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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.

Thoughts on the 3rd Presidential Debate (because I said I would post some)
/in The ForecastA few thoughts on the third debate, as promised. And “few” is indeed the operative word. After looking at the horoscopes involved, I don’t have much to say. Tonight’s event begins at 9PM ET in Boca Raton, FL and planetary patterns suggest another pugnacious start, courtesy of aggressive Mars making an opinionated challenge to the 9 Gemini Ascendant of the event horoscope. The Aquarius Moon suggests themes of social significance: freedom, humanitarianism, independence. Aquarius is detached, intellectual, scientific…and often on one stubborn fringe or another. The Moon is in the 9th house at the start of the event, immediately suggesting a focus on Big Picture ideas with an international reach — and isn’t that interesting that tonight’s focus is, in fact, foreign policy.
I have a theory (not a prediction) that we may be listening to a very grand vision around 9:22PM, which may keep the fact-checkers busy. I also have a theory that if Obama is speaking at around 10:23PM ET, it will be an excellent opportunity for him to make the audience feel secure about his ability to preserve homeland security. There may be a noticeable shift from intellectual ideas to strong feelings of patriotism, as the Gemini Ascendant will have just changed to Cancer.
Planetary patterns suggest a strong showing for both candidates, with Obama having the advantage. He is a much better position righthisveryminute to connect with women — and in fact, if only women were voting in this election, he would win by a very large margin.
Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 10/22/2012: Sun in Scorpio
/in The ForecastAnd a delightful Monday morning to you. Well, perhaps not so delightful for East Coasters waking up a few hours after an exact challenge between stern Saturn in stubborn Scorpio and Moon in quirky, yet equally stubborn, Aquarius (exact at 4:30AM ET). A sense of loss, which fuels a reach for ambition — or perhaps some Designated Authority Figure throwing a wet blanket on someone’s rose-colored dream? In your own personal world, maybe all you’ll need is a second cup of coffee to get you buzzing through the day, picking up inspired and inventive ideas when the Moon is supported by “mad scientist” Uranus at 11AM ET. Hash them out in a brainstorming session with the rest of the gang.
The big astro-logical news today the Sun leaving airy, cerebral Libra for the watery, emotional sign of Scorpio (exact at 8:14PM ET). This adds to the demand for substance over theory suggested by disciplined Saturn’s ingress into Scorpio on October 6th. It should heighten the intensity of this evening’s third and final presidential debate, which starts at 9PM ET. I will post a separate forecast for the debate later today.
Meanwhile, if you’re feeling a urge to merge with a higher consciousness or escape into some other rarefied, intangible state (music, spirit or drug-induced fantasy), then you are in tune with the patterns suggested by nebulous Neptune in harmonious contact with the Sun (life force), an aspect which is exact on Tuesday at 7:15AM. It’s a helpful aspect to have if you’re trying to keep the peace. It’s also a potential set-up for a vision or pure fantasy, deception or lies.
In contrast, a big dose of reality may hit when the annual meet-up between controlling Saturn and Sun (life force) on happens on Thursday morning. Last year, when the Sun and Saturn hooked up in Libra, we saw some heavy judgments handed down in the headlines. This year, with the hook-up in Scorpio, what debts will be called in from the depths, like so much karmic retribution? If you are celebrating a birthday around the 25th of October or July, or the 21st of February or April, you are likely feeling this more strongly than most. Maybe your energy is a little low; maybe you’re feeling restricted or controlled — it’s all in an effort by the Universe to get you streamlined and focused on what is essential.
Moon voids this week: Tuesday 9:2PM ET — Wednesday 7AM; Friday 11:04AM — 3:31PM ET.
Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 10/19/2012 & the Weekend: Mercury Retrograde Alert
/in The ForecastI don’t know about you, but it feels like the week flew by! TGIF! Moon continues its gambol through fiery Sagittarius, egging on the expression of opinions everywhere. Which makes this op-ed by Deborah Tannen about the etiquette of expressing said opinions especially timely (Ms. Tannen is the author of You Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation). Fortunately today’s lunar aspects suggest you can keep the jousting friendly. Pretend you have an open mind, even if you don’t. Because the forecast was posted later than intended this week — and some of you may have missed it, I am re-posting the link to this non-partisan site — isidewith.com — as a public service. If you take this nifty quiz it will match your beliefs with the presidential candidate who is most in synch. You may be surprised by the results.
