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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.
Monday 3/9/2020: Sneak Peek at the Week; Mercury Turns Direct; Full Moon in Virgo
/0 Comments/in The Forecast /by Elisabeth GraceAllllllllllll-righty then!
Happy Full Moon and happy Mercury turning direct. If you read the forecast posted on Saturday, you were prepared for today’s wiggy upsets, especially in the markets — yes? Astrology is amazing.
The Moon is in Virgo, seeking to correct and perfect. Clarity is challenged around 11:57 AM ET, as the Moon’s quest is influenced by the rose-colored glasses symbolized by its opposition to Neptune (it has just occurred to me that “influenced” and “influenza” seem to have much in common. Will have to look up the etymology).
Anyhoo, the opposition to Neptune is quickly followed by Moon’s opposition to the Pisces Sun at 1:48 PM ET. A Pisces-Virgo opposition illuminates the conflict between beliefs and facts, and in this particular Full Moon, this illumination especially applies to the Powers That Be, including material resources as well as people. Moon trines Jupiter (Big!) and Pluto (PTB) at 4:08 PM ET and 9:23 PM ET, respectively.
Mercury is at a virtual standstill, sitting at 28 degrees of Aquarius — about to turn direct at 11:49 PM ET. If you have a planet or point around 28 degrees of Aquarius, Leo, Scorpio or Taurus, you are likely to be engaged in productive communication and thought in matters involving that part of your horoscope. You’d have to consult with a professional for specific insights — and that’s what professional astrologers are here for.
Point is, Mercury’s change of direction suggests not rushing to judgment. It is also an alert that communication and travel may be subject to more than the usual delays and malfunctions. The Sabian Symbol for Mercury’s station is a “butterfly emerging from a chrysalis.” It is an inspiring image of evolution and transformation after a long period of incubation. Did you know that “chrysalis” derives from “Greek and Semitic origins meaning ‘gold’ or ‘encased in gold'”? That’s what Sabian sage Blain Bovee says. It seems to suggest a precious new and — perfectly timed — awareness unfolding. Meanwhile, you might be self-quarantining, thanks to the coronavirus. If so, here’s what you can expect.
The challenge in the chart for the Full Moon is that Mercury is not connected to any other planet in the horoscope, suggested that its need for transformation — which is inevitable for a chrysalis — is momentarily in a state of suspended animation. See Beth Owls Daughter’s Tarot Card of the Week for more on that analogy. Here’s the chart, set in Washington DC. Mars exactly opposing the Cancer Ascendant does look like a provocative two weeks for the US of A.
The Sabian Symbols for this Full SuperMoon are as follows. For the Virgo Moon: “an automobile caravan.” For the Pisces Sun: “a table set for an evening meal.” Fun fact: this Full Moon falls exactly on Joe Biden’s 19 Virgo Midheaven (professional status) and 19 Pisces IC (family/core foundation), so we are likely to see these areas illuminated over the next couple of weeks. And how interesting to see how many other Democratic contenders are “falling in line” behind Biden. Over the weekend, it was Kamala Harris and Cory Booker. Why, it’s like a caravan!
Thus it’s interesting to see that this Full Moon squares Bernie Sanders‘s 19 Gemini Jupiter, and it is just barely past an exact square to P45‘s Sun-Moon opposition in Gemini-Sagittarius, so it’ll be about him, too ….and isn’t it always. Squares suggest tension and conflict; conjunction suggest focus and seed planting. Biden gets the latter. Note that this Full Moon is close to an exact activation of the U.S. Neptune (ideals; American Dream) at 22 Virgo. It squares the U.S. Mars (action! anger!) at 21 Gemini.
If you have a planet or angle around 19 Virgo, Pisces, Gemini, Sagittarius, you may find yourself motivated to hit the metaphorical road, in search of a rewarding comfort zone at the journey’s end.
The rest of the week goes like this — and is part of the Full Moon picture:
And now, the news.
UPDATE: Montana Governor Steve Bullock is running for the Senate, as anticipated. We can appreciate how his Aries Sun is feeling supported and expansive as it is squared by transiting Jupiter.
