Morning Star: Astrology for the week of August 1 to August 7, 2016

Monday, August 1, 2016

Today, we have more Uranus. One would think that last week brought enough of that. However, the Universe says, “Not so much.” Last week, at times, was teeth gritting. Edgy. Sharp. Unpredictable. Uranus stationed retrograde as Mercury trined. And, not everyone is adept at dealing with the rush of Uranus. Admittedly, it' s not an easy thing. After all, the human body is mostly water. Water and electricity (Uranus) do not mix well. Plus, it is Leo season. Uranus kicks up the adrenaline and the easiest route of expending that energy comes by way of being overly dramatic. I found this entertaining for the most part. But, yes, it can be quite obnoxious at the same time. Yet, when you become observant of the situation rather than immersed in it, you can ease some of the crackly erratic feel. This is what I mean when I say “Rise above” in relation to Uranus transits. Meaning, observe. Be the scientist collecting data and observing cause and effect more so than you are swimming in an pool filled with the electricity of the eels. It is a type of detachment. It is a discounting of the initial urges toward re activeness. It is remaining grounded while choosing a higher perspective of the situation. But, yes, Uranus can pack a tight and nervous punch. Add to that the fact that we are (in the US) an overstimulated culture and that just makes Uranian transits harder to handle. However, deliberately cutting down on external stimuli during heightened electrified “Uranus days” does help. But, I realize folks get tired of hearing me say it. Cut down on caffeine and stimulants you ingest. Drink more water. Limit your intake of social media/news. Cut down the amount of time you spend around electronics (less time with computer, cell phone, TV etc). Get outside and put your feet on the ground. Move around to expend excess energy. Yes. Easy things like that can really help. Yes. I realize it sounds too easy. Yes. I realize the energy coming from Uranus, also, causes us to over-complicate things. So, of course, dealing with him would be a simplified thing. Matter of fact, keeping things simple and practical is also something that helps offset the lower pole of Uranus energy.

There are stones/metals that help ease some of the electrified feel of Uranus. Lapis lazuli is a favorite of mine especially for Mercury/Uranus. Turquoise is excellent. Any grounding stone such as hematite, black tourmaline or obsidian. Copper helps to conduct the electrical impulses in the body and is an excellent piece to pick up when dealing with this blue giant. I have been known to put a penny in my shoe and, you know what, it works. Wearing wooden amulets can also help ground some of the electricity. All this matters; because, it helps you feel better. That's important.
Ok. So at midnight last night, a trine from Venus in Leo to Uranus in Aries ushered in today. I don't find this energy too upsetting. It can create a desire or flair for the unusual. It can kick start break ups catalyzed by boredom or excessive restrictions within the relationship. It can be conducive of impulse shopping/spending. It can produce a desire for more freedom or independence within relationships or even financially. Actually, what I'm seeing most from this is folks getting a new style, new haircut, new look. Bringing a fresh approach to the face we present to the world. And...hey, that's not such a bad expression of this. Right? So, go for it. There' a New Moon in Leo coming tomorrow. Why not go for a fresh and/or updated look?

At 7:25 AM the Moon in Cancer sextiles Jupiter in Virgo. This is a pack your lunch and look ahead anticipating what you need to have lined up for your day/week kind of aspect. It's practical. Grounded. A humble and ready rising. I always think of fiber and grain when this mixture comes up. It definitely aims for filling but not heavy. Sustainable fuel to start your day not a sugary sweet that may leave you feeling flat in a few hours.
The inkling to “get prepared” pays off as the day moves forward. Just before noon, we receive a harsh aspect (square) from the Cancer Moon to Uranus. This is where potential nervousness and anxiety has the potential to wax in. However, if you prepared for this in the morning by eating well, remaining grounded, cutting chemical stimulants, increasing water intake and laying out preparations, then it clicks by much more easily. There could, indeed, be a few surprises in store. The more grounded and centered you are, the better you will be able to deal with that. The more off center you are the more impulsive you might be and therefore this energy can prickle you into doing something erratic which feeds into immediate feelings of regret and remorse as the Moon finds Chiron by trine just twenty minutes later. You see the options? Rise above. Be observant, well grounded and prepared and subsequently develop more effective coping mechanisms (Chiron) when things go bat shit (Uranus). Or, get all hyped up, reactive and nervous (Uranus) through this energy and end up hurting yourself (Chiron) or others physically or emotionally.
Thankfully, there is energy in place that automatically helps with Moon in harsh aspect to Uranus. The Sun in Leo is waxing into a grounded trine with Saturn in Sagittarius. The grounding, feeling of personal accountability and stability of Saturn certainly helps here. But, Saturn is Rx. So, there isn't anyone standing over your shoulder to remind you to be accountable. You have to choose that on your own. This fire trine perfects at 1:50 PM. It is nice to know that stability is on hand and accessible if you can pull yourself away from a flare for the dramatic and lean into it. This all equates to “do the right thing, the responsible thing, even when no one is watching.” Truth is elder lions are wise lions. They didn't live to the age of eldership by doing stupid and impulsive stuff. Right? Right. So, be the wise elder lion.

As the trine with Saturn and the Sun holds, the Moon waxes into trine with Mars who is at the tail end of Scorpio (29 Scorpio 44) at 8:44 PM. Desires run deep and we can intuitively assess what our next move should be. Motivation and need align through flow not force. It calls for eagle eye foresight and adherence to the direction the waters are taking you without resistance. When you fight the flow you eventually tire and drown. That's not what we want to do here. On a mundane level, it is another great night for sex or mutual feeding/exchange of energies.
Following the Mars trine, the Moon is Void for a short time until entering Leo at 9:12 PM. And, the Lion sleeps after kissing Mars in Scorpio “buh-bye”.....finally....soon....he enters Sagittarius in our early afternoon hours of tomorrow.

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

This morning we wake up to the Moon in Leo. There isn't a lot going on in our morning hours. The Moon is very, very dark and doesn't officially start her new phase until later this evening. So, the morning just kind of clicks by with our best focus found on final cleaning/clearing efforts...wiping the slate clean in preparation for our New Moon/New Start.

However, right after midday, something lovely happens. Mars leaves Scorpio and enters Sagittarius. Now. I've nothing against Mars in Scorpio. As a matter of fact, I kind of like it. But, I'm so ready for a change here. I'm not saying that Mars in Sagittarius is wonderful and without potential pitfall. No. I'm not saying that at all. I'm saying, it's different than Mars in Scorpio and Mars has been in Scorpio for an EXCRUCIATINGLY long time. The change will be nice in my opinion. That's all.
Ok. So what are the boons and pitfalls of Mars in Sagittarius. The main pitfall here is over-extending yourself, acting self-righteously and, also, over-estimating your abilities resulting in over-promising what you are realistically able to deliver. Ask the girl with Mars in the 9th who sets unrealistic deadlines and misses them every dang time. I'm telling you. Mars in Sagittarius' downfall is connected with “too much” and “over.” Which is the downfall of anything Jupiter influenced. The antidote? Being humble and practical. Generosity instead of self-aggrandizement. Employing and walking your personal truth. Practicing what you preach. And, as with anything in Sagittarius, we also need to prepare for the long haul. Sagittarius is a far reaching trip... like a marathon. So, when we find Mars at the beginning of the sign we need to take that into consideration. What does one do prior to a marathon? Well, hopefully, we don't just sign up for the marathon without any type of previous preparation. You know? So, we've hopefully been practicing and honing our skills with Mars in Scorpio...right? Working on our endurance. Now, though, just prior to the marathon beginning we 1) make sure we are well rested/well hydrated 2) stretch our muscles 3) visualize the end goal and set an effective and sustainable pace. Right? Right. And, thus, this is the call of Mars' entrance into the sign.

I'll remind you that Mars' trip through Sagittarius brings him into a conjunction with Saturn, square with Neptune and square with Jupiter. At the very, very end there is a wonderful forward moving push from Uranus...a second wind kind of aspect. But, it's not like there are not pitfalls on this journey, chances to run into brick walls of resistance (Saturn), to become unexpectedly fatigued or even lost (Neptune) and overwhelmed (Jupiter). All that is possible. That's why stretching, preparing and setting a realistic pace are so important at the genesis of this.
Setting an appropriate pace and holding yourself accountable is emphasized again as the Moon in Leo also finds Saturn by trine (remember the Sun was there recently and still in orb) at 2:47 PM. And then...and THEN our New Moon officially dawns at 4:45 PM with both Sun and Moon still within orb of grounding and “in it for the long haul” Saturn. Nice. Who are you? What do you want to be when you grow up? Cool. Aim for that!
Of course, there is the matter of both bodies also falling within orb of an inconjunct to Neptune and Pluto...which creates a Yod with our New Moon at the apex. Mercury and Venus have already been through this way. They've been melded and put center stage through the subtle power of this Yod. Now, all that is incorporated into both our Solar (ego systems) and Lunar (emotive/intuitive) systems. What this does is bring together all our dreams and fears, our ability to maintain compassion and expend our power in a responsible manner and wraps them up and hands them to us asking, “Ok, so whatcha gonna to do with this?” Putting the “whole” of us on center stage and saying “You are the primary one accountable for creating your future.” So...how do you plan to go about that? Here is your chance to set that intention. It's so personal. But, I encourage you to set your goals and mark exactly what you are aiming for. The energies at hand support this, too. And, you know, it could be as simple as declaring your right to be who you are and adamantly standing up for that. Of course, also leave room for others to do the same. Whether you particularly like or agree with what they are doing doesn't really matter. You are your business. Let someone else's identity and self-expression be theirs. There is room for everyone here. Keep your roar gentle and gear your thinking toward service and practicality. Mercury is in Virgo, you know. Veer away from being self-critical or critical of others. Aim toward acceptance of self and responsible/humble self expression instead. Look to how your innate talents can help serve the situation at hand rather than look for who is to blame. Who is at fault for whatever matters little in the clean up of the aftermath, really. Sure, we may hear, “she did this or he did that.” But the bigger questions begging for our attention are, “And, what are you going to do about it? What can you offer as solution? How can you help?” LOL, yeah...all the aspects sound complicated but it really is that simple.

The New Moon perfects on the following Sabian: SUN/MOON AT 11 LEO: Children play under a huge oak, sheltered from the Sun. The sustaining and protective power of ancestral background against emotions. Appreciation of inborn cultural restraint.
This budding, bright spot, growing with promise New Moon is how we end our Tuesday.

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

This morning we wake up with the Moon still in Leo and the fresh start energy continues to permeate our sphere. The Sun stays within the confines of the Yod and within orb of Saturn's anchor for now.
The Moon, however, has moved on. We find her in a liberating trine with Uranus at 5:23 PM. Yes, you have the right to be exactly who you are and feel however it is you feel about it. We are encouraged to lean into a sense of independence...especially emotional independence. We are not in the mood to have someone think or feel for us. We can decide all that on our own and the Universe encourages us to do so. On a mundane level, this aspect creates a flair for change, the unusual and holds the potential to raise our emotional intelligence a notch or two. The downside is nervousness and anxiety whose potential can be offset by the tips I offered in the beginning of this week.
From here, the Moon makes a subtle inconjunct to Chiron in Pisces at 5:40 PM and then, at midnight, finds Venus by conjunction prior to reaching Void status for just a few hours. She enters Virgo at 3:34 AM. The conjunction with Venus produces comfort within one's self and makes for some satisfied gently purring lions. Get comfortable (shouldn't be too hard) and enjoy.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Early this morning (4:44 AM), our practical Moon makes an uncomfortable square with far reaching Mars in Sagittarius. The cure? Triage. Delineate your steps forward and put them in practical order. Think about maximizing the impact of your efforts instead of planning to just bolt out of the gate unprepared. Remain humble and grounded while being mindful of a realistic step by step pace. Trying to or feeling as if you have to do everything at once is going to increase the potential tax of this energy. Plan. Then move forward toward your goal one solid well thought out step at a time. Humility does help with this. It is our aggrandized selves that promises more than we can realistically deliver.
These suggestions meet with further emphasis as the Moon finds Mercury in Virgo by conjunction at 5:45 PM and, then, also squares Saturn tonight at 10:03 PM.

Today calls for a practical step by step methodical pace forward. It calls for planning and making preparation. Don't over-complicate it. Don't gut yourself for not being as far along as you think you should be. Patience, my friend. Patience and diligence.
Overnight, the Moon opposes Neptune (midnight) which can cause emotional exhaustion and even some confusion. Rest. Planning and stepping diligently forward is enough for today. Don't try to turn it into an all nighter. Get some sleep.

There is a chance, also, for reaping what you've previously sewn with the Moon hitting Mercury by conjunction in Virgo. It's a thing. Harvest time. Results come home to roost for better or worse. So, yeah, there may be some regret mixed in here. Some feelings of guilt. Again, look not for who is to blame (even if it is found to be you) and instead learn from past missteps and make better decisions as you move forward. Apologize where you see fit but also plan to change your actions in the future to back up those “I'm sorry's.” Don't just pay them lip service. Mean it and act on it.

Friday, August 5, 2016

The ability to rest overnight finds blessing this morning as the Moon finds Pluto by trine shortly after the morning begins (8:54 AM). Endurance is renewed and we are ready to get our hands dirty in the nitty gritty of the work ahead of us.
Then, at 11:27 AM Venus enters Virgo and we officially have a stellium in the sign. Three planets reside in Virgo now (Jupiter, Mercury, Venus), plus a luminary (if only temporarily). I'm one of those people that thinks Virgo is the answer to everything. Of course, I would. I have a washed up, washed out Pisces Moon square Neptune in my natal chart and Venus in Virgo in the 9th house. I was raised by a father with a Virgo Moon. Without his “practical emotional medicine” I think I would have surely gone mad. But, that energy was exactly what I needed to learn how to ground some of that Neptune in my emotional body. However, the sign...like any other...has it's downsides. In truth, Pisces holds what Virgo needs and vice versa.

Here's the tricky dicky though. In traditional Astrology, Jupiter and Venus are earmarked as “benefics.” Right? However, both are also said to be ill placed in Virgo. This is not really because it is a bad thing. It is just that Jupiter and Venus operate differently in Virgo than they may act elsewhere. Jupiter in Virgo, for example, is WORLDS different than Jupiter in Leo or Jupiter in Libra. In Virgo, Jupiter delights in detail, practicality, minutiae, humility and efforts aimed toward providing a service to others. These are not words we typically associate with Jupiter. Jupiter is BIG...but in Virgo, his best expression is small and humble.

Same is true of Venus in the sign. We typically think of Venus and associate it with leisure, pretty adornments and luxury. In Virgo, you know what she likes? Clean. Organized. Simplicity. Every day humble blessings. Being able to help someone. She likes to fix things...a DIY type thing. Venus' wardrobe in Virgo often looks like a uniform and is parred down to simplicity. Like a traditional white nurse's uniform adorned only with a watch...clean fingernails...and well managed hair that doesn't get in your face while you are trying to work or fall in someone's food. However, the uniform of a mechanic (yes, even with his greasy hands) and or that of someone in a general service field also does the trick. Personally, I have an affinity for overalls and the occasional jumpsuit as long as it has pockets. One MUST have pockets in Virgo season. Rock those cargo pants...lol. You know? It's not that it's bad. It's just different. Venus in Virgo enjoys practical useful gifts. I personally delight in being given rocks. Like...real rocks. That impresses me more than something flashy. Or tools, cleaning supplies, organizers, day planners and honestly, school supplies...pencils, notebooks..and would you look at that? Just in time for back to school season! For me, a Venus in Virgo native, this is the entrance to the most wonderful time of the year. As an example of gifts that pleases the Virgo? Last Christmas my Virgo Moon father gave my Virgo Sun husband and my Virgo Venus self a shop vac. It was the best thing ever. Yeah. I know, right? YAWN. But, true!

When in doubt, remember clean, useful and simple is best. And, that point is driven home all day. Shortly after Venus enters Virgo, the Moon finds Jupiter in Virgo by conjunction (11:21 PM). The big challenge will be overcoming a desire to be critical, overly picky, filled with worry and negativity. This comes by way of a waxing square from Mercury in Virgo to Saturn in Sagittarius that perfects in the morning. Don't blame. Don't worry. Look for solution and how you can help the situation and by all means...don't over-complicate. Keep it simple. Since when has wringing your hands helped anything? Never. So, don't waste your time with that. Make a plan and assess/prioritize the details simply, practically, humbly and realistically. Clean and organize your environment. As without, so within. A decluttered outside helps to line things out on the inside too. I know. I hate it when someone gives me an answer that is as simple as that too. But, for real, it works.
The Moon reaches Void status following an opposition with Chiron at 2:22 AM. She remains Void until entering Libra tomorrow afternoon. Plenty of time for toiling and contemplation in that.

Saturday, August 6, 2016

This morning the Moon is Void in Virgo as Mercury squares off with Saturn (9:18 AM). The mood is parred down and perhaps a bit grumpy. Keep your nose on your own business and you'll do fine, though. There is a possibility of being overly critical and negative. Catch yourself and redirect when/if necessary.
The Moon reactivates in Libra at 12:57 PM. Her first aspect is motivating sextile to Mars in Sagittarius. There is wonderful opportunity here to work together to achieve a common goal. Solid partnerships pay off with a chance at exchange of mutual favors. You scratch my back; I'll scratch yours type of thing. Plus, with a stellium in Virgo folks might just be inclined to want to help. Make sure the exchange is fair and without strings attached as you realize teamwork may just be a thing that helps us all along this road. The negative swing of that? Over promising yourself in an effort to please and/or accommodate others. Don't fall into that kind of trap. Because, that's only going to put you in line for the negative swing of the energy we have waxing in next through a square from Venus in Virgo to Mars in Sagittarius.

The uncomfortable square from Mars to Venus perfects at 8:20 PM. What we have is a practical Venus facing off with a potentially over-stepping Mars. Or, you reach out to help someone in an effort to please and they, in turn, pile more on your plate than you can effectively handle and you let them because you don't know how to say no or don't want to because you don't want to disappoint. Get a handle on that. Teach a man to fish while aiming to help not take the whole situation over. Plus, don't expect anyone to fix your problems for you. This is a DIY sky. Sure you can ask for and offer help. Just don't go overboard with it. It's also a “keep it simple and realistic” sky. Keep that fact strongly in your awareness. There is such a thing as offering unsolicited advice, over-helping and sticking your opinionated nose into to matters that aren't your business to begin with. All are illustrations of the downside of this Venus/Mars square.

The upside? Making sure you are personally well prepped for your journey ahead. Got your map? Got your compass? Have you turned the coffee pot off? Forwarded your mail? Have you ever traveled with a Virgo? Yeah...it's a lot like that. Pack your toothbrush. It's not a flamboyant thing. It's anticipatory of what you may need on your future journeys and making sure you have made proper accommodation for the road ahead. Yeah. Prepare now. Because there is fog on the road ahead as Mercury leaves his solid square with Saturn and is now waxing into opposition with Neptune due to perfect tomorrow afternoon. Pack your umbrella too. Don't forget to check the wiper blades on the car you will be driving...and the oil...and the tire pressure...fa la la la...VIRGO. Jupiter expects you to know this by now.

Sunday, August 7, 2016

This morning starts out on nicely solid footing with the Libra Moon in sturdy supportive sextile to Saturn in Sagittarius at 8:20 AM. This aspect brings grounding and clarity..which is good. Because, we are going to need it. Mercury officially waxes into opposition with Neptune at 12:25 PM. The windows fog. The road becomes hazy and information may be misconstrued. However, leaning into partnerships that offer a perspective of truth and steadfast support certainly pays off along with whatever previous preparations we may have made earlier in the week. See, you'll be glad you took the time to dot all your I's and cross all your T's as Jupiter in Virgo has been calling us to do. Because, that's what helps when Neptune engulfs Mercury. Solid routines come in handy. If you put your keys in the same spot everyday then the chance of losing them lessens....says the Pisces Moon square Neptune who aims to be organized and scheduled as coping mechanism. Am I perfect at this? Oh, hell no. And, my Pisces helps me be more ok with imperfection. But, it does pay off when I take the time to do it. I try to keep it relaxed though so as not to delve too deeply into OCD tendencies.

What also helps here is being able to separate fact from fiction. Don't believe anything you hear today without fact checking the source and the back story. There be outright LIARS out there today. Those who misconstrue the truth and fact due their own agenda. Watch out for them. Be mindful of the inklings in your gut that tell you something is askew and take the time to check the story out for yourself before you swallow an outlandish fish tale. Also, be wary of being a distracted driver and pay attention to your surroundings while traveling. Hydroplaning can be a real issue which means your efforts yesterday to check over you vehicle (wipers and tire pressure) and prepare sincerely pay off. And, do I really have to tell you to put your phone down and not to drive while intoxicated? I'm going to pretend I don't. But...seriously...be alert and cut down on distraction. I mean, literally, when the road ahead is foggy or wet we should what? SLOW DOWN.
The opposition with Mercury and Neptune which may work to spread mistruth and misinformation in an effort to achieve a subservient personal agenda is strongly marked by a tendency to attempt to emotionally manipulate others as the Moon squares off with Pluto at 7:39 PM. Come on now. Do the work you need to do to clear the fog and don't let someone use passive aggressive emotional manipulation to control you. And, don't you become that person either. Instead, be honest with one another even if the honesty brings about things that someone may not want to hear and dig deeply into the your roots of your psyche and be honest with yourself too. Where have you been lying to yourself? What are you avoiding? Why are you procrastinating? Why do you feel like you need to control? Emotional manipulation never pays off for anyone in the end. It's better to face your fear of loss and being out of control than to be an outright manipulative asshat. Promise. Acts of desperation are likely to happen. Let the desperate flail. Don't fall for their attempts at trickery. You don't have to let them drag you down to their level. No. Really you don't.
At 8:30 PM the Moon in Libra finds the Sun in Leo by sextile encouraging you to be true to yourself within your interactions with others. There is a balance to be struck here between self expression and trampling the toes of others. Find it and you'll be wonderfully in tune with this pretty little sextile.





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