THE
I am a reporter with a unique beat. I use my understanding of planetary cycles to provide advance notice and analysis on the Zeitgeist of the day. If you have ever wondered “why is this happening now,” my insights will transform your experience of the headlines, adding new meaning and understanding. Call it Astrology for News Junkies. If you’re curious to know why the Impossible Burger is trending…or why the outcome of the 2019 Israeli elections was likely to be a shocker …or why “Woodrow Wilson, Stud Muffin” was a New York Times headline in December 2013, you will find it here, in over a decade’s worth of historical research and reporting.
Note that I do use astrological jargon in The Forecast in my effort to show how the planetary patterns are reflected in mundane events. I explain what the jargon symbolizes, so that all who want to understand the connections between astrology and the news may do so. However, I do not use astrological jargon in personal consultations, just plain English.
Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday 4/9/14: Shine, Shine, Shine
/in The ForecastNot too shabby. Moon continues its reign in sunny Leo, seeking ways to shine and help others shine, too. Tell someone how fabulous they are today, won’t you? Seek out innovative forms of play and creative self-expression. You’ll be aided and abetted by a lovely connection to the Moon from inventive Uranus at 7:50AM ET…and that will carry you through the day until 7:12PM ET, when the Moon makes a cooperative connection to action-oriented Mars. The day ends on a balanced connection between masculine and feminine, as the Moon makes a trine to the Sun at 10:28PM ET.
Get it off your desk today if you can — or wait until Friday to ship or make that important pitch. If you’re sleeping at 2:26AM ET on Thursday, you’ll miss the potentially cranky challenge between the regal, playful Leo Moon and karma cop Saturn in moody bastard Scorpio….but that challenge may ripple throughout the day. If a crisis ensues, it may well be blown out of proportion, given that the Moon will be void-of-course from then until 6:08PM ET on Thursday evening. Chill out and wander if you can; otherwise just go with the flow of whatever twists arise in your efforts to move forward in a straight line.
And now, the news.
By now the dust should have settled from yesterday’s face-off between warrior Mars and the Sun in Aries (ruled by Mars). How interesting to see Mars making headlines in the mainstream news as well as astrology forecasts. If you looked up at the heavens last night, you would have seen the Red Planet brighter than it’s been in six years. Meanwhile, some papers reported sightings of a mysterious “artificial light” captured on tape by Curiosity; Slate‘s resident astronomer is having none of this nonsense; here’s his take on what the light might be.
Moon in Leo loves a drama, and a Sun-Mars face-off can refer to a violent confrontation or attack. Here’s the opening line from a story on the NYT homepage: “It was bold, splashy and theatrical, the kind of flourish more often seen in courtroom dramas than in real-life murder trials…”and the story in question would be Oscar Pistorius, charged with the murder of his girlfriend, taking the witness stand at his trial. The drama continues, as Pistorius will be cross-examined today. Did you know that South Africa has the most “intimate partner violence deaths” in the world? Statistics for the United States are here.
As noted in Monday’s forecast, Mars retrograde suggests outbursts and attacks from the most unlikely suspects. Here’s a story about how hackers are using the most innocuous means (e.g., an online Chinese restaurant take-out menu) to breach network security measures. Another internet attack outed yesterday is the so-called “Heartbleed Bug,” — which is just one more reason why you need to change all of your passwords at your earliest convenience. Another unlikely suspect showed up in court in Pakistan: this 9-month-old baby charged with murder.
Last but not least, it seems that Attorney General Eric Holder’s horoscope was personally affected by the Sun-Mars challenge. Specifically, retrograde Mars conjoined his natal Neptune; the Sun opposed it. As you know, triggers to Neptune can be a bit surreal. Still, it was definitely a jab at Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) when Mr. Holder said while testifying before Congress, “Good luck with your asparagus”. Yes, there is a story behind that…and you will find it here.
