November 2009

PLANET REPORT: Despite a sharply spoken and impetuous Full Moon occurring on the 3rd in Taurus at 08:15am and Saturn’s entry into Libra late last month, the planet to watch now is the robust, optimistic and highly creative but somewhat dogmatic and determined Mars. Gathering momentum in fellow-Fire sign, Leo, it will remain here until June 2010: an eight month stint that is highly unusual for this normally swifter planet. Since it turns retrograde just 10 days before New Year, Mars assumes a leading role as it sets the tone for 2010. Occurring only once every two years (last time was Nov 07) it is fairly unusual for Mars to stay in one sign for so long. Slowing life down from 21st December and bringing a multitude of false starts where we will need to pull back and reassess our intentions and actions, Mars’ backward movement will last until March 11th when we will find ourselves back at the beginning of whatever occurs now. This extended phase signals a period of activity that occurs in fits and starts and is a time when we will need to know when to act. In the long run, Mars will help to cultivate new-found confidence and hope but to do this we need to be constantly aware of just how far we can go without getting too one-eyed or over-extended – pride can come before a fall with this stubborn placement so keep plans realistic or under wraps until there is 100% certainty that this is the way to go. In November, we can get a head start by being observant and conscious of what is taking place as these projects, people, places, feelings, thoughts or events will have the most relevance during the coming months and will lay the foundation for 2010. Very comfortable and at home in this sign, Mars is the honoured guest of the Sun until June, and in November, the Sun will likewise be travelling through Mars’ own sign Scorpio until the 22nd revealing an easy flow of energy between two very gutsy planets and signs. And in spite of the bigger challenges that Saturn and Pluto are presenting with their tense angle to each other this month (as well as the Full Moon, which can tend toward recklessness) this is a great window in time to get stuck into projects that have the long term in mind as the cracks and flaws should be revealed if our research and train of thought is thorough. The key to the current cosmic energy is to visualise on a bigger scale – something that Saturn’s recent travels through Virgo have prevented us from doing - and working out a game plan that arises out of research, a balanced perspective and a co-operative and fair team spirit. Mars can provide the determination and willpower, all we have to do is to come to the party. November 5th will bring all sorts of wonderful ideas and concepts to the fore, and there may be a little luck involved in what takes place; however by the New Moon of the 17th we may have difficulty getting things off the ground due to the cloudiness of perception.

ARIES: Saturn in your other people realm for the next two years will be changing the way you view those who are important in your life. From marriage or business partners to professionals and best friends, you will seek a sense of balance from the people you interact with. Mars will lend greater confidence to end those that have run their course or, conversely, strengthen the alliances that complement your current passions. Right up until June 2010 your creative potential, talents, self-expression, sports, speculation, romance and children will be highlighted via the birth, adoption or nurture of a child, romance or artistic venture that will involve more than one gamble to pull off. Patience and discipline is the name of the game since there will be a lot of indecision between late December and March that will prove frustrating but which will give you time to digest what transpires. And whether it is a new romance, child or love interest, by June you will be in a totally different placer altogether.

TAURUS: We are all experiencing two significant planetary changes this month as Mars moves into Leo and Saturn into Libra. For you, the most significant will be Mars shifting into your sphere of home, family, shared living, father and general domestic life and bringing to life situations that will be highlighted until June 2010. Triggering off key situations, the month begins with a Full Moon in your sign on the 3rd immediately underlining areas of conflict and differences in the way things are run. Life could become quite fiery during November and what gets said or written needs to be considered very carefully. You may be surprised at what issues have been lying just below the surface ready to leap out but if whoever is involved can handle sensitive issues with kid gloves, a very creative phase can begin in your home life. Conversely, it’s time to knuckle down at work or within the realm of health and wellbeing. Finding balance is vital for a smoothly running day to day routine.

GEMINI: Even if you are one of the more retiring Gemini folk, communication is vital to your sign and you take pride in your self-expression and enjoy bouncing ideas around when it suits you. There is nothing like a good chin-wag about the latest news or issues that you are interested in. As a result, you will be pleased to know that during the next eight months, you will have plenty of opportunity to up the ante and become more vocal about something you feel very passionate about in your sphere of neighbours, siblings and community. Even if there is nothing in particular that has caught your attention, your confidence in your ideas will still continue to grow. You may simply develop certain intellectual passions as well as indulge in your favourite past times such as reading, writing, speaking and developing your mind. By the same token, this is a good time to look toward long term structuring with a child’s welfare or commitment to creative projects or romance, which can suddenly mature quite quickly.

CANCER: While other signs will be feeling the heat and passion of Mars over the next eight months, Saturn will be the more dominant planet for Crabs as it crosses the nadir of your chart and moves into the most personal area of your life: that of your home and family and general domestic life. The cusp of this house is the foundation for the rest of one’s existence because when changes happen here, one’s outlook and perceptions affect all the other areas such as relationships, life direction and how other people view and relate to you. Since Saturn is all about restructuring and streamlining, the next two years will see a gradual withdrawal of people and circumstances that have been dominant in your life for a very long time. On the other hand, you definitely stand to benefit from the confidence in your earnings sector that Mars will be stirring up until June ’10. Passion and consistency will be the key attributes that can fill the coffers. Your staying power is immense now and people will notice what you have to offer.

LEO: Mars now travels through your sign and will remain here until June 2010. Key dates will be when it does a U-turn on December 21st and then again on March 11th when it turns to direction motion. The time in-between these dates will be of developing confidence in yourself and of making sense of the environment you find yourself operating in – your personality will have a definite impact on those around you so be more aware of your states of mind. Health and wellbeing are very important too and this makes it vital that you find time to recharge your batteries rather than run yourself ragged with all the things you suddenly find yourself passionate about. Life is certainly going to be very colourful and loud! Intellectually, you have begun a slow process of redeveloping your ideas and concepts and you may find you seek others out a lot more than usual to share ideas or gauge other people’s opinions. Being your own person, this will lead unusual steps such as writing down your thoughts in a logical process or indulging in conversations and discussions.

VIRGO: It will take a while to get used to the feeling but do your shoulders feel lighter now that Saturn has finally moved on from your sign Virgo? Like a guest who has long-overstayed his welcome, you can heave a sigh of relief as you shut the door and return to normal life without the need to calculate extra meals or to be conscious of what you are doing. And with the formalities out of the way, you can drop the polite but tense mask and return to the mundane tasks of your life that suddenly seem less tiring than they have been. Simultaneously, with Mars shifting into your sphere of behind-the-scenes activities for an extended stay that will last until June ’10, you will find you have plenty of time to focus on your inner needs and private life. You can also build for the future on a financial level by learning to balance books and working out a saving plan to reduce risk or debt. Large institutions or places of retreat may figure prominently in the coming months.

