Water on Mars!

NASA announced on September 28, there is water on Mars, completely changing the past perception of Mars as a desert like planet and fueling theories about the possibility of life on Mars now, in the past or even the future in terms of human colonization.

"Our quest on Mars has been to 'follow the water,' in our search for life in the universe, and now we have convincing science that validates what we've long suspected," said John Grunsfeld, astronaut and associate administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. "This is a significant development, as it appears to confirm that water -- albeit briny -- is flowing today on the surface of Mars."

NASA announced their discovery September 28, around 11:30 AM, CST.  This announcement came on the heels of a powerful lunaar eclipse in Aries. Eclipses often reveal things and as the Moon was about to conjunct Uranus this was exciting and shocking news. The announcement also came as the Jupiter-Neptune opposition was still within orb. Mars was also opposing the planet of mysteries (Neptune).

These powerful oppositions can stir the imagination and Jupiter is the planet of expansion and religion. Life on Mars could change the way we look at many things including philosophy, religion and certainly our world view. Saturn had just entered Sagittarius the most expansive of signs and the planetary ruler of the 9th house of travel, learning and the way we view the world, all which has the potential for  massive change if life is ever proven to exist on the Red Planet. It will be interesting to see if NASA makes future discoveries during this Saturn cycle.

Looking at NASA's natal chart (7-29-58 09:36 PM, time questionable) the announcement of water on Mars came as Uranus trined Saturn in the 10th house of achievement, business and reputation. This shows up as a major and exciting accomplishment.

As Saturn has entered Sagittarius, it is trine NASA's Sun in the 6th house of work followed by Uranus at 11 degrees of Leo, and things should go well in terms of accomplishment. The eclipse in Aries also trined NASA's Sun in its natal chart. (Agencies like companies have natal charts) I think the scientists are working hard and this discovery marks a transformation in the quest to get to Mars.

According to Wikipedia human flight to Mars is anticipated by 2035, but there will be preliminary travel before then. Private companies have joined in on the race to Mars and one Netherlands company claims to have a flight scheduled there by 2023.

Looking at the chart for NASA's most spectacular achievement-the Moon landing, July 20, 1969-Uranus and Jupiter were both at 0 degrees of Libra, along with the 8 degree Moon, falling in NASA's 7th house. This stellium of planets sextiled NASA's Sun in the 6th house of work.

Jupiter and Uranus are rarely conjunct and this transit would show an exuberant event connected with travel and aircraft or spacecraft (Uranus and Jupiter rule travel, expansion and spacecraft).

Jupiter and Uranus will be conjunct in Taurus again in April of 2024, and in Cancer in 2038.

Will man finally get to Mars, and will we find life? We are in interesting times. What do you think?

October 2015: Change ahead

While the eclipse season is behind us, the lunar eclipse in Aries on September 27, as well as the Virgo solar eclipse of September 13, we will continue to create changes in our lives and the world as we move through October and the end of 2015. As Mercury is retrograde at the start of the month, events connected to this eclipse will continue to play out in our lives, especially if either eclipse hit a sensitive point in your personal chart.

As we begin the month, Mars is in Virgo, and Venus will soon leave Leo for Virgo (October 8) and things will take on a more serious tone than what we experienced this summer. Both Mars and Venus have been in Leo since early August, and for the most part Venus has been in Leo since June. This has created an atmosphere for entertainment, flashiness and in some ways life in the US has been like a reality TV show. Of course I am speaking of Donald Trump, a candidate for US President, and the constant news headlines he has garnered. As the planets shift into Virgo, people will want more than entertainment and flashiness, they will want substance and will act with more discernment if not criticism. It will be interesting to see if 'the summer of Trump,' continues into the fall, and if Mr. Trump is able shift with the changing planetary energies. When Venus enters Virgo that gives us a stellium of three planets here and you will see what I mean soon, as the energy shifts.

With both of the planets of love in Virgo this is an excellent time for earth signs to find love, especially Taurus or those with a Taurus ascendant.

