According to Sandy

On 2/18, West Coast, and 2/19, East Coast, the Sun’s energy enters this compassionate, intuitive, emotional Water sign making the next few weeks a good time for our imagination to shine. Piscean characteristics are heightened, meaning the subconscious is very important. It can be great for anyone associated with the arts – new ideas for music, dance, writing might push to the surface faster than usual. Pay attention to your dreams (take notes) but remember to stay grounded and connected. Over sensitivity to adverse energy or vibrations is no excuse to drift away from reality. Be productive, be creative and still be centered.

The 12^th sign of the Zodiac’s planet ruler, mystical Neptune, transits the sign until 2025. We will probably notice the influences of this outer planet somewhere in our chart. Neptune has a reputation for clouding the water, fading boundaries, and fostering escapism, but, the things that make life unsettled can also enhance creativity and imagination. Use the best of it.

World peace has to start somewhere, so tap into the sympathy / empathy that Pisces is known for and spread kindness among family and friends. Use clear judgment while offering assistance where it is genuinely needed.

As always, those most affected have the Sun and/or Ascendant in the specified sign.

Sun into Pisces – Feb. 18, 2016  9:34 PM PST / Feb. 19, 2016 12:34 AM EST

* Gemstone: Amethyst * Power color: Purple * Body Part: Feet

The Chinese New Year of the Monkey, on February 8th, is expected to bring energy, wit, innovation and a bit of impishness to 2016. Be prepared for a fast paced, unpredictable year. Cleverness abounds, but do be careful of false promises.

Risk vs Reckless. Stay grounded!

Gung Hay Fat Choi

FYI: The Chinese Lunar New Year, unlike the “Sun” calendar, can begin on a different date each year, but mostly falls between 21 January and 20 February.

Saturday’s Full Moon, January 23, 2016, will be in dramatic, Fire sign Leo – no better way to heat up, perk up a winter weekend! A “Full” phase intensifies the traits of the sign it is visiting and with Sun ruled Leo, (its Zodiac symbol is the glorious Lion, King of the jungle) we feel generous, creative and get the urge to flame and sparkle while flitting across the world stage. (“Look at me!”).

So step into the spotlight, wear some regal purple, be royally magnanimous to your subjects (friends and family) and have a great time. Also, use the Full Moon’s energy to finish projects begun at the time of the last New Moon (1/9/16). Its considered a fortunate time to take care of loose ends and it will last for about 10 days even as the Moon moves into efficient Virgo on Monday.

• Leo Full Moon: January 23. 2016 – 8:46PM EST / 5:46PM PST

The Sun rallies into intellectual, team focused, Air sign Aquarius on Wednesday January 20, 2016. The 11th 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”. Expect the unexpected.

Aquarius has a stubborn streak. It is one of three “Fixed” signs of the Zodiac, along with Taurus and Scorpio. While the urge to stand ground and refuse to follow along are all present, give attention to another trait which is the desire to contribute to the universe in some way. Groups, communities and their causes are a natural concern for Aquarius. (It is about “We/Us” rather than “I/Me.) There is determination to resolve issues that are deemed important. Regardless of your birthday, we can all tap into those vibrations as the Sun intensifies this sign’s influences.

Marching for a cause, taking risks, being on the edge, or ledge – all sounds intense, but it can be done with warmth and humor. If you’re going to spend time enrolling people into saving the world, you might as well have fun doing it.

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

*Sun into Aquarius: January 20, 2016 = 10:28 AM EST / 7:28 AM PST
*Gemstone: Blue Tiger’s Eye *Power color: Ultramarine blue * Body Part: Ankles

This Saturday, January 9. 2016, Capricorn traits get a boost and will be enhanced – work, ambition, persistence. “New” energy can give us the push to start the year with plans to accomplish goals, advance a career, clear a space to achieve. New Moons are always full of “beginning” possibilities and with this 10^th sign of the Zodiac, although not as perky and upbeat as the sign before it, Sagittarius, there is no need to slow down or get sluggish here.

Capricorn can supply the pragmatism and discipline to go forward and pursue a path to success. Even though the Lunar orb will change signs into Aquarius on Sunday afternoon, New Moon energy lasts for about 10 days.

Start something, create something, plan something

* Capricorn New Moon: 1/9/16 – 8:30 PM EST / 5:30 PM PST

What a way to start the year! The first Mercury Retrograde of 2016 begins on Tuesday, January 5. Are ya ready for this?

Mercury is concerned with all forms of information, travel, education, tech stuff and small appliances. Labeled, “the Communication planet”, it’s often confusion generating backward sky motion begins in humanitarian, revolutionary, group oriented Air sign Aquarius, reverses back to ambitious, responsible Earthy Capricorn on 1/9/16 and stops there on 1/25/16. It’s Direct motion towards Aquarius will begin again shortly thereafter.

With Aquarius in the mix, ruled by eccentric, revolutionary Uranus, transportation, team plans and technical mix ups can occur. As always, back up, double check, confirm. Make sure everyone is on the same page and shows up for the rally at the right place. (Difference between Paris, TX and Paris, France – that sort of thing. Seems silly, but it happens)

On 1/9, when the planet backs into 10^th sign of the Zodiac Capricorn, the possibilities of disturbances still apply but with more focus on career, status, security, finances, etc. Go over business details, written communications, personal and business budget plans that may need tweaking. Catch an error and “save face”, save money.

As always, my urging is to “pawz and refwesh”, as Elmer Fudd would say:

rethink, reassess, revisit, review, rewrite

Things will gradually become clearer as Mercury picks up speed. You’ll be able to go forward with anything you may have discovered during the pause and refresh time out. If you can, wait a few days after Mercury’s forward motion before firming up new partnerships and signing contracts or agreements.

Of course, life goes on, there are chores and plans that must be handled regardless of what Mercury is doing. Retrograde chaos is not inevitable. We can mitigate potential misunderstandings by paying attention to the details.

BTW: 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.

*Mercury Retrograde: 1/5/16 * 8:06AM EST / 5:06AM PST

Christmas Day finds us with a Full Moon in the nurturing, sensitive Water sign of Cancer. A “Full” phase (Sun and Moon gloriously opposite each other) is good for the finalization of projects, clearing up messes, etc. The 4th sign of the Zodiac is family and home focused, so completing old business may involve where you live. Make your environment safe and secure as possible, clear out the old, give space for the new. Gather and give away anything no longer useful or positive in your space, whether it be things, feelings or conversations. Get rid of what’s “done and dusted” – finish whatever was started at the time of the New Moon.

*Full Moon December 25, 2015 – 6:11 AM EST /3:11 AM PST

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A serious Capricorn Sun arrives on Monday December 21, 2015 along with the celebrated Winter Solstice. As the year’s end approaches, mixed in 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 2016. I love that whole “what’s next?” questioning process. A New Year, a blank calendar, great things are possible!

Capricorn, an Earth sign ruled by the planet Saturn, ambitious, efficient, grounded, practical and patient. Yes, very different from all the upbeat holiday revelry most of us have been experiencing under the Sagittarius Sun, however, there’s no need to have a letdown. Capricorn can keep us busy, accomplished and sensible. Re-goal yourself (I made this word up), tune up career moves, network in house, organize whatever needs to be shaped up. Make something happen. Just don’t get so bogged down in responsibilities that you become rigid and cautious.  Key word – “delegate”!

There are 2 planets, plus the Sun, in Capricorn right now meaning that wherever this sign appears in the birth chart, its traits are intensified in that section of life. (And of course, a Capricorn Sun or Rising sign is especially energized.)

Planets in Capricorn:

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

*Mercury – Moved into Capricorn on 12/10/15 – Communication can become serious and narrow-thinking. Maintain sense of humor. Reign in sharp, hurtful speech. (Until 2/14/16 * the planet will be Retrograde from 1/6/16 – 1/26/16)

However, regardless of your birth date, we may feel the Capricorn influence as we reach for an upgrade in status, get a thrill directing traffic and telling people what to do and where to go. Being the “top dog” is not a burden. Being in charge is welcome – fun for the boss, but maybe not so much for the employee? Remember to be careful with how you treat others, you can be authoritative with honey, rather than vinegar.

*Capricorn Sun = December 21, 2015…11:49 PM EST / 8:49 PM PST

Gemstone: Obsidian, Onyx *Power color: Black, grays * 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′…The seasonal significance of the winter solstice is in the reversal of the gradual lengthening of nights and shortening of days.” (per WikiPedia)

A New Moon on Friday December 11, 2015 could set us up to enjoy more days of retail therapy. Festive spirits and holiday energy are there to be tapped into. Actually, when the Lunar orb is “New” it’s a great time to launch, create, kick-off, and / or start something regardless of the season. Sagittarius’ good nature and love of adventure are tweaked while both luminaries are in this upbeat Fire sign. 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.

With a Sagittarius Moon, taking chances, taking risks can seem very attractive and stimulating. An enthusiastic “we can-do-anything” frame of mind is a definite trait of this Jupiter, the lucky planet, ruled Fire sign. However, no matter how great the scheme sounds, you still must stay grounded enough to get all the facts (an exact measurement for the Bungee drop rope is a good idea). But, it’s nice to know that the universe and lunar energy are on your side.

*New Moon December 11, 2015 – 5:29 AM EST / 2:29 AM PST

FYI = “New Moon” energy lasts for approximately 10 days.

The Sun is in Sagittarius, which means that this month’s Full Moon, on Wednesday November 25, 2015, is in the opposite sign – Gemini. While the Moon is in the Mercury ruled 3^rd sign of the Zodiac, communication is key. Speaking / writing can tend towards the witty and the clever, but with “Full” energy, our interactions can also be purposeful, powerful and precise. I love this quote from Deepak Chopra:

“Language creates reality. Words are magical power. Speak always to create joy”

Let us all do that!

* Full Moon: 12/6/14 – 12:15 PM EST / 9:15 AM PST