LIBRA: Now that Saturn is establishing itself in your sign for a two year stay, you will gradually notice that people and events will begin to surface that lead to a greater maturity within yourself in the long run. You are emerging from a little cocoon that you may not have even realised you were in until you come face to face with these brand new situations that call for a balanced and precise way of dealing with the world. Lucky for you that Saturn likes being in your sign and that your experience will be completely different to Virgo’s, who have had quite a rough time of it during the past two years. For you, you will recognise the benefits of meeting challenges and obstacles so that a greater sense of balance and fairness can prevail. And socially, with Mars in your networking sphere until June, this can also be a fantastic time of meeting strong, creative people who have a definite stature in their particular circles.

SCORPIO: Happy Birthday Scorpio! With its shift into your sphere of honours, recognition, profession and reputation, your ruler Mars will soon thrust you into the limelight, where you will remain until June next year. Life on a professional and public level will prove very interesting as the New Year draws near and though this may seem daunting at first you will have plenty of time between late December and March to get used to this new state of affairs. There will be times when you will need to know how much to take on but you will enjoy having your creativity challenged when you are called on to handle red-hot situations that require flair and inventiveness to handle. You are a resourceful sign though and you will amaze even yourself with what you can achieve. Bosses, authority figures and even a parent such as your mother will stand tall in your life over the next eight months but if you can take on the extra responsibilities your stature as a hard worker or initiator will grow to great proportions. Your personal New Moon occurs on the 17th and you will need to navigate through the murk before you can gain enough confidence to rise to the challenges that Mars brings.

SAGITTARIUS: Seeking answers in high places becomes normal for you now that Mars has moved into fellow-Fire sign Leo, where it will remain until June. You may find yourself actively pursuing philosophical lines of thought as your thirst for knowledge grows by the day. Rising above the everyday routines and tasks will certainly show you a very different lie of the land than you have been used to operating at ground level as you have been over the past two years. And with this knowledge you can learn to publicise your talents and showcase your particular brand of energy and vitality better than ever. For others, travel and education may be the routes to gaining experience and knowledge that will lead to career advancement later in 2010 and you will wonder where the wander-lust has come from. Even if you can’t travel physically, reading about other cultures or mingling with people from places very different to your own can all have the same mind-expanding effect. Socially, you will be mixing with associates who are older and more experienced and they can also teach you new tricks or help you develop new tools.

CAPRICORN: Intensity is the name of the game during November as your ruler Saturn squares off with Pluto who sits at the very beginning of your sign. Your life right now is all about taking on responsibilities and challenges that will ultimately bring balance and harmony to your career, trade, profession and public reputation in the long term. If you can keep the future in mind rather than expecting short term solutions, you will get through this phase without too many hassles; allowing the old to fall away will help too. Mars has also shifted signs and now occupies your realm of other people’s money, shared resources and assets as well as areas such as taxes, insurances, loans, mortgages, settlements and claims and will remain here until June. This extended stay suggests there is a lot that needs to be worked through on a financial level that you share with others but that once you finally put this area of your life on the straight and narrow you will be free to pursue travel and education prospects in the second half of 2010.

AQUARIUS: With Mars taking up occupancy in your opposite sign Leo, the coming months will prove challenging but very interesting. Since Jupiter is currently moving through your sign there will be times when the period of growth you are experiencing within the new 12-year cycle that began in January will be put to the test by the important people in your life. Lucky for you that Mars does not quite catch Jupiter thereby avoiding clashes where small issues turn into big ones, however, there will still be a sense that others have their own particular needs and expectations that are distinct from your own thoughts and ideas. Between late December and March, you will certainly need to work through issues with others on a calmer level. Philosophically and educationally, Saturn in your sphere of higher thinking helps you to develop a broader, fairer and more balanced viewpoint but you will need to work through the conditioning of the past to integrate and understand new concepts and beliefs that are foreign to your own.

PISCES: You seem to be in a great place at the moment Pisces – Saturn has moved out of your opposite sign Virgo and away from all those restrictive people – and has moved into your shared assets, finances and resources department where you can begin to build a better base for yourself and/or your partner. This may be a time when you make up your mind to reduce debt or work through issues involving taxes, loans and other financial situations that can only grow worse without a balanced way of dealing with them. Saturn enjoys being in Libra so it should be a case of simply making up your mind to do it rather than have it forced on you. Working more creatively is also the order of the day with Mars moving through your realm of everyday routine for the next eight months. Set challenges for yourself so that you are stretched to come up with innovative ways of tackling tasks, or perhaps make an effort to guide those who require your leadership in a specialised area. Health-wise, physical exercise and a moderate diet will bring benefits – you just have to resist the temptation to be over-indulgent!

Astrologer's Warning: Saturn in the 7th

This chart is an example of Saturn's presence in the 7th house - a traditional consideration before judgement that warns the astrologer that they should proceed with caution. In this case, basing the judgement on the facts provided by the police - that this poor little girl had been abducted, that an Asian woman was last seen with her - threw the whole analysis off course.

If the media reports of police "facts" had not been taken into account, the chart would clearly show that Aisling was near water, in a dark, confined place, fell from a height (Air sign which are high places), that her significator was retrograde meaning she would return "damaged", that she was still within her community and not outside a three km radius of where she lived. That she would be found when her significator, Jupiter, turned direct, exactly 8 days after she went missing, that she was near a boundary of some sort. Mute Pisces describes how she was there within the vicinity of her home and yet no one heard her.

It is very sad and her parent's grief must be immense. God bless you little Aisling. I feel for the police too who did a great job in difficult circumstances. their job must be very stressful and sad.

Missing People Astrology: Aisling Symes Last Seen Chart

Rather than ask a horary question, I wondered what the chart for the last sighting of poor little Aisling would reveal. I am putting my neck out here but astrology has proved very accurate for other purposes and there is so much that can be read from this chart so I will give it a shot.

Last Seen Chart for
Aisling Symes, aged 2 years
Disappeared 5th October 2009, 5:15pm, Henderson, Auckland
Wearing green jacket, blue jeans with flowers and white tennis shoes

Mysterious, watery Pisces rises at 15 degrees at the time Aisling disappeared. The Ascendant signifies Aisling and it is a relief to see that it is only mid-way through rather than at the end of the sign – to the astrologer, degrees higher than 27 are one of many warning signs that it is “too late”. Saturn is in the 7th House and acts as a warning to whichever astrologer looks at this chart that something may be amiss – not quite right – that there is something that the astrologer is not aware of and to tread carefully when interpreting the chart. With 15 degrees Virgo on the 7th, my Sun is exactly at this degree so I will proceed despite this warning and put my neck on the line because I would love to be able to be of service to this poor family!

A water sign, mute Pisces along with Uranus in Pisces in the 1st trine watery Mars in the 5th aptly describes what Aisling was doing at the time she disappeared into thin air: watching her mother trying to fix the tap on the washing machine in the wash house at the home of her deceased grandparents. This home is where her mother lived as a child. Even though they were not at home, something I read said that the family also lived near a creek where her mother would watch her play with her sister from the house. This stuck out in my mind as I am not sure I would let my child play near water unless I was within arm’s reach as drowning happens so suddenly. The ascendant represents Aisling as well as her location at her grandparent’s, which is the mother's fourth house in the turned chart.

Compare her disappearance to a child who disappears at a bus stop when by themselves, curious Aisling was right there with her mother (Jupiter ruling 1st and 10th Houses). Lightning-quick Uranus in the 1st House and Jupiter in Aquarius near the 12th house cusp describes this sudden - and very mysterious - disappearance of Aisling – one minute she was there, poof, the next she is gone. Her mother was amazed at how quickly she disappeared because she had been glancing around to make sure she was okay but when she looked back a second time the child had vanished. Pisces could describe an almost magical disappearing act.

Jupiter, ruler of Pisces and therefore Aisling, is in Aquarius and looks like it is about to enter the Twelfth House of secrets, secret enemies, secluded places, bondage, prisoners and confinement suggesting that it is no wonder that it is so hard to find her. However, Jupiter is retrograde and therefore moving away from this house and therefore this situation, and remains in the house of friends, associates and people in the community. Jupiter turns direct on October 13th - 8 days after she has disappeared - making a return to the degrees it has already traversed – could this be a good sign that she will return. Both Aquarius and Pisces describe her as being squat, thick corporature or of a strong, well composed body, large face, pale complexion, sandy coloured hair – in reality, Aisling’s description fits the bill in that even though she is tall for her age she has light brown hair and pale complexion. Jupiter parallels Sirius the Dog-Star - see below!

Jupiter in Aquarius on the cusp of the 12th but moving back toward the 11th where it has protective influences shows that her location could be near water (Pisces) and/or somewhere high up, airy, hilly with uneven ground, quarries or places that have been recently dug up (but not in the sense of a grave, rather a place that has been mined or tilled). She is not at a distance as would be shown by planets in the 9th house of great distances. Inside, it would indicate being in the upper part of the building as opposed to being close to the ground. Jupiter being on the cusp could indicate that she is at the edge of somewhere – a room, a building or she could be on the border of one neighbourhood, region or place to another. She might also have been taken to somewhere other than where her captors originally intended given Jupiter's movement away from this kind of place. Jupiter’s direction is West by North. Mars as dispositor of the Moon, her co-ruler, suggests somewhere watery but where pleasurable events take place, places of enjoyment and entertainment...could her abductors have taken her somewhere like this initially. The Moon in Aries could indicate a hiding place such as where sheep are kept, isolated, newly ploughed land (Olivia Barclay). Again, once inside a building, high up rather than low down.

Looking at how she disappeared. There are three planets or significators – therefore three people (Mercury, a young person; Venus, a woman; Saturn, an older person – note Saturn is at the degree of Venus’ fall) - diametrically opposed to Aisling’s Ascendant. Mercury is the strongest of the three as it is in its rulership, Virgo, in an angular house - the 7th House of open enemies. Mercury in Virgo describes someone young, studious, quiet but bright intellectually. However, since all three planets are in Mercury’s sign, these people are bound closely together and are very similar in outlook and intellectual abilities – they are conservative, inconspicuous with analytical, strategic minds. Are they a family unit? Venus is exactly inconjunct Jupiter and this shows discomfort between Aisling and her situation/captors. The Ascendant will oppose these planets within two days, nine days and 12 days of her disappearance. Since Mercury is the strongest planet, nine days would be most significant.

The last person to be seen talking to Aisling was an Asian woman aged 30 plus walking a black and grey dog. She was wearing a black polo with blue jeans and so far has not come forward. Mercury rules the Fourth House of Aisling’s father, physical home and family suggesting that there could have been a young playmate who has come to visit who is connected to these people, or a prospective teacher or medical person or someone youngish that the family has gone to for advice or they may even have been at the family home at some point. I would be very surprised if this were a complete stranger to the family but they could be someone who is not really well-known and so they are out of the peripheral vision of police and the family – not someone they would think of immediately. Mercury is sandwiched between Venus – an efficient, stern woman – and ruling the Third House points to a connection with siblings, schools, teachers, neighbours. Saturn – an older, traditional, stern person - rules the 11th House of friends, associates. Again, this shows a connection to the family via networking and social circles. Jupiter is also late in the 11th House and rules the 10th of the mother – again her parents have probably come in contact with this person before.

The Moon – Aisling’s co-ruler – is in the 2nd House of possessions – in Aries, which describes her headstrong, stubborn nature – and is in Mutual Reception with Mars in Cancer in the 5th. Mutual Receptions can be considered a saving grace so let’s pray that this part of astrology works! They show that the person is honoured and protected as long as they are in the home of the person receiving them – there is an emotional protection in this case despite the trauma of separation. The second house becomes the turned 2nd House of the mother’s parent’s possessions and the Moon here reflects that they were physically working at the house of her grandparents – obviously, the washing machine would become a moveable possession. However, her mother said that the child was not easily diverted so what was it that made her move away from her mother in the impulsive way that Aries and Uranus in the 1st would suggest? The Moon ruling the 5th and with the Mars’ connection to the 5th house of pleasure, was it a toy or some other emotionally appealing thing that tempted her? The Moon is square mysterious Neptune in the 12th – another connection with water – but also the strangeness with which she disappeared.

Having a dog involved in her last sighting, we look to the 6th House of animals and its ruler. We find the Sun –ruler of the dog – in the second house of possessions of the last person to be seen openly with Aisling. The turned 12th becomes the 6th of this lady. Because the Sun will oppose first the Moon, then Mars, then the Node, I feel this dog will be the clue to finding Aisling. Clues may also lie around the last Full Moon, which occurred the day before she disappeared – 4th October. The Sun, representing the dog, is weak in Libra and because it relates to the last person to talk to Aisling, the dog could be the x-factor that they cannot control and somehow, some way, it could give the game away. There is a period of 11 days, 12 days and 15 days from the date of her disappearance that this may come about.
The Arabic Parts often show up as being significant so I have checked the dangerous ones. Mars is exactly conjunct the Part of Treachery and the Part of Land Journeys. The Sun is conjunct the Part of Inheritances - did her mother inherit the house? Jupiter in opposition to the Part of Faith means the family need to pray and believe. Otherwise, the Parts of Fatality, Death, Danger have already been recently aspected so hopefully point to her returning alive during the time frames given above.

Astrology for October 2009

PLANET REPORT: As we progress through October a momentum gathers that signals action and change that will reach into the distant future. The month opens with Mercury travelling in direct motion after its retrograde period in September and ends with Saturn moving into Libra on the 30th. Mid-month and mid-way through its journey through Aquarius, Jupiter turns direct on the 13th, Venus orbits into mild-mannered Libra on the 14th and Mars shifts into dramatic Leo on the 17th, where it will travel until June 2010 - an unusually long time for this faster-moving planet (more on this in the coming months’ columns). Most significant from this cosmic selection is Saturn finally moving out of Virgo on the 30th – where it has been since September 2007 (and will not return to for another 29 years) – and into its exaltation sign, Libra (where it will remain until October 2012). This change of signs is highly significant since Saturn will cross the critical zero-degree Equinox point – a highly sensitive area of the zodiac that – just like the seasonal changes - marks a turning point. Because Pluto has been at zero-degrees of Capricorn – the Solstice point and Saturn’s own sign – since January 2008, the linking of Saturn and Pluto will have an immense significance. Modern astrologers will interpret this as the commencement of a new era where the already evident restructuring of economies will reach a milestone and enter into a new phase. People born at the beginning of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn will experience this directly in varying ways during the next year but many of you will be already be aware of great personal changes in lifestyles and setups that has required a staunch and determined mindset to tackle – it is surprising just how much good can come from difficult times though. For early October, we can move ahead with paperwork, health issues and practical affairs, especially those that have been evident during the past three weeks. The tiniest of details can be highly significant now so invest as much energy into analysing situations as possible. With Saturn’s two-year cycle coming to a close in Virgo, it is important to clear the decks so that the incoming cycle can begin without too many left-overs – Mercury’s station can point out the obvious now. Saturn in Libra will shift the focus from details to balancing up our lives, especially within the realms of relationships and partnerships. We will begin to adjust our needs in line with our aesthetic sensitivities, discarding the unappealing or distasteful as we go. Beauty and integrity, the levels of give and take will all become important, and despite the difficulties that come with shedding old layers, the world has the potential to turn from black and white to colour. The Full Moon occurs on the 4th at 7:11pm (NZST) in Aries and the idealistic New Moon occurs on the 18th at 6:34pm (NZST) in Libra, heralding the way for Saturn’s entrance on the 30th.

ARIES: With Saturn moving into your other people zone at the end of the month, relationships and partnerships of all shapes and sizes will become significant over the coming months. This phase is a long term one where make-ups, break-ups and shake-ups will dominate the events of your life right up until October 2012. Everything you do will require input, advice or the consideration of one or two important people. Some of you may find yourself committing to someone for the long-term, while others will feel the confines of having been in a long-term relationship – both require serious thought and in some cases, guidance will be required from people who have experienced similar feelings and events. Combine this with the powerful changes that are already evident in your career path or general sense of destiny, and the coming year looks set to be one of significant alterations. From the 17th, your ruler Mars shifts into fellow fire-sign, Leo, for a stay that extends to June 2010. For some of you, children will become the spark that ignites your creative potential, while for others, risk-taking in romance, sport or creativity will become the passion of the day. Take stock in October – the half-way point of your birthday year - as great change requires careful action.

TAURUS: Saturn’s change of signs on the 30th, signals an increasing need to balance work, health and day-to-day assignments with your need for an aesthetically-appealing lifestyle. Being a sensual sign, you require great dollops of activities that appeal to your highly-tuned sense of touch, smell, sight and sound and you tend to get out of sorts when you have been deprived of any or all of these sensory stimulants for too long. Saturn will show you where and how you can redress the sensory deprivation in your daily life – the trick though is to be aware of this before it takes its toll. Some Taureans may decide that the big wide world is the place to experience a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds, while for others, reaching into spiritual beliefs brings relief via imagination or deep thought. You may be particularly sensitive to the people you work or deal with each day; or you may site health reasons for taking a break. Others may have to work harder at balancing employment issues.

GEMINI: Your ruler Mercury is steaming ahead in Virgo and on the 10th will shift into Libra and into your play zone. Party invitations, social requests or a myriad of fun-based activities that may even involve travel, religion or publishing could result – make the most of it because Saturn in this area from the 30th until October 2012 signals a two year period of seriousness and responsibility. And whilst the sparkle may dim from your social life at the end of the month, this will still be a great time to invest energy into the world of entertainment, art, romance or children. You will be carving a niche for yourself and laying some serious groundwork during the next two years within issues involving young people, love or creativity. While other signs are going through a tense time, after the restrictive patterns that you have experienced with family, flatmates, home, home-based or parental activities, you may experience breakthroughs in the realm of shared assets, finances and resources that you have in common with other people. Anything from taxes, insurances, claims or settlements will enter into a new phase of activity that requires careful thought.

CANCER: Those of you who are born in the first few days of Cancer will already be feeling the effects of Pluto in opposite sign Capricorn in your sphere of relationships as he has been here since January ‘08. At month’s end, along with Aries, Libra and Capricorn, you will get a greater sense of what Pluto signifies when Saturn enters Libra and sparks off a row! Transiting into your sphere of home, family, flat, home-based activities and parents, a totally new structure will begin to form that will take until October 2012 to complete. Make the most of three different proposals, offers or opportunities that will help you lay positive groundwork that will make the coming months easier to manage, but do read the fine print as the decisions you make now will have far-reaching effects. Economically, Mars will be in your sphere of money, earnings and savings for an extended time, and up until June ’10 you can be extremely creative with your precious resources. This is a time to conserve and build up rather than being extravagant though.

LEO: Mars moves into your sign on the 17th for a stay that will extend to June 2010 – an unusually long time that signals a time of intense personal development and activity. In October, you will emerge from a period of being hidden away or of contemplating relationship issues, and you will suddenly find that your whole attitude changes, which means that problems can be tackled in fresh ways. Motivation, inspiration and action are the magical ingredients to get your life moving again, and it’s all a matter of grasping the sense of enthusiasm and hope for the future that is emerging. Jupiter will receive very positive aspects that will help to dissolve dilemmas with a significant person who has been a thorn in your side, and there is every chance now that a compromise or meeting point can be arrived at. At month’s end, the financial worries of the past two years will come to an end and, hopefully, you will have developed good spending and budgeting habits as a result of the hard lessons. From November, it will be time to get serious about a study project, community and neighbourhood activities, writing projects or simply thinking more maturely about your life.

VIRGO: At long last you can save goodbye to Saturn, who has been in your sign since late 2007 (he will pop back briefly between April and July ’10)! It’s been a hard slog but you survived and what a relief that you can finally lighten up and take your life a little less seriously. More vitality and energy may be the result and you may even get a physical sense of shrugging off a heavy load. Moving into your sphere of finances, earnings and savings, this is the time to restructure your affairs and find good advisers who are familiar with your financial needs. People with experience and a practical, balanced head on their shoulders are the ones to turn to for advice or inspiration. Your working life will go through a series of events this month that will restore your faith and bring hope for the future. Children on the other hand will require lots of hard work during the coming months as they stand on the threshold of change. Allow life to play out during October before committing to anything as decisions made now will have far-reaching effects.

LIBRA: Happy Birthday Libra! Not only is it your birthday month but you are also poised to receive Saturn in your own sign on the 30th. All Librans will feel the effects at some point during the next two years of Saturn’s transit but those born in the early days of Libra are first in line! Bringing responsibility and lots of hard work, the coming months are likely to be a time of serious contemplation as a need to restructure and look anew at long-standing setups takes place. Health-wise, this can be a time of lowered vitality and energy but again this will be a reflection of an underlying need to slow down and adopt a simpler lifestyle. Take extra care of any health issues that arise, especially in the area of kidneys, teeth and bone structure. Opportunities will present themselves this month that will give you clues or news of the coming changes that will definitely alter your life. Home, living situations and family will have a profound effect on our overall direction in life so take the time to look, listen and learn.

SCORPIO: With the huge emphasis on your home, flat and family zone, October is a month of breakthroughs and opportunities that will come from a hidden source. People from behind the scenes will be the x-factors that lighten your load or give you something unexpected. Your ruler Mars moves into Leo and into your sphere of career and life direction on the 17th so a culmination of a period of learning, growing or spreading the news will result. From the 30th, longstanding issues with friends, your social circle, clubs, teams and bands will seemingly disappear into thin air and a new era will commence that will be more behind the scenes and away from the public eye. In two years from now Saturn will move into your own sign bringing challenges and hard work and during the coming months you have a special opportunity to lay the groundwork for this. Look after your health and vitality in preparation. During the next two years, large institutions or people who are behind the scenes will become increasingly important.

SAGITTARIUS: Along with Gemini, Virgo and Pisces, you can wave goodbye to the stern influence of Saturn when he moves out of Virgo and into Libra on the 30th. Watching over your every move in career, lifestyle, public image and parental matters since late 2007, you can breathe a sigh of relief that the burdens, obstacles and general difficulties that have plagued this area will now be removed - with the exception of those people born in the very last days of Sag who will have to experience one more round of testing between April and July 2009. On the 30th, Saturn moves into your friendship sphere and despite the intensity that will characterise this shift, it will certainly be easier to handle compared to what you have been through. In the coming months, you will find older, wiser and more experienced friends and associates moving into your social circle. Your ruler Jupiter also turns around on the 13th in your sphere of communications, neighbours, bright ideas and thinking, and you will get three opportunities during October to think big and outside of the square.

CAPRICORN: Along with Aries, Cancer and Libra, your sign is next in line to experience Saturn’s sometimes stern rays when he shifts into Libra on the 30th. Being your ruler and already having Pluto in your sign, those Goats who are born in the first days of Capricorn will sense, or physically experience, a seismic shift in atmosphere, events or people. Somehow, your profession, public image or parental relationships will directly affect your sense of self and who you are. Make the most of the windows of opportunities that open up during October to prepare for this change that will test your skills, patience and energy levels over the next two years. It’s a good thing you are not afraid of hard work when it’s called for since much of Saturn’s influence will mean refining, balancing and harmonising your skills, knowledge and talents. Authority figures will have you in their sights, and you may find you have to compromise and understand their mindsets before you can get them to help you achieve your own goals. Greater responsibility will be the result so develop an attitude that will welcome the additional tasks that people will look to you to initiate, develop and complete.

AQUARIUS: Good for you that Saturn moves to a favourable angle to your sign on the 30th and that Jupiter turns direct in Aquarius on the 13th - both movements signal a turn around in your life. Leaving your house of other people’s money, the financial or property-related issues that have produced more downs than ups over the past two years will finally begin to dissipate and somehow things will resolve themselves and become less of a challenge. Whether you have had issues with detail-ridden issues such as taxes or loans, or the division of property and chattels, October is a month where you have a window of opportunity to lay the groundwork for the future, which for you may include travel, publishing your ideas or spreading your spiritual wings. Wanting to leave behind the dense materialism that you have had to endure for many months as well as being at the whim of others, you are now ready to challenge your own mindset so that life is more balanced and harmonious. This of course won’t always be without challenges – and in fact November will bring plenty of these from behind the scenes but this will pale in comparison to what you have been through. October is the month to think and act big. On the other hand, a hot new relationship issue will make life very interesting!

PISCES: Like Gemini, Virgo and Sag, you can kiss Saturn goodbye when he finally leaves your opposite sign Virgo and, thankfully, your relationship sector, where he has brought a fair share of grief with others. If you have split up with someone over the past two years, be it professionally, platonically or romantically, the coming months will be about settling or dividing money, assets or resources. On the other hand, if you have committed to someone during this time, then you may need to work on drawing up a joint but balanced agreement – certainly check the fine print before assuming or committing to anything or anyone – Saturn always tends to complicate things so be clear from the start. For others, settlements, inheritances, taxes or loans may require negotiation and fair treatment. Watch for opportunities this month to lay some great groundwork behind the scenes to strengthen your financial situation. Work-wise, you will be burning the candle at both ends on a creative project – take your time Pisces – you have until June to complete this project! Watch for some colourful workmates who can bring you out of yourself.

Astrological Report September 2009

PLANET REPORT: Slow down and proceed with caution! With Mercury due to turn retrograde on September 7th (NZT), and a very wary New Moon on the 19th (NZT) that involves Saturn and Uranus, the first half of the month is best for tying up as many loose ends as possible. Saturn opposing Uranus has been active on and off since October 2008 and this will be the last in a very tense standoff – we just need to get through September and life after that will begin to resemble something that is close to normal. The Mercury retro phase – September 7th and 30th - brings in so many variables and unexpected insights or information that it is best to leave new activities until after Mercury goes direct on the 30th. By then a full picture will be formed and the indecisive qualities of the Libran part of this phase (7th to 18th) will have been navigated through after it returns to its own sign Virgo on the 18th where precision can be utilised. In Libra as we become more aware of where imbalances are occurring, we are reminded that a counterpoint needs to be achieved. As we become aware of this, our minds will flip back and forth until we can think in a straight line. Mercury in Virgo from the 18th will help to sift through the data, to analyse facts and figures, or to keep track of details in communications and commercial transactions but Saturn will demand that only a high standard be implemented. Mercury is all about activities that involve processing information and understanding details. The trick will be to handle all activities very carefully and thoroughly. Put on the practical thinking hat and draw up a priority list rather than beginning any new activities – after September 30th the brakes will ease off but Saturn will continue to test the validity of our decisions during the first week of October. On the positive side Mercury passing through the sign of “cleaning up” - Virgo - from the 18th makes this an excellent time to review and restructure, to tidy up and get sorted. Somehow, this might be a natural course of action due to the nature of events and situations that arise i.e. having to look for something results in cupboards being completely emptied and put back into an efficient order. Mercury going retrograde is usually a very interesting time despite all the delays and glitches and if we can go with the flow we can end up experiencing life from another perspective. The first half of the month is great for discussing relationship issues, which are likely to arise now since Libra is the sign of relating, mating and dating, or for making open-ended agreements with others with room to change once Mercury goes direct. The Spring Equinox occurs on the 23rd when the Sun transits into Libra at 09:20am.

ARIES: The half way point of your birthday year arrives when the Sun travels into opposite sign Libra on the 23rd. A time of natural low vitality, once Mercury transits back into your zone of health on the 18th, you will be looking closely at wellbeing issues. Even healthy Rams will become more attuned to bodily needs for nutrition, rest or exercise. For others, the focus could be on your area of work and day-to-day assignments; and even though there will be upsets to routine, this is a great chance to catch up on all those jobs that you have been putting off. Mars makes a sentimental journey around your home and family zone until October 17th. This comes with a double-edged sword in that reactions could run high when issues begin to surface. This could be a time when compromises need to be arrived at to avoid long term relationship issues.

TAURUS: Venus, your ruler, is highlighted this month when Mercury turns retrograde in her sign Libra on the 7th. Travelling through Leo in your sphere of home and family and all things domestic this could produce frustrating delays and obstacles which make planning festivities, renovations, moves, or family get togethers very difficult. You are determined to see something through though so you will persevere at all odds, especially after the breakthroughs or changes in August. But rather than butt your head up against the immovable walls that suddenly loom out of nowhere, the trick to getting around these sticky patches is to bide your time and let things move along at their own pace. Mercury retrograde always reveals something much more meaningful. For some Bulls on-going issues with children have a good chance of being resolved during the next three weeks; especially when thoroughly analysed and diligently worked through – consistency is the key. For others, romance and creative ventures will also go through a period of similar progress. Proceed carefully and slowly around the New Moon of the 19th. Looking closely at problems whether intellectually, physically or temperamentally will help enormously.

GEMINI: With Mercury your ruler tuning out on the 7th, September is likely to be full of stops and starts within your sphere of romance, creativity, children and ventures. After the 18th, you will have to leave these issues behind as you refocus on home and family situations that became evident during early-August. Like the other mutable signs – Gemini, Virgo and Sag – your own sign will bear the brunt of the tense aspects that will form around the New Moon of the 19th when you may swing from conservative and cautious to outwardly rebellious and non-conforming. Something that sparks off a chain of events will lead to challenges and tense feelings that could take a few weeks to work through but once you are on the other side of this phase you will find that life had to happen this way. At least you can look forward to social events that help break up the monotony after the 23rd. Avoid spending money to satisfy emotional needs.

CANCER: Mars has taken up residence in your sign for the next six weeks (until October 17th) making September a month to step out into the world with more care and consciousness than usual. Being aware of what is taking place internally will help to avoid outer situations becoming bigger than they otherwise would be. Mars tends to energise as well as bring pressure when it is in one’s own sign, and we can either deal with this energy as fuel to get things done, or we can allow ourselves to become overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done – usually it’s a bit of both. The problem with September is that as Mercury turns retrograde it will trigger off the feelings that Mars will be stirring up as it moves through Cancer, the sign of feelings. The trick will be to wait for the tide to settle before reacting to situations as there are many more variables to emerge before a clear picture can be formed. In your sphere of siblings, neighbours and communications, serious discussions will lead to new beginnings but it won’t be until October that the way forward will be evident.

LEO: Lucky you with Venus making a statement in your sign until the 21st! Helping to offset the potential miscommunications that can arise with Mercury going off air on the 7th, you will still need to be very clear and precise when giving instructions, answering queries, writing requests or repeating information to others. Before submitting anything that has required thought, planning or study, use this time to review documents, papers or information – with the way our brains work at this time, you may suddenly spot glaring errors or understand something in a totally different light. Venus may tempt you to splurge and with the New Moon and Mercury affecting your banking sector this month, keep your purse strings firmly closed. It’s a great time though to review budgets and structures and long term plans. There could be much better and more efficient ways of saving and spending. Despite the realities that the New Moon of the 19th ushers in, a leaner and meaner way of handling your cash will lead to a more secure future. Take solace in social activities and connecting with friends.

VIRGO: Happy Birthday Virgo! With a serious New Moon in your sign on the 19th and your ruling planet Mercury turning retrograde on the 7th and returning to Virgo on the 18th, for those of you born after the 7th, the coming solar year will be a serious one. As if you haven’t already, your nose will be to the grindstone as events and situations require you to get down to the bare bones of your life, putting in the hard yards in whatever requires the most energy. With the New Moon joining Saturn and opposing Uranus between the 18th and 20th, ticking the squares in the reality checklist of life will be at the top of this cosmic agenda. Luckily you will have private pursuits to escape to after a hard day’s work, do make sure you rest up and relax where possible. As long as social commitments are kept light and you are not burning the candle at both ends, friends and networks also provide a space to release feelings and let your hair down.

LIBRA: Mercury turns retrograde in your sign on the 7th and from the 18th it will return to your zone of very private activities. Placing the emphasis on health and your inner life, you will be very busy dealing with everyday issues that impact on the smooth running of day to day assignments. Despite this being a time when we should keep a low profile and avoid beginning anything new (especially mid-month) Mars heats up your career and public profile zone so it will difficult to duck out of the limelight altogether in September. However, where possible try to avoid accepting job offers or taking up a new position until the path becomes clearer in October. Dramatic new friends or lavish invitations can be accepted with pleasure though and indeed your social contacts could open doors or provide light relief from the pressures that we will all be feeling.

SCORPIO: Places and faces at a distance are where your feelings lie for the next six weeks and if you are travelling try to get on the road or finalise all arrangements before trouble strikes in mid-September. This will be when the New Moon (19th) triggers off tense aspects between taskmaster Saturn and unpredictable Uranus. Dramatic people and events will make your career or public life a sizzler, and you may be required to put on a show for those who have heard all about your fearsome reputation as a shaker and a mover. Job offers should be considered but wait until October to sign the dotted line. The difficult cosmic patterns that culminate mid-month will occur in your social area of group commitments and friends, and the events, delays and obstacles will force you to re-evaluate your priority list. As a result, you may find that your contact book shrinks down to those who are practical and wise as opposed to demanding and impractical. If you have Virgoans around you, then be prepared to provide emotional support as they bear the brunt of the unusual cosmic weather.

SAGITTARIUS: Like Virgo, Pisces and Gemini, your sign will feel the impact of the coming cosmic patterns that are sure to turn lives around this month. Sit tight and try to work with what is already on your plate rather than begin anything new – October is much brighter so try to hold on until then if you can. Bosses, officials or other people with clipboards and checklists who have the power to pull strings will be a little too close for comfort this month so prepare to work hard at whatever is at the top of their priority list. The same will be true for public events and commitments. The economical aspects of the New Moon on the 19th could trigger a downsizing in some areas or an efficiency rating system in others. Friends from the past could resurface though and as fun as this seems, do not allow your attention to be diverted from the ball. Keep focused on professional commitments and you will find you get a second chance to catch up with old associations in October.

CAPRICORN: Luckily, you are out of the direct firing line of the cosmic bullets that seem to be flying everywhere as we head toward the New Moon of the 19th and some wild cosmic weather. However, you do need to tread carefully in a close professional or personal relationship since Mars is currently travelling through this sphere for the next six weeks in opposite sign Cancer. Putting pressure on others is the last thing that should happen now, especially if those people are born under the signs Gemini, Virgo or Pisces. We are all feeling particularly vulnerable and sensitive, and the smallest of remarks could trigger a tidal wave of emotion. Issues of fairness and equality will be uppermost in people’s mind as Mercury turns retrograde in Libra on the 7th and this will be a good time to correct any imbalances and to look at the bigger picture. By October, you will be able to put agreements into action.

AQUARIUS: Finances are a sensitive area during September and you could find yourself going over paperwork or bank accounts for something that was missed earlier in the year. If you have to deal with officials or auditors, use the first fortnight to go over books and make sure everything is in order. Messy records could send the wrong signals and lead to further complications. We are all under pressure now in some area and for Aquarians it is in the area of loans, taxes, insurances, claims and settlements – in short, your zone of other people’s money is where all the action will take place. Work-wise, you have your plate full too but luckily Mars in this area will give you the energy to tackle whatever comes your way – just hold on to that cool, clear logic you are famous for. In relationships, both personal and professional, you have Venus on your side and a close encounter will have the special qualities that make a great pairing.

PISCES: Like Virgo, Gemini and Sag, there are aspects occurring in September that have the power to turn your life upside down – being aware of this can minimise the impact as you will be emotionally prepared for whatever comes your way. With each sign experiencing the same energy but in different areas of life, your chart reveals that you will need to handle others with kid gloves to avoid sparking off a cold war-type of effect. With taskmaster Saturn involved in the New Moon of the 19th and a rebellious Uranus being opposed by the Sun, there is little about this combination that suggests that compromise is possible where a situation has not been dealt with in a fair manner. Your personal Full Moon occurs on the 5th at 4:04am and events and situations that began six months ago will reach a fruitful conclusion. After the New Moon though a new six month cycle will have its fair share of challenges that will require a precise and practical approach.

Astrological Report August 2009

Make hay while the sun shines in August. As well as some hairy aspects next month, Mercury goes retrograde.

PLANET REPORT: August will be a busy month with planets zipping through signs bringing variety and a kaleidoscopic landscape. By contrast, September is going to be one of those roller-coaster months full of delays. Take action now while the cosmic weather is calm. Mercury will be retrograde then making it a priority to finalise important details now - or else wait until the end of September. We will start to get clues and omens from August 18th when we enter into the shadow sphere of this phase. The beginning of August was intense, particularly within relationships, when an emotional Venus opposed staunch Pluto from 1st to the 3rd bringing deeper issues into the open – good communication and an open mind would have helped avert long term rifts. The third of three, the Full Moon of the 6th is another lunar eclipse. In Aquarius (12:56pm NZT), this is the last in this series of eclipses in fixed signs (the new season that began in July will occur in cardinal signs from now on). Setups and plans that began in late January ’09 will reach a culmination with this Full Moon and with Mercury travelling through scrutinising Virgo, we may need to scale back on the larger expectations that we had back then. The karmic North Node, representing both our personal and global soul journey, also enters new territory, Capricorn, for the first time since December 2007. A subtle shift will commence that will operate in the background until March 2011. With Mercury travelling through its own sign Virgo from the 8th to the 26th, this is a good time to look at the smaller details of everyday life. From commercial activities to writing projects to connecting with people, our analytical powers can be enhanced by the discerning influence of Virgo. It can also get too bogged down in detail and nit-picky especially around the 17th and 19th when it connects with Saturn – decisions are hard with so many choices. This is a good time to scale back and work toward restructuring that is efficient and basic but try to keep some room to manoeuvre – this period will finish eventually; the health of projects can be improved by taking a closer look at what can be streamlined or discarded as unnecessary. The period between the 3rd and the 8th was particularly good for this. Mercury moves into Libra on the 26th, the same day as Mars shifts into emotional Cancer, making the latter part of August a touch-and-go time when objectivity can get bogged down by emotional rumination that masks the bigger picture. The Sun joins Mercury in Virgo on the 23rd at 11:40am (NZT). The New Moon occurs in the last degrees of Leo on the 20th at 22:03 suggesting even further that unfinished business needs to be attended to over the following lunar month.