As the fast moving planets enter Virgo, entertainment will no longer suffice and I don't just mean in politics. Virgo is more discerning, practical and interested in work and results. As Virgo rules the 6th house work will take center stage, and I expect more than a few will start new diets and workout programs. Now will be the time.

As Pluto turned stationary direct September 26, we will start to see people's real motivations revealed, and the point it goes stationary direct is often most important time of the cycle, and we could say the energy of this powerful planet “wakes up.” It energizes any planets that are around it and intensifies their effect as well. Pluto will be ‘stationary direct,’ until October 7, when it begins to slowly move forward once again.

The stationary direct period is when the energy seems most intense.  On a personal level you could go through some type of ‘rebirth’ process, or change of circumstances, and we will see many events unfold on the world stage. Many partnerships and situations in the financial and business world that have been delayed will start to move forward again.

  

"The direct motion of Pluto will bring a lot of things out of the unconscious and force us to deal with many issues that have been pushed into the shadows. This isn’t a bad thing; in fact the reversal of the planets demands that we internalize the energy for a while, and then externalize the changes we have incorporated during that retrograde period. Just be prepared to hear things that you may have been just as glad to keep hidden. Don’t be afraid. Tis better to know the truth than fall upon it unexpectedly.”-Mitch Lewis

Jupiter trines Pluto this month, and this energy will be powerful the first several weeks of October and this energy peaks on October 11. This is powerful and positive energy, for all but especially those involved with groups, corporations and the public. Exactly how this energy manifests individually depends on where these planets are in your personal chart. Jupiter in Virgo works well for any kind of practical work, and Pluto in Capricorn concerns business. Now is the time to seek a new job or push for expansion in your own world. This will work best for those with Earth planets at 10-14 degrees.

October 6, the Sun squares Pluto at 13 degrees Libra-Capricorn and this is a transit of change/ transformation. Control and control issues, along with power struggles may come to light and situations can be revealed. On hard Pluto transits there are always those 'bullies' who try and force their way both in the world and in our personal lives. Push someone and they will push back. Look for significant news in the world between the powers that be, that can include threats.

Also on October 6, Mars opposes Neptune. This is tiring, discouraging and can be prone to deception, and unclarity. This is not a good day for important matters or to start new projects. If you were affected by Jupiter opposing Neptune the week of September 17, this transit will affect you personally. This will affect anyone with mutable planets-Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius or Pisces at 6-9 degrees.  Issues can come up connected to work, region and philosophies and in other areas.

This will be a significant day in the world. Mars-Neptune can be connected with sex, same sex relationships, scandals, military or police affairs, religion, water issues and sometimes chemical weapons. Matters can be unclear, and all you hear will not be correct or true. Take a step back if something sounds too good to be true-it probably is. People in general will not feel strong or confident, and it is very low and tiring energy. Alcohol or drug abuse or over indulging may occur on this day to those prone toward this.

If you have mutable planets (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) from 6-8 degrees it would be wise to pay attention and see what area of your life the Mars-Neptune transit affects. In November, the  Saturn-Neptune square will become exact at 7 degrees of Sagittarius-Pisces and this transit will affect anyone with planets at this degree. This will be a significant transit that will bring many changes in our lives and the world.

October 8, Venus enters Virgo-Love energy changes after a long transit through Leo. At this point Venus also comes out of its post retrograde shadow period and starts to move at a normal rate of speed. Any problems you experienced through the summer should be resolved now, one way or another. Venus in this sign is more discerning but it can also be picky and overly critical and this can affect any social relationship.

October 9, Mercury turns stationary direct. Many issues that have been delayed can start to move forward now, but it's the stationary period over the next few days where changes occur once again, mistakes get made, surprises appear and another change of direction can take place. Mercury is very powerful at this point. I would not start new projects for at least 4 or 5 days, and if you want to make certain they succeed, the shadow period of this cycle will last until October 24. At that point Mercurial energy returns to normal.

