Good morning Fellow Stargazers,

I am writing to  you from my new computer and I am overjoyed! For years I’ve been suffering under an inferior takes-30-minutes-to-warm-up PC (name of brand withheld, there were other problems too, many!) and this thing is a revelation.

What do the Stars say? Well when the Moon was in Leo I kinda had a fight with a friend about it. Not a fight- fight but he was giving me some advice, not bad advice, very practical advice but what he doesn’t understand is that my life is ruled by the practical. Virgo Rising! Also this computer issue wasn’t just about need and necessity, it was about the Moon in Leo: I DESERVE a decent computer. I DESERVE the BEST computer is what I told him. I made it emotional. I made it dramatic. The Moon was in Leo. And I don’t think I was wrong.

Uranus is in Aries. We want our technology (Uranus) fast (Aries). We want our Astrology (Uranus) fast (Aries). I can blog faster, literally, with this beautiful silver-winged machine. Now the Moon is in Virgo and I’m working, blogging. Later today need to install some software (oy) and I should probably do it before the Moon enters Libra and opposes Uranus because those could be some off the rails (Uranus) emotions (Moon). Or at least frazzled.

On the other hand though, Libra is “other people” and I’ll be needing “an other person” to help me with the technology. The opposition could be peaceful and balancing. This evening Mercury in Gemini squares Mars in Virgo –what you say vs. what you do. Where will you put your energy? Want to fly away? Or stay home and catalog the the post-its?

Which reminds me, I bought my computer from a gal, EXPERT sales assistant who… I started giving her an impromptu astrology reading. I couldn’t help it. When it came time to play around with the machine, what better than to visit an astrology website? And I just get curious if I talk to anyone for any length of time. I guessed her Gemini Rising (she looked the part) and actually she looked typically Virgo too (which I would not have guessed). And, dear reader, I trusted her, trusted her skills, her knowledge, even more once I knew she was a Virgo. So let that be a lesson to anyone out there who own a business,okay? Hire a Virgo. They ooze integrity and smarts.

The skies these days mirror her chart. There is always tension between Gemini and Virgo even though they are both Mercury ruled. Gemini to me feels more about quickly selecting among the pretty options and counting the chickens long long LONG after they’ve hatched whereas Virgo will worry if the chickens’ feathers are good enough. You won’t necessarily be able to balance these. You’ll feel them both. And keeping busy is the wisdom here… because then you’ll notice it less perhaps ;)

Do you talk about Astrology in your day to day life?

Love, MP

Yes I will be doing Mini-Moon Readings for the Full Moon in Sagittarius (Eclipse!) 

Astrology Readings! Tarot! Testimonials!

The Sun is conjunct Mercury at 6 degrees Geminiat 7:19 am Sunday. It can be

Mercury And Spot (Photo credit: makelessnoise)

difficult to make use of Mercury when it is combust (within 8 degrees of the Sun) or under the Sun’s beams (within 17 degrees). YET when a planet like Mercury is cazimi (within 17 minutes of the center of the Sun), it can be quite powerful. “The Moon remains Cazimi for about an hour – that is, half an hour before and half an hour after the exact conjunction with the Sun (New Moon). Other things being equal, you can use the Cazimi Moon to start something if you really want it to succeed.” So there you have it – some do not see any cazimi effect but then again maybe they did not consciously pick that time to start a blog, company, or project. Mercury-Sun conjunctions are usually a very busy time, sometimes with apparent coincidences. The two Mercury-ruled signs, Gemini and Virgo, may be more affected by Mercury aspects than other signs.

Also the Mercury-Sun conjunction is in close square to Chiron at 9 degrees Pisces. Chiron could make any accidental touch injurious, so be aware of where your hands are and who is next to you or behind you. And it will definitely be better to walk away from an argument than to face charges of battery. Remember also that Mercury is applying to an unpredictable square to Mars, exact on Wednesday. Just walk away, folks. Take notes but walk away.

Mercury at 7 degrees Gemini is sextile Uranus in Aries at 7:38 pm Sunday. You find the internet useful in getting your message out. Good for posting an important blog post or news article. Or Tweet your restaurant review.

The Sun at 7 degrees Gemini is sextile Uranus in Aries at 12:04 pm Monday. Your uniqueness is expressed and finds affirmation and approval. Sudden insights can strike, turning on that light bulb above your head.

Mercury at about 14 degrees Gemini squares Mars in Virgo at 8:20 pm Wednesday. Words can literally excite you, either positively or negatively. Examples: receiving a great job offer, or being baited into a fight. You can get drawn into a debate or receive a summons in a legal case. Don’t push anyone’s buttons, not knowingly anyway.

Mercury is conjunct Venus retrograde at 18 degrees Gemini at 4:31 pm Friday. An ideal time for schmoozing with that very important contact. Mercury-Venus is good for the small talk that greases the social wheels, sharing recipes for sweet things, being charming, showing good manners. This is not anything earth-shaking but if you just need to make a contact that you hope to build into a solid network then this is the time to do so.

COOL LINK ALERT! Go to http://www.solarsystemscope.com/ for a view of our solar system and nearby stars.

Please visit my twin site on Blogger if you would like these articles translated into Spanish, French, German, Japanese or any other language. Link: http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/

ALSO – see my popular article on late degrees of all the signs. Link: http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/2008/08/planets-in-late-degrees-what-do-they.html

ALSO – see new article on The Goddess Archetypes: The Pallas Athena Myth at http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/2011/07/goddess-archetypes-pallas-athena-myth.html — also as you read it you may also avail yourself of the excellent QUESTIONNAIRE on the Goddess-Power website at http://goddess-power.com/questions.htm to determine your own goddess profile.

ALSO – check out Astrology.com – free lessons online

Readers can follow not only their Sun sign horoscope but also the sign of their Ascendant for further clues to how your week will develop. Also note: some aspects are exact on a weekend but may find opportunity for expression on the Friday or Monday nearest the exact aspect. Times given are in Eastern Standard or Eastern Daylight Savings Time depending on the season.

ARIES – March 20-April 19 – Sunday’s Sun-Mercury conjunction falls very aptly into your house of communications; make special note of ideas and information you come across that day. You may be too impulsive and emotional on Wednesday night; avoid hurting your partner’s feelings. Thursday is much better for clearing up your communications problems with your mate. The Mercury-Venus conjunction Friday falls in your communications house; this favors sending out invitations and consulting books for the right phrasing on them.

TAURUS – April 20-May 20 – Try to avoid shooting holes in your budget Monday; avoid online shopping on the lunch break. Wednesday’s Mercury-Mars square may bring arguments with children over money. You could pick up some extra work on Thursday; that’s very good for your pocketbook. The Mercury-Venus conjunction Friday falls in your money house; your mastery of etiquette may be a valuable resource today. Spend time Saturday morn on backyard sports with the whole family.

GEMINI – May 21-June 20 – The Sun is conjunct your ruler Mercury on Sunday. Keep a notepad handy to record all the ideas that whiz thru your brain; some of them may be very significant. Midday Monday favors lunch with a humorous or foreign friend. Wednesday’s Mercury-Mars square may bring a family argument to a head. Trines from the Moon to Mercury and Venus favor air signs on Thursday, with more of the same on Friday due to the conjunction in your sign.

CANCER – June 21-July 22 – Sunday favors getting away to a private retreat or writing workshop. You enjoy some private jokes on Monday; just be sure the boss doesn’t overhear them. Wednesday’s Mercury-Mars square may bring instant karma over angry words that you unleash on others. On Thursday, use your very best etiquette in apologizing. On Saturday you finally sequester yourself at home to concentrate on your creative projects.

LEO – July 23-Aug. 22 – The Moon is in Leo through Sunday. Your role as a greeter for a club breakfast meeting goes well. The pm favors visiting with seniors. On Monday a friend may offer an insight into a legal matter you are dealing with. Wednesday’s Mercury-Mars square may mean a dispute with a friend over a loan not repaid. The Mercury-Venus conjunction Friday falls in your “friend” house; handle the phrasing of important invites and requests for donations for your lodge or club.

VIRGO – Aug. 23-Sept. 22 – The Moon is in Virgo from 2:06 am Monday till Wednesday morn. The Monday morn commute may be chaotic; watch signs carefully. Consciously pick an affirmation Monday night to address your current situation. Don’t expect the favor you do Tuesday to be immediately reciprocated. Wednesday’s Mercury-Mars square may bring that exciting job offer – or the axe. The Mercury-Venus conjunction Friday falls in your career house, so do make that important contact and introduce yourself.

LIBRA – Sept. 23-Oct. 22 – The Moon is in Libra from 6:46 am Wednesday till Friday morning. A partner may be especially upsetting Wednesday night, and even threaten to leave. Count ten before speaking. Thursday may be your best day; the morn favors speaking or writing matters, and the afternoon favors – doing favors. Avoid sitting home alone that night, tho. The Mercury-Venus conjunction Friday falls in your ninth house so make only the most polite phrasing in online comments.

SCORPIO – Oct. 23-Nov. 21 – The Moon is in Scorpio from 8:31 am Friday till next Sunday. You are inclined to take off work Friday pm to attend a matinee. The Mercury-Venus conjunction Friday falls in your house of joint finances; be tactful in pointing out errors in the checkbook or other joint accounts. Late Friday favors a visit with an influential person. Your energy is quite good Saturday morn so get errands out of the way. Later, you indulge your creative side, even if it’s only to re-arrange the furniture.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov. 22-Dec. 21 - Wednesday’s Mercury-Mars square may bring arguments with your partner over career issues – perhaps your mate feels you are stinting when it comes to quality time with loved ones. The Mercury-Venus conjunction Friday falls in your house of partners; use your best manners with your mate especially in public. The week shows a lot of activity in relationships or dealings with the public, due to all the aspects to planets in Gemini, your solar seventh house. By week’s end you may have to make a lot of adjustments.

CAPRICORN – Dec. 22-Jan. 19 - Monday favors tele-commuting or other work-at-home plan. Wednesday’s Mercury-Mars square may bring legal matters to a head, possibly legal issues related to the workplace. The Mercury-Venus conjunction Friday falls in your sixth house of coworkers, so take in some treats to the office, or buy a drink after hours for a deserving client. On Saturday you could donate employees’ work hours to helping a local non-profit.

AQUARIUS – Jan. 20-Feb. 17 – Midday Monday favors taking the children on a short trip, possibly to the art museum. Wednesday’s Mercury-Mars square may bring disputes with children over the terms of your will. Trines from the Moon to Mercury and Venus favor air signs on Thursday. The Mercury-Venus conjunction Friday falls in your fifth house of children, so consider treating the kids as a reward for their great report cards.

PISCES – Feb. 18-March 19 – Staying at home for lunch Monday may be the right spot to be. Wednesday’s Mercury-Mars square may bring a family dispute or marital strain. The Mercury-Venus conjunction Friday falls in your fourth house of home and family; consider hosting the coffee club this morning, or making a special family meal. Saturday morn sees you tossing the ball with friends; it could get rather competitive. The rest of the day demands that you indulge your creative side.

Will this be you on New Year's Day? Image by practicalowl via Flickr

        Sunday, New Year‘s Day, looks rather contentious – not a relaxing day at all. Start off with a Mercury square Mars at 20 degrees Virgo at 1:06 am for those party-goers from NY’s Eve; the Moon is square the Sun shortly after that. Words will excite you, for good or ill. Very prone to heated argument, but then there is some chance that a speech or job offer will excite you tremendously. So if you are going to propose marriage, be rather certain that the other party will accept, then rest assured she will be deliriously happy about your proposal.

        However, at 10:03 am on NY’s Day, the Moon sextiles agreeable Venus at 13 degrees Aquarius, when things calm down into a pleasant brunch, hugs, house-sitting or baby-sitting, exchanging favors of any kind. A good time to ask a favor or do a favor.

        Mercury in Sag sextiles Neptune at 28 degrees Aquarius 10:15 am Saturday. Nice for saying those sweet nothings to your beloved, but not great for signing contracts or stuff like that. People may have the best of intentions but not be able to fulfill promises for whatever reason, so that is why you prefer not to do personal business at this hour. On the other hand, it supports constructive dreaming– what would you ideally like to do, what kind of atmosphere would you like to have at your place of employment. Dream up a castle in the air, then figure out how to put a foundation under it. You might also use a chant, affirmation, or other little mental trick to help you achieve your goals or overcome personal mental blocks.

        Mercury enters businesslike Capricorn at 1:34 am Sunday, Dec. 8 ( or at 10:34 pm Saturday, Pacific Time). Yes, I am jumping the gun, because there are so few outer planets aspects this week. What is Mercury in Capricorn like? A negative expression is the desire to be an authority on a given subject; that sounds admirable until one does not know the answer to something and then declares he doesn’t want to be confused by the facts. But giving up a need for authority, and dropping pretense, lets this Mercury concentrate on filling the informational needs of others – and thereby becoming a true resource for all. Must guard against being too pessimistic or dour; Edgar Allan Poe is one example of someone who used this Mercury well. Others with Mercury in Capricorn are Barry Goldwater, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, and Richard Nixon.

PS – I listed a few used astrology books for sale on Amazon Books; Part Two was posted July 1! **Includes a classic Alan Leo book** Look for reviews in my column with a link to the listing. Some prices now reduced. Thanks for your support (and patience). Note that the Intuition book, listed in Part One, has sold.

ALSO – see my popular article on late degrees of all the signs. Link: http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2008/08/15/planets-in-late-degrees-what-do-they-mean/

ALSO – see new article on The Goddess Archetypes: The Pallas Athena Myth at http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2011/07/28/the-goddess-archetypes-the-pallas-athena-myth/ — also as you read it you may also avail yourself of the excellent QUESTIONNAIRE on the Goddess-Power website at http://goddess-power.com/questions.htm to determine your own goddess profile.

ALSO – check out Astrology.com – free lessons online

Readers can follow not only their Sun sign horoscope but also the sign of their Ascendant for further clues to how your week will develop. Also note: some aspects are exact on a weekend but may find opportunity for expression on the Friday or Monday nearest the exact aspect. Times given are in Eastern Standard or Eastern Daylight Savings Time depending on the season.

ARIES – March 20-April 19 – The Moon is in self-starting Aries as the New Year and the week begins, till Monday afternoon. Avoid going to bed mad on New Year’s Eve; don’t blow things out of proportion. You are inclined to accept a friend’s invite (to watch the games together?) or request for a favor Sunday morning. Monday afternoon is a downer, though temporary; you are not seeing things clearly. Catch these other opportunities: Thursday about 7 am, nice Uranus aspect lets you laugh. Late Friday’s Moon-Venus trine offers a short trip with a friend, possibly for sporting purposes. You can get a lot of work done Saturday afternoon.

TAURUS – April 20-May 20 – The Moon is in Taurus from 5:16 pm Monday till Thursday morn. Most likely to overdo at supper on Monday; remember those worthy resolutions! Best day of the week may be Tuesday, both am and pm. You take the ahem, bull by the horns and talk with people in the know about what your status and prospects are. Also, others may have you in mind for other projects and may ask you if you are available. You may awake Wednesday feeling unappreciated, but that just isn’t so. Your energy is very good midday, but a caution flag for Wednesday night. Early pm on Saturday offers prime prospects for improving your finances thru work for a non-profit.

GEMINI – May 21-June 20 – You are inclined to spend New Year’s Day with dear friends, possibly for brunch. Moon is in Gemini from 5:44 am Thursday till Saturday afternoon. A friend makes you laugh Thursday morning. That night offers time to analyze yourself and what mental blocks you need to move. Friday night may be the best time of the week, offering mental stimulation, possibly with a free class or webinar online. You might benefit from a heart-to-heart talk about 2 pm Saturday, altho a bit of a guilt trip might come with it.

CANCER – June 21-July 22 – New Year’s Day Or eve, rather) may be way too stressful for you; better to stay in and amuse yourself. You may discover a job opening Sunday morning. A good friend invites you to dinner Monday pm. Midday Wednesday favors introducing a friend to a relative, or vice versa. The Moon is in Cancer from 4:05 pm Saturday till late next Monday. Saturday pm favors having friends over for dinner to share your bountiful table. Just remember to do as much as possible ahead of time, also some invitees may have to cancel so try not to get in a tizzy over it.

LEO – July 23-Aug. 22 – On New Year’s, you learn something from your spouse’s class that interests you. Late Sunday, you may find the right college for one of your children. Career matters progress splendidly Monday afternoon. A blast from the past brightens your Thursday morning. A late Friday date with your spouse at your club might be memorable. Artistic expression is favored Saturday morning; you might run your latest project by a friend for their reactions.

VIRGO – Aug. 23-Sept. 22 – Most likely to end your New Year’s eve partying with argument rather than glee; give up the need to be right about some piffling detail or other. Peace in the home is more important, isn’t it? Tuesday may be best day of the week, when you hobnob with the nabobs. Creative pursuits are also favored that day. Next best day of the week may be Friday, especially if you work in the health field. You may get a bonus or other reward on Friday or Saturday.

LIBRA – Sept. 23-Oct. 22 – A New Year’s Day brunch with the kids will be a pleasant delight. You probably won’t be feeling warm n fuzzy Monday afternoon. By Thursday, at least, you probably decide that you’ve had enough of the dour mood and decide to chase it away. “Lark” types can get a lot done early Saturday; your powers of analysis are keen. You may have a heart-to-heart talk with someone that afternoon, altho he/she may not like everything you say. Try to be as diplomatic as your vast skills can make it.

SCORPIO – Oct. 23-Nov. 21 – You may enjoy a healthy brunch New Year’s Day in spite of yourself; let moderation be your watchword for 2012. Your spouse may be extra lucky Monday pm; be happy for him/her. On Tuesday you could be in the public eye with some heavy hitters. Midday Wednesday favors luncheon at the club or actively networking. Chatting about joint finances is favored for Friday night. You might move to the larger question of providing for your family by Saturday.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov. 22-Dec. 21 – You will enjoy having the kids over Sunday for brunch and general catching-up-with. Consider your options for a healthy buffet to start the year off right. Work or health matters get a boost under Monday’s Moon-Jupiter conjunction – and finances could feel the effect as early as the following day. Late Friday looks stressful, not favoring a pleasant night out. You may seriously consider signing a contract Saturday, perhaps for office supplies or office support, but think it over for a day or two first. Knowing you, though, you will leap before you look.

CAPRICORN – Dec. 22-Jan. 19 – You may celebrate New Year’s Day with a family brunch where you, like a Chinese elder, hand out red envelopes of cash gifts. Anyway, some tradition is likely to be observed that day. Your heart is really at home Monday, which may distract you from work. Take extra care in regards to figures on checks and ledgers. Tuesday may be your best day when you can act as mentor to fine young people. Midday Wednesday favors any legal disputes, or contests. Mercury moves into your sign by next week.

AQUARIUS – Jan. 20-Feb. 17 – Call up friends on New Year’s day to extend best wishes or trade favors. Invite people over for a NY brunch. Bet not to bet against friends Sunday, tho, regarding the outcome of the ball games. Tuesday you are inclined to just cocoon with family, possibly at a vacation home. You may be more productive with Moon in Gemini (Thur-Sat) although try to keep emotional decision-making at bay. You are most prone to that on Saturday.

PISCES – Feb. 18-March 19 – Your thoughts on New Year’s Day tend toward your financial prospects rather than personal goals, and you are feeling stressed and frustrated. Relatives may hold a key to opening some doors, and Tuesday may be a good day to discuss things with them. Be prepared to give as much as you take. Thursday is a day of making adjustments, possibly tapping your creative talents in making things for friends. A club luncheon on Friday may be moved so check your messages. Saturday pm you just want to cocoon with family. 

Yay! Old man Jupiter goes direct at 5:08 pm Sunday, Christmas Day, at zero degrees, 22′ of Taurus. Taureans who may have floundered a bit earlier this year when trying to get some luck going, should find things finally begin to come together. The only other exact aspect that day is the Moon trine Mars at 4:11 pm. (Christmas Eve had a Sun-Moon-Pluto conjunction, an aspect that supports self-empowerment initiatives.)

The Sun is conjunct Pluto at 7 degrees Capricorn at 2:43 am Thursday. A bit early even for the old goat Cappy, but if you can get up a bit early to say some affirmations it should really help you accomplish them. You may face some trying situations, especially if this is on your birthday, but you will find out more about yourself and your strengths than you ever imagined.

Mercury in Sag squares Mars at 19 degrees Virgo at 1:06 am Sunday, Jan. 1. Make a resolution to bite your tongue starting New Year’s Eve, hmm? Mercury-Mars squares are OK for debate and possibly vocal performance (acting, singing) but we generally are looking for fun and nice memories on New Year’s Eve, so walk away from arguments that could become blistering very quickly. Some of us might work off that Mars energy with cleaning or baking or gym work.

PS – I listed a few used astrology books for sale on Amazon Books; Part Two was posted July 1! **Includes a classic Alan Leo book** Look for reviews in my column with a link to the listing. Some prices now reduced. Thanks for your support (and patience). Note that the Intuition book, listed in Part One, has sold.

ALSO – see my popular article on late degrees of all the signs. Link: http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2008/08/15/planets-in-late-degrees-what-do-they-mean/

ALSO – see new article on The Goddess Archetypes: The Pallas Athena Myth at http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2011/07/28/the-goddess-archetypes-the-pallas-athena-myth/ — also as you read it you may also avail yourself of the excellent QUESTIONNAIRE on the Goddess-Power website at http://goddess-power.com/questions.htm to determine your own goddess profile.

ALSO – check out Astrology.com – free lessons online

Readers can follow not only their Sun sign horoscope but also the sign of their Ascendant for further clues to how your week will develop. Also note: some aspects are exact on a weekend but may find opportunity for expression on the Friday or Monday nearest the exact aspect. Times given are in Eastern Standard or Eastern Daylight Savings Time depending on the season.

ARIES – March 20-April 19 – The Moon is in daring Aries as the New Year begins, from 4:48 am Sat., Dec. 31 thru the weekend. You may feel really finicky or jumpy on Saturday, maybe you cannot wait for the new year to get here. Unfounded notions that your mate does not love you or appreciate you must be drummed out of your head right now. Tell loved ones that YOU love THEM and make sure to mean it. Keep in mind that Jupiter is going direct in your second house of finances/resources so determine your goals for 2012 and proceed accordingly.

TAURUS – April 20-May 20 – Lucky you, Jove finally goes direct in your sign. You have until about mid-June 2012 to make the most of it. Jupiter transits tend to leave and take all the good with them, so determine how to get some lasting value out of Jove before he goes. BTW you also have a grand trine on Christmas Day, with Jove and your natal planets in Taurus, Moon in Cappy, and Mars in Virgo. Earth trines tend to build something; try to build up some good will to draw upon in 2012 and thereafter. You will probably prefer to cocoon at home on New Year’s Eve.

GEMINI – May 21-June 20 – Tuesday opens with a Moon-Venus conjunction in your airy ninth house; a sales webinar could go well, or you may receive an internet-related gift. Career matters looks favorable for Thursday morning. Friday can be stressful with lots of us saying awful things we don’t mean; you may be caught in the crossfire (lie low). New Year’s eve could be marred by friends who are under pressure, so may I suggest a night at home or with those near and dear?

CANCER – June 21-July 22 – Sunday may be the best day of the week for you; hubby is energetic and keeps the kids busy for you. (If you have an empty nest, so much the better, you can entertain each other.) Cardinal signs like yours may be under a lot of pressure this New Year’s eve so maybe you are not good company that night; consider staying home. Keep in mind that Jupiter is going direct in your eleventh house of clubs and friends. Benefits may flow from membership in organizations or from volunteering.

LEO – July 23-Aug. 22 – Your spouse is particularly affectionate Mon-Tues. Tuesday afternoon favors creative writing, or chatting with your children. Finances are stressed Friday. Communications houses are very active Saturday; maybe you send New Year greetings via email or chat this year. Keep in mind that Jupiter is going direct in your tenth house of career; promotions or perks may come in the first half of 2012 but do not take them for granted.

VIRGO – Aug. 23-Sept. 22 - Keep in mind that Jupiter is going direct Sunday in your ninth house of the internet, publishing, college and religion. Doors may open that you thought were closed, so enjoy the brief spotlight as it comes. Sunday is especially pleasant if spent with children, or on artistic pursuits. The internet helps you find another job Monday; submit your resume overnight. Wednesday night is most favorable for having friends over. The only thing marring the week is that children may try to dictate how the holidays are observed; drive a hard bargain.

LIBRA – Sept. 23-Oct. 22 - Keep in mind that Jupiter is going direct Sunday in your eighth house of pooled resources; you may benefit in 2012 from a legacy or from an insurance settlement. Monday night favors time spent with children or on artistic pursuits. Expected news arrives Tuesday afternoon. Thursday you mull over putting exercise equipment in a home gym. Cardinal signs like yours may be under a lot of pressure this New Year’s eve so maybe you are not good company that night; consider staying home.

SCORPIO – Oct. 23-Nov. 21 - Keep in mind that Jupiter is going direct Sunday in your seventh house of partners. Teaming up, at least for the first half of 2012, can be very rewarding. An open house for friends and neighbors goes well Sunday. You may be perplexed by family stresses Monday; you all had such a nice holiday. You may spend Friday watching a friend perform in a holiday event (hope you got free tickets). You may have to work New Year’s eve, just drive carefully when going home.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov. 22-Dec. 21 - Keep in mind that Jupiter is going direct Sunday in your sixth house of health and work; you may be able to make a career of your avocation, and your health issues may abate for the time being. Tuesday is favorable for any kind of speaking engagement, as you should meet receptive audiences. This is a stressful, or should we say, action-packed week for you. Friday and Saturday are particularly busy.

CAPRICORN – Dec. 22-Jan. 19 – The Moon is in tradition-minded Capricorn from Christmas Day till midday Monday. You can go beyond your normal physical limitations with some help from Mars, probably keeping the kids entertained. Monday may present a letdown for many of us, without the anticipation of the holiday. Try to start making your plans for New Year’s. You could spend Wednesday night curled up with a thrilling mystery novel. Keep in mind that Jupiter is going direct in your fifth house of children and artistic expression; you may desire to expand your family, and ideas for art projects can reach a new level.

AQUARIUS – Jan. 20-Feb. 17 – The Moon is in Aquarius from 12:14 pm Monday till Wednesday evening. Aquarians may blow things out of proportion midday Monday; stop, think, get your perspective back. Possibly spending time with a humorous relative balances your mood. Affection reigns Monday night. Meaningful chats, with offers to help, arrive Tuesday afternoon. You see clearly how to build that better world Wednesday afternoon. Keep in mind that Jupiter is going direct in your fourth house of home and family; you may desire to expand your house or your family, and may host international visitors.

PISCES – Feb. 18-March 19 – The Moon is in Pisces from 6:45 pm Wednesday till Saturday morning. Wednesday favors spending dinner with a relative, a boon companion. Thursday favors brunch with a friend, who may spend the time raving about the new mystery he’s reading. You may wake up angry Friday; best to work it off in the gym. With Saturn breathing down your neck, you might resolve to be a more responsible person in 2012. Keep in mind that Jupiter is going direct in your third house of the internet and writing; write that novel you have been putting off.

]]> http://cosmiclifecoach.wordpress.com/2011/12/04/astrology-december-4-2011-mercury-squares-feisty-mars/ Sun, 04 Dec 2011 13:04:23 +0000 Patrice Thompson http://cosmiclifecoach.wordpress.com/2011/12/04/astrology-december-4-2011-mercury-squares-feisty-mars/ http://skywatcher888.com/2011/12/04/the-flow-week-of-december-4-10-2011/ Sun, 04 Dec 2011 09:22:13 +0000 skywatcher888 http://skywatcher888.com/2011/12/04/the-flow-week-of-december-4-10-2011/ The Flow is a weekly blog published to better understand the flow of astrological, celestial, and magickal energies for the week, and how best to use them.   It is intended for those with little to no knowledge of astrology. 

For newcomers, the idea is to consider celestial influences as part of a larger whole, or Flow, must as our weather is influenced by the winds aloft.  All too often, astrologers tend to write about astrological events as if each were an isolated specimen as if pulled out of the sky and analyzed by itself – and there is no dearth of astrological sites on the net that write that way.  Here, it is the movement and interactions that are important and form the basis of discussion.

If any of the material is unclear or unfamiliar to you, it is probably unfamiliar to others as well, please leave a comment and I will be glad to answer your questions. 

If you like what you see, please share it with friends!  If you would like to get email notifications for when The Flow! is updated, or have a private question please email me at skywatcher888@yahoo.com.  Thank you!

The Flow! is updated every Sunday.

Please note: all times are in the Pacific Timezone.

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Flow!

Before we get to this week’s main topic, I would like to invite you all to a talk I am giving next Sunday at the Green Man Store, 5712 Lankershim Blvd in North Hollywood.

Some of the topics to be discussed are:

• Astrology in the Age of NASA — The Earth is not the only center, by placing charts on other planets opens up whole    new dimensions to understanding how a chart works!
• Modern Exalted planets – We live in the iPhone age, not the Roman Forum, find out which planets now fit best in the signs!
• The Biggest Secret of them All – The zodiac is a process that tells a story, learn how to use that story to unlock the secrets of the Emerald Tablet. The popular “Secret” is just the first of many others!
• Plus more as time allows!

As always, both those who are just beginning to understand astrology and those who have studied it will find the topics covered informative, enlightening and entertaining! I don’t often give talks, so this will be a rare opportunity to better understand the ideas and techniques that are not only used in this blog, but can help you understand and guide your life more effectively.

Click here for more information!

Since it is a rather quiet week astrologically and I am suffering from a lingering annoying bout of stomach flu, I thought I would talk about the astrology of time and the names of the days of the week while I sip on some peppermint tea.

In modern astrology, we tend to look to the planets as they travel through the signs of the zodiac to provide the meaning of any given moment of time. However, in ancient times they looked at it a bit differently. To them, time itself was colored by the nature of the planet that “ruled” any particular segment of time, and devised a system that is the most widely used method of measuring time on Earth.

Our story really begins in the Tigris Euphrates valley, home to the peoples of Babylon, Ur, Kish, and Nippur that would come to be known as “Chaldea.” The Chaldeans, a historical amalgam of Babylonians, Sumerians, Akkadians, and various and sundry nomadic Semites, invented the earliest known writing, built beautiful hanging gardens, and meticulously watched the skies and developed ways of measuring the various phenomena they observed.

The Chaldeans, though, had a very different idea of mathematics than we do. To them, quantity was not an independent abstraction, but a function of the items being quantified. They had one system to count slaves, animals, wooden objects and pottery, another for cereal, bread and milk products, another dead animals and beer, and on and on.

Did someone say six-pack?

Well, not exactly, but the Babylonians did extensively make use of counting things by 60. And before we laugh too hard, keep in mind that there are still things we measure by dozens, bushels, gills, carats, and a host of other quantitative arcana bequeathed to us by our mathematically erratic, if not entirely ditzy, ancestors who you might say were at sixes and sevens when it came to figuring out how to count things.

The biggest circle of them all is the zodiac, and it didn’t take much of a genius to realize that the 365.2524 days in a year is awfully close to 6 times 60, or 360 which to make a rather long story short, is why a circle has 360 degrees and the earliest calendars 360 days with five or six stuffed in when no one was looking.

We are always talking about the zodiac. But not today, today we are going to talk about time, not space.

It comes as no surprise then, that this same system is the origin of the number of minutes in a hour and seconds in a minute. The strange thing is, though, is that again, their concept of an hour was very different from ours.

To us, there is no difference between the time it takes to go from 8am to 9am and 11am to Noon. An hour is an hour is an hour. We can prove it on our watches.

But they didn’t have watches then. They had sun-dials at best, and sticks in the ground at worst. And it’s fairly obvious that the length of daylight and nighttime around now, as we approach the Winter Solstice, is very different than the length of daylight and nighttime at the Summer Solstice – and if you measure closely enough, every date in between.

