Categories

Favorite Books

New Moon Solar Eclipse in Gemini May 20, 2012

© Photoanatomy | Dreamstime.com

Nothing quite like an eclipse to stir things up and this New Moon Solar Eclipse at 0° 21′ Gemini on 20 May at 4:47 PM PDT is sure to do just that! Given Gemini can carry on both sides of an argument all by themselves and with an already polarized atmosphere, everything from mild spats to knockdown drag out fights may occur.

Whilst there is a possibility the square from dreamy Neptune in Pisces to the New Moon will promote peace and goodwill, I can’t help but think there is a far greater likelihood half-truths and outright lies will add fuel to the fire. Better double check your facts and figures before using them to support your argument nor will it hurt to validate your opponent’s information too. The biggest problem is Neptune is very, very good at creating marvelous, plausible illusions. Those with planets and Angles from 0° to 3°  in the mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces) may catch the brunt of both their projections and other people’s on them.

Aspects to Mercury, Gemini’s ruler, are critical to this lunation and this time Mercury conjoins Jupiter in practical, fixed Taurus. It forms an awkward inconjunct to restrictive Saturn in Libra and is semi-sextile Libra’s ruler, Venus – now retrograde in Gemini. None of these aspects are particularly supportive of open, productive communications. My vote for the last topic to bring up is money matters and that will likely be foremost on people’s minds. Taurus rules the second house representing personal finances and what we value. With Jupiter present encouraging risk taking and seeking to make really big deals, there may be a lot at stake. However, the combination of Saturn trine retrograde Venus will be urging caution and looking for compromise, something Mercury-Jupiter in Taurus is not at all interested in. Those two want everything their way. Yeah . . . lots of hard-hitting, unpleasant conversations are possible.

One interesting side effect of Venus in Gemini at a virtual standstill and trine Saturn in Libra is it seems to have slowed speedy Gemini down some. Gemini folk can get to moving so quickly, they lose track of all their different trains of thought, so slowing them down is beneficial to the rest of us!

In the chart of the last lunation, Full Moon in Scorpio, there was a Grand Kite in earth and water and there is another one in this chart. The only difference is Ceres in Taurus is replaced by Vesta in Taurus; all the other planets are the same – Mars in Virgo, Pluto in Capricorn and opposing Mars, Chiron in Pisces. Vesta has a focused purity of intent and in Taurus she remains well grounded in reality. For those people living through the intensity of Pluto in Capricorn grinding away on one of their personal planets, this pattern offers a unique opportunity to finally identify the source of their pain and possibly begin the healing process.

We can’t overlook that pot stirrer Uranus in Aries either because it is now squaring Pluto in Capricorn, is inconjunct Mars in Virgo and is the apex of a mini-triangle between Chiron in Pisces and Vesta in Taurus. Yup! Every one of those interactions is irritating! The best thing that can be said about this situation is procrastinating dealing with your issues is pretty much out of the question. If you’ve been out walking and got a pebble in your shoe, you know how much you wanted to get the darn thing out, right? At this point in time, it will be those folks with planets and Angles from 7° to 10° who will feel the greatest impact, particularly in the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn).

Solar eclipses are often uncomfortable because they expose the undercurrents in our lives and beings. This one could be exceptionally effective in that regard so it is extremely important to be as kind as we can to others and our selves. I realize it is going to difficult to ignore the rhetoric and diatribes hitting us from all sides on the news but do your best. We’ll be sorting truth from lies for some time to come both on a personal level and in the collective. Usually the New Moon is a good time to initiate something new but not this one because we can’t be sure we’ve got good information to work with.

On a personal note: This New Moon is in my seventh house with the Jupiter-Mercury conjunction in Taurus very close to my Descendant and my poor Venus in Sagittarius completes a T-Square with Neptune in Pisces. I probably will figure this one out in retrospect as is often the case when Neptune is involved. Right now my Aries spouse is being very sweet towards me for no obvious reason, at least I don’t feel like I’m doing anything differently than I usually do. LOL

Mars in Virgo is heading back towards my Midheaven and since it is getting plenty of support from that Grand Kite, my tenth house will be energized as will all three of my earth houses. In the past I’ve noticed Mars transiting my tenth house usually keeps me very busy multi-tasking like crazy. What would be lovely would be increased income!!

Share

Libra Weekly Horoscopes for May 14, 2012

© Diane Lang

Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn) have one more week to enjoy the comfortable Taurus Sun before it moves into airy Gemini on 20 May. The Sun’s entrance into Gemini this year is marked with a New Moon Solar Eclipse! Since the New Moon squares Neptune in Pisces, figuring exactly what’s going could be challenging.

The week starts out with literal minded Mercury in Taurus pleasantly trine Pluto in Capricorn, followed by an inconjunct between the Taurus Sun and Saturn in Libra. When the Mercury-Pluto aspect is combined with a stationary Venus in Gemini, we could end up with people going for the “cheap” option. Taurus does like to be thrifty and without Venus supporting high standards, we get lessons in the difference between palatable and edible. The first has the possibility of tasting good and the second says we can eat it and it won’t poison us.

Taurus and Libra normally get along reasonably well, mostly because both of them dislike fuss and bother. Given Taurus’s natural stubbornness and Saturn in Libra’s reluctance to accept anything less than absolute fairness, the best solution in this instance is call in a neutral third party and agree to abide by their suggestions. On Wednesday, Jupiter in Taurus will take its turn inconjunct Saturn in Libra, intensifying any unpleasantness in play.

Tuesday Venus in Gemini stations retrograde and those with planets and Angles in the mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces) from 21 to 25 degrees will feel this the most. Often the effects of Venus slowing to station will be felt for about a week on either side – the length of time it will be spending at 23° Gemini. Venus ruled Libra may also notice some side-effects of this station and end up with hurt feelings, mostly because others will inadvertently step on their toes.

Mars in Virgo teams up with heavy weight Pluto in Capricorn shortly before opposing Chiron in Pisces. Take extra care to make sure you have all your bases covered before making a serious power play. If you don’t, you will find out about it in short order. Incorrect assumptions may be the problem, so please speak up if you have any misgivings!!

The sky is dominated by earth and air signs right now and as long as the Sun remains in Taurus, a measured, practical approach will be effective. Once we hit Gemini season, mental air will take over. Earth and air have no natural affinity, so we can end up with “either-or” scenarios, not the best for resolving differences. Be patience and keep in mind this too shall pass . . .

Even if your intentions are pure and you mean well, you could still end up feeling like you can’t get your foot out of your mouth this week, Aries. May as well plan on apologizing and promising yourself you’ll make it up to everyone later.

Things have gone your way lately, Taurus, so much so you may not understand why others are unhappy and disgruntled. You may get an inkling this week when income you were counting on doesn’t come through as planned. It will arrive eventually.

Between being forced to talk slowly and clearly to get your message across and inadvertently stepping on people’s toes, Gemini, you will probably spend plenty of time this week feeling frustrated. Count to ten and remember to take a good deep breath frequently.

Whilst you are still in the mood to socialize with your peers this week, the urge to retreat from the social scene may look more appealing as the week goes on, Cancer. Do your best to avoid being overly critical of others as this could backfire.

Go all out this week to finalize any outstanding projects you have going at work, Leo. Right now you have plenty of support for putting it all together without losing sight of the important details including the all important financing. Go for it!

You may not be feeling the love from your superiors right now, Virgo, but you sure have all your ducks in a row to handle the practicalities. Stay with the program you have set out for yourself and don’t let your worries distract you.

Along with Gemini, you might not be the happiest camper this week, Libra, probably because you feel like you are being taken for granted. Maybe it’s time to speak up and not be so accommodating. Squeaky wheel and all that . . . OK?

Your significant other along with your open enemies will have the greatest impact on you now, Scorpio, and you on them. Your ability to get your point across with firmness and precision is working quite well as is your knack for slicing them off at the knees.

You might as well focus on your career, Sagittarius, because you have a much better chance of accomplishing your goals in that arena as opposed to your love life. Give your partner some time and space for now. You’ll have plenty of time to mend things later.

This week you still have momentum on your side, Capricorn, so if you have a special creative project you want to push through, do it now. Grievances with co-workers continue to be an issue and chances are, those won’t go away any time soon unfortunately.

Even though your latest love interest may appear to be having cold feet, Aquarius, don’t write them off just yet. Give them space to think things over whilst you devote this week to completing those home improvement projects you may have going. Good luck!

Relationships with your family members could be going through a rough patch, Pisces, with them complaining about feeling neglected or unloved. This is one of those situations where tangible demonstrations of affection will be most effective. Hugs all around are a good plan!

If you know your Rising sign, read the horoscope for it too. :D

**Commercial Break** Remember to check out my Personal Reports page. I offer reports on your natal chart, transits & progressions and several synastry reports. Because all my reports are completely written by me they take longer to produce. I’m also more than willing to work with you to tailor your report for your needs.

Share

Observations: Venus in Gemini Rx Musings

© Sandra Macdougall

Another Venus retrograde is now upon us! Venus will station retrograde at 24° Gemini on May 15, exactly trine retrograde Saturn in Libra for better or worse.

Speaking of “for better or worse” those planning late May-June weddings better brace themselves for plenty of changes in wedding plans! Though it is unlikely weddings will be called off, there will be more changes to all those important details like the flowers, cake, music and the bridesmaid’s dresses. Note to parents of the bride – if you don’t want to go broke, practice saying “no” in a firm, no nonsense tone.

Often being retrograde brings out Venus’s less pleasant nature. Venus in Gemini is typically lots of fun to be around. She is witty, inventive and generally a bright, upbeat companion. However, if she is unhappy she can be fickle, snippy and prone to passing on nasty gossip. Anything to prevent boredom is her motto.

As a Venus ruled Libra, I am always wary when the lovely one starts into one of her retrograde periods. My fingers are crossed this one won’t be too difficult because it does start with a helpful trine from Saturn in Libra and ends of June 27 with a wide conjunction to Jupiter in Gemini. Can’t be too bad, can it??? :D

Here are some links to both an earlier post of mine and what other astrologers have to say about this event:

My post: Observations: Venus’s Long Stay in Gemini

Tracy of Tracy’s Astro Salon: Venus in Gemini

Christina of The Oxford Astrologer: Enter the Fairy Realm: Venus in Gemini

And Deirdre Tanton Art & Astrology: Venus Retrograde

Share

Observations: Uranus-Pluto Square & Cognitive Dissonance

As the first exact square between Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn draws closer, the atmosphere grows increasingly charged and I see the need to work hard to resolve our person levels of cognitive dissonance. There is little doubt the Uranus-Pluto square encourages extreme solutions . . . Uranus in Aries wants action NOW and Pluto in Capricorn will do just about anything to feel secure and in control. Saturn in Libra kept these two in check when they initially butted heads back in the summer of 2010 but now has moved on.

An example is the whole issue of allowing everyone to legally marry, no matter their race, gender or religious beliefs seeing growing acceptance in the USA and current polls showing a slight majority favoring this. However, as acceptance grows, so do the extreme reactions because for many people the idea of allowing gays to marry is in direct conflict with their religious teachings, setting up cognitive dissonance. Some will be able to gradually work out the differences, especially if they have gay friends and family who they know and love. In general the younger generation (Uranus) is far more comfortable with gay marriage. This puts them at odds with their elders who often have far more material resources (Pluto in Capricorn).

In general mutable, airy Gemini is probably the best suited for handling instances of cognitive dissonance because they often have this type of thing going on in their heads. We can all benefit from Gemini’s example and keep our minds open and receptive to ideas outside of our normal comfort zone. Flexibility can bend whereas rigidity will break . . . much harder to heal a broken bone than a few bruises, no?

We’re just starting into the most intense three year phase of the Uranus-Pluto squares and the acceleration of instances of extreme cognitive dissonance. As new ideas surface, those most fearful of change are bound to react negatively. There has never been a better time to practice tolerance and patience . . . please.

