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Astrology: It Isn’t Over – Mercury Is Still Retrograde!

Let’s not get loose and lax. Mercury, planet of communication, transportation, small gadgets, is still going backward in the sky. It went Retrograde on Tuesday 8/2 and will continue its reverse motion until 8/26.  So continue to pay attention to details, stay alert and nail down exactly when that bus /train /plane is scheduled to leave. Make sure you back up your files, your wireless devices are charged and everything is working properly. Also, if your gas gauge shows “E”, believe it, accept that the car is on Empty or close to it. This is not the time to test your luck.

Retrograde started in Earth sign Virgo, moved backward into the 5th Zodiac sign of Leo on 8/8 and will continue until it finally stops on 8/26 (still in Fire sign Leo). Mercury will then go Direct and you may notice a gradual lifting of the fog, gadgets working again, etc.  However, it will not reach the sign it rules, Virgo, again until 9/9. That is when communications, written or spoken and plans you may have for health / diet upgrades will really take flight. When Mercury is in one of the signs it rules, Gemini is the other, their traits are energized. Analytical, practical Virgo should show up and be about getting things done.

Remember my usual suggestions for Mercury Retrograde – see it as an opportunity to review, reconsider, re-think, re write. However, note that as we do this, we are not going backwards into the past, we are pro actively making any needed changes, re evaluations for the future. 

Try to recall how you waded through whatever snafus or confusion resulted the last time Mercury was Retrograde in March 2011. You can do it again! 

 

 

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Astrology: Weekend Full Moon in Aquarius * Radical Change?

The revolution may be televised, or not – but there will certainly be unusual, unconventional activity this weekend as we encounter a Full Moon in freedom loving, group focused Aquarius on Saturday 8/13/11. A stubborn, cause infused sign, it’s all about “We/Us” rather than “I/Me”.  Before jumping to the front lines, pause and reflect – is the issue real for you, or is the response automatic / knee jerk.  

With a Full Moon, the influence of Aquarian traits can intensify. Uranus, this independent Air sign’s planet ruler, loves change, hates constrictions and thrives on spontaneity, which can be exciting but precarious. Thinking works. You can still volunteer, organize, make a difference, do the “No Justice, No Peace” chant without falling off the edge. (Put that Molotov – whether it be verbal or actual –  back in the basement.)

FYI:  Moon will shift Sunday morning into imaginative, sensitive Pisces- create something. A positive way to contribute.      

Share yourself. Have a super weekend!

(At “Full” phase, the Moon is “waning”, on its way to the 3rd and 4th quarters, therefore, it is a good time to clean up and finish old projects.)

 

 

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The Los Angeles Black Book Expo (LABBX) * 8/20/11

Los Angeles will host its popular Black Book Expo again this year at the L.A. Convention Center. This one day event will offer “authors, storytellers, spoken word and poetry performances, musicians, exhibitors, children’s book authors, emerging writers, publishers, booksellers, panel discussions, editors, book reviewers…”


 

The Los Angeles Black Book Expo (LABBX)

L.A.  Convention Center – Saturday August 20, 2011


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Astrology: Emotional, Intense Scorpio Moon Rules the Weekend

Early Friday morning, 8/5/11, a Scorpio Moon sends us into determined, sensitive, moody territory. Always passionate, always powerful, this Water sign is ruled by Pluto, planet of extremes. Secrets, long hidden truths can be uncovered leading to deeper connections with others. This can be great or not. Remain aware of emotional temperatures, if heading toward the “Red Zone” – brake, if you want to.

A Sagittarius Moon is up next on Sunday in time for a bountiful, breezy, brunch. For the next few days, until Tuesday afternoon, there may be this unexplained, underlying need for adventure, taking risks due to the impulses generated by the Jupiter ruled Fire sign. Have fun, but don’t go too extreme-if you need a net, use it. (Nobody becomes a”Flying Wallenda” overnight.)

Have a great weekend!

BTW: The Flying Wallendas is the name of a circus family known for performing highwire acts without a safety net.  Per WiKiPedia

 

 

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Astrology: Mercury Retrograde, Its Baaack! August 2nd

Tuesday 8/2/11 begins the second Mercury Retrograde for the year. The communication planet last went backward in March and you may recall how you waded through whatever snafus or confusion resulted. You can do it again!  Be alert, nail down exactly when that bus/ train/ plane is scheduled to leave. Make sure your PC/iPhone/iPad/Mobile, etc. is in top form and kept charged. Also, if your gas gauge shows “E”, believe it. Mercury Retrograde, which begins 11:50Pm Eastern / 8:50PM Pacific, is not the time to test your luck. Instead of Margo Channing’s classic line, “Fasten your seatbelt. Its’ going to be a bumpy night”, it’s actually going to be a “bumpy” 26 days.  (btw: the quote is from the movie All About Eve.  It was on TV a few weeks ago – love it.) 

The Retrograde starts in Earth sign Virgo, transits backward into the 5th Zodiac sign Leo on 8/8 and continues its reverse until it finally stops on 8/26 (still in Fire sign Leo). Mercury then goes Direct and you may notice the fog lifting, gadgets working again, etc.  However, it will not reach the sign it rules, Virgo, again until 9/9. That is when communications, written or spoken and plans you may have for health / diet upgrades will really take flight. When Mercury is in one of the signs it rules, Gemini is the other, their traits are energized. Analytical, practical Virgo should show up and be about taking care of the details, getting things done.

In the mean time, remember my usual suggestions for Mercury Retrograde – see it as an opportunity to review, reconsider, re-think. However, note that as we do this, we are not going backwards into the past, we are pro actively making any needed changes, re evaluations for the future.  A good thing.

