Tracy Morgan Revisited - Up From the Ashes

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

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

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

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

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

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

What's Happening in the Sky This Week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Donald Trump - The Greatest Show on Earth

Since announcing his run for President of the United States Donald Trump has been dominating the headlines and leading the Republican pack. His incendiary comments have offended minorities, majorities, genders, and any and all special groups from veterans to vegetarians. How does he do it? Donald Trump’s over the top, exaggerated style and look are clearly reflected in his natal horoscope. Trump is a Gemini with a Sagittarius Moon and a Leo Ascendant. He’s a Full Moon baby born hours before a Lunar Eclipse. With his Gemini Sun in the very public 10th house and his Leo Mars conjunct his Ascendant it is no wonder that he loves the spotlight and actually thrives there. That Mars so close to the Ascendant manifests in that combative style that keeps him in the headlines. That combination also amps up his love for the spotlight. It is also a text book case for that bulldog look and belligerent stance. His 2nd house of money has Neptune and Jupiter. Neptune brings vision but can also denote the disappearing dollar. Trump has done the bankruptcy thing a few times but I am thinking it was more as a strategic business move. Jupiter brings “lots of” to the area of life where the planet resides. Trump’s Jupiter is in a sweet, lucky trine aspect with inventive, innovative Uranus in his 10th house of career. Uranus in Gemini conjunct his Gemini Sun and opposite his Sagittarius Moon in the 4th house of home and Real Estate provides a template for success in that field. With a Leo Ascendant and a Sagittarius Moon Donald Trump is enthusiastic, optimistic and exuberant. Failure is not part of his vocabulary and his ego is huge. The Gemini Sun makes him curious, restless and easily bored. He’s always looking for something new. With Uranus in that picture that something new is really new. In his 11th house, money earned from career as well as friends and plans for the future, Trump has Mercury in Cancer and a conjunction between Venus and Saturn in Cancer. The ruler of all this Cancer energy is the Moon. His Moon is quite at home in the 4th house. Moon is what you need, Venus is what you want. A critical motivator for Trump is security. With Mercury in Cancer he says what he feels. So how does he do it? How does he grab the headlines and maintain the lead while offending most of those within hearing distance? The combination of his basic natal style and the position of the transiting planets holds the key. The two benefic planets of the Zodiac, Jupiter and Venus have been running hand in hand for the last few months, in Leo, a sign that is key to Trump’s personality and success. When he announced his plan to run transiting Venus was sitting on top of his natal Pluto in Leo in the 12th house. Transiting Jupiter, also in Leo was closing in on his natal Mars and Leo Ascendant. Venus attracts lovely things when she connects with natal planets and points in the horoscope. Jupiter expansive and grand insures that whatever he brings there is lots of it. Venus moved through Leo, entered Virgo, then went retrograde and is currently retracing her steps back into Leo over Trump’s ascendant and his Mars in Leo. This past week during the time of the first debate Venus and Jupiter were together in the sky hanging out with Trump’s Mars and Ascendant. You can’t get any luckier combination than that. Add to this luckiest of the lucky combo, Mercury, the planet of communication at those same degrees, insures that his voice will be heard. With this energy surrounding him he can’t help but steal the show. Retrograde Venus moves back to 14 Leo before going direct on September 6th. She will then bring her attracting energy back over Trump’s Mars and Ascendant during late September and early October. During Venus retrograde periods reassessing and reevaluating takes place in the areas of life that Venus rules, money, love, relationships and social intercourse. Our attitude changes and events move forward after she moves into direct motion. Will Trump’s shining star diminish when Venus revisits those critical points in Trump’s chart? I don’t think so. With lucky Jupiter moving through his first house until September 2016 his Mojo will still be working for a while. Mars moving through Leo and Virgo from August 8th until November 12th fires him up while setting off the energies of Venus and Jupiter while they travel through critical areas of Trump’s natal chart. During September Trump has a Mars return that is, Mars in the sky returns to the point where it was at his birth. This is an event that happens approximately every two years and is an indicator of how one will use one’s energy over the next couple of years until the next return. Mars brings energy, ambition and strength of will and is doubly important for Trump since his natal Mars plays such a critical role in his personality. What is striking is at this return, Venus, that little lover and bringer of goodies is at the exact midpoint of his magical Jupiter/Uranus trine. Love him or hate him, he’s not going away. While it may be hard to believe that the traveling show of Donald Trump will be the next President of the United States his natal horoscope indicates that anything goes with this guy. He’s mercurial, changeable and capable of pulling a rabbit out of the hat. He’s definitely going to shake up the establishment. He’s authentic and not the pre-packaged product that passes for political candidates these days. With natal Uranus conjunct his Sun and opposing his Moon his actions are unpredictable. The action and energy from transiting planets hitting his natal planets over the next year feed his unpredictable nature. If you think his actions are bizarre now, hang on tight as the roller coaster continues.

Moon Madness and More

This New Moon cycle started off with a bang.  Literally.  Less than 24 hours after the New Moon perfected another horrendous slaughter took place in Chattanooga, Tenn. And that is just the beginning.

 While the Lunation cycle covers a month in time and the Solar cycle a year, the slow moving outer planet cycles cover a much broader period of time.  Because they are slow moving their period of influence have a much longer duration.  Such is the cycle of Uranus and Pluto.  Since 2012 they have been moving back and forth into a square aspect of 90 degrees.  The current Uranus / Pluto cycle began in the mid 1960’s coinciding with the great social upheaval and change of that period.  Now they are in the opening square period and echoes of the 60’s reverberate. Because they are slow movers when they connect exactly the influence is felt for a number of years plus/minus exactness.  This current square period was ushered in by the financial meltdown.  With the last square occurring in March 2015 the influence will be felt until 2019 or so. Into this mix the 20 year Jupiter/Saturn jumps in bringing Venus and monetary concerns into the picture.

During this Lunation cycle Mercury and Mars bounce off Uranus and Pluto.  Mars is the warrior, at the New Moon he and Mercury the communicator mixed it up with Pluto. As the month unfolds they will connect with anything goes Uranus. In the run up to the Full Moon on August 31^st planets change signs and change direction which by itself triggers action. Throw in all the other stuff that’s going on and we’ve got a volatile stew.

This week the Sun, trines Saturn on the 21^st then slides into home base the next day.  Mercury trines Saturn that day and the next day joins the Sun in Leo.  This is an energy change which might feel very subtle for some, the Leo’s and other fire signs, Aries and Sagittarius will feel an infusion of energy.  The First Quarter Moon on Friday sets the tone for the weekend. Venus is poised to go retrograde early Saturday morning with stir it up Mars squaring off with the unpredictable Uranus.  Uranus is scheduled to go retrograde the following day, Sunday, July 26^th.

When planets change direction they are moving slow and at the point of change they seem to be not moving at all.  We know that they don’t really move backwards they just appear so from the Earth.  But when they are at this point the energy and symbolism of those planets are strong.  Venus rules your love, your money and your desires. Mars rules your will and ability to act.  Uranus rules the innovative, inventive and eccentric.  These aspects can take the positive side and the negative side.  Mars in emotional Cancer does not function well.  Mars is a planet of action and when emotions get in his way he does not behave in the best manner.  Couple this energy with eccentric, excitable Uranus and it is anyone’s guess what the outcome will be. 

At the Full Moon the energy reaches its peak with lots of internet chatter, tweets, twits and shocking headlines. Sunday, August 2^nd Saturn turns retrograde setting a sober tone and signaling it is payback time.  Jupiter squares off with Saturn on the Monday triggering some financial swings and leadership problems.  Venus joins Jupiter on Tuesday which brings an expansive attitude of liberal spending on luxury items.  Don’t be so quick whipping out that credit card because on the following day, Wednesday the 5^th she connects with old sober sides Saturn in Scorpio who is all about debt, interest rates and the balance due.

The Last Quarter Moon on the 6^th is a day of action as well. Mars makes a sweet aspect with Saturn which is anything but sweet when these two get together.  Things could get ugly.  Mercury whispers sweet nothings into Venus’ ear then moves along quickly and gets serious with Saturn and the conversation goes from billing and cooing to a lovers quarrel with finance being a big issue.  On Friday, Mercury moving along connects with Jupiter and the conversation is quite different.  Saturn is all about responsibility and contraction, Jupiter is the opposite, he wants to expand and see the world. Diplomatic conversations get down to the smallest details when Mercury enters Virgo shortly after.  Mercury in Virgo sees the trees and will have no truck with Jupiter’s forest.

Over this weekend Mars moves into fiery Leo on Saturday the 8^th.  Mars is a fiery planet and takes the lead in Leo.  Leo likes to be the center of attention and Mars likes to be first. With this entry into Leo Mars sets the stage for a big splash. 

In the days leading up to the next New Moon on August 14^th Jupiter moves into Virgo a sea change from his sojourn through Leo.  Jupiter is the big picture guy while Virgo finds comfort in examining the tiniest pixel. Practical Mercury in Virgo opposes nebulous Neptune in Pisces.  These are truly opposites, Mercury wants just the facts while Neptune envisions the ideal, what could be.  Neptune’s fog and mirrors.  Some scandalous truths are revealed.  The cycle closes like it started, with a bang.  The Sun in Leo makes an aspect of ease to Uranus in Aries.  My mantra for Uranus aspects and transits is “if you can think of it, that ain’t it.”  Uranus is the bolt from the blue, the hit from left field, the unthinkable. 

This period is a stir it up, mix it up time that activates the long term cycles that have been active.  We’ve seen some big changes over the past years, from Supreme Court decisions like Citizens United dealing with campaign finances to the more recent one concerning gay marriage.  Greece, debt and the European Union and the diplomatic deal with Iran spark outrage and/or support as society reflects the planetary patterns of conflict between ideologies and ways of life.  The media stirs up the conflict and folks are prone to knee-jerk reactions. 

On the personal level we can’t fall into these traps.  Squares and other harsh aspects between the planets offer an opportunity to resolve differences.  That does not mean that it is going to be easy.  Resolution will require work.  These aspect also force us to face harsh truths about ourselves, our situation and the people in our lives.  Difficulties lead to growth and growth leads to a newer and better life. Harsh times force us to really look to find a way out of difficulty.  In that looking we see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Sometimes all you can do is soldier on.

A Kick Butt New Moon

This New Moon has an incredible amount of energy and promises a month of surprises, upsets and earth shattering events.  Why? At the time of the New Moon, Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 9:24 PM EDT Mercury and Mars are together in the sky opposing Pluto.  The New Moon, Sun/Moon conjunction, makes an aspect of agitation to anything goes Uranus. Venus and Jupiter in Leo squares off with Saturn in Scorpio.   A lot of planets in tight aspect but unfriendly aspect to one another creates a lot of tension.

The Uranus/Pluto square that has been bopping back and forth over the past few years brings societal changes, unrest and challenges to the status quo.  This New Moon and the aspects the planets make over the following month until the next New Moon bounce off both Uranus and Pluto.   Jupiter and Venus together in the sky can signify big money and grand diplomatic endeavors.  They both square off with Saturn in Scorpio.  Jupiter is expansion, Saturn in contraction.  Saturn in Scorpio rules debt and signifies that it is time to pay the piper.

On the 18^th Venus pokes her nose into Virgo, on the 25^th she turns retrograde moving backwards into Leo on the 31^st.  Venus remains retrograde until September 6^th. Venus involves money, love and diplomacy.  This means she will be going back over territory and issues that she has already traversed.  At the beginning of August she will be back in the arms of Jupiter and both will be squaring Saturn.  The agreement reached between Greece and the European Union as well as the Iran Treaty will be revisited, revised and readjusted.  On a personal level, makeups and breakups get a second look. With Saturn in the picture that second look involves facing some harsh truths.  A Saturn truth is if a relationship ends, you didn’t need that person anyway.  Those relationships that survive have Saturn’s stamp of longevity.  A clearer picture emerges after Venus goes direct on September 6^th. 

The last week of July and the first weeks of August brings a period of unrest. Headlines will reflect this.  Venus, Uranus and Saturn change direction.  Mars, the warrior enters the picture and squares off with Uranus.  Mars can be explosive and connected to Uranus can bring just the spark needed to set things off. Mars in watery Cancer and Uranus in fiery Aries is a recipe for steamy events.  Molten lava comes to mind.

During this period Jupiter and Saturn square one another.  This is an important point in their twenty year cycle with one another.  This is the closing square.  The dance that these two waltz to have a strong connection with the economy and with societal rules and constructs. Watch for ups and downs in the stock market.

This lunation period is a rock and roll roller coaster.  Weather events, Earth changes, financial ups and downs and political situations around the world impact all of us.  We live in a global village and we cannot ignore what happens halfway around the world.  Events occurring during this period are pivotal points, in personal relationships and finances as well as on the world stage.  Often it is only in hindsight that we realize the significance of certain events.  Upsets, disruptions and altering one’s course occur quite frequently during this period.  Remember there is light at the end of the tunnel.

 

Full Moon Madness or Sanity?

The Full Moon of July 1, 2015 is a mixed bag of the benevolent and the malefic.  The Sun in favorable aspect to Neptune brings forth compassion and caring.  The Venus/Jupiter conjunction in the early hours prior to the Full Moon are symbolic of love and luck. These two planets are known as the Greater (Jupiter) and the Lesser (Venus) Benefic.   That lucky combo connects favorably to anything goes Uranus. Venus brings harmony and rules diplomacy, Jupiter adds an international flavor ruling foreign countries and affairs as well as law and the judiciary. Whenever Jupiter joins the party he brings a “lot of” whatever it is he is toting. The danger of Venus and Jupiter in harmony together while quite lovely and favorable for romance and money can bring too much of a good thing.  Over indulgence, over spending and over the top in general. Throw Uranus into the mix and it’s anyone’s guess what the outcome will be because Uranus loves to surprise and brings the unexpected to the party. 

While the Sun in caring, nurturing Cancer remaining in that lovely connection to Neptune in Pisces can bring out the Mother Theresa in all of us there are other factors in play at the time of this Full Moon.  Mars, known as the Lesser Malefic (Saturn being the Greater Malefic) sits very closely to the Sun and squares the nodal axis. The Nodes in astrology are the points where the Moon’s orbit intersects with the Earth’s orbit. The Nodes have a lot to do with relationships and at this Full Moon with the Venus/Jupiter conjunction new relationships will form while others break up.  This is true on the personal level as well as the global level.  Countries will form new alliances while old treaties and agreements are revised or broken.  Greece and the European Union come to mind.

Bringing more rain on the parade, that benevolent Venus/Jupiter combination is in a wide square, an aspect of agitation, with the Greater Malefic Saturn.  Venus/Jupiter wants to spread the love, is expansive with all that is fun, lovely and good.  Saturn is the wet blanket bringing reality and practical considerations to the table.  Jupiter expands, Saturn contracts and while not a head on collision at this point there is an awareness that the party must be paid for at some point.

At the Last Quarter Moon on the 9^th bad boy Mars moves in to break up that compassionate party between the Sun and Neptune.  The down side of a Mars/Neptune get together can bring out fanaticism and illusion.  Mars in Cancer acts on emotions. Neptune energy can be smoke and mirrors with only the highly evolved seeing the true picture. 

This is a transitional time and a turning point for many.  Think before you act. Try to see all the possibilities available to you.  From Full Moon to the next New Moon is a time of digestion and assimilation.  Let all the information and emotions settle a bit.  Adjust, listen to others and to your own intuition and heartfelt desires.  We’re in a volatile period all around and the next New Moon while bringing a fresh start does not bring an end to the volatility.  Remember to breathe.