July's Cosmic Weather: Inspiration! Move Me Brightly

Summer greetings, Santa Cruz stargazers. July continues to bring some challenging moments ripe for personal growth, but also some possible tension. The month starts with Jupiter in Cancer moving ahead in the sign, but still in range of a square to Saturn and Neptune in early Aries. This ongoing square has been rattling our world since early June. The last time Neptune, a slow-moving planet, was in Aries was during the American Civil War. As I mentioned in a previous article, delusions of military might are on the table. It is tempting to make my July report about worldly events. Instead, I’ll work on the microcosmic level and see if I can offer best ways to make the most of July’s current sky.

On July 4th, Neptune stops in the sky to station retrograde (Saturn turns retrograde July 12th). The two planets have a lot of strength now. Meanwhile Venus enters Gemini also on July 4th, triggering a desire to exchange ideas, talk through solutions and find ways to use our voice in being spiritual warriors in defense of what is most meaningful for us. Let’s hope for a peaceful birthday party for our divided nation. “Wave that flag, wave it wide and high…”

Inspiration from Uranus in Gemini

The big news this month is Uranus, planet of revolution and sudden change, entering the sign Gemini, July 7th, 12:45 am Pacific time. Uranus will be in Gemini until November 7th when it moves for several months back into Taurus while retrograde. Late April, 2026, Uranus reenters Gemini until 2032-33. A major planetary shift, Uranus in Gemini brings shocking revelations, creative technical innovation and radical ideas or solutions. The last time Uranus was in Gemini was between 1941 and 1949, a period noted for the development of the atomic bomb.

Be proactive with the Uranian potential for upset and change by looking and seeing where the planet is moving in your natal chart. Here you may find yourself yearning for freedom, for fresh perspectives and for claiming your own radical mindset. You benefit from thinking outside the box. An idea may come to you on how to break free. “Give me five, I’m still alive. Ain’t no luck, I learned to duck!”

The Full Moon in Capricorn at 18°50’ occurs July 10th at 1:36 pm. We take stock of the “mountain” we are climbing, the masterpiece we are working to build. Low road is to project too much control. Try instead to create strategies that work. This Moon is “out of bounds” at extreme declination. Be unconventional in your plans. Mars in Virgo says be practical about what needs effort to fine-tune. How can you be of service? The Full Moon makes a supportive aspect to the nodes of the Moon. Be real about what skills you have and visualize how to help in a compassionate way to make a difference in the larger collective.

Mercury turns retrograde at 15°34’ Leo, July 17th, 9:44 pm. Look to see where mid-degrees of Leo fall in your natal chart. Here you might reevaluate how you are using your creative side or ask yourself if you are looking for too much praise or applause. Maybe it’s your generosity or artwork that counts.

Sun enters Leo July 22nd, 6:29 am. Time to shine and share your creative gifts, have the courage to be on stage or lead with a big generous heart. Cherish those around you and give plenty of praise. Leo season is a time for joyful play and expressions of our love for one another.

July 24th, a New Moon in Leo, 02°08’, 12:11 pm, is a great time to set an intention: where do I need to replenish my soul? Revel in creative juju? Where do I need to lead or take center stage? A powerful New Moon, both luminaries form a supportive trine (120°) to Aries Saturn and Neptune, sextile Uranus in Gemini and oppose Pluto in Aquarius. In a nutshell, these other planetary players suggest dealing with a possible crisis in leadership or freedom. Where have you been sacrificing too much of yourself? What needs to transform for you to be truly authentic? “Shine your shoes, light the fuse…Can you use them old U.S. Blues?”

Welcome to Summer! Jupiter enters Cancer

The highlight of June’s cosmic weather report is Jupiter and the Sun entering into Cancer this month. Jupiter travels through Cancer roughly every twelve years, so it is worth seeing where the sign of the crab falls in your natal chart. Here we tend to see the glass half-full now and, because of synchronicity or grace, opportunities may arise for you. It is time to roll the dice on yourself and be bold. Have courage and ask, how have I been underestimating myself in this area of my life? (Again, check house location in your chart for guidance). Cancer is a sensitive water sign, associated with nurturing, healing, and close family bonds. Jupiter enters Cancer June 9th, 2:02 pm Pacific time. If you are a “Cancer” (natal Sun in Cancer), this is your year. Enjoy! Jupiter remains in Cancer until the end of June, 2026.

Jupiter in Cancer encourages us to work on self-healing strategies. I think of the beautiful lyrics by Robert Hunter, “Goin’ home, goin’ home. By the waterside I will rest my bones. Listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock my soul.” What comforts and heals your soul? How can I best nurture those around me, especially my dearest friends and loved ones? “Family” need not be biological; we often create our family through deep commitment and devotion. Think of the people in your life whom you know for certain, one of you will attend the other one’s funeral. Life-long bonding and unconditional love.

With Jupiter moving through Cancer now, we ask: how have I been underestimating myself in terms of healing myself and healing my clan? Some of us may need to step up to the plate and serve as the “healer” our world around us so sorely needs. Our home life may also be a focus now. Look for opportunities to make your nest and your closest connections with others better.

We have a Full Moon, 20°39’ Sagittarius, on June 11th, 12:43 am. This is a wonderful time to expand your wings and travel, even if just in your mind, to exciting new places or see new paradigms that can be possible in your life. “Momma, momma, many worlds I’ve come since I first left home…” A good social Moon in a fire sign to reveal in some fun. Summer’s (just about) here and the time is right for dancing in the streets!

Saturn and Neptune, both in early Aries now, are close to a conjunction throughout this month (less than one degree apart later in the month). We may see delusions around military might and challenges to keeping the peace. The high road is to fight for what you know is right and make a stand. This will be accentuated when Mars in late Leo squares Uranus in Taurus, June 15th, and Jupiter in Cancer squares both Saturn (on June 15th) and Neptune (June 18th). There can be some stubborn, arrogant actions by those needing to be “seen” and unnecessary grandstanding of patriotism and ego displays. A better use of the energy is to rightfully protect what you most value and take a chance on being a healing force for others.

Mars enters Virgo June 17th, 1:35 am. There will be a shift toward honing our skill set and being in service, taking action on practical matters and details. On June 20th, Sun enters Cancer at 7:42 pm. Happy Solstice, everyone! The long days of summer are ideal for relaxation and restoring our souls together with family with love center stage. “Fare you well, fare you well. I love you more than words can tell.” By June 22nd, Mars in Virgo forms a lovely sixty-degree sextile with Jupiter in Cancer. Put your will into action and give the loving gift of service.

The New Moon occurs June 25th, 3:31 am, at 4°07’ Cancer, within range of a conjunction with Jupiter and sextile Mars. Sun and Moon both square Saturn and Neptune in Aries. Make plans for how you might best heal and nurture yourself so to empower you to claim your pioneering work, to take initiatives as a leader, or to defend what you hold dear.

Catie’s photograph of the sunrise at Stonehenge - Happy Solstice!

Gemini Season Begins - May's Cosmic Weather

May opens with the Moon “out of bounds”, at extreme declination, in Cancer, May 1st and 2nd. International Workers’ Day coincides with the ancient Celtic holiday of Beltane, celebrating the height of spring. We begin with a drive for unconventional and alternative ways of healing division, in tune with a love of family and homeland. The Moon squares Venus and Neptune on May 1st, while the two planets (Venus the planet of love and connection, Neptune a higher octave of spiritual love) conjunct on May 2nd at 1°08’ Aries. Why not support taking action to defend the rights of the common citizen, of our community, of our planet? “Who can stop what must arrive now? Something new is waiting to be born!”

On May 4th, Pluto stops in the sky and stations retrograde at 3°49’ Aquarius. Pluto is a very slow-moving planet. When Pluto touches our natal chart by transit (its location in the current sky), it has time to marinate, creating depth of meaning over roughly a three-year period of time. Look to see where early degrees of Aquarius fall in your own natal chart. Here Pluto wants to bring to the surface any wounding or psychological “shadows” in your subconscious for you to heal and release. When the planet slows down, it can be particularly eventful as we face Pluto wounds. This is to help us clear the slate and rise from the ashes like a Phoenix. You are ready to work on this part of yourself!

The Full Moon occurs May 12th, 9:55 am Pacific time at 22°12’ Scorpio. The same day, Mercury in Taurus squares Pluto retrograde in Aquarius. The Moon conjuncts the asteroid, Juno, also in Scorpio. representing our partner, our ideal “consort.” What is it we value in intimacy (or in partnerships with others one-on-one), who or what supports our passions and lets us wrestle with healing our “stuff”? How do we create deep honest bonds with others? A Scorpio Moon brings intense feelings to the surface. Watch out for power plays in another. Consider how to balance the beauty of intense connection with what calms you and helps you feel at ease. “Hang your heart on laughing willow, stray down to the water, deep sea of love, beneath the sweet calm face of the sea swift undertow.”