Now our story shifts to Egypt.

Around 2100 B.C., the 24-hour day grew from the Egyptian division of the sky into 36 segments, or “decans,” as defined by the appearance of a given star or constellation above the eastern horizon just after nightfall. For approximately 10 days, that constellation marked the first hour of night. After 10 days, another constellation defined the next decan.

Because the 36 decan constellations formed a full day-night cycle, you would expect a day to have 36 hours. But for the Egyptians, only 12 decan constellations served to divide night — the rest were invisible during the day and the two twilights.

And so things stood until the Greeks came marching in…

In the 4^th century BCE, Alexander was whomping it up in the Middle-East and brought Babylon and Egypt together under the same empire, taught them all how to make spanakopita, and tried to bring some sense and logic to the proceedings.

The Greeks thought the Egyptian system was too messy, so they took the Egyptian 12-fold division of the night and applied the period between sunset and sunrise, by symmetry, to daylight, giving our day 24 hours. They also developed a real affection for the Babylonian system of counting astronomical units.

Though we don’t think about it much now, because we have computers to do all our counting and nobody can make change in their head anymore, but before these nifty devices it mattered what number system you used. Our system based on 10 is easily divisible by 1, 2, and 5. But the sexagesimal system of counting by 60 is easily divisible by 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, and 30! While you may need your neighbor’s fingers and toes, it makes many more complex computations easy.

Our trusty Babylonians called minutes “firsts,” so one-sixtieth of a minute became a “second.” And that is why we have 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes to an hour and 60 seconds in a minute.

And there’s more to our story!

Look at the chart below. Ancient astrologers took each of these hours and assigned a planetary ruler to them, based on the order our friends, the Chaldeans created:

Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon

Notice anything? They are listed in decreasing speed from the slowest, Saturn, to the swiftest, Moon. They took this order and assigned it multiple times until it filled out an ancient spreadsheet (well, tablet) and filed in all 24 hours for all 7 days.

And if you notice, the first hour of each day gives rise to the name of the day of the week.

Saturday is the only day of the week to retain its Latin planetary association, the Sun and Moon each directly became the name in English, and the Teutonic gods gave us the rest, Tiwes (Mars), Woden/Odin (Mercury), Thor (Jupiter), and Frigg/Frige (Venus) round out the list.

Why seven days? Because almost all ancient cultures also counted their month by the motion of the Moon (notice the similarity of name?) The Moon has most noticeably four phases: new, first quarter, full, and last quarter and in a hypothetically regular month, each phase of the Moon would fall on the same day of the week for that month.

So many people, who might otherwise eschew astrology, use it every second of every minute of every hour of every day of their lives!

To the daily details!

Sunday, December 4^th

Sun conjunct Mercury at 12:52am

Mercury square Mars at 3:19pm

The more significant astrological events of the week are bookends. We have a couple of events today, another tomorrow, and then go all the way until Friday and Saturday for the next ones. But by far, the two most important are the Sun conjunct Mercury today and the Lunar Eclipse on Saturday.

Today’s conjunction of the Sun and Mercury marks the mid-point of this Mercury Retrograde period. We’re half-way through, folks! This conjunction heightens communication, clarity of thought, research, planning, and managing tasks. It is particularly good for researching financial matters that can be enacted and/or decided upon later. Even though Mercury is still retrograde, anything you try to work on mentally today should receive a boost of clarity. One particular effect of this aspect is that oftentimes we are able to think about a matter that might otherwise throw us in an emotional tizzy fairly objectively and forthrightly with the emotional affect.

It would, then normally be a cool and calm day if it weren’t for the subsequent square between Mercury and Mars in the afternoon. While the aspect should help speed up any tasks we have in mind, it also is likely to make us rather impatient, and add a barb or two to our tongues. This aspect makes us feel much wittier than we actually are, the bite of sarcasm isn’t quite as toothsome as the bite of wit.

The Moon is in Aries all day adding to the clarity, impatience, and the sense that everything must be done in a rush. Remember my grandfather’s advice: “Do it right, or do it twice!”

Monday, December 5^th

Venus trines Mars at 7:08am

It’s really too bad this aspect has to occur on a Monday, because it is one of the most romantic aspects in the astrological toolbox. Any romantic overtures could either spark or enhance the depth of feeling between you and a loved one, or indeed, enhance niceties toward any person that means something to you. In and of itself, it won’t bring the Hatfields and the McCoys to the same dinner table, but it should smooth over any rough edges you may experience from others, and help establish a better relationship between you – particularly those relationships that have been sore about power, management, and trust issues.

Later in the evening our self-confidence plummets, and we feel not only that there may be something wrong, but that we are inadequate to bring things to rights. Don’t worry too much about it, in most cases all you need is a good night’s rest and for the Moon to enter Taurus.

Tuesday, December 6^th

No major aspects

The Moon enters Taurus at 6:34am bringing about a sense of calm, comfort, and security. While the day is very likely to be a mixed bag, it’s a mixed bag of goodies. Will there be a snickers bar or a nugget of gold in your bag?

The overnight hours are spent in a bit of another dimension, so make note of any significant signs and signals you encounter. The fog burns off with the sunrise, and the morning hours are excellent for those financial or business matters that need attending. Because this is a Taurus Moon and the holidays are approaching, many of us are concerned about our finances. Today is an excellent day for taking stock of them, and doing what we can to arrange things for the better. Again, keep in mind that we are still in a Mercury Retrograde period, but the Moon is favorable for financial matters, so if there is something you have the opportunity to do, today and tomorrow are likely the best times of the week to make the most of it.

Wednesday, December 7^th

No major aspects

Today is likely to be the best day of the week. We feel good, we are optimistic about the future, our prospects look good, and we feel as if we  can handle anything that comes our way. People are in a good mood, and it shows. We are feeling practical, pragmatic, and well-grounded. We’re not so easily tempted by fake bargains, false promises, or insincerity. For sure, there are still problems, and there are things that need changing and managing, but days like today almost feel like an unscheduled holiday. If there’s some decision or action you need to take during the day, the period from 7 – 11am is the time of day most likely to produce a successful outcome. Good luck and enjoy!

Thursday, December 8^th

No major aspects

This mini “Era of Good Feeling” comes to a close later today, so make the most of it while you can during the early morning hours. As the day progresses, it is as if the very air is drugged and we all start saying, thinking, and doing strange things. Be wary of making decisions today. Chances are not only what you think might not be correct, but you might very likely make a different decision tomorrow. Wait until more facts are apparent before taking any significant plunges. Definitely try to give yourself a buffer or cooling-off period so that you don’t get stuck with any albatrosses you don’t need and have to feed.

Another possibility today is that people are going to try to exercise their power over others to the fullest extent possible. Usually, in these times it is best to give way and get out of their way. Such is most likely the case this time as well. It is also highly likely that some important political decisions may be made today, and if so, they may wind up causing more problems than they solve.

The Moon enters Gemini at 6:52pm and our fancy turns to the sparkly, flashy, and evanescent. The holiday season is upon us!

Friday, December 9^th

Uranus goes direct at 11:05pm

It’s hard to concentrate today and get much done. There are too many distractions, and we’re too easily distracted. We’re busy making last minute plans, and don’t be too surprised if those plans need to change at the very last minute. You’re not the only one who wants to keep their weekend options open. It’s likely to be a busy weekend, too, so make sure you take care of yourself while you’re flitting about.

Uranus direct is a big deal. It means that ever so slowly we are going to begin to see the wheels of progress move. Things are different, more and more of us are letting ourselves be fooled less and less. It isn’t quite as easy to pull the wool over our eyes as it was before, and we can see more clearly behind the motives of those who try. It is going to be an interesting time between now and when it is that Uranus goes Retrograde once more in mid-July. Stay tuned for future details!

Saturday, December 10^th

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse at 6:36am at 19º Gemini/Sagittarius

The most significant effect of the Lunar Eclipse is that people want to be heard. They want to feel as if they matter, that their voices count, and that their feelings are taken into account. From large groups that have felt slighted, to our own family relations, people want to feel that others acknowledge who they are, and respect them for it. It will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next 11 months until Mars hits this point a couple of days before the US election. Be ready and wary of all the talk, speeches, ads, mind games, intellectual skullduggery and other electoral paraphernalia that epitomizes the Geminian nature of our electoral process!

For today, though, it is likely to be a high-stress day. With the holidays coming, there is just too much to do, and nowhere near enough time to get everything done. Just pace yourself as best you can, limit your commitments to those things that are meaningful, and take a pass on the second cup of caffeine!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

The Sun is conjunct a retrograde Mercury at 11 degrees, 51′ Sag at 3:52 am Sunday. Sun-Mercury conjunctions are always a major signpost of the economic cycle so keep an ear tuned to the news from Wall Street (occupied or not). I am going to hazard a guess that the continuing protests by OWS may begin to have an effect on the markets since the movement succeeded in getting thousands of people to withdraw funds from the major banks, and who knows what other measures the protesters make take to make their voices heard by the Haves.

Mercury quickly squares Mars at 10 degrees Sag at 6:19 pm Sunday. Mercury square Mars usually denotes passionate debate, angry words, and given the continuing Occupy Wall Street protests, I would expect that the protests may either turn violent or that the police may ruthlessly crush them. Or both.

Venus in Capricorn trines Mars at 10 degrees Virgo at 10:07 am Monday. Harmonious aspects between male and female energies augur well for starting relationships or for facilitating settlements between opposing parties. One is liable to fall in love with almost anyone so be sure to put yourself near someone that meets your standards. Also creative inspiration is spurred into action by supporting Mars energy.

Jupiter in Taurus sextiles Chiron at almost 1 degree Pisces at 7:03 pm Tuesday. Sufferers may benefit from a healer of any type, from conventional medicine to the laying on of hands. Pisces leans toward spiritual succor.

We have a total Lunar Eclipse at 18 degrees, 11′ Gemini at 9:36 am Saturday. Earlier the same day, Uranus makes a direct station at zero degrees, 39 minutes of Aries. I might note that Jupiter is also nearly at a standstill, and makes his direct station on December 25 at zero degrees, 22′ of Taurus. Even tho this is considered a minor aspect, the semi-sextile will I think have a larger, surprising impact due to the fact that they are stationing and will be sitting on zero degrees of their signs for some time. Uranus is of course the sign of revolution and rebellion and protest, change not just for change’s sake but in the interest of justice and the implied contract (Jupiter) with the people.

An eclipse chart set for New York city has 22 degrees, 16′ Capricorn rising, the sign of Big Business. The Ascendant is widely conjunct Venus in the twelfth house and square Saturn in the ninth of law, national news and the internet; I predict that business will suffer from withheld (Saturn) patronage (Venus) by customers possibly as another phase of the OWS protest. Business might also be frustrated by the limits of legal measures that they can take against the protesters. The Part of Fortune, it may interest you to know, is right on the descendant in Cancer, favoring the protesters. The midheaven is at 16 degrees 26′ Scorpio, conjunct Juno at 15 degrees, sextile Mars in the eighth and sextile Venus in the twelfth. The news may be dominated by a woman, someone who dramatically focuses and balances the energies of rebellion values being debated in the public arena. The Sun is conjunct the North Node (four degrees apart) in the eleventh house, and the nodes are closely square Mars. The nodes also square Ceres at 19 Pisces. Pallas and Vesta are both in Aquarius in the first house.

Jan Spiller says that a lunar eclipse in Gemini brings lessons in how to communicate, both in terms of language and social behavior. Ask for feedback to ensure that what you said is what others heard. One must give up hermit-like tendencies and become more socially aware. One is called upon to share the knowledge one has gained in this life and in previous lives.

What is meant by astrological birth control? Find out by reading this new article at — http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/2011/11/astrological-birth-control-not-same-as.html

PS – I listed a few used astrology books for sale on Amazon Books; Part Two was posted July 1! **Includes a classic Alan Leo book** Look for reviews in my column with a link to the listing. Some prices now reduced. Thanks for your support (and patience). Note that the Intuition book, listed in Part One, has sold.

ALSO – see my popular article on late degrees of all the signs. Link: http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2008/08/15/planets-in-late-degrees-what-do-they-mean/

ALSO – see new article on The Goddess Archetypes: The Pallas Athena Myth at http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2011/07/28/the-goddess-archetypes-the-pallas-athena-myth/

ALSO – check out Astrology.com – free lessons online

Readers can follow not only their Sun sign horoscope but also the sign of their Ascendant for further clues to how your week will develop. Also note: some aspects are exact on a weekend but may find opportunity for expression on the Friday or Monday nearest the exact aspect. Times given are in Eastern Standard or Eastern Daylight Savings Time depending on the season.

ARIES – March 20-April 19 - The Moon is in Aries from Sunday till Tuesday morning. Sunday may be rather stressful, with squares to Pluto and Venus in Capricorn. The evening is more agreeable as you spend time chatting with kindred spirits over dinner. Monday is devoted to work. Tuesday morn is brightened by a sympathetic friend. Uranus goes direct in your sign Saturday. If Uranus is conjunct your Sun, heart irregularities may occur and should receive attention. Other Arians may be upset, may be accident-prone, so chill out and be aware of your surroundings. And some Arians may find their inner rebel, and embrace change.

TAURUS – April 20-May 20 – An insurance matter may be belatedly settled early in the week. The Moon is in Taurus from 9:34 am Tuesday till Thursday night. You may overdo at lunch Tuesday, or perhaps you treat someone. You read the real lowdown on the internet that night. Wednesday may be a power day for you, when the moon in Taurus trines Mars and Venus in the other earth signs. Earth signs build things, whether tangible or intangible, from houses to companies. So have your plans at hand, and gather a work crew. You may have to find other people’s money to fund the project. Thursday evening you can be a little idealistic, but the mood is perfect for a night at the movies.

GEMINI – May 21-June 20 – The Moon is in Gemini from 9:52 pm Thursday till next Sunday. You may have a brilliant idea Thursday night but be safety-conscious before getting on any ladders. Friday morn may be spent on sales talks, and the rest of the day is rather strenuous. The Full Moon eclipse occurs in your sign on Saturday morning; see above notes about that. You might be put on the spot as a spokesperson or you may have to in effect tutor others on how to communicate and to pay attention to the effect one’s words have on others. Any weekend chores should be saved for Sat. night or Sunday.

CANCER – June 21-July 22 – Attempts to get a loan early in the week may not pan out according to initial promises. Also balancing demands of work and family may be more difficult right now, but it’s hard to say no to overtime. Tuesday favors lunch with a dear, generous friend. You feel more like cocooning later in the week. The Uranus station in your career house Saturday may throw a curve ball at you regarding your employer or possibly one’s father.

LEO – July 23-Aug. 22 – Sunday’s Sun-Mercury conjunction in your solar fifth house of creativity may bring a burst of ideas, not all of which will work out but write them down before they are lost. Sunday evening favors a bull session to generate more ideas, or how you might make them work. Thursday, prepare to turn your understudy role into a star turn. Uranus makes a station in your solar ninth house of law and publishing. Possibly a book deal offer may come out of the blue, or a legal matters may take a funny bounce of the football.

VIRGO – Aug. 23-Sept. 22 – Sunday’s Sun-Mercury conjunction in your solar fourth house throws a caution flag on appliance purchases. Tuesday favors posting anything important on the internet or on your blog. Wednesday could also a power day for you if you are building anything tangible, or investing. Guard your health Thursday night, and refuse to be ruffled on a stressful Friday. Uranus going direct in your solar eighth house Saturday may signal an unexpected bequest or a undependable insurer. Saturday morning also finds you juggling demands on your time.

LIBRA – Sept. 23-Oct. 22 – A flurry of communications flies in early in the week, although with Mercury retrograde not all of it will pan out as planned. Sunday is also stressful at home, but try to balance the holiday rush with budget restraint. The Moon is in compatible Gemini starting Thursday night, but life is no less demanding. Make time to just chill out with an eggnog or tea. Uranus going direct in your solar seventh house Saturday may signal a rift with, or at least surprising news about, a personal or business partner.

SCORPIO – Oct. 23-Nov. 21 – The Sun and Mercury are conjunct in your solar second house of money on Sunday; financial matters can make a new start altho stressful demands are not over. You balance Mars and Venus energies thru volunteering for non-profits or other groups this week. Finances, insurance, investments, and friends all make demands on you; perhaps legal services can help bargain down the balance owed. Uranus going direct in your solar sixth house Saturday may mean sudden illnesses or sudden job offers.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov. 22-Dec. 21 – Best day of the week may be Sunday, with the Moon in compatible aspect and favoring time in convivial company. You may also have a brief argument, too, but it is best ended by agreeing to disagree. You may donate some time to a club or non-profit early in the week. Someone may ask you for creative input mid-week. Encourage the wife and kids to go to some holiday event by themselves Thursday night. Friday night is tense, and does not favor outings with family nor career events. Uranus direct in your solar fifth house of children may find a child makes a surprising announcement.

CAPRICORN – Dec. 22-Jan. 19 – Sunday’s Sun-Mercury conjunction may denote that things you’d rather remained private become public embarrassments. But a Sunday evening jaunt with family creates excited chatter and creative expression. Wednesday may be a power day personally; you find plans online on how to make your dreams into reality. You can’t say no to children’s requests on Thursday. Uranus going direct in your solar fourth house Saturday may shake up the household in some way.

AQUARIUS – Jan. 20-Feb. 17 - Sunday’s Sun-Mercury conjunction in your solar eleventh house of friends may caution you to take what your friends say with a grain of salt. Air signs enjoy tossing around ideas on Sunday night. Monday favors a private rendezvous instead of Christmas shopping. On Friday you might take the kids along on a volunteer task. Uranus going direct in your solar third house Saturday may open up a new world to you online, but do be careful to have your firewalls up.

PISCES – Feb. 18-March 19 – Sunday’s Sun-Mercury conjunction in your solar tenth house of career may signal a new start in some ways, but be cautious about promises that may or may be fulfilled. The beginning and end of the week have stressful days, so employ your “psychic shield” setting. Sunday finds you trying to juggle home and career again. Guard your health Thursday night. You are pulled in four directions Friday, but try not to feel like a wishbone. Uranus going direct in your solar second house Saturday may signal erratic finances or payment. 

For newcomers, the idea is to consider celestial influences as part of a larger whole, or Flow, must as our weather is influenced by the winds aloft.  All too often, astrologers tend to write about astrological events as if each were an isolated specimen as if pulled out of the sky and analyzed by itself – and there is no dearth of astrological sites on the net that write that way.  Here, it is the movement and interactions that are important and form the basis of discussion.

If any of the material is unclear or unfamiliar to you, it is probably unfamiliar to others as well, please leave a comment and I will be glad to answer your questions. 

If you like what you see, please share it with friends!  If you would like to get email notifications for when The Flow! is updated, or have a private question please email me at skywatcher888@yahoo.com.  Thank you!

The Flow! is updated every Sunday.

Please note: all times are in the Pacific Timezone.

This week’s synopsis: Opportunity Knocks

Originally, since Sunday is the day the Sun enters Scorpio, I had planned on writing an exposé on the sign. One is certainly overdue. If ever there was a sign maligned since time immemorial, it is the scorpion in the sky. But there are two standout events that preempt that discussion. Next week is Samhain (the reason for Halloween) and may serve as a better point of departure for an examination to thrill, trill, and titillate even the most moribund of souls. After all, if Scorpio can’t raise the moribund, who can?

But alas, we must wait a week because we have more compelling items on our plate.

First up, on Wednesday, is the New Moon of Scorpio, Hecate’s Moon. Usually, the Moon enjoys being in Scorpio about as much as a cat like to take a bath.  And, there’s probably a decent amount of symbolism in that statement!  However, this is not one of them.  The New Moon in Scorpio is Hecate’s Moon, and it is one of the most powerful New Moons of the year.

Hecate (pronounced Heh-ca-tay), triple-form goddess of the dark underworld, is a powerful goddess in the pagan pantheon.  In one sense, her name derives from the Greek word for “will,” which is a deep source of all forms of magickal workings, and she is foremost the goddess of magick and the craft.  As goddess of the crossroads, she stirs her cauldron, and weaves the webs of destiny. In another, her name comes from those places “far off” and “distant,” becoming the goddess of crossroads, boundaries, and realms unknown. As triple goddess, of maiden, mother, and crone, she has particular affinity with crossroads that fork like a “Y” and her is often represented along-side a triple headed female dog. As goddess of earth, sea, and sky her gifts to humanity were anything she had a will to offer.

This New Moon, then, is a time of renewal, rebirth, understanding one’s path in life, and is very powerful source of energy for magick of all sorts, whether by ritual, lighting a candle, or simply putting your intentions out into the world.  The only requirement is to be sure that whatever you seek is an acceptable part of your destiny!

The second important event of this week, a trine (harmonious aspect) between Jupiter (good fortune) and Pluto (power) provides the means to take advantage of what the Hecate Moon has to offer you. When power and good fortune are in harmonious aspect to each other it is an opportunity for powerful good fortune. And as if this were not enough, not only does this aspect occur on Friday, but if, by chance you can’t take advantage of it now, you get a second chance in mid-March of next year.

Opportunity is knocking. Loudly.

But it is not knocking on all doors in all ways. Depending on your own personal astrological chart, you will most likely capitalize on it in a particular way. You can read the following for your Sun sign, Moon sign, or Ascending sign as you wish. For the Sun, it will most likely affect your Self. For the Moon, your emotional well-being.  And, for your Ascendant how you appear to the outside world, and your expectations.

Buona fortuna one and all!

Aries: You folks have the opportunity to kick your economic engines into high gear. You have the potential to use your status, career, or those areas of life in which you have built a firm foundation to increase the flow of your resources. Even if it isn’t monetary, the resources you need to further your career should be available to you now—if you are have the courage to engage them.

Taurus: Taureans of all the signs should not let the opportunity fall by the wayside. You have struggled long and hard to forge a particular path for yourself. Now is the time to put that self out into the world to see what you can accomplish. Yes, I know, it is frightfully scary what lies beyond your green pastures. But there are others out there, very close relationships that you have also built over the years who are ready, willing, and able to help you. You are resourceful, extremely so, but you can’t build the world by yourself.

Gemini: It is time to clear out those psychological cobwebs once and for all. You have been carrying around the residue of the past for far too long. It may not be Spring, but it is time for Spring Cleaning of your soul. You know that there are big changes waiting for you in the wings, but every once in a while you get spooked by a phantasm of your own psyche. It’s not worth saving them for Halloween. Let ‘em go. There is a butterfly waiting to be born within, but you can’t fly if you’re wrapped up in your own cocoon. Surprisingly, someone you know at work may provide just the support you need to break out.

Cancer: Yes, I know, dear heart. Some of the people in your life are treating you like crap and you don’t deserve it. I know, I know. Here, have another hankie. The other people in your life are forcing you to change the very nature of who you are. This is never a process that comes with the adjectives joyful, delightful, or thrilling. But it can be a time in which you grow beyond the old self you have been. If you are willing to take the hints and move out beyond the sphere of your comfort zone, you just might find that you are then able to employ some of those adjectives above.

Leo: Wow. You Leos are in for the time of your life when it comes to the career front. Changes are happening and it may feel like brick wall obstacles that have kept you spinning your wheels in the past are melting away faster than ice cream in July. Don’t push TOO far. Know your place in the scheme of things. But if you keep up the good work, some truly substantial opportunities career-wise just might put you in a very comfortable position by the next time this aspect occurs in March.

Virgo: Virgos have big plans, big thoughts, and big ideas. Man, you folks have been cooking up some projects that can truly change your world for the better. SHARE THEM. Do not keep them hidden. There are no creeps breathing over your shoulder greedily scheming to turn them into the next Facebook. Why? Because the thing you need most right now is the input of others. You NEED them to tweak what you have to make it truly something special. Remember your kindergarten…it is good to share your candy.

Libra: Some of the more insightful of you may begin to have an understanding of what it feels like to be a tree. Lately you have been sinking your roots deep in the ground and they have been flourishing, leading you in new directions and offering you a cornucopia of new opportunities. Involvements that you had in the past, whether they were professional, semi-professional, hobbies, interests, or idle curiosities are paying off now, big time. Things that you never thought would be relevant have new meaning in your life, as if each were a leaf from which you are able to draw nourishment.

Scorpio: Ah, Scorpio, you are the engine of your own opportunity. If opportunity is knocking, it is your hand rapping the door. There are relationships in your life that are taking on new meaning, and they are providing you with the chance to further your own self-awareness. There is a perfect time for you folks to undertake a course of study of any kind that interests you, but if you are so inclined, astrology, wicca, or psychology might be particularly rewarding at this time. You may also be finding new people in your community who you can relate to on a very profound and intimate level. Perhaps there is a soul-mate waiting for you in the wings? Get out more. Find out!

Sagittarius: Those of you who have stuck it out and tried to build a career for yourself are really ready to sink your teeth into some meaty projects and ambitions you have had for a very long time. Some recent events may have had you restructure your finances, but this mostly leaves you free to pursue some very very green pastures. For many of you, there have been nagging issues from your past that have you doubting pieces of your future plans. The heady draft of success if you follow your dreams will clear these bats from your belfry.

Capricorn: Many of you folks know what a snake feels like after it has shed its skin. Many of you have gone through an intense process of transformation in which an old you has sloughed off by the wayside, creating a sturdier, more powerful, and more profound person. Whether the catalyst was children, parents, career, or a spouse, you have been forced to take on a new role in life, and you have come through. For you, networking is the key. The contacts and associations you have built over the years are really paying off now, and helping you through fairly rough times. You may not feel like celebrating just yet, but better times are ahead, particularly after Jupiter goes direct on Christmas. What a great gift for you under the tree!

Aquarius: Life’s a bitch. Or at least it was. You folks have been through psychological hell, and have crawled, scraped, and fought your way back to safety. Now you know what brain salad surgery feels like. At this point, what you need most of all is a bit of rest, relaxation and recuperation, so get what of it you can. Unfortunately, your career is calling, and it is a call you can not refuse. This is going to take up considerable time, energy, and resources, so make sure you are ready to make the commitment. This is no time for half-measures!

Pisces: If there is one thing you people need to be doing right now it is networking, being out among others, and making others aware of what you have to offer. Your creative gifts, talents, and projects mean a great deal to you now, and the actions you take will determine your legacy. Some of you may have had to make significant adjustments to your plans for your future, but these changes are also opportunities for you to grow and gain experience. Some of you, too, may be called upon to take on a more leadership role within the groups and associations to which you belong, and this opportunity could be a path to the fulfillment of a significant part of your destiny.

To the Daily Details!

Sunday, October 23^rd

Sun enters Scorpio at 11:30am

Happy Birthday Scorpios!

The Moon is in Virgo all day.

In spite of the fact that today is a Sunday, we are still very focused on the practical aspects of our affairs. The nuts and bolts of the things that are important to us seem to occupy our interest as we seek the means to manifest our aspirations. Change is very much in the air, and there is a subtle feeling that hidden forces are helping to move things along in a more positive manner than has been the case lately. Today is an excellent day for being out and meeting with others, exchanging ideas, or just spending time with those you enjoy. There’s a greater willingness to share of ourselves, and that makes all the difference. Regardless of how you spend your Sunday, I bet by the end of the day you have a better perspective on things than you have had in some time.

Monday, October 24^th

No major aspects

Happy United Nations Day!

The Moon goes into Libra at 8:49am, so we lose the Virgoan industriousness that has made this past weekend so productive. While Libra is generally the sign of harmony and balance, there seems to be precious little of it around for most of the day. In the morning, it seems as if no-thing and no-one is in the mood to cooperate. Everyone is off doing their own thing and to heck with the greater good or the game plan. Patience! Patience is another thing in very short supply today, so if you have any to spare, please pass it around. Later in the day conspiracy theories abound, so try to keep a low profile and avoid any questionable behavior. Accusations fly, don’t give any of them reason to land on you.

Tuesday, October 25^th

No major aspects

The Moon is still in Libra, but today the sign of the scales is better able to find its bearings and balance. This morning it is best to just let bygones be bygones. The day before the New Moon is often a time of endings, so just let the past slip into the past without dragging it into the future. In the afternoon and evening people are in the mood to fix whatever was messed up yesterday. Our spirits are high, our energy level is high, and we’re willing to put in whatever work is necessary to get things done. The rest of the week is very good for wrapping up projects and putting new plans into action, so if there is something you’ve been working on for a long time, now is the time to put on the polish and get ready to flip the switch. If you have been involved in an emotional or relationship dispute, this evening is may be the best time of the week to try and smooth ruffled feathers and patch up any misunderstandings. In this way, you will be able to take full advantage of what Hecate’s New Moon has to offer.

Wednesday, October 26^th

Mars sextiles Saturn at 2:39am

Hecate’s New Moon at 12:56pm

Venus squares Mars at 3:23pm

Today is a busy day astrologically, and to add to the traffic jam, the Moon enters Scorpio at 8:08am. Usually, the Moon does not much like the time it spends in the sign of the Scorpion, but when it is the place of the New Moon, it is an entirely different story. Usually, the Moon takes to Scorpio much like you’d expect your grandmother (Moon) to appreciate being plopped into a bordello (Scorpio), but with the New Moon, it is as if you come to realize that grandma had a rather racy past and fits in quite well. This energy, combined with the Venus/Mars square makes for a very intense time as far as romantic relationships go. If you are involved with someone in a good positive sexual relationship, you may find sexual activity for the next few days to be particularly fulfilling and rewarding. If any of you are looking to conceive, the energies for the rest of the month may just do the trick. Name them Skywatcher if it works!

Thursday, October 27^th

No major aspects

The day’s energies are perfect for nurturing your plans, planting seeds, and letting them grow in their own time. This evening offers another opportunity for healing and making nice with those with whom your relationship has been rocky. Yes, they may come on a bit strong and confrontational, but if you are able and willing to look beyond their crusty defense mechanisms, you might find more of a marshmallow hiding inside. Today may also bring important news that changes things for you. If that is the case, be careful not to make more of it than appears on the surface. Accept it for what it is, without reading more into it than is necessary. This will prevent you from making any mistakes with regard to this issue in the future.

Friday, October 28^th

Mercury squares Mars at 8:08am

Jupiter trines Pluto at 9:46am

Sun opposes Jupiter at 6:42pm

Sun sextiles Pluto at 8:09pm

The Moon enters Sagittarius at 7:45am, lifting our moods and ushering in a wonderful weekend for partying and celebrating Samhain and Halloween. Whatever your plans are for this weekend, I hope you truly enjoy them!

We don’t get to party, however, until we get through some troublesome astrological energies. Mercury is the Mind. Mars is our Aggression. Squares are nasty aspects that usually bring out the worst from the two planets involved. Ergo, the Mercury Mars square has all the makings of getting an otherwise fun weekend off on the wrong foot. Emotions may run high. We may be at our wits end. We may not even have any wits left to end. If you want to stay out of trouble, keep your tongue planted firmly behind closed teeth, and resist all temptation to flap it. If you must speak, be sure to lubricate it with honey or sugar to ensure your words are sweet. Not sticky sweet. Just sweet, sarcasm may take a bite out of your own rear today.

Otherwise, today should be an excellent day for putting plans and projects into action, closing the books on work well done, and making profitable investments and decisions regarding financial matters. If you have been waiting to meet with someone to discuss financial matters or investments, today may be a good day to do so, though you may want to wait at least a week before making any final decisions.

Saturday, October 29^th

No major aspects

Today should be a very good day for all sorts of pursuits. We have had a string of Saturdays of supportive, productive astrological aspects and today and next Saturday are no exceptions! If any of you are celebrating the Samhain Sabbat tonight, rituals should be productive, effective, and powerful. If you are out partying, if may feel as if the whole world is partying with you. Spirits of the internal, ingestible, and other-worldly sort are all energetic, playful, sporting, and rambunctious. Whatever your plans, may you enjoy them and enjoy them safely!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

New Moon in Scorpio 2011

The New Moon in Scorpio doth approacheth!

Moon is still Gemini as I type this but I always get excited by the New and Full Moons! As for eclipses? Well, just keep ‘em off of my sensitive points, okay? ;)

I’ve already talked a wee bit about aspects to the New Moon in previous posts but I’m still thinking about it now….

How Pluto in Capricorn will sextile the Sun and Moon. This is like a power surge but a gentle one. As gentle as Pluto can be ;) Pluto feeding Sun and Moon, mainlining them. We’re talking fixed water and cardinal earth. Commitment (Scorpio) + Movement (Cardinal/dynamic) = getting things done. With sextiles you have to work and Capricorn doesn’t mind that at all. This aspect tells me, “The kingdom will be yours” if you just… advertise!

Mercury and Venus will be conjunct for the New Moon. This would signify someone charming in almost any sign: beautiful language, poetic mind, an artist of some kind, but in Scorpio? The mood is waaaay darker. Conjunctions act as one and Venus is still Venus but a Venus touched by the God of Death (Pluto rules Scorpio) makes for a more serious party than Mercury Venus may be used to. Mercury and Venus conjunct in Scorpio is that well-spoken Goth kid who likely has Pluto conjunct as well ;)

Now Mars in Leo will square this Mercury and Venus. Mars in Leo is playful and robust and in the sky this square doesn’t alarm me at all. It’s the kind of thing I’d like to sit back and watch :) Mars square Venus runs hot and cold though: you may flip your allegiance! At one moment committed to the guy and the next moment committed to the girl and what kind of commitment is that when you keep changing face? But as a friend-astrologer told me yesterday about Mars square Venus: it may be hot and cold but when it’s hot? It’s HOT.

Mars square Mercury of course can indicate squabbles and with Leo involved and Scorpio involved there’s bound to be someone’s ego at stake! Don’t step on any toes. Don’t say anything you can’t take back!

The Sun and Moon opposing transiting Jupiter show the balancing act of the day. I think here especially you should look in your chart for this opposition because here is where you may go to extremes.  Or a serious stalemate! And it’s a serious (Scorpio) opposition: your expansion (Jupiter) vs your intimacy (Scorpio). How free do you need to be? Moon Jupiter is usually a feel-good aspect but I think we’re up to something a bit deeper here. Freedom vs Closeness. The Possessive Lover vs the Mountain Man (lol).  Which one are you? Both at different times? Both at the same tim? Sun and Jupiter in opposition is the ego expanding. These folks think they can accomplish anything. Can they? Do they? It depends ;)

The Sun and Moon inconjunting Uranus repeats some of these themes: the safety of ego (Sun) and the safety of home (Moon) not quit fitting you anymore. You want to break free. An adjustment is needed to satisfy all of you (and your partner, if you have one). I would let this one pass actually. Meaning, don’t take the bait. Feel the energy. Go electric for a while but return to yourself. Don’t let Uranus carry you away except to new levels, new realms of creativity and intuition.

Saturn will be trining Neptune. He’s applying though, not there yet. This is one to watch because this aspect is about building and dissolving simultaneously (sandcastles, anyone?). Structure and the absence of structure. Rules + imagination. So I would keep this aspect in mind in all your intentions.  How you need both. How you need the liquid (Neptune) and the container (Saturn). That you need the words for the poem and you need the form for the poem. You need to create (Neptune) and you need to take breaks (Saturn=stop) from creating. Like in the creation story: God made the world, day by day, but he still went to sleep at night ;)

Got questions about how the New Moon in Scorpio affects your chart? Click here!

Contact Me for info about about Astrology Readings

Twitter!

The Sun enters intense Scorpio at 2:30 pm, Sunday, Oct. 23. Scorpio is supposedly the sexiest sign, but that news may surprise some Scorpio natives. May not be attractive in the conventional sense, but their intensity and magnetism can draw members of the opposite sex to them. Scorpio may be either the noble eagle or the lower scorpion/snake type; you will probably know which one your Scorpio friend is. The eagle type can be very Aquarian in the sense that they are dedicated to the advancement of the whole human race. The lower type can be jealous or vengeful, or try to dominate others. Scorpios make excellent detectives, spies, researchers, doctors and surgeons, prosecutors, and artists. Famous people with the Sun in Scorpio include Picasso, Robert Louis Stevenson, Marie Antoinette, Martin Luther, Bobby Kennedy, Marie Curie, Richard Burton, Billy Graham, Jonas Salk, Prince Charles, and Felix Frankfurter. Happy birthday to all Scorpios this month.

The Sun trines Chiron in Pisces on Monday at 9:37 am. Your new practitioner may be able to diagnose the exact problem and address its causes. Since Chiron will be in the solar fifth house of Pisces (in the Midwestern New Moon chart), there is some chance of injury to the feet, possibly while dancing, and that this injury causes you to visit a new doc, therapist, or natural healer.

The October New Moon occurs on 3 degrees, 3 minutes of Scorpio at 3:56 pm Wednesday. (The Part of Fortune is at 10 degrees Aquarius, right on the ascendant in a Midwestern chart; also, Vesta is at 11 degrees Aquarius. It says, whatever you need is right there where you are.) The New Moon features: Mars in Leo sextiles Saturn at 21 degrees of Libra at 5:37 am Wed. This aspect favors getting really, really organized, accomplishing one’s mission, and may involve the military. Good for detailed work in metal or stone, or any sustained effort. Venus in Scorpio squares Mars at 22 degrees of Leo at 6:23 pm Wednesday. We may have arguments with loved ones, yet with Venus softening our hearts, we retain a sense of fair play and courtesy – we play by the rules. Relationships begun now are likely to fade after the initial physical attraction fades.

Mercury in the New Moon’s ninth house of national news is conjunct Venus, and square Mars; the military will be in the news, possibly inre appropriations voted on by Congress. Sun-Moon are in the Scorpion’s eighth house but because they are in early degrees, they want to be in the ninth house with the rest of the sign – joining Mercury and Venus. National news is going to be very big that day so stay tuned to your favorite news source.

Mercury in Scorpio squares Mars at 23 degrees of Leo at 11:08 am Friday. Mercury square Mars tends to cause argument, although arguing can be done constructively in the form of debate or other rational discussion. With fixed signs here, it is not likely that anyone’s mind is going to be changed quickly, so maybe you should just agree to differ and move on to other topics. You may be irritable and cranky, impatient enough to jump a green light and cause an accident, so use extra care. This aspect can also make for exciting athletic contests, ones that feature fast hand- or foot-work, passing the ball, or where deception may be useful.

Jupiter in Taurus trines Pluto at 5 degrees of Capricorn at 12:29 pm Friday. Big Business (Pluto in Capricorn) has a good week.

The Sun in Scorpio opposes Jupiter at 5 degrees Taurus and sextiles Pluto at 9:42 pm and 11:11 pm Friday, respectively.

NOTE: In several entries below I refer to events in possibly two months’ time; this involves fixed signs so I know it probably will not happen in days or weeks – but there is a chance that it may take 2-4 months, or even two years to play out. I hope not!

PS – I listed a few used astrology books for sale on Amazon Books; Part Two was posted July 1! **Includes a classic Alan Leo book** Look for reviews in my column with a link to the listing. Even more titles to come soon. Thanks for your support (and patience). Note that the Intuition book, listed in Part One, has sold.

ALSO – see my popular article on late degrees of all the signs. Link: http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2008/08/15/planets-in-late-degrees-what-do-they-mean/

ALSO – see new article on The Goddess Archetypes: The Pallas Athena Myth at http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2011/07/28/the-goddess-archetypes-the-pallas-athena-myth/

ALSO – check out Astrology.com – free lessons online

Readers can follow not only their Sun sign horoscope but also the sign of their Ascendant for further clues to how your week will develop. Also note: some aspects are exact on a weekend but may find opportunity for expression on the Friday or Monday nearest the exact aspect. Times given are in Eastern Standard or Eastern Daylight Savings Time depending on the season.

ARIES – March 20-April 19 – Wednesday’s New Moon (plus Juno) is inconjunct Uranus in your sign; you may make sudden changes, possibly including getting married or separating. A friend who is a lawyer or advocate may have some sharp insights into you or a problem you are having. Legal arguments may bear fruit. With the North Node transiting your solar ninth house and Mars in your solar fifth house, sports, law and national politics may be good fields for you to be involved in.

TAURUS – April 20-May 20 – Wednesday’s New Moon in your solar seventh house could signal a strong attraction to someone new, but physical attraction can fade quickly. Existing relationships will be stressed by Mars in Leo squaring your natal planets. You need some outlet for your physical energy so you might put your garden to bed for the winter, or chop some wood for the fireplace. Juno moves into your opposite sign this month; unmarried Taureans may finally tie the knot. Jupiter will be in your sign till June of 2012; Jove may expand your waistline when you ought to let him expand your horizons. Jove is also protective but buckle your seatbelt anyway.

GEMINI – May 21-June 20 – The Mars-Saturn sextile on Wednesday favors detailed work in metal or stone, so jewelers and sculptors will find this day very productive. Wednesday’s New Moon (plus Juno) is inconjunct your sun sign, which suggests to me that you or your friends might make some adjustments in your/their marital status one way or the other. You may have to put up a friend who has been thrown out by his spouse. Improvise. With the South Node well into your sign now, you would do well to adhere to healthy living and protect your health. Get adequate rest. You may even have to eat your vegetables!

CANCER – June 21-July 22 - The New Moon (plus Juno) is in harmonious aspect to your sun sign. Matters involving children and creative pursuits are accented, perhaps with a child announcing an engagement (which stands a 50-50 chance of being called off before the nuptials). With Chiron entering your solar fifth house, you would do well to be aware of best practices in handling toxic craft supplies. If you do oil painting, for example, it is well to have a well-ventilated work space.

LEO – July 23-Aug. 22 – Mars in your sign sextiles Saturn on Wednesday morning, which favors getting REALLY organized! You’ve no idea how much you can get done if you got organized; you might take over the company or at least be in control of your own life. (baby steps, baby steps) Venus squares transiting Mars the same day, a reminder to fight fair. Mercury squares your Mars on Friday, possibly making you impatient and accident-prone. All this Mars energy this week needs to be burned off in some athletic outlet.

VIRGO – Aug. 23-Sept. 22 – The Moon is in Virgo as the week begins, till midday Monday. The Moon sextiles Venus in Scorpio, your solar third house, on Sunday afternoon. You might spend a pleasant afternoon with siblings, other relatives, or neighbors. Accept that invite to dinner. Wednesday’s New Moon (plus Juno) is in compatible Scorpio on Wednesday; take care to get debt under control, and keep your temper under wraps.

