According to Sandy

A stubborn, determined, sensual, Venus ruled Taurus Moon can make December 13, 2013 an exciting, rather than frightening Friday. It’s all about life’s beauty and pleasures, but it also brings forth the obstinate bull in us. Is there such a thing as inflexible love? Nobody wants to lose, give up/ give in, change direction. “Stickin-to-your-guns” works, until it doesn’t. Pay attention and accept when it stops working. Regardless, luxuriate in good food, good people and good times.

Sunday will have us talking more, writing more, etc due to the Moon’s transit of the Gemini,  guided by communications planet Mercury. While Gemini’s duality (the Twins?) can make us clever and versatile, we can also be a little flighty and distracted – so think before you speak or push “send” on that email or text. Regardless of whatever you get into – have a terrific weekend!

FYI:  “Triskaidekaphobia” – fear of Friday the 13^th.

Earth sign Virgo gets a chance at the Sun on Thursday, August 22, 2013. Whether it is your birth sign or not, we will feel the effects of this practical, hardworking, Mercury ruled 6^th sign of the Zodiac until 9/22/13. We will all be a little more grounded and efficient.

Virgo, sign of health, hard work and service also lets us know that it really is all about the details, details, details. If you want to work better/ want better work, put together the little building blocks needed to create something substantial, step by step. We all deserve achievement so why not go after it now (whatever “it” is). Also, implement a good health/exercise regimen. Feeling better helps you work better.

However, being wrapped up in details, or what some may call the “sweating the small stuff”, can also lead to being over critical and picky, not “seeing the forest for the trees” and/or that saying about “paralysis analysis”, etc. Friends,  family and co workers  eventually resent correction, the pointing out of faults, no matter how “helpful”, how good the intention.  Since planet ruler Mercury, the communication maven, transits Virgo, 8/22/13 – 9/9/13, we may talk more, snap more, be “clever”. Giving assistance doesn’t have to mean getting on everyone’s nerves. ,

Do those lovely Virgo things instead – making a difference, being a contribution, being a wizard at organization.

Sun into Virgo 8/22/13: 7:02 PM EDT / 4:02PM PDT

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

The Sun moves into Gemini later this afternoon and it will give us the urge to chat up all who pass our way. Mercury, our communications, education, transportation planet, rules the 3^rd sign of the Zodiac and it wants us to add variety to life and just generally perk things up.

While the Sun is in the sign of the twins (Castor/Pollux), writing, reading, conversation, quick weekend getaways, a “lets do something/lets learn something” type of energy can influence everyone regardless of where they are on the astrology calendar.  Be quick, clever, entertaining and full of news (sometimes gossip) to share. Regardless of whether you tweet, face book, mobile or have an old fashioned face-to-face, communication rules. Enjoy the flexibility, embrace your versatility.

Adding to the fun is Jupiter, planet of luck and more, more, more is always better, transiting until June 26, 2013. It can lift spirits, add to the joy of life and also make us reckless, taking Gemini’s legendary multi-tasking skills to new levels. Just be careful of scattering your energies. Do complete important projects and / or when something has been promised. Half done is half accomplished.

Gemini:  5:10PM EST / 2:10PM PST May 20, 2013 * Duality rocks, variety rocks

Gemstone: Pearl or Agate * Power Color: Yellow * Body Part: Hands

On Wednesday, March 20, 2013 the Sun moves 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 Vernal Equinox on the same day – 1 degree of Aries. Spring is here with new, fresh chances to bloom!

Fire sign Aries’ impulsive, physical high energy can be used to springboard those  ideas and projects that have been percolating all winter. Just to add to the excitement, powerful planets will be visiting Aries for the next few weeks, thereby sparking an extra oomph to this already “snap, crackle and pop” sign.

Planet ruler Mars (the Warrior planet), transiting since 3/12 will remain until 4/20/13. Speed, competition, confrontations lure us. Realize however, we can use any over abundance of aggression for accomplishment, positive action. Do something useful. Will the Love and Beauty planet Venus, in Aries until 4/15, embrace Mars and turn all that passion in another direction – it’s possible. We will certainly be more inclined to choose the “one” and zero in – could be much fun.

Mercury is in Aries too from 4/14 until 5/2/13.  Communication may have more quickness, edge and bite – you’ll be great in debates? Create powerful tweets?  (Just watch the snark.)

