Pisces

Astro Doings November – December 2025

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

HI Everyone

It’s hard to believe that 2025 is coming to an end as I write the last Astro Doings for the year.  There will only be one planet in an air sign as the year ends, and that is Pluto in early degrees Aquarius, so the realm of innovative, humanitarianly focused, ideas may be in short supply.  November promises to be a very busy month, December less so.

November

There are three planets moving into retrograde motion this month, and lots of planets in water.

7th: Uranus backs up into Taurus at 9:22 p.m. This is his last pass in the sign of the Bull. Taurus is a fixed (aka stubborn) earth sign – lover of beautiful things, chocolate and Mother Earth. Hopefully during his last pass in Taurus, Uranus, the planet of the higher mind, will come up with some innovative solutions to heal Mother Earth.

9th: Mercury starts his last three-week retrograde period at 2:02 p.m. He’ll be at 60 Sagittarius and will back into Scorpio on the 20th, conjunct (next to) the Sun.

11th: Jupiter begins his retrograde period at 11:41 a.m. He’ll be at 250 Cancer.

A word about retrograde planets. This is all a part of the celestial dance. When planets are retrograde we tend to experience their energy more inwardly or with more difficulty. For example, Jupiter is associated with good fortune, prosperity and optimism. When he’s retrograde, we may feel less optimistic and economies may seem less productive.

Also during this time there are five planets in water signs – lots of emotions, touchiness, psychic information but not a lot of reasoning, enthusiasm or practicality.  Starting on the 20th through the end of the month there is a grand trine (aka a big triangle, representing an easy flow of energy) in water with Mercury in Scorpio, Jupiter in Cancer and Saturn next to Neptune in Pisces. Oh yes, and a New Moon at 280 Scorpio.  When this happens the energy tends to spin around the triangle, going around and around but not out. 

27th: Saturn ends his retrograde motion at 10:52 p.m. He will sit at 250 Pisces through most of December, getting his bearings as it were.

29th: Mercury ends its last retrograde period of the year at 12:38 p.m. He’ll be at 200 Scorpio.

Phew!! Quite a month.  Oh yes, the Sun enters Sagittarius on the 21st at 8:36 p.m. and the Full Moon occurs on the 5th at 8:19 a.m. She’ll be at 130 Taurus.

December

The month begins with three planets in Sagittarius: Sun, Venus and Mars. Sag is a fire sign on a quest for Truth – generally optimistic, outspoken, and adventurous.  Overall this last month of the year is much quieter than November – a good thing!

10th: Neptune stations direct at 7:21 a.m. at 290 Pisces. This is another step in the dance but adds a little boost to the water energy, which is having a tough time with all the fire. Now, obviously fire and water signs don’t get along at all, and yet they must as they are all part of the dance. So Neptune changing directions just might add another splash of emotion to put fire’s enthusiasm out. But, on the other hand, too much fire can boil water away and emotion, compassion with it.

21st: Sun enters Capricorn at 10:03 a.m. — the Winter Solstice. The Sun joins Mars and eventually Venus in this earth sign of the status quo. Even though Capricorn is a cardinal sign, which likes to initiate things, it does so after much deliberation and after being convinced that the change is a good one.

The Full Moon occurs on the 4th at 6:14 p.m. She’ll be at 130 Gemini. And the New moon occurs on the 19th at 8:43 p.m. She’ll be at 280 Sagittarius.

I hope you have a wonderful end to 2025!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings September-October 2025

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

Hard to believe that the summer is almost over and that fall is here – well, almost. September is a busy month with two eclipses and planets changing sign. October is a little quieter.

September

The month begins with Saturn backing into watery Pisces from fiery Aries. Questions of faith (Pisces) may arise at this time for those with placements in late degrees of dreamy Pisces. Saturn has been here before, so any unresolved issues may come to the fore during his last pass-through Pisces. And as a reminder, Saturn’s practical status quo energy is not well suited to escapist Pisces, which has a lot of trouble dealing with this plane and will try to escape into a more pleasant (by its perception) place.

On the 6th the planet of rebellion, higher level thinking of all kinds, Uranus, stations retrograde in Gemini. Gemini rules communication of all kinds, so with this change in direction, communication may be disrupted or unclear.  When a planet is retrograde we tend to experience its energies more inwardly. You may find you journal more, as a way of inner communication, or that the nature of your journaling changes. This is just one example of how this retrograde might feel to you.

