Greta Thunberg - Climate Girl

Pictures of Greta Thunberg, a lone girl with a lone sign saying "strike for climate" has flashed around the globe in the wake of yesterday's global climate strike.   From a humble start a little girl has activated millions.

Greta Thunberg is of the generation with Pluto in Sagittarius,  Neptune in Aquarius and Uranus in Aquarius along with David Hogg survivor of the the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.  From guns to climate, this generation will create change.

Greta Thunberg is a Capricorn.  Although I have no time for her birth it's a good bet that her Moon was in Capricorn as well.  She was born at at Mercury station, meaning Mercury was changing direction when she was born, going from Direct to Retrograde.  Planets at stationary points are very powerful.  It is no surprise that Mercury the messenger is so strong in her chart.  That Mercury is in Capricorn as well and insures that her message will manifest in the world in a concrete way.  

When she began her strike on August 20, 2018 Retrograde Mars in Capricorn was transiting, sitting on, her Mercury.  Mars is about action and this Mars brought energy to that message.  Also Saturn was a couple of degrees into Capricorn.  Saturn rules Capricorn.  At that time it was just beginning to aspect her natal Sun. 

As she sailed across the Atlantic, hit the United Nations and the US Congress transiting Saturn was rolling across her Sun. 

Saturn transits mark significant periods in a person's life.  Capricorn's in general are sometimes old when they are young and young when they are old.  When Saturn comes around it is usually pay back time or time to do your job.  If you don't, in 7 1/2 years or so, Saturn will hit you from another angle and demand pay back. Greta Thunberg has done her job and will continue to do so.

Jupiter will enter Capricorn in December and remain there for a bout a year rolling over her Capricorn planets.  Jupiter is the Good Luck guy.  Saturn will conjunct Pluto on January 12, 2020 smack in the middle of Greta's Capricorn planets. 

This young lady is not going away.  She will continue to spread her message and that message will resonate with the masses.  The kid is a game changer.  

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. 

Waxing Moon – First Quarter – Could Be Trouble

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Solar Eclipse in Scorpio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moon in Aquarius

This afternoon at 2:00 PM the Moon moves into eccentric, inventive, independent Aquarius. Despite all the hoopla Aquarius makes about independence, Aquarius Moon draws us to our fellows.  This Moon favors hanging out with your tribe.  Being Aquarius the tribe does not necessarily have to be those you are related too.  This is the tribe of like minded individuals and those with whom you have a shared interest.   Aquarius, ruled by Uranus, does bring with it a desire for freedom, the freedom to be and express our own personal uniqueness. Folks are friendly but not clingy under this Moon.  There is a desire to get out and deal with the public in some way as well as concerns about issues of public welfare. Over the course of this Columbus Day weekend of 2013 Aquarius Moon will be bouncing off, making contact and in general stirring things up with the other planets.  Just after midnight Moon makes a sweet little sextile with Venus favoring that romantic connection.  Remember that under this Moon folks are more impersonal and detached.  This connection may be more like two ships passing in the night.  Get their info while you can.  Early Sunday morning Moon sets off sparks when she connects with Uranus, the ruler of this Aquarian Moon. A sudden jolt of surprise when you wake up and see just who you have been sleeping with, how did I get here you may ask.  A short time later Moon squaring Saturn brings reality slamming into your face.  The question now is how do I get out of here?  By late afternoon another square to Mercury brings some heated discussion.  Try not to get to heavy into politics, sex, or religion as the discussion will quickly turn into a full blown argument with both parties foaming at the mouth.  If that happens, go to your respective corners and chill out. Monday afternoon’s commute may turn ugly as Moon opposes fiery Mars in Leo.  Be wary of road rage, relax the grip on the steering wheel and unclench you teeth.  A little after 5PM the Moon slips into dreamy Pisces.  Throw some soothing music on and shed the stresses of the day.

