Winter Solstice and Beyond - A Rock and Roll January 2016

The Sun entering Capricorn is the moment that winter begins. A time of the year that has been celebrated since before recorded history.  This marks the turning of the wheel of the year, it is the longest night and hereafter the days begin to grow longer. It is and has been a celebration of the return of the light. 

Astrologers cast a chart for a given location for the moment that the Sun enters Capricorn to ascertain what the season will bring.  This is called an Ingress Chart.  I cast the chart for Providence, RI, which is my neck of the woods. The location gives you the angles, i.e., the cusp of the 1^st, 4^th, 7^th, and 10^th houses. The angles change for a chart erected for a difference location.  In Providence, the Ascendant or cusp of the 1^st house is 0 degrees, 59 minutes of Libra.  A chart erected for Washington, DC has 26 degrees, 29 minutes of Virgo Rising on the Ascendant.  This changes the tone of the chart considerably and moves the planets into a different house than the one set for Providence. If you want to know what is going on in the country you set the chart for the capitol of that country.  If you want to know what is going on in a particular state you set the chart for the state capitol. 

Wherever you set the chart, the planetary configurations remain the same. The Sun, indicating the head of state, Governor/President moves from the third house in the Providence chart to the fourth house in the Washington, DC chart.  Here the Governor sits on the angle so her actions will be more noticeable.  The President with the Sun off the angle into the fourth house will take action that is more foundational.

Overall in Rhode Island and across the country money, debt, interest rates and unexpected action from open enemies will occupy the government and the people.

The first week of January 2016 will start the year off with a bang.  Mars goes home to Scorpio. The warrior is vengeful in this sign. He takes action and cuts to the quick. Mercury and Jupiter go retrograde and the Sun squares off with Uranus.  This is a lot of energy packed into one week.  Jupiter can be a real good guy bringing plenty of pizza and a couple of six packs to the party but he can also bring a lot of hot air.  Folks promising more than they can deliver, exaggeration and a philosophy that says my way or the highway.  Sun, square Mr. Surprise Uranus, lights the torch of anything goes. 

On January 25^th Mercury goes direct.  When planets change direction they slow down and seem to sit in one spot, the energy of that planet is strong at this time.  At this moment of direction change Mercury sits on the degree where Pluto was in the Ingress Chart, the Winter Solstice.  Pluto goes to the extreme, in the 4^th house of the Ingress chart he speaks of extreme weather.  A 60 degree Christmas Day is pretty extreme. But be ready because he can go just as extreme in the opposite direction. At the Solstice there was only 4 degrees separating Mercury and Pluto, this is considered a conjunction.  When two planets are conjunct they energy melds, combines and can be either positive or negative depending on other circumstances.  When Mercury changes direction on that degree we revisit what went on at during the Solstice period.  Weather wise Mercury can be windy, with Pluto strong wind.  The wind could come from the mouths of those who wish to keep societal constructs in place or from those who want to do just the opposite.  Remember Pluto can destroy, but always something better comes after.  But the transition is always tough.

Remember to keep your cool during this period. Don’t fall victim to fear and hysteria and try to maintain compassion.  Not an easy thing to do.  During difficult times it is important to operate on the highest vibration possible.  Get your inner Mother Theresa going. Breathe, meditate and go to your happy place.  Get outside and touch the Earth. Stay grounded and stick to the high road. 

Sky Talk Week of December 13, 2015

Last week, on the 7^th there was a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Tajikistan. Tajikistan is a mountainous country located between Afghanistan, China and a couple of other “stans”. Throughout last week Mars moved from a square to Pluto and an opposition to Uranus; an earthquake is the perfect manifestation of these aspects. If these aspects made a direct hit on your horoscope than a more personal type of earthquake may have manifested.   On the brighter side, a climate agreement was reached in Paris. Whether countries will follow through is another matter. Only time will tell.

The New Moon on Friday brought a collective sigh of relief as the intensity of Scorpio passes and we move into the hopeful optimism of Sagittarius.  New Moons are just that, new beginnings as one cycle ends and another begins.

