Aquarius Season: Get Free Already!

Being an Aquarius Moon, I love Aquarius season (Jan. 20-Feb.18). It’s a time that reminds us of who we are sans borders; of the person we were before we became bound to the status and responsibility of relationships, parenthood, school, career, economic class, etc.

If Capricorn (ruled by Saturn) is all about rules, regulations, tedium, and work; Aquarius (ruled by Uranus) is all about freedom, liberty, and the way of doing what we damn well please, how we please.

During Capricorn season we became hyper aware of our obligations and our ambitions. We busied ourselves with budgets and to-do lists; with school books and vision boards, all in the name of productivity. Through all of this planning and labor we found that we summoned the self-discipline needed to buckle-in and get things accomplished. However, we may have also found that while we were overly concerned with accomplishment we became overwhelmed and anxious as the deadlines loomed. Much to our chagrin, we discovered that there are only but so many hours in a day. As a result, maybe we find that we secretly (or not so secretly) resent our loved ones or our present circumstances because they seem to weigh us down with a heavy sense of duty.

Aquarius comes along to provide us with a space for something different; to pull us up out of any ruts that we may find ourselves in. This rebel child shows us that it’s okay to carve out a place in our lives that’s all our own and no one else’s. Aquarius shows us that we need not feel guilty or wrong about having a little personal freedom. Without confusing freedom for recklessness or the inability to compromise (downfalls for Uranus-influenced folks), Aquarius season is about letting go—whether it be on a Yoga mat, on a dance floor, in an art studio, at Karaoke night…the point is to give yourself a break and be wild for a minute. 

Where in your life can you shake it up and live it up? Can you allow yourself to color outside the lines for a little bit? Now is not the time for routine. We can always get back to that later.

Venus In Capricorn: Getting Your Due

For those of us whom consistently find ourselves in the "everything is perfect save for one or two fatal flaws" type of relationship with a partner, career, or financial issue--Venus in Capricorn asks us to get real. Associated with the very tangible element of earth and the very practical, no-nonsense energy of planet Saturn, Capricorn is all about the realistic approach towards getting what we want. Capricorn asks "Is it realistic? Is it valuable?" Since Venus is the planet associated with money, values, and love; in Capricorn she asks from us an honest appraisal--am I getting my due?

Maybe we find ourselves in a job where we are being underpaid and undervalued; maybe in our effort to keep up with appearances we are living well outside of our means; or maybe, like so many, we find ourselves in a relationship where our most basic needs (trust, respect, reciprocation) are not being met. What do we do? Again, Venus in Capricorn asks us to get real. How? Perhaps we finally learn how to ask for what we deserve; perhaps we learn the necessity of moderation; or better yet, perhaps we learn not to settle for less. This earthy lady knows how to hold out for what she’s worth.

What is our vision for our romantic and financial life? Maybe we have become really good at knowing what it is we don't want out of life, but what is it that we do want? To what are we giving our attention? Venus will be in Capricorn from now until February 2, 2013. Getting clear about what we wish to accomplish over the next 11 months takes special precedence now while we are still riding the high that comes when starting fresh. How will we attract the love and abundance that we not only need but also deserve? The answer is right in front of us, babies. So let’s get to work.

Mars In Aquarius: A Jolt of Fresh Air

There’s a momentum building. Do you feel it? We’re at the cusp of a new year and the Universe is rallying the troops of change. After spending nearly six months in retrograde, Neptune, Pluto and Uranus, the patron saints of transformation all went direct by mid-Autumn. We’ve seen the seasons of Scorpio and Sagittarius come and go; each period furthering the wave of progress by asking us to drop the dead weight we had accumulated so that we could venture out—unfettered—into a fuller, diversified  life. We’ve had new moons and full moons.  We’ve had eclipses. Now, we find ourselves at the start of Capricorn season and as with The Goat, we’re using this time to survey how much ground we’ve covered and how much more there is left to go. Through each cycle and season, we learn that the Universe does indeed have a plan: to get the stuck places unstuck. 

Enter Mars in Aquarius.

Ruled by Uranus and in charge of the zodiac’s 11^th House of Groups, Organizations, and Hopes—Aquarius works to upset the status quo; to bring power to the people on a socially conscious level (this is an AIR sign) by way of experimentation, intellectual stimulation, and outright rebellious behavior. Wherever Aquarius resides in our chart is where we are most apt to stick it to the man (activism in any form is tied to hopes and wishes is it not?) and unabashedly flaunt our uniqueness (let’s all be different together!).

 

Aquarius has little patience for old, stodgy behavior. She will get bored. Mars will get bored (and a little testy) if he does not get what he wants. Coupled together, they help to fuel our collective desire for something new. As a matter of fact, we're hungering for it. If there was ever a time for out of the box thinking and actions, this is it. Mars will be in Aquarius from now until February 1, 2013 bringing fresh perspective to the forefront. The only caveat is refraining from going all left field for the sake of going left. We need to make sure there’s an actual method to our madness. Mars in Aquarius is not just for shock and awe purposes. What are we fighting for? Is it worth it? Will the world be a better place as a result of our pushing for our new-fangled ideas? As an example, I am reminded of the tragic shootings that have taken place in 2012 and the heightened push for gun law reform in the United States. With Mars in Aquarius, the biggest question of the moment may be: can we create a place for freedom and structure to peacefully coexist? The future is coming. We need an answer.

Healing What Hurts: The Birth Chart As A Guide

As an astrologer it's a no-brainer that I am a strong believer that our birth charts offer us clues about those worn and torn parts of us that are in need of healing; the parts of us that have accrued damage over the course of our lifetime due to resentments and hurts. When I look at a tough aspect in the natal chart, like a square, opposition, and sometimes the conjunction I don't see the bearer as a hopeless victim or as someone doomed to a life of failure and unhappiness. What I see is an opportunity for change. I see the chance for a person to manifest the relationships and situations that he or she truly wants in life.

I'll further explain what I mean:

I know a man who for the purposes of anonymity, we'll call George. George was born with his Moon in Libra square his Venus in Capricorn. This means that when it comes to relationships (namely with women as represented by the feminine energy of the Moon and Venus), his Moon’s needs (emotional) conflict with what he loves or deems desirable (Venus). In this case, when it comes to relationship--the area of life where we most use our Moon and Venusian energy, George is comforted by a woman who reminds him of his mother (Moon). However, he attracts and is attracted to women (Venus) who are nothing like mom (Moon). George is totally conflicted by what he needs vs. what he wants. As many of us know, this is a common issue in love. 

Since the Moon in our charts can represent our mother or the kind of nurturing energy we received as children, George probably experienced a mom that was clingy, overly self-sacrificing, and possibly manipulative; as such is Libran energy expressed in a disempowered way. Somewhere in his emotional makeup, George must have deemed or learned to deem his mother's energy as unacceptable and therefore with his Capricorn Venus, he disassociates himself from mom loving women that are detached and self-preserving (the double edged swords of Cap!).   

Unfortunately as a result of this push-pull dynamic, George is encumbered with tumultuous, short-lived relationships because his couple-oriented Moon (Libra) is put off by the Capricorn-like coldness of his lovers. A part of him is afraid of losing his independence but can’t stand being alone. Out of fear and discomfort, George then finds himself taking on his “moonish” qualities in the unhealed dynamic--he becomes clingy and manipulative thereby turning his lovers off. What George doesn't realize is that this tough aspect between his Moon and Venus is an opportunity for him to heal his hang-ups about relationships. This aspect along with the rest of his chart shows his evolutionary mission is to heal and be healed by deep lasting bonds. George is here to learn that there is strength in vulnerability.

In its essence, the birth chart is a guideline, a map. It gives us a clue as to how things work internally on the emotional, spiritual, and physical levels. When we take the time out to tap into the power of our charts, what we actually find is how best to tap into the power of ourselves. We can see where we need to heal and just how to do it.

