Astrological Trends for June 2014 – “Dreams of the Spirit”

The Magician is tarot's card for Mercury
representing conscious thought, or the
active mind. Seen here from "The Wizard's Tarot"©
by Corrine Kenner and John J. Blumen

June is the month for planetary retrogrades. Take three, they’re small.  See blog: “Mercury Retrograde, Tarot and You”  for a definition of what a retrograde cycle actually is. June 7th, Mercury starts its retrograde in Cancer and then slip-slides back to Gemini on June 17th. Neptune begins its retro-fitting journey in Pisces on June 9th and last, though still influential, Chiron turns retrograde in Pisces as well on June 20th. There is a central theme for this month and it is dreams of the spirit.

Mercury Retrograde in Cancer asks us to halt for a moment and carefully consider any communications we receive pertaining to financial matters. Don’t forget to check those pesky emails from your bank that signal low balance alerts, or God forbid, the dreaded, “your account is overdrawn” email.  No, Mercury Retrograde in Cancer doesn’t make you short of cash, but it can create miscommunications in the financial area.  Listen to your voicemails and read your emails particularly if you have various and sundry financial deals in the works.  Don’t assume that everything is taken care of just because it’s happening under someone else’s watch.  On June 17th Mercury drifts back to Gemini, its home sign.  Mercury in Gemini is a quick mind and a quicker wit.  Although Mercury’s retro period may leave you feeling as if you hit a wall during your mental calisthenics, simply remember to rethink your ideas and recalculate the outcome twice and issues will eventually resolve themselves.  Follow the rules for Mercury retrograde and keep them holy. 

Pisces figures prominently in this month’s astrology and in a

#12, The Hanged Man is tarot's card for Neptune.
From "Shadowscapes"©
by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law

very exciting way.  Neptune, exalted in its home sign of Pisces, goes retrograde on June 9th.  Unlike drifty Mercury, Neptune remains in the sign of the fish for its entire retrograde period.  In it to win it.  Pisces is the sign of dreams, intuition, spirituality and creativity.  Likewise, Neptune is the planet of dreamers and the higher self.  Here’s the exciting part.  When Neptune goes retrograde it acts as a touchstone for our spirituality.  In Pisces this effect is magnified.  We more readily identify ourselves as members of one species – humanity.  We grasp the idea that faith is not something to simply be given by rout, but a thing that needs to be examined.  The results of our queries push us to the point where faith is validated as our truth and therefore becomes unshakeable.  Expect to see a spiritual reawakening for yourself and others during Neptune’s retrograde cycle which lasts until November 16th.  

Lady Moon herself symbolizes
the sign of Pisces. From "The
Wizard's Tarot"© by Corrine Kenner and
John J. Blumen

Neptune retrograde in Pisces is an excellent time to examine your dreams for clues about yourself and the world around you.  Read up on basic dream symbolism. (See Blog: "Dream Symbolism – I Know I Was Wearing Pants When I Left The House" )  Start a dream journal. What do your dreams want you to know?  Use the super charged spiritual energy of this June to connect to your higher, intuitive self and open the pathway that connects you to the Devine. Let yourself find the path that speaks to you.

The third retrograde of the month is Chiron in Pisces.  Here we see the same theme of creativity and spirituality, but this time coupled with Chiron’s healing energy.  Look for deep and powerful meditations this month that transform your old patterns.  This month is geared towards facilitating lasting changes in your life.  Remember Pluto is also in retrograde now, prompting you to ask the big questions about your relationship to Source and your responsibility to your fellow man.  Not easy stuff, granted, but all part of the wonderful spiritual shift coming this month. You don’t have to force your reawakening, just let it happen. Enjoy it.

On June 11th Jupiter in Cancer goes sesquiquadrate to

#5, The Hierophant is shown as Chiron,
the wounded healer in "Wizard's Tarot"©

Neptune in Pisces.  That’s a mildly adverse aspect or 135 degrees between the two planets.  This aspect won’t cause too many waves, but it will juxtapose the material bounty of Jupiter with the spirituality of Neptune.  If anything it will prod us to come to terms with any conflicts between our material world and our higher self.

On June 13th we enjoy a Full Moon in Sagittarius and on 27th, a powerful New Moon in Cancer.  I’ll have more on those later this month.  In the meantime, use June’s rich Piscean energy to deepen your meditations, expand your spirit and enrich your life.

LADY ORACLE

Full Snow Moon In Leo, February 14, 2014 – “Riding With the King”

Smart and sassy, Rome Choi's depiction
for #2 The High Priestess - tarot's card
for the Moon from "Dreaming Way Tarot"©

The Snow Moon is also called the Hungry Moon in Native American culture.  That makes sense. Stores of food were depleted by February and in winter weather game often remained scarce until mid-March.  For some of us in society hunger is never far from the door.  February is a good time to give thanks for what we have and to share a little – even if it’s not the traditional time to do so.  

On February 14th, Valentine’s Day no less, we greet the Full Snow Moon in twenty-six degrees, thirteen minutes of Leo. Ladies and gentlemen, let the rumpus begin.  Full Moon in Leo is exuberant. Heck, just take off the e,x and the a,n,t and say it outright.  Full Moon in Leo is uber-moon.  Leo is a charismatic, flamboyant sign who hosts our Lady Moon in comfort and style.  Leos like luxury. If you have Moon in Leo in your birth chart, congratulations. You are riding with the king.  The rest of us will feel the effects to varying degrees, but people with Moon in Leo are riding shotgun.

Leo has an expansive way of thinking, so both Friday and this

Barbara Moore and
Aly Fell's "Steampunk Tarot"©
show us Leo's tarot card.  

weekend is about connecting with your potential and asking, why not me? This Full Moon want us to be center stage and larger than life.  It is a moon of leadership. What is your maximum potential? See it, touch it, live it.  Be on the lookout for financial opportunities, the chance to be on the cutting edge.  A lion is good with money and is the quintessential early adopter. They believe in teamwork and they have a tremendous capacity for followthrough.  If you’ve had problems in the past with your ability to go the distance expect to see a boost in stick-to-it-ness towards the end of this week and in the beginning of the next. 

Leo is notoriously alluring and when coupled with the Full Moon’s sultry light you’ll find yourself eager to sweep, and be swept, off your feet – or paws.  This particular Full Moon on Valentine’s Day is a marvelous chance for you to heap admiration and affection on your valentine and hopefully receive the same in return. Remember that Leo rules the heart.  Valentine’s Day is also the perfect time to love yourself as the marvelous creation that you are.  Open your heart and let love pour through you. You are the lion’s heart in your own life – worthy of love and admiration.

"OSHO Zen Tarot"© by Deva Padma
Offer a stunning depiction of romance,
love and eternity

Full Moon in Leo effects each sign of the Zodiac a little differently.  Generally speaking, air signs (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius) tend to pull that leonine charismatic energy during a Full Moon in Leo.  Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn) reflect the strong passions found in Leo, as well as the lion’s money making skills.  Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces) who already make a great emotional impact on others find that their powers of persuasiveness reach new heights.  Fire signs (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius) receive boosts to their creativity and their leadership skills.

Anyway you slice it, Full Snow Moon in Leo is an important Moon.  It is your chance to combine your courage with self-assuredness and to make lasting commitments to yourself and your goals.  Harness the energy of this Full Moon to assert the positive in your life and proudly proclaim who you are.

LADY ORACLE

Full Cold Moon in Gemini, December 17, 2013 - “Party in the House”

# 6 The Lovers, is tarot's association for
Gemini.  This depiction is from Ciro Marchetti's
"Legacy of the divine Tarot"©

December’s Full Cold Moon in Gemini should be called, “The Party Moon.”  Sociable Gemini joins party hound Sagittarius and the wild rumpus begins.  Okay, maybe not that wild, but this month’s Full Cold Moon (No need to explain that name, is there?) is everything fun, frolicking and social.  

Gemini is an air sign in the

Mercury's tarot card, #1, The Magician
from "Wizard's Tarot"© by
Corrine Kenner and John J. Blumen

mutable (changeable) modality. This simply means that because the sign of Gemini falls at the end of a season rather than at the beginning, (cardinal) or in the middle (fixed), some of its traits shift with the changing astral and seasonal influences.  Our Twins govern the third house of the Zodiac where we keep our knowledge, our habitat (neighborhood) and the relationships we don’t choose, like siblings, or neighbors. The third house, and therefore Gemini, are ruled by the planet Mercury, governor of intellect and communication.  All this makes next week the optimum time to network and socialize.  Your ideas will be easier to convey to others and in turn, other people will have an easier time envisioning how your concept works for their world.

Sun in Sagittarius opposes Moon in Gemini, creating this

#14, Temperance represents
Sagittarius - from Barbara Moore and
Aly Fell's "Steampunk Tarot"©

month’s Full Cold Moon.  Sagittarius and Gemini love a good party and they help us naturally gravitate to where the action is.  While both of these signs enjoy the continual stimulation of new events, Gemini holds a duality that can cause its quick laughter and quicker wit to turn dark in the blink of an eye.  Luckily, Sagittarius prevents The Twins from indulging in too much emotional analysis, or too many mood swings.

We have Uranus in Aires turning stationary direct on the 17th as well.  Stationary refers to the illusion that a planet remains in place before it appears to reverse its orbit.  Prior to retrograde we have ‘stationary retrograde’ and when the planet turns direct again we have, ‘stationary direct.’  Uranus works well with Mercury’s thought process, making us ask the deeper questions (which Sagittarius likes).  You can expect a couple of ‘a-ha’ moments before the end of the month.  Consider it partying with a purpose.  

#10 The Wheel shows us Jupiter's
generous nature in the "Steampunk Tarot"©
 depiction

Jupiter, ruler of Sagittarius, continues to exert its expansive influence for the Full Moon.  The Santa Claus planet goes sesquiquadrate  (a rather touchy aspect of 135 degrees and quite a mouthful) with Neptune on the 17th .  Although this is a lesser aspect than a trine, or sextile, it still introduces the element of dreams and wishes into the Full Moon fix.  Holiday magic. Neptune is the planet of dreams and dreamers.  Jupiter may drop some unexpected sugarplums in your lap this season.  Just be careful not to let a mistletoe moment go to your head.

This is a fun, high-energy moon that helps us manifest the goals we set in motion at the beginning of this month.  Consider December’s Full Moon a holiday gift from the Universe.  Enjoy!

LADY ORACLE

Co-hosting The Moment radio show with the always wonderful, Marion Douglas today at noon, PST!  Here's a link to the show and you can listen anytime!

All tarot decks featured are available for sale through

www.ladyoracle.net

Houses of the Zodiac - “Living in a Cosmic Subdivision”

Astrology, like any other field, has lots of buzz words and jargon. 

The Star, from
Barbara Moore and Aly Fell's
Steampunk Tarot©

Understanding the concepts represented by these words not only deepens our understanding of astrology, but also our appreciation for the three demential form of the Zodiac.  As we know, there are twelve signs that represent thirty degrees of the Zodiac’s wheel.  We also know that there are twelve houses and each one of them is ruled by a particular sign.  For example, Aries rules the first house and Pisces rules the twelfth.

Each house governs a specific area of life and is grouped into one of three categories: Angular, Succedent and Cadent.  Angular houses show us the strongest influences on our lives. Succedent houses represent our resources such as our friends, skill set, possessions, etc.  Last, but certainly intriguing, are Cadent houses.  These houses represent our human experience in terms of relationships, growth and transitions.

Ciro Marchetti's depiction of The Star
from Legacy of the Divine Tarot©

These house categories also correspond to the three modalities of signs: cardinal (first sign of each season), fixed (mid-season signs) and mutable (the ending or transitional sign for a season).  All this sounds pretty complicated, doesn’t it?  Many of us are content to simply know our birth sign and to read our horoscope every now and then.  Nothing wrong with that at all. Still, isn’t it nice to understand just a tiny portion more of what astrologers take into consideration when mapping a birth chart? 

Below is a handy, dandy chart of houses, their category, ruling sign, sign modality, ruling planetary body and tarot associations.  Check you out and enjoy!

LADY ORACLE

Exciting News!  The ever amazing and always inspiring Baba Studio announced they are working on a third re-print of their astounding "Bohemian Gothic Tarot"© . Some minor changes will be made, but with Alex and Karen you know it will rock.  Stay tuned for updates!


(Keep scrolling down for  2nd chart with 11th and 12th houses
Click the images to enlarge!)

Full Flower Moon, May 24th - 25th, 2013 - Adventure, Romance and a Penumbral Eclipse

The actual date for this month’s Full Moon changes according to your time zone.  In England the moon is full on May 25th at 4:27, GMT/UT (Greenwich Mean Time, or Universal Time) and in New York, it’s full at 12:24 a.m. EST, also on May 25th.  Here in the Pacific Northwest, however, our Flower Moon comes into full blossom at 9:24 p.m. on May 24th.  (Here's a link to the annual Portland Rose Festival - also 5/24/13! )

May’s Full Flower Moon occurs at 4 degrees and 8 minutes in Sagittarius and promises to be adventurous and fast-paced.  Sagittarius, like Gemini, is known for mental acuity, but depth wise, these signs are at opposite ends of the spectrum.  Sagittarius is a high-minded, intuitive sign.  Gemini likes their wisdom to be quick and amusing, but without much substance.  What both of these signs have in common, though, is an adventurous streak and lots of social energy.  It’s little wonder they are so powerful in opposition - Moon in Sagittarius and Sun in Gemini. Take time to brush up on your banter and your current events before this weekend.  Naps wouldn’t hurt either.

Lunar eclipses focus on relationships, the beginning and ending of cycles and on finding balance between extremes.  Intuitive Sagittarius may ask if your relationship is all you wish it to be, while liberated Gemini, playing host to Venus, may tell you to act on your flights of fancy. Emotions run high during the eclipse and Venus is both care-free and flirtatious under Gemini’s influence.  Sagittarius, who also appreciates visceral experience, seeks adventures that have less chance of blowing up in your face.  Strive to balance these polarities during the Flower Moon.  Also remember that an eclipse in extremely powerful two days before and three days after the actual event.

Jupiter and Mercury are visiting Gemini as well during this eclipse.  Mercury, the planet of communication gives us the chance to be open and honest with our friends and partners.  It also gifts us with a silver tongue, perfect for charming or persuading those around us.  Jupiter puts a capital ‘A’ in adventure, easing our way socially and intellectually in a variety of situations.    

May’s Full Flower Moon has something for everyone.  It has the chops for magnificent abundance work, adventure, social and romantic opportunities, with just a dash of perseverance from Mars in Taurus.  You could say that Saturn in Scorpio and the Uranus Pluto Square are waiting in the wings to throw the proverbial bucket of cold water on us, but I don’t think so.  Both of these configurations love portents and challenges, but when you think about it, all they are really asking us to do is stay present in the moment, to pay attention and be genuine.  If something feels hinkey, it probably is, so act accordingly and steer clear. that's good advice anytime.   Go out and have a wonderful Full Moon weekend.  Stay present in the moment and enjoy.

Here is a link to my Appendix (well...not mine, but and appendix for Full Flower Moon Tarot card references - planetary and sign. Check it out and enjoy!

LADY ORACLE

Gemini, May 21st through June 22nd - “They Talk the Talk, But Do They Walk the Walk?"

#6, The Lovers, from "OSHO Zen Tarot"©
by Deva Padma - This card is tarot's
association for Gemini

Gemini, the third sign of the zodiac, is the sign of the twins.  No, this doesn’t mean people born under this sign have multiple personality disorder - well, not necessarily, that is.  It means a Gemini is outgoing, quick witted, intelligent and curious enough for two people.  Go to a party and the person with the largest knot of people around them is probably a Gemini.  Twin people are ruled by Mercury and therefore naturally born communicators.  They can tell a story like none other and can persuade, even manipulate, any situation with their the gift of gab.  

The Sign of The Twins is ruled by the element of air (tarot’s Swords) which correlates to matters of intellect and the mind.  These people know a little bit about many things and are always seeking information that improves their store of knowledge. They are highly effective in communications, Gemini tends to commit more time to talk and less time to action.  (Which can be really annoying during romantic moments) The twins are very analytical, able to see all sides of an issue.  However, it’s that very ability to thoroughly dissect a subject that can prevent them from making true progress towards a goal.  

A Gemini can be a highly effective member of a sales team. 

Mercury, ruler of the sign Gemini, has
#1,The Magician for its tarot card. This
depiction from "Wizard's Tarot"©
by Corrine Kenner and John J. Blumen

They are also good at managing, though they may have a tendency to act impulsively and allow their focus to drift. Their only serious flaw is their tendency to be superficial.  They are social and easy going, but not given to looking at any person or situation with a great deal of depth.  They are the quintessential ‘glad-handers’ or ‘baby-kissers’ - exuberant, but always with an eye towards the popular and the expedient.  They have an uncanny ability to match and mirror other people’s traits and viewpoints.  Again, this makes them highly successful communicators and sales people, but the downside is that you can easily find yourself maneuvered into a position in their chess game. Gemini is not above using deception to put you where they want you to be.

People born under the sign of the Twins become easily bored and are not known for bearing it gracefully. Although they are good at friendships, they prefer the flavor to be light and easy-going.  They avoid emotional subtext like the rest of us avoid a trans-fats.  They give great advice, but don’t expect them to get down in the emotional trenches with you, because Gemini avoids topics and situations that they find to be depressing.  Still, when all is said and done, they are the people you seek out for adventure, wit and that all around ‘happy to know you’ feeling.  

LADY ORACLE

Full Moon Eclipse November 28th, 2012

November’s full moon arrives on the 28th at 9:47 a.m., EST - two days after Mercury turns direct.  Hallelujah!  The November full moon, or the second full moon after the Fall Equinox, is called the Full Beaver Moon (No snickering from the kids in the back, please).  Historically, this was the time of year Native Americans set their traps for beaver, who become very active in the late fall. November’s full moon is sometimes called the Frost Moon, as well.

After all the dire warnings we’ve had during the past few full moon cycles, it’s going to be nice to have a full moon that is relatively uncomplicated and just darn right fun.  Our full moon this month is in six degrees Gemini, in opposition to a Sagittarian sun.  This means that while Gemini asks you to use logic and reason to solve a problem, Sagittarius nudges you in the ribs and says, “Come on.  Think outside the box.”

The Gemini moon is about communications and attitude.  We also have a lunar eclipse occurring at the same time and remember, eclipses have the power of 10 full moons.  You can expect to receive extra power kick to the already boosted organizing and accomplishing drive we have from Mars visiting Capricorn.

Sparkling conversation and witty remarks are the hallmarks of this full moon cycle.  Consider hosting an afterwork soirée with good wine and friends who always have something thought-provoking to say.  You might also round up your friends and drop by your favorite bistro.  The 28th is definitely an evening for good food and good cheer.  Think of it as a cosmic kickoff to the holiday season.

In terms of tarot, the number for the 28th is 8  (11 + 28 + 2012 = 8).  

Major Arcana # 8     =       Strength: compassion, coping, the ability to act 

                                          powerfully, yet calmly

8 of Wands              =       movement, a message or proposal, timing

8 of Cups                =        leaving a situation or relationship that is completed 

                                         and going to something better

8 of Swords            =      self-imposed restraint, or limitations

8 of Pentacles        =      task mastery, development of work skills and discipline for

                                       the sake of the job itself, immersion in work

Enjoy our Gemini moon.  She heralds some interesting high points for the December holiday season.

LADY ORACLE

November 2012 - New Moon Eclipse In Scorpio

By now many of us have come to terms with the quirks of this month’s Mercury Retrograde.  We’re cleaning closets, revisiting plans and generally giving our lives a once over.

This Mercury Retrograde began the month in 6 degrees and 47 minutes of Sagittarius and will conclude on November 26th in passionate and mysterious Scorpio. 21 degrees and 57 minutes to be exact.  Certain astrological websites imply that Scorpio’s influence on the retrograde could cause old romances to rekindle.  If you’re going to rekindle anything - romantically speaking - make sure that it’s capable of sustaining the flame all on its own.  Words like ‘written in the stars’ make great song lyrics, but can ring a little hollow once the stars change their positions.  There was probably a good reason the relationship ended the first time around.

Let’s talk about what’s truly exciting this month - two, count ‘em, two eclipses.  November 13th is the New Moon and this month our lunar gal is bringing a solar eclipse with her as she tours the sign of Scorpio.  So hang on to your bootstraps, me Scorpion hearties.  This eclipse packs the power of 10 new moons.  Though we will all feel the burn on this one, you, dear Scorpio, are going to feel it burn all the way to your toes.  

Scorpio is a sign of passionate focus and strong-willed determination.  This powerful new moon offers all of us the chance to set intentions and renew our relationships.  That’s what new moons do.  However, each of us must decide whether the power from this super charged new moon will have positive or negative consequences in our lives.  Scorpio is a sign of extremes.  This solar eclipse brings all of us the chance to transform our lives - a process natural to a Scorpio.  We can release the attitudes and beliefs that no longer serve the direction we wish our lives to take, or we can use the eclipse energy to fill ourselves with spite and a determination to redress old wrongs, whatever the cost.  Again, it’s our choice, but ask yourself, which scenario you think will serve you better in the long run.  We’ve all got a marvelous opportunity to release and renew on November 13th - perfect ‘r’ words, by the way for the retrograde period. 

Ioptron Smartstar 1000-Mm X 114-Mm N114 Gps Reflector Telescope (Google Affiliate Ad)

During the solar eclipse we will also be seeing a square between Mercury and Neptune.  As previously stated, the eclipse power will be either dark or light, depending on whether you choose to grow via release or to poison yourself with spite.  There may be times when you feel caught in a planetary tug of war between your higher self and your lowest impulses.  That’s the Neptune Mercury square.  Should this happen, beat a hasty retreat (another ‘r’ word for you) for some serious solitude.  If you can’t rise above your lower impulses, you don’t have to inflict them on others.  Meditate.  Stay holed up with your DVD player until you recover.  And remember, that’s why the Universe gave us cheesecake. 

On November 16th Mars is in Capricorn and there will probably be an early morning uptick in the stock market as the war god flexes his muscle.  Mars, under Capricorn’s influence will bring out brisk efficiency in those wanting to hone their organizational skills.  In tarot readings, you want to pay particular attention to the appearance of Wands and Pentacles (elements of fire and earth) in your readings - especially the Ace or Page.  Both of these cards denote the introduction of an endeavor or the beginning of a creative period or process.  While you shouldn’t sign any contracts until after the 26th and the end of retrograde, take notice of the opportunities presenting themselves to you.  Mars reigns in Capricorn for six weeks.    You’ll have plenty of time to act on your opportunities after retrograde.  Just be sure you act.

I will be cover the Full Moon in Gemini and lunar eclipse on the 28th later this month.

Here’s a look at the cards for some of the players on the field this month.

CARD                                   RULES                                  MEANING

#13, Death                         Scorpio                           Transformation

#1  The Magician               Mercury                         Conscious Awareness, Directed Action

#12 The Hanged Man       Neptune                         Letting Go, Suspension

#2   The High Priestess    Moon                              Intuition

#16  The Tower                  Mars                               Sudden Change

#15  The Devil                    Capricorn                      Enslavement to the Material

#19  The Sun                      The Sun                         Enlightenment

#6    The Lovers                 Gemini                           Relationships, Values

# 21 The World                  Saturn                             Integration

As you can see, Mercury and Neptune really are giving us a tug in opposite directions.  You can also see the potential conflicts with Mars in Capricorn.  A sudden change is always particularly distressing when we focus only on the material in life.  Luckily, Saturn, though a tough taskmaster, is in Scorpio.  This means that the lessons we learn help us integrate the various parts of ourselves, allowing for growth as we move closer towards the Sun, or, enlightenment.  Simple, right?  I don’t know about that.  Until I master that whole growth/transformation thing I’m laying in an extra supply of cheesecake.

LADY ORACLE

Strawberry Moon Forever - June 4th Lunar Eclipse

June's full moon is commonly known as the Strawberry Moon, or by its old European name, the Flower Moon.  Those of us near Portland, Oregon may have heard it called the Rose Moon on occassion.  Handy, seeing as our Rose Festival begins pretty soon.

We've barely caught our breath since May's solar eclipse (see post: May 20th Solar Eclipse - Astronomical Grand Slam) and now the Cosmos is sending yet another event to enliven the month of June.  As with May 20th, there are things you should be aware of and minimal precautions you may wish to take.  We still have a lot of celestial players on the field during this lunar eclipse and here's what some astrologers are saying.

Last time we left our friend Venus, she was in retrograde and preparing to make a transit (travel) across the Sun.  She is the closest she can be to us right now and her influence will be all over the Strawberry Moon.  What is that influence?  L'Amour, my friends, l'amour.   Venus rules love and money and some are referring to the lunar eclipse of the 4th as "The Eclipse of Love."

Mars is direct and in opposition to Venus.  Yes, well, we don't need an astrologer to tell us that, do we?  If you have a copy of "Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus,"  better dust it off.  Word on the web is that you're going to need it.  Where the energy from Venus in fun and flirty, Mars is intense and broody.  The influence of Mars brings passion to Venus' romance, but without much finesse.  Under the minor influence of these two opposing forces you might speak your mind in a less than tactful way, but under a major influence, you could be completely swept away by passion and do something you might seriously regret later.  Passion is a dynamic, yet sometimes terrible force.  Stay grounded.

Relationships are certainly in the forefront during the eclipse period, but that's only part of the story.  Where the solar eclipse last month occurred within the first degrees of Gemini, this lunar eclipse is 14 degrees and 14 minutes into Sagittarius.   Sagittarius challenges us  now to get your homes, businesses and relationships in order.  Weigh the quality, not quantity of your friendships.  Sagittarius's energy makes us long for perfection in ourselves and in the world and people around us.  Depending on whether by nature you're a half full, or half empty sort of person,  you could view things through rose-colored glasses or under the harsh light of criticism.  Don't make big decisions or start major overhauls without carefully thinking them through.  Content yourself to tidy up looses ends at home, on the job and in your life.

The signs of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces still may be the signs most influenced by the lunar eclipse and therefore more influenced by the Venus Transit on June 5th and 6th.  If you feel testy and at loose ends during the eclipse, astrologers warn that those feelings will only intensify during Vensus' journey across the sun.  Opinions differ on what to expect, however, most agree that traditional battles between the sexes could heat up and that we should all guard against making snap decisions or harsh judgments.  Some sites even advised against spending time with people who'd been drinking due to the influence of Neptune on over-indulging.  Rolling in the deep, I guess.  Stay close to home.  The good news is that the effects of both the eclipse and the transit will be over by June 8th.

So relax, meditate and remember that a lunar eclipse is also a powerful time to concentrate on prosperity and manifestation.  Email me your questions.


LADY ORACLE

May 20th Solar Eclipse - An Astronomical Grand Slam

The bases are loaded on May 20th and some astrologers say we're heading for the brink.  The brink of what is the subject of debate.  Some say that we could see a global event and it might not be pretty. Others say there will be a certain shaky feeling, but it will mostly effect people of certain birth signs and those with Gemini in the the first five degrees of their houses.  My house has dust bunnies, so I guess I'm safe.

The eclipse on May 20th occurs during the zodiac sign of Gemini and is predicted to effect the birth signs of  Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.  So, if your birthday is on, or around the 20th of May, September, November or February, there's an increased chance that you will feel some effect from the eclipse.

What are the effects of an eclipse?  What we do know about eclipses is part science, part myth and part spirituality.  In primitive man, they engendered feelings of fear and anxiety.  Disastrous events were said to accompany an eclipse and tribesman had rituals to drive away the monster eating the Sun.  I think it's a safe bet that we won't be rounding up virgins to sacrifice in this day and age.  Plenty of disaster hits every day regardless of celestial positions.

Scientifically speaking, a solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between us and the sun. This is a naturally occurring phenomena that happens in a six month pattern.  Orbital patterns... go figure. In terms of astrology, leaders in the field suggest that an eclipse acts as a planetary reboot and sets the tone for the coming six months. What's unique about the 20th, however, is that it's only the start of the show. 

A new Moon also begins on the 20th and Venus will also be crossing the Sun in a retrograde style of occurrence called, a transit.  Uh, oh.  I said the 'r' word.  Didn't we just have one of those?  All planets have retrograde periods.  Pluto (the questionable planet) and Saturn are working on their respective retrogrades as well.  Batter up!  I checked out several sites trying to find a consensus on what we can expect in terms of planetary freakishness.  There are many opinions, but certain common themes appear among the sites.

In astrology, the planet Venus governs relationships and finances. The Venus transit (let's not say retrograde) will heighten awareness of any difficulties in those areas.  However, certain sites advised that an early Gemini eclipse also carries the energy for strong personal development through gains in confidence and motivation.  Mercury rules Gemini and brings youthful energy, communication and mental acuity to the mix.  Venus' effect, coupled with the new Moon and boosted by the reboot energy from the eclipse, is thought by some to present us with the right time and place for personal expansion and development in the areas of career and relationships.

Doesn't sound like a downer to me.  However, other astrologists warn that people who are effected by the eclipse's energy may also battle boundary issues in their personal and professional lives.  There can be emotional ripples, which, left unattended, can grow into waves.  They caution not to let a sense of restlessness and unease take over your life.  Good communication is key and here is what those in the know suggest.

Use this time productively.  If you want to manifest changes in your life, this is a great time to do so, but now you must be particularly clear and focused about what you truly want.  Study, gather information and resources.  Set your resolve.  Brainstorm with like-minded people.  Think synergy - the sum of the parts is greater than the sum of the whole.

If you're feeling awash with emotions, check them at the door.  Experience your emotions privately, but seek out intellectual expression.  Controlling your emotions doesn't mean bottling yourself up. In order to use the energies in play right now, it's important that you communicate freely with friends, family and co-workers.  Just do it in a centered, well-ordered way.  As I like to say, you have two ears and one mouth.  Use each one equally and you'll be astounded at what you learn about yourself and others.

As with any shift or change that we go through, meditation is your best friend.  I recommend you reaffirm your connection to Source.  Your link with your Creator is the most important communication you can have.  All else falls into place from there.  Ground yourself with your morning and evening mantras as you breath in and out with the Universe.  And smile.  We have a lunar eclipse coming in June.

LADY ORACLE