Astrological Winds for Week of 9-9-2013

The Uranus/Pluto square continues to be the major aspect of these historical times and it is being triggered hard by Jupiter in a T-square. Mercury will create a Grand Cross again with these three late this week, so stuff is really going to fly in world events this week. Three of our top stories are reaching levels of breaking and are cause for much concern. The continuing crisis in Syria, which I’ve blogged about multiple times in this space, is headed for its climax in early 2014 – this event has the potential to start World War III in my opinion if allowed to continue to spiral as it is these days. Violence will only beget more violence here and things could quickly get out of control. Peace and a new approach is the only answer, but humanity may be incapable of achieving that currently. Meanwhile, radiation levels continue to climb in Japan to their highest points yet (http://www.nationofchange.org/radiation-levels-hit-new-high-fukushima-1378647935) in the event that ushered in the Uranus/Pluto square on the day Uranus went into Aries. As someone remarked to me recently: “2012 may have really happened (with Fukushima) but it’s just taking time for it all to unwind.” Finally, every week more documents from Snowden and Wikileaks show how devious our own government has been spying on citizens and other countries including allies. The loss of trust but the American public is reaching levels that could explode out in mass protest soon and evidence points that the US government is preparing the military to crush the very citizens they are supposed to be protecting. Mercury in Libra can be a declaration of war when in stress, and a Grand Cross is as stressful as you can get. This week is bound to be full of distressing news for the general populace.

Monday starts the week in a very heavy mode. First off Mercury ingresses into Libra setting the stage for the Cardinal Grand Cross I mentioned above. This can bring mental indecision, as the mind jumps from one conclusion to another and can understand both points of view, and thus can get stuck in a quagmire when trying to make a choice. This is good for back and forth negotiations, striking deals, an objective assessment of situations, and keeping a balanced mind. There is an increased intellectual interest in the arts and beautifying surroundings. People’s tastes will be more refined. Words can be used to soothe others or to be diplomatic with. Relationship issues can be talked out. However, this day will be a heavy one as a fixed square forms among Moon/Saturn in Scorpio and Mars in Leo. Actions will be challenged and restricted by authorities/superiors/police/military. It may be hard to get going today physically, as things keep blocking you or your body doesn’t cooperate. People will be in general irritated/frustrated/resentful/struggling. Fears of inadequacy may pop up and block us. Suspicion of other’s motives will be high. Fights can easily break out. The best way to use this energy is to take on some physical task that requires discipline and a slow approach. Vesta ingresses into Virgo today also putting a focus on work performance. People may get critical of your work and some work relationships may be harmed. It is possible to be quite efficient in our work duties. This can also favor sexual relationships that are a service to others. Overall, this will be a very challenging day full of many physical blockages and depressed attitudes/emotions.

Venus goes into Scorpio where the Goddess is in detriment, as relationships get emotionally intense in both positive and negative ways. It is easy to get obsessive/possessive with loved ones or objects of our desire. This will either turn people off or on to you. For lovers, this can really deepen relationships to beyond this world levels. For imbalanced relationships, things can get very edgy, even dangerous under this influence. People will prefer to be with those they really trust now and may cut down on superficial relating/friends in order to focus on who counts to them the most. Mars quincunx Pluto is the biggest aspect of this day and continues to churn up some intense energy. People will be overly willful and their energy in being so will be jagged in nature. They will be feeling as if the odds are stacked against them somehow and they can get quite aggressive in their anger at feeling this way. Be careful of violent people or places today as it could be easy to become the victim of someone’s rage. This also indicates that we are being forced to change with changing circumstances in our environment. This can be quite hectic. However, it does give great endurance to do what we must when change comes and make the adjustments we need to. Another day where physical challenges have us frustrated and have us upset.

Wednesday starts a bit foggy with a Mercury/Neptune quincunx clouding up thinking and communications. Many people will live in their own world of fantasy over reality now. This can also make us very sensitive to our environment and others and easily influenced. It’s best to spend this time quietly alone in some meditative state. However, later in the day a Grand Trine in Fire forms among Moon in Sagittarius, Mars in Leo, and Uranus in Aries. This can really get us going both mentally and physically as our ideas feed our actions and can push us to some new edge/breakthrough that is beneficial to our well-being/sense of self. Overall this can be an exciting, active day.

Thursday’s only big event is a First Quarter square of the Moon in Sagittarius to the Sun in Virgo. The emotional side of us is looking for something new and exciting to do to keep us inspired about life, yet the ego/self wants to hold back either out of shyness, fear, negative self-criticism/judgment. Which side will win out is the question we each must ponder.

There are 6 lunar aspects on Friday that area mixed bag, so it could be an emotional roller coaster type day that is packed with much to process. Most challenging is the Moon in Capricorn conjunct Pluto and square Uranus firing up the Uranus/Pluto square energy. Relationships that restrict will be struck against suddenly and independently. Moon/Mercury square shows many arguments/disagreements may ensue. Fortunately, a Venus/Neptune trine should take much of the edge off. This combo harmonizes lower (conditional) and higher (unconditional) love and brings compassion and empathy for others. Soulmates may meet. This can also get us artistically creative zones.

Saturday and Sunday are the exact peak of the Grand Cross among Mercury/Jupiter/Uranus/Pluto. This may be a very challenging weekend full of multiple issues to deal with. People will be very intense and provocative in their communications and may tear each other up intellectually. They may get obsessive and forceful about their points of view and explosive in communicating them. It will be hard to control your own mind and tongue. Energy may get scattered yet stay intense. New experiences may challenge the mind to question itself and make some hasty changes. Interactions with others may be tense and require tough decisions. The best use of this energy would be to get into some study deeply of technology/science/psychology/the occult. Mars trine Uranus on Saturday will feed this energy even more perhaps to frenzied states. This can bring in many new experiences that fire you up. We may try to do things we’ve never done before. This can get you flippant at anyone who thinks they can stand in your way. A day when you can discover a new strong part of you. The Sun’s semi-square to Saturn on Sunday will give us frustration at certain authorities and feed the desire to break free of them. Mercury quincunx Chiron will have us adjusting our attitudes and beliefs from what we’ve just gone though. A very intense weekend overall full of activity and challenge/tension.

Next week has a Full Moon in Pisces and the Autumnal Equinox. Right now, I’m not sure if I will be continuing this blog weekly – the energy of these times has my time pinched, and although I enjoy doing this, it may become a victim of “too much to do in too little time in these modern times.” I’ll definitely check in when I can, but the immediate future is very packed for me with life’s activities. Fare thee well. Pray for peace. Watch your back.

Astrological Winds for Week of 9-2-2013

What a potent Cardinal Grand Cross these past two weeks! The USA’s decision on what to do about Syria is pushing everyone’s button, and once again is a reflection of the continued dwindling power of the USA’s influence abroad, and the complexity of relationships under this Grand Cross. As I’ve mentioned before Syria is a perfect example of the ongoing Uranus/Pluto square in action, as rebels (Uranus) try to take down those in power (Pluto). With transiting Pluto now exactly conjunct the Sun in Syria’s natal chart and quincunx natal Pluto in the 10^th house, it seems the final stand of Assad is about to reach a climax point. Soon afterwards, Pluto will conjunct the I/C meaning major transformations of the homeland. Transiting Uranus is also conjunct the Syrian Descendant indicating a shake up by allies and open enemies. Venus going across the Ascendant this past week bought a little extra time for Assad, but it seems inevitable that the USA will eventually attack Syria and begin the final down fall of Assad. Meanwhile, Miley Cyrus has apparently become the next young, innocent teen star to lose her good girl reputation (or be used by those in power as a great distraction). It seems like 60 years of women’s liberation got nuked on MTV last week with Miley as a willing participant by pushing the button. Talk about Venus/Pluto/Uranus – like wow! Anyway, could all be well-timed distraction, because that same day another story went by that barely raised a blip: photos of US Treasury Department internal documents going back to 1996 showing a collusion between the Federal government and the big banks to purposely crash the US economy! More Venus/Pluto/Uranus/Jupiter there, but we were all too busy watching Miley in her underwear to notice! I could go on and on with examples of this Grand Cross in action. How about our personal lives and how complex/entangled/in crisis they’ve become? Grand Cross in action again.

Thankfully, Venus moves out of orb of the Grand Cross now and we can return to “just” a Cardinal T-square with Uranus/Pluto/Jupiter this week! Yahoo! Actually, a quick look ahead at September shows it will be a fairly mellow month astrologically, although Mercury will get to Libra and form a Grand Cross with Uranus/Pluto/Jupiter mid-month, but it won’t be as tight as the one just passed with Venus. As for this week, it’s a relatively quiet one – maybe we can catch up a bit.

Monday, Labor Day, may be a bit odd for a holiday with a Moon/Saturn square showing many of us may have to work or perform duties for others that sacrifices much of our own potential enjoyment of this day, and a Mercury/Mars semi-square indicates many of us may be feeling quite frustrated by that and may tell others off/get argumentative/be in general a bit testy. It is good for doing intellectual work or paperwork type stuff by yourself. Mars quincunx Neptune can suck the physical energy right out of us and have us a bit down in the dumps, unable to stand up for ourselves, ill, or just discouraged in general. Overall, this can be a tiresome day full of unwanted duties that have us down physically/mentally and resentful.

