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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 Monday 12/17/2012: Reflections on Sandy Hook
/in The ForecastThe work week begins with Moon in Aquarius, a helpful, humanitarian placement that favors making connections of all kinds, no matter how unconventional. Soulful unity and a need for beauty is also suggested, courtesy of the lingering effects of yesterday’s challenge between loving Venus and rose-colored Neptune. Sharing opinions that broaden horizons is also favored, suggested by an opposition between Mercury (mindset) and Jupiter (expansion).
East Coasters, note that the Moon goes void-of-course at 1:11PM ET…not to enter empathic, dreamy Pisces until 7:48PM ET. Get it off your desk before the void, if you can. West Coasters, your entire work day may be best applied to projects involving creative brainstorming, as efforts to move forward in a straight line have a much higher potential for delays, detours and other sudden twists. Writers may find this particular Moon void especially productive, thanks to the supercharged communication power of the aforementioned Mercury-Jupiter opposition. If you are new to the forecast and want more information on Moon voids, you will find it here. Welcome!
I hesitate to write much about the heartbreaking news that broke on Friday, which continues to dominate the headlines. Suffice it to say that if you read the forecasts posted on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, you would note that the planetary patterns described were reflected in a horribly destructive way in Newtown, Connecticut…and in too many other U.S. cities to link here. Violence in China also made headlines.
With rebel Uranus turning direct on last Thursday’s New Moon, we anticipated a seismic shock to the system. With Mars (action!) running wild in “make-it-happen” Capricorn (i.e., like a loose cannon), we anticipated that acts of aggression might pull focus. Last week, the horoscope of Adam Lanza (April 22, 1992 in Kingston, NH — time not confirmed), was clearly triggered by transiting Uranus and Mars (and I suspect by a couple of other major astrological measurements) — no surprises there. Maybe someday it will become a matter of course for all people to become aware of the patterns in their horoscopes, to help them make choices that are constructive, rather than destructive, especially during periods of stress, which would be identified before they happen.
As an astrologer, I am constantly identifying patterns in order to make sense of this world. As a writer, I can’t help but notice patterns in words, too. Last month we had Hurricane Sandy. Friday’s tragedy happened at a school named Sandy Hook. What’s with the word “Sandy” making headlines? Coincidence or conspiracy?
As I do not believe in coincidence, I must have a theory. Here it is (cue Anne Elk now). But seriously, folks. This is my theory. Sand is an irritant. An oyster reacts to an irritating grain of sand by creating a pearl. The pearl protects the oyster; it is a defense system. Would you believe that the name “Sandy” means “defender of men?” Pearls made me think of the expression “pearls of wisdom”. It’s time for us to wake up, wise up — and take action.
As suggested by the patterns in last Thursday’s New Moon, we are presented with an opportunity to do what must be done in order to create a better world. There is tremendous potential for action that brings positive results, if that is what we choose to create. Who’s in?
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Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 12/14/2012 & The Weekend: A Happening Scene!
/in The ForecastOh, the joy of a Neptune fog lifting! Oh, the joy of New Moon energy waxing! Oh, cue the “Ode to Joy” flash mob now (you’ll be glad you did)! Plus, it’s Friday!
Note your thoughts upon waking, as a harmonious connection between mental Mercury and innovative Uranus favors genius at 6:25AM ET. Five minutes later, a potentially cathartic connection between ruthless Pluto and the Moon in Capricorn can help intensely clarify whatever it is you need to do today to make things happen. This proactive, enterprising, status-seeking energy propels us through the day…
…and all the way through much of Saturday, with only a 45 minute Moon-void starting at 4:15PM ET. Get out your to-do list and see how easily you can accomplish your goals. If you’re holiday shopping in the morning, chances are you’ll be buying practical things with a certain level of status. When the Moon enters Aquarius, tastes run to the technological, the unconventional and dare I say the astro-logical. You’ll also be looking for refined beauty or an artistic experience, suggested by a charged connection between loving Venus and soulful Neptune, exact at 1:25PM ET on Sunday….which is about when I’m thinking of seeing a screening of Dr. Strangelove, and no, I can’t believe I’ve never seen the film in its entirety, either. I hear it’s weird, wacky and Peter Sellers was a genius and so ahead of his time. Perfect for a day with Moon in Aquarius and an artistic Venus-Neptune happening.
