According to Sandy

The first New Moon of 2011 happens on Tuesday January 4^th. If that isn’t exciting enough, there will be a Solar Eclipse occurring on the same day in the same ambitious, career minded Earth Sign of Capricorn.

As I’ve said before, New Moons are always full of “beginning” possibilities, and with a Solar Eclipse happening also, the power to create amazing things is huge-er than usual (Yeah, I know, I’m really starting to take too many liberties with spelling and word construction).  However, Saturn, Capricorn’s planet ruler, can supply the pragmatism and discipline to go with this sign’s natural tendency to go forward and pursue a path to success.

Even though the Moon will change signs on Wednesday (Aquarius), “New” energy lasts for about 10 days giving us a chance to make some plans, formulate some strategies, start something good. Yes, Happy New Year!

BTW- Solar Eclipse: As seen from the Earth, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, and the Moon fully or partially covers the Sun as viewed from some location on Earth. This can only happen during a new moon, when the Sun and Moon are in conjunction as seen from Earth. (per Wikipedia)

The Winter Solstice coincides with the arrival of the Capricorn Sun on December 21^st (6:39PM East/ 3:39PM West). This Earth sign, ruled by Saturn, is grounded, likes boundaries and loves being in charge.

Regardless of our birthday, we may all feel some ambitious, “being the Boss” Capricorn vibes until January 20, 2011 when we move into Aquarius, so please note that feisty, in your face Mars is visiting Capricorn until January 15^th. Be careful with others as you tell them what to do. You can be authoritative  with honey, rather than vinegar. Watch your temper.

No need to have a system let down after all the holiday spirits. Capricorn can keep us busy, accomplished and sensible. Re-goal yourself (I made this word up), tune up career moves and organize whatever needs to be shaped up. It can be done.

BUT, don’t get bogged down by being too tight, too rigid and/or too cautious.  Relax, remember that you have a sense of humor – use it.

BTW:  “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)

The final Mercury Retrograde of 2010 began on December 10th in the Earth sign of Capricorn. The Communication planet continues its backward moves until December 29^th West Coast/ 30^th East Coast.

It will stop motion in Capricorn, back into Sagittarius on December 19th and continue until it reverses to Direct at the end of the month. (it will move forward and reach Capricorn again on January 13, 2011)

Mercury is all about writing and speaking. Also, transportation, types of movement, how we deal with variety.  Capricorn is the 10^th sign of the Zodiac and is associated with career, ambition and duty.  Since Mercury Retrograde can often cause confusion, misunderstandings, snafus – my suggestion is to rethink, re plan, revisit communications that are business and/or responsibility related.  Are there any “being in charge” details that need to be looked at again, points sharpened, thoughts explained more clearly. Tighten up a resume, go over job interview skills, review details of any scheduled appointments. (Catch an error and “save face”.)

This is the Holiday season and Mercury will eventually back into upbeat Sagittarius, the sign of “more”. This can be great fun, but, with all the busyness, have you overlooked any details? Be organized. Make sure those toys have the batteries needed. Don’t book a flight to Paris,Texas when you actually made plans to meet friends at the Eiffel Tower. (No disrespect to Texas intended). Misreading a bank balance can fog the reality that 10 bottles of champagne is more manageable than a case?

As always, where Mercury appears in the individual chart determines what part of life is most affected by the planet’s Retrograde motion, but regardless, being careful and mindful of pitfalls is a good thing. Delay major plans if you can until after the 1^st of the year.

Friday December 10th finds us with the Moon in Air sign Aquarius. Ruled by the innovative, unpredictable planet Uranus, we should think in terms of – “anything can happen”. Things can break, things can get fixed, wonderful people can pop up or, people, who lets say can only be called “interesting” appear out of nowhere. Sudden moves, rapid change, the unexpected – embrace your flexibility.

On Saturday and Sunday the energy becomes more caring and emotional as the Moon shifts into Neptune ruled Pisces. This is a great season for compassion, however, don’t “feel” so much that you are overwhelmed with sad stories. With Water signs, sensitivity (sometimes acute) is at the forefront. Stay grounded, determine what is credible and spread kindness.

Have a terrific weekend!