On the 7th we have the last lunar eclipse of the year. The Full Moon will be at 150 Pisces. It is the longest total lunar eclipse in several years, lasting over 5 hours, which means its impact will last about 5 months. Unfortunately we will not be able to see it in the US, but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel the energy of it. It is a Dragon’s Head eclipse, which often offers new opportunities and acts as an amplifier. (The Dragon’s Head indicates that the eclipse occurs in the same sign as the lunar nodes – in this case Pisces.). The inrush of energy can be somewhat disruptive, especially if you have placements near 150 in Pisces, Virgo, Gemini or Sagittarius or the other water signs, Cancer or Scorpio.

Just before the Autumnal Equinox (first day of Fall) Mercury enters Libra (on the 18th). Libra is a cardinal air sign, that seeks balance, frequently swinging from one extreme to another. It is said that Libra’s speeds are “like hell” and “not at all.” Lazy Libra frequently lives up to its reputation, but again it seeks equal balance in all things. It is also the sign of relationship – our first attempt at it anyway, so Libra seeks balance with the “other.” But Libra is about romantic relationship and does not do the “nitsy-gritsy” of relationship, unless other signs are involved. 

Also before the Equinox on the 22nd, we have the last solar eclipse of the year. Eclipses, as you know, come in pairs. The Sun will be at 290 Virgo. This is a Dragon’s Tail eclipse, which generally denotes a time to balance the ledger, and a time of selfless service. (A Dragon’s Tail eclipse occurs when the eclipse is in the opposing sign of the lunar nodes.) The ruling planet of this eclipse is Mercury, the planet of communication of all types. It is a partial solar eclipse, which again will not be visible in the US, but can be felt, and will last about 3 hours. Any placements that you have at the end of any earth sign (Capricorn, Taurus) or other mutable signs (Gemini, Pisces, Sagittarius) may be impacted by this eclipse for the next 3 months. I would refer you to Celeste Teal’s excellent book on eclipses for additional information and insights.

The Sun enters Libra at 2:19 p.m. on the 22nd.

October

October is much quieter than September. We get a breather. . .

On the 13th two things happen: Venus moves into her own sign, Libra, and at that point there will be no planets in earth signs. This may impact many things including focusing on Mother Earth and/or developing practical solutions to issues. There is a lot of air and some water, so a lot of ideas and emotions flying around, but no groundings.

The second thing that happens on the 13th is that Pluto stations direct (basically stops) at 10 Aquarius, ending his retrograde motion. Attention to all those with placements at early degrees of any of the air signs (Libra, Gemini) or any of the fixed (aka stubborn) signs (Leo, Taurus, Scorpio) as this change of direction may impact you. Pluto is the ruler of the underworld and Aquarius is the sign of the rebel. So what part of your rebel is seeking to be expressed at this time? Pluto doesn’t move very fast. She’ll be a 10 through November.

On the 22nd, Neptune retrogrades into Pisces, the sign she rules and joins Saturn in the sign of faith and illusion.  The Sun enters Scorpio also on the 22nd, adding more water to the mix. Neptune, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury and the Sun are in water signs. That’s a lot of water – emotions may be running high this month.

The Full Moon occurs on the 6th. She’ll be at 140 Aries. The New Moon occurs on the 21st. She’ll be at 280 Libra.

Have a wonderful early fall!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings July – August 2025

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

Hope you’re having a good start to your summer. July looks to be quite busy – August a little less so.

Saturn/Neptune Conjunction

I want to begin by talking about the Saturn/Neptune conjunction in Aries, which actually began last month. It will last until early next May using a pretty wide orb.  At first glance this seems to be a strange couple: Saturn, an earth sign, the ruler of order, status quo, authority figures and big business, and Neptune, a water sign, the ruler of dreams, otherworldliness, unable (or unwilling) to cope with this plane. Neptune seeks to escape this plane in a positive (meditation, spirituality) or negative (drugs, alcohol) way. Saturn seeks to maintain its version of order.

Both planets are very unhappy in Aries, the fiery sign of new beginnings (spring), quests, movement, excitement. It is a restless sign, always seeking something new. The energy of Aries does not fit easily with the energy of either Saturn or Neptune.

In astrology planets have signs that they “rule,” such as Neptune in Pisces or Saturn in Capricorn. They also have another sign that they like to be in, which is called their sign of “exaltation.” Sounds pretty cool, eh? And of course, the opposite sign to their sign of “exaltation” is their sign of “fall.” Saturn in exalted in Libra, because Libra is the sign of balance and perfect balance is stagnation, which Saturn loves. Now the opposing sign to Libra is Aries. So Saturn is not happy in the sign of the initiator, innovator, let’s get going and be ready to do battle. Neptune likes to dream, vacate the earth plane and generally hang out, so moving forward – or moving at all, except escaping – is not something Neptune likes to do, being happier in the realm of emotions. These two will back into Pisces in the fall, and Neptune will definitely have the upper hand when that happens until February when they’re both back in Aries. Saturn is also unhappy in Pisces, although the water of Pisces may soften the rigidity of Saturn.

But there is perhaps another way to look at this planetary combination. Neptune is the mystic, and more esoterically Saturn is the sure-footed goat that climbs the mountain of spiritual growth. And Aries energy can be used as an impetus (or a kick in the you-know-where) to move to another level of spiritual understanding and a different view of our world and ourselves. . . and that view would get another perspective when these two re-enter Pisces for the last time this fall. And their retrograde periods could signal a more inward focus. All fire signs are on a quest – and for Aries it is the quest for High Self – our higher understanding of who we are in truth. And he doesn’t let anything get in the way of his completing his quest.

Those with placements in early degrees Aries, Cancer, Capricorn and Libra may feel the impact of this conjunction more than others. And also late degrees Pisces, Virgo, Gemini and Sagittarius when both planets are again in Pisces. You might also look at where this conjunction occurs in your chart (which house), as this could be an area of impact of this conjunction.

July

Three planets station retrograde this month, including everyone’s favorite – Mercury. So, from the top:

On the 4th in addition to fireworks, Neptune stations retrograde at 20 Aries at 5:34 p.m. On the 13th, her buddy Saturn stations retrograde at 10 Aries at 12:07 a.m.  And on the 18th Mercury stations retrograde at 150 Leo at 3:59 a.m. (He goes direct on August 11.) Lots of fire here.

On July 7th Uranus moves into Gemini, where he is much happier. (He will back up into Taurus in November.) Gemini is an air sign and much better suited to Uranian energy than Taurus. There could be a frenetic quality to the energy, as Gemini likes to flit from thing to thing, but the ideas could be more visionary in their scope. Venus moves into Cancer on the 30th at 11:57 p.m. She will square (challenging relationship) the Saturn/Neptune conjunction in Aries. Cancer is a water sign and Aries is a fire sign – need I say more? And Venus and Mars are very different energies as well.

The Sun moves into Leo, the sign it rules, on the 22nd at 9:29 a.m. The Full Moon is on the 10th at 4:37 p.m. She’ll be at 180 Virgo. The New Moon occurs on the 24th at 3:11 p.m. She’ll be at 20 Leo.

August

August is a bit quieter. Good thing!

On the 6th Mars moves into Libra. Not only does Mars oppose the Saturn/Neptune conjunction in Aries, which he rules, but he is most unhappy in Venus’ sign of relationship and balance. However, he has Saturn and Neptune and Venus to play with. He also is trine Uranus in Gemini, so there may be more energy (Mars) put into balancing some of the ideas and chatter from Uranus in Gemini.

On the 11th Mercury ends his retrograde period at 3:30 a.m. He’ll be at 40 Leo. Phew! And Venus joins him in Leo on the 25th.

On the 22nd the Sun enters Virgo and the next day there is the New Moon at 00 Virgo, signaling the beginning of the change of season. Virgo is the sign of the harvest – the harvest of self as well as all those great veggies. The Full Moon occurs on the 9th. She’ll be at 170 Aquarius.

I hope you have a wonderful rest of your summer!

Peace and abundant blessings.

Margaret

Astro Doings January – February 2025

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Happy New Year, Everyone!

I hope you had wonderful holidays and that 2025 brings many blessings to you.

January and February bring some change in direction for a couple of planets and by the end of February there will be no planets in retrograde motion!

January

We begin the month with the Sun, Mercury and Uranus in earth signs – practical, deliberate, not rushing into anything. We have Venus, Saturn and Neptune in water – a lot of emotion and three planets are in Pisces, the sign of faith, addiction, illusion and disillusion. I should mention that Pisces is the sign of Venus’ “exaltation.” Sounds neat, eh? Well, Venus is the planet of love and in Pisces she has an opportunity to express her love beyond one-on-one relationships. At the beginning of the month we also have Mars in Leo opposed Pluto in Aquarius. Both planets are in fixed (read stubborn) signs, so the New New Year could start off with power struggles, the same as we saw at the end of December.  Mars will retrograde back into Cancer on the 7th, and while it will still be opposed Pluto, it won’t be as strong.

Finally we get some air in here on the 19th when the Sun enters Aquarius, joining Jupiter in Gemini and Pluto in Aquarius. Mercury goes into Aquarius on the 27th and we have a new moon in Aquarius on the 29th. She’ll be a 90. Aquarius is the sign of the innovator, rebel and visionary. It can also be said of Aquarians that they can be quite aloof, cold and disinterested. But air is the element of ideas, and Pluto promises the beginning of new ideas, as well as breakdown of old, deeply held ideas, and Jupiter in ever-curious Gemini will keep the conversation going.

Uranus goes direct at 11:22 a.m. on the 30th. He’ll be at 230 Taurus. Uranus is the planet of the higher mind and is also the ruler of Aquarius. We can hope that any new ideas that arise during this period will be beneficial to mankind and Mother Earth and that they will be practical (Taurus).

The Full Moon occurs on the 13th at 240 Cancer.

February

Jupiter and Mars change direction in February and by the end of the month there will be no planets in retrograde motion. So charge ahead with all the understanding and insights gathered during retrograde periods! It won’t last long. Two planets station retrograde in early March. . . . Otherwise February is pretty quiet.

On the 4th Jupiter changes directions at 110 Gemini, moving in the same direction as the Sun, Mercury and Venus in air signs. And on the 23rd Mars changes directions at 170 Cancer, going direct with the Sun, Saturn and Neptune in water signs.

Water and air generally make fog, but water can soften the seeming hardness of the airy realm of ideas.  It can also confuse the issue. We’ll have to see how this plays out. The US is a Sun-sign Cancer country with several placements in the sign in the area of foreign policy and foreign investments. It will be interesting to see how these planetary placements influence activities in these areas. Remember, the stars impel, they don’t compel.

The Full Moon occurs on the 12th at 8:53 a.m. She’ll be at 240 Leo. The New Moon occurs on the 27th at 3:46 a.m. She’ll be at 90 Pisces.

Hope you have a wonderful start to 2025.

Peace and abundant blessings, Margaret

Astro Doings November – December 2024

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

Hard to believe that this is the last Astro Doings for 2024. In the last two months of the year, Saturn and Neptune end their retrograde periods, Pluto changes signs, and we have the last Mercury retrograde.

November

The month begins with a New Moon at 90 Scorpio. At the same time, we have a complicated, closed figure, called a kite. Mercury, Neptune and Mars all trine (easy flow of energy) at very late degrees of their respective water signs (Scorpio, Pisces and Cancer), making a big triangle. And Pluto in Capricorn is sextile (opportunity) to the ends of the triangle, sort of “flying” the kite. There is a lot of emotion with this much water. Pluto in earthy Capricorn provides some boundaries although it could also suggest that emotions are impacting our values (Pluto in the 2nd house of the US chart) and institutions (Capricorn). Since all four planets are at late degrees of the signs they’re in (28-29 degrees) this suggests an ending of some sort powered by emotion. I would refer you to the Quality of Time article on the Astrodienst website (astro.com) for further information. Suffice it to say that when a figure is closed in astrology it generally means that the energy has a hard time expressing itself, sort of like a balloon filled with air that can’t get out. It can feel rather frustrating. Mercury will move out of orb, dissolving the kite, by November 10.

On the 3rd and 4th, Mercury and Mars move into fire signs (Sagittarius and Leo respectively). Fire is enthusiastic, volatile and inspired; it can warm you or burn you. This change of sign also weakens the kite although the planets are still in orb. But fire and water/earth don’t mix well, adding to the charged nature of the energy at this time.

On the 19th Pluto leaves Capricorn for good, entering Aquarius at 3:29 p.m. Aquarius is a fixed (aka stubborn) air sign and likes to operate in the realm of ideas, especially those that are visionary and potentially beneficial to all. We are in the Aquarian age of brotherhood. With Pluto entering this sign, we can anticipate (over its long transit through the sign – through 2044) changes, innovation and upheaval as we hopefully come to truly recognize that we are all one. Aquarians, by the way, are all about change as long as they don’t have to make any personal changes.

The Sun enters Sagittarius (another fire sign) on the 21st at 2:56 p.m. and Mercury starts his last retrograde of the year on the 25th at 9:42 p.m. He’ll be at 220 Sagittarius.

The Full Moon occur on the 15th at 4:28 p.m. She’ll be at 240 Taurus. This is the same day that Saturn stations direct at 9:20 a.m. at 120 Pisces. Pisces is the sign with two fish swimming in opposite directions unaware of the other one.  It is the sign of addiction and faith – quite a contrast. Saturn provides structure and limitation and asks us to examine our attitudes toward the sign he’s in. He represents the father and all authority figures.

