Mars bright in the sky tonight!

Mars will be in opposition to the Sun tonight making it shine brightly in the sky. Look for a huge reddish star rising after the Moon. You could almost call it a "Full Mars" instead of a "Full Moon" because it's kind of the same thing. When the Moon is full it's because it's directly opposite the Sun and is completely illuminated by the Sun - this will happen tonight with the planet Mars.

Astrologically we are waxing towards a Full Moon in Libra next week which will set off a huge Grand Cross in the sky. Try to wrap stuff up emotionally charged stuff THIS week if you can. Next week could be volatile.

From Astronomy.com: 

Tuesday, April 8
Mars lies opposite the Sun in our sky today and reaches its peak visibility for 2014. The Red Planet appears low in the east as darkness falls and grows more prominent as the evening wears on and it climbs higher. By 1 a.m. local daylight time, it stands halfway to the zenith in the southern sky. Mars lies among the background stars of central Virgo, 7° north-northwest of that constellation’s brightest star, 1st-magnitude Spica. The planet shines at magnitude –1.5, some 10 times brighter than the star. In fact, Mars hasn’t been this bright since December 2007. When viewed through a telescope, the planet’s ocher-colored disk spans 15" and shows significant detail. The most obvious feature should be the white north polar cap. Learn more about observing the Red Planet with "Explore Mars this month."

The Moon reaches apogee, the farthest point in its orbit around Earth, at 10:52 a.m. EDT. It then lies 251,344 miles (404,500 kilometers) from Earth’s center.

New Moon in Aries: Magic Maker

Be a magic maker. With the New Moon in Aries this morning, we have a strong chance for rebirth. To start over. It's time to shed anything that doesn't fit the vision you have for yourself and your life.

This new moon inspires one to action, courage, spontaneity and assertiveness. Time to advocate for yourself and let your actions speak for you.

Today sparks off April's wild astrological mix, so starting today wrap up loose ends and clarify your focus. We've had a square between Uranus (sudden change, extremes) and Pluto (catalyst and catharsis) for a couple years which has created much of the upheaval we've seen in the world. This square will be touched off this month like fireworks! There will be a Grand Cross formed in the sky by Uranus, Pluto, Mars (volatility) and Jupiter (expansion) in mid April and it's going to be a doozy. More to come on that later.

The wonderful thing about the New Moon in Aries today, is it touches on why you are here at this time on the planet. What is your reason for being? What work do you need to accomplish while you're here? What gifts have been bestowed upon you and what are you drawn too? I think these questions can be answered by looking at our basic nature, and then developing it. The ruler of Aries is Mars, and this fiery planet is currently in retrograde in the sign of Libra. This teaches us patience, and that we can't take action in a vacuum. We are on this planet with other people and have to consider others too. How does our individuality and path in life intersect with the people around us? Libra is the sign of partnership and reminds us we need partners to actuate our potential.

OK that enough philosophizing for one day, now let's go out and take ACTION!!

Black of the Moon

For the next few days the Moon will be at it's darkest point before the New Moon in Aries on Sunday. It's astrological New Year!! Aries is this first sign of the zodiac, so we're starting a new year long cycle. We are in the darkness before the dawn, the time when we feel soul urges. This is further enhanced by the Moon, Mercury, Neptune and Chiron in Pisces, Saturn in Scorpio and Jupiter in Cancer.

This group of planets make a huge positive signature in the sky so make the most of it! It's a time
of endings and beginnings, and to get real about who and what you want to focus your energy on. Today and tomorrow are extremely intuitive and our instincts are sending us very clear messages - be sure and follow them.

The dark of the Moon is such a fruitful time. We are able to experience our connection to the universe, to our planet and to each other. The Silence is so huge that one can hear messages from the subconscious without having them drowned out by daily concerns. It makes me think of that Christmas song "Silent Night", that's the energy of it. Deep calm and quiet. If there's anything holding you back from rebirth, let it go today. Release blocks from your life and then celebrate on Sunday!!

Spring Equinox

Happy Spring Equinox everybody!! We are at the point of equal day and equal night. Look for balance in your life and bringing peace to your relationships. This weekend is a great time to spend extra time with your sweetie.

With Mars Retrograde in Libra, some of our plans might be delayed or held back in some way. Try not to get frustrated! Focus on balance and charm as ways to move forward. 

I've been busy working on my new astrological bracelets I'll have up for sale in April. Hope you have a great day today and Hail unto Spring!!
More to come soon!

Big Planet Shuffle

The first week of March sees huge planetary shifts occurring in every corner of the sky. 


The closest and most influential planets are changing motion or signs in these first seven days...











February 28: Mercury Direct in Aquarius (yay) Let those numerous, zany ideas take shape and fly.

March 1st: Mars Retrogrades in Libra until May 20th - Time to reassess your goals and plans for 2014. Make sure they are in line with your heart. Aim for balanced "win win" situations with the people involved. It's time to put some energy into the collective around you, rather than your own personal agenda. What's your intent? Be prepared for a bit of a slow down or delay in results. It's a good time to woodshed and hone your craft. And don't skimp on exercise routines or getting dolled up for social events. All of these things are important with Mars in Libra. Basically, turn yourself into Oscar Wilde for the next few months...

March 2: Saturn Retrogrades in Scorpio until July 20th - The planet of stability turns backwards and things may appear less stable than they are. Don't let your fears get the better of you. Focus on owning your stability from within and putting energy into creating your own security. Tie up loose ends.

March 5: Venus enters Aquarius. Over the last three months our relationships have either solidified or imploded under the weight of Capricorn's responsibility and commitment. Venus moving into Aquarius lightens the mood and inspires us to have some fun and eccentricity in our relationships and social circle.

March 6: Lilith moves into Leo until Dec. 3rd. Jupiter Direct in Cancer - With Mars in the sign of Art (Libra) it's a great time to do just that: your Art. Whatever that may be. Writing, painting, singing, cooking, playing music, interior decorating, gardening or sitting with friends. Lilith in Leo wants to stand out and be noticed, and Jupiter (Fortune) in the fertile sign of Cancer fills your mind with concepts and ideas. Let yourself loose and set your imagination free.

Our perspectives and priorities have completely shifted and we are now standing in a brand new ball park. There's a freshness and excitement in the air as we stand at the dawning of Spring.

Love Horoscopes ~ February 2014

 Happy Valentine's Day. While I'm not an avid follower of Hallmark holidays, I do like a celebration of Love at any time. I see Valentine's Day as a harbinger of Spring, and of the heart, so in these respects it makes me happy.

Venus is currently in Capricorn, just recovering from her retrograde (backwards motion) throughout the month of January. The sign of Capricorn means Work, and many relationships came up for reassessment. Without the willingness to work they fell apart if not grounded on a firm foundation.

If you are single right now just rest assured, Love is coming for you :)

We are also in the middle of a Mercury retrograde which means to avoid signing contracts and buying electronic gear. It's a time when the Truth comes out between people. Mercury just entered Aquarius yesterday, giving us quicksilver intuition and inventiveness. Let your eccentric, creative ideas out to play.
 
 There are some challenging aspects in the sky this Valentine's Day. It's a Full Moon in Leo which amplifies a big square between the Sun/Mercury in Aquarius and Saturn in Scorpio. It can be a time of rebuilding structure and big creativity but can also cause tensions below the surface to erupt. Keep a low profile and focus on your growth, and take space if you need to. 

For the horoscopes below, read your Sun sign and your Rising sign. If you don't know your rising sign you can find it here by typing in your birth information.

Aries

You have new forward momentum in your life thanks to Venus's Direct motion in your House of Career. Any projects that were stalled or delayed in January are gaining speed and showering you with money and validation. Regarding Love, try to listen to your partner and let him or her lead the way. Your ruler, Mars, is in Libra for the next few months. This aspect is about being fair and balanced so give your partner equal time. The Saturn square on Valentine's Day is a huge reality check for relationships. Focus on listening and everything should go smoothly.


Taurus

Now that your ruler, Venus, is moving forward you are feeling more centered. Venus was moving backwards throughout January, asking you to retool your Life Perspective. She's back to forward motion - in Capricorn - which is harmonious for you Earth sign folks. Capricorn is the sign of ambition and work, so in the love arena this could mean taking a clear view of your partner (or someone you'd like to meet) and creating a plan on how you'd like things to develop. There's a Saturn square in Scorpio on Valentine's Day which can shine a harsh light on any conflicts bubbling under the surface. Patience is the best approach - it will be smooth sailing by Sunday.


Gemini

With Venus and Pluto doing a dirty dance in your House of Sex, Death and Taxes - you are bound to have the most exciting February of all. Certainly a steamy Valentine's Day. Try to avoid extreme thinking regarding relationships i.e. "you are my soul mate" or "we're done forever". Look for the middle ground and avoid dramas. With the Saturn in Scorpio square on Valentine's Day things could heat up and get REAL at the same time. It's OK to talk things out just don't make any big decisions about money or love until March. Your ruler, Mercury, is retrograde this month and playing tricks in your House of Perspective.


Cancer

With Jupiter in your sign, watch out for overeating, laziness and having money thrown at you. We'd all like to have your problems. This will be continuing until July 2014 so make the most of this influence! It only comes once every 12 years so if there's something you really want to do, NOW is the time. With Venus (Love) going backwards in your House of Partnerships in January, you improved the foundations of your important relationships. Now for more insight on Valentine's Day. Stay home and do art projects with your sweetie. There's a challenging aspect overhead that brings a harsh light to the reality factor of relationships, and creativity is your best outlet.


Leo

Well OK. Good news is it's a Full Moon in Leo today! That's good luck for you - a great time for you to shine. The challenging side is the square with Saturn in Scorpio going on today too. Saturn wants you to set realistic goals for your shining ideas. This square is a huge reality check for you, but Saturn usually makes things better if you take the long view. A good cure is to get out in the sunshine and focus on structure. What changes can you implement to make life better?


Virgo

The Valentine's Day Full Moon is lighting up your issues around job and health. Go for a massage with your sweetie and just chill. Your ruler, Mercury, is currently doing a backwards dance around the Sun in your House of Work and Habits. February is not the right time to start health programs - wait until March and then go for it! Work could be a little frustrating right now with plans delayed, computers misbehaving and outcomes uncertain, but this is only for the next couple of weeks. Focus on what you have control over and wait for March.


Libra

The Valentine's Day Full Moon is transversing your House of Romance! Beam all that Libra love out into the world. Avoid discussing finances though. The other good news your huge amount of drive and enthusiasm for the next few months! Mars, planet of Action, in your sign which doesn't happen often so make the most of it! Also, your ruler Venus is moving forward in your House of Environment. Improvements to your home and positive negotiations with roomies are possible now.


Scorpio

Communications should flow smoothly today, but with Mercury retrograding in your home environment, try to get out and explore. Saturn in your sign is activating squares with the Sun and Moon today which can feel tense. I think this is a great aspect because it shows you where you need to focus your energies for the strongest result. You've been rebuilding your life in a new way over the last year or so, and the Full Moon today can show your where some subtle changes will make a big difference.


Sagittarius


Venus is finally moving forward in your Money House! Plans are moving in the right direction again and you're receiving well deserved acknowledgement. Keep things light with love interests today since Mercury is running backwards through your House of Communication. Let someone else do the talking. The Saturn in Scorpio square is activating your mind today, giving you boundaries in your inner dialogue. Practice affirmations and positive thinking, even if it feels hokey.


Capricorn


January was a transformative month for you, and now you're experiencing the lovely aftereffects. Venus (Planet of Love and Money) has just finished her retrograde cycle through Capricorn and is now moving forward, bestowing strong love mojo and popularity enhancement. Appreciation at work is the best Valentine's Day present for a Capricorn. The Saturn square today might rattle your social circle today but just let it slide off you.


Aquarius

The Full Moon shines over to your sign from Leo (House of Partnerships), putting you in the middle of some huge personal growth. Relationships reach a culmination of sorts - either strengthening with a new structure or imploding if the foundation isn't solid. Just stay in the present moment and write down any insights you receive. Today is a juicy day for transformation and reflection. With Mercury running backwards through you sign, it's not the time to finalize or sign anything. Wait until March.


Pisces


The Valentine's Day Full Moon is lighting up issues around job and health. Go for a massage with your sweetie and just chill. Meanwhile Mercury is currently doing a backwards dance around the Sun in your House of Self Undoing. This placement can be really positive, allowing you to reassess your thinking and how you see yourself. In March when Mercury goes forward you'll be in a more centered place. Just focus on what you have control over, and that lovely Jupiter in Cancer creativity that's activated until July.

Mercury Retrograde today

Mercury goes retrograde in Pisces today at 1:43pm Pacific.

Don't worry about it though! It's going to be OK. Just try not to make any life changing decisions or buy any electronics in February. Don't sign any contracts and be careful on the road.

Some good things can occur too! Many times the truth comes out or the air is cleared in relationships that really need it.

There's a lot of retrogrades this year. We just had Venus retrograding in January, now Mercury, and then Mars will be doing an about face in March! this Spring is a time to reassess things in your life and create a stronger foundation.