Spring Equinox

Spring arrived on March 20^th at 7:02 AM EDT.  Astrologer’s cast a horoscope for the Sun’s entry into Aries and study it in an effort to determine what the season may bring. This season promises to be a volatile and explosive one.  The planetary configuration present at the moment of the Equinox contains stressful aspects between planets.  Mars and Uranus, together in the sky are positioned 90 degrees from the Moon in one direction and Pluto in the other.  This in astrological jargon is called a t-square because it looks like a T. 

The Moon at the Equinox is strong by sign (in Cancer) and house (4^th for the horoscope erected for Washington, DC).  The Moon owns that sign and house so everything Luna has extra oomph. The Moon is all about emotion, feelings and gut reactions.  In Mundane astrology, the astrology of world events, the Moon signifies the population as a whole and has dominion over public opinion.  It symbolizes women, the water supply, common needs and agriculture. In difficult aspect it can indicate racial discord, unrest among the people and less than optimal agricultural conditions.  The fourth house where it is posited denotes real estate, land values, mines and quarries as well as natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. 

The Mars/Uranus combination is the most volatile one in the chart. Mars rules all who dispute or fight, the armed forces and arms manufacturing as well as meat production and the iron and steel industry.  In bad aspect Mars can bring volcanic activity, fires, explosions and other forms of violence.  What Mars starts Uranus finishes.  On the bright side Uranus rules new technology and inventions.  On the down side Uranus loves to stir things up with riots, strikes, earthquakes and other violent upheavals of nature.  This is a crash and burn combo for sure.

On the other end we have Pluto another fun guy.  The rosy optimistic view of Pluto is that he destroys in order to build something new and better.  While this is true it is difficult to see or imagine the rosy future when you are standing in the rubble of your life.  Great sociological movements occur under Pluto’s influence.  In bad aspect, like now, natural disasters, oil spills and mayhem natural or manmade are in the realm of possibilities.

The Moon is the fast mover and often acts as a trigger, as does Mars. Mars makes a circuit of the Zodiac in approximately two years and can act as a trigger as well. Two years ago Mars formed a conjunction with Uranus in Aries and we had the Arab Spring. Friday, March 22, 2013 Mars in Aries will once again be in exact conjunction with Uranus. This could be the trigger. Moon will also be in Leo on Friday touching off Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus. 

 The lead up to the Full Moon on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 has Mars connecting with Jupiter and then squaring off in a combative stance with Pluto.  The headlines and talking heads will reflect these powerful alignments.  Shocking and unexpected events will pepper our spring time season. Drought conditions will continue to effect food and water supplies.  From all sides of the political spectrum folks will continue to register their discontent.  We can expect more of “Arab Spring” types of events from around the world a reflection of the long term transit connection between Uranus and Pluto which little guys like Mars touch off every now and then. 

In personal lives old wounds that never properly healed are reopened. Painful but necessary as a proper mourning and/or healing period can occur.  Don’t despair, there is light at the end of the tunnel and no, it’s not a freight train bearing down on you.

Donna Summer – The Gift of Saturn

In astrology Saturn is considered a malefic and he usually does not bring good news. He brings hard lessons, hard work, contractions and constriction. Saturn represents conformity to the social norms. Capricorn, the sign Saturn rules, has that Saturnian flavor as well. Capricorns are known for their work ethic and attention to duty.

Donna Summer, a Capricorn has Sun, Moon, Mercury, Mars and Jupiter in Capricorn in the 5^th house of creativity.  A Virgo rising with Saturn sitting on her Ascendant it is no wonder that the title of one of her signature songs is “She Works Hard for the Money”. A song she wrote after an encounter with an “exhausted washroom attendant”.

Despite the bad reputation that Saturn/Capricorn has for concentration on the material world and social status they often exhibit a strong presence in the charts of artists, musicians and comedians.  This presence affords the individual the ability to create and manifest in physical reality the dreams and visions that spring from that deep well within from which all creativity springs.

Donna Summer’s combination of Virgo Rising, Capricorn and Saturn on the ascendant provides an example of how these energies work within the individual. Often musicians, song writers and vocalists have strong earth and utilize the precision that Saturn/Capricorn/Virgo provides.  Saturn is the Lord of Time and Virgo lives and breathes meticulous exactitude. Songs are “constructed” and as any good musician will tell you, it’s all about the timing.