December

Like November, December begins with a New Moon at 90 Sagittarius. Unlike November, December also ends with a second New Moon on the 30th. (See below.) The beginning of the month also features two planets changing direction: Mars and Neptune. Mars, the planet of war, stations retrograde on the 6th at 7:01 p.m. He’ll be at 60 Leo, opposed Pluto in Aquarius. On the 7th Neptune stations direct at 6:43 p.m. She’ll be at 270 Pisces, along with Saturn. When a planet changes direction, it stops and sits on the zodiac degree where it “stations,” aka stops before changing direction. It pulses there and if it’s near a point or planet in your chart it can really emphasize it.  Venus enters Aquarius on the 7th at 1:13 a.m., joining Pluto. It will be interesting to see how the planet of Love (Venus) works with the planet of the underground and deep-seated changed (Pluto). Pluto is named for the Roman god of the underworld (or Disney’s dog, whichever you prefer.) However, the energy of this planet of deep transformation is feminine. So we have two feminine energy planets in the male air sign, Aquarius.  Should be fun to watch, unless of course you have placements in early degrees Aquarius (or Leo or Taurus or Scorpio)!

Mercury ends his retrograde motion on 15th at 3:56 p.m. Yippeee!  He’ll be at 60 Sagittarius. The Full Moon is also on the 15th at 9:32 a.m. She’ll be at 230 Gemini.

The Winter Solstice occurs on the 21st when the Sun enters Capricorn at 4:21a.m. From then on the days get longer! Capricorn, an earth sign, is the sign of the status quo. The second New Moon occurs on the 30th at 5:27 p.m. She’ll be a 90 Capricorn.

I hope you have wonderful holidays and all the best in 2025!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings September – October 2024

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

Hope you all had a good July and August. September and October have a lot of water and air energy with little fire and earth.  If you think about these pairs together you can see that they don’t get along very well. If you mix water and air, you get fog, or you get the battle between thought (air) and emotion (water).  And fire (enthusiasm, inspiration) and earth (practical, slow moving) are very effective ways to reduce the potential impact of the other.  Each month has an eclipse – the last pair of 2024, but their impact may last into 2025. Let’s look at each month in more detail.

September

The month starts with four planets moving in retrograde motion: Saturn, Uranus, who stations retrograde on the 1st, Neptune and Pluto. Uranus and Pluto are in earth signs (Taurus and Capricorn respectively), and Saturn and Neptune are in watery Pisces. Earth and water do well together: water softens earth and earth gives water some needed boundaries. When planets are retrograde, we tend to feel their energy more inwardly. So far, so good. On the 4th Mars joins the water brigade, entering Cancer with an easy flow of energy to Saturn and Neptune in Pisces. Mars, the warrior, is uncomfortable in the watery, moody, emotional sign Cancer, ruled by the Moon. His fiery nature become much more subdued or, on the flip side, he could tend toward emotional outbursts.

If we were excited last month about a full blue moon, which was a super moon, how about a super moon eclipse? (A super moon, as it is called, is when the moon is closest to the earth and so appears larger in our skies.) On the 17th there is a partial lunar eclipse at 250 Pisces. We will be able to see it in the US. It starts at 8:40 p.m., and the best view will be at 10:45 p.m. It ends just after midnight, lasting about 4 hours, which means the potential impact of the eclipse will last about 4 months. A lunar eclipse is generally about being of service and also ending attitudes, beliefs, or emotional states that no longer serve us. Those with planets or other points in their charts at late degrees Pisces, Virgo, Gemini or Sagittarius may feel the impact of this energy more strongly than others. For those with placements in the other water signs, Cancer and Scorpio, this may be an easier release of feelings (emotions) which no longer serve our spiritual growth. The New Moon occurs on the 2nd at 110 Virgo.

The Autumnal Equinox, when the Sun enters Libra, occurs on the 22nd at 8:44 a.m. Libra is an air sign and is the only sign whose symbol is an inanimate object – the scales. Libra seeks balance. (It rarely has it – it’s more like a teeter-totter.) It also seeks fairness. It can seek fairness (or balance) by taking the opposite position from yours – to create balance, you see.

Also on the 22nd, Venus enters Scorpio, adding a little more water to the mix. We now have 4 planets in water. Glug, glug or emotions will be running the show.

October

October starts with a solar eclipse on the 2nd. Both Sun and Moon will be at 100 Libra.  We will not be able to see this annular solar eclipse in the US.  It will last about 5 hours, which means its impact will last about 5 months. Those with Libra, Aries, Cancer or Capricorn placements in their charts (from about 7-130) may be more impacted by this eclipse. A solar eclipse can signify new beginnings and/or new ways of being and thinking with a new influx of energy.  Remember that Libra is about relationship and balance, but it is an air sign, so it thinks about these things. Libra isn’t always good at either when it comes to the practical side of relationships or balance.

Interestingly this eclipse is very near Saturn (the executive) in the US Sibley chart and could still be in “effect” at the time of the election in November. It also widely squares (a challenging relationship) the Sun in Cancer in the US chart.  And water and air generally don’t mix well.

On the 9th, Jupiter changes directions and starts his retrograde period. He’ll be at 210 Gemini. Jupiter is considered to be the planet of “good luck,” faith and expansion – fine if it’s not my waistline! His retrograde motion may delay or hinder his normal optimism. It may also be a time when we examine more closely what we believe.

On the 11th, Pluto ends his retrograde motion, but will remain at 290 Capricorn through the end of the month, sitting on top of Pluto in the US chart in our house of values (and money). Pluto rules deep-seated change, and Capricorn is the sign that rules systems, corporations, and the status quo. It is also a deeply spiritual sign, with its symbol (the goat) climbing steadily up the mountain of spiritual growth.

On the 17th Venus moves into Sagittarius and will be the only planet in fire. So there may not be much enthusiasm or inspiration. Being the only planet in fire, Venus has no one to “play” with in the heavens, and she likes to make connections.

The Sun moves into Scorpio on the 22nd at 6:15 p.m. – more water!! The Full Moon occurs on the 17th at 240 Aries.

I hope you have a great start to your fall!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings July – August 2024

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

Hope you’re having a good summer so far. July and August look pretty quiet with the planets moving as they have been, dancing to the music of the heavens.

Saturn and Pluto continue their retrograde motion without changing signs. Saturn remains in Pisces, and Pluto is in early degrees Aquarius.

Neptune stations retrograde on July 2 at 6:40 a.m. at 290. She’ll remain in Pisces until 2025.

Mercury moves into Virgo at the end of July, Venus into Leo in mid-July and Mars into Gemini towards the end, joining Jupiter in that sign.

Mercury goes retrograde on August 5th. He’ll be at 40 Virgo. He stations direct on August 28th at 210 Leo. Venus moves into Virgo in early August and edges into Libra at the end of the month.

New Moons: July 5th; August 4th

Full Moons: July 21st; August 19th

Hope you have a wonderful summer!

Peace and abundant blessings!

Margaret

Astro Doings May-June 2024

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

May and June promise to be much quieter than April has been, which could be a relief. It could also mean not a lot of forward movement.

May

May begins with two planets in fire (Aries): Mercury and Mars. Mars will stay in Aries all month and mid-month he will be the only planet in a fire sign. Everyone else will be in earth (Taurus) or water (Pisces).  Sun, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Uranus will be in Taurus until the Sun moves into Gemini on the 20th. That’s a lot of Taurean energy. Taurus is an earth sign, the most slow moving of all the signs so there’s not likely to be much change. It is said that Taurus is rarely parted from their seat or their opinion. Taurus is represented by the bull, who, when stung by a bee, charges around like the proverbial bull in a China shop. So, we may see some of that frenetic energy without much direction. Otherwise our bull like to placidly chew on his grass in the sunshine. 

Uranus and Saturn continue their transit of Pisces. Pisces is a changeable water sign, moving with mood changes like water moves in a stream – or the ocean – depending on the strength of the emotion. It does soften earth, but Pisces has a very difficult time dealing with mundane affairs and would prefer to escape those nasty details through dreams or drugs or both.

On the 20th the Sun enters Gemini – an air sign that likes to explore and experience as much as possible in a five-minute period. Gemini bores easily and flits from thing to thing, trying to experience as much as possible. The quality of its energy is the same as Pisces (mutable), which means changeable, free flowing and multi-talented.  The Sun is joined by Venus (on the 23rd) and Jupiter (on the 25th). With Gemini energy there can be a lot of talk but not much doing, but the element of air feels lighter than the heaviness of earthy Taurus. There may also be a lot of new ideas, which come and go very quickly.

The New Moon occurs at 11:22 p.m. on May 7th at 180 Taurus. The Full Moon occurs at 9:53 a.m. on the 23rd. She’ll be at 20 Sagittarius.

June

There are no planets in fire in June. Fire is the element that initiates and is enthusiastic, if often impulsive.

We start the month with four planets in Gemini (Sun, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter).  A lot of talk, exploration of ideas, but not much movement. These planets are in an easy flow of Pluto in Aquarius, another air sign. Aquarius is the sign of the inventor, so some of the ideas floating around could be revolutionary.

The Summer Solstice occurs on June 20th – the longest day of the year – when the Sun enters Cancer. Cancer is a water sign and will get along very well with Saturn and Neptune in Pisces. Cancer is about home, hearth, and is generally quite shy. (By the way, the United States and Canada are both sun-sign Cancer countries.) The Sun is joined by Mercury and Venus (both on the 17th). There’s a lot of water (emotion) going on this month with five planets in this element, which can be very fluid and changeable.

Saturn changes direction (goes retrograde) at 3:07 p.m. on the 29th. He’ll be at 190 Pisces. Planets in retrograde tend to be more focused internally.

The New Moon occurs at 8:38 a.m. on the 6th. She’ll be at 160 Gemini. The Full Moon occurs at 9:08 p.m. on the 21st. She’ll be at 10 Capricorn.

Have a good spring and early summer!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings November – December 2023

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

It’s hard to believe that this is the last Astro Doings for 2023. Seems like I was writing the first one just yesterday! We have some planets changing direction during November and December but still end up with three planets in retrograde motion by the end of 2023.

November

This month begins with 4 planets in retrograde (i.e. moving from west to east by our perception.) They are Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, and they’ve been retrograde for several months. There are three planets in water (Mars, Saturn and Neptune) and three planets in earth (Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto). There is only on planet in an air sign – Venus in Libra.

In addition, Sun/Mars in Scorpio oppose Jupiter/Uranus in Taurus. Both Taurus and Scorpio are fixed signs, meaning their energy can feel stubborn, slow-moving but sustaining. Opinions at this time can be deeply entrenched and compromise is hard to find with opposing fixed signs. Scorpio sees deeply and understands and uses power. Taurus finds change almost impossible, although it can be more easily focused on Mother Earth and earthly concerns. The energy during this time may seem stalled. When the Sun, Mercury and Mars enter Sagittarius, a mutable fire sign, towards the last third of the month, the relationship with Jupiter and Uranus will change. Now, Sun, Mercury and Mars are in an incompatible sign (fire) with Jupiter and Uranus (earth). In addition the quality of Sagittarius (mutable, changeable, restless) does not easily get along with the fixed (stubborn, sustaining) energy of Taurus.  And there is only one planet in air (the sign of ideas, relationships), and that’s Venus in Libra. So we’re not likely to see any new ideas or any ideas about relating to one another.

Saturn is the first planet to change directions. He’ll station direct on November 4 at 3:03 a.m. EDT. He’s at 00 Pisces. When a planet changes directions it tends to stop and pulse energy on the degree (and sign) that it’s in. Saturn is also at what we call a critical degree of a sign. In this case it’s at the beginning of Pisces, a watery sign – intuitive, psychic, often overwhelmed by this plane – and it is considered the sign of faith. Pisces people have a very difficult time with this plane. Saturn here may provide structure to our faith or inhibit it in some way.

Otherwise, November is pretty quiet. The Sun enters Sagittarius on the 22nd at 9:03 a.m. Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion, optimism and general good fortune. Sagittarians tend to look before they leap and speak before they think. Overall they are seeking truth in all its forms. The US chart (Sibley) has Sagittarius rising and these characteristics of the American psyche may be more evident with the Sun in Sag.

The New Moon occurs on November 13th at 4:27 a.m. She’ll be at 200 Scorpio. The Full Moon occurs on November 27th 4:16 a.m. She’ll be at 40 Sagittarius.

December

December is a little bit more active with three planets changing direction. And more planets are in water and earth, which are compatible elements. There will be no planets in air in December, as Venus enters Scorpio early in the month.

The first direction change is Neptune on December 6 at 8:20 a.m. EST. She’ll be at 240 Pisces. She’s been retrograde for 5 months and in Pisces since 2012. Perhaps with this change of direction, our faith will be stronger and our fog clearer!

The second is everyone’s favorite – Mercury. This is the last Mercury retrograde of the year – yipppeee! He’ll station retrograde on December 13th at 2:09 a.m., and he’ll be at 80 Capricorn. He’ll back into Sagittarius on the 23rd.  And yes, we’ll begin 2024 with Mercury retrograde.

And last, but certainly not least, Jupiter stations direct on the 30th at 9:40 p.m. He’ll be at 50 Taurus.

The Winter Solstice, when the Sun enters Capricorn, occurs on December 21st at 10:27 p.m. At that point we’ll have 5 planets in earth – Sun, Mercury, Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto – a time for practical solutions and perhaps a focus on our beloved planet! There will be 3 planets in water: Venus, Saturn and Neptune.

The New Moon occurs on December 12. She’ll be at 200 Sagittarius. The Full Moon occurs on December 26th at 7:32 p.m. She’ll be at 40 Cancer.

I hope you have wonderful holidays and the very best in the New Year! I’ll see you in January.

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings January – February, 2023

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

Happy New Year! I hope this new year brings you all good things!

January

Well, 2023 begins with three planets in retrograde motion (seemingly moving from west to east). They are Mercury, Mars, and Uranus and all three end their retrograde motion during this month. So, there’s lots of intense activity going on. As I’ve said previously, when a planet changes direction, it stops before it starts moving in the other direction. It’s rather like a fan that changes direction, if you think of how a fan stops and just pulses before it starts moving in the opposite direction. So the degree and sign where the planet is when it changes direction is getting a lot of energy thrown at it, and if it’s near a planet or other placement in your chart, it could impact you.  Let’s look at them in order.

Mars: January 12 at 80 Gemini

Mars ends his retrograde period in the chatty sign, Gemini, on January 12th at 3:56 p.m. EST. He’ll be at 80 Gemini, which is the sign of the teacher, the writer and communicator. It’s an air sign that’s fascinated by everything for about 5 minutes. Scattered is another good adjective for Gemini, who bores easily and is endlessly seeking something new. It also happens to be right on top of Uranus (planet of rebellion and higher-level thinking) in the US (Sibley) chart. In mundane astrology (the branch of astrology that studies countries), the sixth house, which is where Uranus is in the US chart, is the house of public health, epidemics, health service, military personnel, workers, and trade unions. There will be restlessness during Mars’ transit of Gemini, which may be more obvious or overt during his direct motion.

Mercury: January 18 at 80 Capricorn

Yeah! Mercury ends his retrograde period on the 18th at 8:12 a.m. EST. Communication will hopefully be more straight forward and clear. And your computer may work better! (Well, we can hope.) Results of inner work done during Mercury’s retrograde period may become more obvious to you now. Capricorn is an earth sign that likes to plan, likes to feel secure in the way things have always been done, but is also determined to achieve his/her goals, whatever they are.

Uranus: January 22 at 140 Taurus

The planet of rebellion, higher level thinking of all kinds and destroyer of outmoded form(s) ends his retrograde on January 22 at 5:59 p.m. EST. Now, Uranus is not particularly happy in slow-moving Taurus, an earth sign noted for not changing its mind or moving from its chair. However, this placement could lead to innovative ways of working with (rather than against) Mother Earth. Being the most earth-bound of all the signs, Taurus is very interested in Mother Earth and her well-being. The slowness of Taurus can slow Uranus’s innovative ideas down long enough to become reality or at least to be thoroughly explored. Taurus is also only interested in practical ideas or solutions, which may tame some of Uranus’ tendencies to be somewhat far-out.

For the rest of January and all of February, all planets are in direct motion, that is, moving from east to west by our perception. It also means that the energies of the planets are more outwardly focused.  That does not mean, however, that all the planets will get along during these two months! Saturn and Uranus will continue to square each other – Saturn in Aquarius (ruled by Uranus), which is fixed (stubborn, sustaining) air and Uranus in Taurus, which is fixed earth.  Jupiter moves into Aries, ruled by Mars. Jupiter tends to make us “very” whatever sign he’s in. Aries is the warrior, with fiery enthusiasm and a lack of caution.

The Sun enters Aquarius on January 20th. The Full Moon occurs on January 6th at 6:08 p.m. She’ll be at 100 Cancer. The New Moon occurs on January 21st at 1:29. She’ll be at 10 Aquarius.

February

February is pretty quiet.

From February 9-18 the Sun is next to (conjunct) Saturn, both in airy Aquarius. This may mean delays/restrictions (Saturn) in implementing innovative ideas that benefit mankind as a whole (Aquarius). Mercury enters Aquarius on the 12th and squares Uranus on the 19th. (The Sun and Saturn also square Uranus, planet of rebellion and ruler of Aquarius).

At the same time, Venus is next to Neptune, both in watery Pisces. Pisces, in general, finds it very difficult to deal with this plane and seeks to escape one way or another. Neptune, ruler of fog, illusion and disillusion, rules Pisces. It is said that Neptune is the higher octave of Venus. Venus says, “I love you because you love me.” Neptune says, “I love you because it is in the nature of love to love.” 

The Sun enters Pisces on February 18th at 5:34 p.m.  The Full Moon occurs on February 5th at 1:29 p.m. She’ll be at 160 Leo. The New Moon occurs on February 20th at 2:06 a.m. She’ll be at 10 Pisces.

Have a good winter! March promises to be more exciting, so enjoy the relative quiet!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret