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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 1/19/2012: Sun Sets in Capricorn
/in The ForecastMore of Moon in Sagittarius, the philosopher clown, needing to spout off on all subjects, even if a foot somehow ends up in its mouth. Contrast the energy of this Moon with the energy of stern Saturn in judgmental Libra, challenging the Sun in practical Capricorn to realize its ambition, come up with a balanced plan, fish or cut bait. Much can be gained today…but if someone throws a wet blanket on you, remember this forecast and find a productive channel for any frustration. And by 11:10AM ET on Friday, the Sun’s trek through Capricorn will be over, and we will be near the end of Capricorn lunar cycle, too. Whew! I hope it has been a productive month for all of you. New Moon in Aquarius will be on the 23rd.
Meanwhile, in the news, I detected a theme of intellectual property rights: efforts to contain and monetize what is essentially intangible. Yesterday we had Google and Wikipedia leading a protest against alleged efforts to regulate the internet. The protests succeeded in tabling the legislation for the foreseeable future http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/19/technology/protests-of-antipiracy-bills-unite-web.html?hp I also noted a SCOTUS decision allowing that Congress may reinstate copyright protection to IP that had fallen into the public domain http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/01/scotus-re-copyright-decision/ Even at the office, discussions have been had about music publishing — why now? What’s the pattern here? Then I noted this bit about efforts to control another intangible, Time (which, oddly enough, is ruled by Saturn, the most tangible of all planets — although it can be said that Time controls us all) http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/19/science/to-keep-or-kill-lowly-leap-second-focus-of-world-debate.html?ref=science And this: Eastman Kodak, which captured intangible images (Neptune) on tangible film has filed for bankruptcy (Saturn – restructuring). Ooh — and one more: bone (Saturn) loss (Neptune). http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/19/health/bone-density-tests-for-osteoporosis-can-wait-study-says.html?hp Hmmmm….
In addition to Saturn (bones, authority, control) in Libra (judgment, arts) square Sun, we also see Saturn in a harmonious connection to Neptune (intangibles, wipeouts, inspiration, music, high arts) and in a challenging connection with Jupiter in Taurus (seeking reward in material comfort and security, while trying to keep things as they are). These are current planetary patterns reflected in the news of the day. And that’s how I make sense of what I read on the front page of the New York Times. Coincidence or conspiracy?
Astro-logical Forecast for Wednesday 1/18/2012: Lemons Into Lemonade & Paula Deen’s Perfect Timing
/in The ForecastA productive morning of inspired organization is yours to be had, suggested by a communicative connection between the Sun in practical Capricorn and the Moon in “knowledge is power, baby” Scorpio. And the earlier you start, the better. At 1:31PM on the East Coast, nebulous Neptune challenges the Scorpio Moon, suggesting the potential for dreaminess or perhaps a bit of disorientation, especially since it promptly goes void of course until 2:29PM ET, when it moves into Sagittarius. Perfect timing for lunch on the East Coast; West Coasters — that could account for any strange twists that show up mid-morning.
Moon in Sagittarius will do its best to facilitate the expression of opinions all around the globe — gee — perhaps in the area of international publishing — and definitely in your own personal world. Here’s the obvious headline scenario: Wikipedia and other websites going dark on the “knowledge is power” Scorpio Moon…followed by a zillion opinions on the proposed legislation that sparked the protest — and Wikipedia won’t be the only site down — as you may have already noticed http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/18/technology/web-wide-protest-over-two-antipiracy-bills.html?hp I’m already bummed out that I couldn’t go to wikipedia for the deets on Jon Huntsman’s bio and birth data, now that he’s out of the race.
Moon in Sagittarius is well-suited for any experience that broadens your mind and/or horizons. Take in a foreign film, a philosophical discussion or a walk in the woods. Use this optimistic lunar energy to balance any serious demands that land on your plate over the next few days as stern Saturn approaches its challenge to the Sun on Thursday. What could possibly happen?
