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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 Thursday 1/10/2013: Practical Magic
/in The ForecastWaking up feeling inspired this morning (for those reading this in the U.S.)? Rose-colored connections from Venus and Moon in “make it happen” Capricorn to transcendental Neptune may stimulate creative and social expression in ways that are both practical and divine.
This is another morning to take note of your dreams. I suggest this because of the overnight hookup between Neptune (which rules dreams) and the Moon. You’ll have to test this theory to see if it’s true for you, but Moon-Neptune connections often stimulate intuition and imagination. And if you’re sleeping through these transits, sublime insights may be transmitted in your dream state. Consider keeping a journal of your dreams. Watch for repeating patterns or creative solutions to a problem that’s been on your mind. What is your subconscious trying to tell you? Consider getting a good reference book, too. A few months ago I picked up The Dream Dictionary from A to Z by Theresa Cheung — only $4.99 on the Barnes & Noble bargain rack. Such a deal! With gratitude to the reader in Austin, Texas who wanted to know, “after I note my dreams, what should I do with them?” P.S — consider making some of those dreams come true in real-life, too.
Meanwhile, Venus (referring to women, money, aesthetics and manners) entered Capricorn late Tuesday night (ET), demanding decorum and a pedigree in these areas. Venus in Capricorn knows exactly how to use its connections to climb up a ladder (preferably corporate), and over the next few weeks, so should you. However, Venus is currently being challenged by rebel Uranus (exact on Saturday), which makes the first week of this Venus in Capricorn more exciting than usual. Over the next few days you may find yourself mingling with all kinds of unconventional, yet credentialed types who instantly become your new best friend. These “sudden attractions” are typical under Venus-Uranus transits, when an open-minded, humanitarian, freedom-loving buzz permeates the air. And that buzz is the backdrop for this morning’s announcement of this year’s Oscar nominees. Coincidence or conspiracy?
It all goes swimmingly until around noon on the East Coast, when Moon is challenged by a square to that rebel Uranus. What flash of insight, declaration of independence or other disruption of the status quo will land on your plate? Deal matter-of-factly with whatever structural constraints and power plays crop up by the end of the day, though the temptation for emotional outbursts may be strong. This is a good time to be wrapping up old business and drafting your intentions for the next lunar cycle, which has much less planetary static than the last one.
The New Moon begins Friday at 2:44PM ET at 21 degrees of Capricorn and immediately goes void-of-course. Wrap up the week and skip out early, if you can. We’ll talk about the New Moon in tomorrow’s forecast…even though there’s still so much I want to tell you about all things astro-logical. Like…how the planetary patterns in Lincoln’s time are similar to patterns we’re experiencing today; how so many of the “matters of life and death” headlines we’ve been seeing lately are so very Saturn in Scorpio; why the event chart for that out-of-the-blue ferry accident that happened in Manhattan during yesterday’s void-of-course Moon is what you’d expect to see in a bewildering accident on the water; and what to do with all those gift cards you will never use (you can get cash for them — what perfect news to hit the wires the day after Venus enters Capricorn)….it just goes on and on. I need a radio show, so I can talk for an hour, preferably with other fascinating guests and callers. Wouldn’t that be fun? Gotta make that happen this year…who knows someone who can help make that happen? Get in touch with me, will ya?
Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday 1/9/2013: Sagittarius in the Spotlight
/in The ForecastAs you may remember from yesterday, the Moon is void-of-course in Sagittarius, suggesting a day best suited for brainstorming and other creative/meditative pursuits that also broaden your horizons or facilitate opportunities to express opinion. Go with the flow of unexpected twists and delays that may impede your efforts to move forward in a straight line. Remember that crises that crop up are often much ado about nothing. Chill, baby, chill!
Speaking of opinions, Jon Stewart was in rare form last night, and I can’t resist using his opening monologue on gun control as an example of the the righteous energy of Sagittarius. Dear Readers, people with Sun — and especially the Moon — in Sagittarius need to be like this! Stewart was born on November 28, 1962 in Trenton, NJ. His birth time is unknown, but he definitely has Moon in Sag, too, as well as Mercury (which refers to the way we need to think and communicate). Is there anyone else on the planet who so clearly needs to tell the world his opinion — and have said world show him a ton of respect? Well, actually talking head Ann Coulter is a Sagittarius — with Mercury, Venus and Mars (mindset, social expression and passion all dedicated to serving the need to express opinion, no matter how blunt or dumbfounding. She might have Moon in Sagittarius, too, if she was born before 8PM on Dec 8, 1961 in New York, NY. Here’s a recent clip of Ms. Coulter and her two cents’worth on gun control…or, if you prefer, watch this classic Ann Coulter parody created by the good folks at Saturday Night Live, which is arguably much more coherent, though no less opinionated and righteous.
Astro-logical Forecast for Tuesday 1/8/2013: Lighten Up
/in The ForecastMoon entered high-flying Sagittarius at 3:28AM ET. Well that should lighten the intensity many felt over the past few days. Note your dreams upon waking, as a challenge between the gamboling Sag Moon and nebulous Neptune may have taken you on a sublime or surreal journey. Moon in Sagittarius is an excellent time for travel and other activities that broaden your mind, including righteous and fiery discussions on philosophical subjects. We may hear some particularly bombastic opinions expressed around 3:05PM ET, when the Moon is opposed by expansive Jupiter. This opposition also suggests other indulgences, such as a binge or shopping spree.
We are in the dark side of the Moon, a time for wrapping up whatever intentions you set at the New Moon few weeks ago. Remember what those were? Well if not, you have a chance to set your intentions anew on January 11th, with the Capricorn New Moon at 2:44PM ET. Next week would be the time to launch important new ventures.
Get it off your desk today or plan to ship it on Thursday or early Friday. Moon goes void-of-course at 9:28PM ET tonight, not to enter the next sign until 3:54AM ET Thursday. If you are new to the forecast (welcome!) and you are not familiar with Moon voids, click here. Understanding this very common planetary pattern can save you plenty of grief. Basically, voids suggest 1) efforts to move forward in a straight line are more likely to be fraught with delays, twists and misunderstandings;and 2) crises that crop up are often much ado about nothing (i.e., don’t panic!). Voids are wonderful for chilling out, brainstorming and recharging — and if you can do that during the all-day void on Wednesday, good on you. Fun fact: sports matches played during voids often favor the underdog and are notable for surprise upsets. As I type, Alabama is trouncing top-ranked Notre Dame 28-0 during Monday’s all-day void, and the game is not even half over.
And now, the news. I saw plenty of headlines reflecting truth about corruption, suggested by the annual hook-up between ruthless Pluto and mental Mercury. Lance Armstrong is reportedly close to admitting his past drug use. Investigative reporter Matt Taibbi filed another must-read expose, this one about the TARP funds in the alleged bailout of 2008. And if you were a part of Occupy Wall Street in the fall of 2011, congratulations, the FBI may have a file on you.
Last, but not least, another story about harsh realities — with a happy ending. This 77-year-old man spent 14 years in prison, 10 of those in solitary confinement, where his only companions were a few rats and a frog. He was sent to prison in the early 70s, after a brief career as an urban guerrilla. When he was apprehended, he was apparently shot six times. When he was released from prison, he embarked on a new career and worked his way up the ranks. In a nation known for its cattle, he is a vegetarian. He donates 90% of his salary to charity. His lifestyle is described as “austere,” but he seems quite content — and is happily married. He is Jose Mujica, the president of Uruguay, and for those of you who are going through tough times, I thought you might find his story inspiring. Plus, transiting Pluto at 9 Capricorn is exactly opposing Mujica’s Venus at 9 Cancer, suggesting an empowering surge in social prominence — so of course he’s making news at this time. Isn’t that interesting? (birth data: 5/20/35 in Montevideo, Uruguay)
Astro-logical Forecast for Saturday-Monday 1/5-7/2013: Cut to the Chase
/in The ForecastThere’s no reason why you can’t have a perfectly pleasant Saturday and a perfectly social Saturday night of rest and relaxation. Note that the Moon will be void between 6:13PM ET and 1:09 AM ET on SUNDAY (West Coasters, finish your shopping before 3:13PM PT).
Sunday is when Moon enters moody bastard Scorpio and we all run screaming down the hall. OK, that’s a slight exaggeration. But Sunday could be intense. Sunday the truth is out there, and it may end up in your face, with no apologies. This is suggested by mental Mercury (ideas, communication) aligning with ruthless Pluto (ruler of Scorpio) at 11:24AM ET. Extreme depth of perception, sharp communications and the exposure of something buried and possibly rotten are all possible today. Got a research or strategy session planned? You can cut right to the chase.
A stubborn clash of wills or outburst of rebellious passion may hit at 5:05PM ET Sunday eve (aggressive Mars squares the Scorpio Moon), leading to serious and/or heavy thoughts of loss, frustration or discipline. This is not necessarily unproductive, but it is still intense. A physical workout would be a good release for potential seething energy.
Be aware that the Moon will be void from 6:31AM ET on Monday until 3:28AM Tuesday, and that crises which crop up during Moon voids are often much ado about nothing. Keep this in mind on Monday at 2:33PM ET,when stern Saturn — also in “take no prisoners” Scorpio — squares off against a militant Mars in Aquarius. You may not get what you want, but you might just get what you need. Cue Mick Jagger now, please — before he got all old and stuff…
You will be more personally affected by the Mars-Saturn square if you were born around the 30th of January, April, July or October…or if you have an angle or planet at 10 degrees of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius. With the Moon void all through business hours Monday, I’m taking the day off.
Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 1/4/2013: “L’etat, c’est moi…”
/in The ForecastA disruptive jolt or flash of insight may greet you upon waking, assuming you’re a very early riser on the East Coast, as Moon in people-pleasing Libra confronts rebel Uranus at 4:52AM ET. This morning is filled with high energy and confidence that lifts spirits for just about everyone. Others may be so inflated that they declare, “I’m not bossy, I just have better ideas!” Why? Because Mars, Jupiter and Moon are aligned — ever so briefly — in a Grand Trine pattern (imagine an equilateral triangle), which some see as lucky and very easy-going. Whee! Let’s see if the stock markets go up.
Others (and here I would be thinking of astrologer Noel Tyl), have observed this pattern in conjunction with intellectual snobbery and an attitude of being above the law. And it is this attitude which may lead to the emotional catharsis or power play that may hit the headlines around lunchtime, as Moon is challenged by ruthless Pluto. The Last Quarter Moon, which should recall whatever was on your New Moon agenda a few weeks ago, is exact at 10:58PM ET. Another challenge perhaps, as we get ready to wrap up another lunar cycle.
This idea of being “above the law” made me think of Gerard Depardieu, the French actor who was just granted Russian citizenship. Why? To avoid paying taxes in France. He just moved to Belgium, as you may have heard. In fact, Depardieu does not have an “above the law” Grand Trine in his horoscope. However, he was born on December 27th, so you should immediately know what that means, because we’ve been talking about late December birthdays all month. Depardieu’s Sun at 5 degrees Capricorn and Jupiter at 9 Capricorn suggest a prominent need for freedom and empowerment right this minute, as they are directly impacted by the current Uranus-Pluto square.
The reigning need behind Depardieu’s personal Emancipation Proclamation is a 27 Scorpio Moon (same as Mitt Romney), suggesting a need for power and control. Bet he feels in control now, eh? Depardieu’s Uranus opposes his Sagittarius Ascendant, which to me certainly explains that “just rolled out of a hayloft” animal magnetism (and reinforces that need for freedom thing). Here is his horoscope.
If you were born between the 24th and 31st of December, March, June and September OR if you have an angle or a planet between 4 and 11 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, my money says you’ve got a lot going on right now. Many of my newest clients fall into this category. And so does nearly everyone who is making the headlines…