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I am a reporter with a unique beat. I use my understanding of planetary cycles to provide advance notice and analysis on the Zeitgeist of the day. If you have ever wondered “why is this happening now,” my insights will transform your experience of the headlines, adding new meaning and understanding. Call it Astrology for News Junkies. If you’re curious to know why the Impossible Burger is trending…or why the outcome of the 2019 Israeli elections was likely to be a shocker …or why “Woodrow Wilson, Stud Muffin” was a New York Times headline in December 2013, you will find it here, in over a decade’s worth of historical research and reporting.
Note that I do use astrological jargon in The Forecast in my effort to show how the planetary patterns are reflected in mundane events. I explain what the jargon symbolizes, so that all who want to understand the connections between astrology and the news may do so. However, I do not use astrological jargon in personal consultations, just plain English.
Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday 2/26/2014: Dark Side of the Moon
/in The ForecastEast Coasters and super-early risers on the West Coast: remember that the Capricorn Moon is void for four hours this AM, not to become fully engaged in the next sign, Aquarius, until 9:55AM ET. A twist or detour in your morning routine/commute is suggested, as Moon voids often challenge efforts to move forward in a straight line.
The potential for twists and snafus spills over into the next couple of days, exacerbated by the super-charged buoyancy of jolly Jupiter’s contact with electric Uranus and the Sun…combined with the slooooooooow moving drag of FOUR planets about to change direction: Mercury (mind, travel, communication), Mars (action), Jupiter (expansion) and Saturn (contraction). What was I writing earlier this week about not knowing if we were coming or going? If in doubt, chill out. Corollary (as seen on my Facebook newsfeed): “A wise man once said nothing”. Word!
We are in the dark side of the Moon, the end of the lunar cycle. Appropriate actions include wrapping up projects from the past few weeks. There are no exact aspects to the Moon during business hours today, even when it does engage in cerebral, detached, “who’s yer buddy?” Aquarius. The lack of input from other planets, along with the dark Moon, can suggest a listless, restless energy. The New Moon happens at 2:59AM ET on Sunday. Patience, patience, patience….
And now, the news.
Pie-in-the-sky stories reflecting the stunning magic of Jupiter (cosmic sugar daddy) squared by Uranus (lightning bolt), as anticipated? You bet. Here’s a quote from one of them:
What a nice middle-aged couple in California couple actually found was $10 million in gold coins buried on their property. OMG, don’t you wish?
Here’s another:
…in which the National Enquirer was obligated to establish and fund a generous play writing competition as a settlement for publishing outrageous fiction about a friend of actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Well, in this planetary weather pattern of heavy nebulous Neptune influences and Mercury retrograde muddling of facts, we expected more than one stunning communication misfire — remember?
Meanwhile, is it a coincidence or conspiracy that when Jupiter was engaged with the Uranus-Pluto square in August 2013, Elon Musk, the man behind the Tesla electric car and other “the future is now” productions, was making headlines? And now today, with Jupiter square Uranus again, Tesla’s stock is soaring…
From yesterday: Alec Baldwin was the talk of the town when he penned a lengthy piece in New York Magazine stating that he was retiring from public life. Mr. Baldwin has the Sun at 13 degrees of me-me-me Aries, which will soon (in April) be supercharged by the Cardinal Grand Cross, suggesting a need for emancipation and empowerment. I suspect that Cross has also been rattling his Libra Moon, which truly needs peace, balance and appreciation from others. This is in spite of a defensive “I do not need anything material from you” posture suggested by a natal Grand Trine among mental Mercury, Saturn and Pluto. Well, horoscopes with seemingly contradictory patterns do make the most fascinating people. Mr. Baldwin’s horoscope suggests he is verrry resourceful, with a mind and communication style that demands and presents substance, is highly imaginative, potentially earthy, bombastic and likely somewhat bewildering (Mercury in Taurus opposing Jupiter-Neptune). A hair-trigger temper is suggested by a volatile Mars-Uranus opposition. Not to mention a need for unconventional social expression that can be way over the top (Venus in humanitarian Aquarius opposing ruthless Pluto). Cue the Animals, now please…
Finally, not at all pleased to note actor/writer/director Harold Ramis passed away yesterday. Three planets in Mr. Ramis’ horoscope have been under pressure from the Uranus-Pluto square, and one of those planets is his natal Saturn. That can be heavy, especially when transiting Saturn is also active. Mr. Ramis starred in Ghostbusters and he directed Groundhog Day, an absolutely must-see film. It’s just so darn witty and wise, and if you pay close attention, you’ll remember exactly what to do in order to have a happy, fulfilling, meaningful life. Seriously.
If that doesn’t work, consider consulting your local astrologer…
Astro-logical Forecast for Tuesday 2/25/2014: Jupiter Square Uranus
/in The ForecastPlenty of planetary excitement in the wee hours this morning — at least in the Americas — as the enterprising Capricorn Moon makes contact with the disruptive Uranus-Pluto square. Make that a T-square, actually….with rebel Uranus supercharged by ruthless Pluto on one side and expansive Jupiter on the other. We’re looking at weeks of big headlines about energy, power, resources, the Establishment, rebellion, technology, aviation, etc., etc., as that’s how long this T-square will be hanging around. Here’s a big headline: “Pope Revolutionizes Vatican by Opening Finances to Scrutiny”. And check this out — as of minutes ago, “Apparent Theft at Mt. Gox Shakes Bitcoin World” Whoa!
Jupiter and Uranus will make an exact connection at 2:33AM ET on Wednesday; you’re personally affected if you were born around the 1st of January, April, July and October…or if you have a planet or angle at around 10-11 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. The effects of this transit can be quite spectacular. If you don’t know what degrees your planets are at, consider getting this nifty Astro-Basics Report.
After 6:20AM ET is when the Moon starts to settle down…and continues its proactive journey without interference, aided only very late in the day (11:20PM ET) by a grounded connection from stern Saturn. Ship it today or wait until after 10AM ET on Wednesday, as the Moon will be void of course for four hours starting at 5:51AM ET.
I’d love to write about Alec Baldwin and Harold Ramis, both of whom made headlines yesterday. Of course there is plenty going on in both horoscopes. If I can, I’ll post something later today on the website…
Astro-logical Forecast for 2/24/2014: Sun-Neptune in the News; Sneak Peek at the Week
/in The ForecastThis week brings an interesting mix of startling revelations and upsets, against a cosmic backdrop that may not be sure if it’s coming or going. Monday offers lingering effects from Sunday’s bewildering, bedazzling Sun-Neptune hook-up, which translates into a need for a rose-colored vision or escape. But once the Moon enters earthy Capricorn — engaged as of 8:50AM ET — it demands practical application of all those dreams. And fortunately, cooperative connections from the Sun, Mars, (action) and Neptune (vision, intuition) are only too happy to oblige. Meanwhile, a cooperative connection between Venus (money, women, art, social expression) and disciplined Saturn (patriarchy and other corporate structures) at 11:50PM ET affords you an opportunity to productively get down to business. Work it out!
Major planetary patterns this week include the spectacular windfall potential of expansive Jupiter squaring rebel Uranus, exact on Wednesday at 2:33AM ET and another buoyant expansion potential with Jupiter trining the Sun late Friday night. Sunday features a potentially juicy or cranky clash between Mars (men) and Venus (women), which colors all relationships a few days in advance. But wait — there’s more: mental Mercury turns direct on Friday; Mars (action!) and Saturn (structure, ambition, contraction) turn retrograde on Saturday and Sunday; Jupiter (expansion) turns direct on March 6th — next Thursday. OK, so — like I said — a cosmic backdrop that’s not sure if it’s coming or going, but quite certain it’s ripe for change. Oh, and there’s a New Moon on Saturday, too. Change!
Moon voids this week — schedule your rest periods during these times, not events you wish to be of consequence: Monday 4:25AM ET – 8:50AM ET; Wednesday 5:51AM ET – 9:55AM ET; Friday 5:55AM ET – 9:53AM ET…not too much interference with regular business hours, at least in the Americas.
And now, the news.
Check out the lede on this AP story that hit the wires on Saturday evening:
“Stunning reversal of fortune”…what an apt reflection of patterns involving Jupiter and rebel Uranus, triggering a release of greater tensions built up in the never-ending revolutionary Uranus-Pluto square. If you haven’t been following the drama that’s been unfolding in the Ukraine in recent weeks, the New York Times explains it all succinctly right here. Meanwhile, the surreal magical mystery tour of the Saturday’s Sun-Neptune hook-up was added to the mix when “street fighters” entered Yanukovych’s residential compound — peacefully, mind you — and discovered its “bizarre vision of opulence” (noted added subtext: corruption exposed, courtesy of Pluto in Capricorn).
In another stunning reversal of fortune, also tinged with Sun-Neptune themes, this one involving drugs: the “world’s most wanted man,” Mexican drug kingpin Joaquín Guzmán Loera (El Chapo), was arrested — apparently also peacefully — in his home state.
More Sun-Neptune: the “sometimes elegant, sometimes flashy, sometimes bewildering” closing ceremony of the Olympic Games at Sochi received a rhapsodic, rose-colored review. A story about “asylum, (immigration) fraud and an industry of lies” in New York’s Chinatown was on yesterday’s NYT homepage. So was this piece about redemption: men exonerated — released from prison — after serving time for crimes they did not commit. And then there’s this man in New Jersey who was falsely accused by police of resisting arrest…until a videotape of the incident that had apparently been withheld by the law enforcers proved otherwise. With Neptune, often things are not as they seem.
Oil and water are also Neptune themes, especially with Neptune in watery Pisces…and here’s a story about an oil spill that impacted water supplies around New Orleans. And finally — Neptune refers to themes of empathy and healing. Here’s George W. Bush, in an interview with ABC’s Martha Raddatz talking about how he’s working to help veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 2/21/2014 & the Weekend: Eight Miles High?
/in The ForecastMore of the same Moon in Scorpio intense emotional energy today, which can be efficiently applied to tasks involving depth-seeking, organization and control. Note the potential for a need to speak out around 1PM ET, when Mercury is squared by the Moon. A lighter social vibe is suggested after lunch (ET), though the close of the work week may end on a serious focus, as the Moon aligns with stern Saturn at 5:10PM ET and then goes void with a deep sigh until 5:12AM ET on Saturday. West Coasters: perhaps you can start your weekend early, as Moon voids suggest natural breaks in the action. Take the evening off to chill.
Saturday and Sunday feature an intriguing combination. Moon will be in high-flying Sagittarius, needing to tell everyone and their dog what they think in very righteous terms. Sag is an optimistic, big picture-oriented energy that loves a good gamble or gambol. Broaden your mind; get out in nature; treat yourself to a foreign movie or some other culture that is not your own.
On Sunday, as noted in a prior forecast, the Sun makes its annual hook up with nebulous Neptune at 1:11PM ET. It’s an excellent weekend for vision, healing, music, spirit, art…as well as rose-colored escapes, delusion, fantasy, drugs, deception and maybe a story about oil and water — watch the news and the weather. Maybe catch up on all those movies you’ve been meaning to see in preparation for the upcoming Oscars, too…
Noting a couple of Sun-Neptune themed stories in the headlines, combined with the “windfall” potential of next week’s Jupiter-Uranus square (discussed earlier this week). Exhibit A: a story about a billionaire philanthropist and how he’s fixing things our government can not afford, y’know, like repairing national monuments. Neptune refers to to charity and salvation. Exhibit B: Colorado, which has legalized pot, is expecting windfall tax revenues from this mostly all-cash business (read the article to find out why it is all-cash); it’s fascinating. Neptune refers to drugs; Jupiter-Uranus refers to windfalls. Exhibit C: Neptune refers to charitable institutions and spirituality; Jupiter refers to religion (collective belief systems) and no small dose of pomp. Thus in New Jersey, we find an aging archbishop who is adding a 3000 square foot addition to his existing 4500 square foot vacation home…after closing a school two years ago that served a “working-class city” because of an alleged lack of funds. Quite a Jupiter-Uranus windfall for the archbishop, perhaps; while others may find it rather Sun-Neptune bewildering (Neptune can have a bewildering effect). Maybe if the Church started selling pot…
Monday morning features a Moon void between 4:25AM and 8:50AM ET — adding a potential twist to your commute if you live on the East Coast. After that, no slacking off, as the Moon will be in “make it happen” Capricorn. Why not make things happen in your own personal world and schedule an appointment for a personal astro-logical consultation. Or forward this forecast to five of your dearest friends, with gratitude…
P.S. the subject heading of today’s forecast is brought to you by the revolutionary Uranus-Pluto conjunction of 1965-66,inspired by the current heady mix of planetary patterns and performed by The Byrds. Cue “Eight Miles High” now, please…
Astro-logical Forecast for Thursday 2/20/2014: Good Stuff & Mark Zuckerberg’s Perfect Timing
/in The ForecastNote your dreams upon waking, along with any flashes of insight captured by your conscious mind. The Moon in substance-seeking Scorpio is easily supported by an easy connection to intuitive Neptune at 7:43AM ET, followed by an equally easy connection from expansive Jupiter in nurturing Cancer at 6:27PM ET. Blast through your to-do list, especially if it involves organization and getting to the heart of a matter. I don’t know yet if there was a winner in Wednesday night’s ginormous Powerball drawing, but next week’s planetary patterns do suggest the potential for a big payout.
On Sunday at 1:11PM ET, the Sun and nebulous Neptune meet up in dreamy Pisces, suggesting themes of fantasy, dreams, drugs, spirits, music, film and other intangible escapes. On Wednesday we’ll see Jupiter, the cosmic sugar daddy, in a challenging square to rebel Uranus. Big news in technology, revolutions, aerospace, investments and sudden changes of fortune are suggested, as well as potential seismic shake-ups and news from the cosmos. The latter pattern involves slower-moving planets; experience suggests that events often manifest before the pattern is exact.
One big item in technology and investments that hit yesterday was the acquisition of the messaging start-up What’s App by Facebook for a cool $16 billion. I was particularly delighted to see this, because when I looked at Mark Zuckerberg’s horoscope at the time of Facebook’s dismal IPO, I noted that in 2013 and 2014, his Jupiter (expansion; often material) would be supercharged by the never-ending Uranus-Pluto square. This suggested that Zuckerberg would likely be feeling very resourceful and expansive. Earlier this year he made headlines as America’s top philanthropist. Coincidence or conspiracy? Also noted in Zuckerberg’s chart: disciplined Saturn is now exactly opposing his Taurus Sun, suggesting an ambitious reach; transiting Jupiter is opposing his natal Jupiter, adding to the potential largesse.
One of the themes of the never-ending Uranus-Pluto square is nuclear energy, as in uranium and plutonium. The ongoing situation at Fukushima reflects that theme. As noted in prior posts, with Jupiter almost exactly engaged with Uranus, we can expect a significant headline about Fukushima — and here it is, as of minutes ago: another big leak of highly radioactive water, “the largest since last August,” when both Jupiter (expansion) and Mars (action) were engaged with Uranus and Pluto. Wow. We’ll see what develops in mid-April, when all four of those planets will be in an exact Cardinal Grand Cross.
Finally, an odd item on the home page — at least for the New York Times — but perhaps not-so-odd, given the aforementioned upcoming hook-up between the Sun and Hollywood-loving Neptune. Actor James Franco wrote an op-ed about another actor, Shia LaBeouf, whom most New York Times readers apparently would not recognize if they fell into his lap at an Oscar party (read the comments on the Op-Ed). Franco notes that his fellow thespian has been behaving “erratically” in public and was also accused of plagiarism. Is this a sign of a nervous breakdown? Immediately I am thinking we will see stresses in LaBeouf’s horoscope involving mental Mercury, rebel Uranus, potent Pluto and probably nebulous Neptune. This would suggest supercharged communication and thinking needs, and possible issues with escapism vs. reality. And in fact, we do see these stresses.
Natally, LaBeouf’s Gemini Sun is challenged by Uranus; his Mercury (mindset) is challenged by nebulous Neptune. That Mercury is currently being supercharged by the Uranus-Pluto square, just as Catherine Zeta-Jones’ very strong Mercury was being supercharged last April when she checked herself into a mental hospital (for help with her bipolar disorder). Point is, if Mercury is undergoing a Uranus-Pluto transit, it likely will generate a tremendous mental buzz needing a release, for better or for worse. And if you know about such a transit in advance, you can plan a strategy to use the buzz for the former, not the latter.
May you manifest the potential good times suggested by today’s planetary patterns…
Mercury retrograde is an excellent time to REview your life with your astrologer — and find out if your own Mercury is being supercharged. Here’s the 411 on scheduling a personal consultation…I look forward to hearing from you.