According to Sandy

The Virgo Sun on Aug. 23, 2019, gives us a chance to settle down, take stock (after all the Leo sparkle and flash). Think: grounded, practical, dependable and efficient. The 6^th sign of the Zodiac is about work, service and health. But don’t think being conscientious has to mean “dull”. With quick witted Mercury as its planet ruler, Virgo’s cleverness can liven up situations when you least expect it.

Earth sign Virgo wants us to pay attention to the details! But, being over critical and picky, “sweating the small stuff”, not “seeing the forest for the trees”, suffering bouts of “paralysis analysis” will just get in the way and slow you down from making improvements and organizing messes. Friends, family & co-workers may resent relentless corrections no matter how “helpful” or how good the intention. Don’t get on their nerves  😉

Instead, do evolved Virgo things – be useful, bring calm & order, create a plan for better diet & fitness, be a contribution, take care.

~ Sun Into Virgo: 8/23 – 6:02 AM EDT * 3:02 AM PDT

*Gemstone: Carnelian * Power Color: Deep green * Body Part: Bowels (Cleansing the system for good health)

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

Just in time for the holiday, we were graced with a cheery Sagittarius Sun on Tuesday November 21, 2017. Ruled by exuberant Jupiter, the king of positive thinking, everything is “huge”- ideas, actions, themes. 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” are not. The “go BIG or go home” routine will not always work to your advantage. Certainly be an “of course” for excellent results, reach for the good things, discover something new, pay attention to your intuition (a Sag loves a good laugh but they are also deep and love to ponder the universe) but, just be aware of the edges – over confidence can send you too far. If the situation warrants, aim for controlled excess.

Just to make it more interesting, Saturn, planet of discipline and limits, which is quite different to Jupiter‘s goals (expansion on steroids), has been transiting the 9^th sign of the Zodiac since December 2016. Depending on where it appears in your chart, the desire for adventure and living large might seem muted. Saturn moves into the next sign, Capricorn, on December 20, 2017.

More planet transits:

Mercury (11/6/17 – 1/11/18) = Communication focused, clever, curious and often razor sharp, this planet visit can be great for sharing knowledge – teach a class, take a class. But, watch language as you share YOUR views, YOUR truth. A bout of verbal snarkiness is not attractive and can really smother a party.

****Mercury Retrograde – 12/2 – 12/23/17

Remember to back up your gadgets. Review plans carefully before implementing, etc.

Venus – 12/1 – 12/25

The Love planet can add tact, sweetness and charm to the holiday season. (We can use it all after the past year.)

*Sagittarius – November 21, 2017 – 10:05 PM EST / 7:05 PM PST

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

The symbol for Sagittarius is the half man/ half horse Centaur – usually with a wine pouch. Perfect, just in time for the festivities.

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

And of course – Happy Thanksgiving!

Craving luxury, being frugal, feeling stubborn?  We may experience all that and more with a Full Moon in Taurus. The 2^nd sign of the Zodiac is a fixed (its symbol is the Bull), finance focused Earth sign guided by the elegant, loving planet Venus. Whatever vibes are out there can all be put to good use. Indulge the sensual side while monitoring investments. Share chocolate covered strawberries with a significant other while tallying the checkbook at the same time. It’s possible!

As always with a “Full” Moon, it’s a good time to finish what you’ve started. With the grounded Taurus influence, it makes sense to complete any financial dealings and/or improvements to surroundings – beauty, comfort and safety. What do you value most? Who do you need to be – to do what you want and have what you desire?

*Taurus Full Moon 2017 : Nov. 3 = 10:23 PM PDT /  Nov. 4  = 1:23 AM EDT

**Reminder: Standard Time begins Sunday 2 AM, 11/5/17 = “Fall back”

Stubborn, secretive, sensitive, sensual – these adjectives all fit Scorpio, the mysterious 8^th sign of the Zodiac. The Sun will heat and be heated by this Water sign beginning on Sunday October 22 (PDT) and Monday October 23, 2017 (EDT). There will be intensity, determination and smoldering feelings. (Romantic entanglements can be taken to sizzling heights.) Powerful days may be ahead for all.

With Scorpio’s traditional planet ruler Mars (energy and aggression) and its modern ruler Pluto (power and transformation), being cool, being superficial won’t work. A lot can be accomplished during a Scorpio Sun regardless of where it appears in your personal chart. Remember that even while being deep and authentic, laughter can still be used as a balm to stabilize, bring things into perspective and lighten the atmosphere.

Mercury, the Communication planet, transits Scorpio from 10/17 – 11/5/17.  Interactions can be easily heated and more demanding than usual. Be focused and as clear as possible regardless of how deep the vat of sensitivity. Paint inside the lines to avoid unnecessary confusion and / or hurt.

Lovely, romantic Venus visits Scorpio from 11/7 – 12/1/2017, adding beauty and lushness to this intense sign’s seduction. Again, the impact depends on where (which House) Scorpio falls in your particular chart

Cheerful, “everything is better when it’s bigger”, Good Luck planet Jupiter has a long stay in Scorpio from 10/11/17 – 11/8/18. Could add upbeat, good feelings, (instead of 1/2 empty, the wine glass is 1/2 full) but, don’t let big emotions overwhelm you.

*Gemstone: Topaz *Power color: Deep shades of red *Body Part: Reproductive system (surprise!)

** Scorpio Sun: 10:27 PM PDT 10/22/17 – 1:27 AM EDT 10/23/17

On Monday March 20, 2017, not only do we get to welcome the youthfulness of Spring, we also get to celebrate the Sun’s transit into Aries, the first sign of the Zodiac.

Fire sign Aries is active, aggressive and adventurous. In the past 12 months, the Sun has transited all 12 Zodiac signs and at 1 degree of Aries, the cycle starts anew and so can we. We should keep our eyes open for opportunities on the horizon.

Ruled by the warrior planet Mars, the influences of Aries’ high energy can be used to springboard ideas and projects that have been percolating all winter. However, with unpredictable, non conformist planet Uranus visiting until 2019, recklessness, with the often resulting scattered energies can result in waste – time, energy, money. Pay attention to those urges to just “act” (act out or act up). Action with purpose and focus, rather than just because we’re bored. Risk vs reckless – don’t be careless.

Adding potential snap and crackle to interactions is clever, Communication planet Mercury visiting Aries until 4/01/17. Writing, speaking, tweeting may have more quickness, bite and sarcasm then usual. No need to hurt anyone’s feelings. No one needs to go down in relationship flames.

As always, those most affected have the Sun 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 Fire sign appears in our chart.

Aries Sun* Spring Equinox –  3/20/17  6:29 AM EDT / 3:29 AM PDT

*Gemstone: Garnet * Power Color: Fiery Red * Body Part: Head / Face

FYI – In celebration of the ancient art of Astrology, March 20^th is designated as “International Astrology Day”. Cake & Champagne for all!

A Full Moon will be in classy Libra on April 4, 2015. This Air sign is ruled by the lovely Venus and hopefully this will make us more inclined to cooperate with partners, seek balance in negotiations, and remain calm during deliberations.

A great time to do all of the above while being super social, beautifying both ourselves and our surroundings at the same time. If the Libra Moon can help us tune out / tone down any negative, angry voices around us (or in our heads), terrific.

And, have a great weekend!

*Full Moon in Libra: April 4, 2015 – 8:50 AM EDT / 5:05 AM PDT

FYI: 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 next “New” Moon in 2 weeks.

Saturday and Sunday, May 10 and 11, 2014, the Moon will be in Venus ruled Libra. It’s an artistic, relationship focused, charming Air sign fostering harmony with others and harmony for the home. We are moved toward good feelings, people activities, beauty and creativity. Smile and enjoy it.

Have a beautiful weekend!

A Gemini Moon, beginning today, May 10, 2013, will have us searching for people to hear us, listen to us, or read us this weekend. We got something to say! Lucky Jupiter lingers in the natural chatty, twittering energy of communication maven Gemini making us feel that all is possible and we can’t miss.  But, let’s not get too full of ourselves. A snippy Twitter or FB post can grow legs and follow you around for a few days. (You’ll have to spend time next week deleting & apologizing, deleting & apologizing, deleting & apologizing…)

The urge to exchange ideas and deep thoughts, or just gossip, will be strong. Have fun, spread knowledge, teach something, learn something, enjoy the youthful energy that is particularly Gemini. 

Happy Mother’s Day  and have a glorious weekend!

On Friday, both the Moon and the Sun are in efficient Virgo. That means this month’s New Moon, on Saturday September 15, 2012, will be in that same Earth sign. Like all “New” Lunar phases, the next 2 weeks are a great time for initiating, starting, creating, etc. Use it to organize and de-clutter both mind and surroundings. Take advantage of Virgo’s natural “I’ll handle it” approach to take a look at health and nutrition. Are there things to be improved – diet, exercise? Don’t spend too much time being critical of yourself. Take care of needed changes now.

Early Sunday morning, the Moon glides into partnership loving, luxury loving, understanding-both-sides- now loving Libra!  I think Airy Libra oozes such charm, fosters lovely win/win cooperation and drives us toward social interaction– a promotion, an introduction, a party?

Make the weekend worthwhile and exciting!