JUNE, 2008

As June begins, the Sun, Venus and Mercury are in the nimble, communicative air sign Gemini.  The Gemini time of year is typically a time when people are getting out and about, beginning the summer travel season and generally being mobile and active.  

Mercury is retrograde* through June 19.  Certain matters in our day to day life will move slowly and require patience.  This is a paradox, as Sun, Mercury and Venus are all in sprightly Gemini throughout that period.  This may make for situations in which communications continue to move quickly in some areas, but require corrections and adjustments as we go along.  Adding to the fluctuating nature of this time, during the first half of June we will have lengthy periods of several hours in which the Moon will be void of course** every couple of days, These v.o.c. periods are times in which matters tend to drift and accomplishment is difficult or elusive.  Coupled with Mercury being in retrograde, we may find ourselves operating fitfully, with periods of activity interspersed with intervals when it is difficult to keep things moving.  

Summer Solstice on June 20 moves us into the sensitive Cancerian time of year, a time to connect with family, roots, and home.  This Solstice will bring some upheaval and transition, as the Sun will be opposite Pluto, planet of transformation and intensity.  Full Moon comes on June 18, Mercury turns direct on June 19, and Solstice arrives on June 20.  We will likely feel some emotional intensity during this period of several days of high energy, shifts and changes.

Pluto has been in Capricorn since January 25, after being in Sagittarius for a dozen or so years.  Pluto retrogrades back into Sagittarius on June 13, to remain until November 26.  Sagittarians will go through a last burst of transformation over these months.  Pluto's time in Sagittarius has been marked by extreme views and actions in the world at large, which may well continue.  Individually we should try to moderate our extremes, while aspiring to comprehensive vision and understanding of the big picture.

Uranus, planet of change, innovation and revolution, will turn retrograde on June 26.  Uranus stations are usually times of accelerated change.  People will be changing residence, changing relationships, changing employment and generally updating their lives, sometimes rather suddenly.   The need for change may have been building for a while, and simply emerges when the station is eminent.

WEEK BY WEEK:

Week of June 1-7: As the week begins, we are in the quiet time before New Moon, time for rest, contemplation, planning next steps.  Monday in particular may play out rather slowly.  The Moon will be void of course** from 7:03 a.m. MDT until 4:06 p.m.  New Moon comes on Tuesday, June 3, at 1:23 p.m. MDT.  This New Moon looks rather pleasant, as the Sun and Moon will be in close conjunction with Venus, planet of love and beauty.  The "Sabian Symbol" image for the New Moon degree is given as: "Two people, at widely different points, are in conversation with each other by means of telepathy."  You may be aware of heightened communication, including between people or groups with widely divergent points of view.  Mercury is retrograde, remember, adding to likelihood of miscommunications, but this New Moon point may provide some hope or remedies to any disarray.

Wednesday is another day with a long Moon v.o.c.** period, from 6:09 a.m. to 3:16 p.m. MDT.  Accomplish what you can, keeping in mind that late afternoon will likely be the most productive period of the day.  On Thursday we may make significant personal connections as Venus is coming into alignment with energetic Mars.  Friday is yet another Moon void of course day, with the v.o.c. period this time running from 3:32 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. MDT.  Friday evening and Saturday may be quite lively, with high communication and positive relating, as Sun, Mercury and Venus are in close alignment.  Mercury is at the midpoint of its retrograde cycle, and this may be a time of some breakthroughs or reorientation.

Week of June 8-14: Sunday is well taken as a day of easy agenda; the Moon will be void of course from 9:41 a.m. until 8:01 p.m. MDT. On the plus side, Mercury aligns positively with Mars, heightening communication, and the Sun is conjunct Venus, enhancing relationship and social life.  We get down to business on Monday, through Tuesday early afternoon, as the Moon is in meticulous, work-oriented Virgo. The Moon goes v.o.c. again at 1:42 p.m. MDT Tuesday afternoon, for the remainder of the day.  

On Wednesday and Thursday the Moon is back on course, but there may be some surprises and changes on those days as first Venus and then the Sun comes into square with Uranus, planet of rebellion, innovation and the unexpected.  On Friday and Saturday the Sun and Venus come into positive trine alignment with gentle Neptune.  We'll be more understanding and empathetic and matters will generally flow more smoothly.  This said, we also note that Pluto moves back into opinionated Sagittarius Friday evening, and Mars in Leo will be on the South Node of the Moon.  The South Node, one of two points along the zodiac where the Moon's orbital plane intersects with the Sun's orbital plane, is known as a point of excess and incontinence.  Mars is the planet of action, and Leo can be quite dramatic and self-absorbed.  The drama kings and queens will be out in force, and this could even include you.  Exercise some modesty and discernment.

Week of June 15-21: This will be an active week, with Full Moon, Mercury direct and Summer Solstice occurring on three successive days.  First, we are building to Full Moon on Wednesday (11:30 a.m. MDT).  At Full Moon the Sun and Venus will be opposite the Moon and Pluto.  Pluto's strong placement signals that our deep issues and compulsions will be stimulated.  Make it a healing process.

Mercury turns direct Thursday morning, 8:31 a.m. MDT.  Communications, transactions and technology will get back on track over the next two weeks.  You may have had a chance, during Mercury's three-week retrograde period, to rethink some matters or to catch up on your backlog.  Mercury retrograde has its merits.

Summer Solstice arrives Friday afternoon, 5:59 p.m.  At Solstice the Sun is in tight opposition to Pluto, stirring intensity, compulsion, and a propensity for "issues" to arise.  One signature of this year 2008 is that Pluto is hovering around 0 degrees Capricorn all year and will thus be conjunct, square or opposite the Sun at each of the equinoxes and solstices.  If this year seems a little intense to you, it's not your imagination.  The alchemical potential of Pluto is that it is transformative.  Choose your desired transformations and direct your energy accordingly.  Delve into areas of your life you have avoided examining.

A second strong configuration in the Summer Solstice chart is Mars at the Moon's South Node in Leo, opposite Chiron, Neptune and the North Node in Aquarius. Mars opposite Neptune can indicate energy directed toward dreams and ideals, and this can include illusion and confusion.  Mars in Leo is bold, assured and dramatic, and often egotistical.  The Moon's South Node is a point of excess and lack of control, while the North Node indicates positive direction.  Chiron relates to healing.  In some areas we may see this played out in classic form, with dramatic, blustering egotism in counterpoint to idealistic, humanitarian aspiration toward the common good.  We may see this in the national political arena and in our personal lives as well.  

Venus is in positive alignment with Saturn at Solstice, helping to steady relationship connections.  This aspect and the opposition of Mars to Neptune are exact on Saturday.  The Mars energy may end up fizzling, as is the way of Neptune, when all is said and done.

Week of June 22-28: You may feel the difference now that the Sun has passed from Gemini into watery, sensitive Cancer. The main event this week, though, is Uranus turning retrograde* on Thursday.  Uranus stations tend to be times when changes are bursting forth.  Each of us would do well to consider where change is needed in our own life, and take steps to implement it.  For some of us, that will be simple and moderate; for some of us a revolution is in order.  Think before you act, and do what you need.   If change seems to be happening to you, it is probably just what you needed, even if it's not what you would have chosen.  Roll with it.

The Uranus station is the single noteworthy astrological influence for this week.  Even the Moon void of course intervals are insignificant.  There are three of them, each lasting less than an hour.

Week of June 29-July 6: At week's beginning we are in the quiet time before New Moon, time to finish projects, rest and plan the next cycle of activity. On Monday Mars is trine Pluto, an excellent time to direct concentrated effort to regenerate some stagnant area of your life.  On Tuesday morning Mars enters Virgo; for the next two months we will thrive on detail work, cleaning, organizing and repairing anything in our path.  Summer projects, look out!  

New Moon arrives Wednesday evening, 8:19 p.m. MDT.  Sun, Moon and Venus are in Cancer, with Venus exactly opposite expansive, generous Jupiter.  Give some thought to home and family, linger in the garden, cook dinner in, ring up friends or relatives you don't see enough of.  Reaffirm nurturing connections.

The Moon goes v.o.c. for the rest of the day at 2:13 p.m. on Thursday, July 3.  You might as well start the long weekend then.  It looks like a pleasant weekend, with perhaps an element of the unexpected on Friday-Saturday, and a thoroughly pleasant day on Sunday.

July Preview: We continue in the sensitive, personal, vulnerable Cancer time of year.  This is a natural time to connect with home, family and personal traditions, ideal for family visits and reunions.  Mars is in hard-working Virgo all month. Plunge into projects that put your life in good working order. On July 22 the Sun enters Leo, bringing us into the time of year when we naturally let our sense of play, creativity and self-expression flower.  It's a great time for vacations and other fun activities.

