According to Sandy

On July 16, 2016 there will be spoken word events, a forum for Caribbean writers, over 200 exhibit booths, music, panel discussions and children’s activities at the Harlem Book Fair. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday in the city.

“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. “

18th Annual Harlem Book Fair

Saturday, July 16, 2016

SCHOMBURG CENTER FOR RESEARCH IN BLACK CULTURE

515 Lenox Avenue, West 135th Street,, NYC

Info:
Tel:914.231.6778 / Tel: 212.491.2200

The Sun takes our flip flops, lemonade and cones into Cancer, the Moon ruled 4^th sign of the Zodiac, on Monday June 20, 2016. Along with the Cancer Sun, comes the Summer Solstice (in the Northern Hemisphere) – our longest day of the year. This sensitive Water sign may evoke moodiness, but regardless, friends and family (real or created), will always be an important focus. Your own personal Zodiac sign might be different, but, you can still take advantage of some of Cancer’s influences.

Don’t let your antennae wilt in the summer heat. Heightened awareness can provide useful information about people, places, things. Feel what you feel, pay attention to your instincts and if feeling a little blue, don’t over overindulge hoping that extra scoop of hot fudge will make things better. Change the scenery and the mood will probably change too eventually. Know what is best for you – with both food and people. As Cancer’s protective and sympathetic “homey” energy reigns, use it – enjoy the love along with the ice cream.

Communication planet Mercury transits Cancer from 6/30 until 7/14/16 – don’t be surprised if interactions are more emotionally revealing than usual. That can show up in what you write or speak, especially with family & friends.

*Sun in 1^st degree of Cancer, June 20, 2016 – 6:34 PM EDT / 3:34 PM PDT

Gemstone – Emerald * Power colors- silver, pale gray (Moon colors) *Body Part – Breasts

**2^nd Sagittarius Full Moon 6/20/16 – 7:02 AM EDT / 4:02 AM PDT (previous 5/21/16)

On Friday May 20, 2016, the Sun skipped into Gemini – the fun, flirty, flexible, flighty 3rd sign of the Zodiac and remains until June 20th (the 1st day of Summer). The natural versatility of this Air sign, with its willingness to change and adapt, keeps the wrinkles, both mental and physical, at bay. While under its influence, we will feel encouraged, regardless of birth sign, to teach, learn, meet and greet, read and write, chat too much / gossip too much. Do pay attention to personal interactions. Deepak Chopra said: “Language creates reality. Words are magical power. Speak always to create joy”. Perfect for a Gemini Sun Transit.

Planet ruler Mercury, communications, education, transportation, short journeys, is Retrograde until 5/23/16.  It will take a few days before it gains direct motion speed but once back to its usual quicksilver pace, we will notice that ideas, speech, pick up speed also. Projects are no longer bogged down, especially in financial areas, but continue to focus on details just in case.

This can be such a good time, but also exhausting. Rather than rush around 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.

*Gemini Sun:  May 20, 2016 – 10:37 AM EDT / 7:37 AM PDT

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

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

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!