According to Sandy

At last, Gemini planet ruler Mercury is no longer Retrograde. The communication planet is gaining forward speed and we are able to get traction on tech, transportation, information plans, etc. A perfect time to implement ideas that have been percolating or launch projects that have been stuck for awhile. There will be a New Moon in this talkative, flexible, versatile 3^rd Zodiac sign on June 4, 2016.

The Moon is considered “New” when the Sun and Moon are in the same Astrology sign. The universe encourages us to begin, initiate and create. When the Lunar orb is in clever, intellectual Gemini, we will want to teach, learn, share thoughts, tell stories at length regardless of who wants to listen. So get your facts straight. (Short and sweet works best sometimes. And remember, silence is a form of communication too  😎  )

  *6/4/16 Gemini New Moon:  10:59 PM EDT / 7:59 PM PDT

On Saturday May 21, 2016, the Sagittarius Moon is fully lit by the Sun in its opposite sign of Gemini – very dramatic, but nothing to fear. (No fangs or hairy knuckles.) The entire weekend will be under the benevolent influence of the wise, but perky and energetic 9^th sign of the Zodiac. Ruled by lucky, expansive Jupiter, expect a lean towards adventure, an “of course good things can happen” outlook and a willingness to go for miracles – which can come in handy when edging a project toward fruition. A “Full” phase is a time to look for results– we start to see the end product of plans started at the time of the New Moon back on 5/6/16.

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, at “Full” phase the Moon is “waning”, on its way to the 3rd and 4th quarters, therefore, we could feel its effects for about another2 weeks.

*Sagittarius Full Moon: May 21, 2016 – 5:14 PM EDT / 2:14 PM PDT

All things Taurus! The Sun has been in this sensual, security minded, 2^nd sign of the Zodiac since 4/19 and on Friday May 6, 2016 the New Moon will join it. With both luminaries in Venus ruled, earthy Taurus, its influences in areas of romance, beauty, creativity and money are intensified. Could it be time for a new love, a new style, a new budget?  Why not?

New Moons support fresh beginnings and Taurus urges us to think about how to build and maintain a comfortable, secure life. With this sign’s legendary determination, you can manage your cash and still be good to yourself and loved ones. Create new ways to do it.

*Taurus New Moon 5/6/16:   EDT 3:29 PM –  PDT 12:29 PM

Yes, we will experience Mercury Retrograde, the 2^nd of 4 occurrences in 2016, beginning Thursday, April 28 in Earth sign Taurus. No need to go “cray – cray” just because the communication planet reverses motion. Mercury is concerned with information, travel, education, technical gadgets and small appliances – things that help our lives go. We can overcome, we can handle, we can deal – as long as we pay attention to details and “back up” our stuff. This planet’s often confusion generating backward sky motion continues until 5/22/16, when it stops motion and goes Direct.

Tech toys, plans, budgets, especially since Mercury is transiting the security minded (financial and physical), 2^nd sign of the Zodiac, should all be looked over, confirmed, checked twice. Prepare for any missteps or snafus that lurk out there. Take this time to reconnect, rethink, reassess, revisit, review, rewrite, refresh. If something does go downhill, at least you’ll be prepared to shore up the landslide and hopefully prevent total disaster.

Things will gradually become clearer as Mercury picks up forward speed. You’ll be able to go ahead with anything you may have discovered during the pause and refresh time out. Clarify career and money goals. Network and share your workplace goals with those you trust. If you can, wait a few days after Mercury goes Direct before firming up new business and signing contracts or agreements.

Of course, life goes on, there are chores and plans that must be dealt with regardless of what Mercury is doing. Retrograde chaos is not inevitable. We can mitigate potential misunderstandings by paying attention to the “small stuff”.

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.

*Mercury Retrograde: 4/28/16 * 1:20 PM EDT / 10:20 AM PDT

Whether 4/21 on the West Coast or 4/22 on the East Coast, we will experience a Full Moon in powerful, sensual, emotional Water sign Scorpio. The 8^th sign of the zodiac is ruled by transformational planet Pluto, (traditional ruler is warrior planet Mars). Heightened sensitivity may result in raw, deep feelings during this lunar transit – be aware of possible over reaction. A Full Moon is a good time to figure out what to keep and what to throw away (discard whatever is no longer meaningful, useful, and / or beneficial.) Gauge what has been accomplished since the New Moon and move on to finalize and complete tasks in the next few weeks.

Scorpio also pushes us to focus on money matters that may involve others. Are there any financial issues that need to be cleared or settled– taxes, business ventures?  Does anyone owe you anything? Time to collect?

*Scorpio Full Moon: April 21, 10:24PM PDT / April 22, 1:24AM EDT

On Tuesday April 19, 2016, the Sun moves into stubborn and determined Taurus. It has the Bull as its Astrology symbol, however, since it is ruled by the lovely, romantic planet Venus, this sign has several other dimensions. It can be stuck and resistant to change, but also, a sensual lover of beauty, good food and luxury. While appreciating all the comforts, the second sign of the Zodiac also wants us to be financially secure at all times.

For the next few weeks, regardless of Sun sign, we can all tap into those Taurean traits of strength and endurance so that we solidify and complete the projects started during the high energy of the Aries Sun. Watch out for a tendency to be overcautious – don’t miss an opportunity out of fear. Security is attractive, especially in this financial climate, but, sometimes we have to take a second look to see the advantage.

Taurus luxe will be sweetened by visiting Venus , 4/30 – 5/24 and financial situations can be muddled by a Mercury transit, which began on 4/6, going Retrograde, 4/28 – 5/23 (clever, Mercury remains in Taurus until 6/23/16). If you must negotiate and sign contracts, read everything twice. Don’t rush.

With a Taurus Sun, loved ones are treated to poetry, music and gourmet meals, while getting a lecture on the advantages of saving money – nice mix.

Taurus:  *Gemstone: Rose Quartz * Power color: Soft rose-pink* Body Part: Neck

* Sun into Taurus, Tuesday 4/19/16 – 11:30 AM Eastern / 8:30 AM Pacific

**As always, those most affected have the Sun and/or Rising sign in Taurus, but the rest of us will still feel the stable influences somewhere in our lives depending upon where the Earth sign appears in the birth chart.

A Full Moon (& Lunar Eclipse) will be in classy, social Libra on Wednesday March 23, 2016. This Air sign is ruled by the lovely Venus and urges us to beautify ourselves, our surroundings and our relationships. Hopefully, the resulting loveliness will make us more inclined to cooperate with partners, seek balance in negotiations, and keep calm in deliberations. It may help us tune out/tone down any negative, angry voices (out there or in our heads) – charm and beauty are always good antidotes.

A ”Full” Moon, Lunar Eclipse phase packs power. It’s a good time to gather results or confront the useless – clean up old projects, get rid of outmoded thought patterns and attitudes in order to clear the way for the “New” Moon on 4/7/16.

*Full Moon in Libra: March 23, 2016 –  8:01 AM EDT / 5:01 AM  PDT

Not only can we celebrate the Vernal Equinox, but we also get to herald the Sun’s transit into Aries, the first sign of the Zodiac, on Saturday 3/19/16 PDT and Sunday 3/20/16 EDT. This fire sign is active, aggressive and adventurous. In the past 12 months, the Sun has transited all 12 Zodiac signs and at 1 degree of Aries, the cycle starts anew and so can we. We should keep our eyes open for opportunities on the horizon.

Ruled by the warrior planet Mars, the influences of Aries’ high energy can be used to springboard ideas and projects that have been percolating all winter. However, with unpredictable, non conformist planet Uranus visiting until 2019, recklessness, with the often resulting scattered energies can result in waste – time, energy, money. Pay attention to those urges to just “act” (act out or act up). Action with purpose and focus, rather than just because we’re bored will work. Risk vs reckless – don’t be careless.

Adding potential snap and crackle to interactions, clever, communication planet Mercury transits Aries from 3/21 until 4/06/16. Writing, speaking, tweeting may have more quickness, bite and sarcasm then usual. No need to hurt anyone’s feelings. No one has to go down in relationship flames.

As always, those most affected have the Sun. Moon  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: 9:31 PM PDT 3/19 –  12:31 AM EDT 3/20

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

FYI – In celebration of the ancient art of Astrology, the Vernal Equinox is designated as “International Astrology Day”. Cake & Champagne for all!

Pisces intuition and creativity powers up, in a gentle way, with the New Moon on Tuesday March 8, 2016. The Sun moved into this sensitive Water sign on February 20 and when both luminaries are together, the Moon phase is labeled “New”. This type of Lunar energy is good for start ups and beginnings, so, take the time to plug into your inner conversations. Listen, take notes and make use of this dreamy, imaginative period. Be original, be inspired – invent, create!

The moon will change signs, into snap/crackle/pop Fire sign Aries the next morning, but the “New” effects last approximately 10 days. Activity, impulse, and passion might compel you to manifest those ideas that came to you during one of those Piscean dream sequences – whether sleeping or awake.

*New Moon in Pisces: 3/8/16, 8:54PM Eastern / 5:56 PM Pacific

Virgo Full Moon energy inclines us to take care of ourselves and our work. Ruled by clever Mercury, this responsible, hard working 6th sign of the Zodiac is about health, service, handling the details and getting things done. 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”.
A Full Moon phase is a great time to move towards finalizing whatever project or diet regimen you may have been planning. The universe will support you in being healthy and contributing.
The influences of a Full Lunar phase will last for several days even when the Astrology sign changes.

 
*Virgo Full Moon: February 22, 2016 – 1:20 PM EST /10:20 AM PST (the Moon, in Virgo, is opposite and reflecting the Sun, in Pisces = “Full Moon”)