The Moon goes out of bounds again the days following the Full Moon, May 13 through 17th, in Sagittarius and Capricorn. Be bold and adventurous! Time to feel free and open your mind to new paradigms of how we view the world. Jupiter in Gemini squares the nodes of the Moon mid-May asking us to think outside the box and look for diverse solutions to visualizing our path as compassionate people in loving service. How might we imagine sharing our ideas and making a difference for others and our world?

Sun enters Gemini, May 20th, 11:54 am. Late spring sets a mood for feeding our curiosities, investigating new avenues of knowledge, and exchanging ideas with others. A great time for stepping out and joining a collective conversation! Fun gatherings include playful banter, just for the joy of word play and language. “So swift and bright strange figures of light float in air.”

May 24th, Saturn enters Aries, 8:35 pm, coming within a range of a conjunction with Neptune. Time to make real our commitments to being spiritual warriors. Saturn will be in Aries until September 1st when the ringed planet will return to Pisces for the rest of the year. Check where early degrees of Aries falls in your natal chart. Here you must face challenges as you push ahead with Aries initiative and dreams. “Never could reach it, just slips away but I try.”

The New Moon happens on May 26th, 8:02 pm, at 6°05’ Gemini. Once again, the Moon is out of bounds. Sun and Moon make a supportive trine to Pluto in Aquarius, another air sign. What a great moment to create intentions: how might we expand our “voice”, our writing projects or teaching, or consider new classes to take? How might we utilize any inner work we have been doing under Pluto in Aquarius to liberate our minds and speak our truth?

April: We Move Into New Times with Neptune Now in Aries

Neptune in Aries

Springtime blessings! April begins with Mercury and Venus, still retrograde, lining up with the north node of the Moon in Pisces. It’s as if the universe is saying slow down, reflect and review how best to move ahead and visualize your dreams. Mercury and Venus retrograde ask us to reimagine and reconsider our relationships with our creativity, our voices and ideas, and how we work compassionately with others. “If Mercy’s a business, I wish it for you…more than just ashes when your dreams come true!”

With Neptune now in Aries, we all need some courage to dream how can we make a difference, take the initiative and claim our right to defend what is important to us. Some may also reflect upon what kind of spiritual and creative path works best for me, where do I need to discuss with my partner(s) what I most require to creatively visualize my own path, my own direction? Where do I need to lead? Neptune in Aries is about putting your own spiritual needs first so you can be the kind of warrior humanity and the planet require in challenging times.

April 4th and 5th bring a powerhouse of energy in defense of our homeland and country, as many join protests across the United States against the actions of the Trump administration. Mars in Cancer and Saturn in Pisces both sextile Uranus in Taurus, while Mars also trines Saturn. The Moon in Cancer triggers Mars by conjunction on Saturday. “There’s a dragon with matches that’s loose on the town. Takes a whole pail of water just to cool him down.” It’s time we all rise up.

“Fire! Fire on the mountain!” The planets April 5th support fighting for our collective values and doing the hard work to visualize a better, more loving and nurturing approach to guiding our country’s future for all, not just the extreme wealthy one percent. “Get up, get out, get out of the door…” This watery time is emotional and sensitive. Key is to not give up and turn the other cheek. Mercury stops in the sky to turn direct on April 7th, 4:07 am, at 26°49’ Pisces. Listen to your heart and intuition. Visualize love.

The Full Moon in Libra, 23°19’, occurs April 12th, 5:22 pm. The Moon opposes Chiron and Eris, in Aries, while loosely squaring Mars in Cancer. Venus turns direct, 24°37’ Pisces, 6:02 pm, conjunct Saturn and north node of the Moon. There may be some tension around how to negotiate and restore peace when we feel angry and defensive. Life is a give-and-take dance we always do with others. It’s a good time for all of us to heal any selfish tendencies and rather engage in peace talks. Venus carries a lot of punch right now as the planet is stationary. Restore necessary boundaries with others and imagine the best way forward for all involved. Revel in beauty and the pleasures of your artistic muse.

Sun enters Taurus April 19th, 12:55 pm, a cosmic shift into what calms us down and makes us feel secure and at peace. Time to sniff the flowers in the meadow, watch a beautiful sunset, or take a nice bubble bath. We all need some healing. Meanwhile, Mars enters Leo two days before on April 17th. The warrior planet of putting our will into action wants to roar and be seen. Mars trines Neptune at 0°44’ Aries on the 19th. Watch out for delusions of grandeur and ask if such delusions really bring peace and prosperity? Mars is in range of opposing Pluto, 3° Aquarius (exact April 26th). The Sun creates a T-square to both April 20th to 23rd. This is not an easy energy. Truly productive change comes not from ego boosting, but from sticking up for what is right and fair. “Long distance runner, what you holdin’ out for?”

The New Moon in Taurus, 7°46’, falls on April 27th at 12:31 pm. Still loosely in a T-square with Mars in Leo and Pluto in Aquarius, this lunar time encourages personal reflection around when in life we seek applause rather than being true to ourselves? Is other peoples’ approval really necessary for us to have a sense of inner peace? “The more that you give, the more it will take. To the thin line beyond, which you really can’t fake!” Question what it is you value and take a stand.

March Madness: Navigating Retrograde Times

Spring is upon us! March 20th, the Sun enters Aries at 2:01 am Pacific time. Happy equinox and International Astrology Day! I always love how the air smells when the world starts to bloom again. “Picture a bright blue ball just spinning, spinning free!” We can all look forward to longer days and the warmth of the Sun. Our cosmic weather this month includes a big shift in the collective vibe as Neptune enters Aries March 30th. But first, we have some periods of reevaluation as both Venus and Mercury turn retrograde this month.

March opens with Venus stopping in the sky at 10°50’ Aries, March 1st, 4:36 pm. Venus is retrograde until April 12th; a good time to reassess and reimagine how you relate to those closest to you. Relationship is always about negotiation. Where do you need to be more assertive and claim your right to take up space? On the flip side, where can you take the initiative and lead in providing for what your partner needs? Somewhere in the cosmic dance you do with others you need courage. Venus is also about our creative self. Take the steps you may need to allow your own inner muse to come out. By March 27th, Venus retrograde reenters Pisces. Use creative visualization to work compassionately with others and to inspire your artistic imagination. “It’s dizzying, the possibilities.”

On March 13th, we have a total lunar eclipse, 23°56’ Virgo, 11:54 pm. The Sun in Pisces is together in the sky with Saturn, and Neptune is nearby at the very end of the sign of the fishes. A Full Moon in Virgo is about manifesting your skills as master craftsperson, about letting yourself shine through your gifts of service. Slower moving Saturn and Neptune have been asking us to visualize where we need to mature in our creative or spiritual journey. Now the eclipse is saying, how are you going to make real and practical your dreams? Look to see where the Full Moon and Pisces planets fall in your own birth chart. Eclipses can impact us about six months before and after.

Mercury turns retrograde at 9°35’ Aries March 14th, 11:46 pm. Just a day after the eclipse, this Mercury has great strength as the planet of ideas and perception stops, waking us up to some ways we can take action and make a difference as spiritual warriors. What a great time to rethink how we can take a chance on defending what is important to us or embarking like a pioneer into new frontiers. Mercury retrograde is not a moment for action, but rather introspection about how best to act later in April and May.

Mercury reenters Pisces March 29th. Both Venus and Mercury conjunct Neptune at 29° the end of the month. At the same time, the New Moon occurs at 9°00’ Aries, a partial solar eclipse, March 29th, 3:57 am. Neptune has been in Pisces since 2011. These past fourteen years have been characterized by a low road of delusion, misinformation and escapism but, on a high road, by a rekindling of spirituality in various forms (just think of the huge renaissance in astrology since 2011) and an interest in growing in consciousness. Now the cosmic sky is saying what do we do with all this expansion in consciousness? How do we act as spiritual warriors in a world full of conflict, division, greed and planetary destruction? We all have a role to play.

These retrograde periods are planting seeds for a major cosmic event, Neptune entering Aries, 5 am in the morning on March 30th. Neptune in the sign of the pioneer, the initiator and defender, will last until May, 2038 (with a brief return to Pisces this October until January 26, 2026). I hope you like it! Saturn also enters Aries later in May. Aries is ruled by Mars and remember Neptune can about delusion. “There’s a fear down here we can’t forget…”We may see some unnecessary wars or acts of aggression. The high road is for us to act, to fight, to lead with brave hearts! It is time to take a stand. “It’s you and me, you and me…we’re on our own!”

February's Night Sky: Jupiter in the news then Pisces Season

Welcome to February, fellow stargazers! The month opens with some exciting news about Jupiter, “King of the Gods.” The planet asks us to consider, “How have I been underestimating myself” in terms of some part of our life that needs a fresh perspective, an open mind, a curious heart and a willingness to see things differently. Jupiter has been in the sign Gemini since late May, 2024, and now, at the start of February, 2025, Jupiter retrograde is slowing down to stop in the sky February 4th in order to turn direct. This gives the big, gaseous planet plenty of time to marinate at 11° Gemini.

Look to see where this degree falls in your own natal chart. Here you have an opportunity to think big, to expand and use your voice, your words, your ideas to move others through conversation, writing, or through your natural curiosity. Some people may go overboard and feel overcommitted. Have patience and try to see multiple sides. Use your own flexibility to make a difference. Think of the old Bob Dylan song, Tangled Up in Blue, “We always did feel the same. We just saw it from a different point of view…”

Mars continues to move retrograde in Cancer until it stops in the sky and turns direct at 17°00’ February 23rd. The planet of action and assertion, defense and will power, is “out of bounds” at extreme declination all month. I can’t help but think of the low road of Cancer as insular, like a crab scurrying into its hole for protection, with excessive patriotism, a love for one’s home, shutting down to the outside world. “Out of bounds” creates a tendency to do things unconventionally and possibly excessively. With Mars, it may be aggressive action. Let’s hope on the national stage we don’t act with too much force a new administration’s immigration policy. But to turn back to each of us on an individual level, our feelings are strong now and we may need to nurture and support our closest loved ones. Some may act out and whine where whining might be necessary. Some may freeze up inside, “the only thing I knew what to do, was keep on keepin’ on.” Let the care bear in you come out, but also comfort and heal yourself. Don’t forget you. And don’t take on everybody’s pain.

The Full Moon occurs at 24°06’ Leo, February 12th at 5:53 am Pacific time. Mercury and the asteroid Ceres in late Aquarius conjunct the Sun and the Moon and Sun square Uranus at 23°20’ Taurus. If we cast the Full Moon chart for Santa Cruz, the Full Moon falls in the 7th house of relationship. This lunar time is good for reflecting upon what parts of us need to morph when it comes to personal freedom or being authentically “us” and yet cherish those we love and make them feel seen and appreciated? What brings us peace and what do we truly value when it comes to our relationships and our own unique path? “But all the while I was alone, the past was close behind. I’ve seen a lot of women, but she never escaped my mind.”

Sun enters Pisces February 18th. In addition, north node of the Moon recently entered Pisces last month (south node in Virgo). Two ways to make the most out of Pisces season: let your mind unwind and feed your imagination. Seek creative visualization and dreamy states of contemplation. Then feel deeply and let your sense of compassion out. Collectively, the north node of the Moon is where the universe is asking us to strive forward. Take whatever skills and gifts we have (Virgo south node of service) and be the mystic in tune with a world in need of healing.

The month ends with a New Moon in Pisces, 09°40’, February 27th, 4:44 pm Pacific time, square Jupiter moving faster now and ahead, 12°11’ Gemini. Set intentions to be that mystic visionary and open your mind and heart to other ways of seeing things. If words are needed, let them flow. “Pourin’ off of every page. Like it was written in my soul from me to you.” New Moon blessings!

2025 Happy New Year! Some Big Changes in Store

Photo by Pierre-Etienne Vilbert on Unsplash

Happy New Year, Santa Cruz stargazers! This month’s astrology article is a special edition to ring in 2025! I’ll start with a brief overview of January’s changing sky. Then I’ll look into the months ahead and see what’s in store throughout the year. Lots of exciting news for me to share. Master song writer Robert Hunter, captures the spirit just right in Liberty: “Hey, now, bird, wouldn’t you rather die than walk this world, when you’re born to fly?”

January begins with some tension between needing to be seen and loved, while also feeling free as Mars retrograde at 1°08’ Leo opposes Pluto in Aquarius, January 2nd. Best to open our hearts to compassion when Venus enters Pisces, also January 2nd. Eventually Mars retrograde moves backward into Cancer. We strengthen bonds of love and family now by reassessing what we need to do differently to nurture those we love and make them feel safe. Nodes of the Moon shift by midmonth, south node into Virgo, north node Pisces. We are striving toward a higher road of spiritual love and understanding.

The Full Moon is in Cancer at 23°59’, January 13th at 2:26 pm Pacific time. With Sun in Capricorn in a trine (120°) with Uranus in Taurus and Moon and Mars conjunct in Cancer in a trine to Neptune in late Pisces, this Full Moon time is an especially emotional lunar event when we feel deeply our connections to those most dear to us. We can make real strategies now that support our dreams and visions for our home, our nest, and the special people who are “family,” our clan. “I’m gonna find my own way home…”

Sun enters Aquarius January 19th at noon, forming a conjunction with Pluto two days later on the 21st. The Sun triggers a longer process of Plutonian transformation in being our authentic selves. Look to see where slow-moving Pluto is moving in your own chart to best understand this liberation process. “Oooh Freedom! Ohhh Liberty”.

The month ends with a New Moon at 9°51’Aquarius on January 29th at 4:35 am. The Moon trines Jupiter retrograde in Gemini. This is a beautiful lunar time for planting seeds for where in your life you need fresh perspectives, new adventures or innovative thinking. Perhaps take a look at your New Year’s resolutions again and reimagine them. Set some good thoughts and wishes in place. Uranus stops in the sky and moves direct at 23°15’ Taurus January 30th. Move ahead with changes to help you calm down and find true peace.

Let’s take a quick glimpse now at what’s on the docket for 2025.  “Hey now mama, come take my hand…” Several slow-moving outer planets are changing signs this monumental year. Three are going into cardinal signs, Aries and Cancer, suggesting periods of initiation, a changing of the guards so to speak. First big shift: slow-moving Neptune enters Aries March 30th. Neptune, the planet of consciousness, has been in dreamy Pisces since 2011. There has been a lot of confusion, misinformation and escapism, but also creative imagination and spiritual openings. With Neptune in Aries, expect to see some folks becoming spiritual warriors, while we see some delusional powers of military might too.

Saturn joins Neptune in Aries on May 24th (both move back into Pisces while retrograde later in 2025). Spring may offer challenges to being that warrior, fighting delusional power plays. We need courage to act. “Whole lot of shakin’ all over this land!” By June 9th, Jupiter enters Cancer, bringing opportunities for growth in emotional security and healing. Look to see where Cancer falls in your birth chart. Here it is time to take a chance and think big, especially in light of your emotional self care.

Finally, Uranus enters Gemini on July 7th (returning to Taurus briefly in November). We might see some radical new ideas and inventions to stir revolutionary change in years ahead. Uranus has been in Taurus since 2018, shifting our values and creature comforts. Now in Gemini, Uranus stimulates our curiosity, our intellect and our ability to think outside the box. “And what did I see? The whole damn world lookin’ back at me!” Blessings to everyone for a great 2025!

Yuletide Blessings, Everyone! December's Cosmic Sky

I love the cold, clear nights of December, when planets shine bright. On December 7th, the Sun and Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius oppose Jupiter at 16°15’ Gemini. The great gaseous giant is closest to the Earth and the Sun lights up the planet’s surface, making Jupiter shine on with majestic glory! Mars, also very bright, is top in the news as the red planet turns retrograde at 6°10’ Leo, December 6th. Potential is good for some beautiful nights and radiant planets. “Shine on! Keep on shining”!

Venus in Capricorn is “out of bounds” at extreme declination the first days of December. When a planet is out of bounds, the energy is unconventional in feel, so when we do the dance of relationship, watch out for too much control or over-the-top emphasis on strategy rather than connecting with the heart. In light of Venus’s creative side, the beginning of December is a good time for thinking outside the norm in terms of holiday traditions and with our art. “I’ll take a simple C and G…”! Venus forms a lovely, supportive trine with Uranus in late Taurus, December 2nd. Things may be done a little differently as we negotiate with our partners, find the healthy space we need in relationship, while also grounding our love or collaboration in something that might really work.

