Quarter Moon - Where the Action Is

We hear lots about the New Moon and the Full Moon but very often events occur around the Quarter Moons.  The First Quarter Moon occurs halfway between the New Moon and Full Moon.  This is the waxing Moon, the Moon gets bigger every night until it reaches fullness.  Then each night it begins to diminish.   When it is halfway between the Full Moon and the next New Moon it reaches the Third Quarter stage.  This is the waning Moon.

The current First Quarter Moon occurs February 25^th with the Sun in Pisces and the Moon in Gemini.  Gemini Moon is a busy Moon, folks are more adaptable under this Moon and tend to be more talkative. Gemini Moon enhances our ability to see both sides of the picture which can be a good thing but it inhibits the decision making process.  This will be a very busy day.  Short trips, conversations, and overloaded in boxes are just a few threads that will have to be pulled together.

While the Moon is in the waxing phase it is a good time to start something that you wish to see grow.  A waxing Moon in Cancer is the optimal time as Cancer is a very fertile sign.  This week the Moon enters Cancer at 7:50 AM on Friday morning, the 27th and remains there until Sunday evening at 6:43 PM when Moon enters fiery Leo.

But before the Moon enters Leo on Sunday it becomes “void of course”.   When the Moon makes its last major connection to another planet and will make no other connections until it moves into the next sign, it is said to be void of course.   Voids can last for seconds, minutes or days.  With the current planetary lineup there are long periods of void of course.

Things begun under a void of course Moon have unexpected results.  One’s judgment can be faulty and facts are not readily at hand.   This period is best for routine work.  Meditation and spiritual matters work well during this period.  It’s a great time to simply kick back. 

Despite all this Sunday will be a busy day with some unusual activity going on.  Mercury in Aquarius connects with Uranus and Jupiter during the daylight hours.  Mercury rules all kinds of communication, transportation, the wind, the mind and how we process information.  Uranus nudges our urge to freedom bringing change that often occurs suddenly.  Mercury and Uranus together can signal aviation disasters, sudden destructive winds, communication and transportation snafus.  Jupiter symbolizes optimism, enthusiasm, and justice.  The planet of expansion, Jupiter brings abundance. A Mercury / Jupiter connection can bring a lot of hot air.  Expect a lot of political pontificating coming from the Sunday morning talk shows.

When Jupiter catches up to Uranus early Tuesday morning sparks will fly.  Justice, liberty and freedom are themes splashed across the headlines.  Jupiter always brings something big while Uranus is a true wild card bringing something totally unexpected.

On Wednesday, March 4^th Moon enters practical Virgo.  Moon in Virgo is a great time to organize messy kitchen drawers, sort through papers and any tasks that require attention to detail.  We get concerned about our diet and health issues while Moon travels through Virgo.  Venus has a busy day on Wednesday touching base with Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto.  Venus rules love and money, she is a yin planet so has the ability to attract.   We don’t feel much like working when Venus is around, we just want to have fun.  Venus and Uranus together in the sky signals some unusual and very different types of relationships.  This can be an exciting combo but love affairs begun under this influence while they have a lot of sizzle and pop they can fizzle and plop just as quickly.  Venus with Pluto can bring love affairs that have a fated feel to them, almost an obsession.  Often issues of power and control come to the surface in existing relationships.  Venus’ active presence in the lead up to the Full Moon brings some sweetness and light to all situations.   Collaboration is a key word for Venus’ involvement.

The Full Moon in Virgo on Thursday, March 5^th triggers a lot of communication, news reports and a search for truths that are not readily apparent.  Virgo Moon forces attention to detail and there is danger of not seeing the forest for the trees.  Step back and take a look at your own situation and try to gain some objectivity. 

After the Full Moon it is Mars’ turn to take the wheel.  Unlike Venus, Mars is set to light the fuse, the more chaos the merrier. 

Stay tuned for the next Quarter Moon installment.

New Year – New Moon January 2015

The First New Moon of 2015 occurs on January 20^th at 8:14 AM with the Sun and the Moon mere minutes into Aquarius.  The horoscope cast for that moment has a Fixed Air signature with not a lot of Earth.  What this means is that there are a lot of ideas floating around, with the Aquarian flavor of radical, revolutionary and new, but with no grounding on the physical plane.  While these ideas may be great without the Earth energy they will be difficult to manifest in the material world. Mercury going retrograde the day after the New Moon further reinforcing this principle.  Mercury continues this retrograde motion through the four major phases of the Lunar cycle.  At the Last Quarter on February 11^th Mercury turns direct again.

Despite these drawbacks this can be a very productive time.  It is at time to revise and review, a good time to fix things and readjust one’s way of thinking.  Great ideas you had in the past may not be working now.  Now is the time to tweak them or dump them altogether.  A little introspection and quiet contemplation creates fertile ground for new ideas to surface.  Wait until after February 11^th to implement them.

Mars running with Neptune in Pisces with Saturn glaring at them both from Sagittarius brings the religious fanatics out of the wood work. The Saturn square Neptune aspect does not become exact until November 2015 of this year but the aspect is in range for quite awhile.  Saturn is about the harsh realities of life, constricting, contracting and conforming.  Neptune runs the gamut from high spirituality to lowdown deception, ruling the saints as well as the sinners.  Neptune is the wild night on the town, while Saturn is the morning after with its brutal hangover.  Fiery Mars in watery Pisces does not function well.  Mars is the action planet and that action is under water.  The spirit it willing but the flesh is weak.

This Piscean energy dovetails very well with the Mercury Retro period.  Look within for the answers.  Pray, meditate and always take the high road.  It’s the only way during this tricky time.

The week of the Full Moon on February 3^rd brings some energy shifts and creates a lot of action, some of it misguided.  Venus has moved into Pisces and caught up with Neptune.  Venus Neptune aspects can make you think you’ve found your soul mate.  If you are functioning on a high level of spirituality, maybe you have.  Be wary of getting involved with someone who needs to be fixed.  True love is a relationship between equals.  Avoid being the savior or being the martyr. 

During this week the Sun shines light upon Uranus.  This is an anything goes aspect.  Bright ideas surface but it pays to think it through before acting.   By Friday the 6^th Mercury the idea planet confers with Saturn getting some practical advice.  The Sun mixes it up with Jupiter making us all feel expansive and on top of the world.  Beware of exaggeration and those who promise more than they can deliver.

At the Last Quarter moon on February 11^th Mercury turns direct.  This is the time to assimilate those ideas and expect new information to pop up over the next week or so that might alter your opinion.   Dark Moon time is still a time of reflection and going within.   Act after the next New Moon on February 18^th when the new phase begins as the Moon once again begins to wax.  

Full Moon – Dream It – Create It

Today, March 16, 2014 the Full Moon culminates at 1:08 PM EDT.  With the Sun in Pisces and the Moon in Virgo this Full Moon is about imagination, dreaming and visualizing and facing the reality of what is.  Pisces Sun says dream it big while Virgo Moon helps to bring that dream to fruition. This Full Moon promotes flexibility and gives the mutable signs, Pisces, Virgo, Gemini and Sagittarius a get a move on nudge.  With the dynamic T-Square between Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto still in play no one escapes the push and shove of world events and inner promptings that call for repositioning and prompt us to take steps to break the rigid and crystallized in our lives.  When routine becomes rut, it’s time to rethink that routine.

Moon enters Libra on Sunday night and while Moon travels through this sociable, balance seeking sign it is a good time to talk, to work on relationships and to connect with people in your life.  We’re looking for beauty and harmony under this Moon.  It’s Venus ruled so art, beauty and forming partnerships are favored. 

On Monday, Mercury enters Pisces leaving the intellectual sign of Aquarius.  Mercury in Pisces heightens our telepathic and intuitive senses.  We sense things.  This is great for artists but for all it is best not to let the imagination and fantasies run wild.

On Tuesday, Venus in Aquarius connects with Uranus in Aries testing that Libra Moon’s love for harmony.  Venus ruler of love and money joining forces with Mr. Surprise, Uranus calls for fireworks.  Unusual, original and unexpected words, actions and events occur around this aspect. Aquarians and Aries feel the jolt along with the Leos and Libras. 

On Wednesday morning Moon leaves congenial Libra and enters suspicious Scorpio. Strong passions are aroused under this Moon sign.   Folks get a bit moody and sensitive under this Moon.  Don’t let secrets, jealously and suspicion rule you during these few days.  Step away from the emotional and look at things objectively.

On Thursday, the Vernal Equinox, Spring begins.  The day and the night are equal in length.  The energy changes and although it may not feel like spring, change is in the air.  This season will be a season of volatility on all fronts.  Wet and windy with some record breaking days, the Jupiter, Uranus, Pluto configuration speaks of unpredictability on all fronts.  Be prepared to roll with the punches.

On Friday Moon enters Sagittarius and suspicions fall by the wayside as people become warm and friendly.  Sagittarius Moon loves change and motion.  Folks want to get out to a sporting event, a hike in the woods or a flex of the independent muscle.  Keep moving is the motto of this Moon.

On Saturday when Mercury in Pisces joins forces with Neptune in Pisces intuition takes the main stage.  It is important to remain positive and be around positive people and influences now as this combination is like a sponge and we absorb what is around us.  There is a strong possibility of deception, confusion and misrepresentation of the facts. Take the high road boys and girls you don’t want to get stuck in the mire.

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.

New Year – New Moon - Snap, Crackle and Pop!

Moon enters Sagittarius on Sunday, December 29, 2013 at 12:37 PM bringing with it a sense of restlessness.  Folks want to get out, move and partake of a little adventure.  This is a Moon of diversity, good for enjoying sporting events as well as reading through those weighty tomes that inform and elevate the spirit. 

Things begin to sizzle when Mercury squares off with Uranus.  Mercury is the messenger of the Zodiac bringing quickness and at times nervousness to the fore.  Uranus takes that energy and magnifies it.  Uranus prods us into independent action urging us to break out of any restrictive modes.  Conversation, communication, and traveling may involve some unexpected twists and turns.

As Sunday rolls into Monday, the Sun forms a square to Uranus as well.   Be prepared to wake up Monday morning to some shocking news or a major disruption in the daily routine.  Moon goes Void of Course at 6:36 AM EST and remains so throughout the day into Tuesday.  Actions taken under a Void of Course Moon often don’t turn out the way things were intended.  Sticking to the routine is the best bet.  That is if all this Uranus action will let you.  The evening finds the Warrior, Mars, in square aspect with Pluto.  This is not a pretty sight. Mars is the action principle while Pluto signifies transformation.  A square, while not harmonious, does make things happen.  Mars loves to stir things up and Pluto will make sure Mars sticks his oar in deep bringing up all the deep, dark secrets.  Things could get ugly. 

Early on Tuesday Morning, Mercury, another one who likes to stir the pot connects with Pluto, then Mars, activating all that energy once again.   Moon moves into Capricorn on Tuesday afternoon at 1:01 PM EST.  Capricorn is ruled by Saturn.  Saturn likes to contract, organize and bring to order all things.  Moon in Capricorn time is the time to get down to business and take care of practical matters.  As it is the last day of 2013 and the dark Moon time, this Moon will help everyone clear the decks and make ready for the New Year.

The New Moon occurs on New Year’s morning, January 1, 2014 at 6:14 AM EST.  This is an important New Moon.  Not because, as all the hype would have you believe, it falls on New Year’s Day but because it is the first New Moon after the Winter Solstice. Like all New Moons that fall right after the season changes it has a little extra oomph to it giving a hint of what the season will bring.  This New Moon packs a big punch because it is conjunct the heavy hitter Pluto in Capricorn and squares both Uranus and Mars.  This configuration is called a T-Square and it not one of the kinder, gentler aspects.  The pot will be stirred big time.

On Thursday, January 2^nd Moon enters Aquarius at 12:03 PM EST.  Folks get the humanitarian urge under this Moon feeling empathy for those less fortunate.  That is not to say that independence and quirkiness will not cause anxiety for some folks as this Moon craves the unconventional.  Some folks are all for it while others abhor it.

In the evening the Sun and Mars get nasty with one another.  Sun is the boss here and Mars does not like to take orders. Expect some backlash, rumbling from the ranks and general discord all around.  On Friday, Mercury and Jupiter stand opposite one another and the talk is big.  Be wary of exaggeration and keep your bullshit meter well tuned. 

Saturday the 4^th, just before noon, Moon moves into gentle Pisces.  People are more sensitive and less interested in the material. Heightened sensitivity often brings a feeling of vulnerability while Moon travels through Pisces. A good time for meditation, music and the arts, seek out the stuff that speaks to and feeds your soul.

Chant OM for yourself and for the world.

 

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.

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.

Mercury Retrograde – Election Day

This Election Day the planet Mercury turns retrograde at 6:04 PM EST.  That is the day starts off with Mercury in direct motion and ends with Mercury in retrograde motion.  As Mercury rules the short trip, the neighborhood, voting, and the process of counting those votes the change of direction on this day holds particular significance. On Election Day in 2000 Mercury moved from retrograde motion to direct motion. Hanging chads and a Supreme Court decision to decide the election is just the sort of mischief that Mercury, direct or retrograde, is the master of.

In the  Homeric Hymns  the ancient Greek texts that celebrate the Gods, the hymn to Hermes (Mercury) describes him as  “a child who was a shrewd and coaxing schemer, a cattle-rustling robber and a bringer of dreams,”  He was born in the morning, made and played the lyre at noon and in the evening he stole Apollo’s cattle.  Quick, clever and not entirely honest, that’s Mercury.

Mercury is also associated with the “Trickster” the mythological creature found in many cultures who messes with your head, often behaving in a confusing manner.  As Mercury turns retrograde on Tuesday he is in alignment with another trickster, the planet Uranus. Uranus likes to break down rigid social constructs, create revolution and in general disrupt the normal flow of things.

On Election Day there are many planetary factors in play.  The ongoing Uranus/Pluto square which is playing out all around us in government, business, weather and personal lives is one very important aspect that brings with it change in the culture and the social order.  This election is just a blip in the planetary dance of these two heavy hitters. Saturn’s entrance into Scorpio, a 29-30 year cycle signifies accountability and responsibility.  In Scorpio, the reckoning involves debt and taxes.  Jupiter in Gemini guarantees a huge turnout and in alignment with Venus in Libra says women will be a big factor in this election.

What this Election Day will bring is anybody’s guess but with the type of configurations in play, especially that between Mercury and Uranus, we haven’t got an inkling.  We haven’t heard any hints on the news nor have the polls or opinion pieces given any clues.  Something weird, wild and straight out of left field, with Uranus, if you can think of it, that ain’t it.

New Moon in Cancer - A Bit Chaotic

The July 19^th New Moon in Cancer kicked off a cycle that is bound to be quirky and full of surprises. Moon rules this cycle for sure, in Cancer, in the fourth house, the sign and position where the lunar energies are most strong and function at the optimal level. Folks will be leading with their emotions. Saturn in Libra, square the lunation point offers a bit of temperance but he may very well be out gunned by the strength of the Moon.   Mars in Libra opposing Uranus in Aries receives a boost from friendly Jupiter in Gemini. This combination speaks to impulsive actions, gut reactions and the ignoring of that old adage, “look before you leap”.  In the big wide world, high stakes games are being played.  Be prepared for some crazy rhetoric and irrational thinking.  A lot of drama and conflict with some “good stuff” in between. 

This lunation cycle with Moon in Cancer brings up stuff from the past. If these issues have not been resolved previously, this resurfacing brings the opportunity to settle the matter once and for all.  The energies prevalent now call for change; the important thing to remember is not to change simply for the sake of change.  Think it through, examine all the possible outcomes, and dig deep within yourself to insure that the changes being made are what you truly want.

Of course, with the current planetary configuration in play of Mars opposite Uranus and both squaring Pluto, change may be unavoidable and will come from outside events over which the individual has no control.  As the First Quarter Moon approaches news and shocking events trigger strong emotional response. Be aware that information may be distorted, exaggerated and possibly not true at all. This cycle of misinformation carries through the Full Moon period.  At the Last Quarter we are able to sort the truth from the lies and begin the process of assimilation and dissemination of what we have gained during this cycle.

During these changing and chaotic times it is essential to plant feet firmly on the ground and to keep head, heart and emotions clear and free of clutter. Some things cannot be changed and have to be dealt with. Other things can be changed.  The real trick is in recognizing what can be changed and what can’t. In relationships we often beat our heads against a stone wall for a long time before we realize that this particular significant other is not going to change. Either we accept that or we don’t. If we don’t it is the “I” not the “thou” that has to make the change. Change can be difficult as well as liberating.

The Cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn receive the energies most strongly and obviously. The Mutable signs of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces catch these configurations on a more subtle level. They get a sense of something but are not sure or clear on what it is.  The Fixed signs of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius make connections and receive information that requires review.

Regular meditation and times of quiet contemplation provide a respite from chaos and can bring clarity to the jumble of thoughts and emotions that the current planetary configurations bring.  Remember to breathe.

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.

Solar Eclipse, Retrograde Mercury, Occupy and Other Good Stuff

We kick off this Holiday Season with a Retrograde Mercury and a Solar Eclipse.  The Eclipse is in Sagittarius; the sign of philosophies, religion, publishing and the judiciary. Mercury sits at the bottom of the chart set for Washington, DC so we can count on mixed messages, confusion and outright obfuscation coming from that quarter. The failure of the Super Committee to do what it was designed to do may actually be a blessing in disguise as actions taken under a Retrograde Mercury usually have to be revised and done over. Eclipses are powerful and their influence last longer than the usual New Moon to New Moon cycle. This Eclipse stresses an already stressed monetary system. The Euro is under pressure and the family of nations that comprise that union may be looking at divorce as some countries may opt out. Here in the United States the Federal Reserve and the money planets of the United States face tension and strain.  We can expect more confusion. Financial matters and the huge debt facing nations and municipalities continue to threaten as the power brokers struggle to maintain the status quo. In the upcoming months expect financial surprises and secret deals. When those secrets are revealed it will bring the downfall of a famous person. The Occupy movement will continue to focus the lens on the excessive corporate, big money influence on Congressional affairs. The politicians, pundits and power brokers are trying to figure out this movement so they can turn it to their advantage. They don’t get it. This movement resonates with lots of people and cuts a wide swath through society touching many people at many levels. Most importantly, they are committed. This movement is in its infancy and is not going away. From an astrological standpoint it is part of the great 126 year cycle of Uranus and Pluto.  In the early 1930’s they were in a closing square aspect moving to conjunction.  This was the depression era and the time of the Bonus Army, the WWI veterans who camped out in DC because they wanted the bonus that was promised to them.  From that 90 degree closing square Uranus and Pluto moved into conjunction, together in the sky in the mid-sixties, planting new seeds of social revolution. Now we are approaching the waxing square between these two, the first of which occurs on June 24, 2012.  From June of 2012 to March of 2015 they move back and forth forming a series of seven exact squares.  This period of time holds the flavor of the thirties and echoes of the sixties.  The slower moving planets stimulate broad social change. Uranus represents revolution and rebellion. Rules are made to be broken. Pluto brings about deep transformation and he is not above destroying an existing system to bring that transformation about.  For the near term, it will pay to check all facts and don’t take anything on face value. Do your research and always get a second, even a third opinion.  Amuse yourself by watching the Politicians dance a jig around the hard truths so they can maintain their relevance in a changing world.

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.

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.

Winter Solstice - Full Moon - Lunar Eclipse - Quite a Combination

This Winter Solstice occurring on the heels of a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse is a jumble and a jangle of elements, inner tensions, and fluctuating opinions. Politicians be warned, the natives are restless. Astrologers use the Solstice chart to get a handle on the political, economic and social trends that will predominate for the season. As such, the Solstice charts are a valuable tool in forecasting. The Lunar Eclipse at the 29^th degree of the Sagittarius/Gemini axis, the Galactic Center, accompanying this Winter Solstice brings extra potency to an already strong planetary alignment. While there is some debate about how long the influence of Eclipses are the influence of the Solstice chart is in effect until the changing of the season. At this Solstice we find Retrograde Mercury in a stressful square aspect, to Jupiter and Uranus. This combination screams shocking, unexpected, wildly distorted, big news or events. The Sun in Capricorn in the 6^th house along with Mars, Pluto and the North Node emphasizes the working class, the armed forces, and public health. Common public needs and institutions like the water supply, the school system, Police and Fire Departments move to the forefront and the issues associated with these institutions are complicated and not easily solvable. It will take more than political hot air to resolve.  Labor Unions, workers, civil servants, employment/unemployment push the emotional buttons of the general public. Earthquakes, explosions, hurricanes and other weather related events affect agriculture and food supplies. Immigration, emigration, international diplomacy or lack of create situations ripe for distortion. Remember Retrograde Mercury and wait until the dust settles before you rush to judgement. Covert military action, hostage situations, and basic human rights hit the headlines. There are opportunities to work with the opposition, with people who do not agree with you. It will not be easy, will take listening on both sides but compromise and agreement can be reached. Hammered out is the phrase that comes to mind. Often when these great planetary alignments occur we do not see the manifestation of these energies for months, even years to come. It is like a person who is overweight; making the decision to get on the healthy track of good diet and exercise. The decision is made while under a particular planetary configuration the results of which we don’t see until months have passed. Actions taken now will have far reaching effects/affects. When in doubt, always take the high road. Usher in this winter season with a meditation on healing, peace and serenity. Spread the light!