Jupiter refers to horses and the liver. Neptune refers to oil — as does Pluto (in that oil is an underground power resource). Neptune refers to all things nautical — and of course, viruses. Reflecting the Pisces Sun meeting up with Neptune over the weekend, followed by sextiles with Jupiter and Pluto this week, we note on the home page:
…which speaks to reflections of yesterday’s Venus-Uranus conjunction. Venus refers to women; Uranus refers to eccentrics, rebels and aviation:
But let’s end, as always — on a fun note. One surprise reflecting unconventional women was Senator Elizabeth Warren‘s appearance in the cold open of Saturday Night Live. Even if she wasn’t your pick for president, hopefully you’ll enjoy this little show.
Thank you for reading this forecast.
All hail Mercury, messenger of the gods.
Friday 3/6/2020 & the Weekend: Super Tuesday; Saturn in Capricorn & Aquarius
/0 Comments/in The Forecast /by Elisabeth GraceHellooooo!
Let’s review the planetary patterns driving us into the weekend:
No sleeping in on Monday.
And now, the news.
We certainly are seeing market volatility (the Fed cut interest rates and it didn’t help). And we have more than one gender-bender:
But before we continue with the news, let’s talk about an important shift that happens in just two weeks. On March 21st at 11:57 PM ET, Saturn enters Aquarius. Saturn has not changed signs since December 19, 2017 — when it left Sagittarius and entered Capricorn. Avid Readers will recall that in the language of astrology, Saturn refers to necessary controls, structure, ambition, streamlining, patriarchy and authority. It functions well in Capricorn, the sign it rules. Saturn in Capricorn is good for business and good for authority, especially patriarchy (“patriarch” just happens to be the Spelling Bee seven-letter word in this weekend’s NYT Sunday magazine!).
Saturn is even stronger in Aquarius, where its ambition may more easily serve humanitarian purposes (anyone born with Saturn in Aquarius needs to help others in their vocation, if they are to be fulfilled). How are we likely to see the energy of structure, control, authority and ambition applied while Saturn is in Aquarius? We’ll see it in areas associated with Aquarius: e.g. networks, technology, astrology, aviation, circulation, groups, freedom, unconventional expression, friendship, the masses — to name a few. Here is a lengthy list of keywords for Aquarius. If Capricorn is the old guard, Aquarius is the avant garde. Same comparison applies to Saturn vs. Uranus.
Saturn turns retrograde on May 11th. It will backtrack through Aquarius until July 2nd, when it re-enters Capricorn. Saturn turns direct on September 29th, but won’t re-enter Aquarius until December 17th. While Saturn is at the verrrry end of Capricorn, the needs of the Capricorn “old guard” Establishment are intensified and facilitated — in a “last gasp” effort to maintain authority and control! We can expect the needs of the “avant garde” Aquarian keywords to demand attention and support when Saturn enters Aquarius. With respect to politics in the United States, note that Super Tuesday happened with Saturn at the very end of Capricorn. So whatever traction the “avant garde” gets between March 21st and July 1st may be challenged or stifled during Saturn in Capricorn’s last stand between July 2nd and December 17th, during which we’ll have the Democratic Convention and — presumably — an election. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss?
We could say that the old guard prevailed in the aftermath of Super Tuesday. Please refer to my last forecast for the outlook for that day. Klobuchar, Buttigieg and Bloomberg suspended their campaigns and rallied behind Joe Biden. This does NOT mean they have completely ended their campaigns, even though that’s how it is being stated and reported. A suspended campaign can — and does — collect donations (to pay off debts). A suspended campaign can be re-activated — though I can’t recall a time when that has happened — apparently it’s been decades. Meanwhile, even Bernie Sanders had to admit that his Super Tuesday wins were not as a result of younger voters swarming to the polls.
Elizabeth Warren suspended her campaign, but she has not endorsed Biden or Bernie. If I were her astrologer, I would have suggested she stick around for the March 15th debate. From what we know about her horoscope, we see potential for strong public support next week, as transiting Jupiter (expansion) activates her North Node (associations; connections). That North Node will become even more prominent in May, as it connects with her Sun-Uranus in Cancer, at the Aries Point. She had a similar pattern last year, which was reflected in her becoming the early front-runner. She will be on a fiery tear around then, culminating in mid-July.
Her Sun-Uranus will be eclipsed at the Summer Solstice. What does that mean? Well, Andrew Yang‘s 4 Capricorn Ascendant was eclipsed in December — and he has other placements that are supercharging his horoscope through 2020. Sure, he pulled out of the presidential race, but now he’s a TV news commentator (my dream job!), and it’s said that he is thinking about running for office again — as mayor of New York. Does any of this look bad to you?
Joe Biden‘s horoscope is hot now — with a measurement between lightning rod Uranus activating the ruler of his 19 Virgo Midheaven (career, public status) and his 3 Gemini Descendant (cusp of the 7th House — relationships/the public). That pattern will be exact in mid-May, too. Venus has just entered Taurus and is sitting on his 0 Taurus Moon, which is lovely. But between now and then, Biden will be muddling through a couple of challenges, especially in April. Saturn will square his Taurus Moon on April 6th, which may reflect a confining or cutting experience; nebulous Neptune will oppose his Virgo Midheaven on April 20th, which may be victimizing, sanctifying, scandalous and/or all of the above. Republicans have already said they plan to “investigate” Hunter Biden, and it doesn’t look like Mitt Romney (R-UT) will stop them. Bottom line: November 3rd — Election Day — is a loooooong way away.
It’s been easier to anticipate the outcome of Israel’s wacky elections over the past year. With transiting Uranus hot in Israel’s horoscope, we expect the unpredictable. Last week, in its third effort (in one year!) to elect a prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu (who is under indictment) claimed victory on Monday. By Wednesday it seemed he had spoken too soon. He doesn’t have a majority. The third hit of Uranus in Israel’s horoscope will be exact on March 16th. Let’s watch for a surprise upset — again!
Another thing about Saturn in Aquarius is that it is getting closer and closer to an exact square with Uranus, disruptor of the status quo. Avid Readers know that I’ve been saying since as far back as January 2015 that bubbles seem to pop when we have a hard pattern between Saturn and Uranus. The first one will be exact in early 2021, but the building pressure is clearly being reflected in current events.
Meanwhile, Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney knows all about the downside of a heavy Saturn transit. Born on July 21, 1967 in Alexandria, VA, he has transiting Saturn exactly opposing his 28 Cancer Sun and almost exactly square his ruthless 0 Scorpio Mars. On Friday afternoon, when no one was paying attention, Mulvaney was dumped by P45 and replaced with cheerleader/Congressman Mark Meadows (R-NC). It’s nice that they won’t have to replace the monogrammed towels in the Chief of Staff’s Executive Washroom, thus saving taxpayers thousands of dollars.
Mark Meadows was born on July 28, 1959 in Verdun, France. What reflects his sudden change of status? Transiting Uranus — planet of change – squaring his Leo Sun-Scorpio Neptune square. These aspects aren’t quite exact yet — that will happen later in the month. We don’t have a birth time for Mark Meadows, but we can see that Saturn will oppose his Sun in January 2021 — right around Inauguration Day. That may be the best news I’ve seen all day, if Meadows — like Mulvaney — experiences this transit as a downer.
What’s going on in your horoscope? Are you scheduled for a Saturn squeeze, an Uranus fresh start or a Jupiter expansion? Astrologers are like dentists, doncha’ know. Planetary cycles are always changing, so it’s good to consult with us every six months to a year. If you haven’t, you’re due for a check-up. Here’s the 411 on personal consultations.
Other encouraging headlines reflecting the odd way information has of coming to light during a Mercury retrograde can be found in historian Heather Cox Richardson’s latest letter.
Thank you for reading this forecast — and sharing it with your friends.
This is the astrological glyph for Saturn.
Monday 3/2/2020: Late Sneak Peek at a Wiggy Week; Venus in the Hot Seat
/0 Comments/in The Forecast /by Elisabeth GraceThe work week begins with the Moon in Gemini, striving to be the smartest kid in the room. It squared the Pisces Sun at 2:57 PM ET, suggesting a conflict between what we believe and feel vs. what we think we know. I say “think” because Mercury is still retrograde, facilitating misteaks and misunderstandings. It may be even more bewildering this evening, as Moon prepares to square dreamy Neptune, exact at 1:25 AM ET on…
And now, the news.
It seems like a hundred years ago, but it was actually only last week that P45 went to India. Thus it was only last week that I wrote that planetary patterns — and especially the Sabian Symbols for the New Moon — were apt for matters of religion and idealism making news (google “religious liberty news”). Thus I was struck by John Oliver’s Feb 23rd segment, which was about Narendra Modi’s efforts to turn India into a “Hindus-only” nation, despite having (according to Oliver), the second-largest Muslim population in the world. These efforts include stripping away citizenship — and perhaps this effort inspired the P45 Justice Dept. to announce its own dedicated effort to rescind the U.S. citizenship of naturalized immigrants, deemed to be “terrorists, war criminals, sex offenders and other fraudsters who illegally obtained naturalization.”
Here is a post about Modi’s horoscope from 2014, noting a probable Scorpio Ascendant, though the exact time is not confirmed. If he was born at 9:35 AM (as one source claims), we should see a ton of action in his life this April and May, as Uranus activates the angles (ASC and MC) of the chart. If 9:35 AM is correct, Modi’s life would also reflect a solar arc (another way astrologers have of measuring time) between the Midheaven and Neptune. We would expect “disruptions in the home life; creativity on the job; and/or feelings of ‘losing it,'” writes Noel Tyl.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis is also reflecting current planetary patterns. The spiritual leader has a cold and has had to cancel audiences for the first time in his seven-year papacy. Back in December, his Jupiter (the planet ruling the area of his horoscope related to health) was eclipsed. On February 22, Jupiter was activated by Mars — and this seems to be when he caught this cold. Other patterns in the horoscope suggest arguments for March feeling like a squeeze for His Holiness.
Back to politics. When Governor Steve Bullock (D-MT) tossed his hat into the presidential race last May, his horoscope — what we know of it — caught my attention. Last week, with transiting Venus sitting on his Aries Sun (translation: his dance card was full), it was reported that Democrats — including President Obama and Senator Minority Leader Chuck Schumer — are trying to get him to run for the Senate. As for Pete Buttigieg, first impressions of his horoscope (birth time unknown) in January 2019 suggested we should keep an eye on him for 2024. As for now, the fact that he ended his run the Oval Office over the weekend will not preclude a windfall opportunity for him in 2020.
…and now that I’m back from a Pilates class, Amy Klobuchar is also out, as is Tom Steyer (he withdrew yesterday). This is an apparent huge boost for Joe Biden (Klobuchar endorsed him), who won South Carolina’s open primary on Saturday. It’s “open” because you don’t have to be affiliated with a political party in order to vote. New York has closed primaries, so only Democrats will get to choose their preferred candidate on April 28th. How are things run in your state, hmm?
The Moon was in Taurus on Saturday, a placement that is not inclined to disrupt the status quo. Joe Biden’s Moon is in Taurus, as is Elizabeth Warren’s. Biden may be feeling the love of transiting Venus square to his Jupiter, exact on the 29th. There are a few other patterns suggesting significant communication of an innovative/disruptive nature — also exact on that day. It’s interesting to note that the Moon will be in Taurus for most of the Democratic National Convention in July, and Saturn will be at the end of Establishment Capricorn. Not a good fit for rebel Bernie, however supercharged his horoscope may be. Hmmm.
Bloomberg will be tested, as he’ll be on the ballot for the first time.
I wish we had a birth time for Warren. Stephen Colbert interviewed her in Charleston last week. Her quirky, caring Sun-Uranus conjunction in Cancer is shining bright, as is her sharp-witted Mercury-Mars in Gemini. Minutes ago, as I strive to get this forecast posted in the ever-shifting winds of this Moon in Gemini day that is driving me to distraction and blowing the news wires into tangled knots, EMILY’s List endorsed Warren.
One thing is certain:
And then you’ll be sorry.
In other news, with Venus (women, money, values) is in a tough pattern with Pluto and Saturn (life & death; power, patriarchy, control), you can bet issues of reproductive health will be all over the news:
Elsewhere, SCOTUS will hear a case about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which was created by Elizabeth Warren — and is being slowly hacked to death by the PTB. Will it survive? Oh, and SCOTUS will hear a case about the survival of the Affordable Care Act, too.
Speaking of life and death, the coronavirus is now officially here in the United States and has made its debut in other countries, too. P45 had an actual press conference about it over the weekend, in which he announced the sad news of the first U.S. fatality: a woman who lived in Washington State. He and his comrades at the podium expressed condolences to the woman’s family more than once during the press conference, which began with an eight-minute ramble about killing terrorists in Afghanistan, and why it was good that his administration signed a deal with the Taliban.
The first fatality was not a woman. It was a man. You can read historian Heather Cox Richardson’s affirmation of this fact in her 2/29/2020 post. You will also find an excellent take on the idealism (thinking with blinders on) that she believes caused the P45 Administration’s lame and lamentable response to the coronavirus crisis — that was posted on 3/1/2020.
For more historical context and important safety tips re: coping with the coronavirus, I recommend John Oliver‘s latest offering — link to the video and a summary of the content can be found here.
Finally, a few random obituaries — all of which feel like an end of an era…
…plus this cool article Avid Reader Katya wanted to make sure I didn’t miss:
OK. That’s it for now. What’s going on in YOUR horoscope? Here’s the 411 on personal consultations.
Thank you for reading this forecast.
Monday 2/24/2020: Sneak Peek at the Week; These United States
/0 Comments/in The Forecast /by Elisabeth GraceHappy Monday!
Moon is in Pisces, looking for a way to apply New Moon energy in working with ideals and impressions. Mercury retrograde or not, other planetary patterns are facilitating a need to go-g0-go, with idealism. Let me explain. Moon meets up with Neptune at 1:27 PM ET, wearing its dreamy rose-colored glasses. Artists and creative types may be especially inspired; everyone else needs to double check the instructions for getting from Point A to Point B. Avid Readers will recall that Neptune suggests confusion, as much as it suggests visionary inspiration. What will it be for you? UPDATE: for some Avid Readers, it was canceled medical tests, missed appointments, train delays and lost prescriptions.
Whatever it is, feelings about it are likely exuberant, as the Moon makes a harmony with Jupiter at 2:45 PM ET. The rest of the day is supported by one of the go-g0-go patterns: Sun in a cooperative connection (sextile) Mars, planet of action, easily translating willpower into an actual initiative. The rest of the week goes like this:
And now, the news.
The Nevada caucuses happened during Saturday’s all-day dead Moon void and Mercury retrograde. Translation: high probability of flakes, errors in thinking and communication; much ado about nothing. Not being astrologers, the media and rest of the Free World are freaking out over Bernie Sanders‘ resounding victory, if by “resounding,” one means 46% of 96,108 votes cast. Guess how many registered “active” Democrats there are in Nevada? 610,911 out of 1.6 million ACTIVE registered voters in all parties. Another 362K are not affiliated with any party, and another 200K in all parties are considered INACTIVE.
What we learn from this is that — true to the potential in Bernie Sanders’s horoscope at this time — noted in this forecast years ago — he is able to act with persuasive empowerment all through 2020. His supporters are showing up — which increased caucus participation by 21,000 (compared to 2016), but stilll…what’s the story with the 500,000 registered Democrats who did not participate? Are YOU registered to vote (find out here)? Will YOU vote in your state’s primary?
This concludes the soapbox portion of this forecast.
I actually have a theory about the dynamic inaction we seem to be experiencing as Americans. Avid Readers already know about the U.S. Mars-Neptune square — i.e., the part of our national psyche that needs to believe in the American Dream and idealize (Neptune) all things Mars e.g., guns, warriors, sports and sex appeal (via Hollywood). It’s also the part where escapism — especially drugs — is a significant coping strategy.
Right now transiting Neptune is at 17 degrees of Pisces. As you can see in this horoscope (the one many astrologers use for the US), the U.S. Mars is at 21 Gemini and Neptune is at 22 Virgo. Neptune is close enough to the U.S. Mars-Neptune to activate it. However, Neptune’s way of activating things is to shroud it in fog, color it rose, infuse it with vision, dissolve it or prompt a surrender — as it, “oh what’s the use?” One good example of a public figure who had a tough Neptune-on-Mars pattern is Robert Mueller. His Mueller Report just didn’t pack much of a punch, did it? Even though he made a case for impeaching 45 quite clear — for those who took the time to actually read it. What’s interesting about Mueller is that his horoscope is scheduled to have another major Neptune-on-Mars pattern this summer — exact in early August. How will he be potentially victimized, idealized or wiped out, hmm? Who is going to try to quench (Neptune) his fire (Mars)?
Back to Neptune on Mars in the U.S. horoscope. I can appreciate why so many are plagued by feelings of despair and “oh, what’s the use, there’s nothing I can do.” Well. Now that you’re aware of the patterns at play, you get to decide. Will you give up — or will you take action (Mars) based upon an inspired vision (Neptune) — and hope that vision is clear? The first exact hit of Neptune square the U.S. Mars is March 30, 2021 — and it continues for the rest of that year, setting us up for the first hit of our first Pluto Return in 2022.
And since I’m on the subject of the U.S. horoscope…
The U.S. Mercury is 24 Cancer; the U.S. Pluto is 27 Capricorn. As a nation, we are inclined to extremes in thought and communication. It’s quite a challenge for the U.S. Saturn in Libra, which needs authority and controls that are fair and diplomatic.
Right now, Saturn and Pluto are at the end of Capricorn. Yesterday, Saturn was at 27 Capricorn, sitting on the U.S. Pluto. It will do this again on August 4th and November 20th. This is an opportunity to plant seeds for necessary evolution, even though it may feel like an anguished squeeze. Old ways are coming to a close. Meanwhile, Pluto is at 24 Capricorn, exactly opposing our Mercury (national mindset) on February 27th. It will do this again on June 26 and January 1, 2021. This is a potential realization of breakdowns, obsessions and extremes in communication. It’s going to take a ton of awareness to keep channels open. It would help if the Democratic candidates would stop attacking each other, and if the media would refrain from endless dissection of perceived and/or actual flaws. But you can appreciate the impulse to do so, given the current astrology.
But take heart. The U.S. has been in similar periods of crisis, as Heather Cox Richardson helpfully explained in her post dated February 22nd. Specifically she referred to 1850, 1890 and 1920…so I glanced at planetary patterns during that cycle. Not surprisingly, there were lots of heavy ones involving Pluto, Uranus, Neptune and Saturn, as we have now. And as Richardson points out, our democracy survived. So don’t give up the ship, OK? I can’t even find a birth date for Richardson, let alone a time. If I do, I’ll write about her horoscope.
In other news…
Mars is at 4 Capricorn, activating the December 26th eclipse at that same degree. We anticipate a release of bottlenecked energy in the headlines.
Add in the weekend’s awesome alignments of Mars and the Sun with technogeek Uranus:
Random headlines of interest:
Saturday’s all-day Moon void suggested potential upsets in sporting events, favoring the underdog. This one is fun:
I promised you a story about astrology in the mainstream media, and the Wall Street Journal obliged with a bit on why astrology apps are rising. Alas, you can only read it if you have a subscription, but since the first two paragraphs demonstrate a lack of understanding of astrology, you’re probably not missing anything.
Finally, two stories reflecting Jupiter’s expansive square to Venus — which refers to sugar:
Thank you for reading this forecast — and thank you especially to Fairy Godparent Martha, who declared herself such over the weekend. I deeply appreciate Avid Readers who are inspired to return my time and energy with contributions to my Cosmic Tip Jar equal to the amount of a monthly modest Chardonnay. Your support covers the cost of my recent website redesign and stock photos that everyone can now enjoy. The more support I have, the more I will be able to offer in the future.
To your health and good fortune…
Saturday & Sunday 2/22-23/2020: Mind the Void; New Moon in Pisces Says Dream Big
/0 Comments/in The Forecast /by Elisabeth GraceHappy Saturday!
As of 11:09 PM last night (Friday), the Aquarius Moon is void — and will be void ALL DAY. Chill, chill, chill — and no impulse purchases, as planetary patterns exact on Sunday suggest you may go overboard. Note that we are at the end of the lunar cycle, a time to wrap up projects and get ready to begin anew. During these “dead” Moons, we may feel restless or listless. We may also be inspired to schedule an activity we hope will fly under the radar.
On SUNDAY — Moon enters Pisces at 1:37 AM ET, but won’t officially be New until 10:32 AM ET. The other big pattern exact on Sunday is a potentially indulgent square between Venus and Jupiter at 11:59 AM ET. You are more personally affected by this square if you have planets or angles around 18 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn. I happen to fall in this category, and have responded to a need for expanded (Jupiter) beauty (Venus) by snapping up two absolutely gorgeous chintz April Cornell tablecloths, along with assorted napkins and napkin rings that were on sale at the local Pier 1 Imports which — like many retail stores in this era of Uranus (disruption) in Taurus (things) — is closing its doors. Knowing how Venus and Jupiter are activating my horoscope enables me to understand my buying impulses — and appreciate how apt they are at this time!
Here is the chart for the New Moon, set in Washington DC:
A Pisces Moon needs to identify and work with impressions and ideals. Pisces keywords include empathy, endings, spirits of all kinds, suffering, at-one-ment, victimization, refugees and other displaced persons society tends to hide under the nearest rug (or hospital or prison or religious institution or subconscious). In the DC chart, the New Moon sits in the 11th house — of hope (for reward), friends, groups and administrative agencies of the government. The seeds of this New Moon are sextile Mars in high-functioning Capricorn, enabling these seeds to be put into action. Should we be concerned that this high-functioning Mars is soon to meet up with the South Node, a point of potential toxic release and destruction? I don’t know, but whatever is released is likely to be quite public, as the Midheaven of this chart is at the midpoint of the energizing Sun-Moon sextile to Mars.
Are the seeds well thought-out? Mercury — symbol of mindset and communication — is in intuitive Pisces, favoring belief over facts. Mercury is also retrograde, and so close to the Pisces Sun that it lacks objectivity. What do you think? Time to believe in a dream?
The Ascendant of this chart is Taurus, ruled by Venus in me-me-me warrior Aries — possibly doing itself in from its position in the 12th house, aided and abetted by that expansive square to Jupiter, seeking status and authority in Capricorn. Not only that, but the 25 degree Taurus Ascendant is conjunct Algol, traditionally thought of as one of the most unfortunate fixed stars. It is associated with beheading and other ways of “losing one’s head.” It is also a symbol of fierce feminine power — as in the Medusa, a.k.a. the Gorgon’s head. But for all its fearsome imagery, Algol does have a positive potential, as explained here.
People who have planets and/or angles around 25 Taurus include: Nancy Pelosi, Moscow Mitch, Mike Bloomberg and P45. Watch them in this New Moon news cycle.
The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon is “a church bazaar.” That’s interesting, given that the Symbols for the Full Moon in Leo also had a religious/spiritual connotation. Sabian sage Blain Bovee offers this positive interpretation:
It will be interesting to see how this noble and egalitarian potential manifests in U.S. news, wearing the mask of that 25 Taurus/Medusa Ascendant. You will be more personally inspired to plant seeds of inspiration if you have a planet or point in your horoscope around 5 degrees of Pisces, Virgo, Sagittarius or Gemini. Consult your local astrologer for details.
And now, the news.
The first of 2020’s three rare sextiles between Jupiter and Neptune happened on the 20th. Jupiter refers to expansion, travel, publishing, dogma, exuberance, liver, hips, horses…and more. Neptune refers to oceans, dreams, scandal, oil, drugs, music — most of you cherished Avid Readers know these by heart.
Meanwhile, “Let the Moon Rush Begin” is an apt op-ed for a week with “out there” Uranus in harmony with the Sun and go-go-go Mars. The latest chapter in the adventures of red giant Betelgeuse is also apt. So is “What is a Boogaloo?,” given how Uranus symbolizes rebellion, and how prominent Mars is at this early stage of Capricorn (and also out-of-bounds, as you may recall from the last post).
In other news…
Avid Readers may recall that February 13th was a significant date in the horoscope of P45. That’s when he had the first of three hits of Pluto (extremes, power, breakdown) opposing his natal Saturn (structures, control, ambition). Whatever will be, will be heavy. And what we found out this week is that on February 13th, Congress was informed that yes, Russia is once again using its resources to help P45 win the election. P45 found out about it after the fact, as Heather Cox Richardson explains. He’s responding with out-of-bounds efforts at extreme control, firing Joseph Maguire, his former Acting Director of National Intelligence, and replacing him with a totally unqualified “toadie.” That would be Richard Grenell, who is the U.S. Ambassador to Germany, and will continue to wreck that diplomatic outpost while purging our intelligence agencies of presumably anyone P45 doesn’t think is loyal.
Here is the fascinating part, given the chart for the New Moon in Pisces. Grenell is launching “Objective Medusa” – I kid you not — and you can bet that heads will roll. What inspired that name? Do they have an astrologer on staff? I hope not.
Born on September 18, 1966 in Jenison, MI, Grenell is a Virgo whose Sun is opposed by Saturn and conjunct Uranus-Pluto. This is a likely rebel with a challenging childhood, and anxious about getting it right. He is driven by a Scorpio Moon that is probably conjunct Neptune (we don’t have a birth time). In turn, Moon and Neptune are both likely squaring Mars in “get away with murder” Leo. What is it with so many would-be authoritarians with Mars in Leo? It’s almost like it’s a pattern.
In any event, this is a person who needs to be appreciated for depth, substance and control; the Neptune contact suggests idealism, possibly to extremes. His Mercury is in Libra and was just squared by Mars, which would be one astrological event reflecting why we are hearing about him now.
And so, like that. What’s going on in your horoscope? Are you likely to be moonlighting as director of a large government agency whilst keeping your day job as an ambassador anytime soon? Here’s the 411 on personal consultations…and here is my lovely Venus square Jupiter tablecloth. Like it?
Thank you for reading this forecast.