1.21.2008 *a quick note about the 
Full Moon in Leo (creativity, self-expression, fun) tomorrow at 5:30 AM (EST), so give your Leonine qualities the reins and room to move and have their say! Nobility, generosity and….partying are in ;^).
1.24 (today) *Venus entering Capricorn for a month or so. Don’t let anyone sing you any of those ‘I’d do anything for Love’ songs. Love is an investment and when the ‘planet of love’ is in practical, earthy Cap, check your account for leaks and integrity. Invest in happiness ‘futures’…
1.25 *Pluto enters Capricorn
arguably the most important planetary event of the year, shifting the focus on ethics, religion and travel to a focus on building and accomplishment.” What have you been doing for the last 13 years? Before that? The time Pluto spends in a sign defines entire generations, political ‘climates’, world events and priorities. “Whenever Pluto changes signs, people’s obsessions change as well. Responsibility and self-reliance become major themes in the years ahead, making this a time to improve outmoded, bankrupt systems. ” A few months into this transition, watch things start to ’shift’. No wonder this election seems so unpredictable–it’s ushering us down a new aisle… for the next 16 years…
1.28 Monday *Mercury turns retrograde You know what this is by now! Nothing new. Just review, meditate and don’t sign on any dotted or solid lines for 3 weeks. Cultivate patience. Enjoy ‘not striving’. Study.
1.30 Wednesday *Mars turns direct
“Whew! Warrior, action-packed Mars has been held in check since last November. Think of a small child who hasn’t been able to go out and play for two-and-a-half months and, well, you get the idea. Once the door opens, all of that energy wants to release. Most plans and projects will move forward — slowly at first, but then pick up momentum. Some situations will come to an end, and you’re likely to feel that it’s time move in a new direction — and it is! ” This will be an interesting retrograde event. Everything you’ve wanted to do since November could be fair game…
2.6 *Sun conjunct Mercury
Get out your journal and record whatever’s on your mind. As retrograde Mercury conjuncts the Aquarius Sun, you receive a high-speed download of data making connections that will be useful to you later in the month as Mercury turns direct. So, store that information away for now; write about it and speak with your friends about your ideas. Just don’t act on them until Mercury goes direct.
2.6 *Solar Eclipse in Aquarius
The new Moon is always a time of new beginnings, and when that new Moon is also a solar eclipse, those new beginnings are especially dramatic. In Aquarius, the mantra is, ‘I’ve got to be me!’ This eclipse also stimulates your need to be part of something bigger, so socialize and catch up with your friends, or join an organization with a cause close to your heart.
“Eclipses are known to be associated with dramatic events in human and earthly affairs. If you have ever seen an eclipse, you know they are quite dramatic! So, in preparation for the solar eclipse on the 6th, plan on something grabbing your attention — but don’t think too far ahead! What you think is going to happen, often doesn’t.
We use the word ‘eclipse’ to say that one event has been overshadowed by another. Because this eclipse is occurring in Aquarius, your desire to be part of something bigger is stimulated — whether it’s a community issue, or organizations with a cause close to your heart. And, because Neptune conjuncts this eclipse, there is some uncertainty or confusion.
Ordinarily the sign Aquarius is quite logical, but with this spiritual planet’s influence, you’ll get more out of opening up to your less analytical sensibility. In addition, as this eclipse is occurring at the north node, you’ll be prompted to let go of the past and invest in your future.”
2.11 *one more week until the “Direct” festivities
Is it hitting you too? Our current Mercury retrograde came in under cover of a Mars-going-direct time, thus the new ease of ‘taking action’ served, I think, as a distraction, for a time, and “just do it” was suddenly en vogue, regardless of lack of planning, communication or correct mechanical functions.
For me, that novelty has worn thin.
I am looking around my domicile at the piles of unopened mail, notes upon notes, scattered layers of articles, cleaning needs and my mental list of undone things and wondering when, exactly, I’ll get ‘with it’ again. Give it a week, is the fortunate inner reply.
In addition, here is my brief summary of the week’s multiple astrological phenomena:
By the end of the week, a green light for beginning to work together with like-minded people towards causes and projects y’all care about. Player here include: the Sun (soul), Venus(benevolence/love), Mars(action), the North Node(future direction) and Aquarian energy (concerning all humanity/life)–all in celestial synergy.
2.18 *Mercury turns direct – everyone sing hallelujah
Hallelujah!!! We made it! It’s finally time to move towards all those good ideas that have occurred to you during the past 3 weeks. (In my case, I’ll definitely be moving towards my vacuum cleaner.) I began leaping around my living area yesterday and the party music is posted on my blog…
A heady confluence of Mercury re-directed, the Full Moon Eclipse on Wednesday and even a whiff of spring (here in Philly we ate lunch in bright sun with no coats today…) should really get idea implementation moving, perhaps for the first time this year! Give it 3 days to rev up.
Themes now include attention to health and checking in with your emotional tides to get pointed in a true direction. Eclipses are mysterious events, in that their effects are, apparently, not reallly apparent for 6 months. What occurs to me with that phrase is “the election” and guess when 6 months from now is….August: super-delegate month. Things ‘could’ get pretty interesting!!!
2.20 *Wednesday: Virgo Full Moon Lunar Eclipse
Lunar eclipses are extra intense full Moons — already a time known for heightened emotions. Since Virgo is the sign of work, health and service, these themes represent this period. Ask yourself what you can do to take better care of yourself and make your life more secure. Saturn’s placement next to the Moon highlights a theme of self-sufficiency. So, before you reach out to others, see what you can do to help yourself first.
2.24 *Sun opposite Saturn It’s time to step back and take a reality check. Carefully assess exactly what it is that you’re building into your life. Some of your situations may be too limiting for you. Is someone or something holding you back? At the same time, other parts of your life will feel solid. Life is all about balance — especially during an opposition!
3.07 *New Moon. Today, Friday, at about Noon EST, the moon aligned with the Sun in Pisces, giving a spiritual focus to the next moon cycle and, in some way, to what some may be focused on, noticing or at least keeping in mind.
With the planet of sudden out-of-the-box surprises, Uranus, joining them in this alignment, some interesting jolts could happen so it’s a time to ‘never assume’ even less than we usually are not ;^).
Spring brings certain yearly astrological events, for one, the Spring Equinox, defined by the Sun’s movement into the first sign – Aries, from the last sign, Pisces. At both the Spring and Fall equinoxes, light and dark are equal. In Spring however, the light is growing. Thus, it’s great time to ‘grow’ something, begin something new — build.
3.19 *Marks the Equinox! Although it may be just firming up an idea or plan, seed-planting of all kinds get the green light.
3.21 *Full Moon in Libra – Normally a harmonious event, Pluto squaring configuration stirs up the potential for relationship power struggles. If this is up for you, a word to the wise: step back, in fact instead of ‘discussing’, go down to the bookstore and browse for a few hours. Have a cuppa something warm while reading. Chat with a friend. Then you may be able to form the words, “This is challenging!”
3.21 *Sun square Pluto – Besides influencing the moon, Pluto has it’s own thing afoot. Someone or some ‘thing’ may be pushing you about. (I’m thinking of my own current ‘heating issues’ having the upper hand). Plans may just need to be changed! But self-sacrifice is still not, and never was, “in”. Perhaps as adjustments are made, you can discover some new kind of ability or method of meeting your own needs!
4.5. *At midnight was the New Moon in Aries (sign of fire and initiation) and with two other planets popping into that same sign, strains of Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Something” could be an accurate theme song right now.
4.10-4.13 *What’s up now could be a sentence as long as A Tale of Two Cities, involving the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter, Neptune and Mars… SO ~ the short version is: keep on planning, subject these plans to practical scrutiny and focus on keeping your own counsel although there will be more than enough opportunity to be sucked into a vortex of the “stuff of others”. Enough said.
4.17 & 19 *Yesterday and tomorrow (Saturday) Mercury and Sun enter Taurus, respectively, bringing some grounding, slowing down and practicality to life, communication and general life activities. Not a time to rush. You may be surprised at your stamina and I know for those of us at the end of the semester, this is a wonderful quality to access…
April 20: Full Moon in Scorpio, Sunday (from astro.com) No sign is more passionate than this intense water sign, and when combined with the emotional full Moon, expect to feel strongly about everything! What did you begin at the new Moon on March 7? You’ll get plenty of help with the Sun and Moon forming beautiful, harmonious aspects to Saturn in hardworking Virgo and Pluto in achievement-oriented Capricorn. The world rewards your strength and passion now, so take advantage of this time. 4.20. *The Full Moon in Scorpio is on Sunday and it will simply not be a day that is dull. What ‘kind’ of interesting depends on the context of your life, however.
5.2. (Friday) *Saturn goes direct.
Saturn went retrograde just before Christmas on Dec 20th last year.
Did your winter seem to drag on and on??
Since then, inner work has trumped moving ahead with plans in our lives (hasn’t it??).
But, expect that to change, and not just because it’s getting warmer.
Now that Saturn has begun, once again, to move ahead, so can we.From astrology.com, “
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5.5. (Monday) *New Moon in Taurus.
Monday morning begins a new monthly moon cycle, what has wound down by the end of Sunday is over and it’s time to start anew.
Taurus sets an earthy practical tone–cleaning out closets, planting gardens, making concrete plans all hold sway.
What you wanted to start last week you’ll be able to begin now!
Head’s Up Special Notice — upcoming Mercury Retrograde dates: May 26th – June 19th, 2008.
Well?
Would you rather be able to plan for this or find out that it started yesterday! ? !
Remember to plan to: Retreat-Recreate-Redecorate-Review-Rejuvinate, Re_____________(fill in blank) and clean out those closets, if you haven’t already!.
5.09. *Jupiter–the planet of spirituality, expansion, abundance, and historically the most benevolent of the benevolent planets–goes retrograde today, until September 7th.
Being in the sign Capricorn currently, Jupiter has been moving our work lives along since it entered the sign in December. Which is not to imply that all gains will evaporate in the wake of this retrograde period, however they may go ‘on hold’ for the summer providing a time to review and adjust work goals.
This could be a good time to spend time with friends, gain a ‘whole picture’ perspective’ on life, and make sure you’re inner and outer worlds are in tune with each other. Things will get moving again later and with the benefit of what will be gained during this time.
So, for you ‘In Brief’ fans: Don’t worry if your career plans have no momentum at the moment, it’s more important to ~be~ with yourself and others, get attuned to your destiny as you understand it. Things will pick up again in the Fall.
Here’s more on this amazing planet, whose components include a major helping of liquid metallic hydrogen:
5.19 *Full Moon in Scorpio. Last month’s full Moon was in the first degree of Scorpio and this month’s is in the last degree of Scorpio: a double dose of intensity and passion. Full Moon times are always extra emotional, and watery Scorpio has its own sensitive feelings– feel deeply today. Because this full Moon is in the Taurus/Scorpio axis (the signs of money and values) this is a good time to tune into your financial life. Keep in mind that Saturn squares this full Moon, urging you to evaluate your financial responsibilities.
5.26 *Mercury and Neptune Retrograde.
As wonderful as Goethe’s famous saying is: “Whatever you can do or dream, begin it.”, I am sensing the tiny astrology guidance sprites jumping, waving, and shouting wildly, earnestly, to give these big dreams and plans a bit of time to marinate, as both Mercury (our favorite regular teacher of patience) and Neptune, way out there, go retrograde on Monday, the 26th.
Mercury, retrograde for the usual 3 week period until June 19th, signals ‘re’ time: retreat, renew, review, rewrite, and, in my case since recently breaking my last wine glass (well, it wasn’t hard!)–replace. The ‘re-’ list is certainly long enough to keep folks occupied during this time and as the weather warms up, outdoor retreats are definitely an option!
Re-member, as well, that Mercury retrogrades are information-gathering times, so signing on dotted or solid lines, acting on major purchases, accepting job offers et cetera, are not advised as information on these activities is incomplete until the retrograde is over.
In short, don’t do it, whatever it is, just plan it, for now ~
~.
As for
Neptune’s retrograde, longer and more subtle–aim for the highest good, take high roads, spiritualize your life. Nebulous Neptune is our reminder that ‘all is one’, that much more is always going on than meets our eyes–that the true reality is that we are surrounded by illusion: “All you know is that you’re awake and aware. Everything else is an illusion.” –
William Nyogen Yeo Roshi–>here is this entertaining Zen teacher on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aD6FLXqzgg . You can make spiritual progress now!!!
6.03. *at 3:22 pm EST the
Moon will begin her new phase
in the mentally agile sign of Gemini. Just because you can’t see her, doesn’t mean that she isn’t there!! That our currently Retrograde Mercury rules Gemini and thus, the new Moon cycle adds an interesting ‘twist’, however.
You may be finding more than the usual time or inclination to read and study and write, frequent bookstores and libraries (yes, that’s me), yet you’re not quite sure why you’re drawn to your current subjects now, nor certain what you’ll do with your accumulating information! Not to worry (notice, if you will, that worry is never recommended in spiritual and therapeutic circles…).
After Mercury goes direct, the info will become useful and find it’s context. Mercury retrogrades always leave us a bit more organized, patient, knowledgeable and appreciative — when they’re over and become mere memory.
In brief:
New Moon: things wind down and it’s a time to acknowledge the accomplishments of the past month. Peaceful meditative energy and the beginning of planting new seeds and generating ideas for new plans.
First Quarter (a week later): by this time a decision to move ahead or not with a course of action acquire urgency and probably needs to be made.
Full Moon: High energy pushes us ahead in our actions/decisions, giving us what we need to ‘make it happen.’ Wild lunacy reigns!
Last Quarter (another week later): ‘harvesting’ illuminates what we’ve been doing or not, understanding what has or has not been accomplished
Then the cycle winds down and repeats.
Certainly, this summary is a simplification, especially considering the constant concert of planetary harmony and dissonance at play around us, however, I did find this helpful and perhaps you will as well!
6.18.08 *Wednesday, June 18th AM — the Moon is Full in Sagittarius. Philosophize, explore, play. Get out there and let the summer begin!
6.19.08 *Thursday, June 19th — Mercury goes direct in Mercury. Don’t you feel the buzz already? Haven’t you felt it for days? Call it a ‘combined effect’ or as I was discussing with someone earlier this evening, ”a convergence”. Here it is almost 1 AM and the ‘inspiration to share’ has hit!!
6.20-21-22.08 *Midsummer Solstice weekend follows — the sun is high and the days are the longest of the year. Serve fruit and flaming (literally) foods. The best celebration is an all-night bonfire. It that’s not currently possible, celebrate the sun in whatever way you can.
