The Forecast

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

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

Monday 11/2/2020: Sneak Peek at the Week; Mercury Direct; the Astrology of November

November 2, 2020/0 Comments/in The Forecast /by Elisabeth Grace

Alllllllll-righty then!

The start of the work week is driven by the Moon in Gemini, which needs to be the smartest kid in the room. Buzz, buzz, buzz…what’s the buzz; tell me what’s happening — from now until 4:45 PM ET on Wednesday, when the Moon enters Cancer. Getting correct information is challenged by Mercury, which is literally the focus all week. Why? Because it is slowing down to a virtual standstill, preparing to turn direct on Tuesday.

When a planet is stationary (that’s the tech term for “slowing to a virtual standstill,”) it is reflected in human experience in the way a driver leans on a horn. We see events blaring in whatever that planet symbolizes. Mercury refers to communication, transportation, information, negotiation and transmissions. We are advised to apply extra FOCUS in these concerns — especially if you are planning to go to the polls.

On Sunday, retrograde Mercury was challenged by Saturn, symbol of structure, authority, controls and BLOCKS. Did we see any authoritative blocks in the news yesterday? We sure did — including a blockade now being erected around the White House, and roads and bridges being blocked by supporters of P45, as Heather Cox Richardson explains. How many efforts to BLOCK votes will we see this week? Hundreds, says HCR. This Mercury-Saturn pattern carries gravitas, and it is the only exact pattern in the cosmos. It will be repeated early Friday morning, now with Mercury moving direct. It will be interesting to see how this pattern is reflected in Beth Owl’s Daughter’s Tarot Card of the Week later today. Other patterns will be in play next week, OK? If you’re feeling heavy, this too, shall pass.

Upside potential of Mercury square Saturn: constructive structuring efforts on an idea. I will be writing, writing, writing all week — on my next TMA article and on another presentation about the horoscope of Jane Austen. I am confident I can make good use of the mental discipline Mercury-Saturn reflects.

These Mercury-Saturn blocks will be experienced more personally if you have planets around 25 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn. Consult your local astrologer for details.

The week goes like this:

MONDAY: the only exact pattern is a harmony between Moon and Venus at 7:31 PM ET. It’s a fine time for expressing meaningful aesthetic values.
TUESDAY: See you at the polls, if you haven’t voted already. That’s where I’ll be — serving as a poll worker. Buzz, buzz, buzz — goes the Gemini Moon, which would also like to have things both ways. Gemini is literally mercurial — the flow of information may feel as if you’re watching a tennis match. Mercury (ruler of Gemini) turns direct at 12:50 PM ET; I’m sure the day will reflect this pattern in multiple communication and tech snafus. MAINTAIN FOCUS AND TRIPLE CHECK ALL DOCUMENTS!
Mercury’s change of direction is energized by a harmony with Mars, encouraging action and assertion, for better or worse. The afternoon and early evening ET is blurred by a square between Neptune and the Moon, facilitating hope (upside). Downside: lack of focus (!!!) and false information. DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU HEAR.
WEDNESDAY: Gemini Moon goes void on a harmony with Mercury at 8:49 AM ET. OK, we think we know what’s going on. Moon will be void until 4:45 PM ET, suggesting that nothing initiated during this period will be of consequence. Roll with the twists and flakes; stick to routine concerns. Remember that crises which crop up during voids are usually much ado about nothing. Chill!!! When the Moon enters Cancer, the focus shifts to our need for emotional and home/homeland security. Nourish your body and soul with the comforts of home — and a home-cooked meal (unless you’re a lousy cook).
THURSDAY: Moon’s harmony with Uranus at 9:18 AM ET suggests cooperative efforts, possibly among previously opposing factions. A square to Venus at 1:22 PM ET suggests a clash in matters of fairness and balance vs. matters of homeland security. It irons out by 8:07 PM ET, when the Cancer Moon harmonizes with the Scorpio Sun. The next 24 hours are potentially volatile, starting around 11:08 PM ET, when the security-seeking Moon clashes with retrograde Mars in Aries.
FRIDAY: Mercury squares Saturn at 4:12 AM ET. A repeat of Sunday’s blocks and controls — but also an opportunity for a responsible adult to weigh in. Note your dreams, as Neptune harmonizes with the Moon at 4:14 AM ET. Choppy waters kick in around 11:01 AM ET, as the Moon opposes Jupiter (think big!), then Pluto at 12:41 AM ET (think power!) and Saturn at 7:52 PM ET (think heavy!). At 8:27 PM ET, Mercury squares Moon, suggesting conflicts in communication. Moon then goes void until…
SATURDAY: at 2:18 AM ET, when it enters rip roarin’ Leo. Cue the drama kings and queens, pronouncing regal edicts left and right. Others may just be looking for a party in which to shine. The only exact aspect today is an upset or flash of genius around 5:49 PM ET, as Moon squares rebel Uranus.
SUNDAY: the Leo Moon is supported in the wee hours by harmonies with Venus and Mars, both of which are high-functioning in their respective ruling signs, Libra and Aries. At 8:46 AM ET we’ll have the 3rd Quarter Moon — and I’ll talk more about that later in the week. Meanwhile, there’s tension in the air, as Venus and Mars will oppose each other at 11:09 AM ET on Monday. Who will win? My money is on Venus, as it is not retrograde. That doesn’t mean that retrograde Mars will not be making its me-me-me-do-whatever-me-wants in Aries assertions known. Why? Because next week, Mars will be slowing to a virtual standstill, preparing to move direct on Friday the 13th. Horrors! We anticipate that all things Mars will be in focus: aggression, cars, testosterone, courage, guns, assertion.

Here’s the outline for the rest of November:

November 10: Sun trine Neptune pours oil on troubled waters after the November 9 Venus-Mars face-off. Mercury re-enters Scorpio — we’re back in REform mode now.
November 12: Jupiter meets up with Pluto in Capricorn for the third and final time this year. Seeds are planted for the expansion of power and resources. All things Jupiter — horses, liver, courts, dogma, education, publishing, reward — may make news in Plutonian extremes. All things Pluto — power, news from underground, corrupt exposed — may make BIG news. How big is the Covid surge now?
November 13 — Mars turns direct in Aries.
November 14 — Sun harmonizes with Jupiter and Pluto, consolidating power among heads of states and CEOs.
November 15 — New Moon in Scorpio opposes P45’s Midheaven (professional status/reputation), squares his Leo Mars; activates the area of his horoscope that refers to home, real estate and family. In Joe Biden’s horoscope, this New Moon activates his Mercury, ruler of his Midheaven. Venus squares Pluto today and then…
November 16 — squares Jupiter. We see power plays and expansion in all Venusian matters (women, art, money and values), especially with respect to fairness and balance.
November 17 — third opposition between Mercury and Uranus. Tech breakthroughs; disruptive communications; gender-benders…and maybe another notable piece on astrology makes news.
November 19 — Sun sextiles Saturn, suggesting cooperative communication involving leaders and judges. Venus squares Saturn, suggesting harsh — but effective — advances in Venusian concerns. Mercury will be at 11 Scorpio, where it was when it turned direct on October 13th. Finally we move forward in communication, information & transportation. 11 Scorpio is significant in Joe Biden‘s horoscope, if you ask me — so I am watching this day. Today is Biden’s 2020 solar return, though he officially celebrates his birthday on November 20. Another pattern that may bode well for Biden: Jupiter is about where it was at this time in 2008, when he and Obama were first elected to the Executive Branch.
November 21 — Venus enters Scorpio; Sun enters Sagittarius. First Quarter Moon.
November 23 — Mercury trines Neptune
November 27 — Mercury sextile Pluto; Venus opposes Uranus. News from underground; upsets and unconventional attractions in matters of women, money, arts and values.
November 28 — Neptune — planet of vision — turns direct, ending a week of focus on matters of dreams, scandals, hope, healing, drugs, floods, oil, refugees — the usual Neptune concerns. Mercury sextiles Jupiter; tell it to the judge.
November 30 — Full Moon in Gemini — and a lunar eclipse. The eclipse affects professional status in the horoscopes of both presidential contenders. Stay tuned.

If you find these forecasts useful, Avid Reader Diane invites you to support the time and effort it takes to produce them. Head on down to the Cosmic Tip Jar and thank your astrologer with a monthly glass of Chianti (which may be replaced by a shot of Scotch by the end of my poll worker stint tomorrow). Your appreciation inspires me to share my insights with you. Cheers!

And now, the news.

The Full Moon in Taurus — with the engagement of disruptive technogeek Uranus and the sobering Mercury-Saturn square was the perfect backdrop for a Halloween horror show. Mine was watching The Social Dilemma on Netflix. Now is the time for the heavy realization of how much our social media connects and controls us. I like to believe I am free from such profit incentive-based efforts to influence my behavior, but this film says it just ain’t so. We can expect more controls and authoritarian advances in these matters when Saturn returns to Aquarius in December — for better or for worse.

Meanwhile, The Social Dilemma is a must-see, as it explains how social media algorithms keep users (a.k.a. addicts) trapped in individually-tailored bubbles of alternative facts. It is sobering indeed to realize that what you see in your newsfeed is radically different than what your P-45-loving uncle sees in his. This is why I try to keep an eye on the Wonderland of media sites that espouse beliefs I do not share. It’s important to recognize these perspectives.

In other news…

Seismic activity was anticipated on this Sun-Uranus opposition. There was a 7.0 earthquake in Turkey. Not seismic, but still mightily disruptive: Hurricane Zeta, which knocked out power to 2 million people in the Southeast. Meanwhile, The Philippines was hit by Super Typhoon Goni, the area’s strongest storm in four years.

Other reflections of disruption in the headlines include:

“Women converge on Warsaw, heightening Poland’s largest protests in decades.“
Jeremy Corbyn — leader of Britain’s Labour Party — is suspended amid allegations of anti-Semitism
Europe has returned to lockdown mode in an effort to combat the Covid surge…
…while Australia reports no new Covid cases for the first time in months. G’day, mate!
Police officers in North Carolina pepper sprayed peaceful humans heading for the polls, including small children and disabled persons. Police say the peaceful humans were blocking the roads.
A debate between Jon Ossoff, a Democrat running against the current Senator David Perdue (R-GA), was quite disruptive — and a clip went viral. When last we looked in on Perdue, he was gleefully mangling the pronunciation of Kamala Harris‘s first name and enlarging Ossoff’s nose in Facebook ads (Ossoff is Jewish). We don’t have birth times for either candidate, but Ossoff’s Mars is in Aries — and will be activated by Mars around January 3rd. The start of a militant two-year cycle of action? Perdue’s horoscope is under the influence of foggy Neptune now and into 2021. Something is not as it seems, though the return of Jupiter to its natal position around the December holidays suggests expansion, for better or for worse.

Upsets involving P45:

Federal judge denies DOJ request to represent P45 in E. Jean Carroll’s defamation suit (P45 says she lied when she accused him of sexually assaulting her at Bergdorf’s many years ago). This is excellent news for taxpayers, as Carroll’s case continues.
Barack Obama dazzles ’em on the court — captured on tape, while campaigning for Joe Biden. I’ve written about current patterns in Obama’s horoscope for the next issue of The Mountain Astrologer — due out in a few days.
Sarah Cooper and Helen Mirren recreate the infamous “grab ’em by the p*ssy” Access Hollywood tape (as P45 and Billy Bush)
Three times in the past week, P45 supporters have been stranded in extremes of heat and cold, with some requiring medical attention. Transportation failures were blamed on blocked roads (see a theme here?). One comedienne’s satirical take on an event in Omaha went viral. Sun-Uranus patterns are apt for displays of quirky humor.

Meanwhile…

The opinion columnists at the NYT were feeling the gravitas of Sunday’s Saturn-Mercury square. All 15 weighed in on this heavy question, “What Have We Lost?” (in America over the past four years). Once again we marvel at the NYT for its astonishing ability to be in sync with planetary patterns. Well done, Grey Lady!

Also heavy (some involving the Mars-in-Aries theme of cars):

a Texas appeals court will consider whether 127,000 votes cast via drive-thru lanes in bluer-by-the-minute Harris County shall be tossed. The Texas Supreme Court rejected the challenge (by Republicans — ’cause the only way they win is if they take this election by force), but still, the case continues.
FBI now investigating caravan of pick-up trucks that tried to push a Biden campaign bus and SUV off a Texas highway. P45 called them patriots. You may have seen this on tape.
P45’s rallies are the likely cause of 30,000 cases of Covid infections, including 700 deaths.
P45 says he may fire Dr. Fauci after the election; Dr. Fauci’s candid assessment of the P45 Administration’s response to Covid — and the pain it has inflicted on the country — apparently hit a nerve.
Sean Connery — the original 007 — has passed away. He was 90. I thought he was immortal. Here is his horoscope; writing about it is being eclipsed by the present political madness, I’m afraid.

Finally — a random gender-bender. There’s always one in the news when Uranus is hot in the headlines:

A rare rose-breasted grosbeak is half male, half female.

If you haven’t already voted, get thee to the polls! If you don’t vote, someone else will (and then you’ll be sorry). Check your registration online before you go. Remember MERCURY is changing direction, increasing the odds of delays, tech snafus and misunderstanding. Stay focused. Be patient. I am not predicting how it will all turn out, but I remain hopeful.

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

Monday 10/26/2020: Sneak Peek at the Week; Venus Pulls Focus; Full Moon in Taurus

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

Good Morning!

The day is driven by a Pisces Moon, facilitating depths of feeling — especially for the suffering of others. It harmonizes with Uranus at 10:44 AM ET. Innovation and unconventional alliances are highlighted. P.S., there’s water on the Moon, says NASA –and Pisces is nothing if not watery. Moon travels without interference for the rest of the day; go with the flow. Just note that Mercury is STILL retrograde (double check schedules and transmissions), as well as MARS (reckless ramming is likely to backfire). The rest of the week goes like this:

TUESDAY: Note your dreams, as Moon meets up with visionary Neptune at 5:41 AM ET. The Pisces Moon is well-supported by contacts with Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn — all in Establishment Capricorn — until the close of the business day. Much can be accomplished, especially tasks that reflect REtrograde Mercury and Mars. For example, I will be REvising my PowerPoint on “The Astonishing Synchronicity of Astrology and the News.” I’ll be presenting it on Thursday, October 29th at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT in the glorious Zoom Room of the San Francisco Astrological Society. It’s open to the public — here’s the 411. Moon goes void at 8:46 PM ET — chill for the rest of the night.
TUESDAY: At 9:34 PM ET, retrograde Mercury backs out of Scorpio and re-enters Libra. From now until November 10th, the collective mindset needs to be rational, fair and perhaps swing from side to side. Mercury in Libra has a more facile way with words than Mercury in Scorpio. It is perhaps more inclined to aim for an outcome that pleases the most, as opposed to Mercury in Scorpio’s need to tear down and reform.
TUESDAY: Venus leaves Virgo for Libra at 9:41 PM ET. This is an improvement in matters of women, social values, aesthetics and money concerns; thus it’s an apt time to get your hair done. It’s also a time of prominence in these Venusian concerns, as Venus will be at the Aries Point a couple of days before and after. Watch for news involving anyone with a planet around 1 degree of Libra, Aries, Cancer or Capricorn. Amy Coney Barrett is Exhibit A; her Pluto (power) is at 1 Libra. Venus enters Scorpio on November 21st.
WEDNESDAY: Moon charges into Aries at 4:45 AM ET, looking to get something started — not now, but RIGHT NOW. It clashes with someone’s sense of fairness around 5:32 AM ET, when it opposes Venus. The rest of the day is free from planetary interference. Emotions are on the rise, as the Moon is waxing to its fullness, exact on Saturday.
THURSDAY: The Aries Moon supercharged by a meet-up with Mars at 2:33 PM ET. You’re more personally affected by the need for the intense crusade if you have a planet around 16 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn. Boundaries are pushed further — with great enthusiasm — around 10:39 PM ET, as Moon squares Jupiter.
FRIDAY: clashes and catharses overnight, as Moon squares Pluto (at 2:25 AM ET), Saturn (at 9:30 AM ET) and Mercury (at 12:15 PM ET). It then goes void until 5:19 PM ET. Chill during the Moon void; stick to routine concerns and don’t make a mountain out of a molehill. Once the Moon enters Taurus, the me-me-me need is replaced by a need to build and maintain the status quo, material comfort and security. But guess what? On…
SATURDAY: at 10:49 AM ET, the Taurus Moon’s need for comfort is opposed by the Scorpio Sun’s need for power and control. Happy Full Moon! Minutes later, Sun and Moon are zapped by the lightning bolt energy of Uranus (at 11:52 AM ET and 10:55 AM ET). The potential is one of disruption, revolution, shocks and surprises involving heads of state and business, technology, aviation, seismic shocks, uranium and things that are seen as out-of-this-world, including astrology. What was buzzing in the news on last year’s Sun-Uranus opposition? Rep. Katie Hill (D-CA) resigned after a foreign tabloid published intimate photos (an act of revenge on the part of her ex), and P45 announced a U.S. military raid in Syria (resulting in the reported suicide of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi). More examples from last year are here, so you’ll know what to expect.

Here’s what the Full Moon looks like, set in Washington D.C.:

An especially well-known astrologer is saying that this is the “worst Full Moon chart” they’ve ever seen. I’m not at all sure how this is helpful or productive. Yes, we can expect upsets in the mundane and/or political world. Yes, if you’re born around the 30th of October, January, April and July, you may be more personally affected by the buzz than most (consult your astrologer for details). One directly affected chart is the 2017 inauguration.

Yes, there is a heavier mindset around this Full Moon that will continue into all of next week. Why? Because Mercury is slowing down again, prepared to turn direct on November 3rd. As it slows to a virtual stop, it will be square Saturn — exact on SUNDAY and again on November 6th. We see potential for authoritarian or sobering controls imposed in matters of thought, communication and movement.

Yes we also see expansion in matters of power — and also possible breakdown/corruption exposed. Why? Because Jupiter (big) is moving to its third meet-up with Pluto on November 12th, and in this Full Moon chart set in D.C. Jupiter rules this chart (with its Sagittarius Ascendant) and sits in the 2nd house of money, self-worth and values. Maybe we’ll hear illuminating news about the “dark money” Jane Mayer writes about. (Fun fact: Jane Mayer is reportedly either 64 or 65, and thus may have been born with Jupiter-Pluto conjunct in Leo. If so, we can appreciate why she would be drawn stories of wealth and power).

The Sabian Symbols for this Full Moon are more cryptic than usual, if you ask me. For the Moon: “a Christmas tree decorated” and for the Sun: “dental work.” Sabian Symbol Sage Blain Bovee offers thoughts on a practical application here. He adds (in his book) that we should be mindful of “the prudent regulation of what goes in and out of the mouth….stories that have no teeth; a toothy smile in an attempt to fit it; managing decoration and decay; balancing power and peace.”

We shall see.

SUNDAY: Moon in Taurus continues to focus on preserving the status quo, well-supported by Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn. Law and order? Mercury squares Saturn at 2:06 PM ET, as it did on September 23rd.

And now, the news.

I feel like we should be hearing from George W. Bush this week. His conflict-avoidant Libra Moon is currently opposed by Mars, ruler of his Midheaven. This is provocative potential and is exact on Thursday.

Mercury retrograde snafu:

NY couple served $2000 bottle of wine instead of the $18 one they ordered

Mercury retrograde bringing the past to light; Venus in Virgo trine Saturn-Pluto adds a dash of macabre:

“Chilling find shows how Henry VIII planned every detail of Anne Boleyn’s beheading“
(this one is from Avid Reader Whitney — thank you!): Virginia state senator discovers headstones on his property; uncovers historic injustice

In other news…

Pro-democracy protests continue in Thailand; demands include REform of monarchy and REvision of constitution;
Mercury Rx is an apt time for a strike, and many are on one in Minsk

Meanwhile…

There was plenty to watch on TV over the weekend. On Saturday, the Aquarius Moon went void at 5:54 PM ET for almost exactly 24 hours. In a sports contest, Moon voids suggest surprising upsets, usually favoring the underdog — as seen in a stunning last few minutes of the World Series, Game 4: “Rays Stun the Dodgers with Chaotic Walk-Off Win in Game 4″ .

Now, on to politics. P45 is pushing boundaries, as patterns in his horoscope suggest (and explained in recent forecasts). Here he is lying and stomping out of an interview with Lesley Stahl on 60 Minutes. He’s devoting the last days before the November 3rd election by flying to rallies all over the country, even as Utah hospitals may soon be rationing health care and El Paso is now under curfew as Covid continues to spread. Studies now show that Covid cases have increased in the aftermath of those rallies. Heather Cox Richardson has more.

Five people on VP Mike Pence’s staff have tested positive for the coronavirus, including his Chief of Staff Marc Short. The VP, as you know, is head of the coronavirus task force — and today he’s planning to attend the Senate confirmation vote for Amy Coney Barrett. Meanwhile, over the weekend P45’s Chief of Staff — Mark Meadows — said there is no plan to get Covid under control, as they’ve totally given up.

The surges are in sync with the build-up of tension happening on November 12th, the third meet-up of Jupiter and Pluto — and they are happening in other countries, too — but not all of them.

In other news…

People were wondering what Jared Kushner was up to, as he fell off the radar after his father-in-law was diagnosed with Covid. Not to worry, as Kushner’s horoscope suggested a grand comeback, as Avid Readers may recall. Transiting Mars and Jupiter challenging his 20 Capricorn Sun on October 15 and 26 (for the third of three hits) suggested provocative action, perhaps involving expansive publishing and legal concerns. Exhibit A: The Lincoln Project erects ginormous Jared billboard in Times Square; lawsuits are threatened. Exhibit B: this interview with whistleblower Max Kennedy, explaining what it was like to work on Jared’s disastrous Covid response team makes the rounds on social media. Exhibit C: NYT publishes exploration of Jared’s involvement with fishy Kodak loan that was put on hold a few months ago after appearance of possible corruption. That deal made headlines in the first week of August, when Mars and Jupiter activated Jared’s 20 Capricorn Sun for the second time. The first one was around March 16. Exhibit D: Jared makes news today by telling Black people what to do. How grand of him — and how apt for a Sun-Jupiter conjunction.

Meanwhile…

On Sunday, the NYT published the obituary of the Republican Party. In New Hampshire, the Union Leader — the state’s most widely-circulated paper — endorsed Joe Biden. This paper hasn’t endorsed a Democrat in a hundred years. What in the world are they thinking?

The GOP has been going through a lengthy period of upsets. Now, with transiting Saturn at the base of one horoscope astrologers use for the birth of the Republican Party (July 6, 1854 at 1:01 PM ET in Jackson, MI), we see a need to shore up the foundation of the proverbial house.

Transiting Pluto will follow suit next year; right now Pluto is busy reflecting a potential teardown and transformation of how the GOP is seen as it squares the GOP’s 23 Libra Ascendant. According to a new study, Republicans are now more aligned with “autocratic parties in Hungary and Turkey, shunning democratic norm and advocating violence.” Speaking of Turkey, it just insulted France.

Good news! Japan pledged to become carbon-neutral by 2050. Japan is the world’s 3rd largest economy. Subarashii desune!

Good news! More than 58 million Americans have voted, 8 million more than 2016’s early voter tally at this point in the game. Keep it up!! Let’s smash records!! Get thee to the polls — but before you do, check your voter registration status here.

We always, always end with a bit of good news. Especially in these interesting times.

Thank you for reading this forecast. Hope to see many of you at my San Francisco Astrological Society webinar on Thursday, October 29th at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT.

Photo by Robert Trombetta on Unsplash

Friday 10/23/2020 & the Weekend: October Rocks On; Politics, As Usual

October 23, 2020/0 Comments/in The Forecast /by Elisabeth Grace

TGIF!

I started typing this minutes before 7 PM ET on Thursday, when the Sun entered Scorpio. Now is the time to give substance and depth to the discourse that may have come about when the Sun was in Libra.

First, a note of thanks to the good folks at Class Pass who invited me to talk to one of their teams about astrology basics, how it works and why astrologers knew that 2020 was going to be a year for the record books. We covered all of that in 90 minutes, along with a look at everyone’s Moon Sign. Why? Because when you understand what the Moon needs in someone’s horoscope, you can measurably improve your relationship with that fellow human being. I love love love talking about astrology to groups, and it’s so easy to do via Zoom. If you think your colleagues would enjoy such a talk, let’s make a plan! We had so much fun! Meanwhile, I’m giving another talk to the San Francisco Astrological Society next Thursday, October 29th. It’s open to the public and here are the details.

And now, the forecast for the weekend:

FRIDAY: The Capricorn Moon is void until 8:17 AM ET. Moving into Aquarius, the Moon drives the day with a need to network and hang with its besties. The First Quarter Moon at 9:23 AM ET presents a challenge to last week’s New Moon agenda, while activating the horoscope for the U.S. that was cast on the Autumnal Equinox — and also Joe’s Biden’s Taurus Moon. How is Biden making news this morning? Moon squares retrograde Mercury at 5:49 PM ET; doublecheck the source before buying whatever is being sold.
SATURDAY: More Moon in Aquarius, along with a jolt around 1:02 AM ET, as Moon squares Uranus. Venus in persnickety Virgo harmonizes with patriarchal Saturn at 11:40 AM ET, apt for sorting out the details and creating structures that advance your favorite art, financial or social values project. Moon goes void on a harmony with action hero Mars at 5:54 PM ET. Chill during this realllly long void — and here’s the 411 on Moon voids, if this term is new to you.
SUNDAY: Keep on chillin’, as the Moon void continues until 5:18 PM ET! Roll with whatever twists and flakes may disrupt efforts to move forward in a straight line. Avoid impulse shopping sprees. Remember that crises that crop up during voids are usually much ado about nothing. The evening is brought to you by the Moon in empathetic Pisces. Go with the flow.

The Pisces Moon makes one contact on Monday — a sextile with Uranus at 10:44 AM ET. This facilitates innovation and unconventional alliances, including efforts to recklessly ram through people and things that defy convention (courtesy of retrograde Mars in Aries). It also facilitates NASA’s Big Announcement About The Moon, happening at 12 PM ET.

I’m prepared for a shocking twist and/or backfire as we approach Halloween, as the Full Moon in Taurus that morning is strongly engaged with the disruptive potential of Uranus. October — surprise!

To review the major planetary patterns of October, here’s the 411.

Do keep in mind that MERCURY IS STILL RETROGRADE — which reflects the email that was sent out Wednesday night from your truly about last month’s Full Moon in Aries. What you should have received was an alert that two prior Mountain Astrologer columns have been added to the Articles page of my website, so you can now read about the horoscopes of Jacinda Ardern, Typhoid Mary, Captain Sir Thomas Moore, Joe Biden and others.

And now, the news…

…which is as RAMbunctiously bonkers in many respects, as anticipated. I can barely keep up. I encourage you to follow Heather Cox Richardson’s nightly posts for the most comprehensive recap.

Here’s a recap of the action in P45’s horoscope this week. As noted in Mary L. Trump’s latest op-ed, like it or not, we are all in a relationship with the current White House Occupant. It’s helpful to know in advance what to expect.

Oct 8th & Oct 18th: Mercury squares his Pluto. Communication/information that may be extreme, involving family, property, money, values, groups and appreciation from others. Third Mercury-Pluto square happens Nov 18th, same day as his third opposition of Jupiter to Saturn (efforts at expanding authority & control).
Oct 21st: Saturn opposes his Venus for the third and last time in 2020. A squeeze on money, values, women — affecting matters of mindset, communication, reputation, profession, self-expression, children.
Oct 26th: Retrograde Mars opposes his Jupiter for the second of three hits. This suggests action take to expand his ego expression, possibly involving broadcasting and foreign affairs. Pushing his luck, perhaps? Third one is December 2nd.

So far, We The People have been subjected to:

(because the NYT got a hold of his taxes) “Records Show [P45 Has Previously Undisclosed] Bank Account in China; Extensive Dealing There”
P45 has a billion dollars of debt, twice what was reported, says Forbes
P45 is caught on tape appear to expel multiple particle of white debris from his nose, says body language expert Dr. Jack Brown
The news that U.S. Immigration has lost track of the (presumably deported) parents of 545 migrant children whose families were forcibly separated at the border.
P45 storms out of 60 Minutes interview with Lesley Stahl, in which he once again uses two hands to lift a glass of water. The giant volume Kayleigh McEnany presents as evidence of P45’s health care plan initiative is revealed to be full of blank pages. Raw footage of interview was released by White House today, as if this is a good thing for P45’s image.
A new debate rule that the mics of both nominees will be muted to allow each the opportunity to speak for two minutes without interruption. If that doesn’t work, they will be muzzled. UPDATE: It didn’t work. Alas, there were no muzzles. P45 didn’t even wear a mask. The factcheckers are still working.
P45’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani was captured on tape reaching into his pants whilst lying on a bed in a hotel room in the company of an actress playing the role of a journalist in the new Sacha Baron Cohen film, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan — now streaming on Amazon. We have three more weeks of Mars retrograde in Aries putting testosterone-fueled actions in our faces, like it not. The upside potential is the determination to take action in the face of seemingly in surmountable odds, as demonstrated by the over 50 million Americans who have already voted — some of whom waited hours and hours in the pouring rain to cast their ballots. Planets in Aries never give up!

Speaking of new rules, there was a vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday on the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett. All ten Democrats boycotted the vote — denying the Committee the quorum required to have a legitimate vote. Republicans responded by changing the rules of the Committee to advance the nomination. Moscow Mitch will reportedly keep the Senate working through the weekend on it because we need to wait until the new president is elected so the American people can have a say. Oh. Sorry. That was so 2016. Let the 2020 ramming continue! On Tuesday, when transiting Venus arrives at 1 degree of Libra, it will be where the Sun was when Barrett was nominated — and right on her Pluto (power). How lucky and empowering for her. Astrology is amazing.

Speaking of Moscow Mitch, the Twittersphere and some reporters are asking about his hands, which appear to be bandaged and bruised since his debate with Amy McGrath ten days ago. A Forbes reporter has thoughts on potential causes, and opines here, using the words “hedgehog” and “tarantula.” Suspecting that there must be some action involving Mercury in his horoscope (Mercury rules hands), I checked — and there is! We do not have a birth time, though a colleague has proposed one that would give him a late-degree Cancer Ascendant. If my colleague is correct, transiting Mars and Saturn could have activated his Ascendant. Mars-Ascendant patterns always alert us to potential accidents, such a fall. Regardless of a known birth time, we have enough to see that the last ten days of January and the first week of February could find him feeling uncomfortably squeezed, with a possible decrease in popularity, social expression and resources. Now how could that happen, one wonders….?

Meanwhile…

There was a debate. Joe Biden benefitted from a trine from Jupiter to his Midheaven, i.e., earned status/expansion in matters of public status. Moderator Kristen Welker (7/1/76 in Philadelphia, PA) has Mars in Leo square Jupiter in Taurus, conjunct P45’s own Leo Mars and 23 Taurus MC, respectively. She is a Cancer driven by Moon in Leo or Virgo (what do you think?), and many believe she wrangled the debaters well.

Frankly, I think she benefitted from the disciplined potential of the evening’s Moon in Capricorn, conjunct stern Saturn. Certainly she would be capable of dramatic, regally entitled action. As for why she acquired this plum assignment now, obviously there is something in her horoscope reflecting the potential for reward. The rewarding measurement is a rare alignment between the Sun and Jupiter (big ego recognition), and incredibly, it’s the exact same pattern that was hot in Giuliani’s horoscope when he became an unwitting star in that Borat sequel back in July! Moral of the story: the expansive potential of Jupiter may not always be a good thing. It can also suggest an overblown ego, as in “76 year-old man actually believes 24 year-old journalist wants to seduce him in her hotel room.” Stephen Colbert has more.

The other post-debate buzz on Twitter was a clip of P45 Jr., offering thoughts on Fox, with the words “wired,” “weird” and “cocaine” in the comments. None of the pundits bothered to look at his horoscope to see what might be driving the manic behavior; all they offered was snark. But astrology offers a clear explanation for why we are seeing this mania now. Yesterday a measurement suggesting boundary-pushing buzz and reckless action was EXACT!! This month his 19 degree Cancer Ascendant was opposed by Jupiter (big!) and squared by Mars (action!). We can see the potential vulnerability to substance-induced escapes, as his perfection-seeking Virgo Moon squares Mercury-Neptune. He really needs to see the world through rose-colored glasses and he needs to be sensitive. Next year, that need for escapism is likely to become more intense — with a possible disappointment and/or feeling wiped out. Another potential would be to move forward on a need to be the face of a visionary enterprise.

Elsewhere….

Venus has been hot in the cosmos all week and its contact with Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto (expansion, controls and power) Suggests women of gravitas and power in the news. These patterns activated the horoscope of one such woman: Jennifer Lawrence. Last time we checked in, she was making news as 2015’s highest-paid actress — which made perfect sense, as explained back then. But we see from her horoscope that her values were likely disrupted more recently, and this week’s news was her announcement that she “used to be a little Republican,” but she’s changed.

Finally…

It’s been a while since we checked in on Pope Francis, but his horoscope suggests he’s due for an expansive change of values, affecting his public status. He has transiting Jupiter square his relationship-building, conflict-avoiding Mars in Libra. Ideally, Mars in Libra would be a warrior for peace and a champion for fairness and balance. Guess what he did this week? Called for civil union laws to protect same-sex couples.

“Homosexuals have a right to be a part of the family,” said the pope. “They’re children of God and have a right to a family. Nobody should be thrown out or be made miserable because of it.”

Pope Francis’s Moon in Aquarius rules his Cancer Ascendant, i.e., how he needs to be seen. Translation: he needs to be seen as a caring humanitarian — and yes, having an unconventional yet socially significant family would be important to his sense of personal fulfillment.

Also ground-breaking: NASA lands spacecraft on asteroid that’s millions of miles away. Wow!

When are you likely to be creating a buzz on social media? Earn a promotion? Make a move? Meet a significant other? Patterns in your horoscope offer guidance — consult your local astrologer for details. If you’re not in need of guidance, but value the insights provided in this forecast, a token of appreciation equivalent to a monthly mocha latte or superb shiraz is always welcome. Here is the link to the Cosmic Tip Jar.

Thank you for reading this forecast.

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Monday 10/19/2020: Sneak Peek at the Week: Sun in Scorpio; Venus in Focus

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

Happy Monday!

How’s your Mercury retrograde going? I hope you are taking time to REcharge, REview and REorganize — and that you are going with the flow of any delays and/or miscommunications. Do pay close attention in all matters of tech and communication channels, so you do not inadvertently expose yourself in a Zoom meeting, as a hapless journalist has just done. Do you think that Mercury retrograde and Mars retrograde are activating planets in that journalist’s unique horoscope? Indeed they are. If only he had consulted his astrologer!

My weekend delays included writing a forecast for the weekend and the New Moon in Libra. On Saturday, I opted instead to act on the potential for the domestic good cheer of the weekend’s Venus-Jupiter trine and the Mars-Jupiter square. Adding in the weekend’s intense Scorpio Moon, and it was the perfect time to rally neighbors in my building and put up ghoulishly fun Halloween decorations. We can’t have a party this year (because of Covid), but we can darn well make it look like we’re ready for one!

On Sunday, I was inspired to attack my bookshelves and release a few volumes I no longer need. Going through some old papers, I discovered bit of creative writing from a workshop I took 25 years ago. Gosh, was it good — and something worth developing if I ever create space to write about things other than astrology. I look forward to more pleasantly surprising REconnecting and REorganizing until November 3rd, when Mercury turns direct. You?

Here’s how this week goes — with thoughts about last Friday’s New Moon in Libra included.

MONDAY: Moon soars into Sagittarius at 12:43 AM ET, pushing boundaries of opinion. BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! First, at 1:38 AM ET, retrograde Mars in Aries squares Jupiter in Capricorn for the second time. Mars-Jupiter squares suggests BIG (Jupiter) ACTION (Mars) — and with Mars retrograde in Aries, possibly rash or reckless.
Second, at 3:35 AM ET, Venus trines Jupiter. This harmony between the two planets associated with fortune suggests abundance and generosity — countering the streamlining of Saturday’s Sun-Saturn square. There are no exact aspects to the Moon today; the sky’s the limit.
Finally, at 10:55 PM ET, retrograde Mercury makes its second opposition to disruptive Uranus (first one was on 10/7), suggesting disruptive headlines — with themes of aviation, tech, etc. — and possibly even astrology. Over the past few years as astrology has come back into vogue, there’s nearly always been a story about it in a major media outlet whenever the Sun and Uranus are in contact. Seems to now be working for Mercury-Uranus, too. On October 7th, British astrologer Jessica Adams got a shout-out in The Guardian. Today’s she’s featured in other publications. Let’s see what happens on November 17, the third Mercury-Uranus opposition.
TUESDAY: Note your dreams, as Moon squares visionary Neptune at 7:19 AM ET, then aligns harmoniously with Mars at 8:08 AM ET. That’s about when the Moon will activate the Sun-Moon opposition in P45’s horoscope, so stay tuned for whatever he has to say. Alternatively, go about your business with Sag enthusiasm. Moon goes void at 11:38 PM ET until 2:44 AM ET on…
WEDNESDAY: In Capricorn, the Moon needs to take care of business — never mind how it feels. Word gets out around 3:49 PM ET, when Moon sextiles Mercury. Just please remember than MERCURY IS STILL RETROGRADE (so double check everything thrice). Women, money, arts and social expression pull focus today (and all week) for the sake of empowering the PTB, as Venus trines Pluto at 5:38 PM ET.
THURSDAY: The Capricorn Moon makes its weekly clash with the heavy planets in Capricorn, starting with combative/crusading Mars at 11:16 AM ET, expansive Jupiter at 1:44 PM ET and power player Pluto at 6:40 PM ET. That’s what we’ll see in the headlines this afternoon. I hear there may be a vote about a justice on the Senate floor. Meanwhile, Sun leaves Libra for Scorpio at 7:00 PM ET.
THURSDAY: Sun in Scorpio demands substance; none of that airy-theory-rational stuff that Libra does so well. Scorpio is a deeply emotional sign, noted for its need for privacy, power and control. Scorpios “build all the way up to Heaven…and all the way down to Hell,” wrote astrologer Linda Goodman. Hopefully you can hang with one who builds a stairway to Heaven. A Scorpio heading for Hell will happily annihilate everyone and everything in its path. Really, they are so very interesting. Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton are two famous Scorpios. If you’re a Scorpio born close to Halloween, my money says you’ll be shaking things up in 2021. Consult your local astrologer for details.
FRIDAY: Moon goes void on a sobering meet-up with Saturn at 12:35 AM ET, planting seeds for someone’s authoritative reach. Chill overnight; Moon enters Aquarius at 8:17 AM ET, looking to network and hang with its besties. The First Quarter Moon at 9:23 AM ET presents a challenge to last week’s New Moon agenda, while activating the horoscope for the U.S. that was cast on the Autumnal Equinox — and also Joe’s Biden’s Taurus Moon. Moon squares retrograde Mercury at 5:49 PM ET. After that, Moon will arrive at the same place it was a month ago, the day of Amy Coney Barrett’s White House Superspreader SCOTUS Nomination Extravaganza — and right on her Aquarius Sun.
SATURDAY: More Moon in Aquarius, along with a jolt around 1:02 AM ET, as Moon squares Uranus. Will we have a Covid relief bill of sorts by now, along with a newly-minted SCOTUS justice, with Venus in persnickety Virgo harmonizing with patriarchal Saturn at 11:40 AM ET? Moon goes void on a harmony with action hero Mars at 5:54 PM ET. Chill and raise a glass in celebration of United Nations Day, such as it is. We’re likely to be more united as a global community in the long run, not the short run — but hang in there.
SUNDAY: Keep on chillin’, as the Moon void continues until 5:18 PM ET! Roll with whatever twists and flakes may disrupt efforts to move forward in a straight line. Avoid impulse shopping sprees. Remember that crises that crop up during voids are usually much ado about nothing. The evening is brought to you by the Moon in empathetic Pisces. Go with the flow.

Regarding last Friday’s jam-packed New Moon — which kicked in at 3:31 PM ET — at 23 Libra. Here is the chart, set in Washington, D.C. Why? Because D.C. is the capital of the U.S., so we use that location to assess how the New Moon is likely to be experienced for that nation. Clear?

A New Moon in Libra suggests a focus on fairness, diplomacy, justice and balance in relationships. This New Moon is supercharged by a ton of tension among the planets: Sun-Moon square to Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn, as well as opposite warrior Mars AND Eris, a.k.a. the Goddess of Discord (who won’t hesitate to wreak havoc in order to secure a place at the table). At the same time, the New Moon is conjunct Spica, considered to be one of the most auspicious Fixed Stars in the cosmos. Hmmm….

This New Moon activates the horoscopes of anyone with planets and other points around 23 degrees of Libra, Aries, Cancer and Capricorn. Examples: Chief Justice John Roberts, Kimberly Guilfoyle, P45, conductor Marin Alsop, Sacha Baron Cohen, Angela Lansbury and Flea.

The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon is “a third wing on the left side of a butterfly.” So — not one side or the other side (of two sides), but something completely different? As Sabian Sage Blain Bovee notes, “something may occur, causing one to pause for thought, or to take a left turn, on what was originally considered an either/or situation.” “Left-sided” issues, says Bovee, are those pertaining to “feminine nurturing capacities…to left-wing concerns of social welfare.” Watch the news; we’ll know it when we see it.

I do think it is interesting that the Midheaven of this New Moon chart in D.C. is 3 Sagittarius. The Midheaven in a chart set for a nation refers to the head of state. Joe Biden’s Ascendant is 3 Sagittarius.

And now, the news….

The first of three squares between Mars in Aries (wheels, action, warriors) and Jupiter (big!) – Pluto (extreme!) happened in August, as thousands of bikers convened in Sturgis, South Dakota — even though 60% of Sturgis residents polled preferred to postpone the annual gathering. Now, in the wake of the second square, we’re hearing stories of Covid gone wild among those who attended, “spreading the virus across the Upper Midwest.”

In general, the potential for reckless overconfidence symbolized by Mars retrograde in Aries is being reflected around the world by a surge of Covid cases. Astrologers said this would likely happen, and we take no joy in being right. The third meet-up between Jupiter and Pluto is on November 12th. Therefore, please curb the impulse to be reckless. If you’re feeling frustrated, channel your energy into planning a strategy for 2021. No trick or treating, no large gatherings. Wear a mask and wash your hands. Stay safe!

UPDATE: on Jacinda Ardern, whose horoscope I wrote about several months ago for Mountain Astrologer. New Zealand’s fiercely capable PM was due for a consolidation of power and resources right about now, given patterns in her horoscope. Lo and behold, she won re-election in a landslide.

UPDATE: on Ghislaine Maxwell, whose horoscope is also functioning as scheduled. Planetary patterns suggested disruptive changes between October 17 and November 3, with themes of expanded communication involving courts and publishing around November 10. Today she lost an appeal to keep a 400-page deposition under wraps. Will her lawyers appeal to SCOTUS? We shall see. Patterns active in her horoscope now will return for a third strike at the end of March/early April.

Meanwhile,

There were dueling debates last Thursday between Biden and P45. Everyone agreed that Biden’s Taurus Moon — which needs to establish and maintain material comfort and security — won the night –and the ratings. Critics compared Biden to a science-loving Mr. Rogers — and kudos to those sneering critics for validating astrology. As it turns out, Mr. Rogers is a double Pisces with…a Taurus Ascendant. Of course there’s a similarity! Here are thoughts on Mr. Rogers and his horoscope — from 2018.

In other news….

One of the rules of Mercury retrograde is not to immediately accept what you read in the papers. Rumors are more likely to fly. One of the rules of Mars retrograde is to avoiding initiating an attack, lawsuit or war. Such efforts are not likely to go as planned — and might even backfire. That’s why the “story” published in one of Rupert Murdoch’s papers about ~~space aliens kidnapping~~ Hunter Biden leaving a laptop at a repair shop owned by Zaphod Beeblebrox some guy in Delaware and somehow ending up in the clutches of ~~the Vogon Commander~~ Rudy Giuliani, etc., etc. was immediately suspect. And by “suspect,” I mean that one of the journalists whose name was in the byline didn’t even know they were associated with the “story” until it was published.

Twitter subsequently restricted the story and blocked Kayleigh “I will never lie to you” McEnany’s Twitter account. And all of this happened as Mercury turned retrograde on a potent face-off between retrograde Mars and the Sun, square to power player Pluto. Heather Cox Richardson has more on the story — and what it suggests.

In the Twittersphere, there was talk about one particular hacked text that Biden sent to Hunter when the latter was in rehab. “Good morning my beautiful son/I love you and miss you/Dad.” The consensus was that this is exactly the text you’d hope a loving and supportive father would send to a son who is struggling to heal. It aptly reflects Biden’s prominent natal Neptune’s potential to be seen as a healer/visionary — emphasized now by transiting Neptune impacting issues of family and public status.

We have a time for that loving text, which means we have a chart for it. One element that immediately stands out is where the Moon was when the text was sent: 11 Scorpio. That’s where Mercury was sitting all last week. Remarkable.

Also leaked: a phone conversation between Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) and some of his constituents, in which he “slammed [P45] for kissing dictators and flirting with white supremacists,” adding (according to HCR’s must-read nightly Letter: “What the heck were any of us thinking, that selling a TV-obsessed, narcissistic individual to the American people was a good idea?”

When I look at Sasse’s horoscope (Feb 22, 1972 in Plainview, NE), I see a Pisces driven by the Moon in clever, chatty Gemini — and maybe his Gemini Moon is finally coming out of a Neptune-induced fog. Sasse certainly has the potential to shock — or be shocked — for the next few months, courtesy of the cattle prod effect of Uranus (the Great Awakener) on his stubborn Mars in Taurus. Perhaps that shock will toss him out of office on Election Day. What say you, Nebraska? Let’s see where he’s at around November 16.

Speaking of Gemini Moons and their need to the smartest kid in the room, did you see last Saturday’s SNL? Here is Kate McKinnon channeling the persona of Dr. Wayne Wenowdis, Medical Expert — until she just can’t do it anymore. I’ve watched it three times and I’m still laughing. We need these moments of comic relief. We know this! Here are thoughts on her horoscope from 2017, with a link to said horoscope therein.

And since this Sneak Peek is posted a bit late today, I can share Beth Owl’s Daughter’s Tarot Card of the Week — always a blessing.

Thank you for reading this forecast. If you find it of value, why not follow up on Avid Reader Diane’s invitation to support the work by becoming a Faithful Monthly Subscriber and gifting my Cosmic Tip Jar with the equivalent of a fine glass of cabernet? Or — to find out what’s around the corner in your unique horoscope, contact me to schedule a personal consultation.

Monday 10/12/2020: Sneak Peek at the Week; Mercury Turns Retrograde

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

The Leo Moon harmonizes with the Sun and Mars and then goes void at 10:30 AM ET — for the rest of the business day. Moon won’t get focused until after midnight on Tuesday, so seriously chill, chill, chill! Roll with the twists and flakes that may disrupt efforts to move forward in a straight line. Remember that crises that crop up during voids are often much ado about nothing. A Leo Moon void is vulnerable to fits of indignation and regal edicts. Watch how that plays out as introductions are made on the first day of the Senate confirmation hearings for SCOTUS nominee Amy Coney Barrett — in the middle of an election, no less. Note the ones refusing to wear a mask. That’s dysfunctional regal Leo entitlement.

Softening the drama somewhat — at least until 12:38 PM ET — is a cooperative contact between Mercury (how we need to think and communicate) and Venus (our values and social expression). There’s a need to see things in the best possible light — at least on a personal level. After that, be prepared for the gloves to come off, courtesy of a face-off between retrograde Mars in Aries and the Libra Sun exact on…

TUESDAY: at 7:27 PM ET. The day is driven by the Virgo Moon (as of 12:56 AM ET), seeking to prove itself correct in exacting detail, supercharged by the Sun-Mars face-off. The Moon is well-supported in its quest by easy aspects from Uranus, Mercury and Venus (all between 4:35 PM ET and 10:55 PM ET); there are no speedbumps to the Moon during most of the business day. At 9:05 PM ET, Mercury officially reverses course in Scorpio.

Here’s the 411 on Mercury retrograde:

So many people who know nothing else about astrology have heard of Mercury retrograde. Often it elicits curses and groans, and that’s a shame. Yes, all of the flights on American Airlines may be grounded because of a computer glitch, and the entire country of Finland may be offline because of a transportation strike. These things actually happened on the first day of Mercury retrogrades past. But there’s much good that can be accomplished when the Messenger Planet appears to be retracing its steps.

Mercury—which in the language of astrology refers to mindset, travel and communication—will appear to move backward through the sky until November 3rd. It’s not really moving backward, but that is how it looks from our perspective here on Spaceship Earth. Mercury goes retrograde 3-4 times each year, for a period of 22 days.

Contrary to popular belief, Mercury retrogrades are no reason to freak out. Mercury retrograde gets a bad rap because we are geared, in this crazy modern age, to always be thinking, doing, moving FORWARD. You know what that gets you? BURN OUT. We need our down times, and Mercury retrograde is a perfect time to give our minds a rest. Why else would your computer, phone and/or car choose THIS time to malfunction? Because you are supposed to be slowing down. And as you slow down, it is vitally important that you FOCUS.

When Mercury is retrograde, be prepared for travel delays, scheduling screw-ups, mechanical breakdowns, computer crashes, having to repeat what you’ve just said, misunderstandings, the past coming back for a second look, surprise reunions and having to repeat what you just said. Use your FOCUS and double check important details, like the instructions on your absentee ballots. Is a witness signature required? Are you only allowed to use black ink? Is that an official ballot drop box — or a fake (not kidding — look what’s happening in California). Read the instructions more than once — and don’t hesitate to ask for help. FOCUS!!!!!!!!!

If you are looking for a job, Mercury retrogrades are a perfect time to reach out to people from your past. Mine your address book and trust that your contacts will be happy to hear from you. However, do not be frustrated if your target is away on vacation or keeps rescheduling meetings. Also, triple check your emails and resumes before you hit “send,” as there is a higher probability of typos and other sloppy snafus.

In your business, you’ll need to make sure all communications have been received and are clearly understood. Be mindful of the higher potential for communications equipment to go on the fritz. MAKE SURE YOUR FILES ARE BACKED UP. Also be aware of a higher than average probability for delays in shipping and travel arrangements. For this you will need an extra dose of patience.

You may also find it profitable to REview a project from the past. Maybe you shelved it then, but now is the time to REconsider. However, be advised that a spontaneous, “out-of-the-blue” idea for advancement may not be so sound when Mercury turns direct. This is why the conventional wisdom advises against finalizing and/or signing contracts on deals during Mercury retrograde. An exception might be supported if you are REnegotiating or RElocating. If you absolutely must close a deal, triple check everything.

This is a good time to schedule a corporate REtreat. Any activity that affords the opportunity to REview past performance is encouraged. REsearch on a new strategy is also favored.

Mercury retrogrades are not favored for launching a new website or a new communications systems. There is a higher than average probability of technical glitches and confusion. I can tell you horror stories about a certain prestigious college’s lackluster launch of a website/communications portal which occurred a few years ago, on a day when Mercury was stationary retrograde. The portal was completely redone this year. No surprise there.

Adopt a playful attitude of flexibility to whatever twists you encounter. Avoid making major purchases (especially electronic ones). Don’t believe everything you hear or read in the papers. Rumors have a higher probability of spreading during Mercury retrogrades. Avoid losing patience — that’s a big one.

When in doubt, be silent!

Do plan on RElaxing, REviewing, REsearching, REorganizing, REgenerating, REconnecting and REcreating…and REviewing your life with your astrologer.

Mercury turns retrograde at 11 degrees of Scorpio…re-entering Libra on October 27th. It turns direct on Election Day at 26 degrees of Libra. Mercury returns to 11 degrees Scorpio on November 19th, the day of Joe Biden’s next solar return (his birthday is November 20th). Note to astronerds with sophisticated software: if you are able to calculate solar returns, take a look at Biden’s solar return for 2019 and 2020. Notice how Mercury at 11 Scorpio is repeated in both charts — first as the ruler of the chart for 2019, and then as the actual Ascendant for 2020. What do you think, hmm?

Astrologer Robert Wilkinson (who wrote the book on Mercury retrograde) sees Mercury Rx in Scorpio as a “rethink in reform mode.” Tear down established beliefs; expose the rotting garbage and replace it with truth for the sake of consolidating power. “This is the verbal executioner, searching for inconsistencies in others,” which I take to mean we’ll see a lot of “Gotcha!” moments in the news. Wherever 26 Libra – 11 Scorpio falls in your horoscope is where you may be tearing down and rebuilding outworn modes of thinking.

WEDNESDAY: Note your dreams, as the Virgo Moon opposes Neptune at 7:48 AM ET. The drive for perfection happily harmonizes with the lean, mean outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto) in Powers That Be Capricorn. Much can be accomplished today — especially if it’s a matter of critical REview. Moon goes void at 6:47 PM ET. Chill for the rest of the night. Moon enters Libra at 1:54 AM ET on …
THURSDAY: …shifting focus to fairness, justice and balance in relationships. Humming in the background all this week is the special sense of urgency represented by a square between Pluto and the Sun. This is a screaming alert for a power play, corruption exposed/news from underground involving leaders, CEOs, resources and possible seismic activity. These challenging patterns between Pluto and the Sun only happen four times a year; this year they happened in January, April and July. This one is happening on a dead Moon — the end of the lunar cycle. Secret meetings and other activities that fly under the radar are favored. Oh, but wait — there’s more — as you’ll see when we get to Sunday and Monday.
FRIDAY: Think big upon waking, as the Libra Moon is squared by expansive Jupiter at 8:06 AM ET. A physical workout would release the tension demanding an outlet around 9:50 AM ET, as Moon opposes Mars. At 1:22 PM ET, Moon makes its weekly clash with Pluto, suggesting a power play or catharsis. All of this is happening before the New Moon kicks in at 3:31 PM ET — at 23 Libra (details in the next forecast). Less than three hours later, Moon squares Saturn and goes void at 6:11 PM ET, suggesting themes of control and authority making news — and a sobering way to end the work week. Chill during the evening void; hopefully the Friday night news dump will be much ado about nothing.
SATURDAY: Moon enters Scorpio at 1:05 AM ET, turning Libra rationales into deep emotional substance. A surprise arrives around 3:37 PM ET, as Moon opposes Uranus. Stop and count to ten before rushing to go to press, as Moon meets up with Mercury at 5:52 PM ET — BUT MERCURY IS RETROGRADE.
SUNDAY: It’s likely to be a crazy-busy next few days. On the one hand, the Scorpio Moon is well-supported in its quest to maintain power and control through the accumulation of a certain depth of knowledge. An opposition between Venus and Neptune is exact at 10:49 AM ET, but we will be seeing reflections of its magical thinking potential a few days beforehand. It may be related to prominent magical thinking that was going on in May, when Venus squared Neptune twice (and again in late June, if memory serves). Perhaps we’ll hear illuminating news about those driving the “Covid is the new normal; get used to it” propaganda machine. In your own personal world, a Venus-Neptune opposition could reflect an opportunity for a beautiful artsy, healing escape — with the promise of happiness suggested in Tarot Diva Beth Owl’s Daughter’s Card of the Week.
SUNDAY: On the other hand, at 9:58 AM ET, we have Saturn squaring the Sun, suggesting heavy news involving leaders (of state and corporations), i.e., cuts, losses and other streamlining. Moon goes void at 5:43 PM ET on a supportive sextile with Saturn. Chill until 12:43 AM on…
MONDAY: when Moon soars into Sagittarius, pushing boundaries of opinion. BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! First, at 1:38 AM ET, retrograde Mars in Aries squares Jupiter in Capricorn for the second time (first was on August 4th, the day of that big ginormous explosion in Beirut, when Mars-Jupiter also triggered the Jan 10th eclipse). Mars-Jupiter squares suggests BIG (Jupiter) ACTION (Mars) — and with Mars retrograde in Aries, possibly rash or reckless.
Second, at 3:35 AM ET, Venus trines Jupiter. This harmony between the two planets associated with fortune suggests good cheer, abundance and generosity — countering the streamlining of Sun-Saturn. There are no exact aspects to the Moon on this day; the sky’s the limit.
Finally, at 10:55 PM ET, retrograde Mercury makes its second opposition to disruptive Uranus (first one was on 10/7), suggesting disruptive headlines — with themes of aviation, tech, etc. — and possibly even astrology. Over the past few years as astrology has come back into vogue, there’s nearly always been a story about it in a major media outlet whenever the Sun and Uranus are in contact. Seems to now be working for Mercury-Uranus, too.

And now, the news.

I carried the Sneak Peek at the Week through Monday because of how the patterns of October 16th – 20th activate P45’s horoscope (I’ve mentioned this period in prior forecasts as one to watch).

First, the New Moon at 23 Libra activates planets in his horoscope that refer to profession, documents, real estate, family, speculative ventures and ego recognition.
Second, we see the second hit of a pattern suggesting extremes of thought and communication (the first was on October 8th). On October 20th (next Tuesday), P45’s progressed Moon will square Uranus, suggesting a sudden change (in response to tension that has been building for some months).
Third, less than 24 hours later, transiting Saturn (streamlined ambition; cuts/losses) makes the last of three oppositions to his Venus, ruler of areas in the horoscope that refer to profession, reputation, documents and siblings. The second opposition was on September 6th; here’s what happened back then.

Astrologer Jessica Adams (who is not American and thus perhaps benefits from a certain distance) did predict back in January that P45 would not be re-elected and that he would “go down in October.” The Guardian was impressed enough to reference her prediction last week, in synch with the first Mercury-Uranus opposition (a potential for astrology making headlines). If Adams is proven correct, we will not be surprised — as we do see the potential for cuts and changes — and we most definitely will salute her astrological acumen.

Meanwhile….

On the first day of her Senate confirmation hearing, SCOTUS nominee Amy Coney Barrett wore a black mask, pearls and a dress in a bright shade of Handmaid’s Tale red (or so it appears on my computer screen). I briefly wondered if she’d consulted with confessed fashion troll Melania Trump — until I checked Barrett’s horoscope. She has Mars at 21 Aries and Mars is exactly conjunct her Mars today! The color of Mars is red, as is the color of Aries, the sign Mars rules. Barrett’s Mars is supercharged in her natal horoscope, in touch with her Mercury and Uranus — and possibly her Moon. Well OK, then — Mars is just on fire for her, not now — but RIGHT NOW!

Otherwise, Barrett is an Aquarius driven by Moon in Cancer, a people-pleasing combo that astrologer Noel Tyl felt was highly responsive to appreciation received (see Tyl’s 1000 page+ manual, Synthesis & Counseling in Astrology, page 98). Her birthday is the day after Chief Justice John G. Roberts, which means that both she and Roberts have transiting Uranus squaring their Suns. Translation: ego identity becomes disrupted or is disruptive; we see a need for independence no matter what. Barrett’s Sun-Uranus square is exact on November 19; Roberts has his on December 19. Watch those dates for surprises.

Guess who else has a hot horoscope with a disruptive Sun-Uranus pattern? Charles Koch — described as the driving force behind Barrett’s nomination. It’s not about health care or Roe v. Wade. It’s about corporations, as this WaPo op-ed argues. That would fit current planetary patterns: Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto at the verrrry end of Capricorn, suggesting last-ditch, hail Mary efforts at power and control. Here is Koch’s horoscope.

In other news….

Mercury at its station in Scorpio can feel like a blaring horn in matters of intricate mechanisms and channels. The NYT obliged with another installment in its examination of P45’s taxes. “The Swamp That Trump Built” explains how a businessman-president turned “favor-seeking in Washington to his family’s hotels and resorts — and earned millions as a gatekeeper for his own administration.” The kids were in on it, too — reports WaPo.

In Maine, postal workers demonstrated their deep focus by restoring a previously dismembered high-speed mail-sorting machine. That’s wicked good, Mainers!

Elsewhere, the diverse alliance potential of Saturday’s trine between Venus (women, values, social expression) and Uranus, combined with the potential power of Friday’s Mars-Pluto square was reflected…

In this Biden campaign ad featuring five Black women mayors — and a surprise twist
Most “unbelievable KO kick in UFC history” delivered by middleweight Joaquin Buckley on Saturday
In this SNL sketch about a Mafia don returning to civilian life after a stint in the Big House only to discover that things have changed
…in the installation of a statue across from the Manhattan County Criminal Courthouse — of Medusa holding Perseus’s head
It was a good weekend for MVP LeBron James, who led the Lakers to victory in the NBA finals — over Miami Heat. James is a Capricorn driven by the Moon in Aries — a born leader. His Jupiter is at 21 Capricorn, so he’s benefitting from the surge of energy reflected by a square from Mars in Aries, as well as a once-every-twelve-years Jupiter return. Here is his horoscope.

That’s it for now. Back up your computers, kids!! If you’re voting this week, be patient with any delays and tech snafus, e.g., what’s happening in Georgia. If you find this forecast of value, your support is always appreciated and accepted via the fabulous Cosmic Tip Jar. For in-depth consultations suitable for this Mercury retrograde review, here’s how to contact me.

Thank you for reading this forecast.

Thanks to Beth for the fun

Mercury-banana mash-up!

THE
FORECAST