According to Sandy

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 5^th 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! 

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 5^th 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.

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 30^th, the Moon will also be in the same regal Fire sign. This is the 2^nd “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. 

The Sun rules the 5^th 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 28^th 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).

Friday February 18, 2011 provides early morning mood changes. (Just in case I haven’t been clear in my weekend update Astrology posts, my premise is that as the Moon changes signs, so do our moods, our energy and often how we act/react in the day to day.) The Moon will be in “Full” power at 3:36AM Eastern/12:26AM Pacific in generous, ”let’s have fun” Fire sign Leo. A Full Moon phase is good for wrapping things up, finishing what began at the time of the New Moon. The effects will last for a few days even as the Lunar orb changes to the next sign.

About an hour later the same day, the Moon moves into service oriented, practical Virgo – from upbeat Leo to the conscientious, discriminating Earth sign – we can handle it. Take advantage of the Full phase’s continued influence by using this Mercury ruled sign’s cleverness and penchant for detail. You can get stuff done.

And finally, early on Sunday 4:39AM Eastern/1:39AM Pacific, way before Brunch time, a Libra Moon makes us social, agreeable and decorous. Have people over or meet someplace nice, make both yourself and your home attractive. There is a lot to be said for beautiful things to lift spirits and ease the settling of any disputes.

Be flexible, go with the flow, have a varied Weekend!

(BTW- the Sun doesn’t move into Pisces, the 12^th sign of the Zodiac, until Friday evening 2/18 – which is why the Moon is Full in Leo while the Sun is exactly opposite in Aquarius in the morning. When the luminaries are opposite each other – the Moon is “Full”)

Wednesday Januarty19^th, finds us with a Full Moon in the nurturing, sensitive Water sign of Cancer at 4:21PM Eastern/ 1:21 PM Pacific. About an hour later, the Moon shifts into regal, Fiery Leo, however, the “Full” energy remains for approximately  10 days.

So, as a “New” Moon is best for beginning projects- starting something new, implementation of ideas – the “Full” phase (Moon opposes the Sun in the sky, as it  “wanes”) is optimum for finalization.

Clearing out the old, gives space for the new. Gather and tie up any loose ends of projects begun during the New and first quarters, finishing touches and crystallization are best done during the 3rd and 4th quarters.  The cycle begins again at the next New Moon phase – February 2nd.

BTW: Cancer traits are highlighted –  taking care of people,  feelings and emotions are on the surface, moods can run you.

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!

As you know, the Moon changes Astrology signs every 2 to 2 1/2 days. If you don’t like the Lunar energy one day, wait a few days for a possible change.  This weekend is no different.

All day Friday October 1^st, (actually it moves in early on Thursday), the Moon is in its own homey, nurturing sign of Cancer. Expect “feelings” – sensitivity, vulnerability.

Saturday afternoon thru Sunday, the Moon will be in the upbeat, “Me” sign of Leo.  This Fire sign generates confidence, generosity of spirit – that whole regal thing. Enjoy it. Friends and family can just bask in the golden glow of each other – fun.

As always, have a super weekend. Cherish the time.

Expect a mix of home and drama for this weekend. On Friday 9/3, the Moon is happy and comfortable in the sign it rules – emotional, familycentric Cancer and on Sunday morning, we feel the fun influences of “look at me!”  Leo as the Moon does a grand procession into that regal sign. (Wear something Gold.)

Be affectionate, be generous – you know you want to.  Nurture and entertain the people you love. Share yourself.

Wednesday March 10th is a busy day –”planetarily” speaking.

The Moon is currently in the ambitious, business focused Earth sign of Capricorn until 1:59 pm PST Wednesday.  Ruled by Saturn, a Capricorn Moon can be a time of very deliberate movement.  That sluggishness, coupled with the Retrograde Mars, might give a feeling of walking in molasses when it comes to any career plans.  However, the Moon only stays in a sign for 2 to 2 ½ days. It will move into the innovative, unrestrained Air sign of Aquarius by the evening of the 3/10.

As mentioned a few weeks ago, the volatile planet Mars (in the Fire sign of Leo), retrograde since December, will reverse and go forward on the same day.  But, before a planet can reverse, it must slow down to a standstill.  As it does that, the planet’s themes/characteristics are enhanced.  Look out for hot tempered issues, rash judgments, impatience as it starts its direct motion. Things will really speed up as we get to the weekend and the New Moon. Get something started!