Astrology by Mary MacLean

I am looking at Venus.  She has been at 29 degrees of Pisces since April 12^th, 2009 and continues to be at 29 degrees until April 24^th, 2009.  If you have any planets at this placement or at 29 degrees of Sagittarius, Gemini or Virgo, this last 6 weeks has been monumental for you.   During this period Venus has gone stationary direct and is about to conjunct with Mars on April 22^nd, 2009.  This Venus retrograde has accomplished one important thing and that is to catch up to Mars.  They are now in sync making relationship issues will be more realistic.  This conjunction also indicates a beginning cycle for Mars and Venus.   What house does Venus rule in your chart? What houses does Mars rule?  These are the areas that will be important in this coming Mars Venus cycle.  

Following this conjunction there is a New Moon in Taurus at 5 degrees.  This New Moon is the square to the eclipse on January 26^th at 6 degrees of Aquarius.   I seem to hear a murmur from the masses asking, “What does this mean?”  Go back in your mind to the end of January, especially on or around the 26^th and take notice of your ideas or immediate dilemmas of that time.   What was it that you wanted to accomplish, complete or undertake?  By the Full Moon on May 9^th you will have reached a turning point in the current eclipse and will be ready to move on to something else.  Find Aquarius is in your chart.  This is the house that needed attention back in January 26^th.   Check your planets to see if any planets lined up with this Eclipse.  If I remember correctly, it was conjunct Jupiter at 6 degrees of Aquarius.   Expansion now is a possibility.  This New Moon has a trine to Pluto in Capricorn and squares the Nodes.  These aspects prove to be very powerful allies in whatever situations arise.

 Saturn in Virgo is slowing down.  It will be at 15 degrees until May 6^th, at which point, it will move to 14 degrees of Virgo and go direct on May 17^th, 2009.  This is your opportunity to move forward on your goals that you started last September.  During the retrograde you made many decisions and now you can move forward with your plans and not have any obstacles until Saturn goes retrograde again.   One thing to remember is that we are nearing the last 6 months of Saturn in Virgo sometime in the spring of next year.  The meaning of the last 2 ½ years proves to be a completion of some desire that you started with this transit.  What were you goals 2 ½ years ago?

(It is helpful to keep a journal.) 

Please be sure to read your rising sign as it will resonate with your personal chart.

If you have intercepted signs, you will need to make adjustments.

ARIES-(March 21-April 19)

This New Moon takes place in your 2^nd house of values trining Pluto in the 10^th house of career.  This is a very powerful good luck charm for money and career.   Mars and Venus in the 1^st house indicate that you moving and grooving during this period, especially, when it comes to children and love affairs.  Saturn in the 6^th house of work is about to go direct and you will be on your way in terms of everyday work and health.  Chiron is conjunct Neptune in your 11^th house of goals and squares Mercury in the 2^nd house of money or values.  This signals a challenge to you and a desire to share your information with the world.  This seems to be a great month for you, my little firefly.  

TAURUS-(April 20-May 20)

This New Moon takes place in your 1^st house of personality and how others see you.  You may have had some interesting thoughts about career with the square to Neptune, Chiron and Jupiter.  You will be hearing important news in the coming weeks about career.  The Eclipse was in the 10^th house of career sending up smoke signals that changes would be coming.  This New Moon is in Taurus and trines Pluto in the 9^th house changing your mental landscape very positively.  This is a fixed New Moon so there is a tremendous amount of stamina and determination that comes with it.

GEMINI-(May 21-June 20)

This New Moon takes place in your 12^th house of the past, institutions and the subconscious.  It is in trine to Pluto in the 8^th house of sex, death, taxes and partnership funds.  Some things that surface have been in the works for awhile. They are positive and money and career will be in strong focus.  Mars and Venus are conjunct in your 11^th house of goals exciting your ambition.   The original Eclipse was in your 9^th house of legal matters, higher education, foreign affairs and philosophy.   These issues are about to reach a stable point as they slip into the foreground. 

CANCER-(June 21-July 22)

This New Moon takes place in your 11^th house of goals signaling some major moves in that direction.  This New Moon will be trining Pluto in the 7^th house of partnerships giving power to your endeavors and action from the square of the nodes.

Mars and Venus conjunct is starting an assertive new cycle in your 10^th house of career and the vision of new partnerships are on the horizon.  The original Eclipse took place in your 9^th house of higher education, philosophy, foreign affairs and legal matters.  Your challenge sprang from these issues back in January.  This will be a new beginning and offers change to your everyday life.

 LEO-(July 23-August 22)

This New Moon takes place in your 10^th house of career and standing in the community.  The original Eclipse in your 7^th house in late January asked you to face some important issues that stem from partnerships (business or personal). This New Moon is in trine to Pluto in your 6^th house of everyday work and health giving you the strength and determination to make the changes that may be fearful for you.  You will feel as if you have reached a precipice and feel all the better for it.  You have regained your power.

VIRGO-(August 23-September 22)

This New Moon takes place in your 9^th house of philosophy, higher education, foreign affairs or legal matters.  The original Eclipse took place in your 8^th house of sex, death, taxes and partnership funds.  You may be involved in finances that require a new legal or philosophical outlook.  The interesting aspect that I see is a trine to Pluto in the 5^th house of children, creativity and love affairs.  You will feel more stable and secure.  Mars and Venus have started a new cycle in your 8^th house of finances, telling you money from others will be important in the coming year.

LIBRA-(September 23-October 22)

 This New Moon takes place in your 8th house of sex, death, taxes and partnership finances.  The original Eclipse took place in your 5^th house of creativity, children, love affairs and investments in late January.  Jupiter was conjunct and promised expansion. This New Moon ushers in changes that you have been grappling with for some time.  You have even changed your stance on long held beliefs.  This is a lot of movement for you and with the New Moon trining Pluto in the 4^th; you are very sure about everything you are doing.  You have Mars Venus conjunct in the 7^th house examining your relationships and giving them new values.   You feel good with your decisions.

SCORPIO-(October 24-November 22)

This New Moon takes place in your 7^th house of partnerships, either business or personal.  The original Eclipse of late January took place in your 4^th house of home and core issues promising expansion on an inner and outer level.  This is where the activity starts to rev up.  The New Moon is trine to Pluto in the 3^rd house of communications giving strength to any speeches or talks that you may give.  You are feeling mentally able to attend to all matters that require negotiation and communication.   Using these skills your stars promise much movement. You will be standing up for yourself in no uncertain terms. 

SAGITTARIUS-(November 22-December 21)

This New Moon takes place in your 6^th house of everyday work and health.  The original Eclipse point was in your 3^rd house of communication and community posing difficulties that had to be resolved.  This next three weeks you will reach a turning point that deals with everyday work and health.  The New Moon also trines Pluto and squares the nodes promising action and deliverance when it come to your personal finances.   Mars is square to Pluto for the last time and releases some pent up anger.   

CAPRICORN-(December 22-January 19)

This New Moon takes place in your 5^th house of creativity, children, love affairs and investments.  The original Eclipse point in late January took place in your 2^nd house of personal finances and values.  This is the turning point of any issues that have plagued you since then.  The Eclipse point did promise expansion in the 2^nd house of love and values.  In the next 3 weeks you will reach a turning point that will resolve all that has gone before.  This New Moon also trines Pluto in the 1^st house and squares the nodes bringing confidence and security to your life.  Mars in Aries squares Pluto on your ascendant causing you to fly off the handle.  Count to 100 then speak.

 AQUARIUS-(January 20-February 19)

This New Moon takes place in your 4^th house of home and core issues.  There is movement here and lots of it.   The original Eclipse was in your 1^st house conjunct Jupiter promising expansion and promotion opportunities.  If this New Moon works well in your chart, you will see all of your promotions come to fruition.  This New Moon trines Pluto in your 12^th and delivers a powerful opportunity from behind-the- scenes.    Mars may pose a disruption with this New Moon as it squares Pluto in your 12^th asking for a compromise that is needed to continue.  The actions in the next 3 weeks will certainly change the issues that have plagued you since late January.

