According to Sandy

On Sunday, March 20, 2022, the Sun moved into the dynamic 1st sign of the Zodiac – Aries.  We began the cycle again and  it’s  celebrated as “International Astrology Day”! It is also the beginning of the Vernal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere – Spring has sprung!

Mars ruled Fire sign Aries is “out front”, physical, impulsive, prone to rushing and risk taking. We can bungee jump off that mountain of ideas and projects that have been stewing all winter. Pay attention to those urges to just “act” (act out or act up). Think a project through and complete it. But, don’t forget to have fun. Spring is here and everyone can use a little bit of controlled craziness every once in awhile.

Adding potential “snap, crackle and pop” to interactions, Communication planet Mercury transits Aries from 3/28 until 4/12/22. Writing, speaking, tweeting etc. may have more quickness, edge and bite than usual. No need to hurt anyone’s feelings. No need to go down in relationship flames.   Just watch the snark.

As always, those most affected have the big 3, Sun, Moon 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: 3/20/22 ~ 11:33 AM EDT / 8:33 AM PDT

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

*FYI –  “International Astrology Day” is always observed on the Equinox, it is a celebration of the ancient art of Astrology.

In the past 12 months, the Sun has visited all of the Zodiac signs. It starts anew. Let’s spring into action! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist it).

~**~

On Friday, March 18, 2022, the Moon (Virgo) is opposite and reflecting the Sun (Pisces) = “Full Moon”. The hard working 6^th sign of the Zodiac is about health, service, handling the details and getting things done. We are pushed to take care of ourselves and our work.

A “Full” phase is a great time to finalize and complete whatever projects and plans you have been putting off. Just be careful not to do too many things at once. Juggling might be exciting and a personal test of skills, but don’t go overboard. Think “pace”. The universe will support you in being productive, useful, healthy and whole.

The influences of this Lunar phase will last for several days.

*Virgo Full Moon ~ March 18, 2022 – 3:18 AM EDT / 12:18 AM PDT 

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The Sun moved into the 12^th and final sign of the Zodiac – imaginative, impressionable, intuitive Pisces on Friday, February 18, 2022.  Pisces 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. This may affect all of us regardless of astrology sign.

Jupiter, the planet of luck and abundance, has a Pisces transit from December 28, 2021 to May 11, 2022, and again from October 28–December 21, 2022. Expansion in all things, “bigger is better” Jupiter will push for more love, more giving and more joy.  (I’ll take it!)

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.

Whether over the top Jupiter or hazy Neptune, listen to your inner voice – the positive one.

~ Sun in Pisces – February 18, 2022:  11:43 AM EST / 8:43AM PST

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

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The Sun enters unpredictable, independent Aquarius on Wednesday January 19, 2022. Things may not be outrageous and out of the box, but, it can be original, inventive and often revolutionary when under the influence of the Airy, 11^th sign of the Zodiac. It’s not a surprise Aquarius is ruled by the unconventional, undeniably radical planet Uranus – freedom, independence and sudden changes of direction.

Aquarius has a stubborn streak. It is one of 4 “Fixed” signs of the Zodiac, (along with Taurus, Scorpio and Leo). While the urge to stand ground and refuse to follow along are all present, give attention to another trait which is the desire to contribute to the universe in some positive way. Groups, communities and their causes are a natural concern for Aquarius. (It is about “We/Us” rather than “I/Me.) There is determination to resolve issues that are deemed important. Regardless of your birthday, we can all tap into those vibrations as the Sun intensifies this sign’s influences.

And just to make it all the more interesting, there are planet Transits:

Saturn ~ from 12/18/20 until March 2023. Planet of discipline, responsibility, restraint and limitations – free spirit Aquarius may feel discomfort because they’re wrapped up too tight.

Mercury ~ 1/3 until 3/10/22 (includes Retrograde period – 1/14 thru 2/3) The Communication planet = adds cleverness and networking expertise. Temper any tendencies towards sarcasm and sharpness. (Sugar better than vinegar) Be clear in speech and written word as you interact with others.

~ Aquarius Sun ~ Jan. 19, 2022 * 9:39 PM EST / 6:39 PM 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 ~

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Mercury, in Air sign Aquarius, appears to stop and go backward in the sky on Fri, Jan. 14, 2022. It will be “Retrograde” until Feb. 3, 2022. Communication planet Mercury is not just associated with reading and writing, but also with travel and transportation, education, manual dexterity and small electrical gadgets. While in reverse, technical snafus, confusion and unclear personal interactions may occur.

We can try to avoid disasters and mayhem with diligence and care until the winged planet goes Direct – verify, back up, double check, confirm.

As always, Mercury Retrograde is a good time to make future plans, complete projects and of course to exercise all those “re” actions:  re evaluate, re write, re assess, re acquaint, re fresh. Take the time to pause and reflect, rather than jump into new schemes, new contracts, etc. (Don’t forget finance / business details – catch an error and “save face”, save money.)

