According to Sandy

From Saturday morning, January 12, 2019, until early Monday, the Moon will be in feisty, Aries. Aries is a Fire sign, ruled by the warrior planet Mars and when the Lunar orb transits this 1^st sign of the Zodiac, we feel braver, more physical, more “up for anything”. Depending upon what the “anything” is, it could be the best of times or the most precarious of times.

Aries is great for the physical rather than the cerebral – a good time to initiate, take charge, be first.  Just think actions thru and go for it – do something exciting, do something different. But make no rash moves, curb any “in your face”, “won’t back down” reactions. Power down occasionally so that loved ones don’t feel that they’re in the presence of a bulldozer. (Keep the flame thrower in the closet.) Have fun and be nice.

Have a dynamic weekend!

On Friday December 21, 2018, Winter arrives in the Northern Hemisphere, (some places more dramatically than others) but it’s the Winter Solstice nevertheless and always in tandem is the Capricorn Sun. This Earth sign is ambitious, efficient, grounded and practical. The 10^th sign of the Zodiac can keep us busy networking, tuning up career moves, and organizing whatever needs to be shaped up. Make something happen. Just don’t get so bogged down in responsibilities and being “in charge” that you become rigid and cautious. Fun can still be had!

There are 2 major planet transits for Capricorn right now:

~Saturn, planet of boundaries & discipline – rules Capricorn so its influences will be tweaked. The 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.(Will move on in 2023) – fosters deep feelings, possible changes in career direction, upheaval, regeneration.

Regardless of your birth date, we can still feel Capricorn’s influence as we reach for an upgrade in status, get a thrill directing traffic and telling people what to do and where to go. Being the “top dog” is not a burden. Being in charge is welcome – fun for the boss, but maybe not so much for the employee? Remember to be careful with how you treat others, you can be authoritative with honey, rather than vinegar.

Capricorn Sun = December 21, 2018 * 5:23 PM EST / 2:23 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)

Look forward to a potentially powerful weekend, 12/8 and 12/9, with the Moon in businesslike, productive Capricorn. (And, Mercury is going Direct again!) It can bring out the “administrator” in us – a perfect time to organize, assign tasks, take charge, move with purpose.  See this as an opportunity to show your stuff.

This Earth sign’s serious, focused energy pushes us to step to the front and give directions. Be nice to those employees, or family members, that you’ve enlist into assisting with any extra duties.  Decide on what you want to get done and stick to it. Don’t forget to say “thank you”.  

Enjoy the weekend while you ambitiously put all in order.

Saturday and Sunday’s Libra Moon, December 1 & 2, 2018, urges us to beautify, socialize, and seek harmony in our surroundings.

The 7^th sign of the Zodiac, ruled by lovely, romantic planet Venus has the “scale of justice” as an Astrology symbol. No surprise that balance and cooperation are important. (Persuade someone over to your point-of-view? Find a compromise?) It could be the start of all kinds of relationship possibilities – personal and business.

Air sign Libra also fosters artistic expression. So, create something, be charming, be social – make it a beautiful weekend!

This has been a rocky month. We can use a “pick-me-up”, a little bit of “upbeatness”. Gratefully, on Thursday November 22, 2018, the Sun prances into adventurous, optimistic Fire sign Sagittarius. Ruled by exuberant Jupiter, the king of positive thinking, being “hopeful” doesn’t seem quite so far out there. Be confident, think “of course” for excellent results, reach for the good things, discover something new. Remember to pause occasionally and look over the landscape – not only to enjoy the view, but also to realize that some of those “sure things” are not quite.

But wait! There’s more!

There will also be a Gemini Full Moon (opposite the Sagittarius Sun). While the Lunar orb is in the Mercury ruled 3^rd sign of the Zodiac, communication is key. Speaking / writing can tend towards the powerful = witty and clever. I love this quote from Deepak Chopra: “Language creates reality. Words are magical power. Speak always to create joy” (Let us all do that!)

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.

And, we have Transits:

~~ Mercury 10/31/18 – 12/12/18

Communication focused, clever, curious and often razor sharp, this planet visit can be great for creativity, sharing knowledge

…Mercury Retrograde – 11/16 – 12/6/18:

Aim for clarity in all interactions, back up your gadgets. Review plans carefully before implementing. Be conscious of promises, obligations, etc.

~~ Jupiter 11/8/18 – 12/2/19 (visits each sign for about 52 weeks every 12 years)

Lucky Jupiter will visit the 9^th sign of the Zodiac encouraging us to “go BIG or go home”. We feel the urge to be outgoing, to be gracious, to be cheerful, and to be risking. Rather than go over the top, set limits.

*Sagittarius Sun – November 22, 2018      4:02 EST / 1:02 AM PST

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

***Gemini Full Moon: 11/22 PDT 9:39 PM &  11/23 EST 12:39 AM

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 end of year festivities.

And of course – Happy Thanksgiving!

On Friday, November 16, 2018, Mercury will go Retrograde for the final time this year in the adventure loving, optimistic Fire sign of Sagittarius. The planet of communications, transportation, education, health, medical treatments, business negotiations and of course technical gadgets, will appear to reverse motion in the sky – often corresponding to things seeming to go a little backward on earth. Hold on, we can do this.

Anticipate, anticipate, anticipate – snafus, avoidable travel delays, wrong destinations, tempermental tech situations, and Email, Twitter & FB miscommunications. Back up your stuff, pause before hitting “send”, read that contract again before signing. Pay attention to the details. It just takes a little extra time. (Beats the embarrassment of your “reply all” shade fest flying out into the universe)

My usual suggestions for Mercury Retrograde: Take time to review, reconsider, re-think, revisit. See it as an opportunity to make adjustments and corrections where needed.

*Mercury Retrograde: 11/16   8:33 PM PST – 5:33 PM EST (‘til 12/6/18)

**BTW: The planet ruler of Gemini & Virgo will be Retrograde 3 times in 2019:

~March 16th 2019 – March 26th 2019

~July 9th 2019 – July 30th 2019

~November 1st 2019 – November 18th 2019

FYI: Mercury just “appears” to go backwards. Planets only move forward, however, but 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.

It may be Autumn, but on Tuesday, October 23, the stubborn, secretive, sensual, sizzling Scorpio Sun brings the heat. Regardless of our birth date, 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. Skimming the surface of a project, a problem or a relationship just won’t do!

Besides the Sun, there are now three planets, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, transiting Water sign Scorpio which could make life even more interesting:

Mercury, the communication planet, transits from 10/10 – 10/31/18 – interactions can be easily heated and more demanding than usual.

Lovely, romantic Venus visits Scorpio from 9/9 until 1/17/19, adding beauty and lushness to this intense sign’s ways of seduction. Included is a Retrograde period back into Libra on 11/2 and a return to Scorpio on 12/3 until 1/17/19.

Cheerful, “everything is better when it’s bigger”, good luck planet Jupiter has had a long stay in Scorpio from 10/11/17 – 11/7/18, spreading some optimism and light.

We can accomplish a lot using Scorpio’s power and fierceness- it’s traditional planet ruler Mars (energy and aggression) and its modern ruler Pluto (power and transformation) – 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 10/23/18 = 7:23 AM EDT– 4:23 AM PDT

I’ve held off and was able to control my shock and horror when I saw the “Christmas in July days” advertised on assorted Home Shopping channels. I’ve even refrained from snarkish mutterings while rolling my cart past twinkling displays in Costco. A TV channel (not to be named) is launching Christmas themed movies on Halloween. I am NOT a Grinch, but, it is too soon.

I love the holidays – the smells, the sounds, the food, the ribbons & boxes, the door stopper fruit cake & all the glittery stuff that comes with the season. (Those little white lights wrapped around shrubs or trees make me smile.) I will flood family, friends & neighbors with good wishes, good vibes, happy salutations, etc, urging all to be thankful and grateful for what we have. And, I think keeping a decorated tree in your living room all year long is anyone’s prerogative – enjoy. However, “Jingle Bells” in Wal-Mart in August is too soon. The stomach rolling, dancing Santa and the wiggling mounted fish should only be seen in the dead of winter – not in Walgreens in September. Listening to Burl Ives singing “Have a Jolly, Jolly Christmas” in an elevator before Halloween is too soon.

Please, don’t get me wrong and dismiss this post as just a ranting whine of a woman of a certain age. It’s an observation. Yes, I know I “observed” this “too early” Xmas situation last year and the year before that & I understand my missive will change nothing – but, it clears my air!

I love the Christmas holidays, but July, August, September, October – TOO SOON!

As life has reminded us recently, “life ain’t no crystal stair” ***. The October 8, 2018 New Moon in social, Air sign Libra (gracious with a tensile strength) encourages us to keep moving forward seeking harmony and successful relationships – begin something new, or begin “anew”.  The Lunar orb, while in the “New” phase (it is in the same sign as the Sun), highlights partnerships and coalitions.

Take advantage of the energy – meet & greet “new” comrades, create something powerful & “new”. The universe will support New Moon innovation for the next 10 days or so until the Moon is “Full” on 10/24/18 – which is a great time for finishing up, completing projects, etc.

*Libra New Moon –  October 8, 2018 = 11:47PM EDT /  8:47 PM PDT

**  ”Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ ”, Michael Jackson

*** “Mother to Son“, Langston Hughes

Well, son, I’ll tell you:

Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

It’s had tacks in it,

And splinters,

And boards torn up,

And places with no carpet on the floor—

Bare.

But all the time

I’se been a-climbin’ on,

And reachin’ landin’s,

And turnin’ corners,

And sometimes goin’ in the dark

Where there ain’t been no light.

So boy, don’t you turn back.

Don’t you set down on the steps

’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.

Don’t you fall now—

For I’se still goin’, honey,

I’se still climbin’,

And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

The Sun glides into amiable Libra on Friday September 22, 2018 along with the Autumn Equinox (in the Northern Hemisphere). Even if it isn’t your Sun or Rising, the 7^th sign of the Zodiac will still scatter its influence like falling leaves 😉 .

There can be cooperation, affable negotiations and the urge to seek balance in business and personal relationships. Good things in life are sought after due to lovely planet ruler Venus – romance, music, delicious food, beauty, graciousness and hospitality.

With Communication planet Mercury beginning a transit of Air sign Libra on 9/21, (until 10/10/18) it may lead to even more clever and genial conversation for this very social sign.

Often, the Libra way is to see both sides of an issue before making a decision. Seeking harmony by trying to be “fair” can sometimes lead to appearing wishy-washy. Using the “Pros/Cons” list method can just string the selection 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. Don’t hesitate to show your spine when needed (some may be surprised when the Libra inner tensile strength is revealed), you’ll still be loved!

My suggestion for anything Libran is always: meet fun folks somewhere beautiful for brunch and or cocktails. Enjoy!

Libra Sun * Autumn Equinox 9/22/18 – 9:55 PM EDT / 6:55 PM PDT

Gemstone: Aventurine * Power colors: Blues and violets * Body Part: Kidneys

BTW:  The Scale (signifying balance) is Libra’s Astrology symbol. All other Zodiac signs are either people or animals.