Share

Libra Weekly Horoscopes for May 7, 2012

© Diane Lang

Once we get an irritating Mars in Virgo-Uranus in Aries inconjunct out of the way on Monday, the atmosphere settles down and turns mellower. This is the final inconjunct Mars in Virgo will make to Uranus and we can all be thankful. Aries and Virgo can really rub each other the wrong way. Aries is far too impatient for methodical Virgo and adding Uranus only makes matters worse.

On Tuesday Mercury FINALLY leaves Aries for Taurus! Once in Taurus it will make agreeable aspects to first Neptune in Pisces, then Mars in Virgo. Our dreams will be richer and may inspire creativity with the Taurus influence along to help turn those dreams into reality. Mercury in Taurus trine Mars in Virgo on the weekend will help us tackle projects requiring thoughtful patience to complete.

Saturday Pluto in Capricorn will be exactly sextile to Chiron in Pisces Friday. Whether or not we can use this aspect effectively to gain insight into our belief systems can hinge on our willingness to be totally honest with ourselves. If so then perhaps we can begin to disengage from the idea life ought to fit into a certain model.

It will be easier than it has been to stay focused and grounded after Mercury joins the Sun, Jupiter and Ceres in Taurus. This is wonderful for those like myself who are a bit light on earth in their charts! Take a methodical approach to problem solving and apply liberal amounts of patience. Taurus firmly believes all things happen in their own time.

Once you get done yelling about others messing with your schedule first off, Aries, you will be able to settle into a groove and make things happen. Your productivity at work ought to do good things for your paycheck too. Stay cool!

Taurus, you are a happy camper this week because you’ll finally feel like you are able to communicate easily again. This is a good time to make arrangements to get together with your friends to catch up on all the latest. Enjoy yourself!

Don’t snap the heads off your family members on Monday, Gemini, just because they aren’t moving fast enough for you. As the week progresses you‘ll find the pace gradually slowing and making it possible to relax and breathe. Enjoy a pleasant weekend.

Don’t let your supervisor throw you off your stride Monday, Cancer. This will likely be related to interactions with coworkers or scheduling difficulties. Things will begin to look up over the course of the week and the weekend promises to be pleasant.

Making your point in no uncertain terms as only you can, Leo, may not be the best way to kick off your week. Be aware this could have consequences to your pocketbook . . . not good. The atmosphere at work will ease soon.

Even though there is an excellent chance you are correct in your assessment of a financial matter, Virgo, taking a tactful approach will be better in the long run. Don’t worry, your chance to set things right is coming, especially over the weekend.

Providing your partner doesn’t say something that will annoy the heck out of you on Monday, Libra, this week looks generally OK for you. Discussions about joint finances will go well now if you need to address those issues. Take some “me” time this weekend.

Other than some challenging coworker problems you will need to handle carefully at the start of the week, Scorpio, it will be your significant other who is worthy of the largest share of your attentions. You stand to gain the most from the Pluto-Chiron sextile.

Flirting on the job might land you in big trouble with your boss on Monday, Sagittarius, so tone it down. This will become easier as the week progresses mostly because your ability to concentrate on the work at hand improves. Be polite!

Once you settle a family squabble first part of the week, Capricorn, you will find the more settled, business-like atmosphere will suit you very, very well. Pay attention to your inner life on the weekend and you may finally find an answer to a long standing issue.

One too many sharp remarks on Monday could backfire on you, Aquarius, so bite your tongue! Thankfully you are about to ease into a period when puttering around the house will be rewarding for you. Good time to look at some home improvement projects.

In many ways it is very easy for you to fly under everyone’s radar now, Pisces! Your knack for deflecting criticism and finding the right words to smooth ruffled feathers is going to improve this week. Weekend looks very sweet for you. Nice!

If you know your Rising sign, read the horoscope for it too. :D

**Commercial Break** Remember to check out my Personal Reports page. I offer reports on your natal chart, transits & progressions and several synastry reports. Because all my reports are completely written by me they take longer to produce. I’m also more than willing to work with you to tailor your report for your needs.

Image:  This is a photo of the baby Canadian Goose gosling who stayed with us overnight before being taken to the local wildlife rehab vet. It was sooooo hard to do but necessary. It’s illegal to keep them and even though they are adorable babies, a full sized adult is something else again!

Share