According to Sandy

The Moon sits comfortably in the sign it rules from Friday afternoon,  8/14, until Sunday evening, 8/16. Cancer domesticity has its merits, make yourself, and anyone who happens to Zoom by comfortable. Kindness and grace can be so soothing for everyone even while distancing.

The 4^th sign of the Zodiac is sensitive and emotional. It can mean a few days of mood swings and feeling vulnerable. Avoid cultivating and harvesting dark thoughts. They will pass, so there’s no need to self medicate (over eat).

Use Cancer’s natural creativity instead and have a warm, loving weekend!

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The Sun Sashays into Leo, the Zodiac sign it rules, on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. With the Sun King up front, don’t be surprised if there are sudden, unexplained cravings for sparklers, sequins and confetti. Just go with it. We may all feel strong, upbeat, magnanimous, a bit more dramatic and drawn to the spotlight regardless of our actual Astrology sign. Leo doesn’t understand shyness and we are urged to seek attention, to be colorfully creative and just to be full of lion’s pride. As the Sun settles into this regal Fire sign, expect to have some fun for the duration of its stay.

Mercury, the Communication planet, transits Leo from 8/6 to 8/21/2020. Verbal and written interactions can 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!).

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

Enjoy the spotlight!

*Sun into Leo: July 22, 2020 * 4:37AM EDT / 1:37AM PDT

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

(Next up – Virgo Sun 8/22/20)

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).

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The Moon will be in Water sign Cancer on Saturday morning 7/18/20 remaining until Monday. Both the Moon and the 4^th sign of the Zodiac are about “emotions”. How might that show up during the weekend? It could be a few days of prickly mood swings – super sensitive and unusual feelings of vulnerability or, worrying about family and friends. (Avoid cultivating and harvesting dark thoughts. They will pass, so there’s no need to self medicate by over eating). Instead, let’s choose Cancer’s creative and hospitality traits this weekend.

The natural nurturing and domesticity of this sign may not  possibly be fully expressed since entertaining/ meeting / greeting, etc. is discouraged at this time.  But, we can still use Cancer’s kindness and grace to welcome, to sooth and to make comfy loved ones at a distance – Skype, Zoom, or over a balcony. (Have a digital  backyard BBQ?)

Stay safe. Stay well.

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The Moon will be in aggressive, high octane Aries Saturday and Sunday, 7/11 and 7/12/20. When the Lunar orb is in the 1^st sign of the Zodiac, which is ruled by warrior planet Mars, we feel braver, more physical, and more “up for anything”. Depending upon what that “anything” is, could be the best of times or the most precarious of times.

Aries = energy and you probably won’t want to sit around for too long in one place. Take advantage of the urge for action and movement – do something exciting, do something different, do something positive. Keep cool, keep the peace, keep the flame thrower in the closet.

Take care of yourselves.

FYI ~ Mercury finally ends Retrograde and goes “Direct” on 7/12. (Phones and laptops should start working seamlessly again)  😉 It may take a few days. Continue to pay attention to the details.

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The Sun moving into Cancer, the 4^th sign of the Zodiac, on June 20, 2020, also means the arrival of the Northern Hemisphere’s Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. Water sign Cancer may be emotional, moody, restless and sensitive, but, family, friends, taking care is the focus. Regardless of Sun sign, we can still take advantage of Cancer’s kind, protective and nurturing influences.

Don’t let your sensitive antennae wilt in the summer heat. Heightened awareness can provide useful information about people, places, and things. Feel what you feel and pay attention to your instincts. However, if taking in too much unsettling information from the universe, don’t over indulge in the hope 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. Don’t be afraid to let go of what doesn’t work.

Communication planet Mercury transits sensitive Cancer from 5/29 until 8/5/20. Don’t be surprised if interactions are more emotionally revealing than usual. Also, Mercury will be Retrograde for the 2^nd time this year beginning June 17 PDT (9: 59PM) / June 18 EDT (12:59AM) thru July 12, 2020. People may be testy and super sensitive due to misunderstanding and / or missed cues, so be careful with what you write or speak.  Seemingly innocent exchanges can start out great and then slide so far downhill that everyone winds up feeling “wounded”.

As Cancer’s protective and sympathetic “homey” energy reigns, use it – enjoy the love along with the frozen yogurt (or Ice Cream). Whatever you do, make your Summer as great as you can!

~ Cancer Sun / Summer Solstice (Sun in 1^st degree of Cancer): June 20, 2020 ~  5:44 PM EDT / 2:44 PM PDT

(And, New Moon in Cancer 6/20 11:02 PM PDT / 6/21 2:02 AM EDT)

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

Mercury will be Retrograde for the 2^nd time this year beginning June 17 PDT (9:59PM) / June 18 EDT (12:59AM) thru July 12, 2020. The often perplexing effect of Mercury, while it appears to go backwards in the sky, may be noticed a few days before it stops and reverses. So, I think it is best that we prepare early – back up all that stuff. Check those balances! Before hitting “send”, read over that tweet or email! Pay attention to travel directions!

This time Mercury is in the 4^th sign of the Zodiac, Water sign Cancer, ruled by the Moon. Mercury is not only the planet of Communication (reading, writing, chatting) but also, short trips, siblings, education, and information. Emotional, moody Cancer is concerned with family, friends and enjoys taking care. Watch what you say or write to those close to you. Be clear and precise, try not to leave room for misinterpretation. We can do without hurt feelings and confusion around the dinner table. Keep things simple and uncomplicated as you live your life (it never stops regardless of whether a planet goes backward or forward). It will cut down on any snafus or “hot messes” that may arise.

Regardless of your Sun sign, my cautions are always the same:

Get your facts, along with your ducks, in a row – verify, verify, verify. Use Retrograde time to do “re” things – review, reread, re evaluate, regroup, re charge. Project creation would be best delayed if possible – if not, be meticulous, be careful. (Jump all over the details.)

We will survive Mercury Retrograde. Again!

~ * ~ 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.

(Next up *Oct 13 – Nov 3)

Wednesday May 20, 2020, the Sun entered the 3^rd sign of the Zodiac – Gemini, sign of the twins. Ruled by the communications planet Mercury, this Air sign has a reputation for cleverness, flexibility, adaptability and love of change. Lighthearted, “younger than springtime”, a Gemini will not look/act their age for most of their lives. (Not childish, but youthfully engaging.) BTW * I’m a Gemini Septuagenarian, so I loved writing this.

Transiting planets to be aware of:

~ Venus spreads charm and beauty during a Gemini visit from 4/4/20 – 8/7/20. It can bring out our social best and gentle some of that Gemini verbal sharpness.

The love planet will also be Retrograde from 5/13 to 6/25, which only happens every 2 years. Think twice about jumping into romantic liaisons – don’t marry someone you just adore on Zoom – after meeting them during a “social distancing” date on twitter. Also, try to curb overboard spending.

~ Information maven Mercury transits Gemini from 5/12/20 – 5/29/20 highlighting writing, reading, conversation, a “let’s do something / lets learn something” type of energy we will all experience.

 (FYI: Mercury will be Retrograde in Cancer from June 18 – July 12)

There may be urges, regardless of birth sign, to learn something new, meet and greet, read and write, chat too much/gossip too much, wish to be in two places at once (that “twin”, Castor & Pollux thing) which can be a good time, but also exhausting. Rather than 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.

~*~ June 7^th – Prince’s Birthday (Also Cybel, my niece)

Gemini Sun:  May 20, 2020 – 9:49 AM EDT / 6:49 AM PDT

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

~ Deepak Chopra said: “Language creates reality. Words are magical power. Speak always to create joy”. 

(Since most of us (?) are not touching strangers to greet, congratulate, and / or give comfort, etc, at this time, it is perfect for a chatty Gemini Sun Transit)

I found an old copy of one of the most fascinating fantasies ever – “100 Years of Solitude” by Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I really wanted to be taken away, out of the realm of current happenings for awhile. (Perhaps the last several weeks of sheltering in place had my memory float the title to the surface.)

Written in 1967, the book recounts the history of a family that presides over a South American town called Macondo. It is the perfect “did it happen or didn’t it?” story.

Mr. García Márquez is often referred to as a pioneer of “magical realism”. His work is often time shifting, mystical and surreal, it takes the reader to a different space, a different time; which can be such a relief when the “real” world starts to become even more unreliable than usual.

“100 Years of Solitude” is a magical story – a definite adventure, a great book.

< **** ~~~~ **** >

“Precious Ramotswe“ is Botswana‘s only female private investigator. The main character of the HBO series, now on DVD.

“Precious” is played by Grammy winner Jill Scott. Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose and Idris Elba from “The Wire” are also part of the great cast. As in the books, our bush tea drinking, lady sleuth tracks down wayward husbands, missing children and solves village mysteries all the while keeping to the traditions of her culture and maintaining the standards of both Queen Elizabeth and Nelson Mandela (she admires both).

There are 3 DVDs in the set and I enjoyed them all. “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency“ has charm and heart. Great fun.

Directed by the late Anthony Minghella, “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency “, was produced for the BBC in 2008 and then shown in the U.S. in 2009.  It is based on the popular book series by Alexander McCall Smith.

BTW: I noticed a few years back that Ms Ramotswe and the author’s name were listed week after week on the San Francisco/Bay area California paperback bestseller list. I discovered that the Botswana detective has a worldwide cult following.

Books in the series:
* 1998 .The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
* 2000 .Tears Of The Giraffe
* 2001 .Morality for Beautiful Girls
* 2002 .The Kalahari Typing School for Men
* 2004 .The Full Cupboard of Life
* 2004 .In the Company of Cheerful Ladies
* 2006 .Blue Shoes and Happiness
* 2007 .The Good Husband of Zebra Drive

(originally posted 6/9/17

Listened again to “The Ultimate Luther Vandross“. It contains great classics from the 80’s and 90’s that are still staples of “soul”, “smooth listening” radio stations around the country:
“A House Is Not A Home”, “Power of Love”, “Here and Now”, “Superstar”, “Give Me the Reason”, “Never Too Much. There are also some more recent songs like, “Dance With My Father” (which won the Grammy for “Song of the Year” 2004).

Starting off as a back up singer and writer of jingles, Vandross’ solo career began in 1981 with the hit album “Never Too Much”. He went on to win 8 Grammys and sell over 25 million CDs.

Saw Mr Vandross (April 20, 1951 – July 1, 2005) only once in concert and like the rest of the audience, was in the “Luther” zone throughout his terrific performance. Warm, personable and soooo talented, you were pulled right in and ya loved it.

BTW: There were several tribute albums after his death, I liked: “So Amazing: An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross“ , with Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Alicia Keys, Elton John Patti LaBelle, etc.