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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 3/19/2013: The Last Day…
/in The Forecast, UncategorizedAn indulgent overdose of empathy and information may greet you upon waking on both coasts, courtesy of the newsjunkie Gemini Moon being challenged by Venus (money, women, art, beauty) in soulful Pisces at 8:18AM ET. For better or worse, this sensory wave colors the First Quarter Moon at 1:27PM ET, which brings a challenge to the agenda set at the New Moon. What was that agenda, you ask? Something about bringing your actions in line with a higher authority; relying on your intuition to do what you know is right.
After a brief void at 1:27PM ET, Moon enters Cancer — somewhere around tea time on the East Coast — and is inclined to focus on issues of emotional security, home, family and nurturing. A home-cooked meal with close friends and family could do the trick.
This is the last day full day of the Sun in Pisces and the last day of the astro-logical year. Tomorrow marks the first day of Spring as the Sun enter Aries, a sign that believes fiercely in the promise of a new day and impossible dreams coming true. Onward!
Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 3/18/2013: Sneak Peek At the Week & Other Stuff
/in The ForecastNo exact aspects among the planets today suggests relative calm before what is certain to be a busy, proactive next two weeks. Some of what we experience is likely to be quite disruptive or exciting, depending upon your point of view. The Moon is still in chatty Gemini, collecting and disseminating information as it may. Those are your marching orders for the start of the week.
Mercury is now officially direct as of 4:03PM ET Sunday — but give yourself a couple of days to adjust to the new forward thinking mode. And be mindful on the road!
Moon voids for the week (natural rest/brainstorming times, if you can swing it):
Tuesday 1:27pm ET – 2:55PM ET;
Wednesday 2:01PM ET until Friday 2:50AM ET;
Friday 11:28PM ET until Sunday 11:49AM ET
I guess we are going to need some down time to process the aforementioned excitement or disruption. First out of the gate is the Sun entering Aries on Wednesday, also known as the Vernal Equinox, first day of Spring and the first day of the astrological new year). On Thursday, Venus also enters Aries, so we should see some prominent relationship news hit the headlines. On Friday, warrior Mars meets up with rebel Uranus, suggesting technological breakthroughs and hopefully no major temper tantrums, accidents or other unpleasant outbursts. Still more excitement will arrive next week — stay tuned to this channel for continuing updates.
And now, the news. First, thanks to the reader who sent in this important bulletin about a hockey team’s “Salute to Uranus” — a clever promotion for a game played on March 13th, which is the date Uranus was discovered by Sir William Herschel back in 1781:
Oh, you fun-loving, adorable cheeseheads. Salute to Uranus…heh, heh, heh. Read the article and let’s invite the Milwaukee Admirals to a “Salute to Mercury Retrograde” — because it has been suggested that the planet pictured in the article is not Uranus. It’s Neptune. Oops. Heh, heh, heh…
Speaking of Uranus (pronounced “ooh –RAH– nuss”), here’s an article about drones. They have been getting a ton of press in recent months. Why is that in line with planetary patterns? I hadn’t been thinking about it, but one of my colleagues, Dean Bensics, noted in a recent forum that with Uranus (technology & aviation) in Aries (warriors), it makes sense that we would see the rise of robot warriors, given that we have the technology to build them. Indeed. And apparently these drones could mean big business. Sigh.
Meanwhile, have you ever heard of Vatican II? An article with a most provocative headline about Pope Francis describes Vatican II as a period of major (progressive) reform that took place in the early 60s, when revolutionary Uranus and Pluto were conjunct. Who knew? (I did, but had forgotten about it). But of course it makes perfect sense, given current debate about the need for changes in the Catholic Church, etc., etc., and will this new Pope be the one that makes that happen. Astro-logically, we would expect that seeds of revolution that were planted in the 60s on that Uranus-Pluto conjunction are demanding focus and further advancement during current Uranus-Pluto square. We’re seeing this with civil rights; we’re seeing this with environmental issues, reproductive freedom issues, nuclear and other energy issues — hey — don’t forget the Higgs boson — and apparently, we’re seeing this in the Catholic Church. Fascinating! With thanks to astrologer Bill Herbst, who started writing about the Uranus-Pluto square ten years ago. Much of the history of this pattern I learned from studying his observations, so I can now share this wisdom with you.
OK – one more thing — on the lighter side. You know we had the Moon in Taurus on Friday and Saturday. And you know that Taurus needs to maintain stability and material comfort in order to feel secure. Generally speaking, Taurus does not like change! Here is a visual to help you understand Taurus: a Moon in Taurus dream apartment — one that hasn’t changed in 70 years. I’m in love with the wallpaper behind the stuffed ostrich…
What does the Moon in your horoscope need in order to feel fulfilled? Let’s talk about it in a personal consultation.
Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 3/15/2013 & the Weekend: Habemus Papam; Mercury Turns Direct
/in The Forecast…and the dust is settling for most of us, courtesy of the Moon moving into the grounded (as in “earth”) sign of Taurus on Thursday at 3:08PM ET. Those who are still feeling supercharged, crazed or cranky likely have planets around 3 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn…or were born around the 23rd of March, June, September or December. For those born in the last five or six days of those months, you’re still in the middle of a once-in-a-lifetime ride, with much more in store.
Aspects to the comfort-seeking Taurus Moon are light through Saturday, with the exception of a potential wet blanket or ambitious reach from stern Saturn at 12:27PM ET. And you know how much I love a weekend with Moon in Taurus; it’s a fine time for staying put, eating well and other sensory/sensual pleasures. Moon goes void on Saturday at 7:11PM ET, adding to the potential for a nice little chill.
Moon enters information junkie Gemini at 2:09AM ET, creating more than the usual buzz. First, it’s St. Patrick’s Day and the green beer may start flowing especially early, given the Moon’s square to nebulous Neptune at 9:39AM ET. Lively discourse — with some facts being more relative than others — is a distinct possibility as Mercury turns direct at 4:03PM ET. With Mercury moving forward, focus in all matters of communication and travel is suggested. Sunday evening is marked by friendly and expansive aspects to the chatty Moon from innovative Uranus and expansive Jupiter.
So…the papal conclave, as promised. My sense, given that it started with Moon and Mars in impulsive, get-it-done-yesterday Aries (among other proactive patterns), was that a decision would be made quickly — and it was. But really, choosing a pope when Mercury is retrograde and the Moon is void of course? Oy vey! Regular readers of this forecast know that contests during voids often favor the underdog and upsets, which certainly applies to Pope Francis. Actions initiated during voids often prove to be of no consequence; i.e., they do not live up to expectations. Perhaps the most famous Moon void/Mercury retrograde election in recent history was the US election of 2000. Surprising upset? Underdog favored? Didn’t quite live up to expectation? Point is, Pope Francis will likely continue to make a surprising impact — for better or for worse.
We do not have a birth time yet for Pope Francis; here is the noon chart. He is a Sagittarius with Moon in humanitarian Aquarius. The Sag Sun (which is peregrine & thus running wild) brings boatloads of energy for opining on big picture subjects: law, philosophy, world travel, religion/theosophy. The Aquarius Moon needs to be of unique social significance. Venus (love, women, money, art) is probably conjunct the Moon and both are challenged by rebel Uranus (which rules Aquarius). This is a suggestion of popularity; a friendly social expression; and unconventional approaches to relationship which require freedom and independence, as in “I love you, but don’t take it personally”. This horoscope is well-equipped to relate to the masses, pun obviously intended — and it is likely easier for it to function as a man of the people as opposed to one intimate partner, with stubbornly quaint ideas about how relationship should be conducted. Isn’t that interesting?
Saturn, which refers to the father/authority/ambition is opposed by nebulous Neptune, suggesting that issues related to the father, etc. may be intangible, spiritual, bewildering and/or escapist. Saturn is in Pisces. Astrologer Michael Lutin says that Saturn in Pisces “turns its suffering into an art form”. And anyone I know with Saturn in Pisces knows what I’m talking about. It is amazing how these people can turn emotional lemons into creative lemonade.
Pope Francis’ Mercury, which refers to mindset, is in patriarchal, proactive Capricorn and also in an obsessive-compulsive aspect with potent natal Pluto. This suggests a powerful intellect, and it is fascinating to note that on March 14th, this Mercury was exactly supercharged by transiting Pluto. Really, it is as if this horoscope suddenly became “an idea whose time had come”! Pope Francis was allegedly the runner-up in 2005. Not in 2013.
Elsewhere in the horoscope we find Mars — running wild — but in the conflict-averse sign of Libra. A warrior for peace? Jupiter, which is where the horoscope finds its reward, is in Capricorn. Hmmm…a philosopher/theologian who needs to help people, whose reward is making things happen and finding its place in the established order — most likely at the top.
Last but not least, it is interesting to note that transiting Saturn, now at 10 Scorpio — will definitely be challenging Pope Francis’ Venus in the next month or so…and may be challenged or will soon challenge the Aquarius Moon. Feelings of isolation and heavy responsibility and/or ambition are not uncommon with this particular transit, which applies through the summer. Well, that sounds reasonable. It can be lonely at the top. Cue Joan Osborne singing fabulous song now…and get your Pope Francis I cookies right here, baked with love from the Bronx.
Astro-logical Forecast for Thursday 3/14/2013: Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire
/in The ForecastMoon is still in Aries…and still void of course. Go with the flow of the action; roll with the twists and enjoy the adventure. At 3:08PM ET, Moon enters Taurus, seeking stability and organization out of whatever excitement has transpired in the past 36 hours. Time for ideas to take form!
My week has been very busy. Yes, there is lots to say about the new pope and the astro-logical patterns of yesterday’s election (see clever follow-up headline to this forecast, playing off the one posted yesterday). Stay tuned…I’ll write it up when the dust settles.
Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday 3/13/2013: “Where’s the Fire?”
/in The ForecastThe Aries Moon goes void at 4:01AM ET, on a challenging square from ruthless Pluto. Will we wake up to a power play or emotional catharsis hitting the headlines? For 35 hours the intense need of Aries to lead, to inspire and be “number one” may feel frustrated by efforts to move forward in straight line. This may result in an outburst. All this and Mercury retrograde, too! The usual Moon void suggestions apply: roll with the twists and double check everything. Chill if you can — or brainstorm. If you can let yourself wander and allow your intuition to pave the way (instead of your logical mind), you could create a wonderful adventure.
Lots of fun headlines reflecting the ingress of Mars into Aries today, which is beginning to trigger the status quo-disrupting Uranus-Pluto square. First, exciting news from — Mars! — as scientists now report that the Red Planet could have supported life long ago. Second, scientists announced fragments of fossils discovered in a “fireball” (how Mars in Aries) that landed in Sri Lanka on December 29, 2012. This news hardly seems surprising, given planetary patterns back then. Third, “flammable ice” appears to be viable as an innovative (Uranus) energy resource (Pluto), according to reports from Japan.
Meanwhile, an image of apparent Piscean compassion and empathy by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sparks creative rationalization (and photoshopping) among clerics back home, whilst appearing to be a perfect reflection of the potential downside of the Sabian Symbol for this new lunar cycle.