According to Sandy

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)

The Sun moved into sensual, steady, strong, security focused Taurus on Sunday April 19, 2020. The second sign of the Zodiac has the Bull as its symbol. Perfect!

It is ruled by the lovely, romantic planet Venus, giving Earth sign Taurus several other dimensions. It can be practical and dependable, but it’s also a lover of beauty, good food and luxury. Loved ones are treated to poetry, music and gourmet restaurants, while getting a lecture on avoiding financial pot holes – nice mix.

As always, just to make life a bit more interesting, there will be planet transits:

Communication planet Mercury in Taurus from 4/28 to 5/12/20 ~ Verbal / written interaction steadies, is more down to earth and direct. Mercury’s quick cleverness may be slowed down and softened, but also focused. No nonsense. Commitments, promises, contracts will expect to be honored!

Also, 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 money is gotten and handled, how sensuality is expressed, how food is cooked and consumed, and how “luxury” is considered. “Change” is the operative word.

For the next few weeks, regardless of Sun sign, we can all tap into Taurus traits of responsibility, strength and endurance. The “Bull” is Taurus’ symbol for a reason – stubborn, unwavering, holding on after others have dropped the tug rope, etc. Just remember to “let go” when obstinacy no longer works. Don’t miss an opportunity due to an unwillingness to move and / or shift. Security is attractive, especially in this climate, but, sometimes we have to take a second look, before the “no”.

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

* Sun into Taurus – 10:45 AM EDT / 7:45 AM PDT

**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.

~~~ *** ~~~

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.

A few years ago, Ms Streisand was all over PBS with her show “Barbra Streisand: One Night Only At the Village Vanguard”.  She can still touch people with her voice and it was fun to listen and watch her wrap her tiny audience (the NYC club only seats about 150) around her finger – or vocal chords in this case.  Barbra is still amazing.

I wanted to hear her, so I dug out one of the diva’s old records “The Broadway Album” (yes, “album” – like I said “old”, but now on CD) and again was in awe of her renditions of some great songs from past musicals. I have a weakness for Broadway show tunes, especially those songs from Sondheim, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Gershwin – music from Porgy & Bess, Carousel, West Side Story, The King & I, etc. These songs appeal to me because they always have a story to tell, an emotion to crystallize, a longing to express.

Over the years, these poems set to music have become “standards” – they haven’t gone away, they are being sung someplace, somewhere every day. Whether in person or on CD, Ms Streisand’s versions are beautiful, soaring, romantic, funny, perfect.

Barbra Streisand – a treasure!

“I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day…”

The opening bass line that precedes the above lyric to the “Temptations” song “My Girl”, is instantly recognizable, instantly evoking a time/ place/age gone but still very much alive when the music plays. (I still know all the words.)

I watched the DVD, “Standing in the Shadows of Motown” again. It tells the story of the “Funk Brothers”, those musicians who rhythmically supported the stars of Motown with their piano, drums, horn section and guitars. According to the liner notes, “They played on more #1 records than the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Elvis combined…”

There are interviews, funny and touching, with the guys as they reminisce about their experiences at “Hitsville, USA”.  Unknown by the thousands of us that religiously bought a new 45 whenever possible, they drove the beat behind the Motown hit records from the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder (he was “little” then), the Miracles, etc. The stars were good, but so was the band.

We are also treated to concert footage – artists of today singing the old songs. It’s been a long time, but the music lives – they do a great job, different but still great.

(Nothing like some good music during questionable times. Perks me right up.)

~*~

No matter what else is going on, (and there has been so much lately), the Vernal Equinox will spring eternal in the Northern Hemisphere. This year, Spring happens on Thursday, March 19, 2020.

Astrologically speaking, the 1^st day of Spring is also the day the Sun enters the 1^st sign of the Zodiac – high energy Fire sign Aries. All 12 signs have been lit in turn and now we’re ready for a new cycle.

Mars ruled Aries is “out front”, physical, impulsive, prone to rushing and risk taking. We can bungee jump off that mountain of ideas and projects that has been stewing all winter. The universe will support. However, let’s be active with purpose and focus rather than act just because we’re bored. Think a project through and complete it. But, don’t forget to have fun. Spring has sprung and everyone can use a little bit of controlled craziness every once in awhile.

As always, those most affected have the Sun 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 sign appears in our chart.

Aries Sun*Spring Equinox – 3/19/20 ~ 11:50 PM ET / 8:50 PM PT

~ Gemstone: Garnet * Power Color: Fiery Red * Body Part: Face

FYI – March 19^th is also designated as “International Astrology Day”. Always observed on the Equinox, it is a celebration of the ancient art of Astrology.

~~*~~

On Tuesday, February 18, 2020, the Sun moved into the last stages of a complete transit of the Zodiac. While in Water sign Pisces, the 12^th sign, feelings are heightened. Elevated emotions may affect all of us regardless of astrology sign. Tap into all that compassion and kindness that Pisces is known for and spread it around. Sympathy and empathy abounds, but take off the rose colored glasses – offer assistance where it is genuinely needed.

Mystical Neptune, the Planet ruler, will be in Pisces until 2025. It has a reputation for clouding the waters, fading boundaries and fostering escapism. Over sensitivity to adverse energy or vibrations is no excuse to drift away from reality. Stay grounded and connected. Stay productive and listen to your inner voice – the positive one.

However, all those things that make life unsettled can also enhance imagination and creativity. Innovations regarding music, dance, and theater will probably bubble to the surface faster than usual. The subconscious can be a treasure trove of ideas now. Keep paper and pencil handy, jot down your dreams.

~ Pisces Sun ~ Feb. 18, 2020 – 11:57 PM EST / 8:57 PM PST

There will be 3 Mercury Retrogrades this year. The 1st one begins on February 16 and ends on March 9. Mercury is concerned with all types of information, travel, education, tech stuff and small appliances. Labeled “the Communication planet”, the often confusion generating Retrograde (backward sky motion) period doesn’t have to be scary. Regardless of reputation, we can mitigate potential misunderstandings and snafus by paying attention to the details and being prepared. Be careful. “Back up” stuff. Stay grounded and pay attention to what you sign, verify deadlines, etc. Mercury Retrograde chaos is not inevitable!

~ Mercury Retrogrades for 2020: 

*Feb 16 – Mar 9

*June 17 – July 12

*Oct 13 – Nov 3

This can be a great time to do all those “re” actions: re evaluate, rewrite, re assess, re acquaint, re address. We can take time to pause and reflect, rather than jump into new schemes.

* 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.

~*~