According to Sandy

Just a heads up:

Mercury Retrogrades and the Zodiac signs in which they will occur:

*Jan 30th (Aquarius) – February 19th, 2021 (Pisces – backs into previous sign)

*May 31st (Gemini) – June 21st, 2021 (Gemini)

*Sept. 28^th (Libra) – October 16th, 2021 (Libra)

The planet Mercury is concerned with all types of information, travel, education, tech stuff and small appliances. Labeled “the Communication planet”, it’s often confusion generating Retrograde period (backward sky motion) doesn’t have to be scary.

Regardless of reputation, we can mitigate potential misunderstandings and snafus by paying attention to the details & being prepared. Be careful. “Back up” stuff. Stay grounded & pay attention to what you say, write & sign. Verify deadlines, read directions carefully, etc.

Mercury Retrograde “chaos” is not inevitable!

~  Stay well, Stay safe, Stay sane  ~

On Monday December 21, 2020, Winter arrives in the Northern Hemisphere, (some places more dramatically than others) but it’s the official start of Winter, “Winter Solstice”, the shortest day of the year. Always in tandem is the careful, capable Capricorn Sun.

This ambitious, efficient, and grounded Earth sign, ruled by stern Saturn, believes in duty, responsibility and loves being in charge. Regardless of our actual birth date, we may all feel the influences and get a thrill directing traffic and telling people what to do. (Fun for the boss, but maybe not so much for the employee?) Use honey instead of vinegar.

Although Capricorn is very different from Sagittarius, spirits don’t have to deflate after all of the seasonal happenings you were able to create the past few weeks – despite these precarious times. The 10th sign of the Zodiac can keep us busy, accomplished and sensible. Make a goals list, tune up job or financial situations and organize whatever needs to be shaped up. Be ready for whatever opportunities show up in 2021. “A change is gonna come.” What’s next? Make something happen.

There is one major planet transit for Capricorn:

~ Pluto, planet of power & transformation – has been in Capricorn since 2008 (until 2023) – fosters deep feelings, possible changes in career direction, upheaval, regeneration.

*How you experience this powerful planet placement depends on where it appears in your birth chart, – its traits will be intensified in that section of life. (And of course, a Capricorn Sun or Rising sign is especially energized.)

~ Capricorn Sun ~ December 21, 2020 – 5:02 AM EST / 2:02 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′. Though the winter solstice lasts only a moment in time, the term is also a turning point to midwinter or the first day of winter…The seasonal significance of the winter solstice is in the reversal of the gradual lengthening of nights and shortening of days.” (per Wikipedia)

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Early Saturday morning, December 19, 2020, the Moon floats into Water sign Pisces for the weekend – think sensitive, compassionate and imaginative (more than usual). There may be vibrant dreams, a relaxing of boundaries and cravings to escape. Generally, this can all be manageable (great for creativity), but not so much if reality loses anchor. Hold on.

Hazy Neptune, planet ruler of this 12^th Zodiac sign, has been transiting Pisces since 2011 and will remain until 2026. Along with feelings of vulnerability and compassion, life’s edges can be blurred and fog over what is genuine. Do remain grounded and sober. If there is something important to be done, get a grip, focus and handle it.

Paint something, draw something, write something, compose something – with Pisces, creativity is supported.

 (Monday afternoon brings the sharp, energetic, impulsive Aries Moon, 12/21/20)

** ~ ** ~ **

This has been a rocky year (climbing the “rough side of the mountain” for many). We can use a “pick-me-up”, a little bit of “upbeatness”. Gratefully, the Sun prances** into adventurous, optimistic, Fire sign Sagittarius on Saturday, November 21, 2020. Ruled by expansive Jupiter, the king of positive thinking, being “hopeful” doesn’t seem quite so far out there.

And, to add to the energy, these planets are transiting Sagittarius:

~ Mercury *  12/2/20 – 12/21/20  * Communication focused, clever, curious and often razor sharp, this planet visit can be great for creativity, sharing Sag’s knowledge and wisdom

~ Venus* 12/16/20 – 1/8/21 * Caring relationships, beauty and wealth/value. Revel in the warmth and spread it around.

Everything may seem possible while the Sun is in Sagittarius, everything is “huge”- ideas, actions, themes, etc. Be confident, think “of course” for excellent results, reach for the good things, and enjoy the abundance of the season. But, 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 – bravado can send you too far. It can be expensive and/or embarrassing. Have a good time – but, don’t overdo.

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

~ Sagittarius Sun – November 21, 2020 * 3:40 PM EST / 12:40 PM PST ~

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

BTW- Regardless of your actual birthday, take advantage of any positive vibrations from whatever the current Sun transit.

**Re: “prances” – One of the symbols for Sagittarius is the Centaur with the bow and arrow and wine pouch. Perfect, just in time for the holidays.

Got any fingernails left? Give a good, strong eye-roll to anyone who says “it doesn’t matter if I vote or not” “my vote won’t make a difference”. SMH*

However – the Moon is in attention loving Leo on Saturday & Sunday, 11/7 & 11/8. The Sun ruled Fire sign, the 5th sign of the Zodiac, wants to treat us to a busy, creative time complete with spotlights, sequins and sizzle.

So, give a performance, have fun with any melodrama that might ensue. Drama doesn’t always have to be a hissy fit, but Leo’s love of being upfront may not always be “fun”. There might be some pushing and shoving as too many folks try to sparkle at the same time, but it won’t be boring.

With Mercury no longer Retrograde, we can use the kind & generous Leo energy to get things done, while showing up and showing off. Stay grounded, stay sane, stay well and stay safe while twirling in the spotlight.

* SMH = “Shaking my head”

~ Pray for peace in Ethiopia – potential Civil War there.

**~**~**

On Thursday October 22, 2020 the Sun slipped into Scorpio – the heat is on! Potent, powerful, persistent, and passionate (still showing off 😉 ), the mysterious 8th sign of the Zodiac can infuse us with determination and focus to get projects done, snare that love interest or drill down through any mysteries that need to be solved. Sensitive and emotional – there will be drama and there will be depth.

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 into feelings for all of us regardless of birth date,

Clever Mercury has a long Scorpio transit which began on 9/28/20. It will go Retrograde on 10/13, (interactions can turn out differently than expected and may be more demanding than usual) and backup into Libra, where it will stop and move forward on 11/3 into Scorpio again on 11/10. It will reach the next sign, Sagittarius on 12/2/20.

We can accomplish a lot during this time using Scorpio’s power. But, also remember that laughter can be used as a balm to stabilize, bring things into perspective and lighten the atmosphere.  

As always, the impact depends on where (which House) Scorpio falls in your particular chart.

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

~*~ Scorpio Sun 10/22/20 ~ 7 PM EDT– 4 PM PDT ~*~

The Moon enters Taurus on Friday afternoon – just in time for the weekend – and it reaches its 2^nd “Full“ stage (or “Blue Moon”) for the month on Saturday 10/31, Halloween. Perfect!

This is a rare occurrence. There’s usually only one Full Moon per month. (The earlier October Full Moon was in Aries on the 1^st) When there is a 2nd, it’s referred to as a “Blue Moon” – as in “once in a…”.  

Taurus is the 2^nd sign of the Zodiac. It is a stable, stubborn (its symbol is the Bull), security focused Earth sign guided by the elegant, loving planet Venus. Whatever vibes are out there can all be put to good use. (We can stay calm while being tenacious.)

As always with a “Full” Moon, it’s a good time to finish what you’ve started. Use grounded Taurus’ influence to complete any financial dealings and/or improvements to surroundings – beauty, comfort and safety. Indulge the sensual side while monitoring investments. Chocolate covered strawberries while tallying the checkbook? It’s possible.

Happy Halloween!

As mentioned in the 10/2 post, surprises may still be on the way. Continue to hold on and ground yourself. Have some candy corn, dress up for a Zoom haunting. Be creative.

*Taurus Full Moon: 10/31/20 ~ 10:49 AM EDT / 7:49 AM PDT

**Reminder: Sunday 11/1/20 ~ Standard Time begins 2 AM (“Fall back”)

Mercury Retrograde began on October 13, 2020 in the sensitive, emotional, Water sign of Scorpio and reverses back into social, relationship focused, Air sign Libra where it will stop (and go Direct) on November 3, 2020 – Election Day. 

Mercury, (the planet of communications, transportation, education, gadgets, manual dexterity, etc.) moving backwards in the sky is not a “tragedy”, but it may mean break downs. Things / plans may not run smoothly or come out as expected. Back up your stuff!

Pay attention. Don’t let carelessness or lack of focus bite you in the nether regions. Don’t be surprised if memories of people, places, events of the past return to haunt, (think bad penny scenario) or even please us. Watch what you write and be conscious of what you say in order to lessen the possibility of snafus as you interact with others.

Prepare for what to do when Mercury Retrograde ends – about 2 weeks after the planet goes Direct on 11/3. My usual suggestions are: re invent, re write, re read, revisit, renew, re think. 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? Are there any monetary, financial accounting mishaps?

No need for us to be crazed and confused. We will get through it, again. (It happens 3 times a year.) Things will gradually become clearer as Mercury picks up speed going forward. If you can, wait before signing contracts or agreements. But, as always – details, details, details.

And I repeat – back up your stuff!

*Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio 10/13/20 – 9:05PM ET/6:05PM PT*

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 can sometimes look like a reverse motion from earth.

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Hmmmm. ”October Surprises”?

Let’s use this 1^st weekend of October 2020 to steady ourselves, stay alert & stay grounded while the Moon is in earthy, security focused Taurus, the 2^nd sign of the Zodiac.

However, unpredictable planet Uranus is transiting Taurus at this time – expect the unexpected. Remain flexible. There are reasons why the Bull is the symbol for Taurus. Pay attention and notice when being obstinate no longer gets the results wanted or prevents noticing the changes around you.

Last, but not least, Taurus is ruled by the sensual planet Venus – opportunities for romance, beauty and pleasurable pursuits. 😎

Make it the best weekend that you can. Be safe. Stay well.

~*~*~

On Tuesday, September 22, 2020, the Sun entered charming Libra. As the Sun begins its visit to the 7^th sign of the Zodiac, it is the 1^st day of “Fall” or the “Autumn Equinox” (in the Northern Hemisphere) – equal day / equal night. Libra is all about relationships, family, friends, marriages, and business partners, etc. Cooperation, negotiations and seeking balance will be in the forefront for the next few weeks.

As always, your experience of the Sun in a particular sign depends most upon whether it is your birth sign or your Ascendant (Rising sign) and where it appears in your chart. Regardless, the Libra Sun can set a mood to benefit us all. Good things in life are sought after due to the influences of lovely planet ruler Venus – romance, music, delicious food, beautiful things, graciousness and hospitality. Edges can be smoothed and softened on potentially contentious situations.

Often when seeking fairness and harmony, the Libra way is to see both sides of an issue before making decisions. However, using the “Pros/Cons” list method can just string the decision 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.

My suggestion for anything regarding social Libra is always: meet fun folks somewhere beautiful for brunch and / or cocktails (even at a distance). Enjoy being with others!

~ Libra Sun * Autumn Equinox 9/22/20 ~ 9:31 AM EDT /6:31 AM 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.

Next: Scorpio Sun -10/22/20

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