PISCES-(February 20-March 20)

This New Moon takes place in your 3^rd house of communications and community.  The original Eclipse point came from your 12^th house of behind-the-scenes promising exposure, opportunity and a sort of coming out party.  The next 3 weeks should be the apex of that whole experience.  This New Moon trines Pluto in your 11^th house of goals and greatly activates your own personal ambition and feeling of more control in your life.  There is a Mars square Pluto that is tempting you to make some strong financial moves.  Don’t be hasty.  Think it through. Ask a friend.   

Venus Direct

Ok, how many of you broke astrology rule #1…never begin or end a relationship while Venus is retrograde???  How many of you had cosmetic treatments that didn’t exactly turn out the way you had planned or hoped???  How many of you purchased something expensive you thought you couldn’t live without and are now having buyer’s remorse???   Don’t be too hard on yourself…Venus in impulsive Aries makes temptation nearly impossible to resist and holding on to that energy only turns inward causing you to feel angry and frustrated…it’s a no win situation if you ask me!!!   As you may recall from my last article, Aries likes to initiate and take action without delay…being held back and told to wait is pure torture for people with Aries strong in their chart.  I don’t know about you, but enough already…let’s just get on with it!!! 

 I have to admit I was one of those people who didn’t follow the rules or listen to my own advice about waiting for Venus to go direct before starting something new.  I accepted an offer for a date and was disappointed… nothing turned out like I hoped or planned.   For starters, I completely rearranged my schedule…even took a vacation day to accommodate his busy schedule.  I cleaned my entire house, ironed my sheets, bought candles, expensive incense, painted my master bathroom, hung a new light fixture, and was going to cook a fabulous meal for us.  As you can see, I put a lot of thought, effort, time and energy into planning a very romantic evening with someone I thought was special and worthy of my affection and generosity.  My date didn’t call me until 9:00 pm that night…said he just got done with work!!!  To make a long story short…I decided not to spoil the night by getting mad or upset.   Instead, I accepted an invitation to his place.  The question I keep asking myself over and over again, and the question I want to ask all of you who didn’t follow the rules is, was it worth it?  Venus rules values and self-worth. 

I’m a true believer that everything happens for a reason which is why I say don’t be too hard on yourself if your relationships aren’t going according to plan.  So you jumped the gun and were a little impulsive and impatient to make something happen in your love life…only to be met with some kind of challenge or resistance.   I say, welcome the challenge because it means your growing.  Besides that, what would Venus in Aries be without a challenge…boring!!!  We have been living with this Venus retrograde since March 6^th,

which feels like eternity if you ask me.  But really it’s been longer than that…Venus stations direct at 29 degrees Pisces on April 17, the same degree she was last seen on February 2^nd.  Think back to what was going on in your life

then?  Then hold on to seat because we get to do this all over again!!!  Only this time the roadblocks will be removed and it won’t feel like you’re in a torture chamber.  How does that old saying go?  ”If only I knew then what I know now things would be different!!!”   Well, everything that was initiated during the Venus retrograde, including the shadow period, will be revisited and you’ll get a second chance to start over again…only this time you’ll know now what you didn’t know then!!!  Hopefully, you have learned some valuable lessons along the way!!!   

Since Aries is the natural ruler of the first house and also represents the “self”…maybe we are not putting enough worth and value on our “self.”  Maybe we’ve been too focused on “others”!!!  One thing I’ve learned is; focusing too much on others tends to draw in people who are self-centered.  Whomever we draw into our lives become our great teachers!!!!   Venus in Aries teaches us to put our own needs first while still being considerate of others.  When we put first things first, we hopefully attract people who see our real beauty and worth, who also appreciate our kindness and generosity without taking complete advantage of us.  Loving yourself is the first step to a healthy relationship with others.  The new moon that occurred on March 26 at 6 degrees Aries was conjunct Venus retrograde…reiterating this fact. 

Venus is not an aggressive sign by nature and is not use to putting her needs first in relationships.  That’s because Venus is the natural ruler of the 7^th house which rules “others.”   It’s been a bit of a struggle for Venus to

think of herself first for a change, and I don’t think she’s is very comfortable in her own skin at the moment…like a fish out of water.   But this is exactly what she needs to do if she’s ever going to find love, peace, and happiness within her relationships.  Luckily, she will get another opportunity once she units with her one true love, Mars, in the sign of Pisces.   Mars is the ruler of Aries and he will lead the way for Venus.  This should be a truly magical time when these two lovers come together…I don’t know about you, but I’m thinking romance par excellence!!!  I’m talking about the kind of love affair made only in heaven…like the hand of God taking man and woman and joining their hearts together forever!!!    Pisces is ruled by Neptune and is the higher octave of Jupiter.  It’s the kind of love that knows no boundaries and where differences are transcended. 

One thing you should also know about Pisces and Neptune is that they can be a little delusional and not seeing things as they really are.  One becomes a martyr and capable of selflessness in the name of love.   Sometimes we have to sacrifice one thing in order to gain something else.  Sometimes we need to let go of our attachments to that which we think we can’t live without.   If we can open ourselves up to the universe and its possibilities, by putting faith and trust into something we cannot see, imagine, or have control over…then real magic begins to transform our lives and the impossible becomes possible.   The higher manifestation of Neptune’s energy, which is unconditional love, is difficult to obtain because we often have to release something else in its place…usually the lower vibration of Neptune’s energy which has everything to do with addictions, fantasies, delusions, and illusions.   Neptune’s infinite energy is scary to us mortals who live in a world ruled by Saturn who tells us there are limits to everything…thank God we have other planets in our solar system, otherwise life would be nothing but all work and no play!!!  Neptune wants to open our hearts and mind to the possibilities…it’s where we get carried away by lovely dreams and fantasies that takes us to uncharted territories…to a new world filled with hope, faith, and unconditional love…a coming home feeling.  Neptune has a way of clouding our vision with smoke and mirrors causing us to feel confused, and when Neptune’s fog lifts, we are left with a sense of loss, suffering, grief, and great sadness.  But once we realize that what we were holding on to wasn’t real to begin with, healing and transformation can take place.  Sometimes we need to lose ourselves before we can be found.   Venus re-enters Pisces and stations at 29 degrees before going direct…the last degree of the last sign of the zodiac.  We are being asked to let go and release something from the past that which no longer severs our higher purpose so we can move forward and begin a new chapter in our life.  Don’t worry… this will get easier once Mars and Venus move into Aries.  Mars and Aries are very courageous and tread where others fear most.  I think it will be refreshing and believe it will put the spring back in your step…you’ll love the new you and you’ll find that traveling without all the extra bags exhilarating. 

Venus will conjunct Mars in Pisces at 29 degrees on, April 22, once Venus goes Direct….they do not make an exact conjunction in Aries.   It takes Venus a few months to catch up to Mars where they will kiss on June 21, the first day of summer, at 15 degrees Taurus.  While things will definitely pick up speed and start moving in the right direction once Venus goes direct before then, pay close attention to the themes that arise in your life around April 22 because Mercury will retrograde all the way back to this point in time on May 31^st.  Something will probably get held up or delayed for a few weeks!!!  I don’t think that will be much of a problem though because Venus and Mars will be in the constellation of Taurus…which is famous for its patience.  By June 21^st there’ll be no more delays, no more waiting, nothing holding you back from all that you desire, and moving your plans forward will be a breeze.

To summarize, this Venus retrograde has taught us about the value of self-love and putting first things first.  It’s shown us how we compromise our values and self-worth by putting too much emphasis on others in relationships, and how we compensate for the feeling of insecurity by buying things and surrounding ourselves with material possessions, or investing in products and procedures that will make us look and feel more attractive.  In the end…none of that can really fill the void or lack we feel inside.  Take a good close look at what hasn’t worked and get ready to release and let it go.  Get set to embrace the new by realizing your own self-worth and move forward from that place.

By Catherine Schultz, April 8^th, 2009 

I spoke too soon.  We have had blizzard conditions in Denver. .   We do need the moisture but why couldn’t it be rain?  I guess it has been a climate shock all over our country.  Our seasons are definitely not on schedule.  It has been quite a couple of weeks.  For some of you, this Venus retrograde has been a growing burden.  For the rest of you lucky ones, you’re having a great time. 

Mercury is entering Taurus this month on the 10^th, bringing us a welcomed down-to- earth mentality.  I know that Mercury will go retrograde in May and the pre-retrograde cycle starts this April 22^nd. There seems to be a lot going on this April 22^nd so keep track of communications from the 22^nd until the retrograde on May 8^th, 2009.  Mercury does change signs and enters Gemini but it retreats into Taurus; therefore, we may change our minds about some issues that come up on April 22, 2009 or we may encounter delays.

 I was checking the Ephemeris for this month and I will give you the run down on the planets.   Venus squared transiting Pluto on Feb. 6^th, 2009 on its direct motion and has also squared transiting Pluto on April 2^nd, 2009 on the retrograde.  It will square transiting Pluto one more time on May 3^rd, 2009.  These are days you may want to track. Venus is retrograde until April 17^th, at which point it goes direct and manages a climatic conjunction with Mars on April 21^st and 22^nd at 29 degrees of Pisces.   This is a beginning, a new beginning, with new rules and new regulations.  This is a time for new agreements with new time limits and new goals.  Look carefully at your chart and determine in what house this conjunction of 29 degrees of Pisces takes place.  This is the area where all the changes take place.

Saturn is still retrograde and goes from 16 degrees of Virgo to 15 degrees of Virgo.  It has definitely slowed down and is getting close to the direct degree of 14 degrees of Virgo.  The actual date for the direct motion is May 17, 2009.   If you could remember what you were doing on or around September 27^th, 2008, you will notice that you will be revisiting that same scenario.  The names may change as well as the places but the action will be the same.  This retrograde period has given you a taste of what the future holds.  By the time Saturn goes direct; you will have the opportunity to change direction, if that is your choice, or continue in the same direction that you have been in the 5 months.

Jupiter is currently transiting through Aquarius and starts off the month at 19 degrees of Aquarius and continues to 23 degrees by months end.  This Full Moon is trinning Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune. 

Uranus is currently in Pisces at 23 degrees and continues to 26 degrees by the end of the month.  If you have any planets at or within these degrees in Pisces, Sag, Gemini or Virgo, this month will take you by the tail and swing you around a bit.  Issues will be very unexpected, exciting and uncontrollable.

Neptune has been conjunct Chiron for some time now and reality has been a constant dilemma.  Double check everything.

Pluto has just gone retrograde and returns to 0 degrees of Capricorn before going direct on September 11^th, 2009.  The degrees that will be very powerful for you are- 3 degrees, 2 degrees, 1degree and 0 degrees of Capricorn.  If you have any planets at these degrees in Capricorn, Aries, Cancer or Libra, I hope you have some built up stamina. 

Please be sure to read your rising sign as it will resonate with your personal chart.

If you have intercepted signs you will need to check it more closely.

ARIES-(March 21-April 19)

This Full Moon takes place in your 7^th house of partnerships.  The indication is that some business or relationship issues will come to some interesting conclusions.  This Full Moon is in trine to your Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron, so how bad can it be?   Mars your ruler will conjunct Uranus on April 15th setting you free from some behind-the-scenes restriction.  This will be a busy month for you Aries.

TAURUS-(April 20-May 20)

This Full Moon takes place in your 6^th house of work and health. It is quite likely that there will be changes in your everyday work.  It could include different scheduling or a complete revision of what you do.  Since this Full Moon trines Aquarius, Gemini and Libra, I feel as if this could possibly be an opportunity you have been waiting for.  Next month will be very important for you as Mercury goes retrograde in the early degrees of Gemini and re-enters Taurus.  Watch the 22^nd of April and after for an indication of how things might change next month.  Check everything twice.

GEMINI-(May 21-June 20)

This Full Moon takes place in your 5^th house of children, creativity and love affairs.  It will trine your rising sign of Gemini and 9^th house of philosophy, foreign affairs, travel, higher education and legal matters.  The completion of this Full Moon will have to do with 5^th house changes but with opportunities that flow from  your 9^th house to your personal 1^st house of personality.  This may be a time for travel or legal opportunities. 

CANCER-(June 21-July 22)

This Full Moon takes place in your 4^th house of home and core issues.  Issues that deal with changes to the home are also indicative of changes on a more inner level.   Take a minute to understand what is going on internally as well as what completion is taking place or manifesting on the physical level.   Chances are, there is more than one thing going on.   This Full Moon trines your 8^th house of sex, death and taxes as well as your 11^th house of goals.   This does seem  financially fortunate.

LEO-(July 23-August 22)

This Full Moon takes place in your 3^rd house of communication and community.  Issues here seem to take a turn and offer some resolution to what has been going on in your life.  This may be an adjustment that needs attention and best fits the confines of the 3^rd house.   You may hear news of changes in your community which includes your work place and neighborhood.  Brothers and sisters can be a concern, but with the trine from this Full Moon to your 7^th house( Aquarius) and the 11^th house (Gemini), your experience will not be bad.  This Full Moon does seem to be on your side.

VIRGO-(August 23-September 22)

This Full Moon takes place in your 2^nd house of finances, love and personal acquisitions.  This Full Moon does seem to indicate a positive venue for money to come to you.  The trine from the 6^th house to the 10^th house to your 2^nd house is a goldmine when it comes to your money.   The 6^th house is work and health and the 10^th house is career.  Who could ask for more? 

LIBRA-(September 23-October 22)

 This Full Moon takes place in your 1^st house of personality and appearance.  There is a trine operating with this Full Moon that takes place from your 1^st house to your 5^th house to your 9^th house.  The 5^th house represents children, love affairs and creativity and the 9^th house is your legal house.  It seems that there may be a positive change for you personally with this Full Moon.  New agreements with children and love affairs may brighten the way for you.  These changes will manifest on some physical way but also look for a new uplifting in your attitude.

SCORPIO-(October 24-November 22)

This Full Moon takes place in your 12^th house of the past and institutions.  Hidden matters may come up to the surface and find a final resting place.  Along with the conclusion of this matter is a trine from the 4^th house of home and the 8^th house of partnership finances.   This indicates that these areas of your life will offer opportunities to you through this Full Moon.  Partnership funds or money from others seem to be an avenue for you to receive.  The trine to Jupiter in your 4^th house offers abundance and good feelings. 

SAGITTARIUS-(November 22-December 21)

This Full Moon takes place in your 11^th house of goals, hopes and wishes.  This can indicate a realized goal or completion of a task that reflects your desires for the future.  The trine from your 3^rd house of communications shows a distinct advantage to what you want as does the trine from the 7^th house of partnership matters. These trines to your 11^th house should eliminate any difficulty that deals with your Full Moon.

CAPRICORN-(December 22-January 19)

This Full Moon takes place in your 10^th house of career.  Yikes, this could be scary, but fear not because there are opportunities that arrive with this Full Moon.   The 2^nd house of personal finances and the 6^th house of everyday work or health offer you relief in these hectic times.  Changes in career are immanent but also are the advantages that come with this grand air trine.  This may all be verbal but it is still very worthwhile.

 AQUARIUS-(January 20-February 19)

This Full Moon takes place in your 9^th house of philosophy, legal matters, higher education and foreign affairs.  Since this is such a mental house, this may be an attitude or conclusion to ethical, religious or spiritual matters.  The Jupiter in your 1^st house is in trine to this Full Moon indicating some kind of travel opportunity that looms about.  If you have any planets in Gemini, this will make a grand air trine and definitely mean fun is on the horizon.

PISCES-(February 20-March 20)

This Full Moon takes place in your 8^th house of partnership resources, sex, death and taxes.  There are changes that will manifest in this 8^th house and they can materialize in many ways.  Tax money, inheritance, mortgage opportunity, partnership finances are some of the ways that this Full Moon can influence you.  If you look at the Full Moon trine Jupiter in the 12^th, you will realize that someone or something is efinitely on your side.  There are hidden helpers that come to your aid and, if you happen to have any planets in Gemini, this will complete a grand air trine indicating some interesting developments opening up.