On Monday the confidence and optimism of Sagittarius goes into exaggerated mode when Sun squares off with Sagittarius’ ruler, Jupiter.  This is an aspect of “too much”

We try to do too much, may say too much and often get a feeling of overload in general. During the holiday season overload is easy, this aspect enhances that energy.  Slow down and breathe.

Monday afternoon when Mercury connects with Neptune don’t believe everything you hear. Imagination runs wild.  Do some fact checking before you succumb to the prevalent paranoia. Moon in Aquarius until 12:45 PM Wednesday brings a feeling of fellowship and folks operate from an intellectual stand point rather than emotional.  Good for that fact checking.

On Thursday Venus promises some intense relationship issues when she connects with Pluto. Venus is in Scorpio, ruled by Pluto. Placed here there can be jealousy, suspicion and lots of passion.  Once again, don’t get paranoid.  “They” may be crazy but they are not out to get you.  Moon in Pisces throws logic out the door and folks are more in tune with the intangibles paying attention to the subtle vibes around them.  It’s really hard to differentiate between what is real and what isn’t.  With Pisces it pays to take the high road. Escape from reality, what Pisces Moon wants, is best done through meditation, not a bottle of scotch. But do pay attention to the signs and symbols around you.

Friday morning the First Quarter Moon is a time for action.  The little seeds planted at the New Moon are beginning to sprout.  You are going to have to do something to move that growth along.  Often this is unconscious, instinctive action that requires little thought. Simply the natural unfolding of events.  Don’t over think it. 

On Saturday, with Moon in impulsive Aries, Mercury joins forces with Pluto.  Mercury in practical Capricorn lays out the facts.  Pluto promises an intense conversation, perhaps relationship oriented, perhaps a business meeting.  Remember with Moon in Aries people want to start something new, have a lot of enthusiasm but may not think things through. Mercury in Capricorn calls for logic and the emotional need for change has to get past that.  If you have been thinking about something for a while, a waxing Moon is a good time to begin. My class on Astrological timing gives more information about when to start, stop and plan.

Big Changes Coming for Miley Cyrus

When Miley Cyrus was born her parents named her Destiny Hope because they believed she was destined to accomplish great things.  She turned 23 this year and since her debut album in 2007 went quadruple platinum you wonder if her parents had a Crystal Ball. 

Born with Sun in Sagittarius, Miley has two stelliums, a stellium is two or more planets conjunct in a sign other than the Sun sign. A stellium concentrates the energy.  She has Moon, Mercury and Pluto conjunct in Scorpio and Venus, Uranus and Neptune conjunct in Capricorn.  The Capricorn stellium emphasizes and enhances Miley’s Scorpionic nature as those Capricorn planets are placed in her 8^th house, Scorpio’s natural home. 

The Moon/Pluto conjunction speaks to a strong emotional bond with the mother. And indicates a mother who is controlling.  In Miley’s case her mother got a handle on her finances and representation early on engaging financial managers and agents that served and protected her daughter through her formative years. Miley’s behavior as she reached maturity may in part be a reaction to that motherly control. The heart and soul of the girl is Sagittarius and as such, freedom is of the utmost importance.

The sexual antics are a given with all that Scorpio energy in her chart.  She identifies herself as “gender fluid” and pansexual.  Scorpio gets down to the nitty gritty of all that stuff and while her actions may shock some for Miley it doesn’t have the same kind of meaning.  She’s digging down to the universal and she recognizes, not just logically, but on some deep level, that the sex act is the act that creates life.

For the past 2 years Miley has had some intense relationships that may have felt fated. More of a compulsion than a love affair. Some relationships have ended while others have deepened.  Saturn entering her 7^th house of marriage, relationships and partnerships brings challenges to any relationship.  The good ones last, those you don’t really need end. 

Through it all she has had to face up to responsibilities and has often felt isolated. She’s not out of the woods yet. In January of 2016 events will bring a rude awakening on some level and trigger a period of inner exploration.  Miley will be digging into the inner workings of the psyche, her psyche trying to find out why she acts the way she does and why her actions don’t bring about the results that she expects.

Being the artistic and creative type when she emerges from this deep mind stuff expect some really creative, innovative and very different types of work from her.  With Venus in Capricorn ruling her Taurus Ascendant, conjunct visionary Neptune and quirky Uranus, she has to create and she has to bring it into the real world.  With a prominent Saturn angular in the 10^th house ruling that Capricorn stellium it’s a given that the world is going to see her and her work. 

