posted March 26, 2006 12:34 PM            

Brace yourself -- this astrological month is going to be a doozy! Luckily, the Sun's move into assertive Aries has tossed us all a healthy portion of go-getter energy ... and Mercury's return to direct movement should help lift any obstacles to that enthusiasm. It's hard to predict what other surprises are headed your way, what with the solar eclipse in Aries and a sextile between Venus (in Aquarius, no less) and Pluto. But lest you fear this could all be too exhausting, Venus's move into Pisces in early April, and Mars's visit to Cancer shortly thereafter, will add some much-needed water-sign downtime to the mix. Enjoy!

March 20: Sun into Aries
After a month of tiptoeing quietly through Pisces, encouraging you to think more of your loved ones than yourself, the Sun has a new plan: It's off for assertive, aggressive Aries. There's no sign that's more action-oriented, so if you're smart, you'll use the coming month to stop thinking and start doing. Big plans are where big changes come from -- but you've got to take the first step if you really want those changes to occur. Of course, Aries is also quite fond of doing battle, so you may be a bit more confrontational than usual. If you're trying to talk your boss into letting you do things your way, better ask a friend to prep you for the conversation -- and you'll definitely want to resist any temptation to pound on the desk. That's not an ideal way to convince higher-ups that you're right. Well, not usually ....

March 25: Sun trine Saturn, Venus square Jupiter, Mercury Direct
There's quite the mixed bag of energies on duty at the moment, guaranteeing that this will be an interesting day. The Sun and Saturn, the heavens' two most respected authority figures, are working together to help you make progress with any and all superiors and elders -- even if it's just asking Grandma for advice. Even better, Venus in impetuous Aquarius has a date with generous Jupiter -- and when these two get together, excess and extravagance are unavoidable, no matter how frugal you usually are. That alone could add up to finally seeing that raise, promotion or bonus you'd just about given up on! But the best news is that today, after three long weeks in retrograde, communicative Mercury will turn direct. Those roadblocks that seemed to greet you at every turn will start to dissolve -- and getting in touch with the people you most want to see will suddenly become a lot easier. Among other things, then, it's definitely time to make another appointment with the boss. Oh, and another date with whoever you irritated last week ....

March 26: Venus trine Mars
If you're attached, don't be surprised at anything -- repeat, anything -- that your partner says or does. We'll all be feeling especially erratic today -- in a fun way, though, so don't worry. But do be open to adventure! If you're single, picture this: Venus is in Aquarius, putting us all in the mood to connect with someone who's definitely not our type. In fact, that someone is likely as far from our type as possible. Venus is in contact with her ancient lover, passionate Mars, who's in Gemini at the moment -- another sign that loves new experiences. In a nutshell? Don't be surprised if someone you meet through the cousin of a friend of a friend invites you to go to Vegas for the weekend -- this weekend -- and you accept. Oh, have some fun. The universe insists!

March 29: Solar Eclipse (New Moon) in Aries
Eclipses come in pairs. The first was earlier this month (on the 14th) in meticulous Virgo. This one will occur in Aries, who's hot-headed, assertive and absolutely unafraid of any challenge. And let's not forget that eclipses tend to bring along unpredictable events in a matter of seconds! But on top of the solar eclipse -- which means that both the Sun and Moon are in Aries, and in the mood to rumble -- loving Venus is still in rebellious Aquarius, and just-dare-me Mars is currently in quick-moving Gemini. So what do you get? If you're single, you can bet you won't be bored with anyone new who crosses your path. Surprised, maybe, but definitely not bored. If you're attached, better make some plans together and break your usual routines. It's time to stoke the fire that initially attracted you.

This new Moon will most affect Aries born March 27-31, Cancers born June 28-July 2, Libras born September 30-October 4 and Capricorns born December 28-January 1.

April 2: Venus sextile Pluto
If you've had the urge to surprise people lately, here's your chance -- and it's going to be great fun for you! In fact, with loving Venus in startling Aquarius and intense Pluto in totally unprejudiced Sagittarius, you're practically guaranteed to befriend someone different, simply because they're different. Okay, the fact that the relationship is sure to get your friends talking doesn't hurt either. So if you're invited to a social gathering 'with guest,' it's up to you and your partner to decide what to do. If you're in the mood to shock and amaze your friends, then go -- and have a blast. If not, skip it. You two can have a lovely evening all by yourselves. But still, it might be fun to strut your stuff. Be honest -- how could you possibly resist?

April 5: Venus into Pisces
Lovely lady Venus has spent the past several weeks stalking through Aquarius, turning her attention to kindred spirits, best friends and anyone who'd surprise Mom and Dad if we brought 'em home for dinner. Well, now she's left her startling Aquarius garb in a heap on the floor of the phone booth and emerged in the mood to be genteel, nostalgic and particularly sentimental. Of course, arguments may still arise over the next few weeks -- that's par for the course in all relationships. But one wink, one phrase that always makes you and your honey laugh, or one reminder of all the times you've made up in the past will more than do the trick. Don't you wish Venus could stick around for a bit longer?

April 8: Mars opposite Pluto
Contentious? Oh my, yes. This, friends, is the stuff that long-lasting anger can develop from -- so don't ever let it get away from you. There's really only one way to deal with today's energy, if you want to remain unscathed: Stay away from anyone who pushes your buttons, just for a little while. That way, red-hot Mars will have a chance to help you aim your assertiveness somewhere more productive, and Pluto -- well, Pluto will be able to retreat and leave you alone for a bit. Take advantage of this chance to chill out. And if you do encounter confrontation, try to realize that, on a scale of 1 to 10, this dispute may not rank as high as it seems. Take a breath, think things over and don't be surprised if one of you sidles up to the other with an apology.

April 9: Sun sextile Neptune
There, now. After yesterday's fireworks, today's easy sextile between the Sun and dreamy Neptune will be a welcome change of pace. The heavens are tossing you a golden opportunity to balance day-to-day practicalities with some good old-fashioned imagination. With Neptune, ruler of that which we cannot see, making its presence known, spiritual concerns will likely figure more prominently than usual -- go ahead, dive into life's mystical side for a bit. And along the way, let your increased sensitivity to the people around you serve as a guide. You're in tune with the bigger picture today, and (for now, at least!) you have license to put your routine on the back burner and explore a higher level of consciousness.

April 13: Mercury square Pluto, Full Moon in Libra
Here's a mixed bag of energies, all directly aimed at relationship issues -- which has been quite a trend this month. First off, the full Moon in Libra may expose a matter you've been trying to 'nice' your way around. That will prove considerably more difficult right now, however, so you'll have to think of a new approach. In addition, Mercury's assertive square with Pluto (reminiscent of last week's confrontation between Mars and Pluto) will undoubtedly bring up the same issue. This time out, though, the full Moon's emphasis on culmination will undoubtedly bring the matter to a conclusion. Either you or your current opponent needs to apologize, and both of you need to work together to find brand-new solutions to old problems. Accomplish that, and it'll be smooth sailing.

This full Moon will most affect Aries born April 12-16, Cancers born July 14-18, Libras born October 15-19 and Capricorns born January 12-16.

April 13: Mars into Cancer
After months of dashing around, jabbering at full speed and waving his finely honed sword at anyone who dares even suggest another destination for lunch, Mars is ready for a rest. Yes, even the god of war needs some downtime every now and then, and this is it; he's off for home-loving, family-oriented Cancer today. Now, that could mean there will be a few family disputes to get through. But as bold and assertive as Mars is, he'll also endow you with the ability to talk sense into all your relatives and put an end to any bickering that simply has to go. See? There's a good side to everything.

April 16: Mercury into Aries
Just in time to give Mars a hand settling disputes (as if he ever needed one), chatty Mercury will join the Sun in assertive Aries today. The result is that you'll be able to make your points quite clear, especially when it comes to family: There will be no petty bickering, ancient feuds will be put to an end, and all parties concerned will learn -- immediately -- to find ways to put all that aggression toward more constructive ends. Working out together, for example. You might also channel some of that energy into revamping your home. Either way, get busy. Right now. Mars has never been famous for his patience.

April 18: Venus conjunct Uranus, Mercury square Mars
Today's astrological buffet offers quite a delicious selection! For starters, loving Venus in Pisces (one of her very favorite signs, to tell the truth) will connect with startling Uranus in the same sign. This could mean that the goddess of love (ordinarily ladylike to the nth degree in Pisces) will become emboldened under Uranus's influence -- so don't be surprised if you or someone you've been eyeing finally asks for a dance. Better yet, the bold words to handle this delightful situation with aplomb are due to arrive courtesy of Mercury the Messenger, who'll be engaged in a square with Mars. Now, those two aren't famous for holding anything back, so this is definitely the time to get the show on the road.

Enjoy the Sun's transit of Aries!

posted April 04, 2006 08:03 AM            

MOON MEDITATION: "Grrrrrr....!"

The astro fact of the matter is that it's a tough week. People are
going to be weird. There are some amazing power trips being taken.
Strange revelations. A sort of squeezing until you feel like you
can't breathe anymore.

But don't give up just yet. The very people driving you bananas may
be suffering under the weight of the building Mars/Pluto link (April 8). They
are perhaps feeling even more pressure than you are. They may feel
like they have no choice but to attack or be attacked.

posted April 05, 2006 10:31 PM            

quote:

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April 5

I was reading a few posts from some fellow Astrologers just now and two normally upbeat Astrologers have become blatantly honest about the planetary potential this week. And it’s hard hard hard.

Since the week is almost half over many of you already know this. Pluto and Mars, two faces of power, challenge and control are currently moving into an opposition, one of the most difficult aspects. This aspects builds and builds, and then builds some more, until it perfects on Saturday April 8. Pluto and Mars together bring extreme experiences, super human efforts and power struggles of the supernatural kind. Somewhere in your life right now you’ll notice how power-less you feel and in another area of life you’ll feel incredibly power-ful. Pluto always brings up issues of empowerment vs. disempowerment. Life is tough right now, for many reasons, at least Astrologically. Will you let life beat you or will your summon the inner well of courage you didn’t even know you had to come out a winner? Make no mistake, with Mars and Pluto like this there is no middle ground, you either win or lose. But is it the battle or the war?

What to do with all this intensity, passion and power? 1) Act with respect when you notice you are in the power position 2) Where possible leave big decisions until next week 3) Make a call and get together for some very passionate sex 3) set yourself a super human effort and pull it off.

Anything is possible now. What is needed is an outlet for the extreme energy that is currently pulsing through the cosmos. If we can all find a way to release the pressure in our own lives, we go one step towards releasing some of the universal pressure.

And the saving grace this week? Delectable Venus moves into Pisces, a sign where she is very happy and comfortable. On Friday, just before the passionate peak of Mars opposite Pluto, delicate Venus dips her painted toes into the soft waters of Pisces. This is one placement that gives peace a chance. More on her next week.

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