Campaign Madness – 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Hooray! Mercury Direct - First Quarter to Full Moon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Solar Eclipse – Relationships, Like It or Not, You’re Going to Have to Deal With It.

The New Moon of May 20, 2012, as always, marks the beginning of the monthly cycle.  This cycle is a bit different because it begins with a solar eclipse. A solar eclipse that occurs just minutes into the tropical sign of Gemini. Eclipses in Gemini often bring windy days but the gusty winds often spring from mouths that are all talk and no action. 

There are a couple of real interesting configurations going on at this eclipse.

Venus in chatty Gemini is in an aspect of ease to Saturn in Libra. The eclipse chart set for Washington, DC puts Saturn, already strong in Libra, in the 11^th house which he naturally rules.  Saturn is the big dog here and he usually does not bring tidings of great joy. Saturn in Libra connected to Venus in Gemini speaks relationships, partnerships and negotiations. Saturn in Libra often tests relationships or brings them to a more serious level.  Venus in Gemini wants to flirt, is changeable and above all wants to talk about it.

Another powerful pattern has Pluto in Capricorn, Mars in Virgo and the asteroid Vesta in Taurus creating a Grand Trine.  Vesta rules the hearth and home; Mars makes war and Pluto, into power and control, plumbs the depths in order to bring about transformation.

The asteroid Juno in Scorpio opposing her lover, consort and cheating husband, Jupiter in Taurus further emphasizing relationship issues.  

The final little tidbit has Neptune in Pisces, mystical, magical and illusionary, in aspect to the eclipse and the moon’s nodes. This is like a blanket of fog spreading over all activities obscuring the truth while offering tantalizing glimpses of prophetic clarity.

We can expect legal issues involving money, marriage and partnerships.   Ongoing discussion and activism involving marriage equality and the so called war on women bring out the powerhouses on both sides of the issues. Powerful women step up and take part.  Mars in Virgo at the top of the Washington, DC chart digs into details. Involved with Pluto and Vesta those details expose financial, agricultural, military and labor issues.

Relationships on a grand scale, those that catch the public eye containing issues that trigger the collective psyche, stand out. Curiously the John Edwards trial goes to jury deliberation at this eclipse that has Juno, the long suffering wife opposing Jupiter, the philandering husband.  Perhaps not so curious, perhaps more in the nature of cycles, what goes around, comes around.

New Moon Start Anew And Other Delights

New Moons signal the beginning of a new cycle. This New Moon, in Aquarius, on January 23, 2012 holds some noteworthy patterns and points of interest that will hold sway far longer than the typical lunation cycle.  Mars in Virgo, stations in preparation for a 3 month retrograde period a few hours after the New Moon perfects. The New Moon, the conjunction of the Sun and Moon, is involved in a dynamic pattern with Saturn and Jupiter called a T-Square.  Saturn and Jupiter oppose (180 degrees) one another and the New Moon squares (90 degrees) them both. Saturn and Neptune are in a trine aspect (120 degrees) from Libra to Aquarius and they both are in the critical 29^th degree of their respective signs. Tying it all up is the developing waxing square between Uranus and Pluto. The seeds planted at this New Moon will continue to bear fruit well beyond this lunation.

Mars goes retrograde about every two years. The last time was from December 2009 to March 2010 in the sign of Leo.  When a planet is retrograde the qualities of that planet are more pronounced and it often does not function in the normal manner. Mars is the planet of action. In a natal chart Mars is the juice that gets you going, gives you the energy to function in the world and moves you across the finish line. In the big wide world Mars rules the military, wars and disputes of all kinds.  During this retrograde period Mars moves backward from 23 degrees Virgo to 3 degrees Virgo. Those with planets and angles within those degrees will be exposed to this energy three times, when Mars goes forward over them, retrograde and forward again. Mars was at 3 degrees of Virgo around November 18/19, 2011 and will station to go direct on April 13/14, 2012.

 Barack Obama has natal Mars at 22 degrees Virgo and Pluto at 6 degrees Virgo in his 7^th house of partners, relationships and open enemies. Transits to the horoscope of a head of state move from the personal to the very public. In Mundane astrology, the astrology of events, the 7^th house has to do with wars, foreign policy and international relationships. A Mars transit juices up the planet it touches and often brings out aggressiveness, belligerence and makes one prone to a snappy or snarly response. Mars prompts a combative stance. Obama will make his State of the Union address on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 9PM with transiting retrograde Mars conjunct his natal Mars. My guess is he will come out swinging and over the coming months he will face his opponents both foreign and domestic, within the party and without; in ways that are not his normal mode. What worries me is the natal square between Neptune (22 Virgo) and Mars (21 Gemini) in the horoscope of the Declaration of Independence.  Mars square Neptune means war for all the wrong reasons. Retrograde Mars, jazzing up this square, is up to no good.  High ideals dragged through the muck of combat seldom emerge pristine.  

The involvement of the New Moon in the Jupiter/Saturn opposition sends a frisson of energy to the long term Jupiter/Saturn cycle. Jupiter and Saturn form a conjunction every 20 years and their interactive dance over the years plays a big role in political, financial and societal events. The opposition is the half way point. Oppositions are just that, two opposing forces colliding head on. Jupiter wants expansion while Saturn wants contraction.  Jupiter wants to try something new while Saturn favors the tried and true.

Saturn is also involved in a trine with Neptune. Saturn is reality; Neptune the ideal. Before this Lunation cycle is over, Neptune will leave Aquarius for the final time and enter the home turf of Pisces, while Saturn turns retrograde.  (Neptune was briefly in Pisces from last April to August 2011) In the final degree of a sign a planet seems to always give it the “last hurrah” before leaving that sign, an event that signifies the symbolism of the sign and planet.   Neptune in Aquarius can denote a spiritual brotherhood. That’s the upside. The downside can be fraud, slander and misrepresentation.  Not much scandalizes us any more so it is difficult to imagine what event or revelation could set us on our heels.  We can only hope that the positive prevails, the sharing, caring and sense of universal human hood evidenced in the Occupy movement and other protests around the world.

The waxing square between Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn reaches exactness on June 24, 2012, the first of 7 squares from June 2012 through March 2015. These squares are part of the 126 year cycle of Uranus/Pluto.  This cycle brings about broad societal change. Uranus is the revolutionary rebel and rule breaker, in Aries; he’s willing to fight for it. Pluto is the great transformer, in Capricorn; he’s about altering the structure of business and government.  Here again it is the old against the new.  Think of these 7 squares as growing pains.  It will not be easy. Echoes from this New Moon will reverberate at the time of the first Uranus/Pluto square on June 24^th as Saturn moves in direct motion and Mars, once again in direct motion, reaches 22/23 degrees of Virgo.  Get ready to Rock and Roll.

This is not an easy time. These planetary dynamics touch each of us on a personal and collective level.  Transits to the natal planets and through the natal houses tell the tale of personal challenges and opportunities. A consultation with an astrologer is a valuable tool in troubled times. Astrology points the way around that stone wall so you don’t have to bust your skull trying to go through it.  As a timing device, astrology pinpoints the moment of chance and change.  Astrology gives you an edge when you need it and a heads up when difficulties loom.  Carpe Diem – seize the day!

What Next for Casey Anthony?

The big question on everyone’s mind these days is what is in store for Casey Anthony. Although she was acquitted, her infamy places her under a life sentence. She faces a number of law suits and cries of “murdering baby killer” will follow her where ever she goes. The event chart for the time of her release tells the tale. News reports put her release time at about 12:10 AM on July 17, 2011.  Uranus conjunct the Ascendant opposing Saturn (on the Descendant) and squaring Pluto (on the Midheaven), all on the “angles”, describes the media frenzy, the notoriety, the deep emotions aroused by her release.  Mars in Gemini in trine to the Moon and Saturn speaks to the aggressiveness (Mars) of the public (Moon) and to the fact that although released from prison, she is under severe restrictions (Saturn).  Her Solar Return for 2011 reveals more details. In that chart Jupiter (legal issues) joins Venus, a nice aspect that speaks to victory in the judicial arena. The Moon (Mom and home) opposing the Sun (the core self, the consciousness) reveals the discord between mother and daughter as well as the lack of any feelings of contentment in her domestic environment.  The Moon in Virgo reveals the public scrutiny she will be under. Sun opposing Moon in a Solar Return reflects a year when the inner, emotional nature, the yin of self is not in harmony with the cognizant self, or the yang. She is free at last, but not really free. The big transit to her natal chart IMHO is the dynamic T-Square involving Uranus, Pluto and Saturn all in cardinal signs, impacting her natal Neptune. Casey Anthony is a Pisces and Neptune is her ruling planet. Her Neptune is in Capricorn.  Capricorn is all about form and structure, the material world and reality. Neptune is about dissolving boundaries, dreams, illusions and things not of this world. Pluto has been rolling back and forth over this Neptune since 2010 and at her release was a minute away from precise conjunction.  Pluto destroys and creates. Whenever Pluto enters your life in the form of a transit this process of destruction and creation is inevitable.  Her natal Neptune is in aspect to her natal Jupiter in Pisces and her natal Pluto in Scorpio, so Pluto’s transit to her Neptune pulls in these planets as well.  Her delusional world is subject to the destructive forces of Pluto. Illusion is stripped away and she is stuck with cold reality. Psychotherapy is her best bet as there is a good possibility that someone will enter her life with the power to transform it, for good or ill. There are issues of power and control and the abuse of that power. At the time of Caylee’s disappearance transiting Pluto was in harsh aspect to her Sun.  So Pluto has had a hand in all of this from the beginning. Murder is the ultimate abuse of power.  The truth of this matter may never be revealed. The next couple of years will not be easy for Casey.  She seemingly does not have a friend in the world and due to her notoriety, is not likely to be seen at any local hangouts. With all the debt and lawsuits pending, a book deal is a distinct possibility. Guilty, delusional or just plain stupid Casey Anthony will never again be a private citizen.  We haven’t heard the end of this tale and the ending, I am thinking, will be a shocker.

What’s up with Weiner, other than his penis?

Anthony David Weiner was born on September 4, 1964 in Brooklyn, NY. He has a stellium of planets in Virgo. A stellium is a multiple conjunction of planets, 3 or more, in one sign or house of a horoscope. Here the stellium is in Virgo and includes his Sun, Mercury, Uranus and Pluto. He is of that 60’s generation with the rare Pluto/Uranus conjunction in Virgo. In this case his Sun, the heart and soul of the individual, is smack in the middle of this Pluto/Uranus conjunction. Virgo’s are known to be fastidious, into details and usually health conscious. They are considered the nit pickers of the Zodiac. Despite all that they can be pretty sexy. Virgo is an earth sign after all and Virgo’s can get down and dirty with the best (or worse) of them. Even without a birth time, it is safe to say that Weiner’s Moon is in Leo. Now Virgo may be shy and retiring and that is part of Weiner’s conscious personality but Moon in Leo loves and needs the spotlight. Moon is your instinct and emotional needs. He needs to be appreciated. The big boast of this blog is how “Pluto in Capricorn will change it all” and in this case Pluto plays his part both in the natal chart and in the transits to the natal chart. According to an ABC News report Weiner sent photos to a Megan Broussard of Texas who states that the online relationship began on April 20, 2011 and the photo was sent on May 5, 2011 at 3:08 PM. The May 5^th chart, set in

