Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Fall of Vietnam



I am a sucker for American Experience.  Blame my Moon in Cancer for a profound love of history.  But more to my point, tonight American Experience  will be airing Rory Kennedy's Last Days in Vietnam.  I have had it on my radar for months.   This afternoon PRI interviewed one of the subjects of the movie about how as a small boy living in Saigon his father landed a Chinook Helicopter in the front lawn to rescue his family before the North Vietnam army arrived.

I found the story so compelling I drafted a chart for the event.



During the month there were people on the move who knew they had to get out fast  but by the end of the month desperation replaced fear.  

If you hear the story of this man as he talks about the helicopter searching the ocean for a boat and trying to figure a way to drop the family since they could not land the chopper.   Mars in Pisces square Moon and Neptune in Sag was totally in the mix.  Leaving one's life savings and belongings speaks to Venus in Gemini filling out the mutable T square.    Jupiter in Aries jumps for a new beginning and with the opposition from Pluto in Libra there is a pressure between jumping versus staying back and facing death.  

Thankfully, for this family they got out.

Saturday, April 25, 2015

This Week



Today (Saturday April 25 at 7:55pm EDT) we move into First Quarter Moon.  This is our second deadline for your Treasure Map.  Can you do it?   If not you do have our final deadline next week.  After that deadline, well, we're done.  And you will have to wait until next year to make your map.   My feeling is if you can get it done now before 7:55pm EDT---Great. Get it completed.  If not then go for it this week.

In the meantime.....


First Quarter Moon
April 25
7:55pm EDT

Focus on:  What actions  can you take that bring out your bravery?  What goals have you set out for yourself that need high self-esteem? What actions can you take that speak to your love?  How are your actions accessing your creativity? 

Special focus
4/26: Venus sxt Uranus:  Breakthroughs around money, love and creativity.
4/29: Sun sxt Neptune.  Inspired faith with actions build self esteem.

Gibbous Moon
April 29
10:50pm EDT   

Focus on:
What have we missed about our health and diet?  What goals did we set out for the year that need to be scheduled in our calendar every day?  Where do we need to do a tiny bit every day in order to achieve a bigger goal? What did we miss because we didn’t get in close and look at the details?  


Special Focus:
4/30: Mercury enters Gemini

5/03: Mercury Opp. Saturn.  Restricted thoughts and conversation. Feeling mentally blocked or challenged.  

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

How are you doing with your Treasure Maps?


Okay we just crossed our first Treasure Map Deadline.

And I will tell you I didn't complete mine until this morning.    It is okay we still have time.

The next hurdle we are shooting for is April 25th 7:55pm EDT  (6:55pm CDT, 5:55pm MDT, 4:55pm PDT)


Very  Good. 

And if you don’t make that deadline then the next date to have it completed is have it done by May 3 at 11:41pm EDT. (10:41pm CDT)  (9:41pm MDT) 8:41pm PDT)  That is one minute before the moon goes Full.    


And that’s it.  If you don’t have your map completed by the May 3 11:41pm EDT.  Then skip the map this  year. 


And those of you who are running out the clock ...well that's fine.  If you don't want to make a map then don't make a map.  It is not the end of the world. 

Friday, April 17, 2015

Aries New Moon!!!!



Aries New Moon
April 18 2:56 pm EDT

You know and I know this is the most important new moon in any year.  It is the new moon that launches the new year.   The chart of this new moon speaks to the energy of the 29 day lunar cycle and in the waxing part of the cycle we build our Treasure Maps.    Of course the chart for the  new moon will influence our Treasure Maps and I gotta say the charts for the Aries New Moon in the last few years have had a lot of tension.   To say the least. But this year's chart is free of a lot of problematic aspects.   The Uranus Pluto tension has concluded and is slowly becoming a memory and Aries is looking around and happy to see he is still standing!  Hurray.  

I  have just posted my Aries New Moon HERE.    Give it a read to get a feel for this cycle.  And of course you should make your Treasure Map.   This is not a year to skip your map.   Run free, be brave, dream big.   And if you need inspiration click on the link above to give you a bounce in your step. I dare you.

Big Smooch
Tracy

Treasure Map 2015


Treasure Map time launches April 18 at  2:56pm EDT.  

I am forever indebted to the late great astrologer Robert Buz Myers who in 1996 launched me (and my friends) on Treasure Mapping.  Buz would be over the moon to see how many people have taken their Treasure Maps and changed their lives in the last 19 years.   For more on the roots on how I came upon Buz and Treasure Mapping go HERE.


WHAT IS A TREASURE MAP?

A treasure map is a collage made of photos, magazines pictures, words, pieces of things that make sense to you.   Whatever you want and you put them on a foam core board or cardboard or something strong that can handle the collage.  This collage is something you can look at all year and it will be your MAP of what you want for the coming year.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN, "What do I want for the coming year?"

Exactly what it says. Do you want a new house, a new living room, better health, stronger marriage, reconnect with people, a bigger family, a bigger community? Do you want to write your book? Do you want a new car? What is it you want?


Do you even know what you want? If you are like many of us, you are so busy running around, taking care of everyone else that you don’t have a fig of an idea what you want for your new year.  This is the beauty of the process.  Building a Treasure Map you get to sit down and figure it out.   Please give yourself the time to do it.  Yes, I want you to be just that selfish and dare to dream.


Why do we do it now and not January?


Treasure Maps are made during the Aries new moon. Aries new moon changes from year to year and this year, it will take place on April 18, 2015 2:56pm.  


Maps are made on Aries new moon, because that is the first sign of the zodiac. Aries is when you plant your seeds. It is the real beginning of the New Year. It should not be confused with the first day of spring, which was on March 20. New moon means the sun and moon are in the same degree. For those who don't know much about astrology (which is totally okay) Aries is the sign of SIGHT.  That's why it is so important to have pictures of what you want. You need to visualize it. Or if you don't do photos/pictures then put up words. It is just important for you to SEE THEM.


So, I'm going to be busy on April 18 can I start it before the 18th?

NO.

Do I have to buy a bunch of magazines, I'm broke, can I just borrow some old ones from friends


When I started my treasure maps I always did them with fresh new magazines. And in the old days, (not married, no children) I spent a lot of dough on magazines because I wanted lots of choices. But with time, I now only get a few magazines. I never borrowed magazines from friends however I have friends who do use borrowed magazines and were happy with their results. So, it really is your call. But if you do borrow magazine, make sure they are put away until April 18 so they are fresh to you on that date.


What if I don't want magazine photos, can I just use my own pictures?  Like my husband, my kids, etc.?

Sure. I usually scanned them or printed new ones so that I would not wreck my originals.

Again it is your call.



Do I only focus on things?


Heck no! I would  encourage you to also focus on beliefs and environments. Affirmations like “I’m abundant” or “I am always feeling loved” “My health is vibrant.” “My partner and I are always growing closer.”


Can I paint or write on my Treasure Map?

Of course!  Be as creative as you want.   You can write on your map, or paint your map again, whatever you want.   I often type up affirmations and put them on the map.   Be sure that they are in present tense.   For example,  “I will be financially solid”  versus, “I’m financially secure.”  And some gratitude is good as well, “I’m grateful that my family has optimal health.”


Is there any pattern I have to use when I put the photos or the words on my board?

No you can do it anyway you want.

I will say that in previous years my friends and I have used the feng shui baguas as a pattern. Basically I would break up the board into 9 areas. A grid like this:

123
456
789

1-abundance
2-fame/reputation
3-relationship
4-family
5-health
6-creativity
7-self-knowledge (and travel)
8-work
9-helpful people and angels.

If you use the feng shui baguas, you will naturally cover most all areas of your life,as you can see it is all represented there. But again, you don’t have to do it that way.  Some people have even made round boards.  


Can I build a cyber-map?

Many people are more comfortable with cyber maps, which are always in sight on their computer.

And they have had success.   Again, it is your call, do what your heart calls you to do.


How much time do I have to build my map?
Perfect Scenario

In a perfect world we would all have our Treasure Maps done in the New Phase of the Aries lunar cycle.

Which means having our maps done between April 18 2:52pm EDT and April 22 12:34am EDT (4/21 11:34pm CDT,  10:34pm MDT, 9:34pm MDT).


Very  Very Good

But of course not everyone can have their map finished by April 21/22.   No problem.

You can push your date to April 25th 7:55pm EDT  (6:55pm CDT, 5:55pm MDT, 4:55pm PDT)


Very  Good.

And if you don’t make that deadline then the next date to have it completed is have it done by May 3 at 11:41pm EDT. (10:41pm CDT)  (9:41pm MDT) 8:41pm PDT)  That is one minute before the moon goes Full.   


And that’s it.  If you don’t have your map completed by the May 3 11:41pm EDT.  Then skip the map this  year.






Do I have to do it alone or can I do it with friends?

You can do it either way. I build mine with my two friends. We are like family and it felt so right to do it with them. We start now just start them together and then finish them at home later. I know that there are several people who have parties.   I will say this, it is a lot of fun to do them with others--.My friends would pass around the magazines.. "Hey, I found a great beach bungalow does anyone need a beach vacation? Or "I have got to lose 10 pounds, any ideas what I should put on my map?" and low and behold someone will come up with a good suggestion.


Do I have to finish it all at one sitting?


No. Often I cut my stuff out with my friends. Maybe glue a little thing here or there and then take it home and finish it over the course of a day or two.

Can my kids do it with me?

Yes! It is great for them to focus and think about what they want. Have them build their own maps. They also might give you their thoughts about what they think you should have in your life. Which helps them to think beyond themselves, always a good thing, right?


Does it work?

Yep.   

Okay. I don't want to sound like a spoilsport but I’m just not interested in building a collage, can I do something else?


Sure you can take a piece of orange paper and write down wishes or affirmations during Treasure Map time. Sometimes I felt like I needed to switch to 'less is more' after several years of mapping.  (However, I would encourage newcomers to make the actual maps.)  For those more seasoned, if you really don't feel the call then just write your desires down on orange paper. So, vibrant. So Aries.


Is it ok to have things continue over to the next year? Long-term, ongoing stuff that has progressed but needs to continue to progress?


Yes. Of course. But with a small caveat. My experience after doing these for years is that when something really takes time and doesn't gel in the first year there is something still not ready. It might be something you are aware of for example one cyber friend shifted her map from year one to year two by focusing on less things.  She had overwhelmed herself with her first map and had some small successes but the second year when it was less she had more results.   And others actually some successes needed a couple of maps to get it done.   Sometimes, a Mapper had to move or change jobs in one  year and then the following year the big get arrived.  I’m thinking of one person who wanted a pregnancy but what happened was she and her husband had to move before it happened.  She didn’t know that on the first map.   I guess the little soul needed to come through in a different state!   Anyway, follow your gut and put up what you really want and don’t lose hope if it takes a little longer. 

I'm really excited is there anything I can do now before Treasure Map to help my map?


Yes, yes, yes.... The period just before the Treasure Map is called the balsamic phase. Which is the end of the last year’s Treasure Map cycle.  This is the phase when we get rid of stuff. Get rid of clutter. Get rid of things that are bugging us. Get rid of ick. Try if you can to clear some space in your life so you can be ready for the treasure map.


Remember, Einstein said, "NO TWO THINGS CAN OCCUPY THE SAME SPACE." Read that several times.  Now ask yourself, do I have space in my house, my family, my time, my life in general for more? If the answer is no. Then start housecleaning!


And don’t forget your mental housekeeping!  Are you caring beliefs that no longer serve you?  Are you carrying grudges or fears that are no longer serving you?  Meditate on them, thank them for their help in your past, write it down on a piece of paper and burn it.    Send them bye-bye so you can be ready to start your new life!


Clear out the stuff between now and April 18th.   Now do you understand why it is important not to start your map before the new time?

By the way, I personally don't buy any of my supplies before the New starts. But I know some of you can't do that so if you must buy before. Put it aside and don't touch it until the new. Don't thumb through magazines. Leave it all be.


Good luck and dream big!


Getting our Pluto On



Many apologies.  I had every intention of putting up a post for Pluto Retrograde and to be a hundred percent honest, I forgot.  Too much going on with my PTO, broken MacBook, Writing Deadline and all the rest of daily nonsense.  Lord, my day is as crazy as your day, trust me.

