Astrology by Mary MacLean

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I am rewriting this from Chicago so that I don’t miss my deadline.  I thought I wrote this already but when I went to finish it, I could tell that little green men came in the night and changed my article to lots of disconnected thoughts. They even messed up the dates and aspects.  So, here I am, Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, rewriting my Full Moon forecast.

As we slip into December, you can tell things are starting to rev up for the holidays.  This Full Moon is at 10 degrees of Gemini, the sign of the Twins.  You will find yourself multi-tasking all over the place.  (Take a minute to realize that some of us are better at this than others).  Venus enters Sagittarius on the 2^nd of December changing your vibration from emotion to ” LET’S PARTAY!”  Mars has taken up residence in the sign of Leo at 17 degrees as of December 1^st and slows down considerably as it prepares to go retrograde on December 20^th.  If you can find the house in your chart that is ruled by Leo, you will find the area of your life in which  all of this is taking place.  “RETROGRADE” means to go back, even though in reality, the planet only looks like it’s going backward.  The truth of the matter is that it is changing in depth as it revolves around the Sun. There have been certain decisions you have made since Oct. 17^th that you will be reviewing and accepting or rejecting during this retrograde period.  Mars stays retrograde until March 10^th, 2010.  Mars always acts like a mini-Saturn during this transit and redefines the house and sign that it occupies.  So expect some changes, maybe little ones or even big ones; it really depends on the placement in the chart and the personal planets that are in aspect.

Uranus goes direct on December 2^nd paving the way for the unexpected to materialize.

Mercury is going retrograde on December 26^th, 2009 until January 15^th, 2010.  The Mercury cycle starts on December 6^th as it enters Capricorn.  When it reaches 5 degrees of Capricorn, it would be wise to journal the next couple of weeks until it goes retrograde on December 26^th at 21 degrees of Capricorn.  Mercury represents communication and when it transits Capricorn, it tends to define things such as plans.  The type of plans that will be redefined is defined by the location of the Constellation of Capricorn in the chart.  Since it doesn’t change signs, there may be a delay or change in your schedule. You will know on December 26^th.

There will be many social events and a general need for all of us to extend a helping hand to everyone who needs assistance.  Look around you. Where can you make a difference in just one person’s life?  Little things mean so much when people don’t have much to be happy about.  This is a time to share love without boundaries, to smile with meaning and to have hope in your heart for all humanity.

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 Full Moon takes place in your 3^rd house of communications and community.  You are trying to do 100 things at once and succeeding quite well.  You love this vibration.  This FM brings with it some changes, especially, those that have to do with short distance travel,  brothers and sisters, communications and, last but not least, community.  Earth signs, such as Capricorn, Virgo and Taurus would call this a chaotic period.  Mars is slowing down and preparing to go retrograde in your 5^th house of children, creativity and love affairs.  This is the house that is changing under the pressure of the Mars transit.  Even though this is an uncomfortable time, it will benefit you in the long run.  Remember  Saturn is transiting your 7^th house of partnerships, business or personal, and together these changes can have a great impact on your life.  Partnership issues are definitely a source of contention at this time.  Mercury retrograde will be in your 10^th house of career.  This is the area to look for delays. There will be a powerful Mercury conjunct Pluto on December 7^th that is very meaningful for you.  Uranus will be going direct in your 12^th house opening the doors to the past and unexpected situations.

TAURUS-(APRIL 20-MAY 20)

This Full Moon takes place in your 2^nd house of values (money and love).  These are changes that you don’t want to deal with but deal you must.  Your personal money is on the line and, possibly, a loving relationship.  The last two weeks have been opening the path for you. Mars in your 4^th house of home and core issues is being redefined by the Mars transit and is slowing down to go retrograde on December 20^th, 2009.  You will notice that your moods will not change as fast and situations linger on more than you are used to.  Mercury will conjunct Pluto on December 7, 2009 and announce some important and powerful communications.  This will start the Mercury retrograde cycle for you.  It takes place in your 9^th house of legal matters, philosophy, higher education and foreign affairs.  Affairs of this house will be delayed.  Saturn is now transiting your 6^th house of everyday work and health.  This area will slowly be transformed into a better fit for you in the coming years.

GEMINI-(MAY 21-JUNE 20)

This Full Moon takes place in your 1^st house of personality and appearance.  These are changes in how you appear and possibly in your personality.  This is the area that you should expect changes.  Maybe there is a change in attitude towards partnership or some dealing with the public.  Mars is transiting your 3^rd house of communication and community acting like a mini-Saturn.  It will be slowing down enough to make you want to scream but take the time to think about what you are trying to accomplish in such a hurry. Your charisma is taking you forward to new horizons and new vistas.  Mercury conjuncts Pluto on December 7^th in your 8^th house of partnership resources and produces strong power issues, determination and ambition.  This is also the house where Mercury goes retrograde so don’t expect things to move too quickly after the 26^th of December.  There are opportunities all around. Look forward not back.  I know you will love all the chatter and running around.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22)

This Full Moon takes place in your 12^th house of behind-the-scenes activity, the past and preparation and the unconscious.  You may have found that this is a time of revelation to some of the issues you have been dealing with.  Worries and thoughts of “what if’s” seem to keep you in a constant state of awareness.  Your level of anxiety is high but you love it. Mercury conjuncts Pluto on December 7 in your 7^th house of partnerships starting your Mercury cycle off with a bang.  This is an important day.  Mercury slows down by the 26^th of December and delays some issues that deal with partnerships and general public.  Mars is transiting the 2^nd house of personal money and love and redefining that area in your life.  Mars also slows down to a crawl around the 20^th of December forcing you to deal with some new uncomfortable situations.  This takes place in your 4^th house of home.  These delays are difficult as they happen in angular houses in your chart. (1st, 4th, and 7^th houses)

LEO (JULY 23-AUGUST 22)

This Full Moon takes place in your 11^th house of hopes, wishes and goals.  This is where the changes take place.  You may find that some situations require that you revise your goals to meet current demands that deal with children, creativity and love affairs of the 5^th house.  There is a lot of activity in the 7^th house pushing you in one direction and then another.  You may feel like the ultimate rubber band.  Mars in your 1^st house of personality is driving you to promote your current direction.  It will slow down around the 20^th and allow you to revisit the last two months and move forward.  Mercury will conjunct Pluto on December 7^th in your 6^th house of everyday work and health.  This is a strong communication and very important as it paves the way for you.  This is the beginning of the Mercury cycle for you.  This  slows down and goes retrograde on the 26^th of December.   Saturn in Libra, your 3^rd house, gives you a preview of what is to come in September of 2010.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23-SEPTEMBER 22)

This Full Moon takes place in your 10^th house of career and standing in the community.  There are changes in your career or how people see you.  You may have acquired a new skill or new label. This change benefits your everyday work and health house.  Mars transiting your 12^th house of the past and unconscious is acting like a mini-Saturn asking you to look closer at the past and decide what baggage is expendable and what is relevant.  This can take awhile so don’t rush.  You will be able to let go of current emotional baggage that keeps you from the Promised Land.   Saturn is not finished with you yet, as it re-enters Virgo on April 8^th, 2010 to conclude its final transit on July 23^rd, 2009.  This period gives you an indication of where you are going and a preview of Saturn in Libra.  Take advantage of this look into the future.  Mercury will conjunct Pluto in your 5^th house starting with a powerful conversation on December 7^th followed by the Mercury retrograde cycle.  Expect delays in this area and, especially, watch December 26^th for delays to show up.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23-OCTOBER 22)

This Full Moon takes place in your 9^th house of legal matters, education, philosophy and foreign affairs.  These changes take place in the 9^th house which is a mental house as well as the 3^rd house.  This may be a change in attitude as well as any of the above mentioned areas. Mars is transiting your 11^th house of goals, hopes and wishes.  This Mars cycle will re-define this area as it takes on the ambition of a mini- Saturn.  This will take until March 10, 2010.  Watch December 20^th 2009 for you to internalize some of your decisions up to this point.  Mercury will conjunct Pluto in your 4^th house of home and core issues beginning a Mercury cycle that starts off with some powerful communication. This Mercury will go retrograde on the 26^th of December and promises some delays when it comes to situations on the home front.  Saturn now transiting your 1^st house gives you an indication of what is to come in July and September of 2010.  As Saturn returns to Virgo on April 8^th 2010, it will revisit the issues of October and November of 2009.

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 24-NOVEMBER 22)

This Full Moon takes place in your 8^th house of partnership resources, other people’s money, sex, death and taxes.   This sounds like it could be ominous but, in reality, it can be as simple as incoming money changes.  This is not necessarily good or bad, just a change.  Mercury is going to conjunct Pluto on December 7^th beginning a new Mercury cycle in your 3^rd house of communications and community.  This can also involve brothers and sisters and short distance travel.  More than likely, it will all be about communications.  Mercury goes retrograde on December 26^th, 2009 and promises delays in 3^rd house matters.  Mars in all its glory is transiting your 10^th house of career redefining this area of your chart.  Mars will go retrograde on December 20^th promising a retrospect of the last 2 months.  This is going to act like a mini-Saturn so expect some review and redefining.  Saturn is in Libra giving you an indication of what is coming in July and September of 2010.  It will return to Virgo to complete some unresolved issues on April 10^th, 2010.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22-DECEMBER 21)

This Full Moon takes place in your 7^th house of partnership (business or personal).  There will be changes in partnerships but, in case you were wondering, they are necessary.   Venus is entering your 1^st house and brings much fun and party time.  Mercury is conjunct Pluto on December 7^th in your 2^nd house of personal finances and love.  This is a powerful communication about money that is important and starts off the Mercury cycle.  Mercury will go retrograde on December 26^th so expect some delays.  Mars is transiting the 9^th house of legal matters, philosophy, higher education and foreign affairs.  As the transit continues, it is being re-defined by Mars acting like a mini-Saturn.  Mars will go retrograde on December 20^th promising certain changes in the 9^th house. Saturn has entered your 11^th house of goals, hopes and wishes giving you an indication of what is to come in July and August of 2010.

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22-JANUARY 19)

This Full Moon takes place in your 6^th house of everyday work and health.  There may be changes in either, or both, of these areas of your life.  Look for new opportunities and changes in existing plans at work.  Mercury conjuncts Pluto in your 1^st house of personality and appearance and you can have an important communication that shines the light on you and your personality.  You will be seen as someone to be reckoned with. This starts off the Mercury cycle for you.  On December 26^th Mercury will go retrograde and you may be some unwanted delays that you encounter.  Mars is transiting your 8^th house of partnership resources, other people’s money, sex, death and taxes and continues to promise a redefinition of this area of your life.  Mars will go retrograde on December 20^th so expect delays here also.  Saturn has entered Libra, your 10^th house of career and standing in the community.  You may have been feeling as if career matters need to be revised and, actually, that is what will be going on in the next 2 ½ years. The period between now and April 8^th will give you an indication of what is coming in July and August of 2010. Meanwhile, the period from April 10^th 2010 to July 2010 is a final resolution to Saturn in Virgo.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20-FEBRUARY 19)

This Full Moon takes place in your 5^th house of children, creativity and love affairs.  Expect changes in this area, especially, in the next week.  This will be the culmination of some challenges you received two weeks ago.  Mercury will conjunct Pluto in your 12^th house of behind-the-scenes activity, the past and the unconscious promising a powerful realization or communication.  Mercury will be going retrograde on December 26^th, so expect some upsets and delays.  Mars is transiting the 7^th house of partnerships (business or personal) and promises a re-defining of this area of the life. This redefinition is going to help you, not hinder you.  This is important as it will enable you to get the most out of the Saturn in Libra transit.  Saturn transiting Libra at this time gives you the indication of what will transpire in July and August of 2010.  Venus just entering Sagittarius is promising some fun party times.

PISCES (FEBRUARY 20-MARCH 20)

This Full Moon takes place in your 4^th house of home and core issues promising changes in these areas.  You can change your mind about anything, even your attitude.  Uranus is still in your 1^st house and going direct putting unexpected adventure in your path.  Communications seem to light up the career sector of your life. As Mercury continues on its path, it conjuncts Pluto in your 11^th house of goals, hopes and wishes.  This is a powerful and hopefully positive communication but Mercury will be going retrograde on December 26^th, so expect delays.  Mars is transiting your 6^th house of everyday work and health promising redefining by a Mars-like mini-Saturn.  This is important as it will help you focus in on the Saturn in Libra transit. Mars also goes retrograde on December 20^th allowing you to revise and review the last 2 months of events.  Saturn in Libra at this time will give you an indication of what is coming in July and August of 2010.

This New Moon is in Pisces at 6 degrees.  For some of us, it will be Feb. 25^th, 2009 because of the time changes.  For my area it will be Feb. 24^th, 2009.  This also happens to be my baby sister Roseanne’s birthday.   Happy Birthday New Moon Baby Sister.  The world should be at your feet this year. (Pisces, feet, get it!) Another Birthday Girl in Las Vegas is glamorous Linda Crane.  Happy Birthday to you! I like wishing people Happy Birthday so I will continue to do so.   If you have someone you would like me to mention, please drop me an email. 

  Back to the New Moon in Pisces.  What house does it take place in for you?   Take note of this house because this is the area where the challenge appears.  If you have any planets in water at this degree, you will be floating in a sea of clouds.  If you have any planets at this degree in Virgo, Gemini, Sagittarius or Pisces, pay attention to what is going on around you.  This will be a time of change.

I want to introduce you to one of my students, Vickie Kayser, who lives in Hartford Ct..  I love the way she writes and visualizes astrological aspects.  She is going to write an article this week on the constellation of Pisces.  Please read her article next Monday.  Thank you. 

Certain areas of our lives have slowed down a bit in order to give us time to breathe and catch up with life and current events.  After March 1^st, 2009 Mercury will be at the point that it went retrograde and we will be all caught up.  Mercury is the planet of communication; therefore, it’s no wonder that communications have been slow in coming.   For those of us that are anxiety ridden, please take a deep breath.   These last two Eclipses are in effect for 6 months.  The soonest possible date for things to turn a corner is April 29^th, 2009 or May 9^th, 2009.   Everyday you will be one step closer to your objectives.

Venus is going retrograde on March 6^th, 2009 and journeys back to Pisces where Venus is at its best when it comes to romance.  Venus rules Libra and Taurus.  Now take at look at where these houses land in your chart and you will see where to expect some delays or changes.  If you look ahead to April, you will see that Venus will conjunct Mars on April 22^nd, 2009 which is the ultimate goal of this Venus transit.  It’s connection with its cohort Mars creates a bonfire of a new beginning. 

Saturn is still retrograde and goes over the degrees of 18, 17, and 16 (in that order) this month.  This will take you back to the month of October 2008 and you will be asked to make decisions on events that are about to repeat themselves.  This is only possible if you have personal natal planets at these degrees in Virgo, Gemini, Sagittarius or Pisces.  If this is the case, you will be letting go of your comfort zone to achieve new goals with new challenges. 

Uranus moves from 21degrees of Pisces forward to 23 degrees.  The Saturn Uranus opposition has now rescinded into the past but promises more to come later on in the year.  Uranus offers you a wonderful trine to any planets you have in water signs (Cancer Scorpio Pisces) at these degrees.  If you are looking for challenges, look at Virgo, Gemini, Sagittarius and Pisces at these degrees.

Neptune travels from 24 degrees of Aquarius to 25 degrees.  If you have any planets in Leo, Taurus, Scorpio and Aquarius at these degrees, you may find that events are not so crystal clear. 

Pluto, the planet of transformation, continues its transit thru Capricorn and connects for the first time with 3 degrees of Capricorn.   It goes retrograde on April 3^rd, and does not return to this position until the end of the year.   Pluto retrogrades to 0 degrees on September 11^th, 2009 and then turns stationary direct.  If you have any planets in this position in any Cardinal sign (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn), you are about to enter a time of transformation.  This can be intense but it will be well worth it. 

Now that I have given you the update, I hope you will get a little more information from the following monthly forecast.

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

ARIES-(March 21-April 19)

This New Moon takes place in your 12^th house of the past, preparation and institutions, the subconscious and connection to the universe.   This placement is a concerted effort to get all your ducks in a row.  There is time to prepare for events that will be taking place in the near future.  This is also a time for meditation and connecting with the part of you that directs your future and personal goals.  Because of the Neptune haze that surrounds everything,  you will have to be extra diligent. 

TAURUS-(April 20-May 20)

This New Moon takes place in your 11^th house of goals, hopes and wishes.  ” The times they are a’changing. ” This placement reinforces the goals you have set forth to accomplish or helps you dismiss them if they are too lofty.  Your friends and fellow confidants will help you distinguish the real from the utterly fantastical that you may be hanging on to.  

GEMINI-(May 21-June 20)

This New Moon takes place in your 10^th house of career and standing in the community.  Your direction seems to be career oriented and I am hopeful that you will be pushing the envelope this month.  There will be challenges to what you do and how you do it.  It is all about how far you can stretch. 

CANCER-(June 21-July 22)

This New Moon takes place in your 9^th house of higher education, foreign affairs legal matters and philosophy.  The inference here is that there are new ideas starting to percolate all around you.  Your rising sign is in trine, thus, your thoughts are insightful and visionary. 

LEO-(July 23-August 22)

This New Moon in Pisces at 6 degrees takes place in your 8^th house of partnership finances, other people’s money,  sex, death and taxes.  (We are all getting ready for taxes. )   This New Moon is not as clear as you would want but it is clear enough for you to make some decisions.  It’s about what you want and what you will give to get it.  

VIRGO-(August 23-September 22)

This New Moon in Pisces takes place in your 7^th house of partnerships.  You are the constant romantic and this New Moon only increases your desire for romance.  I really think all you need is a long vacation.  Far be it from me to tell you to stop worrying. 

LIBRA-(September 23-October 22)

This New Moon in Pisces takes place in your 6^th house of everyday work and health.  The idea that you may not be doing what you should be doing in this life has constantly been going thru the back of your mind.  You may be right but the time is not now. 

SCORPIO-(October 24-November 22)

s New Moon in Pisces takes place in your 5^th house of children, creativity and love affairs.  The activity can happen in any and all of the above areas but I bet you are hoping for love affairs.  This New Moon has a romantic quality about it and offers you great ease in this month’s adventures.

 SAGITTARIUS-(November 22-December 21)

This New Moon in Pisces takes place in your 4^th house of home and core issues.  Take some time to organize how you want to do things and what is the most important goal you need to reach.  Compassion and feeling are the common denominators in this equation. 

CAPRICORN-(December 22-January 19)

This New Moon takes place in Pisces, your 3^rd house of communications and community.  Mercury retrograde will now be picking up speed and communications will be forthcoming.   The opportunities that come from this New Moon are a little bit gilded.  Look carefully. 

   AQUARIUS-(January 20-February 19)

This New Moon takes place in your 2^nd house of finances and love or what I call values.   You may have some choices to make.  Keep in mind that nothing is over until the fat lady sings.  Jupiter in Aquarius promises many opportunities. 

 PISCES-(February 20-March 20)

This New Moon in Pisces takes place in your 1^st house of personality and how people see you.  You may find there are changes in and around you this month.   This could be a month of celebrations and new beginnings.

Saturn turns retrograde on December 31st, 2008.

 How does that affect me? 

 It definitely does in some area of your life. 

 Which one? 

 Saturn is in Virgo and continues there until July 2010. Virgo has been very important to you on a day by day basis for the last 2 years.  

 What does redefining actually mean? 

Wherever Virgo is in your chart will be the construction of a solid foundation allowing you to solidify the new you and discard old outworn patterns.  This can happen easily or it can be difficult depending on your planetary placements.

“Where is my Virgo?” you ask.

Everyone has Virgo in a certain position in their natal chart depending on your date, time and place of birth. To find out where your Virgo is located visit a reputable Astrologer and have your chart erected. Now that you know the location of the constellation of Virgo in your natal chart you can see that this area has been “under construction” for the last two years.  I want to elaborate on is the Saturn Retrograde in Virgo.  

Saturn goes retrograde on December 31^st, 2008 at 21 degrees of Virgo. 

 If you have any planets between 14 degrees and 21 degrees of Taurus and Capricorn there are opportunities for you during this retrograde.  There is also a stronger more intense opportunity if your Sun is in these degrees.  You will notice an increased responsibility in dealing with the matters of this placement.  If you have planets between 14 and 21 degrees of Pisces, Sagittarius or Gemini your opportunities will require a stretch on your part and more dedication than normal. In the end you will have changed this Virgo placement permanently for your betterment.  The reasons for some of these changes are not always visible to us at the time, but after the Saturn transit is over and you have been either forced to make certain decisions or enabled to make others, you will encounter a more solid foundation. 

 This Saturn cycle runs for two and a half years.  It goes direct for 5 months and backward or retrograde for 5 months.  This statement is not exactly totally true.  Many years ago when men where mapping the transits of different planets, it looked as if the planet would go backward or retrograde but in reality its position just continued around the Sun but we misunderstood the orbit.  Since the planet seemed to move backward the ancients went with the understanding that everything that happened in the past 5 months would be repeated.  In a more aware state we look at the retrograde period to enlighten us as to how we relate to the past 5months and if the right decisions were made during the direct motion.  This is usually completed by the time Saturn is ready to go direct. This retrograde will not be last for Virgo because after Saturn enters Libra it will retrograde back to Virgo to complete unfinished business.  Most people have the mistaken understanding of Saturn as a scary planet when in reality without Saturn we would have no structure to build our lives on.  If you need any assistance please feel free to email me at marymaclean@comcast.net .