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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 Tuesday 2/11/2014: Mercury Retrograde/New Moon Stories; Saturn Square Sun
/in The ForecastAnother full day of Moon in Cancer, suggesting a need to focus on issues of emotional and home(land) security. Y’know, like Mom and apple pie — from scratch, if you please. Family. Nurturing. Your roots — and not the grey ones. Where are you from? Where do you belong? What’s for dinner? Something prepared with love and care, preferably.
A status-conscious indulgence in such matters may permeate the morning, courtesy of an opposition between the Moon and Venus (money, art, women, social expression) in pedigreed Capricorn. This gives way to potential controls imposed or ambitions reached regarding a humanitarian or maverick agenda. And here we would be referring to an exact square between the Aquarius Sun and stern Saturn in Scorpio, exact at 2:57PM ET — see yesterday’s forecast for individuals more likely to be personally affected by this gravitas. And get it off your desk today, as the Moon goes void Wednesday at 5:51AM ET, not to enter the next sign — Leo — until 2:15PM ET.
And now, the news.
In the New Moon forecast posted on January 30, I wrote that we could anticipate
How curious then, to see not one, but several stories of “wrong-way” car crashes involving multiple fatalities. Here are two in Florida and California; here is one in Phoenix; here’s one in Argentina…and here’s actor Chris Kattan just plain crashing on the 101 Freeway. But wait – there’s more. And it is frankly more in line with what I was thinking about when I wrote that New Moon forecast, as we add the seriously, seriously sobering potential of today’s Sun-Saturn square to other planetary patterns reflected in this spectacularly misfired communication snafu:
Seriously sobering.
In other news, another clear manifestation of shifting social paradigms (also suggested by the New Moon in Aquarius) happened over the weekend when N.F.L. prospect Michael Sam told the rest of the world what his college teammates already knew: he’s gay — and a really awesome defensive lineman, too. Deal with it. Meanwhile, the stock photo industry is beginning to change the way women are presented in its imagery. In another shift of paradigms, this one involving work, the Congressional Budget Office announced last week that the Affordable Care Act will allow a couple of million workers to leave the work force in favor of such things as retirement, spending more time with their families or starting their own businesses. But this did not stop the bewildering spin one might expect during Mercury retrograde (as in, don’t believe everything you read in the papers), combined with Neptune, as evidenced in some of those papers.
I was going to write a lengthy bit about the ongoing controversy involving Woody Allen, Mia Farrow and their adopted daughter, Dylan – since I mentioned it last week. Suffice it to say, all of the horoscopes are “hot”. Dylan is having her first Saturn return, suggesting an urgency about establishing herself in the material world and as an adult. Allen’s horoscope has been and continues to be hit by major transits from nebulous Neptune, suggesting potential bewilderment, idealism, illusion and/or success in the arts. It is also directly affected by today’s heavy Sun-Saturn square. With Farrow, her horoscope has also been dealt a serious focus suggested by transiting Saturn, and her “make it happen” Capricorn Moon is currently supercharged by the disruptive, emotionally intense Uranus-Pluto square.
Point is, I have yet to see anyone make headlines who did not have intense activity in his or her horoscope, and what’s amazing and helpful about astrology is that we can use it to anticipate periods of intense development. What’s that saying? “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”. Something like that…
Mercury retrograde is an excellent time to REview your life with your astrologer. Here’s the 411 on scheduling a personal consultation…I look forward to hearing from you.
Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 2/10/2014: Sneak Peek at the Week
/in The ForecastAs of 1:33AM ET, Moon enters sensitive, watery Cancer, seeking to fulfill its need for emotional/homeland security. This drive flows smoothly until around 9:27PM ET, when rebel Uranus makes its weekly disruptive connection to the Moon, suggesting a flash of insight or sudden jolt. Pluto follows up with a possible power play or catharsis when it connects with the Moon at 3:04AM ET on Tuesday. You are more likely to be affected by the Moon’s engagement with the Uranus-Pluto square if you have a planet or angle at 8-13 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn.
Exact planetary patterns are relatively light this week, save for a Full Moon on the 14th — Valentine’s Day — which suggests the potential for illuminations in relationship. More on that later in the week. The other aspect of significance — mentioned in Friday’s forecast — is a challenge between the Sun in Aquarius and “wet blanket” Saturn in Scorpio at 2:57PM ET on Tuesday. Somebody’s great humanitarian ideals hitting a proverbial brick wall…or just the sound of crickets? You will feel this second pattern more personally if you were born around the 11th of February, May, August or November…or if you have a planet or angle at 23 degrees of Scorpio, Taurus, Aquarius or Leo. An ambitious reach, serious focus or necessary control could well be on your plate…and if you don’t know where your planets and angles are, consider ordering an Astro-Basics Report, described here.
Your Moon voids for the week — not ideal for scheduling meetings you wish to be of consequence or making major purchases — are as follows: Wednesday 5:51AM ET until 2:15PM ET; Friday 10:13PM ET until Saturday 2:25AM ET — so really, not too much of the double space out whammy potential of a Moon void combined with Mercury retrograde. Get to work REviewing, REseearching, REconnecting, REcharging and RElaxing…
I’ll do a news round-up in tomorrow’s forecast…
Mercury retrograde is an excellent time to REview your life with your astrologer. Here’s the 411 on scheduling a personal consultation…I look forward to hearing from you.
Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 2/7/2014 & the Weekend: What’s the Buzz
/in The ForecastA warm welcome to those of you who have recently signed up to receive these forecasts by email. And a big thank you to those of you who have shared my musings with others — so much appreciated — and to those of you who have clicked the big yellow DONATE button on the left hand column of the Daily Forecast page: much, much gratitude indeed. I am delighted to keep you up-to-date planetary patterns.
The Taurus Moon has been void of course since 11:49PM ET last night and won’t be fully engaged in the next sign, Gemini, until 1:44PM ET. Combined with Mercury’s recent retrograde, the potential for flakes, delays and other twists in your efforts to move forward in a straight line is higher than usual. Mind the void survival strategy: chill out; don’t panic; remember that crises that crop up during Moon void are often much ado about nothing. Be patient, even though your valiant efforts may feel like herding so many cats.
The opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Sochi begins at 11AM ET — yes, during the void. Well, that should be…interesting. Would you like to watch it live? Here’s how to do that; otherwise wait until the U.S. official broadcast several hours later. Once the Moon does enter Gemini around 2PM ET, there are still no exact aspects until 8PM ET, when retrograde Mercury challenges the Moon, followed by nebulous Neptune. That should also be…interesting.
Important Safety Tip: SLOW DOWN — in words, thoughts and travel. Our brains may not have adjusted to the mental shift; don’t take it for granted that what you say is being understood, or that you have all the facts straight. This is especially important given that Mars, planet of action, is in a highly charged relationship with reckless, unpredictable and accident-prone Uranus. Slow down!
No Moon void on Saturday; just one communicative connection between the talk talk talk Gemini Moon and innovative Uranus. Good for innovative REviews and REorganizing information. Another possibly quiet day on Sunday, with a Moon void at 4:08PM ET – entering Cancer at 1:33AM ET. The next big planetary pattern happens on Tuesday, and we may be feeling a build to it now. And this would be a potentially ambitious reach or serious wet blanket, suggested by a challenge between karma cop Saturn in Scorpio and the life force-giving Sun. Watch the headlines…
Now that Venus is direct as of January 31st, some of us may experience a few changes of heart after falling madly in lust with an unsuitable partner during Venus retrograde. Exhibit A: Author JK Rowling just announced she regrets pairing Hermione up with Ron; she wishes Hermione had ended up with Harry. Zounds!
Meanwhile, I saw many wiggy items reflecting the pixie dust potential of the current oh-so-close hook up between Mercury and nebulous Neptune in dreamy Pisces. First, know that music is a Neptune theme, as is deception. How about this headline: “In Japan, a Beloved Deaf Composer Appears to be None of the Above”. With Neptune, things may not be what they seem.
Drugs are also a Neptune theme. There’s an article by actor Russell Brand — written a year ago — but making the rounds again on Facebook — about his past addiction and current sobriety. If we looked at Brand’s horoscope, do you think we’d find a strong Neptune aspect in it? You betcha.
Back to Neptune and music, with more Neptunian showbiz razzle-dazzle thrown in: Clay Aiken is running for Congress — in North Carolina. Add the empowered and emancipated feminine power of last week’s Venus (women, art) hook-up with potent Pluto to the mix, and you’ve got a much-talked about appearance by two women from the punk band Pussy Riot on The Colbert Report. These Uranus-Pluto disruptors of the status quo were freed from a Russian prison at the end of December, as the Sun and Mars engaged with the never-ending Uranus-Pluto square, suggesting the potential for an outbreak. Coincidence or conspiracy?
Last, but not least — an item reflecting the potential for emotional overkill — on the part of women, possibly involving aesthetics — also suggested by the challenging connection between Venus and Pluto. Check this out: “Statue of Underdressed Man Terrorizes Wellesley College”….and the artist responds to the outrage here.
Oh — one more thing: Mercury retrograde is an excellent time to REview your life with your astrologer. Here’s the 411 on scheduling a personal consultation…I look forward to hearing from you…have a great weekend!
Astro-logical Forecast for Thursday 2/6/2014: Mercury Goes Retrograde
/in The ForecastMoon continues its sojourn through material security-seeking Taurus, diligently working to turn your inspiration into something of substance. A challenge to your New Moon agenda may arise, given the First Quarter Moon at 2:22PM ET. Be patient whilst sorting it out, especially with mental Mercury bathed in rose-colored visionary fog and officially turning retrograde at 4 degrees of Pisces, exact at 4:43PM ET. Make sure the person you’re speaking with is actually on the same plane…or planet. Mercury will turn direct on February 28th.
Those who know just enough about astrology to make them dangerous often curse Mercury retrograde, and that’s a shame. It gets a bad rap because we are geared, in this crazy modern age, to always be thinking, doing, moving FORWARD. Ya 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 — and an opportunity to review our progress over the past few months. Why else would your computer, phone and/or car choose THIS time to malfunction? Because you are supposed to be slowing down!
Be prepared for travel delays, scheduling screw-ups, mechanical breakdowns, computer crashes, having to repeat what you’ve just said, misunderstandings, people you haven’t seen in years showing up on your doorstep and having to repeat what you just said. Take advantage of this prime opportunity to review and rethink a project you may have abandoned. It’s probably worth a second look. Get out your Rolodex and reach out to people. Trust that they will be delighted to hear from you. Take a break from your routine. Take a vacation. Unplug your computer and cellphone. Avoid signing contracts, making major purchases (especially mechanical ones) and losing patience. Make sure the restaurant you’re meeting at is still in business. Don’t believe everything you read in the papers and ignore the juicy gossip at the water cooler. Do plan on RElaxing, REviewing, REsearching, REorganizing, REgenerating, REconnecting and REcreating.
You’ll have plenty of time to adjust to the shift and chill when the Moon goes void at 11:49PM ET, not to enter Gemini, the next sign, until 1:44pm ET. Ship it today if you can — preferably before Mercury goes retrograde.
Mercury retrograde is an excellent time to REview your life with an astrologer. Here’s the 411 on personal consultations.
Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday 2/5/2014: Steady & Surreal?
/in The ForecastThe intense drive of Monday and Tuesday likely calms down, courtesy of the Moon’s ingress into steady, earthy Taurus at 4:46AM ET. Now is the time to consider how to give form to the bold initiatives suggested by yesterday’s (relatively New) Moon in fiery Aries. Organize, and likely re-organize, given that Mercury is at its station, about to turn retrograde tomorrow at 4:43PM ET. DID YOU BACK UP YOUR COMPUTERS YET? This include iPhones and other “smart” gizmos. The only stories I want to hear of people upset because their address books were vaporized are from people who do not read this forecast ;)
This slower lunar pace may allow for a productive use of the dreamy/spacey mental atmosphere suggested by an oh-so-close connection between Mercury and nebulous Neptune. I compare this to yesterday, where in my Aries Moon-driven, rushing-about haste, I experienced a number of weird communication and thinking snafus, e.g., not being able to find phone numbers that were clearly included in emails, Skype on the fritz (impacting a consultation with an exceptionally cheerful and adaptable client — it all worked out fine); emails sent into apparent black holes, etc. Remember the focus of this New Moon cycle is this: TURNING IN/tuning in…to your intuition, so you can connect with Source and remember why you are here. If you do not think you know how to pay attention to your intuitive sense, there are plenty of books, DVDs and meditation workshops to guide you.
Meanwhile…
Last year, I remember thinking about the movie version of The Life of Pi and how it perfectly reflected Neptune themes of spirituality, fantasy and being lost (at sea!). How interesting, given mental Mercury’s connection with Neptune, to read this week about Jose Salvador Avarenga, who claims to have spent the last 13 months adrift in the Pacific. Life imitates art; art imitates life.
Drugs are also a Neptune thing, gosh there are a lot of headlines on the home page about that. Ross William Ulbricht — the “mastermind” behind Silk Road, a website that apparently facilitated millions of dollars in illegal drug selling and money laundering — has been indicted. Mr. Ulbricht is 29, and having his first Saturn return. This happens to everyone around 28/29; it’s a powerful transit suggesting a sense of urgency about establishing oneself as a responsible adult…those I suspect there’s much more going on in Mr. Ulbricht’s horoscope. Also of note; four people have been arrested and 350 bags of heroin were discovered in connection with actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s heroin-induced demise. Finally, CVS, the largest drug store chain in the U.S., announced it would stop selling cigarettes by October. Wow.
Lying is another Neptune keyword, and I was doing some research on that when I stumbled across the cosmic joke posted in yesterday’s forecast. Here’s another surreal (Neptune) giggle from the lengthy bit I found on the connection between lying…and laughing:
Now for a limited time: the Cardinal Grand Cross Special. Find out how this important planetary pattern will impact your horoscope in 2014. If you were born around the 2nd of April, July, October and January, you are likely to find this mini-consultation especially helpful. Ditto if you have a planet or an angle around 9 – 14 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra & Capricorn.