Tuesday has a Sun/Chiron opposition and a Sun/Uranus quincunx, which together can have many of us decide/choose to fight for our rights and the rights of others and try to make the world a better place for all. This can cause opposition from authorities and even wounding of some kind. People will be very impatient with rules and will be edgy and ready to break free to do their own thing. There could be some major upsets in world events today. Overall, a day we may make some move toward freedom from old wounds and ways.

A Moon/Neptune opposition on Wednesday can dissipate energy and bring deceptions. Mercury semi-square Saturn indicates some frustrating restricted communications with others, especially authorities. This can give us a depressed/negative outlook, but a practical, concise mind. Mars opposite Juno shows partners may get in some serious disagreements/fights today also. Overall, a day that can be quite frustrating/disappointing.

A New Moon at 13* Virgo is the biggest event of the week on Thursday. This is a time when we’d like some order/discipline/precision in our lives. A time we need a rulebook to live by in order to make sure things get done right. We can get in hyper-critical/judgmental mindset. This is a time of service to others and the world, of trying to make things right, of harvesting what we’ve planted prior to this time. Look to the house in your chart where this New Moon falls to see where it will affect you personally the most. Any planets or points in your chart it aspects (2* orb only!) will flavor its energy for you too. Neptune opposite Ceres shows the continuing confusion and victimization over resources around the world and what can be done about it. This is a good day tom use to decide where you want to use your gifts to help yourself/others/the world to bring in healing.

Very quiet day on Friday with Moon entering Libra in time for the weekend, making it a very social one most likely for most of us.

A Sun/Jupiter sextile on Saturday should take some of the edge off a Grand Cross formed by Moon in Libra/Uranus/Pluto/Jupiter. There will be lots to do today, most likely too much, and you may try to resist or go your own way at some point. The Sun/Jupiter sextile may bring some lucky/positive opportunity your way. It’s usually good for being with others, relationships with those in power, group activities, and waxing philosophical. A very busy day that may get intense at times, but overall gets you up/optimistic.

Sunday is quiet too with a Moon/Venus conjunction making it likely a pleasant day in some way best shared with others in beautiful surroundings. Enjoy!

Mercury and Venus change signs next week and by the weekend Mercury forms another Grand Cross involving Jupiter/Uranus/Pluto – rhetoric will reach a fever pitch. Stay tuned.

Astrological Winds for Week of 8-26-2013

The Cardinal Grand Cross currently active in the heavens and that I mentioned last week indeed has the events of the world seeming to be spiraling to breaking points and at a point of wondering what one is most important to deal with. However, the Grand Cross indicates they could all be linked to one and other and that by focusing on one, solutions for the others will appear. A Grand Cross is four squares, so it is a material world crisis, and if the foundations of that material world are built upon a problematic system to begin with, it is bound to reach the point of multiple crisis’ going on at once, as we have today, for the underlying reality is, it is all connected – at least as symptoms of a dis-eased reality in this case. Witness some of the issues of the world in the past week that all are in need of immediate solutions: highly radioactive water bursting from storage containers in Fukushima, Japan and bringing the nuclear crisis there back up to threatening levels with no one with any clear answer as to what to do next; Saudi Arabia, Israel, and France all going against the USA’s wishes and continuing to give aid to the Egyptian military which has seized power back from the Muslim Brotherhood (another example of USA’s progressed Mars going retrograde and the continuing eroding of its influence in world politics); the arrest of Badie, the leader of the Muslim Brotherhood; police and firefighters and city council members joining a solidarity sing in protest in Madison, WI seeking justice for the poor and afflicted; and now the USA accusing Syria of using chemical weapons and threatening to invade and start up the next in its ongoing series of Mid-East wars (that will no doubt end in Iran someday) that pushes the world closer to a third world war conflict every time it reaches a crisis point. These are only some of the stories going on now, and I know from talking to others, many of our personal lives are feeling torn apart by multiple serious issues as well. These are trying times indeed – ones that have us question all we base our current reality upon.

Everything I blogged about the Grand Cross last week is highly active this week still: a peak started last Saturday when Venus was exactly opposite Pluto, and on Monday Venus has its exact square to Uranus (and also a quincunx to Chiron) which can really shake and break relationships: the same old people moaning about the same old things will be the objects of our rebellion (Saturn square Juno also). We want something new and excitingly stimulating now! People can be quite flirtatious, disruptive, upsetting within relationships. This is a day you should try to do something new or you will rebel against loved ones. However a Sun/Neptune opposition today could dissipate energy quite a bit and we may actually not feel like doing much physically. This is also the energy of being deceived by others or being forced to make decisions without much clarity to rely on while doing so. It may be very difficult to trust others and their motivations today and you could end up quite disappointed. Watch for being a victim or falling into a victim’s trap. This can also make us very off in our judgment of others by being overly idealistic or dishonest with ourselves. Overall, a confusing day where we could lose faith in others and rebel against them in some way.

Tuesday the Grand Cross remains super potent also as Venus makes the last exact aspect to the other three planets involved by squaring Jupiter – normally this is an easy square that can make us overly indulgent/extravagant/lazy/over-budget, but tied into Grand Cross it likely will make people more sensitive to others and ruffle feelings, and continue to have us make some poor judgments. Mercury’s sextile to Saturn will help us cut through some of the issues however, as the mind can be sharp and wise under this influence and has the opportunity to correct many mistakes. This is good for learning/teaching also. The mind can have great focus on details with this energy. Mars ingresses into Leo today also for the next seven weeks. This can get ego energy going strongly and people could get overly prideful, arrogant, self-righteous. However it does give much courage and confidence and can put you in leadership positions where you really believe you have everyone’s best interests at heart and will fight stubbornly to defend yourself and other’s interests. This is a time where you can really get into being yourself/who you truly are, but you can get emotionally disconnected somewhat because of the front you are putting up.

A 3^rd Quarter Square of the Moon in Gemini to the Sun in Virgo could make Wednesday a tense day, as the emotional need to connect with others far and wide, and mainly superficially, goes up against the self/will’s desire to get into things deeply and cut the fat/waste out, and be more introverted as far as others are concerned. A Mercury/Pluto trine will tip the scales in favor of the pragmatic/incisive approach – this is a great aspect to use the mind to get into something deeply, research, depth work, occult work, self-analysis leading to transformations, and intellectually stimulating encounters. Your mind can get narrow/one-pointed however. Ceres ingresses into Virgo today too which will have us give nurturance to others through service or a skill, just be watchful of getting overly critical of loved ones and their faults.

Mercury is opposite Chiron and quincunx Uranus on Thursday: Mercury/Chiron urges us to see other’s points of view before making any decisions, or could get us in a student/teacher relationship that helps soothe the mind. Mercury/Uranus gives a jumpy mind that can get a bit nerve-wracked and makes it hard to focus. You may come up with some good ideas but it may be able to hard to hold onto them. Sun sextile Saturn will help stabilize the energy and you will be able to get much work done, get/give advice, and do your duties willingly and with a good attitude.

There’s a nice Grand Trine in Water on Friday among Moon in Cancer, Saturn, and Neptune promising a nice flow to this day. Mercury sextile Jupiter makes it a good day to make plans for the future as you see the Big Picture well. The mind is clear and expansive and mental attitude is positive. Good for biz deals and negotiations and travel. Also, the mind is quite stimulated by ideas today that broaden understanding and make life interesting.

Saturday should be a sweet day with a Moon/Jupiter conjunction, Moon/Venus square, and Moon/Mercury sextile – a day to have fun on/indulge yourself/socialize/etc.

September starts on Sunday with a Sun/Pluto trine that can give some powerful experiences that spur you on to want to change your life in some way. Once again, this is good energy to look within with to help reform yourself. You and others can have powerful influence on each other’s lives. This is a day you can use your power to achieve much headway. Venus sesiquadrate Neptune is a nice Sunday aspect to float away on just being passive/lazy/relaxed/artistic. People may get a bit sensitive emotionally or overly idealistic about others or situations. Weak relationships could fizzle out.

After some very heavy astrological weather these past few weeks, next week we should get a respite as a New Moon in Virgo is the biggest event of the week.

Astrological Winds for Week of 8-19-2013

This past week has seen more intense events in the world as Jupiter in Cancer triggers Uranus/Pluto square, with the situation in Egypt being in the forefront, as the Egyptian army tries to act like the manipulative parent in trying to control the chaos of revolution and power struggles playing out in the streets through the citizens. As I suspected, this also has led to some positive developments in relation to Uranus/Pluto and these chaotic times – two examples would be the softening stance on crime, as mandatory minimum sentences especially for non-violent offenses, was ordered to be reviewed and to give more discretion to local judges to decide if the crime’s sentencing guidelines should be so strictly adhered to, and the order of a Federal judge that New York City’s “stop & frisk” law is highly discriminatory/unconstitutional and needs to be reviewed. Add to this the continuing softening public stance on marihuana/drug laws. The other example is the Moral Monday movement that has begun in North Carolina bringing back memories of Occupy, the 99%, and the Madison sit ins. North Carolina residents sick of being misrepresented by their own legislature and governor have been rallying at the capital every Monday in the thousands, led by ministers, to have government and laws start protecting the truly needy, rather than just the powerfully well-connected few.

