According to Sandy

If preparing for the unexpected makes you nervous, just think of the fun you can have. Beginning Saturday, 12/3/16, the Aquarius Moon gives us an opportunity to let go of convention, do some “out of the box” thinking, focus on the welfare of others and be a little rebellious.

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, sudden changes of direction, etc. Relax, go with the flow. Give more attention to another Aquarian trait which is contributing to the universe in some way.  Groups, other people and their causes are a natural concern. Not a bad way to spend a weekend – be spontaneous, share yourself !

On Saturday, October 22, 2016, the Scorpio Sun will want to infuse us with passion and focus to get projects accomplished, snare that love interest and drill down thru any mysteries that need to be solved. (Think “determination”) Due to the characteristic sensitivity and emotionality of this Water sign, Scorpio’s power will not be served distant and cold – there will be drama, there will be depth, the time is ripe for revelation. Stubborn, secretive, serious, sensual, sizzling – these adjectives all fit Scorpio to a T (or in this case, to an “S”).

Where does intense Scorpio, its traditional planet ruler Mars (energy and aggression) and its modern ruler Pluto (power and transformation), appear in your chart – Sun sign, Ascendant, Moon? Regardless of the House placement, the 8th sign of the Zodiac can uncover deeper feelings for us all. Superficial skimming the surface, in conversation or action, just won’t do. When confronted with an issue, there will only be an apparent yes or a no response – compromise is out of the question. Unlike under a Libra Sun, where decision making can be tortuous, it is black or white with Scorpio, no shades of grey. “Maybe” is not acceptable.

Mercury, the Communication planet, will be transiting Scorpio from 10/24 – 11/13/16. Interactions can be easily heated and more demanding than usual. Be focused and as clear as possible regardless of how deep the vat of emotion. Paint inside the lines to avoid unnecessary confusion and / or hurt feelings. You may get all wrapped up in reacting or acting out and then discover that the “overwhelm” does not quite match the situation. Pausing doesn’t lessen importance, but it can be used as a time out to bring things into perspective and to lighten the atmosphere.  

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

*Sun into Scorpio: 10/22/16 – 7:46 PM Eastern / 4:46 AM Pacific

(Sorry, about the “Hot plate” reference. Heard that in a diner. It sorta fit)

On the 1^st weekend of September 2016, 9/3 & 9/4, the Moon will charm and class us up while in lovely Libra, the 7^th sign of the Zodiac. This Air sign, ruled by elegant, romantic, beautifying Venus, is relationship focused – business and romantic. Amiable Libra 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.

This can be lovely weekend. Enjoy!

There will be a New Moon, and Solar Eclipse, in Earth sign Virgo on Thursday, 9/1/16. The energies of this solid 6^th sign of the Zodiac will be intensified. Since it is ruled by communication planet Mercury, analytical Virgo’s written and verbal interaction is revved up. Don’t spend too much time being critical of others or yourself. Being constructive will be better appreciated.

Like all “New” Lunar phases, the next 2 weeks are a great time for initiating, creating = new beginnings. Use it to organize and de-clutter both mind and surroundings. Take care of needed changes now, start fresh.

*Virgo New Moon:  9/1/16  5:03 AM EDT / 2:03AM PDT

*Alert!  Communication planet Mercury, which rules both Air Gemini and Earth Virgo, will go reverse on Tuesday August 30, 2016. It went backwards in the other Earth signs earlier this year, (Taurus in April and Capricorn in January). What does that mean to us? General Earth sign attributes, stability, responsibility, practicality may be impacted, especially interactions with others – writing, speaking, teaching, etc. Stay grounded and pay attention to contracts negotiations, deadlines, missed and mixed messages. Gadgets, computers, phones may become uncooperative but “fixes” could be unreliable too. If it can wait, repair, replace after Mercury goes Direct, 9/21 PDT & 9/22 EDT still in Virgo.

Of course, we still gotta show up, life will go 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 “sweating to the small stuff”, checking things twice, details, details, details. My usual suggestions for Mercury Retrograde: see it as an opportunity to review, reconsider, re-think, revisit. As we do this, we’re not going backwards into the past, we are pro actively making any needed changes, re evaluations for the future – a good thing.

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: 8/30/16 – 9:04 AM EDT / 6:04 AM PDT

The Virgo Sun spreads its influence on Monday August 22, 2016 regardless of whether it’s your Astrological sign or not. We will all be a little more grounded, practical, efficient and responsible. This Earth sign (of health, hard work and service) also lets us know that it really is all about the details, details, details. Definitely pay attention, but stay away from the “paralysis analysis” state of being, it slows down any strides you wish to make in organizing projects, focusing on job advances (if that’s what you want), creating financial strategies, etc.  Also, think about plans for better diet and fitness. It won’t hurt.

Please note that being conscientious doesn’t necessarily mean “dull”. Quick witted planet ruler Mercury, has been transiting since 7/31 (thru 10/7 (including its Retrograde phase, 8/30 – 9/22/16) making us sharper and faster at work & play. Be aware that judgmental words, although clever, may be seen as “nitpicky” and cause bruised feelings. However, lovely Venus visits Virgo from 8/6 to 8/29/16 and may soften some of those critical, over analytical edges.

And, adding to the mix is Jupiter, planet of luck, opportunity and abundance. it will be transiting Virgo until 9/8/16. This may add a boost to the Earth sign’s love of productivity – we can accomplish a lot! Do Virgo things – be useful, bring calm & order, be a contribution.

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

**Virgo Sun: August 22, 2016 – 12:39 PM EDT / 9:39 AM PDT

A Full Moon on Thursday August 18, 2016 is in the revolutionary 11^th sign of the Zodiac – independent, unconventional Aquarius. Its influence will be noticed.

Retrograde Uranus, this Air sign’s planet ruler, hates constrictions and thrives on the unusual, which can be exciting but precarious. Before jumping to the front lines, pause and reflect – is the issue real for you, or is the response automatic / knee jerk. You can still volunteer, organize, make a difference, do the “No Justice, No Peace” chant without falling off the edge.

And, a Full Moon phase is great for completing projects.

* Virgo Full Moon: August 18, 2016 – 5:26 AM EDT / 2:36 AM PDT

On Tuesday, August 2, 2016, the Sun is in Leo (since 7/22) and the Moon will be too. The Lunar orb will be in its “New” phase, a great time to use the often dramatic, ambitious, enthusiastic vibrations natural to the 5^th sign off the Zodiac to start a project, enroll a special someone in your life, do a sparkling presentation or dynamite audition. Also, solar driven joy and confidence bodes well for the opportunity to have fun with any melodrama that might ensue. (Drama doesn’t always have to be a hissy fit.)

This active, initiating New Moon energy lasts for approximately 10 days until the Full Moon on 8/18/16 (best to finalize, complete projects). As the Zodiac sign changes, a different part of your chart (life) will be impacted.

*Leo New Moon:  8/2/16 – 4:44PM EDT / 1:44PM PDT

The Sun rules the 5^th sign of the Zodiac and you can tell. With the influence of the “Sun King”, we all should feel strong, upbeat, magnanimous, a bit more dramatic and drawn to the spotlight regardless of our actual Astrology sign. Leo doesn’t get shyness. We are urged to seek attention, to be colorfully creative and just to be full of lion’s pride. When the Sun struts into this regal Fire sign, expect to have some fun for the duration of its stay.

Adding to the sparkle and shine experience of a Leo Sun is a Venus transit, 7/12 16 – 8/5/16. The planet of love’s visit brings even more warmth, beauty – love the “luxe”.

Relationship interactions may become livelier and snippier due to clever communication planet Mercury’s Leo transit, 7/13/16 until 7/29/16. Remember to share the conversation, let someone else get a word in – it’s not all about you.

Sun into Leo: July 22, 2016 * 5:30AM EDT / 2:30AM PDT

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

**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).

(Next up –  Virgo Sun  8/22/16)

On Tuesday, July 19, 2016^, the Sun is in Cancer, the Lunar orb is lit up and “Full” in its opposite sign of Capricorn. The Astrology sign that houses a Full Moon has its traits and characteristics heightened for a few weeks. The earthy, Saturn ruled, 10^th sign of the Zodiac is about status, ambition, authority, duty. Capricorn leans towards long term goals, managing a career, creating success (whatever that means to you) and reaching for the top. Are your personal actions and business strategies producing results?

“I’m in charge” – take the time to figure out a path to do that successfully.  We can use Capricorn’s Full Moon energy to finalize and complete projects, activate plans that can move you closer to what you want.

*Capricorn Full Moon: 7/19/16 – 6:56PM EDT / 3:56PM PDT