Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 8/23/2013 and the Weekend: Rose-Colored Glasses and Witchy-Bitchy Women

Another planetary “wobble” today as mental Mercury follows the Sun into analytical Virgo, where it be until September 8th.  This is an excellent placement for Mercury; let the record show that Venus is also well-placed (in Libra, a sign it rules). This bodes well for many kinds of projects that may be initiated between now and then; consult your local astrologer for details.

With Mercury so close to the Sun — and in opposition to nebulous Neptune, look for expressions of an especially idealistic mindset through the weekend. It’s great for music, healers and other visionaries. It’s also great for con artists and other yarn spinners. If something sound just too good to be true, read the fine print before signing.  Twice. Otherwise, enjoy the flight of fantasy.

With the Moon now in me-me-me Aries, the pace can run quick through early Sunday morning. Some may experience emotional volatility and sudden changes of status  — especially in matters of aesthetics, relationship and/or finance, as Venus and the Moon engage with the disruptive Uranus-Pluto square. We can also expect news of unusual and/or unconventional attractions and preferences. Those born about ten days into the signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn are more sensitive to this volatility than most.

On Sunday morning at 6:01AM ET, Moon goes void until 9:13AM ET — most everyone will sleep through it. The pace slows down as the Moon enters Taurus, shifting the focus material security needs and keeping things as they are “supposed to be”. That includes stubborn resistance to necessary change.,  As the day moves into night (ET), things can get particularly wiggy, as Mercury and nebulous Neptune reach exact opposition, and stern Saturn opposes the security-seeking Moon. Monday looks equally interesting…

In the news, a story about an American photojournalist held captive in Syria is one perfect reflection of today’s planetary patterns: Neptune in Pisces themes of fanatics, intangibles (e.g. photography), prison, escapes; Venus-Pluto themes of intense emotional experience; Moon-in-Aries themes of survival against all odds (he escaped). Leftover headlines from this week’s Jupiter-Uranus square include the what-took-them-so-long acknowledgement of Area 51    and a lot talk of doing something about the crushing debt of student loans (higher education is a Jupiter theme). Here’s a damning article about how these loans work — and who profits —  courtesy of Rolling Stone. You’re welcome and have a fabulous weekend!