According to Sandy

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

Through the use of 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 that his audience could easily recognize.

An amazing undertaking, but, his huge vision was realized and it resulted in 2 Pulitzer Prizes, a Tony award and many other accolades. 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.

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)

Early Saturday morning, April 13, 2019, the Moon struts into generous, dramatic (great for actors), attention seeking, creative and full of a lion’s pride Leo. Cool!

This fun loving Fire sign, 5^th in the Zodiac and ruled by the Sun, may make our weekend full of melodrama, but we can still be active, upbeat, and magnanimous. Feel free to show up and show off.

Leo’s “look at me” energy may not always be fun, (there may be some pushing and shoving as too many folks try to sparkle at the same time) but it won’t be boring.

Have a shining weekend!

Looking for someone special, that reliable partner, the other side of your coin? A buddy? A sidekick? A trustworthy accountant?

“Hey, what’s your sign?” – may not be as old school as you think. Zodiac signs are grouped from Aries to Pisces – all 12 have a “partner”. Either you will find spending time with a person from the other sign tangy and energizing or there may be a need for tender attention and compromise.

Sun Signs are listed below with their direct opposites. Consider them the other side of your Astrology coin, the other half of your puzzle:

Aries: March 21-April 19 (Energetic, Impulsive)  and

Libra: Sept 23-Oct 22 (Charming, Social)

Taurus: April 20-May 21 (Solid, Responsible, Patient)  and

Scorpio: Oct 23-Nov 21 (Intense, Deep Connections)

Gemini: May 22-June 20 (Changeable, Communicator, Versatile)  and

Sagittarius Nov 22-Dec 21 (Adventurous, Enthusiastic, Optimistic)

Cancer: June 21-July 22 (Family Oriented, Emotional)  and

Capricorn: Dec 22-Jan 19 (Authority Figure, Disciplined, Traditional)

Leo: July 23- Aug 22 (Pride, Fun Loving, Generous)  and

Aquarius: Jan 20-Feb 18 (Unpredictable, Freedom loving)

Virgo: Aug 23-Sept 22 (Practical, Responsible, Service)  and

Pisces: Feb 19-March 20: (Dreamer, Sensitive)

On Friday night, March 29, 2019, (until Sunday evening) an Aquarius Moon will give power and possibilities to our group actions this weekend. The Uranus ruled Air sign wants us involved with humanitarian issues. So, contribute to the universe in some way, make a difference. Be part of a team.

Regardless of what’s going on, it will speak to the Aquarian need for independence – the love of the radical and the different. Prepare for the unexpected. Be spontaneous, share yourself.

Enjoy!

It happened on Wednesday, March 20, 2019. Spring (Vernal Equinox), the Moon was beautiful and Full in charming, relationship focused Air sign Libra and the Sun had completed its transit of all 12 signs, ready to start the cycle anew in high energy Aries, the 1st sign of the Zodiac.

The Equinox brings a new astrological year with new chances to shine. A Full Moon is time to finish up any odds and ends so that we go forward with a clean slate and Spring is a great time for beginnings, start ups, what to plant, etc. We should keep our eyes open for any opportunities on the horizon.

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 Fire sign appears in our chart.

Aries Sun* Spring Equinox – 12:16 PM EDT / 9:16 AM PDT

Libra Full Moon – 9:43 PM EDT / 6:43 PM PDT

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

FYI – March 20^th is also designated as “International Astrology Day”. Always observed on the Equinox, it is a celebration of the ancient art of Astrology.

Mercury Retrograde occurs 3 times a year and the 1^st one of 2019 will be on Tuesday, March 5 (ends 3/28/19). This time, Mercury the planet of communications, education, travel / transportation and small gadgets goes backward in the imaginative, impressionable Water sign of Pisces.

What to do? What does it all mean? In a nutshell: pay attention as you speak, write, listen and read. Contract signings, innovations, new investments should be delayed if possible and certainly not attempted until after close scrutiny. Pisces and its planet ruler Neptune can push us far away from the real. It might be great for creativity, but not so much for focusing on the details. Be precise. Vague, fuzzy thinking could cost you.

Mercury Retrograde is always a good time to make plans, complete projects and of course to exercise 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.

However, life does NOT stop because a planet goes backward. If you can’t wait until it’s over and you have to make plans, complete projects, submit reports, etc. Keep track, keep copies, jot down details, just in case work has to be repeated, or something gets lost. Double check travel plans, instructions, etc. Get a grip. Mitigate the severity of any possible messes that may occur.

~ Mercury Retrograde:  3/5/19 * 1:19 PM EDT / 10:19 AM PDT

* 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 Mercury Retrograde will be 7/26/19 in Fire sign Leo)

The Moon settles into sensitive, sensual Scorpio for the weekend on Saturday morning, February 23, 2019. When the Moon is in the 8^th sign of the Zodiac, we can be focused and intense. Going after whom or what we want is just the way it has to be. No obstacle too high, no stone buried too deep. Secrets are not safe from this Pluto ruled Water sign. Some feathers may be ruffled, but the impulse to drill down and get to the bottom of whatever will be hard to deny.

Have a super weekend of passion and discovery!

On Monday, February 18, 2019, the Sun will be in the last stages of it’s complete transit of the Zodiac – Water sign Pisces. With the 12^th sign, feelings of heightened emotion, vulnerability and empathy may affect all of us regardless of astrological sign. Be caring and giving, but offer assistance only when it is genuinely needed.

Planet ruler, mystical Neptune, transits 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.

~Sun into Pisces – February 18, 2019:  6:04 PM EST / 3:04 PM PST

* Gemstone: Amethyst * Power color: Purple * Body Part: Feet

On Monday, February 4, 2019, an Aquarius New Moon will give power and possibilities to our group actions. It also moves us into the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Pig (wealth, good fortune). Aquarius, a Uranus ruled Air sign, wants us involved with humanitarian issues – exercise those revolutionary muscles by joining or creating movements with the aim of defeating the status quo. Regardless of what’s going on, it will speak to Aquarian need for independence, an attraction to the radical and anything different.

For a Moon to be considered “New”, both Sun and Moon are in the same sign, thereby intensifying the sign’s traits. A walk on the wild side (with lots of friends) may prove irresistible. Just remember, all revolts are not equal or righteous, especially when participants are required to pay up front. Moderation works.

*New Moon in Aquarius:  2/4/19 – 4:04 PM EST / 1:04 PM PST

~Gong Hay Fat Choi – Happy New Year! 2/5/19~

FYI: The Chinese Lunar New Year, unlike the “Sun” calendar, can begin on a different date each year

On Sunday, January 20, the Sun rallies in intellectual, independent,  Aquarius. Some get confused since the symbol for the 11^th sign of the Zodiac is the “Water Bearer”, but this is definitely an Air sign ruled by the unpredictable, unconventional, undeniably radical planet Uranus. It’s all about independence, sudden changes of direction and thinking “outside of the box”.  

Aquarius has a stubborn streak (it is one of 4 “Fixed” signs of the Zodiac, along with Taurus, Scorpio and Leo). Ignoring opposition, we may lean into urges to join a rally, organize a march and / or form a protest for any issues deemed to be just by friends, neighborhood groups, etc. Regardless of birthday, we can all tap into those vibrations. It is about “We/Us” rather than “I/Me. The “Revolution” will be televised.

Mercury slips into innovative Aquarius on 1/24/19 and stimulates all forms of communication until 2/9/19. Write down any clever and original ideas percolating to the surface and share. Be clear in speech and written word when motivating 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.

~Sun into Aquarius January 20, 2019 = 4 AM EST / 1 AM PST

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

~Also – Leo “Blood” Full Moon / Lunar Eclipse (Moon appears brighter due to closeness to the Earth and red color reflects that proximity.)  Full Moon still the best time to finalize projects. Clear space for what’s next.

~Total Lunar Eclipse in Leo:  1/20/19 – 9:16 PM Pacific / 1/21/19- 12:16 AM Eastern