The serious, business-like Capricorn Sun arrives on Thursday, December 21, 2017 along with the celebrated Winter Solstice. As the year’s end approaches with all the festivities, it’s the perfect time to look at what we’ve accomplished in the last 12 months and make plans for 2018. I love that “what’s next?” question – a New Year, a blank calendar, great things are possible!

Tap into some of that leftover holiday energy because with Capricorn‘s affinity for work and organization, we can keep busy, accomplished and sensible. Strategize, tune up career moves, set up a networking campaign, determine whatever needs to be shaped up and do it. Make something happen. But don’t get so bogged down that you become rigid and over cautious. Relax, remember that you have a sense of humor – use it.

There are 2 major planet transits for the 10^th sign of the Zodiac:

Pluto – deep feelings, possible changes in career direction, upheavel, rebirth (since 2008 until 2023)

Saturn – rules Capricorn so its influences will be tweaked. The visit lasts from 12/19/17 to 12/20/2020. Mature decisions, duty, responsibility are all highlighted for hopefully good results down the line.

*Capricorn Sun = December 21, 2017 * 11:29 AM EST / 8:29 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′ (Shortest day / Longest night)”

The Moon is in sparkling, sassy Sagittarius from Friday evening until Monday morning and on 12/17, the Lunar orb begins a “New” phase. We will feel the urge to get out and about and see people. We feel lucky, optimistic and of course will find the greatest bargain, the perfect gift, the bestest tree. Or, you can hang out with family and friends – socializing works too.

As always with a New Moon, it’s a great time to launch, create, and / or start something. Sagittarius’ good nature, love of adventure and taking risks are tweaked while both luminaries, (the Sun arrived on 11/21) are in this upbeat Fire sign ruled by big Jupiter. But, you still must stay grounded enough to get all the facts (an exact measurement for the Bungee drop rope is a good idea). Mercury is still retrograde until 12/22/17, so pay attention to the details.

*New Moon = Dec 17– 10:30 PM PST / Dec 18 – 1:30 AM EST

FYI = New Moon energy lasts approximately 10 days. 

It is over for 2017, Saturday, 12/2 in the West and Sunday, 12/3 in the East. The last Mercury Retrograde of the year may affect, as always, those particular things in this fleet footed planet’s domain – communication (written, spoken), education, transportation, business, technical gadgets and small appliances. 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).

With the sluggishness of the Retrograde in Sagittarius, energy may be blunted or optimism scattered. There may be slips of the tongue or pen, Freudian or otherwise. (Read tweets before sending!) Project initiation / creation would be best delayed if possible – if not, be meticulous, be careful. Make sure you’re standing at the correct Bus Stop. We can overcome, we can handle, we can deal – as long as we jump all over the details and “back up” stuff. Stay grounded and pay attention to contract negotiations, deadlines, etc. This planet’s often confusion generating reversal continues until 12/22/17, when it stops motion and goes Direct, still in Sagittarius.

Remember my usual suggestions for Mercury Retrograde – see it as an opportunity to review, reconsider, re-think, revise, re visit discarded ideas. However, note that as we do this, we are not going backwards into the past, we are pro actively making any needed changes, re evaluations for the future – a good thing.

*Mercury Retrograde: Dec 3, 2017 – 2:34 AM EST / Dec 2, 2017 – 11:34 PM PST

** Mercury Retrogrades for 2018:  3/22, 7/25, 11/16

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.

On Saturday and Sunday, 11 & 12 November 2017, the Moon will be in Virgo the 6th sign of the Zodiac. There is a mood shift from the playful, sunny, “I” oriented “look at me” Leo Moon of the last few days into this health and service oriented Earth sign. It may not be spotlights, sequins and glitter, but, we can have fun while being practical and organized. Make the most of it.

Virgo can make us analyze everything, focus on the small stuff and pay attention to the details. (This might be an irritant to others, but things will get done – correctly!) Good time to write those “to do” lists, re caulk the bath tub, alphabetize and categorize your recipe assortment, volunteer.

Have a super, productive weekend!

Craving luxury, being frugal, feeling stubborn?  We may experience all that and more with a Full Moon in Taurus. The 2^nd sign of the Zodiac is a fixed (its symbol is the Bull), finance focused Earth sign guided by the elegant, loving planet Venus. Whatever vibes are out there can all be put to good use. Indulge the sensual side while monitoring investments. Share chocolate covered strawberries with a significant other while tallying the checkbook at the same time. It’s possible!

As always with a “Full” Moon, it’s a good time to finish what you’ve started. With the grounded Taurus influence, it makes sense to complete any financial dealings and/or improvements to surroundings – beauty, comfort and safety. What do you value most? Who do you need to be – to do what you want and have what you desire?

*Taurus Full Moon 2017 : Nov. 3 = 10:23 PM PDT /  Nov. 4  = 1:23 AM EDT

**Reminder: Standard Time begins Sunday 2 AM, 11/5/17 = “Fall back”

Stubborn, secretive, sensitive, sensual – these adjectives all fit Scorpio, the mysterious 8^th sign of the Zodiac. The Sun will heat and be heated by this Water sign beginning on Sunday October 22 (PDT) and Monday October 23, 2017 (EDT). There will be intensity, determination and smoldering feelings. (Romantic entanglements can be taken to sizzling heights.) Powerful days may be ahead for all.

With Scorpio’s traditional planet ruler Mars (energy and aggression) and its modern ruler Pluto (power and transformation), being cool, being superficial won’t work. A lot can be accomplished during a Scorpio Sun regardless of where it appears in your personal chart. Remember that even while being deep and authentic, laughter can still be used as a balm to stabilize, bring things into perspective and lighten the atmosphere.

Mercury, the Communication planet, transits Scorpio from 10/17 – 11/5/17.  Interactions can be easily heated and more demanding than usual. Be focused and as clear as possible regardless of how deep the vat of sensitivity. Paint inside the lines to avoid unnecessary confusion and / or hurt.

Lovely, romantic Venus visits Scorpio from 11/7 – 12/1/2017, adding beauty and lushness to this intense sign’s seduction. Again, the impact depends on where (which House) Scorpio falls in your particular chart

Cheerful, “everything is better when it’s bigger”, Good Luck planet Jupiter has a long stay in Scorpio from 10/11/17 – 11/8/18. Could add upbeat, good feelings, (instead of 1/2 empty, the wine glass is 1/2 full) but, don’t let big emotions overwhelm you.

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

** Scorpio Sun: 10:27 PM PDT 10/22/17 – 1:27 AM EDT 10/23/17

This month the Full Moon, called a “Harvest Moon” due to the season, is in the 1^st sign of the Zodiac. As always with Fire sign Aries, make sure you have something physical to do to burn off all that excess energy. Reign in any aggressive urges, think before you act. Ruled by “Warrior” planet Mars, its combustible, aggressive, spark plug traits may be influenced by transiting Uranus, the unpredictable planet of change and revolution. (It remains until May 2018.)

Use the next few weeks to finish up old projects, clean up messes (physical, personal?) that you have been ignoring lately. Initiate, take charge, go first – just don’t do that “throw out the baby with the bath water” thing. Think it through and get it done.

* Harvest Full Moon in Aries 10/5/17 * 2:40 PM EDT / 11:40 AM PDT

**The first Full Moon after the Autumn Equinox is always labeled a “Harvest Moon” (9/22/17 – Sun moved into Libra)

During a “Full” phase, the luminaries are exactly opposite each other. The Aries  Moon is fully lit by the Libra Sun. (Beautiful, dramatic, nothing to fear.)

Whether you call it “Fall” or “Autumn”, when the Sun moves into Libra, it is the Equinox (equal day / equal night).

Balance – in relationships, both business and personal, cooperation, genial negotiations will be in the forefront for the next few weeks. All that the world needs now, yes we can.

This social and harmony loving Air sign, ruled by Venus, leans toward the lush things in life – romance, music, delicious food, beauty, graciousness and hospitality. When Communication planet Mercury transits Libra, from 9/30 to 10/17/17, it should amp up our interactions with cleverness and charm. Next, sensual Venus glides into the 7^th sign of the Zodiac, from 10/14 to 11/7/17, as a welcome extra to warm and lift spirits.

As always, your experience of the Sun in a particular sign depends most upon where it appears in your chart. But the Solar orb in Libra can set a mood to benefit us all. Edges are smoothed and softened on potentially contentious situations. My suggestion for anything Libran is always: meet fun folks somewhere beautiful for brunch and or cocktails. Enjoy being with others!

Libra Sun * Fall Equinox 9/22/17 – 4:02 PM Eastern / 1:02 PM Pacific

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

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

On Saturday and Sunday, 9/16 & 9/17, we are treated to a Fiery Leo Moon and all that it involves. The 5^th sign of the Zodiac is ruled by the Sun so a natural drift toward theatrics, melodrama and ”Lion’s Pride” regal could push thru. (Great for actors!) We can enjoy being  active, upbeat, creative and generous, which can make for a really good time.

Have a sparkling weekend!

After Leo’s seemingly relentless ferment, the Sun moved into reliable, responsible Virgo on Tuesday August 22, 2017.  The 6^th sign of the Zodiac is about work, health matters and service. But don’t think being conscientious has to mean “dull”. With quick witted Mercury as its planet ruler, Virgo cleverness can liven up situations unexpectedly.

Don’t drift into over analyzing, getting wrapped up in too many details. Being over critical and picky, not “seeing the forest for the trees”, suffering bouts of “paralysis analysis” will just get in the way and slow you down from making improvements, organizing messes, both large and small, and just experiencing a general grounding. Do Virgo things – be useful, bring calm & order, be a contribution.

Retrograde Mercury is in Virgo until 9/1/17. It backs into Leo where it will reverse motion and go Direct on 9/5/17. Mercury will re enter the sign it rules on 9/10/17 and remains until 9/30/17. Things speed up, communication will get snappier. Also, good time to implement a good diet / exercise regimen. Feeling better helps you work better.

*Gemstones: Carnelian, Blue Sapphire * Power color: Deep green * Body Part: Bowels (Cleansing the system for good health)

**Virgo Sun: August 22, 2017 – 6:21 PM EDT / 3:21 PM PDT