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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 10/16/2012: Round Two
/in The ForecastFrom the grousing I noted on Facebook about what a frustrating start Monday was to the work week, many of you will be relieved to know that the Moon is officially in gear — no longer void of course as of 8:06PM ET last night, when it left people-pleasing Libra for intense and moody Scorpio. In Scorpio, as you know from yesterday’s forecast, the need is for depth and substance. Knowledge acquired is used to maintain power and control. It is a fine energy for researching and digging up dirt. Without assistance from other planetary patterns, it can be a tough lunar placement for articulating emotions, given that Scorpions do not talk — or even roar or bellow, as a Lion (Leo) or Bull (Taurus) might do. It does not mean that the emotions aren’t there; quite the contrary.
As it turns out, there is planetary support for the Scorpio Moon today, from ruthless Pluto, mental Mercury and socially gracious Venus. So as long as you are prepared to discuss the details and you have something of substance to say, go ahead and make your pitch or launch your grand plan. You’ve got until 10:23PM ET to make it count before the Moon once again goes void of course, not to enter high-flying Sagittarius until 8:26PM ET on Thursday. You know the drill on Moon voids: moving in a straight line is often a challenge; crises that crop up are often much ado about nothing; chill, baby, chill.
Meanwhile, there is another debate tonight between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney — at 9PM ET in Hempstead, NY. What might happen? Well, I will be curious to hear what is being said around 9:20PM, 9:45PM, 10:05PM, 10:15PM and 10:23PM. This is a little research project to see if the most memorable moments happen around those times. It is a test of a theory, mind you — not a prediction.
The chart for the debate has the Scorpio Moon almost exactly conjunct Mercury (mind, communication) in the 6th House, ruling the 2nd House. What does that suggest? How about emotional, intense concerns from the “town hall” audience about jobs and healthcare (6th House) and how we are going to be able to afford it (2nd House). Well, DUH, you might say — but isn’t it interesting that this is supported by the chart for the debate? And the responses to the questions asked darn well better be of substance, as required by that Scorpio Moon. Or else.
Mitt Romney happens to have Moon in Scorpio — conjunct optimistic Jupiter — so his level of comfort may be higher that Barack Obama’s. What Romney lacks, however, is any Earth in his horoscope, suggesting he may be challenged to ground grand schemes in the specifics of practical application. Nothing new here. Transits in Romney’s horoscope do suggest he can easily connect with the public, despite the current nebulous Neptune fog shrouding his “real” identity and what he really believes. Well, one of his advisers did say in March that the Romney campaign would be re-set in the fall, just like an Etch-a-Sketch.
Barack Obama may well be looking as if he is chomping at the bit, right from the start — with a potential sharp remark within a few minutes of 9PM. His natal Uranus exactly opposes the Midheaven — point of public status — of the debate chart. Aggressive Mars in opinionated Sagittarius is challenging his natal Pluto, which rules his natal Midheaven. Despite his extracurricular activities, which include having a full-time job and two school-aged children living at home, planetary patterns do suggest he will deliver a debate performance sharp enough to prevent his loyal supporters from throwing all their toys out of the pram. Would it help if he wore a cape and tights? And when Obama does jab, Mitt Romney will likely jab right back, given that Romney’s natal Mars is under pressure from transiting Mars, too. Obama is the one who apparently needs to make up ground from the last encounter, and odds are strong that he will. Let’s see if there is a noticeable drop in energy or lack of focus after 10:23PM ET, when Moon goes void.
In the third and final debate on October 22nd, voters will be thrilled when Obama and Romney dispense with debating all together and go mano a mano — live — from the MGM Grand in beautiful Las Vegas. OK, perhaps that’s a bit of a stretch. But if you Google “obama vs. romney boxing”….well…I will not be held responsible for the consequences.
Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 10/15/2012: New Moon in Libra
/in The ForecastHappy Monday…happy New Moon…happy start of the work week…sort of. The New Moon happens in Libra at 8:03AM ET and immediately goes void-of-course until 8:06PM ET, suggesting your New Moon intentions may wander aimlessly until more light is literally shed on the matter in a day or two. Libra is the sign of relationship, and wherever it falls in your horoscope is area of your life where relationships and partnerships may be of significance in this lunar cycle. It suggests an opportunity for new relationships and partnerships in that area of your life, too. Get out and mingle over the next few weeks!