Well, if you’re Paula Deen, you will be turning 64 on Thursday, January 19th, and that Saturn square is impacting you personally. What restriction and/or ambition might be on your plate? How about: you’ve just revealed to the world that you were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes…three years ago…and you’ve just signed a presumably lucrative drug endorsement deal. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/18/dining/paula-deen-says-she-has-type-2-diabetes.html Looking at Deen’s horoscope, it is fascinating to note that Jupiter, a planet often associated with health issues involving the liver, the pancreas and diabetes is very active right now — but in ways that are generally seen to be positive! Two connections that stand out are a connection* between Uranus and Jupiter, suggesting the potential for a “the big break; boundless optimism”, exact in September of 2011 and another between Jupiter and the Sun exact on January 14, 2012, suggesting “being rewarded, success; a great vacation”. Isn’t that fascinating?
Moral of the story: Saturn has many constructive qualities, even though it can be restrictive and controlling. If Saturn offers you lemons — don’t freak out. Turn those lemons into a nice meringue pie, Southern style — and consult your local astrologer to see how you can channel Saturn’s discipline into something really positive!
* for serious astrology buffs, we see SA Uranus = Jupiter in September 2011; SA Jupiter = Sun on January 14, 2012
Astro-logical Forecast for Tuesday 1/17/2012: More Moon in Scorpio, Scott Walker & Feeling Hungary Again
/in The ForecastThe need to acquire knowledge for the sake of power and control continues today, with Moon in Scorpio aided and abetted by Mercury (mind, communication, travel) in a cooperatively placed in the practical sign of Capricorn. Last rose-colored glasses (courtesy of Neptune and Venus) have now been replaced by an approaching square (challenge) to the Sun by Mr. Reality Check, a.k.a. Saturn. Get real about what you’ve accomplished so far this year — and whatever pushes need to be made, do it this week, before Mars turns retrograde on January 23rd. After that we’ll be in a strategy session until April 13th, perfecting issues related to work, routine, organization, diet, and discernment.
Yesterday I noted that the early morning hours were likely to be a bit restless, and I am hearing reports that I wasn’t the only one who woke up several during the night — which rarely ever happens. In other news, I see Hungary is once again making headlines, as predicted in this forecast on December 16th (check the archives). Hungary’s horoscope suggests continued upheaval in the area of resources (courtesy of rebel Uranus), and a ruthless squeeze for control, as transformational Pluto makes a mighty challenge to Saturn, planet of ambition and control. Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, enough signatures have been reportedly gathered to ensure a recall — or a do-over — election intended to remove Scott Walker from the governor’s mansion. Regular readers have been kept abreast of planetary patterns in Governor Walker’s horoscope since February 23rd (check the archives). As with Hungary, Walker is experiencing a ruthless squeeze from Pluto to his natal Saturn AND his natal Mars, suggesting “extreme force, brutality, persuasion, excessive effort” and “the threat of loss in any area of life; hard, hard work”. Click the link on the referenced articles for some examples of “persuasion and extreme effort” as Walker pulls out all the stops to keep from losing his job this summer. Walker has Sun and Moon in Scorpio, that alone suggests he’s not going anywhere without a fight.
Astro-logical Forecast for Monday 1/16/2012: Of Dreams, Martin Luther King,Jr. and Mars Retrograde
/in The ForecastA third challenge to your New Moon agenda may present itself today, even though you may not be at the office. It’s a holiday for most in the U.S., and the markets here are closed. Still, you can be energized by the 3rd Quarter Moon that pushes you up and at ’em this morning (the aspect is exact at 4:08AM ET).
Mixed messages at 10AM and 10:29AM ET — first from a serious connection to the people-pleasing Moon in Libra from disciplinarian Saturn, seeking to cut out the fat. More austerity is likely in store — and a challenge to leaders everywhere — when Saturn challenges the Sun on Thursday….but we’ll likely be feeling the influence all week. We’ll see how the European and Asian markets respond to all the downgrades issued on Friday http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/business/global/after-downgrades-european-leaders-argue-for-both-austerity-and-stimulus.html?scp=2&sq=europe%20downgrade&st=cse
The second AM connection is a dreamy swoon between nebulous Neptune and that peace-seeking Moon in Libra (West Coasters note your dreams), followed by a Moon void until 11:33AM ET, suggesting a natural rest period and a slower than usual start to the day. At 11:33AM ET Moon enters moody bastard Scorpio, seeking knowledge for the sake of power and control…but lo! Today, the moody bastard Scorpio Moon is aspected by an enthusiastic and possible expensive connection from lucky Jupiter (1:34PM ET), and a delightful kiss from Venus at 5:05PM ET, which favors social connections of all kind. If you need to gather intelligence today, do it.Your target may actually play along and you can plumb some delightful depths….
