The spirit of America rises with Houston

Nowhere is America's true spirit more evident than in Houston, Texas, and surrounding areas, since Hurricane Harvey struck August 25, generating epic flood waters, loss of life and destruction.

Rescue teams, the military and civilian volunteers are out in full force doing what they can to rescue those trapped by the flood waters from Hurricane Harvey, and they continue even in the face of potentially more disastrous weather, possible explosions and contamination.

Businesses alone have donated 72 million dollars to relief funding to date, and this does not include individual donations.

The Cajun Navy, a group of volunteers from Louisiana has made headlines, rescuing flood victims. There is no doubt it will take time, even years, for Houston and surrounding areas to recover, but it will happen.

Looking at Houston's astrological chart (8-24-1836 12:38PM) the storm/flood is denoted by transit Neptune opposing Mercury from the fourth to the 10th houses. The fourth house shows home and foundation, Neptune rules water, especially sea water. Neptune lies on the cusp of the fourth house which also shows significant change. The storm struck just one day after Houston's astrological birthday. The people of the area will be disoriented and confused for a while but clarity along with rebuilding will return.

Transit Pluto is square Pluto from the second (money) to the fifth houses (fifth house rules entertainment venues/young people) This shows destruction that will cost a great deal, issues that will affect young people, and ultimately rebuilding, as Pluto can ruthlessly destroy and then rebuild in a stronger way.

Uranus is square Venus in the 8th house of money and other people's money showing a financial crisis and issues that can especially affect women through early next year.

Houston is prone to costly water related events due to natal Neptune conjunct the Moon falling in the second (money) and third (neighborhoods/infrastructure) houses.

Houston was 'born' with a grand trine in water, a 'lucky transit.'   The trine involves Saturn (1 degree of Scorpio in the 11th house), Uranus (2 degrees Pisces in the third house), and Mars (3 degrees of Cancer in the 8th house). October 10, Jupiter enters Scorpio and will 'set off' the grand water trine, and by this point we should be able to see some concrete results if not additional funding activities as Houston strives to rebuild.

The epic 1,000 year flood in Houston is shown in the US (Sibley) natal chart on August 25, in the form of a t-square involving Uranus, Pluto and Venus.

Transit Uranus is square Pluto in the second house (money) and transit Venus in the 8th (opposing Pluto) house shows loss of life and an unexpected catastrophic event. Venus also squares Uranus. The Moon also opposed Uranus that day, showing an unpredictable event.

Saturn is also opposing Mars (Frustration, anger) in the US chart and Saturn squares Neptune. This becomes part of the aspects involving the flood in the US chart, but these transits denote other things as well.

Jupiter denotes generosity, and as Jupiter is trine the US natal moon at 27 degrees of Aquarius, I expect Americans to continue come together to support the neighborhoods and people of Houston and surrounding areas in Texas that have been destroyed.

The powerful August 21, eclipse at 29 degrees of Leo fell in the US chart 9th house opposing the Moon in the third house of neighborhoods. This shows an upset population, and issues among neighborhoods and infrastructure. An eclipse at 29 degrees is considered a 'critical degree,' which can relate to endings of all sorts. Houston will be rebuilt, but it will never be the same.  Eclipses are known for being a harbinger to disasters, earthquakes, and earth related events.

As an eclipse occurred at the same degree August 21, 1998. At that time we saw extreme weather events and flooding in China, and Hurricane Gorges brought significant flooding to Florida. Floods and landslides occurred in India, Bangladesh, and  Clark Country, Nevada, and extensive damage was wrought by Hurricane Isis.

"Well the eagle's been flyin' slow
And the flag's been flyin' low
And a lot of people sayin' that America's fixin' to fall
Well speakin' just for me
And some people from Tennessee
We've got a thing or two to tell you all
This lady may have stumbled
But she ain't never fell
And if the Russians don't believe that
They can all go straight to hell
We're gonna put her feet back
On the path of righteousness and then
God bless America again

From The Sound up in Long Island
Out to San Francisco Bay
And everything that's in between them is our own
And we may have done a little bit
Of fightin' amongst ourselves
But you outside people best leave us alone
'Cause we'll all stick together
And you can take that to the bank
That's the cowboys and the hippies
And the rebels and the yanks
You just go and lay your hand
On a Pittsburgh Steelers' fan
And I think you're gonna finally understand

And you never did think
That it ever would happen again (In America, did you?)
You never did think
That we'd ever get together again
(We damn sure fooled you)
Yeah, we're walkin' real proud
And we're talkin' real loud again (In America)
You never did think
That it ever would happen again"

From Charlie Daniels, In America

September 2017: Jupiter opposes Uranus, eclipse aftermath, Fall arrives

Jupiter will be a major player in September's transits as we start the month with a positive sextile between Jupiter and Saturn. But, before month's end Jupiter opposes Uranus for the third and final time. We will start to feel this energy almost immediately in September.

