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Astrology: Determined Taurus Sun Arrives 4/20/11

The Sun slips into Taurus early on Wednesday April 20, 6:18AM Eastern/ 3:18AM Pacific. Second in line, but the first Earth sign of the zodiac, it is ruled by the sensual love and beauty planet Venus. However, it is also definitely practical in nature when it comes to finances due to an affinity for security. There is comfort to be found in beauty, music and art, but perhaps knowing where the money is too will give feelings of stability in unpredictable times.

The “Bull” is Taurus’ symbol for a reason – stubborn, unwavering in beliefs, will hold on after others have let go of the tug rope, etc.  For the next few weeks we can tap into these traits of strength and perseverance so that we solidify and complete the projects started during the high energy of the previous Aries Sun.

But, stay conscious, know when to let go of the rope. Sometime ya just gotta stop being the “stake” and shift to flexible. Beware of being rigid and overcautious – don’t miss out on an opportunity out of fear. Be practical, yet brave.  What a combo – Yay!

*Taurus (April 20-May 21) = Gem Stone: Rose Quartz / Power color: Soft rose-pink

 

 

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Astrology: Charming Full Moon in Libra This Weekend

Weekend energy begins with the Friday April 15th Moon in practical, earthy Virgo and then lightens up later as social Libra castes its influence. There will even be a Full Moon in this relationship focused Air sign on Sunday April 17th, 10:44PM Eastern/ 7:44PM Pacific.

As I’ve mentioned in this space before, a ”Full” Moon phase packs power and can give our thoughts clarity. It starts the “waning” or decreasing, of the Lunar orb, a good time to gather results or confront the useless – clean up old projects, get rid of outmoded thought patterns and  attitudes in order to clear the way for the “new”.

Libra Moons can make us cooperative, social with an urge to beautify both ourselves and our surroundings. Good. It will help us tune out/tone down any negative, angry voices out there (or, in our heads).  Charm and beauty – always good antidotes.

Have a lovely, gracious weekend!

 


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Astrology: Reminder! Mercury Still Retrograde Until 4/23

Just so we don’t get all sloppy with the details of  life and forget that attention must continue be paid.  Remember that the first Mercury Retrograde of 2011 happened on Wednesday March 30, in the first sign of the Zodiac – Aries (4:48PM Eastern / 1:48PM Pacific).

Fiery Aries (impulsive, can’t wait) vs Mercury Retrograde (indecision) – can you see where I’m going with this? We may not be too comfortable with this “Yes / No”, “NOW! / Later” situation.  Even with a starter engine Fire sign, the communications planet going backward can still cause a slow down and create snafus, confusion, missed details, etc.

This is not such a good time for Aries rashness and risk. Rather than initiate anything new, review and revisit ideas, revitalize old projects, re invent an approach until Mercury goes Direct on 4/23/11.  (If you must begin something important, check everything twice, make sure verbal and written communication is clear – and especially make sure you are clear on your intentions.)

Regardless of frustration, be nice (put down the flame thrower).  This isn’t terrible.  Life continues. We will manage.  Stay grounded.

F.Y.I. – Next Mercury Retrograde will be 8/2 – 8/26

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Astrology: Weekend Moon in Gemini and Cancer 4/8/11 – Mixed Moods

The Friday morning Gemini Moon is just in time for leisurely networking or active socializing, or both – with dual faceted Gemini, variety reigns. This Air sign is ruled by the current Retrograde planet Mercury and we should be reminded to watch the details as we balance and sort how to spend time. My favorite example: “meet me in Paris” – Is it the one in Texas or France?  (I don’t know why this always makes me laugh 🙂

Things slow down in the evening until the Moon moves into Cancer, the Water sign that it rules, on Saturday afternoon and remains thru Monday morning. Rather than restless energy, there will be nesting instincts with some sensitivity and emotion thrown in. Caring and food can be major components.

It’s all good. Have a super weekend!

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Astrology: April 2011 * Aries – So Many Planets, So Little…

Wow, there will be days in April that Aries (Fire Sign, ruled by the Warrior planet Mars, 1st sign of the Zodiac) will be playing host to 5 planets plus the Sun. Potent, powerful, persuasive, passionate, potentially combustible energy can result. (I ran out of “P” words to convey how “in your face” this could be.)

Aries is about aggression, physical energy, impatience, temperament, action – all this can be used to make great things happen– now!  But, in addition to accomplishment, there can also be risk and rush leading to hurt feelings and messy, scattered results. (Arrogance can always come back to bite ya somewhere/somehow?)

Aries and:

Jupiter* 2/23 – 6/5/11, Called the Lucky planet – feelings of good fortune, sure bets, may hide some risks and lull you into taking lots of chances.

Mercury* 3/10 – 5/16/11 (Retrograde period 3/30 – 4/23), Sharp communication, can be snide, angry, remember – a verbal assault is still an “assault”.

Uranus* 3/12/11 – 2018,  Slow moving outer planet will remain for 7 years.  Unpredictable, rebellious, often “change” for change sake,  resenting any restraints, rules-  don’t let desire to be “free” cloud common sense.

Sun* 3/20 – 4/20/11, Enthusiastic, energetic, buoyant, “I”

Mars* 4/2 – 5/11/11, (Planet ruler of Aries) Intensifies combative qualities and self confidence – fiestiness works, but, don’t underestimate a situation or an opponent.

Venus* 4/21 – 5/15/11, Planet of love and beauty in the same neighborhood as the testosterone charged planet Mars = Sparks!

So, short and sweet, it boils down to the following: Use this time of powerful drive and emotion to your advantage without creating grenade like debris.  And, focus. Dial back on ego and think of the contribution you are to others – magnified, energized.

As always, the depth of the affects of all this depends upon where Aries and those transiting planets appear in the birth chart.

Brace yourself. Let the “Tilt-a-Whirl” begin! (Wasn’t it the movie “All About Eve” where Bette Davis says her “Bumpy night” line? ) Well Ok! We’re ready! Could be fun!


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Astrology: Moon Shenanigans For This Weekend 4/1/11

My usual routine on Thursdays is to give my opinion about the possible energy created around us based solely upon the weekend Moon’s Zodiac sign placements. I enjoy doing it and it’s a way to prepare to take advantage of any atmospheric vibes that are out there.  However, due to a rare 2 day“ Void of Course”  Moon,  which starts on Thursday March 31, I have no opinion to give for Friday – April Fool’s Day (Hmmmm).

The Moon, in the final degrees of Water sign Pisces, is Void of Course – meaning that it creates no aspects (relationships/connections) to the Sun or planets while on its way into the next sign.  This usually lasts from a few minutes to a few hours and needless to say, a 48 hour VC is rare. It lasts from 9:43AM Eastern / 6:43AM Pacific Thursday until Saturday morning April 2 at 7:16AM Eastern / 4:16AM Pacific when the Lunar orb finally settles into Aries.

A Moon without “aspects”, can be a time of vagueness and doubt.  The consensus among Astrologers is to “not start anything”.  Finishing projects that began before the “VC” can be handled and completed, but avoid initiating during this uncertain time.

Vibrations change on Saturday morning when things start to perk with the  potent early morning moves of both the Moon and Mars into Aries. In addition, Sunday April 3rd gives us a “New Moon” phase in this same aggressive Fire sign. Use its Martian energy to jump start projects, new beginnings, new ideas – implement, implement, implement!

Short version of the above: Finish up old stuff on Thursday/Friday and start new stuff from Sunday’s New Moon until the Moon’s First Quarter phase April 11.

And, not to pile it on, remember that Mercury is Retrograde in Aries until April 23. If you must sign or commit – review and verify forms of communication, techie stuff, etc.  (It never stops, life is just so full!)

Keep breathing. Enjoy your weekend!

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Astrology: Weekend of 3/25/11 – Moon in Serious Capricorn

Late Friday March 25th begins an enveloping Capricorn Moon experience lasting until Sunday evening. This Earth sign is ruled by stern Saturn and can influence feelings about authority, business and status.  Our thoughts may turn to “who is in charge?  – It should be ME”.  Being ambitious is not a negative. Like everything else, it depends on how it’s handled.

Duty and responsibility – natural traits for this sign, give impetus to put things in order, take charge of our lives, pay attention to financial issues (Tax day is on the horizon) and clear up any little messes that we have created. It’s the adult thing to do.

Have a powerful accomplishing weekend!

 


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Astrology:Sun Into Aries – Spring is Here! 3/20/11

Spring has sprung! On March 20, 2011 the Sun moved into the dynamic first sign of the Tropical Zodiac – fiery Aries (7:21PM Eastern / 4:21PM Pacific). The Sun has transited all 12 signs and is starting the cycle anew.  On this day, we also celebrate the Vernal Equinox – Spring is here with new chances to bloom!

This Fire sign’s impulsive, physical high energy can be used to springboard those ideas and projects you’ve been contemplating all winter. With the lucky planet Jupiter transiting Aries until June 4, 2011, the universe will support you. Just don’t go into a “bigger is better” thing (which is a favorite Jupiter approach to life). Moderation, which is often a struggle for risk taking Aries, would work well now.  With unpredictable, non conformist Uranus also visiting – sitting for 7 more years – wildness can result. (Remember, Aries is ruled by the warrior planet Mars)

Mercury is in Aries too until May 15, 2011.  Communication may have more quickness, edge and bite – you’ll be great in debates?  Since the planet will be Retrograde 3/30 – 4/23, re think/ review any temptation for verbal assaults, even if you’re right. No need to wound.

As always, those most affected have the Sun and/or Rising sign in Aries, but the rest of us will still feel the feisty influences somewhere in our lives depending upon where the Fire sign appears in our chart.

*Aries = Gemstone: Garnet / Power Color: Red, fiery colors (of course)

FYI – March 20th is also designated as “International Astrology Day”. Always observed on the Equinox, it is a celebration of the ancient art of Astrology. (Cupcakes will be served!)


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Astrology: Virgo Full Moon for this Weekend!

The Moon will be in the health and service oriented Earth sign Virgo on Friday March 18th – but wait, there’s more. It’s that time again! The Moon (Virgo) is opposite the Sun (Pisces) – that means “Full Moon” on  Saturday March 19th (2:10PM Eastern / 11:10AM Pacific).

The Full phase’s “handle it”  energy will last for several days. With practical Virgo, it is all about the details, so you will be supported as you complete and finalize whatever you’re working on. Put that diet and exercise regimen in place.

A few hours later, there will be a Lunar shift to Air sign Libra for the rest of the weekend. Be gracious, be charming, socialize – but, you don’t have to agree to everything. Stand your ground if you must. Enjoy the weekend.

 

Erin go Braugh!


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DVD Corner: About That Girl and Her Tattoo…

I kept noticing this “Tattoo” book on the local paperback best seller list for the past year or so and  I got curiouser and curiouser.

So, I cheated and watched “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” on DVD first and then read the books – yes, plural. I was so hooked on the main characters and their adventures that  reading the whole trilogy by Swedish writer Stieg Larson was the only option.  Had such a great time! (All 3 are now available on DVD)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl Who Played with Fire

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest

The books are cleverly dense with detail, suspense, intrigue and double dealing. The screen writer was selective in what was included in the subsequent movies, but they are well done (I think  “Tattoo” was the best).  I love a mystery – who disappeared, who was betrayed, who covered up. The 2 main characters, fearless,  antisocial “Lisbeth Salander”, fiercely brought to life by Noomi Rapace and investigative journalist “Michael Blomkvist”, played by Michael Nyqvist, were great, but I must say that everyone was.  Directed by Niels Arden Oplev, they did a super job.

The action takes place in Sweden – I marvel at the similarities and the differences to American life. A conspiracy is a conspiracy, politics is politics, muckraking is muckraking regardless of the language.  The methods to uncover evil machinations are now global with the blanket use of the internet. Hacking has never seemed so exciting. A warning – some scenes are violent, but, they do give some insight as to why our “Girl” behaves as she does.

Of course I’m sorry Mr. Larson passed away in 2004, especially since after reading the final book and watching the DVD (“The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest”), I got the distinct impression that our non-heroine/heroine, Ms Salander, was not finished – there was more to do, more to reveal and dig up, more people to disturb. Sigh… (Hope that didn’t sound too callous?)

I don’t know why, but there is an American remake planned with David Fincher as Director (He did Social Network), David Craig (the most recent actor to play James Bond) and relative newcomer Rooney Mara as the tattooed girl.  It better be good!

FYI: I’m getting a Tat for my next birthday – something tiny and therefore, not too painful (but I’ll feel a little fierce 😎 )