According to Sandy

No matter what else is going on, (and there has been so much lately), the Vernal Equinox will spring into the Northern Hemisphere. This year, Spring happens on Tuesday March 19, 2024.

Astrologically speaking, the 1^st day of Spring is also the day the Sun enters the 1^st degree of the 1^st sign of the Zodiac – high energy Fire sign Aries. Ruled by warrior planet Mars, Aries is “out front”, physical, impulsive, prone to rushing and risk taking. We can bungee jump off that mountain of ideas and projects that has been stewing all winter – the universe will support. However, let’s be active with purpose and focus rather than act just because we’re bored. Risk vs reckless~ don’t be careless. Think a project through and complete it. But, don’t forget to have fun. Spring has sprung and everyone can use a little bit of controlled craziness every once in awhile.

Also, giving potential snap and crackle to our interactions, Communication planet Mercury is transiting Aries from 3/11/to 5/16/24. Writing, speaking, may have more quickness, edge and bite – you’ll be great in debates? Create powerful tweets? (Just watch the snark) There will be a Mercury Retrograde period from 4/1 to 4/25/24.

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: 3/19/24 ~ 11:06 PM EDT / 8:06PM PM PDT

~ Gemstone: Garnet * Power Color: Fiery Red * Body Part: Face ~

*FYI – This year, March 19^th is also designated as “International Astrology Day”. Always observed on the Equinox, it is a celebration of the ancient art of Astrology. Celebrate your Star Sign!

In the past 12 months, the Sun has visited all the Astrology signs and the cycle starts anew. Let’s spring into action! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist it ;-).

~~~**~~~

That lucky old Sun prances into Fire sign Sagittarius on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. Ruled by exuberant Jupiter, the king of positive thinking, being “hopeful” doesn’t seem quite so far out there. “Bigger is better”, everything is “huge”- ideas, actions, themes, etc. We just don’t have enough space for all the goodies anticipated when there is Sag Sun.

However. 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 (Sagittarians love a good laugh but they are also deep and love to ponder the universe) but, be aware of the edges – over confidence can send you too far. Pause occasionally and look over the landscape – not only to admire the view, but also to realize that some of those “sure things” you want to jump on are not so sure.

And, just to add to the energy, there are also planets transiting Sagittarius:

Mercury, Communication planet ~ Nov 11 – Dec 1

Clever, curious and often razor sharp, this can be good for creativity. Teach a class/ take a class, write/paint/cook something that you’ve been thinking about forever.

Mars, Warrior planet  ~  Nov 25 – Jan 5, 2024

Energy is heightened, quick to action, may jump from one thing to the other. Pay attention to tasks, follow up on ideas. Watch mischief quotient if boredom hits.

A Sagittarius Sun wants us to be hopeful & upbeat, to be with people & to revel in the abundance of the season. May we all be able to take advantage and enjoy it whenever, wherever, and/or however possible.

~ Sagittarius Sun – November 22, 2023 * 9:03 AM EST / 6:03 AM PST ~

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

** One of the symbols for Sagittarius is the Centaur with the bow and arrow and wine pouch. Perfect, just in time for the holidays.

~*~* Happy Thanksgiving! And yes, be thankful ~*~*

On Monday, October 23, 2023 the Sun strutted into stubborn, secretive and sensual Scorpio – the heat wen up a notch! The passionate 8th sign of the Zodiac can infuse us with determination and focus to get projects done, snare that love interest or drill down through any mysteries that need to be solved. Sensitive and emotional – there will be drama and there will be depth.

Note that “deep” and “fierce” can lead to all sorts of “feelings” that you may not be prepared to confront. So, don’t be surprised if emotions occasionally go unchecked. Often, the resulting “overwhelm” will not quite match the situation. There is nothing wrong with using an internal pause button to give a chance to think, rather than just react.

With Water sign Scorpio’s traditional planet ruler Mars (energy and aggression) and its modern ruler Pluto (power and transformation), being cool, being superficial – skimming the surface, just won’t do. The next couple of weeks can ramp up intensity and dig deep into feelings for all of us regardless of birth date.

Clever Communication planet Mercury has a Scorpio transit from 10/22 to 11/25/23. The demand for the “real”, in any interaction – conversation, texting etc, goes up a few notches. And just to add to the intensity, Mars will visit Scorpio from 10/13 to 11/11/23.

A lot can be accomplished during a Scorpio Sun regardless of where it appears in your personal chart. Remember that even while being serious and authentic, laughter can still be used as a balm to stabilize, bring things into perspective and lighten the atmosphere. Save any overflowing angst and/or grudges for another day – it can dissipate as the mood changes.

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

~*~ Scorpio Sun 10/23/23 ~ 12:21 PM EDT– 9:21 AM PDT

Yes, The Sun moves into Scorpio on the “ 23rd”, different from other signs with Sun transits beginning on the 20th, 21st or 22nd of the month.The Earth’s rotation actually determines the start dates of a sign – not the Sun. The dates can vary by as much as 2 days depending on when a leap year occurs.

As the world turns, the Sun appears to flow from one Zodiac sign to another. Since the Earth wobbles, it takes slightly more than 365 days — actually 365 + 1/4 days. Because of this, our calendars must be adjusted to compensate for this difference.

~***~

On Monday, March 20, 2023 the Sun moved into the dynamic first sign of the Tropical Zodiac – fiery Aries. The Sun has transited all 12 Astrology signs and the cycle starts anew. We also celebrate the Spring Equinox on the same day – 1 degree of Aries. Spring is here with new, fresh chances to bloom! We should keep our eyes open for opportunities on the horizon.

Aries, ruled by warrior planet Mars, is “out front”, physical, impulsive, prone to rushing and risk taking. We can bungee jump off that mountain of ideas and projects that has been stewing all winter. The universe will support. However, let’s be active with purpose and focus rather than act just because we’re bored. Think a project through and complete it. But, don’t forget to have fun. Risk vs reckless~ don’t be careless.

Sharp & clever Communication planet Mercury transits Aries from 3/20 to 4/4/23.  Writing, speaking, texting will have a certain quickness & lift – you’ll be great in debates? Be powerful, just watch the snark.

Jupiter has been in and out of Aries since May 2022 (retrograde/ Direct). In 2023, the planet of luck & expansion remains going forward until May 17, 2023 when it moves Into Earth sign Taurus.

~

Aries Sun*Spring Equinox: 3/20/23 ~ 5:24 PM EDT / 2:24 PM PDT

~ Gemstone: Garnet * Power Color: Fiery Red * Body Part: Face

*FYI – March 20^th is also designated as “International Astrology Day”. Always observed on the Equinox, it is a celebration of the ancient art of Astrology.

Let’s spring into action! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist it J).

***~***~***

On Sunday, October 23, 2022, the Sun sashayed into powerful, and often fierce, Scorpio. Wind down and focus to get projects accomplished, snare that love interest and reveal any mysteries that need to be solved. (Think “determination”.) With Scorpio’s traditional planet ruler Mars (energy and aggression) and its modern ruler Pluto (power and transformation), being cool, being superficial – skimming the surface, in conversation or action, just won’t do. The next couple of weeks can ramp up intensity and dig deep into feelings for all of us regardless of birth date. Save any overflowing angst and/or grudges for another day – they may dissipate as the mood changes.

Due to the characteristic sensitivity of this Water sign, the 8^th sign of the Zodiac’s power will not be served distant and cold – there will be drama, there will be depth, the time is ripe for full out emotions. Stubborn, secretive, serious, sensual – these adjectives all fit Scorpio to a T (or in this case, to an “S”). The Sun will heat and be heated.

There are Transits! (Planets visit signs over the year which I think adds spice)

Venus, 10/24 to 11/17/22 – Love Planet Venus, always associated with beauty, love, charm, etc. may soften Scorpio’s approach while searching for deep connections and passion. As always, the impact depends on where Scorpio falls in your particular chart.

Mercury, 10/30 to 11/18/22– the Communication planet can easily turn interactions up a notch. Pay attention and be as clear as possible regardless of how deep the vat of emotion.

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

** Scorpio Sun 10/23/22 ~ 6:36 AM EDT– 3:36 AM PDT

*** Wondering why the Scorpio Sun is the 23^rd of the month this year and not the 19th, 20th, 21^st or 22nd like most other signs?

The Earth’s rotation actually determines the start dates of a sign – not the Sun. The dates can vary by as much as 2 days depending on when a leap year occurs.

As the world turns, the Sun appears to flow from one Zodiac sign to another. Since the Earth wobbles, it takes slightly more than 365 days — actually 365 + 1/4 days. Because of this, our calendars must be adjusted to compensate for this difference.

Next up – Upbeat Sagittarius 11/22/22 !

***~~~**~~~***

That lucky old Sun bounces into Fire sign Sagittarius on Sunday November 21, 2021. Ruled by “bigger is better” planet Jupiter, everything is “huge”- ideas, actions, themes, etc. We just don’t have enough space for all the goodies anticipated when there is a Sag Sun. We can all enjoy feelings of luck, optimism and adventure.

However, 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” you want to jump on are not so sure. Be aware of the edges – think controlled excess. Bravado can go too far. It can be expensive and/or embarrassing. Have an adventure while using common sense.

And, to add to the fun, there will be planets transiting Sagittarius:

Mercury, Communication planet ~ 11/25 – 12 /13/21 ~ Clever, curious and often razor sharp, this can be good for creativity. Sagittarius wants us to share a good laugh but also go deep and ponder the universe. Teach a class, take a class, write something that you’ve been thinking about forever.

Mars, Warrior planet  ~  12/14 – 1/24/22 ~ Energy is heightened, quick to action, may jump from one thing to the other. Pay attention to tasks, follow up on ideas. Watch mischief quotient if boredom hits.

A Sagittarius Sun wants us to be upbeat, an “of course” for excellent results, to be with people and to revel in the abundance of the season. Enjoy it whenever possible.

~ Sagittarius Sun – November 21, 2021 * 9:34 PM EST / 6:34 PM PST ~

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

** One of the symbols for Sagittarius is the Centaur with the bow, arrow and wine pouch. Perfect, just in time for the holidays.

~*~* Happy Thanksgiving! And yes, be thankful ~*~*

~~~~~~ *** ~~~~~~

Potent, powerful, persistent, and passionate OR, stubborn, secretive, sensitive and sensual. I couldn’t decide on which group of adjectives to use for the mysterious Scorpio, 8^th sign if the Zodiac. I’ve decided that it isn’t an either / or situation – all may apply to this water sign at some time or other. The Sun will heat and be heated by this fixed sign beginning on Friday October 22 PDT and on Saturday October 23, 2021 EDT.

Note that “deep” and “fierce” can lead to all sorts of “feelings” that you may not be prepared to confront. So, don’t be surprised if emotions occasionally go unchecked. Often, the resulting “overwhelm” will not quite match the situation. There is nothing wrong with using an internal pause button to give us a chance to think, rather than just react.

With Scorpio’s traditional planet ruler Mars (energy and aggression) and its modern ruler Pluto (power and transformation), being cool, being superficial – skimming the surface, in conversation or action, just won’t do. The next couple of weeks can ramp up intensity and dig deep for all of us.

A lot can be accomplished during a Scorpio Sun regardless of where it appears in your personal chart. Remember that even while being serious and authentic, laughter can still be used as a balm to stabilize, bring things into perspective and lighten the atmosphere. Save any overflowing angst and/or grudges for another day – it can dissipate as the mood changes.

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

~*~ Scorpio Sun 10/22/21 ~ 9:51 PM PDT – 10/23/21 ~ 12:51 AM EDT ~*~

Next – Upbeat Sagittarius!

~*~*~

It’s also the Fall Equinox, but it’s still all about relationships. On Wednesday, September 22, 2021, the Sun moves into Air sign Libra and whether you call it “Fall” or “Autumn”, (in the Northern Hemisphere), it is an “Equinox” – equal day / equal night. Balance – interactions, both business and personal, cooperation, genial negotiations will be in the forefront for the next few weeks. Good things in life are sought after due to the influences of lovely planet ruler Venus – romance, music, delicious food, beauty and hospitality. Even if it isn’t your Sun or Rising, the 7th sign of the Zodiac will still cast a glow.

We may also experience some effects of the planets transiting Libra at this time:

Mercury ~ 8/31/21 – 11/6/21: should amp up our chats, tweets, and texts, with cleverness and charm. (Long stay due to the Communication planet’s Retrograde period)

~ Mercury Retrograde  9/27 – 10/17:  Back up your devices. Pay attention to details. Read contracts carefully.  Avoid snafus, hurt feelings etc – read it over before hitting “send”.

Mars ~ 9/15/21  10/30/21: normally prone to action and impulsiveness, the Warrior planet’s usual aggressiveness is muted and softened.

The Libra way is to see both sides of an issue before making decisions. Seeking harmony by trying to be “fair” can sometimes lead to appearing wishy-washy. Using the “Pros/Cons” list method for making decisions can just draw the selection process out. Be aware that important action can be stalled by over think. Paying attention to instinct and being honest will give a more direct line to a choice. Don’t hesitate to show your spine when needed (some may be surprised when the Libra inner tensile strength is revealed), you’ll still be loved!

My suggestion for anything Libran is always: meet fun folks somewhere beautiful for brunch and / or cocktails. Enjoy being with others!

*~* Libra Sun * Autumn Equinox 9/22/21 ~ 3:21 PM EDT / 12:21 PM PDT

Gemstone: Aventurine * Power Colors: Blues & Violets * Body Part: Kidneys

FYI:  The Scale (signifying balance) is Libra’s Astrology symbol. All other Zodiac signs are either people or animals.

Up next: Scorpio!

** ~*~**

The Sun moves into Virgo on Sunday Aug. 22, 2021. This is a chance to settle down 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, its planet ruler, Virgo’s cleverness can liven up situations when you least expect it.

Communication planet Mercury has been transiting the sign since August 12 (until the 30^th). Spoken, written or tweeted, language is sharper and snappier. Can be fun, just don’t hurt anyone’s feelings – especially since combative, belligerent Mars began a visit on July 30 and remains thru September 15, 2021.

Earth sign Virgo insists that attention be paid to the details, “the nitty-gritty” (is that term still being used?). However, being overly critical and picky, “sweating the small stuff”, “not seeing the forest for the trees”, suffering bouts of “analysis paralysis” will often get in the way of plans for improvements and / or  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  😉

Do those lovely Virgo things instead – be useful, bring calm & order, create a plan for better diet & fitness, be a contribution, be a solution.

If you want to work better/ want better work, put together the little building blocks needed to create something substantial. Now is a great time to get it done (whatever “it” is).

Virgo Sun ~ 8/22/21:   5:35 PM EDT / 2:35 PM PDT

*Gemstone: Carnelian * Power color: Deep green * Body Part: Bowels

~*~*~*~*

On Saturday & Sunday, 8/14 & 8/15/21, the Moon is on fire in sensitive, sensual Scorpio. When in the 8^th sign of the Zodiac, the Lunar Orb wants us focused and INTENSE.

Going after what or whom you want is just the way it has to be. No obstacle too high, no stone buried too deep. Use Scorpio’s passionate, seductive energy wisely.

Is there anything you want to find out? Search for anyone? Uncover a mystery? A Scorpio Moon provides the determination and willfulness to discover and handle truths. Secrets are not safe from this Mars (traditional) / Pluto (modern) ruled Water sign. No hiding or skimming the surface allowed. Some feathers may be ruffled, but the impulse to drill down and get to the bottom of whatever will be hard to deny.

Feel the power this weekend!

~*~*~*