Sandy Stars -> Year_2000

Well, haven’t things taken an interesting turn with the election! Who could have imagined that such an unprecedented mix-up could even happen? This sort of thing is endlessly entertaining to astrologers, as we try to figure out the planetary signatures of the snafu and to anticipate the outcomes. The election was ending on November 7 just as Mercury turned direct. You know by now that Mercury retrogrades produce all kinds of foul-ups, and that the turning points at the beginning and end of retrograde cycles greatly exaggerate the planetary influence. (See the November Cosmic Weather for a discussion of Mercury retrograde.) I noted last month that Mercury is spending 9 weeks in Scorpio, when its usual duration in a sign is less than three weeks, denoting a long period of emotional drama. I assumed that we were mostly experiencing this influence in our personal lives, with a fair amount of drama also showing up in the campaign. What sighing and eye rolling on the Vice-President’s part. The tongue tangling and misstatements by George W. Who knew how tangled this election could be? Part of the key may be that Mercury had gone stationary at the last degree of Libra, the Scales. (It just slipped back into Libra from Scorpio for two days.) The vote was so evenly balanced that we’ve been unable to deduce the winner.

Aside from the election, how does December look? It’s starting out a little rocky, with the election brouhaha and the markets wobbling. That’s understandable from the astrological viewpoint. We’re at the end of this overlong transit of Mercury through Scorpio; that last few days in the sign can bring out the moodiest, most distraught, histrionic thinking and communication. It helps that the Sun has already gone into upbeat Sagittarius, but there are tears near the surface for many of us. It’s been a difficult several weeks with all the Scorpio influence and the retrograde. Mercury is aligning with Saturn on December 1, exacerbating the communication difficulties. The Sun aligns with Pluto, fomenting both crisis and potential breakthroughs, on the 4^th. Saturn is aligning with the notorious star Algol around the 5^th, showing potential harm from extremism and the alternative possibility of overcoming that tendency. So these first few days are potentially dicey. We then transition into more harmonious influences, which can help us regain our balance and reclaim our confidence and positive outlook on life. Most of the day-to-day astrological influences are rather positive through the remainder of the month. Astrological high points are the December 11 Full Moon, Winter Solstice, and a Christmas Solar Eclipse. Full Moons and Eclipses and Solstices are typically times of instability and change, and these particular upcoming astrological events so hold that potential.

At the December 11 Full Moon, Mercury, planet of thought and communication, will be aligning with Pluto, planet of power and intensity. Any astrological configuration has positive and negative potentials. This one offers the possibility of penetrating insight, stating of core truths, powerful communication; or, coercive, vindictive, endless argument. Affirm the former, eschew the latter, and pray for clear and honorable discourse at the national level. We are helped by a conjunction of Venus and Neptune, showing peace and understanding, and they are in positive alignment with expansive Jupiter. Let’s hope that everyone everywhere attains truth and clarity in their perception and love and understanding in their hearts, and that

The Winter Solstice chart cast for our nation’s capital shows the Moon in Scorpio (deep feeling and potentially extreme emotions and seething power struggles) almost directly overhead, on public display. The location of the South Node of the Moon (the point where the Moon’s orbital plane intersects the Earth’s orbital plane along the Zodiac) shows where we may be going to excess. It is in the sign Capricorn, which upholds the letter of the law (the rules more than the spirit of the law), and it is exactly on the eastern horizon point or ascendant at the Solstice. The letter of the law in its minutiae will be belabored ad nauseum (in my opinion) through Moon in Scorpio clenched teeth. Even if the decision is in place before Solstice the hand wringing will continue, at least in Washington. I hope I’m wrong. Winter Solstice marks the Sun’s entry into Capricorn, a natural time to turn our thoughts to order and structure, and the presidency and our election process are a fundamental part of our order and structure as a nation. How very, very Capricorn.

So. Next we have the Solar Eclipse on Christmas Day. It’s a partial eclipse and might not give much of a show, but it’s still a catalyst for realization and change. In Washington, the Sun and Moon at the eclipse are exactly aligned with Mercury in Capricorn almost directly overhead. Mercury is the planet of thought and communication. It’s more of that thinking and talking about government and the letter of the law and endless recounts and numbers. Having this configuration overhead makes it most prominent. On the other hand, Venus is aligning with restless Uranus, and we are all ready to have a change, some fun, to get out of the rut already. Or maybe this chart shows that the good, solid structure of our form of government rocks steadily on, unchanged by it all, and we get on with the new things coming on, and it’s only this astrologer wringing her hands and expecting the droning on and on. Notice that this Capricorn overhead stuff pertains in Washington and environs; other parts of the country won’t feel it as much, though the Washington chart does affect all of us in the United States. In Albuquerque, Pluto will be directly overhead, and there will be more crises in personal lives and in the news, along with people turning their lives around quite nicely. Could be different in you neck of the woods.

December 3-9: Mercury finally leaves Scorpio Sunday at 1:26 p.m. MST. You may have noticed some last outbursts or inner torments the last day or two. The Sun is coming into alignment with Pluto on Sunday-Monday. That’s an opportunity to make significant constructive change, or to dive into the pits of recrimination and power struggles. Things may reach a turning point in Washington. Fortunately Venus is aligning positively with Saturn, helping relationships to remain intact in spite of upheavals. Tuesday is smoother, and Wednesday features potentially great communication (with only a little tendency to overstatement). Venus is in the last degrees of loyal and dutiful Capricorn this week. Relationships may seem like a big responsibility without much fun. As Venus enters Aquarius early Friday we’re ready for more fun and self-expression. Friday and Saturday are particularly good days. The Sun is aligning favorably with Uranus, supporting positive, easy change. And Jupiter is exactly trine to Neptune, favoring significant breakthroughs in understanding. Take a look at your life and particularly those things that perplex you. You may reach a powerful new level of insight.

December 10-16: We’re coming up on Full Moon, at 2:03 a.m. MST Monday morning. This Moon has the potential for deep insight and understanding, with a danger also of sharp communications. (Venus conjunct Neptune, Mercury conjunct Pluto.) The Sun and Moon are aligned with the planetoid Chiron, associated with healing and advocacy and with healing crises. We can progress to new levels of understanding now, though the process may not be painless. We do have an all-day v.o.c.* Monday, from 7:15 a.m. MST until 6:48 p.m. You may want to be contemplating and taking in the big picture, and sticking to routine tasks. The remainder of the week allows for the further unfoldment of that progress, with no striking new influences other than a positive alignment of Mercury and Uranus facilitating insights, discoveries, and effective communication. The Moon will be void of course* from noon to 7 p.m. MST on Wednesday and from 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. MST on Friday. It will be harder to achieve substantive results during those periods, so defer new undertakings and stick to routine matters for greatest serenity and effectiveness.

December 17-23: The Sun and Mercury are nearing the end of Sagittarius, a sign noted for its philosophical perspective and positive outlook on life. These may be pretty good days, with extra dynamism due to a positive alignment of Sun and Mars, peaking on Monday; and a beneficial Venus-Pluto alignment on Tuesday facilitating depth of relating. We may notice a Sagittarian tendency to be in constant motion, which is great for shopping and running errands but tough if you need to apply your efforts steadily. Winter Solstice arrives at 6:38 a.m. Thursday, the 21^st. The Sun is now in Capricorn, and Mercury enters Capricorn Friday evening; discipline and focus return. The Solstice chart looks a little strained around Washington (see the December overview) but not necessarily in your part of the world. For Albuquerque, Chiron, representing healing and advocacy, is just on the eastern horizon. May it be a season of growth and putting things right. At week’s end Mars enters Scorpio. It’s been in Libra, where work for fairness and balance (and fighting over it—Mars is named after the god of war) has been a priority. In Scorpio there’s a feeling of determination, "I’m going to do whatever it takes!" It’s easy to be ruthless and radical. Hold your tongue and think about how you are affecting your own and others’ lives before you unleash that Mars energy. However, if you’ve been needing to do something drastic to get the radical transformation you need, this would be the time to do it. Just think before you act.

December 24-31: This is a perfect Christmas to allow time for quiet and sacredness. Christmas Eve has Moon void of course all day. Have everything pretty well done by the 23^rd. This is also the quiet "dark of Moon" time before the New Moon. The New Moon is also the Solar Eclipse, exact around 10:30 a.m. MST Christmas Day. (It’s exact New Moon at 10:22 a.m., but the visible eclipse peaks about 13 minutes later.) Solar Eclipses are time of realizations, shifts, and changes—changes in consciousness as well as circumstances. Contemplate your life, try to understand it more deeply, and consider what changes you might need to make. Consider this an opportunity to get an early start on your New Year’s resolutions. Astrologers sometimes refer to the Sabian Symbols are a set of images, one for each degree of the Zodiac, created in the 1920’s by psychic Effie Wheeler working with astrologer Marc Edmond Jones. The Sabian Symbol for the eclipse degree is, "Indians on the Warpath." I noted at the beginning of this article that at the eclipse Sun, Moon, and Mercury at that degree are nearly directly overhead in Washington. Do you think the battle will be continuing that long after Election Day? Looks possible, doesn’t it? We may also be hearing about Native people in this country or elsewhere standing up for their rights. Come to think of it, we may all find healthy ways to be on the warpath. Just do choose your battle well. The text about this symbol refers to the "chief" "finding it convenient or necessary to arouse the war spirit—perhaps under very slight provocation"—in order to mobilize or establish authority. So pay attention to this Christmas season and indeed this whole quarter up to Spring Equinox. Be on the warpath in a good way. That’s the watchword for this last week of the year. It’s fairly quiet other than the eclipse. There is a square of Venus to Saturn at the end of the week, an indication that our social or relationship energy is curbed or tested. You may be looking at difficulties in significant relationships and considering what to do. Or you may simply feel like staying home and being quiet. After the big whooptedoo over Y2K last year, this might be the year to celebrate simply.

December 31-January 6: New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are colored by a square of Mars and Neptune. The energy planet aligning with the planet of dreams, spirituality, and illusion presents several possibilities. This could be great for fantasy and role-playing or other escapist outlets. It’s also possible that energy and initiative could dissipate into lolling about or, and this is the one to watch out for, energy could be directed haphazardly into carelessness and overreaction and emotional outbursts, or worse yet, irresponsible action such as drunk driving. Do be careful if you are out on New Year’s Eve. Even if you have it together someone else might not. Beyond New Year’s Day the week is smooth, ending on an upbeat note as Venus squares Jupiter. Twelfth Night just might be the most delightful occasion of the week.

January Preview: The January 9 Lunar Eclipse looks particularly beneficial in Washington, D. C. In the Albuquerque area we are challenged to keep our dreams and aspirations in mind while taking care of business in the most practical way (Neptune overhead, Saturn rising). E-mail me to ask about your locality. Saturn turns direct January 24, and Jupiter turns direct hours later on the 25^th. Saturn turning direct can feel laborious as we struggle to put our lives in order. Jupiter turning direct brings a renewal of optimism and faith. Likely we’ll feel the struggle to get it together right up to the 24^th and then really progress from that point forward.

Have you had enough of feeling your feelings yet? Apparently not; it’s going to continue for a bit. The Sun is in Scorpio until November 21. This is that time of year when some of the outer hubbub dies down and we turn inward, tuning in to the feeling part of life. We may discover all sorts of emotions just waiting to be felt, some of them with great intensity. This is a good time to go deeper, looking into those issues we’ve put on the back burner and perhaps taking some action to resolve them. Scorpio is a sign of both deep emotion and radical transformation, and the former often precipitates the latter. So go for it, pay attention to those neglected areas of your life. Try not to brood or dramatize too much, nor to be overly radical in your actions. But do try to get to the truth of your life. Come the 21st, the Sun will enter Sagittarius, and we’ll remember to lighten up a bit. We’ll be even lighter when Mercury enters Sagittarius on December 3.

Mercury in Scorpio is the other part of the picture. The planet of thought and communication has been in Scorpio since late September, and it’s been retrograding*, appearing to backtrack its orbit since October 18. (See end of this article for an explanation of retrogradation and of Mercury retrograde.) The time each year when Mercury is in Scorpio is a time during which our thinking is naturally more introspective, and with Mercury in retrograde this is more so than usual. The other part of the picture is that with the apparent backtracking and coming forward again, Mercury is in Scorpio much longer than usual. Instead of the usual three or four weeks, Mercury lingers in Scorpio from September 28 to December 3. Actually, Mercury drifts back over the line into Libra on November 7, the day it turns direct, and is back in Scorpio the next day. The point is, this is a long period of introspection and sensitivity. You may be a little more reclusive; I hope that it’s a constructive retiring from the world to contemplate your life, and that you will not get so far back in your cave or so deep in your brooding as to be thrown out of balance. It is easy in these Scorpio times to react intensely and magnify feelings with destructive results. Go for the deep insights and also remember to lighten up and laugh. This could be a good time to enjoy comedy entertainment just to keep yourself in balance. Mercury will turn direct on the 7th; that will help us get our affairs moving, our communications untangled, and our computers behaving normally.

The energy planet Mars is in meticulous Virgo as November begins; that’s good for taking care of practical matters, putting things in right order. Mars enters Libra on the 7th; you may focus more on relationships and cooperation, and on attaining balance and fairness, beauty and harmony. The relationship planet Venus is in freewheeling Sagittarius until the 11th; we tend to be casual, open, adventurous and outspoken. Once Venus enters Capriocorn (on the 11th), we’ll naturally turn more serious and conservative in our relationship attitudes, our amusements, and even appearance, paying more attention to grooming and housekeeping. Yup, summer’s over and the holidays are coming on.

November 1-4: There could be a bit of confusion or lethargy on Wednesday morning as Mercury is squaring dreamy Neptune. It would be easy to forget things, be disorganized, or make a slow start of the day. Prepare accordingly. Influences later in the day favor creativity, productivity, and positive relating. Thursday and Friday are the last days of Mars’s passage through in Virgo. This is an excellent time to tidy up, be organized, and do any kind of meticulous work. Mars enters Libra, sign of beauty, love, and harmony at 7:01 p.m. MST Friday evening. You may notice more focus on relationships and creating balance, harmony, and beauty in your life, though there may be some initial disharmonies as focus is shifted in these directions rather energetically. Saturday is favorable for social and group-oriented activities, with Moon in Aquarius and Mars newly in Libra.

November 5-11: Take Sunday morning slow; the Moon is void of course** from 9:26 a.m. until 12:13 p.m. MST. Afternoon is better for getting things done. You may notice the pace picking up these next few days, as Mercury turns direct on Tuesday evening, which happens to be Election Day. Things are unstable on Wednesday as Sun is square to unpredictable Uranus. This could be a rather unstructured day, possibly with unexpected developments; it could be a good day to deliberately set some changes in motion. Full Moon comes on Saturday (2:15 p.m. MST); activity levels will be increasing through the week. This is Moon in stability-loving Taurus opposite Sun in transformation-loving Scorpio; you will likely be grappling with issues of stability versus change, calm versus intense emotion. At Full Moon the Sun and Moon will also be square to revolutionary Uranus, promoting quite a bit of agitation; some of us will be breaking out and making big changes. Try to be just radical enough without precipitously going off the deep end. Watch for craziness on the streets and in the news.

November 12-18: Venus is at the end of freedom-loving Sagittarius, entering stable Capricorn Sunday evening. Sunday would be a good day to be in the outdoors or traveling. You may notice yourself taking a more serious tone in relationships and social matters with Venus newly in Capricorn. The Moon will be v.o.c.** from noon Monday until 9:21 a.m. Tuesday morning. Get the day on track Monday morning and allow for a loss of momentum during the v.o.c. Mercury will square Neptune late Tuesday evening; allow for a bit of confusion, disorganization, or miscommunication, and stick to non-critical activities if possible. This is the last week the Sun is in Scorpio, and you may be noticing how emotional you and others are, particularly from Tuesday through Thursday morning while the Moon is in watery Cancer. The Moon is v.o.c. from 7:30 a.m. until 11:19 a.m. MST Thursday morning, making it a little harder to keep things on track, though Mars is trining expansive Jupiter on Wednesday-Thursday, favoring positive action. So it’s an emotional time, and positive progress can be made in spite of a bit of looseness and flux. Friday’s Leo Moon lends some warmth and confidence. Saturday may bring us up against problems or weariness as the Sun opposes Saturn.

November 19-25: The Sun-Saturn opposition in the wee hours Sunday morning will color this day with low energy and the possibility of delays and obstacles. Perhaps you are learning to maintain emotional balance as the Sun in Scorpio opposes Saturn in stable Taurus. The Sun is at the very end of Scorpio now, and you may be completing some transition or overhaul of your life; there may also be some residual emotional upheavals. Once the Sun enters Sagittarius Tuesday afternoon (5:20 p.m. MST) you may notice a rebound of optimism and enthusiasm. Relating may be a bit bumpy on Tuesday-Wednesday as Venus and Mars are square to one another; try to consider others’ viewpoints as well as your own. The Moon is v.o.c.** all day Wednesday, so stick to routine or very simple matters; if you are traveling, be prepared for possible delays. Have a Happy Thanksgiving Thursday; Moon’s in Scorpio, conducive both to deep appreciation and emotional upsets. Stick with the former. Friday and Saturday are low key as we are in the lull before New Moon, though Mercury is squaring Uranus, and that could precipitate a bit of outspokenness. This could be a time of healthy self-disclosure or ruffled feathers, or both. New Moon comes at 4:11 p.m. Saturday afternoon, and it will be a fairly mellow New Moon for most of us, with the Sun and Moon opposite expansive Jupiter and sextile insightful Neptune. Enjoy the holiday weekend.

Week of November 26-December 3: Sunday is a fairly positive day, with the Sun and Moon both in easy-going Sagittarius. On Monday the Moon is v.o.c.** all day, meaning it’s hard to get much done; and the Sun is opposite indulgent and expansive Jupiter, meaning that good things may be happening or we may be simply relaxing and gaining a broader perspective on life. (That can be good, too.) We get it together more on Tuesday and Wednesday while the Moon is in practical Capricorn. Communication difficulty and mental inflexibility could complicate matters on Thursday and Friday as Mercury opposes Saturn. This is Mercury at the end of emotional Scorpio opposite Saturn in steady Taurus. This symbolism could play out as one emotional person arguing with one implacably stubborn person, or as an individual reaching an internal balance of those polarities, feeling deeply yet remaining calm. By Friday afternoon and Saturday we are off to new adventures and creative opportunities as Mars trines independent and inventive Uranus.

*Regular readers of this column and others familiar with astrology know that all the planets occasionally appear to backtrack or "retrograde" in their orbits. A planet will slow down, appear stationary, and then appear to slip backward for a period of a few weeks or months before again becoming stationary and then resuming apparent forward motion. Of course the planet is not actually reversing direction but only appearing to do so due to its motion relative to earth’s. Nonetheless, we do feel the effects of these shifts. When a planet is at its "station" or stationary point, the planet’s energies are emphasized; when retrograde, its energies are more internalized. The cycle looks like this. The planet is going forward, and affairs of the planet are moving forward normally. As the planet slows and turns stationary, those matters related to the planet become emphasized in our lives, and significant developments may take place. Then those matters ebb in our outer lives for a while, as we internally digest those developments and realizations and integrate them into our lives during the retrograde. Later, the planet again goes stationary, coming back to the forefront of our awareness, and then resumes apparent forward motion as we again move forward with those matters related to the planet.

During Mercury retrograde periods all sorts of communications and travels and daily doings tend to get snarled up. Computers get overwhelmed and do peculiar things; cars break down; messages get lost, appointments fall through, and misunderstandings run rampant. Or at least that’s the tendency. You and I, and those we let in on this key information, will know to slow down and be patient, to build slack into our schedules, and to have back-up plans for those inevitable breakdowns. We’ll know that when it gets just too thick, it’s time to retire from the fray and have a cup of tea and a good read until things pass. Grace under diverse and challenging circumstances is the aim here. Positively, the Mercury retrograde period does tend to slow down some of the usual hoopla of our lives so that we can catch up a bit on mundane matters and also have some contemplation time. Conventional wisdom advises us that if we are to be busy with projects during the Mercury retrograde, we would do well to get them moving before Mercury turns retro, to be patient during the retro, and to expect to do some revising or completing after Mercury turns direct. As much as possible, it’s best to avoid signing contracts and installing computer hardware and software during these times. Don’t let this stop you in your tracks, just do what you can to follow these simple guidelines, and be prepared to be flexible. Again, part of the gift of this time while Mercury is retrograde in Scorpio is the opportunity to turn inward, to examine our deepest feelings and effect transformation. Interpersonal communication in this area may be inhibited; that can follow later.

*Moon void of course occurs when the Moon has made all the aspects or alignments it will make while in the sign it's in, and is just "marking time" without real momentum. The Moon goes through a sign in 2 to 2 ½ days, so consequently it also goes v.o.c. every couple of days as well, sometimes for only a few minutes or more likely hours, but sometimes for more than a day. Things initiated during a v.o.c. tend to meander off and arrive at a destination other than what was planned. Void of course periods are well used in completing tasks or doing routine chores, or in resting, meditating, and planning for future activities.

Regular readers of this column and others familiar with astrology know that all the planets occasionally appear to backtrack or "retrograde" in their orbits. A planet will slow down, appear stationary, and then appear to slip backward for a period of a few weeks or months before again becoming stationary and then resuming apparent forward motion. Of course the planet is not actually reversing direction but only appearing to do so due to its motion relative to earth’s. Nonetheless, we do feel the effects of these shifts. When a planet is at its "stations" or stationary point, the planet’s energies are emphasized; when retrograde, its energies are more internalized. The cycle looks like this. The planet is going forward, and affairs of the planet are moving forward normally. As the planet slows and turns stationary, those matters related to the planet become emphasized in our lives, and significant developments may take place. Then those matters ebb in our outer lives for a while, as we internally digest those developments and realizations and integrate them into our lives during the retrograde. Later, the planet again goes stationary, coming back to the forefront of our awareness, and then resumes apparent forward motion as we again move forward with those matters related to the planet.

Neptune relates to our ideals, spirituality, imagination, and understanding. When Neptune is stationary, all that idealism and imagination and spirituality is exaggerated, so we may be dreamy or overly idealistic and possibly quite taken by illusion. It seems to me that there’s always the opportunity to be taken over by our dreams for a bit. There’s often a danger that we’ll act foolishly. I find that if we just take a little care we can come to a deeper understanding that is still soft and gentle and aware enough to pull us back from folly. I often find that Neptune stations are times when I don’t have a lot of energy or get a lot accomplished, though I may get good insight and make choices that shape my path for the coming months. I often notice people floating around, tempted by the illusion du jour. They might be waffling while they try to figure it out, or leaping out into space chasing that dream. You and I of course are wisely looking deeper and getting greater clarity. Well, anyway, mid-October is when that’s happening. Notice how things may be drifting along, how hard it can be to just get things lined up and get into action, the more so the more people involved. That’s okay. Just keep clearing illusion from your life, keep seeing more deeply and wisely.

There is plenty of opportunity to immobilize yourself with brooding here, and I don’t mean to encourage that. Venus is in Scorpio until the 18^th. Scorpio is a sign of strong feelings, of emotional intensity. The challenge with Scorpio periods is to be deeply in touch with feelings and internal processes in a creative fashion, that is, without dwelling overlong in emotional upheavals and catharsis, to go through the depths and come out the other side. With Venus in Scorpio, we tend to focus on deeper issues in our relationships, with the opportunity to delve into unresolved issues, creating temporary upheaval and, hopefully, renewal. Destruction is always a possible outcome, though, when we’re dealing with Scorpio energy. Venus comes out of Scorpio into Sagittarius on the 18^th, but the Sun then enters Scorpio on the 22^nd, providing another immersion in intensity and introspection. Meanwhile, Mercury is in Scorpio all month and beyond. The hallmark of this year’s three Mercury retrograde periods is that they all occur when Mercury is in water signs, and these retrograde cycles increase the amount of time this mental planet spends in the emotional water signs. The positive possibility is that we may really get in touch with our feelings and how to communicate them; the possible downside is that we can feel very emotional, for extended periods. Mercury is in Scorpio from September 28 until December 3, except for a little 37-hour period in early November when it briefly slips back into Libra; this amounts to a little more than two months, where Mercury usually spends three or four weeks in a sign. I predict that we will all lighten up enormously in December, once we are through the cleansing but sometimes challenging Scorpio phase and into the more boisterous Sagittarius energy.

Within this period of multiple Scorpio influences, Mercury turns retrograde on October 18; it will turn direct on November 7. You probably already know that during Mercury retrograde periods all sorts of communications and travels and daily doings tend to get snarled up. Computers get overwhelmed and do peculiar things; cars break down; messages get lost, appointments fall through, and misunderstandings run rampant. Or at least that’s the tendency. You and I, and those we let in on this key information, will know to slow down and be patient, to build slack into our schedules, and to have back-up plans for those inevitable breakdowns. We’ll know that when it gets just too thick, it’s time to retire from the fray and have a cup of tea and a good read until things pass. We who are in Albuquerque and experiencing the rebuilding of our freeway interchange will know to stay far, far away from that nexus of potential disaster. Or else we’ll see the opportunity and take along a picnic basket and a good book, or a manicure kit. Grace under diverse and challenging circumstances is the aim here. Seriously, the Mercury retrograde period does tend to slow down some of the usual hoopla of our lives so that we can catch up a bit on mundane matters and also have some contemplation time. Conventional wisdom advises us that if we are to be busy with projects during the Mercury retrograde, we would do well to get them moving before Mercury turns retro, to be patient during the retro, and to expect to do some revising or completing after Mercury turns direct. As much as possible, it’s best to avoid signing contracts and installing computer hardware and software during these times. Don’t let this stop you in your tracks, just do what you can to follow these simple guidelines, and be prepared to be flexible. Again, part of the gift of this time while Mercury is retrograde in Scorpio is the opportunity to turn inward, to examine our deepest feelings and effect transformation. Interpersonal communication in this area may be inhibited; that can follow later.

With the dreaminess of the Neptune station and the inwardness of the Scorpio influences, and with the added introspection of Mercury being retrograde, there will be a lot going on in our inner lives during much of October. We may find that our outer lives are moving rather slowly here, though the nebulousness of Neptune may be offset by the opposition of Jupiter and Pluto (see September forecast). This alignment is normally quite energizing and inspirational, full of enthusiasm. So it might get us galvanized into action; we just need to be aware of these enthusiastic tendencies combining with the idealism of Neptune, and exercise a bit of caution. By the way, October is further graced with a notable number of days in which the Moon is void of course* all or most of the day. Those v.o.c.’s also tend to slow us down and turn things inward, too, so I say just surrender. Still another factor is that Saturn will retrograde into Taurus on the 15^th, leading us into a 6-month cycle of completing practical chores in our material world, including repairs of our bodies and other physical property, and mastering our finances. So there’s lots to slow us down and turn us inward.

Uranus will turn direct on the 26^th, and that’s guaranteed to get things moving again. Uranus is the planet of change, revolution, breakthroughs. It may have been a little harder to get those things happening lately during this later part of Uranus’s 5-month retrograde period. As Uranus goes stationary and turns direct, there will be building energy for change, and you’ll see situations breaking loose and people breaking out all over the place—changing jobs, relationships, residences, all sorts of restructuring of our lives. The degree to which this occurring in your life will vary with the degree to which Uranus is aligning with your birth chart. (Consult your astrologer! And yes, I’d love it if that were Yours Truly.) Do make some changes at this time; get free from your comfortable and limiting routines and patterns. Get shaking before the earthquake planet does the job for you. Let freedom be your watchword. And let it be a creative revolution, minding not to destroy needlessly.

October 1-7: Sunday could have its moments of spaciness or confusion as Mercury squares dreamy Neptune. Be patient and strive for clarity. Monday and Tuesday will have potential strife as Mars squares Pluto, intensifying everyone’s assertiveness/ aggression, temper, and impatience. However the Sun will be making positive alignment with Jupiter and Pluto, smoothing things out and enhancing possibilities for overcoming obstacles. It’s touch and go, folks. Handle yourself well, and things turn out successfully despite the stress; be careless and you crash in flames. Tuesday is one of those v.o.c.* days, so maybe you should be tidying up or working on the big picture instead of fitting nuts to bolts today. We’ll be more effective on Wednesday, with the Moon in practical Capricorn and Mars squaring Jupiter, signifying big, successful action. (Don’t overextend.) Thursday is another v.o.c. day, better for routine matters than for blazing new trails. Friday is v.o.c. until 4:33 p.m. MDT. It seems a modest agenda for the week would be wise, given the v.o.c.’s. It could be good for just taking care of business, sticking to routine. Saturday could be exciting and fun, with Moon in Aquarius and Venus approaching a square to Uranus. No routine today, please.

October 8-14: The relationship planet Venus is square to the excitement planet Uranus on Sunday, and we will want excitement in our relationships, social life, and recreation. Avoid your usual patterns and do something exciting. Relationships that have become too routine need some change along about now. Consider how to do that creatively, without upsetting the apple cart. (Or bust out if you feel you must.) Monday is a great day for moving forward with making enlivening changes, as Sun trines Uranus. We’re a little more sensitive on Tuesday, with Moon in Pisces. Moon is v.o.c. from 7:09 p.m. Tuesday until 1:51 p.m. (MDT) Wednesday, slowing our forward momentum. We’ll feel the Full Moon with its emotion and high energy on Thursday and Friday. (Full Moon comes at 2:53 a.m. MDT Friday.) The Aries Full Moon (with Sun in Libra) often brings out issues relating to the balance of self-concern with relationship commitments. How do I balance me with we? The Jupiter-Pluto opposition is exact at 2:24 a.m. Friday morning. This alignment lends exuberance and enthusiasm and ambition to overcome all obstacles and accomplish big things. May you master this energy, being mindful to maintain balance. Saturday might be a little quieter. I’m not sure how much of a practical nature will be accomplished, as the Neptune station is upon us.

October 15-21: Neptune turns direct at 8:12 a.m. MDT Sunday morning. If you have been seeking clarity, you are probably getting there by now, seeing through the illusions that have hung like fog lately. Saturn also retrogrades into Taurus on Sunday, bringing us back to tending the practical aspect of our lives for a few more months. Mercury turns retrograde early Wednesday morning (7:41 a.m. MDT), so Monday and Tuesday would be well spent getting projects up and running, agreements signed, purchases made, and the like, in advance of the retrograde. Wednesday may have its strains. Venus is at the end of Scorpio, bringing all our relationship wounds and griefs and problems, including old, deeply-buried ones, to their maximum impact. At the same time Venus is opposite Saturn, planet of problems. We might be at the end of our rope with one thing or another, and we just might decide that a lot of it depends on attitude. Scorpio-Taurus oppositions often remind us of the option to get a grip and not dwell on things so mercilessly, Scorpio being intensely emotional and Taurus being more patient and practical. Venus enters freedom-loving Sagittarius late Wednesday; we will naturally lighten up, and we might also choose to take some personal space right about now. By Thursday and Friday we may be ready to just slow down and get things stabilized, after having the Full Moon, Neptune station, Mercury retrograde and more in the past 6 days. Chill out, please. Saturday could be rather sweet and even romantic, with Sun in Libra and Moon in Leo, and Venus in friendly aspect to gentle Neptune.

October 22-28: Sunday could be a sweet day as well, with the Sun at the last degree of Libra and that tender Venus-Neptune alignment. The Sun enters Scorpio at 8:48 p.m. Sunday evening; we’ll feel more emotional intensity for the next 30 days. The main event this week is Uranus turning direct. That occurs in the wee hours (1:58 a.m. MDT) Friday morning. You may notice that there’s a lot of change afoot, perhaps in your life as you choose to step on out of your set ways of being, or at least around you where you will notice people changing jobs, residence, relationship, attitude. You may notice that plans are not gelling particularly well; everything is changing hourly or so it seems. Sally forth with a spirit of adventure and discovery and see just what new territories you might discover. In particular I would set a loose agenda for Thursday, the day of the station. Not only is Uranus doing its thing; the Sun is square to nebulous Neptune, the Moon is void of course* all day until 6:23 p.m. MDT, and it is the dark of Moon time just before New Moon. New Moon comes at 1:58 a.m. MDT Friday morning. This could be a Moon you will want to mind. The Sun and Moon are square to Neptune, planet of idealism and illusion. The relationship planet Venus is aligned with intense Pluto and exuberant Jupiter. There could be big, intense relationship/social/artistic developments, and there could be big, over-the-top crises. Walk in balance. This could so wonderful, or such a crisis. And all this with Mercury retrograde. Hopefully you are taking this time to know yourself at a deeper level.

October 29-November 4: Sunday is good for gaining clarity about all that has been transpiring, as the Sun aligns with Mercury, planet of mind and communication. Moon is in Sagittarius on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday morning, bringing a philosophical perspective. Moon is v.o.c. on Tuesday morning from 6:43 a.m. until 11:01 a.m. MDT. It will be hard to get settled down. Once the Moon enters Capricorn at 11:01, it’s easier to focus. However, Mercury is coming into a square to dreamy Neptune, and you’ll need to maintain that focus consciously. Communication could easily get garbled here as well; seek clarity in all you say and do. Wednesday, November 1, has refreshing relationship influences, and potential for steady progress after some early morning "fog." Thursday and Friday have potential for effective accomplishment as Mars transits the late degrees of meticulous Virgo. Saturday is more socially oriented, with Mars newly in the relationship sign Libra and the Moon in extroverted Aquarius.

Jupiter and Saturn are both in lively Gemini after a lengthy period in Taurus. While Jupiter and Saturn were in Taurus we were occupied and preoccupied with practical concerns. Those are largely handled now, or being taken care of, and we can extend ourselves mentally and socially. Jupiter is the planet of expansiveness; when it’s in Gemini we naturally tend to expand our communication, mobility, and learning, to be more broad-minded, curious, and expressive. Jupiter entered Gemini on June 30 and will remain in that sign until mid-July, 2001. Saturn is the planet of structure and discipline; when it’s in Gemini we are naturally ready to be more serious and focused with our mental pursuits, to communicate more carefully, to read and study more assiduously, to be disciplined in our writing and organized as we move about the world. A sort of disciplined flexibility and spontaneity could result. Saturn entered Gemini on August 9 and will remain there only until October 15, at which time it will retrograde into Taurus for about six months, until April 20. During those months we will have a sort of final exam on having our practical affairs in order. Once Saturn returns to Gemini we’ll have a couple of years, to June 2003, to work on mental discipline, clear communication, and the like.

Saturn and Jupiter will both turn retrograde this month. All the planets occasionally appear to change direction and backtrack in their orbits for a period before resuming apparent forward motion. During a planet’s retrograde cycle, matters under development while the planet was in direct motion tend to lose outward momentum while we internally work things through. Once the planet again turns direct, matters move forward again. When the planet appears stationary, is "at its station," its influence is magnified or emphasized. Pluto turned direct on August 20, unleashing a surge of transformative energy that has helped many of us get our lives moving pretty well. Saturn will turn retrograde September 12, and Jupiter will turn retrograde September 29. At the Saturn station we will likely be noticing the things that need work, areas of disorganization that need to be organized, insufficiencies of our interactive skills that show us how we need to communicate better, spotty areas in our education that need to be filled in, intellectual and interpersonal matters in general that could stand some further development. This, because Saturn is in Gemini. And we will also be aware of the practical matters still needing attention, for Saturn will be back in Taurus from mid-October to April. Saturn stations often feel rather weighty and dreary as we are confronted with all that needs to be done. Do not be discouraged, just get to work and before long you will see your progress. Jupiter stations are usually quite exuberant. Jupiter is the planet of expansiveness and enthusiasm, and our enthusiasm and energy and luck and good timing couldn’t be better around a Jupiter station. If you have projects you want to get moving over the next few months, try to get them initiated as well as possible this month, before Jupiter turns retrograde. The longer Jupiter is retrograde, the less enthusiastic we tend to be. Saturn and Jupiter will turn direct on January 24 and 25, respectively.

We will also get a boost from the coming Autumnal Equinox. The Equinoxes and Solstices are times of energy resurgence. I am happy to report that we are finally getting a break in the Albuquerque area. Since early 1999 I have noticed that the Albuquerque charts for the Equinoxes, Solstices, Eclipses and just plain old New and Full Moons have consistently had strong signatures, with "malefic" planets rising, setting, culminating or at nadir, lending a harshness to the astrological energies in this region. I am happy to report that the current and upcoming New and Full Moons and the Equinox chart as cast for Albuquerque are quite benign.

The only significant outer planet alignment this month is an opposition of Jupiter and Pluto. Jupiter is the planet of expansiveness, and Pluto lends intensity. Jupiter-Pluto alignments can be times of opportunity and enthusiasm, with real opportunities to make positive transformations in our lives. Jupiter is exactly opposite Pluto on September 4, and the two remain in close opposition into October, when they are again exactly 180 degrees apart on October 13. For many of us this could be a time of making giant strides in pulling things together and moving forward in our lives. There is always a possibility, when Jupiter is prominent, of overextending, going off the deep end. This is especially so due to Jupiter’s being at its station on September 29, so do exercise a bit of caution in order to get the best results for your efforts.

During much of this month of September the Sun is in practical Virgo; that helps us keep our feet on the ground. Mars will also be in Virgo the latter half of the month, further helping us use our energies in practical ways. Mercury and Venus are in Libra, sign of balance and harmony, most of the month; that should further help us exercise moderation and good judgment. Finally, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are all now in air signs, furthering the overall development of intellect, ideas, and communication across the board, with Pluto in philosophical Sagittarius supporting our overall knowledge and understanding. If you have been wanting to learn, to grow in communication and relationship, to expand yourself in the world, this is a good time to do it.

September 3-9: Understanding and compassion and creativity abound on Sunday as Venus trines Neptune. The Jupiter-Pluto opposition is exact early Monday; this whole week (and month) holds possibilities for positive action and overcoming of problems. For the early part of the week, through Thursday afternoon, Mercury is in the last degrees of Virgo, good for detail work, though we might be a bit nitpicking or over-critical. Embrace the former, try to balance the latter. Mercury then enters Libra, planet of balance, harmony, and diplomacy. Venus is in positive aspect to both Jupiter and Pluto late Thursday and Friday, helping us further in our relationships. The Moon is v.o.c.* all day Friday, making it harder to achieve practical goals. It could be a good day to enjoy life, enhance our relationships, and create beauty and order in our environments. On Saturday the Moon will be in Aquarius, good for group activities, self-expression, and getting out of our ruts.

September 10-16: Some things are coming to culmination this week. Saturn turns retrograde early Tuesday (5:35 a.m. MDT), and the Moon is Full on Wednesday. Saturn stations bring out all the buried problems needing our attention, so that we can address them. Any limitations in our ability to communicate are coming to light; we may be motivated to be more mentally disciplined; and practical matters needing attention are calling to us. This is the midpoint of a period of at least a couple of weeks during which these concerns are coming to the forefront. On Sunday we have enhanced understanding and communication as Mercury aligns with intuitive Neptune. On Monday we are more effective before 2:09 p.m. MDT, when the Moon goes void of course*. Tuesday and Wednesday are likely to be filled with significance as the Saturn station and Full Moon culminate. We may be balancing between intuition and exactitude (Moon in Pisces/Sun in Virgo); and communication, intellect, and education may be concerns. Make commitments and take actions that will make a difference in these areas over the coming months. Thursday may be a rather exuberant day, with Venus trine Uranus making for excitement and fun and lively relating, and Mercury trine Jupiter giving rise to expansiveness and optimism in thought and speech. Moon in Aries on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning adds energy and vibrancy. Mars is in the last degrees of flamboyant Leo this week; we will be big on fun, drama, and decisive action. Mars enters Virgo late Saturday afternoon (6:20 p.m. MDT), and we are ready to get down to work.

September 17-24: Some of that work intention may initially be blocked; we may be tired, or if we do roll up our sleeves we might immediately encounter obstacles, for Mars (action) is in square to Saturn (obstacles). This colors Sunday and Monday. By late day Monday we are coming up with ingenious solutions and inspirations as Mercury aligns with inventive Uranus. There’s lots of good communication and mobility on Tuesday and Wednesday, too, with the Moon in Gemini. On Thursday the Moon is in sensitive Cancer; we are just before Equinox, so energies may be a little scattered, though we might succeed with cleaning up loose ends and attending to practical matters. Equinox comes at 11:28 a.m. Friday morning. In the Equinox chart, last week’s Full Moon, and next week’s New Moon, there is a common theme of focus on philosophy, education and communication, echoing the emphasis shown by Jupiter and Saturn in Gemini. At Equinox the Sun is in positive alignment with steadying Saturn, helping to stabilize us for the coming quarter. This grounding influence is particularly noticeable on Friday and Saturday as the alignment is exact Saturday morning.

September 24-30: We are starting to wind down toward New Moon as the week begins. Venus enters Scorpio on Sunday morning, and our sensitivity in relationships goes up several notches. Be prepared for simmering issues to bob to the surface, and attempt to deal with them in a balanced way. (Scorpio tends to extremes.) Moon is in Virgo on Monday, good for dispatching many chores and errands, balancing the checkbook, and scrubbing the bathroom grout. The Moon will be void of course all day Tuesday; it’s best to tend to routine matters and pre-New Moon clean-up, or gather strength and make plans for the next cycle. New Moon comes at 1:53 p.m. Wednesday. Balance, harmony, and understanding are emphasized for the coming month. Do be aware that there’s quite a bit of romance and romantic illusion afoot, and enjoy the magic while maintaining at least a nodding acquaintance with reality. On Thursday Mercury enters Scorpio, so rest assured there will be deeper examination; this will help balance the dreamy quality of the New Moon. This is also the week of the Jupiter station, marking a high point of expansiveness, optimism, enthusiasm, and successful action. Jupiter turns retrograde Friday morning. For the most part this Jupiter influence will help us smooth out any rough spots and keep the big picture in mind. Jupiter also has an exaggerating influence, so we may see some things just blown up larger than life, and as Jupiter is in the communication sign Gemini we’ll have a proliferation of information and communication. Take advantage of it while you can, for we are at a high point now. Let things settle a bit on Saturday; we’re moving toward a square of Mercury and Neptune, and the likelihood of confusions is strong. Better to stop and dream a while.

* Moon void of course occurs when the Moon has made all the aspects or alignments it will make while in the sign it's in, and is just "marking time" without real momentum. The Moon goes through a sign in 2 to 2 ½ days, so consequently it also goes v.o.c. every couple of days as well, sometimes for only a few minutes or more likely hours, but sometimes for more than a day. Things initiated during a v.o.c. tend to meander off and arrive at a destination other than what was planned. Void of course periods are well used in completing tasks or doing routine chores, or in resting, meditating, and planning for future activities

Is it just me, or was July a rather challenging month? I think some of what I and others felt was the grouping of planets in Cancer. Cancer is a sensitive, emotionally vulnerable sign, and it’s usual to feel more sensitive during the four weeks following Summer Solstice, when the Sun is in Cancer. Mercury and Venus normally transit through Cancer around the same time the Sun is there. This year, though, Mercury is spending practically the whole summer in Cancer; it's there from May 29 until August 6. Venus made its pass through Cancer from June 18-July 12. And Mars, which spends a couple of months in each of the signs during its two-year orbit, has also been in Cancer, from June 16 to July 31. On top of all that, we had a Solar Eclipse July 1, a Lunar Eclipse July 15, and a Solar Eclipse July 30, further stirring things up. If you’ve been concerned with family welfare and security, if you’ve felt rather vulnerable or insecure, if you’ve been absorbed with domestic chores or conserving resources, you’ve been right in tune with July’s astrological weather. You may by now feel much more grounded at home and in your family as a result of attention invested there. I hope your home is in better shape, your family content, and your garden flourishing. Yet it may have been quite an emotional time, in which you have felt your feelings abundantly. You might feel happy to have Leo energies emerging now, like sunshine after rain.

As of July 31, Mercury has regained the ground lost during its retrograde cycle (during which it appeared to backtrack in its orbit for three weeks up to July 17). We can now move forward more effectively in our daily doings. Mars entering Leo on July 31 will have helped us get moving forward with confidence and optimism (taking care not to go to the Leo extremes of arrogance, bossiness, or egocentricity). Mercury enters Leo on August 6, helping us to speak up with self-assurance. I’m thinking we’ll be kicking into forward gear after being turned inward these past few weeks.

But not too fast. We still have Saturn keeping us earthbound. Saturn is in the very last degree of Taurus as August begins. When any planet is at the end of a sign, its effects in that sign are greatly exaggerated. Saturn is the planet of slow, patient, persistent effort. Taurus is an earth sign, much concerned with the practical aspects of life. With Saturn here, we are naturally plodding along, slowly making progress at putting our material world in order. Have you been concerned these past weeks with making things more solid at home, at work, and in your finances? Have you been concerned with clearing debris, making repairs, and building for a secure future? Has it seemed as though things were moving so slowly, and your energy has been so low, that you’ve wondered if you would achieve your aims? Just persist, dear reader. Persist. And, by the way, it is okay to throw away old papers and to give away still-useable possessions to someone, or a charity, who can use them. Saturn leaves Taurus and enters Gemini on August 9; it will retrograde and return to Taurus from October 15 until April 20, 2001.

Saturn’s entry into Gemini signals us that it’s time to turn our attention to communication. When Saturn enters a sign, we collectively realize that it’s time to take more care, and be more responsible, in the matters related to that sign. Gemini has to do with communication, information, knowledge. Learning to communicate more clearly and responsibly, to organize information, and to present our knowledge in a clear and structured format, would be a good place to start. We will likely learn a lot more about the different ways people learn and how to work with that. Perhaps we will learn to be more focused in our conversations and more economical in our writing. We’ll probably be much concerned with education, perhaps individually choosing to further our own education or writing, and also collectively investing in schools and education as a key to the future, to an even greater degree than at present. Watch yourself these next few weeks and see if these trends are apparent. Saturn was last in Gemini from 1971-1973.

Pluto will turn direct on August 20 after appearing to backtrack its orbit since March. We may feel as though all that energy that has been operating on such deep levels during the months of the retrograde is surging to the surface with such power that it can feel as if we, or things, are going to burst. This can be quite a compelling feeling, depending on how strongly one’s own chart is affected; and we do well to release that power in constructive, change-producing activities. If you have been wanting to make some changes, but it’s seemed like things were moving glacially, this should do the trick. Getting some planets in fire signs, having Saturn move from Taurus to Gemini, and Pluto turning direct, after a series of eclipses, sounds like a formula for positive movement and transformation.

August 1-5: The Moon is waxing now, after Sunday’s New Moon/Solar Eclipse, so this is a good time to make plans for the month and start things moving. With Saturn in the last degree of Taurus, progress may be slow and focused on practical matters. Tuesday has extra potential for positive changes as the Sun aligns with Pluto in late evening. On Tuesday and Wednesday the Moon is in Virgo, particularly conducive to putting things in order and taking care of details. On Wednesday and Thursday the Moon is in Libra, excellent for connecting with people. On Saturday afternoon the Moon enters Scorpio (after being void of course* from approximately noon to 3 p.m. MDT); we’ll tend to be more emotional and dwell on unresolved matters. Relationship issues are coming up now.

August 6-12: Sunday could be a rather emotional day. Moon is in Scorpio. Venus is squaring Saturn, bringing up relationship problems and limitations. Mercury, planet of thought and communication, is at the last degree of sensitive and emotional Cancer. This could be a good day to spend some time in solitude, caring for yourself. It’s important to be grounded all week long; lunar and planetary energies are rather turbulent. On Monday and Tuesday Mars will be opposing Neptune. The planet of action opposite the planet of dreams and illusion can send us into wild-goose chases and overreactions. On Wednesday Mercury opposes Neptune; the danger here is of misunderstandings and miscommunications. Saturn leaves Taurus for Gemini Wednesday night. After attending to practical matters for so long, we’ll become more conscious of the need to improve communications. That may be a pressing need on Wednesday and Thursday, as the planet of communication, Mercury, conjoins Mars, planet of assertiveness and aggression, in fiery Leo. There could be some blow-ups and overreactions here as earlier in the week. The Sun opposes Uranus on Thursday-Friday, catalyzing changes and unexpected developments. Kind of a wild week. Then Friday and Saturday are colored by a void of course* Moon in Capricorn all day, both days. Moon v.o.c. periods are like a world apart in which our efforts tend to meander or go in unexpected directions. Saturday has excellent planetary aspects, and good things may happen; it may just be hard to apply those efforts to achieving our declared aims.

August 13-19: The beginning of the week is dominated by the Full Moon (11:13 p.m. MDT Monday night). Full Moon is normally a time of high energy and emotion. For this one we have a square of Venus and Pluto, bringing relationship issues to crisis. The best answer may be honest but gentle communication. Mercury opposes Uranus on Tuesday-Wednesday, meaning that we will tend to outspokenness; hence the enjoinder to be gentle. There is a real desire to make meaningful changes at this time, and the ability to do it. The Moon will be v.o.c.* in Pisces from 1:56 p.m. MDT Wednesday through Thursday. It’ll be best to spend that time processing all that’s gone on and tending to non-critical activities. Friday and Saturday are better for direct action, with Moon in Aries and Pluto getting ready to turn direct.

August 20-26: Pluto turns direct Sunday evening. Pluto ‘stations’ seem to set loose surges of transformative energy. You would do well to devote some of Sunday to making positive changes in your life. Clear out some debris and get things moving, continuing this on Monday. On Tuesday and Wednesday Mercury and Sun enter efficient Virgo, great for doing lots of practical work the next few weeks, but both Mercury and Sun immediately square Saturn, bringing up obstacles. There are likely to be communication breakdowns and other snafus. Be patient and work through the problems, possibly waiting a couple of days for communications fog to clear. The Moon is v.o.c.* Thursday until 4:00 p.m. MDT. Stick to routine matters until then. On Friday the Moon is in Cancer, good for tending to one’s self, family, and community/clan. On Saturday the Moon is v.o.c. in Cancer from 8:11 a.m. until 5:17 p.m. MDT, when it enters Leo. This is also getting to be dark of Moon, when it’s hard to get things done anyway; it might be a good time to tidy up and plan the next campaign. I think I’d be inclined to stay around the casa and get things whipped (gently) into shape that day. The evening could be fun time, with Moon in fun-loving Leo and extra communication enhancements.

August 27-31: Sunday could be fun. Mercury squares Jupiter and Pluto; it could be the time to conceive a big plan for your life and set it in motion, with both ambition and common sense. (Mercury-Jupiter-Pluto dreams BIG; you need some reality to ground it.) Try to moderate any extremes in communication, as hyperbole abounds. Monday is another Moon v.o.c. day, and it is absolutely dark of Moon, just hours before New Moon. Be a commando eradicating unfinished business and clearing the decks for action. Or, this being a Leo Moon, rest and enjoy life. Give yourself and others freedom: freedom of action, and freedom to make changes and try new things. Mars is opposite Uranus on Sunday-Monday-Tuesday, and we all need room to move and innovate. Do watch a tendency to impulsiveness, recklessly radical action, and accident-proneness. This energy colors the New Moon, which occurs at 4:19 a.m. Tuesday morning. Make plans for the coming month that include that innovative energy; you could get a lot done.

* Moon void of course occurs when the Moon has made all the aspects or alignments it will make while in the sign it's in, and is just "marking time" without real momentum. The Moon goes through a sign in 2 to 2 ½ days, so consequently it also goes v.o.c. every couple of days as well, sometimes for only a few minutes or more likely hours, but sometimes for more than a day. Things initiated during a v.o.c. tend to meander off and arrive at a destination other than what was planned. Void of course periods are well used in completing tasks or doing routine chores, or in resting, meditating, and planning for future activities

First, the three Eclipses. Eclipses occur about every six months, usually a Solar Eclipse and a Lunar Eclipse, spaced two weeks apart. Eclipses are really just more potent New or Full Moons. At Solar Eclipse we see the Sun and Moon on the same side of the earth in such perfect alignment that the Moon obscures the Sun from our view and blocks its light from reaching us. At Lunar Eclipse the Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of the Earth aligned so that the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon. Eclipses seem to stir things up, emotions, the weather, human events; and thus they can be triggers for changes and unusual occurrences. This current eclipse cycle is unusual because there are three eclipses instad of the usual two, a Solar Eclipse on July 1, a Lunar Eclipse on July 16, and another Solar Eclipse on the 30^th. The two Solars are partial eclipses and won’t give us any visible show. Nonetheless they may be felt as catalysts of shifts and changes. The Lunar Eclipse is a total eclipse and will have some visibility in the western United States, where the Moon will be setting and the Sun will be rising as the eclipse begins.

The July 1 Solar Eclipse is striking because the Sun and Moon will be almost exactly conjunct Mars, planet of volatility and upsets, with Venus and Mercury also in close alignment, and all of these bodies in the sensitive, sentimental water sign Cancer. We are in a period of several weeks of having multiple placements in Cancer, and thus this is a prolonged period of sensitivity, emotion, and tendency to insecurity. This is a good time for getting in touch with one’s feelings, as it is inevitable that we will be feeling them. It’s also quite an appropriate time for attending to home, family, food, tradition, and nurturing people. (Sounds like a perfect time for a family reunion or a wedding, doesn’t it?) The challenging part is that we may be feeling quite vulnerable and prone to brooding and to emotional upsets. Attend to your own and others’ sensitive nature with gentleness, while keeping your feet on the ground and taking care of practical matters as well. Note that Mercury, which usually passes through a sign in three weeks or so, is in Cancer from May 29 to August 6. This planet of thought, learning, and communication is retrograde now, appearing to backtrack its orbit from June 23 to July 16. Mercury retrograde periods are known for producing slowdowns and breakdowns, particularly in communications, transactions, travel, and the daily comings and goings of life. With retrograde Mercury in Cancer, we may be particularly emotional in our thinking and communicating. This could be a time when feelings are so present in our consciousness that we commit to take special care in acknowledging and expressing them. Or we could be overly emotional and quite confusing in our communications. This is a good time to attend to the feeling part of life, and the July 1 Solar Eclipse with insistent Mars at the same degree as the Sun and Moon may be the time we get into action and do just that. This is also a great time to put energy into all things Cancerian, your home, garden, family, food.

The July 16 Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse will also have its strong effects, bringing things begun at the New Moon/Solar Eclipse to culmination and resolution. This will be an unusually emotional Full Moon, due to it being an eclipse and also to the continuing influence of the Sun, Mercury, and Mars in sensitive Cancer. Full Moon can pull us in opposite directions, in this case between the emotional needs of Cancer and the practical responsibilities of Capricorn, as the Moon in Capricorn opposes the Sun in Cancer. With this being an eclipse, there’s more pressure to reach realizations and make adjustments, or to just react to the pressures, catalyzing changes in either case. The element of change is particularly strong in the Albuquerque-Denver area, as the change planet Uranus is on the western horizon at the time of the exact eclipse.

The July 30 Solar Eclipse is potent because the Sun and Moon will be in positive alignment with Pluto, planet of deep transformation, and also with Jupiter, planet of growth and opportunity, in a "mystic rectangle" configuration indicating synthesis and smooth function. This could be quite an influence for positive developments. Once again, the revolutionary planet Uranus is on the horizon in the Albuquerque-Denver area, particularly highlighting the possibilities of striking transitions and the occasional major disruption.

Jupiter and Saturn have both been in Taurus the last year or so, until Jupiter entered Gemini on June 30. Taurus is concerned with practical matters, security, and solidity. A planet’s passage through the end of a sign usually brings exaggerated manifestations of that sign’s symbolism. Jupiter’s passage through the end of Taurus in late June placed a focus on slow, deliberate efforts in the material realm, and now Saturn is lumbering through those late degrees, adding even more weight and deliberation to practical matters. If you have felt like a Taurean bull, laboring mightily with a massive load, trying to accrue solid gains and enhanced security, it’s this Taurus emphasis. Progress may be slow, and you may wonder if you are succeeding. The symbolism of this influence tells me that if you are patient and persistent, the progress will be made and the gains won. This season of effort continues up until Saturn enters Gemini on August 9. On a positive note, Jupiter’s June 30 entry into Gemini should be opening up new avenues of communication and mobility. Saturn in Gemini could lead us all into real work on clearer and more organized communication.

Week of July 1-8: The July 1 Solar Eclipse may stir up emotions and/or impulsive actions. Let this be the beginning of an exciting month of growth toward greater self-expression and stronger bonds of family, friendship, and community. The Moon is now waxing, making this a good time to get projects for the month moving forward. With Mercury retrograde, those projects may involve finishing up old business or returning to projects or ideas birthed earlier. There will be much mental energy, communication, and movement as the Sun aligns with Mercury early Thursday morning and volatile Mars early Friday morning. Do try to exercise some forethought and good judgment; Sun, Mercury and Mars together can arouse egos and precipitate harsh words and impulsive action. Drive carefully these few days; others may not be so attentive.

Week of July 9-15: The sensitivity continues as Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars continue in Cancer. This sensitivity is heightened on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday as the Moon is in Scorpio, sign of deep and powerful emotion. This may be a difficult few days for some of us, as emotions are so strong. We begin to lighten up Tuesday evening as Moon enters Sagittarius. Many of us will have been feeling particular pangs of attachment in relationship as Venus neared the end of clingy Cancer. Early Thursday morning Venus enters Leo, and we reorient to more confidence and expressiveness and fun. Thursday may not be the most productive day, as the Moon is void of course* from10:02 a.m. on; this could be good for getting out and moving about, running errands for instance, or getting away for an escape from it all. It’s probably not a great day for making agreements or major purchases or beginning a new project, as a void-of-course on top of Mercury retrograde can send initiatives off in unexpected directions if they go anywhere at all. Friday is more grounded as Moon will be in hard-working Capricorn. Saturday should be a good day in relationship matters, as Venus sextiles expansive Jupiter. We are at the brink of the Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse as we near week’s end. Matters will be culminating and issues resolving. Balance the personal with the practical for good decisions, and be prepared for changes and breakthroughs, particularly if you live in the Albuquerque-Denver area where the inflluence of revolutionary Uranus is particularly strong.

Week of July 16-22: The Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse is exact at 7:55 a.m. MDT Sunday morning. This should be a high point for the month. Realization and resolution are possible for some issues. Many of us will be balancing the pleasures and adventures of relationship with the thrill of personal freedom, and making choices. Mercury turns direct at 7:20 a.m. Monday morning, and communications begin to clear up. There is likely some relationship inspiration and idealism going around as Venus opposes Neptune on Monday also. If you look more closely you will get clarity. The Sun sextiles Saturn on Thursday, helping us to stabilize and attend to some of those practical matters Saturn in Taurus has been presenting. Some relationships will be in a process of deepening and breakthroughs on Friday as Venus sextiles Pluto. And on Saturday the Sun enters its own sign, warm, confident Leo after its sojourn in sensitive Cancer. We’ll all feel the warmth and our soggy hankies will dry out a bit, hurray!

Week of July 23-29: This is the last week before the New Moon/Solar Eclipse on the 30^th. Eclipses are good for shifts and transitions, and Mercury is direct now, easing communication and transactions. This is a good time to plow through unfinished matters, completing as much as possible before that eclipse. The Moon is in Taurus on Monday and Tuesday, good for practical matters and physical repairs. Moon is in Gemini on Wednesday and Thursday, and that’s typically good for phone calls and errands and communications and mental activities of all kinds. Expansivie Jupiter is in positive alignment with insightful Neptune, peaking on Wednesday and Thursday also and supporting real vision and inspiration. Confusion may creep in as Thursday advances, though, as the Sun draws opposite dreamy Neptune. This may be a good time to just come to a halt in outer activities and meditate or rest. Do try for clear understanding. On Friday Venus opposes Uranus and some of us are torn between freedom and excitement versus relationship security. Do something exciting and outside your usual repertoire; get out of that rut. See if you can bring freedom and excitement to your relationship. Saturday really should be a clean-up day for anything you are ready to complete in your life so as to move into new chapters. Complete projects, throw things out or give them away; set the stage for a new beginning.

Week of July 30-August 5: This Solar Eclipse exact at 8:25 p.m. MDT Sunday evening has great potential for positive evolutions unfolding smoothly, and particularly so in the Albuquerque-Denver region ; go for it! Mars is at the end of Cancer, and we may be quite concerned about security, to the point of reigning in our actions. Mars enters Leo Tuesday evening, and all that changes as confidence and dynamism return. Try not to be too flamboyant. It’s a good week for just moving forward with things, and Tuesday is particularly so due to a positive alignment of Sun with transformative Pluto.

Well! Wasn’t May interesting! People had been anticipating May, 2000, for years, due to the line-up of planets in Taurus, particularly at the May 3 New Moon. (See last month’s forecast for details.) My take on it was that there was lots to deal with in the material world. I noted that Pluto, planet of transformation (euphemism for destruction/rebuilding) was prominent in the New Moon chart as cast for the Albuquerque area. On May 4 we had the beginning of the devastating Cerro Grande fire up Los Alamos way. It has been a wrenching time for us in this area with the specter of massive loss and destruction near at hand. When Pluto is prominent in current planetary influences, there are likely to be various instances of things breaking down, whether materially or in our emotions, relationships, and other aspects of life. This has been a heavy month, both psychologically and materially, for many of us. Though things move slowly with Taurus energy, I trust that we have all progressed and are on more solid footing as a result.

June, while not as sensational as May, will be quite an interesting month. We begin with the June 2 New Moon. Sun, Moon, and Venus are tightly aligned in Gemini, opposite Pluto. I am seeing that as an impulse to good in spite of degenerative influences, finding grace and love and beauty as an affirmation of our lives despite those things that need cleaning up. Sun, Venus, and Mars in Gemini should be keeping all of us mobile, though perhaps a bit scattered. Mars in Gemini (May 3-June 16) has produced sharp words and impulsive speech and actions. Venus in Gemini (May 25-June 18) is good for being the social butterfly, connecting broadly but not too deeply. The Sun and Venus are tracking together, staying within a couple of degrees or so of one another through most of the month; that does put the emphasis on love and relationship.

And guess what! Mercury is turning retrograde, again. This planet of communication appears to backtrack its orbit for three weeks or so about every four months. These periods are notorious for the breakdowns that occur in communication and daily doings. Try to get your affairs moving and on track before the retrograde begins on June 23, and particularly defer signing agreements, making major purchases, and installing computer software or any equipment, if possible. In real life we see that the retrograde may bring breakdowns such that we need to buy a car, change jobs, or reinstall equipment and software. If so, just proceed with caution; don’t let Mercury intimidate you. Mercury turns direct July 17.

Finally, in light of the month just past, I would like to forewarn you about a couple of alignments with the star Algol. Algol has a reputation for violence and destruction. Jupiter and Saturn will cross Algol’s position this month, Jupiter on June 11 and Saturn on the 25^th. When Jupiter had a prolonged crossing of Algol’s position twelve years ago, there was a severe earthquake in Afghanistan with great destruction and loss of life. That sort of destruction may not be repeated this month, but then again it may. As for yourself, keep out of dangerous environments and brace yourself before you watch the news.

June 1-3: New Moon at 6:14 a.m. MDT Friday morning is a mixed bag. It’s a new cycle with fresh Gemini energy after the previous lunar cycle with its strongly earthbound Taurus concentration. Sun and Moon are aligned with loving Venus, in opposition to Pluto. The love and happiness are present in counterpoint to certain areas in need of renovation or cleaning up. Make some commitments to transform instances of degeneration in your life, and take some action. This issue is present all three days as Sun is opposite Pluto on Thursday and Venus opposes Pluto on Saturday. Concentrate on your loving heart and also have the strength to withstand challenges in your world. Saturday is great for planting, after the Moon enters Cancer at 10:30 a.m. MDT.

Week of June 4-10: This is a fairly clear week with no major astrological events. The Moon is increasing, making this a good time to begin projects. It’s also good for gardening, particularly Sunday, when the Moon is in fertile Cancer; and on Saturday, when the Moon will be in Libra, good for planting flowers. Moon will be v.o.c.* on Monday morning until 10:45 a.m. MDT, on Wednesday until 12:57 p.m., and all day Friday from 9:48 a.m. until 5:59 p.m. It’s usually harder to get things done during a v.o.c., and projects begun at such times tend to falter, so stick to routine matters as much as possible during those intervals. Saturday is suffused with Sun-Venus energy, could be lovely.

Week of June 11-17: On Sunday the Sun and Venus will be conjunct in Gemini, in positive alignment with Uranus, planet of free expression. This could be a marvelously fun time of freedom and fun and affection and play. At the same time Jupiter aligns with that scary planet Algol, and things may be blowing up somewhere. Hopefully your life is charmed at this time; unusually harsh things will likely turn up in the news. If you’re a praying person, visualize the whole earth suffused with love. Monday and Tuesday will be moodier than Sunday, as the Moon will be in Scorpio. On Wednesday the Moon will be v.o.c.* until 12:18 p.m. MDT; defer important activities to afternoon. Sun, Venus, and Mars are in late degrees of Gemini all this week. We’ll be quite mobile and articulate, communicating a great deal. It may be hard to settle down and get focused. Full Moon comes Friday afternoon (4:27 p.m. MDT), further raising the energy level. Do try to have things moving in your life in a good way; use the momentum of the Full Moon and the Gemini planets to generate movement in your life. Mars, Venus, and Sun will enter Cancer shortly, and Mercury turns retrograde soon. In fact, Mars enters Cancer early Friday morning. You may feel the urge to settle in and nest at home. There’s a tendency with Mars in Cancer to be more moody, vacillating, and defensive. Do things to bolster your feeling of comfort without huge caloric intake.

Week of June 18-24: This is an eventful week, astrologically speaking. Venus enters Cancer on Sunday, enhancing feelings of family connection and love; do be in touch with family and remember the dads in your life for Father’s Day. Monday morning will have a slow start, as Moon is v.o.c.* until 1:26 p.m. MDT. Summer Solstice arrives at 7:48 p.m. Tuesday. The Solstice chart features a conjunction of Sun, Venus and Mars. This should be good for relationship electricity, and particularly so in the vicinity of Albuquerque, where that configuration shows up in the house of partnership. On Wednesday we have the Venus-Mars conjunction, beginning a new two-year relationship cycle. Relationship beginnings and endings will be unfolding everywhere, and this is an opportunity for new beginnings in existing relationships as well. Give this some attention. We tend to think of Mars-Venus conjunctions as all moonlight and roses, but the planet of conflict, Mars, is part of this equation, and there may well be thorns among the roses. Aside from relationships, we should be taking care of business this week. Mercury turns retrograde at 2:32 a.m. Friday morning. Have agreements signed, purchases made, software installed, and projects begun before the retrograde begins, or shortly after if you can’t fit it all in beforehand. Momentum will lag over the next three weeks until Mercury turns direct on July 17. The retrograde period is also a naturally good time to slow down in our daily affairs and catch up with loose ends, preparing for new beginnings after Mercury turns direct. This could fit quite nicely with the nesting urges of this period during which Sun, Venus, and Mars are in Cancer. Every astrological influence is good for something; the key is being in tune with the cosmic rhythms.

Week of June 25-July 1: This week may be somewhat slow, with the Moon waning and Mercury retrograde. It’s a good time to complete projects and clean up all those little bits of unfinished business. On Sunday Saturn crosses that star Algol that is associated with rage and upheaval. Keep your temper under control and watch around you; this will probably show up more on the nightly news than in your personal life, but it pays to be cautious. The Moon will be v.o.c.* all day Monday until 6:19 p.m. MDT; plan a light day as it would be tricky to execute dazzling maneuvers with the Moon decreasing and v.o.c. and Mercury retrograde. Tuesday and Wednesday should be good for taking care of practical affairs with the Moon in earthy Taurus. Thursday and Friday might be good for catching up on correspondence and phone calls as the Moon passes through Gemini. Friday is a Moon v.o.c.* day, though, from pre-dawn until late evening, so do the important stuff on Thursday. Good news is that Jupiter enters Gemini Friday morning, and Jupiter’s expansive influence moves from the material concerns of Taurus to Gemini’s sphere of communication, learning, and mobility in thought and action. On Saturday comes New Moon at 1:20 p.m.; it’s a partial Solar Eclipse as seen in South America, but we won’t see that here. Still, it’s a catalyst for change and realization; do take time to contemplate the state of your life and where you want to go next.

JULY PREVIEW: We will have three eclipses in July, a Solar Eclipse July 1, a Lunar Eclipse July 16, and another Solar Eclipse on July 31. We won’t see the Solar Eclipses, though we may see the Moon in eclipse setting as the Sun rises on July 16. Regardless of the lack of impressive visuals, we may feel these eclipses as shifts in consciousness and changes in life circumstances. Mercury in retrograde is good for introspection and quiet, supporting the eclipse process. Mercury turns direct on July 17, making it easier to do things in the outer world. We begin July with several planets in sensitive, introspective, sentimental Cancer, keeping us close to home, family, and our inner feelings. Venus and Sun move ahead to warm and expressive Leo, but Mercury and Mars remain in Cancer throughout July, keeping us in touch with our feelings.

* Moon void of course occurs when the Moon has made all the aspects or alignments it will make while passing through its current sign, and is just "marking time" without real momentum. The Moon goes through a sign in 2 to 2 ½ days, so consequently it also goes v.o.c. every couple of days as well, sometimes for only a few minutes or more likely hours, but sometimes for more than a day. Things initiated during a v.o.c. tend to meander off and arrive at a destination other than what was planned. Void of course periods are well used in completing tasks or doing routine chores, or in resting, meditating, and planning for future activities

Copyright 1998 - 2008 Sandy Bryan