Whatever you’ve got on your plate this month, I’ll wager it is served with an idealistic spin and perhaps an inclination to indulgent excess. Why? Because of two aspects exact on Tuesday, both of which involve Venus (social expression, money, women, art). One is a communicative connection with mental Mercury, suggesting an easy flow of ideas, presented in the best possible light. The other is challenge from expansive Jupiter, which could be experienced as information overload, acid indigestion (as in, “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing”) or reports of wretched excess enjoyed with abandon — and perhaps now regretted. Interesting to read what appears to be regret in Dominique Strauss-Kahn’s latest libertine confession, which sounds very much like the last libertine confession, except now Jupiter (expansion, excess) is retrograde, which suggests a review of past excess/expansion/idealism might be in order. Amazing. (Regular readers of the forecast know we’ve been tracking DSK for over a year, as an excellent example of how the potent Uranus-Pluto square can be reflected in an individual horoscope).
The Sabian Symbol for the New Moon at 22 Libra is “a chanticleer” and it is one we saw earlier this year — when Saturn turned direct at 22 Libra on June 25th. Here’s what was written about this Sabian Symbol then:
Dawn of a new day, eh? And the symbol for the New Moon is referring back to Saturn, hmm? Let’s look at that further. This is the first New Moon in 30 years with Saturn in Scorpio. This is a very heavy placement for the planet that refers to ambition, controls and time. Gone are the rational theories of fairness and balance of Saturn in Libra. Saturn in Scorpio demands actual substance, as in “put your money where your mouth is” and “that balance (Libra) is due now (Scorpio).” I am fascinated to note that the chart for the New Moon in Washington DC shows Saturn exactly on the Ascendant. Heavy! And yet that is exactly what is up for Washington during this lunar cycle, as the Day of Reckoning a.k.a. Election Day finally happens on November 6th.
There is tremendous potential for creativity and dream manifestation in this lunar cycle. And there is tremendous potential for the real to become unreal, suggested by Saturn still in contact with nebulous Neptune (discussed last week). Yes, Saturn can give substance to a dream. And yet, Neptune tends to dissolve substance. How to move forward in times ripe with potential for idealism and excess (noted at the top of the forecast)? The chart for this New Moon suggests a need for discrimination and discernment. Be careful and precise about what you wish for, especially in social interactions and relationships. Push for details in a grand plan. Be advised that Mercury turns retrograde on November 6th, adding its usual potential for confusion and snafus in thinking and communication processes. So if you can hash out details and come to consensus before the Full Moon in a couple of weeks, then do it.
Moon voids for the week: Monday 8:03AM-8:06PM ET; Tuesday 10:23PM ET- Wednesday 8:26PM ET; Friday 10/19 4:27PM ET- 9:41PM ET. Plan accordingly.
And now, the news. On Friday I suggested watching the headlines for “nifty technological breakthroughs” (courtesy of Mars in adventurous Sagittarius trine technogeek Uranus in pioneering Aries). Boy, oh boy did we have a nifty one on Sunday. Who watched Austrian “professional daredevil” Felix Baumgartner fly 24 miles or so to the edge of space and then jump out of plane, thus becoming the first sky diver to break the sound barrier (but not a single bone!)? The chart for the scheduled — scheduled jump, mind you — at 12:07PM 10/15/2012 in Roswell, NM is a spectacular reflection of the revolutionary potential of the Uranus-Pluto square. Why? Because, as with the Mars Curiosity landing covered in this forecast in August, the chart shows rebel Uranus on an angle of the chart, with breaking-down-barriers Pluto also engaged. Coincidence or conspiracy?
Let the record show that rebel Uranus is extremely prominent in Baumgartner’s horoscope (April 20/1969 in Salzburg, Austria — time unknown). Why? Because it is at the Aries Point. Regular readers will recall that a planet at the Aries Point (around the first degree of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) needs to gain prominence. In Baumgarter’s case, it is absolutely clear that he needs to be known for taking big risks. Fortunately, in his horoscope, Uranus is aligned with Jupiter, And that is often very, very lucky.
Another technological breakthrough not nearly as sexy as Baumgartner’s, but perhaps ultimately with way more amazing consequences is the work of this year’s Nobel prizewinners in Physics in a field called quantum information. I loved every word of this mind-blowing article, especially since it introduced me to the equally mind-blowing paradox of Schrodinger’s cat. Really, you are going to need this full day of Moon void-ness to let your mind contemplate that one. This led me to another thought-provoking article about how two sane people can have complete different understandings of reality. I will probably get in trouble for mentioning it, meaning that I may alienate a few of my cherished readers, which will make me very sad. But this man’s personal journey is very much in line with current planetary patterns of what is real and what is not, suggested by Saturn and Neptune…not to mention the upheaval of the status quo suggested by the Uranus-Pluto square. Which all ties in perfectly with the breakthroughs in how we perceive reality, as described in the article about the work of the Nobel physicists.
Have a fabulous dawn of a new day — and thank you for reading the forecast!
Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 10/12/2012 & The Weekend: That’s A Wrap
/in The ForecastWe are in the balsamic phase — the dark side — of the lunar cycle, during which it is appropriate to be wrapping up loose ends remaining from whatever intentions you set at the New Moon, which was on September 15th. The next lunar cycle begins — in Libra — on Monday, October 15th at 8:03AM ET. It is not uncommon for listlessness or restlessness to be an issue during the balsamic phase, as we sense that something new is coming, but we are not quite sure what.
Still, there is a lot to like about planetary patterns today. Moon is in Virgo, seeking to make everything all neat and organized, as it sifts and sorts through information presented, tossing out the chaff and keeping the wheat. These efforts are well-supported by a perspicacious connection to the Moon from regenerative Pluto (while you were sleeping at 3:56AM ET), and “feel-good” aspects from mental Mercury and loving Venus (exact between 9 and 11AM ET). An expansive, indulgent challenge from Jupiter at 7:48PM ET sets the tone for the evening and a major Moon void chill period from that time until 7:02PM ET Saturday, when the Moon enters relationship-oriented Libra. No impulse purchases at yard sales tomorrow, if you please; otherwise, go where the day takes you…
Sunday may begin with a jolt, a twist or revelation, courtesy of an early morning clash between rebel Uranus and ruthless Pluto between 5-7AM ET. Then it is relatively smooth sailing until Monday’s New Moon, which at first glance looks lush and hopeful, with some nifty technological breakthroughs suggested, too (watch the headlines for those over the weekend). Details on the New Moon will be posted on Monday.
Meanwhile, a prominent Mars in fiery, opinionated Sagittarius during last night’s VP debate is definitely reflected in today’s headlines: “Biden, Ryan Clash in Fiery VP Debate” blares AOL. “In Biden-Ryan Quarrel, Sharp Contrasts” reports the New York Times, adding editorially “A Debate with Clarity and Fervor” Clarity? Hmmm…with Neptune also prominent, the word “clarity” is a bit surprising. What does Fox News say? “Proxy Fight: Biden-Ryan Toe-to-Toe, It’s Clear They Don’t See Eye-to-Eye”. “Clear”. Wow. Anything else? How about this: “Biden’s Mom & Dad Taught Him Many Things, But Not Manners” — and here, there appears to be a lack of consensus. What did you see?
Meanwhile, debate moderator Martha Raddatz won praise for her forceful handling of last’s night joust. Born Feb 14, 1953, she is an Aquarius with Moon most likely in Pisces. Interesting to note her Mars (the energy to take action) in pioneering Aries, currently empowered by the Uranus-Pluto square. Not surprising at all that she would rise to any occasion requiring great force, persuasion or application of will.
Have a great weekend!
Astro-logical Forecast for Thursday 10/11/2012: It’s Debatable Again…
/in The ForecastIf you did not receive the usual forecast yesterday, please check your spam folder. That’s where my copy ended up, and I have a feeling I’m not the only one who had that experience. Let’s hope there are no glitches in today’s delivery…
Not much to report until 3:23PM ET, when the Moon enters discriminating, detail-oriented Virgo. Until then, go with the flow, regardless of how deviated your efforts may be to move in a straight line. I say this because the Moon went void-of-course as of 5:40PM ET on Wednesday. See the link in yesterday’s forecast — the one posted on the website — for more on voids, assuming you do not know what they are and how to best handle them.
About an hour after Moon enters Virgo, it opposes nebulous Neptune, which is frankly more of a challenge than the support the Moon receives ten minutes later from structured Saturn. How dreamy/spacey might you be feeling, in spite of the Virgo Moon’s need to make order out of chaos? That energy carries us through the rest of the afternoon, and as we move into suppertime, ornery Mars in opinionated Sagittarius clashes with the nitpicky, perfection-seeking Moon (exact at 9:36PM ET). If someone doesn’t get just a tad combative over details in the opening 30 minutes of the Vice-Presidential debate, I will be disappointed. And yet…disappointed I may be, because even though aggressive Mars is ready to rumble (and making serious connections in the horoscopes of both contenders), nebulous Neptune is just as active as it was in the horoscopes of the Obama-Romney contest last week. This suggests a rose-colored fog permeating the airwaves…but let’s take a closer look.
Joe Biden (Nov 20 1942 — around 8:30AM in Scranton, PA)) is a Scorpio with Moon in Taurus, suggesting a need to preserve material security and keep things as they are or as they should be. He has Sagittarius on the Ascendant — probably 3 or 4 degrees into the sign. Sag is an outspoken, rather randy, often disheveled/undisciplined force of nature that values high ideals and blunt candor. That is why Sag is so often associated with foot-in-mouth disease. Right now Mars is at 3 Sagittarius, exactly on Biden’s Ascendant and opposing his Uranus at 2 Gemini. This is a potential for fireworks, unless the reigning need of Biden’s Taurus Moon and the energy of his Sun in controlling Scorpio can keep things steady and calm.
As with the horoscopes of Obama and Romney, nebulous Neptune exerts a powerful influence on Biden and Ryan, too. So much that I am beginning to suspect some kind of conspiracy, and would feel so much better about it if other, less Neptune-influenced candidates could participate in this political process. Candidates like Dr. Jill Stein, Rocky Anderson — heck, I would be happy to include Roseanne Barr, too — she’s running on the Peace and Freedom ticket — with Cindy “Speaking Power to the Liars” Sheehan, no less. Did I leave anyone out?
But I digress.
Paul Ryan, whose horoscope was covered in detail in an earlier forecast also has an early Sagittarius Ascendent, at zero degrees, in fact. He was born with Neptune exactly conjunct the Ascendant, shrouding him in a rose-colored fog or vision, depending on whether you like what he has to say (with Moon running wild in people-pleasing Libra, he has more than enough charm to convince you that you should). Neptune — now at 0 Pisces, is exactly squaring the Ascendant — that point of personal projection — kicking up those clouds of pixie dust even more. But hey — in Biden’s horoscope, Neptune is involved, too — making a sextile to the Ascendant! While arguably this is a much less problematic aspect than Ryan’s conjunction (in terms of living in a real world, not an imaginary one), Biden still must deal with the challenge of Neptune transiting by square. Will he — or his opponent — be able to make a case that is clear and distinct? I am not convinced. It is more likely that people will hear whatever fits the reality they think they would like to live in. Sigh.
Back to Mars, which is the symbol for action, often of an aggressive nature. We talked about Mars and the potential for Biden to be provoked. Same goes for Ryan. Mars is right on Ryan’s Ascendant, too, with the same potential for provocation. There is even a connection between transiting Mars and Ryan’s natal Uranus — similar to Biden. Fascinating. Looking at the chart for the event itself — 10/11/2012 at 9PM in Danville, KY, nebulous Neptune is squaring the Ascendant — and Mars is also at an angle. This mirrors what is going on in the horoscopes of Biden and Ryan! Regardless of this astonishing synchronicity, I am not convinced that the outcome will rock the polls one way or the other, while there will be plenty of arguments about what was actually said. Fact checkers, take your places!
Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday 10/10/2012: Lines Blurred; Edges Softened
/in The ForecastAnother day of potentially deep thoughts and revelations, possibly involving material facts about a spiritual world. Or a chance to make a dream a reality, no matter how unreal the dream may be.
Today’s two big planetary patterns involve — first — a communicative aspect between mental Mercury in dirt-digging, cut-to-the-chase Scorpio and ruthless Pluto in Capricorn. That can be intense, and it can also be quite candid in all areas involving your interactions with others today. If you are doing research, more power to you.
The second patterns involves Saturn in Scorpio (law, authority, structure) in a most excellent alignment with nebulous Neptune (faith, illusion, dreams) in Pisces, the sign Neptune rules. This aspect will occur again on June 11 and July 19, 2013. So whatever seeds you’re planting now to make a dream reality may be flowering in early summer. You are especially affected by this pattern if you were born during the first few days of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.
In the headlines, I am fascinated to note this startling study that appears to conclude that more and more Americans are abandoning their faith (Neptune) — or at least the structures (Saturn) where they might practice it. Healing is another Neptune keyword, and also on the front page we see this item: “New Style of Health Care Emerges to Fill Hospital’s Void”. Look for more key developments on these themes in June and July of next year.
Neptune softens the hard edge of Saturn’s usual need for stern discipline and no exceptions to the letter of the law. Look for empathy and compassion to be more prominent in the headlines — and perhaps noticeably so in persons striving to win our collective vote of confidence in a just a few weeks…
Don’t forget that the regal Leo Moon goes void at 5:40PM ET, not to enter nitpicky Virgo at 3:32PM ET on Thursday, setting the tone for the next exciting debate. Get it off your desk before the void if you can. If you are new to the forecast and do not understand Moon voids, click here.