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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 Wednesday & Thursday 8/13-14/2014: Robin Williams, RIP
/in The ForecastUp and at ’em.
As of 9AM ET, Moon charged into pioneering Aries, the zodiac sign associated with new beginnings. This feisty energy may feel like a breath of fresh air after two days of potential melancholic floundering in ethereal, soulful Pisces, the sign associated with endings. After the news of Robin Williams’ tragic suicide, followed last night by news of Lauren Bacall’s passing, we could use a lift. Exact planetary patterns today suggest a warm, personal vibe as the fiery Moon makes an easy connection to loving Venus at 11:43AM ET…followed by an expansive/optimistic connection to Jupiter at 7:27PM ET. Huzzah.
There’s no Moon void today or tomorrow to deter your initiatives or shopping sprees. The Moon makes its weekly contact with ruthless Pluto and rebel Uranus at 3:54AM ET and 12:14PM ET on Thursday. These contacts suggest a potential power play or catharsis, followed by a revelation or other shake-up of the status quo. Any upsets tomorrow may well find an easy balance by the end of the day, as the Sun and Moon make a harmonious connection.
Take advantage of the resourceful energy flow suggested by an easy connection between action hero Mars and potent Pluto, which will be exact on Friday. This pattern suggests stamina, drive and focus in your quest for world domination. Go for it.
And now, the news.
Like every other astrologer on the planet, of course I went straight to my computer to see how the potential for Robin Williams’s suffering and self-destruction was suggested by planetary patterns — not only in his horoscope, but in context of what we would expect in the headlines in the aftermath of 1) last weekend’s Full Moon in Leo/Aquarius; and 2) transiting Mars triggering April’s solar eclipse. These events were discussed in my last two forecasts.
Regarding the Full Moon, remember how we expected that people with planets or points at 18 degrees of Leo or Aquarius would be more personally affected. We could expect a release of energy in matters specific to the individual’s horoscope, and as an example, we talked about Barack Obama’s Ascendant (how he needs to be seen) at 18 Aquarius. Got that? Thus it is no surprise to see that Pluto, the ruler of Robin Williams’ Scorpio Ascendant (here is his horoscope) is at 18 degrees of Leo, and it is squared by the important Sun/Moon midpoint at 18 degrees of Taurus. The Sun/Moon midpoint refers to relationship.
Regarding the trigger of April’s 8 Taurus solar eclipse by transiting Mars, we anticipated a release of energy not unlike what we experienced when MH17 was shot down by Ukrainian rebels last month. On that day, transiting Mars hit 25 Libra, the degree of April’s lunar eclipse. We could say that the innocents on board MH17 were eclipsed. We could observe that we are reacting to Williams’ suicide/sudden release with a similar outpouring of emotion, as he, too, was eclipsed. I’d argue that millions of people felt like the lights had gone out ever so briefly in their own personal worlds, too, as they paused to consider how a man who was loved by so many could have suffered so much that he left it all — and us — behind. When an eclipse is triggered by a transiting planet, a new awareness can emerge out of the darkened pause.
This made me think about a very compelling review a friend sent me a few weeks ago of a book called Stay: A History of Suicide and the Philosophies Against It by Jennifer Michael Hecht. One of the arguments Hecht makes is that there’s a little bit of homicide in every suicide. When someone extinguishes their mortal spark, a little spark in all of us is extinguished, too. We are obligated to stay on Earth because we are all connected, she argues. Here are her exact words — they are so apt for the Pisces Moon we experienced over the past few days:
Really, the whole book review is worth a read. And the book, too.
Robin Williams was born July 21, 1951 at 1:34PM (CST) in Chicago. He has Sun at 28 Cancer; Moon at 9 Pisces; Ascendant at 12 Scorpio. So immediately we are alerted to these probable needs: 1) to provide emotional security; 2) to work with intangibles, ideals and impressions; and 3) to be seen as someone of depth, power and control.
Sun in Cancer with Moon in Pisces suggests, according to astrologer Grant Lewi, “a sailboat personality, tacking with the wind and tide…keeping in cahoots with with the weather conditions as you find them.” This is likely a highly intuitive person with a strong emotional flow. He may seek approval by being agreeable — possibly overly so. Other patterns in the horoscope echo this potential, suggesting 1) someone who is pushed around by forces beyond his control; and 2) who likely gives himself away to others at the expense of developing his own talents. I’ve just read an interesting tribute to Williams posted on Facebook by actor Peter Coyote suggesting that by not being fully trained to harness his dreams, this led to the choice he made to end his life. The struggle among dreams, excess and control is so clear in Williams’ horoscope, especially in recent months.
His Pisces Moon is opposed by Venus in Virgo and the South Node; it is conjunct the North Node. This suggests a strong maternal influence, as well as self-indulgence. It is interesting to learn that Williams’ first comic impression was reportedly of his grandmother. His mother was a fashion model, and likely exposed him to the world of entertainment. With Saturn in Virgo at the Aries Point (and in the 11th, ruling the 3rd), we would expect the father to be prominent and perhaps critical, strongly affecting Williams’ heavy mindset and feelings of loveability. Interesting to note his father was a prominent executive who, when told of Williams’ decision to become a performer, suggested he have a Plan B, “like welding, just in case.” Ouch.
A need to broadcast his razor-sharp perspectives without censorship is suggested by his Mercury in regal Leo conjunct ruthless Pluto and the Midheaven (public status/career). This pattern makes me think of the wise-cracking DJ he played in Good Morning, Vietnam. A lovely expression of his Cancerian need to nurture reminds me of Mrs. Doubtfire. His Pisces Moon reminds me of What Dreams May Come and The Fisher King. And so on.
Williams’ need to be seen as in control — suggested by his Scorpio Ascendant — is echoed by a Grand Trine (three planets or points that form an equilateral triangle) among the Pisces Moon, Mars and Uranus together in Cancer, and the Scorpio Ascendant. Sure, a Grand Trine in the Water signs can be seen as “lucky” because it’s not afraid to live by its own set of rules (and gets away with it). But it also suggests a projection of emotional self-sufficiency that functions as a defense against hurt. It would likely be difficult for someone with a Grand Trine to ask for help, especially in these Water Signs. Grand Trines tend to keep people far away.
Part of the defensive structure of the Grand Trine includes the Mars-Uranus conjunction, suggesting his potential for comic genius. This volatile combination is also part of another dynamic pattern in Williams’ horoscope called a T-square. Here, Mars and Uranus are blown up into dazzlingly imaginative proportions, as they sit between a challenging opposition between Jupiter (expansion, wretched excess, optimism, generosity) and Neptune (vision, drugs, showbiz, faith, charity). Of course he’d make a wonderful genie — as he did in Aladdin. But note that all of the planets in this T-square have been under intense pressure by the never-ending Uranus-Pluto square.
Given the above patterns, is it any surprise to read in Williams’ NYT obituary that he was:
Can you see how he brought to life the patterns that were in his horoscope?
There’s one other pattern of note that suggests the potential for suffering. And that pattern is a connection between his vulnerable Pisces Moon and a midpoint between Saturn/Pluto. I noticed this pattern in Steve Jobs’ horoscope after he died and was struck by its implications. This pattern suggests (again per Noel Tyl) “emotional coldness; renunciation; giving up”. But Steve Jobs seemed to have such a perfect life (reflecting his Virgo Ascendant’s “need to be seen as perfect”). Yet this pattern so suggests there’s more to the story, and in fact, that’s what came out after Steve Jobs died.
And this is what is so intriguing about astrology: we do see things in the horoscope that a person’s closest associates — including therapists — fail to appreciate or understand, and we do see when difficulties are likely to arise. Carl Jung said as much when he wrote a letter in 1947 offering his “opinion on astrology” (with gratitude to astrologer Steffan Vanel for bringing this to my attention).
The challenges — and potential — in Robin Williams horoscope for 2014 are clear. We see it in the super-charged T-square. We see it in measurements involving the Ascendant, Mars (action) and the potentially self-destructive South Node. And we see the trigger for action with Sunday’s Full Moon, which conjoined his Pluto (ruler of the Ascendant) and squared the Sun/Moon (relationship) midpoint. Transiting Saturn, which rules Williams 3rd house of mindset squared Pluto and opposed that midpoint. Saturn-Pluto transits are nearly always difficult. Saturn in touch with the Sun/Moon midpoint suggests difficulties in relationship. Adding to this heavy period is the bewildering fog of transiting Neptune, which was very close to Williams’ Pisces Moon. Neptune-Moon transits can be dangerously dreamy. It’s no surprise that Williams, who struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, had a relapse earlier this year.
And here is the sorrowful part, from the point of view of an astrologer. We can also see when this challenging period is likely to end! By the end of the year, transiting Jupiter to the Midheaven may well have been reflected in professional opportunities and accolades similar to what he experienced in prior Jupiter transits. Other measurements also support the potential for rebirth and personal happiness next year. Now, Robin Williams will still likely receive the acclaim and recognition in professional status, because curiously enough, the horoscope continues to reflect life events whether you’re dead or alive. I like to believe that we have a choice, most of the time, about whether to stay or go.
I do not know who Sue Moses is, but I appreciate this quote attributed to her:
We’ve left the reflective Pisces Moon behind, but don’t worry, it will return next month. That’s what planetary cycles do. Now we have an Aries Moon to inspire us to begin anew.
Cue Robin Williams as Genie now, please. Onward!
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Astro-logical Forecast for Monday & Tuesday 8/11-12/2014: Sneak Peek at the Week
/in The ForecastGood Morning!
Some on the East Coast may have experienced a delay or surprise twist in your early morning routine, given that the Moon was void of course until 8:55AM ET. If you are new to this forecast and want more info on Moon voids and how to handle them, look here. As of 8:55AM ET, if you are really paying attention, you may notice the shift in energy — not unlike the sensation of engaging the clutch of a stick-shift car — as the Moon goes into gear and moves forward in Pisces.
Pisces is an intuitive energy that at its best, expresses compassion and loving kindness for everyone and everything, in its understanding that we are all One. At worst, Pisces wallows in suffering and/or escapes life’s hard knocks by running away, drowning its sorrows in drugs, drink or any other rose-colored glass it can find. Pisces is ruled by Neptune, a challenging symbol for many to integrate in an individual horoscope. At best, it suggests a need for a sublime creative and/or spiritual vision. At worst, it suggests deception and betrayal. Not all visions are real.
Overall, a quiet day today, as there are no exact planetary aspects until 7:26PM ET, when the Pisces Moon hooks up with nebulous Neptune, facilitating — yes, that ‘s right — a need for a dreamy escape — perhaps through a creative or spiritual practice: art, music, meditation. If you’re a night owl needing an energy boost for that novel you’re writing, easy connections between Moon, Mars (action!) and Pluto (depth, potency) late tonight and in the wee hours can carry you through.
Also happening overnight: Venus leaves nurturing ultra-Mom Cancer for royal Leo at 3:24AM ET Tuesday, infusing social expression for the next few weeks with drama, pomp and play. This may also fill up the social calendars of those born under the sign of the Lion, especially those born in July.
Get it off your desk by 12:01pm ET on Tuesday, when the Moon goes void of course on a constructive alignment with disciplined Saturn. Focus on routine tasks or chill until 9AM ET on Wednesday, when the Moon charges into Aries and quickens the pace until lunchtime on Friday. The long Moon void on Tuesday is the only void that may trip up your efforts to move forward in a straight line during the work week. The next Moon void happens between 8:26AM ET and 6:41PM ET on Sunday.
And now, the news.
As expected in light of the heavy Saturn influence during yesterday’s Full Moon, headlines on the NYT homepage are sobering. We see yet another incident involving the death of an unarmed person by a law enforcement officer making news, this time in St. Louis. A candlelight vigil for the victim was held during last night’s long Moon void, along with reported looting and angry protests. Meanwhile, a freak accident that apparently happened after a clash of wills between two race car drivers made headlines on Saturday, resulting in the death of one driver allegedly attempting to “settle a score”. Not surprising to see this story in light of patterns discussed in Saturday’s forecast.
In other news, this headline caught my eye: “A Mother Lifts Her Son, Slowly, From Heroin’s Abyss”. It is an especially apt reflection of the heavy consequences and dogged ambition suggested by the Full Moon, along with two patterns exact today: Venus (social expression, women) at the very last degree of Cancer (motherhood), as well as an obsessive aspect known as a quindecile between mental Mercury and Neptune (drugs, redemption, sacrifice). Planets close to the end of a zodiac sign suggest a heavy learning trip in whatever matters the planet rules. If you have planets like that in your horoscope, you know what I’m talking about.
Thank you for reading this forecast — with extra bonus gratitude to those of you who are sharing it with your friends.
P.S. Special thanks to Karen, a reader who sent in this article written by astrologer Richard Nolle, who coined the term Super Moon back in 1979. I’ve linked it before, but it bears repeating and it may clear up misunderstandings you may have about Super Moons, especially since they are now being written about regularly by reporters who know little about astrology.
How is your life being reflected by patterns in your horoscope? What’s likely to be on your plate this fall? Find out in a personal astro-logical consultation.
Astro-logical Forecast for Saturday & Sunday 8/9-10/2014: Full Moon in Aquarius
/in The ForecastYou may find more than the usual share of chores on your plate this Saturday, once the Moon is fully engaged in Aquarius as of 9:52AM ET. A heavy challenge between taskmaster Saturn and the Leo Sun at 11:11AM ET suggests a need to take care of business, even on a summer weekend. You may feel this weight more personally if you have a planet or point around 15-19 degrees of Leo, Taurus, Scorpio or Aquarius…or if you were born around the 9th of August, November, February or May.
With the Moon waxing to its fullness on Sunday at 2:09PM ET, emotions may also be building to a release. Saturday around 6:24PM ET suggests grand feelings and indulgence, following by a clash of stubborn will around 10:51PM ET or some other expression of a fighting spirit. Pay attention on the roads.
On Sunday, the serious focus of today’s Sun-Saturn challenge is echoed by tension between Saturn and the Moon, exact at 12:32PM ET. After the Full Moon is exact, the only other aspect of the day is a face-off between the Moon and mental Mercury at 6:12PM ET, leaving us with plenty to think and talk about for the next 14 hours when the Moon is void of course. That’s your chill time — until 8:55 AM ET on Monday, when the Moon will be fully engaged in the next sign, Pisces — and ready to start the work week.
This Full Moon is a Super Moon — and here is an article written by a meteorologist that explains what the astrological term “Super Moon” suggests from his point of view. It seems to have been posted today, during a potential “wet blanket” reflection of the weekend’s heavy Saturn patterns…and isn’t it interesting that the third line of the article begins, “I really don’t want to be the wet blanket at your moon party…”
The Leo Sun suggests creative self-expression; love and other matters of the heart. The Aquarius Moon suggests a need for a more cerebral approach — one that is less personal, more humanitarian. How to integrate these seemingly opposing forces is the potential illumination of this Full Moon. But with stern Saturn sitting right between the Sun and Moon in a T-Square formation, what is revealed will likely require dogged determination, ambition, focus and authority.
Also of note in this Full Moon chart: Mars, planet of action, will be at 8 degrees of Scorpio, opposing the solar eclipse we had at 8 Taurus on April 29th. You may remember that when Mars hit 25 Libra last month (the degree of the April 15th lunar eclipse), MH17 was shot down by Ukrainian rebels. When past eclipses are triggered by current transiting planets, we often see events reflecting an outburst of energy, for better or for worse. If you have a planet or angle around 8 degrees of Taurus or Scorpio, you, too, may experience a burst of energy in your own personal world.
The Sabian Symbol for the Sun at 19 Leo is “a houseboat party”; the Symbol for the Moon at 19 Aquarius is “a forest fire quenched” (per Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee) or, as astrologer Dane Rudyhar describes it, “a forest fire is being subdued by the use of water, chemicals and sheer muscular energy” (I include this to show the enormous effort required to quench your average wildfire). What are we to make of these symbols?
Bovee observes that a houseboat is a place for social gatherings. It does not have a keel and is thus challenging to navigate in turbulent waters. “Forest,” he notes, is “derived from the word ‘foreign’ — meaning outside one’s own country; a forest fire is a wild, uncontrollable conflagration…imagine a flaming left-wing liberal finding himself at a conservative right-wing party on a houseboat. It’s a difficult situation calling for diplomacy and delicate matters so as not to rock the boat.” Yep, he really wrote that, and this book was published in 2004.
I find the Symbols of this Full Moon especially intriguing because the Sabian Symbol for Barack Obama’s Ascendant — suggesting the way he needs to be seen — is 19 Aquarius. This is an especially significant Full Moon for him, reinforcing other patterns of significance discussed in the last forecast. For the rest of us, Bovee advises us to apply the Symbols of this Full Moon “with a mind to the challenge of controlling the burning passions of belief in light social circumstances divided along party lines; stewarding combustible situations; keeping an even keel in potentially interesting times.” For more of Bovee’s insights on this and other Symbols, consider getting his wonderful book. Meanwhile, let’s watch and see how the symbols of this Full Moon are reflected in the headlines and in your own personal world.
And now, the news.
Reflecting the heaviness suggested by Saturn’s prominence in current planetary patterns, I could not find a single light story on the NYT homepage. President Obama has authorized airstrikes and humanitarian supply drops in Iraq, and is telling us to prepare for a long-term engagement. Grrrrrrreat. Fighting continues in Gaza and in the Ukraine. Lack of water is a prime focus in stories about California’s Catalina Island and Iraq. Even the usual cheerfully irreverent Gail Collins was focused on a subject topic that is really no laughing matter in her Saturday column. Coincidence or conspiracy?
Determined not to end this forecast on a such a sober note, here are a few stories not seen on the NYT homepage which you may find uplifting. First, how interesting on last week’s harmonious connection between Venus (love) and Saturn (endurance) to see this story of a couple who had been together 62 years pass away within four hours of one another. Their story was told in papers around the world; this loving photographic tribute was put together by their granddaughter. Second, plenty of photos from the website Barnorama show how animals can bring out the best in us. Finally, the interim president of a university in Kentucky came up with a novel way to increase the hourly wage of the school’s lowest-paid workers to $10.25/hour. He took a 25% cut in salary. And he still makes over $250k per year. How magnanimous (Leo) and humanitarian (Aquarius). Food for thought on this Leo-Aquarius Full Moon. I bet he’s nice to dogs and cats, too.
Astro-logical Forecast for Tuesday-Friday 8/4-8/2014: The US Horoscope, Obama & More
/in The ForecastAlllll-righty then.
It’s summer, y’know? At least it is in the Northern Hemisphere, and if you live in that area of the world, I hope you are finding time to enjoy some lovely weather and restful days, even if there isn’t a Moon void or a Mercury retrograde to suggest you take time away from the office.
Here’s what’s been going on this week — I’d love to hear how planetary patterns were reflected in your own personal world.
Exact patterns were light on Monday through Wednesday, but are building in intensity and activity towards the weekend, culminating with the Full Moon in Aquarius on Sunday at 2:09PM ET. As of 6:19AM ET Tuesday, Moon ended a 16 hour-long void in “knowledge is power” Scorpio, suggesting that most of Monday would be best spent tending to routine tasks or chilling out. With the Moon in gamboling/gambling Sagittarius, the energy of the day on Tuesday and Wednesday may have been fiery but optimistic, augmented by an easy connection from jovial Jupiter at 2:17PM ET. A dreamy and/or bewildering influence colored Tuesday around 6:19PM ET, when Moon was challenged by nebulous Neptune, suggesting a need to make an extra effort to be clearly understood. [Guess what happened at 3:30PM Tuesday in NY, with Neptune at 6 Pisces challenging the Moon AND the Ascendant at 5 Sagittarius? Two double-decker buses crash in Times Square; the story was published at 5:54PM ET; the driver of one bus has since been arrested for “driving under the influence“]
Kudos to you if you got it off your desk by 10:52AM ET Wednesday, when the Moon went void until 9:39AM ET on Thursday. Suggestions for handling the wandering energy of an all-day Moon void in Sagittarius include any activity that broadens your horizons, e.g., a walk in the woods, a day playing sports, watching a foreign film. Hopefully you avoided the Sagittarian temptation to get involved in a righteous debate, as a Moon void has greater potential for making a mountain out of a molehill in a something that will turn out to be of no consequence.
Thursday (today!) and Friday will be days to “make things happen” when the Moon enters enterprising Capricorn at 9:39AM ET for a power-packed two days. One planetary pattern coloring the week that is exact on Thursday at 8:14AM ET is a magical, mystical connection between warrior Mars and nebulous Neptune. This aspect facilitates charisma, seduction and sex appeal, snake oil salesmen and others hawking dreams and illusions. Healing and spiritual pursuits are also suggested — and perhaps a bit of peace in a war zone. Remember from last week that Neptune tends to dissolve whatever it touches, so when it comes in contact with aggressive Mars, it may diffuse an impulse to fight — at least openly. What was in your dreams last night or in your waking thoughts this morning? Pay attention and move forward.
Friday is especially jam-packed. First, Moon makes its weekly challenge to Pluto and Uranus, possibly disrupting the status quo around 4:22AM ET and 12:15PM ET, respectively. Themes of idealism, mental discipline and/or gravitas leading to tech breakthroughs and a greater than usual conflict between the old guard vs. the avant garde reach a peak when mental Mercury and the Sun make contact with Uranus and Saturn on Friday night and Saturday morning, respectively. Two steps forward; one step back — or one step forward; two steps back? What needs to be eliminated to make room for something new? Got any cosmic breakthroughs on your schedule? How about a rendez-vous with a comet shaped like a rubber duck? Or a mystical-shaped storm system on Saturn? Or a sneak peek at another comet that’s due to swing by Mars in October? Why are all these headlines on the NYT homepage now? That was a rhetorical question.
More news.
Reflecting the verbal/mental expansion, complete with a royal edict, suggested by last Saturday’s hook-up between Mercury and Jupiter in Leo, I am pleased to report that 5000 words have been added to the Official Scrabble Players’ Dictionary. And there was much rejoicing in the land. Reflecting last Friday’s contact among disciplined Saturn and electric Uranus with Venus (love, social expression), a new study seeks to determine “what lasting love is really about”.
More on general events in the US, continuing the discussion from last Friday’s post. I’ve been thinking about a number of horoscopes — all related — which would include the horoscope of the US, Barack Obama and his second inauguration. The exact date and time of the US birthday is a subject of debate among astrologers. Was it the signing of the Declaration of Independence? The Articles of Confederation? The US Constitution? We celebrate July 4th as the official US birthday, the date of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Even so, there is no consensus on what time that signing took place. Several times have been proposed, for various reasons, and the debate continues.
One of the most popular charts proposes a birth time of 2:13AM with a 7 Gemini Ascendant; another suggests a 5:10PM time with a 12 Sagittarius Ascendant — you can look at those two here. Regardless of the exact time, a July 4th horoscope, as noted in prior forecasts, is particularly “hot” right now. Why? For a number of reasons, but the biggest reason is the never-ending Uranus-Pluto square, which is currently making contact with the US Sun at 12 Cancer and the US Saturn at 14 Libra. Uranus and Pluto contacting the Sun suggests emancipation and empowerment — for better or worse — and definitely a disruption of the status quo, as in break-ups and shake-ups. Uranus and Pluto to Saturn suggests tremendous effort required in the face of loss — perhaps even a karmic retribution that is downright anguishing.
We last experienced Pluto to the US Sun and Saturn from late 1976-1978. We had a big, empowering 200th birthday bash in the Summer of ’76. Jimmy Carter was President. Thanks to Jimmy Carter, we have the Departments of Energy (empowering) and Education (ditto). Still, the President was not popular. There was an energy crisis. It was tough, and we did not like it. When nebulous Neptune challenged the U.S. Mars, sprinkling rose-colored pixie dust from sea to shining sea, we yearned for greener pastures, went Hollywood and voted for Ronald Reagan.
Ahhh, Neptune, which dissolves whatever it touches. It is making contact with the US horoscope again, likely in more than one way. Neptune is currently at 6 Pisces, squaring the US Uranus at 8 Gemini. This aspect, writes astrologer Noel Tyl, suggests “loss of ego focus, awakened spirituality, possible irritable or amorphous states”. Does that sound right? And in the Gemini and Sagittarius horoscopes noted above, Neptune is making a challenging aspect to the US Ascendant. It’s simply a matter of degree.
If we use the Gemini ASC chart, we’re in the middle of a bewildering identity crisis that will have peaked by the end of 2015. If we use the Sag chart, our potential “ego wipeout” — the term Tyl uses to describe heavy Neptune transits — is just beginning, and will peak between 2016 and early 2018. The US had its last heavy Neptune transit between 1973-1976. We had an oil crisis at the end of 1973. Neptune also refers to oil. We also had the Watergate scandal and the subsequent resignation of President Nixon. Yeah, that was an ego wipeout, if you’re old enough to remember it. Hmmm. Neptune tends to dissolve boundaries. Isn’t it interesting that we’re having a “border crisis” now, in the form of thousands of hapless Neptune-in-Pisces (keywords: drugs, downtrodden, vulnerable, victims) children from Central America blurring our boundaries?
Leading America through these challenging rapids is no easy task. How is President Obama doing? He had a birthday on Monday. It’s been a tough summer for him, as predicted. We see this suggested by stern Saturn, which has been challenging his 18 degree Aquarius Ascendant for a couple of months now, and will make the last of three exact hits during the first two weeks of September. Saturn is a taskmaster that can feel like a wet blanket or a brick wall. The Ascendant refers to personal projection and how it is perceived by others. Saturn is often reflected in feelings of isolation and/or loss…and also ambition, if we’re up for the task. Happy belated birthday, Mr. President. John Boehner is mad at you and wants to sue you. Your admitting last week that “we tortured some folks” apparently made heads explode on the other side of the aisle. They just didn’t get your Aquarius Ascendant’s need to be seen as all friendly and stuff, and to some it feels quirky, impersonal or quite mad. But now NBC reports that only 40% approve of the job you’re doing…your lowest poll numbers yet. Lonely at the top?
On the other hand, only 14% of Americans approve of how Congress is doing its job, so I suppose it could be worse. And yes, it could be worse, as apparently not many plan to do anything to change a situation they say do not like, such as vote in November’s mid-term elections. Are we as a nation feeling wiped out, irritable or amorphous?
In contrast to Saturn’s controls, expansive Jupiter will hook up with Obama’s Sun for the first time in 12 years in September, just as Saturn hits his Ascendant. A Jupiter transit, suggests opportunities for growth, reward and success and may buffer the heaviness of Saturn. This is one measurement that affirms my thoughts about the horoscope for Obama’s second inauguration (previously discussed here), in which I opined that in a tenacious battle of wills, Obama is likely to maintain an edge. September may well be tough, but by the end of October, Jupiter will oppose his Ascendant, suggesting an expansive public outreach likely to be well-received, except by those who will say (again) that he is overstepping his bounds. In the 2013 inauguration horoscope, Saturn is currently “hot,” suggesting ambition and frustration (or perhaps frustrated ambition), warning lights about “hidden enemies,” and reinforcing themes of isolation or going it alone that we see in Obama’s horoscope.
I hope you’ve found this long post about current and past patterns in the US horoscope helpful. I hope you also appreciate that even though patterns suggest huge challenges now and in the immediate future, these are cycles we have experienced before and we will experience them again. These cycles repeat themselves in individual horoscopes, too. Stay on the planet long enough, and you will surely have an opportunity to make a different choice if you did not like the choice you made the last time a pattern presented itself. I’m an optimist, and fiercely believe that if you are here on Planet Earth, you have a meaningful purpose and gifts to be shared with others that can make this world a better place. May today’s pro-active Moon in Capricorn energy inspire you to make it happen.
To find out what’s going on in your horoscope, consider booking a personal astro-logical consultation.
Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 8/1/2014 & the Weekend: Mercury in Leo; Venus in the News; an Energetic Surge
/in The ForecastA planetary shift and a surge of energy that some may experience as volatile has been in play all week and releases today and through the weekend. Since 12:09PM ET on Thursday, the Moon has been in people-pleasing Libra, seeking appreciation and striving to find a balance. Thanks to the aforementioned surge, and the Moon’s weekly challenge to rebel Uranus and cathartic Pluto at 11:14AM ET and 8:45PM ET, respectively, the potential for extremes — to the upside and the downside — seems greater. An exuberant push forward or a frustrating logjam? If all else fails, go for a run. This article says running just 5 minutes a day can work wonders…
Action hero Mars in stubborn, no-holds barred Scorpio clashes with expansive Jupiter in royally entitled and equally stubborn Leo at 6:47PM ET. This tenacious aspect could be constructively applied in a project requiring stamina (especially physical — see article linked above for practical applications). If you are negotiating an agreement, it may feel like you’re trying to force a square peg into a round hole, as each side clings tenaciously to his or his position. I wonder how the lawyers are doing this week…
The planetary shift adding fuel to the fires of regal creative self-expression is Mercury entering Leo yesterday at 6:46PM ET. Mercury refers to communication, mindset and travel. On Saturday it will hook up with Jupiter (think big!) and also square Mars. So on the plus side, creative types may be bursting with bright ideas, especially if you have a planet or angle around 3 degrees of Leo, Scorpio, Taurus or Aquarius. On the downside, there is again the potential for a bombastic clash. Caution is advised on rushing into action or making a mountain out of a molehill of disagreement, given that the Moon will be void of course starting at 10:58PM ET Friday…not to enter the next sign– Scorpio — until 10:57PM ET on Saturday. Sound and fury…signifying nothing? Chill out on Saturday — and do your shopping sprees on Sunday, when the Moon is not void. Purchases made during voids have an odd way of not being nearly as useful as you thought. But don’t take my word for it; test the theory yourself.
Sunday’s Scorpio Moon favors depth, knowledge and emotional intensity. You may experience this in your communication with others early in the morning, courtesy of the Moon making challenging connections with Mercury and Mars. Around 9PM ET, we’ll have the First Quarter Moon, suggesting clarity on seeds you planted at the New Moon last week. What needs to be worked out in your quest for greater creative self-expression? Are you really following your bliss? Why aren’t you having more fun?
On Monday, a serious hook-up between Moon and Saturn at 6:29AM ET starts the work week. That should help firm up your resolve. You’ll have more time to move your agenda forward if you live on the East Coast, as the Moon goes void at 1:43PM ET/10:43 AM PT…until 6:19AM ET on Tuesday. If you’re on the West Coast, stick to routine tasks after 11AM PT, or be advised that efforts to move in a straight line are during voids are usually of no consequence and/or subject to twists and delays. If you are new to this forecast and need more information on handling Moon voids, here it is.
And now, the news — lots of it.
Reflecting this week’s volatile connection among Venus (money, women, social expression, art) with ruthlessly empowering Pluto on Monday and rebel Uranus on Friday, I offer the following items. In Virginia, former governor Bob McDonnell and his wife are on trial “for conspiring to use his office for personal enrichment”. Their defense strategy: their marriage was so broken, they could not have conspired their way out of a paper bag. Holy dirty laundry, Batman — and you’ll hear every sordid detail if you follow this trial. Hard Venus-Pluto contacts suggest emotional overkill. In this category, may I suggest this amusing report in response to the recently-released trailer for the infamously tawdry 50 Shades of Grey. And while we’re on the subject of passion in the arts, here are some artistic crimes of passion, courtesy of the Washington Post.
Venus-Pluto contacts also suggest purging and catharsis, and isn’t it interesting to see this article about how to energetically cut ties with unhealthy relationships, which the protagonist in 50 Shades of Grey obviously never read. The visualization technique is especially apt for clearing emotional/spiritual attachments to people from whom you have already physically separated.
Volatility was reflected in the markets, too — as we would expect and have seen before under similar patterns. Yesterday the Dow dropped 300 points, just before the square between Venus and Uranus, exact at 12:43AM today. Reflecting the potential for an upset involving unconventional (Uranus) social expression (Venus), it was no surprise to read on the NYT homepage that a Ugandan court struck down Uganda’s harsh “Anti-Homosexuality Act”. Also on the subject of unconventional social expression: more than a third of women of child-bearing age in the US are not mothers, and the travel industry is looking for ways to capitalize on this trend (Jupiter and Mercury refer to travel, and they conjoin on Saturday). Another breakthrough in unconventional social expression: an Amazon tribe seeking refuge makes its first contact with the modern world — here’s the video.
I have plenty of astro-logical thoughts on Congress voting yesterday to authorize John Boehner’s proposed lawsuit against Barack Obama, funded by your tax dollars. The specific alleged unconstitutional overreach seems to be Obama’s executive order to delay for one year certain requirements in the Affordable Care Act which some businesses found too onerous to do by the original deadline. This is the same Affordable Care Act that Mr. Boehner’s Congress has voted to repeal over 50 times. If this sounds surreal and/or bewildering, you can bet Neptune must be involved…and I do believe it is, as well as Uranus and Pluto in the horoscopes of United States, and Saturn and Neptune in Obama’s. I hope to pull those thoughts together and share them next time. Stay tuned…