astrologic.us

Mercury, you rascal. I woke up this morning, turned on the TV to get the weather, and the audio wasn’t working. After fiddling around with some connections, it came back on. Meanwhile, I had to lip-read the weatherman.

Anyone with the slightest interest in Astrology is familiar with the Mercury retrograde phenomenon. The usual associations are: miscommunications, lost letters, misdelivered packages, malfunctioning fax machnies, typos, etc.. It’s simply the messenger of the Gods taking a few steps back in his winged sandals. Rather than freaking out and doing nothing, we can actually make the most of this period. It’s time to reassess certain areas of our lives. So here’s where we may benefit from rethinking, reviewing, and taking a step back to ponder.

Mercury spends the first few days of it’s retrograde in early Gemini and will back in to Taurus on May 13th. Mercury goes direct on May 30th.

• Aries – You may spend the next few days catching up with siblings, but most of this retro period is about your finances. It’s time to review your game plan. How are those investments doing? Are you even investing? What do you really value?
• Taurus - I’ll have to give you an example on this one. I know this Taurus who has a storage room filled with useless old crap, that (in his mind) may be useful someday. We’re talking 1980′s magazines, broken typewriters, old clothes…you get the picture (all.. um… retro stuff). Just yesterday, he vowed to go through the whole mess and give stuff away, recycle, and sell what he can. Good job.
• Gemini - Mercury retros are always tricky for Gemini. Use the next three weeks to look inward. Behind the frustrating cacophony of voice mail, email, twitters, text messages and so on, there’s a peaceful place. Go there if you can.
• Cancer - Get in touch with old friends this month. You love to reminisce anyway, so now’s your chance. Also, get reacquainted with your hopes, dreams and wishes.
• Leo - Your career is up for review. Are you making what you’re worth?
• Virgo - Ponder your education. Thinking about going back to college, or changing your major?
• Libra - Time to review your financial arrangement with your partner, spouse, or business partner. There’s some potential for confusion in that area especially later in the month (Mercury retro square Neptune).
• Scorpio - Time to review (reconsider?) your relationship or marriage.
• Sagittarius - In health matters, get a second opinion. If you’re about to get a first opinion, fine, but wait ’til after 6/10 and get the second one. Got that?
• Capricorn - “Mom, can I move back in?”. Hopefully you won’t hear those words. Maybe it’s just time for a “sit down” with your kid(s).
• Aquarius - Think about redoing the kitchen, or the bath (but wait ’til next month). Oh, you’re renting? Re-connect with your roots, your family. Yeah, I know.
• Pisces – Talked to your brother or sister lately? Your neighbors? It may be time to catch up.

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Is it May already?

• Aries - You’re probably rarin’ to go this month both career-wise and in your love life. The catch is – Mercury goes retrograde on the 7th and will back into Taurus on the 13th. New financial commitments would be ill-advised this month. It’s time to review where the dollars, yen, or pesos are going. Saturn turning direct in your Solar 6th house allows you to solidify your position as a reliable worker bee and to get that body in shape.
• Taurus – Happy Birthday Taurus, may you eat lots of cake. I hear that the return lines at Target aren’t that long these days. You know, to return the stuff you bought last month during Venus retrograde. Ha ha, just kidding. Sort of. You’re likely to have an “oops, how did I forget that bill” moment in the first few days of the month. No biggee. Your career should be taking off, but as Madame Gypsy psychic would say: “I see jealousy around you”. Remember that song from the 60′s “Smiling Faces”? Never mind, just one of those free association moments. Don’t forget to call all those people you were supposed to call last month, but took your jolly Taurus time. Go forth and multiply!
• Gemini - Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime? Good. Whether it’s to Fiji or Cleveland, it should be memorable and even healing. With the ruler of your Solar 7th house, Jupiter, still in your 9th, take a trip with your spouse or partner. If not that, then turn off the damn Blackberry and read a good book. I recommend anything by Krishnamurti. After all, Eckhart Tolle has certainly read his work. Why not go straight to the source?
• Cancer - Yeah, yeah, I’m sure some of the monthly horoscopes you’re reading are telling you how this is a fabulous time to find your dream job and curry favor with the higher-ups. Some of that may be true, but obviously with Mercury retrograde, if you do start a new job this month, it may not work out the way you had hoped. And yes, wait ’til June to start, but to be more specific – June 10th (Mercury will be past it’s square to Neptune, and moving at a faster speed).
• Leo - If money worries have made you sick in the last year and a half, you’ve now learned how good it feels to get your financial act together. Sometimes it’s simply ’bout payin’ the bills dude. A handsome (or pretty) stranger with an alluring accent could make life more interesting this month with Venus visiting your Solar 9th house and Jupiter in your 7th (or at least it could indicate a trip with your significant other). Alas, Neptune is involved, so mucho cuidado! (Did I say that right?)
• Virgo – Yay! Your 4 month funk is coming to an end soon. Now that you’re all growd up (to quote the Rug Rats) from the Saturn transit, you’re ready to enjoy life more after the 16th. You probably don’t have swine flu (oh wait, we’re calling it H1N1e=mc²V14XRY3 virus or something), but there may still be health issues to resolve over the next few months. Don’t ignore hard-to-diagnose symptoms and keep at it ’til you find the right healer.
• Libra – Can we skip May? Guess not. Opportunities do exist for love and romance, but financial entanglements could complicate matters this month, especially on the 8th or 9th and after Mercury retrogrades back into Taurus on the 13th (’til it goes direct on the 30th). People have come to expect you to be a social butterfly, but lately you’ve been more introspective, which is good for your soul. Mars in your opposing sign, Aries, this month could arouse the enemies if you’re not careful…which you are.
• Scorpio - Between home (and family) repairs and Doctor’s appointments you should have a busy month. OK, fine, you’re in perfect health. You’re busy with mundane tasks though. It’ not sexy stuff, but at least it keeps you out of trouble. Nagging issues (euphemism for pain in the ass problems) with siblings and neighbors could be resolved if it’s not too late. (When Scorpio cuts someone off – they’re done – and I mean DONE).
• Sagittarius – If you’ve maintained your integrity career-wise you should begin to reap the rewards. If you want to see a great example of how not to do Saturn in the 10th house, rent the “Frost/Nixon” DVD. Tricky Dick was brought down by his ruthless ambition. But you’ve taken the high road and it will pay off soon.
• Capricorn - Your ruling planet, Saturn, goes direct on the 16th allowing for progress in areas such as higher education, legal matters, and just plain getting your head on straight. That’s all Cap. I know better than to joke around with you right now. But wait…ya know…think about giving to some charity. It’ll be good for you.
• Aquarius - Hopefully by now you’re on the same financial page as your partner. If you’ve played it right, you’ve become a lot more independent this year. Get back in touch with family this month. Yes there’s the risk of re-opening the wound at the end of the month when Chiron stations retrograde, but Jupiter is usually a silver lining. Take a giant leap of faith (for mankind).
• Pisces- By now you should know very well exactly where your partner stands. This megadose of reality should serve you well in terms of future relationships. If it ends, it wasn’t mean to be. The period between the 11th and 21st is critical for your relationship. A defining moment.

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Philip Markoff was born on February 12th, 1986 (according the the Boston municipal court criminal complaint). His Moon is Aries (assuming he was born in NY state), Mercury in Pisces (3°) square Mars and Saturn in Sagittarius , Venus in Aquarius (29°) conjunct Jupiter (28°) and the Sun (23°). Remember the aspects on the April 14th? There was a Mars / Uranus conjunction (early morning on the 15th) and the Moon was in Sag squaring both on the 14th. That’s when he allegedly murdered “masseusse” Julissa Brisman. Sad story indeed. I’m always curious when someone’s outward persona (in Markoff’s case, the “clean-cut” guy, med student) masks a hideous shadow side. It’s been reported that P.M. had a gambling problem. I don’t doubt it, with his natal Sun, Venus, Jupiter conjunction being transited by Neptune (addiction), Jupiter (the negative expression being excess, going too far, feeling overconfident) and Chiron (the “wounded healer”). He had also volunteered in an ER, possibly while struggling with his own personal demons. He was also experiencing his first Uranus square to his natal Uranus. This is often a rebellious time we go through in our early 20′s and probably not the best time to get married. There was an attack on a prostitute in Boston on April 10th as well and law enforcement is investigating whether Markoff had any involvement. On April 10th, transiting Mars (moving closer to the conjunction to transiting Uranus) was forming a square to P.M’s natal Uranus. This can be a sudden act of violence in someone who is predisposed. Markoff’s Mercury had (secondary) progressed into Aries at around the age of 18, and had recently stationed retrograde forming a square to his Neptune in Capricorn. (Transiting Pluto was also squaring his P2 Mercury) Think he was delusional? Secondary progressed planets, stationing either retrograde or direct, point to a major turning point in life. This is especially true if that planet is the chart ruler, or rules one of the angles. Perhaps P.M. is Gemini rising, with Mercury being the chart ruler. I’m sure he has an interesting 12th house as well. Hopefully we’ll get a time of birth soon. It will make for a fascinating case study (esp. if you’re a Scorpio like me).

Julissa Brisman was a 26 year old Taurus. I don’t know her exact date of birth yet. Please let me know if you find it.

Blessings and peace.

Update: I checked out P.M.’s midpoints. Among the more interesting spots are: Venus square Uranus/Pluto, Mars=Neptune/Pluto, and at this point I don’t have a time of birth, however a sunrise TOB places his Moon at 5° Aries and his Sun/Moon midpoint @ 14 Pisces. Saturn will oppose that point when it stations direct next month. A morning birth is also suggested since transiting Pluto would be squaring his natal Moon. His Venus/Pluto midpoint is 3° Capricorn, the place of Pluto’s retrograde station on 4/4/09 – a week before his alleged crime spree. Obviously this puts a damper on all the romantic Neptunian wedding plans. His Sun/Pluto is 0° Capricorn, where Pluto will station again in early September. This point is also squared by his secondary progressed Mercury @ 1° Aries Rx, as mentioned previously.

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Here’s our monthly Solar Astrology outlook for all 12 signs. If you know your ascendant, you may read that as well. As you know, Solar, or “Sun sign” Astrology is only a glimpse of what’s happening in your life and where your focus is. True astrological insight is gained by studying your entire chart - and the transits and progressions you’re experiencing.

• Aries – Job certainly wasn’t an Aries, probably a Taurus, if you ask me. In any case, you’re gonna need a little more patience this month – at least until the 22nd. The first five days of April could be pretty frustrating if you insist on forcing your agenda. A power struggle could ensue at the end of the month (around the 26th). Your friends and the groups you belong to are still a valuable source of support and inspiration.
• Taurus – You may be in a contemplative mood right now, but you’ll probably have more to say after the 9th. Relationships could improve after the 17th when your ruling planet, Venus goes direct. Your career should be hitting on all cylinders, this month and most of the year.
• Gemini – The first four days of the month could be frustrating. Try not to push. “They” say you only get one chance to make a good first impression. But being a Gemini, you’ll have another chance to be in the spotlight between the 11th and 24th. Now that you’ve had a chance to re-evaluate your friendships (especially with women), you have to decide who’s a keeper. There’s potential for a big splash around the 15th.
• Cancer – Cancers born in late June are having relationship issues at the beginning of this month. Power struggles possibly involving money. Handsome strangers (or pretty, as the case may be) from a distant land may appear mid-month…or maybe it’s just your hot Math professor. Oh yeah….a little message to Derek Jeter – be careful with her (and get a rock solid pre-nup should the occasion arise).
• Leo – You and your partner may have quite a different agenda when it comes to money. Stay the course. Read the Ant and the Grasshopper again if you have to. Being that the Mars/Uranus conjunction takes place in your Solar eighth house – on April 15th – H&R Block may have a little surprise for you. Remember – no shortcuts in that department.
• Virgo – You work so hard, just trying to do your job and be responsible. So why is everyone giving you a hard time? It’s Mars and it should pass by the 22nd. Partners are unpredictable this month. Relationships get real interesting between the 11th and 24th, and especially explosive on the 15th.
• Libra – Your love life has probably been wacko since Venus went retro last month. Good news is, it goes direct on the 17th, helping you sort things (and people) out. If you’re trying to have a baby, yes this is probably your year. Your baby could be in the form of a creative project too. Take care of your feet! Really.
• Scorpio – That property in Portugal (or was it Brazil?) is very tempting right now (you know, the one with the moat around it?). I’d advise you to hold off until September, but you’re gonna do things your way.
• Sagittarius – The tug of war between career and home continues. Between your public and private life. Home and family are where the action is right now. Sudden changes on the home front are possible around the 15th.
• Capricorn – Those Capricorns born in late December are having a rather intense few days to start this month. Remember, even Gordon Gecko needed love. Rent the DVD of “Wall Street”. Shane McGowan, please take care of yourself…we don’t want to lose you.
• Aquarius – You’re simply blessed and inspired right now. Don’t feel like it? That’s Chiron being the fly in the ointment at the moment. If you can manage to get out of bed in the morning and not have to bathe your neurons in SSRIs then you’re doing well. Try not to live through your partners at the moment.
• Pisces – I bet you’re tired of running up against that brick wall. Watch your actions over the first few days of the month..ya wouldn’t want to shoot yourself in the foot (so to speak). Life could get pretty exciting and things could open up around the 15th, but you’ll have very little impulse control at that time. The 11th through 24th could bring a love interest, but check ‘em out real good before running off to Vegas.

Blessings to all.

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Once a year, the Sun will conjoin the planet Uranus. Today is that day. While this may feel unsettling to some, it’s pretty exciting to others. Be open to a little serendipity today, and put your new ideas out there. The best time to get cooperation is anytime before 5:40pm ET (US) when the Libra Moon will trine Jupiter in Aquarius. This is an outstanding day for air signs. Do lunch!

“March comes in like a lion – out like a lamb”, “Beware the ides of March”, “Madder than a March hare”. Yeah, that about sums it up for the third month of the year. I don’t know about you, but March always seems to be a volatile month for me. Maybe it’s Pluto stationing retrograde in mid to late March (or early April) for the last few years, or maybe it’s the shift in consciousness from Pisces to Aries. Whatever the case, here’s our monthly Solar Astrology outlook for all 12 signs. If you know your ascendant, you may read that as well. As you know, Solar, or “Sun sign” Astrology is only a glimpse of what’s happening in your life and where your focus is. True astrological insight is gained by studying your entire chart - and the transits and progressions you’re experiencing. That said, here we go:

• Aries – Old partners are popping back into your life. Doesn’t mean you have to go there, but maybe there’s something you can learn from looking back. From the 22nd on, be careful not to self destruct, and watch your back. You aren’t ready to act on your plans until April 22nd. If you buy clothes this month, make sure the store has a good return policy. Think about changing your look, but don’t do it yet. Strange dreams may provide insight.
• Taurus – You may be preoccupied with your career goals this year, but some Taureans (not you of course) are going to be taken in by a sneaky love affair now. With your ruling planet, Venus, going retro in your solar 12th? Fuggedaboutit. Stick to work and hang in there ’til May for the fun stuff.
• Gemini – Catch up with old friends, and keep writing that book. No book? Maybe some travel then. The Full Moon on the 10th will magnify some of the themes you’ve been living out for the past several months. Juggling home and career. Private life vs public. But hey, who’s better at handling the juggling act? Career surprises (breaks?) around the 20th-23rd. Avoid scandal.
• Cancer - A surprise message from afar..maybe around the 22nd. Or maybe it’s God calling. Choose enlightenment over negativity.
• Leo - Sit down with your partner (or alone) and put the checkbook, credit cards, and all the bills on the table. Be proactive about finances or there could be a rude awakening, especially around the 10th. Personal conflicts should subside after the 22nd.
• Virgo – Everything you’ve been going through over the last 6 months comes to a head, especially around the 10th. Make sure the meds haven’t expired, if you catch my drift. You may feel like you’re playing defense after the 22nd. Focus on staying productive and the next 7 months will be less gut wrenching. By the way, I know this guy who makes awesome tinctures and essences – great for whatever ails ya.
• Libra- The cliche about Libra is that you’re indecisive and vacillating (or is that redundant?…hmm, not sure…what do you think…I dunno, maybe). Well, right now you’re thinking twice about the one you’re with. Or maybe you’re thinking about someone from the past, and all the what if’s? (or wtf’s). With your ruling planet retro in your Solar 7th, this is NOT the time to decide on matters of the heart. Wait ’til mid May or so.
• Scorpio – Your main focus should still be home (feathering the nest) and family matters, but there is a chance to act on your creative impulse this month. Focus on your heart center, and act accordingly.
• Sagittarius - The pressure will let up eventually, just not this month. The 10th is stressful on both the work and home front. You’re not only burning the candle at both ends – you are the friggin candle. Your home is your sanctuary so put some of your restless energy into improving the feng shui. Check for leaky water and gas pipes.
• Capricorn – Whether you’re studying hard or dealing with an ongoing legal matter, things reach a critical juncture on the 10th. Important communication may alter your plans. Watch what you say. It can and will be used against you (or for you?).
• Aquarius - Wasn’t it Ophelia’s old man who said: “Neither a borrower nor a lender be” ? Either you’ve learned that lesson or you’re going to. Lock up the credit cards- especially after the 22nd, when impulse spending is a bad idea. Try not to rely too much on your partner’s cash flow. Regardless, you seem to have divine protection when it comes to money (and just wait ’til 2010).
• Pisces – Special message to Rihanna – dump the bastard! Why the #$%* do Pisces women take such abuse?!? Please get therapy. For many Pisceans MAJOR relationship issues coming to a climax on the 10th or thereabouts. All you nice fish out there…you’re about to feel renewed, especially after the 22nd. To further digress re: Rihanna: No – C.B. -a double Taurus- will not change. And besides, his Saturn and Neptune square your Venus. OK, so his North Node is conjunct your Sun. Destiny – shmestiny. Venus retro on your natal Venus may get ya’ll back together, but not for long. Have your people call mine, k?

Thanks for reading and blessings to all.

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The Lunar Eclipse will occur on Monday, February 9th at 9:50am ET (US), 2:50pm GMT at 21º Aquarius/Leo.

” ‘A woman is disappointed, as a man leaves her boudoir’…Capitalization upon misfortune by which spiritual justification is gained. Supremacy over experience. Inward retirement”. That is the Sabian symbol for 21º Aquarius. ” The Sabian symbol for 21º Leo is ” ‘Intoxicated domestic birds fly around in dizzy attempts’…Unsteady first realization of spiritual being. Forced inspiration which the ego cannot sustain. False self-intoxication”.

These are the according to Marc Edmund Jones (from “The Astrology of Personality” by Dane Rudhyar)

What do you have to offer to humanity? One messages of this eclipse involves getting past selfishness and ego driven behavior and giving to the greater good. Sounds like Americans are getting a (somewhat) bipartisan “stimulus package” passed, eh? This Full Moon Lunar Eclipse is magnified by Chiron and Neptune’s conjunction to the Sun.

“And the time will come when you see we’re all one,

and life flows on within you and without you.”

- George Harrison from “Within You Without You”

Where healing and inspiration can take place:

• Aries- Friendships and group involvement. Expand socially. Focus on your hopes and dreams.
• Taurus – Your public life and reputation can be enhanced through selfless action. Break free from your family’s karmic ball and chain. Work on any negative behavior patterns you’ve inherited.
• Gemini – Long journeys (a spiritual cruise?), expand your horizons, long range planning. Read books on spirituality and philosophy. Publish your own!
• Cancer – By seeing death as part of the cycle of life. Charity and learning to share assets. Sympathy from lenders is possible if you’re experiencing difficulty. If you’re prospering, go to kiva.com and help out. Wind up financial arrangements from the past.
• Leo – Your relationship. Reconciliation with both intimate partners and opponents.
• Virgo – Volunteer. Seek advice from “alternative” health practitioners (or any conscious health care provider). Reiki, healing touch, “Meditation as Medicine” by Dr. Dharma Singh Khalsa” is wonderful. Discover the source of your unconscious fear and work through it.
• Libra – If you’re an artist, or the slightest bit creative, this is quite a powerful time for you. Love your children unconditionally. Trying to get pregnant? This may be your time.
• Scorpio – Family healing time. Perform some feng shui on your home. Closure in areas of life that have been “up in the air”.
• Sagittarius – Express yourself, speak, write, sing. Reconcile with siblings, neighbors.
• Capricorn – Remember – wealth can be a mirage. Develop your inner resources.
• Aquarius – You’re tuned in to healing and inspiration more than anyone else right now. Don’t hide your light under a bushel.
• Pisces – Go within. This is not your time to debut, that will come later, and it will be the result of a rich inner life.

Peace, Love, Light

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