And last, but not least, please note that unpredictable, non conformist Uranus is transiting super octane Aries until March 2019 and wildness may occasionally break out. Sudden urges to “act” – out or up – will be hard to resist at times.  However, action with purpose and focus, rather than just because we’re bored is a good way to go. Aries is prone to rushing, risk taking and scattered energies. Think a project through and complete it.  But, don’t forget to have fun. Spring has arrived and everyone can use a little bit of controlled frolicking every once in awhile.

Aries Sun* Spring Equinox 3/20/13:  7:02 AM Eastern / 4:02 AM Pacific

*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.

Monday February 18, 2013 – Sun into compassionate, dreamy, Pisces, the 12^th and final sign of the Zodiac. Its a Water sign ruled by imaginative, mystical  Neptune, therefore, remember to pay attention to your dreams (jot them down). The subconscious is a treasure trove of ideas. However, if too much “feeling” leaves you unsettled and fuzzy thinking, focus to stay grounded and connected to reality. Over sensitivity to adverse energy or vibrations is no excuse to drift or evade life. Be steady, be productive, be creative – which can be great for anyone associated with the arts. Innovations regarding music, dance, theater will probably bubble to the surface faster than usual.

As always, those most affected have the Sun and/or Ascendant in the specified sign. Note that those planets transiting Pisces will add to the mix. With its ruler Neptune visiting until 2026, traits are intensified and we will probably all have our encounters with the intuitive outer planet somewhere in your chart. Neptune has a reputation for clouding the water, fading boundaries, and fostering escapism, but, all these things that make life unsettled can also enhance creativity and imagination.

Mercury, the planet of Communication, entered Pisces on February 5th and remains until April 14th. The influence on our writing and speaking can show up in different ways. “Say what you mean, mean what you say”. Being sloppy, careless or vague with interactions can cause misunderstandings. Strive for clarity.

Spread that natural Pisces kindness among family and friends. Don’t be surprised if sympathy/empathy colors your relationships – offer assistance where it is genuinely needed.

Sun in Pisces – February 18, 2013:  7:02AM EST / 4:02 AM PST

* Gemstone: Amethyst * Power color: Purple * Body Part: Feet

The Sun freedom walks its way into the independent, people oriented, humanitarian, 11th sign of the Zodiac, Aquarius. An Air sign ruled by unpredictable, unconventional, Uranus, we may feel an urge to join a rally, march and protest for any cause deemed to be just. It’s all about “We/Us” rather than “I/Me”.  Caring about neighbors and the community, being involved and determined to find resolutions to issues that touch them is the Aquarian way of being. We can all tap into these vibrations regardless of our personal Sun sign.

Aggressive, high energy, warrior planet Mars has been in Aquarius since 12/26/12 and leaves on 2/2/13. As it transits, power is lent to the group focused traits of this sign – volunteering, organizing, disseminating helpful information- we can aim to leave a place better than we found it. Not a bad goal.

Mercury slips into innovative Aquarius on the same day that the Sun does and stimulates all forms of communication until February 5, 2013. Write down any clever and original ideas percolating to the surface and share with the group. However, with Mars so close by, be careful of any strident, angry language.

Sun into Aquarius January 19, 2013 = 4:52PM EST / 1:52 PM PST

*Gemstone: Blue Tiger’s Eye *Power color: Ultramarine blue * Body Part: Legs

BTW: don’t get confused – even though the Astrology symbol is the “Water Bearer”, Aquarius is an Air sign!

It’s ruler Mercury, the Communications planet, is finally out of Retrograde motion as of 11/26 and both a Full Moon and a Lunar Eclipse occur in Air sign Gemini on Wednesday = powerful. The possibilities of clear, meaningful verbal and written exchanges while the Moon is in the third sign of the Zodiac are always with us, but with “Full” / Eclipse energy, even more so.

What do you need to say? What do you need to write?  With Gemini, interaction can be smart and clever, but now while the Luminaries are opposite each other – light from the Sagittarius Sun reflected on the Gemini Moon – it can also be purposeful, powerful and precise. Lunar Eclipses often make us rush (an urge to finish/complete) whether the urgency is real or imagined.  Take your time when finalizing communications or signing contracts. Close scrutiny and review can’t hurt if it’s important. Finish up what was started around the time of the New Moon, 11/13/12.

Are you ready for a busy, bouncy, upbeat good time? Well, that’s what we get when the Sun prances into Fire sign Sagittarius on Wednesday November 21, 2012. (The symbol for the optimistic 9^th Astrology sign is the half man/ half horse Centaur – usually with a wine pouch.) Perfect, just in time for a holiday gathering. Share laughs, share food, share Sag philosophical wisdom. Spread cheer!