Many positive situations can come together or a concrete conclusion can be reached on a Jupiter-Saturn sextile, and this energy will be present at the start of September although by September 2, the transit has reached its peak and will be in the waning stage. As we move through the month the more erratic Jupiter-Uranus energy will make itself know and it peaks on September 28.

Jupiter-Uranus can bring positive results as well, but this is much more of a gamblers transit and unexpected or overlooked situations can crop up sending things in a different direction than you thought. My advice is to not gamble what you can't afford to lose, literally or metaphorically speaking.

Some things or even relationships can change suddenly, or even come to an abrupt end. But, that would only happen if they are without stability to begin with.

On the world stage this transit will likely relate to politics and government. We can expect sudden and unexpected events, protests and disagreements and US President 

Donald Trump has threatened a government shutdown over building 'the wall.' Uranus rules coups and rebellions, and Jupiter in Libra rules relationships of all types. We could see unexpected twists and turns with foreign entities as well.

As Jupiter also rules money and this transit will likely involve proposed tax cuts or other situations involving money as the opposition becomes a t-square in the US natal chart, involving Pluto in the US chart second house of money and income. There is no guarantee however, Mr. Trump will succeed in getting what he wants as he has significant push back in his chart in September and October. We will see many unexpected events and disagreements.

We could also see changes in the financial market, threats and worst case scenario, attacks. Weather conditions can also become extreme and this situation that has occurred in Texas will not be resolved quickly.

We experienced a Jupiter-Uranus opposition in December 2016, and then again in March, 2017. I personally felt the world was shifting in unexpected and erratic ways, and I saw a great deal of anger. Perhaps your experience was different, but many who called for readings stated they felt the same way. With this transit stability may not be easy to come by psychologically or in the world.

The Jupiter-Uranus opposition will peak September 26-October 1, at 27 degrees of Aries-Libra. If you have Cardinal planets (Cancer, Aries, Libra or Capricorn) at this degree or very close you can expect changes in your life, some of them unexpected. Then again, if you look closely at your personal situation, change may not really be so unexpected. Sometimes change is needed, and Uranus is typically all about freedom on many different levels.

The Great American eclipse is over, but events connected to this eclipse will continue to play out for weeks and months to come. As the eclipse fell at 29 degrees (the crisis degree) of Leo and this marks the ending of many situations and relationships.

Retrograde Mercury moved back into Leo on August 31, and as Mars approaches 28-29 degrees in Leo, these two planets hit the eclipse point the first week of September, and we will see many more events play out that relate to the eclipse, perhaps most notably the continuing situation in Texas. As Mercury was retrograde on August 21, events can and have been delayed.  September 3, we may see significant eclipse events play out give or take several days as Mercury and Mars fall at 29 degrees of Leo. Eclipses are known for Earthquakes and disastrous and unexpected weather and earth related disasters.

Mercury turns direct September 5, at 7:30 AM, EST at 28 degrees of Leo. As Mercury turns stationary direct September 5-8 events can change once again, and glitches may occur. Next to the stationary retrograde period this can be the most significant period of the retrograde. Things often get worse before they get better.

September 9, Mercury moves back into Virgo again, where it spent the last week of July and all of August. You may be concerned with situations and events that began at this time. Mercury in this sign can be overly demanding and critical, as well as worrisome. The planet of communication will finally leave it's post retrograde shadow period on September 19, and at this point things should return to normal.

Other transits in September:

September 2, Mars trines Uranus-positive for new projects and ideas. Can be exciting energy.

September 3, Mercury conjuncts Mars-this is considered a willful transit and egos can get out of control, or you may feel agitated.

September 5, the Sun opposes Neptune. This is a tiring and confusing transit, and indicative of low energy and discouragement. You may get your facts wrong, or others could. Events and situation may not turn out as expected and this is not a good day for important events. As all of the fast moving planets enter Virgo this month, they will all oppose Neptune. Neptune can deal with water or water related events. Dreams may seem vivid at these times.

Also on this day, Mars enters Virgo, the sign ruling work and health. Mars here can be overly critical, demanding and worrisome. It will remain in this sign until October 22. This is the time to begin new health and diet regimes for optimal success.

September 6, a full Moon occurs at 13 degrees of Pisces. Pisces rules the 12th house of the unconscious and subconscious. It conjuncts Neptune, the planet of illusion, delusion and confusion. Some things will end with this Moon, and it is time to deal with completions as a new beginning can occur shortly afterward.

Pisces has to do with service to others, compassion, healing and feelings. Many people will be very sensitive at this time and vivid dreams can occur.

Now is the time to keep your feet on the ground even if your head is in the clouds. Delusions can occur, and it can be hard to see reality. Many things can be revealed. You could have psychic experiences or déjà vu.

The Moon and Neptune can deal with uncovering things and situations and dealing with water related events. Compassion may show itself in daily life.

September 9, the Sun trines Pluto. This positive trine can allow us to delve deeply into any subject or relationship we are concerned with. As it is a positive aspect we will not meet the resistance that at other times we would. feelings can run deep on many matters.

September 12, Venus trines Saturn. This is positive for love, money, business activities and connecting with people and situations from the past.

September 13, the Sun squares Saturn. This can seem like a restrictive transit that limits many things that can include plans, activities or in some cases even relationships. Not a great day for important meetings but if you can keep focused and push through, it does not guarantee failure, either. Best to use the energy to complete projects, rather than start new ones. Some may feel tired and out of sorts. Don't over think or take the energy seriously as it will soon pass. Sun-Saturn can denote great discipline, but also the need for it.

September 15, Venus sextiles Jupiter. This is a positive transit indicate of social activities, and could be a good day to spend with a significant other. Business can benefit as well.

September 16, Mercury conjuncts Mars as it did September 16. This time it falls in the sign of Virgo which can be more worrisome and critical. It can also denote critical thinking. 

As it is a willful transit, egos can get out of control. It can be an aggravating day and you should watch travel and driving. Arguments will abound.

September 18, Venus trines Uranus. This is another positive and uplifting transit for the day. Plan social  activities and important meetings will have planetary help.

September 19, Venus enters Virgo, joining the Sun and Mars. We are now in the Virgo season. Love energy can become more realistic and practical and it could be easy to become overly critical of your partner. Look at yourself before you criticize someone else.

Also on this day, Mercury opposes Neptune. This can be a tiring and confusing day. Do not assume you know the answers, you may be under some misinterpretation of facts. Others may not tell the truth or be evasive. This becomes a powerful part of the New Moon energy.

September 20, the New Moon falls at 27 degrees of Virgo. Virgo deals with work and health and it is here our interests lie. This is a very 'practical' New moon, and most important not to get drawn into convoluted situations as Mercury has just opposed Neptune. A great day to start a new diet or exercise plan, or interview for a job.

September 22, Fall is officially here as the Sun enters Libra, the first Cardinal sign of the fall season when the weather changes.

Also, Mercury trines Pluto which is a good transit to get to the bottom of any issue or problem. Conversation will have depth.

September 24, Mars opposes Neptune. Mars-Neptune transits can indicate water related conditions, scandals, issues concerning same sex relationships, chemical weapons and out and out deception and lack of clarity. This is not a good day for important meetings and events. The other side of this transit reveals compassion, spirituality and the potential for helping others. We will see important events play out and is often the case as of late, clarity will not be forthcoming. Don't believe all you hear and stick to the facts. If you feel depressed or out of sorts, know this transit will soon pass. Many things can come out into the open and be revealed.

September 25, Mercury squares Saturn and this can be another day that drags by. You may be focused on responsibilities and feel tired. You can accomplish a lot if you use the energy for important matters.

September 28, Pluto turns stationary direct. This is a significant aspect every year. Pluto rules power and power structures, bullies and nuclear energy to name a few.

Anything that has been festering in the unconsciousness may force its way into the conscious at this time. This is a powerful planetary change and things that have been hidden, both individually and collectively will start to show itself for what it is. Lawsuits that have been put on hold may move forward as can anything of this nature.

Secrets may suddenly be revealed or come out of the shadows and we may see situations or even people turn obsessive in some way as Pluto has an obsessive quality to it.

Pluto rules the dark and hidden undercurrents. It also rules ultimate change and transformation. Typically when Pluto turns direct we see major events in the world.

September 31, Venus opposes Neptune, completing the opposition of the fast moving planets to the planet of illusion, delusion and confusion. Venus-Neptune transits can be a double edged sword. Watch all transactions with money today. Love matters can go either way. This can represent soft lights and candlelight or a total illusion. Many things can be revealed, and clarity may not be available. If something someone says sounds too good to be true, question their motivations as Neptune rules lies and delusions.

Also on this day, Mercury enters Libra and Mercurial energy changes once again. Communication may be lighter and prone to compromise. We may be more concerned with relationships of all types during this cycle of Mercury.

Remembering Princess Diana: 20 years later

On August 31, 1997 Princess Diana, 'The People's Princess,' and Princess of Wales was killed in a car wreck in Paris, France. She was with Dodi Fayad, son of Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al-Fayed, and then owner of London Harrods Department Store. They were rumored to be getting engaged.

The events of this evening were tragic, as Diana was the most high profile British royal of the generation.  America loved her and to many of those of my generation she was 'every woman.' In my opinion she will never be matched, and no one comes close to filling her shoes now or since her death. She brought light to the most downtrodden in society, aids, the homeless along with family issues that others in her position did not and have not since.

On that night I was having a small party at my home when the news of the wreck came on CNN. The party ended as the magic of the evening was gone and everyone went home deep in thought and sadness. Diana was pronounced dead around 4AM, the next day, September 1. My husband and I never left the TV that night.

We were on the eve of a powerful eclipse. that fell in a significant place in Diana's chart.

This  eclipse (9 degrees of Virgo), along with the Sun and Mercury fell almost exact on her natal Pluto. Transiting Pluto was square Mars which can show a violent death. This would be a dangerous combination, and aspects affecting Pluto can relate to death in extreme cases. I have described the rest of the planetary combination that led to her death, along with her natal chart in a podcast. (with astrologer Liz Houle)

I believe at the time of her death, Diana was in a depressed and confused state, and had reportedly broken up with Physician Hasnat Khan.

There is nothing in her chart that tells me she would have married Fayad, and in time the relationship would have faded. I do believe however, she would have remarried within a few years.

Years later, rumors still persist and many do not believe her death was an accident. Like many of the great unsolved crimes and deaths we may never reach a consensus on what fully occurred that fateful night.

Saturn stations direct:forge ahead!

Saturn turns direct August 25, at 8:09 AM, EST. This should start to change the slowdown you may have experienced in many areas since 5 out of 10 planets have been retrograde since August 12. Mercury will be the next planet to turn direct September 5.

Saturn is at 21 degrees of Sagittarius, where it has been since July 24. It will turn direct but remain at this degree until  September 27, when it moves to 22 degrees. From here Saturn will move through the later degrees of Sagittarius and enter Capricorn on December 21, and begin an entire new cycle in its own sign where it will be very powerful.

If you have mutable planets (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) close to this degree, Saturn will impact  you directly as it stations direct over the next few weeks. Many events can occur depending on what Saturn is aspecting, but if is a mutable planet, Saturn is making a harsh aspect, and these transits are often stressful times. In this case, my advice is to be aware of what is happening in your life at this time, and keep your feet on the ground at all times.

While retrograde, Saturn slows down the normal rate of activity so better methods can be developed and organized. Saturn rules the structures in our lives and allows us to develop our boundaries.

Wherever Saturn is located in your personal chart is where you need more work to avoid feeling limitation in some way.

As Saturn turns direct this can be good news for many issues and situations that have been stuck or in some way or unproductive, and this is true for both the individual and the collective.  Saturn can represent a reality check in many areas of our lives and even in the world.

While Saturn was retrograde many problems were internalized that were difficult to figure out. As Saturn turns direct again, many things will start to move forward. Saturn will move slowly, emphasizing the planets in your chart he may touch from 21-29 degrees of Sagittarius.

Saturn rules our boundaries but also gives us structures in life. As the rulers of (the sign) Sagittarius are Jupiter (expansion) and Neptune (faith, dreams) now is the time to focus on what you would like to accomplish. Over the next several weeks Jupiter will sextile Saturn and this can give us the impetus for accomplishment, especially as Saturn is very powerful as it turns direct!  The time to move forward and implement these plans and dreams is after Mercury turns direct on September 5.

Venus squares Uranus: Unpredictability!

Venus squares Uranus August 24, and this can create an unpredictable energy for love and money.

Some relationships can and will end, others will experience some type of disruption. If your relationship is stable, it could bring some type of disagreement, and then again it could just as easily be a unique if not unpredictable day. Try something new!

If you have been struck in a rut, this could create a needed change. this is a day to use the energy wisely and seek out new experiences and even people.

If you meet someone new on this day, do not assume this person will remain in your life or be your new partner. Uranus has an unpredictable edge to it, and while all things are possible, it is equally possible that no matter who well you seem to get along, stability is not necessarily in the picture-only time will tell.

As Venus also rules money, you should watch your finances. An impulsive buy may not turn out to be anything you really want or need. Or you could easily change your mind as Mercury is retrograde.

The best use of this energy is to explore or try something new and different even if it is as simple as a new restaurant, music or anything else that can elevate your consciousness to a new level.

Sometimes we can see changes in the financial markets, or it could involve other unexpected events that play out in the news.