October 10, Venus squares Saturn and this is a negative aspect for love and social activities. Activities at home might be better favored or sometimes connecting with those from your past. Not a good day for financial activities, important meetings or dates.

October 11, Jupiter trines Pluto, exact. The energy will continue to be apparent for a few weeks, but waning.

Also, on October 11, the Sun opposes Uranus and this can be explosive energy especially if it aspects cardinal planets in your own chart at 16-18 degrees (Cancer, Capricorn, Libra, Aries). This is energy to be careful with, avoid potential accidents or dangerous situations on this day. Be careful in your relationships with other people and as Uranus rules freedom, some things will come to an end, and this is a day some will want to break free of any situation that is oppressive, and some people in relationships will simply want freedom on this day.

This transit will play out in the world in terms of sudden and unexpected events. Uranus can be connected with weather events, earthquakes, airplanes, explosions and shocking events. These few days will be very powerful and we can experience unsettling events in our lives and in the world.

October 12, a New Moon occurs at 19 degrees of Libra, and following in yesterdays footsteps this moon opposes Uranus. Libra rules marriage and relationships of all types.  Moon opposing Uranus can bring unexpected events and situations emotionally, with women and from other sources. Uranus rules freedom, the unexpected and unusual. Some things and situations may suddenly end and change at this time. While Uranus is associated with sudden and shocking events, those things that are unstable (especially relationships) may be the ones that end. This Moon is the companion new moon to the solar eclipse in Aries that affects the 1st/7th houses of relationships.

In the world we could see sudden and shocking events that become changeable, and relationships may be in the news along with separations. Uranus is associated with aircraft, weather, explosions, coups and sudden changing events.

October 13, Mercury sextiles Saturn and this will bring some more stability after the new moon, solid thinking and better communication.

October 15, Mars trines Pluto This transit is associated with intensified energy and willpower and leadership and constructive accomplishment. Progress can be made.

October 16, Venus opposes Neptune If the transit of October 6, affected you personally, this one will as well, along with anyone with mutable planets in their natal charts at 6-8 degrees. Venus-Neptune can seem romantic and stimulate the imagination, but it is in fact, deceptive and you shouldn't trust statements or declarations made on this day. Situations can be revealed that were previously unknown, and confusion can occur. It is better to be skeptical and err on the side of caution in all matters than to trust this energy which is misleading. We could hear news of scandals, theft of all sorts, or out and out lies.

October 17, Mars conjuncts Jupiter Both Mars and Jupiter can relate to male energy and at time this can be considered lucky, or things may be blown out of proportion. At times this transit can be fanatical.

October 22, Mercury squares Pluto This transit can be considered obsessive, and many will try and push their viewpoints on others. Communication problems can occur along with arguments.  We can find things out that were not known. This is the third and final pass of this transit, the last one occurred on September 24-25. At that time we witnessed several major accidents including the death of 700 people on a religious pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia in a stampede. The US House Speaker resigned. We can expect more events this time, and you should use extra caution traveling and driving as this is accident prone, and Mercury rules young people.

October 23, Venus trines Pluto Feelings can be deeper along with expression of feelings.

Also on this day, the Sun enters Scorpio for the next 29 days. Scorpio is deeper and the most intense of signs and associated with the 8th house of rebirth and death, debt and other people's money.

October 25, Mercury opposes Uranus As the fast moving planets enter Libra they will all oppose Uranus and Square Pluto and this is no exception. Again, like the other contract we have seen to Uranus this month, Mercury-Uranus concerns sudden if not shocking news and revelations, especially if this aspects a cardinal planet in your chart. It is best to use caution while driving, especially as Mercury rules vehicles along with pets and young people.

October 27, a full moon occurs at 3 degrees of Taurus. This moon may be calmer than the last few. Taurus rules the second house of earned income and money. While any full moon should be treated with respect (the Sun opposes the Moon) and this typically hypes up the energy and things can bet blown out of proportion, but Taurus is generally fairly grounded. Of course, it depends on what is happening in your personal chart.