MAY, 2008

May is here, and the Sun and Venus are in the calm, steady earth sign Taurus, which is ruled by Venus, planet of beauty, comfort and pleasure.  Spring is here, and it is time to enjoy the world around us.  Get into the garden, spruce up your environment, and renew your body and your physical surroundings.   In addition to having the Sun and Venus in Taurus for most of the month, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto are also in earth signs. After the fiery, energetic energy of Aries, we are ready to get down to practical matters and make steady progress.

 On May 2 Saturn will turn direct.*  Saturn stations are typically times when we are dealing with the realities of life, facing the truth about our situations and humbly, patiently and courageously doing something about them. Jupiter will turn retrograde* on the 9^th, bringing our expansive energies to maximum flower before a time of regrouping over the next four months.  On May 9, Mars will move from the vulnerable, defensive water sign Cancer, which it has been transiting for the past two months, into confident, expressive Leo.  We'll move with more confidence, decisiveness, and creativity, and probably should watch a tendency to dramatically take center stage, because we are all trying to be there at once.

On May 26, both Mercury and Neptune will turn retrograde.  With Neptune at its turning point, or "station," you may notice that some situations are rather nebulous and open to multiple interpretations.  The challenge is to see clearly rather than be lulled by illusion and rationalization.  Mercury will be retrograde* until June 19, slowing down communications and daily affairs.  The two turning retrograde at the same time may really lead to some confusion, miscommunication and general foul-ups.  Both these events can signal a time for meditation or turning inward, and that might be the thing to do.

New Moon comes on May 5.  With the Sun and Moon in Taurus, this may promote a cycle of calm and comfort after a recent series of New and Full Moons that featured volatility, change and disruption.  Full Moon of May 19 features the Sun at the last degree of steady Taurus opposite the Moon in the last degree of Scorpio, sign of deep emotion. You may be tempted to make big changes or to confront the issues in your life, but may hesitate to cause upset and loss of Taurean stability and comfort.  May the Full Moon help you find the middle ground, making changes and dealing with emotional issues while maintaining some grounding and perspective and avoiding destructive extremes.

We've been helped in recent weeks by a couple of positive planetary alignments.  Saturn has been in trine aspect to Pluto, helping us make steady change and renewal without great disruption.  This has its greatest beneficial effect during the first third of the month.  Expansive Jupiter has been sextile Uranus, planet of change, for several weeks, continuing through this month and reaching peak influence around May 21.  This alignment facilitates easy change, renewal, and trying new approaches.  Step out and experiment; change your style; innovate.

WEEK BY WEEK:

Week of April 27-May 3: This is the week Saturn turns direct, and many of us will be dealing with important issues that may seem very weighty.  This is the time to take hold and work things through, though Saturn stations can feel very daunting as we step up to them.  It may seem as if all our issues are coming up at once, and that may be the case.  Just step right in, in any case.  The only way around is through.  Depending on Saturn's current influence in your chart, this may simply feel like a good time to get down to work.  Saturn may be more noticeable in the lives of those around you.

Sunday begins with the Moon void of course** for several hours, from 8:18 a.m. until 3:27 p.m. MDT.  The time is well used for rest, meditation, and contemplation. Mental activity is enhanced as Mercury makes positive alignments with innovative Uranus on Sunday, and with expansive Jupiter, which helps us see the big picture, on Monday.  Confusion or miscommunication could enter the picture later on Monday and in the early hours Tuesday as Mercury squares nebulous Neptune.  We're back on track by Tuesday afternoon, when Mercury sextiles energetic Mars. Venus is at the very end of Aries on Tuesday.  We might feel rather impatient with relationships and social niceties.  Venus will enter loving Taurus early Wednesday, restoring harmony.

Venus trines Pluto and Saturn on Wednesday and Thursday, making a "grand trine."  We are able to evolve our relationships and interactions in constructive ways, without disruption. As Venus, Saturn and Pluto are in earth signs, some of this synergy may show up as progress in our material affairs.  

Saturn turns direct Friday evening.  You may be dealing with important issues, or simply working along and perhaps finding that progress is slow but steady.  Mercury is at the end of slow, deliberate Taurus, further slowing the action, until 2:00 p.m. MDT on Friday, when it enters sprightly Gemini.  But not so fast.  Mercury is square to limiting Saturn on Saturday.  Communications and transactions are slowed and require deliberate and conscious effort.  We're right before New Moon, making this a time for resting and regrouping.  Make it an easy weekend. Take time to finish projects, relax a bit, and plan for the new cycle that begins with New Moon on Monday.

Week of May 4-10: New Moon comes on Monday, 6:18 a.m. MDT. So far this year, each New Moon and Full Moon has had particularly challenging energy, particularly as viewed from Albuquerque and surrounding area.  Even if no big astrological influences were operating, the lunar cycle background has embedded energy from Mars, Saturn, Pluto, Uranus, or often a combination. 

This New Moon is the mildest seen this year.  Sun, Moon and Venus are in calm, loving Taurus, headed for positive alignment with optimistic Jupiter. The Albuquerque area does have its challenge.  Mars is directly below us, signaling the potential for conflict in our private lives.  The proactive solution is to direct positive energy into that area, cleaning house, working in the yard, doing what is needed.  This is appropriate for everyone at this time, regardless of location, as Mars is in the late degrees of home-oriented Cancer, stimulating our nurturing qualities. Mars in Cancer also fosters feelings of vulnerability and defensiveness.  Hang in and wait for Friday afternoon, when Mars enters Leo and confidence returns. 

Jupiter turns retrograde on Friday.  This is the week to get positive, expansive activities under way.  We'll carry these forward while Jupiter is retrograde and begin a new cycle of expansion when Jupiter turns direct in early September.

Week of May 11-17:  This week begins well.  The Sun makes a positive alignment with Uranus on Sunday; this is mildly beneficial and supports innovation and stepping out of routine.  The Sun aligns with Jupiter on Monday, promoting ease and good timing.  Save Wednesday for routine tasks.  The Sun will be in square to nebulous Neptune, and the Moon will be void of course** almost all day, from 10:38 a.m. MDT until 9:46 p.m.  The remainder of the week rocks along without remarkable influences.  Full Moon comes on Monday, and we may feel surging emotions in the days preceding, though Saturday benefits from some nice Venus aspects coming exact on Sunday.

Week of May 18-24: Venus is in positive alignment with Uranus and Jupiter on Sunday, helping relationships and social life flow along happily.  Venus is coming into square with dreamy Neptune, exact on Monday, so don't be swept off your feet with either the romance of the moment or your wonderful new friends.  

Full Moon comes right at sunset Monday evening if you're around the Albuquerque-Denver area, at 8:11 p.m. MDT. The Full Moon will be in the very last, overripe degree of emotional Scorpio, invitation to drama and catharsis.  If faced with a choice, go for a warm bath instead.  .

The Sun has been in the late degrees of Taurus, and things may have been moving very slowly. The Sun enters Gemini Tuesday evening, and matters will move more quickly.  Keep in mind that Mercury will turn retrograde on May 26.  Do get projects up and running this week before the slowdown.

The ongoing sextile of Jupiter and Uranus is at maximum effect on Wednesday.  This is a great week to make changes and bring new possibilities into your life.  On Thursday, however, the Sun will square Saturn, making this a day to eliminate things of the past rather than make new beginnings. Venus is passing through the late degrees of comfortable Taurus, and enters sprightly, sociable Gemini Saturday afternoon.  The Moon will be void of course** all day Saturday, from 6:26 a.m. MDT until 9:52 p.m.  Relax and enjoy the day without set agenda.

Week of May 25-June 2: Mercury and Neptune turn retrograde on Monday.  Mercury will be retrograde until June 19, marking a time when day to day matters and communications lose clarity and momentum.  It's a good time to catch up on the backlog, rest, and get in touch with yourself.  The Neptune station suggests that many things will be nebulous and unclear, but if you seek clarity at this time, you can likely get it.  Venus is squaring Saturn on Monday, meaning that relationship matters are subject to testing.  This may simply mean that it's a good day for solitude.  Monday is Memorial Day, by the way.

The remainder of the week is rather quiet, with little of note astrologically.  The Moon will be void of course.** on Thursday, from 12:52 a.m. until 1:52 p.m. MDT.  Stick to routine matters, saving new initiatives for after the v.o.c. ends. Saturday also features a long v.o.c., from 6:54 a.m. MDT until 4:18 p.m.  This is also the quiet time before New Moon, time for rest, contemplation, planning next steps.  Let it be a quiet weekend.  New Moon comes on Tuesday, June 3.

June Preview: Mercury is retrograde through June 19.  Certain matters in our day to day life will move slowly and require patience.  This is a paradox, as Sun, Mercury and Venus are all in sprightly Gemini throughout that period.  This may make for situations in which communications continue to move quickly in some areas, but require corrections and adjustments as we go along.  

Summer Solstice on June 20 moves us into the sensitive Cancerian time of year, a time to connect with family, roots, and home.  This Solstice will bring some upheaval and transition, as the Sun will be opposite Pluto, planet of transformation and intensity.  Full Moon comes on June 18, Mercury turns direct on June 19, and Solstice arrives on June 20.  We will likely feel some intensity during this period of several days of high energy and shifts and changes.  

APRIL, 2008

As April begins the Sun is in the fire sign Aries, the first sign of the zodiac.  It's springtime, a time of energy, action, and new beginnings.  This is a great time to take the initiative, start new projects, and assert your desires.  Avoid displays of ego, selfishness or impulsiveness.  The planet Pluto turns retrograde* on April 2.  Each of the planets occasionally appears to stop its forward motion, become stationary, and then backtrack its orbit for a while.  At the times when a planet is making an apparent change of direction, its energy seems to be magnified.  Pluto is the planet of deep and powerful emotions and forces for change, and Pluto "stations" are often times of upheaval.

Mercury, Venus, Mars and Uranus are in sensitive water signs as April begins, though Mercury and Venus will enter fiery, impulsive Aries by Saturday night, April 5.  The energy planet Mars, "ruling planet" for Aries, is in vulnerable, defensive, reactive Cancer.  Many of us may feel the impulsiveness of the fire sign energies, but also feel vulnerable and defensive.  Three planets are in the practical earth signs, supporting channeling our energy into practical projects leading to tangible results. By April 20 the Sun and four planets will be in earth, helping us be patient, practical, and steady, but also stubborn.

Two helpful planetary alignments affect us over much of the month.  The sextile of Jupiter and Uranus, described in the March forecast, remains within 1 degree orb all month, supporting easy change and innovation. Saturn will be in positive trine alignment with Pluto from April 10 or so through the remainder of the month. Saturn represents stability, Pluto change. Their being in positive aspect means that we are more easily able to make steady efforts toward positive change and evolution. Both planets are in earth signs; we are able to use this opportunity in practical ways for tangible results.

New Moon comes on April 5.  Not only are the Sun and Moon in fiery Aries, they are also square to Mars in Cancer.  Many of us will feel quite a bit of volatility as this new lunar cycle begins.  Full Moon two weeks later is also rather intense, as the Moon will be in Scorpio, and there is an energizing alignment between Venus, Mars and Jupiter.  Normally we get a New Moon and a Full Moon in each sign.  This year we have two Full Moons in Scorpio.  The Moon is in the very first degree of Scorpio at the Full Moon on April 20, and it is in the last degree of Scorpio at Full Moon on May 19.

WEEK BY WEEK:

Week of March 30-April 5: Be mindful on Sunday of the continued impulsiveness and sensitivity of the Sun square Mars.  Pluto will turn retrograde* on Wednesday.  Pluto stations are usually times of intensity, when our deep issues are being stirred.  Even if you are not being strongly affected, others are going through transitions and crises.  Also on Wednesday, Mercury enters Aries after its sojourn in dreamy Pisces.  We're ready to state our views in clear but sometimes tactless terms, and let the chips fall where they may.  This could add to the intensity of the Pluto station with its deep stirrings.  Diplomacy and forethought will be handy tools at this point.

This is the quiet time before New Moon, which arrives Saturday evening.  Use the end of the week to further any changes coming up with the Pluto station, and to clean up loose ends for a new start at New Moon. New Moon arrives at 9:55 p.m. MDT Saturday evening.  Venus has been in the late degrees of dreamy Pisces all week and enters Aries a little before midnight on Saturday.  We'll be more direct and assertive about our wants and needs over the coming few days.

Week of April 6-12: This Sunday might be a good day for relaxation.  The Moon will be void of course** all day, from 9:02 a.m. until 7:20 p.m. MDT.  If you have projects for the day, get them started before 9:02 a.m.  Venus will be square Pluto on Sunday.  Relationship issues will pop to the surface for some of us, and many of us will experience glitches in social occasions and arrangements. We'll be better able to get down to practical matters and achieve tangible results on Monday.  

On Tuesday the Moon will be v.o.c.** again, from 9:13 a.m. until 7:27 p.m.  Important projects are best gotten under way early.  Arguments, impulsiveness and exaggeration come up for some of us Wednesday and Thursday.  The communication planet Mercury is in fiery Aries, in square to Mars, which is in the sensitive water sign Cancer.  (Translation:  People may express themselves in an impulsive or aggressive way, possibly as a result of feeling vulnerable and defensive.)  At the same time, the Sun, also in Aries, is squaring Jupiter, planet of expansiveness, optimism, and exaggeration.  You may feel inspired and enthusiastic and jump into a new project or endeavor.  Do the feasibility check, including being sure you have time in your schedule for the follow through. Both aspects are exact Thursday morning.  Thursday is the third day this week to have a long period during which the Moon is void of course, in this case from 10:11 a.m. until 8:43 p.m. MDT.

All day Friday and on Saturday until about 12:30 p.m. MDT, the Moon is "on course" in Cancer.  Connect with your community, nurture your projects, spend time with family, take care of your home and garden.  At 12:32 p.m. the Moon goes void again, until past midnight.  Take the afternoon and evening off to simply relax and enjoy home, family and community, or to nurture yourself.

Week of April 13-19: It appears this week may be a bit less volatile than the one previous. Sunday is graced with a sextile of the Sun to gentle, empathetic Neptune; and a square of Mercury to Jupiter.  That aspect, exact around noon, can indicate optimism, positive communication, and voluminous talk.  There's a tendency to exaggerate, to be overly optimistic, and to talk a lot about all the wonderful inspirations, ideas and possibilities that seem to flow easily at this time.  

On Monday Mercury is in positive sextile to Neptune, helping us be particularly insightful, inspired and subtle.  Tuesday and Wednesday are good days for getting things done, as the Moon is in meticulous and practical Virgo, which helps us direct our energy for concrete results. On Wednesday the Sun and Mercury are conjunct.  This is a day of high energy and lively communication.  As these bodies are in Aries, we tend to be quite confident and sure of ourselves and our ideas.  We may be long on conviction and short on objectivity.

Thursday begins with a long Moon v.o.c. period commencing right at midnight and running until 4:10 p.m. MDT.  Mercury is at the end of Aries, which may mean that there is a lot of talk and ideas without concrete accomplishment.  Mercury enters practical Taurus around 3 p.m. MDT, the Moon goes on course an hour later, and we're good to go, particularly since Mercury is coming into a "grand trine" alignment with Saturn and Pluto, which are trine one another.  This alignment creates a synergy of thought, focus, and practicality that supports focused and disciplined mental work.  Late afternoon and evening Thursday and all of Friday are great times for any type of planning, analysis, negotiation, or other work demanding careful concentration.  

Saturday morning the Sun is at the very end of Aries, and this is rather similar to the Moon void of course, as the transit of the sign is just about spent.  The Sun enters Taurus at 10:51 a.m. MDT.  We are ready to settle in and be calm, patient, practical and productive for the coming thirty days.  But first comes Full Moon, in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

Week of April 20-26: Full Moon comes early Sunday morning, 4:25 a.m. MDT. .Full Moon always presents us with Sun and Moon in signs opposite one another in the zodiac and very opposite in nature.  At this Full Moon, the Sun is in steady Taurus; the Moon is in Scorpio, sign of deep emotion. You may be tempted to let go emotionally, but also want to remain composed and steady.  You may be tempted to make changes or to confront the issues in your life, but hesitate to cause upset and loss of Taurean stability and comfort.  The Sun and Mercury are in a beneficial "grand trine" alignment with Saturn and Pluto, meaning that changes can be made and deep transformation effected without undue upset.  Also at Full Moon, Venus is in a "t-square" alignment with Mars and Jupiter, which are opposite one another.  This combination can be quite ebullient and full of high spirits, optimism and good times.  It may also show up as impulsiveness, bumptiousness, or emotional or financial extravagance, if it operates unchecked.  Tempered with a bit of common sense and good timing, this energy might boost you to success in one arena or another.  Size up the situation before you step out there.

On Sunday and Monday the Sun makes the beneficial grand trine to Pluto and Saturn, with Sun exactly aligning with Pluto around the noon hour on Sunday, and Sun trine Saturn exact around dawn on Monday.  We should be capable of quite a bit of focus, discipline, and resourcefulness on these days.  On Monday and Tuesday Mars is trine Uranus, supporting innovation and taking revolutionary steps in our lives.  Venus is exactly square Mars and Jupiter on Wednesday, fueling boldness and confidence, which can manifest in our being demonstrative, enthusiastic, confident, and also potentially bumptious, extravagant, even arrogant.  Be modest, and use a bit of judgment.  This may be the perfect time to step out and live at a new level.  Just be realistic.

Mars is opposite Jupiter all week, with the influence strongest on Wednesday and Thursday.  This is an aspect of confidence, good timing, and successful action.  There is the potential to overextend, overexert or be overbearing, but with a bit of common sense this alignment should work out well.  We should be feeling optimistic, and physical energy levels should be good.  (Watch a tendency to be a little accident prone, as in our confidence and enthusiasm we can get ahead of ourselves.)

Friday and Saturday are a bit more sedate, with a gentle sextile of Venus to Neptune, exact Friday morning, enhancing empathy and consideration for others.  On Friday and Saturday the Moon is in Capricorn, helping us stay grounded and steady in our efforts.

Week of April 27-May 3: This is the week Saturn turns direct, and many of us will be dealing with important issues that may seem very weighty.  This is the time to take hold and work things through, though Saturn stations can feel very daunting as we step up to them.  It may seem as if all our issues are coming up at once, and that may be the case.  Just step right in, in any case.  The only way around is through.  Depending on Saturn's current influence in your chart, this may simply feel like a good time to get down to work.  Saturn may be more noticeable in the lives of those around you.

Sunday begins with the Moon void of course** for several hours, from 8:18 a.m. until 3:27 p.m. MDT.  The time is well used for rest, meditation, and contemplation. Mental activity is enhanced as Mercury makes positive alignments with innovative Uranus on Sunday, and with expansive Jupiter, which helps us see the big picture, on Monday.  Confusion or miscommunication could enter the picture later on Monday and in the early hours Tuesday as Mercury squares nebulous Neptune.  We're back on track by Tuesday afternoon, when Mercury sextiles energetic Mars. Venus is at the very end of Aries on Tuesday.  We might feel rather impatient with relationships and social niceties.  Venus will enter loving Taurus early Wednesday, restoring harmony.

Venus trines Pluto and Saturn on Wednesday and Thursday, making a "grand trine."  We are able to evolve our relationships and interactions in constructive ways, without disruption. As Venus, Saturn and Pluto are in earth signs, some of this synergy may show up as progress in our material affairs.  

Saturn turns direct Friday evening.  You may be dealing with important issues, or simply working along and perhaps finding that progress is slow but steady.  Mercury is at the end of slow, deliberate Taurus, further slowing the action, until 2:00 p.m. MDT on Friday, when it enters sprightly Gemini.  But not so fast.  Mercury is square to limiting Saturn on Saturday.  Communications and transactions are slowed and require deliberate and conscious effort.  We're right before New Moon, making this a time for resting and regrouping.  Make it an easy weekend. Take time to finish projects, relax a bit, and plan for the new cycle that begins with New Moon on Monday.

May Preview: For most of the month we will have at least four planets in the practical, down-to-earth earth signs.  On May 2 Saturn will turn direct.*  Saturn stations are typically times when we are dealing with the realities of life, facing the truth about our situations and doing something about them. Jupiter will turn retrograde* on the 9^th, bringing our expansive energies to maximum flower before a time of regrouping over the next four months.  On May 26, both Mercury and Neptune will turn retrograde.  With Neptune at its turning point, or "station," you may notice that some situations are rather nebulous and open to multiple interpretations.  The challenge is to see clearly rather than be lulled by illusion and rationalization.  Mercury will be retrograde* until June 19, slowing down communications and daily affairs.  The two turning retrograde at the same time may really lead to some confusion, miscommunication and general foul-ups.  Both these events can signal a time for meditation or turning inward, and that might be the thing to do.

MARCH, 2008

As March begins, the Sun is in the sensitive, emotional water sign Pisces.  This is a natural time for introspection, and for empathy, dreams and idealism.  Several planets are in earth or air signs.  Earth signs focus on practical matters; air is mental, intellectual, and communicative.  This is a good time for practical communication and management of mundane matters, balancing the natural sensitivity of the Sun's transit through Pisces.  Between March 3 and March 14, however, the three planets in air signs move into water signs, and for a week or so at mid-month we are at five placements in water and three in earth. Water supports intuition and flow, while earth keeps a focus in the physical world. It is a perfect time to rest and contemplate before the natural rebound of energy that occurs when we reach Spring Equinox and the Sun enters the fire sign Aries.  This quiet time before Equinox would be a great time to work in the garden, weather permitting. 

Spring Equinox rolls around in late evening on March 19, carrying us from winter into spring.  The Aries time of year is a time of energy, action, and new beginnings.  As we near the end of the month, expansive Jupiter moves into a positive sextile alignment with Uranus, planet of innovation and freedom, for the first of three times between March and November of this year.  The sextile will be exact on March 28; it supports easy, positive change. According to Solar Fire™ astrology software, "A sudden and exciting new opportunity may present itself during this transit and you are in just the mood to make the most of any break in your normal routine. Your psychic and intuitive abilities are sharper than usual making up for any lack of practical common sense. Study, travel, technical, esoteric and scientific pursuits may also feature." This sounds like a perfect time to try new things and make new beginnings.  

WEEK BY WEEK:

Week of February 24-March 1: Sunday will likely be a rather slow, low-energy day, beginning as it does with a Sun-Saturn opposition.  Glitches, obstacles and endings are par for the course.  Plan a quiet weekend.

The workweek starts off slowly.  On Monday the Moon is v.o.c. from 6:35 a.m.  until 11:06 a.m. MST.  Mercury aligns with Venus in Aquarius on Tuesday, supporting harmonious and friendly communication and connections.  The Moon is v.o.c. again on Wednesday, from 7:54 a.m. until near midnight, MST.  The rest of the week is fairly uneventful, which can mean that things simply move smoothly. 

Week of March 2-8: As the week begins, we are in the quiet time before New Moon, making this a time to complete projects, rest, and plan the next cycle of activity.  On Sunday and Monday Mars is in the last degree of mobile and communicative Gemini.  Phone calls and e-mails may fly in profusion, and we may zip about attending to errands and myriad tasks.  Sunday is a better day for such activity, as the Moon will be void of course** all day on Monday, until 9:24 p.m. MST.  It would be all too easy to spin our wheels on Monday, doing too much, talking too much, scattering energy.  Maintain focus.  

By Tuesday morning Mars will be in Cancer.  The planet of energy and assertiveness in the sensitive, vulnerable water sign Cancer can be challenging.  Our assertive impulses can be colored by the sensitivity of Cancer, with a wet blanket effect.  Confidence falters, and we may be more defensive and indirect in pursuit of our aims. This transit can be well used for activities of nurturing, domesticity, and making our lives more secure.  The energy would be well used on household projects, gardening and cooking.  Mars will be in Cancer until May 9.

Wednesday morning may be a time of emotional fluctuations, as the Moon occults, or passes in front of, Mercury, Venus and Neptune.  This may be an opportunity for shifts in perspective.  Thursday could be a quiet, pleasant day.  The Sun aligns with Jupiter, adding a bit of ease and fortunate timing to the day.  Venus is conjunct Neptune, enhancing empathy and understanding.  Don't be carried away with idealism or illusion.

New Moon comes on Friday, 10:14 a.m. MST.  At New Moon the Sun and Moon will be closely conjunct Uranus, planet of change and the unexpected.  This is particularly emphasized in our nation's capital, where these bodies are directly overhead, and may indicate surprising developments or revelations.  Mercury, Neptune and Venus will be conjunct within three degrees of one another, adding idealism to our thought processes and our relationships.  This may bring insights and new understanding, though we can also mislead ourselves with unclear communication and unrealistic expectations. Along the corridor from Albuquerque to Denver, the Mercury-Neptune-Venus conjunction will be right overhead, along with Chiron, a small body associated with processes of healing.  There may be more of an emphasis on health care news, or idealism, and a number of us may be confronting areas that need healing in our personal lives.  Make the most of that, if such an opportunity comes along.  Many of us will be experiencing and embracing opportunities for liberating change thanks to the Sun-Moon-Uranus conjunction, and that alignment may also bring a healthy dose of chaos, surprises and unexpected developments.

In addition to these salutary celestial influences, Mars is opposite Pluto at New Moon, increasing our drive and determination, and goading some of us to drastic measures.  Use just enough of that energy to accomplish what's needed, without ruthlessness or extremes.  The Sun will be exactly conjunct Uranus around noon on Saturday.  Leave the midday open to serendipity and the unexpected, enjoying freedom and novelty.  This could bring the start of a positive new development in your life.  Mercury is conjunct Neptune, exact Saturday evening.  This brings dreams, idealism and intuition when it is working well, and confusion and unrealistic perspectives when given free rein.  Keep your feet on the ground for best results.  These influences operating at New Moon stay with us to some extent for the whole 29-day lunar cycle, making this a month of change and innovation, idealism, and some tendency to go to extremes.  

Week of March 9-15: The energy of New Moon is still with us, especially including the Sun-Uranus conjunction, which was exact during the day Saturday, and the Mercury-Neptune conjunction, which was exact late Saturday night.  Leave Sunday morning rather free flowing.  Crisp thinking does not normally eventuate from a Mercury-Neptune conjunction, but intuitive insights and creative imagination do come through.  It could be a good Sunday morning for simply lazing about.  This is the first day of daylight saving time. 

Mercury and Venus move from detached Aquarius to personal, romantic, subjective Pisces this week.  Venus enters Aquarius Wednesday afternoon.  We'll be more sensitive, empathetic and imaginative in our relating with others.  Mercury enters Pisces Friday afternoon, supporting imagination, intuition, and non-linear thought processes.

On Friday Mars aligns favorably with Saturn, supporting steady application of effort, leading to accomplishment.  On Saturday Mercury sextiles Pluto, promoting deep insight and incisive communication.  Also on Saturday, Venus opposes Saturn.  In some cases, our kindest efforts may be received without recognition or appreciation.  Some social or romantic arrangements are displaced by responsibilities or unexpected hindrances.  This could be a fine opportunity to take some time alone with those deep insights promoted by the Mercury-Pluto aspect.  Some relationships will falter at this time, as the inherent obstacles are shown in rather harsh light.  Again, solitude and time to think could be the best thing.  On the other hand, we could bounce back by evening, when Venus trines Mars.  Dispatch the obstacles and follow your heart.

Week of March 16-22: Venus in Pisces aligns with Mars in Cancer in the wee hours Sunday morning, making for a pleasant start on the day.  Mercury opposes Saturn Sunday night.  Though harmony is wanted, some communication glitches persist.  Communication speeds up on Monday and Tuesday.

We are coming to the end of the Sun's passage through Pisces.  This time of year just before Vernal Equinox is often a time of emotional vulnerability for many of us.  Then at Equinox the Sun enters Aries and confidence and energy return.  Equinox comes at 11:49 p.m. MDT on Wednesday. The Equinox chart still has strong Pisces influences, and the Moon is in discriminating Virgo.  You may notice a contrast between fluidity in certain situations and a desire to discern and define what it so.  Intuition and analysis – how to balance the two?  This dichotomy is particularly noticeable in the Albuquerque area, where Saturn in Virgo is directly overhead, and Mercury and Venus in Pisces are on the opposite side of the earth, emphasizing the polarity between left brain and right brain, facts and truth, linear and holistic thinking.  The Sun is headed for a square to Pluto, bringing some issues toward crisis in the next day or so.

Full Moon comes at 12:40 p.m. MDT on Friday, and many issues are coming to culmination around this time, what with being at Full Moon and the Sun and Moon additionally being in square to the crisis planet Pluto.  Channel your energy into spring cleaning of all sorts, and making constructive changes.  Balance your own desires with consideration of the wants and needs of others. 

Week of March 22-29: The Moon is void of course* just about all day on Sunday, which is Easter.  Let the day unfold as it will, which is what will happen anyway.  Pleasant communications seem likely on Sunday and Monday, as Mercury is conjunct harmonious Venus.  

The sextile alignment of Jupiter and Uranus, mentioned above, affects us all week, peaking on Friday.  This alignment supports easy, positive change.  Mercury and Venus conjoin Uranus and make the sextile to Jupiter, on Thursday and Friday, adding extra benefit and enhancing possibility of positive relationship development and breakthrough thought and conversation.  On Friday the Moon is void of course** all day, from 7:21 a.m. MDT until 8:43 p.m.  Mundane agendas and concrete accomplishment are sidelined, though innovative possibilities continue to develop.  

Watch out for haste and impulsiveness, which can slip into the mix on Friday and Saturday.  The Sun is coming into square with Mars, exact Saturday night.  Mars in Cancer can bring out defensiveness and a tendency to overreact.  Be patient and confident, and curb your temper.

Week of March 30-April 5: Be mindful on Sunday of the continued impulsiveness and sensitivity of the Sun square Mars.  Pluto will turn retrograde* on Wednesday.  Pluto stations are usually times of intensity, when our deep issues are being stirred.  Even if you are not being strongly affected, others are going through transitions and crises.  Also on Wednesday, Mercury enters Aries after its sojourn in dreamy Pisces.  We're suddenly ready to take the bull by the horns, state our views in clear but sometimes tactless terms, and let the chips fall where they may.  This could add to the intensity of the Pluto station with its deep stirrings.  Diplomacy and forethought will be handy tools at this point.

This is the quiet time before New Moon, which arrives Saturday evening.  Use the end of the week to further any changes coming up with the Pluto station, and to clean up loose ends for a new start at New Moon. New Moon arrives at 9:55 p.m. MDT Saturday evening.  Venus has been in the late degrees of dreamy Pisces all week and enters Aries a little before midnight on Saturday.  We'll be more direct and assertive about our wants and needs over the coming few days.

April Preview: We have a couple of helpful planetary alignments affecting us over much of the month.  The sextile of Jupiter and Uranus, described in this March forecast, remains within 1 degree orb all month, supporting easy change and innovation. Saturn will be in positive trine alignment with Pluto from April 10 or so through the remainder of the month.  These two planets are in practical earth signs.  Saturn represents stability, Pluto change. Their being in positive aspect means that we are more easily able to make steady efforts toward positive change and evolution.  The planets being in earth signs means that we are able to use this opportunity in practical ways for tangible results.

FEBRUARY, 2008

As February begins, all of the planets except Uranus are in earth or air signs.  Earth signs focus on practical matters; air is mental, intellectual, and communicative.  This is a good time for practical communication and management of mundane matters.  Put your files, your household and your workspace in order.  Mercury is retrograde* from January 28 until February 18, muddling or slowing day to day communications, transactions and travel.  Things aren't moving forward very well, so it's a good time to slow down and catch up.  Uranus is in the water sign Pisces, and that is the only placement not in an air or earth sign until the Sun enters Pisces on February 19.  Water supports intuition and flow.  The Moon changes signs every couple of days and goes through all twelve signs in 27.4 days.

Mars, planet of energy, initiative and assertiveness, had been retrograde* since November 15 and turned direct on January 30.  Energy levels rebound, and we are more easily able to take the initiative, to get into action, and to assert ourselves.  We also have a Solar Eclipse on February 6 and a Lunar Eclipse on February 20.  Eclipses seem to mark times of shifts and changes.  We normally have a Solar and a Lunar Eclipse approximately every 6 months.  The next Eclipses will occur in August.

Pluto, planet of deep transformation, entered Capricorn on January 25 for a stay of approximately 12 years.  Each of us might harness this transformative potential by examining our life structures and our habitual assumptions and patterns, including self-imposed limitations, with an eye to updating and renewal.

WEEK BY WEEK:

Week of January 27-February 2: Mercury turns retrograde* at 1:31 p.m. MST on Monday.  Try to have any important transactions or projects under way before that time or in the day or two following.  Communications, travel and daily doings will slow down and tend to bog down over the next three weeks until Mercury turns direct on February 18.  Mars will turn direct Wednesday afternoon at 3:33 p.m. MST, which will have been felt over the previous few days as a rise in energy and activity, and in impulsiveness.  Mars turning direct should feel liberating as our energy returns and we are more easily able to get things done.  Venus is trine to Saturn on Tuesday, in between Mercury turning retrograde and Mars turning direct, which should help keep interactions and communication on track.  On Thursday the Moon will be v.o.c.** again, from the wee hours until 3:08 p.m. MST.  Use the v.o.c. period for routine activities and completing tasks, as things begun under a v.o.c. tend to go other than as planned.  

Thursday and Friday may be notable for positive, productive interactions, as Venus conjoins expansive Jupiter in Capricorn.  Thought and communication tend to become muddled on Saturday as the retrograde Mercury aligns with dreamy Neptune.  Take time for an escape from routine, particularly in late afternoon and evening; Mercury is exactly conjunct Neptune at 5:55 p.m.

Week of February 3-9: The first half of the week is the quiet time before New Moon, best used to complete projects and plan ahead for the next cycle, rather than begin new projects.  With Mercury retrograde this is especially so.  With the additional emphasis of this New Moon being a Solar Eclipse, there is special potential for transitions, shifts in consciousness, endings and beginnings. 

Monday afternoon may be especially slow.  Along with being in the "dark of Moon" period before New Moon/Eclipse, and with Mercury retrograde, the Moon will be void of course, from 11:20 a.m. Mountain time until just after noon (12:10 p.m.) on Tuesday.  Take some time for rest and contemplation, rather than try to push the river.

New Moon/Solar Eclipse comes Wednesday evening, at maximum around 8:44 p.m. MST.  This will be seen in other parts of the world as a partial eclipse, but it will occur after sunset in the United States, hence no visible eclipse for us.  The next day, Thursday, we have another long v.o.c.** from 8:50 a.m. until 6:46 p.m. MST.  This may give us time to process any shifts in consciousness coinciding with the eclipse, and at any rate this will probably be a rather slow day for many of us.  This is the time of year when new life is stirring underground, though not much is visible above ground.  

Friday may be the most productive day of the week, with the new lunar cycle begun and the Moon on course.  Get things moving early in the day on Saturday; the Moon goes void again at 2:05 p.m. MST, remaining v.o.c. until near midnight.

Week of February 10-16: Take Sunday easy, leaving opportunity for imagination and escape from daily routine.  The Sun is aligning with Neptune, and we are prone to lethargy, dreaminess and imprecision.  Monday morning the waxing Moon will be in energetic Aries, helping us get the week off to a lively start. The week will probably unfold rather uneventfully, which can be a good thing.  The Sun will be in harmonious trine with the energy planet Mars on Wednesday and Thursday, St. Valentine's Day.  This alignment should energize our actions and interactions in a favorable manner.  Mercury is nearing the end of its retrograde cycle.  Some matters that have been moving slowly may begin to pick up momentum, and tangled communications start to clarify.

Week of February 17-23: Venus moves from Capricorn into Aquarius Sunday morning, 9:22 a.m. MST.  After being rather serious and restrained recently, we are ready to have more fun and be sociable.  Mercury turns direct Monday evening, 7:57 p.m. MST.  Communications and all sorts of daily matters are ready to move forward more smoothly now.  The Sun enters Pisces around midnight Monday.  We will naturally operate with more intuition, compassion and flow for the next month.  We'll be more emotional over the next few days, as we are coming to the Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse Wednesday evening.

The Lunar Eclipse is exact at 8:30 p.m. MST Wednesday evening, and will be visible in the United States.  The Eclipse chart has some nurturing features, including Venus conjunct Jupiter, and it looks fairly decent as it shows up in our nation's capital.  In Albuquerque and surrounding area, aggressive Mars will be close to overhead, and Pluto will be directly on the opposite side of earth, or we might think of it as underfoot.  These two bodies were similarly placed at the Solar Eclipse two weeks ago, and this whole lunar cycle, up to the next New Moon on March 7, may be a period of conflict, separations or mishaps for many people.

Regardless of location on earth, the Moon at this Full Moon/Eclipse is approaching conjunction with Saturn, planet of limitation, and the Sun is approaching opposition to Saturn.  Separations and endings make room for new connections and beginnings, and this may be especially in evidence this month.  It may or may not be traumatic, it could just be about cleaning house and disposing of old furniture; the experience varies according to impact on one's personal chart.  Do give attention to where you want to be and what you need to release to be there.  This theme may be particularly noticeable through the end of the week, when the Sun opposes Saturn exactly, late Saturday night.  Saturday evening will be a quiet and reflective time for many of us, perhaps a night of chosen solitude.  For others, this may be a discouraging time of things not working out, and stark reality staring us in the face.  If that's the case, try to see it as an opportunity.

Week of February 24-March 1: Sunday will likely be a rather slow, low-energy day, beginning as it does with a Sun-Saturn opposition.  Glitches, obstacles and endings are par for the course.  Plan a quiet weekend.

The work week starts off slowly.  On Monday morning the Moon is void of course from 6:35 a.m. until 11:06 a.m. MST.   Let the Moon go back "on course" before beginning new projects.  Mercury aligns with Venus in Aquarius on Tuesday, supporting harmonious and friendly communication and connections.  The Moon is v.o.c. again on Wednesday, from 7:54 a.m. until near midnight, MST.  Carry on with routine activities, leaving new projects to Thursday and Friday. The rest of the week is fairly uneventful, which can mean that things simply proceed smoothly. 

March Preview: March appears to be free of significant complications, with no planetary stations and with only one planet, Saturn, in retrograde. Spring Equinox rolls around on March 21.  Jupiter will be in positive sextile alignment with Uranus, the first of three occurrences between March and November of this year, on March 28.  This alignment supports easy, positive change.  Try new things. According to Solar Fire astrology software, "A sudden and exciting new opportunity may present itself during this transit and you are in just the mood to make the most of any break in your normal routine. Your psychic and intuitive abilities are sharper than usual making up for any lack of practical common sense. Study, travel, technical, esoteric and scientific pursuits may also feature."  The Sun, Mercury and Venus each will conjunct Uranus this month, in the subtle and fluid water sign Pisces, adding additional impetus to innovation and new beginnings.  

JANUARY, 2008

Happy New Year! We start off January rather quietly, with the Sun, Mercury and Jupiter in practical, organizing Capricorn, and Saturn in meticulous Virgo.  This is a good New Year to make and keep resolutions for greater order and productivity. We are shifting from a time with three of the five outer planets in fire signs to those three planets transiting earth signs.  Saturn spends approximately 2.5 years in a sign.  Saturn entered Virgo from Leo on September 2.  Jupiter spends approximately one year in each sign; Jupiter moved from Sagittarius to Capricorn on December 18.  Pluto will enter Capricorn on January 25 after being in Sagittarius since 1995.  The overall trend should be toward greater organization, practicality and bottom line effectiveness in the physical world and our daily affairs.  

This is not without some upheaval.  Pluto's process is to break down so that regeneration can take place. This may be as simple in your own life as dragging everything out of a closet to start from scratch and put things in a new and better order. Capricorn represents the status quo, tradition, and fixed conservative attitudes as embodied in governments and bureaucracies.   On the societal level, we may see upheaval in governments and corporations and testing of norms.  This is not a new thing, as Pluto's transit in Sagittarius, which loves freedom and strong opinions, got the ball rolling these last few years.

Mars, planet of energy, initiative and assertiveness, has been retrograde* since November 15 and will turn direct on January 30.  It's typical, during Mars's retrograde cycle, to have lower energy levels and to find it less easy than usual to exert oneself and to take the initiative and accomplish tasks to achieve one's goals. 

Mercury turns retrograde on January 28. Communications and day to day affairs will go through a three-week slowdown, until Mercury turns direct on February 18.

Venus is unusually active this month, making alignments with six planets between January 6 and February 1.  This is probably not a huge deal but may impact our day to day interactions or significant relationships.  Watch the weekly forecasts and see if you notice an effect.

WEEK BY WEEK:

Week of December 30-January 5: Venus moves from Scorpio into free-spirited, positive, philosophical Sagittarius Sunday morning.  We're more inclined to address relationship issues with a light touch, allowing space for things to work out without close examination and deliberation.  On Tuesday, Mars in retrograde backtracks from emotional Cancer into mobile, multi-tasking Gemini.  Communications may speed up, and possibly tangle up.  Mars opposes Pluto on Tuesday-Wednesday, bringing out a drive to transformation.  This is positive if channeled constructively.  Avoid drastic actions and power struggles. Thursday, Friday and Saturday are fairly quiet.  We are moving into the quiet before New Moon, which comes Tuesday morning, January 8.  Tie up loose ends and plan next steps.

Week of January 6-12: Early Sunday the Sun aligns with Uranus in a sextile aspect, which supports flexibility and fresh ideas.  Venus squares Saturn early Sunday morning; relationships may be rather flat, or contacts and social arrangements may be subdued or delayed.  Sunday and Monday are a good time for organizing, for Mercury is at the end of Capricorn.  This could run to excess, particularly on Monday, with too much focus on procedures and details.  Remember that the goal is to "get it done." This is the time immediately before New Moon, a good time for completing projects and planning next steps. 

Mercury enters Aquarius late Monday evening, shifting the focus to ideas, innovation, and group or social contacts.  New Moon comes early Tuesday morning, 4:37 a.m. MST.  In Washington, D.C., Jupiter in Capricorn will be on the eastern horizon in positive alignment with Saturn.  This may help things level off and be a little more grounded and on course.  In Albuquerque, where this forecast originates, Venus will be rising at the time of New Moon, promoting relationship and social activities. The Moon will be void of course** all day Tuesday, from the moment of New Moon until early Wednesday.  Continue getting your ducks in a row for this new lunar cycle, letting important steps wait until Wednesday.  