Three minor aspects lead off this week on Monday. The Sun semi-square Jupiter can be uplifting, but optimism may not be well-founded, as the costs of expansion may hit us in some frustrating ways. It’s easy to overspend, get passive, or get overly self-righteous under this influence and pay the price for it later. It also may be possible that you have much to do today that you overextend yourself and don’t end up doing anything well/complete, and thus only make little or partial headway. Sun sesiquadrate Uranus may be a reaction to these above frustrations, as we may get the urge to get away from it all/make a break for it that only trips us up even more most likely. Expect some upset today that will change the course of your plans. It may be difficult to get along with others as everyone seems restless/agitated. Watch for accidents and breakdowns too. This energy is asking us to seek new solutions for old annoying problems/issues. Venus quincunx Neptune may give us some beautiful or artistically inspired moment. The biggest issue with this aspect is being overly idealistic in matters of the heart. This is a day where you or others could use some extra emotional support or service to/from others. You may deny your own needs, feel unworthy of love, or be disappointed by others also.

Tuesday is a Full Moon at 28* Aquarius – this Full Moon pits self-expression versus the needs of the group within us. The Sun in Leo needs to express its individuality/self/essence through the unique gifts we have and get some recognition for it, while the Moon in Aquarius frowns upon this flamboyant energy and prefers to keep mentally balanced and connected with others in working on issues of equality and justice. Both positions can be quite stubborn/set in their ways. This Full Moon wants us to find equilibrium between heart and mind centered approaches to our lives – to use our gifts to benefit all and help restore our world to bountiful and just times, to become a modern day hero, and to claim your own birthright. Look to the houses in your chart this Full Moon falls into to see what area s of life it affects you the most in – any planet it makes tight aspects to in your chart will also flavor its energy for you. Mercury sesiquadrate Pluto will give us much deep insight today and perhaps help us find new ways to approach intense issues. We may overly obsess on some idea today and try to force our viewpoint on others, mainly unsuccessfully. This is best used to look deep within yourself or to study depth subject matter like psychology, the occult, etc.

Wednesday is the exact square of Jupiter to Uranus – this has big explosive potential in the mundane world. There may be sudden shocking events that can be viewed as either positive or negative. The pressure to change across all aspects of life will be great/reaching a highly tense point. The desire to break free from past constraints can get overwhelming and explode outwards. It really depends on your attitude and what you are seeking on how you will feel/react to this energy and the events associated with it. This may enflame many of the stressed areas of the world to boiling points (as we see in Egypt). Uranus sesiquadrate to Ceres shows issues of resources is what’s driving much of this energy. Jupiter trine Chiron may help here however by giving you some mind-expanding insights to how it all fits together and stoke the fires of compassion in action and teaching those who haven’t filled in all the blanks yet.

Mercury’s sesiquadrate to Uranus, semi-square to Jupiter, and conjunction to Ceres while Jupiter also semi-squares Ceres will keep the Jupiter/Uranus square energy boiling on Thursday. The energy I mentioned above in relation to these planets will remain acutely active today. The mind will be tied up in trying to figure out new solutions to resource issues and will find many frustrating blockages or dead ends. The Sun ingresses into Virgo for next month bringing the time of harvest in the Northern Hemisphere. A time when we can become more exacting, critical, intricate in our approach, and want to tighten/neaten up our life somewhat. This is a good time to do detailed work with the mind or hands. It’s also a good time to pay attention to our diet/health, and we may find ourselves in service to others more frequently than normal also. Venus trine Juno can bring some sweet moments for partners to share.

Friday Mercury follows the Sun into Virgo, where the Winged Messenger has rulership and exaltation and we can tap into our genius potential more easily. The mind is complicated/complex and brilliant now with the ideas it can get to work on. It has sharp critical faculties that can weed out what’s important from what’s extraneous. This is a good time for study, intellectual pursuits, detailed paper/tech work, etc. Mars sesiquadrate Chiron can be bumpy – some physical ailment or injury may come up, or there may just be many things standing in our way and what we want to do today.

Saturday Venus square Pluto tightens up a Cardinal Grand cross among the two of them and Uranus and Jupiter. This can be a highly tense time with so many issues pulling at us and challenging us simultaneously that we may feel like we are being pulled apart by them and unclear as to which one to deal with first. Venus/Pluto indicates relationships may be the main stress point as some of them may be revealing some deep, dark spaces/behaviors/secrets. Relationships that are stressed are likely to breakdown now or at the very least go through some irreversible changes. Power trips, manipulation, emotional warfare, fear, and guilt trips will be weapons that people access and use against one and other. For others, the challenge may be the desire to deepen a relationship and the effect that will have on transforming/fitting into your life. The key is to focus on one thing at a time when so many issues are grabbing for our attention today – by doing so it allows energy tom move forward on all fronts. The Sun conjunct Mercury in Virgo may help us figure ways to do this in detail. This can indicate many interactions with others, but overly subjective thinking by all, as everyone seems to want to get their point across at once. This is helpful with tech/paper work and planning/organizing skills and travel.

There’s 6 lunar aspects packing the day on Sunday, but it’s led by a Mercury/Neptune opposition, which can have us make some poor or deluded decisions. Our minds will be deceived/confused easily today. What we may think or sense may be off, but it’s also possible to get deeper spiritual understanding/insight under this influence. Thoughts are abstract and ideal today, and thus connections with others will be squishy.

This is a week of dense and powerful astrological energy – events in the world and our lives will be intense and reach some new apexes that will spur change – be prepared/ready.

The Cardinal Grand Cross continues through next week and Mars heads off for Leo in what is another dense week of astrological weather ahead. The times are indeed changing in the fast lane these days.

Astrological Winds for Week of 8-12-2013

Interesting to note that on the day of the exact Jupiter opposite Pluto the Dream 9 were released – Jupiter’s exaltation in Cancer no doubt helped push authorities (Pluto) to make the caring decision to let them return home.

Also, the fall of big sports star Alex Rodriguez, among other baseball players, for playing while using performance enhancing drugs is an example of Mars in Fall in Cancer aided by Pluto/Uranus no doubt.

This week starts off pretty quiet astrology wise on Monday. A late night Moon in Scorpio conjunction to Saturn may have us disciplined until late just getting what we have to done on this day. (This conjunction will be visible outside too if not too cloudy – worth checking out along with the Perseid Meteors!)

Tuesday is a Mercury/Pluto day as they quincunx each other and are both aspected by the Moon in Scorpio (square to Mercury/sextile to Pluto). This energy can be subtle, yet deep and heavy. The mind is scheming and complex and internalized. It can see to the bottom of things and has power in doing so. This is excellent for research and development. However many people like to play mind games with others with this energy that can result in some complicated and subtle power trips, secretive behavior, suspicions of others and vice versa, deceptions and misunderstandings, mysterious demeanors, etc. Others may experience this as a time of deep changes from letting go of old behaviors/patterns/control. This may alter the way you think. Mercury is also opposite Juno, so partners may have some serious disagreements today or be the ones who play out the Mercury/Pluto energy on each other. A bumpy day mentally and emotionally for sure.

Wednesday has an early 1^st Quarter Square of the Moon in Scorpio to the Sun in Leo – the emotions want to hole up in some deep, dark, secretive space, yet the ego wants to go out and shine/be unique/draw attention. It’s another day with lots of Mercury energy going on too: Mercury is trine Uranus, quincunx Chiron and square the Nodes. Mercury trine Uranus can bring many quick and sudden strokes of genius – the mind should be humming along. Some of these ideas can be quite significant so take notes! You will also be interested in new intriguing experiences that fire up the mind and take you away from the familiar, as you will be bored of the routine. It also favors working with science, math, technology, the occult, and the sharing of ideas with others. Mercury’s quincunx to Chiron says that if we are open to some of these ideas from Mercury/Uranus, we will be able to let go of outdated ideas and systems ad redefine our mental attitude. Mercury’s square to the Nodes shows the importance of dealing with others too – the challenge of meeting our goals and being able to blend that with other’s goals can bring much tension and disagreement. How can we find new ways to do so?

The Moon/Mercury/Uranus energy continues throughout Thursday as they form a Grand Trine in Fire that should absolutely stoke inspiring ideas, shifting values and philosophies, ideas in action, etc. Mercury semi-square Venus shows we want to share these ideas with others too, but they may have a hard time keeping up with us, which can be a bit frustrating. Pluto has its second (retrograde) hit to a sesiquadrate with Ceres, keeping challenging issues of resource scarcity upon us, and asking us to find new ways to approach these pressing issues.

Venus ingresses into Libra on Friday, a sign the Goddess rules and is most comfortable in socializing with others and the appreciation of aesthetics in art and environment. Social life energy should pick up for most people these next few weeks. It is a good time to re-decorate your home/surroundings. A time to beautify your life somehow. The Sun sesiquadrate Pluto can make this a bit of a bumpy day with authorities or being haunted by your own behavior patterns/learned behaviors. It is a day to consider making some changes/finding some new approaches to old, continuous challenges. His can also be a day fraught with mechanical issues.

Saturday can be an emotionally charged day as the Moon in Capricorn conjuncts Pluto and squares Uranus. Deeply intense issues may rise to the surface and the desire to make a break for it will be strong. Sun conjunct Ceres in Leo helps us to care for others by urging them to express themselves/believe in themselves and their ability to make it in this world.

On Sunday a Moon/Mars opposition says it’s a good day to go and be active in some sport or adventure with another/others. Mercury conjunct Vesta will help foster an intellectual connection with those you share this activity with through some shared ritual(s) and ideas associated with said activity.

Next week, the astrological weather picks up with a Full Moon in Aquarius, Jupiter’s exact square to Uranus, while the Sun and Mercury go hand in hand into Virgo.

Astrological Winds for Week of 8-5-2013

Lots of examples of Mars square to Uranus and opposite Pluto last week, as individual acts of rebellion are leading to tough decisions and sparring sides:

-another document Snowden released to the Guardian shows that the NSA could tap into the body of any e mail almost anyone has sent in the world.

-Russia granting asylum to Snowden despite the US’s protests after the Bradley Manning convictions and Snowden’s father travelling to Russia to ask for asylum for his son and using Manning as an example of how Snowden would be treated by the US once he was back in the government’s hands.

-the city of Richmond, CA using eminent domain to reclaim underwater houses from banks who refuse to give the previous owners better mortgage terms -  now other cities are starting to consider the same legal maneuver.

-USA and Canada being told by the Latin American country leaders that they are not needed for anything by them including trade.

-immigration protests around the US in support of the Dream Act 9.

-announcement by the Justice Department that it was going after Texas and any other state under Resolution 3 of the Voting Act that is trying to limit voting rights with new strict laws by having a Federal takeover of voting in those states doing so.

Monday is relatively quiet although the Moon goes into Leo, but as it’s squared by Saturn, its normal boisterousness may be held somewhat in check. There’s also two significant asteroid aspects: Jupiter conjunct Pallas Athene and Sun conjunct Vesta. Jupiter/Pallas should broaden ideas on big social problems/challenges. The problem will be in getting too one-sided and protective of what we see because of our philosophy/values/beliefs. Sun/Vesta can bring a dedication in our lives to an ideal, and a focus on the group relationship to self, rather than individual relationships to self.

Tuesday is a New Moon at 14-15* Leo. This is a time when we are being called upon to ignite the world around us with the unique gifts/talents that we were born with, and to realize each person plays an equally important part in the dance of life. If we allow our gifts to remain unused out of self-consciousness, then we have defeated ourselves and the world around us will fall into decay. We will all want some attention in some way and our willing to “display our wares” in order to get it. This New Moon trines Uranus, so there will be an extra push to be unique, extra-ordinary, try something new. We can discover something new and exciting about ourselves now. Look to the house in your natal chart that this New Moon falls into to see what area of life is ready for a new spark. Any aspects it makes to other planets/points in your chart will also flavor this New Moon’s energy for you.

Mercury sesiquadrate Chiron may make it hard to learn our lessons today, even if we are willing to. Pluto opposite Pallas Athene can bring obsessive ideas and behavior by self and/or others, and can also bring power struggles surrounding creativity or even sexuality.

Wednesday begins the biggest aspect of the month getting tight as Jupiter in Cancer opposes Pluto and locks into a Cardinal T-Square all month with Uranus. Obviously, this will keep the Uranus/Pluto square energy extra potent all month and it can act in different ways. Jupiter in Cancer is exalted and strong, and Jupiter is also the greater beneficent planet, so this can also be quite helpful in using the powerful Uranus/Pluto energy to the way we approach helping others on a large social scale. However, the negative side of Cancer is being over protective of those and what we love, overly nationalistic about our homeland, manipulation of others for the benefit of self, and selfishness about resources. This also indicates strong political battles in the mundane world, so the continued divisiveness in US politics and other nations as well will continue at an increased rate most likely. Some can get quite abusive in their use of power under this influence, as the desire to get ahead can be obsessive. Religious fanaticism can also flame up strongly. Watch for getting into power trips yourself in your own life.

Mercury ingresses into Leo on Thursday finally leaving the waters of Cancer after an extra long stay there due to retrograde motion. We can very egotistical about our ideas and communicating them under this influence – stubbornness, foolish pride, self-righteousness, arrogance – may come out of our mouths. We have a need to be right, so to speak. This is good for leading others in making some big plans and putting lots of effort into fixing intellectual problems. You can get really inspired/fired up about your own creative ideas! Venus semi-square Saturn can bring some frustrating blockages in relationships. People may be conservative/reserved with each other and unable to get what they want from each other. We can feel isolated even in the midst of others. You can also be victimized by authorities/superiors also. Best to get some down time alone if you’re feeling this way.

Friday is pretty mellow although a mid-afternoon Moon/Venus conjunction can get us ready for a fun, social weekend.

Saturday is pretty quiet too with a Mercury/Neptune quincunx being the biggest aspect of the day. This can bring unclear or confusing communications. You may choose to spend this day living in your own mind’s fantasy. This can also make us very sensitive to others/our environment and we may need to separate ourselves/take a break from them. You may lose confidence in your own thinking process somehow too.

Sunday can be intense due to all that’s going on around us as the Moon in Libra locks into a Cardinal Grand Cross with Pluto, Uranus, and Jupiter/Mars. It will be difficult to balance everything demanding your attention today and the best choice is just to focus on one thing/issue. Mercury square Saturn can get us very conservative intellectually. It will be hard to communicate with others and feel satisfied. Delays in plans may occur. You could get depressed/dwell on negative thoughts. It’s best to use this energy to work on detailed work that requires a critical mind. Mars sesiquadrate Neptune can sap our physical energy, and combined with Mercury/Saturn our mental energy too, as we can easily sink into feelings of hopelessness and victimization. It will be easy to be discouraged/down now. If we try to get around this day dishonestly, we may easily be flushed out by others and only compound our problems, which can be even more demoralizing. It would be best to spend most of this day alone relaxing as best you can.

Next week we are in the middle of Jupiter/Pluto/Uranus, but Venus will enter Libra, a sign the Goddess enjoys immensely!

Astrological Winds for Week of 7-29-13

Some of the examples in the mundane world this past week of the astrological weather of the times:

-another well in the Gulf blows: this seems to really be tied to the Saturn/Neptune cycle – every time they make a major aspect, there are environmental issues with oil at sea. This time the trine allowed more pressure that had built up to blow out and move! Fortunately, the trine reflected that it was only gas this time and not oil like during the quincunx.

-nine Dreamers (children born of illegal immigrants) cross into Mexico purposely in order to protest delays in immigration reform and try to re-cross back to USA and are detained: this is a great example of Uranus in Aries challenging the system, as represented by Pluto in Capricorn.

-the release of Zimmerman even though he instigated the attack upon himself that he claims was self-defense and used a questionable law in doing so; the use of drones to go after suspected terrorists and the killing of innocent bystanders while doing so deemed acceptable; the spying and holding of citizens in order to stop “some possible future crime” used as an excuse to collect data on every American/person in the world; - all of this sets very dangerous precedents and is represented by Pluto in Capricorn: plutocrats on a power trip/ruling the world through restrictive force.

Then we have Mars in Cancer (fall) showing the falling of an empire this week through:

-the revelation that 4 out of 5 Americans are in or in danger of falling into poverty. (Pluto exposing the secrets of plutocracy: that it benefits very few)

-the financial collapse of Detroit, one of the biggest cities in the USA – the failure of capitalism as a healthy model for most.

-the revelation by a former agent that the CIA kidnapped a Muslim cleric illegally and without permission of the government in Italy in 2003, and then tortured and held him for 4 years despite knowing he was innocent. (Any wonder why Snowden claims he’ll be tortured and held indefinitely if returned to US, despite what the Attorney General says.)

-another mass shooting, this time in Florida (“stand your ground” didn’t work out too well there – where’s Mr. Zimmerman and his like when someone really needs them?)

As I mentioned last week, the Mars/Pluto/Uranus energy will continue to peak this week as the Mars/Uranus square is exact on Wednesday – open rebellion, civil war, individual acts of courage/violence and assorted blows against the empire should all heighten this week.

Monday is a lively day with 7 lunar aspects to planets headlined by a last quarter square of the Moon in Taurus to the Sun in Leo in a fixed T-square with Saturn in Scorpion and a Grand Trine in Earth from Moon in Taurus to Venus in Virgo and Pluto in Capricorn. The tension in the T-square will be coming from the Sun in Leo not wanting to be stuck/slowed down by the Taurus Moon and Saturn. This can lead to individual acts of voyeurism or acting out against who or what we perceive is blocking us. Emotions may be stifled/fearful of what might be lost. The Grand Trine in Earth can deepen and stabilize relationships as we can find some comfort/support there. This is also a good aspect to make changes in our environment that are more supportive to who we want to be. Neptune trine Pallas Athene and Saturn (Grand Trine) can help facilitate new forms of alternative or energetic healing by focusing on what you’ve learned or experienced. This can also bring commitment to a certain spiritual or social path or artistic breakthroughs and structure.

Tuesday is the exact trine between Venus and Pluto – a great time to deepen relationships. Emotions within relationships can reach new depths – love can be felt on deep, transformative levels. This is a great day to get insight into yourself through your relationships with others also. This is also a great aspect to work on some soulful art.

