Venus back into Aries | who are we now?

praskie ulice by muszka

Venus (love, money, self-esteem, values, women, beauty) first entered Aries back in the early days of February then she stationed retrograde and backed into Pisces where she had to deal with Saturn (restrictions, road blocks, deadlines, delays, authority) and Chiron (wounded healer).

Now, she's back in "me first, let's get this thing moving" Aries and we are on to the next leg of our journey.

From victim/martyr to warrior maybe? The situation has changed but most importantly so have we. Venus retrogrades are for 40 days and 40 nights (sound familiar).

We have been tested and tempted. Do we really want this? Is this really something we value now? Demons from the past have resurfaced to be wrestled. There have been bittersweet looks backward. Photo albums and Facebook posting histories have been worn ragged from overuse. Maybe we've had to release some dream/situation/person.

When we know better, we do better - as Maya Angelou would say.

So now we know better and we are off to do better. BIG HUG.

We also have Mercury conjuncting Uranus and this influence will be felt for a few days. This is the conversation or news that comes "out of nowhere". People will be speaking impulsively. Our thinking speeds up and we might not be able to control what pops out of our mouths. Uranus also rules technology and innovation - this would be the time for news about new discoveries.

I read recently about a man who has invented a machine you can point at someone's head and they hear what you want them to hear - inside their head, no one else can hear it. The article made this sound like some kind of medical breakthrough, but all I could see were the dangers if this technology fell into the wrong hands. Like my husband's. I would be listening to AC/DC all day. Or maybe he would try one of those subliminal messaging things to get a hot cooked meal. Seriously though, this breakthrough mind control machine, is one of those things scientists do because they can without asking if they should. I see the warning lights and I'm sure they do, too. Danger Will Robinson.

And we thought the Age of Aquarius (ruled by Uranus) would be like the song/play with people growing their hair extra long and "letting the sun shine in"? Sorry, not so much.

Anyhoo, I'm not going to get into that on a Friday morning!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I am preparing crafty goodies for my brother's baby shower tomorrow. He is becoming a first time father at 47 (and yes, this is with his 'first time wife' of almost the same age). Science, when the "should we do this" is factored in, can create miracles, too. We don't want to forget that.

With Mercury (thinking, ideas) hooking up with innovative and futuristic Uranus now - brilliant ideas, solutions and decisions can come of out nowhere. They may upset our apple cart, but maybe those apples have grown moldy anyway.

(One of the reasons we have a Trump presidency - he is Uranus remember - is our own inability to embrace CHANGE. The more we neglect these energies when they show up in our own lives the more energy the collective must deal with. I don't know what was going on with him in late March, but something from then will be back in the news now, too.)

This isn't the first time Mercury has conjuncted Uranus recently and it won't be the last. Remember Mercury is retrograde now (how can we forget?) and walking backward. He conjuncted unpredictable Uranus on March 26th when he was direct and again now as he backtracks and finally on May 10th after turning direct. Something here is trying to get our attention. This likely ties into our Venus retrograde story, too. News now will be news we can use. And trust. I'd say pay attention, but if this touches your chart you won't be able to miss it.

Mars is also conjuncting the Moon in fast moving Gemini. Today is going to fly. Get moving. If you blink, you'll miss it!

xo all

New Moon in Taurus April 26th | keep it simple, what we seek is seeking us

interpreter of sunlight by equivoque

I hate writing headlines for posts because nothing is ever just one thing or just one way. We are all so busy these days and everyone is skimming - which is a good thing to do with a mosquito net to a dirty pool, but always makes me think of the Soprano's taking a little off the top. It is easy to be short-changed. Although I skim, too, sometimes, of course :)

Anyhoo, Wednesday's New Moon (early morning) is in steady eddie, fixed and earthy Taurus. New Moons are the times when the Sun and Moon are both in exactly the same degree. The Moon is hidden. The stuff we do now is hidden, too. After tomorrow the Moon, as it moves out of exact lineup with the Sun, will appear to grow larger in the night sky. This is called waxing. The waxing Moon is the time of every month's lunar cycle when things are growing. 

Fire Moons (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) may be the best times to start things and have them take off like a rocket, but earth, and especially the only fixed earth New Moon of the year (this one) is the best energy for the seeds we put into the ground to take root and last. Patience is required with Taurus. Think about a farmer with his field - he doesn't expect his plantings to bear fruit immediately and we can't either. Time is on our side here.

Remember the way this whole thing works - astrologically speaking. We initiate something (say an intention) and it carries the energy of the 'start' - that moment of time. It actually is that moment. Now the degree of this New Moon (6 degrees Taurus) will be activated by other celestial bodies as they move through this degree later. Venus and Mercury will walk this degree when they get into Taurus at some point over the next few weeks and impact it, other planets and points will square (tension) or oppose it (just what it sounds like). We've established a marker, and life, through its ceaseless cycle, continually interacts with it. It's always up to us what we do with/and through these interactions and of course some markers are stronger, and more impactful, than others. Because Mars has already passed 6 degrees Taurus we won't have his fiery active energy interacting with our marker later. This is just fine with Taurus though who likes a more stable, consistent path anyway.

Taurus doesn't like to rush. She likes comfort and ease and stopping to smell the roses. This isn't about being lazy. This is about our ability to savor. And to put down roots. We live on a beautiful, miraculous rock hurtling through space. How is this even possible? And yes, times are especially challenging (and I am finishing up that 'winter is coming' series - it's even challenging to write about and keep an open perspective believe me). But we came here and are alive at this time for these experiences - we carry (each of us our own little piece of the puzzle) the energy needed now.

Actions and intentions that are given root this week will carry this solid, straight forward, long lasting energy. Think - simple. It may not be the best energy to start something super complicated. For example, this is excellent energy to commit to a healthier diet and have it stick. But, the way to do this would not be with complicated meal plans. Keep things simple.

With Uranus (rebellion, sudden changes) conjunct a retrograde Mercury at the time of this New Moon there could be an energy of 'not wanting to take no for an answer'. The stuff that is restricting us will be more keenly felt now and talked about or communicated. There could be some surprising news about an old situation that moves us in a new direction or gets us thinking a new way.

This New Moon is the beginning of the "moving ahead" energy that will gain more momentum when Mercury stations direct next week. Probably a project or situation that has laid dormant, been on the back burner or in the planning stages is starting to show signs of life now or signs that things are wrapping up.  

NEW MOON INTENTIONS 

This new moon in Taurus is an excellent time to begin a grounding practice, make affirmations and set intentions about Taurean ruled themes (also the theme of your natal Taurus house): love, money, contentment with what we already have, patience, self-worth, releasing stubbornness, health issues regarding our neck, throat and voice in the world - this would be a great time to start a singing practice or class, simply committing to singing loud and strong every time you are in the car can begin to carry your voice to new spaces and places (are you wanting to get your voice heard? think about it, I am totally serious, this is how life works) - nutrition, nature, self-care.

AFFIRMATION TIPS: get into a happy, contented frame of mind HUG A TREE (she needs you, too!) - always make affirmations from a  positive place, and both definitions of positive apply here - happy and certain. Write your affirmations down by hand in script, speak them out loud - then release your attention from these things knowing that your intention is known. Know these things are already yours.

Also remember affirmations are action -  they set the energy in motion and by working with the right things at the time of the New Moon we are literally creating the affirmation within the energy that is needed to bring it to life.

Words are not just words. If done properly, in the right frame of mind and heart-felt, they line us up energetically with the thing we are seeking. Always. 

The stuff we start now will benefit us later in the year. With Taurus, this is pretty much guaranteed, providing we keep things SIMPLE.

xo all


via GIPHY

Astrology Forecast for Creatives | Week of April 24th - news we can use, seeds in the ground, sudden revelations

in the form of a dream by equivoque

This is another big week.

It's a chapter in our story that would keep the reader up all night - it has a little bit of everything - work, creativity, old passion, karma, new decisions, endings, fresh starts and a plot twist at the end we won't see coming.

The early part of the week will probably be easier to work with. Get a jump on things Monday morning and take advantage of the Aries/Taurus Moons on Monday and Tuesday to get as much done as possible.

On Monday, Mercury (retrograde in Aries) trines (brakes off) Saturn (retrograde in Sagittarius). Any news now will be something we can build on - it will likely be about an old situation. It's a good time to accept reality and be practical. Step into responsibilities. Slow down and double check the facts. Use grown up language and be respectful of yourself and others with the words you choose to use. Communications and conversations with authority figures can go smoothly. A tendency toward negative self-talk could show up now - that inner critic should be respectfully silenced. "Thank you Saturn for bringing this to my attention. I can handle it." Then move on.

There are multiple challenges to Vesta (hearth, devotion) today including a square with Mercury and inconjunct with Saturn. So the smooth energy between them is giving her a headache! Maybe what we know we have to do is creating tension with what we are obsessing about or some 'tribal' matter. Now, Mercury squared Vesta back at the end of March while he was direct, so it could be an old situation/conversation regarding something that 'nurtures us' and/or something we are 'devoted to' is back on the table. Use that Mercury trine Saturn to discuss/work with these old energies in a new, more structured way. We might have to have the same conversation or rework the same idea again.

The New Moon in Taurus on Wednesday is an excellent Moon for planting NEW seeds. With the Sun and the Moon in fertile Taurus and sextiling (opportunity) the planet of our dreams and imagination, Neptune, who is very strong in Pisces - it will be well worth taking the time to set those monthly intentions!

A fixed sign, Taurus loves structure and routine, and the next few weeks will be all about creating new systems in our everyday life that support our highest values. We will have to be willing to leave behind what isn't working for this to happen. Post to follow.

The New Moon's sextile with Pisces is exact it is good energy to be proactive with our dreams and creativity. It trines fated Pluto. The time could be finally right for something. Plant those seeds! This is excellent healing energy. What needs healing? How can we benefit from merging with the collective energies? If we are exhausted this would be good energy to take a mental health day, especially if we can get our body near or into water. A walk in the woods can do wonders now also. Crying or sweating will work, too.

On Friday, Venus moves back (going forward) into Aries. Something finalizes here that has been ongoing since at least February. She is back in warrior mode and we are focused on ourselves (and so is everyone else). On the same day Mercury (information, communication, conversations, transportation) conjuncts Uranus (rebellion, unexpected, sudden) bringing unexpected news and plot twists! This will be a hell of a day! Post to follow.

xo all

Venus Squares Saturn (again), Mars into Gemini | what did you do about that wall?

k.m. by snjezana josipovic

Today is the 3rd and final time Venus squares Saturn - first direct (that's us hitting the wall) then retrograde (that's us going back over the situation and hopefully figuring out what to do about it) and now direct again - so, what's it gonna be?

Are we going to climb it, go around it, head in another direction? Or have we done this already. Venus energy is about love, money, self esteem, our values, women, beauty. This could/is also about the theme of our late Pisces natal house.

After this final roadblock this area of life will ease up.

Whatever has been standing in our way will be in our rearview mirror - maybe because we've figured out a way over or around or maybe because we've let go of that Venusian desire, released it as something that just ain't gonna happen right now, and moved on.

With Venus and Saturn this can also be about loneliness and isolation. Some things need to be done solo, but if this whole "put on your big girl pants and just do it" has become too much - the opportunities will arise now to involve other people. Walls can come down. Also learning to love time spent in solitude is a wonderful gift. There could be experiences with that energy now.

With Saturn squares what usually happens is the reality of the situation can no longer be ignored. With Venus it's time to find the beauty (and love) in that. 

Note the fly in the ointment of this whole situation beginning to lighten up after today (although it will to an extent) is we have Chiron and Saturn getting closer to their exact square in pretty much this same area. There is probably some later (within the next couple weeks) ouch still to be felt/dealt here. Sorry.

Also today firey Mars moves out of Taurus, where he has been kind of grinding his heels, and into energetic, frenetic Gemini. You can decide if this is a good thing. With Mars now in Gemini answering to Mercury and Mercury in Aries answering to Mars - these planets are in mutual reception and both strengthened. You decide if this is a good thing.

Mars in Gemini will have us running here and there. This is the energy that loves multi-tasking. Yes, we know now that multi-tasking really just means doing everything half-assed, but sometimes half-assed is good enough. And sometimes it isn't. You decide.

Too many balls in the air, can be an exciting thing, until they are all in a pile at our feet. If everything is equally important than nothing is really important. Skills to prioritize and stay on track will come in handy now.

With Mercury retrograde alot of our energy will be going into old situations. Maybe we can say/do it differently this time. Watch for flashes of temper and tricky situations to come and go quickly. What is that old expression - don't get too worked up about the weather because it's about to change. Well, that's a good way to look at life right now.

Stay flexible. Things are in flux. And we will soon be headed into Gemini season (I don't mean to rush Taurus season, but already this is how Gemini makes me think!) when even more will be in flux. Use a loose grip now and don't count your chickens until they have hatched. This isn't the final, final round.

My car broke down this week and I've decided today to stop this shared car drama by renting a car for a few days. Usually I can't bear to toss money away like this, but it's Taurus season and equally hard to be uncomfortable. Naturally I will rent a teeny tiny, terribly uncomfortable car, that requires contortions to enter and exit, that saves me ninety nine cents a day. Because ... well ninety nine cents a day. And I do love zippy little cars and there is the whole Mercury (transportation) and Mars (action) in mutual reception thing now.

(also I should report the whole renovation hell with the money pit camper continues)

We'll talk more about Gemini as we move through it. Just know we are about to get alot done or at least alot started or maybe just be running in a whole lot of different directions at once.

That mutual reception with Mercury thing and Mars ruling war thing means we need to watch that our language doesn't start a war. So don't start a war. Just do something else on that never ending to-do list until the weather shifts ..... xo all

Pluto Stations Retrograde | an insider look at control, power and resources

Pluto stations retrograde this morning (in Capricorn) and the Sun conjuncts a retrograde Mercury in Taurus. Maybe something comes to light today that has been buried.

ania 3 by aprelka

Pluto's retrogrades are times to do some deep inner work. Fear that is ripe for release will come up to be looked up. Fear can arise through uncomfortable situations, but we can see it for what it is, ask ourselves if it serves us any longer and decide what to do with it. Really deep insights are possible while Pluto is retrograde and he is particularly powerful when he stations. 

Now we have four planets retrograde again. The revisions and delays we encounter are part of the process. We can be assured they will pay off later. Pushing against these seemingly never ending blockages (remember things have to fall into place with other people, too), trying to control stuff now and trying to swim upstream (you still don't look like a salmon to me) aren't going to work.

Outworn controls, rules and power systems are getting re-looked at. Remember this year's retrograde energies are getting us ready for next year's solidification. We are deciding now what gets to stay, what we are going to keep, what changes need to be made in our structures. Really think through those decisions because whatever is built by the end of this year is going to stick around.

The Taurus aspects now are about our resources. What do we have and what is it worth? How can we use what we have in more effective ways? What are we missing?

Remember these are transits meaning transitory - they won't last forever.

Our New Moon on April 26th will start the ball rolling with new energies to work with then after Mercury stations direct on May 3rd (give him a day or two to get his wings ironed out) we will be really moving forward.  

In May, our holding patterns and revisions will start to pay off. By June when Jupiter turns direct it is all about the NEW energy (some of which is new and some of which is new again) and all systems are GO.

(note - all systems GO doesn't mean whatever we want to do is the greatest idea we have ever had - we could still fall on our ass, but those are mostly pretty cushioned anyway, right? the universal resistance will be much, much less)

Right now we are still "re"vising, "re"visiting, "re"flecting. We are doing an inventory of our resources, making plans and stocking up. We are polishing up our skills and education. We are expanding our relationships. We have more resources than dollars in the bank, but, of course, we need those, too. What's bringing us stability? What's sucking us dry?

We are giving voice (Taurus rules the throat and voice) to what we want with positive language and heartfelt prayer - Neptune IS DIRECT and our connection to the ethereal realms is uber strong now. If we have planets or points if the middle degrees of the cardinal signs this has been/will be even more impactful - check your Aries, Cancer, Capricorn and Libra houses - or just do an inventory of what is happening in your life now. Whatever it is that is creating that pit in our stomach and those sleepless nights (this could be through worry or enthusiasm) is the area that is ripe for change this year ....

xo all

Sun into Taurus | what we really own

lovelove by bsium

The Sun moves from action Jackson Aries into "stop and smell the roses" Taurus later today where it will shine a light on all things Taurean and light up our Taurus houses until May 20th.

This doesn't mean life slows down, but we will feel much better if we make the time to enjoy those slower moments, care for ourselves (and others) in loving and practical ways and appreciate what we already have.

If Taurus is stubborn, it's only because it rules really important things - the kind of things that have to be nurtured and preserved and seen through to the end.

Taurus is the nuts and bolts of life. She rules our second house of everything important money can buy and everything important money can't. She rules food and nourishment. She rules the sensual touch that feels like love. She rules our resources - our money, the planet. She rules our self-esteem and values.

Traditionally she is ruled by the planet Venus, but I think astrologers might eventually change this rulership to Ceres (since Venus already rules lovely Libra and Ceres seems a better fit for Mother Earth Taurus). Then we will have two 'mother' rulers. Cancer and the Moon ruling over our emotional mothering and Ceres and Taurus ruling over the more practical aspects of nurturing - food, touch, self-esteem, our values, money, the literal and figurative ground beneath our feet.

(It also gives us another female archetypal energy to work with within the 12 houses and signs - something that will likely happen naturally as we continue our journey out of patriarchy - Age of Pisces and into equality Age of Aquarius. I am also wondering if Eris shouldn't have co-rulership, along with Mars, of the sign Aries.)

The space that rules Taurus has had our attention for many weeks now as both Venus and Mercury have been waking it up. The imbalances get maybe more imbalanced until they topple over or we are forced to remove something from the more loaded side or add something to the weaker one.

Taurus is the space (natal house) that naturally encloses what we are here to nurture, preserve and grow. It may be a space we have a bit less passion and ambition because we most naturally feel the need to sustain what takes root here. A bird in the hand thing usually applies to the theme of whatever space Taurus occupies in our natal chart. The energy is cautious because the thing we are holding/carrying here is precious.

Taurus is the first earth sign. A fixed sign - she values simplicity over complexity, calm over chaos, stability over flexibility, silence over noise.

Taurus is all about the fertile Earth (it is not a coincidence Earth Day is during Taurus season). The polarity of Scorpian sexuality - she is sensuality - the touch that feels like love. Taurus coaxes us back into our bodies at the end of a hard day with a long hot bath. She stimulates our hands to pick up those tomato plants at the farm market and get them into the dirt. She encourages us to buy the quality thing that will last when we can afford it. She is the quiet voice that whispers I love you when we stroke the baby's ear with our lips.

People will want to be comfortable (whatever that means to them) and might resist new and unfamiliar situations now. Keep this in mind.

It will be easy for all of us to wander outdoors and forget the pot of water boiling on the stove, the email that needed to be answered or the work waiting for us on the bench. Keep this in mind.

Life is moving fast now - but this energy can help us stay grounded. We'll stop and smell the roses, eat food that has touched the earth, listen to good music, purchase quality long-lasting items, get our hands dirty, appreciate the stuff that is right in front of us and we'll use Taurean strength and determination to be consistent and get things done (maybe just fewer and different things!). xo all 

Mercury trine the North Node | maybe a final chance to check the best box, revise something, hear something we need to hear, learn something we need to know or say it right this time

5656 by stefa-zozokovich

Mercury (retrograde at the very end of Taurus) makes his final trine (brakes off) to the North Node (at the very end of Virgo) today. The North Node (a point not a planet) is our energetic North Star - our collective way forward.

Mercury (conversations, communications, thoughts, ideas, local neighborhood, siblings, transportation) was conjunct the North Node back on April 3rd, so whatever comes up now is something we are backtracking over again. 

This will not be a brand new issue/situation/decision/idea/conversation, but this could be our final chance to get this right, or take advantage of some information, before the North Node moves on to Leo in early May.

Words are especially powerful right now. 

We need to pay attention to today's conversations and think about what we are thinking about. With trines things can move so smoothly - this means whatever is happening should fall into place - they are easy to miss or discount.

The right conversation, words, ideas that point us forward will find us. Maybe something we learn now will be needed later.

Listen, and think about, words and phrases that are repeated now - conversations and thoughts we have had before that spring back to life. It's a time to speak carefully and purposefully. Talk about what you want to happen and not what you do not want. Words always matter. We are finishing up something here that spills the seeds our next something is rooted in. Use precise language.

This could be a final chance to check something off, revise our plan, or review the details of a situation/agreement/decision, etc. The best answers should come easy. If we have to manipulate, push or force something into place it is the wrong something or the wrong timing.

