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.

Monday 11/27/2023: Sneak Peek at the Week; Full Moon in Gemini; Mercury-Venus Demand Focus

November 28, 2023/in The Forecast

Allllllrighty then!

First, a warm welcome to a slew of new Avid Readers who discovered and subscribed to this forecast over the holiday weekend, thanks to shout-outs made possible by Greg Olear (author of the most excellent Substack newsletter — PREVAIL), the Seven Sisters Alumnae Association, and Beth Owl’s Daughter, whose weekly Tarot Card is always in sync with planetary patterns.

I had a lovely Thanksgiving holiday, and I hope you did, too. In addition to the delightful shout-outs, I received a few unexpected invitations for speaking engagements, and that always makes my day.

Meanwhile, I just have to share a bit of feedback received today from a client consultation I had earlier last week! It’s such a cool example of how astrology can be super-helpful in your own personal world.

My client has been job hunting, and she’s received one offer from a company that wants an answer ASAP. She’s much more interested in another opportunity, but for various reasons, wasn’t convinced she’d make it to the next step in the hiring process. Should she move forward on the one offer received? That was her dilemma.

Astrology can help with these issues in more than one way. First, I ran a chart for the time my client asked her question about taking the offer she had. This is called a horary question (a.k.a. a Burning Question), and it’s described in greater detail here on my website. In the chart for a horary question it is possible to discern an accurate assessment of circumstances surrounding the question, and a likely outcome.

The chart for the question made it obvious that my client was not in a clear state of mind, and truly not that invested in accepting the offer. The strategy was to wait, and this was affirmed when I then looked at patterns in her horoscope for the following week, and saw:

These patterns convinced me that she was likely to hear news — and probably good news, at the beginning of this week, and that’s what I told her.

Did I know with absolute certainty that it would be related to this particular work opportunity? Nothing is absolutely certain (except death and taxes), but if I had to bet on it, the odds for it being a job-related piece of good news was strong. And guess what? My wonderful client emailed me this morning (Nov 27) to say that she’d been called in for an interview — the hoped-for next step in the process.

I’ve been smiling about this all day. I don’t know why astrology works, but it does…and often, it feels like magic.

Right-o. The forecast for this week.

Highlights are:

Full Moon in Gemini on Monday
Mercury square Neptune #1 on Monday
Venus conjunct the South Node on Wednesday
Mercury enters Capricorn on Friday
Mercury sextile Saturn on Saturday
Venus square Pluto on Sunday

Basically, Mercury (how we need to think and communicate) and Venus (who, what, and how we need to love) are the star players. The challenges reflected by patterns affecting both planets this week are beautifully represented in Beth Owl’s Daughter’s Tarot Card of the Week, which is Temperance. Beth writes (words in italics are mine):

“Temperance” comes from the Latin verb, tempare which means “to mix or combine.” While the Temperance Leagues during the days of alcohol (Neptune!!) Prohibition gave this word an association of denial and abstinence, the older concept of temperance teaches that a virtuous life avoids extremism (Pluto!!).

It goes like this:

MONDAY: Moon in Gemini needs to be the smartest kid in the room. “What’s the buzz, tell me what’s happening” is its mantra. And what’s happening today (and all through the weekend and the start of this week) is likely to be sublimely ideal, surreal, dreamy, and/or delusional. Determining which of those four potentials apply is our challenge. At 4:16 AM ET Moon waxed to its fullness. At 8:27 AM ET, Mercury squared Neptune, which is why I said what I said about the potential for magical thinking, etc. Note that this Mercury-Neptune square is the first of three we will have in a concentrated period. The next two are on December 27 and January 8th. Why three? Because Mercury turns retrograde on December 13th, and before it goes retrograde, it passes through its shadow phase.

A pause, while we discuss what it means when Mercury (or any other planet) is in its shadow phase.

Mercury goes retrograde on December 13th at a point we call 8 degrees of Capricorn.

Mercury turns direct on January 1st at 22 degrees of Sagittarius, which is where Mercury was on Friday, November 24th.

Mercury returns to 8 degrees of Capricorn on January 20th.

Translation: all brainstorming, communications, and negotiations happening between November 24th and January 20th are subject to review and revision. We don’t cover totally new ground until January 21st. Thus, any project demanding our attention on November 24th is likely to be in focus again on January 1st. Any project demanding focus on December 13th is likely to be in focus again on January 20th.

In the mundane world, whatever was in the news on November 24th is likely to be in the spotlight on New Year’s Day, especially if it involves people and entities with planets at 22 Sagittarius, Gemini, Virgo, and Pisces. Whatever is in the news on December 13th is likely to involve people and entities with planets at 8 Capricorn, Cancer, Aries, and Libra — and those stories may return on January 20th.

Between November 24th and December 13th, Mercury travels from 22 Sagittarius to 8 Capricorn. This is Mercury’s shadow period. Mercury is moving forward, but Mercury is going to revisit that span when it goes retrograde, literally retracing its steps (“retrograde” means “backward step”). Between January 1st and January 20th, Mercury will travel from 22 Sagittarius to 8 Capricorn — moving forward, but over ground it’s already covered. This is also Mercury’s shadow period. These two shadow periods bracket the days when Mercury is retrograde. Clear? Holler if you have questions.

A second pause, while we discuss today’s Full Moon in Gemini, set in Washington, D.C.:

Observations:

A Full Moon in Gemini illuminates the need for facts (Gemini Moon) vs. the energy of beliefs (Sagittarius Sun). What if the beliefs are inaccurate? How will that affect the ability to process facts? Will we end up with “alternative facts,” as Kellyanne Conway infamously proclaimed on January 22, 2017 (in a discussion about the size of the crowd at TFG’s inauguration)?!
Like the chart for the New Moon in Scorpio, the Sun is in the 2nd house (now opposed by the Moon in the 8th house). So, for the United States, we see another focus on matters involving money, worth, and values — but this time opposed by matters involving shared investments, shared values, debt, taxes, and mortality. As if on cue, at 6 AM ET, this was posted on the homepage of Washington Post: “This lawsuit could disrupt the U.S. tax system. Key facts are in dispute.” So cool!
Mars is in the 2nd house in Sagittarius. The energy of action and assertion is inclined to push boundaries and burn a hole in the proverbial wallet (or righteously opinionated value system). Note that the Moon is about to oppose Mars, so we can absolutely envision a heated face-off involving information and belief. FUN FACT: it’s just occurred to me that lawyers use the phrase “upon information and belief” in their court filings explaining why such-and-such defendant was charged with such-and-such unlawful activity. They make a point of stating that the facts support the allegations.
Mercury is in Sagittarius, which can be quite sloppy in its thinking, preferring broad conceptual strokes to exacting detail. Mercury in Sagittarius probably coined the phrase, “we’ll fix it in post.” Mercury is exactly square Neptune, and — as noted above — reflects ideals, intuition, illusions, and delusions. We could easily be carried away by a dream, especially since we’ll have this pattern twice more in the coming weeks. But — it’s the holidaze (!) — and so long as we realize it’s a dream (or an escapist fantasy, such as a dream vacation), there’s no harm in enjoying it, right?
As it was on the New Moon in Scorpio, Pluto is at the root of this chart, suggesting composting, purging, and power plays are continuing throughout this news cycle. This time, Pluto is also squaring the 0 degree Scorpio Ascendant, which — let the record show — has just changed into something NEW.
The 0 degree Scorpio Ascendant suggests that much free will is in play at this time. It’s too soon to tell which way events will evolve. Thus it is a screaming wake-up call for anyone seeking to be of influence in near future.
Venus is in the 12th house of the subconscious, large institutions of confinement (e.g. churches, hospitals, prisons), self-sabotage, and hidden enemies. In general, Venus in the 12th suggests a private sense of aesthetics, and is prone to dissatisfaction (which might arguably be avoided, if the dissatisfied entity were less private about things). Venus is dignified and high-functioning in Libra, one of the signs it rules. Venus in Libra is thus able to act in line with its values of peace, love, fairness, and diplomacy in relationship.
Venus is conjunct the South Node, which refers to past-life patterns than no longer serve, destruction, and potentially toxic release. Venus is also square to Pluto, which suggests extremes of social expression in a possible breakdown and/or transformation. There’s much I could say about this pattern, but for now, it seems an apt one for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral on Wednesday.
The Sabian Symbols for this Full Moon are “a radical magazine” (for the Moon), and “an owl up a tree” (for the Sun). A radical magazine is loaded with double entendre, which makes sense for a Gemini Moon, right? On the one hand, it refers to a literary publication, echoing other symbols of righteous communication in this Full Moon chart. “Radical” also means “root,” and “magazine” is a type of ammunition. A war of words? Or literal ammo? Sabian sage Blain Bovee notes “there is a creative irony in all things radical: the new is almost always a going back to the roots of the old ways.” Think about that when perusing the news.
“An owl up a tree” is a creature associated with Athena, goddess of wisdom. Bovee notes that the owl can literally turn its head around, secure (and rooted!) in its lofty perch. Other potential themes emerge when we consider that owls may or may not give a hoot, or that to hoot at something may be the voice of satire of scorn. Point is, we are advised to watch for these Sabian Symbols in the headlines with a mind to the humor of “radical ideas that arise periodically; stump speeches and soapboxes; retro trends; a wise-owl ease with the responsibilities of liberty; the hierarchy of equality; the dissent of fraternity.”
Here is one of my favorite examples of a Sabian Symbol’s pervasive reflection in the headlines. After this one in 2022, Elon Musk’s conquest of Twitter stunk up the news.
If you are new to the Sabian Symbols, here is the backstory. If you want to learn more, I highly recommend Blain Bovee’s fabulous book, “The Sabian Symbols & Astrological Analysis.” I just love his way with words.
You are more personally affected by the illumination potential of this Full Moon if you have planets around 5 degrees of Gemini, Sagittarius, Virgo, and Pisces. That includes Caroline Kennedy, Jimi Hendrix, and Bill Nye.

Back to the forecast for the week:

TUESDAY: After traveling for over 24 hours with no interference (potentially generating an intense buzz in the way that a snowball grows in size when it rolls down a mountain), the info-seeking, pixie-chatterbox Gemini Moon gets a sweet lift via a trine (harmony) to Venus, exact at 12:54 PM ET. Double check communications and directions for clarity, reflecting the Moon’s square to Neptune at 4:29 PM ET. If you’re a creative or soulful type, you may put the dreamy potential to inspired use. Facts may noticeably challenge beliefs around 8:03 PM ET, when Moon opposes Mercury. Chill during the ensuing six-hour Moon void. Roll with the twists and flakes that may disrupt efforts to move forward in a straight line, and don’t make a mountain out of a molehill. Crises that crop up during Moon voids are often much ado about nothing. For more on Moon voids, look here. Moon regains its focus at 1:53 AM ET on…
WEDNESDAY: …when it enters Cancer, the sign it rules. For the next two days, the reigning need is on creating and maintaining emotional security — in families, home, and homelands. Themes of women, nurturing, and nourishment are also highlighted. Arise, go forth, and accomplish this agenda with ease today, as the Moon is supported by a trine to Saturn at 3:51 AM ET, and a sextile to Jupiter at 3:21 PM ET. Good for business! Meanwhile, at 12:16 PM ET, Venus meets up with the aforementioned South Node. In the headlines, we’ll know it when we see it.
THURSDAY: In general, another day with few speed bumps. Moon sextiles Uranus at 4:19 PM ET, suggesting success for those attempting to reach across the aisle. Late evening may be inspiring, reflecting the trine between Moon and Neptune at 1:04 AM ET on…
FRIDAY: A challenge involving women, arts, and worth needs to be worked out overnight, as Moon squares Venus at 3:08 AM ET….and builds to the weekly cathartic potential around 8:06 AM ET, as Moon makes its weekly clash with Pluto. If your morning starts off slowly (on the East Coast), it may reflect the Moon void. Meanwhile, certain communications and data points are demanding our attention, reflecting Mercury’s change of sign. At 9:31 AM ET it leaves Sagittarius and enters Capricorn. Immediately our collective thinking leans towards what can be realistically achieved (not righteously opined), backed by actual tools designed to Get The Job Done. Today (and possibly yesterday), we’re likely to be hearing from Liz Cheney, Sen. Ted Cruz, Rudy Giuliani, and Alexei Navalny, all of whom have planets and angles in their horoscopes that are activated by Mercury’s passage into Capricorn.
FRIDAY: At 11 AM ET, Moon enters Leo, looking for the nearest party or stage upon which to shine. Leo needs to be loved and adored, which explains why those born with Moon in Leo — like Argentina’s new president, or King Charles III— do anything. A dramatic agenda is supported by boundary-pushing action all day, as Moon trines Mars at 9:47 PM ET. Sensible thinking that really has considered every detail is suggested today and…
SATURDAY: …reflecting Mercury’s sextile (cooperative pattern) to Saturn (structure, ambition, authority), exact at 10:27 AM ET. Earlier in the day, Moon in Leo’s exuberance was boosted by a square to Jupiter at 12:44 AM ET, and supported by a trine to the Sun in Sagittarius at 6:44 AM ET. Let’s GO…on with the SHOW!
SUNDAY: Surprise! If there was a buzz building last last night, a square between the Moon and Uranus may have been reflected in a sudden jolt to the status quo. There’s likely an intensity akin to emotional overkill about social expression, money, values. and women, as Venus squares Pluto at 8:29 AM ET. If the markets were volatile before the weekend, I wouldn’t be surprised. Nor would I be surprised by a bit of seismic activity. The Leo Moon travels without interference for the bulk of the day, supported by a sextile to Venus at 9:11 PM ET. After a two-hour Moon void, Moon enters Virgo with a broom, dustpan, spreadsheet, and calculator.

Normally, I would do a news round-up here, but because I do not wish to overwhelm new Avid Readers, my intention is to write a separate post that will go out tomorrow evening (fingers crossed). At least this is my intention — not a guarantee.

Meanwhile, I do want to share :

one unbelievably mind-boggling story (in sync with planetary patterns),
and two photos

…before I close.

Here is the mind-boggling story, reflecting spacey Mercury square Neptune on steroids. Mercury was at 22 Sagittarius when it hit the wires, so let’s see if it comes back into focus when Mercury returns to 22 Sagittarius on January 1st…or perhaps even when Jupiter gets to 21/22 Gemini next year. We should also look to June 2025, when Uranus gets to 29 Taurus.

“‘What the heck is going on?’ Extremely high-energy particle detected falls to Earth”

Photo #1:

…this is the collection of 2024 Sun Sign forecasts I was commissioned to create, as an accompaniment to these genuine Sun Sign coins. What a fun and informative stocking stuffer or holiday gift for everyone on your list, amiright? Please order them here — and please order them SOON, because Mercury goes retrograde on December 13th. Gift certificates for personal consultations are also available and can be delivered by email or snail mail. And speaking of personal consultations, here’s the 411.

Photo #2:

(see the caption below)

A perfect reflection of a Full Moon in witty Gemini, on a day with Mercury square fantastical Neptune. Ivan Royster says he is an “Expert in breaking news, and all things interesting. Inspiring and informing audiences worldwide 🌍“ If he has planets in Gemini, I wouldn’t be surprised. That’s a link to his Facebook page, which I am now following.

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

Monday 11/20/2023: Sneak Peek at the Thanksgiving Week; Rosalynn Carter, RIP

November 21, 2023/in The Forecast

Allllllrighty then!

Before I get into the forecast, I am inspired to tell you what I created last week. I was commissioned to write a 2024 general forecast for each Sun Sign, to be packaged with a cool set of 10-shilling Sun Sign coins. My client was delighted, and they encouraged me to share them with Avid Readers who may be looking for unique stocking stuffers or other holiday gifts. You can see the collection on my website here – and yes, I’ll mention this again at the end of the forecast.

Highlights for this short Thanksgiving holiday week (here in the United States) are:

Sun sextiles Pluto on Monday
Mars sextiles Pluto on Tuesday
Sun enters Sagittarius on Wednesday
Sun squares Saturn on Thursday
Mars enters Sagittarius on Friday
Mars squares Saturn on Saturday
Mercury enters its shadow phase on Sunday

…and by the weekend, we’ll be under the rose-colored spell of Monday’s Mercury-Neptune square.

It goes like this:

MONDAY: Moon squares Mars and Sun at 4:38 AM ET and 5:49 AM ET, and then goes void for almost four hours. East Coasters, I understand if you overslept, and if you did, it’s of no consequence. Sun-Mars-Moon squares can be energizing, and if that’s how you felt upon waking, I hope you put it to good use. Moon enters Pisces at 9:29 AM ET, beginning a two-day exercise in empathy as we travel about the country to our Thanksgiving destinations. The sobering focus comes courtesy of the Moon’s meet-up with Saturn at 10:44 AM ET, and actions taken on that gravitas are likely to be efficient, for better or worse.
MONDAY: At 4:26 PM ET — and in effect all day — Sun sextiles Pluto. Sun refers to leaders; Pluto refers to power; the sextile refers to cooperative flow of communication and processing. If you are working today, put this — and the rest of the week, frankly — to good use. The evening ends on a note of exuberance, as Moon sextiles Jupiter at 11:19 PM ET.
TUESDAY: Double check the details in your directions and communication. If an adjustment is required, it reflects the square between the intuitive Pisces Moon and Mercury, currently swashbuckling its way through Sagittarius. There’s still much to be accomplished with high efficiency, as Mars (action) sextiles Pluto (resources) at 8:18 PM ET. Innovation, technology, and unconventional alliances carry the day, as Moon sextiles Uranus at 8:35 PM ET. Meanwhile, there may be a sense of urgency among a leader of business or head of state, as the Sun is now at the verrrrry end of Scorpio, seeking to fulfill its mission of consolidating knowledge, reaching heights, and plumbing depths.
WEDNESDAY: Note your dreams, as the Pisces Moon meets up with Neptune at 3:45 AM ET, possibly opening otherworldly channels. At 9:02 AM ET, Sun leaves Scorpio and enters Sagittarius. Happy birthday to all Centaurs a.k.a. Archers, a.k.a. philosopher-clowns!! Sagittarius is born to be of influence, pushing boundaries with righteous optimism. Those born in the first eight days of Sagittarius may have spent 2023 adapting to a need for structure and containment which continues into early 2024. Take heart, dear Sag — your successful streamlining may be rewarded soon thereafter, even if the next few months feel weighty.
WEDNESDAY: Meanwhile, the Moon drives the action on any given day, and the Pisces Moon is well-supported again today. Moon sextiles Pluto and Mars at 9:28 AM ET and 10:09 AM ET, suggesting a morning without speed bumps. Mind the ensuing two-hour void (blink and you’ll miss it), and note how the energy shifts once the Moon charges into Aries at 12:19 PM ET. Yes, the Moon is trine the Sagittarius Sun at 12:34 PM ET, but then the Moon travels without interference from then until 5:57 PM ET on…
THURSDAY. Translation: an Aries Moon suggests a need to lead — not now, but RIGHT NOW. Aries may be headstrong and self-absorbed, like that driver who cuts in front of you on the freeway. The need to be first can run away with this day, so…if you’re in transit, travel defensively. If there was a bit of heavy news involving leaders and losses, or an announced plan for greater discipline (perhaps militantly so), this would reflect the square between the Sun and Saturn at 4:46 AM ET. In astrology, Saturn refers to limits, controls, mortality, strategy, taxes, skin, teeth, bones, and debt. Watch for them in the headlines…and ask your Sagittarius friends born around November 22 if they need support. If there’s a football game today, it’s likely to be especially intense, with 1) Moon in Aries; and 2) Mars now at the verrrrrry end of Scorpio, as it prepares to make a hard contact with Saturn. Moon opposes Venus at 5:57 PM ET and trines Mercury at 10:51 PM ET.
FRIDAY: Now it is Mars that leaves Scorpio and enters Sagittarius, where it will be until January 4th. Mars in Sagittarius facilitates action that reflects righteous beliefs and — unlike Mars in Scorpio’s need for control — Mars in Sagittarius’ agenda is one that hopes to expand your mind. The sky’s the limit – and perhaps that bodes well for retailers on this Black Friday. Moon squares Pluto at 12:40 PM ET, suggesting our weekly appointment with power plays and/or catharsis. Mind the ensuing three-hour void, especially with an Aries Moon that is more inclined to buy on impulse. Avid Readers know that Moon voids are not favored times for making significant purchases, as they often do not live up to expectations. This isn’t always a bad thing…but I wouldn’t buy a computer during a Moon void. If you’d like an example of a Moon void purchase that turned out to be delightfully surprising, even though it didn’t go as planned, look here.
FRIDAY: At 3:28 PM ET, Moon enters Taurus, seeking peace, calm, and material comfort/stability. Moon in Taurus is not a fan of change, and usually has fixed opinions about The Way Things Ought To Be. Its stabilizing agenda is supported by a sextile to Saturn at 4:59 PM ET. In your own personal world, a Taurus Moon is apt for actions and purchases that make you feel comfortable and secure. Indulge in simple pleasures as best you can.
SATURDAY: Moon meets up with Jupiter, at 4:42 AM ET, lifting spirits or potentially expanding a militantly disciplined agenda involving standing one’s ground. Mars squares Saturn at 11:57 AM ET — and that’s it for the rest of the day. Here are headlines from past Mars-Saturn squares. A surprise twist may hit the wires around 3:02 AM ET…
SUNDAY:..as Moon meets up with Uranus. Empathy is added around 10:42 AM ET, as Moon sextiles Neptune. Depth and power are added around 4:51 PM ET, as Moon trines Pluto. Chill during the three-hour Moon void. Moon enters Gemini at 7:39 PM ET, and now its agenda is gathering all the news that’s fit to print…some of which may be heavy (as Moon squares Saturn at 9:22 PM ET), and some of which may be be inspiring or simply inaccurate (as Mercury is squaring Neptune, exact on Monday at 8:27 AM ET). Sparks may fly around 11:07 PM ET, as Moon opposes Mars.
SUNDAY: Mercury officially enters its shadow period, in preparation for its next retrograde on December 13th at 2:09 AM ET. Translation: Mercury is at 22 Sagittarius, which is where it will be when it turns direct at 10:07 PM ET on January 1st. Note what’s hot in the headlines now, and see how it may be reviewed and revised. If you have planets around 22 Sagittarius, make note of that, too, as it will be in the spotlight on New Year’s Day. 22 Sag = the former guy’s Moon, for example. Stay tuned.

And now, the news.

Planetary patterns aren’t only reflected in the headlines. They crop up in other media, too. For example, last week’s dominant pattern was Sun-Mars in Scorpio trine Neptune, suggesting forceful expression of leadership, infused with pixie-dust, scandal, intrigue, and the surreal. Thus on Friday, it was no surprise to see that writer Greg Olear chose to share three recently-read books in his latest Substack post :

Messalina: A Story of Empire, Slander and Adultery,
A Spy Alone
The Guns of August

See how they all reflect the week’s planetary patterns? Guns, spies and scandal. Astrology is amazing!

Meanwhile, I went to the theater on Saturday, and of course I saw Emergence, described as:

…a revolutionary theatrical experience led by Patrick Olson that stands at the intersection of art, science and music. It defies conventional boundaries…where the realms of knowledge and artistic expression intertwine, and things are not as they seem.

Did you know that the reason we perceive a yellow tulip as “yellow” is because when light hits the tulip, it absorbs all the other colors in the spectrum — except yellow? That color is not absorbed, and is thus reflected back to our eyes, and it is we — the observer — that perceives the tulip as yellow. Of this phenomenon Olson drily observed that it is interesting that the yellow tulip is perceived to be the thing it rejects. The tulip itself is colorless — like everything else on earth. It is an illusion…a projection…a hologram. But who creates it?

If I learned that tulip tidbit in high school, I forgot it. If you have a chance to see Emergence, don’t miss it. It is wonderfully thought-provoking.

In other news…

Looking ahead to this week’s square between Sun and Saturn, I expected sobering news involving heads of state. I sighed on Friday night, when former First Lady Rosalynn Carter entered hospice care, and passed away the next day. Here is her horoscope. Here are thoughts about her horoscope, posted a few months ago, and here are many photos and tributes posted on the Carter Center’s website.

Mrs. Carter was a Leo queen, driven by the Moon in Taurus. This is a potentially empowered organizer, gifted with confidence and dramatic flair. Her Virgo Ascendant echoes the earthy practicality of her Taurus Moon, adding exacting detail. It occurs to me that many people transition during patterns similar to ones in their natal chart. Mrs. Carter was born with Sun square Saturn and Mars sextile Pluto –– both in effect this week.

Jimmy Carter is a double Libra, driven by the Moon in Scorpio. This is a people-person, for sure — as my teacher Noel Tyl observed — happiest when caring for others, yet fiercely protective of their own privacy. It occurs to me that the former president’s Moon in Scorpio suggests tenacity and loyalty to a fault. He would never leave his beloved. And he didn’t. Here is his horoscope.

Thinking of their extraordinary love story and 77-year marriage made me remember another couple I wrote about in 2014 — married for 73 years. One was a Taurus; the other was a Scorpio. One had Moon in Taurus; the other had Moon in Leo. These fixed signs (the fourth one is Aquarius) play for keeps.

In other news…

A few stories broke just before I posted Friday’s news round-up. They are forceful and surreal. First, MAGA House Speaker Mike Johnson released 90 hours of security footage taken on January 6, 2021 — during the former guy’s attempted coup:

“New Jan 6 video released; Republicans say the narrative of violence has crumbled” — which is just bonkers gaslighting, but also what we could expect on a hot Neptune transit. We are told to reject the evidence we all witnessed with our ears and eyes, as George Orwell wrote in 1984 (the must-read novel).
“Colorado judge rules [the former guy] ‘engaged in insurrection’…” but…ready for Neptune to kick in? Ready? “…keeps him on the [state’s primary] ballot.” Why? Because in their interpretation of the Constitution’s 14th Amendment, Article 3, the judge isn’t convinced that the president of the United States is an actual officer of the United States…although, to be fair, it could be argued that the former guy was indeed an officer of another country, not the U.S. — and maybe we’ll see that snarky comment on the next Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Hey — it could happen — in the same way that the writers on Saturday Night Live made a point about last week’s panda promise in the show’s cold open.

Point is, the fate of our country is in your hands. Yes, you are the hero! I’m not convinced the cavalry is coming. The power is with the people, as Pluto in Aquarius (coming soon!) would posit. Are you registered to vote? Are you sure? Please check here — and pass it on to your friends. If you’re in Virginia, you could be one of the thousands were “accidentally” purged from the roster.

Elsewhere…

It’s not just the U.S. that is facing authoritarianism — on the one hand, and democracy — on the other. Astrology has prepared anyone who’s been paying attention to planetary cycles over past fifteen years that this mind-boggling dilemma is one that plenty of other countries are facing, too. In Argentina, for example…

“Javier Milei: Argentina’s far-right outsider wins presidential election” on a promise to “Make Argentina Great Again.”

We do have a horoscope for Milei — with a possibly disputed time, but we can test and track events in his life next year after the April 8th eclipse. Why? Because his 18 Aries Midheaven will be eclipsed, that’s why — and this must affect his professional status, one way or the other. I invite you to read the linked article to learn about his priorities.

Milei is a Libra, with Sun at the verrry end, so he is yet another poster child for the empowerment potential of Pluto squaring the Sun. His Moon is in Leo, squared by “man on a mission” Jupiter in Scorpio, so of course he needs to be an adored drama king, big time. If he really was born at 24:00 on October 22, 1970, he has a Cancer Ascendant — demanding prominence and a personal projection of family values and feeling. He has a Mars-Pluto conjunction at the Aries Point — forceful machismo can make him famous (does waving a chainsaw around whilst campaigning qualify?), and Mars-Pluto square his Ascendant. Isn’t interesting that he was elected on a weekend with Sun-Mars conjunct in Scorpio, sextile Pluto?

Meanwhile…

“Why was Sam Altman fired at CEO of Open AI” (the folks who bring you ChatGPT). Altman was fired on Friday night…just days after it was announced that Jared Kushner’s brother’s company (Thrive) was going to put together a big employee stock buyback deal. I have no idea why Altman was fired…and now may be hired back, but in what we can see of Altman’s horoscope (4/22/85 in Chicago, IL), transiting Mars made challenging contacts with his natal Mars in Taurus-Saturn in Scorpio opposition (and possibly a Taurus Moon). Altman has a Sun-Pluto opposition in early Taurus-Scorpio, and this will be supercharged by Pluto when it fully engages in Aquarius in 2025. Not only that, but transiting Uranus will be on his Mars (which is also conjunct Algol) for a long stay next summer. We may see daring — possibly reckless action — and then some.

Finally…

Saturn refers to debt. Neptune refers to healing. As the Sun trines Neptune and squares Saturn, I offer these:

“She vowed to clear strangers’ medical debt in a posthumous viral post” — so inspiring
“Extra fees drive assisted living center’s profit” — so infuriating
“A stranger asked me to take her photograph. It saved my life.”

Today is President Biden’s 81st birthday. He has a busy week in his cosmic calendar. Over the weekend, he wrote an op-ed for the Washington Post.

And ooh — lookie! Beth Owl’s Daughter’s Tarot Card of the Week is in…and it’s the Ten of Pentacles. Coins!! And always in sync with planetary patterns! Everyone should have someone as wise and wonderful as Beth in their life.

Here’s the 411 on personal consultations. Yes, of course I have gift certificates — delighted to be asked (as I was earlier today). This year, I also have shiny Sun Sign coins with a 2024 Sun Sign forecast — just in time for the holidaze!!

May you find yourself counting many blessings on this Thanksgiving. I count you among mine.

Yellow tulips presenting themselves as something they actually reject.

Insert deep-thinking emoji here.

Friday 11/17/2023 & the Weekend: Catching Up on the News

November 18, 2023/in The Forecast

TGIF!

FRIDAY: Note your dreams, as Mars (action, assertion, anger) trines Neptune (which tends to dissolve what it touches) at 3:35 AM.Then, at 9:51 AM ET, Sun trines Neptune, suggesting that themes noted above likely involve leaders of business and state. Innovation and unconventional alliances are boosted by Moon’s trine to Uranus at 2:51 PM ET; a sextile to Neptune at 9:52 PM ET takes the edge off of whatever pointed action is about to hit, aided by sextiles between the Moon, Sun and Mars at 10:48 PM ET and 10:51 PM ET, respectively.
SATURDAY: Pointed action reflects the conjunction of the Sun and Mars at 12:41 AM ET. Mars meets up with the Sun every two years. Headlines in the wake of past Sun-Mars conjunctions can be found here and here and here.
SATURDAY: Moon meets up with Pluto at 3:27 AM ET, suggesting our weekly appointment with power plays and catharses. Chill during the three-hour Moon void. Moon enters Aquarius at 6:27 AM ET, inspiring us to hang with friends and other like-minded souls. Being recognized for one’s unique social significance within the construct of a group is an Aquarian dream come true. We may see expansive efforts to realize that dream, as Moon squares Jupiter at 8:49 PM ET.
SUNDAY: No lunar speed bumps in the early part of the day. Moon trines Venus at 3:12 AM ET, and sextiles Mercury at 5:38 AM ET. The weekend is ripe for cooperation among the Powers That Be, and we may hear about some of that this evening, as Moon squares Uranus (surprise, surprise) at 5:53 PM ET.
MONDAY: More tension may get us up on the wrong side of the bed, as Moon squares Mars and Sun at 4:38 AM ET and 5:49 AM ET, and then goes void for almost four hours. East Coasters, I understand if oversleep, and if you do, it’s of no consequence. Roll with the twists and flakes that disrupt your early morning, and chill. Moon enters Pisces at 9:29 AM ET, beginning a two-day exercise in empathy as we travel about the country to our Thanksgiving destinations (here in the US). The sobering focus comes courtesy of the Moon’s meet-up with Saturn at 10:44 AM ET, and actions taken on that gravitas is likely to be efficient, for better or worse. I say this because after Sun and Mars meet up in Scorpio on Saturday, they both sextile Pluto on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

And now, the news.

The US government did not shut down over the weekend, as Congress was able to cobble together a plan to keep essential services and wages paid until January 19 (for some stuff) and February 2 (for other stuff). Heather Cox Richardson has the details. I’m not surprised a deal was reached, even though a week ago Friday, Sen Patty Murray, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee called the staggered plan

“the craziest, stupidest thing I’ve ever heard of.”

