Six months later----Cardinal Climax and weather

Besides the issues surrounding economy, currencies, corporations and government (among other things)--I had an eye on another player in the cardinal climax of 2010 summer--Weather. I wondered about our strange weather last spring and summer. If you have forgotten, it was pretty hot Some say one of the hottest.

And then I read about a huge part of Greenland's ice melted right in the middle of the cardinal climax----in early August.

A piece of ice four times the size of Manhattan island has broken away from an ice shelf in Greenland, according to scientists in the U.S.

The 260 square-kilometer (100 square miles) ice island separated from the Petermann Glacier in northern Greenland early on Thursday, researchers based at the University of Delaware said.

The ice island, which is about half the height of the Empire State Building, is the biggest piece of ice to break away from the Arctic icecap since 1962 and amounts to a quarter of the Petermann 70-kilometer floating ice shelf, according to research leader Andreas Muenchow

And now here we are with more extreme weather. I was very surprised to see a 7 day rainstorm here in Los Angeles make it clear across the United States to the East coast and then move northwards and become this winter snow dump on New England. Normally, "our" weather hits the Rockies and then heads south out to the gulf or north. My understanding is it does not usually trek straight across like it did this month. Then this month there was a weird summer snow storm in Australia

For me a lot of this speaks to Uranus. Uranus got all the way to Zero Aries this summer and then retreated to Pisces. On the Sag New moon earlier in December it turned direct and is now heading for Aries where it will stay for about eight years. The last time it was in Aries was during the Depression and the Dust Bowl Days. No surprise to me that Uranus tiny move into Aries and we lose a big ol' chuck of ice. What is to come? Who knows? But I would venture a guess that the tension that was evident in the cardinal cross between Uranus/Jupiter/Pluto and Saturn planted some seeds in our weather's future.

Mercury Turns Direct---December 30th

Mercury turns direct December 30 2:20am EST

Just a few more hours to go and Mercury will be flying straight. And together we say "Phew". I know I said back in the beginning of the month that I didn't believe this was going to be an extraordinary awful retrograde. And I dared to say that I think I might 'like' this retrograde.

“How much do things really cost us?” This is part of the dialogue that we will be processing the entire time Pluto is in Capricorn (18 years) but whenever we have a Mercury retrograde in Capricorn we will get a gift of a personal experience. Watch what comes up during the retrograde? How is your inner CEO going to fix it? What does your brain tell you is the smartest solution? How can you think on your feet and come up with strategic solution? I dare say, this could actually be a ‘fun’ retrograde as you learn how to be a CEO of your life. Yeah, there will be eff ups. Yes, tickets will be purchased and no one will have a record of it, yes, you’ll leave a message for your friend to meet you on the corner of this and that and she will have sworn you said to meet at the other this and the other that. But how you successfully navigate these bumps will teach you how to have the life of a successful executive. Isn’t it time?

How did you come out of it? Were you an executive in charge of your life or did you feel like a flotsam and jetsam being pushed by the winds around you? I hope you were able to rise above those feelings. Not because I am judging it but more to the point is that Capricorn speaks to getting up to a higher, loftier position. Did you do it? Did you think like a Capricorn?

As we all know, this retrograde was rife with weather issues, not just the US but world wide. And with weather problems comes a lot of changes in plans and schedules and a certain amount of mental fluidity is necessary. Luckily, fluidity is perfect for a Sag lunar cycle so we were in good hands with that timing. What we did as individuals with last minute changes speaks to our ability to be a great CEO. Even if we don't see ourselves as CE Os.

I saw it in effect when I watched the local news in Los Angeles the day of the big huge snow dump in the East, the local reporter was at LAX interviewing people affected by the flight cancellations and one couple, interviewed were newlyweds who had just wrapped up their honeymoon in Maui. They were suppose to fly from Hawaii to their home somewhere on the East Coast. The airlines called them and told them that they could fly them to Houston and put them up at a hotel there for two days and then send them on their way to the East Coast. The husband told the reporter, "I asked the airlines if they would send us to Los Angeles instead so we could stay with our friend and sight see in the good weather." They bride said, "It is like we got an extension on our honeymoon!" Right then I thought, "good for you guys getting the benefit of this retrograde!"

Of course when you are in love and happy it is easy to fly high and turn something lame into something good but still to the point is we should all have tried to do that during this retrograde as it will be a new skill we can call upon later.

And with that in mind, the 20th degree of Sag where the Mercury is stationing direct has the following sabian symbol

20º Sagittarius: In winter people cutting ice from a frozen pond, for summer use.


Doesn't that say it all? Doing something now that will serve later in the future. Ask yourself what skill did you learn or finesse or refine that will serve you later? And if you did not, can you learn from it now and the end of the month when Mercury crosses its shadow point?

I can see you from the other side of the screen that you are nodding your head, 'yes'. Great.

Merry Christmas!

For those of us between Greenwich Mean Time and The International Dateline we have yet to have our Christmas. It is currently around 8:30pm in the Pacific Time and in about 30 mintues it will be Christmas on the East Coast. For those of you in Australia, Asia, India and Europe you are either in the middle of your Christmas Day or in the morning of it and I wish you a very Merry Christmas! The Moon made a lovely aspect with Mercury so I trust you have had some good conversations. And some of you may have spent more than you wanted with a Moon Square Venus and your night has a cranky aspect between the Moon and Neptune---Stay away from the Booze, please! But still it will be a decent day.

For the rest of us, we will have that Neptune crank aspect in the early, early morning so we should be asleep through that confusing hour. Then the Moon moves into Virgo and by the time we all start to wake up we will have our practical and efficient hats on our heads. It will be a day centered around Moon Trine Sun and then Moon Trine Pluto. You cannot get a more perfect day to process stuff. Even if THE most wrong gift is awaiting you under your tree, it will not really matter. You won't take it personally, you'll just realize, life is too short to get into it over stuff like presents and those who give us those gifts. It is really a day to enjoy whatever or whoever is bright in your life.

Even if you have opted out of visiting anyone and just want to relish being alone and seeing a movie or snuggling in bed with TV---it is all good and bright.

What a nice day. And the only reason why I put a photo of THAT tree is Mercury is still retrograde.

Have a beautiful day and Merry Christmas!

Full Moon December 21

Full Moon – Gemini
December 21 2010 3:13AM est
A full moon at the last degree of Gemini oppose to the Sun in the last degree of Sagittarius is a very interesting energy . If you need a visual think NYC’s Grand Central Station. Lines converging from all the North East into the narrow sliver of Manhattan and each line has hundreds of train cars crowded with armies and floods of humanity. Shut down those trains and you shut down the city and shut down that city you shut down the country and shut down the country and what happens to the world?

Of course this is not a full moon about Grand Central Station, but more to the point is the Grand Central Station in your life? Where is data coming to you, where is intelligence coming to you? Where is a force coming to you just to connect? What are connections? What information is coming to you from some outside world? How are you expanding your world? What are your scampering from? Where are you scampering toward? How would your life shut down if those lines were shut down?

During this full moon you will find data and communications coming to you from many sources. There will be an accent on cleverness, dexterous and making connects that speak to your vitality.

Are you feeling the energy? Good. Now let’s twist it up tighter.

Squaring the Moon and Sun is Uranus and Jupiter in Pisces. Because it is square we need to watch the negative aspects of Jupiter and Uranus. Will we be arrogant and know-it-all Jupiter? Or will be rebellious and disruptive Uranus? Will the focus be on victims and “What’s the use” Pisces? Will we recklessly exaggerate (Sag) or will we effortlessly mind f**ck others and ourselves(Gemini)? And will anyone be telling the truth?

All pretty ugly, right? So, we are challenged to reach and stretch. When we are down can we find optimism (Jupiter)? Can we find personal breakthroughs (Uranus) can we learn from others (Gemini), can we teach wisdom (Sagittarius) and can we find compassion and spirituality? (Pisces).

Luckily within a few hours of the Lunar Eclipse is the Winter Solstice which should calm us down plus the lunar eclipse is also connected to Pluto which once again puts the emphasis on Evolution (and revolution). What comes up for you on this Full Moon/Lunar eclipse can speak to changes you need to make for your own evolution. I have mentioned this before that with Pluto the changes can be great but they can start small. If you are a ship leaving San Francisco and your compass heading in one way—let’s say Australia but move it a few degrees to the west and you’ll end up in Japan. Same planet different worlds.
When the energy is swirling all around you, do your homework, if stuff comes up that speaks to the evolution you NEED to make then consider making it. It probably starts small.

The Pentagon Papers

So, for those of you who are watching ....... back on December 3rd. I commented HERE that Lynn Hayes had found a birthdate for Julian Assange. I commented on her blog that I thought it was interesting when I looked at events from the news around his birthdate that one month before he was born, The Pentagon Papers were released. For those of you who do not know what are The Pentagon Papers---they were a study on the history of Vietnam and US's action including bombings in Laos and Cambodia. Basically all the things the US was doing but not telling the press.

Daniel Ellsberg who worked for the The Rand Institute,(A "Think Tank" that must know something based on the prime piece of property in Santa Monica they purchased 60 years ago!) had access to the research took the opportunity to photo copy the papers and released them to the NY Times. When those papers hit the newstands it caused a huge sensation and if the country had little appetite for war they had even less after those papers were revealed.
The question for many when it happened was Ellsberg a hero or a traitor?
At the time of the release Saturn was at the end of Taurus right near zero Gemini opposed Neptune at 2 degree Sag. Who is telling the truth would certainly come up with those 2 signs at play.

What I think is very weird---is a few days after my post and this has nothing to do with me it is just the weird timing, I saw John Kerry on Meet the press stating, "Wikileaks is no Pentagon Papers."

Then last week Richard Holbroke died. I had no idea until his death that when he was younger and working for the undersecretaries of the state that he wrote one of the volumes that would later become The Pentagon Papers.

And then yesterday Daniel Ellsberg father of The Pentagon Papers came out and said that Julian Assange was a hero.

I am not going to weigh in on who is a hero or who is a traitor but I will say that I think it is interesting that all of this stuff is coming out since Uranus turned direct in Pisces and his heading for Aries the direct opposite of the Pentagon Papers' Uranus in Libra.

So, heads up this is personal.
I'm a Sagittarius and there are times when I am more Sag than ever. This is one of those time. Yesterday, December 13 the energy was flying all around me (as I indicated it probably would given all the Mars energy) and although I had a ton to juggle when it came to a final conclusion it was a perfect evening. I had organized a Star Gazing "Starry" night for students.

I feared a change in the weather but it turned out perfect. Not too cold and not too hot (had been in the 80's during the day) and there were fabulous telescopes (big muthers) pointed towards a cluster of new stars, and then there were telescopes on things much closer to home like our beautiful quarter moon and her craters. And then there was one on Jupiter. And bam, bam, bam, bam...five or six of Jupiters Moons including Io and Ganymede. All a feast for this Sagittarius to enjoy on a big night with balmy weather during Sag lunar cycle.

The whole visual just begged for one piece of music. If you do not know Gustav Holst (early 20th century composer) you should. Holst composed a orchestral suite for the planets (minus Pluto). I am crazy about all of them, Mars which sounds like war, Venus which is light and airy and Neptune's haunty spin, Saturn's weight...all true to astrology. But the one that warms my Sag heart more than all is of course, Jupiter.

I wish I could post the music here but I don't know how.

So, instead I will send you to this link to get a feel. HOLST!

Just in time for Thursday's Sun Jupiter Square. "Oh, why the heck not I say!"

A Great Birthday Gift------Mary Shea

Earlier this week, my friend Zannalyn, who has the same birthday as me asked me if I had drafted my solar return chart for my birthday? The answer was NO. I had reached out and gotten a few solar returns over the last dozen years and always enjoyed them but I had not done the work of drafting my own chart.

When I double checked my astro program I realized that I needed to upgrade in order to draft solar returns which meant calling the astro place and having a big ol' conversation which I did not have the time and knew that by the time I would have the time it would be mercury retrograde. Which is not the time I would want to download an upgrade. dear, lord spare me those bumps.

But in the meantime Zann's question did get me on a hunting trip to find a decent source for a solar return chart and I am happy to say I have turned to Mary Shea.

There was a terrific discussion about Solar Return charts on Molly's Nodeorama where Lance discussed in detail the expertise in Mary's work. Go HERE for that discussion.

If you don't know anything about solar returns they are basically charts that are based on exactly where the Sun is THIS year on your birthday and what is THAT chart. So, I have a sun at 17 (and change) Sagittarius. When the Sun hit that degree (on my birthday) we look to see where are the other planets and what are those relationships. That chart sets the tone to the whole year (birthday to birthday). A couple years ago I had a solar return that was also a new moon. There were all kinds of planets in the mix and I felt like that year was a highly active time for me.

I have begun to read Mary's report and find it very thoughtful and interesting. Obviously, it is great to get your Solar Return chart before your actual birthday so you can start to prepare. And as Mary says in her discussion, you do start to feel your chart before your birthday. I can say for a fact I felt the energy start to shift in me in the fall. This also lines up with some transiting planets to my natal chart but they all usually complement one another.

If you are a Scorpio or even Libra I would still consider getting a solar return chart even though your birthday passed. You still have so much of your year left that you will most likely gain some valuable insight. And of course NOW would be a great time for you Sages, Caps and Aquarians to get your solar chart so you'll have your Mojo on.

If you are looking for another another astrology tool to call upon, consider a solar return. Here is the link to Mary's site.

The Sun is waking up.......

There was a solar eruption this week. Quite pretty.

As some of you know, scientists have been predicting that 2010 will be the transition year for the Sun to move from solar minimum to solar maximum. Which means the Sun spots and all the action will begin to turn towards Earth. The Solar Maximum lasts about 11 years.

It appears the Sun is waking up from his slumber.

What does this mean? Apparently this eruption will not have any effects on Earth. Those are to come.

In the meantime enjoy the pretty pictures.

Monday the 13th.......

When it comes to aspects with Pluto in Capricorn I am often inspired by the ice volcanos on Triton. Something about that image rings true about what the planets speak. Disruptive but cold to the touch.

Many of you read my new moon article and noticed that I pulled out Monday December 13from the 28 day lunar cycle as the day to keep your eyes on. The energy of this day is pretty packed.

Mercury will conjunct Pluto
Mercury will conjunct Mars
Mars will conjunct Pluto

The sabian symbol for 4-5 deg Capricorn is Indians On The Warpath. While Some Men Row A Well-Filled Canoe, Others In It Perform A War Dance

This symbol is a redux from earlier this year and I cannot for the life me understand why I didn't post the sabian symbol for it------ but it is the same degree as June 26 Lunar Eclipse. Do you remember where you were that weekend? Do you remember the energy. Here's my link to that time.

We will be revisiting the energy of that time.

I can't help but look at a few things in the last days and feel that the 13th energy is already washing up on us.

Obama illustrates what compromise looks like (Saturn in Libra) by extending Bush Taxes


Student Protestor attack Prince Charles and Camilla's car

Julian Assage arrest

Senate will or will not ratify START (nuclear treaties with Russia)

and probably THE most compelling energy move of all at least in my opinion occurred this morning (saturday) when China announced that their inflation from November is over 5 percent. Why is THIS such a big deal? Because what China will do to slow down inflation can have a ripple effect in all stocks, bonds and metals around the world. Lets see what Monday looks like.

In the meantime, as a reminder (from my new moon article) for this weekend and Monday----


December 13th will be either a challenging day or a progressive day since Mercury and Pluto will be exactly conjunct and Mercury and Mars will be exactly conjunct and Mars and Pluto will be exactly conjunct. I would watch anything that comes up a day or so before the 13th and on the 14th. This window will probably not be a time where you just rise above stuff--- you probably will have to address it. If you can do it with any measure of calmness, great. But if it gets fiery and crisis like, take a deep breath and find that inner CEO. Ask him or her to find the right thing to say or do.

Mercury is Now Retrograde...Make the most of it, People!

Mercury Retrograde December 10 10:04am EST

As I indicated in my new moon article. I do not think this will be one of those horrible, painful, gross Mercury retrogrades. I think it will be tough in spots but I think it will have a certain 'good' tough. Kind of like when you go to the gym for the first time in months and you put the treadmill on 10! Ouch, ouch, phew, cough, ouch...'oooo, sigh'.

It is tough but you know you need it.

As I said earlier this week I feel we are all being asked to step up and get sober and smart and very practical about our choices. It is not emotional. It is not personal. It is business. What is the most businesslike answer to the issue that comes up? Find that answer and you will have a skill that will be valuable to you for many years. I cannot tell you how many times I have said, "In all my upper degree education how is it I fall back on my 10th grade typing class more than anything?"

That 9 months in Miss Binn's 10th grade typing class has served me longer and more significantly than so many other classes. That does not mean that my history of Renaissance art is not appreciated by me, even today...it is. But that typing class? well, I'm using it now.
Question: What skills have you allowed to go fallow? Or have been dormant so long they feel moribun? This three weeks could be where you pump some blood into the skill set.

Or perhaps the solutions you come up with to problems that bump into you will be turned into new skills? Find your cool head and you'll be surprised what you can do.

In the meantime this is from my new moon in case you missed it.

Mercury will be in retrograde from December 10 – December 30. You can go here for more: http://tracyastrosalon.blogspot.com/2010/11/off-in-distance-mercury-happens.html All the retrogrades this year have all been in earth signs and this one is in Capricorn. I gotta say, I personally like this mercury retrograde. “What??? How can she say that?” I think that as long as Pluto is in Capricorn churning up all kind of strum and drang we need to think like a Capricorn and there is no better way to think like one then to process Mercury in Capricorn, in a retrograde. And doubling our money on this retrograde is the fact that Mercury is not just in Cap but actually on top of Pluto. So, we are here to really process it like a Capricorn which means very businesslike and very practical. If Mercury in Capricorn was a book it would be an autobiography of a successful business leader. It would not be a piece of airy fairy fiction. (although it could be sci fi but that is another story).

Mercury in Capricorn is always answering the question, “What is the practical solution? Or “What really works?” As long as Pluto is in Capricorn we are all learning how to be our own self made CEOs. We are learning how to be our own millionaires. I’m not saying you need to have millions in your bank account but how to live a life that feels as successful as if you had those millions. A small house that is perfect for a family that is within their means is greater success than a large house that looks pretty on the outside but has everyone going crazy to make the nut. “How much do things really cost us?” This is part of the dialogue that we will be processing the entire time Pluto is in Capricorn (18 years) but whenever we have a Mercury retrograde in Capricorn we will get a gift of a personal experience. Watch what comes up during the retrograde? How is your inner CEO going to fix it? What does your brain tell you is the smartest solution? How can you think on your feet and come up with strategic solution? I dare say, this could actually be a ‘fun’ retrograde as you learn how to be a CEO of your life. Yeah, there will be eff ups. Yes, tickets will be purchased and no one will have a record of it, yes, you’ll leave a message for your friend to meet you on the corner of this and that and she will have sworn you said to meet at the other this and the other that. But how you successfully navigate these bumps will teach you how to have the life of a successful executive. Isn’t it time?

Sag New Moon December 5

I come skidding into the New Moon with my report in hand with about one hour to spare. Ah, it reminds me of college.

Anyway, I have, as always, posted the whole article on Margaret Wendt's website which you find HERE.

It is a very strong lunar cycle. We should expect a lot of energy some of it looking like mini crisis and some looking like mini awards, I expect it all to be a big ol jumbled up circus. But none of it is frivilous. There is something big under all the chaos. And how fitting is the expression, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth." Because even the bumps we get will be a gift horse.

here is a snippet of my article. For the whole thing go to the link above.

URANUS IS AMONG US

Eight hours after the New Moon launches, Uranus which has been retrograde for the last five months will turn direct. As you may have noticed in the last several new moons we have had either a big aspect or a planet change direction within a couple hours of the New Moon. It is remarkable that these energies keep occurring right on the New Moon. This puts the accent on new beginnings but at the same time the energies can be one of two experiences. Sometimes it is like the old days when a baby was born and he got slapped by the doctor (is it too late to sue those bastards?) Or sometimes it is like an engine that upon being ignited immediately receives a boost of fuel injection. In this case with Uranus—the accent is on both.

This summer Uranus made it all the way to Zero Aries where it got into the cardinal tangle then turned retrograde and headed back to mystical Pisces where it hid and meditated for five months. Now, the mystical show is over. The monk, the priest, the rabbi, the guru, the zen master have had all the time they are going to have and must now apply their skills and change the world because when Uranus goes into Aries on March 11th it will be a completely new day.

Now ask yourself if you think it is an accident that Uranus the planet of change or upheaval (depending on how you like change) is turning direct in Sag lunar cycle? Sag who rules beliefs and knowledge, goals and setting your sights on something that is more. This is the cycle that Uranus turns direct??? Do you think Uranus wants you to be small and safe? Do you think Uranus is asking you to confine yourself? Do you think Uranus wants you to remain in the same place you have always been in? Yeah, I don’t think so either.

But at the same time Uranus is in square with Mars (there’s the slap) and it is in conjunction with Jupiter (there’s the injection of fuel). The first few days of the new moon may bring out some sparks and a warrior inside you but it should not be feared. If this comes up it is likely pointing out directions where you need to head. And certainly if you are sick and tired of being sick and tired you can take this whole Sag Lunar cycle to get on the new and dare I say, “right” path. (note to self: begin diet on new moon)

Luckily the new moon has a great aspect with Saturn which will give us the support we need as we process the changes that we know we need to make. Remember, Uranus will move not into Aries until March 11 but we are going to feel the shift in energy almost immediately when it turns direct.

Wiki Leaks and the leaker

Over at Lynn Hayes site Lynn has dug into the Interpol website and found a birth date for Julian Assange' aka TheBigWikiLeaker. That was some great sleuthing by Lynn and she has some good notes about his chart.

I am not that versed in all that Julian leaked because it makes me uncomfortable to read it. But I do know there was a lot missives where people let down there hair and bitch out their associates. With a result of Secretary of State Clinton inviting ambassadors over to her office for tea and apologies. Luckily I did hear one of the ambassadors said, "You should see what we say about the Americans."

Anyway, it turns out Julian is a Cancer with Moon in Scorpio (probably a trine) and Mercury in Cancer. I pointed out in Lynn's comments section that his Saturn in Gemini oppose Neptune in Sag is very prominent in my mind. Is he here for good or to muckrake? I dunno. But one month before he was born, during that aspect, The Pentagon Papers were released.

For me every time I see Julian's photo I can't help but think, "Is his dad Andy Warhol?" And on that theme, around the same time The Pentagon Papers were released Warhol opened his play Pork. Here's a description of that period.


Andy Warhol's play, PORK , directed by Anthony Ingrassia, opened at La Mama and ran for two weeks. (DB312/MA)

Pork was based on tape-recorded telephone conversations between Andy Warhol and Brigid Berlin about her family's private life. Her mother Honey Berlin, a Fifth Avenue socialite who included the Duke of Windsor amongst her close friends, was livid when she found out about the play by reading a review of it in the New York Times. Brigid angrily called Andy and told him, "You're nothing but a fucking faggot! You don't care about anyone but yourself! And your goddamn fucking fame! And your fucking Factory! And your fucking money!" (BC66)

Pork also played in London at the Roundhouse from August 2 - August 28th. Promotional material for the play warned "Mature Adults Only!" (AWMU184) It starred Jayne County as "Vulva," and Cherry Vanilla as "Pork."

Although some Warhol books have said that DAVID BOWIE was inspired to write the song Andy Warhol Superstar after seeing Pork, the song was actually written prior to Bowie seeing the play.

A take on North Korea

Obviously, those silly Kims (father and son) are at it again on the big K pennisula. My own take is when there is too much attention on some other place on our planet they stir up a mess to get the light back on them. I can't put my finger on it but it feels Leo like....anyway, I am not versed in the charts in play but I found a relevent posting by Lynn Hayes on her Astrological Musings.

The Sun in the North Korea chart is in Virgo where it is in the final stage of a transit of Saturn. Virgo has many positive attributes, but one of its negative qualities is a tendency towards miserliness and even deprivation and we have certainly seen this negative side with the starvation that occurs in that country. Virgo is an industrious sign that emphasizes humility and service rather than excellence and personal achievement, and this is certainly reflected in the fact that the North Korean government is run by the Korean Workers Party.

The Sun here is squared by Jupiter which can reveal a tendency towards arrogance and self-righteousness. Jupiter is particularly powerful here in its own sign of Sagittarius and while we like to think of Jupiter in its role as "The Greater Benefic" it can denote a fanatical and dogmatic philosophy of government. I like to say that Jupiter shows where we want to be god (Jupiter of course was King of the gods on Mt. Olympus), and with a powerful Jupiter in a challenging square to the Sun one's self-aggrandizement can take dangerous proportions.

Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/astrologicalmusings/2010/11/the-astrology-of-north-korea-u.html#ixzz16bRJA2Eq

Off in the distance----Mercury happens

22nd November - 14:36:52 UT - Mercury shadow begins (19 sa 37'29")
10th December - 12:04:27 UT - Mercury stations retrograde ( 5 cp 56' 9")
30th December - 07:20:38 UT - Mercury stations direct (19 sa 37'29")
18th January 2011 - 05:48:32 UT - Mercury shadow ends ( 5 cp 56' 10")


Mercury went into its shadow on November 22. I usually remind you of shadow periods when the retrograde goes into effect but I feel this retrograde may be a bit more pointed than the other retros since it is taking place in conjunction with Pluto and we know the "P" in Pluto stands for Point (up our ass.)

It has been awhile since I reminded everyone how a retrograde works. Take a moment to read this:


How long is the influence of the retrograde?

The best way to understand the influence is by setting up a visual.
Imagine Mercury is a car and this car is leaving Seattle and heading for NYC. So, the car leaves Seattle and heads East… this is called MERCURY DIRECT. The car continues on its trip and it goes by Chicago continues on the road but as it gets close to Indianapolis it starts to slow down…and just as it hits Indianapolis it stops and turns around. The Slow down is called MERCURY STATION and the Turn around of course is called MERCURY RETROGRADE. Now the retrograde car is heading west again and heading back to Chicago. When it finally gets back to Chicago it slows down and turns around and now heads east again returning back on its journey to NYC this is MERCURY DIRECT. The car will continue on its journey and this time when it goes by Indianapolis it doesn’t stop it just continues on its merry way to NYC.

What is significant is that the road between Chicago and Indianapolis will be seen once, then twice (going backwards) and then a third time (when it goes direct again). This road between Chicago and Indianapolis is the SHADOW PERIOD. This means the very first time we see Chicago we are put on alert that there is a Retrograde ahead and so be prepared we may see this landscape again.


To continue the analogy: On November 22 we drove by Chicago. We will be turning retrograde on December 10 (reaching Indianapolis) and then going all the way back to Chicago until December 30 where it will turn around and head again for Indianapolis and finally passing it on January 18th. As you can see from shadow point to shadow point is about 2 months. That doesn’t mean it will be all rocky during that time. No, not at all. The rockiest times will probably be during the actual retrograde (December 10- December 30) but we will most likely revisit topics that come up in the time between the two month shadow dates.


And what will this Mercury retrograde be about?
Since it is in Capricorn it will be very practical on many levels. Things that just don't make sense will either be dismissed or cut out of our lives (Pluto's influence). We will be moving boulders and clearing out debris that just don't make sense any longer. But of course, since it is a retrograde mercury there will probably be miscommunication possibly hurt feelings. And any things that break in our life? Well, I doubt we will have much appetite to replace them. Taken to the trash and not replaced is more likely the approach with a Capricorn energy.

The next week ahead

Well, how were those last couple of weeks? The flurry of activity coupled with pressure was almost too much but somehow we all got through. Now, we are going to be challenged. Mars will be pushing us all week. Oh, lordy, say that twice.


Tomorrow, November 29, Venus moves into Scorpio where it will be for the rest of year, this will put the emphasis on power, resources, undercover moves, plumbing, cleaning out debris, cutting out the dead and rebirth---all couched through love.

Also on Monday Mars Squares Jupiter, which is pretty yucky or powerful depending on your perspective. The fighter and the Big mouth go to war. This takes place at 23 degrees (Mars) Sagittarius and (Jupiter) Pisces ---which means the emphasis is on righteous, victims, mystical, education, spiritual, international, humanitarian and zealotry. If you feel like you are being pushed into a tribe, put your phone machine on and answer no one's prying questions. But if you feel you are deft at harnessing power, which is truly what is going on...then go for it!

On Tuesday November 30 Mercury moves into Capricorn which is great for practical thinking and ideas that can have tangible results. "Sport" thoughts meaning thinking about airy fairy things just because it is 'fun' will be shelved for the next month or so. * note mercury went into its shadow on November 22 --retro Mercury is coming up in December.

On December 1 we have a very nice perk between Mercury and Venus which will help straighten out any miscommunications from earlier in the week. Missives of kindness can help out. Perhaps a good day for just a nice laugh with a friend.

December 2 brings us a nice aspect between Mars and Neptune. For a guy who was ready to do battle at the beginning of the week with his fight with Jupiter he is now softer and ready to play nice with Neptune the planet of our higher conscious. Maybe we need to learn how to play nice with our neighbors and friends.

Whoops, I spoke to soon, because on December 3 Mars is now ready to do war with Uranus the harbinger of change. Once again, the emphasis is on those who see everything as right and wrong versus those who see things as being in the grey and what is the best course for important changes. We will all be scratching our heads on Friday. If you can stay low and avoid the radar---go for it. If you can't---I dunno, give as many vague answes as possible until the energy passes. Or throw yourself in the mix but remember, "It's Chinatown, Jake" so be careful who you 'help'.

Jupiter and Venus--flying right

Today Jupiter and Venus turned direct and I felt it in my bones. I am a Sagittarius so Jupiter is my ruling planet and therefore I am tuned into his movements. Jupiter is in Pisces and in my own chart it is in my 12th house. And where did I find myself? In a beautiful bay snorkeling and looking at colorful fish. I have tried to snorkel before and just did not get the hang of it. But today I thought, "I'm giving it a real shot." And so my family and I put on our fins and our breathing gear, struggled over the rocks and splash.... we were in the water. It is a protected cove so the waves were not large and we slowly floated over out into the waters. And there I saw my first fish---orange, brown and white stripes covered his body. I was hooked. Later when I got out as I dried off -- I thought, "Finally, it took Jupiter in Pisces in the 12th turning direct to get me to snorkel corectly!"

Later in the day, I had a phone call from someone I have been wanting to meet for a long time. I had sent a note a week or so ago asking if we could meet and I didn't know if I would hear back, but lo and behold, the call came today and we made plans for later in the year.

Now as for Venus turning direct in Libra, well, I'm not feeling it yet. Libra is all about negotiations but at this moment in time I don't have that desire. I would prefer to end the things that are more work than they are worth---especially if they cause me any kind of stress. I guess the Scorpio lunar phase is more in charge than Venus direct motion.

Perhaps the rest of you are feeling Jupiter and Venus' move?

Looking Ahead

The Scorpio waxing moon has been very effective at least in this household. I have been able to tidy up loose ends, snip things (like my hair!) and clean up some messes that have been weighing on my poor brain for months. God, I love Scorpio for getting rid of stuff on the docket!!!! I hope you are doing similiarly.

In the meantime, tomorrow, November 15, Mars will make a sextile to Saturn. An amazingly good time to take care of business or energize something practical. Because Saturn is in Libra this could be a good day for making peace with someone or stopping the war about something somewhere. You would know better than me where your battle zones exist.
Also tomorrow, we have a fat trine between Sun and Jupiter. This is a glorious day to expand and move forward. I will be curious what that looks like for the stock market. I was so busy last week I didn't get a chance to really focus on wall street but I do know Gold went as high as it could at the beginning of the week and then pulled back by Friday. I gotta say I think things will ramp up this week given the Sun/Jupiter aspect. One side note, if you did not see SNL last night. Do yourself a favor and watch the cold opening (first sketch) of Fred Armisen as Obama and his Press Conference in China----OMG, the fact that this made the cut and aired first, tells you a lot about our financial problems.

ON Wednesday November 17, Mercury will sextile Saturn. Another great day to walk your talk. People will show up, flakes will be put on ice today. We could be a bit snappy with people but not out of meaness, more because we are cooking on all burners and don't have time for sloppiness. A great communication day.

Thursday November 18, Jupiter turns direct and Venus turns direct. If you did not get a chance to read my New Moon Article let me remind you:

On November 18 early in the morning Jupiter will turn direct at 24 degrees Pisces and Venus will turn direct at 28 degrees Libra. I don’t have an answer as to why we begin our cycle with Neptune and Chiron turning direct and then half way through the cycle during Gibbous moon we have Jupiter and Venus turn direct. The fact that all of these direct motions are taking place during Scorpio is interesting. For a sign that is certainly connected to covert activities (Scorpio) it is curious that 3 planets and one planetoid are straightening out and flying right. But of course at the same time Scorpio is associated with power or more to the point ‘empowerment’ perhaps our empowerment comes for a clear channel of Venus, Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron. With Venus, if our relationships, love, beauty and resources have been feeling ‘off’ for the last seven weeks now we will feel back on course. What have we learned about our values and beauty and love during the retrograde and how we are better be served by Venus. Because this is Libra the accent is on relationships and partnerships. How have we been feeling alone? How have we been feeling overly burdened? Or have we been aware of the amount of work we ask others to do? All that we have learned will be available to us now more readily with Venus turning direct.


And then with Jupiter retrograde back in Pisces we have found our inner humanitarian on a quest since the middle of July. Back in June we all felt the pressure of Jupiter in Aries. He got into a bit of tangle with the cardinal crosses but then he slowly moved out of the conflict and back into mystical Pisces. I personally am glad he was NOT in Aries during the campaign season. If you thought the rhetoric was bad this election I can tell you that in no uncertain terms it would have been one hundred times worst if Jupiter had been in Aries. But, now it is turning around heading out of Pisces and will be back in Aries at the beginning of 2011. Take these final days between now and the end of the year to enjoy our spirituality and mystical and humanitarian side. None of these will go away when Jupiter moves into Aries but if we right now are focused more on “we”—that will be replaced with a lot more “I”. Fingers crossed it will be more like “how can I help?” but it might not start off that way. Sigh.

additionally on the 18th we will have a square between the Sun and Neptune so there is going to be some fuzzy energy and cuckoos behaviors will be pronounced. That crazy person on the corner will be a bit more loud. And that phone call from that person that always leaves you scratching your head, "huh" will be extra head scratching today.

November 19 we have the Sun Trine Uranus which puts the emphasis on unusual, innovative, breaking up the old guard and moving to new. Power through spirituality in an unusual way. Sometimes it is good to have an earthquake now and then.

November 20, Mercury gets on top of Mars. Watch your words and what you want to go to war over. Is it worth it? Is there another way to empower yourself? Consider all your options.

November 21. Sun moves into Sagittarus. Let the merriment and time of too much food begin!

Scorpio New Moon 2010!

I just put up Scorpio new moon---phew under the wire by almost 8 hours--hurray!

you will find the whole article HERE at Margaret Wendt's website

Here is a snippet:

Scorpio New Moon

If William Shakespeare was alive today and knew astrology he would look at the chart of the Scorpio New Moon and say, “Forget Richard III--- now is the winter of our discontent.” This line made so famous by many a gifted English performer can leave us modern speakers scratching our head but what it simply means is that the “time of unhappiness is past.” And to which I add—at least for a moment or two.

All of this of year we have had one patch of tough aspects after another and we still have some cranky ones in play but the difference between everything else and now rests with the Sun and the Moon. On every new moon in 2010 the Sun and the Moon have made major aspects (many harsh) with the other planets and therefore color the 28 day cycle more acutely. When you add to this a summer chock full of tense aspects between all the outer planets (“the cardinal climax”) ---well, the pressures of the year and summer was palpable. (no,shit)

Now, having completed the Libra lunar phase (which threw around a bit more of the cardinal drama)—we have found a safe haven with this Scorpio New Moon. The other day my friend called me up and said, “How’s this New Moon looking? And I said, “It is going to be a good Scorpio New Moon.” Of which she replied, “Scorpio????” And I said, “Yeah, I know---any port in a storm.” We had a laugh because Scorpio is hardly a walk in the park. It is far from light and breezy but still even with its strong nature it is going to be a decent lunar cycle –if you are willing to transform.

The Sun and the Moon have no major aspects with any of the other planets and therefore we will find the spigot for Scorpio –ON! For the next 28 days we will find the emphasis on death and rebirth, taxes, rules and order, black and white, extremes, regenerative, life affirming but only after releasing. Scorpio is a water sign and like his elemental compatriots (Cancer & Pisces) the key is ‘flow”. Stagnant water creates nothing but problems . Look to nature and you will see larvae and murk in sluggish ponds. Interestingly, of the three water signs, Scorpio more than the other two knows in his soul that whenever he gives up control and lets go—he is rewarded. Cancer knows he SHOULD not hold on to stuff and eventually he can let it go and when he looks back he usually says, “thank god I gave up that war.” Of course, if he talks too much about it he can get himself all worked up about the old wound and injustice all over again. Ha! (As a mother of a Cancer I know this habit well) With Pisces it is a bit more about guilt. Pisces will ask “Why am I still holding on to ____, I should be better than that.” And of course they feel guilty about it. But all water signs know “flow” is key but truly Scorpio really understands the value of letting go because he is the sign of death and rebirth. When they are younger they are known to love something to death. The Kung Pau Chicken at that restaurant on the corner will be their number one meal for two years straight and then one day they will say “Nope. I’m into Fish Tacos now.” And it will be “pass the salsa” at the Mexican joint on the corner then a year or so later they will be done with that and onto something else. Scorpio is passionate about everything in their life and when they are not—watch out. Grey is an evil word to them. Black and white they can get their head around. It is so interesting that the things that are associated with Scorpio are those things that bring out the black and white in all of us---taxes, death, sex, court and legal issues---this is not a blasé group of matters. And added to this list is bank loans, investments, stocks and resources. See why I laughed that THIS is our port in the storm?

Midterm Elections November 2, 2010

Today's election is taking place with Moon in Virgo---it is hard to qualify these sort of things but I have a feeling if questioned a lot of people either showed up to vote because they are feeling critical or they voted out of duty both very Virgo.

One thing that is curious is that on November 4, 2008--Saturn and Uranus had their first of many exact oppositions. This pit old versus new; status quo versus change. What was the result? Obama was elected president. Interestingly this man who spoke of change and looked like change was elected. But now two years later many people see him as a man of status quo--including those who voted for him back in 08. Who knew? Well, many of us astrologers did remind everyone that oppositions can be funny--you think one thing and another thing happens.

Up until a short time ago, The White House indicated that any votes that resulted in a huge Republican lead would not be a referendum on The President. I am sure they have their reasoning for this position but I gotta say..for the entire voting period (in all time zones) the Moon is opposite Uranus the planet of change and opposite Jupiter the planet of BIG opinions. As of this time, the west coast polling stations have just closed but I have not been online to check the news.

I will say that if any elected official is anything close to a tie--they should NOT throw in the towel. Especially if a network news defines someone as a winner. Mercury in square to Neptune suggestS---either delusional thinking or downright misinformation. Of course, Mercury will be trining Jupiter which will add jet fuel to the blogosphere and political pundits. Nothing but shooting off their mouths!

And will there be any hangovers from today's events? Of course!!! What do you think Uranus and Pluto's push on each other all during 2011 and then exactly punching each other seven times between 2011-2015!!!

Note The week ahead

If you are like me then you are still dealing with the afterburn of this weekend's Full Moon. We are still feeling it until tomorrow's (10/25) Disseminating moon 5:59pm.

Luckily this morning we have a Mercury conjunct Venus which brings out our caring side and tenderness. Even if it a brief moment, those random acts of kindness go far today.

Tomorrow (10/25) at 3:01pm EDT The Sun will sextile Pluto which will put the accent on resources and productivity. A great day to get real stuff accomplished. It would be an beneficial day to make important calls and to reach out to people you have been a bit nervous about calling, particular people in position of power or authority. You may find them amenable.

On Thursday (10/28) Mars moves into Sag so we are going to get a whole lot of ponticating for the next month or so. Sag is great for parties, education, publishing and inflaming others with their passion. See what comes up that gets you all hot and bothered. Whatever house has your Sag you will see some energy come up!

Also on Thursday we will ahve Sun cojunct Venus which again is good for resources, love and money. A nice little 'have your cake and eat it too' day. For those who are into a little 'date night' go for it. If not, then take a look at your investments. They might be ready for a bit of inspired thinking.

Final quarter moon is on Saturday and we will begin the final days heading for Scorpio New moon on Nov 6...more to come.

Aries Full Moon-Do you feel the Sparks????

Aries Full Moon

October 22 – 9:38pm EDT


Whether an astrologer will admit it or not, I think we all have our favorite full moons and in my case I have a warm spot for Aries Full Moon. But then I enjoy a good old brawl. Or at the very least some terrific sparks. Which you get with Air sign Libra and combustible Aries. With this Full Moon, Libra is all about sharing and relating and trying to find balance while Missy Moon in Aries, is about messing with balance by demanding that we talk about HER needs. It is not about ‘us’ it is about ‘me’! You’ll see a lot of “You're selfish, what about us?” discussion this weekend. Perhaps in your own living room. Of course, when Libra is up for the task and willing to do the work they are an effective negotiator. But when they are feeling pushed into a corner or when they aren’t ‘ready’ they will get deliberately noncommittal and vague. Which does nothing but infuriate Ares. There will be sparks for the next 3.5 days. People trying to make peace and others saying, “eff peace. I want to take care of me!”


Additionally, Mercury is the planet of communication and speaks to how our brains work, and it is conjunct The Sun which puts the accent on saying what we want and thinking a lot about the stuff we CAN’T say. And since Mercury is opposing the Moon there will be a lot that we feel we can’t talk about---which will piss us off (Aries). Luckily there is also a lovely Sun conjunct Venus so that will soften some of the anger and accentuate the things we love and value. We should also expect a smattering of ‘WooWoo” with the Sun trine Neptune. A ghost or psychic could l get our attention. And watch our dreams!! They could speak volumes.

Furthermore, Pluto who is the greatest digger and driller around is making a nice trine to Moon. We can get under and really find an answer to something that has baffled us for while. Take a look at the news this Friday. See if someone releases a story that is really BIG news but they do it on Friday because they think no one will see it (Pluto tries to be stealth) Whatever it is it could be significant.

Finally, in all this angst and pleasure there will be a door that opens. This is a long range door opening since it has to do with Pluto and the Nodes. We’ll be in it for a while but this full moon has more oomph since the Moon in Aries flames it up a bit. Remember doorways are funny, a few years ago I got fat and I had a couple people tell me, “What are you going to do—you are fat.” I laughed each time because I knew it was true and then finally I did something when a third friend said something to me. I guess it could have stung me, if I was in denial but I knew he was right and within a month I was on a serious diet, he pushed me through “the door”. See where you get pushed and consider it is possibly a door.

Happy Full Moon

Looking ahead

Today (october 16) the Sun conjuncts Mercury which I am sure accounts for me getting over here and updating my blog. Honestly, I was feeling the need all week and would have probably gotten here anyway, but my guess is that it was Mercury woke me up at five am to make sure I was on top it! Anyway, it is great day for communication. In particular areas that have felt out of balance. Libra is the scales and likes everything equal so those areas that have been ignored will need some attention today. It will be curious who you reach out to and who reaches out to you today.

On Monday 10/18 Mercury will trine Neptune which sends our minds whipping around issues that are spiritual, dreamy and inspired. An insight might come up that you had never considered before and it could bare fruit as early as the very next day when on Tuesday 10/19 the Sun will trine Neptune. The Sun likes "action and realization" so, if Monday's inspired thoughts continue to swirl around in your brain on Tuesday, you will do the work to get to actualize that desire.

Then on Wednesday October 20, Mars trines Jupiter. Another great day for putting theories into action. Good day for educating yourself on something and for publishing. Also accent on travel.

On Friday we have a big fat moon in Aries one hour before it moves into Taurus. More to come on that one later. *edit

And we have a Square between Mars and Neptune. Our actions hit a fog bank. We are feeling unsettled and just 'off'. Luckily there is a nice perk between Mercury and Pluto which accents deep thoughts. Perhaps this is a day where we MUST think, think, think before we act.

On a similiar note---

And just when we thought all was safe---There was an Mine Explosion in China today. 20 miners are dead and 30 are trapped.---hopefully there is a nonstop flight from Santiago to Beijing.


Associated Press -- BEIJING -- An explosion in a Chinese coal mine killed 20 and trapped more than 30 workers underground Saturday in the country's central region, state media reported.

The China blast comes shortly after the world was riveted by the Chile's dramatic rescue of 33 trapped miners after they spent more than two months underground.

China Central Television said the blast happened Saturday morning in Henan province. An official surnamed Wu with the province's coal mine safety bureau confirmed accident but had no details.





At the same time the Chilean Miners were being rescued the earth shook in Oklahoma. On Wednesday a 4.3 quake hit just outside Oklahoma City. The last time that happened was in 1950. The most curious note is that this was a fault no one knew about. As one who remembers Northridge quake in 1994, on a unknown fault, they can still rattle your nerves.

Curiously, I had conversation with a friend yesterday and she said, "I think we here in California are going to get a quake around Thanksgiving.' The last sort of big one here was on Easter so I guess a holiday is just as good a day as another.

Miners, Miners, Miners------

Coming to my blog today makes me realize that I too feel like one of the celebrated Chilean Miners. I have been slogging it out for over a week dealing with issues in a huge school district so much that there has been no daylight for me. 'nuff said on that one.

Anyway, I am back and I have to say even in my hypercrazed haze of the last few days which had little time to follow the story of the miners I still knew---AH, Pluto has arrived--again.

This entire year as we approached and retreated from the cardinal crosses it seems we are in the territory of Pluto.

The laundry list is easy: The BP explosion in May and the summer of digging new wells which took what seemed an eternity. And of course in January we had the huge earthquake in Haiti and in February, an 8.8 quake in...Chile. See a theme? The mine collapsed on August 5 which was absolutely in the throws of the cardinal aspect and it took over 60 days to find them and dig another tunnel to retrieve them. Experts from all over the world showed up to help and provide tools, man power and I'm sure prayers.

I got an email from my friend Carol who offered up:

"I didn't do the astrology of the rescue, but did look up the birth date of the Chilean President, Sebastian Pinera - Dec. 1, 1949. No surprise, a Sag with Taurus moon. Moon was in Sag at the rescue time, I think. Anyway it'll put him on center stage as a world leader, as he does his victory lap through Europe. All the rescue details were masterminded to a fault ---- including the miners' media training. I'm just fascinated by the whole thing."

Over at Lynn Hayes site you will find her thoughtful musings. Here is a snippet go to the link for the full article:

Yesterday the world watched enraptured as 33 miners in Chile were released from their bondage in the Underworld and emerged relatively unscathed, with amazing stories of bravery and transformation. One of the more amazing reports that I heard was that the miners were arguing over who should be rescued first, each one wanting their brethren to be released before they themselves were freed. This has been a truly inspiring story, but the true miracle was the spirit that these men demonstrated during their captivity, despite the agonizing pressures of being trapped in the underworld darkness.

The astrological significance of the rescue of the miners this week is impressively precise. First, we have Pluto (transformation in the Underworld) in the sign of Capricorn, ruling the Earth and all things that come from underground, conjoining Ceres, the goddess of the earth who provides nourishment and sustenance of all living things. The Pluto/Ceres conjunction corresponded in its negative form with the oil spill in the Gulf earlier this year, and with the release of red sludge in Hungary, but here we have the reminder that transformation in the underworld can occur despite adversity.

Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/astrologicalmusings/#ixzz12WzUbEnJ

What's going on?

Today: October 8, 3:05am Venus retrogrades.
Of course I mentioned Venus Retrograde in my new moon. If you missed it:

Venus Retrograde Now one thing that is very curious is that Venus which is Libra’s ruling planet is turning retrograde less than 24 hours into the new moon at 3:05am October 8. Venus is the planet of creativity, resources and values. Of course since we value both Love and Money then they also fall under Venus’ jurisdiction. Does it not strike a loud note in you that we are in the midst of overhauling our relationships and the way we do partnerships and the way we negotiate our way through life and here is Venus the planet of values turning retrograde? Perhaps this will be the exact energy many of us need to readjust our lives to fit our ‘real’ selves. But it will not be without a moment or two of some inner reflection.

Venus will make the big turnaround at 14 degrees of Scorpio. So, the values that first get churned up will be Scorpio which is sex, death and rebirth, evolution, loans, big money and power. Between October 8 and November 7 watch and see if those (Scorpio) issues get your attention. Then between November 7 and November 18 we will be churned up even more about our relationships and how we balance ourselves and how we relate to our partner. Do we have to hide ourselves in order for our partner to be who he or she is? Or do they hide in the background while we express who we are? Do we really work in unison? Is there an area of our relationship that is fake? And how did the stuff that got churned up between October 8 and November 7 impact us so much that we are really looking at our partner or relationships and thinking, “Holy shit I have got to make some changes.” Then on November 18 Venus will turn direct and we will feel relief. By then, all the work we did for the last six weeks will finally start to make sense. First by having us adjust our way of ‘partnering’ and then between November 29 and January 8 by having us fix our sex, death & rebirth, evolution loans, big money and power again. Do you see how it is all one big circle? And all of it happening on the Libra lunar cycle. It is reminds me of algebra class Relationship squared plus Relationship Squared.

Mercury Unlocks much

Earlier this week when I posted the New Moon I had this feeling I was forgetting something. I could not shake it. Then yesterday I was cleaning my desk and I saw my yellow post which said, "MERCURY" and it was then that I realized I forgot to edit my article to include the Mercury component to the new moon. Over the weekend I had written out my notes and I was so focused on Saturn that I put a scribble...'mecury conjunction" and proceeded to forget to include. Argh. Anyway, I added it today so those who click on it will see the addition. But here it is for those who already read the new moon article:


Mercury in the mix
In addition to big ol’ Saturn influencing the Sun and Moon on this lunar cycle he is also influencing Mercury. The four of them are all hanging out together between seven and fourteen degrees of Libra. This is of course interesting, since the answer to all our relationship issues—is better communication. God, knows you can turn on any afternoon talk show and someone is espousing it, but besides the tall doctor from Texas getting up everyone’s grill with –“Cawmunicashion, People”. It is really about effective communication than just talking . And this will be in our favor this month. Saturn will be riding Mercury hard. Our thoughts and tongues can be harsh, and brittle but at the same time we will want to make sure we mean what we say. Light and shallow will not be appealing no matter how much we are being asked to show up and provide background chatter at cocktail parties and events. What we will really gravitate towards will be conversations that have concrete results. Someone mentions that they need _____ and you recall your friend saying they have an extra ____. Next thing you know you are taking down someone’s email and forwarding it to someone else. Being productive is key to Saturn. And at this time with relationships being so highlighted ---if we are doing too much work we will probably be very effective in voicing our resentments. Or worse, we are no longer resentful, we just want out. But of course before you do any move, breathe a bit and see if you can get someone else to help you as you try to figure out what is really being said and what is really helpful. Can a friend step in and help you like a partner as you balance out everything? Can you get some feedback from a colleague at work? Just remember if you shoot off your mouth you better be prepared to ‘walk the talk.’ Saturn is looking.

Libra New Moon October 7 2010

Libra New Moon is this Thursday at 2:44pm EDT (october 7)

It is really an interesting energy because we have got Venus, Libra's ruling planet turning retrograde a few hours after New Moon. That should get our attention that maybe we are suppose to work on our relatioships!

There is much to the moon, here is a snippet but of course you will find my whole article over on Margaret Wendt's website.

I am happy to say that this Lunar cycle is not nearly as crammed with harsh aspects as previous moons. However the work in front of us is of paramount importance. It might not be complicated but it cuts to our bone much deeper. This month we are being pulled to get our relationships together!


“Hasta luego, Pluto—Hola, Saturn”


First of all let’s thank our lucky stars that this new moon is taking place at 15 degrees of Libra which is a full glorious 13 degrees AWAY from Pluto in Capricorn. Yeah!!! After our long, hot summer where we experienced tensions, it is nice that the Sun and Moon are not doing battle with Pluto on this lunar phase.

