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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.
Astro-logical Forecast for Monday-Sunday 7/20-26/2015: Sneak Peek at the Week, Part 1
/in The ForecastGood Morning!
Moon is in Virgo today, where it has been since 8:47PM ET on Saturday. Use its organizing and discerning energy to put things right in your world today. Your efforts can be supported by an easy flow of communication and action, as the Moon makes contact with Mars (action) and Mercury (mindset) at 7:3oAM ET and 11:02PM ET, respectively. Refine, revise, reform….with an eye towards perfection and service.
Construction, stabilization and productive use of time is supported by two other easy flows among Sun and Mercury in emotional security-conscious Cancer and Saturn in reality check Scorpio. Those aspects are exact tomorrow at 7:08AM ET (Sun-Saturn), and Wednesday at 1:51PM ET (Mercury-Saturn). Use these building blocks well!
The smooth flow of planetary patterns at the start of this week give way to more excitement towards the end. After a brief Moon void on Wednesday (6:06AM ET – 9:23AM ET), Moon enters Libra and attempts to find balance, social graces and fairness in relationship — at least in theory. Note the potential for an emotional catharses or power play around 1:36PM ET when the Moon is challenged by ruthless Pluto. Late Wednesday night, the Sun leaves Cancer for drama queen Leo. Mercury follows suit on Thursday (8:15AM ET) and then meets up with the Sun (3:24PM ET). This suggests a certain stubborn and fiery idealism in thought and communication.
Early Thursday the peace-seeking Libra Moon is further rattled by conflict and upsets from Mars and Uranus (12:04AM ET and 3:02AM ET) — exciting, if you’re working the night shift. Patterns are relatively supportive for the rest of the day on Thursday, though be advised that the Moon will be void between 2:12PM ET and 10:07PM ET. That’s a good time to focus on routine matters and roll with any twists that may crop up in your efforts to move forward in a straight line. Crises during voids tend to be much ado about nothing.
If you work in a mercurial business such as the media, where you have daily deadlines, you’re more likely to notice these “road to nowhere” crises. When I was working onsite in TV news, I can’t tell you how many times a “hair on fire” project would show up during a void, and somehow fizzle out after the void was over — but not before a number of tech snafus and other flaky events that could have raised my stress levels if I were less informed. So CHILL if this happens to you.
Friday’s fun includes a tense and stubborn First Quarter Moon at 12:04AM ET, as the Moon, now in control and depth-seeking Scorpio, is challenged by the regal Leo Sun. Whatever agenda you set on last week’s New Moon may now be adjusted. A dreamy flow between Neptune and the Moon at 4:41PM ET aids your need for a weekend escape.
Humming in the background on Friday are three significant patterns exact on Saturday and Sunday. First, the other shoe of last Wednesday’s face-off between Mars and Pluto drops at 5:42AM ET. That would be rebel Uranus (aviation, seismic activity, accidents, sudden outbursts, technical breakthroughs, astrology) in a hard aspect to Mars (action & assertion, for better or worse). Second, Uranus pulls focus again on Sunday at 6:38AM ET when it turns retrograde at 20 degrees of Aries. It will back up to 16 degrees before turning direct again on December 26th.
When a planet is retrograde, the energy it represents is best expressed by turning inward, instead of outward. When direct, Uranus tends to rebel against the status quo set by others. When retrograde, Uranus needs to set itself free from limits that are self-imposed. So if you have a planet between 16 and 20 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn…or if you were born around the 10th of April, July, October or January, you can expect an intense second hit of issues you’ve recently experienced (i.e., since April), involving freedom, independence, being yourself without compromise, sudden revelations and upsets of the status quo. Exhibit A: Bill Cosby, whose status has definitely been disrupted, as predicted in this forecast last year — with more to come all this year and into 2018 (because after Uranus is done with Mr. Cosby’s Cancer Sun and Aries Ascendant, Pluto will take over).
The Sabian Symbol for this year’s Uranus retrograde is this: “a pugilist entering the ring”. Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee suggests we apply this symbol to “the focused contest between social organization and individuality; the natural inclination to define one’s space; finding the range of one’s power, the impact of one’s punch”. What are we fighting for? Are we championing a noble cause or are we just in it for ego recognition, born of insecurity? Will we inspire the world with our battle cry or will we just throw a temper tantrum and never mind the damaging consequences of our actions? Aries can go either way — big baby or warrior-hero — what will it be?
Third, Venus — which refers to women, aesthetics, social expression and values/worth — also turns retrograde. That happens at 5:29AM ET at O degrees of Virgo. In Leo, Venus needs a dramatic, playful, heart-centered expression of affection and values. In Virgo, such expression is likely to be more analytical and refined in its quest for perfection. It can also be priggish and hypercritical. Venus has been in Virgo since 6:38PM ET on Saturday (last weekend), so perhaps you’ve already noticed the shift.