LIBRA – Sept. 23-Oct. 22 – The Moon is in Libra from 11:49 am Monday till midday Wednesday. The Moon opposes Uranus in Aries about 2 pm Monday; a partner may want to breakup or toss some other upsetting thing your way, but try to stay cool and talk things out. Changes of plan are not unusual, really, so just pick up a phone and notify others who are affected. The Moon-Neptune trine Wednesday morning can make you daydream but is nice for random acts of kindness. Wednesday’s New Moon (plus Juno) is in your solar second house of money; avoid loaning money to friends. There may be surprising news regarding the in-laws. An insurance or other payoff looms in possibly two months.

SCORPIO – Oct. 23-Nov. 21 –The Sun in your sign trines Chiron in Pisces on Monday morning; see a practitioner for any nagging problems or new injury. The Moon is in Scorpio from 11:08 am Wednesday till late a.m. on Friday. Wednesday’s New Moon is significant for Scorpios with birthdays in October especially if they work for the government or in the military; see notes above. Thursday can be frustrating as you argue with a boss or coworker; you may talk about fair play and human values to him, possibly to no avail. There may be confusion at home Friday morning when trying to get ready for work, so look alive and check the settings on appliances.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov. 22-Dec. 21 – With a New Moon in your twelfth house, changes and events may be hidden from you; some changes may affect people around you but not you directly. Mars, which is transiting your solar fifth house of romance is activated this week by aspects. Fight fair with the object of your desire, and talk things over calmly. The Moon is in Sag from 10:45 am Friday till midday next Sunday. Sag’s who spend the day at home Friday may wind up with an injury, probably nothing serious but you know how the home is the most dangerous place to be. Friday afternoon favors the arts, recreation and spending time with the kids. Saturday is best used for chores, such as putting away the patio furniture for winter.

CAPRICORN – Dec. 22-Jan. 19 - Wednesday’s New Moon (plus Juno) is in your solar eleventh house of friends and hopes; a friend may suddenly take a bigger role in your romantic life, although for the short term. Do not lend money to any (nor to a counselor or lawyer) at this time, because it is a good way to lose both. In about two months you may have several romantic partners to choose from, so don’t lock yourself down now. Chiron moves into your solar third house which signals the need for protective gloves wherever needed. Figure out ways to avoid repetitive motion injuries.

AQUARIUS – Jan. 20-Feb. 17 - Wednesday’s New Moon (plus Juno) is in your solar tenth house of career; give a new venture a chance to gel, because in possibly two months’ time, it will blossom into quite a good deal. Right now you can best benefit by using your hands in creative or service work. Chiron moves into your second house of money for the next seven years or so, so pay attention to budgeting and paying bills on time. Juno enters your solar tenth house of career; you and a spouse may eventually open a business together.

PISCES – Feb. 18-March 19 - Wednesday’s New Moon (plus Juno) is in your solar ninth house of law, publishing and college; a legal matter could be resolved in your favor in about two months, so do not settle too quickly for a low offer. Chiron in your sign trines Juno, so your spouse may be the healer you need. In fact, Chiron moves into Pisces for the next seven years or so, so make sure to wear any protective gear required for a sport or occupation and make a habit of that. 

Tarot card of the day was the “2 of Pentacles”, which is correlated to stimulating developments, indicating movement or change in the natural progress of a project or business. One has to decide between 2 alternatives, which meant for me personally that I set up another appointment with my dentist (see yesterday’s blog), realizing that I don’t want to aggravate the problem again and then have to deal with another ‘build-up’, forcing me to face the consequences of actions not taken.

 Venus at 5 degrees Taurus trines Pluto in Capricorn late Sunday; love and sex can get very intense under this transit. Relationships may be transformed or you may gain new insights into each other. Someone may suddenly turn out to be a lot deeper than you thought, once you’ve had a good chat with him or her.

Mercury at 3 degrees Taurus squares Mars in Leo at 12:17 am Monday. Use logic and reason when dealing with things you desire. You may have to negotiate with others over getting time off to pursue your hobbies or go on club outings. You might really enjoy a spirited debate (formal or informal), too, but don’t expect to change your opponent’s mind.

Mercury at 5 degrees Taurus trines Pluto in Capricorn at 6:46 am Tuesday. This is excellent for research and detective work of any kind. Get out the deerstalker hat and gather your usual suspects together.

Saturn retrogrades back into Virgo (2:51 pm Wednesday, April 7), alas for Virgoans who were just beginning to relax. Time to tidy up any loose ends of matters unfinished when Saturn entered Libra last Oct. 29. You have until late July to get it done right this time, so get along there. At least the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) get a bit of a breather for the spring/summer.

Hey, got sick under a Sun square natal Mars transit. It ought to have given me a big burst of energy, but my bad habits and a bad batch of soup got me. Down I went with a case of food poisoning (I think). I needed the ‘inner cleanse’, like it or not. If one does not give an outlet for that Mars energy, one can easily get sick, so that is what happened to lazy me!

Readers can follow not only their Sun sign horoscope but also the sign of their Ascendant for further clues to how your week will develop. Also note: some aspects are exact on a weekend but may find opportunity for expression on the Friday or Monday nearest the exact aspect. Times given are in Eastern Standard or Eastern Daylight Savings Time depending on the season.

 ARIES – March 20- April 19 - Saturn retrogrades back into Virgo (2:51 pm Wednesday, April 7). You have till late July to enjoy a breather. Us this time productively because it will be a lot harder to Get Things Done when Saturn opposes you come August. Your spouse may suddenly seem less dour, less harried, less pressured. Plan and enjoy a spring break or early summer getaway. Thursday night is an excellent night to get out with a group of friends, no matter what kind of activities you have planned.

 TAURUS – April 20- May 20 – Venus in Taurus trines Pluto in Capricorn late Sunday; love and sex can get very intense under this transit. Relationships may be transformed or you wake up realizing that hey, so-n-so is a lot deeper than you thought. Mercury in Taurus squares Mars in Leo at 12:17 am Monday. Use logic and reason when dealing with things you desire. You may have to negotiate with others over getting time off to pursue your hobbies or go on club outings. You might really enjoy a spirited debate (formal or informal), too. You may be in a stubborn mood again late Wednesday so I hope your mate is very patient with you.

 GEMINI – May 21- June 20 – Sunday evening may be challenging; too many chores and you feel like you are left all alone after the bustle of the holiday. Count some blessings. Best day: Wednesday when Moon in Aquarius trines Saturn in Libra. You will probably be very calm and objective about yourself and your goals. Moderation and maturity are good things, y’know. Friends and college pals have a swell time late Thursday evening. Round up the Aries gang and challenge them to a game of pickup b-ball.

 CANCER – June 21- July 22 – On Monday your spouse is quite the tower-of-power; Moon conjunct Ceres and Pluto in Capricorn, Moon trine Mercury-Venus in Taurus. He/she can plant and harvest simultaneously, it seems. He may even show a rare artistic side, too. Saturn retrogrades back into Virgo (2:51 pm Wednesday, April 7). You have till late July to enjoy a breather. Us this time productively because it will be a lot harder to Get Things Done when Saturn afflicts you come August.

 LEO – July 23- Aug. 22 - Mercury at 3 degrees Taurus squares Mars in Leo at 12:17 am Monday. Use logic and reason when dealing with things you desire. You may have to negotiate with others over getting time off to pursue your hobbies or go on club outings. You might really enjoy a spirited debate (formal or informal) – - but don’t expect to change your opponent’s mind. The Moon-Mars opposition Wednesday evening threatens to start a fight between you and your spouse/partner; you are so good at being generous and reasonable, don’t let the day end on an angry note.

 VIRGO – Aug. 23- Sept. 22 – Sorry, Virgo, but Saturn decided he liked your modest, retiring self so much he is making a return visit this spring. Yes, starting this Wednesday and right thru late July you can expect your unwelcome guest to start using all your towels and raiding your refrig. Again. What can I say? Try to tie up any unfinished business from last October and make sure to do it right this time. I’m not nagging you or blaming you, just trying to help you plan how to use this period. Yes, he’ll be gone by August, promise. I have aspirin if you need some.

 LIBRA – Sept. 23- Oct. 22 – The Moon-Saturn square Sunday evening can mean loneliness and too much cleanup chores, OR a comforting Easter message of wisdom. Can you say yippee? Saturn retrogrades back into Virgo Wed., April 7. You have till late July to enjoy a breather. Us this time productively because it will be a lot harder to Get Things Done when Saturn revisits you before August. For now, use the Moon-Saturn trine this Wednesday morning to take an objective birds-eye view of your life and goals.

 SCORPIO – Oct. 23- Nov. 21 – Aspects to Mercury and Venus in Taurus, your solar seventh house of partners and the public, fill the week. You could possibly get in the public eye, as Mercury rules both interviews and the news. Saturn moves back into Virgo on Wednesday, your solar eleventh house of friends and clubs, where you may again benefit from consulting older people and mentors, or find a respected teacher till August. Wednesday is a contentious day, tho, with the Moon and Mars squaring your natal planets from either side; lie low and agree with everyone.

 SAGITTARIUS – Nov. 22- Dec. 21 – - The Moon is in Sag as the week begins, till Sunday night. The Moon squares Uranus in Pisces Sunday afternoon; you’re looking for excitement and may even start arguments to get it. About the same time the Moon also sextiles Neptune, meaning that you may actually be picking up others’ moods and reflecting them back; select someone that you can discuss dreams or daydreams with instead.

 CAPRICORN – Dec. 22- Jan. 19 – - The Moon is in Capricorn from 9 am Sunday till Wednesday morn. The Moon squares Saturn at 9:30 pm, giving rise to loneliness and emotional insecurity; reach out and touch somebody’s hand, as the song says. Capricorn catches a break when Saturn retrogrades out of Libra on Wednesday; you have till late July to enjoy a breather. Us this time productively because it will be a lot harder to Get Things Done when Saturn afflicts you come August.

 AQUARIUS – Jan. 20- Feb. 17 – - Chiron is activated Easter day so it might be meaningful to send out a prayer for healing for yourself and the world. The Moon is in Aquarius from 8:51 am Wednesday till Friday night. A Moon-Saturn trine Wednesday morn is a good time to confer with a mentor or older person; you are serene and in control of your urges. This serenity may be tested under a Moon-Mars opposition that evening so take a deep breath. Moon conjunct Neptune 5:44 pm Friday can lead to fuzzy-head syndrome; stick to routine tasks.

 PISCES – Feb. 18- March 19 – - The Moon squares Uranus Sunday afternoon; you may feel upset or just want to be alone for awhile. A Moon-Jupiter sextile mid-morning Tuesday brings tea and sympathy (and sometimes luck too) from women friends. Uranus brings a good laugh during the Wednesday am commute. The Moon is in Pisces from 9:48 pm Friday thru the weekend. Saturday offers several sextiles to Ceres, Pluto, Mercury and Venus. You may want to prep the garden, plant, or order seeds. Heirloom varieties may grab your attention.