Friday December 3^rd begins with the Moon in sensitive, passionate Scorpio.  The usual themes for this intense Water sign apply.  Deep feelings, determined and focused action can all be part of the Scorpio Moon transit.

However, you will notice a mood shift as the Moon enters Sagittarius on Saturday and culminates in the Fire sign’s New Moon phase on Sunday. Abundance, fun, largest is best, far reaching ideas, etc. are all part of this Jupiter ruled Zodiac sign.

Launch, create, kick-off, manifest – the New Moon is a great time to start something, especially with the optimistic, good luck Sag vibe.  Of course success isn’t guaranteed, you still gotta do the work, but the universe and lunar energy will support you – which is nothing to sneeze at. Take advantage, work it – but, don’t get too cocky, its all in the details.

Have a big, productive weekend!

FYI = The Moon is “New” when its in the same sign as the Sun (Sun entered Sagittarius on 11/22/10).  Even though the Moon will go on to another sign (Capricorn on Monday afternoon), the supportive “New” energy lasts for approximately 10 days.

This is a short work week for most, so I’m starting the weekend a little early.  On Thursday November 25^th, the Happy Thanksgiving Day Moon is in its own food, family, nurture Water sign of Cancer – perfect.  Be full, comfy and share.  Don’t forget to be “thankful”.

Later that evening, the Moon shifts to generous, fun loving, attention getting Leo.  Friday and Saturday will give you time to smile, savor leftovers, show off a little, have fun.

Early morning on Sunday, the Virgo Moon brings us back to basics with health and work focus – conscious eating habits, duty, getting things done. We are ready for the work week.

Have a wonderful Holiday!

The Sun prances into Sagittarius on Monday 11/22 – 2:15AM PST/ 5:15AM EST. 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 when there is a Sag Sun.

With this Fire sign, ruled by Jupiter, planet of “BIG”- ideas, actions, themes- 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 happy, be an “of course” for abundance, reach for the good things, learn something new, pay attention to your intuition (Sags 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.

But hey, have a gooood time!

Sagittarius: Gem = Citrine, Sodalite / Power color: Lilac, Mauve

(My theme for a Sag Sun: “Momma always told me not to look into the eyes of the Sun, but Momma, that’s where the fun is” (“Blinded by the Light” Bruce Springsteen)

(Re: “prances” – One of the symbols for Sagittarius is the Centaur with the bow and arrow)

(BTW- Regardless of your actual birthday, always try to take advantage of the vibrations of whatever sign the Sun is transiting.)

Weekend Moon in Taurus starts Friday and this Venus ruled Earth sign’s power is intensified during the full Moon phase early Sunday.  As always with a “Full”, it is a good time to finish what you’ve started.  With the grounded Taurus influence, it makes sense to complete  any money dealings and/or improvements to surroundings – comfort, both financial and physical, is prime.

Later on Sunday, the always moving Moon reaches busy Gemini. This Air sign pushes communication of all kinds.  Read, chat, tweet – probably all at the same time.

Have a satisfying weekend!

The unpredictable, rebellious Aquarius Moon might give us some surprises this weekend.  If that makes you nervous, think of the fun you can have.  Just avoid the radical and think thru any extreme plans that might cross your mind.

Early Sunday, November 13, will bring a more warm and fuzzy feel with the arrival of the Pisces Moon. This water sign is creative, dreamy and sensitive, so be sure to hold on to reality – however,  this might be a great time to write, make music, paint .

Have a super weekend!

On Friday November 5^th, the Scorpio New Moon arrived at 9:52 PM Pacific Time and 12:52AM  Eastern Time on Saturday November 6^th . Scorpio weekend vibes are intense since both the Sun and the Moon are in the same sign. (That’s what makes the Moon “New”)

“New” is great for beginnings, initiating plans. “New” in Water sign Scorpio gives us the fire power to be focused, persistent and determined. This is serious.  Take advantage, go for the goal – just remember to smile sometimes.

Early morning on Sunday, the Sagittarius Moon changes the mood for us. A bit more upbeat, a bit more optimistic, a bit more adventurous – you may want to do something different with that extra hour gained when Standard Time arrives?

*Remember that when Daylight Savings Time ends, we “Fall Back” an hour Sunday 11/7 at 2AM.