So for the woman who inspired all this poking around into the workings of Saturn, disco diva, Donna Summer, I say, give it up for the girl, she worked hard for the money.

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!

Full Moon – Lunar Eclipse—Happy December

The approaching Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on December 10^th brings with it a mixture of grief and happiness.  This one is tough to call with Mercury retrograde and “Mr. Surprise” Uranus changing direction hours before the Full Moon perfects.   When a planet stations, (seeming to stop in the sky before changing direction), the energy of that planet is concentrated thus becoming stronger. We have become so accustomed to scandal that it is difficult to conceive of any event that could shock us but shocking is Uranus’ stock in trade.  Perhaps Congress may actually agree on something involving the budget, tax cuts and deficits. Now that would be a shocker!

 With Mercury playing retrograde games of misinformation, missed appointments, and general all round communication snafus we will need to keep our wits about us while sorting through what may or may not be the facts. Tensions will build up to the Full Moon and then we can expect a release of that tension.  An earthquake, a volcanic eruption, not necessarily in the physical world, prompts breakups and regroupings. A major event brings about unity in sorrow.  A breakdown in negotiations and communications provokes some people to speak before thinking. The fallout will be something to see. The media will report everything and anything without a thought to checking the facts. It will become apparent that many are pushing their own agenda and the truth will be hard to find.  

 On the 13^th when Mercury stations and begins to move in direct motion, the time to hit the reset button and begin anew is at hand.  As it stations pay attention to all things Mercurial; traffic, news, information, neighbors and siblings. Check out the action that surfaces around that time. Situations that have hit a snag may begin to move forward. In the meantime you can revise, review and clean out your intellectual and emotional closet.

Venus in Capricorn during this Eclipse wears her business suit. She’s all about money and into committed relationships.  In the Chart set for Washington, DC, Venus in the 12^th house of secrets sits close to the Ascendant. The Ascendant is the point of entry into the outside world and carries a lot of weight in horoscope interpretation.  Women figure prominently, in diplomatic relationships, world affairs and in personal relationships.  Venus, ruler of love and money promises unanticipated events around those issues.  Bewildering is the operative word here.

Venus and Saturn at the Eclipse are in Mutual Reception, each in the other’s home sign, so they help each other out.  Saturn is the big dog, holding sway over societal structures and institutions like marriage, Congress, and the like. In Saturn he is the chief negotiator.  Venus in the 12^th is his willing ally and is perhaps involved in some secretive mission. Venus in the 12^th is also about secret love affairs.  Those secrets are about to be revealed.

Mars in Virgo in the 8^th house of joint finance, debt, taxes and insurance brings the action and attention to these issues. Mars is energy, pure and simple. In Virgo, he’s focusing on the details. Social Security, pensions and public loans get scrutinized.  There is a hint of sorrow here. 

A confusion of themes and a variety of subject matter bubble to the surface during this cycle.  By the Last Quarter on December 17^th the cat will be out of the bag. An international incident, a judge and the judicial system, and/or some type of religious fanaticism grab the headlines.

Through all of this confusion remember that the Sun, the source of all life, is in Sagittarius.  Here the sunbeams light up all things Sagittarius and allows us to step back and see the big picture. People and events in our life are all part of the process. Sagittarius says open up to the possibilities; take step to the edge of your comfort zone and a little beyond. There’s a big world out there, so don’t limit yourself.

How It All Began - Occupy Wall Street - New Moon in Scorpio

Occupy Wall Street began when a group called Adbusters sent out the call, on July 13, 2011,  to assemble in New York on September 17, 2011.  (I don’t have the time that Adbusters posted this) The revolutionary tactic outlined in the initial call was to focus on one issue, articulate that issue then demand and congregate in a public space until that demand is met. The original demand was for President Obama to form a Presidential Commission whose task is to end the influence that money has over Congressional affairs.  Good luck with that one.

