The Forecast

I am a reporter with a unique beat. I use my understanding of planetary cycles to provide advance notice and analysis on the Zeitgeist of the day. If you have ever wondered “why is this happening now,” my insights will transform your experience of the headlines, adding new meaning and understanding. Call it Astrology for News Junkies. If you’re curious to know why the Impossible Burger is trending…or why the outcome of the 2019 Israeli elections was likely to be a shocker …or why “Woodrow Wilson, Stud Muffin” was a New York Times headline in December 2013, you will find it here, in over a decade’s worth of historical research and reporting.

Note that I do use astrological jargon in The Forecast in my effort to show how the planetary patterns are reflected in mundane events. I explain what the jargon symbolizes, so that all who want to understand the connections between astrology and the news may do so. However, I do not use astrological jargon in personal consultations, just plain English.

Sunday 5/31/2020: Sneak Peek at the Week; Busting Out in June; Eclipse Alert

May 31, 2020/0 Comments/in The Forecast /by Elisabeth Grace

It’s Sunday…

At 10:38 AM ET, after being void for just over five hours, the Moon left Virgo and entered Libra. While in Virgo, its goal was to put things back in order and make things right. A Libra Moon shifts the focus to needs of relationship, as in fairness and equality, which may be a subject of debate. Which side are you on?

Today is the sixth of seven straight days without an exact aspect between two planets that does not involve the Moon. I don’t know why these apparent breaks in the action coincide with events that seem like the sudden collapse of an ice shelf into the ocean, but that’s what I’ve observed over the years. They suggest tipping points — and that’s what we’ve seen all week — in more than one headline story. The most obvious one is the murder of George Floyd, an unarmed African-American man who begged for his life while police officer Derek Chauvin drove his knee into Mr. Floyd neck, making it impossible for Mr. Floyd to breathe. All while Chauvin was knowingly being filmed by a bystander, leading us to conclude that Chauvin felt his behavior was perfectly acceptable. Millions across the nation — and in some cities in other countries — took to the streets to say they’d had enough.

Where is the tipping point taking us? In the short-term — i.e., this week — it goes like this:

MONDAY — No sleeping in, as Moon continues its trek through Libra, supported by easy contacts from the Sun and Venus in Gemini. General mood: hope for the best; let’s talk it out.
TUESDAY — More Libra Moon — challenged in the wee hours by its weekly supercharged contact with Pluto and Jupiter in Capricorn. We see potential for exaggerated power plays and catharses, especially in the minutes leading up to 3:22 AM and 6:40 AM ET. Moon then goes void — chill, chill, chill — it’s a fine day to sleep in or flake out during the void.
TUESDAY — Moon enters Scorpio at 12:06 PM ET, now looking for depth and substance for the sake of establishing power and control. Moon is in its Fall in Scorpio, though it is considered to be fertile and thus creatively productive. It can also be quite creatively ruthless and vengeful (down side) in defending its personal honor code. Heavy cuts and structuring efforts present themselves around 2:38 PM ET, as the Moon squares Saturn.
TUESDAY — At 8:41 PM ET, we finally have contact between two planets that do not involve the Moon. Retrograde Venus in Gemini squares Mars in Pisces. Let the record show that before Venus turned retrograde, Mars was in Aquarius. The two planets were ohhhhhhhhh sooooooo close to an exact trine, suggesting an easy flow of energy between them. Venus in Gemini can totally grok with Mars in Aquarius as an innovative and humanitarian rebel. The two have plenty to talk about, which is what Venus in Gemini needs to do. BUT — Venus and Mars never made that EXACT connection. It was a flirtation, as Venus started to slow down to a standstill and REthink matters by turning retrograde.
What is Venus retrograde in Gemini re-thinking? It’s rethinking whether what is said accurately reflects authentic value. In an effort to correct any disparity, social graces are thrown under the proverbial bus — and that’s how Speaker Nancy Pelosi ends up taking off the gloves on national TV and observing that P45 should not take hydroxychloroquine because he is “morbidly obese.” Have you found yourself — and other around you — speaking with less care for manners than usual?
When Mars left Aquarius and entered Pisces on May 13th, its agenda changed. Mars in Pisces needs to execute a plan based on feelings (e.g., faith, delusion, empathy, compassion, intuition — any and all may apply), but direct confrontation is not its style and — since fish are mute — there’s not much to talk about.
Tension has been building between Venus and Mars for several days. When they do meet up, it won’t be an easy alliance, as it looked like it might be several weeks ago. Adjustments will have to be made. Sparks will fly, especially since Venus retrograde is not inclined to hold back for the sake of appearances. This Venus-Mars square is not the only pattern of conflict, as you’ll soon see.
WEDNESDAY — Upsets in the wee hours, as the Scorpio Moon is opposed by Uranus in Taurus at 2:17 AM ET. Moon is supported in its efforts to control for the rest of the day, as it harmonizes with Mars (action) and Neptune (vision, healing). Not only that, but at 1:42 PM ET, the Sun and Venus will meet up, adding intensely clever communication to the news flow, some of which may not seem so ideal after a little distance.
THURSDAY — another morning of chilling, as the Moon goes void at 7:36 AM ET. Roll with the twists and flakes; remember that crises which arise during voids are usually much ado about nothing. At 1:17 PM ET, Moon soars in to Sagittarius, seeking to push boundaries and express its righteous opinion. An innovative twist to your big idea can be had, should you opt to make use of a cooperative pattern between Mercury (how we need to think) and Uranus (innovation, technology), exact at 7:03 AM ET on…
FRIDAY. This Mercury-Uranus harmony is in effect all week. Both planets rule astrology, so why not contact your local astrologer and schedule a check-up? If it’s been over a year, you’re overdue — and there’s much to discuss, including the first of three eclipses over the next six weeks, one of which is especially potent. If you’d prefer to have a few paragraphs of personal insights on the three eclipses instead, toss $64 into my Cosmic Tip Jar, using the link for the Quick Question. Why $64 for the eclipse insights instead of the usual $44? Because there are three eclipses to talk about, not the usual two. Then please email me your birth date, time and place — if I don’t already have it.
FRIDAY — the Sagittarius Moon waxes full — and is eclipsed at 3:12 PM ET. If you have a planet around 15 degrees of Sagittarius, Gemini, Virgo or Pisces, you’re scheduled to receive some illumination and a likely release. I will write more about the Lunar Eclipse in a later forecast. Do note that the next aspect the Moon makes is a square to Mars (assertion, aggression) at 3:44 PM ET, so outbursts of such would not be surprising. We also note the potential lack of clarity in the afternoon and evening hours, as Moon next squares wiggy Neptune at 12:11 AM ET on…
SATURDAY — …and then goes for a loooong void, not to enter Capricorn until 3:44 PM ET. Keep an eye on the action a couple of hours beforehand, as 1) the Moon activates the Aries Point, demanding we pay attention; and 2) Mars squares the Sun (willpower, leaders) at 3:12 PM ET. The Sun-Mars pattern needs an assertive/aggressive outlet, and it’s been in effect all week.
In the U.S. horoscope, transiting Mars has activated Uranus, facilitating a sudden burst of rebellion (!) or daring initiative in technology. Once the Moon is in Capricorn, the goal is to make something happen out of whatever assertion the Mars-Sun square expressed.
SUNDAY — in your own personal world, you can make use of the Capricorn Moon’s practical and strategic energy to get tasks done around the house. Fortify your structure.

Where is this all going? Here are the highlights for June:

June 11th and June 13th: Sun squares Neptune; Mars is conjunct Neptune. More of the sublime and surreal;
June 18th: Mercury turns retrograde, offering a rest and review until July 12th;
June 18th and June 20th: Mars sextiles Pluto and Jupiter, supporting actions and rewards involving power and resources.
June 20th: Summer Solstice; we can look at this chart for a three-month prognosis and we will.
June 21st: New Moon/Eclipse in Cancer at 0 Cancer — the Aries Point — a rare and potent event. It is sure to amplify the tumultuous events of this past week (of May), as the North Node and Mercury are both at 0 Cancer.
June 23rd: Neptune — our need for vision — turns retrograde. Look within for that dream.
June 25th: Venus turns direct — what did we learn about our values; did we toss what no longer serves? Did you stumble across some money you didn’t even know you had? To find out, please visit my favorite website — and search the state treasuries of every state in which you’ve ever worked and/or lived. Let me know if you score!
June 27th: Mars enters Aries and activates the June 21st eclipse. Mars will be in Aries until January 2021. Mars rules Aries, and the two refer to courage, crusades and combat. The word “martial” is derived from “Mars,” and this long stay in Aries — in combination with the heavy controlling patterns of Saturn-Pluto in Capricorn, expanded by Jupiter in Capricorn — reflects why some astrologers included martial law in their list of potentials for 2020.
June 28th: Mars sextiles Saturn — the energy of action supports the energy of necessary structures and controls.
June 30th: the second of three conjunctions between Jupiter and Pluto in Capricorn. The first was on April 4th; the third happens on November 12th. The agenda is the expansion of power and resources in all earthly matters — and who has worked hard enough to claim power as their reward.

Fun fact: Governor Andrew Cuomo just said this in his daily press briefing:

“Change comes at a moment when the stars line up.”

He’s right!

Meanwhile…

Over the next year or so, we are at the end of an old order, come hell or high water — and probably both. Resistance is futile. Professor Heather Cox Richardson offers this historical perspective, and I wonder if she’s at all hip to planetary cycles. Seeds for a major new cycle will be formally planted in December — symbolized by the Great Mutation between Jupiter and Saturn in Aquarius. You can read more about that here.

In these United States, we are simultaneously surrounded by fog, while beginning a gut renovation this country has never experienced since its inception in 1776. This would be a Pluto Return — and it works like a Saturn Return (which most Avid Readers know about). Pluto refers to breakdown and transformation, for the purpose of empowerment. The U.S. gets the first exact hit in 2022, but it’s in effect now.

Also in effect now — but not exact — is transiting Neptune in Pisces, squaring the U.S. Mars in Gemini and opposing the U.S. Neptune in Virgo. This pattern will be exact in 2021. Avid Readers will recall that the U.S. Mars-Neptune square reflects this country’s romance with war, religion, opiates, oil and Hollywood. It’s why we need to have this thing we call The American Dream. What’s it like to have transiting Neptune on your Mars (your ability to assert and take action)? Ask Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller, who has this pattern active in his horoscope all through 2019 and 2020. His two-year investigation into l’affaire Russe is being erased, as charges are dropped and jailed guilty parties are released from prison and sent home.

Neptune dissolves whatever it touches. Thus the United States is at risk of having its assertive capabilities erased. The last time the U.S. had this kind of Neptune transit was during the Carter Administration — especially 1979. We had an oil crisis and a hostage crisis in Iran, which many viewed as embarrassing. We also had an upside of the healing potential of Neptune: the Camp David Accords, which resulted in a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. This Wikipedia entry summarizes the Carter Administration; you’ll see other shades of Neptune in the issues of that time.

Neptune patterns often reflect disappointment, as people operating under Neptune’s influence look for greener pastures. President Jimmy Carter lost his bid for re-election by a landslide in the Electoral College, winning only six states (plus the District of Columbia) and 41% of the popular vote.

The fog of Neptune lifted in 1981, as Ronald Reagan was inaugurated (with just 50.7% of the popular vote). The Republicans won control of the Senate for the first time since the 1950s, just in time for two important seed-planting cycles that happened in late 1980-81 (Jupiter conjunct Saturn in Libra) and 1982 (Saturn conjunct Pluto in Libra).

One more point about cycles repeating themselves. There’s a lot in the press comparing these times in the U.S. to 1968 — and of course there would be. 1968 was the aftermath of the disruptive seed-planting opportunity of Uranus conjunct Pluto. We hadn’t had one of those since 1848 (think about that, history buffs). Avid Readers will recall that between 2012 and 2015, we experienced the next stage of the Uranus-Pluto cycle in the form of seven squares between Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn. This post from 2014 talks about those squares in light of the protests that happened in Ferguson after yet another unarmed African-American man was murdered by the police. May it offer insights on the present unrest in these United States.

I had a slew of headlines to share — but it seems more helpful to review past cycles and remind Avid Readers that in many ways, we have all been here before. We will get through this — together.

Listen to the music from the late 60s/early 70s for further clues. Cue Ohio, by Neil Young now, please.

Thank you for reading this forecast — and for sharing it with your friends. If you find it worthwhile, Avid Reader Diane insists I remind you that the Venus retrograde in Gemini is an excellent time to support what you find of value. I deeply appreciate those of you who have chosen to be Faithful Monthly Avid Readers, Fairy Godparents and Guardian Angels as I endeavor to help you put the headlines in perspective during these oh-so interesting times.

Stay safe. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Maintain social distance. COVID-19 isn’t done with us yet. And if you’re out in the streets protesting, wear goggles and a helmet. Carry extra cell phone batteries, water and milk (for tear gas), as well as a first aid kit and phone numbers for the press and an attorney.