And remember Mercury also rules our neighborhood, our siblings and transportation - which sounds random, but actually isn't. Hubs and I are renovating a vintage camper for my business (Taurus rules my 7th house of partnership, so he and I have been dancing for weeks - sometimes the Foxtrot, sometimes the Tango and sometimes that bump thing I learned in 7th grade where you bang the other person with your hip and shoot them across the room).

In the middle of all the lessons this has brought out for me, including how my 8th house Moon can really take advantage of his resources ie skills and muscle - yikes - we went to the automotive paint store on April 2nd. The guy, who George knows from his own business, did not really want to mix the paint on a Saturday afternoon. The whole process was very difficult and I had to make a snap decision about color because what I wanted wasn't in his paint books. I knew Mercury was trining the North Node the next day, but was thinking about language and not this vehicle we are working on (transportation is ruled by Mercury - duh!). Big mistake. We I forced the situation, bought the paint and long story short, we didn't use it, wasted oodles of time and money because auto paint is very expensive. I am headed back to the paint store today for a different color. Color sounds like a small thing, but the timing is making me think it isn't. Of course the Venus retro/direct story was also factoring in.

(also if anyone needs a gallon of cream color auto paint, hit me up - I'm your girl)

I know we are all kind of anxious to get moving. We are and will be. Mercury will not be direct until May 3rd. Some things probably can't wait and yes, those things we move on now will likely require some revision later. That's OK. That's how it goes. We are here for the experiences not the destination. With Venus moving forward we should find some choices easier to make. Eyes wide open, knowing Mercury retro pretty much ensures some zigzags and revisions - here we go.

xo all

remember today the Moon hooks us into the ongoing t-square and conjuncts Pluto - this means power plays, unexpected news and events (Uranus) and a tendency toward shooting ourselves in the foot maybe through compulsion or manipulation. Keep this in mind. See the weekly for more info.

Astrology Forecast for Creatives | Week of April 17th - another busy, potentially tense and eye opening week

dernier jour. by musicandphotography

This is another busy week - and they continue to get more tense, hectic and stressful from here as we move into May. We have multiple planets changing signs and another planet, powerful Pluto, stationing retrograde plus Venus's third and final tense meet up with Saturn.

Monday is all about Saturn. The Moon is in Saturn ruled Capricorn, the Sun is trining Saturn and then by Monday night Mars is inconjunct Saturn. That's a whole lot of serious! We can get alot done. Iron your big girl pants Sunday night and be ready.

The Capricorn Moon will have us get right down to business. Our emotions will be more practical, pragmatic and measured. In situations where we are the authority figure it would be a good time to lay out a game plan because the multiple aspects now could feel overwhelming if we are not organized. We should be able to keep a cool head and do what has to be done. Know that our bosses and authority figures will have alot going on - don't waste their time.

The Sun's trine (brakes off) to Saturn could bring recognition (Sun) for our past efforts (Saturn) - remember with Saturn, the rewards, recognition (and yes, consequences) come later. Success comes from hard work or putting in the time or doing what is right.

This is a good aspect for dealing/working/meeting with people in charge and older men (and your father or a father-figure) - remember the advice to be practical, pragmatic and take ourselves seriously if we want others to.

This is good energy to bring structure and organization to a situation - have you done your taxes? The deadline is extended to Tuesday this year, but get cracking today.

We also have Mars (in Taurus) sextiling (opportunity) Venus (in Pisces) at 26 degrees. This is a wonderful aspect for pouring energy (Mars) into what we love (Venus) and also for having confidence in creative projects. Masculine and feminine energy is working together now (date night?). The opportunity comes from loving what we are doing and taking action. The opportunity comes from the blending of the masculine (assertive) and feminine (receptive) energies.

By nightfall Mars (in his last move before he changes signs later in the week) inconjuncts Saturn. We have to make some kind of adjustment to move forward with that Taurus natal house situation (where is Taurus in your natal chart?) or whatever is going on with our Taurus ruled money, property, ownership or product. Something is out of balance here. If we are thinking we are the only one with the answer or the only one who can do whatever it is that needs doing - we are going to be one tired and pissed off puppy. Stop comparing how much other people are doing. Have I said before half the sky is moving backward? Something is probably moving too fast. Slow the whole thing down.

On Tuesday, the Moon hooks into the 2017 ongoing t-square by squaring Jupiter and Uranus and conjuncting Pluto. This is a big power play day. Political maneuverings will be in the news. Shake ups and surprises are likely involving all the themes involved : (Moon ruled by Saturn) career, goals, status, authority, structure (Jupiter in Libra) partners, clients, opponents, equals, specialists, travel, legal, foreign, political, educational, media, religion (Uranus aka Trump these days) sudden changes, shock, surprise, rebellion and finally (Pluto in Capricorn) death, rebirth, power, control, karma, transformation, divorce, reproduction, sex.

I realize this is a giant word salad so maybe not as useful and healthy as a regular salad - here I'll throw in some "kale", there, that's better - if you are not on your third cup of coffee and that was all too much to read - just expect there to be power plays. Forewarned is forearmed.

Also Venus, moving forward - if you get up early you can see her in the sky as the morning star now - squares the Galactic Center (which I'm going to do a post about at some point soon - just think black hole for now) some pattern or belief we no longer need, something that creates tension and stress, could become obvious to us now. Maybe we'll have one of those Oprah "AHA" moments. There could be an awareness of something we don't have to do anymore or some way we no longer need to be - probably something we've done since childhood to fit in and feel safe - what a relief!

On Wednesday, the Moon moves into Aquarius. The Sun leaves fiery Aries and heads into grounded Taurus to kick off Taurus season. Taurus can bring stability (although sometimes a lack of ambition or fire) to the space she resides in our natal chart. This space gets some light thrown on it now. Expect a post.

On Thursday - lots of action today - Pluto stations retrograde at 19 degrees Capricorn (until September 28th). Our power/control issues morph. It's probably time to back off a bit. This is about destruction as a kind of reconstruction. Yes, more "re"s. This is especially good energy for a detox or to start some kind of psychological counseling. With Pluto the gold is buried. So we are going to dig. We'll talk about this more later.

Also important today, the Sun hooks up with a retrograde Mercury as one planet enters Taurus and the other prepares to leave. This might bring our attention to a resource or idea we had overlooked.

A retrograde Mercury moves back into Aries. Here's my original post on Mercury in Aries "them's fighting words" - now we'll just be doing the whole thing backward and in high heels. Post to follow.

Take care when driving and in conversations, situations with angry people.

When Mercury (ruler of transportation) stationed to go retrograde on the 9th we had the United Airlines passenger injury which the United CEO called "re-accomodating" the passenger. His unconscious (and strange) use of a made-up "re" word was so appropriate, too, wasn't it? On the day Mercury stationed for his previous retrograde a few days before Christmas we had the Berlin truck attack. Both stations had complicated, potentially violent aspects connected to them, but the results were entirely different. Also notice last week Trump changed his mind on several important issues all within a few hours right after his Gemini Sun ruler Mercury changed course - could Trump change course again once Mercury stations direct on May 3rd? Of course. This isn't front page news with him, but something to watch for. 

On Friday, Mars moves from Taurus into Gemini. We will have more choices. Conflicts, especially verbal, could at times be part of the process forward and it could be three steps forward and two steps back - but here we go. With Mercury retrograde and ruling Gemini, Mars (our action, initiative) will be answering to a backtracking Mercury.

If something we thought was dead and buried suddenly springs back to life now - it would be a good idea to approach it from another angle.

Also on Friday, Venus has her third and final square with Saturn. Her first square was January 27th, then she backed over Saturn last week, retrograde on April 8th, and now here she is once again - hitting that roadblock, deadline, responsibility, obstacle, constraint. Have we figured this crap out yet? If not, this is the one final challenge before we move on. If we have, we will sail right over this one. The seas are still choppy though with Chiron still squaring Saturn - don't ditch the life preserver just yet.

There is only one void moon during work hours - Friday from 2:20PM EST to 3:45PM EST - maybe just take off early.

Saturday is Earth Day, the Sun is in the Earth Mother sign of Taurus and we have a government determined that climate change is a hoax. EPA chief Scott Pruitt thinks Americans look at the EPA and they see the IRS. No Scott, Americans see the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) as "protecting our environment" because that's what it does - where corporations see 'regulations', the people see 'protections' - such a smug jack ass.

Hug a tree, she needs us as much as we need her.

xo all

Venus Direct in Pisces | what have we learned, what's left to deal with

trapped by thefirebomb

Venus stations direct today. She is in Pisces squaring Saturn (in Sagittarius). She (as us) has been through her 40 day and 40 night journey to the heart of what really matters.

Venus rules love, money, our values, women, beauty, our self-esteem. So what have we learned? What really matters?

The story isn't over - she is still covering old ground, but the re-examination is over. We are off the table and the doctor is in the doctor's lounge having a cup of coffee.

She stations direct in a tight spot very close to Chiron (wounded healer) and squaring Saturn (time, structure, limits, responsibility). It may take a week or two for whatever it is we are dealing with to ease up, but we know what we need to know now.

Chiron teaches that some wounds can't be healed. Some ships have sailed and if we're on the dock - we're on the dock. If we're on the ship - we're on the ship. If we're on the beach - well ... lucky us.

Something is as it is here.

We can see/feel the space between what we think we want and what we think we deserve - it's the space between what we want and what we actually have. It might seem, to our eyes, that it is a very large space and what we want is way over there. But it is really as close as our last breath.

It is no coincidence Venus stations direct in Pisces. In Pisces we have the empathy and compassion to accept whatever it is that needs accepting here. No one is perfect. Not us, not anyone else. No situation is perfect either. No matter what other people's Facebook updates and Instagram snapshots would like us to think.

If there is something that needs to be forgiven, we can forgive. Remember we can forgive ourselves or another person and still value ourselves enough to not allow whatever is causing the pain to continue. Maybe this is the real lesson with Venus in Pisces.

When we say we will forgive, but not forget, this doesn't mean we carry the pain like a scar on our body. We don't "remember" so we will never find ourselves in this situation again (although we tell ourselves this). Because our next spin up the spiral may require exactly the same situation and our heart needs to be open. We are not a two year old learning the hard way not to touch the stove. The lessons are harder, and less black and white, now. We forgive because we know there is only love and lack of love (fear). There is really nothing to forgive. This can be a really hard thing to get. 

(I would recommend a self study course called the Course in Miracles if you are interested in this way of thinking. I have gone through it twice. It changed my life.) 

This doesn't mean we keep beating our head against the wall and not learn our lesson. Our lesson is learned. That money/love/values situation has evolved. We are moving on.

The fly in the ointment - yes this time there is only one fly - is that Saturn is squaring our journey forward until the end of the month. He has been squaring Venus for about the last week and will square her for another week, then he continues to square Chiron for another week after that. So moving on may not feel quite like we are moving on. It may feel like we finally reach our exit on the traffic jammed highway (whew, that was not fun) and we turn onto a country lane roadblocked with cows.

The good news about Saturn is we know how to deal with him. We know what he wants.

With Saturn we are going to feel the pressure. When I had my first "put on your big girl pants" job I drove to work everyday blasting Billy Joel's song Pressure. It made me feel better.



Saturn wants us to do the work. "The work" will vary but we know what it is. It's that thing we feel tired and overwhelmed just thinking about. Most likely we will have to handle it alone because usually Saturnian things are done in isolation.

Yes, other people will let us down. Friends will all cancel on the day of our "paint party" - not because we can't count on anybody else, but because we need to paint our freakin' livingroom ourselves - it's our job.

Saturn doesn't create the tight situation. He just draws our attention to the way we have painted ourselves into a corner. 

The greater the "pressure" we feel, the more the need to do the Saturnian work - ie end something (Saturn rules time and endings), work harder/do it differently (Saturn rules hard work), step into our responsibility (Saturn rules responsibility). You get the idea.

Something is going to have our full attention one way or the other.

There might not be any pats on the back for a job well done here. Maybe no one will even know what it is we have done. That's OK. We are not doing it for them. We are building muscles. We are going to look very good on the beach this summer. The next time there is a heavy load to lift it will feel lighter to us.

With Saturn the results and rewards (and consequences - please do the work, don't cut corners, be responsible) come LATER.

If, after 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness we do not know what we need to know about that love/money/values/self-esteem late Pisces house/early Aries house situation we are only kidding ourselves.

It's right here in front of our noses. We know what we want. We know what matters. We know what we have to do or what we need to stop doing. It's just up to us (through Saturn) to do it.

xo all

I didn't get to that big picture post this week. Hopefully I will get to it this weekend.

On the immediate political front (Trump's chart, U.S.) I see what looks like Trump getting some wins (like last week if those are considered 'wins') then losses off and on through May, then it looks like greater anger and resistance toward him by June and by summer and into the fall the country is struggling with real, significant losses and he is being blamed and there is that major eclipse in August over the U.S. and Trump's chart - I am still not sure he is going anywhere though ... whether this is all about the Russia story or the military is hard to see - that's why I want to look at the other players' charts if they are online.

Also remember astrology is not so great for prediction and I can't see any chart except through my own eyes.

With Trump's chart (Mars on ascendant) he needs someone to fight - as long as it is Congress or the Democrats or the media or other business people or his wife - maybe he will be contented. When things quiet down there, with Uranus sitting on his Sun quiet and routine is not a comfortable state for him, he will need to fight something/someone else and his natal Sun is conjunct the U.S. chart's natal Mars, ruler of war.

I just finished his book 'The Art of the Deal' and now understand his philosophy better. He believes you go into a situation and create as much instability as possible (I've previously said he IS Uranus) - this creates a backdrop for negotiations where you will have the upper hand. So this is what he does. Keep this in mind.

In the meantime, remember, the energy YOU put into the world matters. People say to send the situation 'love and light' and that is good advice with the drums of war beating ever louder in our ears, but remember if we go home and kick the dog our words won't matter.

With Venus uber powerful at her station, through Monday especially, and so near to the healing energy of Chiron and in compassionate Pisces - we have greater access to that. Forgive some situation. Forgive that other person. Forgive yourself. See the world through this more compassionate lens.

(note the fact Venus, after a biblical 40 days and 40 nights, is reappearing between Good Friday and Easter Sunday in the middle of Passover)

This is how we begin to heal the world. It starts with us. It really does. The Goddess of Love is moving forward in her exalted sign of Pisces TODAY - love is in the air if we want it .... have a wonderful Easter. xo

Sun Conjunct Uranus | shock and awe

go slowly by mrs-pinkeyes

Since Uranus has been in Aries (2008) the Sun has caught up with him at some point during Aries season (late March-April) every year.

We'll have one more of these meet-ups next spring (and we'll have similar activities as the Sun squares and opposes Uranus later in the year) before Uranus moves on to Taurus.

For now this is about a light (Sun) being thrown on something unexpected (Uranus). This is a strong urge (Sun) to be free (Uranus). This is a flash (Sun) of genius (Uranus). This is shock (Uranus) and awe (Sun). In Aries, the push will be instinctive, fueled by passion or anger and self centered (either centered on self or selfish).

This aspect will often show us to what and to whom we are tethered.

This might be shown to us in a way that doesn't feel so good. But not necessarily. Uranus (the conductor of our fastest route from point A to point B) uses what works and sometimes the stick works better than the carrot. Sometimes we are not hungry enough to even notice the carrot

(although I'm betting most of us are hungry for a little more stability and security now).

Coming right after Vesta's (devotion, hearth) tension with Uranus earlier in the week this could be a continuation of that earlier dust-up or something new could require our attention.

We could meet this energy in the form of an actual person. We could meet someone new and unusual now or our new and unusual self or thingamajig could attract a person/situation that lets it shine or brings it attention.

It is always better to use this kind of energy rather than be used by this energy. So do something new now (and notice again I am saying DO and not START - notice the difference).

We are having a glow in the dark Easter egg hunt tonight (note we are NOT starting a glow in the dark Easter egg hunt business). Doing not starting.

It doesn't have to be some huge, ginormous thing unless this stuff is hitting our personal planets and points and if that is the case it will most certainly be some big, ginormous thing - much like the 'mother of all bombs' - gotta love the media's inability to reign in their language when faced with the choice between ratings/profits and consumer's sanity/drumbeat to war - just dropped by Trump and the United States - both charts triggered now.

I am going to look at the charts for Russia, Putin, North Korea and Kim Jong-un's this weekend. It is hard to glean enough data from Trump's about where all this is going since his chart is all over the place. Since Trump's one eighty on Syria, Eris's aspects (known as the Goddess of discord, although this energy which astrologers are just starting to figure out is feeling more like 'terrorist' to me - it is even a partial anagram - and terrorism takes root in that "not fitting in", "not being seen" energy of Eris - think Sissy Spacek in Carrie) since we are in Aries season and Eris is in Aries, Uranus aspects, again since we are in Aries season, and within all this unpredictable, off-course retrograde energy - things are uber stressful.

Today's Sagittarius Moon should help smooth out our emotions!

This is not a good time to go crazy and make a major change. The retrograde energy doesn't support it AND remember Uranus only cares about getting us from A to B via the fastest route, it doesn't care if we land on our ass or if the route (like my GPS when I get near a certain body of water and it urges me forward although there is no bridge) drowns us in the ocean. We will most assuredly wash up at point B, but we might not wash up still breathing. 

In other words - this transit is the impulse to quit our job, for example, but it doesn't provide any help once we've quit - the transit will be gone and so will our paycheck.

Unnecessary risks could put us in dangerous situations. We could damage (Uranus) our physical body (Sun). Uranus rules accidents and with my stellium in Aquarius (ruled by Uranus) I was one of the most accident prone children on the planet - my father said "put a piece of paper on the convention hall floor and she'll trip on it". I fell going down the stairs. I fell going up the stairs. I fell when I was sitting down - really, what the hell was that?! :) We could damage (Uranus) our reputation (Sun) - the way other people see us. Of course, even this could be a good thing if someone is relying on us too much and we let them down. Things are never totally bad or totally good. It's probably not a good time to confront authority though.

It is a good day to do something new. This energy is perfect for breaking free from old ideas and ways of doing things that are holding us back. It sounds hokey - but just be yourself. 

This is the time to do what is right for you. We don't have to throw the baby out with the bathwater to do this - get the baby out of the dirty water first. The baby may be keeping us up all night, but isn't a baby worth a few sleepless nights?! They are awfully damn cute.

Almost half the planets are retrograde - this is an internal journey - that's where the change starts now.

We have Venus stationing direct tomorrow in a VERY tight space, so I'll be back with another post. What has the last 40 days and 40 nights brought us? For most this has been about love and/or money lessons. What do we really value now?

xo all and Happy Good Friday!!

p.s. I just noticed Venus is trining the Moon today - kindness, civility and balance are the ways through today's energy! Back tomorrow.

disruption and discord ...

something more than a marvel by muszka

There is so much going on right now, some of which I wrote about HERE.

Instead of there being a fly in the ointment right now, there are a whole lot of flies, with maybe some ointment over there (Jupiter) the flies have not noticed yet. We could be the lucky fellow with our hands in that ointment or we could be the guy with the hand full of flies.

(Last night I got back in my car after a walk at the local reservoir. I felt something on my leg - I thought air from my car vent - and reached my hand onto my shin. I felt ... something HUGE ... well something VERY BIG ... well something BIGLY - let's just say bigger than a bumble bee and smaller than a tarantula. The size of something that doesn't probably should not exist in nature. I slung it off my leg, but then I couldn't find it. So, it's still in the car! Probably waiting to pounce. I thought about sending Olive in this morning to scope things out, but with Jupiter amplifying everything right now, the thing is probably larger than she is by this morning ... I may need a new car)

First we have a huge Full Moon this morning aspecting, well, just about everything.

We also have Eris - Goddess of discord, I always picture Angelina Jolie in Maleficent, sitting with the Sun (in warrior Aries) and opposing the Full Moon (in peaceful Libra). Eris is the part of us that is not accepted. She didn't get a seat at the table and she is pissed. We all carry Eris somewhere in our chart and since she has been in Aries (the sign of war) longer than any of us have been alive - she is pissed off for everyone (and I am channeling back to my 7th grade self holding a wobbly, near empty lunch tray and scanning the middle school cafeteria for safe shelter).

We also have Uranus (rebellion, shock, genius) squaring Vesta (devotion, home and hearth). This could be some kind of shocking or surprising situation that takes our focus off whatever it is we are focused on (devoted to). This feels like even more instability.

Remember we have four planets retrograde. Pushing ahead isn't going to work. Trying to swim upstream (do you look like a salmon? I don't think so ... well, maybe a little around the eyes) isn't going to work. People always give the advice to 'trust our gut' - but, this isn't really one of those times. Besides most of us are carrying winter bellies puffy from pastry. We need to do about 5000 sit ups before we can trust that thing to lead us anywhere that doesn't involve a stop for a glazed donut.

This is not the time to go off half-cocked (I wish the government employed an astrologer) because we can't count on negotiations to smooth things out later. Negotiations can't be counted on now - because with Mercury backing up in stubborn Taurus everyone will be digging in their heels. The next few days are very dicey with another shoe set to drop. Since we all know the shoe that dropped last week, this week's might not be pleasant (unless you're the guy with his hand in that clean ointment and I sincerely hope you are). All the planets are sitting very still in very precarious places and the one celestial body we count on to keep everything moving - the Moon - is about to move into Scorpio. The stage is set for someone to make a very bad move. We don't want to be that guy. Or the guy who reacts too hastily to that guy.

Think "re" now. If what you are doing doesn't start with the letters "re", maybe do something else. #kidding #notkidding

Am working on a big picture post for this week. xo all

Astrology Forecast for Creatives | Week of April 10th - reaping what we've sown

choose your life by Benesseritt

This is a very big week. We start the week with both Mercury and Saturn newly retrograde. This would be stressful enough.

Then we have a BIG Full Moon late Monday/early Tuesday that conjuncts Jupiter, opposes Uranus and squares Pluto, our T-Square gets activated by the Sun - it doesn't get any bigger than this!

Whatever is revealed now will certainly have far reaching consequences.

A Full Moon is always the time of Sun vs. Moon; something comes to light, something concludes. Full Moons bring the results of things previously put into motion. This Moon is in Libra so rules balance and civility and cooperation and peace and those pesky things called other people.

With the Sun in Aries and the Moon in Libra- we are dealing with the polarity of war vs peace, aggression vs. civility, "me me me" vs compromise.

With Jupiter (expansion, good luck) so close to the Moon there is the possibility of good things, maybe even very good things. If fortune favors us at this time we'll be sure to put something away for a less auspicious time (winter is coming - please take this seriously). Buy a lottery ticket.

Some ships are coming in and some are going out.

Of course Jupiter is retrograde so maybe there is still one more obstacle between us and that thing that we want so very much and that is what becomes clear to us now.

The problem with Jupiter these days is he is opposing Uranus (in Aries) and squaring Pluto (in Capricorn). So the blessings Jupiter delivers are all about reaping what we have sown. And with Pluto what we have sown may be the things our culture has sown or our ancestors or us in our previous lives - pick your comfort zone here - it is not so simple as what we ourselves have done in the last six months. But that plays a part, too.

There is the possibility of loss at this time. I know! I want the sure thing, too! I'm sorry!

There are pitfalls. Maybe big pitfalls. The Moon's opposition to 'anything can happen and probably will' Uranus means results can be unexpected, maybe even unprecedented and certainly emotional.  

This is not the time to take big risks. Don't act impulsively.

The possible loss here comes not so much from whatever is happening as it does from our reaction to whatever is happening. It could be almost impossible to keep a cool head, but keep a cool head. It also comes from the reason we react the way we do or the reason for the actions we have previously taken - what are our motives? Are they selfish or for a greater good? The square with Pluto guarantees much of whatever is happening will be outside our control and have a fated quality.

EXAMPLE of the Full Moon for Virgo, Virgo Rising - this Full Moon is in your second house of love, money, self esteem and values. There is an opportunity now for more of these things. Don't get greedy though. Take what you have earned (and you have earned it). Demanding too much can backfire.

Later in the week the Moon is inconjunct Mars (action, war, violence) and Ceres (mothering, security) in Taurus (money, values, grounding, real estate). Inconjuncts require adjustments and compromise. Digging in our heels isn't going to work. Flexibility and cooperation is the key.

EXAMPLE of the Moon/Mars for Taurus, Taurus Rising - this inconjunct impacts your sixth house of health and work - something gotta give here. You could be over-committing to others and undervaluing your physical self. Taurus rules food. Your health is especially impacted by what (and how) you are eating - rushing home with fast food after a busy day is not going to cut it for you. Slow down. Cook real food that has touched the earth. Chew slowly :)

On Saturday, Venus will station direct in Pisces squaring Saturn. This is a turning point. What we want vs what we deserve. How far apart are these two things? Well, we are going to find out! Post to follow later in the week.

EXAMPLE for Scorpio, Scorpio Rising - Venus is in your fifth house of creativity, self-expression, children, romance and games. Are you ready to put something out there, play a bigger game or do something just for the fun of it? What do you love? Is it worth the gamble?

I'll do some posts as we move through the week and we'll unpack the big picture stuff at play in our lives and within the world at large - we might have to talk a little politics.

Don't miss walking in this beautiful Full Moon late, late Monday night! It's a doozy.

xo all

Mercury Stations Retrograde | what do we really need

"In my small way, I preserved and cataloged, and dipped into the vast ocean of learning that awaited, knowing all the time that the life of one man was insufficient for even the smallest part of the wonders that lay within. It is cruel that we are granted the desire to know, but denied the time to do so properly. We all die frustrated; it is the greatest lesson we have to learn."
 - Iain Pears
An Instance of the Fingerpost

black pearl by lionique

Mercury stations retrograde tonight at 4 degrees Taurus.

(until Venus stations direct on April 15th, we have four retrograde planets - that's alot of energy moving backward folks!)

The usual Mercury retrograde disclaimers will apply for the next few weeks It's time to think "re".

Rethink, redo, re-examine, research, repeat, reunion, reminisce, revise, remove (clutter - stuff that gets in the way of our life moving efficiently), revisit, relax.

This is not the best time to plow full steam ahead with new things. It's not the best time to sign a contract because things will come to light later that require revision or our thinking (Mercury) can change after Mercury moves direct (May 3rd)!

It's a good time to READ THE FINE PRINT. Use clear language - we need to be doubly sure people are understanding what we are saying and that we are understanding other people, because wires get crossed now. Double check the email before hitting 'send'. Mercury, the fleet footed messenger, rules things that are fast moving from our computers to our cars. BACK UP FILES.

Take extra care driving. Slow down. We need to give ourselves extra time to get where we are going. There will be delays - bring a book. This is not a good time to make a major decision and even small decisions will go wonky. THINK THINGS THROUGH. Be clear about the consequences.  

Rushing, while Mercury is moving backward, can trip us up.

The space of the sky (also your natal Taurus and Aries houses - sound familiar? yes, because these are the same issues Venus has us re-working) Mercury is backing over rules our resources - what we really value, what we really need to survive.  

Maybe something from the past needs a second look. Maybe something that looked like a "sure-thing" may not be so sure. Go back over it. Yes, again. The more certain we are that something has to work out exactly so, the more likely we are to miss the alternatives that would be so much better. Delays are likely. Plans will change.

Until next weekend when Venus moves direct it would be best not to focus on future situations, 'what ifs' and dreams - let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. Let's take care of what needs taking care of in the present and the stuff from the past that has "re"appeared. With everything moving backward - that's more than enough.

Life goes on obviously, but we need to take extra care to keep things on course and sometimes with even the best care mishaps will occur. Keep this in mind. xo all

Saturn Stations Retrograde | the gift of uncertainty

Break by Djoe

Saturn rules structure. During his retrograde we will be going back and retooling and shoring up the physical structures in our life (including our bodies).

Saturn rules time. Time is on our side now. We just need to trust this. Patience is required. Saturn's retrograde offers us the time to "re-make" the structure of something before it is too late (Saturn comes home to Capricorn at the end of this year - have I said winter is coming, yes, I think I have).

It's a time to reconsider rules and obligations.

Since Saturn moved into Sagittarius in 2015 (through the end of 2017) our beliefs and commitment to our dreams has been tested. Saturn has been parked between us and our big picture beliefs and dreams for over a year now, making us work for everything. If we no longer fit in the space we are occupying or are holding on where our heart is no longer invested or if we are truly needed elsewhere - situations will arise over the next few months that make this clear to us.

Saturn might take certainly with him while he backtracks, but he leaves us with the gift of uncertainty. 

When nothing is certain maybe nothing is out of the question either.

"Instead of asking, 'What would I do 

if I knew I would not fail?' 

ask yourself, 'What's worth doing even if I do fail?'" 

Brene Brown

With the planet of "no" (Saturn) taking his siesta we might want to think twice before we say "yes" now. See if some responsibilities can be "re"shuffled. Check for cracks in the foundation. Balance the books. Take your calcium. Floss your teeth. Do the re's: "re"stabilize, "re"structure, "re"pair. Act legally and ethically. If we cut corners or let something slide seven years ago, the bill could come due now.

xo all

(Saturn will be retrograde through August 25th)

Mercury Trine the North Node | the words that take us to the next step

M by FredG

A trine is a 120 degree aspect in astrology. Two planets (or points) are forming one side of a triangle. They are working in harmony, stimulating each other toward increased activity and success.

We want (and always have) some of these in our natal birth chart. They are our subtle super powers. We can't see through a wall, but maybe we can see when someone is bullshitting us. We can't leap tall buildings with a single bound, but maybe we can leap over obstacles without getting mired in indecision.

Or we could think of them like a tool we are carrying in our pack for this lifetime. We need a screwdriver. We pull it out without thinking, we use it, it works, we put it back. It's something that's there. And it's helpful.

Today we have Mercury (communication, conversations, ideas, information) trine the North Node (destiny, our collective way forward).

The North Node is in Virgo (only for a few more weeks!) and Virgo is ruled by Mercury (at least until astrological study moves this rulership to Chiron - which I think could happen one day). So, this aspect is more powerful than it might usually be, although remember this is Virgo we are talking about - precise, practical steps. This aspect will no doubt encourage that.

Today's trine could be the quiet voice that urges us forward. This is the encouraging word that keeps us going. This is the word that tweaks our direction a bit. This is that thing we read at exactly the right time. So pay attention now. Trines don't jump off the shelf and announce themselves, "HEY YOU, yes, you, over here, listen to me!".

They are like that screwdriver. Except this time it's not in the backpack we were given at birth, it's only available to us for a short time - and if we are not paying attention we'll miss it. The screwdriver will float off to wherever it is screwdrivers go when we don't need them (partying in the junk drawer with the flash light probably).

Keep your eyes and ears open. The communication, conversation, thought or idea could seem like not much, but with a Virgo North Node little things are the big things. And with the North Node heading into Leo - where big things are big things - we need to cover as much ground now as we can. We need to get closer to what our heart really wants.

Also since the South Node (what we are releasing) is in Pisces, listen for ways we are still playing that game - playing the victim, playing the martyr, playing the rescuer, giving too much, avoiding the detailed work, escaping, getting lost in the fog - this shit is old and doesn't work for anybody anymore.

We are also at the First Quarter Moon (in Cancer) so let's give ourselves a break. It is naturally a time when we might want to hole up and nurse our wounds or retreat. If we are called to do that - do that. We never want to disregard our feelings. Even with all our subtle super powers we don't have to be superwoman. Superwoman died in the 90's. We have computers now. We don't have to know, do, be - everything. Trust me on this one. Let's be gentle with ourselves.

Live with the feeling - get rid of the story. Good words for a Cancer Moon.

xo all

Astrology Forecast for Creatives | Week of April 3rd - backward is the new forward

the hill by imxamxillusion

This week we have Venus changing signs (back into Pisces) plus Saturn and Mercury stationing retrograde.

There is a whole lot of retrograde energy in April - backward will be the new forward!

First up on Sunday night Venus moves back into dreamy Pisces. Venus is very happy to be out of Aries and into a space where she is exalted. She will be covering the degrees she walked at the very end of January. 

I have written quite a bit about this Venus retrograde and one thing I am certain of is that by the time she stations direct (April 15th) we will have a clear head about whatever this is we have been dealing with involving our early Aries/late Pisces house themes and Venus themes - love, money, values, beauty, women. The fantasy will be dissolved. The real deal will be what we are left with. We will be certain of what really matters. We will be proven wrong for all those times we said we didn't know what we really wanted. We did and we do.

So, if something goes away now - let it go. If it's meant for us it will slip right into our hands. We won't have to leap off a building to catch it. The only way we can miss it is if we are holding onto the old stuff with a death grip and that probably isn't even physically possible - but in case it is - loosen up. We ain't dead yet.

On Thursday, Saturn stations retrograde. Saturn (responsibility, time, restriction, hard work, structure) moving backward until August means something will either 1. lighten up - if we are carrying a heavy burden or responsibility stuff will lighten up now (especially regarding the theme of our late Sagittarius natal house) 2. a responsibility from the past will return or 3. something that is stabilizing an otherwise unstable situation will give way. We'll talk about this as we move through it.

Mars trines (opportunity) Pluto. This is good energy to be ambitious. Actions taken now can transform tricky situations. Go deep - investigate. Take the lead. We've got this thing.  

On Friday, the Aries Sun opposes Jupiter (in Libra). This amplifies Jupiter's expansive energy and can bring success and accomplishment. Our confidence improves. We'll just be careful not to overdo something, let the good stuff go to our head and fall on our ass. A situation can be overblown and look better than it actually is. It could be pretty good though.

On Saturday, a retrograde Venus (in Pisces) squares a retrograde Saturn (in Sagittarius) - this is tension about something from the past. Likely involving a Venus theme - love, money, values, beauty, self-esteem, women. If there is something here we have been avoiding something will happen that can't be avoided. We'll talk about this later in the week.

On Sunday, Mercury station retrograde - we'll talk about this later. For now let's BACK UP OUR FILES!

The only void Moon during work hours starts Monday at 4:45pm EST. The Moon is waxing - this is a time of action. We'll talk about these aspects in the dailies as we move through them- the weekly forecast is good for an overview though. xo all