According to Sandy

Saturday and Sunday, April 3 & 4, 2021, will find us in the serious embrace of a Capricorn Moon. Ruled by Saturn, the planet of boundaries and life lessons (not always fun, but can be grounding), the 10^th sign of the Zodiac has upwardly mobile aspirations.

Earth sign Capricorn can bring out the administrator side – a perfect time to organize, assign tasks, take charge and move with purpose. See this as an opportunity to show your stuff. Are your strategies & actions producing the results you want? Being an ambitious over achiever is not a negative. Like everything else, it depends on how it’s handled.

Have a super, productive weekend, but don’t forget to smile and say “thank you” while telling everyone what to do.

Stay Safe. Stay Sane

On Monday December 21, 2020, Winter arrives in the Northern Hemisphere, (some places more dramatically than others) but it’s the official start of Winter, “Winter Solstice”, the shortest day of the year. Always in tandem is the careful, capable Capricorn Sun.

This ambitious, efficient, and grounded Earth sign, ruled by stern Saturn, believes in duty, responsibility and loves being in charge. Regardless of our actual birth date, we may all feel the influences and get a thrill directing traffic and telling people what to do. (Fun for the boss, but maybe not so much for the employee?) Use honey instead of vinegar.

Although Capricorn is very different from Sagittarius, spirits don’t have to deflate after all of the seasonal happenings you were able to create the past few weeks – despite these precarious times. The 10th sign of the Zodiac can keep us busy, accomplished and sensible. Make a goals list, tune up job or financial situations and organize whatever needs to be shaped up. Be ready for whatever opportunities show up in 2021. “A change is gonna come.” What’s next? Make something happen.

There is one major planet transit for Capricorn:

~ Pluto, planet of power & transformation – has been in Capricorn since 2008 (until 2023) – fosters deep feelings, possible changes in career direction, upheaval, regeneration.

*How you experience this powerful planet placement depends on where it appears in your birth chart, – its traits will be intensified in that section of life. (And of course, a Capricorn Sun or Rising sign is especially energized.)

~ Capricorn Sun ~ December 21, 2020 – 5:02 AM EST / 2:02 AM PST ~

*Gemstone: Obsidian, Onyx *Power color: Black, Gray * Body Part: Bones

FYI:  “The Winter Solstice occurs exactly when the Earth’s axial tilt is farthest away from the sun at its maximum of 23° 26′. Though the winter solstice lasts only a moment in time, the term is also a turning point to midwinter or the first day of winter…The seasonal significance of the winter solstice is in the reversal of the gradual lengthening of nights and shortening of days.” (per Wikipedia)

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Early Saturday morning, December 19, 2020, the Moon floats into Water sign Pisces for the weekend – think sensitive, compassionate and imaginative (more than usual). There may be vibrant dreams, a relaxing of boundaries and cravings to escape. Generally, this can all be manageable (great for creativity), but not so much if reality loses anchor. Hold on.

Hazy Neptune, planet ruler of this 12^th Zodiac sign, has been transiting Pisces since 2011 and will remain until 2026. Along with feelings of vulnerability and compassion, life’s edges can be blurred and fog over what is genuine. Do remain grounded and sober. If there is something important to be done, get a grip, focus and handle it.

Paint something, draw something, write something, compose something – with Pisces, creativity is supported.

 (Monday afternoon brings the sharp, energetic, impulsive Aries Moon, 12/21/20)

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On Thursday October 22, 2020 the Sun slipped into Scorpio – the heat is on! Potent, powerful, persistent, and passionate (still showing off 😉 ), the mysterious 8th sign of the Zodiac can infuse us with determination and focus to get projects done, snare that love interest or drill down through any mysteries that need to be solved. Sensitive and emotional – there will be drama and there will be depth.

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,

Clever Mercury has a long Scorpio transit which began on 9/28/20. It will go Retrograde on 10/13, (interactions can turn out differently than expected and may be more demanding than usual) and backup into Libra, where it will stop and move forward on 11/3 into Scorpio again on 11/10. It will reach the next sign, Sagittarius on 12/2/20.

We can accomplish a lot during this time using Scorpio’s power. But, also remember that laughter can be used as a balm to stabilize, bring things into perspective and lighten the atmosphere.  

As always, the impact depends on where (which House) Scorpio falls in your particular chart.

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

~*~ Scorpio Sun 10/22/20 ~ 7 PM EDT– 4 PM PDT ~*~

Mercury Retrograde began on October 13, 2020 in the sensitive, emotional, Water sign of Scorpio and reverses back into social, relationship focused, Air sign Libra where it will stop (and go Direct) on November 3, 2020 – Election Day. 

Mercury, (the planet of communications, transportation, education, gadgets, manual dexterity, etc.) moving backwards in the sky is not a “tragedy”, but it may mean break downs. Things / plans may not run smoothly or come out as expected. Back up your stuff!

Pay attention. Don’t let carelessness or lack of focus bite you in the nether regions. Don’t be surprised if memories of people, places, events of the past return to haunt, (think bad penny scenario) or even please us. Watch what you write and be conscious of what you say in order to lessen the possibility of snafus as you interact with others.

Prepare for what to do when Mercury Retrograde ends – about 2 weeks after the planet goes Direct on 11/3. My usual suggestions are: re invent, re write, re read, revisit, renew, re think. Take another look at past decisions or old projects that may have been dropped and forgotten. Does an idea deserve another chance, another go round? Was anything missed? Are there any monetary, financial accounting mishaps?

No need for us to be crazed and confused. We will get through it, again. (It happens 3 times a year.) Things will gradually become clearer as Mercury picks up speed going forward. If you can, wait before signing contracts or agreements. But, as always – details, details, details.

And I repeat – back up your stuff!

*Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio 10/13/20 – 9:05PM ET/6:05PM PT*

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 can sometimes look like a reverse motion from earth.

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Hmmmm. ”October Surprises”?

Let’s use this 1^st weekend of October 2020 to steady ourselves, stay alert & stay grounded while the Moon is in earthy, security focused Taurus, the 2^nd sign of the Zodiac.

However, unpredictable planet Uranus is transiting Taurus at this time – expect the unexpected. Remain flexible. There are reasons why the Bull is the symbol for Taurus. Pay attention and notice when being obstinate no longer gets the results wanted or prevents noticing the changes around you.

Last, but not least, Taurus is ruled by the sensual planet Venus – opportunities for romance, beauty and pleasurable pursuits. 😎

Make it the best weekend that you can. Be safe. Stay well.

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On Tuesday, September 22, 2020, the Sun entered charming Libra. As the Sun begins its visit to the 7^th sign of the Zodiac, it is the 1^st day of “Fall” or the “Autumn Equinox” (in the Northern Hemisphere) – equal day / equal night. Libra is all about relationships, family, friends, marriages, and business partners, etc. Cooperation, negotiations and seeking balance will be in the forefront for the next few weeks.

As always, your experience of the Sun in a particular sign depends most upon whether it is your birth sign or your Ascendant (Rising sign) and where it appears in your chart. Regardless, the Libra Sun can set a mood to benefit us all. Good things in life are sought after due to the influences of lovely planet ruler Venus – romance, music, delicious food, beautiful things, graciousness and hospitality. Edges can be smoothed and softened on potentially contentious situations.

Often when seeking fairness and 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 decision 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.

My suggestion for anything regarding social Libra is always: meet fun folks somewhere beautiful for brunch and / or cocktails (even at a distance). Enjoy being with others!

~ Libra Sun * Autumn Equinox 9/22/20 ~ 9:31 AM EDT /6:31 AM 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.

Next: Scorpio Sun -10/22/20

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Very early Saturday morning, September 26, 2020, the Moon moves into community focused Air sign Aquarius for the entire weekend. Be prepared for the unexpected. This 11^th sign of the Zodiac can be rebellious and unpredictable. Ruled by radical planet Uranus, Aquarius has a stubborn streak (it is one of three “Fixed” signs of the Zodiac, along with Taurus and Scorpio) and loves freedom and independence.

We have an opportunity to let go of convention, do some “out of the box” thinking while focusing on the welfare of others.

Make it the best Aquarius weekend that you can!

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The Virgo Sun started spreading its influence on Saturday August 22, 2020 regardless of Astrological sign. The 6^th sign of the Zodiac makes us 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. But don’t think being conscientious has to mean “dull”. With quick witted Mercury as its planet ruler, Virgo’s cleverness can liven up situations when you least expect it. If you want to work better/ want better work, put together the little building blocks needed to create something substantial. Now is a great time to get it done (whatever “it” is).

Virgo insists attention be paid, but, being over critical and picky, “sweating the small stuff”, “not seeing the forest for the trees”, suffering bouts of “paralysis analysis” will just get in the way and slow you down from making improvements and organizing messes. Friends, family & co-workers may resent relentless corrections no matter how “helpful” or how good the intention. Don’t get on their nerves  😉

Instead, do evolved Virgo things – be useful, bring calm & order, create a plan for better safety, diet & fitness, be a contribution, take care.

~ Sun Into Virgo: 8/22/20  – 11:45 AM EDT * 8:45 AM PDT

*Gemstone: Carnelian * Power color: Deep green * Body Part: Bowels (Cleansing the system for good health)

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On Tuesday, August 18, 2020, the Moon meets up with the Sun in Leo. When next to the Sun, the Lunar orb is in its “New” phase. This can be great for beginnings – take it as a sign of encouragement to start something (good!) in the next few days.

Use the dramatic, ambitious, enthusiastic vibrations natural to the 5^th sign off the Zodiac to brainstorm, enroll a special someone in your life, do a sparkling presentation or an audition. Also, Leo’s 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 energy lasts for approx 2 weeks until the next Full Moon on 9/1/20 (a good time to then finalize, complete projects).

*Leo New Moon:  8/18/20 – 10:42 PM EDT / 7:42 PM PDT

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