As mentioned above, Wednesday is the exact square of Mars/Uranus. On a personal level, this will give us bursts of frenetic, nerve-wracking energy. There will be a great restlessness in the air and actions will not be well thought out. Restrictions will be rebelled against as tolerance reaches a breaking point. Anything we perceive as “the same old” will be scorned. Accidents from moving too quickly and thoughtlessly are quite possible. The best use of this energy is to break your routine purposely and do something physical and different, yet not too hastily. Mercury’s sesiquadrate to Neptune could fog our mind enough somehow so that we may make some wrong decisions and fall victim to Mars/Uranus on the negative side. Mars quincunx to Juno shows our partners may be who we revolt against and need to get some space from.

Thursday may be a very awkward day likely due to the hangover of Mars/Uranus yesterday. It starts with a Sun/Pluto quincunx that has you realize there are changes that you must accommodate and can’t control. This can bring up some intense, odd reactions. It may be impossible to get along with someone and you may just have to accept that. People can be quite stubborn/stuck in their own shit basically from fears and a sense of powerlessness. Mars trine to Chiron is helpful as it can bring us some new solutions to old problems that we can act upon. Venus adds to the weirdness in relationships today with three odd aspects: a quincunx to Uranus that will have us wanting to break from our familiar friends and social groups for something more exciting and risky, yet this can bring a sense of uncertainty and irresponsibility; a quincunx to Pallas Athene may bring some sexual confusion r a disconnect to your normal creative processes; and an opposition to Chiron shows we have many lessons to learn in relationships like how we hurt others and allow them to hurt us. A tough decision involving another may come up today.

Venus sextile Mars on Friday can spice up this weekend with romance or creativity. A great night to go out with friends and party down. Good for investments also. Uranus trine Vesta can help facilitate innovative ideas within group settings. Good for the study of sciences including sacred sciences. We may dedicate ourselves to some vision, ritual, or sexual approach.

Saturday has five lunar aspects making two grand aspect patterns again. The Moon in Cancer makes a Grand Trine with Saturn and Neptune keeping the energy of their trine percolating – I’ve blogged on this energy multiple times in past few months: bringing structure to ideals basically. Then another T-square with a conjunction to Jupiter/Mars opposing Pluto and squaring Uranus keeping the energy of rebellion quite potent. The Sun opposite Juno may have partners at odds/disagreeing/arguing today.

Sunday could be quite dynamic with the Sun trine Uranus. This is a great day to try something new or you may make an exciting discovery. Your mind should be sharp and quite perceptive. Good for study/working with science and technology, including the occult. Sun quincunx Chiron shows that we still need to make some major adjustments to our lives – perhaps Sun/Uranus will give us insight on how.

Next week is led by a New Moon in Leo and Jupiter exactly opposite Pluto.

Astrological Winds for Week of 7-22-2013

First, a few of my (many) thoughts on current events and the astrology of these times being reflected in them: Mars in Fall (Cancer) has seen the fall of those who came into power through some type of “outsider conquering” actions in Egypt (Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood), yet they still hold out hopes to the return to the throne as seen through the protests by the followers of the Muslim Brotherhood since Morsi was deposed. This is exactly how we’d expect a planet in fall to act, – to gain power through external force and then have a major fall from grace/power yet hold out the hope to return to former glory someday -  and being that it’s Mars it fits the violence/anger/rage/aggression that surrounds the Egyptian political situation. Meanwhile, back in the USA, the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin has once again exposed the naked underbelly of racism still prevalent in the USA leading to ensuing and ongoing protests and a return to the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s (seeded during the Uranus/Pluto conjunction), while at the same time the Republican Party continues to thumb its nose at Mexican Americans and any immigration reform. Here we see the Uranus/Pluto square at work again as those in power once again are exposed and revolution/rebellion is sparked. The Grand Trine this past week brought people together over these highly emotionally charged issues and out to the streets and online they went. Then there’s the continuing unfolding saga of Eric Snowden and the NSA’s secrets being exposed. I can’t help but feel right now this may end up becoming a major turning point in the USA’s history as the years ahead unfold. The Emperor has been caught with his pants down fully exposed and even committed an act of war against a foreign country’s leader by forcing his plane to land – could you imagine the reaction of the USA if a country dared to do that to our President? The truth is the USA is losing face to the rest of the world by the day. (We saw this was quite possible this summer in the chart of the summer solstice for the USA with the retrograde Saturn in Scorpio in the 7^th house of allies! It also fulfills the energy of the progressed USA Mars now retrograde.) The audacity of the corporation and government collusion to run the world through capitalism that only favors them is being ripped apart on multiple fronts and every time the USA tries to defend its policies it comes off looking like a fool. This is Pluto in Capricorn being ripped asunder by Uranus in Aries: the corporate/big government power structure being upset by rebellious and courageous individuals, who were at one time the warriors for that said power base. The hackers are the very employees of the companies they are hacking! They understand – soon the military and police may follow (as in Egypt) if those in power don’t start making concessions. The military itself is very upset at the politicians in Washington DC over the impasse over the automatic budget cuts and the ensuing forced employee furloughs without pay and the loss of promised educational benefits to enlisted men after discharge. That being said, as Mercury stationed direct on Saturday, a coalition of Republican and Democrat Congressmen started to introduce bills to begin to dismantle much of the NSA’s power – once again the Grand Trine brought the opposing parties (Jupiter and Saturn!) together to try and bring some stability to a quickly moving situation that had built up to a bursting point and just let go. Note also the silence of the Executive Branch of the government on the Snowden case as Mercury was retrograde, and now suddenly as its gone direct, they are beginning to make official statements about the situation. With Mercury in Cancer, the two sides are fighting for the care of the USA citizenry as best they see fit, and how it’s best to let them act as parents caring for the safety of their children (us). Note also the audacity of statements like “trying to protect us from possible future acts some may take” that go against the very foundation of the laws of this land that not only require criminal act to actually be committed for arrest and detainment, but that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a trial of his peers. Talk about mixed messages during Mercury retro!

As for the week ahead get ready for some pretty heavy weather on the horizon. Things get started with a bang on Monday as Mars perfects its conjunction to Jupiter keeping the Grand Trine in Water very active and giving us a huge burst of energy. We can maintain a high degree of optimism during this transit and tap into much physical energy. You can accomplish much today. Risks may pay off better than usual and confidence is high. We then get two sign changes: first Venus ingresses into Virgo, the sign of the Goddess’ fall. Here she may turn timid/conservative/judgmental/hypercritical in matters of the heart and relating to others – not the best way to endear herself to others, and can actually end up driving them off. Expressions of love are centered on service and duty under this influence, but you may not cut yourself enough slack to have some fun for yourself. This is a good time to tidy up our own environment, as it will lift your spirits. It’s also a good time to be careful/conservative with finances. Then the Sun ingresses into Leo, its sign of rulership. Here people feel freer to truly express who they are – to let their talents and gifts shine, which allows others to do the same, and can bring harmony and abundance to life. Opportunities that were missed in the past may return for another chance. We must be careful not to get too arrogant/self-righteous and recognize equality in everyone’s uniqueness. Under Leo’s influence we can be more generous, affectionate, playful, yet also more prideful, voyeuristic, selfish. This is a time when we can also become a leader somehow, more involved with children, find romance, or tap into our own creativity more easily.

There is also a Full Moon at 1* Aquarius: time to download some new lessons on how to cooperate with others for the benefit of all because what has been recently exposed to the light requires serious decisions to to be made about changing the way things are. A need to sacrifice some of our individual self-interest in order to benefit all or to use our individual talents together to create changes in our ways of living. This is a calling card for people to come together and wield their power together – it could be a new chapter in the history of humanity beginning that is more cooperative and equal. This is a seeding moment at 1* of a sign – what we choose to do now can have far off rippling effects into the future, thus choose wisely. It’s time to connect with others and create a new future. Look to the houses in your chart that this Full Moon falls into – they will represent the main areas in your life where this energy will play out. Any planets in your chart that are tightly aspected (0-2*) by the Full Moon will also color the energy of it for you personally.

Tuesday is a quiet day that will help us absorb/process all that went on Monday. The Moon is void-of-course in Aquarius all day so it’s not a good one to start new projects.

Wednesday night can be quite pleasant/harmonious as Moon locks into Grand Trine with Jupiter/Saturn, conjuncts Neptune, and opposes Venus.

Thursday is the third straight day of calmer astrological weather before the storm comes in with a Moon/Mercury trine bringing a good connection between mind and heart, fluid communications, and a decisive mind.

Venus is the the “star of the day” Friday as the Goddess opposes Neptune and sextiles Saturn. Like I mentioned earlier, Venus is pretty conservative in Virgo and the sextile to Saturn supports that, as she desires stable, realistic relationships with high standards. This favors business relationships and relationships with older people. However, Venus opposite Neptune can really douse the exactness Venus/Virgo/Saturn requires in relating, as we can easily be misled by another or by what we believe about another. The high standards Venus/Saturn/Virgo demands may be unrealistic in today’s reality, which can be quite disappointing/disheartening. You may believe there’s an imbalance in a close relationship that is all because of the other, when you may have just as much or even more to do with it being so, yet you’ve successfully kidded yourself into believing otherwise and blaming anyone but you. Still, you may find some beautiful moment to share with another today. This would be a good day to work on some charitable project, but not a good one to fall in love.

Saturday the storm arrives: the Moon in Aries conjunct Uranus locks into a Cardinal T-square with Mars/Jupiter in Cancer and Pluto in Capricorn while Mars locks into its exact opposition to Pluto and stays in a T-square with Uranus/Pluto through next week while the Sun exactly squares Saturn. Astrologers have been looking at this late July 2013 configuration for a couple years now since Uranus/Pluto square locked in, sensing that this could be one of the most volatile periods of the whole Uranus/Pluto square period (2011-15). Here, we basically have the three most malefic planets acting together and being triggered hard. There could be violent outbreaks against or by those in power reaching peak energy. With what has gone on the last few weeks in world events, there is sure enough sensitive things going on that could spark this kind of energy into an inferno quite easily. Mars/Pluto can get quite violent – stay away from unsafe people and places this weekend. This is the energy of active, aggressive transformation that is straining against considerable resistance. Power struggles are imminent. Ruthless actions may break out. Long term/relentless energy can be tapped into to fight. People will revolt against restrictions and authorities. Many difficult issues will have to be addressed. The desire to break through may be overwhelming. If nothing else, some big changes will occur.

We get some welcome relief on Sunday as Venus sextiles Jupiter, considered one of the most beneficial aspects of all – however, it will be tempered by Venus weakness in Virgo. It does bring some inner peace and some happy social times usually. Also, we might get some kind of financial windfall. A great day to hang with friends relaxing.

The powerful Mars/Pluto/Uranus T-square will remain peaked next week – acute volatility is likely to continue. Time to accept the changes going on around us.

Astrological Winds for Week of 7-15-2013

Many people this past week told me of their current Mercury retrograde experiences being pretty tough ones – we are indeed in the depths of it in Cancer. All three Mercury retrogrades this year are in water signs – the element the Winged Messenger is most uncomfortable in as his wings are useless in water and emotions interfere with clear intellectual thinking and doing and communicating. Many people have been experiencing issues with water around their homes or businesses, or highly charged emotional turmoil with family members, both signatures of Cancer’s effect. In the mundane world, we have seen much heavy rain and flooding this week in the USA, a crashed jetliner, a runaway train, more secret documents released, etc. – all signs of the Trickster in action.

Speaking of water, that will be the dominant element in this week’s astrological forecast again, as a Grand Trine in Water perfects among Mars/Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn in Scorpio, and Neptune in Pisces. In effect, the Grand Trine is in orb already, but it will peak on Tuesday (when the Moon in Scorpio conjuncts Saturn and thus also locks into it) right on through Sunday, so we will have all week to work with this extremely harmonious, potent energy! Grand trines can unleash natural talents/skills so that they can be used to maximum effectiveness. This Grand Trine in Water will stress empathy/sympathy/unconditional love for others and will be felt deeply on the emotional level. We may find our emotional selves filled to the brim and overflowing to the point of tears of both joy and sorrow. We will be moved to want to build some structure that helps heal others and self. There is a beautiful combination of balanced expanded energy/action that wants to lay down long lasting foundations to a more ideal world of unconditional love, honored creativity, and expanded consciousness. There is a perfect balance between expansion and contraction energy wise that is infused with future thinking. Things that have been building up in your life are ready for a graceful release now – it is time of letting go, letting flow, trusting the current of life and where it will take you. Look to the signs in the people and places around you now – you may have healing energy to share with each other. Trust your intuition to who/what/where is drawn to you to help find some answers this week. There is much tension from the Uranus/Pluto square these days that will fuel the desire to use this energy now – to not let the chance slip away and let what might have been decay. What we do start now can have long lasting results into the future. This week can set you on a path of the discovery of true beauty! I urge you take it if it appears!

Monday’s main event is a 1^st Quarter Square of the Moon in Libra to the Sun in Cancer. Here the emotional side wants to take a chance with connecting with (an)other(s), while the will/ego side would prefer to stay in its shell at home, as cross purpose reactions to what is going on around each of us today battle it out inside and out. Security concerns could make us indecisive/challenge our decision making processes.

Tuesday is the beginning of the peak of the Grand Trine energy above as the Moon in Scorpio joins in.

Jupiter perfects its trines to Saturn/Neptune on Wednesday continuing the peak of the Grand trine. However, there are three other events affecting the day. The biggest is Uranus turning retrograde until December 18^th. The revolution turns to the inside – we must change our own lives first before we can expect the world around us to change. In the mundane world, recent disasters of the past may need to be re-visited/re-assessed to do damage control (like the recent spike in nuclear readings in the ocean off of Japan post nuclear meltdown!). Saturn’s square to Vesta May put us at odds with groups or we may feel restricted within group settings somehow. We may feel we are giving too much to certain others, may be overwhelmed by work, stifled sexually, or overcommitted also. Finally, there’s a late night Venus/Pluto sesiquadrate, which can speak of an obsession that is not being satisfied. The manifestation of desire may have to wait for some other time. You may end up in some intense emotional battle with someone that has no resolution at the moment. Weak relationships can breakdown. We can also get involved in frustrating games of manipulation.

Thursday is quieter and the Grand Trine flows on while the Sun trines Moon also making this a particularly sweeter day. Moon/Neptune square at night may find us worn out, tired, or ready to get inebriated/escape somehow.

Friday is the 3^rd and final exact hit of the trine between Saturn and Neptune that has been in effect all year and that I have blogged on multiple times before. It will keep the Grand Trine highly potent today too.

Saturday is a very active day astrologically. First off, Mars exact trines to Saturn and Neptune occur, once again keeping the Grand Trine absolutely humming along. In fact, a Kite forms this day also as the Moon in Capricorn opposes the Mars/Jupiter conjunction and sextiles Neptune and Saturn turning the Grand Trine into a Kite! Yahoo! Why the celebration? Because the opposition will spur us to do great things/be confident/take a leap with the inherent talent/gifts of the Grand Trine, while the two sextiles will provide us with the opportunities to do so. This is the most potent day of the week for this energy. Spend it well! Take the bull by the horns and watch it become mastered beneath your touch!

Mercury also goes direct on Saturday (yay again!). It will remain in its retrograde shadow until August 4^th however, so all Mercurial things will slowly return to normal speed by then. Still, the breakdowns, communication issues, delays, issues with family/home/security will begin to ease off now. Venus sesiquadrate Uranus shows we’d like to have some exciting/stimulating/flirtatious times socially, but we may overdo it and get in some awkward/bumpy situations. Sun sesiquadrate Chiron may link to the Venus/Uranus sesiquadrate, as we may find ourselves off balance/kilter somehow and perhaps even damage our reputation in some other’s eyes. It will be difficult to reset and old wounds could resurface and feel quite sore. A night time Mercury/Venus semi-square will stimulate socializing and is a good time to express love/affection to another.

Sunday morning we may wake up ornery as the Moon in Capricorn makes its weekly hard aspects to the Uranus/Pluto square and opposes stationary Mercury – sounds like the recipe for an early morning argument that could set the day off on the wrong foot – be aware! Pallas Athene ingresses into Cancer – this will add to the energy of the emotions influencing thought/intellect/perceptions. This can bring healing through providing basic needs and is a good time to make your home a more comfortable space for you. This can also ramp up the energy of patriotism or defending what’s your and your family’s or country’s. Others may fight for the disadvantaged now.

Tap into this Grand Trine energy while you can this week because next week gets much more intense as Mars locks into a T-square with Uranus/Pluto by the end of the week, and there’s also a Full Moon in the 1^st degree of Aquarius – we may be entering a time of some hard new lessons as a Collective.

Astrological Winds for Week of 7-8-2013

Last week, on the day (Wednesday) of the exact Sun/Uranus square, the Egyptian people overthrew their government for the 2^nd time in 18 months – a perfect example of this energy of rebellion and sudden change through big events. This week the astrological weather may be not as stormy, but it will be wet/watery as the three biggest events are all in the water element: a New Moon in Cancer, Mercury Retrograde in Cancer’s inferior conjunction with the Sun, and Mars ingress into Cancer.

Monday is the New Moon (conjunct Mercury retrograde) at 16* Cancer. This may set off a week of deep feelings and introspection and a tendency to focus on the interior world rather than the exterior/social world. Cancer’s gift/talent is nurturing others, but its love can be conditional and turn into emotionally manipulative maneuvers. Cancer needs to learn to have a life of their own – to not base their emotional well-being on how their loved ones lives are going. Cancer will have us focus on close family and home and find our security there. The problem is we may use them too much as a shell/shield from the outside world where we need to take some chances on our own. Cancer can also help us reflect on motherly energy and how the earth cares for us. What can we do to return the favor? It may also be urging us to widen the boundaries of who we call our family and to become more inclusive in regard to others. Venus quincunx Chiron today also shows we may be called upon to bring healing to others who we may not share much in common with or only relate to in passing/a singular interest – what we’ve learned/experienced will help and we are willing to be humble in doing so.

Tuesday is the interior conjunction of Mercury retrograde to the Sun – usually a time of deep inner reflection, but can also denote a busy day in the normal world with much running around, communications, and information collection. This is a good day to review and revise plans, approaches, viewpoints, etc.

Wednesday’s pretty quiet with the Moon in Leo conjunct Venus making it a pleasant and possibly boisterous day socially/creatively.

Sun sesiquadrate Neptune on Thursday may have us feeling drained of energy by something/events/daily life. It is just difficult to get going physically, which can affect our attitude and get us down/moping around. Any devious actions we try to pull will likely backfire/be found out and leave us stuck trying to explain ourselves. It’s also easy to get overly idealistic and reach for things beyond your capabilities, and thus get left feeling empty. Another day best fitted for inner reflection/quiet environments. Venus opposite Juno could also bring some disagreements between partners.

Friday is quiet also with Moon in Virgo trine Pluto and sextile Mercury retrograde favoring deepening a connection with someone else.

Mars ingress into Cancer, its sign of Fall, is the biggest event of the week on Saturday. Mars, in a traditional sense is weak here, as its normal assertive/aggressive energy can be watered down/diffused. Leaders (of any kind) can make very bad (overly aggressive most likely) decisions that lead to their downfall/demise. Actions are dictated by how we feel under this energy, which can be dangerous to those less conscious/in control of themselves and their aggressive/angry tendencies. People can get offended quite easily and be ready to go to war over what they consider near and dear to them. Others may hold their anger in and become Medusian with inner rage eventually. This can also bring up serious disagreements with your family. There is a need to use our anger/physical energy in some alternative way in order to appease this energy. Fortunately, Mars is moving quickly now and will be in Cancer only through August 28^th. Venus semi-square Jupiter today promises some kind of fun event for most of us – we may overdo/overindulge a bit under this energy, but we’ll be in a socializing mood or want to spend some money on something we value for ourselves.

Sunday has the Moon in Libra form a Cardinal Grand Cross with Mars/Jupiter in Cancer, Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn. We may feel an incredible amount of tension today from multiple issues tugging at us simultaneously. Therefore, it would be easy to get scattered trying to address all of them at the same time. The key is to address one of them with focus – by doing so, many times the solutions for the other issues will be found or start to fall into place. The Moon in Libra says others will be involved and that give and take with them would be helpful, but it’s very easy to get domineering/too selfish or arrogant and chase them away. A dynamic day, not easy to handle, as it’s easy to get overwhelmed and remain aware/conscious of all the effects of our actions. This is giving us a preparatory taste of the intensity of the upcoming/perfecting T-square among Mars, Uranus, and Pluto. Pluto quincunx Ceres may bring some intense emotional crisis to the world stage via some type of resource dispute, mass loss of lives, power struggle, etc. that can leave many in grief/pain/sorrow.

Next week a highly useful and tight Grand Trine in Water forms among Mars/Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn in Scorpio, and Neptune in Pisces, plus 2 planets change directions, as Mercury goes direct and Uranus goes retrograde.

Astrolofgical Winds for Week of 7-1-2013

Get ready for an intense week ahead. In the mundane world, the USA and president Obama may see some serious repercussions for decisions they’ve made, which may result in loss of power, power struggles, etc. – this is likely connected to the revelations of Snowden’s leaks (note this morning that some of the USA’s allies in Europe on finding out the USA have been spying on them say it is cold war tactics and that the USA deserve sanctions started against it in retaliation – this could potentially really blow up in USA’s face). Astrologically, this ties into a long cycle the US began about 5 years ago when the USA’s progressed Mars went retrograde for first time in its history – a period of 80+ years that normally see countries lose respect/power from other countries and the military/government turns its guns on its own citizenry. Also remember from my blog 2 weeks back on the Solstice Chart set for Washington, DC being an indicator of next 3 months for US events: “Saturn retrograde in the 7^th house indicates restrictions and loss of power in the faces of allies.” In Scorpio, secrets based around power have been revealed and the USA has been told to take responsibility for its actions as a result from angry, betrayed partners/allies. What happens this week is this energy is majorly triggered by the Sun in Cancer locking into a Cardinal T-Square with the Uranus/Pluto square -  this promises immense power struggles in the world this week – the Sun in Cancer can indicate the people demanding care from their leaders much like we are seeing in Brazil, Chile, Egypt, Turkey, China, etc. Leaders will be in particular trouble and violent acts against some of them are likely.

On Monday the Sun/Pluto opposition is exact, and we can find ourselves in a power struggle with an authority or partner or another person. This combines with Venus squaring Saturn this day too and can really put a damper on relationships. Our interactions with others will likely take on intense qualities and we can get quite self-protective/conservative with our approach/heavy-handed or controlling with others. There is much fear coming up and most people will try to control others and environments as an ego survival strategy. Relationships on shaky ground will likely suffer major breakdowns, as will any neglected mechanical issues with objects. Sun/Pluto can make people quite ambitious but the danger is rolling right over others and creating opposition to your plans. It can be a time of great change/transformation when handled well. This is a day to control your own angry tendencies and to avoid potentially violent people or places. Venus/Saturn will add to this energy by likely having us retreat from others rather than share what we are feeling, thus setting up a conservative approach socially. We may realize how alone we are ultimately. This can be depressing to many. It is very easy to be victimized by others today, so it may be best to be alone as much as possible. Venus quincunx Neptune also can fill us with much spiritual doubt and a sense of hopelessness about others and where they are at. Basically, our vision/view of others may prove to not be true/realistic, and this can be a letdown. This will add to the conservative approach to others that Venus/Saturn brings in, for it will be hard to trust others today. This is a day when we need emotional support but it will likely not be available. Feelings of unworthiness may surface, and you may settle for less challenging relationships with those who are not on the same level of consciousness as you just to get some kind of connection today.

Tuesday early/overnight the Moon in Taurus locks into a fixed T-Square with the above mentioned Venus/Saturn square making this a day that continues the restricted/conservative energy surrounding relationships of Monday.

Wednesday the Sun perfects its square to Uranus (see above) which can have people acting out in surprising actions of rebellion that can bring up crisis situations. It’s as if the restricted energy of the past two days has built up to a point of unbearableness and people will risk striking out against anyone or anything they perceive to be blocking them. Normal routines will likely be disrupted be breakdowns/accidents/unexpected events. This energy is best used by choosing to do something different as long as it’s not too risky. Saturn’s second exact hit of its square to Ceres is today too, so we may get more bad news about crops, agriculture, food prices, resource shortages, water issues, etc. this week. On personal levels, some of us may experience this as blockages/restrictions to resources created by our own family/parents/loved ones or being weighed down by our duties to them.

Thursday, the 4^th of July holiday in the USA, is relatively quiet and is dominated by Neptunian energy with a Moon (in Gemini)/Neptune square showing many will choose to escape normal life on this holiday by inebriating themselves. Neptune is also quincunx Ceres, which is similar to the Venus/Neptune quincunx energy mentioned above under Monday: disappointment with loved ones or our resource situation may lead us to escape reality somehow or another – make sure there’s a designated river available today! A positive way to spend this day would be a quiet hike or meditation.

Friday has four minor aspects that may not be profound, but will influence us nevertheless. The Sun trines Chiron which allows us to use our talents/abilities somehow to help heal ourselves and/or others. Venus semi-square Mars can spice up our social lives as we head into the weekend. Romantic/sexual interests/energies may peak, and creative energy is high. This may bring up some arguments/fights with your partner or friends. Mercury retrograde sesiquadrate Neptune can make communications fuzzy and frustrating with others today – make sure you really are understood, or better yet wait for another day to communicate anything important. The mind may wander much today into lands of fantasy/unrealistic idealism. This can also have us misjudge others and when they let us down get disappointed with them (seems to be a theme this week as this is the 3^rd indicator of that type of energy – the “Rule of 3” almost guarantees we will experience this from someone this week in some form or another). Venus quincunx Pluto can definitely kill fading/shaky relationships for good. This can also make it difficult to get along with certain others and it may be best to just avoid those you can’t see eye to eye with. People can also get quite possessive of those they are close to or jealous of others under this energy too.

The Moon conjuncts Mars (in morning) and Jupiter (in evening) on Saturday making it a very active and expansive day somehow – there will be lots of optimistic energy to tap into. Vesta ingresses into Leo today too bringing a period of jacked up individualistic creative energy and the infusion of pride into what you are doing/working on. However, certain others may not be able to keep up with the pace of this energy and become resistant to it or burnt out by it. Watch for being too prideful of your work/project and turning others off. Romance may come from those you make an impression upon with what you are doing these days.

Sunday adds one more super full day of astrology to a very dense and challenging week. The Moon in Cancer forms two Grand Aspect patterns: first a Grand Trine with Saturn and Neptune – I’ll just requote myself on tis from last week when the Sun did the same thing - “Saturn and Neptune have been in a trine since last September when Saturn first entered Scorpio. This trine will be getting an exact hit later this month on June 12^th, so it is very tight at this time period. This aspect is working on the Collective level to help us learn from our mistakes and the resulting confusion and uncertainty that have been the result of our choices – much of this has to do with an oil based economy/energy/civilization (Neptune). The trine helps us to see how we got to where we are and to start realizing that spirituality and higher consciousness must be given greater value in order to resolve the problems of today. People are able to subordinate much of their own ego under this energy and work for more altruistic goals willingly. People gain energy and relief through service to others/each other/the Collective. Ideals and reality are able to merge easier now, yet there is a grounded approach that does not allow us to get too high and excited, but more reflective/contemplative. We may also become aware of resources that have been hidden from us prior to now.” This makes it a great day to work with this energy and to get the help of others while doing so. Second is another T-Square with Pluto/Uranus triggering the same energy from above on Monday, which I won’t requite here, as you can just look above at Monday’s listing. Two more events on Sunday top off our week: first Venus trine Uranus piquing our curiosity in hanging out with a different crowd/person than our norm, or having us attracted to something we normally would not be to. This is a great day to do something different and exciting. Second, Saturn stations direct at about 5* Scorpio and will start moving forward again for the rest of 2013 – a time to take external responsibility/control of our own life.

