Author: Margaret Lassiter

Astro Doings January 2017

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

Happy New Year!

2017 starts pretty quietly, astrologically. The first week, Mercury will still be retrograde, a wonderful time to re-think, re-group, re-evaluate. He goes direct on January 8th at 4:43 a.m. He’ll be at 290 Sagittarius and will move into Capricorn on the 12th. Mercury in Capricorn processes information more slowly and thoroughly than he does in fiery Sagittarius. After Mercury goes direct, as we say, all planets will be going direct, i.e. moving from east to west through the heavens (by our perception from earth). It may feel more “full steam ahead” than we’ve felt before when the outer planets were retrograde.

The outer planets are all still in either cardinal (Aries, Libra, Capricorn) or mutable (Pisces, Sagittarius). Both types of energy are very restless, somewhat pushy, easily bored and seemingly without direction. We’ve had this energy lineup for a while now, which sometimes can feel frenetic and lacking in direction. There is very little sustaining (fixed) energy to slow things down a little bit. Throughout January, Uranus (planet of the higher mind, rebellion, lightening bolts) will be on the other side of the zodiac from Jupiter (planet of expansion, larger than life, not always realistic). Uranus is in Aries and Jupiter is in Libra, calling us to balance our own interests and growth (Aries) with others (Libra). Libra is the sign of balance (they don’t have it, but they keep looking for it!) and of the “other.” Of course, the goal is to recognize that we are all one. Both Uranus and Jupiter are squaring (growth opportunity, incompatible elements) Pluto in Capricorn, which is an earth sign. It seems that Pluto has been in Capricorn forever, challenging all of our systems within ourselves and in our societies. So a further adjustment is possible between our optimism (Jupiter) and our higher mind (Uranus). Those with planets from 15 to 250 Aries, Libra, Capricorn and/or Cancer, may be more impacted by this planetary combination, called a t-square.

That’s really it for January. The Full Moon occurs on January 12th at 220 Cancer and the New Moon occurs on January 27th at 80 Aquarius. The Sun enters the sign of the Water Bearer (Aquarius) on January 19th at 4:24 p.m., adding a little stabilizing and/or stubborn (fixed) energy to the mix.

I wish you all peace and abundant blessings in this New Year!

Margaret

Astro Doings December 2016

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Hi Everyone

Hard to believe that we’re now in the last month of 2016. December continues the pattern we’ve seen of mostly cardinal (initiating but not finishing, male, restless) and mutable (also restless, multi-talented, flighty) energy. There is very little fixed or sustaining energy around, so things may continue to feel unsettled and/or restless, depending on how this impacts your chart.

Mercury goes retrograde on December 19th at 5:55 a.m. He’ll be at 150 Capricorn, right next to Pluto, the planet that rules the underground, power, secrets and deep-seated transformation. Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign that concerns structures and systems – both personal and collective. This can be a time of close examination of how we think and what old thought patterns need to be removed. At the end of December and into early January, just in time for the New Year, the Sun will be right next to Pluto. Mercury goes direct on January 8th.

Uranus, the planet of the higher mind, goes direct on December 29th at 4:29 a.m. He’ll be at 200 Aries, a cardinal, fire sign and square (growth opportunity) Mercury and Pluto in Capricorn. Earth is a great way to put fire out and too much fire renders earth unusable. However, when these two elements work together, they can accomplish anything – bringing inspiration (fire) onto the earth plane in practical (earth) applications. Jupiter, the planet of expansion and being “bigger than life,” is in Libra, which opposes Uranus and square Pluto/Mercury. He invites us to broaden our attitudes (Mercury) toward others (Libra) and bring our quest for ourselves (Aries) into balance with others, Pluto here means that we have the opportunity to transform our relationship to ourselves (Aries) and each other (Libra), recognizing in truth that we are all one.

December’s Full Moon occurs on December 13th at 7:05. She’ll be at 220 Gemini.

The Winter Solstice, when the Sun enters Capricorn, occurs on December 21st at 5:45 a.m. And from there, we celebrate the return of the Light – on all levels!

I hope you have a most joyous holiday season and abundant blessings in the New Year.

Peace,

Margaret

 

Astro Doings November 2016

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Hi Everyone

We have a little bit more fixed (sustaining, feminine, stubborn) energy in November with the Sun in Scorpio until the 21st and Mars moving into Aquarius on the 9th. Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto are all in cardinal signs (Libra, Aries and Capricorn respectively), as they have been for a while. Jupiter and Uranus oppose each other and Pluto squares both of them. Lots of opportunity for growth and change come from this energetic line-up.

