Trail Clearing…the old fashioned way at Philmont

Originally uploaded by imnowl

Overview: Take advantage of any opportunity you have to slow down and organize. Let go of attachment and frustration if your plans have been delayed. Have faith that more time is needed for a more favorable and appropriate outcome (Mercury is still retrograde through 9/12). At the end of the second week energy starts to flow again in a more straight forward manner.

9/1…Finds us trying to sort out which ideas/projects are going and which are staying. Focus on which ones are most useful and if you find yourself getting sidetracked.
Last Quarter Moon in Gemini

9/2-3…We are better able to verbalize our true needs and feelings than we have been for a while. Just make sure to listen to others as deeply as you wish to be listened to.
Sun in Virgo conjunct Mercury in Virgo

9/4-9/6…This Labor Day weekend is a great chance to reconnect with old friends. Plan in some mellow playtime to expand your heart with fun, pleasure, and connection (think rocking chairs on the porch or a meandering stroll through the woods). Easy does it.
Venus in Libra trine Neptune in Aquarius

9/7-8…New Moon in Virgo
A relatively mellow new moon, considering the summer we’ve had. Recharge your batteries, update and rededicate yourself to your self-care routine. Don’t ignore strong feelings that come up in the relationship department, but also keep in mind that there is more to the story than meets the eye, and more will be revealed throughout the rest of the fall.
Venus in Virgo quincunx Uranus in Pisces
Venus enters Scorpio
Venus in Scorpio quincunx Jupiter in Aries
Jupiter re enters Pisces

9/9-9/10…Soaring and connecting…Get re-engaged and re-inspired to align yourself with the core meaning and purpose behind what you do in the world. Gain access to the metta view of the significance of current efforts.
Mars in Libra trine Neptune in Aquarius

9/11-9/12…Pressure is on…Strong feels are stirred up with the moon in Scorpio. Any unfinished relationship business from the summer needs to be attended to. We are ready to voice our commitments going forward with Mercury turning direct on Sunday. Don’t let guilt sidetrack you from the root issue.
Venus in Scorpio trine Pluto in Capricorn
Mercury stationary direct in Virgo
Moon in Scorpio

9/13-9/14…Deeper in still..the mystery begs to be acknowledged, especially considering the emerging power that was freed up from the changes of the summer. Some regeneration is afoot.
Mars in Libra quincunx Uranus in Pisces
Mars in Libra quincunx Jupiter in Pisces
Pluto stationary direct in Capricorn
Mars enters Scorpio

9/15…We are all business, forging ahead with executing and planning.
Moon in Capricorn

Pencil Vs Camera – 23

Originally uploaded by Ben Heine

News flash from Stars by Liz: Well, this astrologer has not been immune to the winds of change sweeping through this summer. While I will be continuing to write my forecast and see clients, I will be cutting back my astrological work due to my growing role at Bainbridge Graduate Institute. Since January I have worked part time for BGI managing a guest outreach program, and I am enjoying using my MBA and collaborating with great people. As of September 1st, I will no longer be offering free mini readings, and will be continuing to see clients in person and over the phone on Saturdays. Thank you for reading and your ongoing support! Stars by Liz celebrates four years of forecasts this fall. Woot woot!

Overview: The third week of August promises to be a big one, with the final dance number between Saturn and Pluto and Mercury going retrograde (8/20-9/12). Take time to work on the unfinished business of the summer. Get out of your mind and all the stories and into your heart. See where you can be in better touch with your divine loving nature and be amazed at the ability of the intersection of compassion and passion in your life to transcend seemingly impossible obstacles. The last week of August we need to slow down, rest, and integrate.

8/17-8/18…we may find it difficult to stay on task. A change of approach can work wonders to shift the energy and helps us to see the beliefs our thoughts are growing out of.
Moon in Sagittarius
Mars in Libra sesquisquare Neptune in Aquarius

8/19…Mercury retrograde is in effect, although it officially goes retrograde tomorrow. Use the retrograde period until 9/12 to slow down and complete projects, tasks you were unable to finish during the summer. Keep in mind the practical advice for Mercury retrograde: Spend more time alone if you can, journal, don’t sign contracts or initiate new projects, double check and recheck all communications, give yourself and others the benefit of the doubt. This period also offers ample opportunity to clean up, organize, and get grounded from a hectic summer. If you are getting fouled up and frustrated with communication challenges, (cell phones, computers, etc.) slow down. Change your expectations. The trickster is knocking at your door, begging you to pay attention and cultivate a sense of humor. Don’t expect to go at the same pace you normally do and give yourself extra time wherever you can. Mindfulness is needed for us to learn how to better communicate what is in our hearts.
Venus in Libra sesquisquare Neptune in Aquarius

