Astrology: Moon Transits for the Weekend – Fierce Aries to Steady Taurus

A Snap, crackle and pop Aries Moon will spread its Mars influenced energy until Friday afternoon 7/22.  Make sure you have something physical to do. Keep recklessness to a minimum – only get close enough to the edge to stave off boredom. Reign in any aggressive urges, think before you act (rash impulses can lead to embarrassment?).  

Then late evening, settle down with the practical, determined Taurus Moon for the rest of the weekend. This Earth sign is ruled by Venus, so along with a little stubbornness, there will be romantic and luxe tendencies.  Have a lovely champagne and chocolates time wherever and whenever you can. Be obstinate only when it really matters.

BTW, Taurus is also about how to protect what is valued. You may want to take some time to decide what needs to be done to feel both financially and emotionally secure. Take care of yourself and loved ones.

Have a beautiful weekend!   (Looking forward to a Leo Sun on Friday/Saturday -depending on your time Zone)

 

 

Book Corner : “100 Years of Solitude” – Escape From Reality

This last week has seemed, to me, to be full of a “series of unfortunate events”. By Friday, the last thing I needed was another news show or tabloid paper.  I wanted to be taken away, out of the realm of current happenings. (I know, “reality shows” aren’t really, but even they weren’t fantastical enough.)

I found an old copy of one of the most fascinating fantasies ever – “100 Years of Solitude” by Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez.


Written in 1967, the book recounts the history of a family that presides over a South American town called Macondo. It is the perfect “did it happen or didn’t it?” story.

Critics refer to García Márquez as a pioneer of “magical realism”. His work is often time shifting, mystical and surreal, it takes the reader to a different space, a different time. (Which can be such a relief when the “real” world starts to crowd in.)


“100 Years of Solitude” is a magical story – a definite adventure, a great book.

Astrology: Weekend Full Moon in Ambitious Capricorn,Then Surprising Aquarius 7/15

On Friday July 15th, the Sun is in Cancer, the Moon is lit up in the opposite sign, Capricorn– it’s that Full Moon time again! This matters to us why? Contrary to popular folklore, a round Moon is not a time for a werewolf/Vampire reveal, but it is a good time to tap into its energy. 

The Zodiac sign that houses the “Full” lunar orb has its traits and characteristics heightened for a few weeks. Saturn ruled Capricorn has ambitious leanings. It’s about status, authority and work. Career means what – to you? Success means what – to you?  Are your actions producing results? However, if there are any radical changes that need to be handled, wait until the Moon Phase is “New” on July 30th. (A New Moon works well for beginnings.)

Later that same afternoon, 1:40PM Pacific / 4:30PM Eastern, the Moon moves into Uranus ruled, freedom loving Aquarius. A definite change of mood. The 11th sign of the Zodiac is graciously service oriented, but unconventional, innovative and unwilling to conform. Prepare to say “I’m surprised” a few times and then think about it.

Have a marvelous weekend!

 

 

Astrology: Passionate, Intense Scorpio Moon Weekend 7/8/11

The Moon slips into seductive, secretive, sensual Scorpio late on Friday evening July 8. This Water sign is determined, deliberate and deep. Sensitivity and moodiness will be all around us, so try using all this power in useful ways. Is there research to be done? Mysteries to be uncovered? Now is a good time to get to the bottom of something!

Ruled by the transformation planet Pluto, Scorpio desires to connect on deeper levels with people– chit chat or gossip may not be satisfying. (Keeping it “real” and all that.)

If your speech/behavior, or anyone else’s, goes over the top and storms into melodrama– take a few steps back. We may all be a little prickly, a little emotional, don’t allow any slights, real or imaginary, to cut too deeply. Breathe.

As always, a Sagittarius Moon, the next sign in the Zodiac, is waiting to follow a Scorpio one. Life perks up with the Moon bouncing into Fire sign Sag early Monday morning.  

Have a passionate, dramatic weekend!

 

 

Harlem Book Fair * Saturday July 23, 2011

Over 200 exhibit booths will be featured at the 2011 edition of this annual free event including music stages, panel discussions and children’s activities.

“The vision of the Harlem Book Fair is to partner with local and national leadership organizations under the banner of literacy awareness, affirming HBF as the nation’s largest African American literary event celebrating family literacy, community empowerment, and community cooperation. “

Annual Harlem Book Fair & Arts Festival – Saturday July 23, 2011

 

 

 

 

11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on West 135th Street, NYC

( Malcolm X Blvd. /Lenox Ave and Fredrick Douglas Blvd. 8th Ave)

 


Astrology: Dramatic July 4th Weekend – New Moon & Solar Eclipse

Busy holiday weekend starts Friday 7/1. There is New Moon energy, always good for beginnings, launches, etc, in the Water sign of Cancer and at the same time, a Partial Solar Eclipse occurs – 4:54 AM Eastern/ 1:54 AM Pacific. As a result, Moon ruled Cancer’s traits may be amped up, so emotions will be very close to the surface, sensitivity heightened – “Feelings, whoa, whoa feeeeelings…”.  Be careful not to overreact if loved ones are tactless. Try to use any uncovered  vulnerability creatively, imaginatively. Feelings can be upbeat and perky, spread it around to those same impolite loved ones.

Saturday afternoon, 5:43PM Eastern /2:43PM Pacific, the Moon does a royal procession into Fire Sign Leo. The 5th sign of the Zodiac is noted for its enthusiasm, generosity, “look at me!” way of being. Of course it is ruled by the Sun and there will seem to be a general  demand for attention from friends/family and even people you don’t know. Just be kind to those that are willing to revolve around you. Bask in all that light and warmth (I don’t mean the weather) and take everyone along for some “La Dolce Vita” stuff.

Please note that communication planet Mercury will also move into Leo on 7/1, so look out for conversation stopping comments to be made and earth shaking tweets to be sent or read. This weekend could be full of drama, but still fun. Fireworks, YAY!

On Monday evening 7/4 the practical, conscientious Virgo Moon arrives (9:15PM Eastern/ 6:15PM Pacific) just in time to give us a chance to power down and get ready for back to work.

Regardless of whether you have a 1, 2, 3 day weekend, or you’re one of the lucky ones who can stretch it to 4, have a full, fun, fabulous Holiday!

FYI: The Moon is “new” when both luminaries are in the same sign -Sun entered Cancer on June 21


Astrology: Weekend – Combustible Aries Moon Switches to Grounded Taurus

If you need to get something done, start and end early on Friday June 24, 2011. The fiery, energetic, aggressive influences of Mars ruled Aries will last until 6:07 PM Eastern/ 3:07 Pacific and then the Moon goes Void of Course until Saturday afternoon. All those “lets go get’em” vibes can lose clarity and focus which can lead to lots of action, but very little finish. Wait, if you can, until the Lunar orb moves into the next sign – Taurus, 4:53PM Eastern/ 1:53PM Pacific on June 25th.

Lasting until Monday morning, the practical, stubborn Taurus Moon can assist in completing what Aries started. This Earth sign is ruled by the lovely Venus – that old saying about catching more with honey, than vinegar (something like that) can be quite effective when finalizing a deal, cajoling a signature, nailing down a commitment. Be gracious while accomplishing. Charm works!

Have a great weekend!

FYI:  “Void of Course” or VC or VOC –     As I’ve mentioned in this space before, “Void of Course” – means that the Moon position creates no aspects (relationships/connections) to the Sun or planets while on its way into the next sign.  A Moon without “aspects”, can be a time of vagueness and doubt.  The consensus among Astrologers is to “not start anything”.  Finishing projects that began before the “VC” can be handled and completed, but avoid initiating during this uncertain time.


Astrology: Sun Into Cancer 6/21 – We have Solstice!

Our Summer Solstice, Tuesday June 21, 2011, coincides with the Sun’s swim into the Water sign of Cancer.  This Moon ruled 4th sign of the Zodiac will nurture us thru the longest day of the year. Cancers can be emotional, moody, restless and sensitive, but– they will always take care. Family, real or created, is the primary focus. (Crustacean shell with marshmallow interior.) Just be careful about going overboard with comfort eating and/or needing to be needed. Know what is best for you – with both food and people.

Those of us with  a different Sun sign, can still take advantage of the reigning Lunar Cancer influences by paying attention to instincts or any feelings that can’t be put into words. Don’t let the antennas wilt with the heat. Heightened awareness can provide useful information. And, of course enjoy the homey, comfy company of family and friends. Loving them and feeding them ice cream is all part of the program. Fun stuff!

Summer Solstice, in the Northern Hemisphere, 1st degrees of Cancer, 1:17PM Eastern/ 10:17AM Pacific, heralds a time of beach chairs, espadrilles and lemonade (or just sweating in the city). The year is half over – what are you going to do with what’s left?

*Cancer: Gemstone – Emerald / Power colors- silver, pale gray


Astrology: Weekend Moon – Steady Capricorn and Rebel Aquarius, Mmmm

Friday June 17th- it’s a work focused Capricorn Moon all day.  Following the rules, taking a serious approach to the business at hand can all be part of this Earth sign’s M.O.– but,  it’s still the start of the weekend. Be nice to your employees, loosen up, smile. They will love you even more if you let them work ½ a day 😎  

Early Saturday, the Aquarian Moon takes over until Monday morning. Air sign Aquarius has a stubborn streak (it is one of three “Fixed” signs of the Zodiac, along with Taurus and Scorpio) and is ruled by the unpredictable planet Uranus. It’s all about independence, the need to break free of routine. Prepare for the unexpected, the unconventional and/or sudden changes of direction. Perhaps “prepare” is not the right word? Just be flexible and ready.  Relax, go with the flow. Could be fun.

Have a super weekend and Happy Father’s Day !!


Astrology: Adventurous Sagittarius Full Moon & Lunar Eclipse, 6/15/11

Good time to finish projects, wrap up/tie up details of any outstanding issues while there is a Full Moon phase.  However, a Lunar Eclipse also occurs at the same time and in the same upbeat Fire sign of Sagittarius on Wednesday June 15th, 4:14PM Eastern/ 1:14PM Pacific. The Sun and Moon are opposite each other, reflecting their lights, and the Eclipse just adds to the power surge for the next few days. You may feel the urge to careen around, checking items off the to-do- list.

Yes, the possibilities of completing or changing things are amped, such as suddenly ending or finishing something that you may have been dithering about for awhile. But, don’t rush – think about it, ruminate and then press “go”. Decision made. Done. Whew.

Expansive, spontaneous Jupiter rules 9th sign of the Zodiac Sagittarius.  We may feel its influences thru spontaneous travel plans, the desire to break free of restrictions (real or imaginary), to share ideas. To be big in everything – optimism works.  Make the most of it, laugh, be adventurous, finish up – get ready for what’s next.