But, hey — planetary patterns last week were generally weirdly conflict-avoidant, with the exception of notable outbursts of surreal aggressive threats. Thus, crazy-stupid was going to sell. Make a note of planetary patterns whenever you have a crazy-stupid agenda in mind.

I expect cuts, blocks, and losses around Thanksgiving, reflecting the squares between Sun-Mars and Saturn next Thursday and Saturday. If the deadline to avert a shutdown was at the end of next week, it would have been more likely to happen, I believe. And whatever does happen may well be heavy, so count your blessings this weekend. .

This week’s headlines reflected the rebellious potential of Monday’s Sun-Uranus opposition, coupled with the idealism potential of Mercury sextile Venus. Was it for real? Sun-Mars trine Neptune suggests the jury is still out, much as Sun-Mars in Scorpio is spoiling for a fight.

Ready?

“Magicians less prone to mental disorders than other artists,” (who are more psychotic). Sun-Uranus and Mars-Neptune suggest magic!
“It’s time to end magical thinking about Russia’s defeat” — op-ed in the Wall Street Journal
“GOP reveals latest J6 conspiracy theory: the ghost bus“ — as we learned from Rep. Clay Higgins (R-TX) as he grilled Chris Wray in a congressional hearing. FWIW, Wray is the FBI Director, not the head of Homeland Security, though not according to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA). Buses refer to Mars; ghosts and conspiracy refer to Neptune.
“Scientists discover first-ever ‘vampire virus’ latched to neck of mind flayer” — it’s surreal and oh-so-Mars-Neptune-y
The Keālia Pond in the Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge on Maui has turned bright pink.
In another congressional hearing, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) almost got into a physical fight with Teamsters Union president Sean O’Brien, until 82-year-old Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) de-escalated the testosterone. Here’s Stephen Colbert with the replay.
Remember the Sabian Symbol for last week’s New Moon in Scorpio? It was “a soldier derelict in his duty.” Guess whose impeachment for — “dereliction of duty” — floated up into the sky and popped like the proverbial soap bubble? Alejandro Mayorkas. He is not the head of the FBI, but rather, the actual Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
President Biden had a four-hour meeting in San Francisco with Xi Jinping China’s president-for-life. The agenda was — not surprisingly — all Mars-Neptune. They agreed to “recommence military communications…and strengthen cooperation on stopping the flow of what are known as precursor chemicals—the chemicals needed to make street fentanyl...” and HCR has further details on that and the rest of the conference the two leaders attended.
Perhaps more importantly, China is going to send the US more pandas…after recalling the penultimate set from DC last week. Pandas have nothing if not charisma, and thus are totally Mars-Neptune.

This is a serious one…long overdue…but that’s how long it’s taken to have Sun-Mars in Scorpio trine Neptune for a cosmic prompt. The Washington Post published an interactive exclusive, “American Icon: Terror on Repeat,” and it is “photographs and videos taken during the immediate aftermaths of some of the nation’s deadliest mass shootings .” Right now it is the most-viewed article on the WaPo website. Maybe if enough people see it…something will change.

Meanwhile…

“Capitol Police violently attack demonstrators at ceasefire protest at DNC headquarters.” Ceasefire = Mars-Neptune; violence = Sun-Mars in Scorpio. Today, there are protests and arrests in New York City.
“Fox Sports’ commentator Charissa Thompson sparks backlash after saying she’d ‘make up’ coaches’ comments during NFL sideline reports” –– fraud, sports, Mars, Neptune
I’ll let Stephen Colbert tell you about the Botox, Only Fans, and other Mars-Neptune crimes that were included in the House Ethics Committee report re: compulsive fraudster George Santos (R-NY), who has finally announced he will not seek re-election next year.

In other news…

Sun-Mars in Scorpio is a stubborn pattern, and remember Beth Owl’s Daughter’s Tarot Card of the Week suggesting prominent themes of standing one’s ground (on the other hand), or taking the high road?” For the former, have you seen the former guy’s former lawyer Jenna Ellis explain on tape how White House staffer Dan Scavino told her last December that the former guy did not plan to leave office, and did not care what the laws required?

When they show you who they are, believe them.

Sun-Mars in Scorpio is an apt pattern for the launch of a ginormous rocket.

Finally, Mars-Neptune can reflect miracles, as in the “miracle dog” who was found by her (sadly) deceased owner’s side after both went missing in Colorado mountains ten weeks ago. I wish that story had a happier ending, which is why I have posted adorable pandas below.

Here’s the 411 on personal consultations. We will have an enlightening discussion together.

Pandas enjoying their bamboo breakfast in Chengdu Research Base, China

Monday 11/13/2023: New Moon in Scorpio; Sublime & Surreal Pack a Punch

November 13, 2023/in The Forecast

A new work week begins with a New Moon, this time in Scorpio. For the first time in a couple of years, this New Moon is not an eclipse. Patterns in the New Moon chart suggest a rollicking start…segueing into powerfully focused action, colored by ideals.

Patterns reflecting this potential are:

New Moon in Scorpio on Monday
Sun opposes Uranus on Monday
Mercury sextiles Venus on Wednesday
Sun and Mars trine Neptune on Friday
Sun meets up with Mars on Saturday (Friday, if you’re on the West Coast)

Spieghiamo (“Let’s explain”):

MONDAY: New Moon in Scorpio begins at 4:27 AM ET. Light a candle and set your intentions for the new cycle, planting seeds for development wherever Scorpio falls in your horoscope. Innovative actions and assertion, accompanied by sudden upsets to the status quo are inevitable, as Moon opposes Uranus at 5:05 AM ET and meets up with Mars at 7:18 AM ET. At 12:20 PM ET we have two patterns exact. Sun opposes Uranus — suggesting shocks to the system involving leaders; revolting peasants; seismic activity; news of innovation or disruption in energy resources. Moon also trines Neptune. Depth is added to it all around 6:03 PM ET, as Moon sextiles Pluto and then goes void for three hours. At 9:22 PM ET, Moon heaves a sigh of relief, soaring into Sagittarius — but there’s a catch. Avid Readers will recall that for the next few months, the Moon’s first stop after entering Gemini, Pisces, Virgo, and Sagittarius is a hard one — to Saturn. Translation: a sense of gravitas to the Sag Moon’s need for righteous opinions; authoritative blocks or necessary controls to efforts that aim to broaden horizons. Tonight’s block happens at 10:27 PM ET.
TUESDAY: Tomorrow may have a lighter feel, with Saturn in the rear view mirror. Moon meets up with Mercury at 9:03 AM ET and then sextiles Venus at 9:44 AM ET. Not until Wednesday evening do we have a contact between the Moon and any other planet, thus the Sagittarius’ Moon’s need to be of influence and push boundaries could run wild. Color the rest of the week rose, frankly, reflecting the first of several patterns suggesting magical thinking, including fuzzy math. At 7:48 AM ET on…
WEDNESDAY: …Mercury (how we need to think and communicate) makes a cooperative aspect (a sextile) with Venus (who, what, and how we need to love). Mercury-Venus contacts suggest idealism, as I’ve said. Venus is currently in Libra — high-functioning in its aim for beauty, balance, and rational discourse. Mercury, on the other hand, is more inclined to shoot from the hip in Sagittarius (isn’t it interesting that Jupiter, ruler of Sagittarius, also rules hip), potentially lacking in details necessary for practical application. Anyhoo. Magical thinking — awesome for artists, healers, visionaries, poets, and possibly pacifists — it shall be, as Moon squares Neptune at 5:56 PM ET…and goes void for the next (almost) nine hours. You know the Moon void drill: roll with the twists and flakes; stick to routine concerns; don’t make a mountain out of a molehill of crisis. Chill!
THURSDAY: At 2:41 AM ET, Moon enters Capricorn, now seeking to Make Things Happen, and ideally, that’s good for business. Moon sextiles Saturn at 3:48 AM ET, suggesting supportive structures and authority; Moon trines Jupiter at 5:47 PM ET, so perhaps we’ll have something to cheer for at the end of the day. Still — there is tension between the Moon’s proactive drive and the need suggested by Venus in Libra for that which is lawful, fair, and balanced.
THURSDAY: Humming in the background this week are two patterns that are not inclined to engage in direct conflict, preferring instead to cast a charismatic spell…or wear adversaries down to the point of fatigue and surrender. At the same time, empathy may be heightened, which results in focused acts of compassion. Other potentials of Neptune demanding focus in the cosmic sandbox include faith, oceans, drugs, spirits of all kinds, scandals, fog, cinema, photography, and all other intangibles. Note your dreams, as Mars (action, assertion, anger) trines Neptune (which tend to dissolve what it touches) at 3:35 AM on…
FRIDAY: Then, at 9:51 AM ET, Sun trines Neptune, suggesting that themes noted above likely involve leaders of business and state. The earthy, achievement-focused need of the Capricorn Moon is well-supported. Innovation and unconventional alliances are boosted by Moon’s trine to Uranus at 2:51 PM ET; a sextile to Neptune at 9:52 PM ET takes the edge off of whatever pointed action is about to hit, aided by sextiles between the Moon, Sun and Mars at 10:48 PM ET and 10:51 PM ET, respectively.
SATURDAY: Pointed action reflects the conjunction of the Sun and Mars at 12:41 AM ET. Mars meets up with the Sun every two years (that’s about how long it take Mars to orbit the Sun). Thus, this meet-up marks the beginning of a new cycle of action. In Scorpio, the actions of Mars may stem from loyalty and/or a personal code of honor, for better or worse. Mars is moving faster than its average speed (because of its proximity to the Sun), arguing for a faster pace on Earth. Headlines in the wake of past Sun-Mars conjunctions can be found here and here and here.
SATURDAY: Moon meets up with Pluto at 3:27 AM ET, suggesting our weekly appointment with power plays and catharses. Chill during the three-hour Moon void. Moon enters Aquarius at 6:27 AM ET, inspiring us to hang with friends and other like-minded souls. Being recognized for one’s unique social significance within the construct of a group is an Aquarian dream come true. We may see expansive efforts to realize that dream, as Moon squares Jupiter at 8:49 PM ET.
SUNDAY: No lunar speed bumps in the early part of the day. Moon trines Venus at 3:12 AM ET, and sextiles Mercury at 5:38 AM ET. The weekend is ripe for cooperation among the Powers That Be, and we may hear about some of that this evening, as Moon squares Uranus (surprise, surprise) at 5:53 PM ET

Here is the chart for the New Moon in Scorpio on Monday (today, as I write), set in Washington, DC:

Observations:

A New Moon in Scorpio plants seeds for reaching heights and plumbing depths, armed with knowledge obtained for the sake of power and control. Given that this week’s agenda includes searching for a way to avoid shutting down the government on November 17th, it seems apt that from the perspective of the United States, this New Moon falls in the 2nd house — of money, values, and worth. Mars and Mercury (action and talk) are also in this house.
Pluto — power, resources, purging — is at the root of this horoscope.
It’s interesting to see so many planets on the cusps of houses. Planets on a house cusp draw attention to the house and the symbolism of the planet. Neptune on the cusp of the 6th house, for example, suggests matters of faith, viruses, toxins, water, wipe-outs, victims, healers, peacemakers, etc. are likely to be prominent in 6th house matters for the US in this lunar cycle. The 6th house refers to health issues, diet, working conditions, pets, and systems of process.
The Sabian Symbol for this lunation is “a soldier derelict in his duty.” We worked with this symbol on the Full Moon in Scorpio, back in May 2017. Wikipedia defines “dereliction of duty” as
…a specific offense under United States Code Title 10, Section 892, Article 92 and applies to all branches of the US military. A service member who is derelict has willfully refused to perform his duties (or follow a given order) or has incapacitated himself in such a way that he cannot perform his duties. Such incapacitation includes the person falling asleep while on duty requiring wakefulness, his getting drunk or otherwise intoxicated and consequently being unable to perform his duties, shooting himself and thus being unable to perform any duty, or his vacating his post contrary to regulations. Article 92 also applies to service members whose acts or omissions rise to the level of criminally negligent behavior.
Sabian Sage Blain Bovee adds that
“choosing not to perform one’s duties may be a matter of conscience: a personal realization that the orders given are humanly, personally unacceptable. Refusing to shoot innocent defenseless people is a failure to obey orders, but also a show of higher moral sensibilities: refusing pay out of conscience and a higher sense of worth and reward.”
I expect the headlines will reflect these themes in the coming month.
You are more personally affected by this New Moon if you have planets or angles around 21 degrees of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, or Aquarius. Off the top of my head that includes Whoopi Goldberg, Mark Meadows, President Biden, and Israel.

Beth’s Owl’s Daughter’s always-in-sync Tarot Card of the Week is an image of a person standing on higher ground, defiantly (?) defending himself against attackers. Looks like an apt reflection of Sun conjunct Mars in Scorpio to me.

And now, the news.

Jocularity is one potential on a day with Sun, Mars, and Moon making contact with Uranus. Many comedians have these patterns in their horoscopes. Uranus is a cut-up, doncha’ know. I’m thinking about this whilst tuning in to the latest episode of NY Attorney General Letitia James’ suit against the former guy’s organization, reported live by Lisa Rubin on the site formerly known as Twitter. James already won her case, as the Trump Organization’s fraudulent misrepresentation of asset values has already been proven in court. Judge Engeron is hearing the case now so that he can determine the damages. For some reason, not everyone understands this, including the former guy’s lawyers.

Today, the former guy’s eldest son returned to the stand for the defense, and — not surprisingly for this day — the mood was jocular, with plenty of quips between Don Jr. and the judge. Plus, there was much talk reflecting the pixie-dust of this week’s trines among Mars, Sun, and Neptune, as Don, Jr. described the family business as “very sexy,” “visionary,” etc. It is amazing how astrology works its way into the Zeitgeist of any given day.

Meanwhile…

Sun-Mars opposing Uranus suggested news involving aviation, upsets, gender-benders, seismic activity, and tech breakthroughs. Mars refers to men, cars, athletics, iron, red, war; Sun refers to leaders, eyes, and energy; Uranus refers to disruption, rebellion, etc.:

Sunday’s NYT Magazine was “The Space Issue“
“Iceland volcano: emergency declared over eruption concerns” The quakes started four days after I left, and the Blue Lagoon is now closed.
“The [sudden] death of Jezebel is the end of an era of feminism. We’re worse off without it.” We should be adding the sobering mindset of last Friday’s Mercury-Saturn square to these headlines, too….especially:
“Hearst (magazine publisher) asks colleagues to report ‘controversial’ social media posts; even liking certain posts could cause a problem, according to publishing giant’s new social media policy imposed as divisions over the Israel-Gaza war roil the media industry.”
WaPo op-ed response: “You shouldn’t be fired for being a jerk.”
“Inside an Only Fans empire: S*x, influence, and the new American Dream“ –lots of Neptune fantasy in this WaPo exclusive
Also w/Neptune in this disruptive verdict, which may shake up the cryptocurrency industry next year: “Sam Bankman-Fried convicted of fraud.”
Also Neptune: SCOTUS adopts ethics code — surprise! –– but there’s no way to enforce it (so how can it be for real?)
“Surgeons perform world’s first human eyeball transplant“
“Trans people can be baptized and be godparents, says the Pope”
“State of emergency declared in Los Angeles as fire engulfs interstate.“
“Exxon aims to be top lithium producer for electric vehicles“
“The best place to shop is other peoples’ lost [airline] luggage“
“A college football coach gets $77m not to work while US education suffers”

Meanwhile…

I told you last week that Venus at the Aries Point, improving in condition as it entered Libra, was likely to reflect favorably for women in the results of last Tuesday’s election. And it did. Ohio’s Issue #1 enshrined the right to abortion in the state’s constitution, and control of both legislative chambers in Virginia are in the hands of Democrats, after Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin made it clear that he would push a measure banning the procedure after 15 weeks if Republicans prevailed. Astro-logically, we had patterns similar to those in the 2022 midterms, when pundits doubted that protecting reproductive rights would spark voter turnout — and were proven wrong. In 2022, Jupiter was on the Ascendant of the chart for the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling; last week, Venus opposed it.

Also favorable for women:

“SCOTUS hears case on reinstating gun possession people accused of domestic violence” — and observers opined that the justices seemed open to not reinstating.

UPDATE: Mitch McConnell continues to feel the squeeze of Saturn as it sits on his Pisces Sun. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear was easily elected for a second term, defeating McConnell’s choice. Attorney General Daniel Cameron infamously called the 2020 killing of Breonna Taylor justified, and astro-logically, Saturn is putting the squeeze (by square) on his Sun, too.

UPDATE: on Joe Manchin (D-WV), yet another politician being squeezed! In Manchin’s case, it’s Saturn opposing his (Virgo) Sun, and last week Manchin announced he would not seek another Senate term. There is speculation that he might seek to run against Joe Biden as an Independent in 2024. Manchin’s action is right on schedule, w/transiting Mars conjunct his mission-driven Jupiter in Scorpio; transiting Uranus opposing Jupiter this year and next sparks sudden, apparent windfall opportunities. August 24, 1947, in Farmington, West Virginia — birth time unknown.

UPDATE: on Senator Tim Scott, who –surprise! — brought a girlfriend to last week’s Republican debate. That didn’t help, and he’s suspended his campaign. Scott’s Virgo Sun has been under the bewildering spell of transiting Neptune; we can appreciate his need to be seen as a visionary, but it was only a dream. Next year he’ll have his second Saturn return…that’s when reality is likely to bite. True to themes of last week’s patterns, the announcement was a surprise to his staffers. Did you know that Nikki Haley appointed Scott to his Senate seat when she was Governor Nikki Haley of South Carolina? I’d forgotten that…until I discovered prior write-ups on both in the archives of this forecast. Haley’s horoscope continues to function as anticipated years ago, now that transiting Pluto is on her Sun. I can’t see her dropping out of this race.

Finally…

This happened over the weekend:

“Trump calls political enemies ‘vermin,’ echoing Hitler, Mussolini.“ — in speech on Veterans’ Day — and that was WaPo’s headline.
Here’s how the NYT reported it: “Trump takes Veterans’ Day speech in a very different direction”

Say what?

I bring this to your attention for a couple of astro-logical reasons. First, as noted here over the years, Hitler’s horoscope has been in a phase of development where we would anticipate prominence. This phase will not last, as deeply disturbing as it is to witness. But still, while the former guy may not be in running come November, he has many supporters in office willing to follow his lead of not honoring the results of an election. In Ohio, for example, we have this headline:

“Ohio Republicans move to exclude judges from interpreting enshrined abortion rights”

Their attempt is not something that is supposed to happen in a democracy, and it is alarming.

Second, with respect to gathering accurate information that doesn’t treat the 2024 election not as a horse race, next year is likely to be more challenging than it is now. Thus I (once again) highly recommend historian Heather Cox Richardson‘s daily take on what’s going on in our government, and what’s at stake. Here’s her post for Friday, November 10th. This is the state of our union.

But you know I always like to end on an upbeat note, because there is always some good news to share. This video is a follow-up to Beth Owl’s Daughter’s suggested coping strategy for last week’s challenging Tarot Card (it was the Three of Swords). The strategy was to get in touch with your feelings…and talk about them. And guess what?? This four-year-old makes it look easy. The video is seven months old, but it popped up on my feed today. I hope you find it adorable and inspiring. That child is the future.

Here’s the 411 on personal consultations. YES, I do have gift certificates for all your loved ones, now that the holiday season is just around the corner. Gift certificates may be emailed or snail mailed — whatever your preference. Send me an email and we’ll make it happen.

Thank you for reading this forecast.

This bas-relief of Neptune and two mermaids is in Ivano-Frankivsk, in western Ukraine.

Monday 11/6/2023: Sneak Peek at the Week; Venus in Libra; Mercury in Sagittarius

November 7, 2023/in The Forecast

Alllrighty then!

It’s the start of another weird, wild week in the cosmos, so here we go. Here are the highlights:

Venus trines Pluto on Monday
Mercury trines Neptune on Monday
Venus ditches Virgo and enters Libra on Wednesday
Mercury sextiles Pluto on Wednesday
Mercury leaves Scorpio and enters Sagittarius on Friday
Mercury squares Saturn on Friday
Mars opposes Uranus on Saturday

Here are the details:

MONDAY: The Leo Moon is primed for drama, but note that it went void at 2:25 AM ET, and doesn’t get focused until 2:39 PM ET, when it enters Virgo and gets to clean up the mess from the Leo Moon’s parade. Avid Readers know that Moon voids are apt for taking care of routine tasks, and not letting a molehill of crisis turn into a mountain. Take unwanted items back to the store; refrain from making major — 0r impulse — purchases. Roll with the likely twists and flakes…and chill! And speaking of chills, once the Moon does enter Virgo, its first contact is an opposition to chilly Saturn at 3:42 PM ET, which could put the kibosh decisively on remnants of Moon in Leo grandstanding.
MONDAY: Humming in the a background all day are two patterns of note. At 9:38 AM ET, Venus (who, what and how we need to love) trines Pluto (power and resources; investigative dirt) suggesting an easy flow between the Powers That Be and projects that are designed to improve. At 8:36 PM ET, Mercury (how we need to think and communicate) trines Neptune, facilitating vision, imagination, healing, music, and rose-colored escapes. As I type, the former guy is on a witness stand in NYC, pretty much grandstanding and wandering off-course in his responses to questions from the NY district attorney. Judge Engoron is not amused, and it will be interesting to see if TFG is still on the stand once the Moon regains its focus, and potentially puts the kibosh decisively on the wandering Trump. [UPDATE: it was, and then court adjourned. The defense told Judge Engeron it planned to submit a motion — not sure what — and the judge immediately imposed controls on what the defense said it planned to do.]
TUESDAY: starts with a possible cause for celebration, as the Virgo Moon’s perfectionism is supported enthusiastically by a trine to Jupiter at 10:43 AM ET. Getting it right in exacting detail is the name of the game today, as the Moon travels without interference until it connects harmoniously with the depth-seeking Scorpio Sun at 9:53 PM ET. GET TO THE POLLS AND VOTE!!! Please confirm your voter registration before you go to the polls, and if for any reason you are told your name isn’t on the roster, request a provisional ballot. It will be counted after the polls close, but it will be counted!! To check your voter registration, look here. Pass it on! So sayeth your astrologer — who also serves as a poll worker because she believes in democracy. Remember, if you don’t vote, someone else will…and then you’ll be sorry.
TUESDAY: Also driven to perfection — and distraction — is Venus, which is at the verrrrry end of Virgo, and thus in touch with the Aries Point (suggesting prominence). At 4:30 AM ET on…
WEDNESDAY: Venus enters Libra, one of her home signs. All hail, as the Lesser Fortune facilitates fairness, beauty, diplomacy, and balance in matters of women, money, aesthetics, social expression, and…the law. Venus will be in Libra until December 4th. Arise, go forth, and pick out fabric swatches, and oh lookie — this is day that daughter Ivanka is scheduled to testify in NY (because the court rejected her plea that it was during a school week, and thus a terrible inconvenience). Moon sextiles Mars one minute before Venus changes signs, getting the day off to a robust start. Unconventional alliances and tech support are favored in the morning, as Moon trines Uranus. Double check the directions and the spin on the news, as Moon opposes Neptune and possibly muddies the message with great persuasion (reflecting a sextile between Mercury and Pluto at 7:16 PM ET). That Mercury-Pluto alignment could also favor investigative reporters, so watch the headlines for dirt dug up on the latest scandal. More depth and messaging weigh in around midnight, as Moon trines Pluto and sextiles Mercury at 11:20 PM ET and 11:55 PM ET, respectively. Chill during the three hour Moon void.
THURSDAY: Moon enters Libra, now focused on fairness and balance in relationships. It meets up happily with Venus at 5:22 AM ET, getting the day off to an optimistic start. And then…two whole days of no contact with any other planet, possibly generating a giant snowball of Moon in Libra’s “on the one hand; on the other hand,” as it swings from side to side in an effort to achieve a sobering reality-based balance.
FRIDAY: Mercury ditches silent Scorpio for righteously opinionated Sagittarius. In the sign of the Centaur, how we need to think and communicate is in broad strokes, sometimes sloppily so. Mercury in Sagittarius’ need to think expansively may be clipped and/or necessarily controlled by its square to Saturn, exact at 10:07 AM ET. This is the only pattern exact today. Not until 10:05 AM ET on…
SATURDAY...do we have an exact contact, and this one is a square between Moon and Pluto, suggesting our weekly power play or catharsis. Chill during the three and a half hour Moon void. At 1:39 PM ET, Moon goes silent again in Scorpio (when have you ever heard a scorpion talk), seeking depth, substance and control. This control is aided by a trine to Saturn, exact at 2:43 PM ET. Oh — but there has been a buzz in the air for the past few days, reflecting the tension between Mars — planet of action, assertion, and aggression — and Uranus — planet of shocks to the system and other disruptions. Technological advances, gender-benders, accidents, aviation, cars, firearms, and recklessness are likely to pop up in the news. The Mars-Uranus opposition is exact at 4:11 PM ET. Here are examples of past headlines reflecting this pattern, including one that demonstrates that disruptive patterns can be reflected in positive breakthroughs, too. You are more personally affected by the Mars-Uranus opposition if you have planets or angles around 21 degrees of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. Consult your astrologer for details.
SUNDAY: The only exact pattern today is an opposition between Moon and Jupiter at 7:09 AM ET. This could be exuberant, abundant, and happily expansive. It could also be overconfident. Note that we are now in the dark of the Moon — the end of the lunar cycle. With no light from the Moon, it’s an apt time for activities you’d prefer be unseen. The New Moon in Scorpio starts on Monday, and immediately thereafter, we’ll have the annual opposition between the Sun (leaders) and Uranus (surprise, surprise). Examples of headlines from a past Sun-Uranus opposition are here.

And now, the news.

If the former guy had ordered one of my computer-generated Your Year Ahead reports (described in the Helpful Reports section here), he could have prepared for:

Transiting Mercury opposition Midheaven: “Expressing opinions. Ego involvement in one’s ideas and communications. Strong sense of purpose. Nervous tension.”
Transiting Jupiter square Pluto: “Tensions arise as you struggle to achieve your goals. It seems as though other people and external events are deliberately plotting to thwart your every move. However, it may be that you are going overboard in your attempts to get your own way. The trouble is that you want to make great changes in your life, but lack the necessary tolerance and patience to get the timing right. While taking action can certainly have positive effects in the long run, you would also be wise to find the right balance of confidence and patience.”

He’ll have the third and final Jupiter-Pluto square in mid-February.

Meanwhile…

UPDATE: on Mike Pence, who tossed his hat into the presidential race in June. Here’s what was written back then:

Told ya a couple of weeks ago that [Pence] would be making headlines right about now. Last week he announced that he would be announcing his presidential bid on June 7th. That happens to be his 64th birthday, and also when transiting Jupiter (expansion; confidence) opposes his Neptune (his need for vision/delusion), and Mercury opposes his Jupiter. Of course he’s thinking big, but as it turns out, another pattern dominating this entire month suggests a stalemate. No soup for you, Mr. Pence. Mars and Saturn have other plans.

It’s worth noting that Pence announced his bid with another pattern daring him to be daring: transiting Mars conjunct his natal Uranus. So when did he throw in the towel because the “no soup” suggested by Mars and Saturn was really, truly for real? When transiting Mars squared his Uranus. No surprise to astrologers! Pundits opined that he should have been forced to carry his campaign to term.

Meanwhile, patterns reflected in the headlines over the past several days include:

Venus opposing Neptune, suggesting beauty, music, healing, ideals involving women, the arts, money and/or social expression; Neptune also refers to chemicals and delusion, naturally.
Sun opposing Jupiter — BIG news or overconfidence involving leaders, publishing, courts, sports, foreign affairs; possible jackpots.
Saturn turning direct in Pisces: compassion, empathy in matters of displaced persons, oceans, elders.
Mercury opposing Uranus: shocking data and/or communication, possibly involving aviation, technology.

Ready?

One summary of what can happen on a day with all four of the above patterns at maximum impact can be found in historian Heather Cox Richardson’s post on November 3rd.

“San Diego jury returns $332 million verdict to Carlsbad cancer patient who sued over Roundup weedkiller”. Now there’s a jackpot involving healing and toxins, hmm? I wrote about Monsanto’s horoscope several years ago here, when glyphosate was declared to be carcinogenic. in 2023, it’s notable that Uranus is squaring Monsanto’s Ascendant, suggesting upsets…and Saturn is squaring Monsanto’s Sun and Midheaven at 6-7 Sagittarius.

Speaking of Saturn at a virtual standstill, focusing our attention on grief, loss, reality and necessary controls:

“Grieving and angry, Maine residents demand change after mass killing.” There is a saying: “As Maine goes, so goes the nation.”
“The retired pilot went to the hospital. Then his life went into a tailspin.” Subhead: “Many older people are one medical emergency away from a court-appointed guardian taking control of their lives.” A must-read, says Saturn in Pisces.

Meanwhile…

“Elon Musk unveils Grok, an AI chatbot with a rebellious streak” — and how very Mercury opposing (rebel) Uranus. Can’t say I’ll be checking it out anytime soon.
“Chatbots may hallucinate more often than they realize,” which is yet another argument for the need to quadruple check everything before believing it — especially in 2024.

Speaking of alternate realities…

Greg Olear offers meticulously researched revelations about MAGA Mike Johnson, the new Speaker of the House. Subhead: “Do we really want a Christian nationalist who truly believes that the Rapture is imminent determining our policy in the Middle East?” The Rapture is an apt theme for Neptune in Pisces…and in 2024, when Neptune is at the verrrrrry end of Pisces...it is likely to feel as if it’s the end of the world. Thus, it may be practical to read about the people who are rooting for the Rapture. Some may be the same people in Congress who voted last week for a stand-alone aid bill for Israel (nothing for Ukraine), to be financed with funds that have already been budgeted for the IRS, which is using the monies to collect taxes from the extremely wealthy. The bill isn’t going anywhere; the Senate wouldn’t pass it, Biden would veto it. But still…that’s only because (barely) enough people went to the polls in 2022 and cast their vote.

More on alternative realities…which is also big news in publishing…

“Clear and direct breach: Everything you need to know about conservative book publisher’s suit against (former chief of staff for TFG) Mark Meadows to get $350,000 advance back, and then some” (because Meadows lied lied lied about the 2020 election in his book, and people believed it).

Oh, there are so many elephants in the room…and it is challenging to try to write about them all. That’s why I appreciated Beth Owl’s Daughter’s latest always-in-sync Tarot Card of the Week. Planetary patterns are volatile, and this week’s card is a stark image of grief. But in Beth’s wise interpretation, a productive way to apply this image in our own personal worlds (where we may have a shot at greater influence, no matter what hits the headlines), may be to ask ourselves:

What is the core cause of your deepest heart’s suffering right now? It is time for you to understand and even speak to that which troubles you.

And then she links a wonderful article by Robert Reich, which reminded me of when I was a child — and on a tour in Istanbul during the Yom Kippur War. There was an Egyptian man in our tour group, and I remembered being irrationally afraid of him because I’d read about the war in the papers, and thus knew for a fact that all Egyptians were the bad guys. Clearly there is a lesson here about putting absolute faith into what we read in the papers. I later learned that the Egyptian man was on his way to Switzerland to be treated for cancer, and I remember feeling ashamed that I’d judged him so harshly, especially since he’d been quite kind to me and my mother. My fears were all in my mind — the element of Air. In Tarot, Swords correspond to Air.

On a lighter note:

From the Guardian: “‘Now and Then‘ — listen to the ‘final’ Beatles’ song” On the day it was released, transiting Mars exactly opposed John Lennon’s purpose-driven Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in Taurus. That’s an alert to a potential rush of activity in his sphere of influence. Here is what we know of Lennon’s horoscope.
Of course a week with a Venus-Neptune opposition is an apt time for a movie about long distance swimmer Diana Nyad. Does the film’s star, Annette Bening, have a Venus-Neptune opposition? Of course, and her co-star, Jodie Foster, has a Venus-Neptune conjunction (in Scorpio, square Mars). Funny how that works. Coincidence or conspiracy?

I leave you with a beautiful interactive feature from the NYT magazine about images captured by the James Webb telescope….

Here’s the 411 on personal consultations. All of the eclipse insights have been sent!

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

THE FORECAST

THE
FORECAST