The Labor Day Weekend Astrological Line-Up and Mercury Enters Libra

The reality check theme from last week persists by kicking off Labor Day Weekend with the Sun in Virgo opposing Neptune in Pisces on August 29, 2014.  Confusion could still reign as there may be a self-deluding perspective on reality.  There is definitely a spiritual vibe in the air, but don’t fall prey to falling into the martyr trap.  Of course, with this aspect launching the holiday that marks the unofficial end of summer, most of us may experience this transit as a desire to escape reality and engage in escapist behaviors.  It is a long weekend, after all.

The moon is in the sign of Scorpio for most of Labor Day Weekend, entering that sign on 4:53 a.m. on August 30^th and remaining in Scorpio until September 1^st.  It enters the free-wheeling sign of Sagittarius on Labor Day at 1:17 p.m.  But the moon’s journey through Scorpio makes some powerful aspects which will no doubt reinforce the past week’s themes of the Mars Saturn conjunction in Scorpio and the Venus in Leo square to both Saturn and Mars.  

We can anticipate a very Scorpionic, emotional weekend with themes of forgiveness and transformation.  This weekend is all about the Scorpio moon.  The moon in Scorpio’s first major aspect is a trine to dreamy Neptune in Pisces on August 30^th.  This is followed by a square to Jupiter in Leo on August 31^st, so it magnifies the opportunity for overindulging and celebrating.  The Scorpio moon also trines Chiron in Pisces on the 31^st and conjuncts Mars and Saturn in Scorpio.  Yes, folks, we are definitely still under the influence of the Mars Saturn conjunction in Scorpio. 

On a personal level, the Scorpio moon trining Chiron will be hitting me with full force emotionally—the moon will be conjunct my Saturn and Chiron in Pisces continues to square my natal moon.  Did I mention that I am attending a wedding this weekend?  And when the Scorpio moon conjuncts Saturn and Mars, it will also be conjuncting my natal Black Moon Lilith and Sun.  Before the moon leaves Scorpio on Labor Day, September 1^st, it will also conjunct my natal Venus and Ceres.  Will there be lot of water works and need for a box of Kleenex?

On Tuesday, September 2^nd Mercury enters the sign of Libra until September 27^th.  While Mercury in Libra can be perceived as vacillating or overly accommodating, it does favor social interaction and finesse.  It will lend a rational approach to all relationships as it becomes easier to see both sides of a situation because it encourages actually listening to the other person. Hopefully Mercury in Libra may usher in a long-overdue respite in the conflict-torn areas around the world. Those diplomatic skills will come in handy during the month of September.

Have a great Labor Day Weekend, everyone!

If you are feeling confused during these challenging times and curious as to how Saturn, Mars, Uranus or the Black Moon Lilith are affecting you, please consider getting an astrological reading to obtain more insight and assistance in the healing process. Check out my services page on this site at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/services-offered.html

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for my daily astrological insights at:

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix

Reality Check as the New Moon in Virgo Collides with the Mars Saturn Conjunction in Scorpio

Reality Check as New Moon in Virgo Collides with the Mars Saturn Conjunction in Scorpio

The times and the signs are changing. Specifically, the Sun is moving out of fiery, fun-loving Leo and into practical Virgo on August 23rd, where it joins Mercury. And we all know that summer is winding down. Here in Boston it is already beginning to feel like fall. But on August 25th we have a new moon in 2 degrees of Virgo conjunct the Sun in Virgo. We also have another major, very heavy aspect- Mars and Saturn are conjunct in 17 degrees of Scorpio. With both of these aspects occurring on the same day, the universe is forcing us to face reality.

Stirrings of this new reality have already begun to be felt this week. The moon entered Cancer on August 20th, inspiring me to tweet:

"Cancer moon trines dreamy Neptune in Pisces tonight. Should really benefit my meditation group with lots of inspiration."

That was one of the most prescient tweets that I ever posted! I attend a weekly meditation group on Wednesday evenings that always includes music. I love the energy of the group as it seems to intensify my state of peace and bliss while making me more receptive to whatever inspired messages come through. I was in a very relaxed state receiving messages that a part of my journey was ending but that I should not fear it because something more positive was on the horizon. At that moment, the music abruptly changed from soothing background to a boisterous vocal arrangement. The minister who leads the meditation deftly explained his mistake after the meditation ended. He pushed the wrong button on his phone which stored the music, but covered by saying it was a sign that sudden changes can occur in life when we think we are on a certain path but we must remain open to those changes. It really resonated with my meditation experience that night.

I also found myself very inspired by fellow astrologer Molly Hall's interpretation of this new moon in her weekly about.com newsletter. She said that this is the "ideal New Moon to earth your dreams with plans that unfold along a realistic path." She also urged us to purge what is making us sick and detox during this new moon.  After all, Virgo is a practical, detail-oriented earth sign that relates to health. Think about what isn't working for you and use that practical genius to make the necessary changes. This new moon falls in my 11th house of goals and group associations, so I need to devise some new strategies to achieve those goals.

Mars and Saturn in Scorpio are currently transiting my 2nd house, so my values and finances are definitely coming under scrutiny these days. Mars conjunct Saturn in Scorpio contains themes of disappointments and restrictions, as well as the end of the line. Instead of feeling defeated by this aspect, which is quite natural when both of these planets are conjuncting my natal Sun and Black Moon Lilith, I am beginning to realize that if one approach isn't working for me, it's high time to try something new.  I have been doing a lot of research and making inquiries online to generate more business and income, but this week I began getting away from my computer, going outside and talking to more people. Thinking outside of the box is becoming my new mantra in an effort to change my life even more and set in motion the practical realities of new beginnings.

Acceptance of this natural process of one cycle ending doesn't come easy, but this week's planetary aspects are giving us the proverbial kick in the pants that we need, thanks to Mars in Scorpio. On August 23rd it reminds us that emotional adjustments are indeed necessary when it inconjuncts Uranus in Aries. The trick is not to do anything too impulsive because Uranus, especially in the impulsive fire sign of Aries, tends to operate in that manner. Our attitudes may need an overhaul, to say the least! The Sun also enters Virgo and Mars trines Chiron in Pisces on the 23^rd, urging us to let go of the need to control the details. That one is particularly tough for me with my compulsion for being so detail oriented. And let's not forget that Saturn in Scorpio is all about new approaches to old problems.

So let Mars and Saturn in Scorpio assist you in transforming your life and creating new structures that work for you. This new moon in Virgo supports the theme of creating a new reality by following a more realistic path.

If you are feeling confused during these challenging times and curious as to how Saturn, Uranus or the Black Moon Lilith are affecting you, please consider getting an astrological reading to obtain more insight and assistance in the healing process. Check out my services page on this site at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/services-offered.html

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for my daily astrological insights at:

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix

Venus Joins the Party in Leo and Farewell to Robin Williams

Venus roared into the regal sign of Leo on August 12^th at 3:24 a.m., where it will hold court until September 5^th. It joined the party of planets in Leo which includes the Sun, Jupiter and Mercury, which moves into Virgo on August 15^th. Venus in Leo has a very different feel from watery Venus in Cancer by urging us to take risks (it is a fire sign, after all) and attempt to recapture the hopefulness of childhood. It reminds us of what moves us from our heart center and encourages us to become more visible. It’s time to shine and strut our stuff because it inherently craves attention.

Venus in Leo puts the spotlight on love, romance, creativity and beauty.  Its fiery energy boosts creative confidence and brings renewed optimism with its high spirits and air of exuberance. It is a time to let love and affection flow by giving praise to others. Venus in Leo is at its best when it recognizes the creative potential in others and celebrates it. It is also a personal reminder that we need to be adored and it opens the door for us to be more receptive to that praise and adoration in our own lives. 

On August 13^th the moon entered the fire sign of Aries, prompting me to tweet:

“Aries moon trining Jupiter and Venus in Leo today wants to lighten up and enjoy life by living in the moment.”

Venus really gets the chance to party with Jupiter on August 17^th when the two “benefic” planets form a conjunction that allow the opportunity for creative displays that are downright spirit lifting. It will be a welcome respite after Jupiter in Leo’s challenging inconjunct aspect to Neptune in Pisces on August 14^th.  This aspect required an adjustment of old attitudes and patterns of thought that hold us back and keep us stuck in confusion, frustration and disillusionment.  Hopefully, we were able to move forward with the trust, faith and receptivity that Neptune in Pisces provides in abundance to fully enjoy the spontaneity and confidence of Venus and Jupiter in Leo.  On August 14^th I tweeted:

“Jupiter in Leo inconjunct Neptune in Pisces today requires adjustments in faith and hope.  Things may be rather foggy.”

Venus in Leo will pose two more challenging aspects in August before its reign ends.  On August 26^th, Venus in 16 degrees of Leo will square Saturn in Scorpio.  The theme of this aspect is that bold moves can be challenged by integrity and substance as Saturn puts the brakes on.  On August 27^th Venus in 18 degrees of Leo will square Mars in 19 degrees of Scorpio increasing the tension in love relationships.  Forewarned is forearmed is my motto!  That said, enjoy the rest of the Venus in Leo transit.

I had planned for this to be a short post this week, but like so many others around the world, I was deeply moved by the news of Robin Williams’ death on August 11^th. Venus in Leo can also represent our culture’s entertainment royalty.  This past week we lost two talented entertainment treasures-Robin Williams on August 11^th and Lauren Bacall on August 12^th. While Venus was still technically in Cancer when Robin Williams died, the attention his death has generated is very much of a Venus in Leo nature. 

Like many other astrologers, I couldn’t resist taking a look at his chart once my initial shock over his death had subsided.  Robin’s natal chart had a preponderance of sensitive water sign placements: his Sun in 28 degrees of Cancer, Moon in 9 degrees of Pisces, ascendant in 12 degrees of Scorpio, Juno in 23 degrees of Scorpio, in addition to a north node in 12 degrees of Pisces and Ceres in 16 degrees of Pisces.  He also had a Mars/Uranus conjunction in Cancer in his 9^th house and his Black Moon Lilith in Cancer in the 8^th house.

All of this watery energy in his chart gave him an incredible emotional sensitivity that allowed him to delve deeply into his characters and connect with so many people through his unique comedic talents.  That north node and Ceres in Pisces also contributed greatly to his generous spirit, which we are just beginning to hear about.  For instance, he set aside funds for long-time friend Christopher Reeve’s children and once bought Conan O’Brien a bicycle just because he was depressed.  And he also entertained many troops over the years without making a big deal out of it.

The Black Moon Lilith reveals our personal shadow side, the primary fear that blocks and undermines us in life and the fundamental way we judge others and ourselves.  It really represents our own personal saboteur.  Robin Williams had the Black Moon Lilith in the sign of Cancer, and that shadow’s theme is support. Sadly, he was not able to obtain the support he needed to win his battle against depression.

I also looked at Chiron in his natal chart to determine his greatest wound. Robin Williams had Chiron in 27 degrees of Sagittarius in his 2^nd house.  The themes of this placement were meaninglessness and lack of boundaries, which are very common issues for anyone struggling with addiction.  Robin’s Chiron also squared his Saturn in 27 degrees of Virgo, which is an enormously challenging aspect because it represents a double dose of blockage and repression of wounds and issues. He must have suffered terribly from frustration and self-deprecation. The only way for him to cope was to master the material world and he was driven to succeed, which he did brilliantly.

Robin Williams faced some extremely challenging transits on August 11^th. Transiting Mars in Scorpio was in his 12^th house conjunct his ascendant and this triggered his self-destructive tendencies.  Transiting Uranus in Aries had entered his 6^th house in mid-June, causing sudden changes in his health and contributing more nervous strain. His wife recently disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and was uncomfortable revealing it. Transiting Pluto in Capricorn was in his 3^rd house opposing his Mars Uranus conjunction, further highlighting the theme of a sudden, shocking death. And the Sun in Leo conjuncted his Pluto in Leo, indicating the potential for regeneration or rebirth. The transiting Moon in Pisces conjuncted his natal Moon in Pisces in the 4^th house, which symbolically represents beginnings and endings in life. 

Transiting Chiron in Pisces was at the end of his 4^th house conjunct his north node and Ceres.  Healing was definitely needed, but perhaps his death served as yet another wake-up call for others who suffer from depression and/or addiction to get help.  Indeed, newscasters reported on the day following his death that calls to suicide prevention lines had spiked tremendously.  Ironically, Venus in Cancer also conjuncted his Sun, ensuring that that he will be remembered and loved for the joy that he brought to so many people over the years, yet which managed to elude him.  The focus will hopefully remain on celebrating his life and not the manner of his death.

I also looked at the progressed chart of Robin Williams for August 11, 2014.  His progressed Chiron was in his 1^st house, so those wounds that he had hidden so well for so many years were finally made public. Robin’s progressed Sun was in the 10^th house, which made his death a very public affair.  His progressed Mercury was in Virgo in the 9^th house, so the news of his death traveled quickly and sparked much analysis of the tragic circumstances regarding his death.  Robin’s progressed moon was in Gemini in the 7^th house.  Robin had a broad appeal to several generations and people of all ages were talking about him and sharing fond remembrances of his performances.  I am old enough to remember him in Mork and Mindy and his Comic Relief Specials, which provided a wonderful showcase for his humanitarian side.  He also shone brilliantly in movies like Good Morning Vietnam, The Fisher King, Good Will Hunting and Mrs. Doubtfire.  Robin Williams will be greatly missed.

If you are feeling confused during these challenging times and curious as to how Saturn, Uranus or the Black Moon Lilith are affecting you, please consider getting an astrological reading to obtain more insight and assistance in the healing process. Check out my services page on this site at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/services-offered.html

I am also getting into the spirit of Jupiter in Leo’s boost to my creativity by offering a special introductory rate for my newest astrological reading on Chiron, the Key to Healing Your Deepest Wound. Chiron continues to play a major role in healing our deepest wounds, especially with its conjunction to the Pisces moon on August 12^th, the very same day that Venus entered Leo.  Check it out at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/chiron-report-special-offer.html

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for my daily astrological insights at:

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix

Super Full Sturgeon Moon in Aquarius

We have a super full moon in 18 degrees of Aquarius at 2:09 p.m. on Sunday, August 10th but I would wager that many people have been feeling the effects of this one for several days due to Saturn in Scorpio and Chiron in Pisces. A super full moon occurs when the moon's closest approach to the earth coincides with the phase of the full moon, making the moon appear to be bigger and brighter. This is the biggest, brightest one of the year. The Native Americans called this full moon the Sturgeon Full Moon due to the abundant catches of large fish available in the Great Lakes. It can also cause stronger and fuller ocean tides with increased potential for flooding. Is anyone else tired of watching the news of floods across the country? 

Anyway, back to Saturn in Scorpio. No, folks, we can't escape its effects until December 23rd, when it FINALLY moves into Sagittarius. Can you tell that I am an impatient Scorpio who is growing weary of its testing and delays? On Monday, August 4^th the moon in Scorpio trined Chiron in Pisces and set the stage for healing. Chiron is in Pisces until 2019. Saturn followed suit with a trine to Chiron in Pisces on Tuesday, which prompted me to tweet:

"Deep healing is a major theme today as Saturn in Scorpio trines Chiron in Pisces."

This super full moon will form a T-square to Saturn in Scorpio. It is very fixed energy with lots of tension and the need for restructuring. Don't be surprised if some stuck energies wind up begging to see the light of day and be healed! The themes with this aspect are closure and completion because Saturn in Scorpio deals with karma and endings.

The pace of the prelude to this full moon intensifies on August 8th when Mercury in Leo squares Saturn in Scorpio and inconjuncts Chiron in Pisces. Granted, we do have a lovely conjunction between the Sun and Mercury in Leo on the 8th, but it doesn't totally mitigate the tension caused by these aspects. On August 9th the Sun follows suit and squares Saturn and inconjuncts Chiron. The bottom line with these inconjuncts to Chiron is that adjustments need to be made between the ego and spirituality.

This full moon in Aquarius can be a wake-up call that delivers insight like the proverbial Uranus ruled bolt of lightning. We have the opportunity to break through our own self-imposed blockages and breathe some fresh air. Aquarius is, after all, an air sign. We also need to be mindful that the full moon opposing Mercury and squaring Saturn can cause unreasonable demands, impatience and tension.

It is a time for radical thinking and the full moon in Aquarius squaring Saturn in Scorpio forces us to ground that electrical radical charge of energy to have it manifest in our lives. It is definitely time to think outside of the box. Freedom is a major theme, but don't hesitate to reach out to friends and groups with like-minded ideas to pursue alternative methods of healing. Anyone need some Reiki? I have some openings next week!

As for me this full moon falls at the very end of my 4th house conjunct my Mars. So I have no doubt that this one will affect me in a big way and I need to heed my own advice about being mindful of the tensions and impatience that will undoubtedly occur. But that full moon is literally seconds away from the cusp of my 5th house, so I prefer to focus on its ability to remove any blockages to my creativity.

If you are feeling confused during these challenging times and curious as to how Saturn and Uranus are affecting you, please consider getting an astrological reading to obtain more insight and assistance in the healing process. Check out my services page on this site at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/services-offered.html

 I am also getting into the spirit of Jupiter in Leo’s boost to my creativity by offering a special introductory rate for my newest astrological reading on Chiron, the Key to Healing Your Deepest Wound.   This is very timely now considering that Chiron is playing such a major role once again with its trine to Saturn this week.  Check it out at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/chiron-report-special-offer.html

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for my daily astrological insights at:

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix