According to Sandy

Regardless of how endless Winter may seem for some of us, Spring is here! The Vernal Equinox arrived, in the Northern Hemisphere, on Tuesday March 20^, 2018 at 1 degree of impulsive, high energy Aries, the 1^st sign of the Zodiac. In the past 12 months, the Sun has transited all the Astrology signs and the cycle starts anew. Let’s spring into action! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist it 😆).

Ruled by warrior planet Mars, aggressive Aries can be used to springboard ideas and projects that have been percolating all Winter. Be aware that unpredictable Uranus will be in this sign until 2019. It can make the Aries rush to adventure unfocused and scattered resulting in waste – time, energy, money. Pay attention to those urges to just “act” (act out or act up). Action with purpose and planning, rather than just because we’re bored will work. Risk vs reckless – don’t be careless.

Adding potential snap and crackle to interactions, Communication planet Mercury transits Aries until 5/14/18, (Retrograde 3/22 to 4/15/18). Writing, speaking, etc. may have more quickness, edge and bite – you’ll be great in debates? Create powerful tweets?  (Just watch the snark)

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 Fire sign appears in our chart.

Aries Sun* Spring Equinox – 12:16 PM Eastern / 9:16 AM Pacific

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

FYI – March 20^th is also designated as “International Astrology Day”. Always observed on the Equinox, it is a celebration of the ancient art of Astrology.

Heads up! The first Mercury Retrograde of 2018 happens on Thursday March 22, in the first sign of the Zodiac – impulsive, energetic, “me first”, Aries. In the midst of the Communication planet’s backward move, there can be snafus, confusion, flubbed details, wild declarations while speaking, texting & FBing. Besides written / verbal interaction, this may affect business, education, small gadgets (back up your stuff) and transportation (travel delays, wrong destinations – a few weeks ago a German Shepherd destined for Kansas, wound up in Japan).

Mercury Retrograde is a challenging time for Aries’ natural Impatience & heat. Think first. Be aware, be clear, watch the tantrum trigger. If feeling the need to argue or admonish, do it without the scorched earth approach. (Put the flame thrower back in the closet. You might be blowing up over incorrect information.)

Rather than initiate anything new, review and revisit ideas, revitalize old projects, re invent an approach. If you must sign a contract and / or begin something important, check everything twice, make sure the details are precise. Avoid having to do it over again.

*Mercury Retrograde:  3/22/18 – 8:19 PM EDT / 5:19 PM PDT (Until 4/15/18)

**Next Mercury Retrograde will be 7/25/18 in Fire sign Leo

On Saturday & Sunday, March 10 / 11, 2018, the Capricorn Moon can move us to take charge, get things accomplished and work hard. This Earth sign’s serious, focused energy pushes us to step to the front and give directions. Being ambitious is not a negative. Like everything else, it depends on how it’s handled.

Have a successfully productive weekend, but don’t forget to smile and say ‘thank you” while telling everyone what to do.

*Daylight Savings – “Spring Ahead” 1 hour at 2 AM Sunday 3/11/18

Everyone knows who Harry is – just listening to a few chords of “Day-O” or “Ma-tilda” brings his handsome face to the mind’s eye. At 91 (he just had a birthday on March 1), he is still attractive of course, but Harry Belafonte: Sing Your Song, a fascinating documentary out on DVD, fills in and rounds out the well lived life of the entertainer to be more than a man in a sexy shirt and tight pants. Besides being a singer, actor, husband and father, Mr. Belafonte is an activist, a pioneer and a humanitarian. A full life.

BTW:  There is a book My Song: A Memoir and a CD, Harry Belafonte Sing Your Song: The Music that also celebrate this man’s life and music.

Saturday & Sunday, March 3/4, 2018, the Moon will charm and class us up while in the lovely and amiable 7^th sign of the Zodiac. This relationship focused (both business & personal), Air sign, ruled by elegant, romantic, beautifying Venus, seeks balance, harmony and cooperation while urging us to express our artistic talent, share ourselves with people and just generally expect and accept good times.

If a Libra Moon helps us tune out / tone down any negative, angry voices out there (or in our heads), terrific.

Have a great weekend!

On Thursday March 1, 2018, the Moon (Virgo) is opposite and reflecting the Sun (Pisces) = “Full Moon”. The hard working 6^th sign of the Zodiac is about health, service, handling the details and getting things done. A “Full” phase is a great time to finalize whatever projects and plans you have been putting off. Just be careful not to do too many things at once. Juggling might be exciting and a personal test of skills, but don’t go overboard. Think “pace”. The universe will support you in being productive, useful, healthy and whole.

The influences of this Lunar phase will last for several days even when the sign changes to Libra on 3/3/18

BTW: Virgo’s planet ruler Mercury will be joining imaginative, nebulous Neptune in Water sign Pisces until 3/5/18. This can be great for creativity, but, not so much for reliability. Be steady and discriminating while being a genius, even if those around you are not.

*Virgo Full Moon: March 1, 2018 – 7:51 PM EST / 4:51 PM PST 

On Sunday, February 18, 2018, the 12^th sign of the Zodiac has its turn to be in the Sun. Water sign Pisces characteristics, (compassionate, imaginative, & intuitive), are heightened. Spread care and kindness among family and friends. Offer assistance where it is genuinely needed.

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

Sun into Pisces – February 18, 2018:  12:18 PM EST / 9:18 AM PST

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

Lights, camera, action! Wednesday’s Moon on January 31, 2018, will not only be “Full”, it will also be Blue* (as in “once in a blue…”) and it will also be Red** (due to  the Lunar Eclipse).  All happening in dramatic, Fire sign Leo – no better way to heat up, perk up a winter hump day! A “Full” phase intensifies the traits of the sign it’s in and with Sun ruled Leo, (its Zodiac symbol is the glorious 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 (1/16/18). 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 Thursday.

Leo Full Moon / Total Lunar Eclipse:  1/31/18 – 8:27 AM EST / 5:27 AM PST

*Since this is the 2^nd Full Moon in the same month, it’s called “Blue”

**Red Moon – due to Lunar Eclipse, Moon appears brighter and blood red– orange in color

The Sun rallies in intellectual, group focused, Aquarius on Friday January 19, 2018. The 11^th 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”. Freedom.

And, just to add some additional energy, there will be planets in Aquarius in addition to the Sun:

Mercury: 2/1 to 2/17/18, will add its cleverness and communication / networking skills.

Venus: 1/17 thru 2/10/18, can add charm to fiery rhetoric, solidifying relationships in the midst of revolutionary zeal.

There may be urges to join a group, organize a rally and / or form a protest for any issues deemed to be just. You know in your bones that you have to contribute to the universe in some way (like Aquarian Oprah). Marching for a cause, taking risks, being on the edge, or ledge – all sounds intense, but remember it can be done with warmth and humor.

Regardless of your birthday, we can all tap into those “We/Us”, “change for the  good” vibrations as the Sun intensifies this Air sign’s love of community.

* Aquarius Sun: January 19, 2018 = 10:10 PM EST / 7:10 PM PST

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

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

January 1, 2018 is the first glorious Full Moon of the year. A “Full” phase, Sun (Capricorn) and Moon (Cancer) are opposite each other, is good for the finalization of projects, clearing up messes, etc. A great way to start the year.

Completing old business with this sensitive, family and home focused 4th sign of the Zodiac may involve where you live – cleaning out the old, giving space to the new. Is it time to tie up any loose ends of DIY projects that just keep hanging on, and on? Gather and give away anything no longer useful or positive in your space; whether it be things, feelings or conversations. Make your environment as safe and secure as possible. Be kind.

*Full Moon January 1, 2018 – 9:24 PM EST / 6:24 PM PST

Best Wishes For A Sparkling 2018 !!!!