According to Sandy

On Friday May 21, 2023, the Sun enters the 3^rd sign of the Zodiac – Gemini, sign of the twins (think Castor and Pollux). Ruled by the communications planet Mercury, this Air sign has a reputation for cleverness, flexibility, adaptability and love of change. There may be sudden urges to learn something new, meet and greet, read and write, chat too much/gossip too much. Trying to be in 2 places at once and / or wanting to do 2 things at the same time will be an “of course” – duality rules. Let the multi – tasking begin!

Light hearted, “younger than springtime”, the characteristic youthfulness of Gemini means they usually look younger than their age and it has nothing to do with immaturity. Curiosity for new places and things and the willingness to adapt keeps the wrinkles, mental and physical, at bay.

*Mercury is comfortable while visiting Gemini. Its transit lasts from June 12 – June 25, 2023 and during this time, Gemini cleverness, along with its critical and sarcastic talents rise to the surface. Its verbal cleverness is legendary, just don’t be verbally careless – no need for unprovoked take downs or careless gossip.

The season can be such a good time, regardless of your Astrology sign, but “Twinning” an also be exhausting. Just be careful of scattering your energies. Complete important projects and deliver what’s been promised. Half done is half accomplished.

Deepak Chopra said:

“Language creates reality. Words are magical power. Speak always to create joy”.

Perfect for Gemini

~ Gemini Sun:  5/21/23 – 3:09 AM EDT / 12:09 AM PDT

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

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

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On Thursday April 20, 2023, the Sun moved into stubborn and determined Taurus. Even though the Bull is its Astrology symbol, it is ruled by the lovely, pleasure seeking planet Venus – Taurus, the 2nd sign of the Zodiac, has many dimensions. It can be practical and earthy, but it’s also a lover of beauty, good food and security/money. Loved ones are treated to poetry, music and gourmet restaurants, while getting a lecture on avoiding financial pot holes – nice mix.

For the next 4 weeks, we can tap into the strength and versatility of Earthy Taurus so that we solidify and complete the projects started during the high energy of the Aries Sun. Watch out for a tendency to be overcautious – don’t miss an opportunity out of fear. Take a second look to see any advantages.

There are transits adding to the fun:

Mercury ~ the clever, quick communication planet transits Taurus from 4/4 until 6/12/23. Written / verbal interactions are grounded and may be uncompromising sometimes. Discussions about security and safety are brought forward. (The transit is longer than usual because there is a Retrograde period from 4/21 – 5/14).

Jupiter ~ a year long stay,  5/17/23 until 5/25/24. Jupiter is the planet of good luck and fortune, while Taurus is the sign of wealth and money. This is a good time to look into the financial sector of life.

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 finances are handled, how sensuality is expressed, how food is considered, and how “luxury” is interpreted. “Change” is the operative word.

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

~ Sun into Taurus ~ 4/20/23 ~ 4:14 AM EDT / 1:14 AM PDT

Next up, Gemini!

**As always, those most affected have the Sun and/or Rising sign in Taurus, but the rest of us will still feel the stabilizing influences somewhere in our lives depending upon where this Earth sign appears in the birth chart.

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The Communication planet has been slowing down for the last few days, you may have noticed some snafu like occurrences lately. It stops and reverses direction on April 21, and continues Retrograde until May 14, 2023. It will then go Direct.

No need to go “cray – cray”. Mercury is concerned with information, travel, education, technical gadgets and small appliances – things that help our lives go. We can overcome, we can handle, we can deal – as long as we pay attention to details and “back up” our stuff. This planet’s often confusion generating Retrograde period continues until 5/14/23, when it stops motion and goes Direct.

Tech toys, plans, budgets, especially since Mercury is transiting the security minded (financial and physical), luxury and good food loving 2^nd sign of the Zodiac – Taurus. Prepare for any missteps that lurk out there. Take this time to reconnect, rethink, reassess, revisit, review, rewrite, refresh. If something does go downhill, at least you’ll be prepared to shore the landslide and hopefully prevent total disaster.

Things will gradually become clearer as Mercury picks up forward speed. You’ll be able to go ahead with anything you may have discovered during the pause and refresh time out. Clarify career and money goals. If you can, wait a few days after Mercury goes Direct before firming up new partnerships and signing contracts or agreements.

Of course, life goes on, there are chores and plans that must be dealt with regardless of what Mercury is doing. Retrograde chaos is not inevitable. We can mitigate potential misunderstandings by paying attention to the “small stuff”.

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.

*Mercury Retrograde: 4/21/23 * 4:35 AM EDT / 1:35 AM PDT

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On Monday, March 20, 2023 the Sun moved into the dynamic first sign of the Tropical Zodiac – fiery Aries. The Sun has transited all 12 Astrology signs and the cycle starts anew. We also celebrate the Spring Equinox on the same day – 1 degree of Aries. Spring is here with new, fresh chances to bloom! We should keep our eyes open for opportunities on the horizon.

Aries, ruled by warrior planet Mars, 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. Risk vs reckless~ don’t be careless.

Sharp & clever Communication planet Mercury transits Aries from 3/20 to 4/4/23.  Writing, speaking, texting will have a certain quickness & lift – you’ll be great in debates? Be powerful, just watch the snark.

Jupiter has been in and out of Aries since May 2022 (retrograde/ Direct). In 2023, the planet of luck & expansion remains going forward until May 17, 2023 when it moves Into Earth sign Taurus.

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Aries Sun*Spring Equinox: 3/20/23 ~ 5:24 PM EDT / 2:24 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.

Let’s spring into action! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist it J).

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The Sun glides into the 12^th and final sign of the Zodiac – imaginative, impressionable, intuitive Pisces on Saturday, February 18, 2023. It is a sensitive Water sign and if too much emotion sends you off course, focus on the task at hand to stay grounded and connected to reality. Keying in to adverse energy or vibrations is no excuse to drift or evade life. Stay steady and productive. 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. An abubdance of “feelings” may affect all of us regardless of Astrology sign.

Mystical Neptune, Pisces’ Planet ruler, will transit until January 2026 (happens about every 165 years). It’s been visiting since February 2011. It has a reputation for clouding the waters, fading boundaries and fostering escapism. But, all those things that make life unsettled can also enhance imagination and creativity. Innovations in 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 in Pisces – February 18, 2023 ~ 5:34PM EST / 2:34PM PST

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

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“Film Noir”, a label used primarily to describe post World War ll crime drama movies , were mostly in black & white. They’re famous for their evocative, often lurid, pulpy titles, (“Dead Reckoning”, “I Wake Up Screaming”, “Detour”) the snappy dialogue, the scrappy, tough guys in trench coats, (Bogart, Robinson, Ladd) and the dangerous, smart, tough women in wedgies (Joan Crawford, Gloria Graham, Barbara Stanwyck).

These broody “who dunnits” are experiencing a resurgence in popularity (along with the coats and the shoes) and are soooo entertaining. The men are menacing, the women are manipulative and both are inclined to make some bad choices.

Small, independent movie theaters around the country plan double bill weekends for these clever little gems. There are also DVD box sets featuring the films of major directors of the era – Nicholas Ray, Fritz Lang and Samuel Fuller. The most famous of the group, Billy Wilder’s, “Double Indemnity”  (’44) and Otto Preminger’s,  “Laura”  (’44) show up on PBS every few years.

According to a recent PBS piece, on “German Hollywood”, the dialogue and subject matter of “Noir” might come from American crime writers, like Dashiel Hammet and Raymond Chandler, but the shadowy mood lighting, the scenes shot at night on rain slicked streets were influenced by the German expressionist movement of the 20’s (Pabst, Murnau) and was also colored by the melancholy of those who just escaped Hitler’s net: Peter Lorre, Marlene Dietrich, Paul Henreid, Peter Lorre, Conrad Veidt, Fritz Lang and Michael Curtiz (he directed “Casablanca”, 1942. Most of the extras were refugees – that impassioned “La Marseillaise” gets me everytime.)

There was a great piece in last year’s Hollywood issue of Vanity Fair magazine. It included back ground on these thrillers with lots of pictures and some snippets of great dialogue: “Out of The Past”, ‘47 – “Is there a way to win?”, the femme fatale asks and Robert Mitchum replies, “No, but there is a way to lose more slowly”.

(Love it! Goes great with popcorn.)

Valentine’s Day ~ Tuesday, February 14, 2023, doesn’t  have to be about flowers and candy. (Although it really is nice to give & receive.) It can also be about acknowledging delightful partnerships, a special someone, a “match”.

Remember that after work party, bar pick up line from  years ago – “Hey, what’s your sign?”. It didn’t always result in a “you complete me” hookup, but,  it’s a great question if looking for “interesting” company. Astrology signs are grouped from Aries to Pisces – all 12 have a partner. Does it mean that the sign opposite yours is your “soul mate” – not necessarily, but, there may be undeniable heat, attraction and fun.