Neptune is still hanging out at 90 Pisces, the sign she rules. She will basically stop moving on the 18th and change directions at 11:39 p.m. on the 19th. This may impact those with any planet or sensitive point, like the Ascendent, at 90, plus or minus 5 degrees, of Pisces, Sagittarius, Gemini or Virgo (all mutable signs). Pisces is a water sign, so issues around water may come into focus.

The Full Moon on November 14th at 8:52 a.m. will be at 220 Taurus. This will be the last Super Moon and she will be the closest she’s been to earth since 1948. So hope the night is clear so we can see her! Taurus is a fixed sign, so those with planets close to those degrees in Scorpio, Aquarius or Leo may be a bit more moody or loony that day!

The Sun moves into Sagittarius on the 21st at 4:23 p.m. It will be an easy flow of energy with Uranus (trine) and square (growth opportunity) Neptune. The Sun is joined by Saturn. Sagittarius is the Pathfinder, the explorer and the optimist, in its best expression. It is also the sign of faith.

Hope you have a lovely November and a happy Thanksgiving.

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings October 2016

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Hi Everyone

October looks quieter than September in that there are no eclipses and no planets changing direction. However, again this month, planets are either in cardinal signs (Aries, Libra, Cancer or Capricorn) – energy that initiates, but has trouble finishing. Or they’re in the mutable signs (Gemini, Sagittarius. Virgo or Pisces). Mutable energy is very changeable, multi-talented but not necessarily committed to one direction. So, if you have a lot of fixed energy (Taurus, Scorpio, Leo or Aquarius) in your chart, this could feel rather unsettled or frenetic to you.

The Sun will enter Scorpio on the 22nd, which may help a little.

The Full Moon, on October 16 at 230 Aries, will be squared by Mars and Pluto, both in Capricorn, and Jupiter in Libra. Venus and Saturn in Sagittarius will trine it (since Sag is another fire sign). So there will be a lot of around this Super Moon. Tides, emotions and other things influenced by the Moon could be intense, including where Aries is in your chart. What may be more interesting here is that Mars (energy, warrior, male, the military) is next to Pluto (transformation, underground, power) in Capricorn (systems, status quo). And Venus (how we love and take in love) and Saturn (restriction, lack, delay, fear, authority figures) are also next to each other in Sagittarius, a fire sign, whose quest is for Truth, but can also express itself as “us versus them.”

Have a great October!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings September 2016

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

Hope you had a wonderful summer! September promises to be quite intense, especially for the mutable signs (Gemini, Sagittarius, Virgo, Pisces). And there are no planets in fixed signs (Leo, Aquarius, Taurus, Scorpio) until the end of the month, so it may feel that nothing is settled or finished. Fixed energy gives us the tenacity to finish what we start. Mutable energy is constantly shifting and adapting.

September begins with Mercury retrograde and a solar eclipse. Mercury goes retrograde on August 30 at 9:04 a.m. at 290 Virgo. It’s the last one in 2016!  Because of this retrograde motion, he will be in Virgo until October 7th. Virgo is the sign of discernment, discrimination and organization (among many other things). Mercury likes being in Virgo where he works to categorize life and put it in little boxes. Just don’t get lost in the analysis (paralysis)! He also trines (easy flow of energy) Pluto (power, underground, transformation) in Capricorn (status quo, big business, systems). In addition he opposes (other side of the heavens) Neptune (fog, compassion, redemption, divine homesickness) in Pisces. This can be a positive thing, as earth (Virgo) gives boundaries to watery Pisces and Pisces softens Virgo’s perfectionism. Both signs are feminine – sustaining, supportive, nurturing and both are about change.

The solar eclipse occurs at 90 Virgo on September 1st at 5:03 a.m. (We will not be able to see it in the US.) This is an annular eclipse where a ring of the Sun’s light is visible around the darkness of the Moon’s shadow. It will last about six hours so this energy vortex will be open for at least six months. Those with planets, lunar nodes or angles from 6-120 of any of the mutable signs will be most likely to feel the energy of this potent new beginning. This eclipse will be squared (growth opportunity) by Saturn (restriction, lack, lessons, Dweller on the Threshold) in Sagittarius (quest for Truth) and opposed by Neptune in Pisces. These two planets ask us to elevate our mundane perceptions (Saturn) to live our spiritual truths (Neptune) and create heaven here on earth. This eclipse in Virgo adds additional support to this effort as Virgo represents the harvest of our Selves, integrated spiritual beings, expressing ourselves from our highest understanding.