Today we honor the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., who was actually born on January 15, 1929 at 11:21AM in Atlanta, GA. King was a Sun Sign Capricorn (the energy to make things happen in order to move forward), with Moon in Pisces, which needs to work with the collective soul and other intangibles…a dream, perhaps? Interesting to note that a child born today would have more than one pattern in the horoscope that is similar to King’s: Jupiter at the beginning of Taurus, which seeks the reward of material comfort and security; and rebel Uranus running wild at the beginning of the pioneering Aries. Also running wild: mental Mercury in humanitarian Aquarius and Venus, ruling social expression, in Pisces (echoing the Pisces Moon). Sounds like a recipe for a brilliant orator to me. Also noted in King’s horoscope: Jupiter is involved in a pattern that suggests tremendous self-sufficiency; and stern Saturn is challenging Mars in what could have been quite a militant, rigid approach…except that Mars is retrograde. King was wise to use this energy to advocate a peaceful approach. If you’re a regular reader of this forecast, you know that Mars will turning retrograde next week, suggesting a three-month long strategy session. Consider how MLK put a retrograde Mars to good use, and remember, as of January 23rd: No fights. No lawsuits. No wars! Got that?
Astro-logical Forecast for Sunday 1/15/2012: Venus in Pisces & That Sinking Feeling
/in The ForecastMoon has been in people-pleasing Libra since 8:28AM ET Saturday, adding to the need for beauty and harmony suggested by Friday’s hook-up between idealistic Neptune and loving Venus, still in effect thru the weekend. As of 12:47AM ET Saturday, Venus left “who’s your buddy?” Aquarius for the soulful depths of Pisces. Whereas Venus in Aquarius can take a scientific approach to relationships some find a bit detached and/or maddening, Venus in Pisces does not need to analyze; it just feels intuitively, with compassion and empathy. See if you notice that shift in social expression over the next few weeks.
Your Saturday date night offered an interesting mix of the aforementioned soulful social expression cheered on by a connection to jolly Jupiter, challenged by a potentially intense emotional catharsis, suggested by that people-pleasing Libra Moon squared by ruthless, transformational Pluto. Such was the scenario just before 1oPM ET — anyone have any good stories?
There are no exact aspects among the planets on Sunday, save for an expressive Moon-Mercury challenge at 2:15AM ET, suggesting a need — perhaps — to lay things on the line. After that, the need for peace and harmony prevails — unless you’re one of those lucky people born near a solstice or an equinox. What’s that bzzzzzzzzz you’ve probably been feeling since February of 2011 all about, hmmmm?
In other news…the Patriots were favored to win Saturday’s game — and they did. Go, Pats! http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/sports/football/tom-brady-leads-patriots-to-win-over-tim-tebow-and-broncos.html?hp Meanwhile, I can’t find an exact time of departure for the cruise ship that ran aground in Italy on Friday the 13th http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/world/europe/cruise-ship-runs-aground-off-tuscan-coast.html?hp but looking at the charts for 8PM (when the accident apparently occurred) and 9:30PM (a time of great confusion on board the ship, according to some reports I’ve read) in Giglio Porto. Measurements suggest the possibility of a “sudden event” and an insistence on self-sufficiency when it would have been more efficient to ask for input from — ??? Nebulous Neptune and status quo-disrupting Uranus are quite strong in both of these charts, suggesting the possibility of confusion, accidents and/or risky behavior. Moon and Mars conjunct in perfectionist Virgo suggests much argument over the right thing to do — even as those arguing had, according to the horoscope, likely lost their bearings.