According to Sandy

A New Moon on Friday December 11, 2015 could set us up to enjoy more days of retail therapy. Festive spirits and holiday energy are there to be tapped into. Actually, when the Lunar orb is “New” it’s a great time to launch, create, kick-off, and / or start something regardless of the season. Sagittarius’ good nature and love of adventure are tweaked while both luminaries are in this upbeat Fire sign. We feel lucky, optimistic and of course will find the greatest bargain, the perfect gift, the bestest tree. Or, you can hang out with family and friends – socializing works.

With a Sagittarius Moon, taking chances, taking risks can seem very attractive and stimulating. An enthusiastic “we can-do-anything” frame of mind is a definite trait of this Jupiter, the lucky planet, ruled Fire sign. However, no matter how great the scheme sounds, you still must stay grounded enough to get all the facts (an exact measurement for the Bungee drop rope is a good idea). But, it’s nice to know that the universe and lunar energy are on your side.

*New Moon December 11, 2015 – 5:29 AM EST / 2:29 AM PST

FYI = “New Moon” energy lasts for approximately 10 days.

The Sun is in Sagittarius, which means that this month’s Full Moon, on Wednesday November 25, 2015, is in the opposite sign – Gemini. While the Moon is in the Mercury ruled 3^rd sign of the Zodiac, communication is key. Speaking / writing can tend towards the witty and the clever, but with “Full” energy, our interactions can also be purposeful, powerful and precise. I love this quote from Deepak Chopra:

“Language creates reality. Words are magical power. Speak always to create joy”

Let us all do that!

* Full Moon: 12/6/14 – 12:15 PM EST / 9:15 AM PST

The Sun prances into Sagittarius on Sunday November 22, 2015 – let the fun times begin! The Sun is in this Fire sign and we can all enjoy it’s qualities of energy, optimism and adventure. Ruled by lucky planet Jupiter, the king of positive thinking, we just won’t have enough space for all the goodies anticipated. Everything is “BIG”- ideas, actions, themes. There is this underlying sense of “can’t miss”, “it’s all great!” Just remember to pause occasionally to look over the landscape – not only to enjoy the view, but also to realize that some of those “sure things” are not and might cost you more that you can afford – aim for controlled excess.

To add to all this, Saturn, planet of discipline and limits, which is quite different to Jupiter‘s goal (expansion on steroids), has been transiting the 9^th sign of the Zodiac since last December. Depending on where it appears in your chart, the desire for adventure may be muted, our wings feel clipped, the pace of life slows down. We can still be upbeat, but maybe not so high? A bigger boat won’t be needed. Saturn remains in Sagittarius until December 2017.

Regardless, put yourself among people, travel, teach or take a class, revel in the abundance of the season. Be happy, be an “of course” for excellent results, reach for the good things, discover something new, pay attention to your intuition (Sagittarians love a good laugh but they’re also deep and love to ponder the universe.) but, just be aware of the edges – over confidence can send you too far. Have a good time, but, don’t overdo.

*Sagittarius – November 22, 2015 – 10:26 AM EST / 7:36 AM PST

*Gem stone: Sodalite * Power color: Lilac, Mauve * Body Part: liver, Hips

BTW: The symbol for Sagittarius is the half man/ half horse Centaur (usually with a wine pouch). Perfect, just in time for holiday gatherings.

Spread cheer!

The Sun moved into Water sign Scorpio on October 23 and on Wednesday, November 11, it will be the Moon’s turn. Since both the Sun and the Lunar orb are in the same sign, (which is what makes a Moon phase “New”), all the passionate, emotional, sensitive vibes of this 8^th sign of the Zodiac are powered up, intensified.

The New Moon is great for beginnings, starting something – businesses, diets, exercise programs, etc. When in Scorpio, ruled by transformational planet Pluto, it gives us the depth to be focused, persistent and determined. It can be serious! (Sort of a “take no prisoners” way of being?) Until the Full Moon on 11/25, when we are urged to complete projects, take advantage of the energy – initiate, create. Just remember to smile sometimes 😎

*Scorpio New Moon: November 11, 2015- 12:47 PM EST / 9:47 AM PST

Stubborn, secretive, sensitive, sensual – these adjectives all fit Scorpio, the mysterious 8^th sign of the Zodiac. The depth and strength of this Water sign can handle all descriptions. The Sun will heat and be heated by this sign beginning on Friday October 23, 2015. There will be intensity, smoldering feelings and be aware that any romantic entanglements can be taken to sizzling heights. OKAY!

With Scorpio’s traditional planet ruler Mars (energy and aggression) and its modern ruler Pluto (power and transformation), any superficial skimming of the surface just won’t do. Put off any thoughts of interaction “lite” for another time. Although, being too passionate and emotional may cause us to get wrapped up in life’s drama and then we discover that the resulting “overwhelm” does not quite match the situation. There is nothing wrong with using an internal pause button when dealing with friends and loved ones to give us a chance to assess what’s going on, rather than just react (over react?).

With its power and intense focus, we can accomplish a lot during a Scorpio Sun regardless of where it appears in your personal chart. However, remember that laughter can be used as a balm to stabilize, bring things into perspective and lighten the atmosphere. Find an authentic way of being that can lift the mood when necessary.

