According to Sandy

That lucky old Sun bounces into Fire sign Sagittarius on Sunday November 21, 2021. Ruled by “bigger is better” planet Jupiter, everything is “huge”- ideas, actions, themes, etc. We just don’t have enough space for all the goodies anticipated when there is a Sag Sun. We can all enjoy feelings of luck, optimism and adventure.

However, 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” you want to jump on are not so sure. Be aware of the edges – think controlled excess. Bravado can go too far. It can be expensive and/or embarrassing. Have an adventure while using common sense.

And, to add to the fun, there will be planets transiting Sagittarius:

Mercury, Communication planet ~ 11/25 – 12 /13/21 ~ Clever, curious and often razor sharp, this can be good for creativity. Sagittarius wants us to share a good laugh but also go deep and ponder the universe. Teach a class, take a class, write something that you’ve been thinking about forever.

Mars, Warrior planet  ~  12/14 – 1/24/22 ~ Energy is heightened, quick to action, may jump from one thing to the other. Pay attention to tasks, follow up on ideas. Watch mischief quotient if boredom hits.

A Sagittarius Sun wants us to be upbeat, an “of course” for excellent results, to be with people and to revel in the abundance of the season. Enjoy it whenever possible.

~ Sagittarius Sun – November 21, 2021 * 9:34 PM EST / 6:34 PM PST ~

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

** One of the symbols for Sagittarius is the Centaur with the bow, arrow and wine pouch. Perfect, just in time for the holidays.

~*~* Happy Thanksgiving! And yes, be thankful ~*~*

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Potent, powerful, persistent, and passionate OR, stubborn, secretive, sensitive and sensual. I couldn’t decide on which group of adjectives to use for the mysterious Scorpio, 8^th sign if the Zodiac. I’ve decided that it isn’t an either / or situation – all may apply to this water sign at some time or other. The Sun will heat and be heated by this fixed sign beginning on Friday October 22 PDT and on Saturday October 23, 2021 EDT.

Note that “deep” and “fierce” can lead to all sorts of “feelings” that you may not be prepared to confront. So, don’t be surprised if emotions occasionally go unchecked. Often, the resulting “overwhelm” will not quite match the situation. There is nothing wrong with using an internal pause button to give us a chance to think, rather than just react.

With Scorpio’s traditional planet ruler Mars (energy and aggression) and its modern ruler Pluto (power and transformation), being cool, being superficial – skimming the surface, in conversation or action, just won’t do. The next couple of weeks can ramp up intensity and dig deep for all of us.

A lot can be accomplished during a Scorpio Sun regardless of where it appears in your personal chart. Remember that even while being serious and authentic, laughter can still be used as a balm to stabilize, bring things into perspective and lighten the atmosphere. Save any overflowing angst and/or grudges for another day – it can dissipate as the mood changes.

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

~*~ Scorpio Sun 10/22/21 ~ 9:51 PM PDT – 10/23/21 ~ 12:51 AM EDT ~*~

Next – Upbeat Sagittarius!

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It’s also the Fall Equinox, but it’s still all about relationships. On Wednesday, September 22, 2021, the Sun moves into Air sign Libra and whether you call it “Fall” or “Autumn”, (in the Northern Hemisphere), it is an “Equinox” – equal day / equal night. Balance – interactions, both business and personal, cooperation, genial negotiations will be in the forefront for the next few weeks. Good things in life are sought after due to the influences of lovely planet ruler Venus – romance, music, delicious food, beauty and hospitality. Even if it isn’t your Sun or Rising, the 7th sign of the Zodiac will still cast a glow.

We may also experience some effects of the planets transiting Libra at this time:

Mercury ~ 8/31/21 – 11/6/21: should amp up our chats, tweets, and texts, with cleverness and charm. (Long stay due to the Communication planet’s Retrograde period)

~ Mercury Retrograde  9/27 – 10/17:  Back up your devices. Pay attention to details. Read contracts carefully.  Avoid snafus, hurt feelings etc – read it over before hitting “send”.

Mars ~ 9/15/21  10/30/21: normally prone to action and impulsiveness, the Warrior planet’s usual aggressiveness is muted and softened.

The Libra way is to see both sides of an issue before making decisions. Seeking harmony by trying to be “fair” can sometimes lead to appearing wishy-washy. Using the “Pros/Cons” list method for making decisions can just draw the selection process out. Be aware that important action can be stalled by over think. Paying attention to instinct and being honest will give a more direct line to a choice. Don’t hesitate to show your spine when needed (some may be surprised when the Libra inner tensile strength is revealed), you’ll still be loved!

My suggestion for anything Libran is always: meet fun folks somewhere beautiful for brunch and / or cocktails. Enjoy being with others!

*~* Libra Sun * Autumn Equinox 9/22/21 ~ 3:21 PM EDT / 12:21 PM PDT

Gemstone: Aventurine * Power Colors: Blues & Violets * Body Part: Kidneys

FYI:  The Scale (signifying balance) is Libra’s Astrology symbol. All other Zodiac signs are either people or animals.

Up next: Scorpio!

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“People get ready…” Communication planet Mercury will appear to go backwards in the sky (Retrograde) in relationship focused Libra on Sunday 9/26 in the West / on Monday 9/27 in the East. The harmony seeking 7^th sign of the Zodiac is about partnerships, collaborations, socializing. Don’t be surprised if people from the past – co-workers, lovers, business partners – suddenly pop up to haunt, bite or even please us. Pay attention to what you write, what you say in order to lessen the possibility of any negative impact as you interact with others. (Slips of the tongue and pen, Freudian or otherwise, can easily occur.) Mercury Retrograde is not automatically an event of huge, messy snafus. Back up all the tech stuff, check batteries, verify travel plans, be meticulous and be careful. (Jump all over the details.)

“Retrograde” is the perfect time for “re” actions, such as, re invent, re write, re read, re visit, re new. Use the next few weeks to take another look at past decisions or old projects that may have been dropped and forgotten. Does an idea deserve another chance, another go round? Was anything missed? When Mercury goes Direct on October 18th, things will gradually become clearer as the planet picks up speed. You’ll be able to go forward with anything you may have discovered. If you can, wait a few days after Mercury’s forward motion before firming up new partnerships and signing contracts or agreements.

No need for us to be crazed and confused. We will get through it, again.

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: 9/26/21 * 10:10 PM EDT ~ 9/27/21 * 1:10 AM PDT

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The Sun moves into Virgo on Sunday Aug. 22, 2021. This is a chance to settle down after all the Leo sparkle and flash. Think: grounded, practical, dependable and efficient. The 6^th sign of the Zodiac is about work, service and health. But don’t think being conscientious has to mean “dull”. With quick witted Mercury, its planet ruler, Virgo’s cleverness can liven up situations when you least expect it.

Communication planet Mercury has been transiting the sign since August 12 (until the 30^th). Spoken, written or tweeted, language is sharper and snappier. Can be fun, just don’t hurt anyone’s feelings – especially since combative, belligerent Mars began a visit on July 30 and remains thru September 15, 2021.

Earth sign Virgo insists that attention be paid to the details, “the nitty-gritty” (is that term still being used?). However, being overly critical and picky, “sweating the small stuff”, “not seeing the forest for the trees”, suffering bouts of “analysis paralysis” will often get in the way of plans for improvements and / or  organizing messes. Friends, family & co-workers may resent relentless corrections no matter how “helpful” or how good the intention. Don’t get on their nerves  😉

Do those lovely Virgo things instead – be useful, bring calm & order, create a plan for better diet & fitness, be a contribution, be a solution.

If you want to work better/ want better work, put together the little building blocks needed to create something substantial. Now is a great time to get it done (whatever “it” is).

Virgo Sun ~ 8/22/21:   5:35 PM EDT / 2:35 PM PDT

*Gemstone: Carnelian * Power color: Deep green * Body Part: Bowels

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On Saturday & Sunday, 8/14 & 8/15/21, the Moon is on fire in sensitive, sensual Scorpio. When in the 8^th sign of the Zodiac, the Lunar Orb wants us focused and INTENSE.

Going after what or whom you want is just the way it has to be. No obstacle too high, no stone buried too deep. Use Scorpio’s passionate, seductive energy wisely.

Is there anything you want to find out? Search for anyone? Uncover a mystery? A Scorpio Moon provides the determination and willfulness to discover and handle truths. Secrets are not safe from this Mars (traditional) / Pluto (modern) ruled Water sign. No hiding or skimming the surface allowed. Some feathers may be ruffled, but the impulse to drill down and get to the bottom of whatever will be hard to deny.

Feel the power this weekend!

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This weekend, 8/7 & 8/8, the Leo Moon entertains us. It will reach its New phase on Sunday. (Both luminaries in the same sign = “New Moon”. The Sun moved into generous, enthusiastic Fire sign Leo on July 22, 2021) The time is great to use the flirty, creative vibrations natural to the 5^th sign off the Zodiac to start a project, enroll a special someone in your life, and / or do an awesome performance. Take all the Solar driven joy and confidence and have fun with any melodrama that might ensue. (Drama doesn’t always have to be a hissy fit.)

This active, initiating New Moon energy lasts for approx 10 days until the Aquarius Full Moon on 8/22/21 (“Full”-  Lunar Orb is illuminated by the Sun ~ best to finalize & complete projects).

~ Leo New Moon:  8/8/21 – 9:50AM EDT / 6:50AM PDT

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The Sun moves into Leo, the Fire sign it rules, on Thursday July 22, 2021. The stage is set. The lights are lit.  Showtime!

The 5^th sign of the Zodiac is upbeat, dramatic and drawn to the spotlight. It shines and heats the creative, fun and love areas of life. Expect things to be livelier for the duration, regardless of your actual birth date. (Don’t be surprised if there are sudden, unexplained cravings for sparklers, sequins and confetti. Just go with it.)

~ Venus – 6/28 – 7/23/21

Just to add to the love, Venus the planet of romance moved into Leo in June . Beautify self and surroundings – be royal but in moderation. Money will be very easy to throw around, ignore the urge to show off. People will be drawn to you regardless.

~ Mars – 6/12 – 7/30/21

Adding to the energy will be aggressive “Warrior” Mars in Leo. Overly confident and perhaps impatient for attention, we may be more willing to take risks to be first in the spotlight which can make us reckless.

*Sun into Leo: July 22, 2021 * 10:26AM EDT / 7:26AM PDT

**Gemstone – Tiger’s Eye *Power colors- Gold, orange (Sun colors) * Body Part – Heart (…of a lion!)

(Next up – Virgo Sun 8/22/21)

BTW: The date when the Sun transits into a sign can fluctuate year to year – from the 19th to the 23rd. If born on one of these days, you are considered a cusp baby – close to two signs- but regardless, there is only one Sun sign in an Astrology chart  (however, the individual will often exhibit a combo of characteristics from both signs).

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We can greet the Summer Solstice, on Sunday June 20, 2021, with a frozen, delicious treat under a large Sun hat.

Besides being the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, it also means the Sun has moved into the sign of Cancer, the Moon ruled 4^th sign of the Zodiac. This Water sign can make us more emotional, moody, restless and sensitive, but, family, friends, “taking care” is the comfort place. Regardless of Sun sign, we can still take advantage of Cancer’s kind, protective and nurturing influences.

Don’t let your sensitive antennae wilt in the summer heat. Heightened awareness can provide useful information about people, places, and things. Feel what you feel and pay attention to your instincts. However, if taking in too much unsettling information from the universe, don’t over indulge in the hope that an extra scoop of Ben & Jerry’s or another spoonful of hot fudge on that banana split will make things better. Change the scenery. Change the mood. Know what is best for you – food, people, situations, etc. Don’t be afraid to let go of what doesn’t work.

~ Cancer Sun / Summer Solstice (Sun in 1^st degree of Cancer): June 20, 2021 –  11:32 AM EDT / 8:32 AM PDT

*Gemstone – Emerald * Power colors- silver, pale gray (Moon colors) *Body Part – Breasts

~Summer Is Here ~ I Scream, U Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream!

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On Thursday, May 20, 2021, the Sun entered the third sign of the Zodiac. It is Gemini season until Jun 20 – when the Summer Solstice begins (Sun into Cancer). Gemini has the “twins” as its Astrology symbol, (Castor & Pollux), and we will want to double the fun regardless of our actual birth sign. Wanting / needing to be in 2 places at once can be fun, doing 2 things at the same time will be an “of course” – duality rules. Let the multi – tasking begin!

This Air sign, ruled by Mercury the communication planet, urges us to be with people – tweet, Face book, text or have an old fashioned “face to face”. Learn something new, create, chat too much, gossip too much and don’t forget travel, whether it be real or arm chair, the search for greener grass will be enticing.

~ Fleet footed Mercury transits Gemini from 5/5 – 7/12.  It’s about being clever, being quick. It will be Retrograde (it appears to move backwards in the sky) beginning 5/29 until 6/21 which may cause confusion & some snafus. Collect your thoughts, watch what you say or write. Don’t be careless or sloppy while interacting with others.

~ Venus, planet of love and beauty, will be in Gemini from 5/10 to 6/3. It can bring out our social best and gentle some of that Gemini verbal snarkiness.

This can be such a good time, but also exhausting. Rather than rush around feeling overwhelmed or scattered, hit the pause button occasionally to re focus. Deliver on promises. Complete a task, then go on to what’s next. Half done is half accomplished.

~ Gemini Sun:  5/20/21 – 3:37 PM EDT / 12:37 PM PDT

*Gemstone: Pearl or Agate * Power Color: Yellow * Body Part: Hands

~* June 7^th – Prince’s Birthday (Also my niece, Cybel) *~