WEEK OF AUGUST 5th, 2019: OUR PRIDE AND AFFECTIONS

 Artwork by Jasper Goodall 

Stand straight, walk proud, have a little faith
-Garth Brooks

The week begins with the Moon in Libra until it enters Scorpio on Tuesday signalling the First Quarter Moon. The Moon enters Sagittarius on Thursday, and remains on the archer’s territory until early Sunday morning when it enters Capricorn. The First Quarter Moon is a time of action and momentum when we are challenged to implement what was seeded at the New Moon and push forward.

SPIRIT
Passion burns hot this week as we move deeper into Leo season and straight into the heart of summer. The Sun in the second decan of Leo is bright indeed and Venus blinded by the rays inches closer and closer to the royal throne. By August 14, Venus will disappear completely into the Sun purifying herself in a baptism of light, rebirthing as an evening ”star”. The Sun and Venus in Leo will set the mood this week with loud and colourful roars and regal displays. Pride and affection for what we have created, what we have become, what we value and love is sure to be a theme. We might be moved to expose the content of our heart’s joys for all to see while other folks might dowse themselves in just-a-little-bit too much perfume.

FAITH
The Sun in Leo is moving towards a trine with Jupiter in Sagittarius (exact on Wednesday) and this should give us the ability to say YES more. This easy going and joyful sky is giving us plenty of reasons to celebrate life and make the difficult things a little bit easier to bare. Jupiter stations direct on August 11 after moving retrograde since April 10, 2019. On the same day, Mercury enters Leo and Uranus stations retrograde in Taurus creating a lot of momentum which culminates on Sunday. The Moon entering Sagittarius on Thursday (Jupiter’s day) gives the signal to launch the fireworks, release the helium balloons, cut the red ribbon, and trust that it will all work out. There is a hopeful quality that permeates the week and it is an excellent time to gain perspective on what remains to be accomplished while elevating your standards. Fill your engine to the brim with the potentiality latent in your dreams and aim higher. This is a time of joy, faith and courage; send your prayers and show gratitude accordingly.

THE SALES PITCH
Mercury re-enters the Lion’s den on Sunday at 15:45 EDT after having turned retrograde here in Leo before moving back into the sign of Cancer for most of July. If there is still a faint tinged of longing permeating our minds this week, it will definitely subside by Sunday. The radio stations which until now played a series of nostalgic and sappy songs will now be showcasing ”The Greatest Hits of all Time”. Mercury can be persuasive in the sign of Leo especially when supported by Jupiter. If you have to sell your salad ( convince someone), now and in the next few weeks is a good time to do so. You can expect however that everyone at the market will also have the best salad to sell; you could find yourself shouting in order to be heard.

The Fixed season of Leo is a time of conviction and this year Jupiter in Sagittarius is boosting the signal. Depending on natal disposition some folks might be totally blinded by their beliefs, their pride, and their ideas. Moderate the enthusiasm with healthy dose of reflection before launching headfirst into a debate or a venture. Measured risk and optimism will be rewarded while hubris and arrogance could alienate others but overall, it’s an excellent week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK OF MARCH 25, 2019

The week begins with the Moon in the ever joyful fire sign of Sagittarius which could have us feeling elated, hopeful, ”Spring is in the air” vibe. It’s all about the potentiality of our big ideas, our projects and what we are going to do in the future. The Sun in Aries increases courage, impulsivity, passion, momentum and help getting the week started on the right foot. Take advantage of Monday and Tuesday to get moving, and bring some heat and passion to your projects.

Mercury is still retrograde so it’s very easy to gloss over the details or miss an important one right now but paradoxically, it allows us to not be overly critical or nit picky about things. Mercury retrograde in Pisces is also conjunct with Neptune making it hard to actually concentrate on our work. You could feel easily distracted but don’t be too hard on yourself, soon we will start regaining that clarity and focus.

Mercury turns direct on Thursday morning and will remain close to Neptune until late next week. The potential for confusion and misunderstanding, and a general lack of clarity will continue to be a side effect until April 5th or so. *Dream life can also be very vivid or busy under this configuration.

Venus enters Pisces tomorrow, one of her favourite place. Venus here is excellent for artist, musician and creative folks. Venus in Pisces increases our desire for beauty, harmony and compassion. Venus will be in Pisces from March 26 to April 20 and this period of time is excellent for all Venusian matters like art, aesthetics, fashion, beauty, worth, relating or attraction.

On Wednesday and for the rest of the week the Moon will travel in the Saturn-ruled signs of Capricorn and Aquarius casting a bit of a shadow on our hopes and dreams and switching the tone to a more serious and practical one.

Upon entering the sign of Capricorn on Wednesday morning, the Moon squares Chiron and the Sun in Aries casting doubt in our minds about the viability of our project/ideas/ambitions and asking us to take some practical steps to achieve our aim. The last quarter Moon signifies a time in the lunar month when our ideas and projects get tested.

On Sunday, Mars enters the sign of Gemini and the pace of things will start speeding up. Mars in Gemini until mid-may will definitely increase the tempo, especially in intellectual matters encouraging debates and exchanges of ideas via all social platforms.

Have a fantastic week, take advantage of the next 2 days to charge up your optimistic batteries and don’t let the confusing or gloomy vibe of the second part of the week cast too much doubt in your mind about your worth and contributions to this world.

 

WEEK OF MARCH 18: ARIES INGRESS/FULL MOON IN LIBRA

Spring Beauty by Viktor Mikhaylovich Vasnetsov 1885

Only 2 more days before the Sun enters the Cardinal Fire sign of Aries signalling the beginning of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

Upon entering Aries, the Sun will almost immediately start opposing the Moon in Libra. Late Wednesday night, the powerful rays of the Sun will illuminate the Moon creating a dramatic landscape to celebrate the first night of Spring. The Full Moon in Libra will be exact Wednesday night at 21:43 EDT and casts a bright light on the tension created by our inner and outer dualities. Partnerships will come to the forefront this week as freedom versus commitment battle for attention.

In Aries, the Sun shines willfully and illuminates a desire for independence and sovereignty. However, the Full Moon in Libra brings attention to the agreements and contracts that must be respected and the compromises that must be made in order to continue on a peaceful path and reach our aim. Dynamics within our relationships need to be weighed out in order to understand the exchange of powers and to make sure they are equal. The ”give and take” required and the compromises made by both parties will need to be revised. Inequalities that have become problematic or that are reaching a saturation points will need to be dealt with. The Full Moon in Libra highlights a need to recalibrate. This process can happen peacefully as long as both parties are willing to dialogue. Anything that feels unfair will most likely become very apparent this week and will need to be addressed.

Since the Sun conjunct Chiron at the moment of the Full Moon and the following day, it is likely to highlight where we feel most vulnerable and raw right now. Chiron is associated with woundedness and pain which in turn brings much knowledge and wisdom. Chiron is beginning its journey through Aries which will bring remedies and healing opportunities in regards to our ego, our identity, the masculine or yang qualities, our libido, our sense of power and potency in the world. Its important to be honest about our vulnerabilities during this process so that we find the proper medicine. A good opportunity to swallow the bitter herbs as “good medicine always tastes bitter.”

*Look at where Aries and Libra sits in your chart to zoom in on where these dynamics are more likely to play out in your life.

Wishing you a joyful and fruitful Aries season🔥

EMERGENCE

EMERGENCE. Sculpture by Buddy Jackson. Hartman Park

The Sun entered Virgo a week ago and we can already feel the beneficial and grounding influence of this Earth sign after a VERY intense retrograde/eclipse Summer season.
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We also have a trine between Saturn in Capricorn and Uranus in Taurus right now and this is an aspect that will permeate much of September. Trines in astrology are considered supportive aspects between planets in the SAME ELEMENT. In order to benefit from trines, one must be willing to actively take part and to consciously work with it. In other words, you don’t sit on your ass and wait for things to happen.
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Saturn entered Capricorn in December of 2017 and will be there for another 2 years: Saturn in Capricorn is all about the tearing down of old structures that are not sustainable anymore. (on a personal level but also a collective one). It’s also about time management – meaning you don’t waste it on people and scenarios that do not support you. Saturn in Capricorn is your opportunity to simplify your life, be pragmatic about your trajectory, and invest where it’s worth it.
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Uranus will be in Taurus for the next 8 years (with a short stint back into Aries at the end of this year but officially back in Taurus in March 2019). Uranus in Taurus will most likely bring many disruptions on a societal level. Uranus is associated with rebellions and change. Taurus is a Fixed Earth sign and so we will most likely see more and more ecological crisis. On a personal level, Uranus in Taurus is your opportunity to revolutionize the way you relate to your comfort and the way you manage your resources and energy. Flexibility will be a major asset in the next 8 years.
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Uranus in Taurus will see more and more people interested in self-sufficiency and a return to DIY ways of living as the Earth continues to be damaged by the crumbling and unsustainable systems of consumer culture.
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You might start to get a hint of what it is that you want for your future, and perhaps even the opportunity to start moving in a new direction. Simplicity, flexibility and health IS the new wealth.
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With the Sun in Virgo for half of September, it’s an excellent time to implement or get back to healthier habits. The Moon is in Aries and will enter Taurus (the sign of her exaltation) later tonight and will be there for the next few days. This is your cue to root down in your body, go into nature and move with your natural rhythms.
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September is the recovery phase after a stressful and powerful Summer battle. Take this opportunity to get back to basics and reconnect with your medicine.

MERCURY RETROGRADE: VISION & REFINEMENT

 

Mercury will (appear to) be moving backward in the sign of Sagittarius from December 3rd to December 22/23rd, 2017. Retrograde periods highlight the need to organize, revise and reenvison aspects of our lives. Sometimes this happens voluntarily and sometime it is imposed on us by unforeseen circumstances.

To understand how this might affect you, locate the house with Sagittarius on the cusp in your birth chart; the affairs of that house will be up for review.  If you have an Ascendant, Sun, Moon or Mercury in the sign of Sagittarius or Gemini, this retrograde will be more significant especially if your Ascendant or planet is between 13º and 29º of either signs.

WHAT TO DO DURING THIS UPCOMING RETROGRADE?

Sort out what matters and what doesn’t anymore.

Discard old ideas and beliefs that have become burdensome or obsolete.

Contemplate the passage of time and what it means to be growing older and wiser.

Acknowledge what you want in the grand scheme of things, versus what you do on a day-to-day basis to get there.

Honesty and moral courage will be highlighted during this time.

When the desire to find the truth becomes a rhetorical dead-end, what’s next?

At its worst, this retrograde could bring gloomy or depressive thinking, a loss of faith or a feeling of being blocked by something beyond your control.

There could be an urge to control your thoughts and a difficulty expressing yourself freely. In some circumstances, you might need to ”Let go and Let God”.

In other circumstances you might need to seriously consider rectifying something that has become out of control.

What happens when the sacrifice you are making are loosing their meaning?

What happens when the path you are on is NOT leading you where you want to go?

Taking a step back from something in order to gain perspective and looking at the big picture.

Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius could mean: A re-evaluation of your core beliefs, a shift of perspective, a change of direction and a quest for meaning.

What does ”control” means to you? Do you consider yourself a control-freak? If so, what step can you take to release the grip?

It’s a great time to reflect on social-media, the place it has in your life and how you utilize this tool to your advantage or disadvantage.

IDEAS, DISCIPLINE, AND VISION-SHAPING

If you have a BIG idea or if you are working towards a goal, this retrograde will help you refine your vision.

The awareness needed to gage the REAL amount of work needed to accomplish a goal will be available; don’t let this clarity become a burden and use it to your advantage.

From now until mid-January is your opportunity to write your plan or revise the existing one.

If you are contemplating a new path, a new venture, or a new way of doing things, this retrograde will help you delineate your course of action.

This retrograde is about setting realistic goals, the willingness to roll up your sleeves, and the willingness to invest the time and effort necessary.

Inspiration and creative ideas are available but will remain in the realm of possibilities as long as you don’t take concrete steps; thinking about something doesn’t make it happen.

If the time has come to realize an idea or a project, it is up to you to act on it before someone else does.

From now until mid-January is your opportunity to scheme; discipline is available.

Things may take longer than anticipated; be pragmatic and realistic when delineating your plan without becoming defeatist.

The reality is, things take time; don’t let this fact discourage you.

☿

To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom. –Bertrand Russell

 

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GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

Mercury retrograde begins on December 3rd and ends on December 22/23rd, 2017. Saturn is a big player in this upcoming retrograde. Whatever transpires of this cycle could play out until mid-January when Mercury meets up with Saturn for its 3rd and final conjunction in the sign of Capricorn.

Since the ruler of Mercury in Sagittarius is Jupiter in Scorpio, the themes of secrecy and revelations will continue to be strongly highlighted.

Mercury trine Uranus on November 25th before meeting up with Saturn on November 28th and turning retrograde on December 3rd. An emerging idea, a revelation, a new situation, a vision, or simply a new approach to an old conundrum could be a strong theme in December. The shape of things to come, an idea and the discipline required to materialize it, will be strong undercurrents.

On December 3rd, Jupiter in Scorpio (ruling over Mercury) trine Neptune in Pisces while Mercury stations retrograde. There is also a Full Moon in Gemini on the same day ruled by Mercury retrograde. There is an overwhelming amount of work and so much things to think about. You might be tempted to find the closest escape route. Don’t let anxiety or fear cripple your mind. A good day to practice breathing exercise and meditation. This Full Moon highlights the dichotomy between beliefs and facts, visions and ideas, and the realization that it will take a lot more work than originally thought to get where we want to be.

The New Moon in Sagittarius on December 17 will see its ruler Jupiter in Scorpio, square the Nodes of the Moon while Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius trine the Nodes. On December 21st, Saturn enters Capricorn and Mercury station direct the next day; destiny is calling.

 

 

 

 

SCORPIO: SUN/MOON/RISING

Most people know their Sun sign due to popular Sun sign horoscopes. Fortunately, there is a lot more to astrology than a Sun sign and there are important distinctions to make when you begin to learn more about astrology.

The 3 ”pillars” of a natal chart are the Sun, the Moon and the Rising sign. Your Sun sign might not be the same as your Moon sign or your Rising sign.

If you want to find out more about your birth chart, you can contact me right here or you can head over to astro.com and generate your birth chart for free!

SUN IN SCORPIO ⊙♏︎

These Scorpios are the most mysterious ones. Inscrutable they will dodge any attempts at being found out. Under the cover of whatever rising sign they might be, they have the ability to hide their depth and intensity if they wish to do so. They could be outgoing on the surface but under an apparent candid demeanor hides a powerful will. Sun in Scorpio are secretive and only a few lucky people will ever be granted entrance into their private quarters. Scorpio’s specialty is defensiveness and these guys embody this principle straight into their core. They see right through deception and hypocritical behavior so there is really no point in lying to them.  Scorpio Sun are faithful friends and partners and will hold-on to the bitter end (and beyond). Their essence is composed of a mixture of willpower, control and fixity.

The Image: A deep underwater cave with difficult access.

 

MOON IN SCORPIO ☽♏︎ 

Moon in Scorpio people have extremely acute senses and a penetrating intuition. When the sharp vision of Scorpio is combined with the impressionability and security oriented lunar principles we get people who are full of emotional and psychic sensitivity. These Scorpio can FEEL and PERCEIVE things that pretty much no one else can see. They are extremely vulnerable to the ebb and flow of power that run through all interactions. These insights into human nature renders them both cynical and emotionally complex but they are full of compassion for the brokenness of the world. Moon in Scorpio people have a visceral relationship to pain which is a curse and a blessing. They will instinctively side with the underdogs as it is in their nature to want to defend and protect the most vulnerable.

The Image: A bleeding heart wrapped in barbwire


SCORPIO RISING Asc ♏︎

If you know your astrology, then you know that the rising sign is often linked to the physical appearance. Scorpio rising people are like the stereotype of what we might imagine a Scorpio to be. Their classic signature is a dark magnetic stare with piercing eyes that can make them look more cunning or mysterious than they really are. Scorpio rising people have a strong animal magnetism that can either be attractive or repulsive depending on their level of intensity. Like Scorpio Sun and Scorpio Moon, Scorpio rising’s specialty is defensiveness and they will go to great lengths to cover up their most tender parts. Under their cool and distant demeanor hides an underflow of turmoil and stormy waters. Scorpio rising people have a close relationship to intensity and can thrive in extreme situations. They need to constantly challenge themselves in order to feel their potency, otherwise, they can become brooding and self-destructive.

The Image: A Dark and Mysterious Stranger

 

 

On the Chiron/Saturn square

The Moon is in Pisces and will meet Neptune later tonight. This can be both mystical and transcending as the Sun (in Scorpio) and the Moon are in deeply intimate waters right now. We could feel more impressionable and inspired with our attention turned towards spiritual matters.

Tomorrow night, the Moon in Pisces will conjunct Chiron and trigger the Chiron/Saturn square, just in time for Halloween.

The Chiron/Saturn square is the big signature aspect this week and it is both difficult and rewarding. We could be aware of old wounds while also being ready to move on from that space of hurt.

This aspect is a mixture of realization around painful truth and healing. You could feel sensitive and self-conscious of your downfalls while experiencing some closure around them. It’s like having the raw awareness of where it hurts in order to locate the pain, forgive yourself and hopefully move on.

It’s hard and edgy but also rewarding if you make the effort to be honest with yourself. It calls for maturity around our most vulnerable selves.

“I said: what about my eyes?
He said: Keep them on the road.

I said: What about my passion?
He said: Keep it burning.

I said: What about my heart?
He said: Tell me what you hold inside it?

I said: Pain and sorrow.
He said: Stay with it.
The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”

― Jalaluddin Rumi

NEW MOON IN LIBRA: A TENSE EQUILIBRIUM

The New Moon in Libra occurs on October 19 at 15:13 EDT in the very last degrees of the Scales just a few days before the Sun’s ingress into Scorpio.

THE TIPPING POINT

The New Moon at 26º Libra will be in a tight opposition to rebel planet Uranus which is at 26º Aries. Uranus is often associated with sudden breakthroughs and shocks that serves to jolt us out of complacency. Uranus in Aries is like an untamed, wild and defiant teenager who will do exactly the opposite of what you ask him to do. Uranus in the sign of Aries doesn’t have patience for conventions and niceties; it forges ahead without foresight straight into the eye of the storm to challenge the Gods. Uranus is that voice that says: ”just go for it, try it and see what happens”. Acting on impulse, following a crazy idea, a revelation that brings a revolution, it’s the lightning that strikes the genius and the mad ones. It’s that impetuous urge to move against the docile heard to find a new direction, a new way of doing things; a different way.

Then, we have this New Moon in Libra which is all about fairness and compromises or at least finding the balance between ”what you want” and ”what I want”. Venus just entered the sign of Libra on October 14 and is at home here. Venus rules over the New Moon and accentuates the  themes of partnerships and agreements. The focus is on finding a peaceful way to remediate the disequilibrium we might be experiencing in our lives. The desire for collaboration is strong, we want to get along and both parties are looking for ways to reconcile their difference. The idea of harmony and balance is held high like a precious gem that seems to be just out of reach. We stretch our arms towards it, trying to catch its rare glow only to find a molten piece of poisonous  lead.

This New Moon points its finger directly at what is out of synch an unbalance in our lives. It’s the trigger that urges us to find new and better ways to deal with it. We could feel a sense of urgency in regards to establishing some form of harmony that would rectify the chaos and disorder. Partnership are especially susceptible to this at the moment as we weigh the pros and cons of our agreements. The grass always seems greener somewhere else and Libra loves to keep her options open. Uranus opposing the Sun and Moon in Libra could bring a sudden desire to break free from something that feels too restrictive. With the Sun, the Moon and Venus in Libra we must bow down to our current agreements and fulfill our part of the contract. Even though peace seems to be a complicated and elusive notion at this time it must remain a guiding ideal.

It is in this paradoxical landscape that this new lunar cycle begins. We will soon enter the Fixed season of Scorpio and descend even further into our commitments but also the decisions we make towards transformation. Now is the time to use the power of reason to decide what we want so that our attention and focus can be well directed for the month ahead.

 

SOLUTIONS AND DISSOLUTION

FOR WHEN THE SUN IN VIRGO OPPOSE NEPTUNE IN PISCES AND
THE MOON IN AQUARIUS CONJUNCT THE SOUTH NODE:

Can you discriminate between omens and wishful thinking?
Between poison and medicine?
Delusion and honesty?
Between a ghost and your own shadow?
Do you know your boundaries?

Still from the film ”The Dance of Reality” by Jodorowski

Sun in Virgo: Boldness & Patience

The Sun is now at 0º Virgo in a conjunction with the fixed star Regulus (The heart of the Lion). This interesting part of the zodiac is often associated with The Sphinx; the meeting of the lion with the maiden.

We are on the other side of the much-anticipated and powerful Solar Eclipse/New Moon at 28º Leo. It will take a few weeks before we assimilate and understand what this means for us on a personal scale but also for the world we live in.

We are being pushed towards bold new beginnings but with Mercury retrograde in Virgo until September 5th our ambitious goals will need careful and deliberate planning. With the Sun in Virgo for the next month, we must bow down to the earth and the natural rhythms of nature. A shift has occurred but it will take time before it becomes visible and we must tend to the ordinary in order to bring about the extraordinary.

Mercury goes direct on September 5th at 28º of Leo; the degree of the Solar Eclipse/New Moon in Leo. By then, we should gain greater clarity and have a pretty good idea of where we are heading.