The remainder of this week is relatively uneventful, up to Friday evening and Saturday.  Venus squares Uranus, exact Saturday morning.  Relationships and social occasions are subject to change and would benefit from innovation and fresh ideas.

Week of January 13-19: This is the last week of the Sun's passage through Capricorn, a good time to work on projects aimed at putting your life in good working order.  Have tax prep begun and filing for 2008 under way, holiday trappings long gone, and clutter at bay.  The Moon is waxing, a good time to initiate projects and move them along.  

Venus will oppose Neptune on Wednesday.  We're more empathetic, but should not over-idealize people or relationships.  If we fail at that, however, the cure comes on Friday and Saturday when Venus opposes Mars.  People are outspoken and abrupt, and clashes can occur.  Take it in stride, and make any confrontation healthy and constructive.

Week of January 20-26: This is an active week with several influences affecting us.  The Sun enters Aquarius Sunday morning, 9:44 a.m. MST.  The organizational influence of the Sun's transit of Capricorn now ending evolves into a new focus on group connections and new ideas and innovations.  Jupiter is in positive trine alignment with Saturn for several days, peaking on Monday and Tuesday.  Jupiter relates to expansiveness and optimism and ability to see the big picture, and it is working well within the containing and organizing structure of Capricorn.  Saturn, the "ruling planet" of Capricorn, is the planet of structure and organization, and it is in meticulous and discriminating Virgo.  There is plenty of down to earth energy between these two planets in their respective earth signs, and the positive alignment indicates that the expansiveness of Jupiter and the caution and discipline of Saturn are in balance.  We should be able to get a lot done this week, very effectively, as this alignment affects us for at least a week before and after the exact trine.  Take advantage and get your projects and important transactions and activities under way before Mercury turns retrograde on Monday, January 28.

Energy is high, as we are at Full Moon, which comes Tuesday morning at 6:35 a.m. MST.  We need that Jupiter-Saturn trine to help keep things more or less on track at this Full Moon.  Mercury is conjunct Neptune, which can make for vague or unrealistic thinking and muddled communication.  And Venus is coming into conjunction with Pluto, an alignment that brings buried relationship issues to the surface, with a tendency to strong reactions.  In Washington, Mercury and Neptune will be just rising; confusion may be more in evidence than usual, and the spin-doctors will be whirling.  In Albuquerque things are a little more down to earth, as earthy Capricorn is rising and Jupiter and Saturn are in balance on either side of the Midheaven or overhead point.  The Mercury-Neptune conjunction with its nebulous influence is exact Tuesday evening and will begin dissipating by Wednesday.  

Venus will conjunct Pluto Wednesday evening.  Between this conjunction, the potential for confusion and misunderstanding arising from the Mercury-Neptune conjunction, and the Full Moon, any relationship issues will probably be coming up.  This can be a good time to address anything that arises, being mindful of Pluto's tendency to extremism.  Be honest and considerate, balancing Pluto's desire to get to the core of things and Venus's intention of balance and fairness.  Both Pluto and Venus are at the very last degree of freedom-loving Sagittarius at the time of the conjunction Wednesday evening, and this could lead to break-ups or "taking a break."  Venus enters loyal Capricorn an hour or so later, so some breaks may be brief but renewing.  

Pluto enters Capricorn Friday evening, 8:44 p.m. MST.  This is a very interesting event astrologically, and one that no person now living has experienced, since Pluto has an orbital period of approximately 248 years and was last in Capricorn between 1762 and 1778.  There may or may not be dramatic events at the time of Pluto's entry into Capricorn, but the trend will be noticeable in the coming months and years. Fanaticism has been more and more rampant in the world during the transit of Pluto through Sagittarius from 1995 to the present.  Between this reaching an extreme as this transit culminates, and the implications of Pluto entering Capricorn, there is quite a bit of potential for upheaval in the larger scene. On the individual level, Sagittarians and people born under Capricorn may feel shifts and surges around this date, though not as extreme or unsettling as we see on the world stage.  Each of us might harness this transformative potential by examining our life structures and our habitual assumptions and patterns, with an eye to updating and renewal.

On Saturday the Moon is v.o.c.** from predawn to 3:35 p.m. MST.  Take the time to rest from a week that will likely have been rather intense, and defer important stuff to later afternoon.

Week of January 27-February 2: Mercury turns retrograde* at 1:31 p.m. MST on Monday.  Try to have any important transactions or projects under way before that time or in the day or two following.  Communications, travel and daily doings will slow down and tend to bog down over the next three weeks until Mercury turns direct on February 18.  Mars will turn direct Wednesday afternoon at 3:33 p.m. MST, which will have been felt over the previous few days as a rise in energy and activity, and in impulsiveness.  Mars turning direct should feel liberating as our energy returns and we are more easily able to get things done.  Venus is trine to Saturn on Tuesday, in between Mercury turning retrograde and Mars turning direct, which should help keep interactions and communication on track.  On Thursday the Moon will be v.o.c.** again, from the wee hours until 3:08 p.m. MST.  Use the v.o.c. period for routine activities and completing tasks, as things begun under a v.o.c. tend to go other than as planned.  

Thursday and Friday may be notable for positive, productive interactions, as Venus conjoins expansive Jupiter in Capricorn.  Thought and communication tend to become muddled on Saturday as the retrograde Mercury conjoins dreamy Neptune.  Take time for an escape from routine, particularly in late afternoon and evening; Mercury is exactly conjunct Neptune at 5:55 p.m.

February Preview: Mercury remains in retrograde, muddling or slowing day to day communications, transactions and travel, until Monday evening, February 18.  We also have a Solar Eclipse on February 6 and a Lunar Eclipse on February 20.  Eclipses seem to mark times of shifts and changes.  We normally have a Solar and a Lunar Eclipse approximately every 6 months.

December, 2007

December is here, and the Sun is in the fire sign Sagittarius, known for optimism, enthusiasm, adventure, high ideals and indulgence.  The Sagittarius time of year spans the dates from approximately November 22 to December 21, covering the time from Thanksgiving to just before Christmas/Yule/Kwanzaa.  There's plenty of indulgence, travel, spending, parties and enthusiasm during this period, and 2007 is no different.  

In fact, 2007 may be a little over the top in some respects.  Jupiter, the ruling planet of Sagittarius, is currently in Sagittarius, as it is for approximately one year in its 12-year cycle.   Jupiter will be conjunct Pluto on December 12 and this alignment will affect us to some degree all month. This conjunction occurs every 13 years or so. I always refer to Jupiter-Pluto combinations as "leaping tall buildings with a single bound." These alignments can present an opportunity for accomplishing great things that have long been desired. Somehow, the time and resources just seem to show up, giving the opportunity to seize the moment and quickly achieve that which we've aspired to. The planet of enthusiasm and expansiveness aligning with the planet of intensity may show up in a number of other ways, the simplest being ebullience, enthusiasm, positive energy and good luck. Use the energy wisely; don't waste it.

Jupiter is also associated with strong opinions, and with Pluto involved fanatics may really be off the deep end at this time.  You may notice heated debates and intractable positions in your own environment or your own mind.  Jupiter, while having a reputation for beneficence, is also the planet of exaggeration.  We may see some really over the top situations.  For the most part, this should all work out for the best.

The Jupiter-Pluto conjunction is highlighted at the December 9 New Moon and again comes into focus at Solstice on December 21, and at Full Moon, which comes two days later. Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Pluto will be conjunct one another and opposite Mars, which is retrograde* in Cancer and will likely agitate or muddle a bit.  For most of us in our individual lives, this will be a fun holiday season with manageable amounts of excess and extravagance, and plenty of travel, parties, fun and enjoyment.  The holiday period with its breaks from ordinary routine could also afford the opportunity to accomplish some of those goals that often become attainable around the time of a Jupiter-Pluto alignment.

Jupiter will enter Capricorn on December 18, and Pluto will enter Capricorn in January after being in Sagittarius since 1995. Pluto radicalizes, breaks down and transforms.  Sagittarius searches for knowledge and understanding and disseminates it.  Sagittarius has strong opinions.  During Pluto's transit of Sagittarius we have seen huge proliferation of information dissemination through the Internet, and radical opinions and religious extremism.  Capricorn represents the status quo, tradition, and fixed conservative attitudes as embodied in governments and bureaucracies.  Pluto's transit of Capricorn may mark a time of increased testing in those areas, with passing away of old forms and rebirth into forms more functional for the world as it is today.

There are some important shifts going on this month and next, and it's good to look at the big picture of your life.  In the week to week flow of life, during the first three weeks of December, the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Pluto are in ebullient, optimistic, fun loving Sagittarius.  Between December 18 and 21, Jupiter, Mercury and the Sun enter serious, practical, organizing Capricorn.  It will be time to observe tradition, balance the books, and get organized to start the New Year 2008.  Between Saturn's entry into Virgo at the beginning of September, 2007, Jupiter's ingress into Capricorn this month, and Pluto's ingress into Capricorn in January, we will soon have three outer planets in earth signs, where previously that grouping had all been in fire.

Saturn turns retrograde* on December 19, adding to the shift to seriousness.  Saturn stations tend to bring up all those issues we've been needing to deal with.   It's time to deal.

Mars, planet of energy, initiative and assertiveness, has been retrograde* since November 15 and will turn direct* on January 30.  It's typical, during a Mars retrograde cycle, to have lower energy levels and to find it less easy than usual to exert oneself and to take the initiative and accomplish tasks to achieve one's goals.  Mars is in the reticent water sign Cancer, adding to the somewhat introverted tendencies we would expect of retrograde Mars. The Jupiter-Pluto conjunction affecting us all month, and the fire sign placements, may help to offset this tendency; and at times we may notice the paradox of being ebulliently visionary and acting forthrightly, while intermittently being indirect and retiring.

WEEK BY WEEK:

Week of December 2-8: Venus is sextile Jupiter on Sunday and sextile Pluto on Monday, activating the influence of the Jupiter-Pluto conjunction.  Venus sextile Jupiter promotes positive, expansive relating.  Venus sextile Pluto goes a little deeper, seeking transformation of those areas in need of regeneration.  This week has its ups and downs as it continues. On Tuesday Venus is at the last degree of her own sign Libra, where she promotes grace, harmony and affection.  Early Wednesday, Venus enters Scorpio, which is ruled by transformative Pluto. It's time to get to underlying issues and transform them. The Moon will be void of course** most of Wednesday morning (7:48 a.m. to 11:31 a.m. MST).  Gather resources and tie up loose ends in the morning, waiting to take on new tasks and activities in the afternoon. 

On Thursday the communication planet Mercury squares Saturn, planet of obstacles.  Expect some communication challenges, particularly situations in which one person speaks in generalized, exaggerated or imprecise terms and another demands more precision and clarity. (Mercury is in Sagittarius; Saturn is in analytical, critical Virgo.)  Speak your own visionary ideas with attention to practical details.  As Thursday continues, we move into a square of the Sun to freedom-loving Uranus.  It may just be right to take some time alone. The Sun-Uranus square continues on Friday, bringing unexpected developments and changes in plans. The Moon is also void of course** all day Friday from way before dawn to ‘round midnight.  Let this be a freeform day, taking things as they come and being prepared to innovate on the spot. 

Mars is sextile Saturn on Saturday.  It should be easy to get organized and get things done.  We are coming up to New Moon Sunday morning, so this is a good time to wrap up loose ends and prepare for the new cycle.

Week of December 9-15: New Moon arrives at 10:40 a.m. Mountain Time on Sunday. In Washington, the Sun and Moon will be in the 9^th house of travel and the search for truth and understanding.  Solar Fire astrology software's interpretation offers the following: 

THE MOON IN SAGITTARIUS – You have an emotional need for adventure and independence, and an instinctual urge for travel and exploring. Under stress you will want to go on an adventure. 

THE MOON IN THE 9TH HOUSE – You have a need to understand the global picture in most situations. You find comfort through adventure; exploring the world through higher learning, travel, religion, philosophy and foreign cultures.

Sounds like time for the Commander in Chief to visit the troops or undertake other diplomatic efforts.  The Jupiter-Pluto conjunction will be almost directly overhead in Washington at the time of the New Moon.  Great things may be possible, or other over-the-top developments may come forth.  For the rest of us, this is the beginning of a new monthly cycle, and the Jupiter-Pluto energy is coming to a peak.  Use it to good advantage, directing your energies to leaping your own "tall buildings," while managing not to be too far over the top.  Jupiter is boisterous and enthusiastic, and sometimes overlooks details.  It's easy to drive too fast or to get ahead of oneself and take a pratfall.  Do be safe. Set goals for the coming month.  This just may be a month to remember.

Monday morning is another of those Moon v.o.c.** time warps in which we may get some background work done, but important things should wait for the Moon to enter the next sign, which in this case is Capricorn, at 11:51 a.m. MST.  Mercury is squaring Uranus on Monday, exact in late afternoon.  People are outspoken, and communications ramble off topic.  Heretofore unrevealed information and opinions could come to light.  You, dear reader, being forewarned, will be diplomatic and focused. 

Tuesday is the day, the peak of the Jupiter-Pluto conjunction, which influences us for at least a couple of weeks before and after the day.  The conjunction is exact at 12:26 p.m. Mountain time.  Be on the lookout for opportunity, think of what you want and need to accomplish, and take action today to realize your dreams and ideals.  Venus is aligning favorably with Mars today, helping relationships.  The Sun is exactly sextile Neptune in early evening, supporting intuition and flow.  If you can steer clear of the excesses, this day might really be something.  If not, it will really be something anyway.  Or perhaps the Jupiter influence will be a stealth thing, so subtle that its import will only be clear in retrospect.

The remainder of this week cooks along, with minor positive influences to support any opportunities coming our way.  On Wednesday Venus sextiles Saturn, supporting steady, reliable relationship. On Thursday, Mercury sextiles Neptune, a subtle aspect supporting insight and insightful conversation.  Friday and Saturday have no notable planetary alignments.  We are headed toward the Saturn station on December 19, with its gravity.  And Jupiter, Mercury and the Sun are ready to enter Capricorn.  This is the last weekend of full Sagittarian ebullience.  Have fun.

Week of December 16-22: This may be quite a week, astrologically speaking.  Jupiter enters Capricorn on Tuesday; Saturn turns retrograde on Wednesday; Mercury enters Capricorn on Thursday; and Winter Solstice, the Sun's entry into Capricorn, comes on Friday.  This may not be difficult or really notable in our outer lives, but you may feel a shift to seriousness and manifesting more organization and competence as we move from a preponderance of bouncy Sagittarius to mature Capricorn in a few short days.

Sunday and Monday might be good days for errands and lots of communication and activity as Mercury, Jupiter and the Sun near the end of mobile Sagittarius. Venus trines Uranus on Monday, supporting openness and positive interactions.  Jupiter enters Capricorn at 1:12 p.m. MST on Tuesday.  You'll probably have been turning your attention to being more organized and disciplined; now that can really progress.  We're also at the Saturn station, which brings up any inherent challenges or issues that need to be addressed.  

Saturn turns retrograde at 7:11 a.m. MST Wednesday morning.  Mercury conjoins penetrating Pluto later in the morning.  This can be good for penetrating to the core of a problem, but guard against interactions going off track.  Keep things in perspective, part of a bigger picture. Early Thursday, Mercury enters Capricorn.  Make those lists; devise a work plan and budget; get organized!  Mercury conjoins Jupiter Thursday afternoon, and the Sun is conjunct Pluto.  Hold the big picture in mind, and address problem areas without going to extremes.

Winter Solstice is Friday night, 11:08 p.m. MST.  The shift from Sagittarius to Capricorn is accomplished.  The Solstice chart influences these few days and also the next three months, up to Spring Equinox.  At Solstice, the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Pluto are conjunct within 4 degrees, meaning lots of expansive, transformative, yet grounded energy is available to us.  These four bodies are opposite Mars, which is in Cancer and is retrograde.  This opposition may show up as fluctuation between positive action and reticence or indirect action, possibly punctuated by impulsiveness and/or defensiveness.  Stay grounded and direct your energy and efforts productively.  Venus is square Neptune at Solstice, bringing in idealism and romanticism, which may or may not withstand the tests of time.  

The Solstice energy remains strong on Saturday.  Mercury will be exactly opposite Mars, exact around noon.  Impulsive speech and differences of opinion are a part of this several days, especially Thursday through Saturday.  The Sun will be conjunct Jupiter on Saturday, exact in late evening.  Positive developments may be coming together over the weekend, spurred on by Full Moon, which occurs on Sunday.

Week of December 23-29: Full Moon, at 6:16 p.m. MST on Sunday, adds another high point to the influences of the past several days.  Matters may be culminating, especially as the Sun is coming into direct opposition with Mars, and at Full Moon the Moon will be conjunct Mars.  This may a fairly emotional and impulsive time. The Sun-Mars opposition is exact at 12:47 p.m. MST on Monday. Work cooperatively for common goals.  Resist the temptation to overreact or overextend.

Mercury trines Saturn on Tuesday, supporting common sense and clear communicat