 

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Astrology: New Moon Weekend in Leo – This Could Be Exciting!

Both luminaries in the same sign means = “New Moon”. The Sun moved into ambitious, generous, enthusiastic Leo on July 22, 2011 and on Saturday July 30th, the Moon will also be in the same regal Fire sign. This is the 2nd “New” for this month – a rare occurrence. Since this particular Moon phase is always great for beginnings, take it as a sign of encouragement to initiate something in the next few days. If you have a project to get off the ground, someone that you need to enroll in your life, a presentation to make – charm and fortune are amped up. The Sun is powerful. Give yourself permission to shine.

The Moon remains in Sun ruled Leo until Sunday evening and it bodes well for an active, energetic, creative time. Put all that Solar driven joy and confidence all over people, give a performance, have fun with any melodrama that might ensue.  (Drama doesn’t always have to be a hissy fit.)

Possibilities for a fabulous weekend are endless. Let the good times…

 

FYI- The New Moon was in Cancer on July 1st, while the Sun was in the same sign. 


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Astrology: Here Comes the Sun! Attention Loving Leo

The Sun rules the 5th sign of the Zodiac and you can tell. With the influence of the “Sun King”, we all should feel upbeat and magnanimous – it’s all that regal, “all about me” stuff. Leo’s are generous, dramatic  (great performers), attention seeking, creative and full of a lion’s pride. When the Sun struts into this Fire sign on Friday July 22nd 9:12PM Pacific / Saturday July 23rd 12:12AM Eastern, expect to have some fun for the duration of its stay.

Glow and be warmed as the Solar presence heats the talent, self confidence and love segments of life. Graciously ooze that Leo charm and you will be looked at, admired, loved. Time to step up and step out – just watch the imperiousness. (Speed dating could be really exciting, or off the hook – as the kids say)

While the communication planet Mercury is in Leo, until July 28, self expression is clever, entertaining, and confident. Perhaps more ego driven than usual, share the conversation, let someone else get a word in – it’s not all about you.

FYI – Just to add to the attractiveness of it all, Venus the Goddess planet of love floats into Leo on July 28th and stays until August 21. Beautify self and surroundings and be royal but in moderation. Money will be very easy to throw around, ignore the urge to show off. People will be drawn to you regardless.

*BTW: The date when the Sun transits into a sign can fluctuate year to year -19, 20, 21, 23. If born on one of these days, you are considered a cusp baby – close to two signs- but regardless, there is only one Sun sign on an Astrology chart  (however, the individual will often exhibit a combo of characteristics from both signs).

 

 

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Astrology: Moon Transits for the Weekend – Fierce Aries to Steady Taurus

A Snap, crackle and pop Aries Moon will spread its Mars influenced energy until Friday afternoon 7/22.  Make sure you have something physical to do. Keep recklessness to a minimum – only get close enough to the edge to stave off boredom. Reign in any aggressive urges, think before you act (rash impulses can lead to embarrassment?).  

Then late evening, settle down with the practical, determined Taurus Moon for the rest of the weekend. This Earth sign is ruled by Venus, so along with a little stubbornness, there will be romantic and luxe tendencies.  Have a lovely champagne and chocolates time wherever and whenever you can. Be obstinate only when it really matters.

BTW, Taurus is also about how to protect what is valued. You may want to take some time to decide what needs to be done to feel both financially and emotionally secure. Take care of yourself and loved ones.

Have a beautiful weekend!   (Looking forward to a Leo Sun on Friday/Saturday -depending on your time Zone)

 

 

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Book Corner : “100 Years of Solitude” – Escape From Reality

This last week has seemed, to me, to be full of a “series of unfortunate events”. By Friday, the last thing I needed was another news show or tabloid paper.  I wanted to be taken away, out of the realm of current happenings. (I know, “reality shows” aren’t really, but even they weren’t fantastical enough.)

I found an old copy of one of the most fascinating fantasies ever – “100 Years of Solitude” by Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez.


Written in 1967, the book recounts the history of a family that presides over a South American town called Macondo. It is the perfect “did it happen or didn’t it?” story.

Critics refer to García Márquez as a pioneer of “magical realism”. His work is often time shifting, mystical and surreal, it takes the reader to a different space, a different time. (Which can be such a relief when the “real” world starts to crowd in.)


“100 Years of Solitude” is a magical story – a definite adventure, a great book.

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Astrology: Weekend Full Moon in Ambitious Capricorn,Then Surprising Aquarius 7/15

On Friday July 15th, the Sun is in Cancer, the Moon is lit up in the opposite sign, Capricorn– it’s that Full Moon time again! This matters to us why? Contrary to popular folklore, a round Moon is not a time for a werewolf/Vampire reveal, but it is a good time to tap into its energy. 

The Zodiac sign that houses the “Full” lunar orb has its traits and characteristics heightened for a few weeks. Saturn ruled Capricorn has ambitious leanings. It’s about status, authority and work. Career means what – to you? Success means what – to you?  Are your actions producing results? However, if there are any radical changes that need to be handled, wait until the Moon Phase is “New” on July 30th. (A New Moon works well for beginnings.)

Later that same afternoon, 1:40PM Pacific / 4:30PM Eastern, the Moon moves into Uranus ruled, freedom loving Aquarius. A definite change of mood. The 11th sign of the Zodiac is graciously service oriented, but unconventional, innovative and unwilling to conform. Prepare to say “I’m surprised” a few times and then think about it.

Have a marvelous weekend!