well during this period.  This time in the lunation cycle is the time to prepare the ground for the seeds to be planted at the next New Moon.  This phase has the Sun in Sagittarius with the Moon in Virgo.  These signs as well as the other mutable signs, Pisces and Gemini may have a deeper connection to the energies of this quarter moon.

Monday evening Mercury and Saturn, in Scorpio, make a powerful connection.  This is not the time for casual conversation.  Topics are deep and complex.  Scorpions feel the energy most acutely while the other fixed signs, Taurus, Leo and Aquarius catch a lot of the fall out.  Especially the Aquarians, their ruler, Saturn, is heavily involved in the discussion.  Moon in Virgo lends a hand to Mercury.  Mercury rules Virgo as well as Gemini so these signs are pulled into the discussion whether they like it or not. The other mutable signs, Pisces and Sagittarius will need to roll with the punches as well.

Moon shifts into congenial Libra at 5PM EST on Wednesday. Libra Moon lightens the mood as folks want to connect in a more convivial manner.  This Moon reminds us that we are social beings and need and want the company of our fellow human beings. It’s a good time to throw a party as everyone wants to get along and have fun. Later in the evening Mercury once again makes a connection, this time with Venus in Capricorn. Once again the Mercury ruled signs are involved as well as the Venus ruled Taurus and Libra.  Libra gets an assist from the Libra Moon.   The conversation is likely to be practical as Venus in Capricorn is all business. Mercury in Scorpio wants to get to the bottom line. So things should work out well as long as everyone is dealing from the top of the deck.

Libra Moon provides some pleasant energy for the Thanksgiving Holiday festivities.  We are more tolerant of that pesky relative that creates discord at family functions. Indeed the pesky relative is not so pesky under this Moon.  Venus in Capricorn opposes Jupiter in Cancer.  Capricorn the conservative tries to put a lid on the excessive tendencies of Jupiter.  Jupiter in Cancer is right in tune with the huge Thanksgiving meal.  Overeating is the norm on this day the energy of Jupiter in Cancer says food is love and we all indulge freely.  

Moon goes Void of Course on Friday morning and remains so all day entering Scorpio at 11:03 PM.  Scorpio Moon brings intense passion and desires to the forefront.  Sensitivity increases and people feel insulted when no insult was meant.  So be careful what you say and how you say it.  Saturday, the Sun in exuberant Sagittarius makes a harmonious connection to volatile Uranus in Aries.  This is a fiery and exciting combination.  Be prepared for disruption in plans, surprising events and a bit of shock on some level.  The fire burns hot and fast with this combination.

Moon remains in Scorpio for the rest of the weekend.  Sunday Moon bounces off Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, Mercury and Mars, in that order.  That’s a lot of action going on.

Remember to breathe.

Solar Eclipse in Scorpio

This Sunday morning the day dawns with a Solar Eclipse in Scorpio.  This is a rare hybrid eclipse in that it starts out as a partial eclipse and segues into a total eclipse.  The eclipse is visible along the eastern seaboard of the United States in its early stages.  Solar Eclipse brings events that are outside oneself, events in the outside world that somehow impacts the individual.  The closer the eclipse degree falls to a planet or point in the horoscope the greater the impact.  The conjunction, when to planets are together in the sky, and the opposition are the aspects that carry weight.

The Solar Eclipse chart set for Washington, DC finds the eclipse falling in the 12^th house of secrets and hidden things.  In addition to the Sun and Moon the planets Saturn and Mercury figure prominently in this event, while Mars plays a secondary role.

A Scorpio eclipse in the 12^th house churns up a lot of deep rooted phobias, fears and emotions that some folks may not be ready to deal with.  The issues that float to the surface during this time can trigger some deep transformation which often leads to new beginnings.  The task is to overcome one’s fear of looking within and bravely facing one’s shadow. 

Emotions run deep and the issues are complex under Scorpio’s influence.  Often there is no easy solution but careful probing and deep meditation open doors to new avenues of pursuit.  Fear not!  Eclipses bring life changing events and news.  Folks get married, divorced, move or change jobs.  Youngsters decide on which college to attend or graduate and move into the adult world. 

The house where Scorpio falls reveals the area of life that will be impacted.

 First house brings changes in appearance or activities.  A new exercise program or wardrobe, something that changes how one looks, like a haircut.

Second house alters the financial situation as well as what you consider important, while finances fluctuate the value system changes.  Issues of self worth surface demanding attention.

An eclipse in the third house can bring changes in the daily commute, the neighborhood and relationships with siblings.  Issues arise around those we encounter in our daily life.

A fourth house impacted by an Eclipse brings changes to the domestic sphere.  A move or major redecorating project alters one’s personal space.  This is the house of parents and of one’s foundations.  Thing we consider rock solid in our life undergo change.

The fifth house affects our creative expression, our inner child as well as our children.  Children leave home or return home.  Love affairs begin and end when an eclipse falls here.

The sixth house is the house of work, health and service.  An eclipse here can alter one’s daily routine and working space.  Often folks become concerned with health and diet issues.

The seventh house impacted by a solar eclipse brings about changes in relationships. These are the personal one on one relationships, some folks commit to a more serious relationship while others question the relationship they are in.

The eighth house, another house of deep rooted issues brings some latent energies to the surface.  Often things end in order for something new to begin. Shared resources and the issue of money held and spent in common becomes the topic of discussion. Getting into or out of debt is an eighth house issue.

A ninth house eclipse opens one up to the wider world and sends the person searching for hidden truths.  An eclipse here brings news from afar.  Often the lure of faraway places gives one the travel bug.  Higher education and improving the mind ride along with this house placement.

An eclipse falling in the tenth house brings change in career and life’s direction. Often relationships with authority figures change. Career success arrives but may not be what the individual really wants.

An eleventh house eclipse emphasizes plans for the future, money from job, friends and associate.  The hopes and dreams held for a long time shift and change.   New friends arrive while old friends drift away.

The twelfth house brings hidden talents and hidden flaws to the surface.  The native becomes aware of how their behavior really affects others.  An eclipse here brings to the surface the hidden ways we screw ourselves up.

This is simply a thumbnail sketch of how an eclipse impacts the various houses.  A deeper understanding can be derives from an in depth analysis of one’s natal horoscope and the horoscope of the eclipse.

On a mundane level, the area of world events, hidden deals and secrets dominate.  The health care issue and NSA probing will continue to dominate the news.  Public demonstrations and disorder may be suppressed by violent means or may never make the main stream media as authorities try to keep things hush-hush.  Rest assured though, secrets will be revealed.

Moon Musings - First Quarter - Full Moon

Moon entered Taurus on Friday, February 15^th.  For the Taurus folks among us this is like a personal New Moon for when the Moon moves into the sign your Sun is in it will revive you and pump you up.  It is not so with the other Fixed signs, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. Moon opposes Scorpio and forms a 90 degree square aspect to Leo and Aquarius. Taurus Moon makes things tough for the other Fixed signs.  While making it tough for the Fixed crowd, Taurus Moon smoothes the way for the Earth signs of Virgo and Capricorn. In the Zodiac, Earth to Earth is an aspect of 120 degrees called a trine. This is an aspect of ease where the energy flows.

In the sky now the Sun is moving through the later degrees of Aquarius. On Sunday, February 17^th the Moon will move into a 90 degree square aspect with the Sun. This is the First Quarter Moon phase of the monthly dance between the Sun and Moon. Squares activate and agitate. The First Quarter Moon phase awakens the promise seeded in the New Moon phase. Action is required, go somewhere, do something, have that conversation.  Moon in Taurus brings out the stubborn and the cautious within us. This Moon is grounded and deeply invested in the status quo. Sun in Aquarius looks to the future and loves the novel and new. Despite this future oriented view, Aquarius is a fixed, air sign which equates to fixed ideas, ideas that are entrenched. It takes a great deal of reason, logic and argument to get an Aquarian to change that fixed, air mind. We may find ourselves between a rock and a hard place at this First Quarter phase forcing us to act.

As we shift from the Fixed signs of Taurus/Aquarius to the Mutable signs of Moon in Gemini and Sun in Pisces movement, change and adaptability loom on the horizon Gemini Moon encourages communication and curiosity. On Wednesday, February 20^th, Moon enters Cancer, at home here and forming an aspect of ease to Pisces Sun; heretofore barriers and obstacles to progress melt away. The Full Moon of February 25^th reflects this shift with Moon in Earthy Virgo opposing Pisces Sun.  Change is possible but for some difficulties remain, in particular Sagittarius and Gemini receive troublesome vibes from this Full Moon.  Capricorn, Taurus, Cancer and Scorpio receive some helpful energy.

In the lead up to the Full Moon, on Monday, February 18^th as the Sun moves into Pisces, Saturn in Scorpio stations, turning retrograde. Retrograde motion is the appearance of the planet moving backwards. When a planet stations and changes direction the energies of that planet are strong.  Saturn is about restriction, contraction and keeping your nose to the grind stone.  Scorpio speaks to sex, death, and transformation.  The more practical application of this sign encompasses debt and taxes.  While some may have a hot little love affair that transforms most will be dealing with the IRS and the credit card companies.

As we move into the Full Moon phase and wind down to the Last Quarter of this cycle that which was hidden shall be revealed. With Mercury going retrograde on February 23^rd we may have to wait until the next First Quarter phase in March when Mercury moves again in direct motion after the 17^th of March.

With the Sun traveling through Pisces the energies encourage quiet reflection and spiritual endeavors.  The down side of Pisces is escape from reality. Don’t hit the bottle or ignore the practical things that need to be dealt with.  Do get in touch with your core self, find your center and move from there.

 

A Little Bit of Saturn and A Big Election

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

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

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

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

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

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

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