Mark your calendars for the National Asparagus Festival happening June 6-8 in Oceana County, Michigan. Or hop across the Pond and get a headstart on the fun that begins on April 23rd at the British Asparagus Festival in the Vale of Evesham. The latter has a cooler website…
What’s going on in YOUR horoscope? If you’re feeling a need for clarity and guidance, consider making an appointment for a personal astro-logical consultation. Thank you for reading this forecast — and sharing it with the Entire Free World :)
Astro-logical Forecast for Tuesday 4/8/2014: Boxing Day w/Moon in Leo
/in The ForecastOK, break time is over. After yesterday’s looonnnnnng (15 hour+) Moon void in emotional security-focused Cancer, the Moon finally gets into gear with a royal flourish and a ton of brass and tympani, entering rip-roarin’ Leo at 5:50AM ET. You know what often happens in sports matches played during Moon voids? Surprise upsets, which people who know way more than I do about basketball swore was the case when UConn beat Kentucky in the NCAA something-or-other. Coincidence or conspiracy?
A day with Sun in Aries and Moon is Leo is so wired to strut on center stage and play, and communication is easily facilitated today by a supportive connection to the Moon from mental Mercury at 8:56AM ET. Get up and do your important walking and talking in the early part of the day, because….
…at 5:04PM ET, the me-me-me Aries Sun (life force) is opposed by warrior Mars. Yeah, sure it’s in peace-seeking Libra and yeah, sure it may be retrograde and thus a bit held back. But believe me, if you’re anyone with a planet or angle at around 18 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn…or you were born around the 8th of April, July, October or January, you are likely bouncing off the walls this week and especially yesterday and today. Exhibit A: a friend with her natal Mars at 19 Aries, whose radiator hose (!) sprung a leak, which resulted in tow trucks and other car repair drama at the start of her work week. Running a little hot, was she? Needed to blow off some steam? Exhibit B: your local astrologer, who really really really wanted to go for run today and was thwarted by a full day of rain in paradise…grrrrrr. Point is, if you’re personally affected by today’s provocative, RAMbunctious pattern, do the world a favor and work by yourself today — and then go to the gym. The good news is — you’ll have plenty of energy available to do the work you need to do with an extra dose of gusto.
How was this testosterone-heavy aspect reflected on the homepage of the New York Times, you might ask? Well, the aspect is still in effect, so there’s likely more to come, but here’s a video report called “The Super Predator Scare” — about fears of teen violence that surged in the mid-90s and whether those fears were warranted. And here’s a very interesting obituary that just hit the NYT, for the “fiery columnist”
…and speaking of testosterone, a new report alleges that female White House staffers are making 88 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts….ughhh.
In other news, here’s another potentially game-changing power and resources story reflecting the awesome potential of the never-ending Uranus-Pluto square. The U.S. Navy may have discovered a way to convert seawater into fuel…now that could really be cool…
Finally, a reader had a follow-up question to yesterday’s post about George W. Bush: what about brother Jeb’s rumblings about possibly running for president in 2016? Will he do it — and what are the chances? Ooh that is such a good question — and I certainly have thoughts, after just a quick glance at his horoscope. But I’d rather share those thoughts when I have the leisure time to write something thoughtful and analytical, rather than a “first impression…”
An even more intriguing question is this: what’s going on in YOUR horoscope? If you’re feeling a need for clarity and guidance, consider making an appointment for a personal astro-logical consultation. Thank you for reading this forecast!
Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 4/7/2014: Mercury in Aries; George W. Bush & the Cardinal Grand Cross
/in The ForecastGood Morning!
Energies are likely running high this AM, courtesy of two dynamic aspects. A square between the willful Aries Sun and Cancer Moon (a.k.a. the First Quarter Moon) at 4:34AM ET may raise a challenge to last week’s New Moon agenda. A squabble or a push for greater decorum that facilitates emotional security may manifest upon waking or on your way to the office, courtesy of another square to the Moon from retrograde Mars. A double agenda is always a possibility when a planet is retrograde, and in the case of Mars, which refers to action, outbursts may come from the most unexpected sources.
To use the energetic boost to your advantage, get to work early and take care of business, preferably before 2:14PM ET, when the Moon goes void-of-course on a helpful connection to disciplined Saturn. You’re free to wander for the rest of the day — or focus on taking care of routine matters if you are tethered to a desk. Roll with whatever twists and flakes you may encounter while the Moon idles in neutral (i.e., is void), making your efforts to move forward in a straight line often feel like you are herding cats. The Moon won’t be fully engaged in the next sign — Leo — until 5:50AM ET on Tuesday.
Your other Moon voids for the week — not recommended for signing contracts, important meetings and anything you wish to be of consequence are as follows: Thursday 2:26AM ET until 6:08PM ET (East Coasters especially need to chill during business hours); Saturday 1:12PM ET until 4:33AM ET Sunday (no impulse shopping or major purchases all day for West Coasters).
Meanwhile — today at 11:35AM ET mental Mercury leaves intuitive Pisces and charges into impatient Aries. This quickens the pace of thoughts and communication, so give yourself a couple of days to adjust to this planetary “wobble”. We may see some breakthrough ideas hit the headlines today and tomorrow, as the beginning of Aries adds prominence to any planet. Oh wait — here’s one that hit the wires: about how skimming the internet is messing up the brain’s ability to read long, complicated sentences such as one might find in a copy of Middlemarch. Did you know that there are no genes for reading, as there are with language and vision? And thus we are able to read only because our brains adapted to a need to do so?
Meanwhile…
When we last checked in on George W. Bush’s horoscope in February of 2013, he had just been outed as a budding artist, suggested by planetary patterns (last three paragraphs of the post). We anticipated that:
Mr. Bush has his Sun at 13 degrees of Cancer — OMG –like, totally impacted by this month’s Cardinal Grand Cross; his Moon is at 16 degrees of Libra, which means that his need for appreciation in relationships is going to be supercharged by Uranus and Pluto after these two heavies are finished with his Sun. And isn’t it just fascinating that for the past three days, news of an exhibition of his portraits of world leaders has been everywhere; here’s a review of the work by a presumed professional art critic.
There will be much more in store for Mr. Bush, professionally and personally, over the next two years. And there will be much more in store for you, too, if you have planets around 11 to 16 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn — or were born around the 1st to 6th of April, July, October and January. Get the 411 in a personal astro-logical consultation — or consider giving a consultation as a gift to anyone you know who was born on those dates — including your children.
Thank you for reading this forecast and sharing it with all of your friends!
Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 4/4/2014 & The Weekend: David Letterman, Right on Schedule
/in The ForecastReady for a break from this week’s intensity? You got it! Today’s Moon in pixie chatterbox Gemini is light and airy. It starts off the day in a cooperative connection to innovative Uranus at 7:42AM ET, followed by an equally cooperative connection to the Aries Sun at 11:57AM ET. Make those calls and pitches. Think outside the box. An energetic connection between Mars and the Moon at 10:45PM ET could have you dancing all night….
Saturday, the Gemini Moon is void of course from 10:55AM ET until 5:40PM ET. Chill out; avoid the malls and yard sales during the void. Better to engage in friendly debate (the void begins on a challenge between Moon and mental Mercury) about the latest news. Or stick your nose in a book.
At 4:31PM ET, loving Venus leaves “I love you, but don’t take it personally” Aquarius for “I feel your pain” Pisces. Tender, soulful — albeit sometimes unrequited — Venus expresses itself beautifully in this sign. And tonight, Venus makes a lovely connection to the Moon, freshly ingressed into Cancer, at 5:46PM ET. Let your feelings flow. Sweet.
Note your dreams upon waking on Sunday, as the Moon trines nebulous Neptune at 6:38AM ET. Now you can take care of your shopping expeditions: hit the farmers markets for glorious spring veggies and flowers; tend to chores around the home; call Mom. An exuberant connection to Jupiter at 5:33PM ET suggests a gourmet Sunday supper; note the potential for shake-ups and power plays a few hours later, as the emotional security-loving Cancer Moon makes contact with the never-ending Uranus-Pluto square.
Get to the office early on Monday; the Moon goes void at 2:14PM ET for the rest of that business day. If you live in Hawaii, take the day off ; )
And now, the news.
We were expecting a number of power plays likely involving resources in the aftermath of this week’s Sun-Pluto square. Check out this happening in Montana, as the city of Missoula files for an eminent domain takeover of its water system because, the city argues, the private owners are more interested in their own profit than in safeguarding the city’s water for the benefit of those who actually use it. The private owners are The Carlyle Group. Fascinating.
Here’s another power play, to be discussed at the water cooler using today’s chatty Moon in Gemini energy. It was discovered that the recently-hired CEO of Mozilla (the folks who gave us Firefox) once made a $1000 contribution in support of California’s Prop 8 (the measure that sought to ban same-sex marriage). Controversy ensued. Last week, the CEO said he would not resign his post. Yesterday, he resigned. Some suggested the reason might be to deflect negative impact on Mozilla’s bottom line. Which compels me to share this link to a list of companies owned by the Koch Brothers, including a helpful shopping app you can download and use at the grocery store. This will help you make a truly informed choice between Brawny paper towels and Bounty. Consider this your own personal power play involving resources, a.k.a. your money. Today’s Moon in Gemini encourages you to become informed!
Meanwhile, David Letterman was right on schedule when he announced he would be retiring sometime in 2015. Mr. Letterman is an Aries with Moon at 9 degrees of “make it happen” Capricorn; he also has Neptune at 9 Libra and Venus at 14 Aries. All three planets have been supercharged by the Uranus-Pluto square, and his Moon-Neptune square was directly impacted by the New Moon in Aries on March 30th. Point is, actions are taken and things happen when planetary patterns are triggered in the horoscope. When you know what’s going on in your horoscope, you can plan accordingly.
But wait — there’s more. The next New Moon on April 29th happens at 8 degrees of Taurus, exactly on Letterman’s Ascendant, suggesting a focus on his personal projection/identity. This potent New Moon is also an eclipse, raising the stakes and drawing even greater attention to this area of his life. We’d expect a change of direction in his career to develop in mid-2015 through 2016, when rebel Uranus squares his 21 degree Capricorn Midheaven and conjoins his Aries Sun. Freedom!
Finally, news from underground that also happens to be from the cosmos. Evidence suggests there’s a large body of water under the surface of one of Saturn’s moons. The moon is called Encedalus, and its association with seismic activity (in mythology) is remarkable, given this week’s planetary patterns….
Have a great weekend. I’ll see you at the beach….
Astro-logical Forecast for Thursday 4/3/2014: The Buzz About Rebels and Power Plays
/in The ForecastA slow start to the early morning, for those of you up and about between 2:43AM and 7:48AM ET, when the sensual and/or stubborn Taurus Moon is void-of-course. Make sure you grind your coffee beans before you pour hot water over them. Otherwise roll with any twists that may arise in your efforts to move forward in a straight line.
At 7:48AM ET, the Moon ingresses into Gemini, driving the day with chatty, mental energy that needs to inform and be informed. Who’s the smartest kid in the room? Some guy with Moon in Gemini, hoping you’ll notice his clever way with words and find him ever-so-entertaining. Use this day to buzz through your to-do list, noting the potential dreamy, spacey vibe that settles in around 7:58PM ET, when the Moon is squared by nebulous Neptune. That may put a confusing spin on some of your communications. Try going non-verbal in an evening of music, creativity, healing and other spirited pursuits.
And now, the news.
As noted in prior forecasts, between yesterday’s disruptive hook-up between the Aries Sun and rebel Uranus and this morning’s (4:39AM ET) square between the Sun and ruthless Pluto, a power play involving resources — as in, who’s got it; who doesn’t — was expected. Could we be less surprised by yesterday’s Supreme Court 5-4 decision striking down “a decades-old cap” on the total amount any individual can contribute to federal candidates in a two-year election cycle”. NYT columnist Gail Collins wasn’t surprised, writing about it with her usual chipper spin. Wanna buy a political candidate? You might not be able to afford one, but last weekend in Las Vegas, four prospective presidential nominees went to Las Vegas to meet with one man who can.
Meanwhile, there’s more “news from underground,” as anticipated. A volcano in Peru that had been dormant for about 40 years has erupted, after rumbling back to life last September (right around the last exact Uranus-Pluto square). Chile is experiencing aftershocks after an 8.2 quake occurred on Tuesday. Coincidence or conspiracy?
Finally, in the spirit of the ruggedly individualistic, eccentric and rebellious breath of fresh air suggested by Tuesday’s Sun-Uranus conjunction in me-me-me Aries, check out this story — currently the second most-emailed on the NYT website. Dr. John Kitchin is a man who made “seismic changes late in life,” ditching a career as a successful neurologist for a simple life by the beach. Now, he spends his days in a rollerblading state of meditation, and he’s never been happier. What’s the deal? Is he nuts? The reader comments on this article are fascinating. Some applaud his convention-defying lifestyle; others judge him harshly. Why is that? What do you think?
If you enjoy reading this daily forecast, you’ll really love finding out what it means in your own personal world. Astrology is an awesome tool for understanding “why am I like this?” and “why is this happening?” Here’s how you can book a personal astro-logical consultation.