Sun Signs are listed below with their direct opposites in the Zodiac. Either you will find spending time with the other sign tangy and energizing or the relationship may need compromise and patience, but, generally, consider them the other side of your coin, another piece of the “couple” puzzle:

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

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

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

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

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Gemini: May 22-June 20 (Logical, Communicative, Versatile) and

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

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

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

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

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

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Virgo: Aug 23-Sept 22 (Analytical, Service/Work Focused) and

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

Happy Valentine’s Day!

May there be lots of XOXOs for you & your partner, regardless of Sun Sign.

Champagne & Chocolates for everyone!

(My “Disclaimer”  ~  Of course there are other factors that create great couples, but, I thought I would give romance an Astrological slant!)

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The Sun rallies into intellectual, team focused, Air sign Aquarius on Friday January 20, 2023. The 11^th sign of the Zodiac is ruled by the unpredictable, unconventional, undeniably radical planet Uranus. It’s all about independence, freedom, a love of sudden changes and thinking “outside of the box”. Expect the unexpected.

Saturn, planet of discipline, restrictions & boundaries has been transiting Aquarius since 2020. (It will move into Pisces on March 7, 2023.) Free spirit Aquarius may experience restlessness because of feeling limited.

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.

~ Aquarius Sun ~ Jan. 20, 2023 * 3:30 AM EST / 12:30 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!

~ Stay Safe, Stay Well, Stay Sane ~

On Wednesday December 21, 2022, Winter arrives in the Northern Hemisphere – the “Winter Solstice”, the shortest day of the year. Always in tandem is the ambitious, careful, & capable Capricorn Sun. Although Earth sign Capricorn is very different from the previous sign, upbeat Sagittarius, spirits don’t have to deflate after all of the joyous seasonal happenings you created.

The 10^th sign of the Zodiac is ruled by stern Saturn. It can keep us busy networking, organizing, tuning up career and financial situations and being in charge. Directing traffic is fun. Being “Top Dog” is not a trial or burden. Just don’t get so bogged down in responsibilities that you become rigid and cautious. Fun can still be had!

And to add to all that fun are Capricorn planet transits:

~Mercury, planet of Communications – moved into Capricorn on 12/7 and remains until 2/12/23. Speech, writing etc. could be more serious and tight. Maintain sense of humor. Authority with honey, not vinegar. (Long transit due to Retrograde period, 12/29/22 to 1/17/23)

~Venus, Planet of Love, beauty, & relationships, arrived on 12/11 until 1/4/23 – pay attention to romantic expectations, feelings of restriction, less flexibility.

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

*How you experience transiting 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, 2022 – 4:48  PM EST / 1:48 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)

Wishing the very best of the season to all of us

Happy New Year!

When the Sun prances into Sagittarius, we are treated to a cheery couple of weeks beginning on Tuesday, November 22, 2022. Ruled by exuberant Jupiter, the king of positive thinking, we are more upbeat and everything seems possible, everything is “huge”- ideas, actions, themes.

Let’s all enjoy this sign’s feelings of luck, optimism and adventure. It makes me think of my favorite line from “Jaws” – “we’re going to need a bigger boat.” We just don’t have enough space for all the goodies anticipated with a Sag Sun.

With this Fire sign, we need to aim for controlled excess – there is this underlying sense of “can’t miss”, the million dollar deal is done, everything is great!- this can lead to an arrogance that can cost ya.

Be an “of course” for abundance, reach for the good things, learn something new, pay attention to your intuition (Sagittarianss love a good laugh but they are also deep and can see what others don’t) but, just be aware of the edges – over confidence can send you too far. It can be expensive and/or embarrassing.

And, to add to the energy, there are planets transiting Sagittarius:

*Mercury, Communication planet ~ 11/18 – 12/7/22 *  

Clever, curious and often razor sharp, this planet visit can be great for creativity, sharing Sag’s knowledge and wisdom

*Venus, planet of Beauty ~ 11/17 – 12/11/22*

The Love planet can add tact, sweetness and charm to the holiday season. (We can use it all after the past year.) Caring relationships, elegance and self value. Revel in the warmth and spread it around.

*Sagittarius Sun ~ November 22, 2022 – 3:20 AM EST / 12:20 AM PST

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

**Re: “prances” – One of the symbols for Sagittarius is the Centaur – ½ man (with the bow, arrow, wine pouch) and ½ horse. Perfect, libations for a holiday gathering.

~*Happy Thanksgiving! And yes, be thankful *~