War & Peace in the Stars

Hello Everyone, I hope the Stars are shining graciously on you. Just remember that they're always on the move for better or worse. The other day, I happened to chat with a friend who is very knowledgeable about current events and world politics. He's always studied the issues in depth and really digs beneath the surface of all the politicians' word noise and newspaper headlines. He feels certain that the US involvement in Iraq will escalate to other Middle Eastern countries by summer. Ouch! Hopefully he's wrong! I, on the other hand, am not so politically astute. I was a decent history student; and it's always seemed to me that politics is the same old game year after year--money, power and control. So, I took a look at the astrological picture to see what the influences will be in the near future--especially the planet Mars. Mind you, I do not and cannot predict the future about anything. Prediction of the future is not within the scope of astrology. However, we can look back in history and note events that have occurred during certain planetary placements in the Zodiac Signs as well as aspects, angles formed with other planets, and retrogrades. What exactly will happen under a given influence is anyone's guess. (See my post on Pluto, Planet of Power) Mars is associated with self-projection, war and aggression on a larger scale. This year, Mars started out in Taurus, and by year's end will have moved to Sagittarius. Of course, the Red's Planet's influences are different from sign to sign. In Taurus Mars'physical energy is subdued. But don't be fooled. What's lacking in physical stamina is made up for by endurance and determination when pursuing material goals. Emotions are often held in check, but a major blowup is always possible. Mars will remain in Taurus until about the 19th of February, then moves into Gemini. Mars in Geminiis a completely different story! Mental and verbal energies are at their highest here, but erratic. All that placid determination that's been building up in Taurus may be poised to come out in a very stinging manner while Mars is in Gemini. But that's not the worst of it. Mars will oppose be about 180 degrees from, Pluto in Sagittarius. This aspect portends a strong drive to gain power over others. Compromise does not come easily. Strong alliances can be formed and rifts can be caused in alliances. Haven't heard enough? Pluto goes into retrograde, will appear to be going backwards, on 29 March. So any power struggle could get really nasty! And by 19 June, all three of the outer planets, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto will be in retrograde. If I'm not mistaken, this was the case at the outbreak of both World Wars. G-d help us all! But before you go into a panic, and start booking flights for Tahiti. Remember that the above influences don’t guarantee war. The upcoming astrological influences are just that--influences. And in human affairs, nothing can be totally predictable. A wise person knows the stars, a fool is ruled by them. Onward and Upward, ~Paula

Home, Hearth, and the Wild Card

Hello Everyone, Hope the Stars are shining graciously on you. Here's the first post of a few re: Moon's monthly Trek around the Zodiac and her aspects with othe planets. As we've said before, Moon makes a complete orbit around the Zodiac every month, some months a little more. This month, Moon begins and ends in Pisces. However, Moon, ruler of the sign Cancer does not exist in isolation. She aspects, makes angles with, all other planets. And the influence of aspects among planets in all the different signs is the real fun of astrology! This month, let's look at how Moon will influence us as she aspects with Uranus, wildcard of the planets, ruler of Aquarius. Uranus is in Pisces until March 2011--so Pisces can expect some real high times the next few years. Moon's monthly aspects with Uranus largely affect Cancer, Aquarius, and Pisces, since Uranus is in Pisces now. However, as most things in astrology, there's always more to the story: other signs will be affected as well. 4th-5th-Moon in Taurus Good days for Cancer, Aquarius, Pisces and Taurus. Meet new people, others are likely to respond to you positively, take advantage of opportunities, and solve everyday problems with ease. 6th-7th, Moon in Gemini Hang on to your hats, Cancer, Aquarius, Pisces and Gemini. For these couple of days, you may find your moods swinging all over the place and patience short with others. Best to work quietly these days. 8th-9th-Moon in Cancer Cancer, Aquarius, Pisces, somebody trying to push you around? These should be good days to fight back and not make enemies. If you've been trying to figure out a tough problem, these should be excellent days to attack it. 14th-15th-Moon in Virgo Cancer, Aquarius, Pisces and Virgo. These may not be good days on the domestic scene. You may feel that others are trying to dominate or manipulate you. Careful not to fly off the handle! 19th-20th-Moon in Scorpio Cancer, Aquarius, Pisces and Scorpio, again good days to stand your ground. The Scorpio sting's not going to take anything lying down. These should be good days to really get to the root of matters and implement solutions fast. 21st-22nd-Moon in Sagittarius This is the same type of aspect that we saw on the 6th and 7th of the month when Moon was in Gemini. This time Moon is in Sagittarius, so mood swings and short tempers will be even more extreme. Cancer, Aquarius, Pisces and Sagittarius, mind your tongues and watch the temper. Best to concentrate on quiet, loner activities. 23rd-24th-Moon in Capricorn Good days for Cancer, Aquarius, Pisces and Capricorn. Meet new people, others are likely to respond to you positively, take advantage of opportunities, and solve everyday problems with ease Capricorn, these days could be particularily refreshing for you. 27th-28-Moon, in Pisces Moon has come full circle, back in Pisces and will combine energies with Uranus for a couple of days. Cancer, Aquarius, and Pisces will experience strong intuition. Pisces, the sign of strong intuition, will get a particularily heavy dose. Break away from the dull routine on these days and treat yourselves to an interesting adventure.

After reading this post, we can all see that it's no wonder Life can be so complicated--and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Never a dull moment in the Stars.

Onward & Upward,

~Paula