 This call went out under a Cardinal Grand Cross which consisted of Pluto in Capricorn, Uranus in Aries, Saturn in Libra and Venus in Cancer.  Pluto is all about issues of power, control, debt, and destruction.  Pluto usually destroys in order to build something new and better. Uranus in Aries is the new, the revolutionary and the innovative.  This movement reverberates with Uranian energy.  Quoting from the original Adbusters document we have:  “A worldwide shift in revolutionary tactics is underway right now...”  This leaderless movement also reflects the Uranus in Aries mantra, the individual is all.  Saturn in Libra brings societal structures to the table. In Libra, Saturn is the great negotiator but Saturn can be rigid in the face of change. Venus in Cancer lends her blessing to this movement. Venus is social, attracting and diplomatic. In Cancer she nurtures. Venus wants everyone to get along. A walk through Burnside Park in Providence, RI reveals Venus’ presence and influence.  But don’t be fooled, when she takes off her party hat and gets down to business she’s all about the money. The cardinality present when the initial call went out indicates that this is just the beginning. The square between Uranus and Pluto speaks to masses of people and broad societal change. Despite being leaderless and sending out mixed messages this movement is not going away.

On the day that this call went out the Moon moved from Sagittarius into Capricorn at 10:14 AM EDT.  In Mundane astrology, the astrology of events, the Moon rules the people, women and public opinion.  Moon in Capricorn does not have an easy time but often this placement can harness the emotional impulse and use the emotion to bring about concrete results. Astrologers use a technique called Secondary Progressions, where a day in the ephemeris, (a table that lists the future positions of the planets) equals a year in the life of the person or event. This moves the planets along in the natal chart and offers a glimpse of what issues, incidents and occurrences the entity will face. In the Adbuster’s call to action chart the Moon moves through the chart making its first critical alignment with Uranus, (revolution), then Pluto (the power structure).  The Moon hit those points on that day and will do so through the process of Secondary Progressions as time progresses. The symbolism of these configurations clearly reflects the reality, the people are confronting the power structure.

The first actual march on Wall Street began after the first gathering on September 17, 2011 at 12:00 PM EDT. That horoscope has Sun in Virgo, Moon in Taurus and the Ascendant (the sign on the horizon, a critical point in any horoscope), in Scorpio. With the Sun and Mercury in Virgo there is a danger of getting bogged down in details and forgetting the big picture. The Moon in Taurus speaks to the fixed purpose of the people; they “will not go gentle into that good night.”  Pluto making a station, from retrograde to direct, located in the second house of money and ruling the Ascendant tells it all. The Ascendant and first house signifies grass roots movements. Scorpio rules debt and Pluto is all about power and the misuse and abuse of that power. Venus making nice-nice in Libra opposing rule breaker Uranus says that diplomacy is about to engage in a new tactic.

This week the New Moon on Wednesday, November 26, 2011 at 3:56 PM EDT is in early Scorpio.  Scorpio always brings the crap to the surface. People tend to get very emotional and tongues get razor-sharp. Remember that people get hurt very easily and can take offense when no offense was meant.  For the Occupy Wall Street movement the Lunation occurs in the twelfth house of secret enemies. Beware of the infiltrator. The enemy has deep pockets and has a lot to lose. The Scorpio energy will not suffer fools lightly. Scorpio gets to the heart of the matter, quickly and without the niceties that Libra applies. It’s down and dirty time. When things get emotional it is important to step back and breathe. Keep your eye on the big picture and know that this is all part of the process.  Think of it as growing pains.

You Think Last Week Was Tough? Get Ready for More

After teetering on the edge of default Congress finally reached an agreement to raise the debt ceiling; an agreement that many are not happy with. They reached this agreement on Tuesday just before Mercury went retrograde. In typical Mercury retro fashion (nothing resolved) the agreement included a plan to form a committee of 12, 6 from each party to review the budget cuts, revenue and debt ceiling again at the end of the year. If they don’t do this, automatic spending cuts will be implemented in a wide variety of programs. On Friday Standard and Poors downgraded the United States credit rating, from AAA to AA+ citing “the difficulties of bridging the gulf between political parties.”  On top of all this, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell to its lowest since December 2010.

