According to Sandy

It may be Autumn, but on Tuesday, October 23, the stubborn, secretive, sensual, sizzling Scorpio Sun brings the heat. Regardless of our birth date, 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. Skimming the surface of a project, a problem or a relationship just won’t do!

Besides the Sun, there are now three planets, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, transiting Water sign Scorpio which could make life even more interesting:

Mercury, the communication planet, transits from 10/10 – 10/31/18 – interactions can be easily heated and more demanding than usual.

Lovely, romantic Venus visits Scorpio from 9/9 until 1/17/19, adding beauty and lushness to this intense sign’s ways of seduction. Included is a Retrograde period back into Libra on 11/2 and a return to Scorpio on 12/3 until 1/17/19.

Cheerful, “everything is better when it’s bigger”, good luck planet Jupiter has had a long stay in Scorpio from 10/11/17 – 11/7/18, spreading some optimism and light.

We can accomplish a lot using Scorpio’s power and fierceness- it’s traditional planet ruler Mars (energy and aggression) and its modern ruler Pluto (power and transformation) – 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 10/23/18 = 7:23 AM EDT– 4:23 AM PDT

I’ve held off and was able to control my shock and horror when I saw the “Christmas in July days” advertised on assorted Home Shopping channels. I’ve even refrained from snarkish mutterings while rolling my cart past twinkling displays in Costco. A TV channel (not to be named) is launching Christmas themed movies on Halloween. I am NOT a Grinch, but, it is too soon.

I love the holidays – the smells, the sounds, the food, the ribbons & boxes, the door stopper fruit cake & all the glittery stuff that comes with the season. (Those little white lights wrapped around shrubs or trees make me smile.) I will flood family, friends & neighbors with good wishes, good vibes, happy salutations, etc, urging all to be thankful and grateful for what we have. And, I think keeping a decorated tree in your living room all year long is anyone’s prerogative – enjoy. However, “Jingle Bells” in Wal-Mart in August is too soon. The stomach rolling, dancing Santa and the wiggling mounted fish should only be seen in the dead of winter – not in Walgreens in September. Listening to Burl Ives singing “Have a Jolly, Jolly Christmas” in an elevator before Halloween is too soon.

Please, don’t get me wrong and dismiss this post as just a ranting whine of a woman of a certain age. It’s an observation. Yes, I know I “observed” this “too early” Xmas situation last year and the year before that & I understand my missive will change nothing – but, it clears my air!

I love the Christmas holidays, but July, August, September, October – TOO SOON!

As life has reminded us recently, “life ain’t no crystal stair” ***. The October 8, 2018 New Moon in social, Air sign Libra (gracious with a tensile strength) encourages us to keep moving forward seeking harmony and successful relationships – begin something new, or begin “anew”.  The Lunar orb, while in the “New” phase (it is in the same sign as the Sun), highlights partnerships and coalitions.

Take advantage of the energy – meet & greet “new” comrades, create something powerful & “new”. The universe will support New Moon innovation for the next 10 days or so until the Moon is “Full” on 10/24/18 – which is a great time for finishing up, completing projects, etc.

*Libra New Moon –  October 8, 2018 = 11:47PM EDT /  8:47 PM PDT

**  ”Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ ”, Michael Jackson

*** “Mother to Son“, Langston Hughes

Well, son, I’ll tell you:

Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

It’s had tacks in it,

And splinters,

And boards torn up,

And places with no carpet on the floor—

Bare.

But all the time

I’se been a-climbin’ on,

And reachin’ landin’s,

And turnin’ corners,

And sometimes goin’ in the dark

Where there ain’t been no light.

So boy, don’t you turn back.

Don’t you set down on the steps

’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.

Don’t you fall now—

For I’se still goin’, honey,

I’se still climbin’,

And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

The Sun glides into amiable Libra on Friday September 22, 2018 along with the Autumn Equinox (in the Northern Hemisphere). Even if it isn’t your Sun or Rising, the 7^th sign of the Zodiac will still scatter its influence like falling leaves 😉 .

There can be cooperation, affable negotiations and the urge to seek balance in business and personal relationships. Good things in life are sought after due to lovely planet ruler Venus – romance, music, delicious food, beauty, graciousness and hospitality.

With Communication planet Mercury beginning a transit of Air sign Libra on 9/21, (until 10/10/18) it may lead to even more clever and genial conversation for this very social sign.

Often, the Libra way is to see both sides of an issue before making a decision. Seeking harmony by trying to be “fair” can sometimes lead to appearing wishy-washy. Using the “Pros/Cons” list method can just string 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!

Libra Sun * Autumn Equinox 9/22/18 – 9:55 PM EDT / 6:55 PM PDT

Gemstone: Aventurine * Power colors: Blues and violets * Body Part: Kidneys

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

A Sagittarius Moon, from Friday evening, 9/14, until Sunday afternoon, 9/16, gives us an urge for travel and adventure. Go out, meet some people, take a little risk. Discover. This Jupiter ruled 9^th sign of the Zodiac can spread feelings of optimism and abundance. Large is always best.

When the Lunar orb is in Sagittarius, there are expectations of the universe’s support. Take advantage, work it – but, don’t get too cocky, pay attention to the details.

Think up tempo this weekend. Something with a good beat!

*Sag Moon: 9/14/18 – 8:45 PM EDT / 5:45PM PDT

The Moon is in earthy, analytical Virgo for the weekend. The Lunar orb will also reach “New’ stage this Sunday 9/9/18. (New Moon: both the Sun & Moon are in the same Zodiac sign at the same degree) We will experience a double dose of the efficient work /service / health focused 6^th sign of the Zodiac – use it to organize and de-clutter both mind and surroundings.

Like all “New” Lunar phases, the next 2 weeks are a great time for beginnings. Take advantage of Virgo’s natural “I’ll handle it” approach to take a look at fitness and nutrition. Are there things to be improved – diet, exercise? Don’t spend too much time being critical of yourself. Take care of needed changes now.

*Virgo New Moon:  9/9/19  2:01 PM EDT / 11;01 pm PDT

On Sunday August 26, the Full Lunar orb is in Water sign Pisces. The “Full” stage of the Moon intensifies the characteristics & energy of the Astrology sign it’s in. Think: emotion, creativity, imagination, sometimes hazy reality.

Be as caring and compassionate as Pisces wants us to be, just don’t be taken in by any promises or sad stories. Be present, stay in the moment – dismiss any escapist urges. Even when reality bites, it can be handled without mind altering options. Take care of your inner self. You matter.

When the Moon is “Full”, the Sun is directly opposite and lights it up – round and beautiful. The Moon is “waning” on its way to the 3^rd and 4^th quarters, making it a good time to finish up old projects, clean up messes that you have been procrastinating about for the past few weeks.

Pisces Full Moon, August 26, 2018 – 7:56 AM EDT / 4:56 AM PDT

The 2018 Virgo Sun spreads its influence over us on Wednesday & Thursday,  August 22 (PDT) & August 23 (EDT), regardless of whether it’s your Astrological sign or not. Think: grounded, practical, efficient and responsible.  Getting it done.

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 as its planet ruler, Virgo’s cleverness can liven up situations when you least expect it.

Earth sign Virgo is about paying attention to the details. However, being enraptured with “sweating the small stuff” can also lead to being overly critical and picky. Friends, family & co-workers may resent relentless corrections no matter how “helpful” or how good the intention. Don’t get on their nerves 😉

Instead, do evolved Virgo things – be useful, bring calm & order, be a contribution, take care. Create a plan for better diet & fitness.

*Gemstone: Carnelian * Power color: Deep green * Body Part: Bowels (Cleansing the system for good health)

**Virgo Sun:  8/22 PDT 9:09PM * 8/23 EDT 12: 09 AM

Beginning 8/18/18, the Moon will be in Jupiter ruled Fire sign Sagittarius both Saturday & Sunday. A Sagittarius Moon will have us getting out and about, seeing people, being optimistic. We can all use the uplifting, genial vibe right now.

Communication planet Mercury, which has been Retrograde since 7/25/18, stops and starts its forward (Direct) motion also on 8/18/18 PDT. It will take a few days to pick up speed and take us out of the “snafu” zone, so continue to pay attention to details.

Have an upbeat, powerful weekend!

Settle down, get focused, Mercury –  planet of communications, transportation, education, health, medical treatments, business negotiations and of course technical gadgets – will go Retrograde on Wednesday 7/25/18 in creative, fun, Fire sign Leo. This isn’t tragic, but it could cause disruptions, missed connections, botched contracts, etc. Needless to say, we can all do without any unnecessary confusion. Pay attention to the details!

Of course, there are chores and plans that must be dealt with regardless of what Mercury is doing. 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). Back up all the tech stuff, check batteries, pause before hitting that “send” button, verify travel plans, be meticulous and be careful. It can save you time by not having to fix or repeat things later – such as missing a signature on a contract, the check really does get lost in the mail, catching the wrong plane, (my favorite: Paris, Texas instead of the one in France), etc.

My usual suggestions for Mercury Retrograde: review, reconsider, re-think, revisit. See it as an opportunity to make adjustments and corrections where needed.

Hey, we still gotta show up, life will go on!

*Mercury Retrograde:  *7/25/18 – 10:03 PM PDT *7/26/18 – 1:03 AM EDT       (Until 8/19/18)

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.