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

*Sun into Scorpio: 10/23/15 – 1:47 PM Pacific / 10:47 AM Eastern

This month’s Full Moon, and Lunar Eclipse (Sun. Earth, Moon are lined up), Sunday September 27, 2015, is in fiery Aries. The 1^st sign of the Zodiac is ruled by “Warrior” planet Mars. Combustible and aggressive, spark plug Aries’ usual “in your face” traits may be influenced by transiting Uranus, the unpredictable planet of change and revolution. (It remains until May 2018.) You can be radical, honest and direct, rather than just loud and angry.

Do the suggested Full Moon things – finish up old projects, clarify any fuzzy ideas that are hanging around (remember Mercury is still Retrograde). Use the extra Aries energy to get things done. By clearing out useless stuff, you create space for the new. However, forceful Aries can be a little over the top sometimes. Don’t torch everything while trying to weed out the old, think things through before the ashes start to float around.

* Harvest Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Aries 9/27/15 *10:50PM EDT / 7:50 PM PDT

(The first Full Moon after the Fall Equinox is always labeled a “Harvest Moon” – The Equinox occurred on September 23, when the Sun moved into Libra)

*During a “Full” phase, the luminaries are exactly opposite each other. The Aries Moon is fully lit by the Libra Sun. (The Lunar eclipse provides the reddish color – beautiful, dramatic, nothing to fear.)

The Sun waltzes into Air sign Libra on Wednesday September 23, 2015 along with the Autumn Equinox (in the Northern Hemisphere). Even if it isn’t your Sun or Rising, the 7^th sign of the Zodiac will still cast a glow. There will be cooperation, genial negotiations and the urge to seek balance in both business and personal relationships. Good things in life are sought after due to the influences of lovely planet ruler Venus – romance, music, delicious food, beauty, graciousness and hospitality. With Mercury transiting Libra until 11/2/15, it should make for even more clever and charming conversation for this very social sign. (Remember, the Communication planet is “Retrograde” until 10/9/15, keep confusion to a minimum by making tweets, emails, texts, etc as clear as possible.)

The Libra way is to see both sides of an issue before making decisions. However, seeking harmony by trying to be “fair” can sometimes lead to appearing indecisive. Or, using the “Pros/Cons” list method for making decisions can just drag the selection process out. Be aware that important, needed action can be stalled by over think. Paying attention to instinct and being honest will give a more direct line to a choice. Don’t hesitate to show your spine when needed (some may be surprised when the Libra inner tensile strength is revealed), you’ll still be loved!

As always, your experience of the Sun in a particular sign depends most upon where it appears in your chart, but the Solar orb in Libra does set a mood to benefit us all. Edges can be smoothed and softened of potentially contentious interactions. My suggestion for anything Libran is always: meet fun folks somewhere beautiful for brunch and or cocktails. Enjoy!

*Libra Sun / Fall Equinox * 9/23/15 – 4:21 AM Eastern / 1:21 AM Pacific

Gemstone: Aventurine * Power colors: Blues and violets * Body Part: Kidneys

(BTW: The Scale is Libra’s Astrology symbol. All other Zodiac signs are either people or animals.)

All weekend, 9/19 and 9/20/15, the Sagittarius Moon will have us getting out and about, seeing people, being optimistic. An enthusiastic “we can-do-anything” frame of mind is a definite trait of this good natured, Jupiter ruled Fire sign. There may be sudden urges to travel and seek adventure, which can add up to a fun experience.  

With a Sag Moon, taking chances, taking risks can seem very attractive and stimulating. But, no matter how great the scheme sounds, you still must stay grounded enough to get all the facts (an exact measurement for the Bungee drop rope is a good idea). Mercury is still retrograde, so pay attention to the details.

Have an upbeat, up tempo weekend!

“People get ready…” Communication planet Mercury will appear to go backwards in the sky on Thursday, September 17, 2015 in relationship focused Libra. The harmony seeking 7^th sign of the Zodiac is about partnerships, collaborations, socializing. Don’t be surprised if people from the past – co-workers, lovers, business partners – suddenly pop up to haunt, bite or even please us. Pay attention to what you write, what you say in order to lessen the possibility of any negative impact as you interact with others. (Slips of the tongue and pen, Freudian or otherwise, can easily occur.) Mercury Retrograde is not automatically an event of huge, messy snafus. Back up all the tech stuff, check batteries, verify travel plans, be meticulous and be careful. (Jump all over the details.)

“Retrograde” is the perfect time for “re” actions, such as, re invent, re write, re reread, revisit, renew. Use the next 3 weeks to take another look at past decisions or old projects that may have been dropped and forgotten. Does a conversation, idea or negotiation deserve another chance, another go round? Was anything missed? When Mercury goes Direct on October 9th, things will gradually become clearer as the planet picks up speed. You’ll be able to go forward with anything you may have discovered. If you can, wait a few days after Mercury’s forward motion before firming up new partnerships and signing contracts or agreements.

BTW: 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: 9/17/15 * 2:10 PM EDT / 11:10 AM PDT

On Saturday and Sunday, both the New Moon and the Sun are in efficient, down to earth Virgo, (health, work and service). We experience a double dose of the responsible, practical, detail oriented 6^th sign of the Zodiac – use it to organize and de-clutter both mind and surroundings.

Like all “New” Lunar phases, the next 2 weeks are a great time for beginnings. Take advantage of Virgo’s natural “I’ll handle it” approach to take a look at health and nutrition. Are there things to be improved – diet, exercise? Don’t spend too much time being critical of yourself. Take care of needed changes now.

Virgo New Moon: 9/12/15  11:42 PM PDT *  9/13/15   2:41 AM EDT