I’ll be keeping my eye on Miley Cyrus.  2016 through 2017 will be a huge transformative period for Miley Cyrus as transiting Pluto rolls over her Capricorn stellium. Pluto destroys in order to build something completely new and better.  Her Venus ruler of love, money and the arts has already been engaged by Pluto.  As Pluto continues his slow, relentless trek through Capricorn he will bring Miley a crisis of faith, perhaps in herself and a crisis in her creative self.  With all that Scorpio in her chart, she is fixed and determined and after Pluto schools her she will emerge successfully and not without a few surprises. 

Sky Talk for the Week of November 29, 2015

The Saturn/Neptune square that was exact on Thanksgiving Day continues to influence. They will be in range of one another throughout 2016.  On Sunday the Sun shines bright beams on the two of them further enhancing their energies.  It’s like a war between illusion and reality.  Unfortunately we are witness to the actions of many a deluded soul out there.  On a personal level this energy can bring those people and ideas that we hold up as high ideals crashing down.  Flaws in character can be revealed and it comes as a shocker to find that some folks are just plain folks; a mixture of the positive and the negative.  As tough as that may be it is much better to deal with a real person not what you think that person is.

Tuesday morning expect an upsetting commute when Mercury makes nice, nice with Uranus.  We can also expect some shocking news or shocking words from unexpected quarters.  Mercury rules transportation in all forms and Uranus rules the shocking, bolt out of the blue.  Be careful out there and try to avoid impulsive speech and action.

On Thursday in the wee hours of the morning the Last Quarter Moon occurs.  This Quarter Moon is in Virgo.  The Moon is waning. When the Moon is on the wane the energy is good for getting rid of something or something you want to reduce. Waning Moon in Virgo is the optimal time to start a diet to lose weight. It is great for breaking any habit that is detrimental to your health, like smoking.   Moon enters Virgo on Wednesday morning at 5:09 AM and goes void of course on Thursday at 11:59 PM, which means it does not make any aspects until entering Libra on Friday at 5:34 PM.  Best not to start anything when Moon is void of course.

If you’re interested in learning more about Astrological timing I will be holding a class on December 14, 2015 at Positive New Beginnings on Astrological Timing, Getting in Sync with the Rhythms of the Universe.  We will cover Planetary days, Planetary hours, and the waxing and waning Moon. 

On Friday morning December 4^th Mercury is at it again, this time squaring off with Jupiter.  Mercury and Jupiter are in Mutual Reception.  This means that they are in each other’s ruling sign.  Mercury is in Sagittarius and Jupiter is in Virgo. They help each other out.   Mercury in Sagittarius often has foot in mouth disease. People say things without thinking about it at all just blurting out whatever comes to mind.  Jupiter is the king of excess.  Be wary of people who promise more than be delivered and try not to be one of those yourself.  Another possibility with this aspect is big news blown way out of proportion to the actual facts.  Wait before passing judgement. 

Late Friday night Venus leaves Libra and enters Scorpio.  This is a whole new ball game for Venus. In Libra she’s all sweetness and light.  In Scorpio she takes off the velvet gloves and goes bare knuckled.  Lots of passion here as well as suspicion. Make sure your suspicions are well grounded before Mercury in Sagittarius shoots his mouth off.

My schedule:  December 5, 2015 – Readings @ Mother Mystic, 179 Dean Street, Providence, RI, 353-3099

December 12, 2015 – Readings @  Positive New Beginnings, 222 Warren Avenue, East Providence, RI, 432-7195

December 14, 2015 – Class @  Positive New Beginnings, Astrological Timing, Getting in Sync with the Rhythms of the Universe. 

Tracy Morgan Revisited - Up From the Ashes

Back in June 2014 I had written a piece about Tracy Morgan after the horrific car crash that left him in very serious condition.  With massive head injury, broken leg, nose, ribs, temporary blindness along with, no surprise here, depression.  During his recovery he has said (interview in GQ) that he wasn’t in a good place mentally.  He didn’t get out of that dark depression until ten months later.

At the time of his accident, Saturn, the taskmaster of the Zodiac was sitting on his Scorpio Sun.  Saturn transits bring restriction and contraction.   Saturn has a 29 year cycle.  Back in 1985 when Saturn hit his Sun the first time he learned his father had aids.  Both Saturn transits have coincided with low points in his life.  Under the influence of that first transit, his father died and he married.  Saturn brings responsibilities. Tracy had them and resorted to selling drugs in order to fulfill them.  And just as Saturn brings you to the lowest point, a Saturn truism is when you hit bottom, the only way is up.  And Saturn often has you crawling out of that pit, making progress one step at a time.

Ten months after the accident when Tracy emerged from the depressive state after months of therapy, Saturn had moved off his Sun, rolled over his Neptune and entered Sagittarius.  His progress was incremental.  Speech therapy, physical therapy, cognitive therapy, every kind of therapy there is.  Judging from his October 2015 appearance on SNL it looks like he’s got all the pieces put back together. 

On February 5, 2016 he is to resume touring with the “Picking up the pieces tour”.  In his own words, “It is my responsibility to come back and come back strong.”  I think he’ll do it.  He also stated about his comedy, “I think it will be deeper.”  I think so too, Tracy.  On that night, Mars in Scorpio sits on his Scorpio Sun giving him the energy and drive he will need.  The Sun in Aquarius squares that Mars and his Sun.  Squares make things happen.  He’ll come back strong but he will be working at it.  That night there is a lot of Capricorn energy in the air, which is great for comedy.  Capricorns are funny and many comedians have strong Saturn and/or lots of Capricorn planets.  Capricorn is also about timing which is essential in a comedic routine.  Venus and Pluto have an exact conjunction that night.  This guarantees that Tracy’s comedy will be deeper and, if possible, more raunchy. With these aspects in play I am wondering, does Tracy have an astrologer?

Tracy Morgan has travelled a long hard road.  In true Scorpio fashion he will come back better than ever.  Also in true Scorpio fashion he will remember those who were there for him during those dark days.  A warning to those who weren’t, don’t try to weasel in now, he’ll cut you off at the knees.

According to Tracy God told him, “Your room ain’t ready. I still got something for you to do.”  Tracy may not know what that something is but for sure he will definitely be picking up the pieces and moving on with his life.  My guess is that he will be better than ever. And it is joyous to see someone come back from the brink.  Way to go Tracy.

What's Happening in the Sky This Week

There’s a lot of planetary action going on leading up to and beyond the Full Moon on Wednesday, November 25^th.  On Sunday, November 22, 2015 the Sun enters optimistic Sagittarius leaving the heavy emotion of Scorpio behind preparing us for the holiday season.  On Monday Venus the planet of love and money opposes Uranus.  Uranus brings about the unexpected and pushes us to alter our daily routine because one thing Uranus hates is routine.  With this aspect in play we long to escape that daily routine.  We seek excitement and stimulation.  It is a good time to meet new people and have new experiences.  Relationships begun under this aspect are usually very exciting but lack stability.

As Monday shifts into Tuesday, Mars the warrior connects with Saturn the teacher and task master of the Zodiac.  Mars is subdued in Venus’ sign of Libra, he wants to fight, Libra wants to negotiate.  Mars is also the planet of action, connected with Saturn it is a great opportunity to get a lot accomplished in an orderly and productive manner.  Around midnight Mercury gets in the act and serious discussions take place.  Communication might be difficult for some.  Mercury the traveler proceeds with caution when hanging with Saturn.

On the Full Moon day, Mercury moves along connecting with Neptune and Mars.  With Neptune, Mercury dreams big and visualizes what can be.   The connection with Mars calls for action of some kind.  Perhaps beginning to bring those dreams to fruition.

The Full Moon is exact at 5:44 PM EST.  The horoscope set for Providence, RI puts Venus in the driver’s seat.  Venus rules money, love, relationships and desire.  In this chart she is in the 5^th house, the house of fun, games, children, romance and creativity. This is good for the artistically inclined and also good for all kinds of relationships.

While Venus holds a lot of power at this Full Moon she is outgunned by the energy of the slower moving planets in dynamic configuration at this Full Moon.  Venus is a fast mover and her influence is fleeting.  Grab it while you can.  

At this Full Moon the Sun is in Sagittarius and the Moon is in Gemini.  In close contact with the Sun is Saturn and Mercury.  These three oppose the Moon in Gemini and square Neptune in Pisces.  The exact square between Neptune and Saturn becomes exact on Thanksgiving Day.  This square is the big dog. Saturn and Neptune have a 36 year cycle, they were conjunct in 1989-1990 and in opposition in 2006-2007.  This is the first of 3 squares between the two.  The second and third take place in 2016, June 17 and September 10.  Keep your eye on those dates, the weeks leading up to those dates and following.  They are slow moving planets and their energy is felt for months.

Neptune rules oil, religion, music, the oceans and natural gas. Mass migration in a search for a better life relates to Neptune.  Saturn represents the conservative side of society, corporations, law enforcement, and order. World affairs certainly reflect these issues. Squares make things happen, action must be taken but often it is not easy.  With Neptune in the picture, it is not clear.  

On a personal level this square brings a dose of harsh reality to those who have been looking at the world through rose colored glasses.  Neptune is the rose colored glasses and Saturn is the harsh reality.  Folks like Mother Theresa glide through Neptune transits with ease because they operate on a very high plane of existence.  The rest of us are down here in the muck and the mire slogging along as best we can. Neptune can be deceit and deception.  Someone dealing from the bottom of the deck.  Before you accuse be sure the deception is not self-deception.  On the bright side, Saturn can ground and manifest the dreams of Neptune.  Be advised, this is not wave the magic wand time, Saturn requires you to put in the effort.

November New Moon Cycle - Started With a Bang - Will End With One Too?

The current lunar cycle began with the New Moon in Scorpio on November 11, 2015.  The horoscope for that moment put Mars in the driver’s seat.  Mars, the God of war manifested a few days later in the horrific event in Paris, France that has rocked the world.  The horrors of the present day aside this period calls for clear conversation to avoid misconception. There is definitely a lack of clarity in the air and misunderstanding is high on the list of possibilities.

As the Moon waxes heading towards the First Quarter Mars steps aside and Venus gains power.  Love, money and diplomacy become the weapon of choice.  Neptune stations, or stops, and proceeds to move in direct motion.  Some obscure, hidden facts may come to the surface now.  These facts remind us that it never pays to rush to judgement.

As we move from First Quarter to Full Moon jealousy and sexual tension can lead to unconventional behavior.  As the Sun and Mercury enter Sagittarius we leave the deep water and enter a landscape that allows us to see the far horizon.  A look at the big picture encourages free speech but beware of speaking before thinking.  Words can hurt despite the best intentions.  Love and money can come from unexpected sources.

At the Full Moon Venus rules the day.  But she’s looking for some conversation.  There’s some serious discussion going on.  Travel delays are possible.  Check schedules, be clear in your conversation and be on the lookout for deception.  Thanksgiving Day brings a reality check as Saturn in Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces. Neptune in Pisces is the dreamer, on the high road this combo symbolizes the Mother Theresa’s out there.  On the low road the deluded fanatic.  Saturn in Sagittarius brings the material to the spiritual.  If we are truly spiritual beings we must walk the talk in this world of cruelty, insane acts and harsh reality.  Avoid snap judgements as there is more going on than meets the eye.  A positive use of this energy is to dream big and find ways to incorporate those dreams into your life.

From the Last Quarter on December 3, 2015 up to the next New Moon on December 11, 2015 expect turbulence and explosive actions as this lunation period will end as it started, with a big bang. Warfare, weather, power plays and the urge to dominate create havoc.  This is true in personal as well as global situations.

From the Last Quarter to before the next New Moon is a good time to banish something.  Get rid of a bad habit, an emotional tie, or simply negative thoughts.  This is a time for meditation and contemplation as you prepare for the next New Moon on December 10^th.  After the New Moon is the time to begin anew.

As the Sun traverses Sagittarius keep in mind the positive aspects of this sign.  Sagittarius is the sign of philosophy and religious beliefs and most importantly of all it is the sign of tolerance.  It is not “my way or the highway” but “all roads lead to heaven.”