Tracy's Astro Salon

Neptune---A little list

2012-02-01T12:01:00.001-08:00

This morning I read a story about a tribe of indigenous people in Peru who have a history of very little to NO contact with the outside world. Lately, they have been poking around with modern man (if I can use that word), which has scientists wondering 'why?' Could be issues involving logging of their forests, airplanes flying over head looking for gas and oil or maybe they are ready to get their cable TV so they too can watch Jersey Shore. Who knows? But the whole thing reminded me of the last time Neptune was in Pisces and how it inspired explorations.

Just for sport I went to Wikipedia to look at a list of explorations and other significant highlights between 1848 and 1861 which was the last time Neptune was in his home sign. I bolded a few that might strike a familiar bone to today's events. Take a look:

1846–48: The Mexican-American War leads to Mexico's cession of much of the modern-day Southwestern United States.
1846–47: Mormon migration to Utah.
1847: The Brontë sisters publish Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and Agnes Grey
1847–1901: The Caste War of Yucatán.
1848–1849: Second Anglo-Sikh War
1848: The Communist Manifesto published.
1848: Revolutions of 1848 in Europe
1848: Seneca Falls Convention is the first women's rights convention in the United States and leads to the battle for suffrage and women's legal rights.
1848–58: California Gold Rush1849: The first boatloads of gold prospectors arrive in California, giving them the nickname 49ers.
1849: The safety pin and the gas mask are invented
1849: Earliest recorded air raid, as Austria employs 200 balloons to deliver ordinance against Venice.
[edit] 1850s
1850: The Little Ice Age ends around this time.
1850–1864: Taiping Rebellion is the bloodiest conflict of the century, leading to the deaths of 20 million people.
1851: The Great Exhibition in London was the world's first international Expo or World's Fair.1851: Louis Napoleon assumes power in France in a coup.
1851–52: The Platine War ends and the Empire of Brazil has the hegemony over South America.
1851–60s: Victorian gold rush in Australia
1852: Frederick Douglass delivers his speech "The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro" in Rochester, New York.
1853: United States Commodore Matthew C. Perry threatens the Japanese capital Edo with gunships, demanding that they agree to open trade.
1853–56: Crimean War between France, the United Kingdom, the Ottoman Empire and Russia
1854: Battle of Balaclava and the Charge of the Light Brigade.
1854: The Convention of Kanagawa formally ends Japan's policy of isolation.
1854–1855: Siege of Sevastapol; city falls to British forces.
1855: Bessemer process enables steel to be mass produced.
1856: World's first oil refinery in Romania1856: Neanderthal man first identified.
1857–58: Indian Rebellion of 1857. The British Empire assumes control of India from the East India Company.
1858: Invention of the phonautograph, the first true device for recording sound.
1859: Charles Darwin publishes On the Origin of Species.
1859–1869: Suez Canal is constructed.

1860: The Pony Express started.
1861–65: American Civil War between the Union and seceding Confederacy
1861: Russia abolishes serfdom.

GETTING MARS TO WORK FOR YOU

2012-02-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

MY OH MY MARS

On Aquarius New Moon which was a little over a week ago, Mars turned retrograde in the sign Virgo. I mentioned in my New Moon article (see earlier post) that this was an auspicious move by Mars. Not because he is retrograde, that happens about every 18 months, but more to the point that he made the move on New Moon. Remember, things that happen on New Moon tend to color the whole month. I can tell you right now I am totally feeling Mars and I think the rest of you are feeling it as well.

I have spoken on various websites where I visit that there are a lot of grumpy sobs making themselves known (miserably). And people who may have seemed perfectly reasonable have been imploding left and right like road side bombs. And god help us if any of us have people in our lives that are a little unhinged on normal days, they have been exploding like Krakatoa. I started to track the temper tantrums and personality implosions to mid November which coincidentally (if I believed in them) is when Mars moved into Virgo. December and January continued to showcase the nutjob personalities and now with it retrograde it continues.

Of course, it does not have to be this way with Mars retro in Virgo. In fact this could be an amazingly productive period for all us. Remember, Mars is normally in a sign for only 6 to 8 weeks but now we have that weird period when Mars is in a sign way longer than that. In fact, Mars will be in Virgo until July which rounds up to about 6 or 7 months. Well, let's use this period to our full advantage.

Virgo rules your calendar. Mars is a warrior, for god sake put some chores on your calendar every month that you have been 'wanting' to do for a long time. Put one or two of the big things on your To-Do list each month.

Virgo rules daily health and hygiene. Now would be an excellent time to buy a calorie counter Application and put it on your phone. Or go old school and get journal book. Write down every day the calorie intake of your food. And going back to your calendar, put down a trip to the gym or another physical activity. If you are already doing a strong workout then MIX it up. If you have been doing the same routine for the last year or so, now with Mars in Virgo change out that workout. Your body is too used to the routine by mixing it up you will get it to work more strategically.

Virgo rules trips to the doctors. What's going on with all your doctor appointments? Have you been putting off the dentist? The gyno? The prostate? The colonoscopy? Nutritionist?

And what about massages? If you have been skipping them for finances or time, stop it now. Give yourself a massage appointment at least once a month until July. You have no idea what you are missing. You think it is a luxury but it is not. The stresses we are all going through are impossible to gauge but lets face it your body is feeling it. And you know it.

And then there is the clutter in your house. Oh, god, I know this one personally, actually I know all of the above but this is one that is certainly going to be addressed soon by me. That cluttered shelf needs to be cleared. Or if your house is in good shape, what about that drawer at work? Or that drawer in your kitchen? And what about the clutter in your mind and your psyche? Are you obsessed with your effed up childhood? Or lame love life? Or crazy sibling? Crazy child? Crazy parent? Do what you can do to help--within reason. Then let it go. For heaven sake join Match.com or the like, tell your sister she has to figure out a way out of her mess without your help. Ignore your father when he says yet another stupid comment. Don't engage. Go to the spa and get that massage I just talked about.

I am the first to tell you that Virgo is not always a comfortable sign for Sagittarius. Heavens know I get worked up when Virgo friends demand that I focus on some micro business and I sit there and think, "You are missing the big picture!" But having said that, I am looking forward to using Mars in Virgo to the nth degree. I believe it is here for a reason. Heaven knows we have got a lot of tension every day between now and June as Uranus and Pluto start to do battle, perhaps little ol' warrior Mars in Virgo is our ticket to sanity.

Fight the right battle and you'll be okay.

Tiger Mother Astrology Take

2012-01-30T07:34:00.000-08:00

I saw on Elsa's dispatch a link to Oxford Astrologer and an article about Amy Chua self described Tiger Mother and author.

It is thoughtful article and points out the ego drive in Amy's astrology chart.

Go to link for whole article.

As an indulgent, child-worshipping Western mother, the Tiger Mom thing really gets up my nose.

In case you missed it, (which I'm sure you didn't), last year a law professor at Yale published a book explaining how she was a brilliant mother as well as a fabulously successful academic. I expect she can cook and do really athletic stuff in the sack too. Oh well.

The premise of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother is that strict Chinese-style parenting is much better than namby-pamby Western parenting.

The book is a memoir by Amy Chua of how she brought up her two daughters with no playdates, no sleep-overs and two hours instrument practice a day. Since so many parents already seem to schedule their children up the wazoo (French lessons, band practice, therapy) – and then put them on prescription drugs if they don't conform – I really hope we don't start taking this shite seriously.

Time is unknown
So I thought it would be fun to see where Amy Chua's Ceres, the planet of motherhood, fits into her natal chart. I have her birthdate but not her time of birth – still it made me laugh.

Ceres is in Leo in an out of sign opposition to Jupiter in Pisces. Maybe that's a very big need to show off about being a mother. Leo is all about the performance, and at its lowest extremely self-centred.

When asked to discuss the book Chua's daughter said: “I’m sure it’s all about you anyway.”

From my friend Eve

2012-01-29T12:18:00.001-08:00

My friend Eve put this up on her FB page and I read it twice, I can't say exactly why it struck me astrologically but I did feel Pluto in Cap versus Uranus in Aries in it.

TMA website

2012-01-29T08:33:00.000-08:00

I wanted to remind everyone that Mountain Astrologer magazine (which I love) also has a companion website with some really wonderful contributors. Currently, there is a terrific piece written by Eric Francis entitled "Scratch Some Virgo, Find Some Pisces". As we all know (painfully) Mars is retrograde in Virgo where it will stay until July and then we have Neptune's move into Pisces next week for a dozen years. Eric's point about the teeter totter effect between these two signs could not be more timely. Here is a snippet, do yourself a favor and read the whole piece.

TMA:

For retrograde hunters, the last time Mars was retrograde in Virgo was in 1997, but part of that cycle happened in Libra, so we did not get the full effect. Mars did something similar in 1950, splitting a retrograde between Virgo and Libra. Mars spent a little piece of its 1995 retrograde in Virgo as well.

The last all-Virgo Mars retrograde was the famous one that took place in early 1965, famous in my mind, anyway, because Mars passed through the Uranus-Pluto conjunction. Doing so, it stirred up a lot of collective energy, helping spark what we think of as the 1960s. That conjunction, which happens less than once per century, combined the revolutionary power of Uranus with the evolutionary power of Pluto and set many things in motion.

In January, Lyndon Johnson made his “Great Society” speech. Two months later, he sent the first combat troops to Vietnam. The Civil Rights movement was on fire in Alabama, where James J. Reeb, a Unitarian Universalist minister was beaten to death. In April, the first anti-Vietnam War march, organized by Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), drew 25,000 people, which was just the first of many impressive antiwar protests that year.

In May 40 men burned their draft cards at the University of California at Berkeley, and marched a coffin to the local Draft Board. Good thing, too. By July, Johnson nearly doubled both the ground troop count in Vietnam and the number of men drafted. (He also signed the Social Security Act of 1965, which provided for Medicaid and Medicare).

Births from this specific era of 1965 include Trent Reznor, Robert Downey, Jr., Eric Cantor and Sarah Jessica Parker. A piece of timeless artwork that manifested in this moment was the recording A Love Supreme by John Coltrane.

We are now having another all-Virgo Mars retrograde. What is interesting is that we are once again in a potent Uranus-Pluto phase — the square. This is the first Uranus-Pluto quadrature (90-degree type) aspect since the ’60s, and it’s pretty easy to feel the resonance between our era and that one. This retrograde will awaken Uranus and Pluto in the natal charts of many people born in the ’60s. It’s fair to say that for a while, the world will feel a little more like home to ’60s babies — though this isn’t just about Virgo.

This particular Mars retrograde also arrives with a Pisces awakening. At the moment, Venus and Chiron are in Pisces. Neptune is about to arrive, which will shift the story of the world, and allow the realm of imagination to be more tangible and accessible. When the question is one of method, we find a counterpart in purpose in its counterpart energy, Pisces. When it’s one of proof (in Virgo) we have a matter of faith (in Pisces).

Neptune

2012-01-29T07:54:00.001-08:00

As we have been discussing here for a long time, Neptune is making its final move into Pisces on Feb 3. Last year Neptune finally breached the walls of Aquarius lapped into Pisces for a few months, then retrograded back into Aquarius for the rest of the year until now this week when it finally enters Pisces for the long haul.

I talked about Neptune in Pisces last Spring then again last fall and of course on last week's New Moon. Think I think this is kind of a big deal? It is, but it is also subtle because Pisces likes to slip in and slip out, hide in shadows, act elusive and has his own way of doing stuff.

Earlier I shared a link to Lynn Hayes write up on Neptune Pisces and I wanted to give you another take. Here is another link this time to Robert Wilkinson at Aquarius Papers blog.

Neptune is the spiritual ruler of this sign, and in its home. Neptune rules the great waters. Now the Outer Invisible Transpersonal Collectivizer will dominate the world's feelings for years. Much will be washed clean, while other things will be washed away. All of us will reorient our consciousness to our subconsciousness, as well as collective consciousness.

Pisces is associated with both dreams and nightmares, compassion and betrayal, forgiveness and hypocrisy. Now a force "beyond our control" begins to work these upon humanity, each responding according to what waters they swim in. For some, prophetic dreams and visions, while for others, ancient ghosts of terrifying shapes residing in the subconsciousness of humanity, leftovers from human misconduct and misunderstanding across millennia.

Pisces and Neptune rule the waves and tides. A good wave can give us a good ride; a violent wave can kill us. A good tide can bring riches and blessings; a bad tide can ground our boat. Knowing inner and outer tides, personal and impersonal tides, will be important in the 14 years ahead of us.

We will all need to learn navigation skills, or know a good navigator to help us steer our "ship of personality" through the tides, reefs, perils, and unknowns of an ocean we on Earth at this time have never experienced before now. By becoming unafraid of that which is beyond words, we can find a greater faith in "All-That-Is," and know that we are as leaves floating on the surface of the ocean held securely in the lap of Divine Mother.

This will be an era of feeling more than we've ever felt, of knowing beyond words, of experiencing what others are feeling to a greater degree than ever before. Those who have not seen or heard the call to human-ness will be made to feel. Not to feel will be a self-betrayal; expanding our ability to feel what others are feeling will redeem the greater promise of compassion toward all that is and help us know our interrelatedness with others in the feeling field.

The Week Ahead

2012-01-29T07:43:00.001-08:00

First Quarter Moon
January 30, 11:09pm

First quarter: We do more actions based on the information that we just received. Or we feel our instincts guide us on something. We pursue again. We make another call or we see someone. We mail something. We stir the pot again. This can be a time when we realize that the goals we planted on New need more action from us, perhaps actions that involve breaking away. Are there people who say they have our best interest in heart but fear us growing away from them? Maybe we need to get help from others not the usual suspects. Some independence may need to be exerted.

Focus on: What actions can you take right now that are practical and Earthbound that support your UNIQUE nature? And how can those actions build upon the vision of your new world. What actions are you willing to take that break with the past? What heavy lifting can you do now that puts you with people who have the same vision as you? How does doing things alone NOT work for you? What changes can you make that support you being with others while still being unique. Practical, tangible changes.

Special focus:
2/1: Values and actions are not in synch. Tension in love and money.
2/3: Neptune enters Pisces

Lynn Hayes

2012-01-27T07:38:00.000-08:00

Lynn Hayes has moved from Belief Net to Patheos. Lynn is a gifted astrologer who puts up smart thoughtful astrology articles.

Here is a snippet of her latest article about Neptune in Pisces which if you remember from my new moon article will take place in the next week.

By its very nature, Neptune is difficult to talk about. It tends to be evasive and dreamy, and full of imagination and artistic creativity. It also can become lost in the illusion of fantasy and encourage sacrifice of the individual self, sometimes for a higher purpose and sometimes in a codependent loss of Self. In its highest form Neptune inspires us to transcend the material world and connect deeply and directly with an experience of the Divine.

Go to link for more.

Navy Seals Again

2012-01-25T07:10:00.001-08:00

When it comes to warrior action we look to Mars and to a certain extent Aries. They are both independent and need to be focused since at their core they are itching for a fight.

As I indicated Mars turned retrograde on Monday a few hours after New Moon--and we learned today that on Monday orders were given by The President authorizing Seals Team to rescure workers in Somalia, one of them an American with health issues who had been kidnapped by pirates in October. It apparently was a small team. They went in and although the details are slim right now, it seems that they killed all kidnappers and reports are they were so surprised by the Seals that they did not even return fire. Exact, clear and precise, it is perfect Mars in Virgo.

Of course, as we know Neptune will be moving into its home sign Pisces this cycle. How will this change the pirate issue? Only time will tell.

ETA: You know I think Pirates will have a but kicking with Neptune in Pisces AND Uranus in Aries. I forgot to mention Uranus in Aries will probably provide a lot of these surprise warrior attacks. I should check back on the Osama Bin Laden raid, I bet Uranus was at Zero Aries for that one.

Solar Storm

2012-01-24T07:28:00.001-08:00

Well, this is interesting. I know I said, that we would wake up on Monday and feel electricity in the air with Aquarius New Moon----.

The largest solar storm since 2005 is now in progress, causing fluctuations on the power grid and disruptions to the Global Positioning System. The ongoing strong proton storm is in full fury. And it's getting stronger; a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) impact also impacting us, traveling at 1,400 miles per second.

The radiation and geomagnetic storm caused by this CME are normal—about 2,000 geomagnetic storms happen in every 11-year solar cycle—but proton storms are very rare. Only a couple of dozen happen per solar cycle. This one—ranking S3 on a 5-level scale—is dangerous.
The storm has already affected air traffic and may affect satellites.

Go to LINK for full story.

A cyber Education

2012-01-23T15:27:00.000-08:00

I heard something today on NPR that was so Aquarius. It is intellectual, it is cyber, it speaks to community, it shares and it is free.

I was kind of blown away.

January 23, 2012

Last year, Stanford University computer science professor Sebastian Thrun — also known as the fellow who helped build Google's self-driving car — got together with a small group of Stanford colleagues and they impulsively decided to open their classes to the world.

They would allow anyone, anywhere to attend online, take quizzes, ask questions and even get grades for free. They made the announcement with almost no fanfare by sending out a single email to a professional group.

"Within hours, we had 5,000 students signed up," Thrun says. "That was on a Saturday morning. On Sunday night, we had 10,000 students. And Monday morning, Stanford — who we didn't really inform — learned about this and we had a number of meetings."

You can only imagine what those meetings must have been like, with professors telling the school they wanted to teach free, graded online classes for which students could receive a certificate of completion. And, oh by the way, tens of thousands have already signed up to participate

Go to NPR to hear the story or read it.

The Titantic & Costa Concordia

2012-01-22T21:04:00.000-08:00

Of course, comparisons have been made between the recent sinking of the cruise ship Costa Concordia and the biggest dunk of all, The Titanic.

I haven't looked at the Titanic chart in years but had this vague memory of a Moon in Capricorn. Something about the iceberg locked Capricorn in my brain.

Many have written about the astrology of the chart and in fact I found a nice write up Aquarian Zone.

And then in an earlier posting I linked to a great write up on the Costa Concordia astro chart on WorldAstrology.net The chart for the Titanic is tougher (actually neither are good) but that makes sense, not just because more people died on the Titanic but also was it said. The class system on the ship spoke of the time. Working class were on the bottom levels and didn't have a fighting chance. Women and children of the upper class made it into life rafts (or at least more of them). The press had a field day on the class system. And what it said so early into the 20th century about England and the world in general.

Now, with Costa the failings of a class systemm have been replaced with the failings of a broken business model. Underpaid staff, sloppy leadership and a huge ego at the helm. What does it say for our times at the beginning of the 21st century?

of course Neptune's move into Pisces where it will stay until 2026 is perfect as we cross the 100th anniversary of the HMS Titanic.

By the way, I did see somewhere that a grandchild of a Titantic survivor was on the Costa. Wow.

Aquarius New Moon

2012-01-22T16:34:00.000-08:00

First of all...Happy Chinese New Year! It is year of the water dragon. Hope it is a good year for all of you.

Okay, so let's all prepare ourselves for this Aquarius lunar cycle. I think the key word that you will be saying almost every day is "weird". And with that in mind, let's just cut to the chase and admit we are all weird. If any of us are under any kind of delusion that we are not---well, the next 28 days will prove how weird each of us is. But having said that we will also see that there are like minded people who are part of our group. We just need to embrace our world and realize we are all in it together.

Enjoy this lunar cycle, it is going to be interesting. The whole article is HERE but here is a snippet of my new moon article.

New Moon Phase
January 23, 2012 2:39am EST

Aquarius – Awaken your intellect

When you wake up on Monday morning, it will feel like a new day. Something will be in the air—perhaps it will feel like electricity. What we do with that electricity is anyone’s guess. I love the light bulbs that light my house and the electricity that fuels my computer but I have also flipped a switch and blown a fuse sending the house into darkness. I have also plugged in something and received a shock. “Ouch,” that too, is Aquarius.

Aquarius is the water bearer. He brings water to the people. He is one of the few astrological signs that is human rather than animal. Water is vital to all humans but it is not just drinking water, water also speaks to thoughts and ideas that nurture man’s brain and intellect. Imagine ancient townsfolk near a watering hole; did they go to the fountain, pour their water into jugs, say nothing and walk home? Unlikely. While at the hole they naturally discussed things going on in the community. “Hey did you hear that there is a new Sheppard in the valley?” “Oh, where is he going to graze his sheep?” Talking and thinking about the community at large is Aquarius. Of course the question is how is that thinking and strategizing good for the group? Or is it just disruptive?

Intellectual pursuits speak to Aquarius but how do we define those areas? Both going bowling with friends on Tuesday night or attending a science convention on Saturday are Aquarius. And people gathering on Facebook is Aqurius. Frankly, you can’t say social media without saying Aquarius.

Aquarians are a rebellious group for sure, they say what is on their mind, they value being iconoclasts, they like their friends but at the same time they value their individuality MORE and they see themselves as rogue or politically incorrect. They are proud of how different they are. Of course, at this stage, “I’m different” is starting to get boring. The internet leveled the playing field on being odd. “Thank you, Youtube.”

During this cycle we need to find a way to harness our individuality, full of skills, charms and talents that make us unique from others. But at the same time valuing our unusual traits should not be at a sacrifice of cutting ourselves off from our world and community. There is no separating ourselves because people don’t understand us. Unless you are completely speaking a different language than the community around you, I promise you there are people who ‘get’ you. But you need to reach out. And if you don’t see it, the next 28 days will have you understanding the value of being connected to a greater world that is on par with your intellectually . Your world is bigger than your realize and this cycle you’re going to see it.

In the US there is a great love for Aquarian energy because the chart for America has Moon in Aquarius—No surprise that America was born from a lot of visionary thinkers. However, let’s remember the founding fathers were also rebels. And not all rebels are as sensible as George Washington. For example, there is David Koresh. Koresh was a Leo with Moon in Aquarius, who took on the Federal government, saw himself as a messiah and filled a compound in Waco Texas with multiple wives and children then died in a firestorm. Ah, the conundrum of Aquarius, is the energy brilliant or misguided? Watch what brilliant ideas come up for you. And then get some feedback from people you respect and ask them what they think of your idea. And listen to them. Just like your ancient ancestors did around the watering hole. Share, listen to other ideas, process and see how they can make sense to improve your world. And by the way, if everyone says you are off---you may need to retool your great idea.

Sun enters Aquarius

2012-01-20T11:09:00.000-08:00

Today the Sun moves into Aquarius at 11:10 am EST.

Things are about to get weird. "Huh? I thought things were weird enough."
Yeah, me too but now we are in a cycle where people are fighting to be independent and unique but at the same time be a part of a larger group.

Status quo will be turned on its side, a lot like an Italian cruise ship off the coast of Tuscany.

If you have any Aquarians you know they are very intellectual, often iconoclastic, chilly and even when they are having a big emotional outburst they are quick to rationalize it. "Intellect over emotions" is their motto and when they break it they are so darn mad at themselves. We should expect some curious moment in the next month.

Anyway, the new moon is on Monday and I hope to have it up this weekend.
More to come.

In the meantime take your Aquarian out for a hike and talk about smart stuff.

Costa Concordia

2012-01-17T07:25:00.000-08:00

I am all about a trip to Italy. But please let that trip not be on a Carnival Cruise.

I found a thoughtful astrological write up at WorldAstrology on this sad cruise which you may find interesting.

Just trippy enough.......

2012-01-16T21:38:00.000-08:00

As the rainforest acres are cleared about an acre a second....(sigh)...anyway, as it is cleared something is starting to be exposed. Geometric shapes. From what Era?
A thousand years ago and longer....all very trippy.

you'll find whole article HERE in the NYTimes.

Once Hidden by Forest, Carvings in Land Attest to Amazon’s Lost WorldBy SIMON ROMERO
RIO BRANCO, Brazil — Edmar Araújo still remembers the awe.

As he cleared trees on his family’s land decades ago near Rio Branco, an outpost in the far western reaches of the Brazilian Amazon, a series of deep earthen avenues carved into the soil came into focus.

“These lines were too perfect not to have been made by man,” said Mr. Araújo, a 62-year-old cattleman. “The only explanation I had was that they must have been trenches for the war against the Bolivians.”

But these were no foxholes, at least not for any conflict waged here at the dawn of the 20th century. According to stunning archaeological discoveries here in recent years, the earthworks on Mr. Araújo’s land and hundreds like them nearby are much, much older — potentially upending the conventional understanding of the world’s largest tropical rain forest.

The deforestation that has stripped the Amazon since the 1970s has also exposed a long-hidden secret lurking underneath thick rain forest: flawlessly designed geometric shapes spanning hundreds of yards in diameter.

Alceu Ranzi, a Brazilian scholar who helped discover the squares, octagons, circles, rectangles and ovals that make up the land carvings, said these geoglyphs found on deforested land were as significant as the famous Nazca lines, the enigmatic animal symbols visible from the air in southern Peru.

“What impressed me the most about these geoglyphs was their geometric precision, and how they emerged from forest we had all been taught was untouched except by a few nomadic tribes,” said Mr. Ranzi, a paleontologist who first saw the geoglyphs in the 1970s and, years later, surveyed them by plane.

Go to article for whole piece.

The week Ahead

2012-01-16T08:19:00.000-08:00

The first half of the week is not rife with outer planet aspects. But having said that I think there may be a bit more tension with the fourth quarter moon that goes into effect January 16, 4:07am

As we know, with the last quarter moon we do the final adjustments to the seeds we planted on new. The final call, the final letters to send, we follow all the trails that came up that still make sense. And we let the other parts lay fallow. It is a time of action but wise action. It is a time for living “The serenity prayer”

God, grant me the Serenity
to accept the things
I cannot change Courage to change the
things I can, and the
Wisdom to know the difference.

Focus on: How do your relationships fit into your life if you move up? Do people get that part of you? Or are they resistant? How can you find balance if people hang on to you so hard that it creates pressure for you to stay small? Is this working for you any longer? How can you be true to self and your goals while also maintaining relationships? How can limiting exposure and creating new boundaries help you?

This is a 3 day period and the last quarter moon ends right when balsamic moon starts on January 19, 2:30pm. If you feel any of the tension, it will probably lighten with balsamic.

1/20 Sun enters Aquarius. Take your Aquarius out for a hike or walk or some place unique. They are ‘game on’ for time with you provided that it is different.
1/20: Venus/Pluto: Deep practical understanding of money and values. Including love.
1/21:Sun/Uranus: Brilliant, creative breakthroughs.
1/22: Sun/Jupiter: Too much expansiveness. Stretching too far can boomerang.

MLK

2012-01-16T07:14:00.000-08:00

And here we sit so many years after MLK's death and we can still see his natal chart in effect. The national program honoring Dr. King is Day Of Service. In honor of his name and day, people are encouraged to give a day of service. Basically, if you have the day off, go to work for others.

King of course was a Capricorn and at the end of the day, what we know about Capricorn is that they never take a day off. Even when they are off they are not off. There is always work to be done. How perfect it would be MLK's holiday weekend where people are encouraged to work. It is also perfectly Cap that his memorial would be made out of stone.

King's Moon in Pisces speaks to his Christianity and his compelling need to express compassion. It is not surprising that he would be the spiritual and physical leader fighting for civil rights through peace. Of course this same compassionate and humanitarian Moon is also perfect for a day of service. Taking care of others speaks to his moon in Pisces.

His Mercury in Aquarius understood the power of groups and connected like minded individuals for a cause. Again this speaks to the day of service.

His Venus in Pisces again supports the love of compassion and humanitarian work. I am sure those people who choose to work this weekend will feel MLK's Venus.

Have you seen....

2012-01-11T07:33:00.001-08:00

that commercial where the couple are rock climbing?

It is a citibank credit card commercial and I have to say I always stop when I see it.

What I think is so funny is that I am not the only one. It is the subject of voluminous discussions on boards and websites. Rock climbers want to know where it is located. People like me who do not rock climb just wonder if she is in real jeopardy. Some people want to know about the music.

It is funny to me that this came out during Sag and is running during Cap.

It calls to the adventerous (Sag) and the rock height speaks to Cap. Climbing up, getting high. What can be more Cap?

Perfect timing.

Will people sign up for the card? Who knows. But the spot is perfect astrological timing. It calls to us on some level.

The week ahead

2012-01-08T19:36:00.001-08:00

This 600 pound gorilla in the room is of course tonight's big ass full moon.
And I really mean it is the focus. There are no real outer aspects of note while the Full Moon is doing his thing for 3 days. So enjoy it and do the work. Remember--how is your family (by birth and by choice) helping or hurting you as you try to move up a station? Are they holding you back? Why are you letting them? Not saying you have to do anything about it but take note of it at least.

the rest of the week has action closer to the end.

1/12: Sun/Mars. Swift actions. By being practical on the big and the small things you will excel.

1/13: Venus/Saturn. Strong, practical values are highlighted and improved upon.

1/13: Mercury/Pluto: Amazing deductive thinking, sharp, analytical insights.
Evolution thinking.

1/13: Venus/Neptune: What is your intuition saying about your values? And do you value your intuition?

1/14: Venus in Pisces http://www.stellardays.com/PlacementChanges.aspx?Planet=ALL&EventID=1776&MoveTo=2/3/2012

1/14: Venus/Jupiter: Accent on creativity and generosity, big love, big money.

Have a good week!

Kathy Rose

2012-01-08T13:13:00.001-08:00

I had a conversation today with astrologer Noel Tyl (more on that to come in a later post) and in our discussion he told me about one of his former students who generates a beautiful New Moon report. Her name is Kathy Rose. When he mentioned her to me I had a moment of recognition and once I found her website I did indeed remember that I had bumped into her videos before and I do think she is very gifted.

It is always interesting for me to see another astrologer's take on New Moon and I am pleased when it is similar to my own information. Of course, I should not be surprised that when we speak in similar terms since the planets are what they are and we're all seeing it. But there are different takes and I can say that Kathy's New Moon in Capricorn approach is a good companion to what I wrote up in December.

I hope you like it:

Full Moon Cancer

2012-01-07T15:14:00.001-08:00

Cancer Full Moon

January 9, 2012 2:30am EST

The Sun at 19 Capricorn and the Moon at 19 Cancer speaks to our practical, managerial side versus our emotional and our intuitive side. I hate saying ‘versus’ but with a full moon that is sort of the story. Pulling one direction and then pulling the other.

There is a boost from Mars on both the Moon and the Sun. Mars in Virgo is driving us to take care of details and be practical about stuff. People who get fuzzy and lost in dreamy attitudes will not be supported much by Mars for the next six months and definitely not on this full moon (three day window). It is all about the facts and what makes the most sense. At the same time Sun in Capricorn is always the efficient CEO and while Mars points out what is not working, the Sun in Cap will happily cut it out. That ‘it’ could be anyone, anything or any attitude. And then the Moon in Cancer deepens our feelings for family (either birth or by choice) and what is real for us. Not just sort of real, but what is really us. And if we are not feeling like we are understood, well, see the part about the CEO firing people.
Remember back on New Moon (late December) I indicated that this cycle is pushing us to be our authentic self. At first blush I’m positive many people bristled and said, “I am authentic”. Sure, sure but what I’m talking about is the authentic you-NOW. There is changes afoot and the you of six months ago is not the same you now. Does the world know that about you yet? This could be the full moon where they really get it. And at the same time, you really get it. We are shifting and changing so fast we have no idea who were are but on the Cancer Full Moon we can’t fake it. Our guts tell us.

Mercury is in Capricorn conjunct Pluto (see earlier woo woo post). Our brains are PLUGGED in. What are we thinking about? What stuff is coming up for us to process? How can we get practical and manage those thoughts so that they expertly serve us (Sun in Capricorn trine Mars in Virgo)? And how do those thoughts serve our emotions and feelings in a practical way (Moon in Cancer sextile Mars in Virgo).
Yes, the moon in Cancer can be weepy and sensitive but this full moon will be crying with a purpose. Releasing stuff for sure. And also tears that get our attention. And some of us will just be straight ass cold---yep, that is the Cap. We’re so busy with all our responsibilities we don’t have time to be mushy. That is okay. It’s all good in the Cap Cancer Hood.

Cue the Woo Woo Music

2012-01-07T12:50:00.001-08:00

Wow. Even I can sometimes give myself goosebumps. Today is one of those days.

Here's the story. Earlier this week I was watching a bit more TV than normal because I could feel that I needed some relax time. Instead of cramming everything on my To-Do list in every single waking moment as I have been known to do, thank you Sun conjunct Saturn I decided to lay down in the late afternoon and get lost on The Science Channel. And while there, I bumped into a rebroadcast of the series Through The Wormhole with Morgan Freeman. I watched a few of the episodes and was blown away by the information.

The episode about the Sixth Sense and the Brain was exceptionally profound. Scientists have found a concrete connection to 'group consciousness' . It is impossible for me to explain it accurately but there was a machine designed that runs completely random. However, at certain times, it is not random. It is influenced by human thought. One of those days was on September 11. The collected thoughts started to influence the machine a few hours before the attacks and then continued for the rest of the day. Again, I can't explain it you'll have to watch it for a better understanding.

But now here is the WooWoo part. When I watched it I thought, "I'm going to share this link on my blog when Mercury goes into Capricorn." I felt that the conjunction between Pluto and Mercury totally lines up with the brain expanding series.

And so I had that plan and was going to post this weekend.

Well, this morning, I happened to glanced at the Mountain Astrologer (January Issue) and in Stephanie Austin's Full Moon article she talks about Pluto and Mercury and how it would be a great time for everyone to watch----- Through the Wormhole!!!

I had to read it twice. Why are we both picking up on this? I only got to the Wormhole show by accident and why did it happen this week? God knows Stephanie probably wrote this article months ago before it was published. Did my brain hook up to the thought that existed but I just didn't know it?

Who knows but cue the Twilight Zone music.

And try if you can to watch some of the episodes. Clearly it is meant to be, right?

The Hot Zone points of 2012

2012-01-06T09:15:00.001-08:00

URANUS
Periodically I check in with you guys to make sure that you are up to speed on the 'hot zones' for the year. In 2012 those individuals with planets between zero and nine degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra & Capricorn will be feeling Uranus most of the year.

Uranus is not easy, he comes in from out of the blue and delivers something for us to deal with that is challenging. He doesn't do it to be mean. It is just Uranus values a good 'shake up'. Once we get through the process we will usually see the benefit and can turn it into a plus. The key to Uranus aspect is we have to be willing to go with the flow. If we hang on too hard then the gift of Uranus is lost on us and then we are at war. But how do you go to war with an Earthquake? How do you go to war with electricity? How do you go to war with lightening? I say that meaning, how do you dig in and go up against something that is beyond your grasp?

I have a friend with a Moon at early degree Capricorn and she recently found herself totally unexpectedly in a life and death situation. It was not her life but someone she was trying to help. It shook her to her core. This is Uranus.

One minute we are doing one thing and then the next minute we are doing something completely unexpectedly. Last year I was sitting with a friend at a restaurant and a man with a gun unexpectedly showed up on the sidewalk waving it about like a crazy person (I suspect drug induced). Next thing you knew my friend and I were running to the back of the outside patio. My Ascendant is early Aries and my friend I was sitting with is a Libra. Ah, Uranus (who was poking around in Aries last year).

Now all of us, my Cap Moon friend, my Libra friend and myself did not have anything happen to our physical selves but our mettel was tested at that moment. I realized that I'm pretty good on my feet and in one split second knew exactly what to do. Yeah! Survival Instinct works!! I didn't sit there and think, "Why is this happening?" "I didn't dig in and say, "Hey, I just got served chai tea I'm not leaving it." I didn't fight it, I just did the best I could at that moment and learned something about myself. I also was grateful that police showed up quickly.

My Cap Moon friend is learning that the internal voice in her is strong and she must always follow it. Prior to this incident she was starting to doubting it but now she is more committed than ever to following her strong inner voice.

By the way, I know I used dramatic examples but Uranus does not always mean life and death or guys with guns, it just is a shake up. But remember on the other side there is something for you to value.

By the way, for those of you with zero to nine degrees of Leo and Sag will be getting a positive aspect from Uranus. Changes that are welcomed and needed! They are coming to you. And an occasional lottery ticket purchase would not hurt.

PLUTO

The other set of degree points to watch are six degrees to ten degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. Huh, why those signs again? Because not only is Uranus impacting these signs, Pluto is also in the mix.

Uranus shakes us up like an internal revolution. Pluto pushes us to evole. Revolution versus Evolution. As you can see there are some people who are getting both.

You have already been feeling Pluto. It starts as a little feeling inside you. For example you feel drawn to visit a town. After going to that town you realize that you could live there. Or you get a prompt to sell something that no longer resonates with you. Or you just start to jettison people, beliefs, idea, opinions, ways of being. You are shedding. But like Uranus, if you resist changing, shedding--changing, then you are in for problems. You must let go and be open. Do not personalize any of it, just be willing to go through it. Pluto rules volcanoes and under you is this new you trying to come out and flow. Some might get burned by your lava but if you do it slowly you will give everyone fair notice. Including yourself!

Those of you with six to ten degrees of Taurus and Virgo are also feeling the relief of Pluto. Clouds are lifting and there is a new light. Some good is coming, slowly but you can feel it.

NEPTUNE

Twenty nine degrees of Aquarius, Taurus, Leo and Scorpio along with one and two degrees of Gemini, Virgo & Sag are getting Neptune up their grill. Neptune dissolves things and makes us feel like we are in another world. Dorothy entered Oz not through a tornado but through an aspect with Neptune. You have been feeling this for awhile but there is more of it in 2012. You lay out a plan and think you have got it all figured out and suddenly it morphs. Sigh. Again, back off from your rigid plans and ideas, let things fall away, you will get to a real spot eventually and more to the point you are digging in deep and finding your strong inner intuitive voice. It will speak to you and by the end of this transit you won't blow it off. Your spiritual side is gaining access over your intellect. And for you, Geminis and Virgos this is always a bit tricky!

However, you with twenty nine degrees of Libra and Gemini should be enjoying the mystical element of Neptune. You can see that there is a reason for everything and it fits a bigger picture. You are feeling solid in your skin as you dream yourself into reality. Hurray.

WHERE ARE MY PLANETS?

If you don't know your chart go HERE.

MORE TO READ?

Also for more on outer planet transits, I found Sagittarian Mind's blog on Elsa's dispatch and he did a very, very lovely write up about letting go while we process the outer planets. I give it a thumbs up.

Sagittarian Mind.

Coming Soon--Water Dragon

2012-01-05T16:18:00.000-08:00

Special thanks to smart and savvy David Crook who had a link to an article in BBC News about the upcoming Chinese New Year. The Aquarius New Moon in Western Astrology coincides with the Asian New Year. I vaguely remembered it was dragon in 2012, but didn't realize it was Water Dragon. I say that like I know something about Water Dragons. I don't.
However, I am a fire rooster and whenever I read about it, I gotta say it sounds a lot like me.

Anyway, here's what is in store for all of us.

Here's a snippet. Go to BBC link for full article
In the Chinese Zodiac, 2012 is the Year of the Water Dragon - marking a year of transition, uncertainty and change.

The Asia-Pacific economies certainly face considerable uncertainty as well as headwinds in 2012, with the eurozone already sliding into recession at the end of 2011, while the momentum of US economic recovery - although encouraging in recent months - remains moderate at best.

The Year of the Dragon will also be a year characterised by political uncertainty, with presidential elections in the US and France, as well as leadership change in China.

In autumn 2012, the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China will elect the new Central Committee and Politburo Standing Committee members.

The current President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao are due to step down from the Standing Committee to make way for the next generation of leaders from whom the new Chinese president and premier will be appointed in March 2013.

Despite the political and economic uncertainties facing the global economy, the Asia-Pacific (Apac) is forecast to continue to be the fastest growing region of the world economy in 2012, with growth rising to 5.3% from 4.5% in 2011.

This forecast is based on the IHS Global Insight central case scenario that the eurozone experiences only a mild recession in 2012, with gross domestic product (GDP) declining by 0.7%, while moderate positive growth continues in the US, at a pace of 2.0%.

Keith Olbermann: Where's the Valerian Root?

2012-01-05T08:37:00.001-08:00

Today I saw a headline that made me finally go looking around for Keith Olbermann's chart. The headline said something to the effect "Olbermann at war with Current". I thought, "Again?" "What is his deal-e-o?" So, I went looking for his chart. Lynn Hayes did a thorough write up on him a few years ago and her chart is above.

We do not know his time of birth but he is an Aquarian. No shit, sherlock. He and his brethren Bill Maher and Sarah Palin are cut similarly. "I will say what I want when I want to say it." Of course, if you like what they say, you love them and can see them as a lightening rod (Uranus rules electricity) By the way, for those who are paying attention, Obama has Aquarius Rising and Rick Santorium has Moon in Aquarius. And the United States has Moon in Aquarius.

Anyway, the Aquarius energy in Olbermann is obvious. However because we do not know the time of his birth, we are not exactly clear on the degree of his Moon. But we know it is in Virgo. Moon in Virgo is a pretty much a perfectionist but unfortunately they give so much attention to the details that they miss the big picture. What exactly did Olbermann expect when he left MSNBC (in a huff) for the smaller Current TV? They don't have the resources, they can't serve in the same manner, 'get over it' and make the most of it!

I used to work not too far from Olbermann when he lived in Los Angeles and I would see him a lot in some of the same small restaurants holes near our jobs. I have to say, having stood next to him, he's quite tall-- I think he has Sag rising. Especially given he has a sports background and all that 'shoot from the hip' OPINIONs. Saturn in his first house makes sense. Work horse that he is and a few ego bruises.

Anyway, Mars, the warrior will be in Virgo until July and it will at some point be going over his moon. He is hunting for bear. Of course, the key would be to shift that rage energy into proactive energy on self, not on the executives at Current and see if he can retool himself so that he can play the 'long' game and not the 'short' game. This will be a big hurdle for him but if there was ever a year for it, 2012 would be that year.

Next few days ahead

2012-01-04T19:41:00.000-08:00

Normally I put up the Week Ahead on Sunday. But of course New Year's Eve, New Year's day and non-holiday holiday of Monday January 2nd have thrown me off. Basically it was four days that felt like Sunday.

Anyway, here's a little snippet going on this week. The Full Moon is on Monday and I'll put that write up in the next day or so. My son is not back in school yet and therefore my house is about as quiet as a rock quarry and a wee bit difficult to concentrate. However, I will put up full moon in the next day or two.

January 5, 4:37am EST -- Gibbous Moon

During this Gibbous we focus on: What are you forgetting that is extremely practical? How can you be as practical as you can right now? Where can you show stick-to-itness and fortitude to get through something? The beauty of being a top executive or CEO is that you don’t get rattled easily. How can you right now show others and yourself that you are not rattled by anything? Get your practical on!
Get your intellect on!

January 8 Mercury enters Capricorn
http://www.stellardays.com/PlacementChanges.aspx?Planet=ALL&EventID=1775&MoveTo=1/27/2012

January 8 Mercury/Jupiter: Big visions and big thinking. Ability to cut through things, see what you need, believe what you need and figure out the practical applications to get it.

January 8 Mercury/Uranus. Abrupt breaks in lines of communication. A drive to be independent. Impatience abounds. Snappy answers to every question even if it is not stupid. Watch thy tongue!

The Times We Live : Suing Honda

2012-01-04T07:27:00.000-08:00

I heard about a story yesterday and thought, "Yep, those are the astrological times we live in."

A woman in California bought a Honda Hybrid in 2006. The sticker claimed the car would deliver 50mph. She never got close to 50mph and is now barely getting 30mph. The woman frustrated chose to skip a class action suit against Honda where she would be lumped with thousands of others. Instead, she went to small claims court. She is suing for 10,000.

Can you feel the Uranus in Aries? One person (Aries) taking a unique (Uranus) challenging (Aries) position?

If she is successful there are 200,000 other Hondahybrid owners who could be next. That could cost 3 billion---and that would speak to the Pluto in Cap square Uranus. People are just sick and tired of stuff not working and they are going to do something about it.

BTW: Interesting it is happening in Los Angeles. Is that Uranus conjunct Mercury? (earlier post) Maybe. We'll see.

Los Angeles Arson Fires

2012-01-03T07:57:00.001-08:00

We have discussed before that it is not just people who have astrological charts. We can draft a chart for a city or a business or partnerships, if there is an official 'start' date we can draft a chart.

Astrologers have been known to use two charts for Los Angeles. The first one is dated September 4, 1781 when 14 families and the Spanish Governor dedicated the town next to the river, "The Town of the Queen of Angels."

The next chart drafted was after California left Spain, after the Mexican American war and after California joined the US. That date is April 4, 1850 when the town officially incorporated. At the time it had a population of about 1500 people but the map of the area is a map that most Angelenos would recognize as the bones of the city that would later flesh out in the following decades and century.

I will be honest and say I can see both charts working for Los Angeles. What is noteable is Aries. With the Virgo date in 1781, the Moon is in Aries. And with the 1850 date, the Sun is in Aries (along with four other planets), no surprise that this is a city that frequently has to battle brush fires! But lately, I am more inclined to go with the Aries chart. Especially, after five days of a arsonist wrecking havok in the city. My husband and I woke up in the middle of the night each night since Friday to continuous and eerie fire truck sirens. Way to bring in the new year. Sigh.

Of course, Uranus the planet of odd and strange and 'revolutions' is marching through the stellium (group) of Aries planets. And is right now near Mercury's April 1850 placement. The arsonist was arrested yesterday and I found this quote interestingly--"Uranus".

The suspect was sitting in the back of a squad car at Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue.

A small group of bystanders gave him the middle finger — and he returned the gesture with a smile, according to one witness.

"It was creepy," said Rick Savage, a music producer.

Last night the suspect spent the night in jail and we had no fires---They probably have their man. His motive? He is angry with America, in particular something to do with his mother being asked to leave the US. Twisted loyalty by a creepy son, trying to get a message out? Oh, sounds like Uranus conjuct Mercury to me. And how perfect for LA's Moon in Capricorn with Pluto not too far away.

Anyway, the 1850 chart loaded with Aries planets has got my attention. Uranus will be marching over all these planets in the next few years along with squares from Pluto. It is going to get bummpy. For all you who live here by the way, "get earthquake insurance."

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

I wish you all a very Happy New Year.

May 2012 bring you many unique breakthroughs (Uranus in Aries) along with a refreshed empowerment that serves you and your world in signficant and meaningful ways (Pluto in Capricorn). Along with joy and abundance in finances and whole bunch of brilliant thoughts and connections (Jupiter in Taurus & Gemini).

Tracy

At the end of January Mars Retrograde

2011-12-30T12:20:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you guys noticed but at the end of my Capricorn New Moon article I indicated that a few hours after Aquarius New Moon launches on January 23 Mars turns retrograde. Mars retro happens every couple years so it is not exactly a unique experience but the fact that it is happening on new moon is very notable.

Usually with Aquarius we are searching for like minded individuals. We are trying to find a tribe that makes sense for us. At the same time we are finding what is unique about us. The fact that Mars is going retro in Virgo steps on that tribal energy and our unique energy. Perhaps we have forgotten what makes us unique, perhaps we have forgotten to look for like minded tribe? Whatever, Mars does not like being in Virgo in the first place. That is way too much focus on details and minutia than Mars enjoys. But we have been discussing for awhile that we are going to be processing out our details for much of 2012. Remember, Mars is normally in a sign for about six weeks. But in this case, Mars went into Virgo in November 2011 and it will stay there until July 2012. You think someone is trying to get our attention about details?

There is no place to be sloppy in 2012. I am sure a lot of people are going to use the Mars in Virgo to get their health and diet in shape. They will really fine tune their calendars and make sure they are not wasting too much of their valuable time. There will of course be some people who will get squirrely since Virgo has a high level of nervous and insecure energy. Mars is not great when he is insecure. Ha! That is the understatement of the century.

Anyway, I'm bringing it up now so that you can get your head around what is coming up at the end of January. I will discuss it on the Aquarius New Moon but I would like it to be in your zeitgeist now. Just to think about.

Here's a nice write up I found for you by Lynn Koiner over at her Astrological Research site. Go to the link for the whole article.

From JANUARY 23 through APRIL 14 2012, the planet Mars will be in retrograde motion. This period is inappropriate for activities requiring the normal flow of Mars initiative. Using the constructive aspects of these transits, it is an excellent time to reinforce some aspect of our lives. This will be shown by the House position of this transit.

When Mars is retrograde, it depletes the vitality so that it is never a time to initiate. Whoever initiates loses— a new project, a great love, an argument, a lawsuit, or an international war. With a new project, it will fizzle out and never really go anywhere. With a hot romance, it too fizzles and it rarely gets to the alter. With an argument, the hostility will come back to haunt you later. In legal matters, stoke your opponent into initiating the lawsuit first. It will be etched in granite that they will lose. In an international war, whoever fires first will automatically lose or ultimately withdraw. Matters commenced while Mars is retrograde will be frustrated and plagued with disruptions until they finally fizzle out. At this time, people become irritated when activities do not run smoothly. The anger may disrupt indirectly and inappropriately – like getting a traffic ticket when you feel annoyed with your job.

During this cycle, never buy anything mechanical unless it is heavily insured! Office machinery and computers easily break down. A friend who owned a word processing service found this period to always be a disaster. During one retrograde cycle, the printer, the back-up printer and the rented printer all failed to work. When they finally got one that worked, the mailing labels printed but there was no ink! I often notice that the world needs a brake job when Mars in retrograde.Go HERE for more:

Dying Teen on Christmas New Moon

2011-12-29T08:56:00.000-08:00

As always it is a young person who is so mature for their age that inspires millions. Perfect for a Capricorn New Moon transition.

(CBS News) Austin, Texas teen Ben Breedlove died on Christmas Day, leaving behind a touching video on the health problem that took his life -- a video that's gone viral on YouTube.

For more than a year, he'd been cultivating a following on YouTube, offering kids his age advice on everything from dating to the SATs with the wit and wisdom of someone far beyond his 18 years.

But just before Christmas, Ben made a different kind of video, still funny -- but also terribly sad. Ben shared with the world his personal struggle with a life-threatening heart condition and how that challenged him every day of his life.

Ben's video has been viewed more than one million times on YouTube, CBS' Anna Werner reports.

Samoa is skipping Friday

2011-12-29T08:28:00.001-08:00

Last summer, Samoa decided it had enough of being tied to the east and America and decided it was time to align itself with China and the rest of Asia. They chose tomorrow as the day of transition. Everyone on Samoa will go to bed, tonight on the 29th and will wake up on Saturday December 31st. There is no December 30th. I cannot imagine what astrologers will do in the future when they have to do a chart for some baby born in this window, (probably a professional foot ball player) because it will be confusing, for sure. I know that I still struggle when I do charts for people born in Indiana and Illinois between the 40's and 60's and try to figure out 'to daylight savings time or to not daylight savings time. Darn farmers made it all so confusing.
(APIA, Samoa) — The tiny South Pacific nation of Samoa and its neighbor Tokelau will jump forward in time on Thursday, crossing westward over the international date line to align themselves with their other 21st century trading partners throughout the region.

At the stroke of midnight on Dec. 29, time in Samoa and Tokelau will leap forward to Dec. 31 — New Year's Eve. For Samoa's 186,000 citizens, and the 1,500 in Tokelau, Friday, Dec. 30, 2011, will simply cease to exist.

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2103243,00.html#ixzz1hwSZsIYM

Astrologers' astrologer

2011-12-28T12:05:00.000-08:00

This morning I was listening to jazz pieces by Vince Guaraldi who was a San Francisco composer and musician that you probably know from all the Peanuts cartoons. Anyway, with that backdrop I went dreamily and merrily along the road of the world wide web and who did I bump into? Dane Ruhdyar! Which of course is amazing since Dane has been dead since 1985. Isn't the WWW wonderful?

I jest but the truth is Dane Rudhyar is a famous astrologer who most of us astrologers (of a certain age and older) have his books on our shelves. Born in France he spent most of his life in the United states working as a musical composer, artist and then later philosopher and astrologer. He lived all over the US but certainly San Francisco was one of his 'home' towns. I wonder if he knew Vince Guaraldi?

Anyway, I was thinking about the Pluto/Uranus action coming up in 2012 and I was reading about the conjunction in 1965, the last time these two hooked up and I bumped into an article Dane Rudhyar wrote in spring of 1964 about the 'upcoming' conjunction for the fall of 1965.

I encourage you all to read the whole thing which is very interesting since he ties it back to 1851, the last conjunction.

here's a snippet:
The history of this century is unfolding under two great symbols: the symbol of the "Globe" and that of "Heat" — heat being the expression of intense molecular disorder and in its extreme aspect leading to the "ionization" of matter, which then exists in its "plasma" state — the newly revealed fourth state of matter (solid, liquid, and gaseous being the familiar states). Neptunian awareness leads to the realization of the "globe." Uranus was the light that made obsolete the old traditions of local cultures.

Today, as Uranus approaches Pluto, science has discovered a new form of light — the laser — light so concentrated and one-pointed that a tiny beam of it can pierce any metal and reach in a focused condition to the moon! An amazing symbol, indeed, and one which may perhaps explain new possibilities of events and communication within and beyond the earth field. Pluto acts upon Uranus, and light becomes radically transformed and concentrated. "Spiritual" light, too, could well become condensed and incarnated. Could this be the second coming of Christ or the new Avatar that so many people expect? Could not these condensed "lights" — physical and spiritual — act upon Jupiter and Saturn and upon the infinitely complex social processes these planets represent?

Sharing a higher perspective

2011-12-28T08:08:00.000-08:00

In honor of the Capricorn Lunar phase, where we are all climbing up and getting a higher perspective on our life's assets and deficts, I thought I would offer a helpful link. Especially now on the crescent phase of the moon where we typically receive information.

Thank you, Marianne, who turned me on to this paricular link at Carolyn Myss's site.

Take a look at each chakra and see if you have any health bumps in the corresponding chakra. You can click on each chakra and will find a list of helpful questions. Remember Capricorn is where we act like a CEO and cooly judge and manage those things that are effective and fire those things that are not working. I think you may find some helpful information that can improve your 2012.

Mikey on Huffington Post

2011-12-27T15:07:00.000-08:00

Well, look what the cat dragged in over at Huffington Post---Mickey Lutin!

I can't believe I have missed it but ML has been posting over there for awhile. This is what happens when I'm going so fast, I miss fun events! Anyway, here's a snippet but go to the LINK for the full write up.

THE ELECTION

The current Republican debates should be on Nick at Nite. It's a clown show, so don't believe a word.

Obama: Part of him wants out, but he's also pissed enough to keep fighting. The real power behind the thrones will be revealed as it becomes clear that much of what has been passing for democracy is actually the result of worldwide banker manipulation.

WOMEN

Gender roles? Women will be gaining more power and position than we can even imagine. In every corner of the world, the revolution against the patriarchy has only begun to take hold, but you'd better believe that the good ole' boys who have been conducting the orchestra and leading the music are not going to just hand over their batons without a fight.

CULTURE

As huge as this planetary alignment is, we have to remember that even in the greatest crisis periods, there have always been love and romance. In the heat of battle, bombs bursting, casualties falling on the field, there is still the sweet warmth and intimacy of one human being in another's arms.

The week ahead

2011-12-27T08:17:00.000-08:00

There is not a lot of outer planet activity this week. Tomorrow (12/28) the Sun will conjunct Pluto which puts the emphasis on evolution. Maybe a snarky money day. How are you empowered? See what comes up on 12/28 that reminds you of your abilities and managing skills.

And on January 1 there is a Mars/Mercury aspect. Watch your conversation. It is not necessary for you to tell everyone what you think, unless you are looking for a fight. Take care with your driving. Plan time, do not rush anywhere. Ideally, you will take this energy and clean out your desk drawer. Or try to finish that book that you wanted to finish all last year.

Capricorn New Moon 2011

2011-12-24T10:14:00.000-08:00

Wow. That was close. Capricorn New Moon is up!

As always you will find the whole article on Margaret Wendt's website HERE.

The next 28 days will be a window to the summer. We have got a Pluto conjunct Sun/Moon and they both square Uranus. Pluto and Uranus will be in exact square this summer. We should consider these 28 days as an Open House to the summer. Anything that comes up that highlights changes you need to make in your life... well, do it. Or least put those changes on your to-do list!

Go to the link for the whole article but here is a snippet:

Remember, Capricorn is the mountain goat who spends his time high on the peaks. During the Capricorn phase we need to stretch and put ourselves up high and make sure we are where we belong. We are the ultimate authority (Capricorn word) of our life and from a high authoritative perch we can see our assets and our deficits and then decided what move to make to improve our situation. Remember everyone has Capricorn somewhere in their chart. Where is your Cap? This is the house where you will stretch and make yourself an authority or a leader. We are natural managers where we have Cap. It is the part of our chart where we are the Boss. Of course, the question is, “Are we Warren Buffett or are we Ebenezer Scrooge?”

This Capricorn New Moon the Sun/Moon is in conjunction to Pluto and squares Uranus. Ouch. That is a tight spot. Pluto has been ruthless to big business, big government and world economies since it moved into Capricorn in 2008 and we will be dealing with issues that are broken within government and big businesses for another dozen or so years

But what about us? Where do we personally fit in this big global financial mess and the upcoming changes? That, my friends is the beauty of Capricorn New Moons. Between now and 2023 there will be some Cap new moons that will be right in the sweet spot where they have a Pluto conjunction. I say sweet spot because those New Moon and lunar cycles will gives us a 28 day chiropractic adjustment to get with the program and make some changes or at least become an authority in our life on a new profound level that can prepare us for changes. This year is one of those Cap New Moons.

We will see flaws. We will see cracks and fissures in some area of our life (most likely the house that has Capricorn). We will feel insecure, we will feel ‘less than’. But and this is a big but, from that place of insecurity we will get focused and do something. Something that helps move us from the position we are currently holding to a more elevated position. Where do we have vision? Where do we have executive abilities? Where do we need to be an authority? And why are we hiding our skills? Or how come we have been so busy we have not focused on them? And if we have been playing small and hiding are skills----well, good luck trying to stay small this month! It won’t feel right.

Michael Lutin's Christmas Gift

2011-12-22T08:11:00.000-08:00

I had a little time to kill this morning and I went to some of my favorite sites including DailyFix and once again, Michael Lutin delivers. Raquel Welch in Mexico (?) singing Age of Aquarius...if you are like me your brain will be screaming at you, "must watch, must watch, must watch."

How he finds the things he finds is amazing. Had to share with you.

North Korea in transition

2011-12-20T08:57:00.000-08:00

For over fifty years North Korea and its leaders have been an enigmatic force in the world. Hard to understand, complicated relations, discomforting action and of course cuckoo crazy policies. At its core, it as been a peninsula of mystery. And in that environment it is no surprise the chart of the country is also fuzzy. I went looking for the North Korea chart and found it at NeptuneCafe There is a lot of good data and research at the website, totally worth checking out.

Anyway, if we can sort through the fuzziness and take the chart and apply what is going on now astrologically, Kim Jong il's death is interesting. Uranus has been pushing for change with North Korea's natal Uranus for the last couple years. On the 10th of December Uranus turned around and began to move out of the tension and now is moving on into free space. Interesting Kim died in this space. If the chart is accurate the tension is between communication and neighbors (3rd) house and mystery, illusion, karma and hermit like behavior (12th). Uranus demands change, will there be change?

Jupiter which tends to be optimistic and jovial is about to oppose NK's Mars in Scorpio right below the descendant. Mars in that position speaks greatly to the debate that the world has with NK--"Are they a real threat or not?" In the next few months we'll see what is going on as Jupiter pushes the point.

Curiously, the transiting Sun was in a wide conjunction to the Moon and Jupiter of NK at the time of Dear Leader's death. This death could create an opportunity for change that is positive and actually could help the people of North Korea. Will it happen? Or will the son of lil' kim be as misguided as his father? Or will military leaders take over with their own agenda(I do wonder about that Jupiter/Mars aspect)? Hmmm. I dunno. But the accent on change is in the mix.

I hope for the sake of the starving people that things crack and the world can get in and do some good along with positive leadership change. It would be nice for them to finally let the cold war is over alarm clock wake them up. It has been ringing for a long time.

For gawdsake their neighbor China came out, isn't it time for them?

500 Turtles

2011-12-17T09:51:00.001-08:00

So, Sag that I am, which means I'm open to a bit of novelty, I gave myself a birthday gift that satisfied me on many levels. I booked a reading with an animal psychic. Naturally, I booked it for after Mercury turned direct so I delayed it until this week. Why did I do it? I guess I felt the need to find out what is going on with our cat Stella.

Of course, this is totally humorous because seriously, what are her problems? The food does not come out fast enough? The bed is sometimes not soft enough? But still I was curious about several things, like why does she go to the door and emit painful cries when I go to the trashcans or to the market or just walk out to the gym? My husband and son say she does it the entire I am gone. What goes on with her?

I had a few friends who had reading with Ben at 500 turltes and enjoyed the session very much so I called him. I was relieved that I didn't have to put Stella in a box and drive her anywhere and frankly there would be no question in mind worth that noise I would hear in a car with Stella in a box. Lord no. So, there I was sitting on my bed with Stella resting near me while I talked on the phone to Ben who was talking to Stella.

And the first thing she said to Ben was, "I'm worried, where does Tracy go?" Ah, she was as concerned as I was about this same topic. She too wanted to get to the thing that I was pondering. We determined that this was something left over from kittenhood. Someone, probably a woman, was in her life and then out of her life. And now she is in fear that when I go I will not come back. Ben and I "worked" with her and hopefully settled her fears that she will be more calm now when I go to swim.

There were many other things we discussed and one thing she told me that Stella likes to hang out in my son's room. She likes the energy and she likes to see the visitors who come to check in with my son while he asleep. I did think that was interesting since she does go in there at night and will get on his bed or the floor right next to his bed. I learned one of the visitors is my grandmother who had a few words for me. Once we broke out of Stella's views and opinions we had a few other people step in to tell me a few things. All interesting. I don't give myself the gift of psychics very often and maybe you guys don't do it either but every now and then it is fun and I would highly recommend Ben at 500 Turtles. You might be surprised by what you hear what your furry companion has to say and some of those people on the other side not too far away.

Time Magazine Person of the Year

2011-12-17T09:14:00.001-08:00

I was humored this week when I heard that TIME Magazine put "The Protester" on their person-of-the-year cover. I thought that was perfect especially given Uranus has turned direct and is now heading for his first tangle with Pluto in June. Clearly we'll see more of those cover gals/guys in the coming month.

However, to me, I think TIME missed the mark, the image of the protester should have been on a cell phone. Because THAT is the real point of 2011 and our future. The cellphone which naturally feeds into Twitter, FB and other social media is the real tool in the arsenal of Uranus versus Pluto. The old adage coined by House Leader, Tip O'Neil---"All politics is local" is more true than ever in the age of Twitter.
Any beef anyone has with big business, big government, hostile regimes, horrible working condition, abused animals....all of it will be televised. Local beefs will be seen by the world.

The fissures and cracks of Pluto in Capricorn are real. Business as usual is no longer working. Sure, we all get up and do what we have to do every day of the week but under it all we know something is 'off'. Uranus in Aries calls for independent thinking and breakthroughs. Uranus is also new technology. Pluto moved into Capricorn in 2008 when the stock market began its slow move down, down, down. As we approach year four of this financial crunch the frustrations are more and more palpable ----in all corners. Now as Uranus and Pluto move to a full on fight in June we will be seeing more and more of these frustrations televised on the social media closest to our finger tips.

Focus on 4th Quarter Moon & the rest of the week

2011-12-17T07:36:00.001-08:00

Earlier this week we had Mercury turn direct and of course to that I say, "thank gawd." Hopefully, stuff that got wound up tight for the last three weeks is rewinding positively in your life. One thing that is tricky with this Sag lunar phase is that the New Moon was clouded by the Mercury retrograde. While we were battling all the nonsense that comes up during a retrograde some of us may have lost sight of the purpose of the Sag lunar cycle. Finding our visions for our future.

Now today, (Saturday at 7:47pm 12/17 until 12/21 we will have the last quarter moon.

This is the final phase where we do actions based on the seeds we planted on New Moon. I find around this phase that the new moon feels so far away. In this case Sag New moon was the day after Thanksgiving. How far away does that feel?

What goals and visions have come up since then that speak to your future? Have you had anything come up that emphasizes a more authentic you? Or have you had a glimpse of something that you want more of in the coming days, months years? Did you have a day that was relaxed? Did you have coffee with a friend you have not seen in a long time? Did you complete a project that gives you much pride? Did you visit a place that you can't stop thinking about and wonder what it would look like to move there? Did you disconnect from disruptive situations and realize, 'wow that was easier than I thought. Did you see a real opportunity that could be a genuine asset in your future and did you move on it? What wind blew in and is guiding you?

Now, on this final quarter moon, we do the final adjustments to the seeds we planted on new. The final call, the final letters to send, we follow all the trails that came up that still make sense. And we let the other parts lay fallow. It is a time of action but wise action. It is a time for living “The serenity prayer”

God, grant me the Serenity
to accept the things
I cannot change Courage to change the
things I can, and the
Wisdom to know the difference.

And on this particular last quarter moon there is focus on:

What actions need precision, detailed oriented work? How can that work support expanding your world? What are you working on that needs micromanaging? Did you plant seeds on new moon that need more refined actions now? Are there any holes that need fixing?

Then during the week:

12/18: Venus/Saturn: Accent on restrictions and loss and the unloved. Money is crunched.

12/19: Sun/Saturn: Structures and building upon solid foundations.

12/20: Venus enters Aquarius http://cafeastrology.com/articles/venusaquariuscompatibility.html

12/20: Venus/Jupiter: Watch tendency to overreach, over spend and over eat. Moderation in everything!

12/20: Sun/Neptune: Inspired day. Metaphysics and religion are pronounced.

12/21:Venus/Uranus: Unusual breakthroughs. Where can I feel “new”? Feeling invigorated about new resources.

12/21: Balsamic Moon from 12/21-12/24: We let go. By releasing we can prepare for the new.

Special focus:
12/21 Sun enters Capricorn. Your cap needs tenderness this birthday. It is your job to find out what kind of tenderness. Pour some tea and get it out of them.

12/21: Hanukkah begins.

12/22 Sun/Jupiter: Abundance, generous spirit, openings that speak to essence.

12/22 Sun/Uranus: Friction, rebellious, rubbing up against rules and want to breakout.

The week ahead

2011-12-11T22:08:00.001-08:00

The week continues with the energy of the full moon which launched on Saturday. The astrology of the week is somewhat quiet and god knows we would benefit by a kinder gentler astrological period.

On Tuesday 12/13 Mercury turns direct at 4 degrees of Sag 8:42pm EST. If communication has been bumpy and we have felt wobbly, we should start to feel relief almost immediately.

December 14, 5:46am EST- Disseminating Phase.

Focus on: Where do you feel brave in your heart? How are you sharing that with others? How do you feel generous, perhaps magnanimous? Can you share this with others? When you share your power with others does it empower them? How can this be a bridge in your life to expand your world?

Last Quarter Moon Phase
December 17, 2011 7:47pm

Focus on: What actions need precision, detailed oriented work? How can that work support expanding your world? What are you working on that needs micromanaging? Did you plant seeds on new moon that need more refined actions now? Are there any holes that need fixing?

My Birthday Present to YOU!

2011-12-09T07:50:00.000-08:00

If you don't know much about asteroids, then you might not know about Pallas Athena. Pallas Athena was Jove's favorite daughter. She was spun out from his head. Gee, wonder why she was his favorite? Anyway, she gave the people of Greece the olive tree and in appreciation they named their largest town in her honor, Athens. The Romans by the way called her Minerva.

Wherever you have Pallas Athena in your chart, you have a warrior. But not an in-your-face-I'm-going-to-get-you warrior. That would be Mars. This is a cool warrior. Not emotional, instead a warrior who relies on intellect. Almost always able to see the big picture and knows how to use strategies and mart logistics to conquer any issue. Interstingly, Pallas Athena's number one trusted animal is the owl and they aren't called Wise Ol' Owls for nothing!

A good write up on Pallas Athena and how it manifests through the sign and the houses is over on Bob Marks website.

Currently, Pallas Athena is in early Aquarius. Not too far from my own Venus. Perhaps that is why she is calling me of late.

If you want to find your own Pallas Athena and other asteroids, I stumbled upon this nice website for you. It is run by Molly and I don't know which Molly but I appreciate what she has put up. check out StudyAstrology

Now why all the noise right now on my birthday about Pallas Athena? And more importantly what does it have to do with you?

First of all, Sagittarius when it is being calm and reasonable is one of the wisest signs of the zodiac. Maybe actually THE wisest. And intellectually, one of the smartest signs of the zodiac is Gemini. So, this weekend we have got a big ol' full moon in Gemini. Will we be smart (Gemini)? Will we be wise (Sag)? Even when emotions get stirred up which is typical on a full moon?

Adding to the pressure is of course Uranus turning direct later today. I suspect even the most staid individual will have a Fellini scene or two in their lives this weekend. Not sure what that means? Well, listen to Nino Rota right HERE and imagine it as your soundtrack this weekend.

And what about that gift I promised?

About a month ago I saw something on Huffington Post about owls that was so sweet that I forwarded it to a few friends. They too thought it was darling. Since then I keep seeing owls, in cards, in art work, everywhere I look I see an owl. What I think is funny is that even the short hand for Occupy Wall Street movement is OWS. Which is so close to OWL. Like I said, I see owls everywhere. Back to the point of your gift. Please watch the video below. I hope it will inspire you to find your wisdom and be smart. And of course I think it will make you smile. I just wish it had Nino Rota music.

hugs

Uranus turns direct

2011-12-08T18:03:00.000-08:00

Back on the New Moon (around Thanksgiving) I said in my Sag article:

So, what does this New Moon in Sag mean? The Moon/Sun are making a beautiful trine with Uranus in Aries. Aries full of fire and energized by new horizons has a fine companion with Sag who says, “Yeah, let me put my goals on those new horizons right now!” Uranus is the planet of changes. During the 2010 Sag Lunar cycle Uranus was also pronounced and it was then that the revolutions in North Africa were activated. A revolution most certainly televised, twittered, face booked and benefited by all social medias—all things ruled by Uranus. What will be the revolutions this cycle? The mother will be talking to some.

In addition to the Sun/Moon trine with Uranus, Uranus turns direct on December 9 /10th. For the last five months we have been feeling the itch. The itch to change, break free, move, do something new and just differently. But because it has been retrograde, we have been unclear about how to do the changes, now with it turning direct we will begin to get an idea of the changes and how to do them. The mother gives some of us a road map.

In July, Uranus in Aries got very close to a square with Pluto in Capricorn. The gridlock in Washington spoke to the frustrations as one planet was demanding quick change and another planet was demanding something slow. Revolution versus evolution. Aries takes no hostages and is a warrior on all tasks; Capricorn is cautious and holds on to status quo. They almost squared each other but then they drifted and Uranus went back to the wood shed and whittled. Now on this Sag lunar cycle, Uranus turns direct and begin its journey to a big showdown with Pluto (June and September 2012). Of course, Pluto has been doing his own work in Capricorn and we will feel the tension grow in the coming months. Hypocrites will certainly be exposed more and more. The ramp up begins after December 10th. Personally, consider your life last July, you may be revisiting those underlying issues again in the spring and summer of 2012.

Of course we need to take a moment and think about this--What are the odds of Uranus turning direct in a lunar phase where he is making a trine with the Sun and the Moon? Small. Keeping our focus on new goals, stretching and learning are important to Uranus’ new direction. The mother is asking us to find what is authentic and to move on it. Will we follow the impulses that we feel? Can we be that authentic?

And so here we are, a few hours from Uranus turning direct which it will do at 2:05am EST December 10 / 11:05pm December 9th PST. We know that it is no big deal when Uranus turns retrograde or direct because it does both once a year. But when we put this move in a bigger context, meaning the march to the square with Pluto, well, it is a big ass deal.

As of right now, Europe is trying to save the Euro by ...what? Making small moves or big moves? It appears they don't know. How Uranus.
As French President Nicholas Sarkozy said, "The world is watching us." No, shit, Sherlock. And what are you going to do or not to do to us? I think it is wildly weird that is happening right now before Uranus move and full moon. I'm putting on a seat belt.

And not that anyone cares about these sort of things, but is it at all possible for German Chancellor Angela Merkel to put on a tiny bit of makeup ? I mean I get that she grew up in East Germany, but please, before you send the whole world into the crapper put on some lip gloss.

News of the last couple days

2011-12-07T06:38:00.000-08:00

As always when I happen to have time to see a little news I often am taken by the fact that the headlines line up with the current lunar cycle. Such is the case with news from the last few days.

At the end of last week American Airlines filed bankruptcy. Yep, can't get more Saggy than an Airline going bankrupt.

On Saturday, Herman Cain, who is a Sag finally suspended his Presidential Campaign. "Suspended" is a new way of saying, 'I'm not a quitter when I have to book motivational speaking engagements in 2012.'

On Sunday the Russian people voted and by Monday and Tuesday large numbers of protesters were hitting the streets with accusations of voter fraud. Thousands were arrested but they remain undeterred despite Putin pushing back. Taking on Putin like this? I indicated on my new moon article, that there would be people feeling compelled to take on more and clearly Uranus turning direct on Saturday is in the mix.

Of course Sag rules things that are foreign and is, when it is behaving, a natural bridge builder. It can bring disparate energies together like a master. However on the chart for the new moon there was a harsh aspect with Mars and that is pretty much an energy that can blow it. Well, we kind of stepped in a pile of you-know-what when this weekend a super groovy very smart, mega expensive US drone crashed into Iran. Rut-ro. Sure we spy on Iran, we know it, they know it, everyone in the world knows it. But to lose the CIA drone is not a good thing. Especially since Iran will sell the thing on ebay for the highest bidder. And of course the Chinese will buy it, dismantle it, rebuild it and mass produce it by February. Chalk this one up to Mercury retrograde in Sag.

And religious zealots (another saggy thing) did what they love to do yesterday. On a holy day for Shiite Muslims, suicide bombers attacked a shiite shrine in Kabul Afghanistan killing dozens. It looks like the horrific attacks were rooted in Pakistan Sunni group. I'm sorry I clicked on the photo where I saw a small dead boy lying on the ground. Sigh.

Well, this Sag needs to leave this post with something up lifting. I love this dog.

Full Moon Gemini Lunar Eclipse

2011-12-03T08:47:00.000-08:00

Gemini Full MoonThe Gemini Full Moon on December 10 at 9:36am EST is also a Full Lunar Eclipse. Much of this eclipse will be seen in North America and for more on the path of the eclipse go to ShadowandSubstance

The significant aspect for the full moon chart is a big ol’ square with Mars in Virgo. Although it is a separating square (meaning it was exact before the full moon—Sun on 2nd, Moon on 9th) I see this aspect as still very much in play.

We got a taste of this tension on New Moon which has set off some friction since November 24. But a bit prior to Full Moon and during it we will feel Mars in Virgo as he fights for details and minutia.

We will see so many people get lost in many small things and lose the big picture. What makes that funny is that there is a very famous military expression, “Sometimes you have to lose a battle to win the war” which every great warrior knows. However, Mars THE warrior planet when he is in Virgo is almost incapable of seeing anything but battles. He can totally forget he is in a war. This is where the tension with Sag Sun and Gemini Moon should be measured carefully.

If misbehaving, the Sag sun will put emphasis on hot head tempers and shooting off one’s mouth in righteous indignation. Over what? Who the hell knows with Sag. Sigh. And the Gemini moon if misbehaving will get lost in shallow thinking, gossip or mindf**ing self and others. Lord.

However, if possible and I do not suggest it is easy work, but if possible try to keep your focus on details that will serve you best in the long run. Is there a big goal (Sag) out there that you have wanted to address? Take the tension totally being stirred up by Mars in Virgo and see what tasks (Virgo) you can do now that will serve that goal. At the same time, ferret out information and ask questions (Gemini) that will serve that goal.

When the bullets are flying around you and people are doing one thing after another that pisses you off remember to ask yourself, “Is this person and their actions doing anything to harm my big goals?” If the answer is “Yes” then you may need to act appropriately. If the answer is “NO” then guess what? Use the beauty of Gemini and get ‘light and breezy’. Simply said, and this is your astro mother over here speaking to you, “You don’t care.” Don’t waste the calorie burn on being that pissed off.

It is possible your ability to raise above (Sag) the fray (Mars in Virgo) and recalibrate your thinking (Gemini) could be a huge gift this Full Moon and perhaps a newfound skill which will serve you in many ways and for many years.

Also, it should be noted that a few hours before Full Moon, Uranus will turns direct between zero and one degree of Aries. We have been talking a lot about this planet of revolution and all the changes he will be bringing us especially in the next six months as he ramps up.

For those of you who know your chart take note which house has 1-5 degrees of Aries and prepare for big ass changes between now and the 2013.

And of course, we should remember that the Full Moon like his companion New Moon back in November is taking place with a Mercury retrograde. Yes, there is still cloudy, fuzzy stuff around us but for many people this is also a time when we are finally dealing with stuff on our very old TO-DO list and we are also finding missing pieces to solutions we have needed. Sometimes it is good to look back and rethink stuff.
But above all, let’s all remember to KEEP CALM AND CARY ON.

The Week Ahead

2011-12-03T08:37:00.000-08:00

We continue to be in the Waxing Period of the Sag Lunar Cycle. How are your goals looking? Has something actually come up since New Moon that is now on your Goal List that wasn't even on your radar last month? Where are you impassioned? How is your authentic self expressing itself?

12/4: Sun/Mercury: Accent on communication. Some good, some not good. How does it connect with your goals from New Moon?

12/5: Venus/Mars: Good energy to follow passions and values. Energy flows easily.
.
12/6: Gibbuos Moon

Focus on: How is your fiery nature being harnessed? How have you neglected the part of you that wants to be first? Are you neglecting the benefit of doing things by yourself? How would you benefit by just getting out and ‘doing it’ ?

12/10: Uranus turns direct 2:05am 00Aries 39 (see above)

12/10: Full Moon. Post to come.

When I look for the lightning

2011-11-30T20:28:00.000-08:00

The other day I was blathering on to a friend about the things I had done in the last month and he said as flatly as possible, "What I would give to be in your head for just an hour." I know what he is talking about, I just can travel down weird roads so easily. I know how it happens, my Sag Sun and Venus in Aquarius just talk to me in ways that can't be explained. And then throw in the Aries rising and well, I'm off the races.

Anyway, in Los Angeles there is an exhibit called Pacific Standard Time. Which is a huge collection of California Artists' work from 1945-1980. It is happening in dozens of museums and galleries all over Los Angeles basin. I hit a few of them Thanksgiving weekend. Lot of cool stuff, some lame stuff and just a whole bunch of odd stuff. One I really liked I wanted to share with you.

I could only share it now, since the Moon is in Aquarius. Only now would it make sense. By the time the Moon is in Taurus everyone will be thinking, 'what the eff' is this thing?" But now, it is sublime. I present, Lightening by Paul and Marlene Kos. 1976. It is one and half minutes long.

Venus Saturn Mutual Reception

2011-11-30T19:05:00.000-08:00

Back on New Moon I had note to remind everyone that Venus and Saturn are in mutual reception. Then I got distracted in that Mercury Retro way and realized I forgot it and said to self, "That's okay I'll put something up this weekend." And of course it was Thanksgiving Weekend and that is just a cluster*** of activity that I barely even got here. Well, today I went looking around at some of my favorite astrologers and lo and behold... There is David Crook at Stellar Insights with his current write up all on the mutual reception of Venus & Saturn.

Here's part of the post, go to the link for the whole piece. Nice write up as always with David Crook.

Monday, November 28, 2011
Venus-Saturn Mutual Reception
Venus is in the sign of Capricorn from Nov. 26 until Dec. 20. All things signified by astrological Venus- love, pleasure, art, beauty, values, currencies, and relationships, are now under the direction of Saturn- lord of Capricorn. As Capricorn seeks status, long-term security, accomplishment, and structure- the tendency now is to establish solid relationships, financial stability, and conservative values that honor a traditional approach.

Saturn's in Venus ruled Libra until Oct. 2012. And Libra the Scales desires social equality, fairness, and to meet others on common ground in peace and harmony. Many imbalances in society and personal relationships are currently under the scrutiny of Saturn's checks and balances. It's a good time to define and redefine our core values and committed relationships. Relatively sound unions can get stronger with work, and those of weakened integrity may end.

Go to link for rest.

Truth has a way....

2011-11-29T18:18:00.001-08:00

Last week on New Moon I wrote:

In July, Uranus in Aries got very close to a square with Pluto in Capricorn. The gridlock in Washington spoke to the frustrations as one planet was demanding quick change and another planet was demanding something slow. Revolution versus evolution. Aries takes no hostages and is a warrior on all tasks; Capricorn is cautious and holds on to status quo. They almost squared each other but then they drifted and Uranus went back to the wood shed and whittled. Now on this Sag lunar cycle, Uranus turns direct and begin its journey to a big showdown with Pluto (June and September 2012). Of course, Pluto has been doing his own work in Capricorn and we will feel the tension grow in the coming months. Hypocrites will certainly be exposed more and more. The ramp up begins after December 10th. Personally, consider your life last July, you may be revisiting those underlying issues again in the spring and summer of 2012.

Well, the ramp up is happening early but then I shouldn't be surprised with Sag.

Yesterday a gal came out and talked about her extramarital affair with Herman Cain. Now Cain is apparently rethinking his campaign for presidency.

But far more lame than a politician possibly stepping out on his wife is what came out in Bloomberg Markets Magazine.

First of all you should know that Bloomberg Markets Magazine worked like DOGS using the Freedom of Information act to get to the nitty gritty of what happened in those days before the Stock Market crashed in September of 2008. Along the way, The Fed hit Bloomberg with lawyer after lawyer after lawyer. But they stood their ground and on Sunday they released their findingss. Lordy.

Bloomberg’s fabulous report on the Federal Reserve Bank’s “secret” bailout of U.S. banks is an example of dogged enterprise journalism at its very best. The Fed fought Bloomberg’s Freedom of Information Act requests to get details of its huge loan program all the way to the Supreme Court. But Bloomberg prevailed, and on Sunday night, the news organization published its long-awaited findings, making it abundantly clear just how much the U.S. banking system — and in particular, the six largest banks — benefited from the Fed’s helping hands.

Dogged journalism? This is Sag at its best.

Additionally, from this report we learn a lot of things, including how Hank Paulson who was then Treasury Secretary was supplying insider information to hedge fund big wigs.

Around the conference room table were a dozen or so hedge- fund managers and other Wall Street executives -- at least five of them alumni of Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (GS), of which Paulson was chief executive officer and chairman from 1999 to 2006. In addition to Eton Park founder Eric Mindich, they included such boldface names as Lone Pine Capital LLC founder Stephen Mandel, Dinakar Singh of TPG-Axon Capital Management LP and Daniel Och of Och-Ziff Capital Management Group LLC.

After a perfunctory discussion of the market turmoil, the fund manager says, the discussion turned to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Paulson said he had erred by not punishing Bear Stearns shareholders more severely. The secretary, then 62, went on to describe a possible scenario for placing Fannie and Freddie into “conservatorship” -- a government seizure designed to allow the firms to continue operations despite heavy losses in the mortgage markets.

Stock Wipeout
Paulson explained that under this scenario, the common stock of the two government-sponsored enterprises, or GSEs, would be effectively wiped out. So too would the various classes of preferred stock, he said.

The fund manager says he was shocked that Paulson would furnish such specific information -- to his mind, leaving little doubt that the Treasury Department would carry out the plan. The managers attending the meeting were thus given a choice opportunity to trade on that information.

There’s no evidence that they did so after the meeting; tracking firm-specific short stock sales isn’t possible using public documents.

And law professors say that Paulson himself broke no law by disclosing what amounted to inside information.

He may not have broken the law....but was it right? Right versus wrong, is a Sag discussion.

Wow. And we're just in Crescent phase, what will the quarter moon look like?

Astrotabletalk - Uranus

2011-11-27T07:40:00.000-08:00

Over at AstrotableTalk I saw Dharmauci's post on Uranus. I thought it was a good read and I encourage you to read the whole post. A pretty smart astro fella.

Uranus has slowed right down, ready to change direction in 2 weeks time, beginning a run-in to an exact square to Pluto next June, the first of 7. When an outer planet slows down, its effect intensifies, and it draws to it the next phase of its influence. Uranus brings instability and crisis.

In the summer I wrote a number of pieces called The Crisis Season part 1, 2 etc. I expected the Crisis Season to end for a while, as Uranus and Pluto separated over the autumn, but it hasn’t, it has got more intense. You start running out of superlatives.

We are living in a kind of limbo, a bit like the ‘phoney war’ in Britain at the start of WWII, when not a lot happened for a while, but huge events threatened. None of the major powers were militarily engaging with Germany. And then she invaded France.

So I think we are all waiting for something to happen. And it will probably be disorderly default, brought about by political paralysis, of one or more major European countries.

Chiron in Pisces

2011-11-26T09:10:00.000-08:00

Back in April of 2010, Chiron moved into Pisces.

Here's what I wrote back then:

Chiron’s big move

And then there is Chiron. We have spent a lot of the last few years talking about Chiron in Aquarius. To me it was exceptionally difficult because I have Chiron in Aquarius in my natal chart. As we know Chiron is the self inflicted warrior. He steps in the shit and then has to clean it off himself.

While Chiron has been in Aquarius we’ve been working out much energy with our friends and associates and like minded groups. I have found this to be challenging in many ways. Just recently, I saw a friend who I have not seen in a year or so and on her car was a bumper sticker that read “Which are you drinking?” and there was an image of a tea bag and a pitcher of kool aid. Sigh. I found myself leaving my body as I muttered, “Must not say anything, must not say anything.”

Anyway, that energy is going to shift on April 19 when Chiron moves out of Aquarius and into Pisces. * We will move out of groups and more into humanity. I know at first blush we all think that groups and associations are humanity. They aren’t. They are a consolidation people gathering to hatch ideas and percolate as a group. We bond and tell the world ‘Count this group as important!”

But now with Chiron in Pisces the energy goes into group consciousness rather than groups. Ideas transcend individuals. The last time Chiron was in Pisces was between 1960 and 1969. Read those dates. Did the world change much? Can you say JFK? Can you say March on Selma? What about the arts? We went from “The Twist” to “Honky Tonk Woman” We went from “Please Don’t Eat The Daisies” to “The Graduate”. And what about the other stuff, Lee Harvey Oswald? Gulf of Tonkin? The Second Vatican? And of course, D*R*U*G*S .

Chiron will be in Pisces for eight to nine more years. How is our life going to change? I dunno but start preparing for a new energy.
(*note: Chiron later in the year will retrograde back into Aquarius for one more round of group causes but then in 2011 it is back in Pisces for the long haul.)

Anyway, we are now going to have Chiron in Pisces for the next 8-9 years.

I was inspired to find this article after watching the UCDavis video which is in the following post.

I feel inclined to put this up also because the Sag New Moon chart has a square between Sun/Moon with Chiron in Pisces. Besides humanitarian and spiritual issues, Pisces also rules oil, oceans, films, booze, drugs, art and Sag rules righteousness, students, religion, opinions, things that are foreign. There will be sparks.

Walk of Quiet Shame

2011-11-26T08:25:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I had limited time to get all my work done including the new moon article so I was a bit in a cave and didn't see much news. Apparently, I missed a compelling story and thanks to my fellow Sag friend Zannalyn for pointing it out to me.

On Saturday 11/19, hundreds of UC Davis students sat in silence in two rows from one of the campus buildings all the way to the car of Chancellor Katehi. The chancellor with the campus chaplain accompanying her had to walk to her car facing silent students. This quiet walk of shame was in response to the pepper spray incident a few day earlier by campus police who had been authorized to remove tents of student protestors.

The day this occured we were in the last quarter of Scorpio Lunar Phase. The moon was in Virgo in trine to Jupiter. The quiet, focus and determined actions speaks to these aspects.

Of course it is evocative of the 1960s on many levels which inspires me to go find an old post. See next one.

Another Week Ahead

2011-11-25T07:24:00.000-08:00

The thing about Thanksgiving Weekend is that every day feels like Saturday. Thursday is Saturday, Friday is Saturday, Saturday is Saturday and Sunday...well Sunday is a brick wall. Kind of all just hits then.
Anyway, I say all that to say it is time for another round of "this week's aspects" even though it just feels like I did it.

I've got my antenna on Venus this week. It moves into Cap on Sat which makes us a bit wary of spending money. I'll be curious to see how that impacts this weekend's Christmas shopping. Then it digs in with Uranus which is pretty tough. I got my mind on my money and my money on my mind. If it was a week day I would say the Euro would be in trouble. But on Monday Jupiter is positive with Venus which could help Europe. Note the italics. And then on Thursday a shitty aspect with Pluto. This whole week speaks of things we value. Money, love, creativity....it could be bumpy.

11/26: Venus in Capricorn http://cafeastrology.com/articles/venuscapricorncompatibility.html

11/26: Venus/Uranus . Tough aspect, love versus revolution. Or maybe love of revolution. Change is in the air.

11/27: Venus/Jupiter: Joy of big. Love of things large. Expansion. Optimistic about love and values.

12/1: Venus/Pluto: Any bumps come up will ask you to consider this: What is the natural evolution of your values?

12/2: Sun/Mars: Anger motivates action. Some bumps and scratches

Sag New Moon ---Mother Knows Best

2011-11-23T17:13:00.001-08:00

New Moon in Sagittarius
November 25 1:09am EST

Black Friday (something I actually never participate in) will also be Sag New Moon. There is a beautiful aspect with Uranus which will energize us in many ways. In particular, as we ponder our future. Great 28 days of pondering is fantastic. But at the same time we also have some tough aspects. Perhaps we need a few bumps to put us on track about real areas that deserve pondering. Read that twice.

Anyway, you will find the whole article on Margaret Wendt's website. But here is a little snippet.

Did you know the universe has a center? It is called the Galactic Center http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galactic_Center and it is a swirling black hole surrounded by bright stars. Astronomers know this is where our universe was born. It is the belly button of the Milky Way and it is located in Sagittarius. And like a mother and child can attest, just because the umbilical cord is cut does not mean that the connection is finished. Astrophysicists know that faint pulses are coming out from the Galactic Center continuously-- the mother is still talking to us.

Sagittarius rules truth, beliefs and is the part of our chart where we raise our arrows up high, zero in on a target, and shoot. Sag is where we want to be our most authentic. It is optimistic and can see every goal as attainable. It is always raising its bar. It is no surprise that the mother would be talking to us from this encouraging sign.

Sag rules travel and freedom, it does not like to be tied down, it needs to get out and sew a few oats. No surprise that a sign that rules truth, travel and beliefs would also rule universities and publishing. Getting the word out, expanding our minds----wherever we have Sag in our chart is where we are stretching. The mother tells us, “You can do it.”

When misbehaving, Sag is too opinionated, bombastic, puts so much emphasis on truth that people get hurt. It can be an adventurer who disconnects from roots so greatly that those back at home are lonely and often feel judged. And Sag’s beliefs can blur into righteous zealotry. By the way, blind optimism without hard work is nothing to be optimistic about. Asking wanderlust Sag to do follow up can be challenging. Think of senior students at universities, all full of themselves, lots of opinions and enthusiasm but will they follow through with those goals? Will they get the job done? Maybe, maybe not. The mother furrows her brow.

So, what does this New Moon in Sag mean? The Moon/Sun are making a beautiful trine with Uranus in Aries. Aries full of fire and energized by new horizons has a fine companion with Sag who says, “Yeah, let me put my goals on those new horizons right now!” Uranus is the planet of changes. During the

go to link for whole article.

And by the way... Happy Thanksgiving!

Mercury Turns Retro This Week

2011-11-21T06:24:00.001-08:00

Mercury turns retrograde on Thursday 11/24 at 2:19am EST (21 Sag).

When I wrote up this week aspects, I almost forgot Mercury Retrograde. How retrograde of me!

We average three Mercury Retrogrades a year. However, there is an occasional year when we get a fourth retrograde, which is the case for 2011.

The retrograde goes from November 24 to December 13. First, let's focus on the good news. For those of us living in America, the retrograde begins early in the morning (or late on 11/23) on the 24th which is Thanksgiving. I say this is good news because as often is the case with mercury retrograde, travel plans are usually impacted. Lost ticket, lost confirmation number, weather stalls out planes on tarmacs, lost luggage, can't find a cab at the terminal--blah, blah, blah. You get the picture.

The good news is that the retro is happening on Thanksgiving and often most people are at their holiday destination by Thursday. Of course, traveling plans for the return trip home need to be thought out carefully. Allow a whole bunch of extra time on that trip to the airport, train station or drive home. Make sure there is plenty of gas. Does the GPS navigator work on the car? Can you get it checked now so it will be good to go by the time Mercury is retrograde. Same with tires and windshield wipers, make sure the car is in good shape. And don't forget to pack those snacks.

I'm putting a lot of emphasis on the traveling component to this Mercury retrograde because it is taking place in the sign of Sagittarius. Sag rules travel. And Sag is always enthused to get out there in the world and meet others, he is swift and bold in a lot of his actions but he can stumble on details. He's a big picture sign not a minutia expert. Details will undoubtedly fall through the cracks during the retrograde. Keep your antenna up for those dropped details.

Mr. Big thinker Sag also rules beliefs, philosophy and religious/spiritual pursuits. For the next three weeks, many of us will be really digging in and considering what we believe. Is is really true? Is it true just to us? Can we paint everyone with one big brushstroke? Sag at his best is highly authentic. No pretense just acts and says things that are rooted in thoughtful common sense. When Sag is bad, it is judgemental, and opinionated and holds on to those beliefs so strongly that many get hurt.

Many a Sag parent has said something very disparaging on a political party only later realizing that their adult children are now in that party. Child gets so sick of those big opinions they pull back from Sag parent. Sag doesn't understand, it is just 'conversation' who cares? Well, words can hurt. Watch and see what comes up on this Mercury retrograde that is evocative of that scenario. Will someone say a strong comment and others recoil?

Now having said all that it should also be noted that perhaps many of us have been living our life on the sidelines. Not venturing an opinion for fear it might ruffle feathers, scared to speak even though we have felt a truth for a very long time but have remained mute. These next three weeks can support many to venture from comfort zones and say a truth. Perhaps you have witnessed a "wrong" for a long time and now you realize you cannot remain quiet any longer. Did it occur to you others have been waiting for you to say something? Never has "To be or not to be" been more true.

Note, Sag rules publishing and newspapers and one should take note that rumor and gossip could be at high levels for these three weeks. Watch the rhetoric both personally and globally.

The shadow points of this Mercury Retrograde are:

November 2 Shadow point -Beginning
November 24 Mercury Retrograde
December 23 Mercury turns direct
January 1 Shadow point -End

As we know issues that surfaced after the first shadow point may be revisited during the whole period. Does this mean we put our life on hold and hide under the covers for 2 months? NO!!!! We live our life fully and engaged and if we hit some bump we dust ourselves off and learn from it. For more info on shadow points and how they impact the retrograde go HERE.

Now, here is one thing that you must remember above all with Mercury in Sag---Keep your humor! Mercury in Sag loves to laugh, loves to make fun of self, loves to see the funny in the most darkest times. Find your funny bone and scratch it.

What going on this week?

2011-11-19T09:29:00.001-08:00

The final week of the Scorpio lunar phase has some very lovely aspects and a couple of snarky moments.

On Sunday the Sun Squares Neptune, it does this twice a year but given we are all kind of exhausted from the work of this Scorpio phase, the aspect may bring out sadness, fatigued and fuzzy thinking. It also puts emphasis on resources versus groups. "Me versus them", energy personally and globally.

I don't usually talk about the moon aspects, but the Moon square Pluto in the morning of 11/21 may put tension through out the day and perhaps another wave of just kind of gross news. If you feel the tension, keep your rudder in your boat, stay focused on what is important and you will ride through it just fine.

11/22: Sun in Sagittarius: Call them up, wish them happy birthday and email them a gift card to Amazon. That’s all they need this year.

11/22: Venus/Saturn: building upon good. New structures, businesses or practical applications that support our values.

11/23: Sun/Uranus: Creative, dynamic, accent on new paths, new endeavors, new ways to get out there in the world. Philosophy and risks work hand in hand.

11/23: Mars/Pluto: Real work accomplishes real goals. Specific actions can go far in overhauling the executive areas, both personally & globally.

11/24 Mercury retrogrades 20Sag07 2:19am (see next post)

11/24: Yes, Mercury turns retro super early in the morning, then Thanksgiving will start off weird but by the evening it will be a good enough day with Moon in Jovial Sag, "Mom, Aunt Julie is really hitting the cabernet." And it ends with a nice ol' aspect with Venus and Neptune. All is forgiven. "I'll drive Julie home."

New Moon is on Friday which we will be posted later.

Heads up with Venus square Uranus on Saturday. More to come later.

Uranus in December

2011-11-17T18:31:00.000-08:00

I will probably be getting the Sag New Moon up sometime in the next few days and I certainly will discuss Uranus turning direct in that report. It has been on my mind of late, one because it is turning direct on my birthday and two, it is just a big effin' deal.

Once Uranus turns direct it is going for the big bitch out with Pluto. We know we are going to get 7 of these bitch sessions between now and 2016, with the first one in June. However, the window for action is really anytime between now and then.

In the meantime, Michael Lutin has put up his own take which of course is smart and clever and always funny. Here's a snippet. Go to the blog for the whole thing.

HANG ON TO YOUR HATS!

Uranus Goes Forward In Early December: The Conflict Escalates!

Hang on to your hats, wigs and eyelashes, you’re going to be having some truly hot flashes. This place is about to blow!

You want to talk turbulence? Somewhere around the ninth of December, the planet Uranus moves forward at the very beginning degree of the sign of Aries. This all started back in spring of 2010, but now comes the big moment. It can be fun, provided you’re not standing too close to the fan.

In astrology Uranus in Aries symbolizes the desperate (and often angry and violent) struggle of the Individual to assert his or her own personal rights, and to demand an accounting on the part of a System under which that person lives. It is the bursting bomb of energy that is released when people believe they are being ignored, mistreated, battered and otherwise stepped on.

This is not just Aries. On some level everybody feels it. People become filled with a zeal to overthrow what they consider to be a corrupt regime They are fed up , so Buddy, watch out. They will spit right in the boss’s eye, walk out on jobs and responsibilities and marriages or any other commitment they see as threatening their honor, integrity or sense of personal liberty.

That would all be lovely and fine. We would all just have to duck when we throw dishes at each other until we all calm down and the storm is over. This time, however, it won’t be.
This planetary event is heralding the escalation of worldwide unrest, mainly due to the formation of a seriously tense configuration with Pluto in the sign of Capricorn.

The result in early December: More open confrontations: The more intense the protests, the harsher the crackdowns, even to a point where not even the police but the military must be brought in to restore order..
Why should this be?

Lynn Hayes--Sandusky

2011-11-17T18:21:00.000-08:00

I was so happy to see Lynn Hayes ring in on the Sandusky/Penn State business.

Go check out her blog for the whole article but here is a snippet.

On November 4, 2011 a grand jury indicted Jerry Sandusky, former assistant football coach at Penn State University, on 40 counts of sexual abuse against young boys. Evidently these assaults or advances had been going on since 1994 despite the knowledge of other officials with the football team.

What is even more shocking is that Sandusky apparently used a charity that he founded (The Second Mile) to find the young boys (aged 11-14) for his misadventures which he is now calling “horseplay.” Sandusky is married and he and his wife adopted six children and fostered many others before founding the charity. I am not a qualified psychologist, but the fact that Sandusky was able to continue this double life for nearly 20 years without detection would seem to suggest some sort of psychological pathology. Let’s see what his chart says:

Jerry Sandusky (born January 26, 1944, time unknown, Washington Pennsylvania) is a double Aquarius: both the Sun and Moon are in that sign of rational thinking and reason. We don’t know his birth time so we can’t tell his ascendant which would tell us more about his personality, but the Sun in Sandusky’s chart is opposed by Pluto (obsession, compulsion and experiences that transform us). In their highest form the stress and challenges of Pluto/Sun aspects empower us and strengthen our will. In individuals who are less self-reflective, this aspect can suggest an individual with deep-seated power issues and compulsions.

Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/astrologicalmusings/#ixzz1e1HNPguk

Week Ahead

2011-11-13T21:39:00.001-08:00

Disseminating Moon Phase
November 14, 4:06pm EST

Focus on: How are you sharing your emotions to teach others? How does family guide your knowledge? Who feels like family to you and how do they act as philosopher to you? How are you a philosopher in your family or family of choice? Do you need help from someone who has distance from your family?

Special Focus:
11/16:Mars/Jupiter: Big movements, big actions, not a subtle day. Forging bridges to others who are “different” than us.

Last Quarter Moon Phase
November 18, 10:09am

Focus on: What actions can you take that are based on self esteem? How are you able to distinguish between actions based on ego and actions based on Self Esteem? What seeds did you plant on new moon that need your energy from your heart?

Special Focus
11/20: Sun/Neptune: Resources versus Groups. Me versus them energy personally and globally

How is that Halloween Candy?

2011-11-13T21:11:00.000-08:00

Are you like me, do you have a sweet tooth? Is the last thing you want around your house is that big bag of candy that your kid pulled together trick or treating?
You don't want it. You don't want him/her to have it. It just needs a new home.

Let me tell you who does want it and will enjoy every piece. Soldiers over seas.

If you are not familiar with Operation Shoebox. Take a look HERE.

My son's school is gathering all the candy and mailing it to Operation Shoebox. You may want to do the same.

My moon in cancer needs that candy out of this house and on its way to a soldier in Iraq!

Operation Shoebox
8360 E Highway 25
Belleview, FL 34420

11:11:11

2011-11-11T21:43:00.000-08:00

What a funny little day, wasn't it?

I ended up with a nice brief meditation today. Lit a candle and then went out and had my day. Nice long visit with a friend who spent the morning in yoga workshop. My friend told me that the yogis said to be prepared, to stay grounded because now the crazies, the enlightened and the dead will be more pronounced than ever. Not dead as in dead men walking around. But 'dead' as the people not engaged in life.

I can definitely see how this is in effect.

I will say I felt light travel through my body today. Outside of that, it was a simply nice day with friends.

I hope it was all good in your hood.

In honor of a Full Moon

2011-11-10T21:40:00.000-08:00

We know the full moon pulls on tides and even though the Moon is in Taurus which is an earth sign. The Sun is still in watery Scorpio and with that in mind I offer you this video of a surfer and a 90 foot wave.

Can you surf the power waves of emotions this cycle? Pretend you are Hawaiian and keep your poise. You can do it.

Of Money, Sex, Power, Corruption

2011-11-10T06:36:00.000-08:00

The news of the last three days is almost too much to report. But man, it is all what we discussed back on the Scorpio New Moon. Money, Sex, power, abuse, releasing, sure, we all get Scorpio but wow, I dunno, even I am gobsmacked.

The story out of Penn State this week is pretty gross. An assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky has been arrested for allegedly sexual molesting young boys for at least ten years. The assistant coach was a powerhouse at his job which supported the head coach Joe Paterno into a very successful football team. When it was determined that the coach had heard of an incident with a minor and did not tell police instead went to the school leaders to deal with the situation, Peterno's moral compass was put on in the cross hairs. Last night, his 61 year career ended with a phone call. Resulting in a mini riot of angry college students.

Yesterday, Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi who has plenty of his own sexual scandals has announced he will resign. People have called for him to resign before but because he is not only the Prime Minister but also THE media mogul for Italy, his opponents have not had much of a playing field to get their message out given he controls the messages. But the message of a cratering Italy economy could not be staved and the fact that the country is about one minute from going bankrupt has pushed him out.

Yesterday, our own stock market tumbled 500 points.

In the meantime, on Sunday the Greek Prime Minister Popandreau announced he would step down and yesterday the ruling parties named an economist to oversee their government until someone new can be elected.

Then there was director Brett Ratner who clearly has a "take no hostages" approach when talking with the public could not control himself and used a gay slur in describing people who rehearse. Besides the obvious that many gifted actors feel rehearsal benefit their craft,(perhaps Ratner should have a little sit down with Mr. DeNiro) Ratner got push back from the Academy Awards and bingo he resigned as Producer for 2012's Oscars. I didn't even know he was slated to produce them which says more about me than him (and I live not too far from the academy). I do think is is interesting that Gil Cates who produced the Oscars for years and years died suddenly two weeks ago (he was not producing this year) and two days ago legendary Oscar writer, Hal Kanter died.

We know that Scorpio is about sex, power, money and their corruption. So, we can't be shocked. But still it is a lot to follow in 72 hours.

Alsp all of this is going on as we bear down on today's full moon and can any of us really be surprised? Over the weekend before any of this happened I wrote:

Of course, the Sun in Scorpio continues to push us to jettison stuff that is no longer working and we should expect that the full moon will illuminate more things that need to be dumped. There is a snarky aspect between the Sun and Pluto which will bring out egos but the knife is sharp in Scorpio and Pluto is cold so we will be making cuts. Both personally and globally. Expect some hubris in the news and cold business practices to get everyone’s attention.

Virgo Magic:

2011-11-09T06:32:00.000-08:00

I already posted my own post on Full Moon which you can read a few posts below. But also take a look at this take on Full Moon from Virgo Magic.

Go to link for full article.

If your feelings have been on a rollercoaster ride from the highest highs to the lowest lows and everywhere in-between, then you are attuned to the cosmic story of now. We’re approaching a particularly potent Full Moon, exact on Thursday (12:16pm PST), when the rising tide of emotions will peak.

The Full Moon in Taurus amplifies our feelings about security, survival, resources, money, values and needs. As the Moon opposes the Scorpio Sun, the Taurus-Scorpio polarity is also animated — self-reliance vs. merging; holding on vs. letting go; attachment to what’s familiar and comfortable vs. opening to increased passion and vitality.

Coinciding with this Full Moon are the stations of Neptune and Chiron, as they both turn from Retrograde to forward motion. Neptune, god/goddess of the ocean, rules consciousness, Source, the infinite, the All That Is. Chiron the Wounded Healer triggers our deepest pain, and in Pisces the Fish — the sign associated with Neptune — we encounter the pain of separation from Source, a kind of existential crisis.

Lynn Hayes: Chiron & Neptune

2011-11-09T06:22:00.000-08:00

Have you been over to Lynn Hayes' sight lately?

She has a really nice little write up worth you checking out. Here's a snippet, go this link for the whole piece.

Neptune and Chiron both change direction in a few days after traveling retrograde since earlier this year, which means their (apparent) motion has slowed to a virtual standstill as they prepare to move forward again. These two have been tied together since early in 2009, and although the exact conjunction was complete in 2010, since then the two have been within three degrees of each other. When the Soul Healer (Chiron) and the Soul Teacher (Neptune) get together, you know there is some serious internal work to be done and we are likely to find that to be true over the next week or so when both planets change their apparent direction (planets don’t really move backwards, but because we observe the movement of the planets from earth they sometimes appear to change direction).Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/astrologicalmusings/#ixzz1dDaDMS8O

Of AnitaHill, Virginia Thomas, Clarence & Herman

2011-11-06T09:04:00.000-08:00

This whole sexual harrassment business with Herman Cain has brought out his defenders. Even Cain has indicated it reminds him of the Clarence Thomas/Anita Hill hearings from 20 years ago. What I think is curious is that a year ago, we revisited those volatile days when Judge Thomas went through the rigors of supreme court nomination process. On October 9, 2010, Virginia Thomas called Anita Hill's office at Brandeis University and asked her for an apology.

And now here we are 13 months later and we are revisiting the topic again.

I indicated in the Scorpio New Moon article that the asteroid Juno was conjuncting the Sun/Moon and influencing this cycle. Juno is the lead female asteroid in astrology, the wife of Jove she took a lot of stuff but she is also very protective and has a legendary temper.

During the original hearings in '91 Juno was conjunct Uranus and Neptune in Capricorn. And if you watched those hearings it was all Capricorn. There was also a shocking element that these conversations were even going on for a Supreme Court Justice. Uranus in Capricorn was breaking down perceptions of government. And of course the smoke and mirrors planet Neptune was in the mix, which we learned 10 years later when David Brock in his book, Blinded by the Right spoke of how he deliberately lied to discredit Anita Hill 1990's.

Last year when Virginia Thomas wanted her apology, Juno was in Leo. Her, "Isn't it time" tone spoke of Leo pride.

And now, with Juno in Scorpio we see Mr. Cain trying to dismiss this whole thing like a cop moving people away from a car wreck. "Nothing to see here. Keep it moving." Perhaps that will work. I will be curious to see if Cain's wife who is normally relunctant to participate in his political goings on will show up now.

All very curious.

Taurus Full Moon: November 10

2011-11-06T07:38:00.001-08:00

November 10, 3:16pm est

The Full Moon in Taurus puts us all on notice, to get our ‘practical on’. We will be looking for the practical application to any situation. Certainly problems need to be handled from a real nuts and bolts position. But perhaps there are things in our life that we have not characterized as an issue but on this full moon it just does not feel right. It is not necessarily wrong but we will look at it with big, old, ‘grounded’ sensibility. “Hmm, is this worth my time?,” “Is this worth my money?” or “What does this actually cost me?” What are we getting out of situations? Or if we have got a little something going on that is starting to grow, how can we focus on it and help it further? This is one of THE full moons to get your money together. Where do you spend money? Where do you not spend money? And more to the point, “Why or why not?” Is this the best choice? Or who do you spend your time with? Do you share the same values? If that is working for you –great. If not, what changes can you make? Also where do you need stick-to-it-ness? Taurus will ground you.

Of course, the Sun in Scorpio continues to push us to jettison stuff that is no longer working and we should expect that the full moon will illuminate more things that need to be dumped. There is a snarky aspect between the Sun and Pluto which will bring out egos but the knife is sharp in Scorpio and Pluto is cold so we will be making cuts. Both personally and globally. Expect some hubris in the news and cold business practices to get everyone’s attention.
Interestingly there is a mystical cloud around the full moon because a few hours before the full moon, Neptune turns direct. Neptune spends half the year in retrograde and when it turns direct a tiny piece of the veil lifts. In this case, at late degree Aquarius we are once again figuring out who is our group. What tribe do we belong? Are we truly valuing the people that surround us? What is our future together? Does it have legs? Are we looking for something more that speaks to our long term goals and future even if we don’t know them exactly? Remember Neptune knows things without knowing why it knows things. You may do things that you don’t know why you do them, but if it feels practical and right and you should trust those feelings. It could serve you much later.
Be gentle with yourself.

Neptune Turns Direct

2011-11-06T06:50:00.001-08:00

Neptune will be turning direct this cycle on November 9 at 29 degrees of Aquarius. For the last five months our insights and sensitive nature have been on high alert. Like a radar beacon, we have been feeling beeps and pulses from our higher source. Guiding us, leading us, perhaps scolding us. We have been feeling something.

Once it crossed back into Aquarius (summer) for the final time we have been doubling down with our groups, social circles, internet, computers and like minded individuals. No surprise to any astrologer that the tea party emerged during Neptune in Aquarius and no surprise now on the final months of Neptune in Aquarius, Occupy Wall Street has arrived.

But, what will happen to both groups after Neptune moves out of Aquarius the sign of social causes and moves into Pisces in Feb 2012 and will stay there until 2026. That is a long time of Pisces and here's the kicker, Neptune rules Pisces so he is very comfortable in his home sign. Pisces is the sign of humanitarian causes. One could say that social causes are humanitarian causes but you have to look closely. Aquarius is very intellectual and the theory of causes can motivate. But once Neptune moves into Pisces our psyches will shift and we'll really need to put the human back in humanitarian. Faces will be put to stories and we'll want to help the face, not the cause.

Pisces is also the sign of music, art, spiritual, mystical and delusional. The last time Neptune was here was in the late 1840’s, spiritual movements began to shape up. The Mormon church which was started earlier began to spread during Neptune's time in Pisces and it was then Brigham Young was made Governor of Utah Terroitory. Students in art institutions in Paris were finding their way, by the time Neptune would move into Aries those art students would turn into Monet, Renoir, Gaugin and the other greats of the Impressionist movement. What seeds will be planted during this passage of Neptune? What art group will begin to shape togehter? Will the delusional take leadership roles? Will we let them? Will reasonable people begin wearing tin foil hats? Or will our psychic abilities go up the nth degree? Will Gold be discovered again like it was in 1848? Who knows, but between now and February 2 we will work out the final actions of Neptune in Aquarius. It is interesting that Steve Jobs would die in these final degrees of Neptune in Aquarius. Is there anything more Aquarius than Apple?

Week Ahead

2011-11-06T06:40:00.001-08:00

11/6: Moon moves into Aries and gets into it with Uranus then Pluto. If your mood starts to go hunting for a fight instead, try to focus on new breakthroughs and new horizons.

11/7: Mars/Neptune: Actions come from a deep place. Perhaps spiritual perhaps some unprocessed part of the unconscious.

11/9: Neptune turns direct (see other post)

11/10: Full Moon (see other post)

11/10: Mars in Virgo : http://astrology.about.com/od/mars/p/MarsVirgo.htm

Warren Zevon & Pluto & Uranus

2011-11-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

I have spoken a lot about Pluto in Capricorn and the upcoming Uranus in Aries/Pluto square we are beginning to process. As my mind goes to the energy I know we will have a lot of breakthroughs that will later serve but before we get to the good we are going to have a tumultuous time. And I have to say I can't help but think of Warren Zevon. In particular one of his songs. Zevon was an Aquarius and as a tribe they are smart as whip. But I don't think he would have guessed how prescient his song would be for our current time. I just wish he were still alive because if he was, the evening news could end each night with a livee performance by him of "Lawyers, Guns and Money."

In his earthy absence, I offer you this for your enjoyment.

MF Global

2011-11-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

Let's assume you are super busy and barely have time for anything that is not on your to do list. And in that climate you certainly don't have time to follow lead stories about financial institutions. Sure, totally get it. I feel the same.

Well, with that in mind, let me just give you a couple highlights from Reuters about MF Global and what happened to them this week:

Jon Corzine resignation follows Monday bankruptcy filing

* Corzine hires prominent white-collar defense lawyer

* Conflicting reports about missing customer funds

* JPMorgan says doesn't know if it holds missing money

Any of that look good for the people with investments in this fund?
Nope. And no one can seem to find 600 million which appears to be misplaced.

As indicated this Scorpio Lunar cycle would have a lot of emphasis on money and in particular co-mingled funds. I gotta say, Jupiter's opposition on the cycle does bring out truth, big truth, maybe they'll find the funds but still it all a mess.

And just for your score cards, Jon Corzine the former governor of NJ and the head of MF Global is a Capricorn with Moon in Aries. Pluto is beginning the slow build towards his sun which means he'll be in the weeds for awhile.

Hermain Cain

2011-11-05T07:15:00.001-07:00

Herman Cain. Seriously, what is there to say? Except---- Sagittarius.

We don't know his time of birth, but he most likely has Moon in Aries. Really? Yah, think? And his Mercury is in Sag, which explains his casual, relax speaking that draws large crowds even when some of the stuff does not exactly make sense. To his fans it all makes sense, as in:

I’m ready for the 'gotcha' questions and they’re already starting to come. And when they ask me who is the president of Ubeki-beki-beki-beki-stan-stan I’m going to say, you know, I don't know. Do you know? And then I’m going to say how’s that going to create one job?"

Oh, lord, where to begin? Don't bother, it's Sag, baby! And then there is the issue of late, the women and the inappropriate things that were apparently said which speaks to his Venus in Sag. Venus in that position likes to get out there and mingle (that is a word for it) and maybe they were said in jest. But given the lawsuits, those are some pretty expensive jokes.

But here is the part that I find most interesting about the whole last ten days since the stories have come out about the sexual harassment. Cain's numbers have not fallen, they have gone up and he raised more money this week, about half million dollars on Monday alone, than he raised in any other time during the campaign.

Bottom line is that Sag confidence, Aries independence and Sag mouthiness is very appealing to Independents and probably Libertarians. Those groups also respond well to Aquarius energy. And then maybe there are some Geminis who just like to keep the circus going who are paypaling camp Cain.

Where will this all go? I dunno. But he certainly has a lot of Sag luck on his side. Will it be enough?

Ray Grasse & Scorpio

2011-11-05T06:28:00.000-07:00

I have had a subscription to Mountain Astrologer for years and one of their frequent contributors is the gifted astrologer Ray Grasse. I was reading an article by him about the Uranus/Pluto square (2012-2016) which then led me to his website. He has a bunch of articles worth checking out on his site.

I saw one article in particular that I wanted to share with you since it is so perfect right now. The Challenge of Scorpio: Anger, Power, Transformation. It was originally published in 1999 by Mountain Astrologer and the link goes to their website.

I have a snippet of the article but please go to the link for the full piece. Remember if you have any planets in Scorpio you will see yourself in Ray's article. And if you don't have any planets, then read this article with the house that contains Scorpio in mind. It is a very thorough piece and I think you will find it very illuminating.

*note to self: set up appointment with Ray to do chart before birthday. At $150--great deal!

At its most constructive, Scorpio possesses the discipline and investigative single-mindedness to explore the inner planes and manipulate the inner forces that it understands so well. Esoterically, Scorpio is the zodiacal principle associated with the magical will (especially when Leo accompanies Scorpio in the horoscope). It is the energy of mystics, occultism, and magic. Those with strong Scorpios have an incredible will and can move mountains when they put their mind - or, more precisely, emotions - to the task. In some older astrology texts one finds the seemingly odd notion that among the various symbols associated with Scorpio in ancient times was the camel. This was because of its ability to travel across the deserts (the desert of life) for long stretches of time sustained solely by the water contained within it - a pithy illustration of the principle of "fixed water" and the great tenacity and drive that accompany Scorpio's ability to contain emotional energy.

Scorpio's capacity for penetrating beneath surface appearances is what gives it the detective-like ability to investigate any mystery, unlock any truth. Leaving no stone unturned, Scorpionic probing can pierce to the heart of any matter and unveil that which has been concealed - whether this be a metaphysical enigma, a buried archaeological treasure, or a politician's dirty laundry!

At its most destructive, however, this same compressed Martian energy can turn back on itself in a destructive way. Thus we have the symbol of the scorpion stinging itself with its own tail, making it the only zodiacal animal that can actually kill itself. Here, the Martian force festers, becomes infected, and picks at its own wounds so compulsively that they never heal.(1) Nor is it simply anger that becomes problematic with the Scorpionic process; any emotion or thought, when compressed or repressed, assumes added power at a subterranean level that can sooner or later erupt into consciousness. Those of us who have played the game of trying not to think of something - be it a white elephant, a monkey, or any other nonsensical item - know only too well the power of repression and compression. The mere fact of holding in too much - whether it be childhood-based traumas, sexual energy, or any carefully concealed fact about one's life- can take a serious toll on one's mental or physical well-being. As one popular saying expresses it: "You are only as healthy as the secrets you keep."

Next Week's Visitor

2011-11-04T19:06:00.001-07:00

Guess who is coming home for dinner next week?

Asteroid 2005 YURR.

He actually will be closer to us than the moon. No kidding.

Your Astro DNA

2011-11-04T06:49:00.000-07:00

I found this article on Elizabeth Spring's site that I thought would be excellent food for thought during this Scorpio Lunar Cycle. How does your family's chart all tie together? Have you thought about it? My own family has a proponderence of Aries and Cancer. My son has a north node in the same house as my own. My husband's mother has a strongly placed pluto as does my son. My mother, grandmother and I all have a similiar Uranus placement. What is this karma or dharma that we are all working through for over one hundred years?

Even if we believe that our soul “picks” our family and our karmic inheritance so that we can inherit both the gifts and the challenges needed for our highest soul growth, it’s still hard to understand. Essentially the soul’s choice of when and where to incarnate is a mystery. Yet astrologers believe that the synchronistic moment of birth is the key element in the life story, because it gives us a genetic, or karmic blueprint of the soul; a map of the psyche. By looking at our family members charts, we can decipher emotional patterns that have been playing out for generations. All that we’ve learned so far about the Nodes and the planet Pluto, figures strongly in this tale.

Elizabeth's article is a very thoughtful, she ties in interesting astro elements. Give yourself a treat and give it a full read.

14 Degrees of Sag and the Great Attractor

2011-11-01T19:22:00.000-07:00

Over at David Crook's site, Stellar Insights Astrology, David has a nice write up about the North Node starting to line up with 14 Sag. it is all tantalizing for this Sag. Although, my Sun at 18 Sag may be too far out of the range.

Here's a little tidbit but please go to the link to read his whole piece.

As the Moon's North or Ascending Node pertains to manifest destiny both personally and collectively, while the Great Attractor is a higher source of energy and information- we would think this contact is meaningful to the spirit of our times (Zeitgeist).

My understanding is that the Great Attractor is located around 14 Sagittarius, and the transiting Node does not reach that degree until late Dec. 2011. So this powerful alignment may actually be in effect through the end of the year.

The Sabian symbol for 14 Sagittarius, "A vast panorama of sand and time is unfolding; the pyramids and sphinx in their glory rise before the eye." (Lynda Hill)

US Election 2012

2011-10-30T06:22:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Mary Plumb over at Mountain Astrologer who pointed out Adrian Duncan's article on his website World Astrology He has taken a look at Obama's chart and the chart of the US and November 4, 2012. It is an interesting read and I encourage you to go to the link and look at it, basically he feels it lines up for Obama to be re-elected. But what I found most compelling was how he wrapped up the article.

But whoever becomes president of the United Stateson Americafrom January 20th 2013 to January 19th 2017 is not to be envied, and here’s why. The progressed Sun of theUSA moves in square to its Uranus progressed at the end of 2011, and will make the exact square to radix Uranus at the time of the November 2012 election. There is going to be profound discontent amongst the people at the time of the election. This politically polarized country will become more and more difficult to rule as President, and civil disobedience will be on the rise. What makes this really serious is that transit Uranus will also square theUS Sun from April 2014 to February 2015, simultaneously opposing the US Saturn in Libra – Congress. Pluto is of course involved too, and will oppose theUS sun from March 2014 to October 2015. This is quite catastrophic for the President and Congress, and theUSA will become ungovernable at this time.

The Week Ahead

2011-10-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

10/29: 9:49pm EDT Crescent Moon
10/31: Venus/Neptune. Perceptions are off. Perhaps way off. In particular love, money, sex, friends and groups.
11/1: Mercury/Neptune: Thinking and communication very fuzzy. High miscommunication day.

11/2: 12:38pm EDT First Quarter Moon

11/2: Venus in Sagittarius
http://astrology.about.com/od/venus/p/VenusSadge.htm

11/2: Mercury in Sagittarius
http://astrology.about.com/od/mercury/p/MercurySadge.htm

11/3:Venus/Uranus; Brilliant, inspired, highly dynamic energy. Breakthroughs that support values, including love, money and philosophical issues both personally and globally.

11/3: Mercury/Uranus: Thoughts are out of the park amazing. Communication can cut through and create new paths and direction.

Pets and astrology

2011-10-29T06:27:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I had an opportunity to talk with an old friend about someone we both appreciated--"Dutch". Dutch was my friend's dog. A beautiful, noble mixed up mutt who had Shepard in him but not so much to be full German--thus the name Dutch. The reason for our call was Dutch died this month. My friend and I had lost contact for several years but I would hear through our mutual friend snippets of Dutch's life.

About 13 years ago, Dutch was found roaming the streets in the MidCity section of Los Angeles by my two friends. He was probably under two when they got him but he was in bad shape. They quickly addressed his issues of worms, underfed body and matted fur. But, for a dog who had not been tended to properly he had an exceptional personality. Warm, friendly, not too much of a barker and always generous. Other dogs could be the star and he happily took a back seat. I loved Dutch and I remember thinking, 'Hmmm, I wonder what sign he is ?" About a year later my friend moved to NYC and I heard that Dutch was loving it. When we spoke yesterday I asked about Dutch's first time in snow and my friend said it was in the Hudson Valley. My friend went on to talk about Dutch's other NY adventures and then their move to Cambridge where Dutch attended classes with my friend at Harvard. At this point I was starting to smell a Sagittarius in Dutch. Adventures, trips, new 'foreign' experiences...this all speaks to Sagittarius. Dutch stayed on the east coast for several years then eventually he ended up in Central California with my friend's parents, for a life of leisure. Dog walks don't just help the dog, they also serve the human walking--perfect for retirees. Hmm, maybe Dutch was a Capricorn with a Moon in Sag? Or maybe the opposite?

The karma and dharma of pets is extraordinary. My friend told me yesterday that Dutch's previous owner saw my friend walking Dutch and after a few snarky words, my friend let him know under no uncertain terms, he would not be returning him to such a negligent household. At some point the man shared that he had found the dog himself roaming the streets of Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley, not far from junk yards. Dutch's original life was probably to be that of a neglected junk yard dog. From those beginnings to Harvard? A strong purpose can pulse in an animal right from the start. He knew there was more in him than that life and he was going to get to that life now matter what. I'm back to Sag. Sag's always have their arrow aimed high, and that sounds like Dutch to me.

My cat is a Gemini and she is ALL Gemini. She is a delightful talker and she has got us all wired. She knows exactly when to get the good strokes from my husband, right when he comes home from work, my son, right when he goes to bed and from me, when I am watching TV. She is social and loves to see what everyone is up to and doesn't miss a thing. Gemini is all over her. My three previous cats were Pisces, Taurus and another Pisces. My two Pisces were very gentle, fun and dreamy. My Taurus was as territorial as they come and unbelievably loyal. I still feel badly that I didn't hold him when they put him down and am still mad that I listened to the doctor who said, "let us do it." I will never forget his face when we said goodbye. I feel I betrayed my poor Taurus by not being with him for the last five minutes. The only thing that gives me any comfort is the thought that maybe he reincarnated into my Gemini cat.

Years ago, I was working on a TV show that had circus acts. I was at the sound stages for rehearsals and the dog act was in the yard. Bark, bark, bark. Those dogs were crazy excited all the time but then they were part of a delightful clown act. They loved to hop through hoops and jump in his arms. It was very sweet and mind you I was a card carrying member of PETA so I had my antenna up for anything that didn't look right. But they were taken very well care of and loved the young clown. One day I was sitting there with the guy and who should have roamed into the lot from the neighborhood? A dog. He heard the barking and wanted to see what all the action was about. The clown gave him some food and by the way, the clown was not in makeup. He only did that for shows. But he was fed and watered and by the end of the week, the new dog was jumping on the trampoline with the clown. By the end of the show the following week, the clown told me he was keeping him and putting him in the act. We both could see some wire haired terrier in him perfect for play. I said to myself, "I see Leo."

If you have not considered your pet's sign there are plenty of sites that talk about pets and charts. Here's A SITE for a fun cheat sheet.

And if you google you'll find that you can have your pets chart drafted for more information.

Money, technology, future trend......

2011-10-27T07:17:00.000-07:00

Well, the finance ministers, bankers etc in Europe delivered some sort of bail out thus saving the Euro and according to many economists the world's currencies . And naturally the USA rallied as one would expect to a 300 plus day on wall street. This speaks to the Jupiter in Taurus opposition to yesterday's new moon in Scorpio. Of course, the bigger question is how long will it stick? I don't know. But as I indicated in my new moon article this all may be subject to change (big change) when Saturn moves into Scorpio (Fall 2012).

Yesterday, I was driving around doing errands during the last hour of the Libra cycle and I was listening to a radio program that I like, called "To The Point". The subject matter was----

From farms to factories, and now to the service economy, human workers are losing their jobs to machines. The "creative destruction" that used to increase employment is working the other way around, and productivity is on the rise. As computers become more sophisticated, how can humans learn to compete

At first I thought,"Huh, this topic is as old as the hills. What's new on it?" But as I listened to it I was stunned by a lot of angles and data and information that I had not even considered. Do you know that if add up google, facebook and twitter employees you might get a hundred thousand? And those industries generate hundreds and hundreds of millions if dollars. Where are the jobs going to come from? And who is going to design new technology? American youth are not being educated in science and technology in the manner or degree to match our needs. Lots to ponder. It is a very interesting show and it is not depressing just something to consider. One interviewee (made up word?) said it
May be a case of machines doing all the work and we humans are on a permanent vacation. Huh? How does that
Work in our society, exactly? I mean that sound like inhabitants from a planet on an episode of Star Trek.

Scorpio New Moon October 26

2011-10-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

Scorpio new moon arrives October 26, 3:55pm EDT and you will find my whole article HERE

I hope you are all prepared to bring out the drano! It is going to be a big flush out cycle. We all need it, even if we don't want to admit it.

Here's a snippet. Got to link for whole article.

GOODBYE, HELLO

Now that Libra is behind us, we have weighed and measured enough. We have balanced enough, and we sure the heck have zigged while others zagged enough. After 28 days of struggling to stay in grey, we are ready to get our BlackAndWhite on. This is Scorpio.

At first blush when people talk about Scorpio they always bring up the sex thing and the power thing and the sneaky thing and all those other things that go bump in the night. And sure, that is all Scorpio. But of course, more to the point Scorpio is connected to death and rebirth. In order to be reborn something must die. And any garbage from the last six month (Aries-Libra) is ready to be released. This is Scorpio.

Scorpio is not loud, it is stealth and even when they unload they can do it in a way that a person might not even know they have been iced. Until that person wakes up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat and realizes, “I think I’ve just been dumped.” This is Scorpio.

When Scorpio is bad (how about that black and white word?) It is a crazy control freak that stalks its prey, micromanages everyone and does psychological mind games on anyone in their path. When Scorpio is good, (again, black and white word) it will hear an organic truth inside self and exert tremendous focus and discipline to live that truth. We are all jealous of Scorpio’s clarity and wickedly envious how they are not bothered by things not on their radar. They cut through any muck and mire and stay on their track. This is Scorpio.

In the chart of this Scorpio New Moon there is a lot going on which will have our attention. First of all the Sun/Moon is being pushed by an opposition with Jupiter in Taurus. Taurus loves to be grounded and Jupiter is Big. So, the push to hang on to the status quo will be palpable, but the Sun in Scorpio cannot hang on. If it does, it gets backed up and if you have ever seen a toilet overflow, (like at almost all state run parks) well it isn’t pretty.

With all plumbing there is a pipe for fresh intake and a pipe to release and NEVER should they be confused. Unfortunately, Jupiter over there in Taurus is saying, “Hang on to everything” and Scorpio is saying, “No, I can’t.” Watch your inner plumbing and watch what you eliminate. If you are not releasing stuff and only bringing in stuff you will get backed up. By the way, I’m sure the connection to poop is obvious but I’m also talking about beliefs, opinions, intimate associations, lovers, properties and things that are comingled. If any of it is corrupted it will be exposed. See if the universe gives you a sign that you are getting backed up. It may be subtle but watch for some metaphorical clogged drain. If it shows up, begin releasing.

KA-CHING

Since Scorpio rules resources and Taurus rules banks and properties the Jupiter opposes Sun/Moon aspect has a huge money component. Everyone needs to (go to link)

Yikes---Last Quarter Moon!!

2011-10-21T09:09:00.001-07:00

Okay, Mea Culpa. As you guys know I don't spend much time on daily lunar aspects. I don't do it because they don't have value I just know that there are plenty of sights that speak of them so I know you can find them easily and also I skip them because I feel it would be overwhelming. Perhaps too much astro talk even for an astro blog. However, there are a few times every year when the tension is so great that I wish I would have thought about it more... Case in point. This last quarter moon. It started on the 19th and I mentioned it of course, but man oh, man it has been a doozey. Both personally for me and out there in the greater world.

Gaddafi has now officially left planet earth. I realize there is no love lost for most of the world. But that cell phone footage that I happened to see on the news was not an enjoyable sight. I was reminded of that "democracy is untidy' line by Donald Rumsfield so many years ago. The thing is I'm not sure that democracy is even happening. I know a despot was removed but what will finally fill the space? That will be determined.

And then there was that absolutely awful story out Zanesville, Ohio about the wild animals that were shot and killed. I am sure I was like many of you when I heard that animals were out and the caretaker was dead. I told my husband the following. "He commited suicide but before he did it he released the animals." And I added, "I"m sure he could not afford to feed them any more."

I am not physic, it seemed obvious to me (and you, I'm sure) and of course that is what turned out to be true.

The tension between the Moon and Saturn on Wednesday and the Moon and Jupiter on Thursday spoke of both. Restrictions, limitations, sadness-- Saturn. And Jupiter the planet of excess was in the mix for the world as Gaddafi had his final moments. Seen by us through Cell phones (Jupiter rules publishing.)

I think this quarter moon was just too much for all those cardinal planets. It may soften a bit when the Moon moves into Virgo tomorrow but man, oh, man.....

On my front, my own Moon in Cancer has had a go of it. Lord, deliver me from my emotions and those around me! I'm so looking forward to Balsamic on Sunday!!! I need the release.

If you have felt similiarly---KEEP CALM and CARRY ON!

Ray Merriman

2011-10-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

I went over to Ray Merriman's sight....and this is what he had to say....

When the heliocentric transit of Mercury leaves Sagittarius for the more constrained
Capricorn, the Sun then enters its powerful opposition to Jupiter (October 28). This is one of the strongest historical correlates to primary cycle culminations in U.S. stock indices, as described in Volume 3 of our “Ultimate Book on Stock Market Timing” series, given an orb of 10 trading days.

Of course the closer we get to the exact date, the more likely the reversal, especially in this instance because that is also the middle of time band containing several geocosmic signatures extending from October 21 through November 9. Something big is about to happen (isn’t that the nature of Jupiter?), perhaps involving the European debt situation and the USA, and my guess is that it will be reflected in the price action of financial markets – especially stocks, currencies, and precious metals.

Note that Jupiter will form a trine aspect with Pluto on October 28 too. Pluto – the god of reform and transformation who rules matters like death, debt, and taxes – could coincide with an announcement affecting the banking system or debt crisis. Could the Congressional debt commission come up with an agreement around this time? Its possible, or something equally big, or maybe even bigger. This could be an event of global importance.

And that is basically the next two weeks. Go to the link for the rest of the article.

Kristen Wiig---How about that Leo?!

2011-10-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

Did you see Bridesmaids? Did you say to yourself while you were watching it, "OMG, did she/they just do that????!" It was a very funny movie.

Kristen Wiig, the star of the film has been on SNL for years and has been featured in movies but this role in this film is clearly a break out. It made a ton of money and appealed to both a male and female audience. Kristen and her friend Annie Mumolo spent years writing and rewriting the script and clearly worth the wait.

Kristen Wiig was born August 23, 1973 Canandaigua (NY) (Time unknown)

Kristen's is a Leo--- but just barely at 29 degrees. If she had been born the next day she would be a Virgo and I'm confident if that was the case, there would be no Bridesmaids.

Her Moon is in Gemini and even though we don't know the degree, the Gemini factor is obvious if you watch her on SNL. Her versatility in voices and characters is pure Gemini. Like Mercury, Gemini rules writers so it perfect that she would co-write the script that would shoot her to the next level. Her own Mercury is in confident Leo which explains her ability to put her characters in an absolute buffoonery state. She takes embarrassing to a new degree that only Leo could stand behind. Hard to imagine a Mercury in Virgo having those guts.

One thing that strikes me as very interesting is transiting Pluto has been squaring Kristen's Pluto during all the time she was building her fame in SNL, this is a generational aspect meaning that she and everyone born her year and around it has had this square. Mettle was being tested for her whole group. Now, Pluto is no longer squaring it, she is ready to break out. Pluto also in conjunction to her north node in Capricorn is giving her a career a meteoric boost.

Her breakout year is also explained by Uranus in Aries opposing her Venus and Pluto in Libra.

With a square there is pressure to act, to do something. It can be difficult because there is no hiding in complacency. You can't just sit back and do nothing. With an opposition, you swing back and forth on an issue, "should I do this, or should I do that?" Remember, the opposition is like a full moon. There is an outside influence putting a light on something that we need to address. With Venus involved, the energy from Uranus is probably putting focus on money and values. At the end of Bridesmaids I could feel Bridesmaid2 lurking off shore. Guarantee money maker. But is this what Kristen wants? Is there more that she wants to do? Or is she feeling, 'this was luck' 'will lightening even strike twice?" Oppositions have us mulling things so much that insecurity will ooze out even if we are a normally confident person.

Also, Neptune is opposing her Sun which can explain the success of Bridesmaid. Neptune rules films and actors and leaves a glamour patina on whatever it touches. She must feel like, 'is this happening?'

Back to Pluto conjunct Kristin's north node in Capricorn. North Node in Capricorn is all about business and being professional. Emotions are not to get in the way of prudence. And if you look at the casting of Bridemaids, it was spot on. I am positive most of the cast were friends with Kristen and or Judd Apatow (Executive Producer) but they were NOT cast because of friendship. No way, no how with Kristen's node. They were cast because they were the RIGHT person to play the role. No surprise that performers like Melissa McCarthy and Ellie Kemper were 'discovered' by the rest of us. Melissa made me cry with laughter, seriously, everything she did was hysterical. I also loved that she had an arm brace on her wrist and never mentioned why. Just perfect.

While the whole world is shuddering as Pluto cruises through Capricorn, it is nice to see Capricorn when it excels. It has taken a long time for female gang comedies to arrive. Traditional wisdom in Hollywood has been "women won't go to them." Thank god, that limited thinking has been shattered with Bridesmaids.

Looking Ahead this Week

2011-10-15T16:01:00.000-07:00

10/16: Mercury sextile Pluto: Decisive thinking, powerful logic, reformed, resurrection reasoning.

10/17: Mercury opposition Jupiter: Extreme thoughts & opinions. Resources and properties accented.

10/19: Last Quarter Moon Phase
Focus on: What actions can you take that are directly connected to your feelings? What is your gut telling you to do? How would this improve all your relationships? How are your roots? Are they shallow or are they strong? What are they telling you to do?

10/21: Sun trine Neptune: Inspired, gentle enthusiasm, enlightened and compassionate goals.

Request: Medical Intuitive

2011-10-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

My friend is looking for a medical intuitive.
If anyone has a good referral please post.

Thanks

Paul McCartney Marries Again

2011-10-11T07:52:00.000-07:00

Mary Plumb at Mountain Astrologer put up a thoughtfully written piece on last week's marriage between Paul McCartney and Nancy Shevell.

She discusses his previous marriage (and charts) of first wife (perhaps soul mate) Linda and 2nd wife, Heather (Not soul mate). In her article someone posted the birth chart of Nancy, who is very watery. Scorpio Sun/ Moon in Cancer and Scorpio Rising, clearly everyday is not "Good Day Sunshine" with that chart. But still wishing them all the best.

Michael Lutin on Wall Street--really "on"

2011-10-10T07:29:00.000-07:00

Looking ahead

2011-10-09T21:41:00.000-07:00

10/12: Mercury/Neptune: Inspired conversation, thoughts about resources, vague hints

10/13: Mercury enters Scorpio http://astrology.about.com/od/mercury/p/MercuryScorpio.htm

10/13:Venus/Pluto: Resources and practical application of them. Money/Love power in both.

10/13:Sun/Saturn: Responsible in relationships/partnerships. Everyone has to “man up”.

10/14: Venus/Jupiter: Tension in resources. Spending is high, money feels low. Accent on sex and properties.

Full Moon Aries

2011-10-09T21:35:00.001-07:00

Full Moon Aries
October 11 2011
10:05pm EDT

Aries Full Moon

After two intense weeks of being focused on our partners and others and negotiating and finding balance we get Aries Full Moon where we get to be about #1 again. The Moon in Aries inspires action, movement, getting up and doing something new, breaking new ground and putting” Self” in the mix.

This Full Moon has Saturn on top of Sun and opposes Moon so we are not playing for sport. With Saturn, pessimism and insecurity abound. We feel serious. But there is a trine with Mars so we are energized. We are fired up and we want our actions to mean something. It is not good enough just to shoot off our mouth, although there will be plenty of that with Aries and Mars. Finding respect in volatility will be a challenge but must be achieved. Libra seeks balance and wants what is fair. What to do with legitimate anger? What to do with responsibility? What to do when others shirk responsibility? And what do we look like when we harness bitterness?

There will be bumps this full moon. Sometimes bumps slow people down and sometimes if you are going fast enough, a bump will send you out of control, flying through the air. Soft landings not likely.

Steve Jobs

2011-10-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

Steve Jobs

What do we know?

We know Mr. Jobs was a Pisces, we know he was brilliant (typical Pisces), we know he had Moon in Aries, dear lord his temper was somewhat legendary and we know that he was born with Jupiter conjunct Uranus in Cancer. That probably speaks more to the Steve Jobs that WE all know more than anything.

Uranus rules technology and Jupiter rules Big. Can we get any bigger than Apple?

I mentioned to a friend that the technology of Apple and how it changed the world is just a hair short of Man getting on horse for the first time. World altering for sure.

Astrologers have written about Steve Jobs for years. Here's a discussion on the old Lois Rodden site that goes into the ins and outs of his chart but if you google you will find tons.

My own thoughts about the chart are more about us, than him.

What does it mean to lose the head of a visionary company at this time? This is what I am pondering. We are heading into extraordinary times between Uranus and Pluto and new technology will certainly be at the forefront. Will something collapse and a new technological solution must be found? Will industry desperately need a new solution under dire circumstances? With a Pluto square the word 'dire' is not an overstatement.

There is a lot in front of us and Steve Jobs will not be there. I can't help but recall back in May when Mark Haines (CNBC) died and I wrote about the Solar Eclipse
in Cancer and what was surely going to be a rough economy this summer. I had such a pit in my stomach that we would not have Haines to call some shots as he saw them.
Similarly, in spring of 2008, Tim Russert died and every astrologer on planet earth knew what we had in front of us in terms of the US general elections and Russert would not be there to call it the way he saw it.

All of this is to say, I think we will have a vacuum in 2012 with Jobs gone. He was not a broadcaster like Haines & Russert so it is not about him calling the shots but more about how he would have lead his company to solutions.

This is a a loss for us in so many ways.

Lynn Hayes on Occupy Wall Street

2011-10-04T06:48:00.001-07:00

Lynn Hayes rang in on Occupy Wall Street yesterday and she shared a fact that I did not know. I had been putting the emphasis of the movement on the September 17th when the protesters rallied for the first time and it was the date which made sense given Pluto turned direct. But apparently the movement actually started in July which also makes sense given that was when we were almost on the exact square.

If you actually read the Occupy Wall Street website information it’s clear that the movement does have a very clear purpose, which is to bring America back into the hands of the people (Uranus in Aries) and out of the hands of the corporations (Pluto in Capricorn).

Even though the protests didn’t begin until September 17th, The Occupy Wall Street movement actually began on July 13th with this call to action. At the time, Uranus and Pluto were about as close to the square formation (about a degree apart) as they would get in 2011. (The actual cycle doesn’t begin until 2012.)

Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/astrologicalmusings/#ixzz1ZoyxlQK6

David Crook

2011-10-02T21:32:00.001-07:00

David Crook who I enjoy posted his own take on the Wall Street protestors this weekend.

Here is a snippet:

Saturday, October 01, 2011
The American Revolution & Uranus-Pluto

The Occupy Wall Street protest which began Sept. 17 could be the match that lights the fire of an American revolution linked to the formative Uranus-Pluto square. This epic planetary alignment was sharply focused in the US capital at the 9/27 Libra New Moon. But perhaps more importantly- the transiting Uranus/Pluto(midpoint) is activating the 1965 Uranus-Pluto seed chart that embodies the radical ideas and energies of this mundane cycle now at it's 'crisis of action' phase- the waxing square.

The first of the three Uranus-Pluto conjunctions occurred at 17 Virgo on Oct. 11, 1965. The Ascendant in Washington, DC = 18.53 Aquarius. Transiting Mercury, the messenger, conjoined 17 Virgo on Sept. 18, 2011 as the Occupy Wall Street protest movement was birthed. Also relevant, was the 9/29/11 Venus-Saturn conjunction that hit the antiscion(shadow/mirror point) of Saturn's 10/11/65 position- and Saturn rules the 1965 Uranus-Pluto seed chart Ascendant(19 Aquarius).

The Oct. 11, 2011 Aries Full Moon opposes Saturn(checks and balances) in Libra, the sign of social justice. At that time the Uranus/Pluto (midpoint) = 18.29 Aquarius. And as Pluto only recently went direct, while Uranus is retrograde until the Dec. 10 lunar eclipse, this powerful midpoint is moving slowly backward toward President Obama's Ascendant- but will not exactly conjunct. President Obama's (8/4/61 at 7:24 pm, Honolulu) natal Ascendant = 18.09 Aquarius.

As an astrological principle, Uranus/Pluto represents "The process of transformation. The collapse of the old order of things, the construction of the new. Revolution." (Reinhold Ebertin) Therefore, President Obama with his Ascendant at 18 Aquarius, is a major player in the expression of these collective energies for radical change and upheaval informed by the current Uranus-Pluto square. And it definitely looks like the spirit of revolution has finally awakened here in the good old US of A.Transiting Mars reaching 18 Leo (-180- 18 Aquarius) on Oct. 20 is a timing factor for important mundane events linked to the Uranus-Pluto world aspect.

Look ahead

2011-10-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

Special Focus:
10/1: Sun/Jupiter: Watch the opinions. Small losses over big theories.
10/3: Mars/Jupiter: Rough and tumble aspect that pits big actions that are ego driven versus desire to control and hold on to status quo. Both are wrong and both are right.

First Quarter Moon
October 3, 11:15pm EDT

Focus on: A terrific phase to act like a CEO and get some crap accomplished! What did you learn about your ability (or lack of it) to negotiate on New Moon? Now, is the time to make some moves that improve your skills. This phase is “the buck stops here.” What have you been passing on that you can no longer pass on? It must stop now with you----and you know it. You will come off this empowered in your own abilities.

10/6:Mercury/Saturn: Great focus and attention. Accent on relating is high and structured, perfect timing especially in terms of communication.

10/7: Venus/Neptune: Dreamy, loving and muted creativity.

Uranus, Pluto, Libra

2011-10-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

As we know there is a tension between Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn that is only going to grow in intensity. The two planets will be going after each other with hammer and tongs between 2012-2017. We already began feeling it this summer when they got close to the exact degree of a square. However, as written in my New Moon article, there are plenty of Libra planets (with skin in the game) who are aggravating the Pluto/Uranus tension. So much that we don't need the aspect to be exact to hurt.

Case in point, the protesting crowds on Wall Street. This movement began right after Pluto turned direct, September 17 (having been retrograde for over five months). This was on the waning Virgo Moon and not surprising it received little press. But now, with Libra in the fight. It is getting uglier. One police officer's action was videotaped, (isn't that always how these things start?) but clearly the majority of the police presence was calm and reserved and probably not unsympathetic to the message given many officers have houses near or under foreclosure.

Of course, "Haves versus the Have Nots" is part of the message that we should expect from any tension with Pluto in Capricorn. And magnified by the Libra tension is focus on "what's fair and what is not fair."

Even if these particular protests on Wall Street end soon the tension is not going away.

Libra New Moon--How do you relate?

2011-09-26T10:48:00.001-07:00

Libra New Moon
Tuesday September 27, 2011 7:08am EDT
4 Libra 00

It is a tough New Moon. But if we are focused on the glass being half full we can all get through it not too bruised. As always you can find my full article on Margaret Wendt's site.
But here is a snippet.

BALANCING ACT

We are put on notice that all Libra New Moons between 2008 and 2023 and in particular between 2011 and 2017 could be under tremendous stress. With Pluto in Capricorn (till 2023) and Uranus in Aries (till 2017) the Libra New Moons have a potential to both square Pluto and Oppose Uranus. I say potential because NOT every Libra new moon will make aspects to Pluto/Uranus. Some will be free and clear of the harshness. Yeah, that is great but it is not this New Moon. Nope, this new moon is smack in the middle of the rough aspects. Yeesh. Wasn’t the Cancer New Moon rough enough? Sigh. Apparently not.

Libra is the opposite of Aries. In Aries we are (rightfully) concerned with self. That is why we build our treasure maps on Aries moon because we are focused on number one. Now at Libra we are halfway through the zodiac and ready to focus on relationships. Our marriages and partnership are all in view. How are they looking?

Libra seeks balance and relishes negotiation. If someone says ‘black’ and another says, ‘white,’ Libra will look for the ‘grey’. God bless Libra, they are always trying to find the equilibrium in a very agitated world. And above all they spend a great deal of their time focused on equality and it is usually Libra who says, “That’s not fair.”

Pluto in Capricorn while squaring Uranus in Aries continues to put pressure on our commerce and government. Banks and stock markets continue to crack, businesses deflate and money tightens. We’ve been slogging through this since 2008 and are perhaps getting numb to the mess. But on this Libra cycle may see cracks and fissures in our marriages and partnerships. Things may not feel fair or balanced. How much do our relationships have to bend and sway to the powers greater than it? It is hard on all of us. How do we take it out on others? And also with this Libra cycle we may learn on many levels that cooperation is good economics. Again, both personally and globally.

Then there is Uranus in Aries who wants to disconnect from any yoke and run off wildly into new horizons and break new ground as we reinvent ourselves. This too will impact us, “How can I seek new ground while maintain my marriage?” “Why are my relationships bugging me?” And if you are thinking, “Hey, I’m not married I guess I get the all-clear this month.” You would be wise to remember you are in relationship. Plenty of them. The relationship with your house, the relationship with your friends, the relationship with your body, the relationship with your money, the relationship with your family. Quite simply: How you ‘relate’ is put on notice. Are you the controller? Are you the victim? Are you impotent? Are you forceful? Are you the cheerleader? Are you detached? Do these approaches serve you? Perhaps the answer is yes, perhaps it is no, but all us will be challenged for 28 days and by the end of the cycle we may decide to change many of our approaches.

You can go to the link for the rest of the article.

Financial Astrology

2011-09-23T07:01:00.000-07:00

I remember 10 years ago, in the days that followed 9/11, Rudy Guillani was giving so many press conferences on the air quality and the smoke and ash that he felt the need to remind everyone that he was not a doctor, although he admitted he was starting to feel like one.

In the case of astrology, I know I feel similiarly, when we are talking about Uranus in Aries square Pluto in Capricorn (2012-2016) all of us astrologers can't help but sound like financial astrologers. Which started back in 2008 when we began to speak of the tide of turmoil coming with Pluto's move into Capricorn. Because Capricorn rules business and wall street and banking institions (and government), we just are going to be talking a lot about those things. Thus, we all start sounding like financial astrologers. But the vast majority of astrologers are not.

If you are interested in following financial astrology, there are a lot of people who do it.

I frequently send you to Ray Merriman's Merriman Market Analyst sight, who is of course super smart.

Over on my favorites bar you will see Ted Phillips Astro Advisor website, you may want to check him out for is insights.

And I recently had someone send me a link to the Optional Signal Service.
Very interesting.