As you know, eclipses come in pairs. The lunar eclipse occurs on the Harvest Moon on September 16th at 3:05 p.m. The moon will be at 240 Pisces. What are you harvesting? What do you want to let go of? How do you want to serve? Are you ready to move forward in unity with all that is? This eclipse is squared by Mars in Sagittarius, whose highest expression is the spiritual warrior with plenty of courage to seek the Path to Truth, which is the quest of Sagittarius.

The Autumnal Equinox is on the 22nd when the Sun moves into Libra at 10:22 a.m. Libra is the sign of balance and reconciliation of opposites. Libra focuses on the other, but its task is to balance itself with the other.

And Mercury goes direct on the 22nd at 1:31 a.m. He’ll be at 140 Virgo. Phew! If that’s not enough, Pluto, the planet of deep-seated transformation, what lies beneath the surface, power struggles, and manipulation, goes direct on September 26th at 10:50 a.m. She’ll be at 14 degrees Capricorn. The inner work done during her long retrograde may now be more evident to you — and to others. Power struggles on the world scene could be more obvious.

The month ends with a new moon in Libra, signaling the potential for new beginnings of balance, beauty and measured growth!

Have a great September!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings June 2016

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Hi Everyone

The planet that stands out for me in June is Neptune. Attention all Pisceans – this is your ruling planet and she will be at 120 Pisces the entire month. Why? She goes retrograde on June 13th at 4:43 p.m. EDT and basically stops there. She will also be part of a big T (called a t-square, also called a growth opportunity) with Jupiter on the other side of the heavens in Virgo (earth), with Saturn squaring both of them in Sagittarius (fire). Early in the month, the Sun in Gemini (air) will change this T to an X by opposing Saturn and closing the figure. The New Moon on June 3rd will add a little more energy to this X in the heavens (called a Grand Cross). This may result in a feeling of restlessness, an inability to settle down, and needing to choose (but unable to do so) between many different possibilities. Emotions may be very close to the surface and anyone impacted by Neptune may feel somewhat in a fog. It can also be a time of increased compassion. By the way, Saturn (and this big X) is currently sitting on the Ascendant (how we present ourselves) of the US Sibly chart. I’ll leave it to you to figure out what that means!

At the very end of June – the 29th to be exact, Mars, the planet of war and warriors (spiritual and otherwise) goes direct after his retrograde that began in April. He’ll be at 230 Scorpio. Mars is male, initiating energy so things may seem to move forward a little more easily. Scorpio is a water sign and is about what ripples beneath the surface, especially power. Scorps can never been fooled and they have unfailingly accurate insight into others, which can be rather unnerving.

The Summer Solstice, when the Sun enters Cancer, occurs on June 20th at 6:34 p.m. Earlier that morning, we have June’s Full Moon at 290 Sagittarius. Since this occurs at the very end of the Gemini/Sagittarius continuum, it suggests that we have an opportunity to re-visit our ways of thinking about things (Gemini) and to incorporate higher truths (Sagittarius) into our everyday lives.

This is the 65th Astro Doings post, and I’ve decided to take the summer off. Astro Doings, or some form of it, will be back in the fall.

I hope you all have a wonderful summer!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings May 2016

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

Happy May Day! As I looked at the astrological calendar for May, I was struck by the fact that most planets are in either fire or earth signs. Looking at this from a strictly practical perspective, fire and earth don’t get along very well. Earth is a good way to put fire out and fire can render earth dry and infertile. However, another way to look at this is practical (earth) inspiration (fire). It is the ability to take our dreams (fire) and realize them in a practical and useful (earth) way. Earth helps us look at the details (Virgo) and plan (Capricorn) how we will implement our insights into spiritual truth (Sagittarius) and into ourselves (Aries). We have a lot of Taurus energy this month, which slows us down enough to look before we leap.

Jupiter, ruler of Sagittarius (and Pisces), ends its long retrograde sojourn on May 9 at 8:16 a.m. He’ll be at 130 degrees Virgo, the sign of harvest and integration. He is on the other side of the zodiac from Neptune in Pisces, and can provide boundaries and balance for our quest to merge with something greater than ourselves (Pisces). It can bring practicality (Virgo) to our dreams (Neptune).

Mercury also stations direct this month – on May 22nd to be exact at 9:20 a.m. He’ll remain in methodical Taurus for the rest of the month. Speed demon Mercury doesn’t particularly like being in slow-moving, deliberate Taurus. However, we can focus on “thinking things through” and on recognizing that thoughts are truly things. Along with Mercury, the New Moon occurs in Taurus on May 6th at 3:29 p.m.

The Sun moves into Gemini on May 20 at10:37 a.m. Gemini looks at both sides of any (and all) continuums and loves to explore the realm of ideas – for a few minutes, anyway, until he moves on to something else. The Full Moon is the next day, providing some balance to Gemini’s flitting energy, by focusing us more on higher truths (Sagittarius).

And don’t forget to watch Mercury pass over the face of the Sun on May 9th starting a little before 7 a.m. EDT (if I’ve done the time conversion correctly). Weather permitting, we should be able to see it in eastern North America. (The last time this happened was in 2006). If you decide to watch it other than online, be sure to protect your eyes from the Sun’s rays. I’m sure there will be more information about this astronomical event as we get closer.

Have a wonderful month!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings April 2016

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

What strikes me about the planetary doings in April is that by the end of the month there will be five planets in retrograde motion: Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto. Three of them (Mercury, Mars and Pluto) change direction during the month. While we generally experience the energies of planets in retrograde motion more inwardly and this can be true if we choose to use them this way, we may also experience this as feeling somewhat stuck or without a lot of forward motion, both personally and globally. And three of them (Sun, Mercury and Venus) will be in Taurus, the slowest moving sign of the zodiac, at the end of the month – just for emphasis!

We begin the month with a powerful New Moon at 180 Aries on April 7th at 7:24 a.m. EDT. New moons are always about new beginnings and Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, reiterating the “new beginning” theme. Uranus, planet of higher level thinking, rebellion and revolution, is conjunct (next to) this New Moon, adding the potential for innovative new ways of doing things to the Sun/Moon “conversation” about needing to start anew. It is also being squared by powerful Pluto in Capricorn, reminding us that this “new beginning” needs to focus on structures that no longer work, on planning, on discipline and on dedication.

Mars is currently in Sagittarius with Saturn. Mars is the warrior; Saturn is the disciplinarian/father and both planets are male in their energetic feel. Sagittarius is the sign of the pathfinder, so this can be a time to find our inner path and have the courage (Mars) and discipline/dedication (Saturn) to follow it. Mars stations retrograde on April 17 at 8:14 a.m. and will remain in retrograde motion until the end of June.

And the next day, April 18, Pluto stations retrograde at 3:23 a.m. at 170 Capricorn. Here we have another opportunity to look at personal structures and attitudes that no longer serve us. I believe that we will also continue to see societal structures that no longer work be part of the evening news.

And last, but certainly not least, Mercury goes retrograde on April 28th at 1:20 p.m. He’ll be at 230 Taurus. He’ll go direct three weeks later, May 23rd.

A rather introspective month, I think, considering it’s spring and a time when things begin to blossom and flower. It may be that this time is given us to slow our frenetic pace down, and focus on what is truly important to us, to truly fulfill all our potential for our highest and best.

Have a wonderful April!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

 

 

Astro Doings March 2016

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

Hope you enjoyed the relative quiet of February. They say that March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. As far as the stars go this March, the first part is certainly true but not so much for the last part.

Solar Eclipse

We begin the month with a powerful total Solar Eclipse at 180 Pisces on March 8 at 8:54 p.m. A solar eclipse occurs at a new moon, and this is the first of a series of “super moons.” Super moon is when the moon is closest to the earth at either a new or a full moon. This closeness impacts tides, the tectonic plates and electromagnetic fields. This powerful eclipse is also joined by Neptune, and Chiron, squared by Saturn and opposed by Jupiter. This is a lot of energy all at once. So, what to do with it?

First, look to see where 180 Pisces lands in your chart and if there are any planets at that degree in your chart plus or minus 10 degrees. This is the area that will be most impacted by the eclipse. Pisces is a water sign that dissolves harsh barriers and attitudes. It is the sign of faith that seeks the numinous, the divine and what is beyond our five senses. Generally it has a hard time relating to the harshness of the world. This is an extraordinary time for healing, meditation, and retreat from old thought patterns about ourselves. A time to move into the recognition that in truth we are light and that light and love are all that is. An eclipse is like an energy vortex that remains open one month for every hour of the eclipse, in this case five, and as planets pass over that “spot” they “dump” energy into it. Mercury and Venus will pass over the eclipse point on the 15th and 27th respectively.

In September 2015 there was another solar eclipse at 200 Virgo, exactly opposite this one. What was important to you six months ago? Are there unresolved issues that need to be resolved around becoming and expressing who you are in truth? And Jupiter, planet of expansion, faith, optimism, and the ancient rule of Pisces, is sitting on top of that eclipse degree. This provides positive, expansive energy as we work to integrate all parts of ourselves and our experiences (Virgo) as we move toward a greater understanding that all these supposed “differences” were simply experiments in consciousness, exploring the difference facets of the light that we are (Pisces).

Vernal Equinox

Yep, it’s spring and happy astrological New Year! New beginnings, new expressions of self, new quests for a closer relationship with high self – the Sun enters Aries on March 20 right after midnight. Yahoo! And Mercury enters Aries the next day. It’s a time to put into action the reflections and insights of this winter. You may feel like you’re waking up from a long sleep.

Lunar Eclipse

Eclipses come in pairs and a lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of the zodiac. In this case the lunar eclipse occurs on March 23rd at 8:01 a.m. at 30 Libra. Libra is an air sign and is focused on relationship – with each other, with ourselves and with our beloved planet. The Sun in Aries provides impetus to speak out, to be assertive to lead the way. Moon in Libra reminds us to keep the heart in focus as we move forward, to be considerate and thoughtful of others and where we need to hone our compromise skills.

Saturn Retrograde

Saturn, the great teacher of our solar system because he presents himself as delay, fear, the ego, but also discipline, patience and wisdom, changes direction on March 25th. He goes retrograde (backwards) at 6:01 a.m. at 160 Sagittarius and is squared (growth opportunity) by Jupiter in Virgo. He will remain in retrograde motion until August. Sagittarius is a fire sign on a quest for truth; Virgo (where Jupiter is) is an earth sign focused on integration. These energies can be used to go inward for our truth and integrate all what we perceive to be the different parts of ourselves into one whole expression of the divine in form – once of course, fire isn’t afraid that earth will put it out!

Have a wonderful month and happy spring and other great new beginnings1

Peace and abundant blessings!

Margaret

 

Astro Doings February 2016

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

 

Hi Everyone

I hope you’re enjoying the 5 visible planet line up each morning before dawn. It truly is spectacular and worth getting up early to see. It will continue through mid-February.

February promises to be a rather quiet interlude between January and March – so enjoy it!

Jupiter, planet of expansion, good fortune and faith, continues its retrograde motion through Virgo (see January 2016 Astro Doings). It will make its second opposition to Chiron, planet of deep healing, inner child work, and mentoring, in Pisces. This transit can be used to soften our inner critic and nurture our awareness of our inner divinity.

The New Moon will occur on February 8th at 190 Aquarius at 9:39 a.m. ET. Aquarius is the sign of the visionary, inventor, humanitarian and tends to consider what would benefit the group in all issues. It is, however, also the sign of friendship. It is an air sign, so it’s more comfortable in the mental realm. Mercury (how we think) and Venus (how we express and receive love) will join the Sun in Aquarius in mid-February.

The Sun enters Pisces, a water sign that seeks to merge with something greater than itself, on February 19th at just after midnight and will be “running” with Neptune, Chiron and the South Node in the last third of the month. (The Sun will be exactly conjunct, read next to, Neptune at the end of February into early March.) This is be great time to increase our awareness of our innate divinity, with Chiron’s healing energy helping to erase old wounds that continue to prevent us from expressing who we are in truth. The water element can also help us to tune into others more compassionately. Mars in Scorpio, which is another water sign and flows easily with Pisces, provides additional impetus and energy for these internal changes. All this water, of course, can also mean that globally and nationally we will continue to deal with issues around water – think Flint, Michigan, major storms and/or lack of water. All this to increase our appreciation of this vital resource and to better protect it to ensure that everyone on the planet has enough pure water to meet their needs.

The Full Moon occurs on February 22nd at 1:20 p.m. at 30 Virgo. This will echo the Jupiter/Chiron opposition (see above). I think the key word for the end of February is softening. The beginning of the month will provide a lot of air (ideas, innovation) but the end of the month can provide insight of another sort – compassion and true understanding of ourselves and others.

Have a great month!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret