According to Sandy

The Sun entered unpredictable, independent Aquarius on Monday January 20, 2020. Ruled by Uranus, planet of unexpected events and outrageous happenings, the 11^th sign of the Zodiac is about originality, inventiveness and changes of direction.

Intellectual 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.

And, there are Planet transits:

Venus (harmony). 12/20/19 – 1/14/20 ~ can bring an upbeat tone and cheeriness to fiery rhetoric, solidifying relationships in the midst of revolutionary zeal

Mercury (Communication). 1/17 – 2/4/20 ~ adds cleverness and networking expertise. Temper any tendencies towards sarcasm and sharpness. (Sugar better than vinegar) Be clear in speech and written word when rallying your comrades.

Taking risks, being on the edge, or ledge – sounds intense, but it can be done with humor. If you’re going to spend time enrolling people into saving the world, you might as well have fun doing it.

~ Aquarius Sun: January 20, 2020 = 9:55 AM EST / 6:55 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!

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Chinese Lunar New Year of the Metal Rat

January 25, 2020 – February 11, 2020

Luck & Prosperity

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The ambitious Capricorn Sun arrived on Saturday, December 21, 2019 along with the celebrated Winter Solstice. It is a new decade – 2020!  Take the time to look at what was accomplished and make plans for the future. I love that “what’s next?” question – a New Year, a blank calendar to fill in. Possibilities!

Capricorn, an Earth sign ruled by serious planet Saturn, likes structure, boundaries and is comfortable with the trappings of authority. Being a “boss” is not a burden. Being in charge is welcome. The 10^th sign of the Zodiac can keep us busy, accomplished and sensible. Re-goal yourself (I made this word up), tune up career moves, network, organize whatever needs to be shaped up. Make something happen. Just don’t get bogged down that you become too rigid and/or too cautious.  Relax, remember that you have a sense of humor – use it.

The Sun will be in Capricorn until 1/20/20. 4 planets will also transit during this time adding to the power & energy:

~Saturn, planet of boundaries & discipline – rules Capricorn so its influences will be tweaked. The 2 year visit started 12/19/17, will end 12/20/2020. Mature decisions, duty, responsibility are all highlighted for hopefully good results down the line.

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

~Mercury, planet of Communication, travel – will move into Capricorn on 12/29/19 until 1/16/20. Speech, writing etc. could be more serious and tight. Maintain sense of humor. Reign in sharp, hurtful personal interactions. 

~Jupiter, planet of big ideas & expansion – its sign visits last approximately 1 year, 12/2/19 until 12/19/20. Some of the risk taking tendencies can be curtailed & action more grounded.

*Of course, how you experience all of this planet power depends on where Capricorn 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, 2019 – 11:20 PM EST / 8:20 PM 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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The very best of the season to all. 

Happy New Year !

Look forward to a Gemini Full Moon on Wednesday (Pacific) and Thursday (Eastern). While opposite the Sagittarius Sun, it will glow in all its roundness. As always with a “Full” phase, finish and complete any old projects hanging around. Clear out any debris to make room for what’s next. (New Moon in ambitious Capricorn 12/25/19 – great time for new beginnings)

While the Moon is in the Mercury ruled 3^rd sign of the Zodiac, communication is key. Chatting, Twittering, Face Booking, etc. can tend towards the witty and the clever, and 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!

* Gemini Full Moon: PST 12/11 ~ 9:12 PM / EST 12/12 ~ 12:12 AM

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The Sun pranced into cheery Sagittarius on Friday November 22, 2019. Ruled by exuberant Jupiter, the king of positive thinking, we are more upbeat and everything seems possible, everything is “huge”- ideas, actions, themes. Enjoy it! But, remember to pause occasionally and look over the landscape – not only to appreciate the view, but also to realize that some of those “sure things” are not.

And to add to the fun, the planets below will be transiting Sagittarius:

Venus 11/2 – 11/26 * The Love planet lends beauty, tact, sweetness and charm.

Jupiter since Nov. 2018 – 12/2/19 * Sag’s planet ruler transits the 9^th sign of the Zodiac encouraging us to risk and “go BIG or go home”. Rather than go over the top, set limits. (BTW, Jupiter visits each Zodiac sign for about 52 weeks every 12 years)

Mercury 12/9 – 12/29 * Communication focused, clever, curious and often razor sharp, this planet visit can be great for creativity, sharing Sag’s knowledge and wisdom

A Sagittarius Sun wants us to be happy, to be with people, to revel in the abundance of the season. Certainly be an “of course” for excellent results, reach for the good things, discover something new, but, just be aware of getting close to the edges. If you must go “Kwazy” at least aim for controlled excess.

~ Sagittarius Sun – November 22, 2019 * 10 AM EST / 7 AM PST ~

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

BTW- Regardless of your actual birthday, always try to take advantage of the vibrations of whatever sign the Sun is transiting.

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

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The Sagittarius New Moon, on Tuesday November 26, will have us getting out and about, seeing people and just being optimistic. With this good natured, Jupiter ruled Fire sign, there may be sudden urges to travel and seek out fun escapades, which can add up to fun experiences.  

As always with a New Moon, it’s a great time to launch, create, and / or start something. Sagittarius’ enthusiasm, love of adventure and taking risks are amped as both luminaries, the Sun arrived on 11/22, are together. Think of the possibilities! But, you still must stay grounded enough to get all the facts (an exact measurement for the Bungee drop rope is a good idea).

~ Sagittarius New Moon * Nov. 26, 2019 – 10:06 AM  PM EST / 7:08 AM PST ~

(FYI = “New Moon” energy lasts approximately 2 weeks until Full Moon 12/11/19) 

Howling for luxury and looking for delicious eats – but still counting dollars? It might be the vibrations of the Taurus Full Moon on Tuesday November 12, 2019. This is a security focused Earth sign guided by its ruler – the elegant, luxury loving planet Venus.

Whatever vibes are out there can all be put to good use. Indulge the sensual side, while monitoring investments. Share whipped cream and chocolate covered strawberries with a significant other while tallying the checkbook at the same time. It’s possible!

As always with a “Full” Moon, it’s a good time to finish what you’ve started. Before the next “New” Moon, use grounded Taurus’ influence to complete any financial dealings and/or improvements to surroundings – beauty, comfort and safety. Who do you have to be, so that you can do whatever it takes to have those things you value most?

*Taurus Full Moon Nov. 12, 2019 ~ 8:34 AM EST / 5:34 AM PST

<Sagittarius New Moon, 11/26/19>

by Sandy | Nov 3, 2019 | Art, Arts, Entertainment and Music, music, Photograhy

I always loved that famous 1958 black and white photo of 57 Jazz musicians, arranged on the steps of an apartment building in New York City (17 East 126th Street between Fifth and Madison). It was expanded into a documentary in 1995 and can be found on DVD.

Director Jean Bach assembled pictures and stories about how it all came together – photographer Art Kane’s assignment for Esquire Magazine, artists such as Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Marian McPartland, Thelonius Monk, Art Blakey, Sonny Rollins, Horace Silver, May Lou Williams, the neighborhood kids that wanted to be in the picture too.

~ * ~ A Great Day In Harlem ~ * ~

See below for a list of all the musicians in the photo:

On Thursday, October 31, 2019, Communication planet Mercury begins a backward motion in emotional, intense, “dig deeper” Water sign Scorpio (until it stops and goes Direct again on 11/20/19 in the same sign). It may affect any investigations, secrets, mysteries you’ve been involved in. Make sure any data, information, details researched and uncovered are correct. Double check your sources while you back up the devices that you use to search and / or store. Being cautious can avoid any confusion, miscommunication, or misunderstandings. Watch what you write and say in order to lessen the possibility of negative impact as you interact with others. Pay Attention.

In the mean time, my usual suggestions for Mercury Retrograde: re invent, re write, re read, revisit, renew, re think. Use the next 3 weeks to 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?

When Mercury goes Direct on November 20, 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 signing contracts or agreements.

Good news – this is the 3^rd and FINAL Retrograde Mercury of 2019! (next up 2/16/20)

*Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio 10/31/19 – 11:42 AM EDT / 8:42 AM PDT

~ 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.

~ * ~ Happy Halloween! ~ * ~