Fire sign Sagittarius is ruled by good luck Jupiter, planet of “BIG”- ideas, actions, themes. Aim for “controlled” excess if things lean toward going over the top. Be with people, have a travel adventure, revel in the abundance of the season. Say “YES” and expect excellent results, reach for the good things, discover something new. However, even though there may be an underlying sense of “can’t miss”, the million dollar deal is done, everything is great – be aware of the edges. Over confidence can send you too far. Don’t embarrass yourself or loved ones due to over indulgence (in anything). Have a good time, but, establish and adhere to limits.

Currently, Communication planet Mercury is Retrograde in Scorpio. It stops on 11/26 and will forward into Sagittarius by 12/11 and remains until 12/31. Clever, curious and often razor sharp, this can be good for creativity. Sag influences us to love a good laugh but also loving to go deep and ponder the universe. Teach a class, take a class, finally write something that you’ve been thinking about forever. Watch language as you share YOUR truth, no need for the snark or the snippy. Long bouts of verbal testiness is not attractive and can really smother a party 😀

*Sagittarius – November 21, 2012 4:50PM EST / 1:50PM PST

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

Of course, most affected will be those with a Sagittarius Sun, Rising and/or Moon sign. But, regardless of your actual birthday, always try to take advantage and benefit from the best vibrations of whichever sign the Sun is transiting. For the next 30 days, we can all share in some Sag fun.

Happy Thanksgiving! Remember your blessings.

All day Saturday and Sunday will be about Fiery Aries Moon energy. The Lunar orb will also be “Full”, which adds extra potency. The vibe should be perfect for any “David & Goliath”-like challenges you may have to deal with this weekend. Focus your physical, aggressive urges, strategize and think before you act (rash, over the top impulses can lead to embarrassment?). Warrior planet Mars rules spark plug Aries and it’s “In your face” tendencies can mean direct, honest, competitive rather than just loud and angry. The influence of the Harvest Moon transit thru this sign can make our weekend fast paced and exciting. Take advantage.

The Moon is “waning” on its way to the 3^rd and 4^th quarters, making it a good time to finish up old projects, clean up messes that you have been ignoring for the past few weeks. Once you clear out what has been hanging around, you will create space for the “New” – ideas, things, spaces. (The next New Moon will be 10/15/12 – in Air sign Libra.)

FYI – Harvest Moon 9/29/12, 11:19PM Eastern / 8:19PM Pacific. The first Full Moon after the Fall Equinox is always labeled a “Harvest Moon” (The Equinox occurred on September 22, when the Sun moved into Libra)

*During a “Full” phase, the luminaries are exactly opposite each other. The Aries  Moon is fully lit by the Libra Sun. (Beautiful, dramatic, nothing to fear.)

Fall is officially here and along with the Autumn Equinox, in the Northern Hemisphere, the Sun waltzed into Libra on Saturday September 22, 2012. Even if it isn’t your Sun or Rising sign, the 7^th sign of the Zodiac will still cast a glow. It’s all about socializing, networking, getting along. There will be cooperation, genial negotiations and the urge to seek balance in both business and personal relationships. Good things in life are highlighted due to the influences of lovely planet ruler Venus – romance, music, delicious food, beauty, graciousness and hospitality. This can be a fun time.

Communication planet Mercury will be visiting Libra until October 5, 2012, it should make for clever, interesting dinner conversation. Saturn, planet of restrictions and just general “grownup-ness” has been transiting Libra for about 2 years. It leaves the Air sign on October 6, 2012. Any feelings of limitations due to the task master’s presence should dissipate. The plus side is you’ll be left with any results that focused, hardworking Saturn has left you. (Was decision making faster than usual?)

Seeking harmony, the Libra way is to see both sides of an issue before making up your mind. However, using the Pros/Cons list method can just string 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.

As always, your experience of the Sun in a particular sign depends most upon where it appears in your chart, but we still feel its influences.

Libra – Gemstone: Aventurine * Power colors: Blue and Violet * Body part: Kidneys

BTW:  The Scale is Libra’s Astrology symbol. All other Zodiac signs are either people or animals. (Interpret that however you wish.)

FYI: Libra Sun * Autumn Equinox  9/22/12 – 10:49AM Eastern / 7:49AM Pacific