In the July 4, 1776 horoscope of the United States the money planets, Jupiter and Venus are conjunct in the early degrees of Cancer.  Pluto, the great destroyer and ruler of debt, taxes and interest rates is presently sitting directly across from these planets at 5 degrees of Capricorn.  Revolutionary Uranus currently at 4 degrees of Aries has been and will be creating a stressful square to the US Jupiter and Venus as well as to transiting Pluto. The energies created by the dynamic action between Uranus and Pluto impact financial, political and social constructs all over the world. Their last conjunction, occurring in the tumultuous sixties, should give you an idea as to how they shake up society. Today in their waxing square aspect we have most of Europe, along with the US, is in the financial toilet, revolutionary fire spreading across the Middle East; terrorism rearing its ugly head in the most unlikely places, natural disasters and weather extremes creating human misery across the globe.

Here on the eastern seaboard of the United States, Mars entered Cancer early Wednesday morning on August 3, 2011.  Zero degrees of any Cardinal sign; (Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn) is a potent degree. These are the degrees that change the seasons, a lot of energy there.  Pluto and Uranus are in the early degrees of Cardinal signs as is the Jupiter and Venus of the United States. Pluto and Uranus are already messing with these money planets and when Mars enters the picture, well he is the original Action Jackson.  

Last week there was quite a bit of turmoil in the United States, politically as well as financially.  There is more to come. Today, Sunday, August 07, 2011 transiting Mars is conjunct the US Venus. Before the week is out he will connect with the United States Jupiter bringing more money woes for sure with the diplomatic arena not looking to healthy either. Transiting Saturn, hip deep into the Cardinal sign Libra will move into stressful square aspect to the United States Sun.  As the Sun in a mundane chart signifies Heads of State it is safe to assume that Obama’s got himself a big headache.  Transiting Saturn often puts you between a rock and a hard place.

Monday morning at 5:46 AM EDT, pesky little Mercury retrogrades back into Leo and then he opposes Neptune in Aquarius.  I would check every fact and figure that crosses my radar. Don’t take anything at face value. Do your homework and avoid snap decisions.  On Tuesday, 12:34 PM EDT, Mars, Mr. Action, squares off with Uranus, Mr. Upset and later in the afternoon the Moon enters Capricorn and the fun begins as Old Lunar kicks off those Cardinal Degrees.  By Thursday when Mars opposes Pluto be ready for scorched earth, literally and figuratively.  Major events are unfolding now and we may not know or understand what is really happening or what the fallout will be for many Moons. Whatever the case may be, this week’s run up to the Full Moon in Aquarius on Saturday will be volatile, unpredictable and violent.

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.

