Motion Sickness Monday…

I know we’re practically hip-deep into Tuesday, but I started this in my head yesterday–when I was listening to my poor wife barf at 4:30 am in the morning in my niece’s car from motion sickness. We were on our way to the airport for an early flight from Buffalo to JFK. When we were comfortably in our plane seats and what remained of the motion sickness medicine in her stomach had finally kicked in, I said to her quietly, “Fuck Motion Sickness Monday.” She laughed.  And it came to me that a lot of us might come to feel a kind of motion sickness with all that’s happening this week: Mercury retrograde, Mercury conjunct to Saturn, another pass of Uranus square Pluto, a powerful Solar eclipse on Sunday and, for those in the US, a shift from Daylights Savings Time to Standard time. (I’m happy about that. I hate Daylight Savings Time with a lot of passion.)

In my horoscopes below, I go over what various sun, moon or rising signs could generally expect, but this solar eclipse and Uranus-Pluto square is probably the biggest part of what’s putting so much in motion now. I talked a little bit about eclipses a few weeks ago, but that was a lunar eclipse. A solar eclipse is a new moon x10.  What most muggles don’t know is that various eclipses have names and have genealogies for their cycles called Saros series or cycles.

The solar eclipse on Sunday is Saros 143 and also known as Saros Series 16 North. It was “born” February 15, 1599 at the North Pole and its cycle will end on March 25, 2843.  SS 16 N, for short, was born with Uranus and Pluto buddied up together in Aries. Now it’s only Uranus in Aries and they’re about to have static, by a square, with Pluto in Capricorn.  Bernadette Brady, in her book Predictive Astrology: The Eagle and the Lark, describes this eclipse as “[a] gentle family of eclipses which brings a sense of inspiration or the illumination of ideas. The presence of the Uranus-Neptune combination (in the 2/15/1599 chart) talks of the sudden release of material from the unconscious which brings with it a great deal of insight. These ideas are good and the individual would be wise to act upon them.” I would co-sign on that for the most part. However, the added Uranus-Pluto static discharge means we might see folks upset and in the streets again as we’ve been seeing for the last few years. (They’ve already had this beef 3 times before since 2011. They’re scheduled for 3 more until 2015.)

For me, it gets a little more personal. This eclipse is right on top of my Mercury, so it’s activating that planet. I’m about to go into a level of motion that’s been in process for months.  I’ve also been expecting and preparing for it. I’m still not fully ready. More meditation, prayer and just sitting are needed. But I can relate to the inspiration and illumination of ideas. Those are definitely very plentiful now with a good measure of follow-through.

I know a number of astrologers are gravely worried about the financial health of our world economy with this solar eclipse. I can’t say I share their same concern, especially considering its “birth” chart AND even its most recent appearance in 1995. (Remember, solar eclipses come in cycles.) If you look at that year, you’ll see that it was the year that the world wide web, as we know it, was made available to the public.  Illumination of ideas indeed! Of course, that was also the year of the OK bombing. So, like I said, people are testy, to say the least, but the next several months will open our eyes. That could lead to motion sickness, of one sort or another, for some. But I do believe we’ll arrive where we need to go and see a lot as if for the very first time.

SPECIAL ENDING THIS WEEK!

I’m offering 30 minute, RECORDED readings at $50 (normally $65) for anyone who is having a reading with me for the FIRST time. It has to be booked during eclipse season (October 8, 2013-November 4, 2013), but it can be scheduled to take place any time within the next six months, until April 8, 2014!  To book to meet in person at my office in NYC, click here.  To meet by phone or Skype, click here.  The other full 60 minute, recorded session is at the regular rate.

…And what’s in motion for you by sign this week…

Aries [March 21st to April 19th]

Taurus [April 20th to May 21st]

Gemini [May 22nd to June 20th]

Cancer [June 21st to July 21st]

Leo [July 22nd to Aug 21st]

Virgo [Aug 22nd to Sept 21st]

Libra [Sept 22nd to Oct 21st]

Scorpio [Oct 22nd to Nov 21st]

Sagittarius [Nov 22nd to Dec 21st]

Capricorn [Dec 22nd to Jan 20th]

Aquarius [Jan 21st to Feb 18th]

Pisces [Feb 18th to March 20th

Stare ’em down…Or not.

The Sun has a “stare down” contest with Pluto and Uranus this week.  For Aries‘ horoscope, I had this to say about stare down contests in general:

“One of the most fun games on the planets to play as a kid is also perhaps one of the dumbest to play as an adult: stare-down contests.”

I flesh out this stare down a bit more when I write this for Leo:

“Whenever we’re talking about Pluto activity, we’re talking about whatever it takes to get the best out of us, to dig deep to pull out what’s beautiful and authentic in us. Perhaps this might manifest from grueling workouts, deep psychoanalyzing or confronting your own frustrated desires. The 2nd awkward place happens with Uranus. This signals your need to re-ignite a spark of freedom & joy in your life that’s needed to come out for a while.”

To tease things out a little more, we’re talking about a time when we have to avoid digging our heels into combat another, but be willing to do that as much within ourselves.  Once that happens, perhaps the Sun-Uranus square augurs that we’ll find joy and freedom again once we’re willing to go long within.

But it seems we’re staring away from that and still intent on stare-down contests, as a country and as individuals.  I have two standout examples.

One is our own government’s shutdown. Again, this is another stare down contest between government officials where only the American people get hurt.

The other I read about yesterday morning while following this news story and videos.  I mean I don’t know about you, but it seems like beyond overkill to have over 25 motorbikes furiously follow after one SUV because the driver of the SUV accidentally struck a biker. That’s a crazy stare-down contest that could only end the way it did…or worse.  (In fact, it turns out that one of the cyclists, run over by the SUV as it tried to get away, may be paralyzed from the waist down.)

So if you’re inclined to dig in your heels against others this week more than looking within, re-consider.  It could do more harm than good. To see how this might actually manifest for your sun, rising or moon sign, check out this week’s horoscopes.

Aries [March 21st to April 19th]

Taurus [April 20th to May 21st]

Gemini [May 22nd to June 20th]

Cancer [June 21st to July 21st]

Leo [July 22nd to Aug 21st]

Virgo [Aug 22nd to Sept 21st]

Libra [Sept 22nd to Oct 21st]

Scorpio [Oct 22nd to Nov 21st]

Sagittarius [Nov 22nd to Dec 21st]

Capricorn [Dec 22nd to Jan 20th]

Aquarius [Jan 21st to Feb 18th]

Pisces [Feb 18th to March 20th]

 

Toward Fall…

The final week of summer opens up with a Mercury-Uranus opposition and a shooting at a Navy Yard.  The story at the Navy Yard is still developing, but a Mercury-Uranus opposition can signify surprising news like this or also flashes of insight and brilliance. Let’s hope more insight and brilliance is more on the make as the week continues.

My real concern this week, in a general sense, is the Pluto direct that happens on Friday morning, right after a full moon. The full moon raises people’s emotional levels, and I’ve written here a few times about Pluto and how it seems to shadow gun violence in this country.  As we approach Fall on Sunday, America really has to get it together about gun control, including with  cops too.  As for them, you can take your pick from the past week with this story at NYC Times Square or the unfortunate story of Jonathan Ferrell, a FAMU student and football, who senselessly lost his life at the hand of a trigger-happy cop.

Of course, for most of us, the issue won’t boil down to gun violence. However, we have ample celestial and real-world signs that we have to watch our mouths and tempers this week.  We can attempt to do that by adding an extra focus on  love and warmth in our prayers and meditations this week, especially on Wednesday when Venus and Saturn hook up at the hip by what we astro-geeks call a conjunction.  When those two get together, they tend to bring the cold snap of reality in personal and even professional relationships. It’s almost as if we could dub it the “Let’s chill” aspect. (The one positive feature of this aspect is that it can also signal marriage, the formalization of passion.)  That’s why I’m recommending that we add some warmth and love of our own rather than expecting that it’ll be “out there” waiting for us.  We have to work to bring it, like most positive changes that we need on this planet.

In the mean time, here are some horoscopes to help direct your attention on a more intimate level.  And a burst of love and a hug for extra measure right now!

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

Just one of those days…

A week ago or so, as I settled down to write the horoscopes you see below, I realized that today Venus was squaring Saturn. Normally when I see that in the charts of my clients, by transit, I usually tell them that it’s a time to give yourself a lot of self-care, instead of expecting to feel appreciated and celebrated by others, even those who love you dearly. So I followed my own advice today. I watched a movie that a friend recommended. I skyped with a buddy. I napped. I cleaned. I debated w/ a White guy who couldn’t understand why he couldn’t use the N-word if Black people use it. I prayed 5 times, starting at 4:30 am. I answered emails. I cooked a delicious dinner.  I did a whole bunch of other stuff too, but, for me, I relaxed today. (That’s highly unusual for those who know me. I don’t understand chilling. Ever. But that’s a different post.)

I also start a new exercise regimen tomorrow. Just in time for the Sun-Pluto opposition and the Sun-Uranus square that also happen this week. As part of the transformation and innovation that these symbols inspire, I threw out any t-shirts and a once favorite hoodie that had a Superman “S” on them.  I was mostly inspired by Henry Cavill’s transformation to play Superman in “Man of Steel.”  He had to earn that “S.” I realized that might be a good motivator and strategy for me too. I’m not going to wear another Superman “S” on my chest until I feel like I look more the part. (Yes, that means I’m losing weight and gonna get some cuts/definition.) I don’t know how long that might take, especially with Ramadan coming up, but I’m working out at least 3 days a week to make it happen. Not too bad, considering Cavill worked out 7 days a week to prep for the role.

So the horoscopes below keep these planetary configurations in mind. They’re going to mean different things for each sign, highlighted in different ways. And, of course, if you know your chart, you can look to see how these horoscopes (and my read on the aspects for this week) speak to you through your Sun, moon or rising sign. If you don’t know what those are, consider a consult with me or get one of these cool reports with a chart.  In the interim, enjoy these while giving yourself some self-care:

Aries [March 21st to April 19th]

Taurus [April 20th to May 21st]

Gemini [May 22nd to June 20th]

Cancer [June 21st to July 21st]

Leo [July 22nd to Aug 21st]

Virgo [Aug 22nd to Sept 21st]

Libra [Sept 22nd to Oct 21st]

Scorpio [Oct 22nd to Nov 21st]

Sagittarius [Nov 22nd to Dec 21st]

Capricorn [Dec 22nd to Jan 20th]

Aquarius [Jan 21st to Feb 18th]

Pisces [Feb 18th to March 20th]

The Pluto Return & America…

In response to a friend’s question about the rising tide of violence and divisiveness in America, I tweeted some of my thoughts, centered around America’s imminent Pluto Return. I storify them here for you.

What a half-billion egg recall is really about…

This morning, while only thinking about having eggs for breakfast, I saw that there’s a half-billion egg recall because of a salmonella breakout in 17 U.S. states.  I was flummoxed because I couldn’t recall when I’ve seen a 1/2 billion recall of anything.  And let’s be clear about something here: we’re not really talking about a recall as much as throwing all that food in the trash! Of course, someone might test some of the eggs, but the truth is that these companies have fouled up and fouled up big!

The short answer for why this happened is greed.  Astrologically, there may be a slightly more complicated answer: Pluto in Capricorn.  I’m not blaming Pluto in Capricorn as much as suggesting that Pluto in Capricorn can help explain why this is happening.  (I think it’s silly to blame planets for what humans do. Planets relay choices to be made in the cosmos, but we’re the sages or idiots who make them.)  First, a few words about Pluto, Capricorn and what it means when I say Pluto is in Capricorn.

Astrological symbol for the Planet Pluto

Pluto is still a planet for astrologers. Why? Because what a planet means for astronomers is not the same as what it means for astrologers.  A planet has layers of meanings related to many kinds of activities, people and places on earth.  For astronomers, what is or is not a planet is defined far more technically and scientifically.  Pluto relates to the idea of the underworld, intensity, metamorphoses that bring irrevocable change, the riches of the Earth (where we get Plutocracy), and dark aspects of our psyches we resist acknowledging.

Capricorn, the sea goat

Capricorn is best thought of as a zodiac symbol that directs us to seek out our destinies or to evolve. A lot of people only focus on Capricorn as a goat, but it is a sea-goat. This means that it is an animal of the sea AND land.  It is concerned with taking primal force and energy as suggested by its connection with the sea and transforming it into a creature that climbs mountains, reaching the highest heights.  Saturn is the spokesperson and chief of staff for the sign of Capricorn. Saturn is a planet that relates to how we experience structure, discipline and the meaningful roles we are to play in life, like parent, son, executive, doctor, etc.  So some measure of Capricorn is going to be colored by its serious and sobering spokesperson Saturn, whether he’s in that sign at any particular time or not.

Right now, Pluto is traveling through the sign of Capricorn and will be until 2024.  (This is like when the Sun travels through a sign for 30 days, as it is in Virgo, but we’re talking about a slower moving planet over a longer period of time.) Now when we combine all of what we understand about Pluto and Capricorn, we gain insight into several kinds of possibilities of manifestation or meaning: metamorphoses in how we deal with primal force/power, whether it’s our own, the Earth’s or other creatures; we start thinking about and re-thinking how we experience structure and “regulation” of the “riches of the Earth”; and we have to be willing to evolve from those dark places where we’ve resisted even to look.

This massive egg recall is just one manifestation of what Pluto in Capricorn means.  You can’t get more primal than how we relate to animals and the riches of the Earth.  Stacking hens on top of each other and breeding them for plumpness or for eggs with no consideration for the chicken is asking for a cosmic ass-kicking (and recall), all in the name of greed.   Greed stems from fearing there won’t be and can’t be enough.And we can pat ourselves on the back thinking that greed is only something for the rich and big corporations. But that’s not true.  Big monster farms are not the only people who may have to break a few eggs now.  We all do.