THE TEN MINUTE ASTROLOGER

Mars Return: A Time to Start Anew

2011-09-12T06:00:00.002-04:00

When I was born Mars was in the sign of Leo. I'm on the brink of a Mars return. Mars returns signal the initiation of a new project or activity.

By tracking your Mars returns you can get an idea of how well or how difficult your chosen project will go. Mars is your action indicator and it returns to it's natal position every 22 1/2 months. Consider the first conjuction as the planning stage of your project. When the transit of Mars approaches it's first square to your natal Mars you should be well on your way to bringing your plan to fruition. If there are problems with your plan at the time of the opposition the problems will become obvious. If by the next square the problems are still obvious it is an indication that the plan may not have been a good one or well thought out from the get go.

It is interesting that my Mars is located in the third house. I have always done work involved with communications. A month ago I started a new job in the field of communications. My initial training is just about over and I am well on my way to doing my Mars in the third house. My work in astrology also requires my talent for counseling, writing and lecturing.

After experiencing many Mars returns I find this one to be one of my best.

Mercury's Shadow Period: Ugh!

2011-09-06T06:00:00.002-04:00

Just a reminder that Mercury is still retrograde and will officially go direct on August 26th.

That's what the ephemeris says anyway but those in the know realize that until Mercury is out of its shadow period us earthlings are not in the clear. It is always best to wait on major decisions until Mercury returns back to the degree that it was before it went retrograde. So just a heads up for you all...if possible just try to hold off until after the 10th for those important document signings, iPhone purchases and promotion requests.

Jupiter is still traveling in the sign of Taurus making this security oriented sign feeling more optimistic about the future. Feisty Mars will be entering Leo on the 20th which could trigger off aggressive behavior in those born in the early degrees of fixed somewhere around October 2nd or third. This is the time when caution should be the operative word for those born in the early degrees of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. As long as you all look before you leap this short lived transit should prove just slightly annoying.

Second Saturn Return

2011-08-29T06:00:00.001-04:00

I was asked by a friend who is going through her second Saturn return to explain more about the celestial taskmaster's message.

A good way to get a bead on Saturn's personality is to look at a picture of the planet itself. Saturn is a ringed planet. It is quite awesome to see through a telescope. The first time I got a view of it through a telescope I was stunned. We are so far away from it that we never really get to see that it looks exactly like some high school science project rendering of its image. When I got a look at it for the first time it was hard to believe that something so beautiful hung suspended like some Christmas tree ornament so close to planet earth's neighborhood.

Saturn's rings represent boundaries. Staying within Saturn's bounds is like playing by the rules. When we go beyond the rules of Saturn thinking we can outwit the law or engage in any kind of behavior that ignores consequences we will be reminded of the fact again and again that karma exists. For every action there is a reaction...play by the rules and you will avoid unnecessary reprimands, traffic tickets, and DWI fines, as well as pesky paternity suits. Think of Saturn as your cosmic conscience.

Think of life before the age of 29 as a rehearsal or trial run. After 29 when you have gone through Saturn's maturation cycle you should be experienced enough to take your show on the road and engage in the game of life respectably and with consideration. By this time most people know from experience that driving over the speed limit can result in traffic tickets or worse. Hangovers come under the category of Saturn and anyone who has indulged in one two many knows exactly what I mean.

There are lots of examples of life before Saturn return lessons e.i., stupid boyfriends/girl friends, cheating on exams, lying to cover up indiscretions, indulging in vengeful acts, and just plain old inexperience. The list is endless. Indulging in inappropriate behavior as well as not feeling empowered before 29 is normally due to immaturity and often chalked off as such, however after the age of 29 you are supposed to have used up your excuses. It is a time for a clean slate. It is now showtime!

A normal healthy person will experience two Saturn returns. The second occurring around the age of 59 years of age. This is the age when we are expected to reap the benefits of having living an ordered and structured life. The second Saturn return can also be for some, a time when the chickens come home to roost especially if the life you have been leading since after 29 has been one of wrong choices.

I describe myself as an eternal optimist with a realistic view of life. Life is not ever perfect. If this is your second Saturn return and life is not a perfect flowerbed just remember you are still the gardener of your life. If your garden is a mass of weeds don't allow yourself to think that they will take over your entire yard. Even though your tools are rusty...just take them out of the shed. You'll see they still work.

Born Under a Mercury Retrograde

2011-08-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

A lot has changed since I began studying astrology over thirty years ago. Back in the day the only people who understood the term "Mercury Retrograde" were astrologers. Things are very different today. It always makes me smile when I'm in a place non-astrology related and I hear someone mention the dreaded Mercury retrograde. Often when this happens I am in a public place amongst strangers. No matter how tempted I get, I hold my tongue for fear of getting in a long involved conversation which has the potential to turn into a free reading. If the temptation becomes too great and I do submit it can only result in a real life Mercury retrograde period for me because it will cause me to, just like a retrograde, make me slow down, go backwards leaving from where I was headed just to share tidbits of information about the ruler of commerce and conversation. The result of such an action on my part could possibly result in getting late to an appointment or missing a train. So of course I don't.

I must admit though astrology has come away and is given more respect than years back. I can actually attest to the fact during medical consults physicians have actually honored without the wisecracks, my reasons for requesting a different date for a medical procedure rather than the one available in their appointment book.

I found that a cosmetic procedure seemed to go on and on having to return to make a wrong right because the retrograde period was the only time I could address the issue. Don't ever accept a medical opinion on a Mercury retrograde. Unless you enjoy making multiple doctor visits and getting second opinions I'd wait for any medical opinions after the retro was over.

It seems I'm cursed as far as Mercury is concerned because whenever I have important papers to sign, procedures to be done, or decisions to be made the planet Mercury is always moving backwards and I can say this happens to me almost 85% of the time.

I was told by a famous astrologer at the beginning of my studies that Mercury retro periods would never bother me since my ruling planet is Mercury and it was retrograde when I was born. I must admit most of the time these periods rarely concern me.

Anyone care to share?

Compassion: Message from Moon in Pisces

2011-08-15T18:48:00.000-04:00

Today the Moon in Pisces is a reminder for us all to cast aside our preconceived opinions and judgements about others as well as ourselves and to remember that we are all one with the unified whole. I am afraid that I am just as guilty as the next person of forgetting that my sole purpose is to appreciate others differences and limitations and to show compassion and love for my fellow man.

With what is happening in the world it becomes easier to forget. As we watch Pluto in Capricorn bringing down irresponsible masters of the universe on Wall Street and power greedy world leaders who have forgotten that they are not above spiritual law get their due, it should be a reminder to us all especially during these most difficult times that there is such a thing as payback.

The power of the media also makes it hard for us to keep focused on what is really important. It isn't the Kardashians, the Oscars, best dressed lists or any other hot topic dreamed up by spin doctors. The media is making gazillions of dollars to distract us from what is really important and is getting very rich in the process.

Keep watching Pluto. Pluto will destroy that which is of no longer any use. An economy based on greed and unfairness is sure not to survive. Uranus demands change and does it suddenly without warning, and Neptune makes it difficult to see it coming.

We are living in challenging times. Pluto wants us to clean up our act and can be merciless in how he forces us to do it. Uranus will give us a way out if we use our ingenuity. And Neptune will give us the ability to keep the dream alive.

It's time to build upon better dreams.

Neptune

2011-08-04T11:17:00.007-04:00

I realize that I have written many posts about the influence of Neptune and this latest post might be considered by some to be somewhat redundant. So in the event you are one of the lucky few who are not allergic to it's influence and always are able to walk a straight line towards your destination which, simply being a resident of the planet earth, I very much doubt, you can stop reading right now. Even without challenging aspects from Neptune in your chart, based on the law of probabilities you should count on the fact that one day you will be getting a transit of this celestial ducker and weaver of the zodiac who has the ability to make a veteran sailor feel like he's lost his rudder.

The purpose of this post is to provide an antidote for the victims of Neptune's most debilitating influence. I know, I know it sounds like I am being negative regarding this planetary ingrate...no I'm just being realistic. Unless you are either walking on water or living in a cloistered community chances are you could be seduced by a wolf in sheeps clothing or simply be asleep at the wheel literally or figuratively. Remember danger can even be lurking behind the convincing stage of religiosity. Let us not forget Lucifer was once an angel.

The antidote lies in using your common sense...for instance if someone is offering you something for nothing in a business deal nothing will be the result. Birds of a feather usually stick together so if you find yourself in the company of substance abusers, scammers and sneaks get thee out the door. Lending money to people who haven't proven their worth usually isn't a good idea but under Neptune it is never a good idea.

Are you susceptible to being scammed, hoodwinked, screwed, bamboozled, or cheated? Take a look at your natal horoscope to find out where Neptune landed when you were born for a slice of clarity.

House 1: Wear a face mask of yourself so people remember who you are.
House 2: Remember Bernie Madoff.
House 3: Hire a translator.
House 4: Message to all seaside dwellers: Build a seawall!
House 5: Use contraceptives; love fades; babies are forever.
House 6: Always wash your hands.
House 7: Have your spouse wear a face mask so you can remember who he/she is.
House 8: Do you use sex as an escape?
House 9: Check that Guru's credentials.
House 10: If you're career isn't Jacques Cousteau or Mozart related it better be legit.
House 11: If your friends are smoking or doping get new ones.
House 12: If you are smoking or doping get into a program.

More on Amy Winehouse

2011-08-01T01:11:00.000-04:00

A shout out to the person who sent me the birth data for Amy Winehouse! I very much appreciated it. Amy was born September 14th, 1983 at 10:25PM in Southgate, England which gives Amy a Gemini ascendant.

From this point of view we can see that Amy's first impulse was to communicate. Her Mercury and Sun in the fifth house are sure indications that she had a special talent that had to be given expression and she did it perfectly through her voice and words. I sat in awe listening to her unique and perfect rendition of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" on YouTube the other day...poor Amy such a loss.

Her Moon in the seventh house would give her the ability to make an impression on others as well as be effected by the emotions and feelings of those around her. For an addictive personality like Amy this was a dangerous location for the Moon especially if she was associating with the wrong people. Was she responding to her own impressions or picking up psychic impressions of those around her?

In my opinion it's always a challenge to be clear headed even without the tendency toward substance abuse when the Moon in the seventh house. The Moon in Capricorn requires that the feelings be regulated or restrained but in this case restraint was on the off switch and Neptune in the seventh house compounded the problem. Neptune in the seventh house is like wearing the wrong eyeglass prescription. It is just plain difficult to see clearly.

Amy had a passionate and demonstrative nature with her Venus and Mars in the dramatic sign of Leo. While watching some of her performances she often gave a shout out to her Dad. From all appearances Amy loved her dad. All in all Venus and Mars in the fourth house indicates that Amy inherited a passionate and impulsive love nature which may have been a little uncomfortable for a Virgo to carry off. Amy was probably more discriminating regarding the object of her affections than we realize.

It appears, to this astrologer that Amy began to experience a transit of Pluto to her natal moon as early as 2008. Pluto would have begun it's transit bringing along with it all sorts of unsavory characters. Pluto is an addictive energy. The fact that Amy's passing happened when the Moon was around 5 degrees of Capricorn is an indication that she never was able to get over her addiction. Her natal Pluto at zero Capricorn was getting hit for years and even though it started to leave the conjunction to her Moon she was never able to kick the habit. Not a good sign.

To make matters worse she had begun to experience the first conjunction of Uranus to her Moon back in 2010 which certainly made it difficult for Amy to be able to conform to a disciplined way of life. Uranus is hard to tame. I'm curious about November 2009 when Saturn decided to visit Amy's Moon as well as the period when Saturn was conjuncting her fifth house planets back in 2009. What it does look like is one big roller coaster ride that Amy was unable to get off of.

Amy Winehouse: Neptunized

2011-07-26T11:01:00.009-04:00

As you all know by now I have been struggling with a debilitating Neptune transit. Neptune can if transiting the right houses and natal planets inhibit or lessen enthusiasm and energetic responses. I'm not normally a person prone towards depression or drugs however I can see how it is possible for some people to succumb it's negative influence. Neptune on the highest level can inspire imagination, make sacrifices for a greater good and connect us with our spiritual natures.

Trying to function on the planet earth from this point of view can be very challenging. The earth is a very dense place. So much so that encounters of all kinds can feel as heavy as boulders dropping from the sky and as difficult as pushing one of them up a steep mountainside.

On some level Neptune acts as an Alka Seltzer for dealing with reality issues. It understands on some level that lots of the crap we consider important like being in competition with our neighbors and focusing on ego centric activities isn't. It will dissolve ego-centric interests by taking them away from us. It doesn't happen all of a sudden. It sneaks up on us and then we realize how tired we are and just can't be bothered or are at a loss as to how to remedy this state of inertia. The trouble with not being bothered is that it can cause us to not want to focus on practical and necessary things like the mortgage, rent, car maintenance and insurance. I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

So all this talk about Neptune makes me think of the amazingly talented and gifted Amy Winehouse and how she succumbed to Neptune's dark side in the most destructive way. What an inspiring talent and what a mess; two very possible descriptions for Neptune.

According to astrologer Lynn Hayes, Amy was born time unknown, on September 14th, 1983 in London, England. The first thing I looked for was a strong Neptune signature. Naturally, not having her exact birth time was frustrating but there certainly was enough to make me sympathize with Amy's susceptibility to Neptune's seductive influence. Her horoscope courtesy of Astrotheme can be found on this link.

I too have a Moon conjunct Neptune but fortunately for me it never manifested in the same way it did for Amy. So sad that she didn't even have the chance to experience her Saturn return which might have helped to save her. As of now her destiny was to only leave us with but a small yet amazing body of music.

Mercury Rx: Keep Your Pen in Your Pocket

2011-07-22T11:31:00.004-04:00

Here we go again with another upcoming retrograde. Mercury is trying to complete his conversation which began on July 3rd. Mercury is all about news. Leo is all about entertainment and creative expression of all kinds. During it's travels in the dramatic and fun loving sign of Leo we can expect the media to be honing in on all the usual pleasure activities like vacations and summer fun. We can also expect a flood of everyday news to be full of winning front page pictorials and front page headlines related to children.

Normally Mercury in the fixed sign tells us that the news we read or decisions we make will have a lasting effect and that any documents signed when Mercury is in Leo will be difficult to append. However, Mercury will leave Leo and enter the sign of Virgo on the 29th and then go retrograde and go back into the sign of Leo indicating that corrections or changes to the original plan which was decided on in July will be subject to changes.

All matters coming under the heading of contracts, agreements and decisions should best be completed after September 12th.

It will be a good idea to keep your Bic unclicked until the celestial coast is clear.

Pisces: Victim of Guilty or Not

2011-07-19T11:37:00.016-04:00

I may be one of the only people who didn't follow the Casey Anthony story. That doesn't mean that I have been living under a rock though. The media has provided the entire world with more than enough details to keep even a casual reader like myself informed.

Casey has been sprung and is ready to embark on a new life somewhere else. Like a true Pisces she will be able to blend in and take on her new identity as easily as putting on a new dress. We will never know exactly what really happened to little Caylee. We can only surmise. Astrology is not a perfect science and it will not be able to give us answers about guilt or innocence What it can do however, is give us a better understanding of what makes a person tick. So I decided to take a look at the chart for her birth to see if it corresponds with what has been reported about her in the news. For those of you who would like to see her actual horoscope and a far more thorough delineation than mine on the subject of Casey I am providing the link to Astropost.

According the Astropost sources Casey was born on March 19th, 1986 in Warren, Ohio at 3:10pm. As a mother myself, what I find most shocking is that this girl is only 25 years old and has been accused of the most horrid of crimes. She is probably the most hated person in the country, if not the world, and she will be forever identified as the symbol of motherhood gone horribly wrong.

I believe that her Leo rising is one of the main reasons she has suffered so much bad press. Nobody likes to see the accused behaving like she enjoys the attention she is getting. Her Pisces Sun and Leo rising makes her look like she is starring in the role of misunderstood victim. She was born with a Moon in Cancer. A most natural and appropriate sign indicating motherhood. My problem with her Moon is that it is in the 11th house. That is like having a Moon conjunct Uranus. She appeared more like a part time mom than the Madonna with Child stereotype.

The ruler of her tenth house in her 9th house certainly says something about her destiny being tied up with legal considerations. The ruler of her ninth house is Mars in the legal sign of Sagittarius located in her natal 5th house. So it is not surprising that legal matters for her would be associated with her child.

In the system of astrology that I use the third quadrant in the horoscope represents the area where ideas come. This area of the horoscope is where the fertile imagination lies. Certainly it is not a stretch to consider that a Pisces like Casey could spin tales the likes of which could be the envy of Aesop especially with Jupiter in the 7th house. Jupiter would increase the number of those tales. I have a vague recollection about an imaginary nanny or babysitter who Casey referred to during the trial or when interrogated by police. Could her imaginative seventh house be the hat out of which Casey pulled the imaginary rabbit?

Since the ruler of her seventh house is Uranus and located in the fifth house where emotional creativity is given expression I would suspect that her ideas and thoughts would be expressed in various erratic and unpredictable forms of expression. Her party girl image is a difficult one to diffuse given her penchant for having a good time. Certainly Uranus and Mars in the 5th house could be interpreted as someone who partied hard. Please understand I am not saying she is guilty or not guilty I am just looking for symbolism here that could apply to her life experience.

The majority of Casey's planets are located in the western hemisphere indicating dependency issues. Casey would have a hard time being alone and needs to seek associations with others to compensate for her deficit. Casey needed and will always need a social life.

There were some allegations that she suffered sexual abuse by her father. Whether it was the father who was the perpetrator or someone else, from this astrologer's point of view the ruler of the first in the eighth house is a good indication that something was definitely rotten in Denmark. During the first seven years of Casey's life, either she was having conversations with the dead or something sexual was going on. Since I haven't heard anything about Casey having regular otherworldly visitations I'll keep this idea open for a possibility.

I'm sure that Jupiter in her seventh house helped her to get a good lawyer. Lucky for her that the transit of Jupiter in her ninth might bring in a book deal. Lucky for her that by the time it hits her 10th she'll feeling free as a bird. Not so lucky for Caylee.

Sign Compatibility: Is There Actually Such a Thing?

2011-07-15T11:20:00.007-04:00

The general public is always interested in what sign they are compatible with. In fact I hear this question more times than I can count. Apparently astrology curious people want to know so I will list some uncomplicated basics in sign compatibility.

First off, remember we are only talking sun signs here. Sun signs represent how a person views his or her world and I'm not including the Moon or the rest of the planets or I will blogging till the cows come home on this subject.

Getting back to my original point that since the Sun represents a person's point of view it stands to reason that sun sign compatibility has the potential to keep personality conflicts to a minimum. Here are the basics: Fire and air signs are compatible. Earth and water signs are compatible. I think of fire and air signed people as the kids of the zodiac and the earth and water signs as the grown ups.

Generally speaking fire signs are self centered and enthusiastic about life. This is not to say that the other signs are not but fire signs thrive on excitement a lot more than earth and water signs do. Aries ruled by Mars is action oriented. Leo expresses his or her love of life through participating in it. Sagittarians thrive on ideas that are fueled by exposure to the world around him or her.

Air signs are objective by nature and have the ability to rationalize any situation without feelings getting in the way. Fire and air signs are compatible because fire generates the heat and energy necessary for mental stimulation. Fire signs are all fired up about playing the game and the air signs will advertise what the game is.

The earth and water clan are a lot more practical than the fire and air kids. Earth signs have an innate sense of how to get the things they need to keep them alive. Food, shelter and clothing come into this category. Water signs excel in feelings and are able to use their emotions as a way to feel their way through life. This is especially valuable in matters of trust. Water signs can feel danger in the air without having to take the time to reason why.

Fire and air signs will always feel comfortable around other fire and air signs. Its like being around family. The same goes for the earth and water signs.

Does this mean that there is no hope for interacting with incompatible signs. In my opinion the answer is a definite no. By not exposing ourselves to people who have different views of the world as a people we would fail to progress and evolve. This is not to say that interacting with people different than ourselves is a piece of cake, but it can be done.

How many people do you know who are in good relationships but their signs are incompatible? I know plenty and their relationships have been long lasting. Incompatible signs help us to grow and expose us to different points of view, make us more tolerant, patient and teach us new ways to solve relationship challenges. Growth is the result.

So if you find yourself married to the wrong sign think of it as paying back karma. Personally I find that this is a great way to diffuse personality conflicts if and this is a big if, you are committed to elevating your consciousness.

Oh, just in case you thought I was behaving like someone who had all the answers I just wanted to remind you that whenever you are interacting with another person you are not only interacting with their sun sign, you are interacting with their Moon sign as well as with all the the rest of their planets. When put in this perspective it's enough to make anybody afraid to leave their house. In fact I've noticed that I've been leaving the house less and less as the years go by.

Think of it like this: Every person you meet is carrying their whole family inside them. Scary isn't it?

Can Neptune Blow Chances for Success?

2011-07-14T09:20:00.004-04:00

For quite a few years now I have been making made to order baby horoscopes for new parents. People who ordered them always came to be through word of mouth. Babies and children always hold a special place for me. I suppose that a loaded fifth house stellium in Libra was a major reason. I began to get less and less inspired to make these books because of all the work that went into them. Eventually the orders slowed to a dribble which I found almost to be a relief. Needless to say from a business point of view this kind of attitude will not help to make any kind of business flourish.

Just because my little made to order books became more of a chore than pleasure did not mean that I wanted to quit entirely. I just needed to find a solution for making my BabyScopes available to everyone in a way that would allow me the freedom to do other projects. Having a balanced amount of fixed planets in my horoscope helped me to not give up on my idea.

Recently after years of trying to figure out how to make my dream a reality it finally came together. My idea was to make a parent friendly horoscope book for babies. I used electional astrology guidelines in order to find the best day for launching my book. Anyone who has tried to do electional astrology can attest to the fact how hard it is. The last time I did an electional chart was for my wedding day a gazillion years ago. I charted the day as carefully as I could in order that the marriage be long lasting. Eventually the marriage ended in divorce after many, and I mean many years of legal separation.

Our years of separation as it turned out was a benefit to us financially in the long run. So I can say that even though the marriage eventually ended it did last much longer than most. We had always been a couple who put our children first. We also always had a mutual respect for one another which I believe still is the reason our relationship, although not a legal one still endures.

So now years later I found myself in a position where I wanted a project that was dear to me to succeed. I finally chose a day that was not perfect simply because I could not get Neptune out of the way. By that I mean in a house and location that would not threaten the success of my venture. Couple this with void of course Moon periods as well as other strictures it is all but enough to drive one crazy. Having a major long term Neptune transit doesn't help either.

According to the day and time of my electional, Neptune is straddling the 10th house cusp but retrograde. Since it is retrograde I'm hoping it's negative influence on the success of my project will be lessened. Neptune in the 10th portends an undefined status and confusion for a business. But since this business is somewhat spiritual in nature I am hoping for the best. Now the Moon is in the 10th, is separating from Neptune and making an approaching sextile to Jupiter in the eleventh eleventh, which will eventually make a trine to the sun and Venus in the 2nd house. I am hoping that this will be enough to offset the vagaries of Neptune.

There is a lot more that goes into electional and I omitted other important details such as my natal chart and it's promise. All I can say is that I am finally relieved to have my little book ready for public consumption. As for a number one best seller, I seriously doubt it but it is completed and I'm getting ready for another one. It is possible that Neptune will make this book one that no one ever reads. I'm treating this as an experience to put under my belt so I won't be disappointed either way.

Stay tuned for publishing day!!

Jupiter Transits Feel Good: Exercise Good Judgement

2011-07-07T10:00:00.010-04:00

Everyone likes Jupiter transits. Jupiter is called the great benefic of the zodiac. I just call him the Santa Claus of the zodiac. During those times in our lives when it seems all hope is gone, Jupiter comes along and throws us just the bone we need to make us believe that all hope is not lost.

The signs that are feeling the beneficial transits of Jupiter right now are all the earth and water sun signs. Because of Jupiter's transit in Taurus this earthy sign will be experiencing the strongest benefits of this transit. Scorpio water signs should take the most care and resist in over doing given their penchant for obsessive and compulsive behavior.

Jupiter can answer prayers, take us on a long needed vacation and even deliver a check to us in the right dollar amount at just the right time. Jupiter lifts us out of depression and up towards optimism. Whether you consider him Santa Claus or Dr. Feelgood the rays of Jupiter are always welcome and always wished for.

Jupiter stays in a sign for an average of one year. This fact should be used to assess when our projects will bring in the most rewards. He also enables us to get the necessary collateral although it is very helpful to check out your eighth house and it's ruler if you are relying on the receipt of a loan for your project.

It is true that Jupiter can bail you out of financial difficulties. However over optimism can cause people to ignore the consequences of over indulging. For instance, it is not uncommon to have a cash flow problem prior to a Jupiter transit, then Jupiter comes along and slips you just the amount of money or more that you will need to get yourself breathing freely again. If you are careful and watch when Jupiter goes retrograde you might begin to notice that the cash flow is receding a bit, then when it goes direct again the flow starts up again.

I would take these as signs to be diligent and not overindulgent. Think of your good fortune as a precious gift and treat it this way instead of forgetting that there are consequences for not preparing for the future. After all Jupiter is the planet that rules our capacity to judge, so use it.

What is the Mayan Calendar all About?

2011-07-01T13:39:00.007-04:00

With the long weekend coming up is giving us lots of down time to use for our own enjoyment. I thought that this video of the brilliant and very respected Johan Callaman, the foremost expert on the Mayan Calendar would be of help to all who want to understand its significance. I have included a video Barbara Hand Clow who's work is equally amazing.

Happy watching and Happy 4th!!

Venus and Saturn: Makeup or No Makeup

2011-06-29T11:09:00.008-04:00

Just wondering how pretty all of you Gemini's, and Gemini risings have been been feeling lately. Venus's good looks are beginning to recede so move over Gemini and make a quick stop over to your favorite cosmetic counter because you'll really need it because July will be Cancer's turn to turn heads, fall in love and get gobs of compliments.

Remember Venus represents little money, Jupiter big money, and Pluto mega money so here's to making a few extra dollars and looking all the better for it. Be prepared for disappointing hair cuts or ineffective facials the week of the 10th when Venus begins to square transiting Saturn. With transiting Pluto in the mix you'll be feel pretty sick of your same old look just in time to try a new one. Have no fear, it's a short transit lasting only a few days and you will be back to feeling your old self in no time by the weekend.

As for myself I've noticed that this month I've been sans make-up a lot more than usual. And here I just thought I was getting lazy. Apparently Venus, and a big pair of sunglasses was all I needed to make me forget about wrinkles, stray grays and the occasional extra pound or two. Oh well it was great while it lasted.

Commitment Phobic Libra

2011-06-28T17:03:00.004-04:00

Here are a few commitment phobia indicators in the horoscope:

Sun in Libra
Moon in Libra
Libra Ascendant
Ruler of the first house in the seventh.
Ruler of the eighth house in the second.

Libra's are notoriously attracted to the idea of a relationship but the idea of actually committing to it can scares the pants off of them.

Moon in Libra people, like their Sun in Libra counterparts are open to the idea of marriage but feel indecisive about the whole idea. The fact that the Moon by it's very nature is changeable can increase the tendency towards indecisiveness.

Libra rising people are looking to hook up, but it is very important to see what sign Venus is in and where it is located. Venus in fixed signs will be more willing to consider long term associations than mutable or cardinal signs. Venus located in the eighth house is similar to a Sun in Scorpio and likes the idea of committing.

A person's ruling planet in the seventh house can also make it difficult for a person to commit. The planet will operate similarly to a planet located in the sign of Libra because of the house involved. The seventh house is all about marriage, encounters, and partnerships but not necessarily the commitment to these subjects. Commitments occur in the eighth house.

And then there is the ruler of the eighth house in the second. This location can make a planet so fearful of giving up it's possessions that it will resist marriage altogether.

In the end Libra's will find that being in the company of another is a more comfortable place than being in it alone. It just takes them more time to get used to the idea.

Jupiter in Taurus: Eat Drink and Spend

2011-06-27T10:45:00.004-04:00

Every sign gets a taste of what it is like to be a Sagittarius when Jupiter visits their sun sign. Sagittarians are known for being the luckiest sign of the zodiac. Just when you think that all the tricks in their bag have run out the Archers will come up with an idea that will fill up their bank accounts faster than a Powerball jackpot.

Each one of the twelve signs gets a chance to win the astrology lottery. Now it's Taurus's time to feel less pressure on their wallets and bank accounts. Not since Jupiter's the last transit in Taurus back in the year '2000 will you see this many Taureans reaching over to pay the check.

The hands of a Taurus are usually holding onto anything of value. That includes any bottle that has deposit value, grandma's china, and safety deposit box keys. As the celestial landlord of all second house matters Taurus natives will now be feeling like they've embarked on well deserved vacation.

Appetite control will become more and more difficult resulting in expanding waistlines and an uncanny obsession with the cooking channel. Our earthy bulls will display stereotypical stubborn behavior like indulging in cholesterol rich foods, and after dinner cigars as forbidden by health care professionals.

I can understand that you little bulls are sick of depriving yourselves but please try and keep an eye on your bathroom scale

Calculate your Rising Sign - The Easy Way

2011-06-24T11:40:00.014-04:00

It is still gloomy with occasional drizzles here in the big apple and I'm bored. Having been born when Gemini was rising it is normally difficult for me to be patient with routine, and the current Uranus transit to my natal Sun doesn't help matters any either. Boredom goes hand in hand with strong Uranus influences... just ask any Aquarian.

Since packing up and leaving my family, work, and responsibilities right now would be considered a rather extreme move, I simply allowed boredom to take me for its ho-hum ride as I Googled every thought that came into my head. All of a sudden I got into a widget frame of mind. Widgets are like toys for your website. Widgets are screen tools for websites and provide useful as well as fun information for readers, like the weather, sports, twitter feeds, clocks, and even eight balls at a glance. Then wonder of wonders I found exactly the widget that would quell my yawns.

Every astrologer knows that a birth time is imperative for obtaining a correct horoscope and also knows that a guesstimate rising sign can be obtained if the time of a person's birth is known without lots of calculations. But most people don't know how to do this especially if they are not astrologers. Well dear readers I am going to provide you all with a tool, courtesy of Astrotheme. Just scroll down to the bottom of my blog and you will see the handy dandy calculator. I have provided these links below for those of you who would like to take advantage of their services for your own blog or website.

Have fun and have a great weekend!

http://www.horoscopeswithin.com/calculate.php
http://www.astrologyzine.com/rising-sign-table.shtml

Summer Solstice Inspirations

2011-06-23T11:49:00.006-04:00

Each solstice heralds the beginning of a new season. As far as I'm concerned if the summer solstice occurred four times a year I would be totally happy. Unfortunately I am one of those people that tolerates rather than enjoys the climate offered by northern latitudes. I would much rather spend time in a more southerly direction but that would mean my Saturn in Cancer would have a very tough time adjusting to being far away from my immediate family. Fortunately I have close ties to other family members living where palm trees thrive and and able to escape occasionally from those dull and sunless days that seem to be increasing at my 40 degree north latitude location with alarming frequency.

It is raining outside today. I am watching the wind lift the leafy branches outside my window in steady rhythmic breaths. Even the recent summer solstice is not enough to part the clouds or stop nature's rainy day agenda.

So this dreary day has inspired me to move on to a list filled with contrasting images.

If can't fit your car into your garage anymore it's time to have a garage sale.
Plan an after-solstice party with a menu bursting with seafood - preferably crab.
Try breaking open the piggy bank and splurging just this once.
Spend a day with your mother and fill it up with everything she likes.
Use creative visualization and design your dream kitchen.
Get pregnant.
Research obstetricians.
Design a garden.
Volunteer as a caregiver.
Milk a cow.

Enough with the Eclipses Already!

2011-06-22T08:44:00.007-04:00

Today summer is officially announced by the entrance of the Sun into the initiating cardinal water sign of Cancer.

A solstice marks the beginning of each season. This summer is an especially important time to watch because not only is the sun in a cardinal sign, but Saturn, Uranus and Pluto are all located in relatively early degrees of cardinal signs. This means that influence of the slower moving planets will be difficult to ignore simply because they hang around so long affecting the world at large. Saturn always points to structures and foundations literally and figuratively. Saturn will always point the way for how we can keep the foundations of our lives in tact. If we are not adhering to basic universal rules Saturn will always make it obvious in ways that are as obvious as the nose on our faces. Buildings that before seemed in good condition will show signs of eroding and in need of repair. We can extend this meaning to include health as well and it is interesting that bone loss is condition related to prominent Saturn cycles. Our skeletal structures are Saturn ruled just as it rules the structures of communities. The workplace will be the most obvious area where problems surface because Saturn rules authority figures. We must also keep in mind that leaders of countries are represented by Saturn and it has been impossible to ignore their flagrant disregard for their fellow man.

Fortunately Saturn has recently gone direct indicating that we will be able to chisel away the obstacles that surfaced around the same time last year. In February of next year when Saturn goes retrograde we will be forced to look at the same old problem until a solution is finally found in late June 2012.

The solar eclipse on July 1st that occurs in our nations 7the house signals that it's effects could have a disruptive influence on our relationships with our treaties with other countries. Uranus has been transiting the USA's chart since last June causing unpredictable earth changes due to a whole host of reasons. Transiting Pluto in Capricorn in opposition to Jupiter in the USA's chart says to me that this period is full of negotiations with religious connotations. Uranus also rules the nations third house implying that a lot of our media sources are unreliable.

The line up of all these power players of the zodiac is making me exhausted. I think I'll just sit back and enjoy the show.

Gaga Astrology

2011-06-21T09:18:00.008-04:00

Many years ago I was invited to attend an astrology research project by an astrologer and a psychologist. They wanted to find the common thread that ran through each one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. They wanted to be able to be more specific in identifying the astrological stereotypes than what had been recorded before their project was undertaken. After seven years they were able to get an impressive amount of data. A group of twelve people born under the same sign would be interviewed in order to find the one common denominator for their sun sign. Each sign was thoroughly researched for months. A veritable treasure trove of information was uncovered during the process. I find myself referring to that data over and over again.

Lady Gaga was born on March 28th, 1986 in New York City when the Sun was in the sign of Aries. People born under the sign of Aries have one inner goal and motivation and that is to do something totally unique that no one else has done. Whether or not they are able to achieve that goal depends on many factors such as heredity, motivation, destiny, karma and the like.

If a person born under the sign of Aries has what it takes there should be no obstacle that will get in the way of their one main objective, and that objective is to be the first one to get to the finish line. Gaga came into prominence in 2008 when her album The Fame was released when Jupiter was transiting her 10th solar house. Jupiter's expansive nature can bestow good fortune and success when transiting a person's house of career and reputation. Gaga was also experiencing a classic transiting Uranus square to her natal Uranus at this time. This transit occurs when people are in their early twenties and again when they are in their early sixties. Gaga had to have resonated to the desire to break free from the ordinary and mundane under this transit. Uranus cannot withstand restriction and must be free to express it's individuality. Under this transit Gaga was given the opportunity to march to a different drummer.

Gaga's need to be a the one and only original is as obvious as the costumes she wears in her performances. Her power packed Born This Way video will go down in the history books as far as I'm concerned. The constant references to Madonna are left by the wayside after witnessing the stunning visuals such as the ones Gaga performed representing the birthing process. Not even Madonna could top this one. Gaga was right on target during the transit of Pluto squaring her natal sun. The Born This Way video is a visual masterpiece of death and rebirth symbols represented by Pluto.

Transiting Uranus will be leaving Gaga's natal sun in the spring of 2013 which indicates that she may take an exposure break; after all how much Uranus can anyone take?

So it isn't surprising that Lady G who, as an Aries of the highest order took being original to the highest level. She is competitive, will not lift a finger to do anything that she does not think she will excel at, is looking for that one special man or woman to fall in love with who will rescue her like a maiden in distress and take her off to live happily ever after. She has successfully knocked off the competition with her gazillion dollar extravaganzas making her numero-uno in the entertainment world. She was born under a Mars ruled sign which means she likes to be where the action is. Life is meant to be lived and living a life with no excitement would be a sad one indeed. The research project concluded that Aries women prefer the company of men because they consider other women as their main competition. Personally, I believe that Aries women can find a comfort zone around other women as long as she feels she hasn't met her match or better.

Gaga was born when the Moon was in the sign of Scorpio. She will be getting the first transit of Saturn to her Moon beginning in October 2012 and will need a good financial advisor. This transit of Saturn through her solar eighth house of other people's money can indicate IRS concerns. Anyone who has seen Gaga's performances can see that they don't come cheap. Aries have a reputation for being naive and can forget important things like expenses and money. Now would be a good time for Gaga to take heed and begin balancing her checkbook.

Kardashian Astrology

2011-06-20T11:13:00.005-04:00

In answer to a reader's question about the Kardashian Klan; Kim Kardashian is a Libra, Rob Kardashian is a Pisces, Bruce Jenner is a Scorpio and Kris Jenner is also a Scorpio.

I've left out a couple of family members I know, but since the question was primarily about Kim and her brother I thought I'd start with them. I must interject here that I have not been keeping up with the Kardashians. I can't believe I said that, but I'll take a peek at some of their astrology.

I could have sworn I read somewhere that Kim was a Pisces, but according to Wikipedia she was born under the Venus ruled sign of Libra which would account for her extraordinary beauty. Her sun is conjunct Pluto indicating that this girl is no slouch. She has extraordinary ability to get what she wants and I don't doubt that she is a master at controlling and manipulating others. I suspect that with her natal Mercury in Scorpio conjunct Uranus she can be extremely secretive as well besides difficult to trust as she will change her mind without warning. This kind of trait can be infuriating especially for people who keep a neat appointment book. If her sisters are picking on her it's because she can be infuriatingly undependable at the most unpredictable times. Her Sun-Pluto conjunction in Libra will give her problems in decision making. It's important not to give Kim more than one choice at a time. To many choices can cause her to obsess but when she does does finally make up her mind nothing will stop her in getting what needs to be done - done.

It is very interesting to me that Kim has a powerful need to be in control and that both her step-father Bruce Jenner is a Scorpio as is her mother Kris. Well you can see by this planetary set up that the old saying, "birds of a feather" is right on for these three.

Rob is a Pisces. Need I say more? It is very important that he and others born under this sign to keep away from escapist activities like drinking alcohol and using drugs. His Saturn-Uranus conjunction in a square aspect to his natal Sun makes him force himself to be structured in an extreme way so I think this square will actually help him from losing his ability to control himself. Pisces need order perhaps as a way to rein in the inner chaos. In retrospect I see why there was an episode focusing on his extreme neatness a few years ago.

A reader asked if Rob was on a downward spiral. Certainly transiting Neptune on his natal Mercury is reason to make it difficult for Rob to focus or think clearly. Accurate astrology requires accurate time and I don't know when the episodes were filmed but it looks like Rob has been feeling a little lost for a while indicating the Neptune was probably in the air. But as for the present, Rob is now in the early throes of Neptune's seductive cocktail which really began to manifest in April '11. By August '11 Neptune will be officially in the final degrees of Aquarius as it prepares to effectively confuse all who have any planets in the very early degrees of Pisces.

Of course I am only eyeballing these transits because of lack of complete data but according to recent reports it looks like Rob is having difficulty knowing which end is up. This is a classic problem when going through a Neptune transit. I just hope his mom recruits an astrologer to help them all through the crisis.

Some Blake and Leonardo Astrology

2011-06-17T10:31:00.004-04:00

She is adorable as he is handsome. The Blake Lively and Leonardo Di Caprio romance in the tabloids has adoring fans curious about this May-December romance.

Actually I wasn't quite sure what the determining age difference actually was that constituted a May-December romance but after a little investigating it appears that the rule of thumb is that either person within an existing relationship would have to be considerably older or considerably younger. So technically speaking Leo and Blake are in one.

In this famous couple's case Leonardo is a considerable 13 years older than Blake who is 24. Blake who was born on August 25, 1987 and for whom I have no birth time is a very discriminating Virgo. Leonardo is a Scorpio born on November 11, 1974.

I don't doubt the Jupiter transit in Taurus is helping this relationship to blossom resulting in Leo and Blake being hugely in our faces lately. Blake is getting a trine to her very discriminating stellium in Virgo encouraging her to be more open to the world at large. Leonardo is receiving an opposition of Jupiter to his natal Mars in Scorpio making it a little difficult to ignore an urge to merge. Scorpio's by nature are commitment oriented. Could this be it for Leonardo?

Clearly the transit of Neptune that will be transiting over Blake for quite a while shows that she is clearly under his spell. The transit of Saturn over Leonardo's Moon in Libra is an indication that he considers this a serious relationship but will have to withstand Saturn's test demanding for mature behavior with the opposite sex.

Blake's stellium in Virgo has the potential to make it difficult for her to accept any partner warts and all. However the long transit of Neptune she is experiencing over her huge Virgo stellium might be just the thing needed to help her take a vacation from all that critical thinking. It looks like the timing is just right for Leo to slip into her life as Mr. Perfect.

I have very personal opionions about entering a marriage before going through a Saturn return. I think it is best for people to go through this maturation cycle so relationship decisions are made responsibly and not based merely on a whim or childish conceptions about what marriage is. Blake at 24 years of age has yet to complete the full round of Saturn's lessons. It will be interesting to watch how this relationship plays out.

They both have their natal Moons in a square aspect to Saturn making them both understand
that life is not easy and throwing caution to the wind is not in their personality description. This similarity of emotional responses will make them feel a common bond. This may offset the missing experience of a Saturn return for Blake should they enter a legal marriage. In any case if this relationship goes forward into wedding bell territory before her return she will definitely be looking at things quite a bit differently when the Saturn return kicks in a few years from now.

Ten Great Things About Gemini's

2011-06-15T00:01:00.009-04:00

My belated birthday wishes to one of my favorite signs!

They can walk, text, chew gum, do a job search, and look up their entire family on ancestry.com all at the same time.
Their fascination for all things superficial make them big fans of plastic surgery.
They can talk their way out of or into any situation that will get them where they want to go.
They don't understand why bigamy should be illegal.
They think of graffiti as a normal form of expression.
They all believe there is no such thing as too many nail salons.
Bi-lingual
Can sell more cars than the eleven other signs.
Consider lying a form of creative expression.
They will never get bored watching an ant farm

Eclipsified

2011-06-14T10:07:00.008-04:00

My recent blog a few days ago about my loss of employment is a serious indication that I have been seriously eclipsified. First by the solar eclipse on June 1st. Houses six and twelve felt most of the impact and as I reported on the June 8th when I found myself "canned" as they say. It is only in retrospect now that I realized the "foreign" symbolism contained within the effects. The owner/s of the company were foreign and spoke in their mother tongue during most of the working day. The sign of Sagittarius is contained within my sixth house. This is a perfectly fine explanation for being in a workplace where a different language was spoken.

The lunar eclipse on the 15th should complete it's purpose and teach me to expand my awareness with regard to the people I encounter. This upcoming lunar eclipse will be effecting my ascendent/decendant axis, is personal, and all about me and them. However, it is mostly about me. A long time ago I read a biblical passage that says, "You'll know them by the fruits they bear." I found that by keeping this wise counsel in my conscious awareness I could protect myself against intruders. But alas, as so often happens as we mortals go about our day to day living I forgot to pay attention and inappropriate people slipped in.

It was not my employers fault that I had this unfortunate experience. I take total responsibility because I did not pay attention. Who they were was right in front of me all the time. They are only human and are being who they are. I chose not to look. The eclipse made me look to remind me of my responsibility to myself and others.