First Quarter Moon - Mars and Pluto Mix It Up

Monday, November 4, 2019 brings us the First Quarter Moon.  Most folks are familiar with the New and Full Moons and much is made of these two phenomena but the Quarter Moons are as potent, if not more so.  At these times the Sun and Moon are at a 90 degree angle, in astrological parlance, this is called a square.  Squares are stressful aspects and they make things happen.

The Sun in Scorpio enhances our vision, we see beneath the surface and are sensitive to nuance and mood.  Aquarius Moon, while friendly, keeps it impersonal.  Scorpio Sun wants to get all up into your shit, this Moon in Aquarius, while curious, values freedom and does not have a lot invested in the motivations and secrets of others.  Scorpio Sun is intense, Aquarius Moon intellectual. Water and Air, emotions and intellect, sometimes it is hard for the two to meet.

At this Quarter Moon, Mars and Pluto are in square aspect, becoming exact on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.  This combination can get ugly.  Mars is the warrior, Pluto the transformer.  Both can be very destructive.  Mars/Pluto squares were in range at such horrific events as the Aurora Cinema shooting, the San Bernardino shooting, the RFK assassination.  The energies at this time are powerful, for those on the edge, it can push them over.  On the upside, Oprah Winfrey, Johnny Carson and Margaret Thatcher were all born with this aspect.  This combination can bring you to the heights and to the depths.  Be careful over the next few days.  Mars rules impulsive actions.  Don't run the red light, try not to get impatient with people and remember to breathe.

On Thursday,  November 7th,  the Sun reaches 15 degrees of Scorpio, this is the true Samhain, the midpoint between Fall and Winter.  Some who follow the old ways do celebrate on the correct day and time or celebrate over a period of days.  This is an important point in the wheel of the year as are all points when the Sun reaches 15 degrees of the fixed signs, as it marks the midpoint of the particular season,  Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring.  Our ancestors were great sky watchers, it was their calendar.  At this point in time, they knew winter was closing in and it was necessary to be prepared.  Today we have the 24 hour supermarket, so the need to prepare is not so acute but deep in our being there is a primal response to this turn of the seasons.

During the height of this Scorpio season with Mercury retrograde in Scorpio the energy provides us the opportunity to look at ourselves with complete honesty, no sugar coating.   Look, acknowledge and forgive yourself.   Get ready to release all the negative at next weeks Full Moon.

Be well.

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.

Aries New Moon - That's a Whole Lotta Aries!!!

Venus, Mars and Uranus join the Sun and Moon in Aries at this New Moon.  This New Moon sparks the pioneering spirit prodding folks to be bold, courageous and assertive.  Taking the initiative and acting on impulse are earmarks of Aries energy.  The New Moon to Full Moon period is always good for starting things but this New Moon is especially so.  With Moon in Aries there is an emotional need for action. Mars in Aries is the big dog at this Lunation. He’s in his own sign and has all the dignity, which means the energy of Mars functions well.  Mars on the bright side is good for starting things and asserting yourself. This New Moon is a great time to start an exercise program.  Mars on the not so bright side signifies all who dispute or fight.  War and warriors all belong to Mars. A strong Mars is often indicative of violence in some form.  Remember a jog around the block is preferable to punching someone in the face.  While Mars rules the soldier he also rules the athlete. So do the calisthenics, get out there and move because Mars will be calling you to action so use the energy in a positive manner.

At the First Quarter Moon on April 18^th Mars again is prominent.  Here he is conjunct the Sun and both square, (90 degrees apart) Moon at home in moody, broody Cancer.  Emotional reactions will be over the top. Venus has moved into her home turf of Taurus and will try to play the diplomat but will not have much luck. In Taurus, she’ll stick with it as Taurus is a fixed and stubborn sign. There’s no one who can dig their heels in and stand their ground like a Taurus.  Mercury at the New Moon was in quiet, contemplative Pisces where logic takes a back seat to dreams and visions. Now at this First Quarter, Mercury has moved into fiery Aries. Folks generally say the first thing that pops into their minds, blurting it out without thinking about the impact of what they say. Mercury in conjunction with Uranus here speaks of shocking news, accidents on the highway and in the air. Whatever it is, shock is the key word.

The Full Moon on April 25^th is in Scorpio and is also a Lunar Eclipse with the Sun in Taurus and Moon in Scorpio.  While Venus in Taurus at this Full Moon is strong in general an Eclipse in Scorpio indicates secretive actions.  Taurus and Scorpio have a great deal to do with money, debt and interest rates. On the grand scale of the world stage currencies, economies and the big banks will hit the headlines.  Don’t be fooled into thinking that a country’s saber rattling is about honor, it is about money, bottom line.

By the Last Quarter Moon on May 2^nd much is still going on behind the scenes.  Some courageous do-gooder may make an attempt to reveal some dark secrets. Scandal about secret love affairs and secret money deals aggravates an already aggravated public.

We live in unsettling times with the economy in the pits and societal changes moving along to the dismay of many and not quickly enough for others.  The new and the traditional vie with one another for supremacy. The Lunation cycle that begins with this New Moon agitates and aggravates the tensions prevalent in the world today.

 On a personal level use this New Moon energy to make changes and to move forward.  Remember to be assertive, not aggressive.  When Mercury moves into Aries and touches base with Uranus on the 20^th use that energy to foster creative, innovative ideas in your personal and professional life.  It’ll feel like a light bulb has flashed on in your head. Brilliant!

At the Full Moon dig deep into your own money issues and figure out what it is you truly value.  This Full Moon should bring the awareness that we cannot let out possessions or lack of possessions define who we are.

As the Moon winds down to the Last Quarter take the time to meditate, contemplate and quietly review all that has gone on in your life as the Moon waxed and waned.  There is a need to assimilate and dissipate or dispense what we have brought into ourselves during this cycle. It’s like fertilizer that we spread to nurture the next New Moon cycle.

 

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.

Jupiter in Aries

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



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


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


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


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


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


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

Last Quarter Moon - Week of December 27, 2010

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Full Moon Aries/Libra and the Scorpio Season

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

Moon in Libra-Scorpio and Venus Retrograde

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patrick Kennedy’s Rant about Afghanistan and the Media

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

Patrick Kennedy's Surprise Announcement

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

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

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