After a Moon void starting at 4:27PM ET (head to the bar early!), Moon enters Capricorn at 9:41PM ET — perhaps too late in the evening for East Coasters to notice the enterprising shift in tone. Saturday dawns with a potentially potent jolt, when the make-it-happen Moon is supercharged by clashes with rebel Uranus and ruthless Pluto. News from underground, perhaps? We shall see. But if you’ve got a weekend project to launch, these next two days will speed you on your way to accomplishment.
On Sunday morning the practical vibe is softened by pleasing social and communicative boosts from loving Venus and mental Mercury. It is toward the end of the evening when you may face a challenge to the New Moon agenda you set on Monday, suggested by the First Quarter Moon at 11:32PM ET.
Last, but not least — we are now in the “shadow period” of the next Mercury retrograde, which happens on Tuesday, November 6th at 6:04PM ET — a.k.a. Election Day. Translation: Mercury is now at 18 degrees of Scorpio. It will continue moving forward to 4 degrees of Sagittarius, where it will be on Nov 6th. It will retrograde back through Sagittarius and Scorpio, until it reaches 18 Scorpio again on Nov. 26th. Then it turns direct. It will take until Dec. 14th for Mercury to reach 4 degrees of Sagittarius. That’s is when we will be fully clear of the necessary period for focus, review and R & R. More guidance as we get closer…but start backing up your computers and other databanks now, won’t you?
Astro-logical Forecast for Thursday 10/18/2012: Expand Your Mind
/in The ForecastWith the Moon now fully engaged in Sagittarius, spirits are lifted, and the reigning need is to say what you think, likely with passion at around 9:41AM ET, just as this forecast is posted. Such passion may lead to a boisterous clash, if the receiving party is not in agreement. That would be unfortunate, because the energy of Sagittarius offers an excellent opportunity to broaden your mind and your horizons. It’s also good for getting physical, taking a gambol or a gamble.
The evening is marked by a buoyant connection to the Moon from expansive Jupiter, suggesting the potential for indulgence. Planetary patterns are relatively light for the next few days. Enjoy — and mind the Moon void which occurs Friday at 4:27PM ET to 9:41PM ET.
…with apologies to you all for the delayed forecast, thanks to tech snafus which I must confess were all my fault. Sigh.
Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday 10/17/2012: Mind the Void
/in The ForecastMoon is void-of-course in Scorpio for most of the day, not to enter opinionated, fiery Sagittarius until 8:26PM ET…then promptly squares off with nebulous Neptune, setting a potentially dreamy vibe for the night. Feel like broadening your horizons? If you are in New York — Williamsburg, to be precise — then wander over to this otherworldly place no later than 7:30PM. I will be giving a talk called “The Intelligent Person’s Guide to Astrology” (suggested donation: $15 How cool is that?
Until then, roll with any twists that may crop up in your efforts to move forward. Long void days can feel like they are moving in slow-motion, which is especially frustrating for people who work in fast-paced environments or are pressured by deadlines. This makes Moon voids an excellent exercise in patience and faith.
And now, the news — and there were plenty of headlines yesterday reflecting planetary patterns, especially the square between Venus (women, art, money, social graces) in detail-oriented Virgo vs. over-the-top Jupiter in information junkie Gemini. We had a major art heist in the Netherlands; the CEO of Citibank suddenly stepped down and a defense of “literary excess” made the pages of the New York Times. I must point out the need for details — a key theme in Monday’s New Moon — was clearly expressed by the website www.romneytaxplan.com, which I saw posted umpteen times on Facebook like so much kudzu. And let us not forget the grand statement made in last night’s debate — “binders full of women” — now trending everywhere. If that phrase doesn’t convey the over-the-top potential of Venus (women) squared by Jupiter (expansive) in information-obsessed signs (Gemini & Virgo), please show me one that does.
As for the debate, it was filled with jabs, exactly as anticipated. Zing! Zap! Ker-Pow! I think it is fair to say that everyone who favors Romney thinks their candidate did an excellent job, while those who support Obama are no longer on suicide watch. If you are still one of the undecided, consider taking this nifty quiz, courtesy of the non-partisan website, www.isidewith.com. It will match your beliefs on all kinds of issues with the candidate whose beliefs are in synch with yours. Even if you know which candidate you are voting for, chances are you will find this quiz an eye-opener.