This Month in the Stars

Happy Birthday Gemini and Cancer. And a Big Congratulations to the Class of 2006

This month in the Stars is likely to be a little more exciting than last. By month's end all three outer planets, Uranus (ruler of Aquarius), Neptune (ruler of Pisces), and Pluto (ruler of Scorpio) will be in retrograde, appear to be moving backwards. This configuration has been known to portend serious shakeups in world events, and of course we've recently seen the influence of Pluto's retrograde in Sagittarius, the sign associated with Nature. As if that's not enough, there are some stressful aspects, angles, between planets. As usual, the Stars provide us with the balance of more calming effects. But still, let's all hope and pray for the best and do the best we can in our own circles. Sun, ruler of Leo will be in Gemini until the 21st, when it moves to Cancer . Sun will be at an optimum angle with Neptune, in Aquarius from now through about the 27th. This could be a good time to absorb ideas, grasp intuitive matters, and be less judgmental of others. Remember that Neptune's in retrograde, so take extra care not to be too easy with others. Examine any new ideas carefully before jumping on the bandwagon. Unfortunately, things are never so simple. From the 10th through about the 24th, Sun will be opposing Pluto, the Planet of Power, now in Sagittarius. This is a very difficult aspect, portending aggression and defiance. Let's strive to keep it in balance and benefit from Sun's gentle aspect with Neptune during this time. World leaders, are you listening? Mercury, ruler of communications, short-range travel, and the signs, Gemini and Virgo moved to Cancer a few days ago, and will remain there until the 29th, when it moves to Leo. Mercury is cutting us some slack this month--whew! All month long, Mercury will be at a very optimum angle with Venus. This aspect portends diplomacy and tact in speech as well as more easygoing attitudes--nice balance for Pluto's power trips, hey? From the 10th through the 16th, Mercury will be at an optimum angle with Uranus, in Pisces. This aspect can portend flashes of insight, especially in humanitarian matters. But watch out! Uranus, the planet of rebellion, and Mercury's higher octave, goes into retrograde on the 19th. This could push Mercury's cool logic into some unexpected directions--expect the unexpected! Venus, rules personal relationships, money matters, the physical appetites, and the signs Taurus and Libra. Venus will be in Taurus most of the month, then moves to Gemini about the 23rd. But watch out. From about the 3rd through the 11th, Venus will oppose Jupiter, in Scorpio. This is not a good aspect for personal relationships. Be careful of tendencies towards over-emotional behavior and an exaggerated desire for luxuries. As if that's not enough, from the 1st through the 9th, Venus will be at a very uncomfortable angle with Saturn, in Leo. We may feel restricted in relationships and find it hard to socialize. At least Mercury and Venus are giving us a little help! Mars, planet of aggression, self-projection and energy, ruler of Aries moves to Leo around the 4th. Now the fun really starts! On the one hand, Mars will combine its high energies with Saturn for most of the month portending high energy to work smart--sounds good, hey. But be careful of tendencies towards anger and hard feelings. On the other hand, Mars will be at an uncomfortable angle with Jupiter for most of the month. Moderation will not come easily; our hard work could go completely unnoticed. Again, thank goodness for the Mercury-Venus aspect all month! Jupiter, planet of higher learning, growth and understanding, ruler of Sagittarius will be in Scorpio until about 1 December. Jupiter in Scorpio may portend economic growth and serious tendencies to dig for economic opportunities. Don't we hope! Jupiter will be at a favorable angle with Uranus for most of the month. Could we possibly expect some cutting edge progress in economic areas? Again, expect the unexpected! Saturn, the planet of restrictions and responsibilities, rules Capricorn will be in Leo for the next 2+ years. Leo is the sign of ultimate self-esteem and Saturn tears down this quality--not such a pretty picture. Saturn in Leo gives a strong need for achievement and recognition, yet creative expression is restricted. And here we are, back to our good friend Saturn, the taskmaster. At least he's still moving straight, and giving us some help directing our energies. Thanks Big Guy, we need all the help we can get. Uranus, the innovative, wildcard of the planets (Uranus rules Aquarius and is associated with High Tech.) will be in Pisces until March 2011. Remember, Pisces represents the subconscious, seeing what's going on under the surface. These next few years could bring aside, Uranus was in Pisces at the time of the birth of the modern state of Iraq. It will be interesting to see the results of this influence over the next few years. Neptune, the planet of faith, religion, spirituality, dreams and wishes will be in Aquarius until April 2011. Neptune, more than any of the planets, represents the spirit of the times. Neptune also represents the broader economic currents. Therefore, in keeping with the Aquarian Spirit, expect to see economic reform or revolution, a new spirit, a new vibration as well as scientific and artistic evolutions--sounds a bit nostalgic, doesn't it? Pluto, the planet of power, is in Sagittarius until 2008. Pluto In Sagittarius is absolute no nonsense about the right and moral thing to do--even if it hurts like hell and is totally unpleasant--absolute and ultimate Karma. Pluto will be at a favorable aspect with Saturn, in Leo, later this year. Depending on other influences, Pluto's power tripping could be put to some really good use. OK, that's it for now. Have a Great Month and may the Stars always be gracious to you, ~Paula