Leo

Astro Doings July-August 2019

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

Hope you enjoyed the quiet of May and June. July is quite active with 2 eclipses and everyone’s favorite retrograde (Mercury). In August two planets change direction, so the rest of the summer will be active in the heavens!

July

July 2: Total Solar Eclipse at 3:16 p.m.

This eclipse will not be visible in the US or Canada. The Sun and Moon will be at 100 Cancer, since a solar eclipse occurs at a New Moon when both luminaries are in the same sign. Its impact or effect will last until transiting Saturn opposes the degree of the eclipse in September 2019, so three months. The totality of the eclipse lasts four minutes, 33 seconds, which the longest in six years. Those with planets from 7-130 in Cancer, Libra, Aries or Capricorn may feel the impact of this eclipse more than others. (Also, those with placements in the other water signs, Pisces and Scorpio.) Neptune in Pisces trines (easy flow) the eclipse, and Saturn and Pluto oppose it (balance). The Moon, the “Lord” of this eclipse, is in her own sign, so very powerful. Mothers, female authority figures, emotions, moodiness, home, hearth, loyalty to family and clan may be themes that come to the surface during this eclipse. An eclipse in water signs may also signify excessive rain, drug-related problems, wide-spread unrest, tidal waves, and destruction of things that live near or in the water. And it is emotionally driven. Not to be forgotten, Saturn is also in his own sign (Capricorn), opposing the Sun/Moon. Saturn represents restriction, lack, fear, fathers, authority figures of all types. So, there is a need to balance these two opposing principles. This solar eclipse is next to the north node of the Moon, also known as the Dragon Head, when talking about types of eclipses. A Dragon Head solar eclipse can lead to fresh opportunities, but it can also come as a surprise, which can be experienced at first as disruptive. (For more information about eclipses, I would recommend Celeste Teal’s book Eclipses.)

Of particular interest is that this eclipse also plays out on the world stage being conjunct (on top of) the Sun in US Chart (Sibley) and Canada’s, both being Sun sign Cancer countries. (Happy Canada Day to our good neighbors on July 1!) This eclipse also squares Saturn in Libra in the US chart, which represents the executive, and is in the 10th house of government and national prestige. The eclipse occurs in the eighth house in the US chart, which includes international finance, financial relations with other countries, and foreign investments.

July 7: Mercury Retrograde at 7:15 p.m.

Mercury will start his three-week retrograde period in Leo but will back into Cancer on July 19, joining the Sun and Venus in the sign of the Crab. You are now all experts on Mercury retrogrades as times of re-grouping, re-treating and re-thinking, so I’m not going to say anything more about that. Leo is the sign of the Divine (or not-so-divine) Child within, and Cancer is about sanctuary, home, hearth, and nourishment (not just physical). Remember that the Crab carries its house on its back, so your sanctuary is within you. Mercury stations direct on July 31st at 11:58 p.m. He’ll be at 230 Cancer, adding more energy to the lunar eclipse.

July 16: Lunar Eclipse at 5:38 p.m.

The Moon will be at 240 Capricorn. (Remember that lunar eclipses occur at a Full Moon, so the Sun is in Cancer.) This is a very powerful eclipse, as Saturn and Pluto will be next to (conjunct) the Moon. Because Pluto is nearer to the eclipse degree (it’s at 210) it becomes the Lord of this eclipse, instead of Capricorn’s ruler, Saturn. Remember that Pluto rules the underground, deep-seated transformation and power. This is a Dragon’s Tail eclipse, because the Moon is opposed to the north node, which is in Cancer. Eclipses in earth signs, especially Capricorn, are concerned with issues of the earth, including on a global stage, recessions, business, agricultural issues, drought, crop failures, earthquakes, etc. On a personal level, Capricorn can also be concerned about financial issues, security, and on a higher level, sure-footed progress climbing the mountain of spiritual development. Those with planets from 21-270 Capricorn, Cancer, Aries or Libra may feel the impact of this very powerful eclipse more than others – also the other earth signs: Virgo and Taurus. Its influence will continue until Saturn crosses over the degree of the eclipse in January 2020.

Once again, this eclipse impacts the US Chart. Transiting Pluto is coming very close to natal Pluto in the US Chart, which is at 270 Capricorn, and this eclipse is right on top of it. Pluto is in the second house in the US chart, which represents resources, both financial and natural, and a nation’s values. Pluto calls for a complete overhaul of whatever house it’s in – deep-seated transformation, as you know, both personally and nationally. Dragon’s Tail eclipses generally represent a time of balancing the ledger in areas out of balance and it also vibrates to timeless service and things of a more spiritual focus. It’s a time of giving back and practicing compassion.

The Sun enters Leo on July 23rd, the sign of the child and creativity! The New Moon occurs on July 31st at 11:12 p.m. She’ll be at 80 Leo. Venus and Mars also enter Leo during July on the 28th and 2nd respectively. So lots of fire in July.

August

August 11: Both Jupiter and Uranus change directions!

Hold onto your hats and/or buckle your seat belts! Jupiter, the planet of expansion, good fortune and all things bigger than life, ends his four-month retrograde period at 9:38 a.m. He’ll be at 140 Sagittarius. He’s very happy in his own sign, brash, optimistic, proud, impulsive and enthusiastic. He can also be a groupie with an us versus them attitude, but he can also be a quester for higher truths. He is currently on top of (conjunct) the Ascendant of the US Chart, which deals with how we present ourselves to the world.

Uranus, planet of the higher mind, rebellion, inspiration, vision, revolutionary thinking, begins his five-month retrograde period at 10:26 p.m. He’s at 60 Taurus. He’s not very happy in Taurus, as his lightning-quick energy is not compatible with Taurus’ slower, more deliberate way of doing things. However, Uranus can provide new ideas and innovative practices that could be beneficial in all earthly matters and Taurus can slow things down, so they have a chance to manifest. Of all the earth signs, Taurus is the most connected to Mother Earth and her rhythms.

The Sun enters Virgo on August 23rd at 6:02 a.m. Virgo is the sign of the harvest, of the Self primarily – collecting all the different parts of ourselves into one whole — but also we begin to harvest what we’ve planted in our gardens in late August and early September. By the end of the month, there will be seven planets in earth signs: Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars in Virgo, Uranus in Taurus and Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn. No planets in air — only Neptune in water and Jupiter in fire.

The Full Moon occurs on August 15th at 8:29 a.m. She’ll be at 110 Aquarius. The New Moon occurs on August 30 at 6:37 a.m. She’ll be at 60 Virgo.

Have a great summer!

Peace and abundant blessings!

Margaret

Astro Doings January 2019

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

Happy New Year! It hardly seems possible that I’m writing the first blog for 2019! This year gets off to a pretty exciting start astrologically speaking, featuring two eclipses and Uranus changing directions. I’ll take them in order.

January 5: Partial Solar Eclipse at 8:28 p.m. ET

Solar eclipses occur at a new moon and can signal significant new beginnings. The Sun will be at 150 Capricorn, and the eclipse will last about 4 hours. However, we will not be able to see it here in the US. Saturn will be right next to (conjunct) the Sun when the eclipse occurs adding additional importance to developing new structures, both personal and global at this time, and overcoming our fears. Since Saturn is next to the eclipse point, the impact of this eclipse will be shorter than the “normal” formula of one month for every hour of the eclipse. Pluto, planet of deep-seated transformation, is also very close to this eclipse degree as well, adding additional power to this event, along with impetus to go deeply into any restructuring we might begin at this time. Those with planets within 4 degrees on either side of 150, especially in Cardinal signs (Capricorn, Libra, Aries and Cancer) may feel the impact of this eclipse more than others.

January 6: Uranus stations direct at 3:26 p.m. ET

The planet of the higher mind, rebellion and destroyer of old forms of thinking ends his retrograde (backwards, inner) motion right after the solar eclipse, adding additional energy to moving outwardly forward with the ideas, impulses and revelations gleaned during his retrograde motion. He will be at 280 Aries, the sign of the warrior (sometimes spiritual, sometimes not). Aries is the sign of the leader, me-first, and fearlessness, which sometimes looks like recklessness or impulsiveness. Again, the Cardinal signs may feel this change of direction more acutely, but for all of us the energy will be more attuned to sharing new visions, impulses and revelations, rather than pondering them. Uranus will continue to move “forward,” i.e. from east to west, until August.

 January 21: Total Lunar Eclipse at 0:16 a.m. ET

As you know, eclipses generally come in pairs, and lunar eclipses occur at a full moon. This one is not only a total eclipse, but it’s also a super moon. The eclipse will be visible in North America, (here’s hoping for clear skies!) and will last about 5 hours. The Moon will be at 00 Leo, since the Sun enters Aquarius the day before. While a lunar eclipse generally focuses on service and letting go of old patterns, this one is at the beginning of the sign, which generally indicates a new beginning. And it’s in a fixed sign, and we haven’t seen too much of this energetic quality — sustaining, abiding, stubborn, feminine in its feel. (Other fixed signs include Aquarius, Taurus and Scorpio.) The Moon will have an ally in Mars, who is at early degrees Aries, and Venus who is at early degrees Sagittarius, both fire signs, so we have a very early flow of energy between these planets (a grand trine). The Moon and Venus are both considered “feminine” planets, while Mars is masculine. So, both types of energy are represented in this big triangle, fueled by an eclipse at the beginning of Leo. Leo is the sign of the divine child in each of us. Perhaps the best use of this eclipse is to release that which holds us back from expressing who we are in truth and moving forward in a new way.

 Elementally, the year starts out with mostly earth and water. The last third of the month includes some planets in the air element (Sun, Mercury). Air is the element of ideas, inspiration and communication, and has been by in large absent with none of the outer planets currently in signs of that element. This will be true in 2019 as well.

Hope you have a wonderful start to a great New Year!

Peace and abundant blessings!

Margaret

Astro Doings July 2018

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

Fasten your seat belts! July promises a lot of celestial activity including two eclipses and planets changing direction.  I’ll take them in order.

July 10: Jupiter goes direct at 1:04 p.m. EDT at 130 Scorpio

Jupiter, the planet of expansion (great, unless it’s my waistline!), faith, good fortune with a tendency to exaggerate, ends his retrograde motion and starts moving direct (from east to west, as we see it). He will start moving very slowly at first and will remain at 130 Scorpio for the rest of the month. He will square Mars in Aquarius, although the square will be out of orb by the end of the month. Squares are growth opportunities when planets are in signs of the same quality – in this case fixed. Aquarius is air and Scorpio is water, not the happiest combination. Fixed energy sustains, holds and/or gets stuck! Those with planets at from 8 – 180 in any of the fixed signs (Leo and Taurus are the other two) may feel this change of direction more acutely.

July 12: Partial Solar Eclipse at 200 Cancer at 10:48 p.m. EDT

This is the first in a series of eclipses that will occur in July and August. It will not be visible in the US, and because it’s a partial eclipse with the Moon only covering part of the Sun, it will only last about 3 hours. A solar eclipse is a powerful New Moon and it can signal a new beginning depending on how it impacts your chart. Those with planets from 17-230 Cancer, Capricorn, Aries and/or Libra may feel the impact of this eclipse more than others. I think of it as an energetic funnel that remains in place for one month for every hour of the eclipse. As planets transit (i.e. go over 200 Cancer) they pour their specific type of energy into the funnel, which then impacts other planets in your chart connected to that degree and sign. Think of it as a tuning fork that makes the planet vibrate. This eclipse is very close to the Sun and Mercury in the natal US chart (Sibly). It will be interesting to see how this eclipse impacts our thinking (Mercury) and how we express ourselves (Sun) to ourselves and to the world.

July 22: Sun enters Leo at 5:01 p.m. EDT

Leo is a fixed sign in the fire element. He will create a Fixed Grand Cross with Uranus in Taurus, Jupiter in Scorpio and Mars in Aquarius. It looks like a big X with the Sun and Jupiter on opposite ends of one line and Uranus and Mars opposite each other on the other line. This may feel like we’re all stuck in a rut, because fixed energy can be very stubborn, and a Fixed Grand Cross is a closed figure, making it more challenging for the energy of each planet to express itself. Mars, the planet of initiative, the warrior and energy in general is not happy in a fixed sign – too slow for him. And Uranus, the planet of rebellion, is having a very hard time in the slowest moving sign of the zodiac – Taurus. Those with planets in early to mid-degrees of any of the fixed signs may feel somewhat stalled. On the other hand, it provides sustaining energy for any project you might undertake.

July 26: Mercury stations retrograde at 230 Leo at 1:03 a.m. EDT

Everyone’s favorite retrograde – or at least the most talked about! Mercury begins his second retrograde of 2018 during the very active last week of July, and it will last for about three weeks. Mercury retrogrades are great times to re-group and re-think and re-pose, and it goes along nicely with the Fixed Grand Cross unless you’re in a hurry! We tend not to value periods of repose and reflection, but taking time to pull back, slow down and reflect is a very important activity. Of course, Mercury retrograde does have the reputation for snafus, but these also make us slow down and reconsider.

July 27: Total Lunar Eclipse at 40 Aquarius at 4:20 p.m. EDT

Eclipses come in pairs generally about two weeks apart. (Actually, there is a third solar eclipse this time, which will occur on August 11.) This eclipse will not be visible in the US either and will last about six hours. Lunar eclipses occur at a full moon and generally indicate at time to let go of old patterns and this one will have a particular focus on service. Energetically it operates the same way a solar eclipse does. Those with planets from 1-70 of fixed signs may feel this eclipse’s impact more strongly. The Leo-Aquarius axis deals with balancing the needs of the individual (Leo) and the needs of the group (Aquarius), and this eclipse will also be a part of the Fixed Grand Cross until she moves into late degrees Aquarius early on the 29th.

July has four planets in earth signs: Venus (Virgo), Saturn and Pluto (Capricorn) and Uranus in Taurus. The earth element is generally grounded, detail oriented, and somewhat conservative. There is only one planet in air, the element of ideas: Mars in Aquarius. Jupiter and Neptune are in an easy-flowing relationship in water, the element of emotions and psychic energy. We could either expand (Jupiter) our dreams or be in a bigger fog (Neptune)!

Have a great July!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

 

Astro Doings June 2018

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

In addition to the longest day of the year this month, two planets change directions.

Neptune, planet of illusion, fog, compassion and the higher octave of Venus, stations retrograde (astro-speak for stops and goes backwards) on June 18 at 7:27 p.m. EDT. She’ll be at 160 degrees Pisces and will remain there for the rest of the month. Those with placements around 160 may be more impacted by this change of direction. She is still in an easy flow of energy with Jupiter, who is retrograde in Scorpio (another water sign), and when the Sun goes into Cancer (the third water sign) there will be a grand trine in water. Emotions will be running high, and maybe water. However, Neptune retrograde also presents an opportunity to turn our compassion on ourselves, as we delve deeply (Scorpio) into patterns that no longer serve us. Neptune’s energy is unconditional love – we love because it is in the nature of love to love. I am reminded of the sermon at the royal wedding when Reverend Michael Curry said: “Imagine our governments and countries when love is the way.”

Mars, planet of energy, initiating projects and war, stations retrograde on June 26 at 5:05 p.m. EDT. He’ll be at 90 Aquarius, the sign of rebellion and destroyer of old forms of thinking or just old forms of anything. By the last third of the month, he will be the only planet in the air element, so the realm of ideas will not be as prominent. (There will be a lot of earth along with the water. Good thing – earth provides some boundaries for water and water softens earth.) Mars retrograde can provide an opportunity to break down old patterns of thinking (Aquarius) that have us stuck in a rut.

From the 13th on, when Venus enters Leo, there will be more fixed energy with Venus opposing (calling for balance, awareness of others) Mars in Aquarius. By the end of the month, Jupiter in Scorpio will make a fixed T-square. A square is a growth opportunity between planets in signs of the same quality, in this case fixed. Fixed energy sustains; it can be quite stubborn and slow-moving, but without it nothing would manifest. Attention those with fixed signs in your natal charts – a growth opportunity may be coming your way, especially for those with planets in the middle of the sign (100 to 200). And Uranus is in the fourth fixed sign, Taurus, but is still too far away to be a part of this fixed configuration. However, all four fixed signs: earth (Taurus), water (Scorpio), fire (Leo) and air (Aquarius), are dancing together this month.

The Summer Solstice occurs on June 21 at 6:07 a.m. EDT when the Sun enters Cancer. Cancer is a water sign, mostly concerned with home, hearth and good food. The New Moon occurs on June 13 at 3:43 p.m. at 220 Gemini; the Full Moon occurs on June 28th at 0.53 a.m. EDT at 60 Capricorn.

Have a wonderful June!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings August 2017

Margaret Lassiter 1 Comment

Hi Everyone

Hope you enjoyed the relatively quiet months of June and July. August promises to be rather unsettled with three planets changing direction and two eclipses. Hold on to your hat! I’ll take these celestial events in order.

Thursday, August 3: Uranus: goes retrograde at 1:31 a.m at 290 Aries. Aries is ruled by Mars, the god of war and Aries, like all fire signs, is on a quest. In this case it’s for our higher selves. Uranus is the planet of the higher mind and can bring flashes of insight, inspiration and higher level thinking of all kinds. At the very end of Aries (each sign has 30 degrees in it), it is an inner (Uranus retrograde) time to war (Mars) against that which holds us back from our journey to our true selves (Aries).

Monday, August 7: Partial lunar eclipse at 150 Aquarius at 9:15 p.m. ET. Eclipses come in pairs, and while we will not be able to see this one, anyone with placements from 12 – 180 Leo, Taurus, Scorpio, or Aquarius may feel the impact of this eclipse more strongly than others. Lunar eclipses occur at a full moon and can bring the culmination of past activities, a sense of completion or desire to change on a deep soul level and a deepening of compassion. This eclipse is near the lunar South Node, or Dragon’s Tail, which provides an opportunity for a release of old energies and/or patterns. The lunar nodes are where the Moon crosses the ecliptic, the path that the Sun appears to follow over the course of a year. (Eclipses only occur when the Sun is next to one of the nodes.) This eclipse will last about five hours, so the sensitive energy vortex that opens at the time of the eclipse will remain so for about five months.

Saturday, August 12: Mercury goes retrograde at 9:01 p.m. at 120 Virgo. His retrograde motion goes along with the theme of inner reflection that Uranus, the higher octave of Mercury, began earlier in the month. Both planets of the mind are now turned inward. He’ll be retrograde for the rest of the month and will back into Leo before going direct at the beginning of September. While I know this everyone’s favorite retrograde (!), those whose Mercury is in the other mutable signs, Gemini, Pisces and Sagittarius, may feel this retrograde more strongly. Also Mercury will be opposed Neptune in her own sign, Pisces, inviting us to explore the realm of the heart, redemption and compassion, rather than relying totally on logic and linear thinking.

Monday, August 21: Total solar eclipse at 280 Leo at 2:30 p.m. This is the eclipse that will be visible in the US, as I’m sure you’ve all heard! It will last a little more than five hours. Once again we have a planet at the end of the sign, marking a potential ending of how we use the energy of the sign, in this case, Leo. At the time of the eclipse there will be five planets in fire signs: Sun, Moon, Mars in Leo, Uranus in Aries, and Saturn in Sagittarius, making a big triangle (a grand trine) in fire in the heavens. A trine is an easy flow of energy so we tend not to pay attention to it, but all that fire can be quite volatile, as well as inspirational. Fire is an interesting element. It can warm and provide light, and it can also destroy. Leo is the sign of the Divine Child in each of us, and I believe this eclipse can be used both ways: to burn away that which blocks our sense of our connection to the divine within and to the divine in each other and to illuminate the path toward our higher (or Christ) consciousness. The Sun is next to the lunar North Node, or Dragon’s Head, and promises an influx of new energy and inspiration.

And last, but certainly not least. . .

Friday, August 25: Saturn goes direct at 8:09 a.m. at 210 Sagittarius. The quest for Sagittarius is for Truth – truth about ourselves and each other. This change in direction may be more strongly felt by anyone with placements from 15 to 290 Gemini, Virgo, Pisces, and of course Sag. As Saturn ends his inner restructuring, his direct motion may help us all move forward more easily and straightforwardly in our quest for our own inner truth and in recognizing areas where we may still be deceiving ourselves. He is also in a challenging relationship (square) to Neptune, which may help soften the harshness of Saturn.

Have a wonderful August. While the energies may be a bit unsettled, they provide a great opportunity for inner work in our quest for our true selves, which we can then bring to the world.

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings February 2017

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

Hope you enjoyed the relative quiet of January. In February we will have the first of four eclipses in 2017 and Jupiter goes retrograde. Let’s look at them in the order that they happen.

Jupiter, the planet of expansion, optimism, faith, and seeming good luck, starts his four-month retrograde motion on February 6th at 1:52 a.m. He’ll be at 230 Libra, the sign of relationship, balance and fairness, and he’s on the other side of the zodiac from Uranus, who is in Aries, the sign of spring, new beginnings and self (or Self depending on how you use the energies). This may be a time to look inwardly (retrograde) to balance (Libra) our thinking about relationship (Libra) and how we can express ourselves in that context (Aries). Libra is also about fairness and peace at any price. How do we assert and take care of ourselves (Aries) in balance with the needs of others (Libra)? These are questions that we can look at within ourselves during this retrograde period.

The first eclipse of 2017 is a lunar one, on February 10th at 7:33 p.m. The Moon will be at 220 Leo. Attention all those of you with planets in fixed signs (Leo, Aquarius, Taurus and Scorpio), who may have been feeling neglected over these past months with so little fixed energy. We’ve arrived! Fixed energy is feminine by nature, and sustains that which is initiated by cardinal signs. Fixed signs can also be very stubborn and get stuck in ruts (in their own thinking and/or feeling). Leo, fixed fire, is focused on the expression of the individual and Aquarius, fixed air, is focused on the group. In some ways, they are similar to the Aries/Libra axis, fire and air in opposition. This eclipse offers the potential to end our feelings of unworthiness (Leo) and instead use Leo’s creative energy for the benefit of humanity at large (Aquarius).

A solar eclipse ends the month (February 26th) at 9:56 a.m. The Sun will be at 80 Pisces. This is the last of the series of eclipses in mutable signs. Mutable energy, as I’ve written elsewhere, is changeable, multi-talented and unsettled. Pisces is ruled by Neptune, which is currently in her own sign. Pisces is a sign of divine homesickness, perceptive, psychic, dreamy and not always realistic. A solar eclipse represents a significant new beginning. It can be used to do a better job of translating our dreams into reality; it can also remind us that this is not all there is, especially for those with planets in Pisces, Virgo, Gemini and/or Sagittarius.

Hope you have a great February!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings November 2015

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Hi Everyone

November promises to be much like the end of October with not a lot (and toward the end of the month, no) fixed, sustaining energy. We will continue to have mostly cardinal energy, which initiates, starts, and flits from one thing to another. It rarely finishes what it starts – that requires fixed or sustaining energy. The cardinal signs are Aries, Libra, Cancer and Capricorn. We also have some mutable energy, which also flits and changes what has been started. It’s very changeable and multi-talented energy. The mutable signs are Gemini, Sagittarius, Virgo and Pisces.

We’ve all experienced this combination of energies. Think about mornings when you look in your closet and can’t figure out what to wear. You think about this outfit – and maybe even try it on – but it’s not right. So you try another and another – cardinal energy. By now you’re late and probably have a pile of clothes on the floor. So you finally decide on an outfit, but all day long you’re not satisfied with it. You think about different ways to change it (mutable energy), how to fix it and/or what you would do next time. Sound familiar? So for the rest of this year we’ll be experiencing this kind of energy, not being able to settle down, sort of twitchy.

Those of us with a lot of cardinal and/or mutable energy may feel especially restless, unable to focus or find a clear direction. Think of it as a time of experimentation without attachment to the outcome – like trying on clothes. This is not a bad thing – it’s just what is.

The Sun moves into Sagittarius (mutable energy, fire element) on November 22nd at 10:26 a.m. The Scorpio (water, fixed) New Moon occurs on November 11th at 12:47 p.m. and the Sagittarius/Gemini Full Moon occurs on November 25th. Toward the end of November we have a lot of fire and air energy. These two elements do very nicely together, but the combination can be somewhat of the Peter Pan complex of not wanting to grow up. I’m sure you know people (or may be one of them) who have wonderful, visionary ideas about things but yet never seem to be able to bring them to fruition – that’s one way fire and air can work together. At the end of November the Sun, Mercury, Saturn (all in Sagittarius) and Uranus (Aries)are in fire signs. Venus and Mars are in Libra (air

Lest the earth and water signs feel left out, Jupiter and Pluto are in earth signs, Virgo and Capricorn respectively. And there is one planet in water – Neptune is still in her own sign, Pisces. While she is very strong there, Neptune doesn’t have anyone to play with. Neptune and Pisces are both about compassion, redemption, and forgiveness, all of which seem to be in quite short supply in our world currently. Neptune does end her inward retrograde motion on November 18th at 11:32 a.m. she’ll be at 70 Pisces and will stay at 70 through the rest of 2015. Those with planets or other significant points on the chart at 1-140 Pisces, Virgo, Gemini, or Sagittarius (the mutable signs) or the other water signs, Scorpio and Cancer, may feel this change of direction more acutely. For the other mutable signs this will be another “growth opportunity” relationship; for the other water signs it will be an easy flow of energy that we have to pay attention to in order to full benefit from it.

Hope you have a wonderful November and a gratitude-filled Thanksgiving holiday.

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings July & August 2015

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Hi Everyone

This marks the 55th post for AstroDoings. That’s over 4.5 years of monthly blogs, and I’ve decided to take a break. So this post will include information on planetary doings for July and August. We’ll see what the fall brings.

Lunations

July begins and ends with a Full Moon. Yep, “once in a blue moon. . . “ Not sure where that expression originated because having two full moons in one month is not all that rare, and the moon will not be blue!

July 1: Full Moon at 90 degrees Capricorn at 10:20 pm ET

At a full moon, the Sun and Moon are on the opposite side of the zodiac, in this case the Sun is in Cancer and the Moon is in Capricorn. This axis is all about balancing the feminine (Cancer, ruled by the Moon) and masculine (Capricorn, ruled by Saturn). Cancer is about nurturing, food, home and security. Capricorn is about structure, plans, integrity and maturity. In its highest expression, Capricorn has the discipline to achieve its goals. Pluto is conjunct (next to) the Moon adding depth (and potential deception) to this full moon. It also brings with it a lot of power – power to face our fears and our shadow. Mars is in this mix as well, adding hopefully, courage and passion to the make any major changes needed at this time.

July 15: New Moon at 230 Cancer at 9:24 pm ET

This is the time to focus on what we all need to feel secure, centered and “at home.” For each of us the requirements will be different, but we need to ask ourselves: What do we need to feel safe? To be nurtured? To grow? Mars and Mercury are also in Cancer to add new thinking (Mercury) and energy (Mars) as we answer these important questions. Cancer is a very personal sign, but if we are not feeling “at home” we are less able to fulfill our function (dharma).July 22: Sun enters Leo at 11:31 pm ET

The focus is on personal creativity and expressing who we are. Leo loves to shine – it’s ruled by the Sun after all. In its highest expression, Leo is on quest to discover the divine within and in others. So let your light shine brightly.

July 31: Full Moon at 70 Aquarius at 6:43 am ET

With this Full Moon we have the opportunity to balance our own creative expression (Sun, Leo) with what is beneficial to the group (Aquarius).

August 14: New Moon at 210 Leo at 10:53 am ET

New moons are focus on new beginnings. So this is a time to shine your light more brightly, to discover another talent that you haven’t fully explored and to genuinely relish who you are. Leo is the sign of the child. Think of young children you know who are just so full of themselves – and emulate them!

August 23: Sun enters Virgo at 6:38 am ET

Now we shift gears from fire and air to earth and water. Virgo ‘s focus is on integration, health, and healing (for ourselves and Mother Earth). Virgo is practical, pragmatic and focused on details necessary to complete any project. While Leo dreams big, Virgo remembers the forks and napkins. We are entering the time of harvest – of our own growth since last year. The Sun has some mighty help in our efforts toward greater health and integration on all levels (see below).

August 29: Full Moon at 60 Pisces at 2:35 pm ET

Pisces can soften the earth of Virgo, provide a broader perspective – or provide fog. Neptune, ruler of Pisces, is conjunct the Moon; Jupiter, ancient ruler of Pisces is conjunct the Sun in Virgo. This is an opportunity to balance the numinous (Pisces) with the everyday practical (Virgo). How do we integrate our spirituality (Pisces) into our everyday life (Virgo) is the question that this Full Moon can help us answer.

Other Planetary Doings

July 25th: Venus stations retrograde at 00 Virgo at 5:29 am ET

It’s almost as if Venus got into Virgo, a sign that she doesn’t particularly care to be in, and said: “I don’t think so!” And back into Leo she goes until September. Any retrograde planet expresses itself more inwardly and Venus is the planet of love. Venus loves beauty, harmony, and balance. This retrograde presents an opportunity to integrate (Virgo) these qualities and to truly love ourselves as we are (Leo).

July 26th: Uranus stations retrograde at 200 Aries at 6:38 am ET

The planet of rebellion, destroyer of old forms (particularly ways of thinking) has been in Aries, the warrior for a while now. This retrograde that lasts until Christmas is a time for us to integrate new patterns of expressing our warrior side. However, since the energy will be focused inward, we may feel some frustration in expressing it. Because of this retrograde, Uranus will be at 200 Aries the whole month of July and August. Attention anyone with planets from 15-250 of the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Capricorn or Libra). This long retrograde at the same degree will give you an opportunity to really deal with the issues presented by the planets in your chart at those degrees and in those signs.

At the end of July there will be 5 planets in retrograde motion. So even though it’s summer, the energy – to me at least – feels not as forceful or easily expressed. I believe this is a time of deep inner work so that we can all better live our truth.

August 2nd: Saturn stations direct at 280 Scorpio at 1:53 am ET

Saturn, the great teacher, has been retrograding through Pluto’s sign since March. As Saturn starts moving forward (direct) we can begin to express what we’ve learned about power and healing (Scorpio). Like Uranus, Saturn will stay at 280 the entire months of July (retrograde) and August (direct). Attention all those with planets at 20 – 300 of the other fixed signs (Leo, Aquarius, and Taurus). This station of Saturn presents a unique opportunity for restructuring and change.

August 11: Jupiter enters Virgo at 7:13 am ET

Jupiter changes its expansive and optimistic focus from personal creativity and expression to the areas integration, health and healing. He encourages us to value simplicity, discernment and humility and embrace that less can truly be more.

I hope you have a wonderful summer!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings May 2015

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

Happy May Day! May promises to be a little quieter than March or April. However, it begins with an intense Full Moon and the second Mercury retrograde for this year starts this month. Let’s take them in order.

Full Moon: Sunday, May 3rd

This Full Moon occurs at 11:42 pm EDT at 130 Scorpio. Full Moons occur when the Sun and Moon are on opposites sides of the zodiac from one another – called, fittingly, an opposition. Oppositions generally present us with something (or someone) that is present within us, but that we don’t want to recognize or “own.” Taurus, where the Sun is, is an earth sign that processes information through the five senses and is said to be the most stubborn sign of the zodiac. It has a tendency to be complacent, and seeks stability and comfort. Ruled by Venus, Taureans respond to beauty, most especially of Mother Earth, and like things that are pleasing to the senses. (Think chocolate, bubble bath, massages. . . ) Scorpio, on the other hand, is a water sign and focuses on a deep, intense understanding of what is around him/her, transformation, and the uncanny ability to see below the surface of everything – including you, which can be rather unnerving. It is a sign of power and when the Moon is in Scorpio, emotions and feelings tend to be very intense and deep. We will also tend to hold on to these emotions/feelings longer than is perhaps good for us or helpful.

What makes this Full Moon so powerful is this opposition is squared (read: growth opportunity, shift in perspective) by Jupiter who’s running around in Leo. This is a called a t-square, because it makes a big T in the chart. Leo is a fire sign and is questing for the divine child within by going through a deep-seated sense of unworthiness. Leo, Taurus and Scorpio are all fixed signs. Fixed signs have the reputation of being stubborn – stuck in wherever they are. However, their spiritual task is focus and persistence. Fixed energy is what holds an idea (cardinal energy) long enough to manifest. Without it, nothing would take form. The “solution” to this T-square lies with the fourth fixed sign, Aquarius, the sign of the recognition that we are all equal and that we need to work together. Aquarius, in its highest expression, reminds us of who we really are. There is a second T-Square operating as well. Mercury will be opposed Saturn (in Sagittarius) and square Neptune (in Pisces). This T-Square provides additional impetus to augment our understanding and compassion of ourselves and each other. The “solution” to this T-Square lies in the sign of integration and harvest of self, Virgo.

New Moon: Monday, May 18th          

The Taurus New Moon occurs at midnight at 260. This new beginning occurs hours before Mercury stations retrograde, and once again it is near the end of the sign. Taurus is the sign of the builder and in its highest expression – detachment. Coupled with Mercury stationing retrograde (see below) this is a time to look at what we’re attached to – especially thoughts and behavior patterns – that have come to the end of their usefulness to us.

 Mercury Retrograde: Monday, May 18th

When he changes direction at 1:26 p.m. EDT, Mercury will be at 130 Gemini and will retrograde until June 11 when he will be at 40 Gemini. Because of its retrograde motion, Mercury will be in the sign it rules until July 8, an extremely long transit. I believe that this retrograde period and the three squares that Mercury will make to Neptune (May 9, May 28 and June 23) provide an opportunity for us to re-group, re-think and re-order our priorities, old thought patterns, and to integrate some of the powerful astrological energies that we’ve experienced in March and April. Between the retrograde motion of Mercury and the fixed energy of the Sun, Moon and Jupiter, we’ll have a chance to slow down a little bit and make substantive changes in how we view our world and how we operate in it.

 Sun Enters Gemini: Thursday, May 21 at 4:45 a.m.

The Sun joins the Gemini team with Mercury and Mars. Communication will be emphasized, but things can feel a little scattered as well.

Have a wonderful May!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret