Astrology by Mary MacLean

I know by the aspects this will be a Fixed Full Moon.  There seems to be more than one hot spot to explore.  The Full Moon is at 3 degrees of Aquarius and the house placement will tell the tale of where the changes will take place in your chart.  This takes place in my 4^th house of home, but interestingly enough I have Pluto at 5 degrees of Leo, so this FM will be in opposition to this point in my personal chart.  This Full Moon announces another change in my home due to career objectives.  I seem to be permanently glued to this computer a little more freedom would be a welcomed change.  Somehow I feel that will not the direction this FM will take.

The next aspect we need to explore is a Cardinal T Square between transiting Saturn, Pluto and Uranus. Transiting Mars follows exactly after the FM and begins its transit with a conjunction to a Saturn Uranus opposition on July 30, and 31, 2010 and square to transiting Pluto square Jupiter a few days later on Aug. 3, 2010.    When I think of a Cardinal T- Square I think of energy building.  The energy of a Cardinal T- Square is funneled into the empty area of the chart that would complete a Grand Cardinal Cross.  The energy of this Cardinal T-square seems to focus on 0-3 degrees of Cancer.  To say this will be eventful is an understatement.  These aspects direct mucho energy to Cancer 0 – 3 degrees.  This spot in your chart will become a high intensity hot spot.  Find this position and think of how you can use this energy that will be laid in your lap.  Each of us will have a different manifestation of this aspect but you can bet your bottom dollar that it will be important.  If it hits any natal planets, it will be more potent.  It hits three of my natal planets.  My life has not been dull lately.

I have a family reunion due on August 7, 2010 with 30 relatives coming from all over the U.S.  This is my Cardinal Cross…  Cancer is the sign of nurturing and family.  My moon is at 4 degrees of Cancer.  Can you see this in your minds eye? 

Mercury will be going retrograde in August at Aug. 20^th 2010.  It retrogrades back to 5 degrees of Virgo sending us back to August 1^st in retrograde time.  Things that you would like to do on Aug. 18^th are delayed. It seems that you and I may have gotten ahead of ourselves a bit.  On September 11^th, 2010 Mercury will go direct with new and more defined communications. 

Jupiter has gone retrograde on July 22, 2010 giving you an opportunity to examine the growth you have added to your life and make adjustments before going direct November 18, 2010.

Uranus has already turned retrograde and will be direct on December 6, 2010.  Jupiter and Uranus have been conjunct recently only to give you an indication of what the future holds….when they meet again at 26 degrees of Pisces on January 1^st to the 3^rd 2011.  The only difference is it will happen in a mutable water sign.  (allowing change to take place)

I need to send a special Thank you to Pamela in St. Charles, IL. for sending me the easiest and I must say “classy ideas for entertaining a crowd.  “I am Italian also.”  I married a Scotsman.

Because of this reunion, I will have limited time at the New Moon, so I have decided to double up this month and include the New Moon for August 10, 2010.  I will also double up on my subscriptions, so expect a long email…..Things should be back to normal for the Full Moon on August 24, 2010, I hope.  I have learned not to take anything for granted lately. 

New this month–New Moon and Full Moon interpretation for one month only, interpreted from your natal chart, with personal aspects to your chart for the coming month.  Current transits affecting your natal chart are highlighted……..$45.00

See consultations and charts to buy now.

New Moon at 17 degrees of Leo on August 10, 2010

This New Moon takes place at 17 degrees of Leo, the sign of the King, lion, or adored one.  You know what I mean.  This brings new and exciting fire energy to this belabored Cardinal Cross.  This by the way is still active at this time.  It is moving off but moving slowly.  It still is in orb and holding on whenever and wherever it can.  There was a strong energy with that Cardinal Cross and can still be holding on.  This New Moon is Fixed Fire and makes no aspect.  Don’t let that fool you; fixed fire is energetic and unyielding.  Where ever Leo is in your Chart is where the new challenges appear.  17 degrees of Leo takes place in my 11^th house of goals, friends and wishes this may be a time to reprioritize my coming events.

If you have any planets in Fire signs this will be opportunistic for you as they will require no effort for you to accomplish anything.  If you have planets that are Fixed at 17 degrees, ex; Aquarius, Scorpio, Taurus, you will need strength and determination to accomplish things.

Mercury goes retrograde on Aug. 20^th 2010.

I have lots of dear friends in New York and they want me to come for a visit before my daughter has her baby.  I want to be so-o-o-o available for this baby and my baby, so the conflict is “Do I have time to go?” Maybe I can go for just a week in September as Mercury goes direct.  Julianna is my youngest and I have been empty nesting for a long time.  I just mentioned to my husband, Don, that I really enjoy having Julianna and Marcel living here as it makes me feel like a MOM again.  We both agreed this is such a good feeling.  This New Moon is all about friends and goals.  I do think I will be making plans to go to visit my New York posse.  

Venus enters Libra on August 7^th, 2010.  Love can enter the picture as Venus rules Libra and Libra is the sign of relationships. Love is in the air.  Venus makes a conjunction with Mars on August 19, 20, and 21^st.  These are special days.

Just a note:  Venus will be going retrograde in Scorpio on October 8^th, 2010. This only happens when Mars has gone retrograde every 2 ½ years.  The retrograde takes place at 13 degrees of Scorpio and returns to 27 degrees of Libra.  This tells me that you may have a change of plans or a repeat of your Sept. 5^th day when Venus goes direct. The first time that Venus hits 27 degrees of Libra comes in on September 5^th, 2010.   Important date.

Now that your brain is totally out of focus I will leave you with much dismay.  I love this blog and I hope that you will comment back on this page.  I have opened the comments up so that you may have your say.   Enjoy life, and love, love, love. 

These aspects are transits and will not take your natal planets into consideration.  They are helpful none the less.  They will happen to everyone but not in the same area of life.  If you like this addition please let me know.  The transits with an asterisk are mega important.

TRANSITING MERCURY OPPOSITION TRANSITING NEPTUNE

Exact Jul 26 2010

Over stimulated imagination. Subtle perceptions. Right brain (intuitive) thinking. Confusion. Misperception. Deceit.

TRANSITING SUN TRINE TRANSITING JUPITER

Exact Jul 26 2010

The urge to be bigger than one really is. Growth. Consciousness of moral or religious issues. The desire to travel or to reach out to new ideas through education. Optimism and confidence. The willingness to speculate or to take a risk.

**TRANSITING SATURN OPPOSITION TRANSITING URANUS

Exact Jul 26 2010

A need to break out of routines can surface during this transit. You may feel rebellious, restless and extremely frustrated in areas in your life that up until now felt safe and secure. It is best not to follow this instinct to break away, but to reassess your life carefully. Recognize that the intensity of the feeling is simply caused by changes within yourself that have suddenly emerged. Once you have put some of these changes into action within the areas of concern, you may not need to make such radical changes to the structures.

*TRANSITING MERCURY TRINE TRANSITING PLUTO

Exact Jul 30 2010

Penetrating conversation. Power in speech. Persuasion. Talk of change and sexuality. Psychological issues. Exposure.

**TRANSITING MARS OPPOSITION TRANSITING URANUS

Exact Jul 30 2010

Rugged individualism. The will to fight for one’s freedom from restraint. Technical and mechanical problems and solutions. Inner tension and stress. Impulsive actions. Efforts to meet personal needs and interests. Accidental conditions.

**TRANSITING MARS CONJUNCTION TRANSITING SATURN

Exact Jul 31 2010

Harnessed or controlled power. Easy control or suppression of anger or hostility. Discipline. Patience. Endurance. Resistance. Getting things done. Accomplishment. Progress in business and practical matters. Fortunate delays.

**TRANSITING JUPITER SQUARE TRANSITING PLUTO

Exact Aug 2 2010

Tensions arise as you struggle achieve your goals. It seems as though other people and external events are deliberately plotting to thwart your every move. However, it may be that you are going overboard in your attempts to get your own way. The trouble is that you want to make great changes in your life, but lack the necessary tolerance and patience to get the timing right. While taking action can certainly have positive effects in the long run, you would also be wise to find the right balance of confidence and patience.

*TRANSITING MARS OPPOSITION TRANSITING JUPITER

Exact Aug 3 2010

A fighting spirit for a moral or ethical cause. Overexcitement. Overconfidence. Lack of moderation. Inclinations to hasty actions and opinions. Competitive reactions. Muscular action. Clash of philosophy or principles. Lawsuits.

*TRANSITING MARS SQUARE TRANSITING PLUTO Exact Aug 3 2010

Powerful drives. The urge for dominance and territory. Obsessions. Extreme efforts. Sexual responses. The desire to mate. Efforts at personal transformation. Medical procedures. Strategic thinking — plans for control.

TRANSITING MERCURY TRINE TRANSITING NORTH NODE

Exact Aug 5 2010

The urge to contact or communicate with others. The sharing of like ideas and interests. Travel or mobility with others.

*TRANSITING VENUS OPPOSITION TRANSITING URANUS

Exact Aug 7 2010

Intense social excitement. Unusual displays of feeling. Unconventional behavior. Artistic rebellion. Unstable feelings.

TRANSITING VENUS CONJUNCTION TRANSITING SATURN

Exact Aug 8 2010

Inhibitions which preserve stability: loyalty, duty, economy. Diplomacy. Good judgment. Business agreements. Conservatism.

TRANSITING VENUS OPPOSITION TRANSITING JUPITER

Exact Aug 9 2010

Excessive sociability. The desire to “party”. Dramatic, extravagant gestures. Overindulgence. Overvaluing something.

TRANSITING VENUS SQUARE TRANSITING PLUTO

Exact Aug 9 2010

The desire to meet one’s biological needs in relationships. Jealousy. Sexual tension. Territorial disputes. Obsession.

TRANSITING MARS SQUARE TRANSITING NORTH NODE

Exact Aug 14 2010

Participation in active, exciting and possibly boisterous events. Efforts to cooperate which may be stressful. Group energies. Associations which deal with conflict, or are experiencing conflict. Stressful construction or recreation.

TRANSITING VENUS SQUARE TRANSITING NORTH NODE

Exact Aug 16 2010

Meetings or unions with others through necessity or because of work. Efforts to socialize. Diplomacy and tact.

**TRANSITING JUPITER OPPOSITION TRANSITING SATURN

Exact Aug 16 2010

Obstacles stand in your path, making life seem like hard work. The trouble is that you are currently feeling the need to expand your horizons, but it is difficult to get out of the smoothly-worn ruts in your life. Persistence and optimism will pay off in the end, but in the meantime you may feel frustrated, particularly by an external event or another person.

TRANSITING SUN OPPOSITION TRANSITING NEPTUNE

Exact Aug 20 2010

Lack of clarity. Unknown factors which challenge judgment. The practical use of art and music. Impressionability. Escapist urges. Misunderstandings. Visions which deceive. Mistakes and errors in judgment. Foggy or sloppy conditions.

TRANSITING VENUS CONJUNCTION TRANSITING MARS

Exact Aug 20 2010

Healthy passions. Physical attraction. Strenuous enjoyment. Joint enthusiasm. Romance. Creating art or decoration.

**TRANSITING SATURN SQUARE TRANSITING PLUTO

Exact Aug 21 2010

Life is challenging during this transit, as you are required to move out of your comfort zone and incorporate change. As a result you may be forced to take a deep look at yourself and those around you. You feel as though you are stepping into unknown territory, and this can be frightening. However, take comfort in the thought that by the end of this period you will have been stripped of a lot of excess baggage, which can be actually quite rejuvenating.

TRANSITING SUN TRINE TRANSITING PLUTO

Exact Aug 25 2010

Issues of power. Personal power/magnetism. Determination. Decision. Revealing the inner self. Body communication. Biological forces. Sexual acceptance. Sharing and trust. Financial power used without resistance.

I have been waiting for this for the last 3 months.  This last Eclipse cycle was difficult for me.  The beginning of this Eclipse was in close conjunction to my Cancer Moon on Dec. 30, 2009.  Throughout this last 6 months situations dealing with my home, family and career have been literally a daily challenge.  There has been upheaval in these areas that I didn’t plan.  Isn’t that just like life?  Pluto hovering over the 4 degrees of Capricorn has been in direct opposition to my moon.  Anyone who has had Pluto conjunct or in opposition to their Moon will know what I am wining about.  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel but I can’t get there fast enough.  If you have any planet at 4 degrees of a Cardinal sign (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) we are in the same vibration.  I have a Cancer Moon, which represents nurturing, sensitivity and family.  The Moon represents what you need to do in your life to feel like yourself and when you mess with any of those things you will find me unrecognizable.  The wonderful gift is that there is a beginning and an end to this period. Pluto is transformation and I have had to instantly change my thinking about mores’ that I grew up with all of my life to encompass the realities of my current life.  This has been a difficult period but I have learned much about myself and who I really am now.

 ”Yesterday is history.  Tomorrow is a mystery.  And today?  Today is a gift.  That’s why we call it the present.”  ~Babatunde Olatunji

  Saturn is back in Virgo going direct, ending a 2 ½ year cycle on July 22, 2010.  Think about what has changed in your life in the last Saturn cycle.  Some area of your life has been redefined and represents the new structure we will build on as we move on in life. The area of life that it restructured had Virgo on the house cusp.  Mine has been in the 12^th house of the past, subconscious, preparation and institutions.  Saturn will be going over my ascendant soon and starting a new 30 year cycle.  Saturn in Virgo in the 12^th always clears away the baggage we don’t want to carry over into our new 30 year cycle.  Interestingly enough it has coincided with my Pluto moon opposition, of where the excess emotional baggage is located.  The themes of change are similar in everyone’s chart.

   Mars has completed its cycle through Leo and we have all redefined that area also in our lives for me it was 10^th house and career.  That is when I started my subscription service.  It is ruled by Cancer and contains my Moon.  What have you started in the last 6 months?

 By the way, thank you so much for your support and appreciation.  I am grateful for the accolades and how you have accepted my work. It is my joy in life and I am so lucky to be able to do my work and have it appreciated. 

The format for this Eclipse is Full Moon ….New Moon….This means that the Full Moon Eclipse precedes the New Moon Eclipse.  This is an ending to the last 6 months Full Moon Eclipse cycle that started on December 30, 2009.  Everything that started around January 1, 2010 will now be finishing up.  Because of the Full Moon being first it finishes issues or ends them.  The New Moon Eclipse starts a cycle that lasts for another 6 months.  The New Moon brings in new challenges and beginnings. 

 This Full Moon Eclipse will be at 4 degrees of Capricorn.  It is conjunct Pluto and square to Uranus and Jupiter and in opposition to Sun and Mercury. Actually you can consider this a Grande Cardinal Cross.  I think Saturn at 28 degrees of Virgo is a bit far to be considered for this Eclipse. It will have an effect but it is out of sign and that area will not have the power or energy as the other three points.  This is quite a combination.  Just think, you will have the assertiveness of Uranus and Jupiter in Aries squares the transformative energy of Pluto.  The intensity of Pluto involved with the FME in opposition to the Sun and Mercury. This is exciting and intense.  It is strong movement and quite a change.   Whatever houses this lands in will be the recipient of change.  Any aspect that it makes within 3 degrees conjunct or in opposition to this point will be dynamic.  If this Full Moon Eclipse lands in an angular house it will activate your entire chart.  Pluto always indicates change.  This FME is no different. The change that takes place may be voluntary or not.  Such is life. This is very initiatory and you will be the one in charge of whatever happens.  There will be a lot of completions with this Eclipse opening your life to some new directions and destinations.   

 Now for the big news…This FME will directly influence the New Moon Eclipse on July 11, 2010.  The NME is the result of the FME.  You can expect new challenges and new opportunities to show up.  This NME will exert its power and energy over the next 6 months.  For those of you who know your chart it will occur on July 11, 2010 at 19 degrees of Cancer.

We are definitely in an ending cycle.  This New Moon is the prelude to the Partial Full Moon Eclipse on June 26^th 2010.  This Full Moon Eclipse concludes the Full Moon Eclipse that took place December 30^th, 2009.

More later on this subject and now back to the New Moon.

This New Moon has a transiting Uranus Jupiter conjunction in square to transiting Pluto.

To those of us that can imagine the energy of this aspect, take it up a notch or two because of the Pluto.  Jupiter will exactly square Pluto during the month of July and then retrograde.  This is expansion.  Check the houses that occupy the planets and you will find the area of expansion.  Uranus and Jupiter are pretty exciting for some and scary for others.  The level of fear that you hold is what will determine if it is exciting or scary.  You will have met this energy early in the month.  I would say around the 6^th of June.  There is a second part to this conjunction.  This conjunction is square to Pluto adding a good amount of passion or deliberateness.

This NM also squares transiting Saturn, introducing a good amount of responsibility and structure to the coming two weeks.  Mars will have just past an opposition to Chiron by a day or so, spurring communication in relation to personal thoughts and desires.  Transiting Mars is currently trining Pluto shifting your thinking to details around current changes.  This NM in Gemini always has a duality attached to it.  Find the duality in your life and you will find the NM. You may find yourself doing two things at once or deciding on what to do between two situations.  These will be the challenges you will face with the coming New Moon. 

Since I am only able to tell you the transiting aspects, in order for you to get a complete picture you will have to add this information to your natal chart.  Look for where the NM takes place, what house is it?  This is the area that will be affected with the NM. 

This is what my New Moon and Full Moon subscription will do.  It is personal to your chart.  I have had a lot of interest in my subscriptions.  Most people seem to really enjoy them.  I would try a one month subscription and see if it meets your expectations before subscribing for 6 months.  I feel these are intimate glimpses into your current life path.

Thank you so much for your gracious and positive responses to my subscription service.

The Full Moon partial Eclipse on June 26, 2010 will complete the cycle that started on December 30^th, 2009.  This Full Moon brings in a change that you have been dealing with for the last 6 months.  Following that Full Moon Eclipse will be a New Moon Eclipse two weeks later that will begin another new cycle.  So, not only are you looking at the end of one cycle you are looking at the beginning of a new cycle.  If you take a minute to think back 2 ½ years ago you are at the end of this Virgo Saturn cycle also.  Everything is pointing to new energy and new beginnings.  The new Libra Saturn cycle is the light at the end of the tunnel.  We are almost there…Saturn is in exaltation in Libra.  It works very well there.  Libra is a Cardinal Air planet.  This is the relationship cycle, dealing with partnership and dealing with the general public. Find the house that Libra rules and you will be looking at the future.

This is an interesting Full Moon as it involves many cycles.  The FM itself is in opposition to the Sun (naturally) but also isin an inferior conjunction to Mercury.   The inferior conjunction of the Sun and Mercury involves the cycle of the retrograde Mercury.  This is when certain insights come to light.  Along with the FM being a conclusion to some issues, the Mercury conjunction to the Sun offers a new insight. 

The FM takes place in a certain house in your personal chart.  The house harboring the FM is where the life is affected or changes take place.  For each of you the house will be different as it depends on your exact time of date and time of birth and place of birth. 

I saw that Mars is at 11 degrees of Leo in square to the Moon and Sun issues, forming a Fixed T- square.  If you have planets in early Aquarius it becomes a Grand Fixed Cross.  The only advice I can give you is surrender……as soon as possible.  Control becomes an issue.  If you haven’t noticed the stress level for all of us has been accentuated.  In some area of our lives we may feel like we have lost control.  We know there is no control but somehow we shield ourselves from that overwhelming feeling.  Not so now. There are areas that are blaring “You have no control “. There are those of us that deal well with this feeling but I do not excel in this area.  The Mercury retrograde is somewhat to blame but unfortunately life is serving a larger part of this pie.  

The transiting Saturn and Uranus opposition does tend to put us in awkward positions but it also lessens the load.  This is something to think about when this opposition hits.  Saturn is in the last degrees of Virgo and Uranus is in the last degrees of Pisces.  This situation has been here before in September of 09, so it won’t be a stranger when it hits.  I feel like it has been slowly approaching and creating a certain amount of stress also.  Each of us will experience this at a different time according to the moon trigger, but it will be some time around the FM. 

I have been getting a lot of positive feedback from my subscription series. I have a couple of openings at this time if  would like to subscribe.   

I am  making this service available to you and yours.  It makes a wonderful gift for the person who has everything.   I will write the New Moon forecast for your personal natal chart with the addition of how your planets intercede in this process.  I will also include anything vital that happens to affect you by transit.  In essence I will be doing a short personal reading for you bi-monthly. 

The fee for this is $30.00 a month.  If you want a three month involvement, it will be $25.00 a month. A six month involvement would be $20.00 a month.  You can find these options on my pay pal page.

Remember, I will be sending you personal information from your natal chart not random ideas that would fit millions. 

If you need or require more detail from any NM or FM, I will be available for $ 2.00 a minute either by phone or Skype. 

 I am delighted to support you in all your goals and objectives with my knowledge of Astrology.   You will receive an email twice a month with my personal interpretation of the New Moon or Full Moon influence in your chart.  It will also include any transits that I feel will impact you during this time.  It will be like having me in your back pocket. 

I love being able to offer you this kind of personal support with Astrology

This New Moon takes place in Pisces at 25 degrees.  It is conjunct Mercury and Uranus.  This is a potent combination where ever it falls in your chart.  If you have Pluto in Virgo at around this same degree, it will be in opposition to this position and then this becomes extremely changeable.  Not all of us have Pluto in this position, so not to worry.  If you were born in ‘67 or 68′ you may have this opposition.  Pisces is a mutable water sign, so change is a constant.  This NM is also conjunct Uranus and Mercury making unexpected communication something to pay attention to.  Where ever or in what ever house this lands in is where all of this communication takes place.  It is also important to note that there is a quincunx in aspect and this tells me there is an adjustment to be made.  Your natal planets are not in this mix.  This does happen to everyone but just in a different area of life and interacting with natal planets.

Are you all as exhausted as I am?  This has been a harrowing week.  It is now March 10^th, 2010 and Mars is going direct today.  I should have remembered the effects of Mars going direct but it all simply slipped my mind along with a million other small details.  Mars retrograde is all about internalizing the last 3 months and the decisions we made at that time.  As Mars slows down to turn direct everything seems to come to some conclusion or decision.  None of this happens easily as I knew but like childbirth some magical thing comes over you and you don’t remember things like pain, exhaustion or stress.  Today I feel a new lease on the future but I had to walk thru fire to get there.  I am just hoping that your last two weeks were not as eventful as mine. 

My first experience was a call from my sister that my Aunt Francis had passed away.  I can only say that my Auntie Fran was the perfect mother, wife and Aunt.  I remember back in the day when Italian woman were forbidden to smoke.  Not that they didn’t, they just couldn’t let their husbands see them smoke.  My Auntie Fran would go to another part of the house with me under the assumption we were going to have tea together and chat.  She would take out a cigarette and remind me, as she lit up, to let her know if my Uncle Phil came anywhere into range of our hideaway.  In those days it was important to let your husband, especially Italian husbands, know that they were all powerful and commanded obedience about everything.  Things have really changed, thank God.

My Auntie Fran was the regular 4′11” Italian woman, but with one distinction I will always remember.  She was meticulous about her appearance in everyway.  I went back to Chicago last Thanksgiving to see her and at 97 years old, she did not have a gray hair on her head.  Her make up was beautiful as was her countenance.  I always admired her for her sensitivity.  She was a Scorpio, you know, and deeply sensitive.  She had a way of standing out from the crowd in a stately manner.  A true woman of class.  This set the tone for the last weekend. 

I wanted to pay tribute to her as one of her admirers and as a family member.  Her sweetness in this life is something I will always remember. 

I know I will miss my Auntie Fran and remember her always.

The rest of my weekend was filled with computer problems and a sewer backup.

Not anything I want to remember or talk about.

Remember, I asked for your help in putting Anna May Cottrell in your prayers.  She has come thru the Surgery but had a sudden set back today.  I ask again to hold her in the Light and send her your prayers..

Thank you…

I still have some openings for my bi-monthly Moon and personal chart subscriptions.  I am still asking for feedback as it will help me do a better job.  Thank you.

I always say that the New Moon brings in the challenges and the Full Moon resolves them.   This Full Moon does resolve the issues of the last two weeks with an expansion.  How is this possible you say?  Well, for starters, Jupiter has entered Pisces and is about to conjunct the Sun on this Full Moon.  The Full Moon at 9 degrees of Virgo is in exact opposition to this Jupiter Sun conjunction at 9 degrees.  Remember, conjunctions are beginnings and oppositions are endings.  All of this happens in Mutable signs of Virgo and Pisces. (Changes) Expect new opportunities, expansion in some area of your life with new hope for successful endings.

 Mars at 0 degrees of Leo signals the direct motion will start to happen on March 10^th.  The message here is if it hasn’t worked up to now; here is a second chance to change your mind about your direction.

  Jupiter Sun conjunction is confidence.  You are feeling it and you are going for it.  If situations have gone from good to great then this Mars direct will take you from great to astounding.   If situations have gone from good to awlful then this Mars transit will make it possible for you to succeed and  complete your Saturn in Virgo transit this summer. 

My dear friends….

Thank you for your response to my New Moon and Full Moon subscriptions.   I still have 4 openings available for 6 month subscriptions and 3 openings for 3 month subscriptions.   I want to hear from all of you that have subscribed.  I do need feedback to do the best job that I can.

If you have visited my site then you have seen Anna May Cottrell page.  Anna May has been a spiritual guide for me and countless others.  We have traveled this life touching bases at different times.  She is ill but could use all the spiritual healing you can send her.  She will have a demanding surgery on her heart on March 3, 2010.  Please hold her in the light.  She has an indomitable will and as I write this she is in the hospital writing poetry for this site.  She is one of the very good guys.  If you would like to drop her a card she will be at St. Lukes Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisc.

Thank you ahead of time for this healing.

Happy Hollidays

I’m back from Chicago and as my eyes glaze over at all the work ahead of me, I often wonder why they don’t give awards for the most work done in the least amount of time.  I think every woman would qualify for that Oscar.  Christmas is upon us and the rush for the holidays has started early.  Presents, cookies, home-made everything, parties and gatherings, all make for a hectic time.  It’s no wonder that we are having a stressful holiday and then to have transiting Saturn square transiting Pluto.  I know some of you have a deep abiding fear of Saturn, but I want you to take a minute to rethink that attitude.  Without Saturn there wouldn’t be any structure to anything.   Let that thought roam around for awhile in your imagination.  Saturn demands structure and if you don’t have the necessary quantity or quality of structure, it will surely stop you from moving ahead.  Pluto is in Capricorn at this time and is in the process of transforming that sign in your chart.  Transformation without structure is total chaos.  If you add to this soup any natal planets you may have in early degrees of Cardinal  signs, you will certainly see the need for as much structure as possible.  Since this square appears in Cardinal signs, I want you to realize that something is brewing in all your Cardinal houses.  The other important thing is that Uranus will be entering Aries for a long transit.  This is another Cardinal sign.   Cardinal is initiatory, assertive and action.  Are we getting a clue as to what is coming?   This is a Cardinal T-square, involving transiting Saturn in Libra, transiting Uranus in Aries and transiting Pluto in Capricorn.  If any of you have any natal planets in early Cardinal to add to the mix, it will describe the changes in store for you.   Even if you don’t have  any natal planets involved, these transits tell  where the action will be taking place in our lives. 

The relationship with Mars and Saturn are very much connected.  Mars in Leo and going retrograde later this month is a reality check for the next 3 months.  I know that Saturn is in Libra at this time and this is a great opportunity for you to see how you will be spending the Saturn in Libra cycle in August of 2010.  On December 20,^th 2009 Mars will go retrograde, at 19 degrees of Leo.  Mars will be retrograde in January and February and until March 10^th, giving you an opportunity to make adjustments in the first 3 months of Mars in Leo.  On March 10^th 2010, Mars will be in the same position it was in on October 17^th, 2009 giving you the opportunity to re-do that first 3 months and make  any changes you deem necessary.  Mars will not go retrograde again after March 10^th, 2010 until the next time Saturn changes signs in three years.

In the coming month there is a New Moon at 24 degrees of Sagittarius and, if you know Sag like I know Sag, you will be stretching yourself quite thin.   This New Moon makes a square to Uranus so expect the unexpected.  I will try to elaborate on this more in the individual forecasts.  Saturn has passed the square to Pluto, but not by much, so I imagine that you will still be feeling a bit stressed.  Mars and Venus are making a love connection so keep batting those eyelashes.  The Full Moon will be in Cancer at 10 degrees on December 31, 2009.  Remember the New Moon brings in the challenge and the Full Moon resolves it. 

Jupiter finally conjuncts Neptune on December 20^th thru the 24^th and is the harbinger of strong spiritual and mental revelations.  Be cautious of exaggerations and the tune of reality for neither will be correct. Drugs and alcohol are not a good choice at this time.

Did you know that Mars can fire off a Saturn transit?  If you have Saturn transiting any natal planet, whenever Mars hits a square to that same point, it will fire off the Saturn transit.  If you want to hear more about this …drop me a line.

 Note:  The meanings for the houses are abbreviated solely for my expediency and yours.  The meanings for all the houses can be found on the internet and, hopefully, be complete.  If you feel that these don’t fit your circumstances look them up. 

Please read your rising sign as it will give you more insight into these events.

ARIES-(March 21-April 19)

This New Moon takes place in your 9^th house of philosophy, higher education, legal matters and foreign affairs.  This is a mental house and brings your inner philosophy to the forefront.  The challenge here can be one of character or integrity.  You might even say a challenge to the way you want to live.   Uranus in square from your 12^th house of the past may bring in people or events of the past very unexpectedly. Mars is in your 5^th house of children, creativity, and love affairs and trines the New Moon offering an easy go of it when it comes to 5^th house matters.  On December 20^th, 2009 Mars goes retrograde and some projects don’t proceed as you expect.  Saturn is transiting your 7^th house  and will be redesigning your attitude about partnerships in this current Saturn cycle.

TAURUS-(April 20-May 20)

This New Moon takes place in your 8^th house of partnership finances and other people’s money, sex, death, and taxes.  This challenge will have to do with money, but not your money.  This is any money you may receive from work, mortgage and/or partnership finances.  This New Moon squares Uranus in the 11^th house of hopes and wishes.  If you have a good aspect between the Sun and Uranus in your natal chart, you will love this square because it will bring in something positive in an exciting way. If you have a negative aspect with Uranus and the Sun in your natal chart, this will be difficult because of its unexpectedness.   The New Moon is in trine to Mars in your 4^th house of home signaling a good time for home entertaining.  Mars goes retrograde in your 4^th house and some things that deal with the home may be delayed until March.

 GEMINI-(May 21-June 20)

This New Moon takes place in your 7^th house of partnerships, either business or personal.  Uranus transiting the 10^th house of career and standing in the community is in square to this New Moon.  This can be exciting if natally you have a good aspect between Uranus and the Sun in your natal chart.  It can also throw you for a loop if you don’t have it.  Mars is trinning the NM which ensures opportunity for holiday communication and festivities.   On December 20^th, 2009 Mars will go retrograde until March 10^th, 2010.  Mars is currently in your 3^rd house of communications and community.  Look for things in this area to continue but not as expected.  New situations that arise after the retrograde may change your prospective on this area of your life.

 CANCER-(June 21-July 22)

This New Moon takes place in your 6^th house of everyday work and health.  The challenges will appear in this sector of your life with Uranus in Square from the 10^th house of career.  Unexpected developments may arise and can either be exciting or uncomfortable depending on the natal aspect between the Sun and Uranus.   Mars in your 2^nd house of personal finances makes a luscious trine to this NM.  This may be a bonus or some kind of financial gain.  On December 20, 2009 Mars will go retrograde in this 2^nd house which will delay some financial issues.  You may also find that things are just not working in the way you thought they would.  Don’t worry.  You will get the opportunity to re-do everything on March 10^th, 2010, only this time Mars does not go retrograde. 

LEO-(July 23-August 22)

This NM takes place in your 5^th house of children, creativity and love affairs and offers you a challenge regarding this area of your chart.  Uranus is transiting your 9^th house of philosophy, legal matters, education and foreign affairs and is square the NM.  You may be invited to a party very unexpectedly or decide to have a party of your own.  This 9^th house event will be filled with unexpected attitude and holiday cheer.  Mars  in your 1^st house trining this NM indicates that you are very much into doing whatever is necessary  in order to achieve what you want.   You have a plan.  Mars will go retrograde in your 1^st house on December 20^th, 2009 and some of your personal plans may not go the way you expect.  Not to worry.  This will be an important and informational delay.  Jupiter will conjunct Neptune from December 20^th to the 24^th in your 7^th house of partnerships describing celebrations. 

VIRGO-(August 23-September 22)

This NM takes place in your 4^th house of home and core issues and can be  quite festive.  Uranus in the 7^th house in square to this NM asks us to expect the unexpected when it comes to partnerships and the general public.  You are probably planning a holiday party or going to a holiday party but some unexpected and/or exciting event can come about involving partnerships. This can be business or personal or both.  Mars is transiting your 12^th house of behind-the-scenes activity, the past and preparation trining this NM and ushering in positive events.   Mars in this 12^th house has been  and will continue to redefine this area of your life.  On December 20^th, 2009 Mars will go retrograde and issues you thought were etched in stone are starting to crumble before your eyes.  Not to worry.  Sometimes we have to act on situations to see where they will go.  The opportunity to redo the last 3 months will come on March 10^th.   There is a Jupiter conjunct Neptune on December 20^th  to the 24^th urging you to beware of over-exaggerating your everyday work situation.  LIBRA-(September 23-October 22)

This NM takes place in your 3^rd house of communications and community.    This NM will improve communications and permit you to arrange festivities for the holiday season.  Uranus transiting the 6^th house of everyday work and health is in square to the NM putting an unexpected work situation or health issue in conflict with your personal desires.   Mars is transiting your 11^th house of hopes, wishes and goals and trines this NM  thus bringing your goals into reaching distance.  Jupiter will conjunct Neptune from December 20^th to December 24^th in your 5^th house of children, creativity and romance reminding  you to recognize situations built on illusion or delusion. Drugs and alcohol can literately create the impossible dream.  Mars goes retrograde on December 20^th, 2009 in your 11^th house to distract you from your original plans for your goals.  You will be changing or redefining them in the next 3 months.  You have been under some stress lately with Saturn in your 1^st house squaring Pluto in your 4^th house of home and core issues.

 SCORPIO-(October 24-November 22)

This New Moon takes place in your 2^nd house of personal finances, love and values. You may find yourself going over-budget and spending more that you wanted.  Uranus in your 5^th house of children, creativity and love affairs will bring conflict between your finances and desires..  What you desire will win.  Jupiter will conjunct Neptune on December 20^th to the 24^th in your 4^th house of home suggesting  that you will be going over the top with some issues.  Mars goes go retrograde this month on December 20, 2009 and career issues seem to bog down.  Sometimes God plays 52 pickup with our lives.   Is there a possible delay?  It really depends on your natal chart.  Not to worry. This retrograde brings you closer to what you really want. 

  SAGITTARIUS-(November 22-December 21)

This New Moon takes place in your 1st house of personality and how you appear to the outside world.  The challenge is personal, very personal.  The NM seems to be shedding a lot of light on you and you and may not be comfortable in the limelight.  This is the season of excellence for you and all eyes are on you.  Mars is transiting your 9^th house of philosophy, legal matters, education, and foreign affairs forming a trine to the NM adding a bit of ease.  This will be a busy and celebratory month for you.  Mars goes retrograde on December 20^th, 2009 allowing for situations to readjust to the coming New Year.  Jupiter will conjunct Neptune from December 20^th to the 24^th making this holiday season one for the record books.    CAPRICORN-(December 22-January 19)

This New Moon takes place in your 12th house of the past, the subconscious, seclusion, preparation and institutions.  Unexpected communications will arrive and challenge your plans for the holidays.  Uranus in the 3^rd house of communications and community is squaring this NM allowing all this to transpire. Mars transiting your 8^th house of partnership finances, sex, death and taxes moves with a favorable energy to make things a little easier.   Mars goes retrograde on December 20^th allowing you to see how far you have come during these last three months.  Issues develop and start to reveal themselves as this retrograde continues.  Sometimes life does not travel a straight line. Jupiter conjuncts Neptune from December 20^th to the 24^th ushering in a time when finances can be over-exaggerated or feelings may take a romantic route.  (Reality is pretty puffed up, like a hot air balloon.)

AQUARIUS-(January 20-February 19)

This New Moon takes place in your 11th house of hopes, wishes and goals bringing in some unexpected financial challenges as to how you want to spend your holidays.  Also this month, Jupiter in your 1^st house conjuncts Neptune and acknowledges your desires.  This Jupiter Neptune conjunction occurs on December 20^th thru the 24^th , 2009.  I believe these are promises that we have been making to ourselves during this Jupiter transit.  Now the possibilities are in sight but are they real?  Mars transiting the 7^th house of partnerships (business or personal) has been circling the area trying to exploit minor partnership infractions.  This Mars goes retrograde on December 20^th, 2009 and allows you to revisit the last 3 months and see what is worth saving.  You continue to make new attitude adjustments in the next 3 months.

PISCES-(February 20-March 20)

This New Moon takes place in your 10^th house of career and standing in the community challenging you with unexpected career developments.  This is definitely a season for parties, especially with Mars transiting your 6^th house of everyday work and health in a fire trine to this NM.  This can prove to be very good for you career- wise.  Mars does go retrograde on December 20^th, 2009 giving you the opportunity to rethink and review the happenings of the last 3 months.  Jupiter conjuncts Neptune, your ruler, in the 12^th house of behind-the-scenes activity, the past, the subconscious and institutions.   This can be a spiritual awakening and a cause for new mystical understandings.  Uranus has been transiting your 1^st house for quite some time now and the idea that it is getting ready to move into Aries is quite an inspiring thought.  

Ah, at last…the moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived, the coming together of Venus and Mars for a beautiful embrace in mystical Pisces, which are now set to enter fiery Aries…the sign famous for initiating new beginnings without much thought or foresight.  When Aries gets a hold of an idea, it wastes little time thinking about the “what if’s” before marching off to fulfill its innate instinct to initiate something new.   It’s all too easy to get caught up in the thrill of the moment and get carried away by all the enthusiasm generated by this dynamic sign.  Out of my own personal curiosity, I wanted to know the last time Venus and Mars traveled together through Aries.  To my surprise, it’s been 24 years!!!  You may be wondering why I’m even mentioning this when my article is entitled Mercury Retrograde…how are these two related, and what does one have to do with the other you ask?  Life is an unfolding process where everything is interconnected.  Like the signs of the zodiac…each evolves from the preceding sign before it until we reach the end.   The upcoming Mercury retrograde, which is set to begin May 7^th, is intimately linked to the recent Venus/Mars conjunction that occurred on April 22^nd because Mercury will retrograde all the way back to 22 degrees Taurus…the same degree he was at on April 22^nd.   The fact that Mercury will retrograde back to this point in time makes this retrograde significant and important.

I love how Venus and Mars made their conjunction at 29 degrees Pisces…the very last degree of the zodiac, the end of all things before moving in to Aries.  Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and represent new beginnings.  Aries is associated with the spring equinox, the time of year when life begins anew.  Nobody like endings, but it’s a necessary step in the process called life…we were asked to end something, or to let someone go because it wasn’t serving our highest good…yes it was painful, but no doubt necessary.   Try to see it this way…you wouldn’t plant a beautiful garden without first preparing the soil.  You gotta pull the weeds that are decaying and fermenting your life so that new seeds have a chance to take root and grow.  What did you eliminated from your life?  Was it a person, a relationship, or a job?  A self-defeating attitude or belief, or long held dream or vision?  Whatever you thought you lost will now be replaced with something completely wonderful.  When one door closes another one opens simultaneously, and once again you’ll have something new and exciting to look forward to.  I feel I need to warn you not to get too excited or carried away with all the exciting energy because Mercury is about to go retrograde on May 7^th,  giving us extra time to think about our new ideas before moving us forward to the future…which is a good thing because Aries can be impulsive. 

Mercury rules our mind, thoughts, conversations, messages, short distance travel, technology, electronics, planes, trains, and automobiles, contracts, education and learning, siblings, aunts and uncles, and neighbors.  When Mercury turns retrograde we usually experience a disruption or delay to the things mentioned above.  The word retro means to go back and redo and repeat something.  The best advice I can give you during this three week interval is to make allowances for and expect some interference with your plans.  Nothing should be set in stone just yet.  In fact, it’s recommended not to sign important documents or put your name on the dotted line.  Do not start anything new or make major purchases…especially with electronics.  If you’re traveling, allow for delays and cancelled flights…you may want to give yourself some extra time to get where you’re going because there’s sure to be traffic jams!!!  Be careful while driving too…Mars in Aries makes you more impatient, and with Mercury retrograde, that’s could be a recipe for road rage!!!

 Whenever a planet goes retrograde it brings up people, things, and situations from the past.  We get to go back and review or re-due situations that have already taken place.  Whatever comes up is usually something that was left unsaid or unfinished…whether it’s our thoughts about a particular person or situation, or something that was over looked in the past, Mercury retrograde gives us a chance to slow down and repair what’s needed before moving us forward.  

Mercury is the ruler of Gemini and Virgo…to know how this retrograde will affect you, look to see what houses have these two signs on the cusps…you’ll also want to know where Mercury is currently traveling to know what area of life all the action is taking place and where you’ll feel it most.   You’ll need to know your rising sign to find this.  One particular note I want to make is that Mercury will be going retrograde in the sign of Gemini, and will be changing signs as it goes all the way back to 22 degrees Taurus before turning direct.  This means we will change our mind about something.  Both Gemini and Virgo are mutable signs, meaning we should remain open and flexible for the time being.  As Mercury enters Taurus, we may become too fixed in our thoughts and ideas which isn’t a good thing right now especially where communicating with others is concerned.   It may also suggest whatever delays or obstacles we encounter; we will have the patience to see it through.

Here’s a little visual to summarize…Spring is finally here in all its glory!  We waited for what feels like eternity for its arrival and now that it’s here, you can’t wait to get started on making plans for your future.  It was a long winter for sure, which gave us a little extra time to see what needed to be released from our lives and preventing us from reaching our future destiny (Venus/Mars conjunction at 29 degrees Pisces…symbolizing the last day of winter).  Then on March 22^nd, Venus and Mars made a conjunction with Venus direct, symbolizing a new beginning…just in time for the spring equinox, coincidence???  Think of a garden…before you can think about what seeds to plant, you first had to take a closer look at the garden to see what needed eliminating.  It’s amazing how fast those pesky weeds grow!!!  Ok, so you pulled out the weeds and everything else that was rotting and decaying in preparation for your new garden…yes, it was a lot of work!!!  But, doesn’t it feel good to have all that hard work behind you now?  I don’t know about you, but I can hardly wait to visit my local nursery to buy new plants and flowers for my garden.  I have to admit though, there are times when I do things on a whim without putting much thought into them…I get this idea in my head and I just have to do it.  Sometimes I jump the gun a little too fast, and because I’m an Aries…prone to impulsiveness, I’m not always happy with the final outcome.  With Mercury going retrograde, we are given a little extra time to think about our garden and the seeds we want to sow before planting them into the soil where they will take root and grow.  So while you’re eager to plant those seeds, my best advice is to wait until Mercury turns direct on May 31^st before moving forward…chances are you’ll change your mind a million times over before finally settling on a plan or design that will truly make you happy.

Happy planting J

Catherine Schultz 5-1-09

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 

Hello! Fellow Star Gazers… 

If that Mercury retrograde wasn’t the worst I can remember, I don’t know one that was.  My lips are dry and parched from counseling and trying to ease everybody’s fears.  Fear is a strange emotion; it can really get you lost in the stress of your life.  We have all been hit by the fear bug along the path of life and, usually, someone you like or love lets you know when that happens.  We get so lost in the fear we can see nothing else.  We are literally lost within ourselves looking for someone or something to hold on to or to tell us we will be o.k.  I want all of you to hear this.  You can only let go of fear if you trust in something higher than yourself or if trust in the fact that you will be o.k….  The operative word is TRUST!    You will need to connect to your heart center. Most people do this by meditation and prayer.  I don’t care how you do it, just find the inner self and connect.  Find out “who” inside you is begging for your attention. When it happens to me, I know that I have usually abandoned my inner child.  I am a real jerk if I don’t get enough time for myself.  I guess that is how this retrograde really had an effect on me.  I got lost trying to help everyone else.  The things I needed to do for myself were put on hold so that I could help others deal with their crises.  Please don’t think this is the only time it will happen, because every once in a while, without fail, we get lost in fear.  It’s human nature.  So take the nails out of your hands and feet and get down off the cross.  To err is human, to forgive is Divine.  I heard that somewhere but I don’t remember where.   That’s my precept for this Full Moon. 

By the way, this Full Moon is in Aries, a Cardinal fire sign.  This screams of movement and initiation wherever it lands in your chart.  For all intents and purposes you will make some changes.  This Cardinal T square is a funnel for energy to the sign that would make this a grand Cardinal Square and that is Cancer.  Whatever house Cancer rules will be very important in terms of motivation for this Full Moon.

Another issue is Mercury will be going direct on Oct. 15^th, 2008 and will release you from any doubt that you have had in the past month.  Also, the coming New Moon will be a square to the New Moon Eclipse in August.  Many issues that have been on your mind will definitely start to find a resolution in the coming month.

Last but not least, is the Saturn opposition Uranus that will be exact on Nov. 4^th,2008.  This ushers in a time of frustration with the old and desire for the new and exciting.  Of course, this will cause another bout of anxiety but the release will feel exciting.

This forecast should be read by your rising sign. It will be more meaningful for you.  

ARIES-(March 21-April 19)

This Full Moon in Aries falls in your 1^st house of personality but, more importantly, it shouts out that you will be in the driver’s seat when changes are to be made.  You may feel the urge to get on with it.  Usually, this means that you have not paid attention to what you need and are now about to do something radical.  The changes do have to be made but, surely, you don’t want to throw the baby out with the bath water.  Let’s be rational.  Be real with yourself and others. This will manifest positive events. Saturn is still in your 6^th house and it may be that you need to take action on a health matter or some other matter that you have neglected.  The Saturn opposition Uranus has to do with breaking away from the old patterns because you are unable to continue them.

TAURUS-(April 20-May 20)

This Full Moon in Aries falls in your 12^th house of the past, subconscious and preparation.   The only thing that is behind the scenes is the action you are taking.  This Aries Full Moon demands action and is part of a T square that involves the Full Moon in Aries, Jupiter in Capricorn and Sun in Libra.  Your Taurus rising urges against making changes but somewhere in your subconscious, you have found the need for this activity. The T square funnels all of its energy into the missing leg of the T square, which is Cancer.  Communication and community will be at the root of your actions.  Venus just entered your 7^th house adding a bit of joyous intensity to your partnerships.  Jupiter is adding expansion to your 9^th house of foreign affairs and travels and still trining your Saturn in the 5^th of love affairs and creativity.  Mercury retrograde in your 6^th house reviews the issues of this last month and makes adjustments.  Mercury goes direct on October 15^th, 2008. 

GEMINI-(May 21-June 20)

This Full Moon lands in your 11^th house of hopes, wishes and goals.  This Cardinal Square is predominately an action driven aspect.  The changes will take place in your 11^th house but you will primarily be activating a deliberate plan.  Jupiter is also active in this Cardinal square throwing caution to the wind when it comes to money.  Mercury retrograde in your 5^th house is reviewing the issues of this last month and goes direct on October 15^th, 2008 with new incentives for love affairs, children and creativity. The Saturn Uranus opposition will be very important and personal for you if you have any planets in Gemini at 18- 25 degrees.  This is a explosive release from the past.

CANCER-(June 21-July 22) 

This Full Moon takes place in your 10^th house of career telling us that changes are being called for in relation to career matters.  You may be asking, “What else can I do?” or “I need to find something that engages with me more personally.”  I would say that you are somehow going to take action on some issue that involves career.  This Cardinal Square sends its energy directly to the 1^st house of “I am going to get what I want.”   You are feeling that it is now or never.   This Mercury retrograde will be over as of October 15^th, 2008 reviewing issues of your 4^th house of home and core issues.  You will have a new direction.  The coming Saturn Uranus opposition will involve the 3^rd house of communications and community and the 9^th house of legal matters, foreign affairs, education and philosophy.  This is a letting go of old thoughts and thought patterns.

LEO-(July 23-August 22)

This Full Moon takes place in your 9^th house of legal matters, foreign affairs, philosophy and education.   The Cardinal T square involves the 9^th house, 3^rd house and 6^th house. The empty house is Cancer and this is where all the energy will be going.  You are thinking about making some changes but how to make it work for you is the question.  You will try to make peace with the past by exercising your new ideas.  This Full Moon happens to trine your ascendant so I know this will be to your liking.  The Mercury retrograde will be turning direct on October 15, 2008 and communications and community will run a lot smoother.  The coming Saturn Uranus opposition will involve your personal finances and other people’s money.   This will be important.

VIRGO-(August 23-September 22)

This Full Moon in Aries takes place in your 8^th house of sex, death and taxes.  The action takes place here but it is directed in the area of career.  Money seems to change; however, this is the vibration you did not want.  The Cardinal T square involves Jupiter, the Libra Sun and the Aries Full Moon.  All of the energy is then funneled into your 11^th house of goals, the empty leg of the T square.  This Mercury retrograde has taken place in your 2^nd house of personal finance and love.  The direct movement of Mercury on October 15, 2008 places you in another personal financial situation.  In November we will have a Saturn opposition Uranus.  This will be personal to you as it will deal with partnerships and open enemies. 

LIBRA-(September 23-October 22)

This Full Moon in Aries takes place in your 7^th house of partnerships and open enemies.  The changes that we experience are actions we need to address in order to feel better and seem to put a lot of focus on the 10^th house or career.  The Cardinal T Square configuration of the Full Moon in Aries, Jupiter in Capricorn and Sun in Libra focuses its energy on the missing leg of the T square.  The missing leg is Cancer, your 10^th house of career.  Your decisions will be based on career matters.  Mercury will be direct as of Oct. 15^th, 2008 and new directions will occupy your thoughts.  The coming Saturn Uranus opposition will fall in your 12^th house, behind the scenes, and oppose your Uranus in the 6^th house of work and health.  Watch for changes in work.

SCORPIO-(October 24-November 22)

This Full Moon in Aries takes place in your 6^th house of work and health.  It gives us an additional clue by the aspect that it makes in the chart.  The Full Moon in Aries forms a T square with Jupiter in Capricorn and the Sun in Libra.  This is potent and you will be taking action.  The leg of this T square that is open is the Cancer leg which rules your 9^th house of philosophy, legal matters, education and foreign affairs.  Matters that deal with this house will be the motivation for your Full Moon decisions.  Mercury retrograde will be over by October 15^th, 2008 and you will be able to resume your decisions of the recent past.  The retrograde has taken place in your 12^th house of past, preparations and institutions.  The Saturn Uranus opposition will involve the 11^th house of goals and the 5^th house of children, creativity and love affairs.  The goals of the past fall away and are replaced with new directions.

SAGITTARIUS-(November 22-December 21)

This Full Moon in Aries takes place in your 5^th house of children, creativity and love affairs.  The important aspect of this Full Moon is the Cardinal T square of the Full Moon in Aries, Jupiter in Capricorn and Sun in Libra.  This tells me that the empty leg of this aspect is Cancer, ruler of the 8^th house.  There will be decisions made that deal with 5^th house matters but the motivation will be partnership finances or other people’s money.

Mercury will be going direct in your 11^th house allowing you to resume some issues that had to do with your goals.  Mercury will be direct on October 15, 2008.   The coming Saturn Uranus opposition will present a crisis in your 10^th house of career and 4^th house of home and core issues.

CAPRICORN-(December 22-January 19)

The Full Moon in Aries lands in your 4^th house of home and core issues.  This month the emphasis is on changes that you initiate.  Because of the Cardinal T square that is formed by this Full Moon, the motivation for your actions will be found in the empty leg of the T square.  The empty leg of this T square is Cancer and rules the 7^th house of partnerships and open enemies.  Partnerships will be the motivation for your changes.  The Mercury retrograde will be over on October 15, 2008 allowing you to resume career decisions made in the past month.  The Saturn and Uranus opposition will take place in your chart in the 9^th house of legal matters, foreign affairs, philosophy and higher education, insuring a crisis of frustration with your 3^rd house of communications and community.

AQUARIUS-(January 20-February 19)

This Full Moon in Aries takes place in your 3^rd house of communications, community, brothers and sisters.  This is very action orientated and changes will take place.  This is a mental house so how bad can it be?  It does form a Cardinal T square with Jupiter in Capricorn and Sun in Libra.  The empty leg of the T square is Cancer, your 6^th house of work and health, supplying the motivation for your changes.  The Mercury retrograde will be turning direct on October 15^th, 2008 resuming issues that deal with 9^th house matters.  The Saturn Uranus opposition will take place in your 8^th house of partnership finances and other people’s money and your own personal finances.  This will be important and usher in more freedom that you will appreciate. 

PISCES-(February 20-March 20)

This Full Moon in Aries takes place in your 2^nd house of personal finances and love. It is part of a Cardinal T square that involves Jupiter in Capricorn and the Sun in Libra.  The empty leg of this T square is Cancer which rules your 5^th house of children, creativity and love affairs.  The motivation for your changes comes from the 5^th house.  Mercury will be going direct on October 15^th, 2008 in your 8^th house of partnership finances and other people’s money resuming your discussions over money.  The Saturn Uranus opposition that will be coming takes place in your 7^th house of partnerships and 1^st house of self. You may find this a little testy.