Anyway, 

Yesterday April 16 at 11:56pm (EDT) Pluto stationed retrograde at 15 Capricorn 32.  It will go aback to 12 Cap 58 on September 25th where it will then turn direct.

Every year Pluto retrogrades for about six months allowing us an opportunity to deepen our understanding of our own power and empowerment and shackles and chains.    For the last three  years Pluto has been under tremendous pressure by Uranus.   Since 2012 the world has been getting a dental drilling from the Universe.  We have been asked to either evolve or die.  Or revolt or die.   Globally it has been a clusterf*%k and personally we are being asked to find our place in society.  However, it is not enough to find a place in the universe where we are a like a figurine on a fire mantle we need to be more.  Pluto is saying, "What makes you breath?  What makes you thrive?  What makes you grow?  And what is the chain and ball keeping you back?  What voice keeps you weak and broken down?  Let's see how long you will be listening to that voice.   For some, Pluto is going to push you until you let that shit go did I mention Pluto rules toilets and poop and plumbing?

How is your mental plumbing?   

During the next five months we will be gifted by this Pluto retrograde since it is not encumbered by Uranus (first time since 2012).   Pluto is off on its own now allowing us to rummage around in our brain as to what is a hurdle and how to fix it.  With Uranus we felt tension to break off and run into the woods and never been seen again. Sure, that's a solution. But now we can spend a little time and strategize a way out that doesn't mean leaving everything.  Everyone has something they need to get 'out of' even if they don't want to admit it.  In July we will get a little zap by warrior Mars.  We'll talk more about that in a few months but be prepared some people are really going to feel the pressure to get evolving in July.  In the meantime between now and September start to process any hurdles. 

For those people who know their natal charts look to see what house has 12-15 degrees of Capricorn and know that the energy of that house is up for processing.   

By the way did you see the new photos of Pluto that came out this week?  Thank you NASA.
  

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Road Map for Treasure Map Time line.


Well, we are all excited about this upcoming Treasure Map Weekend.   Hurray!  It is almost here many of you have been wanting to know the time line as you plan to make your Treasure Map. 
Here is the timeline. 
Perfect Scenario

In a perfect world we would all have our Treasure Maps done in the New Phase of the Aries lunar cycle.

Which means having our maps done between April 18 2:52pm EDT and April 22 12:34am EDT (4/21 11:34pm CDT,  10:34pm MDT, 9:34pm MDT).


Very  Very Good

But of course not everyone can have their map finished by April 21/22.   No problem.

You can push your date to April 25th 7:55pm EDT  (6:55pm CDT, 5:55pm MDT, 4:55pm PDT)


Very  Good.

And if you don’t make that deadline then the next date to have it completed is have it done by May 3 at 11:41pm EDT. (10:41pm CDT)  (9:41pm MDT) 8:41pm PDT)  That is one minute before the moon goes Full.   


And that’s it.  If you don’t have your map completed by the May 3 11:41pm EDT.  Then skip the map this  year.


 

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Make it a big ass week.




A clean sweep



This week is a big week.  Not because it is crammed with tons of aspects or planets changing signs.  It is a big because it is the last week of the solar calendar.     We are in the final days of the year that started last April.   

Many of us are tired.  Not a simple tired but a deep down in our soul tired.   And frankly, it was a stressful year with the final aspects of Uranus and Pluto pulling on us to revolt or evolve or both.  A lot of us had big ass changes either internally or externally or both.  And now we are tired ready to wrap up whatever it was and clean our psyches, clean our inboxes, clean our houses, just clean everything up. 

Why are we cleaning up?

Because on Saturday 4/18th at 2:54 pm is the Aries New Moon which is when we launch our Treasure Maps. 

This is it. Let go of your fear,  your guilt, your nonsense, your "less than",  whatever it was that is robbing you of a full realized YOU.  Take this week to release.     Then on the 18th you will be ready to get your New Year launched!!


As for the details of this final week.... We are in Last Quarter & Balsamic phase this week.


Last Quarter Moon Phase

April 11

11:44pm EDT  

Last Quarter moon:  Now 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:

What actions can you take that rely on faith and at the same time make support your career?   Or support your place out in the world?  How are you hiding in your house or in your family?   Family is great but you are also a part of the greater world are you doing your best to honor that part of your life?  What is your inner CEO telling you?    How are you judging other people who are successful?   Is it a fair judgment or is it a judgment to keep you ‘small’?

 

Special focus:

4/12: Mars sex. Neptune.  Inspired actions.  Actions based on faith.  Fun actions. Play.  Creativity highlighted.   Actions based on humanitarian motivations excel.

4/15: Venus opp Saturn:   Love, money, creativity and values feel stressed and challenged.   Who is pointing out the weakness?   Where are they right?  Where are they wrong?  Can you take this energy and fix stuff?  

 

Balsamic Moon Phase

April 15

8:59am EDT

  
Balsamic:   We let go.  By releasing we can prepare for the new. 

 
Focus on We release our inner martyr.  We release our ‘victimness’.  We release our ‘crazy’.  We release the part of us that feels like a small cog in a huge machine.  We release our over merged side.  

 
Special focus:

4/17: Mars square Jupiter.   Rigidity that may or may not serve is challenged.   Where are you hanging on to ego?  Where are you being pushed to get up off your ass and do something big?   Where is someone’s low self-esteem getting all over you.   What actions can you take to shut that nonsense down?

 
Aries New Moon April 18 2:57pm EDT ….. This is the Treasure Map Moon  

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Jupiter Direct






Jupiter direct

April  8  12:15 EDT

Jupiter turns direct having been retrograde in Leo since December.  In the last four months have you learned about your strength? Have you learned about where you have a big mouth?  Have you learned about religion?  Have you learned about hypocrisy?   What have you learned about cleaning up your side of the street?    Jupiter will move out Leo and into Virgo this August. Virgo is a WAY different energy than Leo.  Take everything you have learned about your strength and courage and self-esteem in the last four months and make it work for you. 
 
Jupiter moved ten degrees since Dec 8, it started at 22 degrees Leo and went all the way back to 12 degrees of Leo.  
Those of you with planets between 12 and 22 degrees of  Taurus, Scorpio  & Aquarius have been feeling like there are grass fires wherever they turn.   Is it  your ego that is pressured?  Is it your just a general sense of 'out of control'?  At the end of day there really is little that is in our control anyway.   Have you learned in the last four months to just get out of the way?
 
And those of you with planets at 10 to 20 degrees of Aries and Sagittarius are feeling a little boost in the sails.   The bones are warming up as we move towards our goals.   Hurray.
 
In general, all of us have about five months to reap the rewards of Jupiter in Leo, we won’t get this placement for another twelve years.   Take a moment on April 8th to feel your strength as it loads up your psyche.  Consider all the big projects you want to accomplish and know that Jupiter in Leo will serve you.  And if you collected some bruises during the time Jupiter was retrograde, reflect on some missteps.  Perhaps you put too many things on your docket thinking you could do it all and now you have come back to reality with humility in your heart and realize, ‘No I want to just accomplish ____ before August. “  Let’s help Jupiter make it all good.




 

This Week Astro report







The Full Moon that launched April 4 continues to influence the first part of our week.   Oh, how our relationships are being stretched.  No kidding.   Are we licking our wounds?  Are we comforting someone who has just gone to battle with their partner?   Who needs support?     How do we get our support?    What are we willing to negotiate and what  is a non- negotiable?  

 So……

Focus on:   Where are your partners?   Who are your partners?  Yes, your spouse may be one but what about the other partners?  The partner with whom you share your yuckies or the partner you share your goals?  The partner who really gets you?   And where are you a partner?  For whom are you someone else’s touchstone?   Is everything BALANCED?  If not, well, prepare to get a lunar chiropractor adjustment.

 

Special focus:

4/7: Mercury sq Pluto:  Watch the big edicts coming out of your mouth.  If you aren’t doing the real work of changing your thinking then you are a blowhard.  Stop it.

 

On Wednesday we move out of Full Moon and into Disseminating Lunar Phase.  For three days we are focused on what we are sharing and what others are sharing with us.   This disseminating has us pondering our visions, our education and what we are learning.     In the middle of the disseminating Jupiter turns direct.   See POST.

 

 

 

April 8

Disseminating

7:24am EDT 

 

Focus on:  How are you sharing your visions?   How are you sharing your ‘inner teacher’?  How are you sharing teachable moments with people in your life that aren’t just children?   How is someone sharing with you a teachable moment? How is righteousness and prejudice slopping into your world or out of your mouth?

