April Rewinds: Astro Report

Lots of retrogrades (and introspection) affecting us this month, giving us the chance to review our growth since the start of the year. We are slowing down, making sure we have solid foundations.

April 5th at 10:06pm (pacific): Saturn Retrograde in Sagittarius.
April 9th at 4:14pm: Mercury Retrograde at 4° Taurus.
April 10th at 11:08pm: Full Moon at 21° Libra.
April 15th at 3:18am: Venus (currently R) goes Direct in Pisces – exalted!
…and Jupiter Retrograde in Libra until June 8th!

And TODAY, Sunday, retrograde Venus in Pisces is squaring retrograde Saturn in Sag at exactly 27°.

Partnerships are being seriously reevaluated this week. Relationships regarding love and business are tested to see if they can withstand the pressures of long term commitment. Saturn doesn’t fool around. Are you willing to do the hard work necessary to keep your pledge to another person? If yes, the relationship has a strong center and will probably be a lasting one. But if they are castles built of sand, they will diminish.

This is an important time to take inventory of what’s working and what’s not working, and to gauge the commitment level of each person. This tension will be accented by the Full Moon in Libra tomorrow, and Venus’s’ stationing at the end of the week.
There are four planets retrograding together this week. That’s pretty amazing! I can’t remember the last time this happened. In general, all of us need to:

1. Re-evaluate things you’re committed to.
2. Re-examine your VALUES and adjust if necessary. What’s most important?
3. Start with getting grounded; take each day as it comes.
4. Don’t expand into future worries – but deal with what’s in front of you right now.
5. Be in the present.

The great RE-VALUE is here.

Autumnal Equinox: horoscopes

Fall Equinox at 7:21am, Sun into Libra.
MERCURY DIRECT at 10:31pm last night, 9/21.
Libra: Love, Beauty, Harmony, Socializing, Parties, Negotiation, Friendship, Teamwork.

Welcome to Fall! The Autumnal Equinox marks the midpoint between Summer and Winter. Today we have equal day and equal night. Libra is about balance, harmony, justice, and partnerships of ALL kinds.

Today is referred to as the festival of Mabon. This is the second harvest festival of the year, the first being Lammas (August 1st) and the third being Halloween (October 31st). Whatever was started in March this year is now coming to fruition. It's harvest season, where we see the result of our labors. We reap what we have sown. It's the time to take stock of where you are in your life right now - what you've brought forth and what you still want to manifest.

Today we feel the turn of the wheel of the year. Standing in the middle of equal daylight to equal nighttime, we look at BALANCE. Are we out of balance in our lives? Are we taking care of ourselves? Are we working hard AND making time for our dreams and having fun too?

Mabon also relates to mid life; to our 40's and 50's when we have accomplished some things, but also might harbor regrets. The Equinox is a time to give yourself credit for all the wonderful things you've created and the positive difference you've made in the world. Honor your courage! And how much smarter you are now than when you were young.

This holiday was pivotal in ancient times, since a good final harvest was crucial to surviving the winter months ahead.  Relationships are reassessed so we can decide who is best to take into the harsh winter with us. If someone is draining your energy, now might be the time to let go.

Current Astrology:

     The Sun, Jupiter, and Venus are now in Libra, which is BIG energy. The Sun and Jupiter are the largest bodies in our system and radiate expanding, positive light. Jupiter will be in Libra for the next couple of years, giving new insights into the themes of relationships, teamwork, creativity, beauty and luxury.

Jupiter rules our beliefs, faith and truth. Now that Jupiter is in Libra, we will redefine our beliefs about partnerships. There will be a renewed interest to connect, make peace, and find balance. Meanwhile, Venus (ruler of Libra) is moving into Scorpio tomorrow giving a lot of intensity to the current themes in our lives. Avoid socially awkward situations and causing drama.

The horoscopes below take the Sun into account, as well as the ruler of your sign. Be sure to read your Sun sign AND Rising sign. The Rising Sign is the most accurate reflection of your chart when reading most horoscopes. You can calculate your Rising sign here.


Aries:  The Ram
     Partnerships of all kinds will be significant in your life over the next month (and year, with Jupiter's influence). The Sun, Jupiter, and Venus are in your House of Partnerships, bringing a new shift in relationships, faith, healing, expansion and balance.

Taurus:  The Bull

    Your ruler, Venus, is about to enter Scorpio, the sign of relationships and your polarity. Tomorrow begins a foreshadowing of the lessons this season will have for you. They aren't bad or good, just themes for you to work on. You've had some tests in your House of Work, Health and Habits over the last year, but with the entrance of the Sun and Jupiter into this area, you should be able to gain some new traction in daily life matters.

Gemini:  The Twins

     The Sun is in Libra, putting focus on your Romantic and Creative Life. Jupiter is there for the next year giving you huge opportunities to attract romance! Be sure and get out and socialize a lot. Good luck also comes in the form of creative partnerships. Your ruler, Mercury just went Direct last night too, so you are in forward motion again.

Cancer:  The Crab

     Cancerians love their home environments, so you will be thrilled to know that the skies are sending you ample opportunities for home improvement and social gatherings.

The next year also supports you healing your ties with your family of origin, and increasing your self knowledge and faith. It's a time of digging into your roots and healing your soul.

Leo:  The Lion

    The Sun and Jupiter are shining in your House of Learning and Communication this month. You will love this because your self expression will get a huge boost. Speaking, creativity, visibility in your community will all be expanded for the next two years. Meanwhile Saturn brings maturity to how you communicate with important relationships and your neighborhood pals:)

Virgo:  The Virgin

   Your ruler, Mercury, is giving you a last birthday present by turning Direct in your sign last night, AND at an auspicious degree! New, positive, forward motion has begun. Meanwhile the Sun and Jupiter are in Libra, and the focus shifts to your financial world. For the next year ask yourself, what do you value most? And what is the truth about what you value?

Libra:  The Scales

     It's birthday season! The Sun and Jupiter have entered Libra and the spotlight is on YOU! It's the rebirth of your identity for the next solar year. Who are you now? It's time to set goals for where you'd like to be this time next year. Your ruler, Venus, is moving into Scorpio tomorrow giving some intensity to your relationships.

Scorpio:  The Scorpion

     All the action is in your 12th House of spiritual strength, solitude, artistry, universal connection and the soul. It's the place you retreat to for healing, safety and security. The inner planets will be visiting you there over the next month to assist you in clearing cobwebs and brightening up the place. You ruler, Mars is traveling with Saturn through Sagittarius, bringing focus to your TRUTH and faith. 

Sagittarius:  The Archer

     Had some romance lately? Uranus (sudden events) and Jupiter (good fortune) are hosting a party in your House of Romance right now. Jupiter enlarges your social circle and Uranus brings unusual and revolutionary people into your love life and creative work! Jupiter is also your ruler, so wherever he travels brings focus. The theme of your life for the next year is a reality check with your personal truth, and an expansion of your friendships and social network.

Capricorn:  The Goat

     Saturn, your ruler, is still moving through Sagittarius in your House of Spiritual Connection. What's the reality of your ambitions, and are you including your spiritual life in your plans? Do they still suit you and do you need a change? Saturn isn't big on changes, but DOES support your climb up the steep mountain to reach your goal. Think about what that goal is and shift it if necessary. Remember you have Pluto in your sign right now, and that's a VERY powerful ally. He brings up toxic energy to be purged and healed. Also, you will see good luck regarding career and public image over the next two years.

Aquarius:  The Water Bearer

     The Sun and Jupiter are traversing your House of Life Perspective right now. The next two years is a time of education, training and travel. The transit of Jupiter in Libra expands your mind, faith, self knowledge and personal philosophy. Your ruler, Uranus, is still in Aries which lights a fire under you, and brings confidence, optimism and ambition to your peaceful and humanitarian perspectives.

Pisces:  The Fishes

     All the action is in your 8th house for the next year! This area of your chart represents Other People's Money - i.e. banks, loans, real estate, rentals and credit. Don't overspend. Kinda boring stuff for artistic Pisces, but with the Sun and Jupiter there it's a great time to negotiate with authority and solidify your relationships. You can attract helpful people to your life right now. This house also relates to SEX, so it could be a hot and steamy year for you!

Full Moon Eclipse in Libra

It's going to be a wild weekend with Saturday's Full Moon eclipse in Libra (relationships). Avoid social complications! But if truth serum is needed in a relationship, it might erupt in the next few days. This Moon encourages new growth, attitudes and life. Holding on to old patterns and relationships will get more and more challenging as the month progresses. It's time to let go and embrace the Truth.

If there's a corner of your life that's become stagnant but you're not ready to let go, at least try to be in the truth about it and create a plan. You might feel stuck right now, but creating a plan - and sticking to it - works wonders. The Full Moon in Libra will be opposed by Uranus (revolution), which in turn will be trined by Jupiter (expansion) - setting the stage for a real shake up.


Full Moon Eclipse at 14 degrees Libra: Saturday, April 4, 2015 at 5:06am Pacific time.


The Moon goes void-of-course immediately afterwards at 8:59am and stays "wild" until entering Scorpio on Sunday 12:04pm. Moon in Scorpio on Easter? THAT is the biggest recipe for resurrection in recent memory. Scorpio is the sign of resurrection and rebirth, and fully supports your release from a tired situation.

Horoscopes coming soon!

New Moon in Libra and Pluto Direct

This artist's view shows Pluto center, and its large moon Charon, as well as two of its four smaller moons (at top left and right). Pluto's four tiny moons are Nix, Hydra, Kerberos and Styx. Credit: David A. Aguila 

Pluto is a Planet. It's not a 'dwarf planet" it's the real thing. I know this because it's been a staring me down the past couple of days. Pluto went Direct in Capricorn on Monday after months of retreading old territory. Pluto went Direct on Monday at 5:36pm Pacific.

Pluto = The Truth. Facing Reality. Illusions utterly destroyed, and submerged emotions and repressed feelings (sadness, resentment) bursting to the surface. It can feel like a volcanic eruption. Pluto rules the underworld - our psychological foundations. Anything we haven't wanted to deal with is now clearly visible. Any backroom dealings, covert actions or secretive alliances are exposed to the light of day. The playing field completely shifts. Pluto is INTENSE.

Pluto feels heavy. It's your soul coming up to speak with you. It's what you know in your heart to be true, and it can't be denied. Happy, deluded fantasies get the ax. It's good for us in the long run. Avoid resisting or manipulating people right now, it will backfire and drag your energy backwards. Focus on acceptance.

Uranus (Freedom) continues to square Pluto adding a dose of rebellion to the mix. Uranus will not allow us to stay stuck in old patterns, so the vibe is focused on Revolution.

Pluto brings up issues around other people's money (i.e. loans, banks), power struggles, triangles and control. But with the Sun's entrance into Libra, we add Pluto - relationship issues - death, birth, sex and divorce.

It's a New Moon in Libra today: Tuesday at 11:14pm.

Libra = Relationships, relationships, relationships.

Balance. The Scales. Justice!

Libra is the time of year when we weigh our relationships. With the Pluto influence, we are looking at how they effect our evolution. Any undercurrents in relationships now rise to the surface to be healed and dealt with. If a person or situation has been stuck, ambivalent, indecipherable or stalling, the Truth now shines forth. No need to jump into action, just observe your transition.

Eventually this eye opening energy leads to a huge rebirth. Pluto tears down and destroys to prepare for regeneration. The symbol of Pluto is the phoenix - the mythical bird that sets itself on fire to be reborn from the ashes. It's time to take that first step on a new road.

Tell me in the comments below what you've been experiencing this week!

From the Cosmic Intelligence Agency:
 

Where the Sun goes, so goes our personal and physical energy. So we've had quite a bit of focus on work, health, animals, and paperwork where we've been showing up and taking the lead while in Virgo. Now in Libra we begin to connect or focus on key people and balance, justice or equality. Libra rules the romantic partners, business partners, agents, attorneys, advocates, specialists, experts, clients, audience, competitors, and opponents, so we begin our 30 day chapter pulled towards what we need to do personally or physically with them. It may involve our name, title, identity, body, brand, or image, as well as our personal needs. In 2 days we will get a New Moon here so the cosmos is going to get behind it for us if we are proactive.

Autumnal Equinox

The Equinox arrives today at 7:29pm PDT.

Night and day are exactly the same length.

Today marks an astronomical transition point between Summer and Winter. It's the ancient Celtic festival of Meán Fómhair, or "Middle Harvest. This is the second harvest festival of the year, the first being Lammas (August 1st) and the third being Halloween (October 31st).

The seeds we have planted in the Spring are now coming to fruition. What have you been working on this year? What is coming to fruition in your life right now? It's harvest season, where we see the result of our labors. We reap what we have sown. Take Stock of what's around you.


"Libra Full Moon" by Alice Bailey 

Today we feel the turn of the wheel of the year. Standing in the middle of equal daylight to equal nighttime, we also look at BALANCE. Are we out of balance in our lives? Are we taking care of ourselves? Are we working hard but making time for our dreams and having fun too?  

Colors of the Season Orange, Dark Red, Yellow, Indigo, and Brown. Black and White.

This holiday was pivotal in ancient times, since a good final harvest was crucial to surviving the winter months ahead.  Relationships are reassessed so we can decide who is best to take into the harsh winter with us. If someone is draining your energy, now might be the time to let go. This is also the time to welcome the season of the Crone.  In Greek mythology, Persephone goes to the Underworld to learn the secrets of the Crone.

Turning of the Seasons

The Equinox (equal day - equal night) arrives next week, and we are currently in the dark of the Moon.

This is a good week to let go of anything you've outgrown. As the Sun gets lower and the days get shorter, our primal energy turns toward surviving the winter ahead. We celebrate the current harvest season, but at the same time purify and simplify our lives.

Just do it.

image by Larry Carlson

Tonight's Blood Moon Eclipse

Tonight at 11:30pm Pacific the skies will present a dramatic event - a Full Red Moon sailing overhead. It should be visible just about everywhere too. This is the first of four eclipses occurring over the next year - all in the signs of Libra and Aries. They are in accordance with the nodes of the Moon which are stimulating our relations with others and diminishing our need "to go it alone".

AND Mars will also be closest to the Earth tonight! In fact it should appear as a bright red star next to the Moon. This is the closest Mars has been to the Earth since January 2008 and will be at it's brightest. Personally, I'm a Scorpio and I dig the color red, so I'm looking forward to this tonight.

The Full Moon tonight occurs in the sign of Libra which symbolizes relationships and partnerships of all kinds - professional and personal. If there is some unresolved issue or tension that needs to be expressed, expect it to come up this week. It's a wonderful time to clear the air. But with Mars there, watch out for aggression and anger. The key to this Full Moon is DIPLOMACY and restoring BALANCE - key traits of the sign Libra. There's a feeling of fate and inspiration with relationships this month.

Unleash your assertive Martian drive on making your life better and helping others. Mars has strong convictions and wants things to happen NOW, while Libra inspires us to work together for the greater good of all.

And then there's the other thing - the Grand Cross on April 22 which really stirs the pot. The cross is formed by Pluto's opposition to Jupiter and Uranus's opposition to Mars. These are huge heavyweights in the sky which will ignite the events and timing in your life to enhance your evolution. You can come quietly or sit in resistance but change is happening either way. Best to embrace it! If you need a reading or healing I'm here :)

Pluto: Evolutionary change, catalyst in Capricorn: Hard work, ambition, (and the wealthy)
opposing...
Jupiter: Expansion, Philanthropy, Optimism in Cancer: Fertility, Nurturing, Home

Uranus: Sudden Change, Invention, eccentricity in Aries: Spontaneity, Drive, Egoism
opposing...
Mars: DRIVE, aggression, war, anger, courage in Libra: relationships, balance, harmony

...what a mess

It will be interesting how this effects each of us individually. Here's something I wrote about eclipses from 2011:

When the World falls under the influence of an eclipse, things are out of the ordinary. It's an uncommon time, and we have rare and insightful experiences. It's like walking around your darkened bedroom with a black light - things show up differently, and we see things in a way we don't normally see them. Some things are brighter and easier to see and some things fall into shadow.

Quite simply, I feel it is a time when we touch the foundations of why we are here on this planet. Each of us gains some new insight or information into the life we are currently leading. This information can come through anything - our family, friends, a situation at work, or a bolt of lightning straight from the heavens into our consciousness. When it's an eclipse, I always pay close attention to what happens that day, because there will be something synchronistic about it.

Libra and Love

As you may or may not know, the Sun entered Libra recently - the sign of scales, of balance, and the sign of LOVE! I came upon this great post by Derek Sivers about love... what are your thoughts about love?

What's the difference between like, love, and in-love?

How do you know when you love someone instead of just liking them a lot?

How do you know when you're “in-love” with someone instead of just loving them as a person?

I asked a bunch of friends these questions, and got a huge variety of answers:

    “If I like anything about someone, I like them. If I like everything about someone, I love them. If I like everything about someone and we have great sex, I'm in love.”

    “Like is liking someone, but conditionally. Love is liking someone unconditionally. In-love is just glorification of a temporary infatuation. Eventually it becomes love.”

    “This sounds morbid, but I think of it in terms of how I'd react if they died. If I like someone and they died, I'd be sad and cry once or twice. If I love someone and they died, I'd be devastated and cry for days or weeks. If I'm in love with someone and they died, I'd want to die too.”

How do you know?

Mercury Retrograde in Libra & Virgo

Long time no see! You know why? Cause my computer DIED the day before Mercury went retrograde! (see article below)

Arrrrgh!

But I'm back now with a new found appreciation of electronics:)

Here's a great article I found about Mercury Retrograde that I want to share with you. I'm waiting to find out who wrote this so I can give them proper credit, but in the meantime I think you'll find it very informative!

Mercury, the Divine Messenger

Mercury Retrograde in Libra & Virgo [Sep. 7 – Sep. 29, 2009]
At 04:46 UT (Universal Time), on Monday, September 7th, 2009, Mercury the cosmic trickster turns retrograde at 6°13' Libra, in the sign of the Scales, sending communications, travel, appointments, mail and the www into a general snarlup! The retro period begins some days before the actual turning point (as Mercury slows) and lasts for three weeks or so, until Sep. 29, when the Winged Messenger reaches his direct station. At this time he halts and begins his return to direct motion through the zodiac.Everything finally straightens out on October 18, as he passes the point where he first turned retrograde. Mercury normally turns retrograde three times a year, but this year he turns tail four times, which is unusual. The effects of each period differ, according to the sign in which it happens (see box for Retrograde Periods in 2009).
A planet is described as retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac. According to modern science, this traditional concept arises in the illusory planetary motion created by the orbital rotation of the earth with relation to other planets in our solar system. Planets are never actually retrograde or stationary, they just seem that way due to this cosmic shadow-play. Click here for more on the science of retrograde planetary motion.
Retrograde periods, although often problematic for us earthlings, are not particularly uncommon. Each planet retrogrades, except the Sun and Moon. Although a powerful astrological influence, Mercury is quite a small planet that travels at a relatively fast speed through the zodiac. Despite being the closest planet in our solar system to the Sun, he is not always in the same sign as the Sun. This time, Mercury turns retrograde in Libra (relationships; tastes; harmony) while the Sun is in Virgo (analysis; critical ability), but retrogrades into Virgo at the Virgo New Moon on Sep. 18 (while the Sun of course is still in Virgo). The Sun moves into Libra at the Equinox on Sep. 22 while Merc is still in Virgo, but Mercury soon heads back to join the Sun in Libra on Oct. 10.
Fated Events: As a rule, retrograde planets mark a period of seemingly inevitable or fated events that relate to their sphere of influence. Unresolved issues from the past tend to rear their heads. Retro phases present us with a series of events over which we seem to have little or no conscious control, relating especially to the sign in which the retrogradation occurs. For example, Mercury retrograde in Libra (relationships; tastes; harmony) awakens quite different sets of circumstances from those generated when he retrogrades into Virgo (analysis; critical ability).A retrograde period is best seen as a cycle, beginning when a planet begins to slow to a halt before travelling backwards through the zodiac, and ending when it returns to the point where it first paused. However, during the cycle, a planet's energy is most powerful (and more likely to generate critical events of universal importance) when the planet makes a station: appearing motionless in the sky.
These stationary periods occur near the beginning of the cycle (when the planet first halts as it prepares to move backwards) and midway through the cycle when the retrograde planet slows to a stop before moving forward again. The direct station (when the planet halts before moving forward again) is the most powerful and can be used for maximum benefit.

Many astrologers consider that the "Mercury Shadow" begins between two and three weeks before the actual retro station, so the "shadow phase" begins on August 18, when Mercury passes the point of direct station for the first time in this cycle. This period of "Mercury Shadow" extends to the Return date, something under three weeks after the direct station. Bear this in mind, because experience shows that the effects of the retro period are still marked during the shadow phase. Some of the most characteristic annoyances often occur just after Mercury makes the direct station, while he is crawling forward before picking up speed.

What does Mercury affect? In general, Mercury rules thinking and perception, processing and disseminating information and all means of communication, commerce, education and transportation. By extension, Mercury rules people who work in these areas, especially those who work with their minds or their wits: writers and orators, commentators and critics, gossips and spin doctors, teachers, travellers, tricksters and thieves. Mercury retrograde gives rise to personal misunderstandings; flawed, disrupted, or delayed communications, negotiations and trade; glitches and breakdowns with phones, computers, cars, buses, and trains. And all of these problems usually arise because some crucial piece of information, or component, has gone astray or awry. It is not wise to make important decisions while Mercury is retrograde, since it is likely that such decisions will be clouded by misinformation, poor communication and careless thinking. Mercury is all about mental clarity and the power of the mind, so when Mercury is retrograde these intellectual characteristics tend to be less acute than usual, as the critical faculties are dimmed. Make sure you pay attention to the small print!

The key issue here is one of focus. Mercury sets out to restructure our thinking processes and for many of us this is painful and frustrating. Unresolved issues from the past tend to push themselves forward. Moreover, these experiences reveal flaws in our internal organisation as well as our external planning, which can make us feel foolish and inadequate. Mercury retrograde, like any cosmic aspect, affects people differently, depending on where it hits their personal charts. Some people actually prosper under a retro Mercury, especially if Mercury is retrograde but otherwise well-aspected in their birth charts. It is also a time when matters begun under a previous retro period will come to fruition, or completion as the case may be. Firm decisions that have been previously made when Mercury is travelling normally through the zodiac may be implemented or finalised while Mercury is retrograde without too much worry, for experience shows that this can be done without undue problems arising.