October 30, the Sun trines Neptune, and this is a pleasant transit that may go by without notice. Psychics should benefit greatly or any spiritual pursuit.

October 31, Happy Halloween!

Lunar eclipse in Aries: We versus Me

As we approach the eclipse of September 27, events will start to unfold before the actual lunar peak occurs, and will continue afterward. As Mercury is retrograde some events may be delayed by a few days or a few weeks.

 This will be a fast moving eclipse as it is in a Cardinal sign, ruled by Mars the planet of action. Cardinal signs bring action and the energy is immediate.

Events happen during eclipses in our lives and in the world, and this is a period where we may not have total control of what the events will be that affect us personally. Endings can be associated with lunar eclipses as it is a full moon and things come to culmination. Not all eclipses are negative and positive events can occur although sometimes the positive situation comes after an initial shock.

By the time the actual eclipse occurs many events and situations will have already unfolded. As this Moon will oppose Uranus some events may seem sudden and unexpected and as it squares Pluto there is an element of transformation that can be associated with the eclipse.

September 24, is significant as Mercury squares Pluto and this is a transit of propaganda, uncovering situations you may have been previously unaware of, or you, yourself may be trying to uncover something or find something out. This is a argumentative energy and control issues could come into play.

Also on this day Mars enters Virgo and squares Saturn over the next 3 or 4 days and this is a transit of frustration, blocked energy and anger. If something is not happening as it should it might be best to wait a few days for this energy to pass before taking action. If you push it, things can break, both literally and metaphorically.

As Pluto goes stationary direct on September 25, this will amp up the Mars energy, and other peoples intentions and intents may suddenly become known, good or bad.

The lunar eclipse at 5 degrees of Aries occurs September 27, peaking at 10:50 P.M., EST, and this is considered a Supermoon. A Supermoon is closer to the earth and it affects on weather and tidal conditions have been noted to be more severe, and in the past we have seen extreme weather conditions connected with these moons, and can see it again. Energy can be more volatile.

We experienced a lunar eclipse at this degree September 27, 1996. If this period was significant, this eclipse may be significant as well.

Lunar eclipses can be overly emotional and seem to pull you in more than one direction. This one falls on the 1st/7th house axis-Aries-Libra, the axis of relationships and partnerships of all types. Some may experience a theme of relationships versus individuality or 'we versus me.'

Aries is ruled by Mars and Mars is square Saturn at 1/0 degrees of Virgo-Sagittarius and this will affect those with mutable planets in the early degrees: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces, or those who have planets in these signs and degrees.

As Mars/Saturn is stressful, frustrating, and angry and we may experience delays, endings and arguments. This energy is typical of police and military actions in the world.

The frustration, upset or anger can center around Sagittarius/Virgo related themes: audits, work, service, ideas, money, education, medical or legal issues, or the way we view things.

Communication is important as Mercury is retrograde and clarity should be first and foremost in terms of our thinking, speech and communication in general.

Jupiter is in opposition to Neptune and this is a transit that fuels religious debates. Some will experience this as a time of spiritual awakenings, while others will view the Pope's visit as  religious propaganda.

Be careful if you are entering negotiations, or completing financial transactions of any type as this energy is misleading and prone to deceptions on many levels.

This moon will trine Saturn (security), oppose Mercury (communication issues, vehicles, irritation with partners, young people, transportation issues), square Pluto (obsession, control issues, meltdowns) and conjunct Uranus (unexpected emotional responses and events).

This eclipse is considered a 'bloodmoon' as the Earth will block out the Sun, making the moon appear blood red. The eclipse will occur just under 5 minutes making it one of the shortest in recent history. It will be easily visible from Australia and east Asia and those of us in the Eastern part of the US have a greater chance of seeing it than those on the West Coast.

Pope Francis l visits America

The Pope arrives in America September 22, amid a week of intense astrological transits. Thursday morning the Pope will address Congress as Mercury squares Pluto. This is a transit of propaganda, with different sides trying to convince each other of their position. Situations can be revealed and there often no desire to compromise. This transit will fall on the Sun of the US chart in the house of open enemies and I expect conflict and anger in several areas. Mars squares Saturn and this represents conflict, anger and frustration. Typically, this produces situations that involve police and or the military.

These transits fall on the eve of a powerful eclipse in Aries.

Jupiter is in opposition to Neptune this is a transit that fuels religious debates. Some will experience this as a time of spiritual awakenings, while others will view the Pope's visit as  religious propaganda.

Let's take a look at the astrology of the current Pope.

Pope Francis l: Stalemate or harbinger of change?

His papacy was born on the passage of five planets and a luminary moving through the sign of Pisces, the most spiritual of signs and the sign ruling religion. The Papal conclave was held jut 24 hours after the new moon in Pisces, and he was elected Pope on the second day of the Vatican conclave, as Mars entered the critical degree of 0, known as a degree that would bring events that affect the world at large.

 Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope Francis l, the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church March 13, 2013, the first non-European Pope since 741 to be elected. He is of Italian linage and his family migrated from Italy to Argentina in the 1920's after WWl.

Pope Francis is the former arch bishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina and a Jesuit. His papal name honors St. Francis of Assisi, the son of wealthy merchants who abandoned all for a life of poverty in the path of Jesus Christ.

Jupiter was square Neptune at the time of his election adding mystery, intrigue and idealism to circumstances and rumors concerning the Vatican, blackmail among priests and the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, who would become the first Pope to resign in 600 years. Scotland's top priest resigned just before the conclave after admitting to sexual misconduct leaving 800,000 Catholics without a Cardinal. Theories were rampant concerning 'The Prophesy of the Popes,' a 12th century writing attributed to Irish archbishop, Saint Malachy. Proponents of the prophecies claim that the list ends with a pope identified as "Peter the Roman", whose pontificate will allegedly bring the destruction of the city of Rome and usher in the beginning of the Apocalypse.

There were also theories and allegations that arrest warrants and court documents naming Pope Benedict XVI would be served.

Lightening hit the Sistine Chapel following his resignation a comet was seen, and the internet was full of theories as to the meanings of these events.

On the day Bergoglio became Pope, Mercury was retrograde in Pisces and the moon was void of course, meaning it had made its last aspect before changing signs. Decisions made on a void of course moon can lack dynamism and decisions and new beginnings made on a retrograde Mercury often do not turn out as planned.

Pope Francis was born December 17, 1938 in Buenos Aries, Argentina, time of birth is unknown but could be published at a later date.

He is a 25 degree Sagittarius with a moon and Venus in Aquarius. Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of gain, expansion and optimism and is the significator of religion. Sagittarians are generally outspoken, honest, and truth seekers. Francis 1, is being touted in the media as a reformer. His Aquarius moon and Venus square Uranus give him the configurations typical of a reformer with a Uranus square to his personal planets. Uranus squares indicate the reformer and the rebel and give the individual personal magnetism. Often these individuals depart from established routines.

The new Pope's Sun lies next to his North Node at 24 degrees of Sagittarius. A North/South node in Sagittarius/Gemini shows him to be a man of ideals and ideas and philosophy always searching for the truth, and herein lies his destiny in this life. His north node is conjunct his Sun, and author Celeste Teal writes, "there are special privileges or a boost to achievements--it's like being in the right place at the right time, and having considerable luck, mingling and interacting with important people, plenty of material abundance, and so forth. Things just click for such a person and they may be drawn into the limelight."

His moon, along with Venus is in Aquarius. Aquarius rules the 11th house of groups and the collective and these individuals can have a concern or interest in the collective, along with ideas that can concern humanity. The moon represents the emotional nature and 

Aquarius is a fixed air sign. Fixed signs tend to be stubborn, set in their ways and resistant to change and firm in their opinions. They generally display qualities of resolve and perseverance. Aquarius moons stir things up and tend to make things happen. Aquarius is ruled by Saturn and Uranus and Uranus is the planet of revolution and change and revolution.

Pope Francis is said to have foregone chauffeur driven limousines in favor of riding the bus to work so that he could meet with members of his Parrish and discuss their concerns. He is known for his hands on approach of connecting with the people (groups-11th house), and his love of the poor and downtrodden.

But with his Mercury and Jupiter in Capricorn his ideas would not change rapidly and he looks to find value in his decisions which would have lasting impact.

Mercury rules speech, communication and thinking, and in this sign gives a focused mind concerned with the practical aspects of life. This individual desires to be absorbed in thoughts that lead to end results, and at times can be verbally intimidating. This sign has patience, and those with Mercury in this sign can point out flaws and be pessimistic. They usually think before they speak and are most interested in tangible results. This individual can have rigid thinking and often strive to give ideas form through ideas and institutions that have been built and proven over time. This is a conservative thinker.

Jupiter in Capricorn indicates an individual who is financially conservative-at times considered cheap by others-and looks for value in terms of spending.

While Pope Francis is called a reformer by some, his viewpoints on issues concerning women and gay individuals are conservative. He openly opposed his country's decision to allow gay marriage, calling it, "a destructive attack on God's plan,' and is against gay adoption. He is against birth control abortion and the ordination of women in the priesthood.

In 2010 however, as his country was in the throes of legalizing gay marriage, he came out in favor of civil unions for gays as opposed to marriage. By taking this unprecedented action we can see his Aquarius moon-Venus square Uranus. So he may not be conservative as his predecessors or alternatively, he chose a course of action that shows his strategic skills since it was a given that Argentina would legalize gay marriage. Strategy is an Aquarius trait as well. Either way, it makes a departure from usual Vatican rhetoric concerning gay individuals.

Transiting Pluto is conjunct his Mercury winter-spring of 2013, and during April/ May of 2013 Uranus enters the fray squaring his Mercury as well, and The Uranus-Pluto square falls directly on Mercury in his natal chart. This life altering aspect is capable of changing his thinking on many different levels. He will process a lot of information quickly with Uranus, and there will likely be sudden and unexpected news and decisions that can change his basic thinking. This will be a challenging period and by the time this transit completes its cycle in 2015, his thinking will have changed in many areas, or he will have uncovered new information to support or detract from his ideas. Whatever planet Pluto transits in the natal chart it changes or transforms, and in this case the Pope's thinking and possibly viewpoints will be subject to deep thought, research and ultimately change. His opinions and thoughts and comments will be severely tested for truth.

Mars represents our actions, and the Pope's Mars is in the sign of Libra, generally portraying an individual who tries to get along with others and works well with groups, often trying to please.

Mars in Libra individuals prefer to act with harmony front and center of any issue. Keeping balance and inspiring or hitting the correct tone in any situation is what inspires these individuals who push for balance and justice in the world, and they love to champion a cause they consider just. Pope Francis has spent his career championing the poor.

By far though, the most revealing aspect in his chart is the opposition between Neptune and Saturn at 18/16 degrees of Virgo-Pisces from the 4th to 10th house of career and foundation in his Sun sign chart. This transit reveals him to be a man who is not impressed with worldly goods, but is focused on humility, spiritual matters and selfless service to others. It would be considered a difficult transit for many, but this configuration shows him to be devout in his faith, and devoted to a life of piety and service. His namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, took a vow of poverty, rejecting all worldly goods.

Pisces (faith and compassion) is a mutable water sign and easily has compassion for others, and often gives without thinking. Virgo (work, responsible service, piety, Virgo is Latin for  virgin) is a mutable earth sign and rules work and service, but is more discerning than Pisces, and the two planets being in an opposition play off each other. This transit stands out in terms of spiritual discipline and authority, and this aspect is the dominant focus in his natal chart. This opposition also points to his year of birth, and the events that were occurring when he was born that would influence his future.

Most people born with this transit overcame great hardships. In 1936, the Great Depression lingered in America with unemployment near 20%. Hitler's Germany was rising and the Germans built the Sachsenhausen prison camp and occupied the Rhineland, and Hitler and Mussolini were front and center in Europe pre WWll. This was the world he was born into and these events would color his early and future life.

By 2018 transiting Neptune will conjunct his Saturn, opposing natal Neptune. This will be another life altering transit, and during this time many deeply held beliefs will be called into question. Without his time of birth we cannot be certain which houses in his chart, or areas of life this will affect, but as Neptune conjuncts Saturn in Pisces there is a 12th/6th house connotation relating to work and service and deeply ingrained ideas. This is a complex transit and individuals often come to believe they are wrong on many issues. It also tends toward seclusion, and at times can indicate scandal, depression and changes on many deeply personal issues. As Pope Benedict begins his retirement for example, Neptune squares Saturn in his chart. Neptune oppositions (Pope Francis) only occur in individuals about the same age as he will be, but all Neptune transits tend toward seclusion and retirement and meditation.  From his Sun, this aspects his 4th-10th houses and the 4th house is often considered 'the end of the matter.'

The Pope's natal Saturn in Pisces squares the Sun, Mercury and Moon of the Vatican natal chart, and this will likely cause problems or obstacles in his dealings with the them, and they may not respond well to all of his ideas. He may see the need for change, but  his ideas may not all be well received.

His Pluto in Cancer however makes a powerful sextile to the Vatican Jupiter lying at the mid-heaven of the Vatican natal chart, indicating he will have some powerful friends there, and his presence will have some long lasting effects. (3-2013)

Today is the end of an era!

Saturn leaves Scorpio Thursday, September 17, at 10:47 P.M., EST, not to return for another 30 years. Saturn in Scorpio has been an intense period for many bringing many changes in our world. If you are a Scorpio, no doubt the past several years have brought your share of hardships and delays and if you have planets in your personal chart being aspected by Scorpio (Taurus, Leo, Aquarius) the same holds true for you as well. If you are a late degree Scorpio or have fixed planets here, you above all other will be happy to see Saturn move into the next sign: Sagittarius.

Saturn in Scorpio hasn't been bad for everyone. It has trined the other water planets, Cancer and Pisces, and sextiled Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, and this should have brought some stability to those born under these signs.

Either way, Saturn in Sagittarius is going to be different over the next several years. We will rethink many ideas, and education, publishing, travel and foreign connections may play a big role in our lives. And as usual it depends on where Saturn falls in your chart.

Many things and situations are ending at this time. There is an intense energy as Saturn changes signs and Jupiter opposes Neptune, exact September 17, and things, situations and even people may be confusing, or things you were unaware of may be revealed at this time. This is a less than clear energy and all is not as it appears. You, or others may confuse the issue, be deceived or mislead, or even blamed for things you did not intend or are not your fault. Discernment is called for, especially if this aspects your chart. I have talked to several people recently born in 1961, with Pluto at 7-8 degrees of Virgo, and this aspect is affecting them in a very convoluted manner.

As  these major changes occur, Mercury turns retrograde in the sign ruling relationships. While many may be focused on romantic relationships, this can include relationships of all types. Many things may slow down, change, or even end at this time. If this is the case, know this was intended by the cosmos, and as one door closes another one will open. Mercury retrograde can be an irritating time but we can be redirected back to things we need to focus on or know at this time.

Lastly, as we move toward the next lunar eclipse in Aries on September 27, know that we are in a time of great change both within our own world and the world we all live in. While the ride can get bumpy over the next weeks, the times absolutely changing, and we will enter into an important new cycle. There is an excitement to the newness, and we are at the precipice of something very different from the old. It is up to us to make the most of it.