According to Sandy

The Moon sits comfortably in the sign it rules from Friday afternoon,  8/14, until Sunday evening, 8/16. Cancer domesticity has its merits, make yourself, and anyone who happens to Zoom by comfortable. Kindness and grace can be so soothing for everyone even while distancing.

The 4^th sign of the Zodiac is sensitive and emotional. It can mean a few days of mood swings and feeling vulnerable. Avoid cultivating and harvesting dark thoughts. They will pass, so there’s no need to self medicate (over eat).

Use Cancer’s natural creativity instead and have a warm, loving weekend!

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The Sun Sashays into Leo, the Zodiac sign it rules, on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. With the Sun King up front, don’t be surprised if there are sudden, unexplained cravings for sparklers, sequins and confetti. Just go with it. We may all feel strong, upbeat, magnanimous, a bit more dramatic and drawn to the spotlight regardless of our actual Astrology sign. Leo doesn’t understand shyness and we are urged to seek attention, to be colorfully creative and just to be full of lion’s pride. As the Sun settles into this regal Fire sign, expect to have some fun for the duration of its stay.

Mercury, the Communication planet, transits Leo from 8/6 to 8/21/2020. Verbal and written interactions can become livelier and snappier. Go ahead and be brilliant but share the space. Let someone else get a word in – it’s not all about you (for real!).

Glow and be warmed as the solar presence heats the talent, self confidence and love segments of life. Great time to step up and step out – graciously ooze that Leo charm and you will be looked at, admired, loved.

Enjoy the spotlight!

*Sun into Leo: July 22, 2020 * 4:37AM EDT / 1:37AM PDT

~Gemstone – Tiger’s Eye *Power colors- Gold, orange (Sun colors) * Body Part – Heart (…of a lion!)

(Next up – Virgo Sun 8/22/20)

BTW: The date when the Sun transits into a sign can fluctuate year to year – from the 19th to the 23rd. If born on one of these days, you are considered a cusp baby – close to two signs- but regardless, there is only one Sun sign in an Astrology chart  (however, the individual will often exhibit a combo of characteristics from both signs).

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The Moon will be in Water sign Cancer on Saturday morning 7/18/20 remaining until Monday. Both the Moon and the 4^th sign of the Zodiac are about “emotions”. How might that show up during the weekend? It could be a few days of prickly mood swings – super sensitive and unusual feelings of vulnerability or, worrying about family and friends. (Avoid cultivating and harvesting dark thoughts. They will pass, so there’s no need to self medicate by over eating). Instead, let’s choose Cancer’s creative and hospitality traits this weekend.

The natural nurturing and domesticity of this sign may not  possibly be fully expressed since entertaining/ meeting / greeting, etc. is discouraged at this time.  But, we can still use Cancer’s kindness and grace to welcome, to sooth and to make comfy loved ones at a distance – Skype, Zoom, or over a balcony. (Have a digital  backyard BBQ?)

Stay safe. Stay well.

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The Moon will be in aggressive, high octane Aries Saturday and Sunday, 7/11 and 7/12/20. When the Lunar orb is in the 1^st sign of the Zodiac, which is ruled by warrior planet Mars, we feel braver, more physical, and more “up for anything”. Depending upon what that “anything” is, could be the best of times or the most precarious of times.

Aries = energy and you probably won’t want to sit around for too long in one place. Take advantage of the urge for action and movement – do something exciting, do something different, do something positive. Keep cool, keep the peace, keep the flame thrower in the closet.

Take care of yourselves.

FYI ~ Mercury finally ends Retrograde and goes “Direct” on 7/12. (Phones and laptops should start working seamlessly again)  😉 It may take a few days. Continue to pay attention to the details.

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A Full Moon is considered a good time to finish what was started during the time of the previous “New” Moon. The Full Moon visits Earth sign Capricorn on Saturday and Sunday 7/4 & 7/5. This could be a productive weekend!

Ruled by Saturn, the planet of boundaries and life lessons (not always fun, but can be maturing), a Capricorn Moon can be a time of business focused, deliberate movement. The 10^th sign of the Zodiac brings out the “administrator” in us – to move with purpose, to organize and to accomplish. Being ambitious is not a negative. Like everything else, it depends on how it’s handled.

*Reminder: Mercury, still in Cancer, is Retrograde until 7/12/20. While achieving & accomplishing this weekend, continue to jump all over the details. AND, verify, verify, verify!

FYI: “Warrior” planet Mars has moved into Aries, one of the signs it rules (Scorpio is the other.)  Stay calm, cool & sane. The often impatient, “front of the line” 1^st sign of the Zodiac loves action – aggressive, ready to move. Stay out of the way of those who don’t seem to have a pause or rest button (including yourself).

BTW:

~ Our last New Moon, 6/20 & 6/21, was in the sign of Cancer, along with the Sun

~ The round, gorgeous Capricorn Full Moon glows while opposite the Cancer Sun. Beautiful.

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Mercury will be Retrograde for the 2^nd time this year beginning June 17 PDT (9:59PM) / June 18 EDT (12:59AM) thru July 12, 2020. The often perplexing effect of Mercury, while it appears to go backwards in the sky, may be noticed a few days before it stops and reverses. So, I think it is best that we prepare early – back up all that stuff. Check those balances! Before hitting “send”, read over that tweet or email! Pay attention to travel directions!

This time Mercury is in the 4^th sign of the Zodiac, Water sign Cancer, ruled by the Moon. Mercury is not only the planet of Communication (reading, writing, chatting) but also, short trips, siblings, education, and information. Emotional, moody Cancer is concerned with family, friends and enjoys taking care. Watch what you say or write to those close to you. Be clear and precise, try not to leave room for misinterpretation. We can do without hurt feelings and confusion around the dinner table. Keep things simple and uncomplicated as you live your life (it never stops regardless of whether a planet goes backward or forward). It will cut down on any snafus or “hot messes” that may arise.

Regardless of your Sun sign, my cautions are always the same:

Get your facts, along with your ducks, in a row – verify, verify, verify. Use Retrograde time to do “re” things – review, reread, re evaluate, regroup, re charge. Project creation would be best delayed if possible – if not, be meticulous, be careful. (Jump all over the details.)

We will survive Mercury Retrograde. Again!

~ * ~ 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.

(Next up *Oct 13 – Nov 3)

Wednesday May 20, 2020, the Sun entered the 3^rd sign of the Zodiac – Gemini, sign of the twins. Ruled by the communications planet Mercury, this Air sign has a reputation for cleverness, flexibility, adaptability and love of change. Lighthearted, “younger than springtime”, a Gemini will not look/act their age for most of their lives. (Not childish, but youthfully engaging.) BTW * I’m a Gemini Septuagenarian, so I loved writing this.

Transiting planets to be aware of:

~ Venus spreads charm and beauty during a Gemini visit from 4/4/20 – 8/7/20. It can bring out our social best and gentle some of that Gemini verbal sharpness.

The love planet will also be Retrograde from 5/13 to 6/25, which only happens every 2 years. Think twice about jumping into romantic liaisons – don’t marry someone you just adore on Zoom – after meeting them during a “social distancing” date on twitter. Also, try to curb overboard spending.

~ Information maven Mercury transits Gemini from 5/12/20 – 5/29/20 highlighting writing, reading, conversation, a “let’s do something / lets learn something” type of energy we will all experience.

 (FYI: Mercury will be Retrograde in Cancer from June 18 – July 12)

There may be urges, regardless of birth sign, to learn something new, meet and greet, read and write, chat too much/gossip too much, wish to be in two places at once (that “twin”, Castor & Pollux thing) which can be a good time, but also exhausting. Rather than feeling overwhelmed or scattered, hit the pause button occasionally, re focus, complete tasks that need to be finished, then go on to the next. Half done is half accomplished.

~*~ June 7^th – Prince’s Birthday (Also Cybel, my niece)

Gemini Sun:  May 20, 2020 – 9:49 AM EDT / 6:49 AM PDT

*Gemstone: Pearl or Agate * Power Color: Yellow * Body Part: Hands

~ Deepak Chopra said: “Language creates reality. Words are magical power. Speak always to create joy”. 

(Since most of us (?) are not touching strangers to greet, congratulate, and / or give comfort, etc, at this time, it is perfect for a chatty Gemini Sun Transit)

The Sun moved into sensual, steady, strong, security focused Taurus on Sunday April 19, 2020. The second sign of the Zodiac has the Bull as its symbol. Perfect!

It is ruled by the lovely, romantic planet Venus, giving Earth sign Taurus several other dimensions. It can be practical and dependable, but it’s also a lover of beauty, good food and luxury. Loved ones are treated to poetry, music and gourmet restaurants, while getting a lecture on avoiding financial pot holes – nice mix.

As always, just to make life a bit more interesting, there will be planet transits:

Communication planet Mercury in Taurus from 4/28 to 5/12/20 ~ Verbal / written interaction steadies, is more down to earth and direct. Mercury’s quick cleverness may be slowed down and softened, but also focused. No nonsense. Commitments, promises, contracts will expect to be honored!

Also, Uranus, planet of unexpected change and rejection of the status quo has been in Taurus since March 2019 and will remain until 2026. Don’t be surprised if there are sudden shifts in how money is gotten and handled, how sensuality is expressed, how food is cooked and consumed, and how “luxury” is considered. “Change” is the operative word.

For the next few weeks, regardless of Sun sign, we can all tap into Taurus traits of responsibility, strength and endurance. The “Bull” is Taurus’ symbol for a reason – stubborn, unwavering, holding on after others have dropped the tug rope, etc. Just remember to “let go” when obstinacy no longer works. Don’t miss an opportunity due to an unwillingness to move and / or shift. Security is attractive, especially in this climate, but, sometimes we have to take a second look, before the “no”.

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

* Sun into Taurus – 10:45 AM EDT / 7:45 AM PDT

**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.

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“Precious Ramotswe“ is Botswana‘s only female private investigator. The main character of the HBO series, now on DVD.

“Precious” is played by Grammy winner Jill Scott. Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose and Idris Elba from “The Wire” are also part of the great cast. As in the books, our bush tea drinking, lady sleuth tracks down wayward husbands, missing children and solves village mysteries all the while keeping to the traditions of her culture and maintaining the standards of both Queen Elizabeth and Nelson Mandela (she admires both).

There are 3 DVDs in the set and I enjoyed them all. “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency“ has charm and heart. Great fun.

Directed by the late Anthony Minghella, “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency “, was produced for the BBC in 2008 and then shown in the U.S. in 2009.  It is based on the popular book series by Alexander McCall Smith.

BTW: I noticed a few years back that Ms Ramotswe and the author’s name were listed week after week on the San Francisco/Bay area California paperback bestseller list. I discovered that the Botswana detective has a worldwide cult following.

Books in the series:
* 1998 .The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
* 2000 .Tears Of The Giraffe
* 2001 .Morality for Beautiful Girls
* 2002 .The Kalahari Typing School for Men
* 2004 .The Full Cupboard of Life
* 2004 .In the Company of Cheerful Ladies
* 2006 .Blue Shoes and Happiness
* 2007 .The Good Husband of Zebra Drive

(originally posted 6/9/17

Listened again to “The Ultimate Luther Vandross“. It contains great classics from the 80’s and 90’s that are still staples of “soul”, “smooth listening” radio stations around the country:
“A House Is Not A Home”, “Power of Love”, “Here and Now”, “Superstar”, “Give Me the Reason”, “Never Too Much. There are also some more recent songs like, “Dance With My Father” (which won the Grammy for “Song of the Year” 2004).

Starting off as a back up singer and writer of jingles, Vandross’ solo career began in 1981 with the hit album “Never Too Much”. He went on to win 8 Grammys and sell over 25 million CDs.

Saw Mr Vandross (April 20, 1951 – July 1, 2005) only once in concert and like the rest of the audience, was in the “Luther” zone throughout his terrific performance. Warm, personable and soooo talented, you were pulled right in and ya loved it.

BTW: There were several tribute albums after his death, I liked: “So Amazing: An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross“ , with Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Alicia Keys, Elton John Patti LaBelle, etc.