Also in the first week of December, Sun and Mercury form a square with Saturn at 13°in Pisces. Meanwhile, Jupiter and Saturn have been in an ongoing square, exact later in the month. So we have a “mutable T-square”. Where do we need freedom to explore, to expand into new horizons? The Sun is screaming “Hey you!” There may be tension around where we need space to be ourselves and what we believe, where we need to feed our curiosity, while also feeling compassion for others and a need to dream. December 7th, Venus conjuncts Pluto, 0°23’ Aquarius, triggering a longer process of transforming our values, our creativity or our relationship patterns in more authentic ways. Rather than living “yesterday’s tomorrows,” “I know that something is helping me along…” Pluto in Aquarius brings to the surface old wounds inside when it comes to our personal freedom and our right to let our freak flag fly!

Midmonth, the Full Moon in Gemini, 23°53’, on December 15th is at 1:01 am Pacific time. The same day, Mercury turns direct at 6°24’ Sagittarius forming a trine with Mars retrograde in Leo. Mars continues to move backward in the sky throughout late December asking us to reflect upon what we need to do to feel seen, cherished and loved. Where is it we need to roar and let our passions out? Mercury asks us to reevaluate and think through where in our lives we need adventure and the feeling of being on a quest? There has to be some flexibility and openness to giving space to others while also taking care of your own needs when applause or praise is necessary. You deserve to be on top!

By December 19th, when Venus in Aquarius trines Jupiter in Gemini, curiosity for fresh experience can bring fun opportunities if we open our minds and hearts to radical ways of being with each other. Happy winter solstice, everyone! Sun enters Capricorn on December 21st, 1:20 am. Yuletide brings us heightened energy from the T-square I mentioned at the start of my article as Jupiter retrograde squares Saturn in Pisces on December 24th. Time to reimagine your dreams while learning to change and be a paradigm shifter! Look to see where mid degrees of mutable signs, Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces fall in your natal chart.

Near the end of the year, some fights are possible over these themes of space and freedom and what changes in values we have been processing when Venus in Aquarius squares Uranus in Taurus, 23°44’ December 27th . Rework this tension and change it into a great work by grounding the energy on the New Moon, Capricorn 9°44’, December 30th, 2:26 pm. Set intentions for making plans real and for achieving your goals in 2025. Happy New Year, everyone! Time to “Feel brand new about it!”

November: A High Road Has to Be an Option, Mars Opposes Pluto

November 1st opens with a New Moon, 9°35’ Scorpio, 5:47 am Pacific time. A watery, intuitive lunar time, Sun and Moon trine (120°) Saturn in Pisces at 12°52’. If we cast the chart using Santa Cruz as the location, the New Moon falls in the 1st house, Saturn in the 5th. The 5th house is about finding joy, pleasure and playful self-expression. Saturn in Pisces here is about creating a vision for your creative self, while Sun and Moon suggest we go deep within ourselves and transform how we assert ourselves and cultivate passion in our lives. Use Jupiter in Gemini to bring fresh perspectives.

We are in the heart of Scorpio season! Time to face our inner demons and life’s intensity and shadows. “There’s nothing you can hold for very long.” In autumn, we recognize life’s fleeting passage and the sign Scorpio embodies this feeling.

Mars in Cancer opposes Pluto at the very end of Capricorn, 29°46’, November 3rd. By election day, Mars is in Leo, but still in range of opposing Pluto. Moon is “out of bounds,” at extreme declination in Capricorn. There may be some over-the-top expressions of patriotism as old, political structures are fighting to be maintained. Pluto’s last gasp in Capricorn is about questioning control and outdated political structures, tearing them down, and finally wiping the slate clean. Such things don’t end easy and Mars opposing Pluto sets the stage for power struggles. Mars in Leo can manifest as a forceful effort to be “on top.” A high road to take with Mars opposing Pluto is to do some psychological work on ourselves: “deconstruct” why we may feel a need to control or feel we need to be “seen” by family or those close to us - maybe we are being too demanding?

On a lighter note, Mercury enters its “shadow” at 6°24’ Sagittarius November 7th and the planet is “out of bounds” the rest of the month. The days following, the planet of perception and communication moves over degrees it will travel once it turns retrograde at 22°40’ later in the month on the 25th. Sagittarius is about broadening our perspective and seeking the larger picture in life. Retrograde times are about reevaluation. In order to successfully navigate this, we need to sit with what we believe, reconsider what we hold to be true and open our curiosity to fresh points of view. “It all rolls into one and nothing comes for free…”Best not to act on any revelations until Mercury moves direct in December.

The Full Moon in Taurus, 24°01’, November 15th at 1:28 pm, conjuncts Uranus while Saturn stops in the sky and stations direct. Look to see where Uranus is moving in your own natal chart. Here your values are shifting and there may be some sudden changes on the horizon. Uranus wants to rattle the cage and help you take a more authentic path, true to your evolving self. The Full Moon triggers this longer process of personal growth. Some people may have sudden fits of anger. Be patient with one another. Watch out for your own stubbornness. With the Moon in a supportive aspect to Neptune in Pisces, try to calm down, let go and feel compassion.

Pluto reenters Aquarius November 19th, moving us solidly into the “Aquarian age.” Aquarius Pluto brings out all the shadows and potential problems we face with technology such as AI and in the digital world. On a personal level, look to see where early degrees of Aquarius fall in your chart. Here you may go through deep transformation in light of your personal freedom, innovative thinking or humanitarian values. Pluto helps us face our psychological wounds so to rise from the ashes like the phoenix and liberate us to claim a more authentic path forward.

Sun enters Sagittarius, November 21st, 11:56 am. The Sun’s shift into the fire sign will lighten up the mood as we approach the holidays. Just watch out for heated arguments around the Thanksgiving table as the low road of Sagittarius is thinking we are always right. A better use of this energy is to embrace life as a quest and enjoy the company of others in healthy debate. The New Moon, 9°33’ Sagittarius, occurs November 30th, 10:21 pm. Set intentions to open your mind and heart to new ways of viewing life’s journey. In a trine (120°) to Mars in Leo, time to let ourselves roar! “Dust off those rusty strings just one more time. Gonna make em shine”!

October's Dance in Libra Merges into a Watery Scorpio Halloween

This autumn, the Libra seasonal theme is finding right balance in relationship, creatively working together in ways that support both parties and the right for each one to take up space. Life takes negotiating and developing a good rapport for all involved. Hmmm…and we are working our way closer to the US Presidential election! Tension is in the air. We need some cosmic healing. Remember the words of Throwing Stones by John Barlow and Bob Weir, so meaningful this fall, “A peaceful place, or so it looks from space…” Libra as a sign is about peace and walking in beauty, calming down and making life an aesthetic experience of grace and ease.

The month opens with an annular solar eclipse, 10°04’ Libra, on October 2nd at 11:49 am Pacific time. The Moon, Sun, and Mercury conjunct the south node of the Moon in Libra so there is some karma around the dance we are doing with our partners, not just romantic ones, but creative and possibly business ones too. It is a good time to use our language and ideas to heal division. The Aries north node at the time of the eclipse and Mars in Cancer square to the nodes says we can also make a stand and defend what we feel is right for our family and country. “Someone got to turn the page…” With minor planet, Ceres, in Capricorn, opposing Mars in Cancer, there may be some grief and loss in letting go of the status quo. Old, outdated structures need to go.

On October 9th , Jupiter stops in the sky and appears to move backward, stationing retrograde at 21°20’ Gemini. The holiday season and in the early months of 2025, folks with significant planetary placements or degrees in mid-Gemini may need some fresh perspectives and new approaches, especially when it comes to learning, teaching, writing or talking. Look to see where Jupiter is moving in your own natal chart.

Meanwhile the Moon is out of bounds, at extreme declination, in Sagittarius and Capricorn the second week of the month, so some may go over the top pontificating about their beliefs, some of which may be too bold, unconventional or, when in Capricorn, overly controlling or competitive. “But his pants are down, his cover’s blown…and the politicians throwing stones.” Yup.

Then on October 11th, Pluto also stops in the sky, this time turning direct at 29°39’ Capricorn. We might see the last dying breath of worn-out structures of the patriarchy in the weeks ahead before Pluto reenters Aquarius in late November. Let’s hope for the right types of change, something that might support a bright future for all of us. “The future’s here, we are it, we are on our own.”

The Full Moon in Aries, 24°35’, occurs on October 17th, at 4:26 am. This lunar time really underscores the theme I outlined above in terms of relationship and creating right balance. The Moon is conjunct Chiron, the “wounded healer,” in Aries, emphasizing a need to heal in us any hesitancy to being assertive with our own needs. With both Mars in Cancer and Pluto in Capricorn square the Sun and Moon, watch out for sensitivity when talking with partners or close family. Be careful of what you say and realize that, again, some old structures or ways of being are on their way out now. Control or power tripping never works. Rather use a flexibility of mind to create a new path where both parties or people can be at ease and be themselves.

Sun enters Scorpio, joining Mercury in the sign of the scorpion, on October 22nd, stepping us into Halloween season and El Dia de Los Muertos, when we celebrate death as an inevitable facet of life. Scorpio is a watery sign where the cosmic vibe supports diving into deep, emotional and psychic realms with others. Intensity of experience is the name of the game. Seek passionate and intimate connection, rather than the low road of jealousy trips or power plays. See the power of death – and life! – in each other as we rock and roll on Halloween! “So the kids they dance, they shake their bones!” Happy Halloween!

September Back-To-School...Virgo Season!

September opens with an industrious New Moon in Virgo at 11°04’ on September 2nd at 6:55 pm Pacific time. Moon and Sun loosely oppose Saturn at 16°25’ Pisces. Look to see where Saturn is moving in your own natal chart. Saturn wants you to “mature” and step into a “new pair of shoes.” Somewhere you have outgrown yourself.

Where do you need to face obstacles or challenges in order to put some hard work into the next step of aging in life? Pisces is a visionary, mystical sign and can often be the part of our birth chart where we need boundaries, compassion or creative imagination. A Virgo New Moon in the opposite zodiac sign from Pisces says let’s make plans and think critically about what skills we need to polish or what practical works of service bring us to that inner mystic, visionary artist.

September 1st , Uranus, at 27°15’ Taurus, turns retrograde, appearing to move backward. The planet of sudden awakenings and radical, revolutionary change continues its retrograde dance until the end of January, 2025, giving all of us another chance to really reflect in our hearts about what it is that we value most and what makes us calm down and find peace in our lives. Some things may need to go or change. Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus, so this may involve our partners, our artistic projects or our money and resources. What needs to shift or morph to make us feel totally satisfied, secure and happy in life’s journey?

Meanwhile, also on September 1st, Pluto, retrograde, reenters Capricorn for one last trip through late degrees of the sign of the sea goat. For folks with important degrees of their chart in late Capricorn, outdated, worn-out structures might be finally torn down so the slate is cleared for new mountains to be climbed. What mountain top is worth aspiring to and best as your life’s big achievement? In the larger scheme of things, some old symbols of the patriarchy or shackles of outdated political systems need to fall.

On a lighter note, early September sees Mercury in Virgo, moving forward, reaching beyond its “shadow” (after passing over degrees from its recent retrograde period) by September 11th. Some practical matters, day-to-day business communications and details regarding our plans may seem to level out now and go smoothly after potential mayhem in August.

September 17th, we have a partial lunar eclipse and supermoon, with the Full Moon at 25°41’ Pisces at 7:34 pm. A supermoon is the Moon at perigee, when the Moon is closest to the Earth. If the Moon triggers important areas of your chart, the eclipse can usher in change and/or new beginnings roughly six months before or after the eclipse. The Moon appears big and bright early evening right after sunset, a beautiful harvest Moon for a beach stroll or drive along the coast.

A Full Moon in Pisces is a watery, lunar time, potentially very emotional, when we often feel profoundly the moods and feelings of those around us and also in psychic, spiritual planes. This particular supermoon amps up the intuitive, mystical Piscean vibe because the Full Moon is conjunct Neptune, a planet naturally in tune with Pisces energy. Some may try to flee the intense feelings through drugs or alcohol, so watch out for too much indulgence through escapism. Rather seek an escape through your imagination, creative play, in nature or through meditation. Some people are very sensitive and may need a good cry now. Be supportive and comfort others. We all feel this lunar time deeply.

Equinox occurs on September 22nd, when Sun enters Libra. Welcome to autumn, Santa Cruz star gazers! Moon is in Gemini and Venus enters Scorpio on the 22nd, so equinox parties offer fun conversation along with sensual play and deep bonding. Maybe it is time for one more beach fire this year? Enjoy!

August, 2024: Where Do You Need to Feel Cherished and Seen?

Welcome to the heart of summertime, friends, when we frolic under the warm sunshine and embrace the playful spirit of Leo the lion! Time to let your soul shine with a generous heart and seek pleasure through self-expression and creative juju. August opens with a New Moon in Leo, 12°34’, on the 4th at 4:13 am Pacific time. Moon and Sun form a sextile, 60° aspect, with both Mars and Jupiter in Gemini. Set an intention to SPEAK your heart, to let yourself express love or to manifest a new creative project. Think of the old rock song, Turn on your Love Light, “let it shine on me, turn on your love light!” This New Moon triggers a need to be seen and cherished in light of new paths of personal discovery that Jupiter in Gemini is opening for each of us.

Also on August 4th, Mercury, planet of perception and communication, stops in the sky and turns retrograde at 4°06’ Virgo, while Venus enters the sign of the Virgin. Mercury retrograde and Venus conjunct August 7th. Mercury is very strong in Virgo, a sign the planet rules. There is a discriminating and possibly critical vibe to this combination, when we may question what we need in relationship and perhaps what isn’t working. Virgo can also bring out a desire for service and to sharpen one’s skills at courtship (Venus) or to hone one’s artistic skill set. The slowing down of Mercury (as the planet is perceived to move backward) coincides with the New Moon in Leo, be careful about recognizing a partner’s love or another’s creative work. Give a round of applause! ‘Cause I’m begging you baby, “Turn on your love light, let it shine on me!”

Mercury continues to move retrograde through the month until the planet slows again and stations direct at 21°25’ Leo on August 28th. Mercury retrograde is always a great time to reflect, reevaluate, and reconsider where life is taking us and what is essential for our own soul growth. When in late Leo in the latter part of August, Mercury moves from a critical self-evaluation of Virgo to asking, where do I need to be able to express myself more? Where am I worthy of being seen and cherished for my creative gifts, my love, my generosity and my fiery enthusiasm? Everyone deserves to have their love light shine and have that light radiate in full glory!

When Mercury is retrograde, it is a good time to be reflective and allow your mind to process inner voices. Don’t be in a rush to sign contracts or engage in critical correspondence. While your mind and heart are turning inward, it is easy to make mistakes or have communications go awry. Best to be introspective now.

August 14th, the day Mercury retrograde enters Leo, Mars catches up to Jupiter in Gemini and makes an exact conjunction at 16°40’ while both square Saturn in Pisces now. Gemini as an energy seeks fresh perspectives, a multiplicity of viewpoints, and a natural curiosity, along with a love for chatter and word play. This is a wonderful time for writers to tap into their inner muse, reimagine a writing project or explore with gusto what feels good in terms of expressing your voice. Saturn in Pisces will help with the visions you need.

The Full Moon in Aquarius, 27°15’, occurs August 19th at 11:25 am. Every summer, during Leo season, the Moon in the sign of the waterbearer opposes the Sun. In a nutshell, Aquarius, the sign of the genius, the eccentric, the humanitarian, is about freedom and authenticity. The Moon opposes Mercury as well as the Sun, and squares Uranus in late Taurus. Let your freak flag fly! True self-expression comes from a combination of both a fiery loving heart and following a true path unique to you.

Shortly after, Sun enters Virgo on August 22nd and it is time to polish our skills and bring our insights gathered during the month into creative works of service. “Let it shine, let it shine!” We work in Virgo season to make real our craft, building upon the introspective processes of Mercury retrograde.

July, 2024: To Speak with Wisdom Like a Child

July starts off in Cancer season. Venus, planet of relationship, creative expression and the things we most value in our lives, is also in the sign of the sensitive, nurturing, watery crab. Early summer supports loving, good times with family and our closest friends, our “clan.” It is a time to take care of ourselves in healing ways. Jupiter has been traveling through Gemini since late May, and for some folks, certain areas of life may seem overly chaotic, busy with too many options being presented to us this way or that. The Sun and Venus in Cancer help us to counterbalance the mayhem with a little self-care and rest. Have a nice homemade dinner to slow you down or a family get-together to listen to each other with a caring heart.

The day after Independence Day, on July 5th, we have a New Moon at 14°23’ Cancer, 3:57 pm Pacific time. The Sun and Moon square the lunar nodes, south node in Libra, north node in Aries. This New Moon is a moment to reflect upon our deepest bonds with those most close to us and how and where do we need to negotiate, create balance, while also asserting our own needs. Relationship surely is a set of Libra scales! A give and take, a cosmic dance. Venus enters Leo on July 11th, show your love and willingness to be generous with partners and those dear to you.

On July 20th, Mars enters Gemini. Those readers with strong planetary placements or degrees in Gemini may feel a push to action, hopefully exploring new paths of learning or writing, while feeding a curiosity already in play by slower-moving Jupiter in the sign of the twins. I think of the lyrics of the Grateful Dead song, Foolish Heart, “Search for where the rivers end. Or where the rivers start…Leap from ledges high and wild”! Dare to leap and look around the bend. Curiosity opens doors. But one warning: some people around us may be too talkative, too “over the top” in sharing ideas and, well, they may truly embody the word, verbose! It may help by guiding these souls to take it easy, listen and let new, fresh perceptions enter their mind! Too much talking leads to not enough listening. 

The Full Moon occurs July 21st, 3:17 am in the morning, at 29°09’ Capricorn. This is the second Full Moon in Capricorn in 2024. Remember we also had a Full Moon in the sign of the sea goat just after summer solstice. What a powerful lunar time for bringing our dreams and hard work to fruition! The Moon conjuncts Pluto at 0°55’ Aquarius, trines Uranus in late Taurus and Mars at 0°23’ Gemini, and sextiles Neptune at the very end of Pisces. The 29th degree of a sign is called the “anaretic degree.” It is about finishing up the energies of the sign; a Full Moon also implies a coming to a climax of energy. Somewhere in our lives, we have been doing deep, transformative work in being authentically who we are. It involves changing our values while branching into new areas of discovery, new perspectives. If we embrace the mountains we are climbing, the visions we have in our hearts, now at this Full Moon things may manifest and shine!

July 22nd, Sun joins Mercury and Venus in demonstrative Leo, sign of the lion needing to roar. Mercury is now in its “shadow,” crossing over late degrees of Leo, and eventually Virgo, the planet of communication will travel while retrograde in August. This is a good time to reassess where we may spend too much effort seeking applause and “being heard.” Where in our lives do we need to be loving in sharing our gifts? Where, too, do we perhaps balance that generous spirit with less of a need to always be seen? Leo season is the height of summer fun and play. Leo, the natural ruler of the 5th house, embodies a love of self-expression, the heart of the performer, but really it is about our pleasure and joy in radiating our inner glory. “Learn to speak, speak with wisdom like a child…Directly from the heart”!

Summer Solstice Blessings! June's Cosmic Weather

“Callin’ out around the world! Are you ready for a brand-new beat?!” Welcome to June, stargazers, and what a Gemini season it is at the start of the month! Jupiter, the big, gaseous giant, “King of the gods,” just entered the sign of the twins late last month. So those folks with important degrees in early Gemini in their birth chart may want to seize opportunities for new stimulation, fresh perspectives, growth and expansion. This all depends upon where in your natal chart Gemini lies. Fast-moving Sun and Venus are also in Gemini and Mercury joins them in the sign June 3rd. The first week of the month is especially supportive of engaging in conversation that is constructive to opening our minds and hearts. Think about where you may need to learn something new, explore multiple points of view or take a new class, just to feed your curiosity. The last thing we all need now is boredom!

The New Moon occurs June 6th at 16°18’ Gemini, 5:37 am Pacific time. The Moon and Sun conjunct Venus and square Saturn at 18°59’ Pisces. This lunar time is an invitation for all of us to imagine how we might revel in the joy and pleasure of meeting new people, discovering new information, along with new sights and sounds. “It’s an invitation across the nation, a chance for folks to meet! There’ll be laughing, singing and music swinging and dancing in the streets!” But the square to Saturn also asks us to be realistic about where you may be setting a vision for your life and how might that vision now benefit from lively conversation about novel ideas. What a great New Moon for artists and writers maturing into a new artistic voice, “Inspiration, move me brightly”! Any obstacles to your creative muse might just involve waking up to seeing things a bit differently.

On June 8th, Mars enters Taurus, squaring Pluto in Aquarius June 11th. Be careful about being stubborn when it comes to needing “space.”  There may be some power struggles on the table. It’s all a part of our soul growth. Then mid-month, on June 16th, Venus enters Cancer, followed by Mercury into the sign of the crab on the 17th. The cosmic weather moves more in the direction of calming down and settling into the comforts of home, family, and perhaps feeling the simple pleasures of sitting in our gardens or healing ourselves through a nice hike in the woods or sharing music with our lover or close friends. The middle of June offers us a chance to process all the new stimulation of Jupiter in Gemini, which we began to experience just a few weeks before. Have a barbeque at home, invite someone you love out to dinner, nurture and cuddle on the couch or soak it up in the hot tub.

June’s big celebration is the arrival of summer when the Sun moves into Cancer on the solstice, June 20th, 1:50 pm. Cool coastal fog may still be upon us in my hometown Santa Cruz community, but now is the time to dream of those long dog days of summer. Cancer is a feeling, watery sign where we heal ourselves through our deepest bonds of love and friendship we have with our clan, our dearest family. Just following the solstice, the Full Moon in Capricorn, 1°07’, falls on June 21st at 6:07 pm. The Moon and Sun square Neptune at the very end of Pisces, forming a T-square, and the Moon opposes Venus in Cancer. What a perfect time to think responsibly about what kinds of strategic planning we might do, what mountain we are climbing. This is especially so for those wanting to create a life that is both rewarding in terms of achievement, but also supports our home life and our Cancer desire for self-healing. Neptune in Pisces wants a compassionate vision for ways we can achieve and integrate both.

Happy summertime, everyone! “There’ll be swingin’ and swayin” and records playing and Dancing in the street!”

Jupiter Arrives in Gemini! A Kaleidoscope For You

Wishing everyone the * BEST *  in the months ahead as JUPITER enters GEMINI, May 25th, at 4:14 pm Pacific time. Jupiter will be in the sign of the twins until June, 2025.

Here’s a little Gemini story I’d like to share, perhaps something to hold in your heart in the months ahead…

Imagine yourself an old crone or wizard. One early evening, you sit warm by the fire in your cabin in the woods. You let your mind wander back in time. There are distant memories of your life on the road, filled with magical journeys to colorful places. You recall the people you met that chattered this way and that, rendering ideas in wordplay that opened your mind. Grace and synchronicity, there was the magic. Around every corner, it just took a look.

Ah, but back to reality, back down to earth, you sit in your rocker. A melancholy mood sets in. Let’s be real; your body is stiff, you feel aches here and there. Your mind is stuck in a rut. Life is a rhythm now of ol’ routines, same ol’ patterns rigid and boring.

Then the cabin door swings wide and the setting sun beams in. In shadow, haloed by sunlight, a traveling minstrel appears, wrapped in colors of silk, a three-cornered hat and bells on his shoes.

In his hand, he holds out a golden kaleidoscope. And you can’t help but wonder what sights are inside?

“My ol’ buddy! My partner in crime!” you say out loud as it dawns on you who has arrived.

And your jester friend replies back,

“Hey there, I got you! I’ll tell you what you need to do…

Look at all these pieces of color and ride with a new point of view!

Curiosity is where it’s at. Seize the day, look this way and that!”

So now your heart leaps with interest and hope.  “To hell with that ol’

‘ rocking chair…” you say to yourself, “Yes! Experience! That’s what I need. Let me feel the love of learning again, soak in that information…I want to talk, I want to write again, I want to share all perceptions I have...”

Wherever Jupiter travels now through your natal chart is like the minstrel at your door…take a chance on yourself and learn something new.

Take a class, write a book, or just simply follow steps of grace; let it shift your perspective. The potential low road is mayhem or chaos if, well, you go too far. Too much stimulation that pulls you one way or another. Balance opportunity to discover with both care and wisdom. Consider the house(s) in your chart where Jupiter moves.

On October 9th, Jupiter stations (stops in the sky) and turns retrograde at 21 degrees 20’. Since Jupiter slows down near the end of September through the first half of October, the planet has more time to “marinate” and to carry significance to a greater degree. Four months later, during the first week of February, 2025, Jupiter then stations direct at 11 degrees, Gemini. January and February are impactful.

Look to see where 21 and 11 degrees Gemini fall in your natal chart. These are especially good opportunities to find that inner kaleidoscope. The universe wants you to claim a fresh perspective and to speak your mind. Ask: “How do I make the most of myself in light of the planet(s) or area of my chart Jupiter touches now?” Enjoy!

Beltane May Day: The Upcoming Month

May Day greetings, Beltane blessings! May opens with Pluto slowing down and turning retrograde at 2°06’ Aquarius on May 2nd. As a counseling astrologer, I often work with clients struggling with the energies of Pluto, when by transit (moving Pluto) meets up with personal planets in a soul’s birth chart. It is never easy. Pluto brings up deep-seated psychological wounding, what I call “shadow work,” to the surface, so we can face our fears, our wounds, let them drain and heal. Pluto wipes the slate clean, so we can rise like the phoenix from the ashes! I think of the song, Comes a Time, by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter; with such mastery, the words embody Pluto work: “I can't see much difference between the dark and light. And I feel the wind and I taste the rain. Never in my mind to cause so much pain…” Sometimes we need that pain in order to release it.

Pluto.

Of course, only a few readers out there will be in a “Pluto time” now. But it is worth mentioning that when Pluto slows down, and turns either retrograde or direct, the transformative, alchemical work of this small planet, so far away in our solar system, feels most impactful. Look to see where early degrees of Aquarius fall in your chart to make sense of some of the possible shadows arising. Now is the time to face them, “deconstruct” them and push your healing journey ahead.

May is Taurus season and we continue to see the ongoing impact of the Jupiter and Uranus conjunction (exact last month on April 20th). The two remain within “orb” or range. Taurus is always about being true to our animal nature, seeking comfort and calm, finding peace and stability. What is it we need to take care of ourselves, to restore our bodies and souls? What creature comforts are important and what kind of partner or lifestyle puts us at ease in a secure, loving place?

New Moon in Taurus, 18°02’, is May 7th, 8:21 pm Pacific time. Sun and Moon conjunct Uranus, Jupiter and Venus, very strong in Taurus. Moon sextiles (60°) Saturn at 17°14’ Pisces, so creative visualization is a great tool now. Try to separate out fantasy from realistic expectations about what grounds you and what is real. Those with strong Pisces placements in their charts have been feeling Saturn’s reality check. Saturn wants you to mature as the mystic, compassionate one. The Taurus New Moon asks you to cultivate in your heart an opening to changing your values and seeing what really counts.

May 20th, the cosmic vibe shifts as Sun enters Gemini, an air sign very different from Taurus. The mood is light and easy, time to frolic and let your heart sing and enjoy some playful banter and community socializing. Venus joins Sun in the sign of the twins on May 23rd and Jupiter enters May 25th. Folks with significant Gemini placements in their birth chart, get ready for a positive year of growth, new opportunities and generally high times as Jupiter will remain in Gemini until June, 2025.

We see the glass half full under a Jupiter time, though sometimes we may overdo it. Jupiter says “roll the dice,” take a chance on your own path forward. Doors tend to open when Jupiter lines up with key parts of your own chart. “Comes a time when the blind man takes your hand, says "Don't you see? Gotta make it somehow on the dreams you still believe.” Enjoy Gemini folk!

The Full Moon in Sagittarius, 2°55’, occurs May 23rd at 6:53 am. Sagittarius is about reaching into new realms of experience and embracing new paradigms. Have an open mind, revel in Full Moon glory! But I’d suggest also balancing in compassion and patience as some folk may reach the centaur’s arrow too far with too much gusto. Issues around personal freedom may arise, so try to remember what calms your soul as you, or perhaps others around you, want space to explore and venture out in Sagittarius style. “From day to day, just letting it ride” is a good mantra. But you don’t want to forget what it feels inside.

New Moon Total Solar Eclipse and Jupiter Uranus Conjunction in Taurus: Feel Deeply, Let Doors Open

Aries season is in full swing start of April, Santa Cruz stargazers. We need courage to dive into what supports our own “enlightened selfishness.” Sometimes it is ok to claim your own path forward. I love the Grateful Dead lyric, “Gone are the days we stopped to decide where we should go, we just ride.” Be bold. Put yourself first. Spring forward!

Mercury

But wait a minute! “Life may be sweeter for this, I don't know…” April Fool’s Day, Mercury turns retrograde at 27°13’ Aries and the planet of communication won’t turn direct until April 25th at 15°59’ Aries. With the sign of the ram, it is tempting to say “carpe diem,” seize the day! But the cosmic weather suggests it is better not to jump full force into new projects or commitments, but rather think of April as a time of reflection: Can you claim more confidence and more willpower in taking charge?

Big news! The total solar eclipse, 19°24’ Aries, is April 8th at 11:20 am Pacific time. It will appear as a partial eclipse in Santa Cruz County, if the skies obey. Make sure to wear your eclipse glasses! Even if only in partial view here, total eclipses are very powerful and, for some folks, they usher in change and new beginnings six months before and after the eclipse.  

A total solar eclipse is like a New Moon on steroids with lots of gumption and fiery strength. The north node of the Moon is in Aries, while the south opposes in Libra. Ask: when and where do I need to assert myself? Look to see where 16° to 22° Aries and Libra fall in your own chart. Here a little cosmic juice is in order to push your own needs forward, take the initiative and be pro-active in asserting the fiery warrior, the leader, and the game changer in you. “Who can stop what must arrive now? Something new is waiting to be born.”

The south node in Libra can be about trying to “keep up appearances”. Don’t be wishy washy. Step forward and lead. This eclipse time is not just about romantic relationships, but also any one-on-one encounters, such as business or creative collaborations. Where do you need to take a stand?

Sun enters Taurus April 19th. How perfect as we prepare for Earth Day, April 22nd. We shift from bold, pioneering Aries to the more calming and relaxing vibe of Taurus. It is time to think about finding inner peace. We listen to our hearts about what really brings us comfort and ease. “Feels like it might be all right…”

Late April, we have another very big event, a coming together of Jupiter and Uranus in Taurus at 21°50’, exact on April 20th. With Uranus, lightning strikes, “Peals of fragile thunder keeping time,” things turn over anew. Expect sudden change. These two planets come together roughly every fourteen years. Look to see where the conjunction falls in your natal chart. Here there may be some upset, leading to growth and opportunity, especially when it comes to finding stability, peace, security or expansion in terms of your artistic or musical gifts.

Uranus is about the rebel, the revolutionary, the genius; those not afraid to upset the apple cart. When Jupiter and Uranus come together, Jupiter expands the Uranian wake up call like lighter fluid on a flame and so we may witness explosive actions by others or radical shifts in our lives. Taurus is a fixed, earth sign, so some may be stubborn, stuck in old, worn out beliefs or behaviors and this can lead to outbursts. All is needed to break us free. We may see innovative projects or sudden events related to climate change. Let’s face it; we need a revolution when it comes to our home planet, Earth!

Uranus

The Full Moon in Scorpio 4°18’ occurs April 23rd at 4:48 pm. Time to bring truth to the table and feel deeply the changes we are ready to make. Have heartfelt conversations with each other and face any shadow work inside that still needs to surface. Scorpio likes intensity of feeling. “Beneath the sweet calm face of the sea swift undertow.” Feel it and heal it.

Pisces New Moon: Visualizing a New Path Forward, March, 2024

March begins in Pisces season with a New Moon at 20°17’ in the sign of the fishes on March 10th at 1:00 am Pacific time. The Sun and Moon create a supportive aspect to the revolutionary and rebel planet Uranus in Taurus. Uranus is asking us to question our values and wake up to what it is we may need to enhance our lives, calm us down and bring peace and beauty. The Navajo have an expression, “hozhq,” to heal and restore oneself by creating balance, “To walk in beauty.” This New Moon time helps us visualize what changes are possible to be in that state of comfort and ease. What needs to shift? The week before, in early March, both Venus and then Mars in Aquarius square Uranus, helping us to see the authentic way forward, even if it may be a bit freaky or unconventional. Where do I need space from others or cultural expectations as I walk in beauty, “truckin’ in style” in my own unique way?  

St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th,  promises to be emotional and sensitive, when the Sun conjuncts Neptune in Pisces at 27°22’. Neptune in Pisces likes escape and with the Sun triggering the mystical planet, watch out for the low road of too much drink and too much revelry. A pint may be in order in the spirit of St. Pat, but be aware more may seem tempting! Neptune feeds our imagination, too, so think of this time as “a paddle for your paper canoe”! Meanwhile the Moon on St Patty’s Day is in Cancer and forms a lovely trine to Venus in Pisces early evening. A wonderful celestial moment for feeling the music, connecting with old friends and, for those who are of Irish descent, celebrating one’s clan and heritage.

Mercury will move retrograde next month, but we prepare now as the planet of communication and perception, in mid Aries, enters its “shadow period,” the evening of March 18th. The shadow is the time when quick-moving Mercury travels over degrees it will move again during its backward dance in April. With Mercury in the sign of the ram, contemplate where do I need to have courage with my ideas and projects? Where do I need to take the initiate and put myself first? Make these your inner mantras for the rest of March.

Venus

March 19th, Sun enters Aries, tempered by Mars going into Pisces, March 22nd. We still have quite a bit of Pisces energy in the mix. Venus in Pisces conjuncts Saturn at 12°27’ on March 21st, and sextiles (60° aspect) Jupiter and Uranus at 15°49’ and 20°38’ Taurus the last week of March. Creative visualization can be a powerful tool now. In January, I wrote about the upcoming conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus in late April. Sudden doors may open, opportunities to take chances are possible, and some may receive a windfall, a creative burst of artistic energy or unexpected moments of genius or insight. Now, in March, they are less than five degrees apart. Pisces as a sign creates a mood for letting go, using our imagination and our dreams to set the stage for April’s big conjunction. “Whenever your airplane happens to land!” Aries Sun says take charge and be brave.

Eclipse season starts with a penumbral lunar eclipse, a Full Moon in Libra, 5°07’at 12:00 am March 25th. It will be most visible just after midnight in Santa Cruz County. Eclipses can be a time of endings and new beginnings. Look to see where the eclipse falls in your own natal chart to see the potential area in life where things may shift for you. The south and north nodes of the Moon are in Libra and Aries now, suggesting this is a time for the playing out of karmic ties in personal relationship. Libra is a relational sign, often about how we negotiate and create balance with another. What is the dance you do with others? And how might it be changing and growing in new directions? “Maybe I'll be back here too…It all depends on, what's with you.” Remember you too have a right to take up space. It is a balance of two.

Passionate Month Ahead, February, 2024

February begins with the Celtic holiday of Imbolc, Saint Brigid’s Day, on February 1st, roughly halfway between winter solstice and spring equinox. We welcome new springtime growth still under the ground, seeds within us waiting patiently to bloom. Winter rains remind me of the words and music of John Barlow and Bob Weir, “Water bright as the sky from which it came…And the name is on the earth that takes it in…I AM” stirring underneath. We also think of this month as a time for romance and love. The nurturing vibes and pleasure we feel with each other make Valentine’s Day a relief from the gloomy, cloudy days. The cosmic weather has strong Aquarian themes: what is percolating inside of me that is authentic and unique? How might partnership be the plow or be the rain? “Let it grow!”

Mercury in Aquarius conjuncts Pluto on February 5th, while Venus in Capricorn squares the lunar nodes in Aries and Libra that week. Both Mars and Venus are in the sign of the sea goat until mid-February. This is a great time to make your relationships and your passions a “great work.” Set the stage with some rich, fertile soil for that seed you are planting through strategy and hard work. “Nothing more, the love of the women, work of men.” Think about what works for you in terms of calming down, finding peace, sparking your creative muse. The Capricorn energy helps ground you and make real the structures you need for your growing “seed” within and for planning right relationship that gives you the love you need, while offering the space we all crave to be authentic.

The Aquarius New Moon, 20°41’, February 9th at 2:59 pm Pacific time nurtures innovative thought and humanitarian love, but it also calls for some soul searching regarding personal space. We might ask again, where do I need to be authentic to my own path and where might I need to detach and be “me” despite others’ expectations? Look to see where the New Moon falls in your own natal chart for guidance in your soul’s unique dance.

The days surrounding Valentine’s Day can be a challenge for those readers with planets or critical degrees in early Aquarius in their birth chart. Mars meets Pluto at 00°46’ Aquarius February 13th. Try to be patient with one another as issues around needing space or freedom arise in your partner (or yourself). Try to deconstruct these thoughts and see what it is that makes a person edgy this way. The good news is sexual passions will undoubtedly fly! But so may power struggles.

When Venus joins Pluto in Aquarius February 17th, good, deep conversation around these very issues is possible, if we are truthful with our partners. If we allow ourselves to go deep into our psyches to reflect upon the limitations we may feel concerning our personal freedom, our relationships can only grow and transform. “As he dances the circular track of the plow ever knowing. That the work of his days measures more…And listen to the thunder shout…let it grow!”

On February 21st, Venus and Mars meet up at 6°58’ Aquarius. Time for all that deep conversation with our partner at Valentine’s Day to be released with some passionate fun! Claim Venusian sensuality with a little of the juiciness of Mars’ lust for life. Nothing is better for stoking the fires of erotic passion than working through struggles of deep intimacy and bonding. What a romantic, if potentially challenging, month!

Sun enters Pisces February 18th, followed by Mercury, February 22nd. The energy shifts to a gentle, sensitive watery feel, easing up on the airness of Aquarius. The Full Moon is at 5°23’ Virgo, 4:30 am, February 24th. The Moon opposes Mercury, Sun and Saturn, all in early Pisces. This is a practical, down-to-earth Moon, wanting us to be the master craftsperson. With the oppositions in dreamy, compassionate, intuitive Pisces, we might use this lunar time to hone our skills in making plans for our creative visions, our spiritual paths, and for true compassionate love. “So it goes, we make what we made since the world began…” Wishing everyone deep intimacy and joy this Valentine’s month!

December Solstice: Making Best Use of Mercury Retrograde

HAPPY SOLSTICE, everyone! Sun enters Capricorn December 21st at 7:27 pm Pacific time. Mercury retrograde, also in the sign of sea goat, sextiles (60°) Saturn at 2°23’ Pisces early morning on solstice. It is ok to dream, make some New Year’s resolutions, celebrate the seed percolating within and the hope it holds. What mountain are you climbing? What is truly worth the effort? Mercury retrograde is best used as a reflective, contemplative time. And with Mars out of bounds in Sagittarius, we need to be bold and unconventional with thinking about the ways we can put our ideas into action.

Mercury retrograde can also bring back into our lives the “ghosts of Christmas past.” People and events of time gone by might be on our minds and in our hearts. In that spirit of recollection, I want to share an amazing story about disciplined and hardworking Capricorn, about striving for a great work and the focused determination of the sign. Folks might find this post helpful when meditating upon how best to use Mercury retrograde in Capricorn this December.

A few years back, during the pandemic, I wrote about the astrology at play in the fall of 1843 when Dickens took the chance to work in solitude, very hard on a writing project, the now-famous novella, “A Christmas Carol”, AKA ‘Scrooge’. It sold out by Christmas Eve that year!

How can we best work with the sign of Capricorn in terms of evolutionary astrology, for personal growth and change in the New Year? I thought I’d post the story again. Here below is a biwheel chart showing Dickens’ natal chart (inner wheel) and the current sky at the time of publication of “A Christmas Carol” (outer wheel – set for noon).

We always start with the Sun, Moon and Ascendant; Aquarius, Sagittarius and Virgo, respectively, for Mr. Dickens. But let’s focus upon the events occurring here.

Between October and December of 1843, when Dickens produced “A Christmas Carol,” he threw himself into an intensive writing period of several weeks. Saturn, the great “task master,” was very strong in the sign of Capricorn then. During the 6-week period, the planet formed an exact conjunction with Charles Dickens’ natal Mercury on his 5th House cusp, house of creative expression, Mercury the writer. Faster moving Mars, out of bounds, came through as well by conjunction, helping Dickens to focus his will and put into action creatively his ideas about moral and social reform, the higher octave of Capricorn, through an unconventional out-of-bounds voice. By the date of publication (shown in the biwheel chart), Mars had moved on into Pisces.

When the book sold the days before Christmas that same year, Venus by transit joined Saturn in the sky, again meeting Dickens’ natal Mercury. His Capricorn Saturnine creative endeavor was well received! Jupiter and Neptune in Aquarius were also exactly in conjunction with his natal Sun, also in his 5th House, during November – the visionary writer as teacher of social justice and change.

It wasn’t an easy time for Dickens (Saturn conjunct his natal Mercury, Pluto in Aries by transit in an exact square) and he didn’t make much money despite the book’s popularity – he actually got into a legal scuffle over it - but in the long run…what a gift for all of us. It transformed our notion of Christmas for generations to come.

Most cool I think is that Neptune seems to have this impact of moving the larger collective. And there the planet was sitting on his natal Sun, his solar self. He needed a vison for his life. When we consider the nodes of the Moon, we see a karmic pattern, like something needed to be said. The south node in the sky in the fall of 1843 aligned by conjunction Dickens’ Jupiter in Gemini in his 10th House, house of mission or career. For those not familiar with astrological archetypes, Gemini, ruled by Mercury, is strongly associated with communication and writing.

I often think about what a collective impact that story had and how its legacy is so enduring. Good ol’ Ebenezer Scrooge and his encounter with the three ghosts; everyone knows the story.

Knowing your natal chart and the potential of the “current sky” is such an extraordinary and sacred tool. Now is a good season to ask yourself, what great work is dormant in me? I hope you enjoyed my story…Yuletide blessings, everyone!