*1/14/22 Mercury Retrograde – 6:41 AM EST / 3:41 AM PST

FYI – when Mercury stops and goes forward, it takes time for it to pick up full speed. Give it a few days for things to clear up.

“Those that stop their questioning at 75, 60, even 30, cut short their explorations and end up with permanently unfinished lives.” (From “Life Beyond Measure: Letter to My Great-Granddaughter”)

Mr Sidney Poitier, whom I considered a national treasure, has left us, 1/7/22 at age 94,  with great stories, great images and lots of pride and warm thoughts. He lived his life. He won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a Grammy. He had success as an actor, director, author and perhaps more importantly, as a man.

Born in 1927 in the Bahamas, Mr. Poitier went to New York as a teen, taught himself to read and catapulted himself into an acting career- a movie star. Not an easy road, but he did it with humor, grace, determination and a never wavering belief in him self.

He condensed some of the life lessons learned into books, not just about his journey, but also about how to conduct himself in an often difficult  and complicated world.

“The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography”, 2000

“Life Beyond Measure: Letters to My Great-Granddaughter” 2005

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Yes, there will be 4 Mercury Retrogrades in 2022 (instead of the usual 3 per year).  Hmmm – as in, “things that make you go…”

*Jan 14      ~ February 03, 2022

*May 10     ~ June 2, 2022

*Sept. 9     ~ October 2, 2022

*Dec. 29    ~ January 18, 2023

Planet Mercury is concerned with information, travel, education, tech stuff and small appliances. Labeled “the Communication planet”, it’s often confusion generating Retrograde period gets blamed for the unexpected snafus that occur in life.

There are some of us that have already been experiencing the effects of January’s Mercury backward motion, (my printer just refused to work after 15 years of reliable service). That’s because the planet starts the slow down about 2 weeks before the actual day of the stop & turnaround = Retrograde. It’s called the “storm period” and electronics, personal contacts, can start to go sideways all of a sudden.

We will get through it, again. (I was able to fix my printer!) Pay attention– details, details, details. Back up your stuff! Don’t let carelessness or lack of focus bite you in the nether regions. Watch what you write and be conscious of what you say in order to lessen the possibility of breakdowns as you interact with others.

Mercury Retrograde “chaos” is not inevitable!

~  Stay well, Stay safe, Stay sane  ~

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.

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* “Things that make you go Hmmm”  C+C Music Factory, 2009

The very best for us in 2022

The serious Capricorn Sun arrived on December 21, 2021 along with the celebrated Winter Solstice. Ambitious, efficient, grounded, practical, this Earth sign is ruled by the strict planet Saturn. But, there’s no need to feel too much of a letdown after experiencing the upbeat Sagittarius holiday revelry.

The 10^th sign of the Zodiac can keep us busy networking, tuning up career moves, telling people what to do and where to go as we reach for an upgrade in status. Being the “top dog” is not a burden. Directing traffic is fun. Just don’t get so bogged down in responsibilities and being “in charge” that you become rigid and cautious. Fun can still be had!

Adding power and energy are 3 planet transits in Capricorn:

~Mercury, plant of Communication – will move into Capricorn on 12/14/21 until 1/3/22. Speech, writing etc. could be more serious and tight. Maintain sense of humor. Authority with honey, not vinegar

~Venus– Love, beauty, relationships 11/6/21 until 3/7/22 (Retrograde 12/19/21 – Direct 1/29/22) – pay attention to romantic expectations, feeling restricted.

~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, 2020 – 10:59 AM EST / 7:59 AM 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!

That lucky old Sun bounces into Fire sign Sagittarius on Sunday November 21, 2021. Ruled by “bigger is better” planet Jupiter, everything is “huge”- ideas, actions, themes, etc. We just don’t have enough space for all the goodies anticipated when there is a Sag Sun. We can all enjoy feelings of luck, optimism and adventure.

However, 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” you want to jump on are not so sure. Be aware of the edges – think controlled excess. Bravado can go too far. It can be expensive and/or embarrassing. Have an adventure while using common sense.

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

Mercury, Communication planet ~ 11/25 – 12 /13/21 ~ Clever, curious and often razor sharp, this can be good for creativity. Sagittarius wants us to share a good laugh but also go deep and ponder the universe. Teach a class, take a class, write something that you’ve been thinking about forever.

Mars, Warrior planet  ~  12/14 – 1/24/22 ~ Energy is heightened, quick to action, may jump from one thing to the other. Pay attention to tasks, follow up on ideas. Watch mischief quotient if boredom hits.

A Sagittarius Sun wants us to be upbeat, an “of course” for excellent results, to be with people and to revel in the abundance of the season. Enjoy it whenever possible.

~ Sagittarius Sun – November 21, 2021 * 9:34 PM EST / 6:34 PM PST ~

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

** One of the symbols for Sagittarius is the Centaur with the bow, arrow and wine pouch. Perfect, just in time for the holidays.

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

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