8/20-8/21…Integrity of heart, how do you put it into words? If you are at a loss remember that 90% of all communication is non-verbal. See if you can align your actions with how you feel and whether or not the words catch up doesn’t really matter if you’ve gotten the message across. What was going on for you mid-November 2009 and end of January 2010? 8/21 brings to a close one of the more intense astrological cycles of the past year. Reflect and review, give thanks for the true support you’ve received and grieve for the necessary endings.
Sun in Leo opposed Neptune in Aquarius
Venus in Libra conjunct Mars in Libra
Mercury stationary retrograde in Virgo
Saturn in Libra square Pluto in Capricorn

8/22…Sun joins Mercury in Virgo grounding us in the here and now. How did any major changes you experienced during this year upset your daily routine? Now it is time to reconfigure and adapt your self-care to the new evolving you.
Sun in Leo quincunx Uranus in Aries
Sun enters Virgo

8/23-8/24 Full Moon in Pisces….
Cleanse your body, soul and spirit during this full moon. We are carrying around some grievances from this summer that we must release and forgive to clear and cleanse our energy in order to realign ourselves with the true dream that is dreaming us into being every day. Spend some time in solitude and outside, let go of careful planning and flow with the day. Careful of overdoing substances, as we are particularly sensitive at this time. Artistic and spiritual pursuits are favored.
Sun in Leo quincunx Jupiter in Aries

8/25…Continue with the theme of the full moon: dream and forgive, soften and expand.
Sun in Virgo trine Pluto in Capricorn
Moon in Pisces

8/26-8/27…Dreams that are due do come true…What dream of yours is ripe and ready? Take the confidence available and claim it.
Moon in Pisces
Moon enters Aries

8/28-29….on 8/28 get out and socialize. We are hungry to connect with others. On 8/29 slow down and take your time.
Moon in Aries
Moon enters Taurus

8/30-8/31…Continue to rest and pace yourself. Reflect and integrate experiences from the summer.
Moon in Taurus

starhand

Originally uploaded by stitched_pirate

Overview: During the first two weeks of August we will be acutely aware of the interconnectedness of the changes we are experiencing through the complexity of our relationships. What connections have withstood the stress tests of the past couple of months and which have not?
Let go and release, grieve as needed, and let go of attachment to what support looks like for you, as it’s undergoing some changes. Also, it’s never too early to prepare for Mercury retrograde! Use the first week of August to initiate anything new you want to work on through the end of September. After that, focus on pots you already have on the burner and cleaning up and organizing from the busy summer (Mercury retrograde 8/20-9/12, more on that in the next forecast).

8/1-8/2…Brings a potentially explosive energy to the air. endings are necessary, and this time we are going out with a bang.
Jupiter in Aries square Pluto in Capricorn
Last Quarter Moon in Taurus

8/3…Swift yet thoughtful action is needed. We can never be all things to all people for too long. Keep in justice in clear view as you decide where to put your energy.
Mars in Libra opposed Jupiter in Aries
Mars in Libra square Pluto in Capricorn

8/4-8/5…Talk about the past few days with trusted peers. Be wary of wary of foraging into gossip and drama, as you’ll loose energy in doing so, though with the fireworks of late it might be very tempting to do so. Stay in your own shoes, and tell the healing story of what has meaning, heart, and constructive action. Leave the rest in the compost heap.
Moon in Gemini

8/6-8/7…Tend to your relationships and the changes they are going through with the transformations of this summer. You may be surprised at the freedom and support you feel as long as you choose truth over harmony.
Venus enters Libra
Venus in Libra opposed Uranus in Aries

Pay Attention…New Moon in Leo 8/8-8/9…Brings up some seemingly impossible obstacles. The challenge will be to keep your cool and remember to slow down, take it one step at a time. Where are you called to shine a little more brightly? Where do you need some better quality attention, and where are you prepared to give that generously to yourself and others?
Venus in Libra conjunct Saturn in Libra
Venus in Libra opposed Jupiter in Aries
Venus in Libra square Pluto in Capricorn

8/10-11 Frustrations, challenges point to where our will can be better aligned with our expectations. Choose your words carefully to help counter the strong urge to blow things out of proportion.
Moon in Virgo
Sun in Leo sesquisquare Jupiter in Aries
Sun in Leo sesquisquare Pluto in Capricorn

8/12-8/13…We may be confronted with some hard tasks in the relationship department on 8/12 but 8/13 brings some movement and passion to express the truth of our heart strings. How can freedom support more intimacy in your life? Cultivate healthy freedom in order to be more present in your relationships. Uranus heads back into Pisces till March 2011. Use from now until then to soften and wash away the hard edges of the revolutions you started this year. Let the connections revealed in unlikely places support the interdependence of the many facets of your life.
Moon in Libra
Uranus enters back in Pisces

8/14-8/15…Use this weekend to clean up and organize for the upcoming Mercury retrograde cycle (8/20-9/13). Tie up loose ends and pick some projects you have already initiated this summer to direct your energy towards for the next month
Moon in Scorpio

You are enough…8/16…If contemplating a reversal/drastic shift right now, cultivate patience. If you have been planning this shift for a while, then go for it. But be aware that it will most likely play out differently than the plan you currently have. If you are dropping something because you don’t feel good enough, I urge you to wait until late September to pull the plug. The issue may lie in too much black and white thinking and overzealous expectations.
Last Quarter Moon in Scorpio
Jupiter in Aries opposed Saturn in Libra

fizzy jump

Originally uploaded by Wollbinho

Overview: Our holding capacity for staying fluid amidst the shifts and openings must be buoyed by a strong sense of self. Give yourself a pep talk, reminding yourself of all that you’ve been through and what your core values are if you feel overwhelmed. The rest of the summer is action packed, and these last two weeks of July highlight where you are being liberated into a whole new reality for yourself.

7/16-7/19…Adjusting and tinkering. You may be called to pull a number of tricks out of your bag. Pay more attention to the solution than to who gets the credit.
First Quarter Moon in Libra
Mercury in Leo quincunx Pluto in Capricorn
Mercury in Leo quincunx Uranus and Jupiter in Aries

7/20-7/21…Saturn moves into Libra, where it will stay until 2012. Think back to the end of October 2009. What alliances did you start building between October and early April of this year? What maturity and diplomacy have you become aware of that have supported the developments of some important relationships? If you have been in a process of ending a relationship(s), what new forms of relating are emerging for you?
Saturn enters Libra

Shine on..7/22-7/23…Celebrate the the expansions you have been working on and experiencing since October of 2009. Innovation and structure are mutually supportive:enjoy the integration
Sun enters Leo
Sun in Leo trine Uranus in Aries
Sun in Leo sextile Saturn in Libra
Jupiter stationary retrograde in Aries

7/24…Righteousness and fanaticism may rear their ugly heads. Step out of the past reactive patterns adn into humility. Be very clear about what battles you do and do not want to take on. Face the fear and be amazed athte transformations a good dose of courage can fuel.
Jupiter in Aries square Pluto in Capricorn

The Revolution..7/25-26…Saturn and Uranus face off on 7/26 for the fifth and final time, and for the only time in Libra and Aries (the other oppositions have been in Pisces/Virgo). Since the fall of 2008, where have you surrendered to some major life changes? You have no doubt done some deep work to get the essence of the structure that will truly sustain you while tearing down the old one(s) at the same time. Now, with Saturn and Uranus in cardinal signs, it’s time to act and initiate. If you have felt pulled apart, you are not the only one. Now is the time to understand and accept and move on to the new energy that has been set in motion. How has your compass shifted, and what discovery and work awaits you? A relief of pressure helps ease any growing pains. Pay attention to where you are able to track and tend the fires you have going and where you are not.
Full Moon in Aquarius
Mercury in Leo opposes Neptune in Aquarius
Sun in Leo trine Jupiter in Aries
Saturn in Libra opposes Uranus in Aries

7/27-28…Take care of the necessary logistics for whatever came up during the past few days. Careful obsessing over any particular detail: one step at a time.
Mercury enters Virgo

7/29-30…Expect restlessness and unpredictable behavior. Break out of a pattern that has been dragging you down. Make sure to get plenty of exercise and get outside to keep grounded. Sleep patterns may be disrupted.
Mars enters Libra
Mercury in Virgo trine Pluto in Capricorn
Mars in Libra opposes Uranus in Aries

Stamina and power…7/31…Get in touch with your self-discipline and focus. Channel any frustration/resentments into constructive action. What bridges are you called to build, internally and externally? If any anger/resentment becomes too difficult to bear and hostility is imminent, take a breath and write down what you are feeling before delivering any messages you may regret later.
Mars conjunct Saturn in Libra

Aspects
conjunct: fusion, merging
sextile: flow
opposes: tension, holds up the mirror for awareness
quincunx: adjust, modify
sesquisquare: adjust, reorient
square: tension, obstacles/crisis
trine: flow
stationary direct: intense focus moving outward
stationary retrograde: intense focus moving inward

Moon Cycle
New Moon: start of new cycle, seed intentions for month ahead
First Qtr Moon: crisis in action, focus on what needs to change to overcome any obstacles
Full Moon: illumination of true feelings and dynamics, culminating point
Last Qtr Moon: crisis in consciousness, preparing and letting go for new cycle

Planets (the WHAT)
Moon: nurturer
Sun: hero/heroine
Mercury: messenger
Venus: lover, friend
Mars: warrior, pioneer
Jupiter: adventurer
Saturn: disciplinarian, authority
Uranus: change agent
Neptune: mystic
Pluto: shaman, midwife

Signs (the HOW)
Aries: risk-taking, independence
Taurus: stabilization, simplicity
Gemini: storytelling, options
Cancer: tenderness, nurturing
Leo: self-expression, playfulness
Virgo: organization, humility
Libra: grace, relating to others
Scorpio: intensity, honesty
Sagittarius: optimism, exploration
Capricorn: pragmatism, leadership
Aquarius: visioning outside the box
Pisces: fluidity, compassion

RAF homing pigeons

Originally uploaded by Adelaide Archivist

Overview: The first couple of weeks of July offer a bit of break in the action until later in the month. The eclipse on 7/11 will bring up some strong emotions, and the necessary support is there for us to look at how we really feel about what’s been transpiring since mid June. Pay attention to what home really means to you, as most likely it’s undergoing some transformations and changes at this time.

7/1-7/2…Inspiration and ideas abound. Soften your approach and practical solutions appear.
Mercury in Cancer sextile Mars in Virgo
Moon in Pisces

7/3-7/4…This holiday weekend see where you can honor true interdependence in your web of community. It takes a village to pretty much anything of lasting significance; who is your tribe? This is also a good time to review your intentions around what you set in motion late November/early December 2009. How have things transformed? Take some time to reflect and set a new intention for the coming months. If you find yourself feeling cranked up/ irritated, channel it into productive action and exercise. Ask yourself what authentic actions you can take at this time.
Last Quarter Moon in Aries
Uranus in Aries Stationary Retrograde

Grounding and stabilizing…7/5-7/7…Slow down and be methodical. Get outside and witness the beauty and productivity of mother nature. Practicality and firm execution are needed.
Moon in Taurus

7/8-7/9..Create and Play…Dust off the paints and bring out the guitar. Express yourself and socialize, see a play, a concert, or go to a poetry reading. Our hearts need some attention and entertainment.
Venus in Leo opposed Neptune in Aquarius
Mercury in Cancer sextile Saturn in Virgo
Mercury enters Leo
Moon in Gemini

Cancer Solar Eclipse 7/10-7/11…After a tumultuous and busy couple of weeks, it’s time for our feelings and emotions to catch up with us. Be tender. Sow seeds of compassion and understanding as you weed out judgement and false pretenses. Atone and forgive yourself and others to make room for more love in your life. As this eclipse is in Cancer, take time to reflect on your roots and how they are impacting you today. What is home? What is family? What is security to you?
Venus moves into Virgo
Sun in Cancer sextile Mars in Virgo
Mercury in Leo trine Jupiter in Aries

7/12-7/13…Our values are transforming. Watch empathy blossom as you express your love and compassion in practical ways. See how you can support someone you care about in a simple, straightforward manner with no strings attached.
Venus in Virgo trine Pluto in Capricorn

7/14-7/15…Simplify and organize. Good days for routine tasks and errands you may have had to let slide since late June.
Moon in Virgo

Aspects
conjunct: fusion, merging
sextile: flow
opposes: tension, holds up the mirror for awareness
quincunx: adjust, modify
sesquisquare: adjust, reorient
square: tension, obstacles/crisis
trine: flow
stationary direct: intense focus moving outward
stationary retrograde: intense focus moving inward

Moon Cycle
New Moon: start of new cycle, seed intentions for month ahead
First Qtr Moon: crisis in action, focus on what needs to change to overcome any obstacles
Full Moon: illumination of true feelings and dynamics, culminating point
Last Qtr Moon: crisis in consciousness, preparing and letting go for new cycle

Planets (the WHAT)
Moon: nurturer
Sun: hero/heroine
Mercury: messenger
Venus: lover, friend
Mars: warrior, pioneer
Jupiter: adventurer
Saturn: disciplinarian, authority
Uranus: change agent
Neptune: mystic
Pluto: shaman, midwife

Signs (the HOW)
Aries: risk-taking, independence
Taurus: stabilization, simplicity
Gemini: storytelling, options
Cancer: tenderness, nurturing
Leo: self-expression, playfulness
Virgo: organization, humility
Libra: grace, relating to others
Scorpio: intensity, honesty
Sagittarius: optimism, exploration
Capricorn: pragmatism, leadership
Aquarius: visioning outside the box
Pisces: fluidity, compassion

Overview: This summer is a summer like no other we’ve experienced in our lifetimes. And we kick it off these next couple of weeks with the summer solstice on 6/21 and an eclipse on 6/26. Hopefully you took your ship out of the safe harbor during the earlier part of June, because now we need to be poised for some grand adventures. Radical commitment to both your authenticity and compassion for all living things is needed. This summer is an awesome opportunity to choose innovation over fear when faced with the unknown. Any blocks we have to adopting this attitude must be cleared.

6/16-17…The Moon in Virgo points to where we may need to be better organized in our negotiations with others. Replace righteousness with partnership in the name of quality improvement and efficiency.
Moon in Virgo, Moon conjunct Mars in Virgo

6/18-6/19…Details we may have breezily skipped over in the past must be attended to. Thankfully we can easily orient towards how the divine is in the details. Remember that it’s all good work.
First Quarter Moon in Virgo
Sun in Gemini square Saturn in Virgo
Sun in Gemini trine Neptune in Aquarius

6/20-21…Happy Father’s Day and Solstice! With the longest day of the year upon us, it’s time to celebrate the life force which sustains us. Where might you need to shine a little brighter in your world? Don’t keep your light under a bushel. Ask for healing around father/authority figures in your life and you may be pleasantly surprised with the resulting empowerment and clarity you feel.
Sun moves into Cancer
Sun in Cancer square Uranus in Aries

6/22… Reflect and restore. Tend lovingly to any strong emotions that emerge.
Moon in Scorpio

6/23…The universe is conspiring to show us exactly where we may be a tad overextended. Offer gratitude for realizing where the line is and adjust your expectations accordingly.
Sun in Cancer square Jupiter in Aries

Shedding skins…6/24-6/25…Some poignant endings are upon us. Cultivate grace in the process of letting go. Accept, grieve, and clear.
Sun in Cancer opposed Pluto in Capricorn

6/26…Capricorn Lunar Eclipse…Finding the Elder within
An issue that has been brewing for some time, most likely in the work/family/home arena, is asking for systemic, long term change. Do not attempt to fix it with a band-aid. Be a grown up about it. Look to whatever was going on for you in late March for clues as to what’s asking to be brought into consciousness at this time.

6/27…Yesterday’s eclipse may have brought up some strong feelings and unexpected information. A mature perspective is needed as we attend to the necessary communication about the impact.
Mercury in Cancer opposed Pluto in Capricorn

6/28-6/29…Movement and a different point of view help air out the strong emotions of late. Take care not to distract yourself from the security issues that need to be addressed by packing too much into your schedule.
Sun in Cancer conjunct Mercury in Cancer
Moon in Aquarius

6/30…Brings a more mellow day. Restore yourself with nourishing activities and some time to contemplate and process.
Moon in Aquarius conjunct Neptune in Aquarius

Aspects
conjunct: fusion, merging
sextile: flow
opposes: tension, holds up the mirror for awareness
quincunx: adjust, modify
sesquisquare: adjust, reorient
square: tension, obstacles/crisis
trine: flow
stationary direct: intense focus moving outward
stationary retrograde: intense focus moving inward

Moon Cycle
New Moon: start of new cycle, seed intentions for month ahead
First Qtr Moon: crisis in action, focus on what needs to change to overcome any obstacles
Full Moon: illumination of true feelings and dynamics, culminating point
Last Qtr Moon: crisis in consciousness, preparing and letting go for new cycle

Planets (the WHAT)
Moon: nurturer
Sun: hero/heroine
Mercury: messenger
Venus: lover, friend
Mars: warrior, pioneer
Jupiter: adventurer
Saturn: disciplinarian, authority
Uranus: change agent
Neptune: mystic
Pluto: shaman, midwife

Signs (the HOW)
Aries: risk-taking, independence
Taurus: stabilization, simplicity
Gemini: storytelling, options
Cancer: tenderness, nurturing
Leo: self-expression, playfulness
Virgo: organization, humility
Libra: grace, relating to others
Scorpio: intensity, honesty
Sagittarius: optimism, exploration
Capricorn: pragmatism, leadership
Aquarius: visioning outside the box
Pisces: fluidity, compassion

Proof of Wind

Originally uploaded by flutemuzik

Dear readers,
Thank you for all of your feedback with the new forecast format. Several of you commented on the “missing” signs: I only included the signs and planets I mentioned. But for this forecast, all signs and planets are accounted for to avoid confusion. Enjoy!

Also, for those of you in the Seattle area, there was a typo for the new moon meditation. It’s Sunday June 13 . Hope to see you there.

Overview: These next couple of weeks offer an opportunity to surge ahead. Ships are meant for sailing: it’s time to leave the safe harbor and set your course for a grand adventure. Keep in mind Orville Wright didn’t have a pilot’s license. Just go on and do it. Better to beg for forgiveness later than ask for permission now.

6/1-6/2…Even though you may feel a bit blurry still from the Neptune station on 5/31, the new directions that emerged on 5/27 become easier to visualize.
Moon in Aquarius

6/3-6/4…Unite your personal will with a commitment to the collective. Feeling needed and giving from a heart filled place are two important joys and pleasures of being alive. Where can you better demonstrate the generosity and universality of love?
Last Quarter Moon in Pisces
Mars in Leo opposes Neptune in Aquarius

6/5…We have the will triumph against all odds. Get ready for a rocket boost of self-confidence. Is life worth living? Hell yeah. There is a supernova of courage available: be mindful and assertive with what you do with it! The plus side is a willingness to initiate and trail blaze through any roadblocks of fear. The shadow side is overextension and combativeness. Don’t create enemies where there are none.
Jupiter moves into Aries

6/6…To balance the fiery energy of Jupiter moving into Aries, Mars the warrior moves into earthy Virgo. We can’t expand and trail blaze effectively without being firmly rooted in integrity and having ways to insure accountability as we grow and expand.
Mars moves into Virgo

Lift Off…6/7-6/8…Time to soar: be bold, dream big.
You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs. What sacred fight are you tackling,and on whose behalf? Let your passion and inner truth unite to take you on the adventure of a lifetime. We have an opportunity to take a radical new step. Channel the power and passion into action on behalf of your wildest dreams, lest we get swept up in righteous rage and rash, reactive old patterns.
Jupiter in Aries conjunct Uranus in Aries

6/9-6/10…Take the new steps and insights to friends, family, and co-workers. Ask questions and gather input. See what synergy is there: seek the support and help you need.
Mercury in Taurus square Neptune in Aquarius
Mercury enters Gemini
Mercury in Gemini sextile Uranus and Jupiter in Aries

New Moon in Gemini…6/11-6/12…Support and connection comes from someone more experienced, perhaps a mentor from our past. See how the bold moves you are planning actually have been in the works for a while. The New Moon reminds us to consider our options. Careful of getting into a battle of the minds and/or indulging in gossip. Orient yourself firmly in beginner’s mind and blast out of the limiting compartmentalizations and stories you no longer need.
Mercury in Gemini square Mars in Virgo
Venus in Leo sextile Saturn in Libra

6/13-14…Take a look at how your actions fit with your beliefs and ideals. Is your heart in it? If not, we need to review where we may have been too breezy/cavalier. Where might you need to compromise to make sure you are taking pleasure and enjoying the process, not to mention having the necessary companionship to keep you inspired?
Venus enters Leo
Venus in Leo trine Uranus in Aries

6/15…Explore and expand the expression of compassion in your world. Where can you cultivate more equanimity and joy in your relationships? Take a creative risk and allow more of your heart to be seen.
Venus in Leo trine Jupiter in Aries
Mars in Virgo trine Pluto in Capricorn

Aspects
conjunct: fusion, merging
sextile: flow
opposes: tension, holds up the mirror for awareness
quincunx: adjust, modify
sesquisquare: adjust, reorient
square: tension, obstacles/crisis
trine: flow
stationary direct: intense focus moving outward
stationary retrograde: intense focus moving inward

Moon Cycle
New Moon: start of new cycle, seed intentions for month ahead
First Qtr Moon: crisis in action, focus on what needs to change to overcome any obstacles
Full Moon: illumination of true feelings and dynamics, culminating point
Last Qtr Moon: crisis in consciousness, preparing and letting go for new cycle

Planets
Moon: nurturer
Sun: hero/heroine
Mercury: messenger
Venus: lover, friend
Mars: warrior, pioneer
Jupiter: adventurer
Saturn: disciplinarian, authority
Uranus: change agent
Neptune: mystic
Pluto: shaman, midwife

Signs
Aries: risk-taking, independence
Taurus: stabilization, simplicity
Gemini: storytelling, options
Cancer: tenderness, nurturing
Leo: self-expression, playfulness
Virgo: organization, humility
Libra: grace, relating to others
Scorpio: intensity, honesty
Sagittarius: optimism, exploration
Capricorn: pragmatism, leadership
Aquarius: visioning outside the box
Pisces: fluidity, compassion

Dear readers,
Thank you for all of your feedback on my forecast! I made some changes to the format to honor some of your requests for more astrological information. Please let me know how it works for you. In italics you’ll see the astrologese, which you can easily skip over if you like. At the end of this there is a translation key for the planets and signs I mention in this forecast (note:next time I’ll include all signs and planets, even if I don’t reference them in the forecast). Try substituting the keywords for the planets and signs and see what insight emerges. This is a great way to learn astrology!

Overview: These next couple of weeks are preparation for a quantum leap of energy available to us in early June. The full moon on 5/27 promises to be action packed, take heed not to get to heady about being “right.” Instead, enjoy the exploration and options and forward momentum in the air.

5/17-18… The New Moon on 5/13 set the stage for us to discern the difference between our ideals, expectations and actual behavior in our relationships. Careful of projecting fears onto others. It’s never a black and white issue, and it’s time to develop a new story line.
Venus in Gemini at the tip of a t-square (aspect of tension) to Saturn in Virgo and Jupiter in Pisces

Getting blurry to get clear…5/19…Give up any rigid posture or role you’ve been playing by softening your vision. Cultivate flexibility and a new direction emerges.
The Sun in Taurus square (aspect of tension) Neptune in Aquarius
Venus enters Cancer
Mercury in Taurus trine (aspect of flow) Pluto in Capricorn

5/20…Options and ideas come lightening fast. Brainstorm and write them down.
The Sun in Taurus sextile (aspect of flow) to Uranus in Pisces
The Sun enters Gemini

5/21-5/22…Sufficiency versus abundance. Cultivate a sense of contentment and “enoughness.” An acceptance of present circumstances is the soil from which the vision of what you want to create grows.
The Saturn in Virgo opposes (aspect of tension, holds up the mirror for awareness) Jupiter in Pisces

5/23…Feelings and needs. Our hearts are hungry. Needs we may have been ignoring are crying out for love. Take full responsibility for strong feelings: you are your own best friend. Be mindful of responding versus reacting in your interactions,and midwife the fears that are ready to be transformed into awareness and love.
Venus in Cancer opposes (aspect of tension, holds up the mirror for awareness) Pluto in Capricorn

Delicate adjustments…5/24-5/25…Take heed that your words match your intentions and double check that you are operating from the same dictionary before jumping to conclusions in conversations. Our thoughts need some organization at this time.
The Sun in Gemini quincunx (adjust, modify) Pluto in Capricorn

Trailblazing…5/26-5/27…Full Moon in Sagittarius

Hold on to your hats for a wild ride. The universe pushed the fast forward button on us, and now it’s time to soar. Much of the spring was about gathering and recovering our resources with Mercury retrograde in Taurus. Now for something drastically different. This full moon occurs just two hours before Uranus enters Aries. The last time Uranus was in Aries was 1927-1935, and it’s recent stint in Pisces lasted about 8 years. Get ready for some pioneering revolutions in your personal world and the collective. Al Gore has said that we have enough technology and resources on this planet to address three climate changes. My hope and dream with Uranus entering Aries is that we are able to act and organize and implement what we know to address the crisis we struggle with to create a socially just and ecologically sustainable world for everyone. Here’s a video for inspiration.

5/28-5/29…Assimilate, integrate, and digest the full moon.
Mercury in Taurus Sesquisquare (adjust, reorient) Pluto in Capricorn

After and before the ecstasy, the laundry…5/30-5/31..A culminating point in any of the hard work we were able to accomplish in the last few months is upon us. You may find yourself fluctuating between intensive focus and discipline and then all of a sudden needing a nap. Surrender to these urges and let them balance your efforts.
Saturn in Virgo Stationary Direct (intense focus moving outward)
Neptune in Aquarius Stationary Retrograde (intense focus moving inward)

Planets (the WHAT)
Sun: hero/heroine
Mercury: messenger
Venus: lover, friend
Jupiter: adventurer
Saturn: disciplinarian, authority
Uranus: change agent
Neptune: mystic
Pluto: shaman, midwife

Signs (the HOW)
Aries: risk-taking, independence
Taurus: stabilization, simplicity
Gemini: storytelling, options
Cancer: tenderness, nurturing
Virgo: organization, humility
Sagittarius: optimism, exploration
Capricorn: pragmatism, leadership
Aquarius: visioning outside the box
Pisces: fluidity, compassion

Beltane Fire Festival 2008 – Beltane Bonfire

Originally uploaded by Two Truths

Overview: For most of the first two weeks of May, Mercury is still retrograde in Taurus (turns direct on 5/11) keeping the focus on the very stuff of our lives. Don’t make grand plans to move forward until later in May. We need time to integrate and synthesize the last week of April.

5/1…Happy May Day! The traditional holiday, Beltane, was celebrated with bonfires to purify and cleanse the spirit. Release any remaining dregs of any winter stagnation to fully launch into a productive growing season. Use this weekend to recharge after a full week and get reconnected to your passion.

5/2 Sunday brings a more serious and pensive energy to the forefront; use the focus to finish up a task you’ve been putting off.

5/3…Clarify goals and priorities. Enjoy building a strong foundation for your valuable ideas and projects to flourish.

5/4-5/5…Practicality and passion may at first glance appear to be irreconcilable. But an honest second look reveals how they balance one another in a dynamic dance.

5/6-5/7…Brings a more mellow and inspired tone to the air. Surrender to the experiences you are having and soften the edges where appropriate.

Mom’s Day…5/8-5/9…This mother’s day weekend enjoy a trip down memory lane, taking note of times when you have felt loved and cared for. See if any common themes emerge.

5/10-5/11..May find us both restless and exhausted at the tail end of Mercury retrograde. Communication and technology hiccups remind us to slow down, enjoy the spring, and have a good laugh.

5/12-5/13…New Moon in Taurus…Simplify for Abundance to Flow
This new moon brings up questions around stability, specifically in our relationships. Let go and release fears around security in order to explore your options. The decisions we are pressed to make highlight where we need to commit. By checking overly idealistic expectations at the door and simplifying back to our core values, a more stable and fertile option presents itself.

5/14..The moon enters Gemini, bringing a chatty and mental energy to the day. Make sure to ground yourself to avoid getting scattered and then take advantage of the ideas and articulations coming to you know. Good day for writing, communicating, and sales.

5/15-5/16…On Saturday get out and about and socialize. We need ideas and conversations to inspire us. Sunday the moon enters Cancer: take it easy and putter around your home.

Spring Storm

Originally uploaded by imjackhandy

Overview: The last couple weeks of April bring a changing spring landscape with Mercury turning retrograde and close out with a strong full moon in Scorpio. We may need to spend some time reflecting on where our resources are going. Mindfulness and a slower pace are needed to process and respond to everything swirling around us. Hold your emotions tenderly and loosely as they come up to allow your true feelings to emerge.

4/16-4/17…Appearances can be deceiving. We must hold news gently, as it’s bound to shape shift into something different with Mercury turning retrograde until 5/11. Use the next few weeks to reflect on your quality of life, simplify, and to cultivate more mindfulness about where your resources such as time and money are really going. Consider moving your money to a local community bank or credit union if you haven’t already. Personally and collectively we have an opportunity to work on being in right relationship with money. Here are some links to resources to support that process:
Move Your Money Movement
Move Your Money video
Slow Money Alliance
Soul of Money Institute

4/18…Enjoy an inspired Sunday. Go slow and see what signs of spring you can find to delight your senses.

4/19…Sun enters Taurus today. Let your body and instincts point you to where stabilization and practicality are needed. Use these instincts to help you ground and get out of any broken record stories you may have gotten caught up in over a material detail.

4/20…Follow the natural rhythm of today and you can accomplish quite a lot.

4/21-4/22…On 4/22 we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. In what ways would you like to be a better steward of your personal and our collective resources on this planet? Do yourself and the world a favor by treating yourself and others as kindly as you wish we treated the earth.

4/23-4/24…Finds us needing to let go of an overly idealistic expectation of another and embrace a new, more grounded perspective on the support and connection that has been there all along.

4/25-4/26…What ways are you stabilizing and integrating from changes that started in the fall of 2008? Planning and a pragmatic attitude are needed to prepare for the long term and to accommodate shifts in perspective and circumstances.

4/27-4/28…Busy couple of days culminating with a strong full moon in Scorpio on 4/28. Emotional purging and processing is necessary to recalibrate where our true feelings lie. We may need to make some decisions around our resources; take care not to get overly attached/swayed by the physical form. Remember it’s a representation of a much deeper and powerful process and appearances can be deceiving without the full story and context. Luckily faith and inspiration are available for us to tap into so you can make sure that whatever you do at the crossroads you now face incorporates your resilience and ingenuity in the face of any situation.

4/29-4/30…Take a breather and make sure to look far as well as near amidst the emotionally charged events of late. Where do we need to be reminded of the meaning and purpose behind any drama? Expand your mind and perspective by taking some time exploring off the beaten path.