Other planetary shifts of note: Venus will be sooooooo relieved to ditch possessive Scorpio for a nice little gambol in Sagittarius at 11:38PM ET on Saturday. This need to broaden horizons in social expression, combined with the Aquarius Moon’s need whatever is on the fringe can make gatherings of all kinds very stimulating. Throw in an opposition between mental Mercury (in high-flying Sagittarius) and expansive Jupiter (in information-junkie Gemini) and we are going to be hearing some stories and opinions expressed that that are way over-the-top. This opposition is exact on Monday, but we’ll be seeing it reflected all weekend long. Watch the headlines…
And speaking of headlines, you may recall that in Tuesday’s forecast I advised you to keep an eye on whatever legislation was passed this week, because chances were strong that critical details may not have been thought out. I was specifically thinking of the deceptively-named Right-to-Work bill that was signed into law in Michigan on Tuesday, during a void-of-course Moon and the foggy Mercury-Neptune square. Now the Democrats in the Michigan State Senate have issued a press release asserting that the law is “flawed” and certain provisions conflict with Michigan’s constitution. Not surprisingly, Michigan’s Attorney General (a Republican) disagrees. Meanwhile, at least one lawsuit has been filed. Stay tuned…
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Thank you for reading the daily astro-logical forecast. Have a fabulous weekend!
Astro-logical Forecast for Thursday 12/13/2012: New Moon in Sagittarius
/in The ForecastSo yesterday we were talking about the potential downside of Mars (action-oriented) energy running wild in the heavens. But how is that going to impact the New Moon at 21 Sagittarius, exact as of 3:42AM ET? Happily, this New Moon offers superb potential for broadening your horizons and breaking down barriers, provided your high-flying ideals have a solid, practical game plan to support them. And that “Mars-running-wild” energy can be applied to support your New Moon game plan. Before we get into the New Moon chart, you should know that the Moon will be void of course between 3:42AM ET and 4:43PM ET…potentially throwing a wrench into your plans to charge ahead in a straight line. When the Moon enters Capricorn at 4:43PM ET, that is when you can consider taking action.
Back to the New Moon chart:
Two other aspects dominate this month’s New Moon. First, a constructive connection between Saturn in Scorpio and Pluto in Capricorn — and it is rare to see such a cooperative aspect between the planet of structure and the planet of transformation. This connection is especially significant because Saturn rules the sign of Capricorn and Pluto rules the sign of Scorpio…and thus, the two planets are said to be in “mutual reception”. “Mutual reception” is an astro-logical technogeek term for “really constructive connection”…but for doing what? How about…moving forward on doing what needs to be done when the writing is on the wall…without whingeing about it? As in tighten your belts and put on your big girl panties. Deal with it — no more kicking the can down the road. This is your challenge– whether it is dealing with a ginormous budget deficit, or taking your own impossible dream to the next level. Whatever you need to do, DO IT. You may find yourself surprised at the positive results!
The other significant aspect in this New Moon is rebel Uranus, turning direct after being retrograde since July 13th. You will feel this release more strongly if you were born around the 25th of December, March, June and September….or if you have a planet or angle around 4 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. This suggests a feeling of release…in the spirit of independence, rebellion, originality and revelation. Pay attention to the buzz around you over the next few days as we adjust to this “shock to the system” planet moving forward again. Look for potential “news from underground” in the form of seismic shocks…and also for technological breakthroughs and news from outer space. Wherever 4 degrees of Aries falls in your horoscope is where you will likely experience this push forward. Consult your local astrologer for details.
The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon seems puzzling, given the high-flying optimism presented at the start of this lunar cycle. It is “a Chinese laundry”. Keep in mind that these symbols were divined almost 100 years ago. A Chinese laundry refers to the entrepreneurial efforts of an immigrant trying to gain a foothold in a strange new world. A Chinese immigrant could be a rocket scientist, but if she isn’t fluent in English, she may have to start at the very bottom of the economic ladder…literally doing the dirty work of other people, e.g., airing out their dirty laundry. I confess I am not sure how this symbol will play out. Maybe we will uncover more secrets — dirty laundry — of those who currently are at the top of the food chain. Maybe it’s a suggestion that we all could stand to “clean up our act” in order to meet the challenge of the high-flying optimism suggested by the New Moon in Sagittarius. What do you think?
What I do know is that this week’s Mercury-Neptune square is still dominating the news. All over Facebook, people are tuning in to a charity (Neptune) concert (Neptune) happening at Madison Square Garden. That, and music legend Ravi Shankar passed away….RIP. And you would not believe the stories of spaciness and missed connections I have been hearing from friends, clients and colleagues over the past two days. Yesterday’s forecast, for example, was riddled with typos — and I thought I had proofed it thoroughly! My apologies. I promise you by Friday things will be feeling much more invigorated and down to earth.
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Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday 12/12/2012: When Mars Runs Wild
/in The ForecastMoon in aim-for-the-stars Sagittarius gets a double dose of enthusiasm from expansive/expensive Jupiter at 9:12AM ET. And that pretty much sets the tone for the whole day. Where is all that energy going to take you? Good question — because the New Moon doesn’t happen until 3:42AM Thursday morning. Your mission today is to be merry and bright, and hold off on your next crusade until Friday. After the New Moon tomorrow morning, Moon goes void of course until 4:43PM ET, suggesting nothing of consequence should be initiated. Sure you can write a first draft, but I would hold off on pitching it until the Moon is fully engaged…and that rose-colored fog from today’s Neptune-Mercury square has dissipated.
As I type, Mars in Capricorn is running wild in the heavens. In other words, the aggressive need to make things happen is not connected to any other planet. Mars is currently isolated, like an island. Modern astrologer Noel Tyl calls these isolated planets “peregrine” (for the record, traditional astrologers define “peregrine” differently), and what he observes is that peregrine planets can’t help but pull focus in a horoscope, often running away with the whole persona. And I see Mr. Tyl’s observation proven time and time again with my clients.
OK, so…with Mars currently running wild, what might we expect in the headlines? North Korea launching a missile? Another shooting by a masked gunman at yet another shopping mall? How about a “brazen”assassination in broad daylight, on a heavily trafficked sidewalk near Columbus Circle in Manhattan?
The chart for the missile launch — which appears to be just before 10AM local time on Wednesday — has runaway Mars exactly on the Ascendant and stern Saturn close to the Midheaven. That’s a strong portrait of a warrior needing to be seen as an authority. Regular readers of this forecast have learned Midheaven and Ascendant are the angles of the chart. When planets make contact with angles, things happen! I was fascinated to see in the chart for the Manhattan murder (Dec 10 2012 at 2PM) that Mars and Saturn are also on the angles. There are 360 degrees in a horoscope, and only four of them can be angles (give or take a couple of degrees on either side). What are the chances that two acts of aggression taking place at different times and different places would have two planets suggesting aggression on those angles? Coincidence or conspiracy?
Right now Mars is at 19 degrees of Capricorn and Saturn is at 7 Scorpio. If your Ascendant and/or Midheaven are within a few degrees of these planets, you are likely feeling more riled up (Mars) than usual or more disciplined, focused or needing to be seen as an authority (Saturn).
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Special Holiday Offer — a One-Hour Consultation at a very reasonable price is still on — from now until January 1st. Yes, you can schedule the consultation after January 1st — and so can other recipients of this perfect holiday gift. Thank you to all who have responded enthusiastically to this holiday promotion. Your friends are very lucky to have friends like you.
Astro-logical Forecast for Tuesday 12/11/2012: Make the Pi Higher
/in The ForecastLast night at 8:40PM ET, Mercury, which refers to mindset, communication and travel, entered Sagittarius, sign of the (very opinionated) philosopher-clown. What WON’T be expressed over the next few weeks, hmm? Oddly enough, Mercury in Sagittarius is not considered to be especially well-placed. That’s because while Mercury suggests excellent energy for sorting out details, Sagittarius is much more concerned with the Big Picture. And this is another reason to be wary of signing on the dotted line when this ‘pie in the sky’ placement squares off with ‘make the pie higher!’ Neptune (in dreamy Pisces). Those Really Useful Details may not have been sorted out (keep an eye on whatever legislation is passed this week).
The Moon in Scorpio, which can be quite the moody bastard if so inclined, goes void-of-course at 8:08AM ET, on a conjunction with Venus, also in Scorpio. Your social interactions may be intense, but there’s no reason they can’t be enjoyable. Go with the flow and note how the mood shifts at 5:22PM ET, when Moon enters high-flying Sagittarius. We may see some weird, wild stuff in the air during the early evening hours, as the Moon amplifies the Mercury-Neptune square. Moon squares Neptune at 6:22PM ET; Moon conjoins Mercury at 7:21PM ET. See how that works?
And now, the news. Would you believe a thoughtful piece on the front page of the New York Times called “The God Glut”? Holy Mercury square Neptune, Batman! Does columnist Frank Bruni realize how hip he is to planetary patterns? Probably not. But that’s what is so interesting about astrology. It works whether you are aware of it or not. I suspect the same could be said about God.
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And all of this thinking about pie makes me also think that a fabulous cinematic escape such as The Life of Pi would also be in synch with planetary patterns.
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Special Holiday Offer — a One-Hour Consultation at a very reasonable price is still on — from now until January 1st. Yes, you can schedule the consultation after January 1st — and so can other lucky recipients of this perfect holiday gift!