Wedding Bells for Patrick Kennedy

So little Patrick is getting married; on the day after his annual Solar Return no less.  The astrological detective in me knows that this Solar Return deserves a look. The Solar Return chart is a valuable tool used by astrologers as a means to assess what the coming year will bring for the native. An important fact to remember when dealing with Solar Returns and other transits is that the energies of the Natal horoscope rule, if it is not promised in the Natal, it ain’t happening. Patrick Kennedy is a Cancer with a Libra Moon and Scorpio on the Ascendant. That Scorpio Ascendant tells us that what you see is not necessarily what you get. Scorpio Ascendant is secretive and not likely to reveal to much personal stuff. Libra Moon conjunct Mars in the 12^th house of secrets enhances his private nature. Simply put, a Scorpio Rising does not want people knowing their business. The first thing I notice about Patrick’s Solar Return is that the current Uranus/Saturn opposition straddles his MC/IC axis, the public image/sphere vs. the private/domestic sphere. Saturn in the 4^th house of home in the Solar Return indicates changes in the domestic arena. Sometimes this can mean a move to a new home or a remodeling of an existing dwelling. Whether he moves or remodels, he has a new wife with a child moving in. Change enough. More change is indicated by the planet Uranus hugging the Solar Return MC, the Midheaven, and highest, most visible point in the chart. Think public and out in the open.  The MC is an “angle” and in astrology planets on the angles are important. Here, Uranus on the most public point speaks to unexpected, unusual, and weird things happening in a very public manner. This could include a change in career, job and professional standing. My mantra when it comes to Uranus is, “if you can think of it, that ain’t it.” Because Uranian event are so out there, so unexpected the rational intellect can’t conceive of them. The upshot is this is going to be that kind of year for Patrick, unexpected, bolts out of the blue events. The Mercury in the Solar Return chart is at 17 degrees of Leo. That Mercury falls on his Natal Midheaven. Here we are at the most public point again with Mercury, ruling the media, news and information in Leo the show biz sign, on his MC. He’s in the news for sure and will be for the next year. The Solar Return Venus at 12 degrees of Cancer sits on his Natal Mercury. Venus=social events, love and marriage. Will Patrick be in the society pages as opposed to the political? The Solar Return Chart also has Cancer on the Ascendant, very domestic, with the Sun in the 12^th hugging the Ascendant. So close to the Ascendant, or cusp of the First house it can be read as Twelfth or First. I am thinking Twelfth because of other factors in the Solar Return like Solar Return Moon/Pluto conjunction in the Sixth house. This indicates that Patrick is going to be taking care of someone. His mother is the obvious candidate as she is of the age where this would be expected and has had some issues in the past. In the final analysis Patrick will want to maintain a low profile, be private and behind the scenes enjoying his new found domestic bliss. And bliss it is as transiting Pluto trines his natal Venus; passion there for sure. But events will prevent that and force him into the limelight. His physical and mental health may be an issue as well. At this time in his life he wants to finally do what he wants to do and not what other’s expect of him. He’s got another year or so before he will be able to accomplish that. My advice to Patrick this year would be to expect the unexpected, take care of yourself first and then take care of those around you. This is going to be a Rock and Roll year for Patrick Kennedy. Stay tuned.

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.

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!

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.

Mars Squaring Uranus Kicks Off the December to Remember

I write this as Mars squares Uranus. When Mars and Uranus are in hard aspect like this I am tempted to head for the bunker and hunker down until the smoke clears. The word explosive comes to mind. With Moon in Scorpio in the deepest, darkest waning phase of the Lunar Cycle and Uranus poised and ready to move into direct motion after Sunday’s New Moon in Sagittarius it is hard to say when or where the next shocker will come from. This December will be the December to remember. Between the New Moon and First Quarter Moon Uranus goes direct, Mars moves into Capricorn and on Friday, December 10, 2010 Mercury goes retrograde. At the First Quarter Moon on Monday, December 13th Mars and Pluto join forces. Going from a square with Uranus to a conjunction with Pluto, Mars is the igniter. Uranus is Mr. Surprise, the unexpected, the unusual, often bringing a shocking jolt out of the blue. Pluto is that deep rumble below the surface that erupts and brings about powerful transformations. The Full Moon occurring hours before the Winter Solstice is a Lunar Eclipse at 29 degrees Gemini/Sagittarius. This is the Galactic Center that plays such an important part in the Mayan Calendar and the hullaballoo about 2012. Venus having retraced her steps will be at the point where she went retrograde back in October. In Scorpio, the sign of sex, death and taxes, she is through playing games. Diplomatic secrets will continue to be revealed. Venus has a sharp tongue here and walks a razor’s edge. At the Last Quarter Moon on December 27th busy Mars once again enters the picture with a hard aspect to Saturn. Mars in Capricorn works well, likes to work toward concrete results. Who better to deal with than Saturn, the Lord of the Material World? A hard aspect, the square, says it “don’t come easy”. On the 30th Mercury stations and begins to move in direct motion. All the false rumors and misinformation will begin to sort itself out. As the planets change signs and directions the dynamic changes as well. With the direction changes the energies and symbolism of the particular planet is enhanced and emphasized. The fallout from the latest Wikileak will impact international relationships as well as the public’s perception of government. We’re talking worldwide here. The financial situation here at home and across the world will serve to educate the people to the amount of manipulation of public opinion and political figures going on behind the scenes. More secrets will be revealed. Unusual weather patterns unfold and earthquake and/or volcanic action literally and figuratively shake things up.