Tuesday 5/26/2020: Sneak Peek at a Short Work Week; Anything Goes

May 26, 2020/0 Comments/in The Forecast /by Elisabeth Grace

Good Morning!

Moon entered Cancer on Sunday at 7:09 PM ET, shifting our focus to needs of emotional, home and family security. At 2:48 AM ET on Monday, Mars — planet of action — made a cooperative connection (a sextile) to Uranus — planet of newfangled technology, seismic activity and unconventional types. This pattern is the only exact pattern we’ll have for the next eight days — other than aspects to the Moon.

Avid Readers will recall that these stretches of little-to-no planetary action should not be thought of as times when nothing is going on. We had one in April 2019 and another one in October. What I’ve noticed after observing them for the past several years is that they coincide with events like this: looking at a giant ice shelf on the most sparkling sunny day ever…and then, for no apparent reason, half the shelf crumbles into the ocean. So if an “other shoe” drops in the headlines — including an ice shelf — I will not be surprised, and neither should you.

The week goes like this:

TUESDAY — Moon in Cancer trines Neptune at 9:43 AM ET; note your dreams upon waking. A dreamy morning and early afternoon builds to an emotional catharsis or power play around 5:03 PM ET, as Moon opposes Pluto. An exuberant or wretchedly excessive release follows around 9:06 PM ET, when Moon opposes Jupiter, planet of expansion. Moon goes void for the rest of the evening, so chill, chill, chill!
WEDNESDAY — Moon enters Leo at 2:33 AM ET, looking for ways to shine and help others shine, too. Such efforts may be thwarted around 5:42 AM ET, as the Moon is opposed by Saturn, seeking to impose impersonal group-think technological controls upon someone’s sense of regal entitlement. A sense of balance returns by 3:02 PM ET, as the Moon sextiles (harmonizes with) the Gemini Sun, perhaps to announce a Very Important Message. At 5:34 PM ET we see the potential for an upset, as Moon is squared by rebel Uranus.
THURSDAY — begins sweetly enough, as Moon sextiles Venus in entertaining Gemini at 9:30 AM ET and goes void for the rest of the day. Now is the time to stick to routine concerns and roll with the twists and flakes that thwart your efforts to move forward in a straight line. See if you notice a sense of time slowing down during this long void — and if you’re not familiar with the term “moon void” here is a primer. Crises that crop up during voids are usually much ado about nothing — though with this Moon void in regal Leo, drama queens and kings may raise a royal ruckus. Coping strategy: schedule time for wandering and creative play.
THURSDAY — Mercury leaves Gemini at 2:09 PM ET. Watch for communication that demands our attention. Why? Because as it leaves Gemini and enters Cancer, Mercury will be at the Aries Point. And planets at the Aries Point (0 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) get noticed. Watch for news involving these politicians born with Aries Point planets in their horoscopes (off the top of my head): Elizabeth Warren, Barack Obama, Adam Schiff, Lamar Alexander and Ted Cruz. Mercury in Cancer suggests a need to think that is more emotional and instinctual, less analytical.
FRIDAY — Moon enters Virgo at 7:40 AM ET, determined to sort out the details and put things back in perfect order. Plan accordingly, with an innovative spin. At 11:30 PM ET, Moon squares the Sun. This First Quarter Moon may bring up challenges to the agenda you set on last week’s New Moon. The next few hours may be provocative, as Moon is opposed by Mars (action; aggression) at 3:34 AM ET on…
SATURDAY. A clash between someone’s need for perfection and someone else’s need for frivolous entertainment may crop up around 11:14 AM ET, as Moon squares Venus. Moon opposes Neptune at 7:14 PM ET, perfect for music, art and other dreamy escapes. Just double check the instructions or directions, as Moon-Neptune patterns can also be foggy.
SUNDAY — Night owls and other creative types can make great use of the depth of perception suggested by the Moon-Pluto trine at 1:46 AM ET, followed by a Moon-Jupiter trine at 5:17 AM ET. Moon then goes void until 10:38 AM ET — a perfect morning for sleeping in. After 10:38 AM ET, Moon will be in Libra, seeking balance and fairness in relationship. A trine between the Moon and Saturn keeps it real around 1:20 PM ET. A square between the Moon and Mercury at 5:16 PM ET may find someone sulking about something they feel just isn’t fair.

And now, the news.

Most stories reflected the boundary-pushing idealism and/or delusion of Mercury (how we need to think and communicate) and Venus (our values and social expression) being literally out-of-bounds in Gemini, both square to weird, wild, duplicitous Neptune. The fact that Venus is still retrograde until June 25th suggests we will continue to see stories of social encounters sorely lacking in social graces. Remember the image I gave you a few weeks ago of Venus retrograde being like an opened can of sardines, exposing the stinky fish for all to see?

Exhibit A was all over Twitter yesterday — and described in a WaPo story this morning:

“A black birdwatcher asked a white woman to leash her dog in Central Park. She called the police instead” — and everything she said and did was caught on tape. Public outrage at Amy Cooper‘s decision to use false, manipulative and potentially destructive language actually crashed the website of her employer, Franklin Templeton. She’s since lost her dog, her reputation — and possibly her job. We don’t yet have a birth date for Amy Cooper, but her horoscope has to be hot right now — perhaps with some regally entitled Leo planets activated by Uranus and Saturn, as well as late-degree planets in Aries or Capricorn, too.

Also trending now on Twitter is Exhibit B:

“Husband of deceased Scarborough staffer asks Twitter to delete baseless Trump claims.” The “baseless claims” falsely accused the former Florida congressman and host of Morning Joe of murdering the “staffer,” Lori Klausutis, who died of natural causes. I wonder what would happen if everyone justifiably outraged by Ms. Cooper decided to forward her widower husband’s letter to Twitter honcho, Jack Dorsey.

Meanwhile…

Pushing boundaries thousands of miles away (while most Americans were focused on a three-day holiday weekend): “Mike Pompeo and the Australian TV interview that caused a diplomatic storm.”
Uproar in the UK as Dominic Cummings, an adviser to Boris Johnson, refuses to resign over outrageous breach of lockdown rules
China’s military is prepared to step up in response to Hong Kong protests;
Israel’s Netanyahu vows to push ahead with plans to annex the West Bank
“An international example of bad judgment: local officials stunned by raucous Memorial Day festivities”

Meanwhile…

Mercury-Venus square Neptune (drugs and fantastic escapes) was reflected in this NYT Sunday Magazine cover story: “A Hidden Origin Story of the CBD Craze”. This week’s magazine offers plenty of other creative coping strategies for the current quarantine.

In other news…

A sextile between Mars and Uranus is an apt pattern reflecting the buzz over the first planned launch of a (hu)manned space craft from U.S. soil since 2011. Doug and Bob are the astronauts in question; here’s the lengthy WaPo profile — and no, they are not the Doug and Bob McKenzie who had a hit single called “Take Off.” Those guys were going to the Great White North, not the Wild Blue Yonder.

Glancing at the chart for the planned launch — 4:33 PM ET on May 27 in Cape Canaveral, Florida — we immediately see that the ruler of the chart is retrograde, suggesting a higher than average probability that the launch will not happen on time. It was thus delightful to read in the lengthy WaPo profile that there is a 60% chance the launch won’t happen because of the weather. (Mission scrubbed at 4:17 PM ET — the retrograde ruler of the planned launch is one of several patterns suggesting a no-go).

Hard aspects between Mars and Uranus often reflect disruptions in aviation and seismic events. The recent sextile is a soft aspect, and thus not as destructive. New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern didn’t bat an eye when her live interview was disrupted by a magnitude 5.8 earthquake. A plane crash in Pakistan actually had a number of survivors.

Reflecting the weekend’s sobering Sun-Saturn trine, the front page of Sunday’s NYT presented this reality check:

The 1000 names listed on the front page represent just 1% of the nearly 100,000 lives claimed in the United States by the coronavirus. On the day this went to press, P45 went golfing.

To schedule a delightful consultation about your own unique and fabulous horoscope, here’s the 411. Here’s how to follow in Avid Reader Diane’s fabulous footsteps and support my efforts to keep you cosmically informed and help you make sense of these interesting times.

Thank you for reading this forecast — and sharing it with your friends.

This photo of Lady Liberty keeping New York safe by wearing a surgical mask aptly expresses the nurturing needs of today’s Moon in Cancer.

Wednesday 5/20/20: Late Sneak Peek at the Week; New Moon in Gemini

May 20, 2020/0 Comments/in The Forecast /by Elisabeth Grace

Good Morning!

I’m playing catch-up after putting together a ginormous PowerPoint last week for a webinar I was asked to present for NCGR (the National Council for Geocosmic Research) on Sunday. It was all about Astrology and the News — and what fun it was! A warm welcome to NCGR members who attended the webinar and are now Avid Readers of this forecast. Enjoy!

Here’s how the week has gone — and is going:

The start of the work week was driven by the Moon in Aries, needing to get things started not now, but RIGHT NOW. Monday’s energy flow was fairly smooth.
On Tuesday, Moon made its weekly clash with Pluto at 11:51 AM ET, ripe for a power play or catharsis. At 4:33 PM ET, Moon squared Jupiter (planet of expansion), suggesting renewed exuberance or wretched excess. If you chilled out between 4:33 PM ET and 10:10 PM ET, you were intuitively responding to the Moon being void — i.e., wandering without focus. If a crisis landed on your plate during those hours, chances are it’s dissipated by now. Moon entered Taurus at 10:10 PM ET, seeking to turn Aries initiatives into solid form. Preserving the status quo, comfort and material security are the reigning needs of the next two days.

Major planetary patterns for the rest of the week fall on Wednesday (today!)

Venus retrograde in Gemini square Neptune in Pisces
Sun enters Gemini

…and FRIDAY:

Mercury conjunct Venus
Sun trine Saturn in Aquarius
Mercury in Gemini square Neptune
New Moon in Gemini

Like this:

WEDNESDAY — A sobering reality, perhaps related to an authoritative advance, weighed in at 1:58 AM ET, reflecting the square between the Moon and Saturn. Early risers may profit from the cooperative flow of action suggested by a harmony (sextile) between the Moon and Mars (action!) at 8:10 AM ET. Get to work, work it out — or just work out — it’s all good.
At 9:49 AM ET, Sun leaves earthy Taurus and enters airy Gemini. Clever communication of boatloads of information is what Gemini is designed to do — often while doing several other things at once (to keep from being bored or boring). If Taurus gives form to Aries’s initiatives; Gemini sells what Taurus builds and takes a commission.
Moon meets up with Uranus at 2:07 PM ET, reflecting a possible upset to the Taurus Moon‘s desired status quo. It may be hard to make sense of it all — today — and for the past several days, frankly — under the current spell of Neptune’s square to Venus, exact at 7:03 PM ET. This is the second of three Venus-Neptune squares we’ll have in three months. The first was on May 3rd; the third happens on July 27th.
In the language of astrology, Neptune dissolves, fogs or colors whatever it touches in a lovely shade of rose. Here, Neptune is acting on Venus — which refers to money, aesthetics, values, women and social expression. These Venusian symbols may seem dreamy now — but may not be for real. They may be colored by Neptune concerns — e.g., scandal, music, idealism, drugs, oil, victimization, delusions, spirits of all kind, etc. Upside potential: some enchanted evening may be still be had tonight, especially under a Taurus Moon, which delights in good food, wine and a snuggle with a sweetie. Indulge if you can. Meanwhile, if you have a planet around 20 degrees of Gemini, Sagittarius, Pisces or Virgo in your horoscope, you are personally affected by this dreamy spell. Exhibit A: P45 says he’s taking a controversial anti malaria drug as a preventive measure against COVID-19 and everyone is a-twitter over whether it’s true.
THURSDAY — the afterglow of the Venus-Neptune square persists, as other sparkly patterns exact on Friday are building in strength. The high-functioning Taurus Moon needs to build something solid out of this inspired thinking. If your vision is on the side of the angels, good for you and the rest of us; apply yourself accordingly. If your vision involves a review, a restructure or a release of what no longer serves, that would be apt for the three planets that are currently retrograde.
Meanwhile, note that the Moon is at the end of its cycle, reflecting little — if any — light from the Sun. A dead Moon is apt if your project requires flying under the radar. Restlessness and/or listlessness are not uncommon during dead Moons, as we sense something new is on the horizon – but don’t know what it is.
FRIDAY — Moon goes void at 4:01 AM ET, not to enter the next sign for five and a half hours. East Coasters, that’s your excuse for any slow start to your morning. Mercury (how we need to think) and Venus (who, what and how we need to love) meet up in Gemini at 4:41 AM ET. This is another marker of idealism. Fun fact: both planets are currently out-of-bounds, suggesting extremes — and getting away with it — in all that these planets represent. Would it surprise you to learn that P45 was born with Mercury out of bounds? It shouldn’t. He also has Pluto out-of-bounds. Pluto refers to power.
At 8:02 AM, Sun trines Saturn. Sun refers to leaders, the heart and willpower. We see an easy flow between leadership and authoritative controls. Question is, how will this easy flow of control reflect the magical thinking of other patterns? Moon enters Gemini at 9:36 AM ET, needing to prove itself the smartest kid in the room. At 11:43 AM ET, Mercury squares Neptune, and P45 is sure to be tweeting all about it, as this pattern affects his horoscope. The Gemini Moon trines Saturn at 1:12 PM ET, struggling to present pixie-dust as established fact. Minutes later, the Moon meets up with the Sun — exact at 1:39 PM ET — and it looks like this:

Set in Washington DC, the chart for the New Moon is ruled by that high-functioning, out-of-bounds Mercury, quite visible in the 10th House. Mercury also rules the 10th House, which refers to leaders — including the head of state. Hmm. Neptune is in the 7th House, suggesting all that Neptune symbolizes is foisted upon the public: dreams, fog, vision, scandal, viruses, etc. The next aspect to the Moon in this chart is a square to Mars, so we see a conflict on the horizon. The next aspect among planets other than the Moon is a sextile (cooperative flow) between Mars and technogeek/rebel Uranus.

The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon is “the garden of the Tuileries,” which Blain Bovee tells us is “an image of royal palatial remains, open to the public.” The palace in question was burned down in 1781 during the Commune of Paris, which was an organization that seized control of the government during the French Revolution. Their principles were “in direct contrast to the laws and order of the status quo,” says Bovee.

Further insights on this Symbol are here, but Bovee’s bottom line is that this next lunar cycle is likely to highlight a conflict between established rules of order and revolutionary forces determined to turn the rules upside down. If you have a planet or angle around 2 degrees of Gemini, Sagittarius, Virgo or Pisces, that point is activated by this New Moon. You may find yourself dealing with issues of rules — and whether to follow or break them over the next few weeks.

Back to the forecast for the week:

FRIDAY (CONT) — Moon squares Mars at 10:43 PM ET, suggesting another provocative Friday night news dump. In your own personal world, be mindful for the potential of a steamy outburst.
SATURDAY — Moon continues in Gemini all day — with no speed bumps and no void. You are free to shop — but as Venus is still retrograde, caution is advised if your purchase has an aesthetic element and you’re planning to live with it over a long period of time. The evening may be dreamy and peppered with intangibles: e.g., music and film, as Neptune squares the Moon on…
SUNDAY — at 1:34 AM ET. Moon goes void at 7:09 AM ET — not to enter Cancer until 7:09 PM ET. Stick to routine concerns; roll with any twists or flakes. No impulse shopping during the long Moon void! When the Moon enters Cancer at 7:09 PM ET, the focus shifts to home and homeland security. Settle in for the night with the family.

Meanwhile, Beth Owl’s Daughter’s Tarot Card of the Week is always in sync with planetary patterns.

And now, the news.

We have boatloads of stories reflecting the magical thinking of the Venus-Neptune square (which really hasn’t dissipated since the first square on May 3rd):

UPDATE: Speaking of President Obama, we would expect him to be prominently in the public eye this month, as his natal Venus in Cancer is at the Aries Point, currently activated by the North Node at 0 Cancer. It is guaranteed that he will be noticed throughout his life for his aesthetics, values and social expression — much of it reflecting Cancerian qualities, including emotional sensitivity and nurturing. The activation by the North Node makes that more so now. Over the weekend, against the backdrop of trines between the Sun and Jupiter (optimism, expansion, higher education) and Pluto (power, extremes) Obama gave two commencement addresses — recapped here by Trevor Noah — or watch the full eight minutes here. Ratings were through the roof. Prominence!

Aptly reflecting his Aquarius Ascendant, Obama advised grads to work together as a caring community to change the world. Obama’s natal Mercury – Jupiter opposition is being activated by transiting Saturn, prompting structure and gravitas in communication. Further facilitating such communication initiatives is Saturn trining his 3 degree Gemini Moon. We’ll likely see more over the next lunar cycle, as Friday’s New Moon is conjunct the Moon in Obama’s horoscope.

For the record, note how Obama is getting noticed rightthisminute in the world of art. It was announced that there would be no unveiling of his portrait in a dignified ceremony at the White House, as is customary. Venus retrograde throws social graces out the window, doncha’ know — and besides, P45 is too busy acting like this (per Jimmy Kimmel) and this (per Randy Rainbow).

UPDATE: on Elizabeth Warren, whose horoscope is also activated by the North Node’s at the Aries Point in Cancer. We expected her to be more prominent in the headlines at this time — and she’s delivered. “Biden, Warren Team Up in New Video to Surprise Supporters with Personal Calls” — and how is it that the “surprise” is what has been activated in her horoscope (her natal Sun-Uranus conjunction).

UPDATE: on Mike Pompeo, whose horoscope was discussed here in January. We see strong potential for a disruption of the status quo. Though Saturn is sitting on his Midheaven through 2020, suggesting he is likely at the top of his game professionally, we also see that Venus — ruler of his Taurus Ascendant — is days away from the first of three hits from transiting Uranus. That happens the first week of June, along with the second of three hits of Saturn to his Midheaven. Not only that, but transiting Mars will be provoking his natal Pluto much as it did at the end of January (described in my post linked above). We see the potential for a significant outburst of energy.

Pompeo is making headlines today because he is alleged to have asked P45 to fire the Inspector General who was investigating another abuse of taxpayer funds for Pompeo’s personal advancement. Heather Cox Richardson explains the scandal here.

Finally…

UPDATE: on Captain Tom Moore, the British centenarian who won hearts and raised millions in a fundraiser for the NHS last month. True to his horoscope, discussed in a prior forecast, his philanthropic efforts are still going strong — and the government has taken notice. He’s just received a knighthood. Kudos to Captain Sir Thomas Moore!

Gosh, I hope that’s everything. If not, you know how to contact me — here’s the 411 on personal consultations. And yes, Avid Reader Diane, I won’t forget to mention that Avid Readers who opt to express appreciation for this work through Joyful Random Expressions of Appreciation or Faithful Monthly Expressions of Appreciation may do so right here, at the Cosmic Tip Jar. I will cherish you for the rest of my days.

Thank you for reading this forecast — and for sharing it with your friends.

Planetary patterns this week

have a fairy-tale quality…

Photo brought to you by Avid Reader Jeri

Tuesday 5/12/2020: Sneak Peek at a Jam-Packed Week, Part 2: Jupiter Retrograde; Surreal News Round-Up; Dash of Pepper

May 13, 2020/0 Comments/in The Forecast /by Elisabeth Grace

A quick replay of the forecast for today: at 11:39 AM ET, Moon officially entered Aquarius. Now is the time for social significance, intellectual innovation and networking panache. Hang with your chosen group of buddies and come up with a seriously sobering communications playbook. Around 3 PM ET, Moon met up with “get real” Saturn and harmonized with clever Mercury in Gemini. At 4:14 PM ET, Mercury and Saturn were beautifully aligned — reflecting that aforementioned playbook.

How fascinating that here in these United States we have not one, but TWO “get real” events streaming online today. Tough choice, but I opted for SCOTUS, which is finally hearing arguments in the battle for the release of P45’s tax returns. The other “get real” option was Dr. Fauci’s testimony for the Senate, in which he was reportedly going to say that it would be the dumbest dumb thing ever to re-open America for busy-ness too soon — and it would have “really serious consequences,” including “suffering and death.” Here’s a recap of the “reality check” he delivered.

More news in a minute — but first let’s do Part 2 of the Sneak Peek at the Week, continuing from yesterday:

THURSDAY — Moon in Aquarius trines Venus at 5:20 AM ET — facilitating sweetness in relationship. As the morning progresses, the Third Quarter Moon kicks in, exact at 10:03 AM ET. It suggests a conflict or release of energy involving sharing with others what some people would prefer to keep for themselves. Moon goes void for the next 11 hours, not to enters Pisces until 9:24 PM ET. Chill out during this long void; stick to routine concerns; avoid impulse shopping online; take a nap; go for a walk (wearing your mask). Roll with the twists and flakes — and remember that crises which crop up during voids are usually much ado about nothing.
THURSDAY — Jupiter turns retrograde at 10:03 AM ET. As you know, Jupiter is in Capricorn until December 20th, expanding matters ruled by Capricorn: ambition, government and corporate entities, social status, patriarchies — to name a few. If you’ve got a planet or angle around 27 degrees of Capricorn, Cancer, Aries or Libra, that planet may be in an expansive phase of development, for better or worse.
In the horoscope of the United States, Jupiter is ALMOST — but not quite exact — on its Pluto, reflecting a drive for the expansion of power — for better or for worse. When will Jupiter be EXACTLY conjunct Pluto, fully releasing the potential of this power drive? December 7th. Anything happening around that date? Well, the Electoral College meets on the first Monday after the second Wednesday of that month, i.e., December 14th. It’s fascinating that literally one minute ago, the Brennan Center for Justice reminded everyone on Twitter that tomorrow SCOTUS will hear two cases related to the Electoral College. Hmm. Jupiter also refers to travel — and it appears that the power of Americans to travel around the world is about to be delayed.
Jupiter turning retrograde puts a hold on expansion — and may be related to travel, publishing, courts, sports — which are a few examples of Jupiter-ruled concerns. Patience is advised. Jupiter turns direct on September 13th at 17 Capricorn. The Sabian Symbol for this Jupiter retrograde is “a large aviary” — and here is the link to further insights from Blaine Bovee.
THURSDAY — Moon enters Pisces at 9:24 PM ET, shifting our focus to feelings, impressions and ideals.
FRIDAY — At 12:06 AM, Moon meets up with Mars, suggesting an assertion of will that may be challenging to fathom — but it’s likely related to executive power and an easy earthy flow of resources, suggested by two harmonies between the Taurus Sun over the next few days. The first one is Sun trine Pluto, exact at 2:49 AM ET. Sun-Pluto aspects often reflect stories of CEOs, news from underground, power and resources, regeneration and transformation.
An easy flow of innovation sparks controversy around 1 PM ET, as Moon sextiles Uranus and squares Mercury.
SATURDAY — Go with the flow of this Moon-in-Pisces day — wherever your dreams may take you. Just remember that those who are reality-challenged may be especially susceptible to whatever fantasy is put forth around 2:34 PM ET, as Moon meets up with nebulous Neptune. Tension over women, arts and social expression may briefly spark around 4:35 PM ET, as Moon squares Venus.
SUNDAY — Moon goes void at 3:59 AM ET — you may sleep right through it. At 9:36 AM ET, the pace picks up, along with a need to get something started, as Moon charges into Aries. Count your blessings in this day of potential bliss, reflecting the good cheer of a harmony — a trine — between the Sun and Jupiter.

And now, the news — mostly highlights of the past week.

Driving a majority of headlines was the surreal, magical thinking potential of nebulous Neptune, as it squared Venus and sextiled the Sun. These patterns reflect a need for people to see what they want to see; ergo, any conspiracy theory that crops up under these patterns should be taken with a hefty grain of salt — or disregarded entirely. Other stories reflected the simply magical, charismatic or surreal. Music — another Neptune keyword — was also big:

“The White House’s coronavirus cure is even more magical than we imagined”
“Covid-19 conspiracy video goes viral; flamingoes in Venice and other fake news”
“Roy Horn, who dazzled audiences as half of Siegfried & Roy, dies of covid-19”
“Little Richard, flamboyant rocker who fused gospel fervor with R&B sexuality, dies at 87”
Elon Musk and Grimes name their newborn X AE A-12. Bizarre?
“Live and Let Die” plays in the background as P45 visits a mask factory — without a mask
“Woman killed by alligator in SC was visiting gated community to do nails”

UPDATE: on Robert Mueller. Some Avid Readers may recall these observations from the forecast posted on July 29, 2019 — after his disappointing testimony before Congress:

What contributed to the fizzle effect of Mueller’s testimony, as opposed to a potential sizzle? In a word: Neptune. As Avid Readers may recall, transiting Neptune has completed a series of oppositions to Mueller’s razor-sharp Mercury in Virgo and is now in the middle of a series of oppositions to Mueller’s equally precise Virgo Mars. Neptune dissolves and fogs whatever it touches — and in this case, it’s Mueller’s ability to act with said laser-precision. Neptune will continue to exert its foggy influence on Mueller’s Mars for the next 12 months.

When I wrote those words, I remember wondering how Mueller could possibly be erased more than he already had. But then Bill Barr’s Justice Department announced it was dropping its case against General Mike Flynn, who had already pleaded guilty to lying:

“Barr Undercuts Mueller Investigation as P45 Cheers Him On”

Dropping the charges against Flynn also undercuts the rule of law, which Mueller arguably represents.

UPDATE: P45, because it explains much. Avid Readers may recall my post from January 6th, anticipating when he would be in an especially aggressive period of attacking and being attacked for the first half of 2020. At the time, he had already scheduled certain events:

January 29 – February 5 (his State of the Union speech was on the 4th)
May 4 – 12 — invited to attend a military parade in Moscow (cancelled by covid-19, but he still spoke with Putin by phone on May 7th)
June 8 – 16 (P45 was scheduled to host the G-7)

The most intense days of aggression in May were the 4th, 10th and 12th (today). So what happened?

P45 “Throws Full-Blown Tantrum Over GOP Ad Criticizing Coronavirus Response” — the ad is called “Mourning in America”
P45’s personal valet tests positive for Covid-19, along with others in his inner circle, as The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah explains
President Barack Obama referred to the P45 administration’s coronavirus response efforts as “an absolute chaotic disaster” given its “…mindset — of ‘what’s in it for me’ and ‘to heck with everybody else’”
P45 struck back with a marathon rage-tweet session on May 10th, which was Mothers’ Day — howling about a newly-imagined conspiracy
On May 11th, he “stormed out” of a press briefing in response to questions from women reporters
The legality of his change of residence from New York to Mar-a-Lago is now in question — that just came in
Paul Manafort was released from prison “due to fears of the coronavirus,” and will spend the rest of his eight year sentence in home confinement. Astrology is amazing.

P45 isn’t the only one in the world with Mars and Mercury activating planets in his horoscope. Case in point: Mitt Romney, who wasn’t afraid at all to offer a “scathing rebuke” of the P45 Administration’s response to the covid crisis. Nor was he afraid to ask Dr. Fauci if there was any truth to P45’s allegations that Barack Obama was to blame. Mercury is right on Romney’s Gemini Ascendant today; later this week, Mars will square it. More fireworks?

In other news…

I can’t bear to write in detail at the moment about the unspeakable awfulness of how 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery was murdered in Georgia for the offense of Jogging While Black — other than to note that it happened on a dead Moon, which reflects how the video recording of the crime remained hidden for so many months.

Meanwhile…

Saturn’s station in Aquarius (aviation) offers a long sobering look at the future of airline travel. WaPo reports that consumer complaints have skyrocketed.

Just in time for the retrogrades — reflecting potential delays:

The Keystone XL pipeline that was on — is off again, thanks to a judge’s order
Los Angeles will likely keep its “stay-at-home” order in place until July
Judge Emmet Sullivan is in no rush to dismiss the case against General Flynn
“How to Re-think Your Wedding” — if you were planning on tying the knot this summer

Speaking of weddings…and to always try to end on an upbeat note, Avid Reader Andra says you must must must tune in to John Krasinski’s Good News Show — available to all on YouTube. In the last episode, he officiated at a wedding. Awww.

Thank you for reading this forecast. And thank you to Avid Readers Whitney, Sarah and Stephanie for their recent generous contributions to my Cosmic Tip Jar, which welcomes Joyful Random and Faithful Monthly Expressions of Appreciation. Such support enables me to maintain this website and pepper it with photos to enjoy. And speaking of Pepper, she says hi.

Monday 5/11/2020: Sneak Peek at a Jam-Packed Week, Part 1: Saturn & Venus Retrograde

May 12, 2020/0 Comments/in The Forecast /by Elisabeth Grace

It’s a busy week of planetary shifts — as Saturn, Venus and Jupiter reverse direction, demanding we slow down and REview. Mercury and Mars change signs, demanding an adjustment in matters of walking and talking.

Here’s how it goes:

MONDAY — Moon picks up from where it was on Sunday, i.e., in Capricorn, driving the day with a need to Make Things Happen. As in baseball, no crying will be tolerated. At 12:09 AM ET, Saturn turned retrograde.
Saturn refers to ambition, authority and necessary controls. It turned retrograde at almost exactly 2 degrees of Aquarius. It will back up into Capricorn on July 2nd — all the way back to 25 degrees of Capricorn — turning direct on September 25th.
FUN FACT for Astro-Nerds: It will take until January 3, 2021 for Saturn to return to where it is right now. It is absolutely fascinating to note that when Mars turns retrograde this September, it will also take until January 3, 2021 for it to return to the place it will be at — 28 Aries — when it turns retrograde. January 3rd is the start of the 117th Congress. Hmmm.

You’re more personally affected by this Saturn retrograde if you have a planet around 2 Aquarius, Leo, Taurus or Scorpio. You are likely feeling a streamlining squeeze in the area of life the squeezed planet represents. Consult your astrologer for details.

In general, Saturn retrograde suggests a time to turn inward in matters related to ambition, structure, controls and authority. External authority figures may not be reliable — and may present delays, reconsideration or necessary revisions.

One theme we’ll likely see in the headlines: who has power over whom? Saturn in Aquarius would argue that authority belongs to humanity, networks of all kind (including technology); or a group of free-thinking like-minded souls. Saturn in Capricorn would argue that authority belongs to the Powers That Be; established corporate entities of business and government. Capricorn is often the “old guard;” Aquarius, the avant garde. See if you notice a shift in power dynamics when Saturn re-enters Capricorn on July 2nd.

The Sabian Symbol for Saturn at 2 Aquarius is “an unexpected thunderstorm,” which Sabian Symbol Sage Blaine Bovee suggests may be experienced as heavy rains turning an adobe hut into mud. “Man plans; God laughs” would also be apt.

Sabian Symbols tend to work in pairs, with the second half of the pair being a Symbol’s opposite. In this case, the opposite Symbol for 2 Aquarius is 2 Leo: “a epidemic of mumps.” Coincidence or conspiracy? Bovee advises us to watch for:

Things that spread rapidly, upsetting normal expectations…something that seems too good to be true probably is. Watch for immunity to current fads; cathartic turns of events; knowing when to be quiet…”

…and so forth. I recommend Bovee’s fascinating book on Sabian Symbols.

OK. Back to the day by day forecast:

MONDAY (cont.) — coloring the past few days, exact at 3:33 AM ET, was a square between Mercury (how we need to think) and Mars (how we need to act; assertion). If you have a planet around 28 degrees of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius, you were personally affected by this supercharged pattern — and likely feeling called to battle in your personal crusade. Exhibit A: P45, who was on a highly aggressive Twitter meltdown yesterday, as these planets activated his regally entitled 29 Leo Ascendant — noted in the last and other prior forecasts.
MONDAY (cont.) — at 5:58 PM ET, Mercury leaves Taurus and enters Gemini, one of the signs it rules. This is a comfortable and efficient placement for Mercury, so we can look forward to thoughts and communication in the headlines that are focused on presenting information that is clever, entertaining and intense.
MONDAY (cont.) — the Capricorn Moon touches base with Neptune and Sun around dinner time ET, suggesting an easy flow of vision and/or faith added to today’s enterprising agenda. Tension builds after that, as the Moon meets up with Pluto on…
TUESDAY — …at 2:14 AM ET. This is the weekly power play and/or emotional catharsis, as Pluto tears down, empowers and purges. Moon goes void on a jollier note, meeting up with Jupiter (planet of expansion) at 6:30 AM ET. If you are new to this forecast and unfamiliar with the term “Moon void” or “void of course Moon,” here is the primer. Basically, roll with whatever twists and flakes crop up that may disrupt your efforts to move forward in a straight line. Remember that crises which crop up during Moon voids are usually of little consequence. Chill!
See if you notice the shift in focus at 11:39 AM ET, when the Moon officially enters Aquarius. Now is the time for social significance, intellectual innovation and networking panache. Hang with your chosen group of buddies and come up with a seriously sobering communications playbook. Around 3 PM ET, Moon meets up with “get real” Saturn and harmonizes with that clever Mercury in Gemini. At 4:14 PM ET, Mercury and Saturn are beautifully aligned — reflecting that aforementioned playbook.
WEDNESDAY — Next up: Mars — symbol of action, courage and assertion — ditches Aquarius and its “rebel with a cause” agenda. At 12:17 AM ET, Mars enters Pisces like a hot poker plunged into a cauldron of cool water. Mars in Pisces invented the phrase “steaming mad” and co-invented (along with Mars in Libra) “passive-aggressive.” But unlike Mars in Libra, the energy of action reflected by Mars in Pisces needs to reflect awareness of feeling and ideals. We see the potential for action based on intuition, suffering, empathy, escapism — anything in the Pisces realm.
Keep an eye on “Moscow Mitch” McConnell over the next few days, as his Pisces Sun is activated by Mars. Themes of provocation, assertion and/or aggression would not be surprising.
WEDNESDAY — At 1:52 AM ET, Moon is squared by Uranus, suggesting a disruption to the status quo. Moon travels without speed bumps for the rest of the entire day. Go with the flow.
WEDNESDAY — at 2:45 AM, Venus turns retrograde at 21 degrees Gemini — not to turn direct again until June 25th. What does this suggest?

Venus refers to how we need to express ourselves socially. It refers to women, art, beauty and money; in health matters Venus refers to the belt line area of the body (as well as the thyroid and the throat). Venus rules copper, which is an important indicator of economic growth in the commodities markets.

In our social interactions, Venus is the sugar that sweetens our demands, facilitating cooperation. When direct in motion, Venus supports social graces and words like “please” and “thank you.” When retrograde, courtesy and consideration do not come so easily — and relationships can suffer the consequences. The image I hold of Venus retrograde is one of those old-fashioned sardine cans — which you need a key to open. Roll back the lid of the sardine can and there you have it: stinky fish exposed, for all to see. There’s no hiding that smell!

Venus turns retrograde about every 18 months — less often than Mercury, which retrogrades 3-4 times a year. Venus retrograde may present challenges in relationship, finances or aesthetics. Wherever Venus is traveling in your horoscope (in this case 5-21 degrees of Gemini) is where a focus is likely. Look back to May of 2012 for guidance; this is the last time Venus was retrograde in Gemini.

Mindset and communication are Gemini’s domain. Therefore, pay close attention to what you think and say during this Venus retrograde. Do your words and thoughts reflect your true values?

This tweet from Anil Dash offers sage advice for Venus (who, what and how you need to love) retrograde (review) in Gemini (mindset) — especially in what you share on social media:

A reminder that may not be obvious: amplification on social networks has monetary value. Twitter’s algorithm counts it as engagement even if you shared a tweet to criticize it or mock it, and uses that signal to amplify the tweet further. Only RT what you would pay to promote.

The rest of his advice can be found on Twitter here. Meanwhile, this article by Julio Vincent Gambuto (reposted from last week) makes a compelling case for reviewing how you spend your hard-earned cash — eliminating indulgences that do not support your authentic self.

When Venus is retrograde, tried and true connections may be strained — but they will survive. Less sturdy bonds may snap. Celebrities may suddenly divorce. All that fishy smell can mess up our aesthetic senses, too. Be careful about starting a fling with that hot new thing, lest ye awake in a month or so with buyer’s remorse — or worse — the horrible panicked aftermath of a coyote date. This applies to all partnerships, not just romantic ones.

Exercise caution in matters of decor. If you’re planning on redecorating, you hopefully picked out your colors before the Venus retrograde. Putting in an offer on a new home? Look under the rugs, kick the tires — make sure you’re not seduced by surface charm covering up so much….stinky fish. As for cosmetic surgery? Meh. This is not the best time.

Gemini needs diverse, clever and intense entertainment. Gemini fears being boring — or bored. Gemini’s need for diversity leads to restlessness. The challenge of Venus retrograde in Gemini: moving forward too quickly on an aesthetic, monetary or social initiative out of restlessness and/or boredom. It will be interesting to see the results when hair salons can finally open.

So what good can come out of Venus retrograde? Abandoned artistic and creative projects may be ripe for a second chance. Relationships from the past may return. Review your finances. Review your values, so that when it is time to move forward, you can build something that isn’t thrown together out of a need for idle entertainment. Better to build a thing of authentic beauty that may last forever.

So much to cover during this busy week of planetary shifts! Stay tuned for Part 2 of this Sneak Peek at the Week — in which we’ll talk about Jupiter turning retrograde in Capricorn, exact on Thursday at 10:32 AM ET.

As for the news — that must also wait ’til next time — save for this fun tidbit. Avid Readers will recall from last Monday’s forecast that Saturn stationing in Aquarius suggested a focus on astrology. We were bound to see it in the news — and once again the New York Times delivered. “Will Coronavirus Kill Astrology?” the headline wonders.

Bless their hearts — and send them kudos for providing continued validation by once again publishing a story about astrology as anticipated, in sync with planetary patterns. Kudos also to Beth Owl’s Daughter’s Tarot Card of the Week — hot off the press — and also always in sync.

Thank you for reading this forecast. Here’s the 411 on personal consultations.

Venus (detail) by Sandro Botticelli in the vintage book The Florence, the painting gallery, by E. Dolgova, 1904

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