Tomorrow I’ll post some helpful guidelines for handling this year’s Venus retrograde. I’ll also recap the news — always amazing to see the synchronicity between planetary patterns and the headlines. Isn’t it fun to have a sense of what’s going to happen before it makes news? I’m only planning to post two forecasts this week — and I’ll tell you more about that tomorrow.
Meanwhile, why not find out more about what these planetary patterns mean to you? Consider that an invitation to schedule a personal consultation. Find out why you are the way you are, what you need in order to feel fulfilled, and what opportunities you can create for yourself now and in the near future. Astrology is amazing.
Thank you for reading this forecast.
Astro-logical Forecast for Thursday 7/16/2015: Shine On, Leo Moon!
/in The ForecastEast Coasters, your day starts with an easy flow between stabilizing Saturn and the intuitive Cancer Moon at 7:24AM ET. It launches a brief Moon void (yes, there really IS one this morning) for a few hours, until 10:15AM ET. From then on, Moon will be in sunny Leo, cruising with no contact from other planets until early SATURDAY morning. Then it does make contact with a planet before going void. This does not happen very often. In fact, I can’t remember if it’s ever happened since I started writing this forecast over six years ago.
What are we do to with all this Leo lunar energy, flowing without static for almost 48 hours? How about what Leo does best: shine, shine, shine — love, love, love — play, play, play. Which doesn’t mean take the day off…but perhaps incorporate this heart-centered energy into every facet of your routine: work, relationships – and yes, play. Weren’t we just talking about the heart in yesterday’s New Moon forecast? Yes, indeed. Here’s another perspective on the potential of this New Moon and the seeds we can plant now, courtesy of the lovely and talented Tarot diva, Beth Owlsdaughter.
There’s no lack of stimulation to inspire your creativity, as mental Mercury is still buzzing from its encounter with Mars and Pluto yesterday. On Saturday, it buzzes even more when it connects with innovative Uranus — but we’re feeling the build-up now. Genius or just plain nuts? Maybe a little of both.
The downside of Leo is the potential for drama queens and kings to seize the stage. However, many of them can be tamed by a wee bit of applause. OK, a lot of applause. That’s your secret weapon for managing anyone who was born with a Leo Moon.
Here’s a little exercise/meditation I learned from a most excellent teacher with Moon in Leo (many Leo Moons are shine in a classroom as well as on stage). Ready? OK. When was the last time you gave someone a compliment? Why not express appreciation at every opportunity over the next two days? If that’s feels like overkill for you, then try to give at least three compliments each day, especially if you are someone who does not hand them out like Kleenex at a funeral. Note how it feels, as well as the response. See how creative some people can be at deflecting your sincere admiration. Isn’t that interesting? What’s up with that?
And what about you? How well do you receive a compliment? Why do you think this is so? Extra bonus points for giving yourself a big compliment when you look in the mirror each morning. Go ahead, do it now.
What did you come up with? How did it make you feel?
You are awesome. Thank you for reading this forecast.
Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday 7/15/2015: New Moon in Cancer
/in The ForecastDead Moon or not, the early part of today looks busy — especially in the wee hours while you were sleeping. First the sensitive Cancer Moon met up with Mercury and Mars – then opposed Pluto at 4:10AM ET. A need for emotional security is given the potential for expressive communication and action, followed by a catharsis or power play. How wild and intense were your dreams?
At 10:08AM ET Mars (action) is opposed by Pluto (underground, underworld), suggesting more than the average amount of force and persuasion. At 7:38PM ET mental Mercury takes no prisoners when it is also opposed by Pluto. An empowered perspective or a verbal lashing may be yours, especially if you have a planet or angle around 14 degrees (halfway through) Aries, Libra, Capricorn and Cancer.
In between that turbulent threesome, more revelations and/or disruptions may pop up, as the Moon is challenged by rebel Uranus. So much action…and we don’t even get to today’s main event — the New Moon — until 9:24PM ET. Finally you can light a candle, make a list and set your intentions for the next lunar cycle!
The Moon functions well in Cancer, the sign it rules. Here it seeks to fulfill a need for emotional/homeland security Y’know, core foundational concerns. Are you standing on solid ground? Where is your home? Tell me about your family, your mother, your ancestors. How are you being nourished and nurtured? How are you nurturing others?
We are challenged this month to think deeply about these core foundation concerns. Don’t like what you’re standing on — or standing for? Sending the wrong message, are you? Then use the penetrating perspective and force of this particular New Moon to change it.
As if on cue, the daily news digest delivered to my emailbox by the good folks at The Washington Post featured this “BIG IDEA” headline: “A New Conservative Self-Help Manifesto From the Head of the AEI“. Here’s the opening paragraph:
The timing of this book’s publication fits perfectly with planetary patterns. Perhaps it motivated the Oklahoma Republican Party to delete its Facebook post comparing food stamp recipients to animals. Ditto for Donald Trump’s tweet with him pictured next to an image of Nazi soldiers.
Interesting to note how another heart caused a stir yesterday — the one seen on Pluto. That planet is named for the Lord of the Underworld — a deity not known for its warm and fuzzy compassion. Who knew?
The Sabian Symbol for the New Moon at 24 Cancer seems daunting at first: “a woman and two men on a bit of sunlit land facing south.” Huh? Thank goodness Blain Bovee wrote a book to help us figure it out: “This is an image of a classic love triangle, the challenge of choosing personal affinities born of the heart“.
Again with the hearts. Must be reflective of Jupiter and Venus nearing the end of Leo, that great-hearted sign.
Bovee suggests that a choice between two perhaps worthy but different options must be made. Consider that Arthur Brooks used to be a “liberal bohemian musician”. What was sacrificed in order for him to be where he is right now?
Bovee suggests we apply this Sabian Symbol with a mind to “the challenge of choosing one’s path in life; finding oneself in triangulated situations; feeling confined in the world; confinement as spiritual freedom; toying with the hearts of others; withholding one’s favor”. And also this: “finding that even the love of God involves a third party”. That one is deep. Have to think about it. Meanwhile, look for headlines reflecting these themes coming soon to a newspaper near you.
You are more personally affected by this potent New Moon if you have a planet or angle at around 24 degrees of Aries, Libra, Capricorn — and especially Cancer. If you do not know the degrees of your planets and angles, consider ordering the Astro-Basics Report here — or book a consultation to find out why you are the way you are, and what opportunities you have to become more empowered in the next several months.
And now, a bit of news.
Reflecting the potential for extreme force that transforms one’s perspective of core foundation issues, the wizards at the Giant Atom-Smashing Hadron Collider announced the discovery of a new particle: the pentaquark. Like the Higgs boson, the existence of this particle was first posited on the Uranus-Pluto conjunction in the mid-60s. So cool and apt that it would materialize now, on the Uranus-Pluto square.
Thank you for reading this forecast and sharing it with your friends. You are sharing it with your friends, aren’t you? Much gratitude to you for doing so.
Astro-logical Forecast for Tuesday 7/14/2015: Power & Control; Ambition and Perspective
/in The ForecastMy spies tell me that yesterday’s Mercury-Neptune alignment (translation: mindset influenced by idealism, vision or escapism) was especially spacey. I can appreciate that feeling, given that we’re still dealing with a “dead” Moon…in Cancer, btw. Cooking at home tonight? What a lovely idea…
Mercury-Neptune aspects may be bewildering, but they also reflect the sublime. For example, I was on the subway at 3PM ET, 14 minutes before the exact Mercury-Neptune trine. My ride downtown was embellished by a barbershop quartet’s rendition of “Under the Boardwalk”, followed within two minutes by a jazz saxophonist. Both performances were pretty darn good, above and beyond the usual subway talent. Neptune does refer to music….
And now, the news.
I’ve reading about the state budget Governor Scott Walker (R-WI) signed into law on Sunday, just after 4:30PM in Waukesha, WI. The budget cuts funding for education and conservation, replaces the words “living wage” with “minimum wage” and other fun things Governor Walker says will “benefit taxpayers”. The horoscope for the budget signing has Saturn (control) in Scorpio exactly on the Ascendant, squaring Venus (money, social expression, women, aesthetics) There is nothing fun about that aspect. It’s harsh. Coincidence or conspiracy?
Saturn-Venus aspects are also reflected in stories of “women of steel”. Here’s one about a woman who survived a plane crash in Washington state….
The streamlining potential of this Venus-Saturn aspect, combined with the force of Mercury (mindset) and Mars (action) in Cancer (homeland security) challenged by Pluto (perspective, transformation, power, plutonium) is reflected in a rare ALL CAPS headline on the NYT: IRAN AND 6 WORLD POWERS REACH DEAL TO CURB ITS NUCLEAR PLANS. In exchange for the “curbs”, it seems that economic sanctions will be lifted, resulting in this joyful reaction from some Iranians. This makes sense when you consider that Saturn symbolizes ambition and advance, as well as limits and controls. It is up to us to decide how it energy will be used. Meanwhile, over at the Washington Times you can see how homeland security concerns shaped its headline for the story: “Iran Reaches Landmark Nuclear Deal After Compromise on UN Inspections”. Ditto for some members of Congress, where heads may well explode.
And then there is Pluto the planet, which is also pulling big focus this week, as NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft zips by it. How big is it? Bigger than was thought…
When Pluto is active in your own unique horoscope, you are challenged to transform your perspective, often with considerable effort. Resistance is futile….and it’s an experience you might want to know about beforehand, so you can plan a strategy for maximizing opportunities. Here’s how to contact me to schedule a personal consultation.
Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 7/13/2014: Sneak Peek at the Week
/in The ForecastGood morning!
A dreamy buzz drives the day, courtesy of the Moon in information-junkie Gemini. Talk, talk and more talk. The dreamy part is the inspiration suggested by an easy connection between mental Mercury and nebulous Neptune, exact at 3:14PM ET. This is wonderful if you’re a poet or some other visionary creative type. It’s also useful if you’re trying to sell someone a bridge in Brooklyn. Mercury-Neptune aspects suggest a tendency to see things through rose-colored glasses.
The reality check arrives as we move into the later part of evening and Tuesday, courtesy of a tense aspect between Venus (money, aesthetics, women and social expression) and stern Saturn. This is the aspect that coincided with the first big story I noticed about the so-called “bitchy resting face”. Seriously. Better to be a creditor than a debtor with that aspect in the cosmos. Here’s what hit the news on another tough Venus-Saturn day a couple of years ago (including the bit about the bitchy resting face).
Note that we are in the dark side of the Moon. The new cycle starts on Wednesday at 9:24PM ET when the Sun and Moon meet up in Cancer. Between now and then you may feel a bit listless or restless, sensing that a fresh start is just on the horizon, but you can’t quite see it yet. This is a good time to wrap up projects begun on the last New Moon and think about your intentions for the next cycle. It’s also a good time to negotiate or take action on a matter you’d like to keep fairly under wraps. It’s the dark of the Moon, after all.
And as if on cue, here’s a article that just showed up in my newsfeed about the start of a military exercise in Texas called Jade Helm. Maybe you heard about this operation back in March or early May, when conspiracy theories about its true nature ran amok. Said theories were ridiculed by Jon Stewart. In any event, the exercise is presumably now underway, and media observers are strictly prohibited. Coincidence or conspiracy?
Certainly military/militant themes are favored this week, as warrior Mars in homeland security-focused Cancer joins forces with Mercury and opposes potent Pluto on Wednesday. That configuration suggests action and mindset that is potentially ruthless and/or explosive. It is fascinating to look at the headlines on the NYT home page right now: Japan arms makers want to sell to new markets aboard; a treasure trove of WWII history has been revealed in the form of boxes and boxes of letters written by an army private to his wife in Brooklyn; the firing of a female commander in the Marines is controversial; 23 are dead in the collapse of a military barracks in Russia.
More news…
When I was drafting the forecast last night, I read that Governor Scott Walker was probably going to announce his bid for president today. And in fact, he has. A launch video has been posted — in the dark of the Moon — and the New York Times writes about it thusly:
All those words in italics are an apt reflection of the potential of this week’s planetary patterns. They also reflect patterns in Scott Walker’s horoscope, which I first wrote about in early 2011.
Also reflecting this week’s planetary patterns: the announcement that a “deal” has been reached so that Greece can have a bunch of money and still stay in the EEU. It happened in a “breakthrough” negotiating session early this morning. Speaking of breakthroughs, we’ve just had a significant pattern suggesting breakthroughs in the form of last night’s challenge between the Sun and innovative Uranus.
OK, so what kind of deal is it? “Draconian…harsh…vindictive” are some of the words being bandied about. And not only that, notes the linked article above:
Enjoy today’s dreaminess. We’re off to the start of a volatile week.
On a lighter note…
Add the surprising jolt of Sunday’s Sun-Uranus square to this week’s focus on Mars-Pluto (explosive, news from underground), and it’s fun to see this item about scientists who were looking for lobster larvae and instead found “Huge and Ancient Volcanoes Discovered Off the Coast of Sydney”.
For another jolt — but hopefully one that will make you smile — check out this video that first launched on Valentines’ Day, on a Venus- Mars meet-up in boundary-dissolving Pisces. It was making the rounds on the internet again on Sunday. Love, love, love…though my money says Scott Walker would hate it.
Last, but hardly least, if you are enjoying these forecasts and wondering what’s going on in your own unique horoscope, I invite you to wonder no more! Schedule a personal consultation and we will have an enlightening and Really Super Useful conversation about who you are and where you are likely heading. I also invite you to support my efforts to keep you up-to-date on planetary patterns, improve your timing and better understand why things are happening in the world. How? By sharing this forecast with your friends. If you would also like to express your appreciation by making a donation, you would really make my day.
Oh — almost forgot — your Moon voids for the week: Monday 11:31PM ET until Tuesday 2:14AM ET and Thursday 7:24AM until 10:15AM ET. We’re not due for a lengthy Moon void during business hours until the 23rd, which will make some people very happy. If you are new to the forecast (welcome!) and unfamiliar with these natural cosmic rest periods, here’s a full explanation.