As we all know --and I’m not going to belabor this because I have talked about it ad nauseam all summer ---Libra is the sign of relationships and partnerships. Libra energy is focused on finding the happy medium. It is striving to find the “grey” when everyone else is screaming “black” or “white”. It is the sign of negotiations and contracts. If you check your lunar chart and find the house with Libra you will find the need for balance and compromise. Of course, when Libra is coming from an evolved place it can be a masterful negotiator. It is the best lawyer working to make a good contract for everyone. It is the greatest counselor in the world, listening to everyone’s side and drawing a smart plan that makes sure everyone is happy. Who doesn’t love a little Libra in their chart? But of course every sign has its character defects and when Libra is being bad and yes, I’m using that word—it is lazy, duplicitous and unwilling to put its ass out on the line. Additionally, it can hold up a cardboard cutout of itself and claim, “Hey that is me, it really is!” but of course at the end of the night Libra has to go to bed wondering if his fake side is over powering his real side? And at what cost?

We are in a unique period because once every 28 years Saturn transits Libra. And believe me when Saturn goes through a sign it will find every weakness, flaw, character defect and take it out in the backyard and shoot it. Between 2009

Gold & Silver hit all time high

This week and yes it is only Tuesday, Gold and Silver hit all time highs--twice. Gold closed (US markets) at $1310 and silver at $22

Interestingly, Sun opposed Jupiter today and Sun Opposed Uranus. Gold is associated with the Sun (no surprise) and Jupiter is associated with 'inflation.' I do not use that word with a big "I" as in Inflationary Market. I use it as in---"to pump up". Jupiter will inflate anything from a waistline to a friendship circle. It just comes in contact and throws its weight around. But what about Uranus? Uranus is the unusual. Uranus is the oddball. And this might have something to do with silver market? As those who follow the metals market know, Silver moves very slowly. In fact it would be a big day if silver went up 25 cents in one day. That would be HUGE news. But in the last two weeks it crossed $20 which was the highest since 1980 and in that amount of time it moved another two bucks. This is weird.

We are certainly still feeling Jupiter's conjunction with Uranus (9/18) which ties with the activity of both metals.

My guess is that there will probably be a pull back on Thursday when the Sun conjuncts Saturn. However, if the price does not retreat, then this would be indicative of a market that is VERY concerned about national currencies. I know you are nodding your head saying, "no shit, sherlock."

Aries Full Moon September 23 - 5:17am

As I indicated HERE, the tension between Saturn and Pluto is palpable especially between now and September 30th.

That is quite an environment and then to throw in tomorrow’s big ol’ Aries full moon---well, let’s all get a seat down front because someone is throwing a punch. And given the moon will be in conjunction with Jupiter and Uranus---the punch will be big and it be from out of nowhere. We can either feel it personally (early Libras, Capricorns, Aries and Cancers should go on Def Con 1). Or it will be something we see out in the greater public. Part of the reason why I have not given the “All Clear” from the cardinal aspects of this summer is because of this full moon and next month’s Libra Lunar phase. As I indicated numerous times, I would like to get through Libra before I totally relax.


Anyway, The Full Moon (September 23 at 5:17am EDT) also is picking up on the Mars conjunct Venus in Scorpio---this puts emphasis on sex and other people’s money and investments and crimes in general.

In my neck of the woods I found it timely that city officials from the southern California town of BELL were unceremoniously thrown in jail yesterday. Their crime? Ripping off the hard working citizens of the small town and taking ridiculously large salaries. ( For example $500,000 for the Police Chief?)

Will be seeing more of this while Saturn and Pluto do their tension filled dance.

Cha cha cha.

First Day of Autumn--a bit tense

Today (September 22) at 11:09pm The Sun moves into Libra. Happy Birthday, Libra!

As we know this coincides with the end of summer and the beginning of Fall. Happy falling leaves, good bye sunblock.

During Libra the accent is on negotiations. Interestingly, the Mideast Peace negotiations have begun again although I don't know if Saturn's placement in Libra for the next two years will be helpful. Or specifically, I don't know if the tension between Pluto in Capricorn with Saturn in Libra will be a real catalyst for change---or a catalyst for something else.

Neither planet tolerates superficial moves. But this is challenging since Libra (when it is unprocessed) can be a bit shallow. And Capricorn likes things hard and difficult. God knows we have been feeling this tension between both signs all summer.

What will be interesting to watch is if Saturday's Sun Square Pluto (September 25 8:26pm) and next week's Sun conjunct Saturn (Thursday September 30) will present us with challenges. It may throw some stuff in the air that we have to deal with during the Libra lunar cycle which begins on October 7.

Watch and see.

UFOs with your conjunction

Over at Lynn Hayes sight UFOS are in the news again. Just in time for this weekend's conjunction.

As I wrote the other day, Jupiter and Uranus reach the pinnacle of their second conjunction tomorrow, this time in Pisces. The combination of Jupiter and Uranus can make for some pretty big (Jupiter) surprises (Uranus) that challenge the status quo (Uranus) of what we believe (Jupiter), so I think we can safely file the plethora of UFO sightings over the past few days under the Jupiter/Uranus conjunction!

read more here:

And Coincidentally-----Jupiter is big ass close

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Better catch Jupiter next week in the night sky. It won't be that big or bright again until 2022. Jupiter will pass 368 million miles from Earth late Monday, its closest approach since 1963. You can see it low in the east around dusk. Around midnight, it will be directly overhead. That's because Earth will be passing between Jupiter and the sun, into the wee hours of Tuesday.

The solar system's largest planet already appears as an incredibly bright star – three times brighter than the brightest star in the sky, Sirius. The only thing brighter in the night sky right now is our moon. Binoculars and telescopes will dramatically improve the view as Jupiter, along with its many moons, rises in the east as the sun sets.

"Jupiter is so bright right now, you don't need a sky map to find it," said Tony Phillips, a California astronomer under contract with NASA. "You just walk outside and see it. It's so eye-catching, there it is."

Phillips has never seen Jupiter so bright. "To an experienced observer, the difference is notable," he said Friday.

Coincidentally, Uranus also will make a close approach the same night. It will appear close to Jupiter but harder to see with the naked eye. Through a telescope, it will shine like an emerald-colored disk less than one degree from Jupiter.

Jupiter comes relatively close to Earth about every 12 years. In 1999, it passed slightly farther away. What's rare this time is Uranus making a close appearance at the same time, Phillips said. He called it "a once-in-a-lifetime event." While seen right next to Jupiter through a telescope, Uranus actually will be 1.7 billion miles from Earth on Monday night.

Phillips urges stargazers not to give up if it's cloudy Monday night. Jupiter will remain relatively close for many weeks, he noted, providing good viewing opportunities for some time. And for those who are early risers instead of night owls, Jupiter will be visible setting in the west just before sunrise.

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Saturday's Jupiter Conjunction with Pisces

On Saturday September 18 at 6:03pm EDT --Jupiter the largest planet of the zodiac will get on top of Uranus the planet of revolutions. The conjunction will take place at 28' 43 degrees of Pisces. This is the second of three waves where the two will tangle. The first time was back on June 8th but at that time the tangleup was in the sign Aries. Remember how pissed we all felt? Remember that feeling of wanting to break free and do our own thing? Those desires were not wrong and have not been extinguished but now with these two mighty energies returning to watery Pisces---well, perhaps we have to go find our soul before we break free? Perhaps our desires were based on something revolutionary but with out a conscience? The final conjunction between these two will be in January 2011. We should consider this period a dynamic and creative time as we process our philosophies and breakthroughs. Are they aligned? Or is our "Rebel without a cause" hurting our perspective? Is it too narrow? Or is it too broad? I don't know only you, the man in the mirror and your maker know the truth. Watch your dreams this weekend. They might have a secret for you.

zzzzz