What a heavy week and Mercury still retrograde too! Next week is much mellower with a New Moon in Cancer and Mars ingressing into Cancer.

Astrological Winds for Week of 6-24-13

Wow, what an explosive week of events last week that mirrored the astrology of these times. Astrologers must do their best to maintain objectivity, whether with individual clients or when reading the tides of history, both difficult tasks to achieve as our own inclinations/viewpoints/experiences/beliefs/values/etc color our way of seeing/interpreting the world, which as the new physics has shown us can influence the way events unfold! Yet somehow on some deeper, perhaps spiritual level, it all make sense/seeks balance. Yes, clients may come to you that are experiencing similar issues to ones you’ve had – but is that not perhaps the way the Universe works: bringing together “likes”, so they can learn from one and other? Politically, astrologers can’t help but have their own leanings also, so a week like this past one can really test objectivity. I personally believe that the events that occur are reflecting the general collective consciousness, and thus have messages for us to help us evolutionize. Since current political systems seem incapable of doing that, I definitely lean to the left politically, and I can’t help but see most of these current issues telling us we need to change how we live in order to stop from devolving into total chaos and perhaps even self-annihilation as a species. This week had the latest examples.

Last week, we had a Sun/Jupiter conjunction, normally a harbinger of optimism/good news/financial gains, yet world markets including the Dow crashed heavily. Why? Because Jupiter is in weak position in Gemini: things may look good on the surface but there is little substance beneath; conveniently overlooking the details because they are annoying; neglecting those feelings inside that what you’re being told can’t be substantiated; insensitive emotionally towards others who are not benefitting from current ideas; and being too detached/objective/superficial/gossipy. The gains of the past months in the markets fit the descriptions above: that’s why they crashed finally!

Meanwhile, Mars sextile to Uranus and quincunx to Pluto triggered the Uranus/Pluto square with the help of a Full Moon (conjunct Pluto) in Capricorn – the US and other countries were revealed to have massive internal spying databases built on all the e mails and telephone calls made by all its citizens and that it was actively spying on other countries as well, which did not help in getting international help in trying to arrest the leaker. Meanwhile, Brazil was the latest country to explode in open rebellion against their current system and how it cheats the masses and benefits the few – the timing of this event during an international soccer tournament kept it in the international media spotlight and with both the World Cup and Summer Olympics due up in Brazil over the next few years, it will likely continue to do so.

Also, the Mercury/Venus conjunction in Cancer brought together a divorced family to negotiations for the first time in a long time as the two Koreas agreed to enter talks, and Mars/Chiron/Neptune set off hurricane season in the gulf.

During the Full Moon, the oil capital of Canada, Calgary, gets major flooding – flooding that keeps getting worse worldwide because of the use of oil and its effect on the climate and thus weather: here the flooding is in the very province that the infamous Keystone Pipeline will be shipping oil from as they degrade thousands of square miles of natural wetlands that absorb flood waters naturally for its oil – oil that is enough in volume to put the world’s atmosphere beyond the point of major increases in temperature that climatologists warn will lead to catastrophic weather related results just like this flood – think nature is exposing the issue under the Full Moon and asking old power structures to change or be changed?

A quick look at the Summer Solstice chart set for Washington, DC can show the themes of issues coming up for the USA in next 3 months. This chart has a 27* Pisces Ascendant making Jupiter, still in detriment in Gemini, the ruler of the chart – all those things I said about Jupiter in Gemini above will be key energy in the USA for next quarter. The Sun/Jupiter conjunction falls in the 4^th house of real estate, the homeland and communities, the roots of a society, nationalism, and the masses. These are the areas where this Jupiter in Gemini will be felt the most: any gains/optimism here may be shallow/superficial/overlooking details/etc. The Moon in Scorpio (fall) in the 8^th house also quincunxs Jupiter showing the masses must adjust values/philosophies in matters of international finance and corporate power or that it could lead to death like policies that choke our nation. The Uranus/Pluto square is angular in this chart and thus very active: Uranus rising in the 1^st house shows sudden shocking events could happen to the nation as a whole both physically and psychologically, and Pluto in the 10^th shows a power grab or struggle for the President and actual threats to his well-being. The Neptune/Chiron conjunction is also rising but in the 12^th house, which shows some heavy losses or feelings of helplessness may occur. The Nodal Axis falls in the 2^nd/8^th houses suggesting continued karmic lessons about resources will continue. Saturn retrograde in the 7^th house indicates restrictions and loss of power in the faces of allies.

Looking at the week ahead, we see a couple more major shifts.

Monday is relatively quiet as the Moon in Capricorn opposes Mercury/Venus likely making it a very interactive with others day: lots of communications, socializing, deals, etc.

Tuesday is the first major shift as Jupiter ingresses into Cancer, the sign it is exalted in. It will go from a place of weakness to a place of strength over the next year. This is a sign of great hope for it brings a genuine caring attitude towards others: the realization that you’re security is predicated on others around you feeling secure too, so a willingness to work at things that benefit/take care of all. This will fuel the “go local” movement for sure. It’s also interesting to note that it is kicking in while “Obamacare” goes full on in its effects and many people who were not being cared for will start to be. Investments in health care industries and the care of the elderly industries will likely be beneficial. This may also have people assess the roots of where they come from and try to re-align themselves more to them and their original intent. Perhaps even the judicial system will step in for the people and the Constitution’s original intent. This is definitely a sign of hope in these trying times and seems to say that caring for each other is where we will get the most benefit this next year.

Wednesday has the other big shift of the week as Mercury in Cancer goes retrograde until July 20^th.Here we may have our emotions/feelings leaving us tongue-tied in an inability to truly express how we feel verbally to others…or if we do leaving them confused or even hurt…which could lead to silent battles and power struggles (like a couple who only communicates to one and other over practical necessities via post it notes!). This is a good time to go within and truly assess what we need to sustain ourselves emotionally. This can also cycle up old habitual ways of thinking that is learned ancestral behavior and has no real use anymore and is holding you back from being your genuine self. It can easy to get mentally obsessed because of inability to control your emotions – be careful if you find yourself on that road, as it can be quite self-destructive to your relationships with others ultimately.

There is also a Grand Trine in Water as the Sun in Cancer locks into and triggers the Saturn/Neptune trine that blogged about a few weeks back: “Saturn and Neptune have been in a trine since last September when Saturn first entered Scorpio. This trine will be getting an exact hit later this month on June 12^th, so it is very tight at this time period. This aspect is working on the Collective level to help us learn from our mistakes and the resulting confusion and uncertainty that have been the result of our choices – much of this has to do with an oil based economy/energy/civilization (Neptune). The trine helps us to see how we got to where we are and to start realizing that spirituality and higher consciousness must be given greater value in order to resolve the problems of today. People are able to subordinate much of their own ego under this energy and work for more altruistic goals willingly. People gain energy and relief through service to others/each other/the Collective. Ideals and reality are able to merge easier now, yet there is a grounded approach that does not allow us to get too high and excited, but more reflective/contemplative. We may also become aware of resources that have been hidden from us prior to now.” This makes it a great day to work with this energy and to get the help of others while doing so.

There’s a bunch of positive lunar transits on Thursday and Venus ingresses into Leo making this a positive, possibly exuberant day. Venus in Leo (through July 23^rd) can have us acting as quite the exhibitionist in our desire to get attention/love from another/others. Many times however our attraction to others is only based on physical attributes under this energy. In general, we are warm toward others and we will be quite loyal to our friends now too.

Energy may get a bit bumpy/awkward/challenging on Friday as the Moon squares Mars as Mars sesiquadrates Saturn: we may feel blocked/restricted in our actions by some authority/law/situation today that has us feeling quite irritated/angered/frustrated. Arguments/fights with others are possible. Best to work alone on some hard physical product, but even these efforts may be thwarted in some ways.

Saturday’s main event is a 3^rd Quarter Square of the Moon in Aries to the Sun in Cancer: emotionally we are charged up and ready to take on the world/take some risk/have an adventure, but the self would rather rest at home in its shell feeling safe and secure with what it’s got – the challenge is how to meet the needs of both.

The weekly Moon/Uranus/Pluto hard aspects are missed overnight as they perfect early Sunday morning while most will be asleep. Do be careful of dangerous people and places if you are out to the wee hours Saturday night. Otherwise Venus conjuncts Ceres on Sunday making it a day of giving and receiving nurturing in some forms. This is a good day to create nurturing environments also. Creativity and sexuality will be fertile too.

Next week will be a challenge as the Sun gets in a T-Square with Pluto/Uranus. The world will no doubt have some more shocks to deal with.