According to Sandy

The Sun rallies in intellectual, group focused, Aquarius on Friday January 19, 2018. The 11^th sign of the Zodiac is ruled by the unpredictable, unconventional, undeniably radical planet Uranus. It’s all about independence, the resentment of all “ties that bind”, a love of sudden changes of direction and thinking “outside of the box”. Freedom.

And, just to add some additional energy, there will be planets in Aquarius in addition to the Sun:

Mercury: 2/1 to 2/17/18, will add its cleverness and communication / networking skills.

Venus: 1/17 thru 2/10/18, can add charm to fiery rhetoric, solidifying relationships in the midst of revolutionary zeal.

There may be urges to join a group, organize a rally and / or form a protest for any issues deemed to be just. You know in your bones that you have to contribute to the universe in some way (like Aquarian Oprah). Marching for a cause, taking risks, being on the edge, or ledge – all sounds intense, but remember it can be done with warmth and humor.

Regardless of your birthday, we can all tap into those “We/Us”, “change for the  good” vibrations as the Sun intensifies this Air sign’s love of community.

* Aquarius Sun: January 19, 2018 = 10:10 PM EST / 7:10 PM PST

*Gemstone: Blue Tiger’s Eye *Power color: Ultramarine blue * Body Part: Ankles

BTW: don’t get confused – even though the Astrology symbol is the “Water Bearer”, Aquarius is an Air sign!

January 1, 2018 is the first glorious Full Moon of the year. A “Full” phase, Sun (Capricorn) and Moon (Cancer) are opposite each other, is good for the finalization of projects, clearing up messes, etc. A great way to start the year.

Completing old business with this sensitive, family and home focused 4th sign of the Zodiac may involve where you live – cleaning out the old, giving space to the new. Is it time to tie up any loose ends of DIY projects that just keep hanging on, and on? Gather and give away anything no longer useful or positive in your space; whether it be things, feelings or conversations. Make your environment as safe and secure as possible. Be kind.

*Full Moon January 1, 2018 – 9:24 PM EST / 6:24 PM PST

Best Wishes For A Sparkling 2018 !!!!

The serious, business-like Capricorn Sun arrives on Thursday, December 21, 2017 along with the celebrated Winter Solstice. As the year’s end approaches with all the festivities, it’s the perfect time to look at what we’ve accomplished in the last 12 months and make plans for 2018. I love that “what’s next?” question – a New Year, a blank calendar, great things are possible!

Tap into some of that leftover holiday energy because with Capricorn‘s affinity for work and organization, we can keep busy, accomplished and sensible. Strategize, tune up career moves, set up a networking campaign, determine whatever needs to be shaped up and do it. Make something happen. But don’t get so bogged down that you become rigid and over cautious. Relax, remember that you have a sense of humor – use it.

There are 2 major planet transits for the 10^th sign of the Zodiac:

Pluto – deep feelings, possible changes in career direction, upheavel, rebirth (since 2008 until 2023)

Saturn – rules Capricorn so its influences will be tweaked. The visit lasts from 12/19/17 to 12/20/2020. Mature decisions, duty, responsibility are all highlighted for hopefully good results down the line.

*Capricorn Sun = December 21, 2017 * 11:29 AM EST / 8:29 AM PST

*Gemstone: Obsidian, Onyx *Power color: Black, Gray * Body Part: Bones

FYI:  “The Winter Solstice occurs exactly when the Earth’s axial tilt is farthest away from the sun at its maximum of 23° 26′ (Shortest day / Longest night)”

The Moon is in sparkling, sassy Sagittarius from Friday evening until Monday morning and on 12/17, the Lunar orb begins a “New” phase. We will feel the urge to get out and about and see people. We feel lucky, optimistic and of course will find the greatest bargain, the perfect gift, the bestest tree. Or, you can hang out with family and friends – socializing works too.

As always with a New Moon, it’s a great time to launch, create, and / or start something. Sagittarius’ good nature, love of adventure and taking risks are tweaked while both luminaries, (the Sun arrived on 11/21) are in this upbeat Fire sign ruled by big Jupiter. But, you still must stay grounded enough to get all the facts (an exact measurement for the Bungee drop rope is a good idea). Mercury is still retrograde until 12/22/17, so pay attention to the details.

*New Moon = Dec 17– 10:30 PM PST / Dec 18 – 1:30 AM EST

FYI = New Moon energy lasts approximately 10 days. 

It is over for 2017, Saturday, 12/2 in the West and Sunday, 12/3 in the East. The last Mercury Retrograde of the year may affect, as always, those particular things in this fleet footed planet’s domain – communication (written, spoken), education, transportation, business, technical gadgets and small appliances. Can we stave off any potential mischief and mayhem that a back pedaling Mercury portends? Maybe not completely, but we can certainly take precautions so that anxiety packed snafus can be avoided (or at least lessened).

With the sluggishness of the Retrograde in Sagittarius, energy may be blunted or optimism scattered. There may be slips of the tongue or pen, Freudian or otherwise. (Read tweets before sending!) Project initiation / creation would be best delayed if possible – if not, be meticulous, be careful. Make sure you’re standing at the correct Bus Stop. We can overcome, we can handle, we can deal – as long as we jump all over the details and “back up” stuff. Stay grounded and pay attention to contract negotiations, deadlines, etc. This planet’s often confusion generating reversal continues until 12/22/17, when it stops motion and goes Direct, still in Sagittarius.

Remember my usual suggestions for Mercury Retrograde – see it as an opportunity to review, reconsider, re-think, revise, re visit discarded ideas. However, note that as we do this, we are not going backwards into the past, we are pro actively making any needed changes, re evaluations for the future – a good thing.

*Mercury Retrograde: Dec 3, 2017 – 2:34 AM EST / Dec 2, 2017 – 11:34 PM PST

** Mercury Retrogrades for 2018:  3/22, 7/25, 11/16

FYI: Mercury just “appears” to go backwards. Planets only move forward, however, due to the earth’s changing speed as it orbits around the Sun, the positions are such that it looks like a reverse motion from earth.

Just in time for the holiday, we were graced with a cheery Sagittarius Sun on Tuesday November 21, 2017. Ruled by exuberant Jupiter, the king of positive thinking, everything is “huge”- ideas, actions, themes. Remember to pause occasionally and look over the landscape – not only to enjoy the view, but also to realize that some of those “sure things” are not. The “go BIG or go home” routine will not always work to your advantage. Certainly be an “of course” for excellent results, reach for the good things, discover something new, pay attention to your intuition (a Sag loves a good laugh but they are also deep and love to ponder the universe) but, just be aware of the edges – over confidence can send you too far. If the situation warrants, aim for controlled excess.

Just to make it more interesting, Saturn, planet of discipline and limits, which is quite different to Jupiter‘s goals (expansion on steroids), has been transiting the 9^th sign of the Zodiac since December 2016. Depending on where it appears in your chart, the desire for adventure and living large might seem muted. Saturn moves into the next sign, Capricorn, on December 20, 2017.

More planet transits:

Mercury (11/6/17 – 1/11/18) = Communication focused, clever, curious and often razor sharp, this planet visit can be great for sharing knowledge – teach a class, take a class. But, watch language as you share YOUR views, YOUR truth. A bout of verbal snarkiness is not attractive and can really smother a party.

****Mercury Retrograde – 12/2 – 12/23/17

Remember to back up your gadgets. Review plans carefully before implementing, etc.

Venus – 12/1 – 12/25

The Love planet can add tact, sweetness and charm to the holiday season. (We can use it all after the past year.)

*Sagittarius – November 21, 2017 – 10:05 PM EST / 7:05 PM PST

**Gem stone: Sodalite * Power color: Lilac, Mauve * Body Part: liver, Hips

The symbol for Sagittarius is the half man/ half horse Centaur – usually with a wine pouch. Perfect, just in time for the festivities.

 (BTW- Regardless of your actual birthday, always try to take advantage of the vibrations of whatever sign the Sun is transiting.)

And of course – Happy Thanksgiving!

On Saturday and Sunday, 11 & 12 November 2017, the Moon will be in Virgo the 6th sign of the Zodiac. There is a mood shift from the playful, sunny, “I” oriented “look at me” Leo Moon of the last few days into this health and service oriented Earth sign. It may not be spotlights, sequins and glitter, but, we can have fun while being practical and organized. Make the most of it.

Virgo can make us analyze everything, focus on the small stuff and pay attention to the details. (This might be an irritant to others, but things will get done – correctly!) Good time to write those “to do” lists, re caulk the bath tub, alphabetize and categorize your recipe assortment, volunteer.

Have a super, productive weekend!

Craving luxury, being frugal, feeling stubborn?  We may experience all that and more with a Full Moon in Taurus. The 2^nd sign of the Zodiac is a fixed (its symbol is the Bull), finance focused Earth sign guided by the elegant, loving planet Venus. Whatever vibes are out there can all be put to good use. Indulge the sensual side while monitoring investments. Share chocolate covered strawberries with a significant other while tallying the checkbook at the same time. It’s possible!

As always with a “Full” Moon, it’s a good time to finish what you’ve started. With the grounded Taurus influence, it makes sense to complete any financial dealings and/or improvements to surroundings – beauty, comfort and safety. What do you value most? Who do you need to be – to do what you want and have what you desire?

*Taurus Full Moon 2017 : Nov. 3 = 10:23 PM PDT /  Nov. 4  = 1:23 AM EDT

**Reminder: Standard Time begins Sunday 2 AM, 11/5/17 = “Fall back”

Stubborn, secretive, sensitive, sensual – these adjectives all fit Scorpio, the mysterious 8^th sign of the Zodiac. The Sun will heat and be heated by this Water sign beginning on Sunday October 22 (PDT) and Monday October 23, 2017 (EDT). There will be intensity, determination and smoldering feelings. (Romantic entanglements can be taken to sizzling heights.) Powerful days may be ahead for all.

With Scorpio’s traditional planet ruler Mars (energy and aggression) and its modern ruler Pluto (power and transformation), being cool, being superficial won’t work. A lot can be accomplished during a Scorpio Sun regardless of where it appears in your personal chart. Remember that even while being deep and authentic, laughter can still be used as a balm to stabilize, bring things into perspective and lighten the atmosphere.

Mercury, the Communication planet, transits Scorpio from 10/17 – 11/5/17.  Interactions can be easily heated and more demanding than usual. Be focused and as clear as possible regardless of how deep the vat of sensitivity. Paint inside the lines to avoid unnecessary confusion and / or hurt.

Lovely, romantic Venus visits Scorpio from 11/7 – 12/1/2017, adding beauty and lushness to this intense sign’s seduction. Again, the impact depends on where (which House) Scorpio falls in your particular chart

Cheerful, “everything is better when it’s bigger”, Good Luck planet Jupiter has a long stay in Scorpio from 10/11/17 – 11/8/18. Could add upbeat, good feelings, (instead of 1/2 empty, the wine glass is 1/2 full) but, don’t let big emotions overwhelm you.

*Gemstone: Topaz *Power color: Deep shades of red *Body Part: Reproductive system (surprise!)

** Scorpio Sun: 10:27 PM PDT 10/22/17 – 1:27 AM EDT 10/23/17

This month the Full Moon, called a “Harvest Moon” due to the season, is in the 1^st sign of the Zodiac. As always with Fire sign Aries, make sure you have something physical to do to burn off all that excess energy. Reign in any aggressive urges, think before you act. Ruled by “Warrior” planet Mars, its combustible, aggressive, spark plug traits may be influenced by transiting Uranus, the unpredictable planet of change and revolution. (It remains until May 2018.)

Use the next few weeks to finish up old projects, clean up messes (physical, personal?) that you have been ignoring lately. Initiate, take charge, go first – just don’t do that “throw out the baby with the bath water” thing. Think it through and get it done.

* Harvest Full Moon in Aries 10/5/17 * 2:40 PM EDT / 11:40 AM PDT

**The first Full Moon after the Autumn Equinox is always labeled a “Harvest Moon” (9/22/17 – Sun moved into Libra)

During a “Full” phase, the luminaries are exactly opposite each other. The Aries  Moon is fully lit by the Libra Sun. (Beautiful, dramatic, nothing to fear.)