Washington, DC has 16 degrees of Virgo on the Ascendant

which puts all of Weiner’s Virgo planets in the 12^th House of

secrets and behind the scenes stuff in that chart. The kicker is his natal Pluto at 13 degrees, 55 minutes of Virgo close to the Ascendant of the event chart, poised to come out of the closet, so to speak. Pluto in the sky at that time was at 7 degrees of Capricorn almost exactly trine Weiner’s natal Mercury. His Mercury is retrograde and is the beginning planet of his Virgo stellium. Mercury rules the communication portion of all this and Pluto transiting and natal is out to kick some ass. In addition to all of this, transiting Neptune in Pisces is conjunct Weiner’s natal Saturn. Now Saturn is your planet of discipline, structure and order. Saturn keeps you in line, has you doing your duty with your nose to the grind stone. Neptune dissolves, fantasizes, dreams and escapes responsibility. When these slow moving planets come along and hit a natal planet like they are doing in Weiner’s case, Pluto trining his Virgo stellium and Neptune conjunct his natal Saturn, the person’s world begins to change and often there is a feeling of things spinning out of control. Neptune’s job is to dissolve reality and have you talking to God while Pluto’s is to destroy what is to build something new and better. The Monks and Mother Theresa’s of the world seem to handle these outer planet transits with ease. It may be that these types have less concern with the material world and status than the rest of us. Weiner, with natal Sun conjunct natal Pluto is into power. Pluto has a strong influence on him and has helped get where he is. But Pluto has his own code of ethics and he can bring you down harder and faster than he raised you up. Anthony Weiner is another in a long line of misbehaving men who have gotten caught with their pants down. With revolutionary Uranus in pioneering Aries, change is in the air and I think in cases like this the old “boys will be boys” mind set is crumbling. We will no longer see the long suffering wife standing faithfully by the miscreant’s side and society will not forgive and forget so easily.

April Lunation Cycle 2011

Viewing the Astrological Chart of the New Moon on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 10:32 AM EDT makes one think that there is a macabre cosmic April Fool’s Joke going on.  But it is no joke; it’s a potent planetary configuration that promises earth shattering events.  At this New Moon it is hard to say what is the most important factor as there are so many of them.  The Sun and Moon, conjunct in Aries form a wide square (90 degrees) aspect to Pluto and an opposition to Saturn.  Jupiter, bringer of “big” stuff is close to the Sun/Moon conjunction and opposes Saturn. This Jupiter/Saturn opposition is the “Full Moon” aspect of their 20 year cycle, which began in 2000 kicking off the Dot.Com financial bust out. To light the fire under all of this is that Wicked Warrior, Mars in Aries (at home and in fine fighting fettle) conjunct Uranus in Aries.  Explosion is the keyword for this combination. But Mars will be busy all month. By the First Quarter Moon he pulls in closer to a square to Pluto and by the Full Moon he will oppose Saturn.  Along with all of this we have Mercury Retrograde for most of the month.  Check the facts, read the fine print and wait until the dust settles before you make a decision or form an opinion.  Retro Mercury is the master of the fake out.  The day after the New Moon, Neptune moves into Pisces.  Neptune has been in Aquarius since late 1998. When these slower moving planets change signs it is “an event”.  When Pluto moved into Capricorn in September of 2008 Lehman Brothers collapsed and the financial implosion began.  When Uranus went into Aries on March 11, 2011, Japan, earthquake and tsunami filled the headlines.  Neptune can be a saint or a scam artist and plays each part equally well.  Oil, oceans, pharmaceuticals fall under Neptune’s rule.  The master of illusion Neptune often distorts, deludes and misrepresents.  Neptune on the high road brings the Mother Theresa’s of the world to the fore, on the low road, think Bernie Madoff and the like. With all of the outer planets in the mix this month major upheaval in governments, finance, natural and manmade disasters will dominate.  My thinking is as Mars moves along his merry way touching base with his fellow bad boys he will be igniting fires as he goes acting as a trigger for all of the slow movers.  There are some major power struggles going on now and for the rest of this decade the question is who will hold all the cards, own the power and rule the world. Really. The problem for the Power Brokers in this era is the readily available information that moves around the world in a flash. What the puppets of the powerful say to today is available tomorrow for review.  And we know how often they contradict themselves.  On a personal level, where these configurations fall in the individual’s horoscope will tell the tale.  The house in the horoscope where Aries and the other Cardinal signs fall, Libra and Capricorn will be feeling the stress. Indeed those with Sun in Aries, Libra and Capricorn and with other planets in these signs are taking a big hit this month.  Guaranteed they will be talking to their Astrologer, broker, or favorite bartender.  For all of us we need to remember to breathe and keep the faith.

Julian Assange – Wikileaks – Terrorist or Man on a Mission?

With the release of hundreds of thousands of US diplomatic cables and email, Julian Assange, Wikileaks founder, has created uproar in diplomatic circles worldwide. Some consider him a hero while others the vilest of villains. Born with an eighth house Sun in nurturing Cancer trining a Scorpio Moon in the twelfth, this is a man who loves the secret, the hidden, and the taboo. And delights in revealing it. Mercury, in Cancer, the news and information planet sits in the ninth house of publishing making an aspect of ease to Jupiter in Scorpio in the first house. Jupiter rules publishing and promises a big splash with big news. Venus in Gemini, in the eighth house as well, makes a difficult aspect to Pluto in Virgo. Gemini is a big news and information sign and Venus here squares off with Pluto, speaking truth to power. Pluto in the eleventh reveals that Assange has some powerful connections. The natal Saturn opposes Neptune and squares Uranus. Saturn keeps it real, Neptune speaks to high ideals and Uranus loves nothing better than shaking up the status quo. Mars the planet that indicates how we use our energy and take action is in the humanitarian sign of Aquarius. The North Node of the Moon, the point in the horoscope that points to what the native is striving for in this life, is in Aquarius as well. Transiting Saturn in Libra (where Saturn is in the sky now) has entered his twelfth house of prisons, seclusion and hidden enemies. You can make book with Saturn; he is always right on the money. Because Assange’s twelfth house runs from 13 degrees Libra to 17 degrees of Scorpio, Saturn will be here until December, 2013. The 17^th degree of Scorpio marks the cusp of his first house. This is the Ascendant, the point in the horoscope where the individual first faces the world at large. The furor over these latest leaks will continue and Assange will be limited and constricted whether he faces jail or not. It will be interesting to note how events unfold towards the end of the month. First, Venus in Scorpio, now in his twelfth house will hit the Ascendant on Christmas Eve. Will more secrets be revealed or will Julian Assange get a welcome Christmas surprise? Second, all of these charges related to an alleged rape in Sweden, court proceedings, and bail hearings are taking place under a Retrograde Mercury. Mercury stations and turns direct on Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 2:21 AM EST. Mercury Retrograde loves the rumor, to misinform and to generally play the trickster. When a direct motion occurs, new information comes to light, the false rumor is revealed and the truth emerges. January 8, 2011 and March 8, 2011, give or take a week, are two key dates that will figure prominently in this continuing saga. Love him or hate him, Julian Assange is the 21^st Century’s version of the investigative Journalist. He fills a vacuum left by the corporate media that has become more entertainment than news.

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.

Last Quarter Moon - Incorporate, Assimilate and Meditate.

Moon in Taurus keeps us grounded and cautious. We get emotional about our money, possessions and sense of security. Our “stuff” takes on greater importance. Venus ruled Taurus indicates a time to enjoy beautiful things of an earthly nature, sunrise, sunset and moonrise. Moon goes void of course on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 7:13 PM EDT and enters Gemini about an hour later at 8:19 PM EDT. Air sign Gemini moon lightens things up a bit; we are motivated by the intellect rather than the gut. It is easy to see both sides of the picture and because of this we often have difficulty making up our minds. There is a certain busyness, a talkativeness and restlessness about this moon. This moon is great for writers and communicators. The Last Quarter Moon occurs on Wednesday, September 1, 2010. Quarter moons are times of crisis and action. The waning phase is a time for introspection and assimilation. This current cycle began with the New Moon in Leo. The New Moon plants the seed, at the Full Moon that seed is in full blossom. Now as the moon wanes we incorporate what we have learned and prepare for the next phase to begin. Completion is the key word here. Finish what has been started rather than beginning something new. Wait until the New Moon on September 8, 2010 to initiate the new. The Gemini Moon goes void of course on Friday, September 3rd at 1:40 AM EDT until 2:50 AM EDT. At this time Moon slides into the welcoming arms of Cancer. This is where moon belongs, home base; the emotional nature of the moon flourishes here. We become a little more sensitive, tend to get weepy and sentimental and need to nurture or be nurtured. This is gut reaction time where the intellect takes a back seat. Beware of the over stocked Buffet line while moon travels through Cancer as food brings a great deal of comfort to the sensitive soul. On Friday, sun conjoins a retrograde Mercury, so be sure to dot the I’s and cross the T’s. On Saturday, Venus makes a lovely trine, an aspect of ease, to Neptune. This could be true love, soul mate time or bring the great deceiver into play. Be sure you are seeing things as they really are not how you want them to be. A concert, a visit to an art gallery or a meditation brings the positive qualities of this aspect to the fore. This is a great week to quietly adjust to any recent changes in your life and to prepare for the New Moon and upcoming planetary shifts in store for next week. Stay tuned.

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.

This Week July 5, 2010 - Change is in the Air

This week will be a week of change and a shift in trends, path and focus. Monday, July 5th Uranus changes direction going from direct to retrograde. When a planet appears to slow down and stop before it changes direction the energies of that planet are enhanced and qualities associated with that planet come to the fore. Of course, it really does not go backwards, it appears so from our vantage point here on earth. Where transiting Uranus falls in your chart is the area that gets the vibe from the changing direction. The only thing we can say for sure about Uranus transits is: expect the unexpected. Uranus brings change and something new into your life. This can be good or not so good, depending on how resistant you are to change. We are creatures of habit and the good or bad of a Uranus transit depends on whether your life is one of the rigid, stuck in a rut variety. Often we remain at a job we hate or in a marriage that makes us miserable because we cling to the familiar and fear the unknown. When Uranus comes along, be ready for change. You can make it easy on yourself by being open to that change. If you don’t change on your own initiative, outside events will force that change upon you. Hate the job? Along comes Uranus and the plant shuts down. Unhappy marriage, out of the blue comes the unfaithful spouse. Uranus is a game changer and rule breaker. When Uranus gets up close and personal with one of your planets or transits sensitive points in your chart, brace yourself. Moving on to Venus, the Goddess of Love and Money, who makes one final aspect to that old deceiver, Neptune before she exits center stage Leo and moves into the more shy, sedate Virgo. Venus brings things/people/events to you as it is a Yin planet. A keyword for Venus is attract, which is why it rules love because we must be “attracted” to someone before we can begin the game of love. Venus transits are usually nice, so nice that we often don’t notice them. Venus brings the creative impulse, as well as a bit of lazy, self indulgence. A Venus transit through your first house will bring invitations, people, and cultural events into your life. Another mover and shaker this week is the planet Mercury as it makes interesting aspects this week before changing signs as well. First a friendly chat with sober Saturn before leaving Cancer, then a grand entrance into Leo on Friday; where by the end of that day, a fiery connection with Uranus hints at an upset to the norm or some shocking news. Mercury rules our everyday routine. The people, places and things that we do so routinely that we barely notice them. We often fail to see how important these day to day exchanges are until they are not there. How we depend on that barista who makes our coffee just so. When Mercury transits a particular area of the horoscope, that is where you find the mental focus, communications with and discussions about. What we want, how and who we talk to, will shift as the week progresses up to Sunday’s, (July 11, 2010) New Moon Solar Eclipse. The Fourth of July celebrations on Monday, July 5th will have the flavor of the Uranus direction change and will start the week off with a bang, literally and figuratively. Make a mental note when Mercury changes signs on Friday and Venus on Saturday. Who do you want to talk with, who do you want to be with and what do you want to do? And where is Uranus nudging you into change?

Volatile Times with Jupiter and Uranus

The key word these days is volatile. Back in January when I wrote about the upcoming year I had said to pay attention to the period between April and August and that actually we would not be able to ignore it. Well we have had a few natural disasters, earthquakes, volcanoes and floods as well as the huge manmade disaster that is currently going on in the Gulf of Mexico. It is painful to watch. As painful as watching the stock market dive again. The roller coaster ride is not over. At the Full Moon of the 27th Uranus moved into Aries. This is a major shift in energy, from dreamy, foggy, meditative Pisces to the action oriented sign of Aries. Aries wants to move, to be first and is eager to initiate. Uranus rules the innovative, the shocking and unexpected. So expect the unexpected. On Sunday, the 30th, Saturn went from retrograde to direct. On Monday, Neptune went from direct to retrograde. When planets change direction the energy of those planets is strong and concentrated. Saturn is all about structure, form and the concrete facts of this world. Neptune melts and dissolves all of that Saturn stuff. Neptune is hopeful and optimistic, Saturn is melancholic and reality based. On Sunday the 6th Jupiter will move into Aries and on Monday, Mars will enter Virgo. Mars in Virgo likes to get down to work and find solutions. Tuesday brings the exact conjunction between Jupiter and Uranus in Aries. Prepare for the fireworks. Mercury connects with all the major players this week, making quick connections, transferring information or bringing the news then quickly moves on. Tuesday with Saturn, Wednesday with Neptune, two very different conversations. Thursday, Mercury moves into home territory, Gemini and the pace picks up and the news and events are hard to keep up with especially when Mercury hooks up with Jupiter than Uranus on that same day. Friday Mercury squares off with Mars in Virgo. Mercury rules Virgo as well Gemini so little Mercury carries some weight here tying up some loose ends and delivering the goods to Mars so he can take action. Events will happen fast on the world stage as well as in individual lives. When planets change direction and sign then hook up with one another in rapid succession the energy moves and shifts. Some things slow down and others pick up. Where these planets fall in an individual’s horoscope tells the tale of who, what and where. This upcoming week is the dark of Moon time, when the Moon is dwindling down until it is no longer visible in the night sky. This is the time to assimilate what has gone on for the past lunation period and to plant the seeds for the new cycle which will begin with the New Moon on Saturday June 12th. Waning Moon is a great time to meditate and look inward. With all the disruptive action going on this is not a bad idea. Keep your focus, your feet on the ground, and don’t let outside events knock you off your true path in life.

Tales of Betrayal, Martha Stewart and Sandra Bullock

I have been trying to write about Martha Stewart and Sandra Bullock but between the flood, the flu and the income tax I am flummoxed. It seem like betrayal is all around us and a curve ball from Mother Nature adds to the mix. Both Martha Stewart and Sandra Bullock are Leo’s with planets located in the late degrees of the mutable signs. Both are facing betrayals by people close to them. These planets have been taking hits from the 5 Saturn/Uranus oppositions beginning in November 2008 and continuing until July 26, 2010. The upcoming opposition between these two occurs on April 26, 2010 along the Virgo/Pisces axis at 28 Degrees. For Martha Stewart these oppositions involve her Neptune at 25 Virgo in her 11th house of friends. Her “friend” Marianna Pasternak has written a book about her which contains some nasty revelations. Neptune in our horoscope can be our blind side. Where we see things through rose colored glasses or where we hold the highest of ideals. When Saturn comes along and hit this planet in our chart the blinders are ripped off. Neptune can also be about deceit and betrayal. Can Martha Stewart be a “bitch”? With Sun in Leo and Scorpio on the Ascendant, I’d venture to say that she can be formidable and yes the B-word probably applies. But this same combination gives her executive and business ability. I don’t have birth data for Marianna Pasternak but when friends write about friends in an unfriendly manner it says more about the writer’s character than it does about the subject. Leo Sandra Bullock’s betrayal comes from the ubiquitous cliché of the cheating husband. In Sandra’s case the Saturn/Uranus opposition square (a 90 degree angle) her natal Mars/Venus conjunction in Gemini. Venus in a natal chart is all about money, love and relationships. Mars rules younger men, our drive and our passions (as co-ruler of Scorpio) Jesse James is 5 years her junior, a late Aries with Jupiter and Pluto conjunct in late Virgo also getting whacked by Saturn/Uranus. The final opposition between Saturn and Uranus occurs along the Aries/Libra axis and will bull’s eye his natal Uranus at 0 Libra. He won’t know what hit him but with Saturn involved, he will get what he has earned. Yes Virginia, there is justice in this world. All of this betrayal is entering the public domain as transiting Mars in Leo moves to conjunct Sandra Bullock’s natal Sun at 3 Leo and Martha Stewart’s natal Sun at 10 Leo. Mars reaches 3 Leo on April 4, 2010 and 10 Leo on April 26, 2010, the same day as the 4th Saturn/Uranus opposition. Mars in Leo energizes the Leo’s of this world and spurs them to action. What action these two dynamic Leo Ladies will take remains to be seen but with Leo you can be sure it will be dramatic, public and scene stealing.

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.

The Sordid and Sleazy Tale of Rielle Hunter and John Edwards Continues - You Can't Escape It.

It is interesting to note that Rielle Hunter’s interview in GQ hit the headlines just as the Sun was moving over John Edwards Midheaven, the highest, most public point in a person’s chart. And Monday’s New Moon is at that point as well. So John Edwards and this sordid tale once again saturate the media. Rielle Hunter was born on March 20, 1964, a day when the Sun moved from Pisces to Aries. I have no time of birth for her, so cannot say if she is a Pisces or an Aries. She is a cusp baby, meaning she is at the end of one sign close to the beginning of another. Cusp babies, especially as close to the next sign as Rielle is are a blend of both signs. Under Pisces there may be a bit of not being realistic, under Aries there’s a charge ahead, impulsive piece to her character. I am leaning more towards a morning birth time for her because it would put her Gemini Moon snuggled up to John Edward’s Gemini planets, Sun and Mars. It would explain some of the attraction between them. For the past couple of years John Edwards has been receiving some tough transits from the outer planets. An interesting note is that Rielle Hunter stated in her GQ interview that she told him not to run until April of 2007 because her “intuition and astrology” told her it would be a difficult time for him. The astrology of it is this, Saturn was conjunct, together in the sky, with his natal Pluto and Neptune was in aspect to his Sun, while transiting Pluto was square his natal Mars. Neptune is all about deceit and deception, Saturn brings the chickens home to roost and the Pluto/Mars combination brings powerful forces to bear, i.e. becoming President, a fated affair, a compulsion. Today, transiting Neptune is in aspect to John Edward’s natal Mars and Uranus is square Mars as well. This guy does not know what hit him. Neptune to the Sun like that can give one delusions of grandeur. The Pluto/Saturn/Mars combination that hit him makes him think that he can rule the world, but Pluto and Saturn will bring you down as low as you can go. And that is just what is happening. He cheated on his wife, got another woman pregnant and denied the child was his. She, Rielle, filmed him having sex with her and when she wants to get rid of it, does she destroy it, no. She tosses it in the trash. The Andrew Young’s fish it out of the trash. This is quite a set up. I find it hard to believe that John Edwards would willingly participate in a film that showed him having intimate relations with anyone. He is a low down skunk but he is not that stupid. So what is really going on here? The only people profiting from this sleazy tale are the Young’s and Rielle Hunter. John Edwards is ruined. It smells like a setup to me but who would want to bring John Edwards down? That is the real question and I think the true answer would explode like a mega ton bomb. Perhaps time will reveal the truth of this matter. Until then we can only turn off the TV if it all gets to disgusting.