According to Sandy

A few years ago, Ms Streisand was all over PBS with her show “Barbra Streisand: One Night Only At the Village Vanguard”.  She can still touch people with her voice and it was fun to listen and watch her wrap her tiny audience (the NYC club only seats about 150) around her finger – or vocal chords in this case.  Barbra is still amazing.

I wanted to hear her, so I dug out one of the diva’s old records “The Broadway Album” (yes, “album” – like I said “old”, but now on CD) and again was in awe of her renditions of some great songs from past musicals. I have a weakness for Broadway show tunes, especially those songs from Sondheim, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Gershwin – music from Porgy & Bess, Carousel, West Side Story, The King & I, etc. These songs appeal to me because they always have a story to tell, an emotion to crystallize, a longing to express.

Over the years, these poems set to music have become “standards” – they haven’t gone away, they are being sung someplace, somewhere every day. Whether in person or on CD, Ms Streisand’s versions are beautiful, soaring, romantic, funny, perfect.

Barbra Streisand – a treasure!

“I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day…”

The opening bass line that precedes the above lyric to the “Temptations” song “My Girl”, is instantly recognizable, instantly evoking a time/ place/age gone but still very much alive when the music plays. (I still know all the words.)

I watched the DVD, “Standing in the Shadows of Motown” again. It tells the story of the “Funk Brothers”, those musicians who rhythmically supported the stars of Motown with their piano, drums, horn section and guitars. According to the liner notes, “They played on more #1 records than the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Elvis combined…”

There are interviews, funny and touching, with the guys as they reminisce about their experiences at “Hitsville, USA”.  Unknown by the thousands of us that religiously bought a new 45 whenever possible, they drove the beat behind the Motown hit records from the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder (he was “little” then), the Miracles, etc. The stars were good, but so was the band.

We are also treated to concert footage – artists of today singing the old songs. It’s been a long time, but the music lives – they do a great job, different but still great.

(Nothing like some good music during questionable times. Perks me right up.)

~*~

No matter what else is going on, (and there has been so much lately), the Vernal Equinox will spring eternal in the Northern Hemisphere. This year, Spring happens on Thursday, March 19, 2020.

Astrologically speaking, the 1^st day of Spring is also the day the Sun enters the 1^st sign of the Zodiac – high energy Fire sign Aries. All 12 signs have been lit in turn and now we’re ready for a new cycle.

Mars ruled Aries is “out front”, physical, impulsive, prone to rushing and risk taking. We can bungee jump off that mountain of ideas and projects that has been stewing all winter. The universe will support. However, let’s be active with purpose and focus rather than act just because we’re bored. Think a project through and complete it. But, don’t forget to have fun. Spring has sprung and everyone can use a little bit of controlled craziness every once in awhile.

As always, those most affected have the Sun and/or Rising sign in Aries, but the rest of us will still feel the feisty vibes somewhere in our lives depending upon where the sign appears in our chart.

Aries Sun*Spring Equinox – 3/19/20 ~ 11:50 PM ET / 8:50 PM PT

~ Gemstone: Garnet * Power Color: Fiery Red * Body Part: Face

FYI – March 19^th is also designated as “International Astrology Day”. Always observed on the Equinox, it is a celebration of the ancient art of Astrology.

~~*~~

On Tuesday, February 18, 2020, the Sun moved into the last stages of a complete transit of the Zodiac. While in Water sign Pisces, the 12^th sign, feelings are heightened. Elevated emotions may affect all of us regardless of astrology sign. Tap into all that compassion and kindness that Pisces is known for and spread it around. Sympathy and empathy abounds, but take off the rose colored glasses – offer assistance where it is genuinely needed.

Mystical Neptune, the Planet ruler, will be in Pisces until 2025. It has a reputation for clouding the waters, fading boundaries and fostering escapism. Over sensitivity to adverse energy or vibrations is no excuse to drift away from reality. Stay grounded and connected. Stay productive and listen to your inner voice – the positive one.

However, all those things that make life unsettled can also enhance imagination and creativity. Innovations regarding music, dance, and theater will probably bubble to the surface faster than usual. The subconscious can be a treasure trove of ideas now. Keep paper and pencil handy, jot down your dreams.

~ Pisces Sun ~ Feb. 18, 2020 – 11:57 PM EST / 8:57 PM PST

There will be 3 Mercury Retrogrades this year. The 1st one begins on February 16 and ends on March 9. Mercury is concerned with all types of information, travel, education, tech stuff and small appliances. Labeled “the Communication planet”, the often confusion generating Retrograde (backward sky motion) period doesn’t have to be scary. Regardless of reputation, we can mitigate potential misunderstandings and snafus by paying attention to the details and being prepared. Be careful. “Back up” stuff. Stay grounded and pay attention to what you sign, verify deadlines, etc. Mercury Retrograde chaos is not inevitable!

~ Mercury Retrogrades for 2020: 

*Feb 16 – Mar 9

*June 17 – July 12

*Oct 13 – Nov 3

This can be a great time to do all those “re” actions: re evaluate, rewrite, re assess, re acquaint, re address. We can take time to pause and reflect, rather than jump into new schemes.

* 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.

~*~

The Sun entered unpredictable, independent Aquarius on Monday January 20, 2020. Ruled by Uranus, planet of unexpected events and outrageous happenings, the 11^th sign of the Zodiac is about originality, inventiveness and changes of direction.

Intellectual Aquarius has a stubborn streak (it is one of 4 “Fixed” signs of the Zodiac, along with Taurus, Scorpio and Leo). Ignoring opposition and the word “don’t”, there is a lean to gather, along with friends, neighborhood groups, etc. , at  a rally, an organized march and / or form a protest for any issues deemed to be righteous. Regardless of Sun Sign, we may all feel the need to join our rebellion of choice. Just remember that the “Revolution” will be televised, tweeted and instagramed.

And, there are Planet transits:

Venus (harmony). 12/20/19 – 1/14/20 ~ can bring an upbeat tone and cheeriness to fiery rhetoric, solidifying relationships in the midst of revolutionary zeal

Mercury (Communication). 1/17 – 2/4/20 ~ adds cleverness and networking expertise. Temper any tendencies towards sarcasm and sharpness. (Sugar better than vinegar) Be clear in speech and written word when rallying your comrades.

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

~ Aquarius Sun: January 20, 2020 = 9:55 AM EST / 6:55 AM PST

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

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

~ * ~

Chinese Lunar New Year of the Metal Rat

January 25, 2020 – February 11, 2020

Luck & Prosperity

~ * ~

The ambitious Capricorn Sun arrived on Saturday, December 21, 2019 along with the celebrated Winter Solstice. It is a new decade – 2020!  Take the time to look at what was accomplished and make plans for the future. I love that “what’s next?” question – a New Year, a blank calendar to fill in. Possibilities!

Capricorn, an Earth sign ruled by serious planet Saturn, likes structure, boundaries and is comfortable with the trappings of authority. Being a “boss” is not a burden. Being in charge is welcome. The 10^th sign of the Zodiac can keep us busy, accomplished and sensible. Re-goal yourself (I made this word up), tune up career moves, network, organize whatever needs to be shaped up. Make something happen. Just don’t get bogged down that you become too rigid and/or too cautious.  Relax, remember that you have a sense of humor – use it.

The Sun will be in Capricorn until 1/20/20. 4 planets will also transit during this time adding to the power & energy:

~Saturn, planet of boundaries & discipline – rules Capricorn so its influences will be tweaked. The 2 year visit started 12/19/17, will end 12/20/2020. Mature decisions, duty, responsibility are all highlighted for hopefully good results down the line.

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

~Mercury, planet of Communication, travel – will move into Capricorn on 12/29/19 until 1/16/20. Speech, writing etc. could be more serious and tight. Maintain sense of humor. Reign in sharp, hurtful personal interactions. 

~Jupiter, planet of big ideas & expansion – its sign visits last approximately 1 year, 12/2/19 until 12/19/20. Some of the risk taking tendencies can be curtailed & action more grounded.

*Of course, how you experience all of this planet power depends on where Capricorn 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, 2019 – 11:20 PM EST / 8:20 PM 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)

***

The very best of the season to all. 

Happy New Year !

Look forward to a Gemini Full Moon on Wednesday (Pacific) and Thursday (Eastern). While opposite the Sagittarius Sun, it will glow in all its roundness. As always with a “Full” phase, finish and complete any old projects hanging around. Clear out any debris to make room for what’s next. (New Moon in ambitious Capricorn 12/25/19 – great time for new beginnings)

While the Moon is in the Mercury ruled 3^rd sign of the Zodiac, communication is key. Chatting, Twittering, Face Booking, etc. can tend towards the witty and the clever, and 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!

* Gemini Full Moon: PST 12/11 ~ 9:12 PM / EST 12/12 ~ 12:12 AM

***