Full Moon – Hang On or Let Go? - The Pisces/Virgo Dilemma

The Sun’s move into Pisces on Friday sets the stage for the upcoming Full Moon.  This Full Moon on Monday, February 22, 2016 falls across the Pisces/Virgo axis.  At Full Moon the Sun is 180 degrees from the Moon. The keyword is polarity, opposition, the I and the thou.  The Moon in earthy, practical Virgo loves the details, wants to organize and casts a critical eye over any and all proceedings.  The Sun will have no truck with any of that down to earth stuff.  Dreamy and ephemeral Pisces' Sun is more at home in the land of the poet, the symbolic and the intuitive. 

The Full Moon is like a dumbbell, often we do one side or the other.  On one hand the impulse here is to drown in the details, dig into the facts and figures and gather all useful information to assist in navigating life’s ups and downs.  On the other hand is the impulse to let it all go, relying on faith, trust and the inner guide that leads us in the right direction.  The danger here is doing one extreme or the other.  Faith, trust and visions are a necessary part of the human condition. But we live in the real world and there are practical considerations that we must contend with. 

The balance between this Sun and Moon enables us to harness those preposterous dreams and visions and ground them in the real world.  Dream the dream and meditate upon how to manifest that dream in the material world. 

Mercury, ruler of this Full Moon, moves along during the week following the Full Moon.  On Thursday and Friday Mercury connects with Saturn, then Uranus.  Mercury in Aquarius is intellectual with the ability to process and digest information quickly.  In a connection with Saturn Mercury talks about what is.  With the connection with Uranus, the talk is about what could be. 

Waning Moon is the time to assimilate and disseminate.  Sunday, the 28^th  with Moon in penetrating Scorpio and Sun joining Neptune offers the perfect time to meditate and quietly contemplate the who, what and where’s of our lives. Ground and center, then   embrace the mysticism of Pisces.  From those misty waters emerge practical solutions, adjusted viewpoints, and clear intent.  Get clear on what you want to hang on to and what you want to let go.  Does it serve your highest good, your higher self? Are you clinging to the material at the expense of the spiritual?  Are you steeped in mysticism but ignoring the electric bill? The trick here is to maintain the balance.  Give it a try.

Lunar Eclipse, Transit of Venus and all that Jazz

It’s a busy sky this week what with the Lunar Eclipse on Monday and Venus’ occultation of the Sun on Tuesday. This Venus transit of the Sun is second in a series of two that occur every 100 years or so. The first occurred in 2004. This is a momentous event often signaling social, political and cultural changes of a broad range. The Protestant Reformation began around the time of the 1519 transit. The 1631-1639 pair brought the European to the Americas while the 1761-1769 coincided with the rise of revolutionary fervor here in, what was then, Colonial America. The Eclipse falls along the Gemini/Sagittarius axis and the Venus transit occurs in Gemini, both fall in the mid degrees of their respective signs. After Monday’s Eclipse in the morning, Neptune turned retrograde and Venus squared off with Mars.  The transit of Venus across the face of the Sun occurs on Tuesday, June 05, 2012 at 9:10 PM EDT. Here in Rhode Island the Sun and Venus are in the Sixth house of workers, (unions and civil servants in particular) health, and the armed forces, emphasizing issues of public health, labor and wage conditions, and the food supply possibly involving restaurants and other venues that serve food and drink. Mercury in Gemini, on the cusp of the 7^th house of relationships still trines Saturn in Libra, in the 10^th. The 7^th house is all about relationships and the 10^th represents authority figures, heads of state, the boss and one’s standing in the community.

With all this going on remember that we are in the Lunation cycle that began on May 20^th with the Solar Eclipse in early Gemini. As previously written this cycle is all about communication within relationships. Those with planets in the mid degrees of the Mutable signs of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces will feel the kick more than others but the Cardinal and Fixed gang are not off the hook. The house position of the Eclipse and transit of Venus will really tell the tale.

Early Thursday morning, June 7, 2012 chatty Mercury moves into Cancer where people tend to articulate what they are truly feeling. Up to that time folks tend to intellectualize their thoughts considering it more of an exchange of information, Mercury in Gemini loves the informational give and take. Mercury in Cancer is a different kettle of fish as emotions come into play. Friday evening when Mercury gets friendly with Neptune in Pisces emotions may overflow and what is being said may not be particularly clear. Things can get foggy but there is also the opportunity for some intuitive information to surface. Any brilliant ideas that surface, it is best to write down as it will be gone as quickly as it comes.

What occurs this week and throughout the month of June offers us a glimpse of what will manifest over the next couple of years as this month is a kick off point for many planetary aspects and configurations. Hang on to your hat.

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!

Hurricane Irene, Dark Moon, New Moon, Mercury Direct

Hurricane Irene rolled up the eastern seaboard of the United States under a dark Moon forcing us to comply with the Lunar dictates of quiet, meditative inner work while the Moon finishes one cycle and prepares for the new.  Rain, wind and power outages were the enforcers of those dictates. What else could you do? The New Moon occurs on Sunday night at 11:04 PM EDT in the sign of Virgo. This New Moon has a lovely trine, an aspect of ease, between Venus and Jupiter. Not a bad influence for the upcoming month. In traditional Astrology Jupiter is known as the Greater Benefic while Venus carries the moniker the Lesser Benefic.  They are money planets and also have a much to do with international diplomacy, treaties and negotiations. They can bring about to much of a good thing as well. With Mercury direct, the New Moon under our belt, and Irene trekking into the interior the work week begins with a burst of energy and activity. Projects and plans that have been on hold or that have hit a dead end begin to move forward as new ideas and information change the picture.  The trine between Jupiter and Venus becomes exact in the wee hours on Tuesday morning, August 30^th shortly before Jupiter turns retrograde. The capitalist, bankers, lawyers and diplomats will react. In the afternoon when Moon enters Libra at 2:25 PM EDT the real negotiations will begin. Libra Moon brings a strong desire to socialize as people want to connect with their fellows. This is a good time to form partnerships or to work on a team.  Libra Moon loves balance and harmony so take advantage of this Moon to iron out any differences you may have with friends, loved ones and co-workers. The cooperative energy remains until Moon moves into Scorpio.  Moon in Scorpio pulls in the energy of Scorpio’s rulers Mars and Pluto. People are sensitive and take things very personal.  Feelings get hurt and folks lash out.  It is hard to forgive and forget under Scorpio Moon but it is wise to remember that when Scorpio and Pluto are involved it is best to take the high road.  These deep emotions offer the opportunity to connect on a soul level with those around you. On Friday Sun kicks off the weekend by making nice-nice with Jupiter. Sun is in Virgo and loves the details; Jupiter always sees the big picture. An aspect of ease brings a nice blend of these two opposing ideals. When Moon enters Sagittarius on Saturday, September 3^rd, there’s a general feel of restlessness and the urge is to get up, get out and do something. Folks are warm and friendly so it is a good time for socializing, especially if it involves a sporting event. The Moon, in the waxing phase, offers a great time to begin new projects and with Mercury in direct motion all systems are fired up and ready to go. Take action.

Another Fun Week! The Change Comes From Within

The Last Quarter Moon reaches perfection at 5:54 PM EDT on Sunday, August 21, 2011 kicking off a busy week of planetary sign and direction changes.  Quarter Moons call for action, in the waning phase the action/change occurs on the inner planes.  This is the time to finish projects, do some tweaking here and there and take a little break, especially as we segue into the Balsamic phase. The Crescent Moon is shrinking and soon the night sky is dark. Dream the future, stop, smell the roses and listen.  In the quiet new ideas formulate and creativity percolates preparing for the start of the next cycle, the New Moon on the 28^th/29^th of August. Hold off beginning the new until after this New Moon. Before we reach this new phase we will have to get through this week of fluctuating energy. On Sunday, Venus moves from fiery Leo to the more sedate Virgo. Venus loves to indulge herself and Virgo has no patience for fancy frills and extravagance. The love of Venus in Virgo is a more practical love. Venus in Virgo will weed your garden or cook you a pot of soup.  Venus in Virgo minds the budget and is reluctant to spend on luxury items. A new stove is fine; a silk scarf questionable.  Moon moves into Gemini Sunday night. Waning Moon in Gemini is a great time to clear your desk of all communications that require a response. People are busy, busy, talky, talky while Moon is in this sign. On Monday, the Sun opposes Neptune bringing a jangle of discordant news and exposure of a few dark deeds. The real truth of it all comes out after Mercury turns direct on Friday, August 26^th at 6:03 PM EDT. In the meantime Gemini Moon keeps pumping out the information until Wednesday morning when Moon slides home to Cancer. Things begin to get emotional. Gemini Moon thinks; Cancer Moon feels. Wednesday could turn out to be an emotional roller coaster, try not to base any decisions solely on emotions. On Thursday morning Mars in Cancer squares off with Saturn in Libra. Think difficult. In traditional astrology these two are considered the Greater and Lesser Malefics. Things could get ugly. Disputes, fights, foul weather, and some nasty explosive types of events are possible. Moon goes Void of Course at 9:04 AM. When Moon is Void of Course the best course of action is one of kicking back and letting life flow around you.  Actions and decisions made during Void of Course periods have a funny way of running in unexpected directions. So whatever the Mars/Saturn configuration stirs up the wise will remember to take those ten deep breathes before reacting. In the evening, Venus plays the diplomat with powerful Pluto.  Political shenanigans come to mind. On Friday noonish Moon enters Leo. People want to be loved and appreciated when Moon is in Leo. The creative, playful side emerges. Leo Moon is a great way to start a fun weekend.  At 6:03 PM Mercury shifts into direct motion. Over the weekend new information surfaces and the news, scandals and false reports all receive a makeover as the truth finally comes out. Let the dust settle and wait until Monday before deciding, acting or beginning anything. 

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.

Jupiter in Aries

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



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


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


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


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


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


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

Christmas Day – The Return of the Light

During the course of the Solar Year the Sun inches its way along the ecliptic (the apparent path of the Sun through the heavens). At the Winter Solstice (in the Northern Hemisphere) the Sun seems to stand still, rising and setting in the same place for three days. On the fourth day the rising and setting of the Sun begins to move in the opposite direction signaling “the return of the light” as the days begin to get longer. This has been a time of great celebration from remote antiquity to the present day. The Romans had Saturnalia, the Hebrews Hanukkah and the Christians, recognizing a good thing, declared this day of returning light to be the birth of Christ. (Historical scholars, biblical and otherwise dispute this date.) The Solar Kings of ancient myth are reborn this day. Christian or not, it is altogether fitting that we light candles, string lights, burn the Yule log or do whatever your personal tradition calls for at this time of year. It puts us in tune with the natural rhythms of the earth. This Christmas Day begins with the Moon in royal, regal Leo, so appropriate for celebrating the birth of a king. Before dawn, the Moon goes Void of Course until 10:14 AM EST when Moon enters Virgo. The sign of Virgo is of course, the Virgin. In ancient times she was “a woman unto herself” which meant, she did not need a man. Indeed our most famous Virgin delivered a son without as much as a handshake from her husband. Seasonally, Virgo is the sign of the harvest when we separate the wheat from the chaff selecting the best of the best from the fruits of the earth. This day the Virgo Moon will help those preparing the Christmas feast, the gravy will have no lumps, and the food will all be hot and arrive on time. Virgo Moon raises our awareness of what is good for us and what is not. So you can forget overindulgence and take an afternoon walk to work off some excess calories. And by all means we must share the light and love that this holiday season signifies and calls for.

Last Quarter Moon and Week of November 28, 2010

The Last Quarter Moon occurs on Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 3:36 PM EST with the Moon in Virgo and the Sun in Sagittarius. This is the half and half Moon, half light and half dark. The winding down phase and like all squares it is a time for action. In this waning phase the action is one of assimilation as we process inwardly what this cycle has brought us. We are preparing for the next New Moon when the cycle begins again. At this Last Quarter Moon the planet Mars squares off with Jupiter. Squares make things happen. Mars in Sagittarius, the sign of philosophy, religion and belief systems in a hard aspect with Jupiter in Pisces the sign of spirituality, illusion, high ideals, smoke and mirrors suggests a flare up of differences on the international front. North Korea’s attack on South Korea comes to mind but I am thinking more Middle East, Oil, Christian, Moslem area of world events. Jupiter promises big stuff and he can deliver. As co-ruler of Pisces and ruler of Sagittarius Jupiter has some power here. Mars is the spark. The planet Uranus is in the picture as well. The exact square aspect between Mars and Uranus occurs on Friday, December 3, 2010 at 9:01 AM EDT. Before that happens, Venus, that mysterious lady, leaves the all sweetness and light sign of Libra and enters the dark waters of Scorpio on Monday night. Venus, in addition to ruling love, beauty and the arts, rules money, values, and diplomacy. Scorpio, among other things, is the sign of debt. Venus in Scorpio is not diplomatic; she’s donned her combat boots and is through talking. On Tuesday evening Mercury the planet of communication, business transactions, contracts, and the daily commute moves into Capricorn. Capricorn wants the facts, demands logic and organization. Mercury is only too happy to oblige. The Moon begins the week in Virgo; the details will make us happy while Moon is here. On Tuesday morning Moon enters Libra. This is the people need people Moon. Libra Moon reminds us that we are social beings. On Thursday morning, Moon enters Scorpio and passions run high. The Mars square Uranus becomes exact under this Scorpio Moon. We will have a lot to absorb and assimilate as we prepare for Sunday’s New Moon in Sagittarius when another cycle begins that looks to be quite volatile. Stay tuned.

Election Day – and the Mood of the People

The big question this election is; are the Democrats going to get the boot or what? When looking at elections I cast an Election Day chart for 6 AM EDT and locate it in Washington, DC. This year a couple of things hit me right off the bat. First,  retrograde Venus in Scorpio will be making a trine, 120 degrees, to the USA Venus, (July 4, 1776).  The USA Venus is in Cancer. Venus is a money planet and also has dominion over the arts, women, relationships, love, diplomacy and the social graces.  In a horoscope Venus symbolizes what you want. In the USA the love of home, family, Mom and apple pie predominate. Politicians love pushing those buttons. This year, Venus in Scorpio reflects the concern with the economy and debt, personal as well as national. The other piece that jumped out at me was the position of the Moon in Virgo. The Moon rules the public and public opinion. Here Moon makes a nice, easy connection to Mercury in Scorpio. Mercury rules the vote. So a nice connection like this indicates a big turnout, more than usual for a midterm election. The Moon in Virgo tells us what is on the mind of the people. In Virgo, they are looking way beyond the snappy slogan. Virgo wants, loves and needs the details. Virgo Moon indicates concerns with health care, unions and the armed services. These elements of society will be out in force. Through the course of the day Moon will move into opposition with both Jupiter and Uranus in Pisces.  This brings an anything goes flavor to the party. There will be some surprises, those expected to win will not and the predicted losers will be the victors. These factors will play out from the smallest towns to the biggest cities. Local as well as national politics are in for “Mr. Toads Wild Ride”.  In Mundane Astrology, the astrology of events, the houses and planets in the horoscope represent components of society, the first house represents the people, the Sun represents the head of state etc. The 5^th house represents the Senate while the 11^th represents the House of Representatives. In the Election Day chart the 5^th/11^th house axis runs along the Aquarius/Leo axis, with the Senate being the Aquarians and the Representatives the Leos. These are both fixed signs and could indicate no change. But the overall chart has a strong Cardinal flavor, with Libra on the ascendant and Cancer on the Mid-Heaven, two very important, strong points in a horoscope. This would indicate something new, a beginning or a fresh start. No matter how it turns out I think the politicians, pollsters and the people are in for a bit of surprise. There is a strong anti-incumbent feeling out there and it is not necessarily going to be the Democrats taking the brunt. There are going to be changes from Wasilla to Washington. The people will have spoken, and that is what it is all about.
Addendum:

The above was written using a 6AM opening for the polls. It has come to my attention that the polls open at 7AM. The time change changes the important points of the horoscope, the Mid-heaven and Ascendant moving them from Cardinal to Fixed signs. This new time further enhances the importance of the planet Venus as we find Venus and the Sun in Scorpio straddling the ascendant. The intense, oft time heated rhetoric of this election season will continue right up to the end. Moon and Mercury are still in aspect. The Virgo Moon and Scorpio Ascendant insure that the public is looking at this election, the candidate and the issues with x-ray vision. The polls and pundits are missing something and we won’t find out what that something is until the polls close and the ballots are counted.

Moon in Libra-Scorpio and Venus Retrograde

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

Moon and Mercury Set the Stage For a Wild Weekend.

We begin the month of October with the Moon in Cancer. Moon is at home in Cancer and operates at full bore here. Emotion run high, sensitivity ratchets up and we all need to give or get a hug. Be aware of this heightened sensitivity as you negotiate the mine field of emotions until Moon enters Leo on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 2:21 PM EDT. Creative enthusiasm reigns under Leo Moon. Our true selves emerge and we want to be recognized for our special gifts. And we all have them. Mercury plays a big roll this weekend as well. Mercury reigns over transport, trade, ideas, the highway, the byway, the daily commute, bus/train stations, airports as well as news and information. On Friday, Mercury opposes Jupiter. Jupiter rules philosophies, belief systems, the judiciary, foreigners and foreign travel. Jupiter is a big guy and he brings “lots of”. Since both planets have to do with writing, publishing and the media we might expect some bombshell news event over the weekend. This is further indicated by Mercury’s opposition to Mr. Surprise, Uranus on Saturday morning. Uranus represents the urge for freedom, the innovative, the unexpected and the unusual. When Uranus comes calling, you can review every possibility that comes to mind and Uranus will still surprise you. In addition to revolutions and such Uranus brings events in the natural world, earthquakes, violent weather etc. (Here in the Northeast we are experiencing some of that wild weather) On Sunday morning Mercury leaves the dust of Virgo behind and enters Libra. Mercury in Libra talks nice, negotiates and pours oil on troubled waters. Do not be lulled or gulled by the smooth talkers. Mercury often acts as a trigger for events set up by the outer slower moving planets. So hang on to your hat and get ready to Rock and Roll.

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

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

Solar Eclipse, Sunday, July 11, 2010

This week brings the New Moon of July 11, 2010, a total Solar Eclipse visible across the Pacific and lower South America. The New Moon energy is felt for the entire lunar month. With a Solar Eclipse the impact is felt for a longer period. If the Solar Eclipse is up close and personal with a planet or personal point in your chart you can expect a year of change. The planet/s touched by the eclipse and the house it falls in give you an idea where the action will take place. A tenth house eclipse might signal a career change, a new boss or a shift in your life’s direction. An eclipse conjunct a personal planet like moon (emotions, Mom), Mercury (communication, siblings), Venus (love, money, relationships) or Mars (energy, action) will shake up the issues associated with that planet. This eclipse, sun and moon are in a close aspect with the planet Mars situated 60 degrees away in the sign of Virgo. This type of aspect brings opportunity through connections or networking. The eclipse itself is in Cancer, the sign of home and family. Here in the United States, the chart set for Washington, DC, the eclipse falls in the 9th house of international relationships. International affairs, diplomacy, courts and religion take center stage. We are within the time band of the stressful configuration between the outer planets, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto. Around the Full Moon, Saturn and Uranus make their 5th and final opposition in the series that began on Election Day in 2008. This Solar Eclipse serves to stir up the conflicts, issues and personalities that frame the present day. Worthy and unworthy individuals will rise and fall. Political change is a given. Treaty violations, border disputes create international incidents requiring delicate diplomacy. Women play an important role in these affairs. Wall Street will try to wiggle out of any regulation. The end of July will see more scandals involving important people involving finances, the environment or the low down cheating spouse; or all of the above. A natural eruption, flood or major storm stretches an already stretched budget. As much as we try to ignore and insulate ourselves from the discord around us it becomes nearly impossible. Remember to breathe.

David Cicilline a Rhode Island Kinda Guy

Yesterday David Cicilline formally kicked off his campaign for Congress. David Cicilline has a brother who is a convicted felon, a father who is a mob lawyer and he is gay. He’s a Rhode Island kinda guy, you know what I mean? Cicilline’s a Cancer with, I am fairly certain, a Leo Moon. Cancer’s love to nurture and be nurtured, they are sensitive and at times moody. His Leo Moon loves the spotlight. With Mercury in Cancer he speaks what he feels. David also has a wide, out of sign conjunction between Saturn and Jupiter. Saturn is strong in Capricorn. Saturn rules the father in a natal chart. His father is strong and powerful making a deep impression upon him but the relationship was not without problems. At the same time the relationship brought great benefits. A familiar conundrum many of us face. We have known for months that David Cicilline is running for Congress but the formal kick off is an important event and the chart for that time offers clues to how the campaign will go. Yesterday transiting Venus was sitting on top of David’s Sun. Venus is considered the “lesser benefic” bringing good fortune wherever she goes. Venus attracts. Venus is an important planet in David Cicilline’s natal chart. He leads with that Venus. Transiting Mars had just shifted gears moving from Leo to Virgo bringing a lot of energy to his Leo and Virgo planets. He is going to attract a lot of money, make important connections and put on a “really big show”. On Primary day transiting Mercury (the vote, the polls,) hugs his natal Pluto (power, control, masses of people) and transiting Pluto opposes his natal Mercury. He has a lot of action going on between his natal planetary positions and the current planetary positions, as all the candidates usually do and like Patrick Lynch, who is running for Governor, he has made his candidacy formal under the very powerful conjunction between Jupiter and Uranus. The planetary lineup on Primary Day indicates to me that that is where the action is. It is going to be an interesting day and not without a number of surprises. Cicilline is running with that energy. His opponents are Bill Lynch and David Segal with Anthony Gemma expected to join the race. This campaign season promises upsets, surprise and unexpected events. Stay tuned and keep your eye peeled for the proverbial monkey wrench.

The North Providence Three – Larry, Moe and Curly - and the Saturn/Uranus Five

The scandal that has rocked North Providence involves three Town Council members, Joseph Burchfield, John Zambarano and Raymond Douglass III, who are accused of accepting bribes to vote in favor of construction of a super market. While I don’t have birth data (if you have it, please send it) for the accused their ages were given in newspaper reports as well as a timeline of events. The oldest of the three, Zambarano is 47 while the younger two, Burchfield and Douglas are 42. All were born in the turbulent 60’s during the rare conjunction of Pluto and Uranus in the sign of Virgo. The time line given for the events leading up to their arrest coincides with the first 4 oppositions between Saturn and Uranus that are triggering the degrees of the Uranus/Pluto conjunctions of the 60’s. What this means is that where Saturn and Uranus are in the sky today is touching where Pluto and Uranus were when these guys were born. It is called a transit and transits from the slower moving planets usually produce some life changing events. The first, in this series of five oppositions between Saturn and Uranus occurred on Election Day, November 12, 2008. On this day at a National League of Cities conference in Orlando, Fla., a North Providence official overhears a conversation about a bribe connected to the supermarket deal. The second opposition occurred on February 5, 2009. In late January, 2009 the FBI tapes an incriminating phone conversation. On February 9th in a taped phone call Zambarano promises a pay off and a part in future deals to “confidential source #1”. On February 10th the Town Council votes to approve a zoning change for the supermarket deal. After this Council meeting the FBI tails Zambarano as he meets with the developer’s lawyer presumably to collect the cash. Later he meets with his cohorts and the following day delivers 4K to the confidential source. The third opposition occurs on September 15, 2009. On October 14, 2009 the FBI records a conversation between Zambarano, Burchfield as they assure the confidential source they will include him in future extortions. The fourth opposition occurred on April 26, 2010 and it all hits the fan. The final opposition will happen on July 26, 2010 when we will probably see them in court. On that fateful February night when the deal went down transiting Neptune was at 23 degrees of Aquarius. Neptune, while at times very spiritual, can be about fraud and deceit. I will wager that Zambarano, who ran around collecting and distributing the cash, has natal Saturn at 23 Aquarius and that the 5 oppositions between Saturn and Uranus squarely hits the natal positions of Uranus and Pluto of all three. Pluto is all about power, control, and secrets. Uranus is about the sudden and unexpected and Saturn is about pay back. This sad tale is not over yet. Stay tuned and pay attention around the date of the final opposition, July 26th.

Whitney Houston and BET Awards

I watched the BET Awards last night. I thought Virgo (with a ton of Libra planets) Jennifer Hudson stole the show. I thought Whitney Houston looked like a strung out junky or a woman with a serious case of hot flashes, or both. My first thought was what are they giving this woman an award for? Is this a reward for screwing up your life, similar to TARP rewarding banks for bad behavior? But you have to admit the woman is a huge talent, broke all kinds of records and smashed barriers of race and sex. In June of 1987 when her second album was released she was at the top of her game. Whitney is a Leo, with Venus in Leo near her Sun, (giving her her great good looks), and with Saturn sending evil glances across the Zodiac from her Aquarian 12th house. When this record was released transiting Saturn was exactly on her Midheaven, the highest point in the chart, the point that rules career and public standing. Saturn here indicates the culmination and reward for hard work. The Saturn cycle around an individual’s horoscope is a road map indicating when they rise and when they fall. As Saturn moves through the sky and rising through the horoscope reaching for the high point, the Midheaven or MC, it reflects the native’s professional success. As Saturn moves past that point and begins to head toward the bottom half of the chart, the success usually begins to wane. In July of 1992 she married Bobby Brown, right around the time of her first Saturn return, a transit that marks a major turning point in the life. Bobby Brown is an Aquarius and his Sun and Whitney’s Sun are within minutes of an exact opposition. Bobby Brown’s Sun falls in Whitney’s 12th house. The house of hidden enemies and ways we screw ourselves up. To say that this was not a wise move on her part is an understatement. When her daughter was born in 1993, the planet Saturn was finishing up a trek through her 12th house preparing to hit her Ascendant, the point of personality, physical body and another critical point, like the MC. This transit places limits on the native’s movements. People often feel restricted and wish they were someplace else. I’ll put money on the fact that at this point Whitney realized, deep down somewhere, that this marriage was a mistake. When Saturn moved to the bottom of her chart, the IC, the opposite of her huge success occurred. During this time there were reports of heavy drug use, a legal issue with her father and the death of her father. This was the literal bottom for her and where she began to make the turn around. Now Saturn is once again above the horizon, the first/seventh house axis, and she is really beginning the climb from those depths. Saturn traveling through the 7th is a testing time for relationships, some don’t last, and those that do are the ones that are worth it. She has a way to go, and everything she does now will be under scrutiny. She can’t make any mistakes. She will not attain her former heights of success until Saturn once again reaches her MC, top of the chart, in 2016. In the meantime she needs to, get straight, get some HRT (hormone replacement therapy) or start taking Vitamin E, great for hot flashes.