 

 

Special focus:

4/8: Jupiter turns direct 12 Leo 35.   See above

4/8: Mercury con Uranus: Breakthrough thinking that supports self- determination.   Communicating in a different manner.     Brilliant and cuckoo thoughts are pronounced.

4/10: Sun con Mercury:  Elevated thinking.  Thinking from Self Esteem not ego.  Inspirational conversations.  Our brains are moving quick.  On hyper drive.

 

 

Friday, April 3, 2015

Libra Lunar Eclipse Full Moon


Libra Full Moon
Total Lunar Eclipse
April 4, 2015
8:05am EDT
14 Libra 24

 

Let’s eat the frosting first, shall we?

 

Saturday’s lunar eclipse is a total lunar eclipse.  Not a partial but a total eclipse and it is the third total eclipse out of four in a row.   Last year we discussed this rare phenomenon and here we are again going over the details.   When there are four total lunar eclipses in a row it is called a Tetrad which you can read HERE.  

Stephanie Austin pointed out in her full moon article (Mountain Astrologer April/May)  that between 1582-1908 there were ZERO tetrads.  That is  Zero for nearly four hundred years!

Between 1909-2000 there were 5 tetrads. 

And in the 21st century there will be eight tetrads.  

1.       2003-2004

2.       2014-2015

3.       2032-2033

4.       2043-2044

5.       2050-2051

6.       2061-2062

7.       2072-2073

8.       2090-2091

After next fall when we have our final leg of this tetrad we won't have another set until 2032.   We should pay attention to these eclipses perhaps a wee bit more than other lunar eclipses. 
 
In general eclipses are power packed full moons.   Total lunar eclipses are of course even more charged.   They push and pull on tides and on us small humans.    The signs of the eclipse of course speak to the energy being pushed.   In this tetrad:    

4/15/14  Libra Moon

10/08/14  Aries Moon

4/04/15    Libra Moon  (This weekend)

9/28/15   Aries Moon

This total lunar eclipse will be seen on the West Coast, in the Pacific and Asia.  

And yes,  If you google blood moons, Jewish holidays and Bible you will see all kind of theories and thoughts.   I don’t know enough to weigh in on religious prognostications.    I’ll leave that to you.   But, I gotta say the Mid East is certainly hot and the issues around Iran and the negotiations, Israel, the killing of Christians in Kenya yesterday…..well, it is quite a week at the very least.

 
This Full Moon the Sun is in Aries, Moon in Libra and both are being influenced by  Uranus and Pluto.    Libra speaks to our relationships.   A few questions to ask:

 How is our relationship with our partner?  Is it fair? 

Where do we do tit for tat? 

How does that make us feel? 

Where are we lazy and let our partner do more?  Is that fair? 

Where is our partner lazy and makes us do more?  Is that balanced? 

Where are we passive aggressive?  Is that working? 

Where is our partner passive aggressive?   

 What are we negotiating?   Are we giving up too much?  Are we asking too much?

 
With Uranus in the mix there may be squabbles.    Why the fighting?   Is it because of any of the above topics?  

This full moon may have us craving changes (Uranus) and breakthroughs (Pluto).     For those people in relationships who feel stuck this Full Moon may shake up things.  Even if we don’t get into a fight we may feel deep down the rumble of an earthquake.

How are we getting balance?   What is going on with our body?  Are we hungry?  Are we angry?  Are we lonely?  Are we tired?   Where are we out of balance?  What can we do to right ourselves?  And at the end of the day who is in charge of us?   If it is not the person in the mirror how can we use this full moon to get that fixed? 

With full moons we need to pay attention and with lunar eclipses we need to be on our toes.   With the third TOTAL full moon in a row and the second Libra Moon we should be getting a handle on our partnerships.  In particular what is working and what is not.    This doesn't mean you need to ditch someone by next week.  But perhaps it is time to not pussy foot around stuff.   Use the Aries sun to get out there and be proactive with your partner.  

And of course, remember, Libra is an air sign and if you start to wig out….. B R E A T H E. 

It will be okay.  I promise.   Moby does, too.