According to Sandy

The Sun rallies into intellectual, team focused, Air sign Aquarius on Friday January 20, 2023. The 11^th sign of the Zodiac is ruled by the unpredictable, unconventional, undeniably radical planet Uranus. It’s all about independence, freedom, a love of sudden changes and thinking “outside of the box”. Expect the unexpected.

Saturn, planet of discipline, restrictions & boundaries has been transiting Aquarius since 2020. (It will move into Pisces on March 7, 2023.) Free spirit Aquarius may experience restlessness because of feeling limited.

Aquarius has a stubborn streak (it is one of 4 “Fixed” signs of the Zodiac, along with Taurus, Scorpio and Leo). Ignoring opposition and the word “don’t”, there is a lean to gather, along with friends, neighborhood groups, etc. , at  a rally, an organized march and / or form a protest for any issues deemed to be righteous.

Regardless of Sun Sign, we may all feel the need to join our rebellion of choice. Just remember that the “Revolution” will be televised, tweeted and instagramed.

~ Aquarius Sun ~ Jan. 20, 2023 * 3:30 AM EST / 12:30 AM PST

*Gemstone: Blue Tiger’s Eye *Power color: Ultramarine blue * Body Part: Legs

BTW: don’t get confused – even though the Astrology symbol for Aquarius is the “Water Bearer”, it is an Air sign!

~ Stay Safe, Stay Well, Stay Sane ~

When the Sun prances into Sagittarius, we are treated to a cheery couple of weeks beginning on Tuesday, November 22, 2022. Ruled by exuberant Jupiter, the king of positive thinking, we are more upbeat and everything seems possible, everything is “huge”- ideas, actions, themes.

Let’s all enjoy this sign’s feelings of luck, optimism and adventure. It makes me think of my favorite line from “Jaws” – “we’re going to need a bigger boat.” We just don’t have enough space for all the goodies anticipated with a Sag Sun.

With this Fire sign, we need to aim for controlled excess – there is this underlying sense of “can’t miss”, the million dollar deal is done, everything is great!- this can lead to an arrogance that can cost ya.

Be an “of course” for abundance, reach for the good things, learn something new, pay attention to your intuition (Sagittarianss love a good laugh but they are also deep and can see what others don’t) but, just be aware of the edges – over confidence can send you too far. It can be expensive and/or embarrassing.

And, to add to the energy, there are planets transiting Sagittarius:

*Mercury, Communication planet ~ 11/18 – 12/7/22 *  

Clever, curious and often razor sharp, this planet visit can be great for creativity, sharing Sag’s knowledge and wisdom

*Venus, planet of Beauty ~ 11/17 – 12/11/22*

The Love planet can add tact, sweetness and charm to the holiday season. (We can use it all after the past year.) Caring relationships, elegance and self value. Revel in the warmth and spread it around.

*Sagittarius Sun ~ November 22, 2022 – 3:20 AM EST / 12:20 AM PST

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

**Re: “prances” – One of the symbols for Sagittarius is the Centaur – ½ man (with the bow, arrow, wine pouch) and ½ horse. Perfect, libations for a holiday gathering.

~*Happy Thanksgiving! And yes, be thankful *~

On Sunday, October 23, 2022, the Sun sashayed into powerful, and often fierce, Scorpio. Wind down and focus to get projects accomplished, snare that love interest and reveal any mysteries that need to be solved. (Think “determination”.) With Scorpio’s traditional planet ruler Mars (energy and aggression) and its modern ruler Pluto (power and transformation), being cool, being superficial – skimming the surface, in conversation or action, just won’t do. The next couple of weeks can ramp up intensity and dig deep into feelings for all of us regardless of birth date. Save any overflowing angst and/or grudges for another day – they may dissipate as the mood changes.

Due to the characteristic sensitivity of this Water sign, the 8^th sign of the Zodiac’s power will not be served distant and cold – there will be drama, there will be depth, the time is ripe for full out emotions. Stubborn, secretive, serious, sensual – these adjectives all fit Scorpio to a T (or in this case, to an “S”). The Sun will heat and be heated.

There are Transits! (Planets visit signs over the year which I think adds spice)

Venus, 10/24 to 11/17/22 – Love Planet Venus, always associated with beauty, love, charm, etc. may soften Scorpio’s approach while searching for deep connections and passion. As always, the impact depends on where Scorpio falls in your particular chart.

Mercury, 10/30 to 11/18/22– the Communication planet can easily turn interactions up a notch. Pay attention and be as clear as possible regardless of how deep the vat of emotion.

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

** Scorpio Sun 10/23/22 ~ 6:36 AM EDT– 3:36 AM PDT

*** Wondering why the Scorpio Sun is the 23^rd of the month this year and not the 19th, 20th, 21^st or 22nd like most other signs?

The Earth’s rotation actually determines the start dates of a sign – not the Sun. The dates can vary by as much as 2 days depending on when a leap year occurs.

As the world turns, the Sun appears to flow from one Zodiac sign to another. Since the Earth wobbles, it takes slightly more than 365 days — actually 365 + 1/4 days. Because of this, our calendars must be adjusted to compensate for this difference.

Next up – Upbeat Sagittarius 11/22/22 !

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Noticed the abundance of college football on TV this past weekend. Twitter was full of clips of HBCU Marching groups, with their fancy Drum Majors,  smiling Cheer leaders & high stepping bands.

Watching them reminds me of the image above. Can’t you just hear his whistles, the brass section, the drums? Strut on.

I Love it!

A former football player turned artist, Mr Barnes’s work, filled with sports figures and images of everyday people, is known for his use of bright color and elongated figures.

Ernie Barnes’, 1939 – 2009, “Drum Major”

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The ambitious intentions of a playwright resulted in the impressive, and enjoyable, “August Wilson Century Cycle”. It consists of a play for every decade of the 20^th century and chronicles a part of the black experience in America.

One of his Pulitzer Prize winning plays, “The Piano Lesson”, returns to Broadway this Fall (it debuted in 1990).  There have been several revivals since its first production at the Yale Rep in 1987.

This is the 4^th play of the Century Cycle, taking place in  1936, and will star Samuel L. Jackson, Danielle Brooks and John David Washington. It will be directed by a women for the first time, Latanya Richardson Jackson.

Using his great ear for dialogue, Wilson (1945 – 2005) was able to give us some insight into the daily life – both struggles and triumphs – of an assortment of universal characters to whom his   audience could easily relate.

An ambitious undertaking, but, his huge vision was realized and resulted in 2 Pulitzer Prizes and a Tony award. He accomplished a lot doing what he loved to do and perhaps more importantly, August Wilson left a powerful body of work that will be read and performed for years to come. Dreaming big has rewards of all kinds.

BTW, all 10 of August Wilson’s plays are collected in hard cover with a nice presentation box. Each has an introduction by an actor, director or writer familiar with his work.

In 2005, August Wilson completed the ten-play cycle:

• 1900s – Gem of the Ocean (2003)
• 1910s – Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (1984)
• 1920s – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (1982)
• 1930s – The Piano Lesson (1986) – Pulitzer Prize
• 1940s – Seven Guitars (1995)
• 1950s – Fences (1985) – Pulitzer Prize
• 1960s – Two Trains Running (1990)
• 1970s – Jitney (1982)
• 1980s – King Hedley II (2001)
• 1990s -Radio Golf (2005)

*The Piano Lesson, by August Wilson* 

~ Ethel Barrymore Theatre ~

Limited engagement

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The Sun glides into Libra on Thursday, September 22, 2022.  Fall is officially here in the Northern Hemisphere. Even if it isn’t your Sun or Rising sign, Libra will still cast a glow. It’s all about socializing, networking, getting along. Hopefully, there will be cooperation, genial negotiations and the urge to seek balance in both business and personal relationships. Good things in life are highlighted due to the influences of the love and beauty planet ruler Venus – romance, music, delicious food, graciousness and hospitality. This can be a fun time.

Seeking harmony, the Libra way is to see both sides of an issue before making decisions.  However, using the Pros/Cons list method can just string the selection process out. Be aware that important action can be stalled by over think. Paying attention to instinct and being honest will give a more direct line to a choice.

Also, Mercury is in Libra from 9/11 until 10/30/22. In the middle of its transit, there will be a Retrograde period (9/17 to 10/1). The Communication planet went backwards in the 7^th sign of the Zodiac on 9/17. It will continue in reverse and back into the 6^th sign, Virgo, on 9/24, until 10/1.  Mercury will then stop, go Direct, forward, until it reaches Libra again on 10/11 and remain until 10/30/22. (Scorpio)

* May seem confusing, but the Mercury Retrograde story remains the same: back up your devices. Pay attention to details. Read contracts carefully.  Avoid snafus, hurt feelings etc – read it over before hitting “send”.

Libra is all about relationships, so any Retrograde missteps may involve the people in your life. Things might get messy. Someone from your past might pop up and want to continue whatever went on before (whatever that might’ve been?).

As always, your experience of the Sun in a particular sign depends most upon where it appears in your chart, but a Libra Sun 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 * Autumn Equinox 9/22/22 ~ 9:04 PM EDT / 6:04 PM PDT

Gemstone: Aventurine * Power Colors: Blues & Violets * Body Part: Kidneys

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

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The Sun moves into Leo, the sign it rules, on Friday July 22, 2022. With the influence of the “Sun King”, we are upbeat, magnanimous, colorfully creative and drawn to the spotlight regardless of your actual Astrology sign. The 5th sign doesn’t get shyness, it loves attention. The potential for having fun and getting wrapped up in drama ramps up, just go with it.

Mercury, the Communication planet, transits Leo 7/19 – 8/4/22. Verbal and written interactions 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!).

Venus visits from 8/11 – 9/5/22.  The planet of love brings even more warmth, beauty and love of “luxe”. Beautify self and surroundings. Money will be very easy to throw around, ignore the urge to show off. People will be drawn to you regardless of a big bank roll and big tips.

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

~ Sun into Leo: July 22, 2022 * 4:07 PM EDT / 1:07 PM PDT ~

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

(Next up – Virgo Sun 8/22/22)

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 may often exhibit a combo of characteristics from both signs).

Tuesday, June 21, 2022 is special. Besides being the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, it also means the Sun has moved into Cancer, the Moon ruled 4^th sign of the Zodiac. This Water sign can make us emotional, moody, restless and sensitive, but regardless, “taking care”, of family and friends, is the priority.

Don’t let the “feelings” antennae wilt in the summer heat. Heightened awareness can provide useful information about people, places, and things. Pay attention to your instincts. However, if absorbing too much unsettling information from the universe, don’t over indulge in the wish that an extra scoop of Ben & Jerry’s or another spoonful of hot fudge on that banana split will make things better. Change the scenery. Change the mood. Know what is best for you – food, people, situations, etc. Lighten the load – let go of what doesn’t work.

Communication planet Mercury transits Cancer from 6 July to 19 July, 2022 – don’t be surprised if interactions are more emotionally revealing than usual. That can show up in what you write or speak, especially with those close to you.

No matter what your Sun sign,  take advantage of Cancer’s kind, protective and nurturing influences.  Use  all that “homey” energy  – enjoy the love along with the frozen yogurt. Create a comfort place. Make your Summer as great as you can!

(The year is half over – what are you going to do with what’s left?)

~ Cancer Sun / Summer Solstice (Sun in 1^st degree of Cancer): June 21, 2022 ~  5:14 AM EDT / 2:14 AM PDT

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

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads & Happy Juneteenth to all !

On Tuesday April 19, 2022, the Sun moves into determined, security minded Taurus. Even though the Bull is its Astrology symbol, it is ruled by the lovely, pleasure seeking planet Venus – the 2nd sign of the Zodiac has many dimensions. Stubbornly stand fast, but, let go of the tug rope when it is no longer useful. Write a little poetry for a loved one, enjoy a gourmet meal in a romantic restaurant, and give a lecture on being financially savvy and avoiding monetary pot holes – a nice mix.

Clever, communication planet Mercury transits Taurus from 4/12 – until 4/30.  Interactions are steadied and grounded. Discussions about security and safety may be brought forward.

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 finances are handled, how sensuality is expressed, how food is approached, and how “luxury” is interpreted. “Change” is the operative word.

For the next 4 weeks, we can tap into the strength and versatility of Earthy Taurus 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 unpredictable climate, but, sometimes we have to take a second look to see the advantages.

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

* Sun into Taurus, Tuesday 4/19/22 ~ 10:24 PM EDT / 7:24 PM PDT

**As always, those most affected have the Sun and/or Rising sign in Taurus, but the rest of us will still feel the stabilizing influences somewhere in our lives depending upon where this Earth sign appears in the birth chart.

(Next up, Gemini!)

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