.

A Happy Solar Return!

Since it's my Solar Return (my birthday!) and the Sun rules my chart (Leo rising!) what did my morning consist of? An impromptu photo shoot of me done by who else? Moi! Can you spot my blue steel?

Yeah, I don't know why the last photo came out sideways either. *Le sigh*

Anyway, in reflecting on what this day means to me I find myself being grateful for love. She has given me everyone and everything I have ever needed. 2012 has been an incredible year. 2013 will be even better. To all of you that have welcomed me into your heart in one form or another, I thank you. It is all and always will be LOVE.

The End of the (Work) World: How The Universe is Conspiring to Give Us the Good Life

It’s the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine)—REM

Earlier this year I left an unfulfilling (well paid) job to follow my heart. No safety net. No new position in the works. Up and out. Gone. Goodbye. 

Why in the world would I risk security (or a shallow example of it) for the pain and anxiety associated with jumping into the unknown? Because I had to. It was though my very life depended on whether or not I gathered the courage to take the leap and answer my true calling. In short, I needed to follow my heart. 

Now here I am months later, answering my calling by way of astrology, where I work helping others answer their own. Am I happy? Yes. Has this journey been easy? No. Yet every day, the Universe offers me comfort and validation that every choice that I have made that has led me up to this point has been the right one.

In talking to some of my clients I have found that I have not been alone in wanting more out of my professional life--then yesterday I serendipitously found this article "The Siren Call of Starting Over" in Psychology Today. 

What I deduced from this information being presented to me is that the outer planets (the planets associated with serious transformation) are aligned to redefine what work (among other things) means for us. Work is important because this is where we focus a lot of our time and energy. Work brings us material comfort. But what if we could actually do work that brings us both material AND emotional comfort? In the old days, we had to choose. Blessed was the person that could find that needle in the haystack job that offered both options. However, change is afoot. 

Yesterday, I sent out a few tweets highlighting my thoughts on this planetary activity. Though brief, I decided to post them below because I think they speak to the heart of this shifting energy:

• Saturn & Pluto have traded homes; Saturn in Scorpio and Pluto in Capricorn. Neptune is in her home sign of Pisces; Uranus in trailblazing Aries.

• Saturn in Scorpio asks for more depth in our everyday transactions; such as work. Hence, this trend of feeling dissatisfied with the daily grind.

• Pluto in Capricorn asks us to reprogram old systems. The work world as we know it has shifted. The past is fading. The status quo is nil.

• Neptune in Pisces aims to connect us back to Spirit; we are all connected and it shows. When we work to improve life for others, we improve our own lives.

• Uranus in Aries asks us to think outside the box and follow our own lead. Where in our careers can we be the innovators & do we have the courage?

• Couple the current planetary energy with the oncoming cosmic shift of 12.21.12 and yeah, we totally have some work to do--new work, fulfilling work. Fresh starts, anyone?

Before I sign off, I want to leave you with this beautiful quote that I found by way of a couple ladies that I look up to professionally--the AstroTwins. It's a quote from philosopher and teacher, Terence McKenna. He states: 

“Nature loves courage. You make the commitment and nature will respond to that commitment by removing impossible obstacles. Dream the impossible dream and the world will not grind you under, it will lift you up. This is the trick. This is what all these teachers and philosophers who really counted, who really touched the alchemical gold, this is what they understood. This is the shamanic dance in the waterfall. This is how magic is done. By hurling yourself into the abyss and discovering it's a feather bed.”

Word.

Mercury in Sagittarius: Talk Your Sh*t

When deciding on a title for this post, I thought "what would a Sagittarius say?" Since Mercury is the planet of communication--speech, thought, writing, etc. and will be transiting the sign of The Centaur (you know, that half human, half beast thingy) from December 10th until December 31st (Updated for 2015: Nov 20th-Dec 9th), I was trying to figure out the best phrase to capture Mercury in Sagittarius. I mean, I could've been all Mercury in Capricorn like and found a nice but professional way to describe the overview of this transit--something along the lines of "Mercury in Sagittarius: Speak Your Truth" or "Mercury in Sagittarius: Honesty is the Best Policy" or some jazz like that. However, since I am a Sagittarius and I know first hand how we Sagittarians have a knack for the bawdy, brainy, and blunt I simply came up with "Mercury in Sagittarius: Talk Your Shit" (thank you, Jay-Z--he's also a Sag in case you didn't know).

Now I know that to some, such a phrase implies the opportunity to come across one too many people telling us a bunch of stuff they may or may not be able to completely back up (and vice versa). In some cases this is a true and terrible pitfall for Sag as in our hearts we can have the best of intentions and ideas but can be prone to exaggerating the details or promising things that we may have trouble delivering on later. Still, the good news about Mercury being in Sagittarius is that communication will become a little easier--more lighthearted, straightforward and even inspirational. This can be a welcome change after having Mercury in the murky waters of Scorpio for the past few weeks (covert ops, anyone? LOL. just kidding. seriously, though).

One other thing to note is that because Sagittarius is the sign most associated with expansion and exploration, the next few weeks will be a prime opportunity for thinking big and getting those thoughts out to the masses. Just make sure to practice what you preach--give your words substance; try not to steamroll anyone and--oh, don't let anyone dump on your vision. Ever.

Venus In Scorpio: Jonesin' for a Fix

"I've got you under my skin
I've got you deep in the heart of me
So deep in my heart that you're really a part of me
I've got you under my skin"
--Frank Sinatra, "I've Got You Under My Skin"

Venus has been sashaying her way through Scorpio since November 21st where she will stay until December 15th. When you pair her with the primal power of The Scorpion everything in love and money takes on a sense of insatiable urgency. We've just got to have it and have it we will (and then some). The energy this transit can bring kind of reminds me of this old Frank Sinatra song, which I love. Oh, the lyrics, the lyrics...

Mars In Capricorn: Working the Earth

"Sure they'll work over-time. Matter of fact they'll work all night if that's what it takes."

 -Kim Rogers-Gallagher on Mars in Capricorn; Astrology for the Light Side of the Brain

Since Mars, the planet of sex and ambition, is in Capricorn from now (actually November 16th)  until December 25th I thought that the quote above along with this video from Tyrese--a Capricorn--would be apropos. Ha!

Mars in Capricorn will be providing us the support we need to get the job done (whatever project that may be)--start to finish. Just make sure to leave a little room for fun.*winkity-wink*

Venus-Neptune Aspects: Boundless Love?

“I believe in people like you.” –Drake, “Fall For Your Type”

I have Venus conjoined to Neptune in my birth chart. I have also shared strong Venus-Neptune connections (usually their Neptune on my Venus) with romantic partners.  When it comes to relationships, these chart aspects have usually operated for me in this way:  Meet a guy. Over idealize/romanticize guy within first week of meeting. Discover guy has fatal flaw like a wife, aversion to commitment, a sketchy past, etc. Embark on a dramatic, Hollywood-styled quest to save guy from himself with a love like no other while holding onto fragments of said guy’s soulmate “potential.” Suddenly exit relationship with guy feeling disillusioned and hung over.

  

Sound familiar? It should. This very scenario came to me recently while listening to Jaime Foxx’s “Fall For Your Type.” Now, literally speaking I’ve heard this tune a million times before yet I don’t know if it’s because Pluto (focus) has been hanging out with my Mercury (thought) but lately I’ve been listening to music with a new pair of ears. The track opens with the line “Can I save you from you?”  It then goes on to tell the woes of a man that’s made a habit of falling in love with the wrong kind of women, hoping that his latest love interest won’t let him down like the others in the past.  Venus-Neptune. Oh, Lordy.  While the song is catchy and sordid enough for the radio airwaves, I couldn’t help but to think that realistically, trying to save a person from themselves is one tall, exhausting order. First of all, what makes us think that this person needs saving? Secondly, as Bill Tierney points out in his book Alive and Well with Neptune— what makes us think that we are the only ones capable of the job?

But Neptune (and in many cases Venus) is not into thinking realistically. Reality bites. Oftentimes reality is associated with limitations, restrictions, and boundaries.  In the natal and synastry chart, Venus (love) and Neptune (compassion) connections function to eliminate the lines that separate us from what we hold dear.  What could be more exhilarating and noble than being able to love and care for others without borders? What could be better than a boundless, selfless love? Not a thing, right? People view us as…well… Jesus and we see ourselves as—oh, I don’t know—maybe, Jesus? 

But what happens when people begin to take advantage of our kindness? What happens when the person/people we think we’re saving either A) don’t want to be saved or B) take for granted that we’ll always be around to pick up the pieces? We may find ourselves beginning to put conditions on our love or worse, becoming martyrs in love and then boom—we look up to find that our spiritual and material resources have been depleted. The buzz is gone and we’re hung over.

 

Still, I don’t want to take up the entire space of this post solely warning of the pitfalls associated with Venus-Neptune aspects. I think there is already enough astrological material out there that covers such issues. After all, it’s my natal Venus-Neptune aspects that have helped to keep me from becoming bitter about the lows that I have faced in life. It’s Venus-Neptune that helps me to continuously see the beauty in the world, while dreaming up and creating a new one. When applied with structure, Venus and Neptune in and between charts can help us to manifest true happiness; just as with two people who have taken the time to do the homework on each other and have built their relationship on a solid (hopefully Saturnian) foundation. The Venus-Neptune connection between them can provide the energy base for a deep, soulful love unfettered by power struggles and self-righteousness (see also: piety). 

In fact, the more experiences that I have, the more I realize that Venus-Neptune aspects function best when provided with a focus, a perimeter—a boundary. As a Sagittarius sun and Aquarius moon—a make-up of two astral energies that LOATHE limitation in any form, I am learning that boundaries are good when they come from a place of love and compassion—they even fuel it. Boundaries give us clarity; they give us the freedom to courageously move forward because we already know where we stand. 

 

Mercury Retrograde: Where Am I?

Saturn is finally in Scorpio, Mercury is retrograding until the end of the month, and we're in the midst of eclipse season (again)! The Universe never stops moving and nor have I. I've just been on a brief hiatus from all the astro related musings taking on some good 'ol me time. I'll be back soon with more forecasts, jokes, and whatever else I can muster up. Until then, leave the light on for me.

Venus in Virgo: Get It Right

Venus in Virgo loves to get it right. Picky and demanding? Sure. But Venus in Virgo's power of discrimination only ensures that she gets the best out of life; whether that be in love, physical comfort, or whatever else the lady desires. While Venus is currently transiting Virgo (10/2-10/28), we will find that wherever the sign of The Virgin is housed in our charts, that side of our life will be up for scrutiny by our internal value system (that's Venus!). As it always goes with the planets, if it's broken either fix it (if it's worth it) or let it go entirely. The key with Virgo though is to not get so caught up on criticism/analysis that we over analyze ourselves into a dark, lonely corner. Let constructive criticism/resolution be our beacon. 

Due to this transit, Venus has temporarily set up camp in my first house (the part of me that the world sees) and while I've been getting compliments from strangers and friends alike, I can't help but to wonder if my hair, skin, clothing, etc. is in dire need of a makeover. Well, maybe a little one. Probably. For sure. Ugh. Whatevs.

Anyway...

Based on a short story by Mary Gaitskill, Secretary is one of my favorite films of all time. In the film, James Spader plays the neurotically demanding lawyer, Mr. Grey, that develops an S&M fueled love affair with his secretary, Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal). It's a classy little film full of dark comedy, romance, and just plain insanity. Can you tell why I love it? LOL! Below, I chose a famous clip from the film as if I had to--I would say that Mr. Grey has a natal Venus in Virgo (perhaps in aspect to Mars/Uranus?). Ha!

Libra Season: Awfully Nice

In the English language, I think the oxymoron best captures the Libran ability for peacefully blending together the seemingly contradictory.

As the sign represented by The Scales and associated with the zodiac's Seventh House of Partnerships/Marriage, Libra teaches the rest of us how to get by on the power of harmony and aesthetic. Libra knows that without these, the world would meld into one big chaotic mess. This is why Libra influenced people work so hard at keeping those scales balanced.

In the spirit of maintaining balance, here's my list of oxymorons describing how life has been for me thus far this season (and yes, feel free to create your own):

1. Awfully nice
2. Bitter sweet
3. Definite maybe
4. Cool passion
5. Magic realism
6. Resident alien
7. Minor miracle
8. Seriously funny
9. Static flow
10. Working vacation
11. Peaceful conquest
12. Random order
13. Student teacher
14. Upward fall
15. Wise fool

Jupiter Retrograde in Gemini: The Party Is Over...For Now

Planet Jupiter, otherwise known as the "Good Time Charlie" of the zodiac has went retrograde on October 4th and will stay there until January 30, 2013. Since I'm a Sagittarius--the sign ruled by the party hound himself, Jupiter's retrograde is a bit of a killjoy for me as I need all of the good fortune and BIG fun I can get these days. LOL! I think this clip from Adventure Time sums up the next few months for all the Jupiter-ruled areas of life (hint: it's those places where we just seem to get lucky or overdo it big time; for better or worse).

Mars In Scorpio: We Get What We Want

Intensity. Focus. Strategy. Passion.

These are our keywords from now through October as Mars steams his way through Scorpio. The universe gives us the green light to get a little obsessive, possessive.

What do you want?

Go for it.

Pluto Transits: A Need to Come Undone

Recently, I received an email from an acquaintance that has been concerned and rather confused about the behavior of a mutual longtime friend. It appears that our friend, who for privacy purposes shall remain anonymous, has dropped off the map; refusing contact with either one of us. While I share concern for our beloved comrade, I decided some time ago (namely after a couple of failed attempts to reconnect) that I wasn't going to go beating down her door anytime soon. Why? I suspect she's going through a major Pluto transit.

Pluto transits to key planets or points in a birth chart can make a person feel as though the very ground itself is being torn out right from under them (largely in solitude--Pluto is a behind the scenes kind of guy).  Associated with the zodiac sign of Scorpio and the Eighth House of Sex, Death, and Transformation (add other people's possessions in here too); Plutonian energy roots out whatever "ugliness" we try to repress, deny, or hide about ourselves and draws it out into the open by way of upheaval. Reality gets tested. People around us cease to recognize who we are, the old us, and wonder who we've become. We will wonder if we're losing it, and more than likely we are.

But what exactly are we losing?

Pluto forces us to get rid of what no longer works. Weak, faulty structures that we built up in our lives come crumbling down when The Dark One shows up; a nasty breakup, the loss of a job, disillusionment are all side effects of the Plutonian cure. Working with extremes, Pluto helps to heal us by testing our mettle. We feel as though we are both living and dying at the same time (Folks that have ever befriended or betrothed a Scorpio, probably know just what I mean. Life or death. LOL.). Whatever doesn't survive in the process of this trial by fire period either has served its purpose or wasn't really meant for us in the first place. A Pluto transit isn't solely about losing things but about finding a clearer path to our personal source of power.

Currently, Pluto is transiting through the sign of Capricorn and making a tense aspect with Uranus in Aries. However, both essentially are on the same mission: to put an end to stagnation. People who have major planets or points in their chart between 5 to 10 (update: 12-14) degrees of Cancer, Capricorn, Libra or Aries have been learning how best to work with this energy as they've been feeling it most intensely. Personally, I have had both planets rocking and rolling their way all over my little Mercury in Capricorn which at times has been supremely frustrating (and a little frightening) but has led to improved perception and a shedding of outworn beliefs.

Having already been made familiar with Plutonian energy what  I have learned thus far is this: 1) the best way to work with the flow of this transit is to get comfortable with leaving your comfort zone and 2) how important it is to have a space to privately fall apart and then rebuild. With Pluto we come undone, then find the strength to pull ourselves together.

Why It's Important To Go Beyond Your Sun Sign

If you're the slightest bit interested in astrology and have ever engaged someone in conversation about it you've probably heard one or more of the following: 

"I'm a Taurus, and we're the best!" or "Oh my god, I cannot stand Geminis!" or "You're a Libra? What are they supposed to be about?" or "Well, all I know is that I'm a Pisces." 

Thanks to popular astrology it's safe to assume that nearly everyone is familiar with their Sun sign--BUT--what if I told you that you had a complete birth chart where nine other main cosmic bodies (in more than one sign) work in tandem with your Sun placement, to provide a framework of the the talents you were born with? For example, did you know that you have a Rising sign (public persona), a Moon sign (emotions), a Venus sign (love and wealth), a Mars sign (sex drive and aggression), and even a Mercury sign (thought process and communication style) that all come together in your chart to help you to express your uniqueness?

If you were to look at my chart, you would see that in addition to my Sagittarius Sun I also have my Mars in Leo and my Mercury in Capricorn. In loose terms this means I act like a star and think like a businesswoman ( ha! I smell a book deal!). Or how about my Aries sun daughter with a Mars in Taurus which makes her shall we say, EXTRA persistent when it comes to getting what she wants. (I'm almost certain this kid works for the Mafia. Ha! Kidding. Sort of.)

sample birth chart.

Anyway, as per the birth chart; quite simply it's a snapshot of the sky at the exact time and place you were born. At that time the stars, planets, and asteroids were transiting through at least 5 different zodiac signs creating your special astro-blend. Each of those planets then "fall" in different areas of your chart known as Houses. These houses (one for each zodiac sign) correspond to different areas of your life; the sign that rules each house will show how those areas or houses are maintained.

This is why when we focus solely on our Sun signs or keep ourselves closed off from other signs, we run the risk of severely limiting our awareness of ourselves and others. 

At its core, astrology helps us to recognize the human being as a complete, multidimensional entity; to understand humanness in all of its complexity, contradiction, and beauty.  When we allow room for complexity, we allow each other room to be who we are.

So, who are you?

Listen to this while you think it over:

Leo Season: The Number One Stunner

The world revolves around the Sun. Better yet, the world revolves around Leo--astrologically ruled by the Sun. If you've ever been around a Leo influenced (Sun, Moon, or Ascendant) guy or gal--you know that no matter where they are, what they're doing or who they're with they COMMAND attention.

Ruling the zodiac's Fifth House of Creativity, Romance, & Fun; it's said that Leo's are natural born leaders and entertainers. On the low end of the scale these characteristics translate to stubborn, fussy drama kings and queens; however on the high end, Leo's are creatively gifted, fearless men and women capable of adding a little sunshine to everyone's day.

Wherever Leo falls in in our chart (and yes, we all have a little Lion in us all) is where we choose to live out our lives as loudly, playfully, and FIERCELY as possible.




Happy Solar Return Leo! I dedicate this Leo inspired theme to you:


 P.S. I have reason to believe Kanye is a Leo rising. What do you think?

Cosmic Update: What's Goin' On?

It's been a little while since I last updated you all on key planetary transits and what they mean for us. You can get all the nitty, gritty below. Of course, this is just a general overview of what to expect. For deeper insight on how these transits specifically affect you, speak with an astrologer (That's me!).

 7/3/12-8/23/12: Mars In Libra 

You ever hear the saying "you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar"? Well, this great piece of wisdom certainly comes to mind when I think of the planet of aggression (and ruler of Aries) plowing his way through the sign of relationship and diplomacy. Except, since this is Libra we're talking about, Aries' opposing sign, we can almost guarantee that Mars won't be doing any plowing through here...maybe a nice jaunt? This is the time where if we want to get our way, we're going to have to use a little charm and finesse to get it. I mean, that really is the most REASONABLE way to do it, isn't it?

7/13/12-12/13/12: Uranus Retrograde in Aries 

Uranus. Ruler of Aquarius and known to be in charge of all things rebellious, unexpected, wacky, and experimental (science and technology fall under this umbrella too) has been transiting the sign of war and "me, me, me!" since 2011 causing all sorts of upsets (remember Arab Spring?) around the globe. Now as with any retrograding planet, The Universe offers us a second opportunity of sorts to master the area of life that said planet is touching. For many of us, wherever Uranus is passing through in our charts--it usually marks a time of immediate change. Harnessing Uranian energy, especially while in the sign of Aries, means that wherever in our lives we need a dose of freedom, we go there BOLDLY--without guilt or fear of judgement. By the time Uranus moves direct, the norm as we know it will be oh so passé.

 7/14/12-8/7/12: Mercury Retrograde in Leo 

 What do you get when you mix the planet of communication with the fiery starpower of Leo? BIG talk and even bigger ideas. Mercury transiting Leo is a time when it's okay to toot your own horn as The Lion brings out the showstopper in us all. However, during this retrograde period the focus is going to be less about dazzling the crowd and more about creating thoughts and words of substance--something we can stand confidently behind with pride. In my experience, Mercury retrogrades are notorious for miscommunications. Emails and snail mail get lost, electronics go "boom!", typos run rampant, and things that we thought or said with certainty lose their conviction once the retrograde period is over. This is the time to make sure whatever info we are sending out is as clear and thorough as possible. We can get back to stuntin' later.


Now until 10/5/12: Saturn Finishes Its Tour of Libra 

Lordy, Lordy. Where do I start? At the risk of echoing what's already been said by others about this transit (which has been in effect since October 2009), let me just say that for many of us having the planet of responsibility, limitation, and reality transit through the sign of partnerships has been a critical lesson in the amount of care, committment, and courage needed to maintain the relationships that mean the most to us. Through this transit many of us saw (or experienced) relationships restructured, renewed, or falter altogether. For example, my Libra sun brother is marrying his longtime girlfriend while a good friend of mine with a Capricorn rising (Libra tensely aspects Cap) saw her marriage fall apart after just one year. And those are just two examples. As Saturn rules Capricorn--and Capricorn is all about building and capitalizing on hard work done, in Libra our Saturn lesson has been discovering that REAL (a Saturn keyword) relationships require a solid FOUNDATION (another keyword!) on which to thrive. We are learining that it takes more than sexual chemistry, a few common interests, or even the fear of being alone to make a relationship WORK (keyword!). For some of us this has meant a shift in our values and in some cases, our resources. When Saturn makes its move into Scorpio in mid-October, we will get the opportunity to further strengthen the connections that have survived Saturn in Libra...or bury them entirely.

Cancer Season: Slow It Down

It's fitting that the peak of vacation season coincides with the Sun's passage through Cancer--as the time for closing up shop, getting away, and relaxing with loved ones falls under The Crab's jurisdiction. If Gemini season was all about hustle and bustle, then Cancer season is certainly about taking a much needed time out to catch our breath before the "boom, boom, pow!" of Leo season bursts in to shove us back into the spotlight. Like Cancer, when we hit a sensory overload of too many people, places, and things it can make us easily susceptible to moodiness, irritation, and fatigue.

One of the things that I admire about Cancers (as with all water signs) is their ability to withdraw into a self-protective "shell" when their batteries need a recharge. We have a lot going on in The Cosmos--planets going retrograde, the

Uranus-Pluto square

, the recent grand cardinal cross--and with all of this activity taking place (as above, so below) we can all use a little R & R. Cancer season is the perfect time to make a space for ourselves to get it.