ARIES: Until the 26th your ruler Mars zips along in Gemini making this a busy month for communications and short journeys. You may find yourself handling documents, writing letters or proposals, making phone calls, working on an assignments or thesis, or much busier in your neighbourhood than usual. After the 26th, hold on to your hat as storm clouds start gathering when Mars moves into your domestic sphere. If you are dressed for the emotional weather, you will sail through this phase while the people around you are getting wet. This phase also sets the tone for the coming months so look at the positive side and try to set old grievances to rest.

TAURUS: What you own or earn is important to you this month and despite the choices or options, you will need to think hard and then act quickly (by the 18th if possible) before Mercury goes off air next month. Be diligent and pay attention to the small details which are embedded within the larger context of your activities. The females in your life can prove good value with their insights, ideas or advice. Over-the-top situations in your home life may throw you off-track around the 15th but you can stop domestic, family or career situations from going too far if you can scale back expectations and keep details in perspective. The emphasis shifts to children, romance, investments and creativity after the 27th however the chameleon New Moon then can also blur the boundaries or create a smoke-screen.

GEMINI: It has been a busy time for Gemini-folk with Mars powering through your own sign. Mars remains in Gemini until the 26th but after that it shifts into murkier waters within Cancer; how to channel energy becomes less clear and we will tend to go inward and become less objective. Harness the intellectual spark of energy while you can and stock up on the ideas or initiatives that have been pouring in. It is also important to keep your energy focused rather than scattering yourself far and wide otherwise little of value will be achieved. Your ruler Mercury goes off air in September highlighting family and domestic situations that have been going on in the background of your life since December 2007. You will become very much aware of how structures and relationships have changed in this time.

CANCER: August is the calm before the storm. With Mars set to move into your sign on the 26th, your life will become much more public and out there than it has been. At the moment, it is the behind-the-scenes activities that are keeping you busy but once the energising effects of Mars comes into play giving you a huge push via people, events or your own initiatives, who knows where life will lead you. Mercury also goes off air in September and will follow a zig-zag path first within your home and domestic sphere and then back into your thinking and communications areas. This means that what takes place up until the 25th won’t be finalised until late September. Try to use the first weeks of August to tie up loose ends but if not prepare to put major decisions or agreements on hold until the way becomes clearer.

LEO: The Sun opposes big-thinking Jupiter between the 13th and 15th from your own sign leading to a heightened sense of optimism that in turn leads to inflated expectations or taking on more than you initially thought you could handle. Be careful what you promise to undertake or invest in as there is more to life than meets the eye now and life will follow a strange path as the month wears on. This is even more important with Mercury entering its shadow phase before it completely tunes out in September. There is also a nebulous New Moon on the 20th that will throw a smokescreen across previously defined situations. For Lions, financial concerns are where this focus will be. Money that you come by through your own efforts or because of expenses that need to be met will be where you need to focus. Avoid spending too much and budget appropriately.

VIRGO: With your ruler Mercury going off air from September 7th and zig-zagging through your own sign, August is the month to knuckle down and get all the loose ends tied up in your personal ventures - or be prepared to wait until this phase has passed in late September. In your sphere of how you connect directly to your environment as well as your health and wellbeing, the spotlight is very much upon your sign and therefore you. Take care of diet and getting some rest! Somehow what you do becomes of interest to others making you feel as if you are on display in some way. Female friends and the groups and networks that you are involved with become much more important and you will find yourself drawn into a family like circle as you work toward a common goal.

LIBRA: August is preparation month that presents you with a small window in time before Mercury turns retrograde in your sign on September 7th. Try to tie up essential factors up until August 18th but after then you might consider waiting until early October. Between September 18th and October 10th Mercury will transit back into Virgo bringing what is going on behind closed doors, secret meetings or in private out into the open. Whatever is taking place now, whether on an inner level or in situations which require secrecy or contemplation, will come back for review in the latter part of October. This gives you the chance to either change key factors or give you greater understanding as facts come to light in September. Your energy has been channelled into travel or educational or philosophical pursuits but a key female could spark a volatile situation in your career or life direction.

SCORPIO: Your focus shifts from sharing, dividing or negotiating joint finances, resources or assets, or from finalising a claim, settlement, tax or insurance matter to the broader canvas of your mind or beliefs. You could follow the lead of a female in your life by investing your emotional energy into travel, educational or publishing activities to achieve a goal that could become a reality in a couple of month’s time. If you have a personal objective in mind, August is the month to sign and seal anything that requires a firm commitment but from as early as the 18th you will get clues that perhaps you should wait until early October to finalise matters if you haven’t done so by then. There will be disruptive aspects in September that could undo well-laid plans and you might be better off sitting back and waiting for these unusual developments to appear.

SAGITTARIUS: The big picture of your life comes into focus this month as you consider ways to improve your knowledge or experience. September will be an important month career-wise and with Mercury doing an about-turn then, up until August is the time to focus on finalising or committing to a certain goal. After that time, there will be too many delays or obstacles and in mid-September sudden changes can throw Gemini, Virgo, Sag or Piscean folks for a six when Saturn opposes Uranus and joins the Sun. For you this will occur in your career, reputation or parental sphere and the limitations are part of an already-in-motion set of aspects that reaches a final culmination then. If you decide to pursue a certain course keep your expectations within practical limits and only take on what you know you can handle comfortably.

CAPRICORN: Mars move into your opposite sign Cancer and into your relationship zone on August 26th. Up until then it is travelling through your health and everyday tasks sector helping you to come up with brilliant lists of ideas or strategies designed to make life easier and manageable. A key female you have teamed up with is already laying the groundwork for relationship issues to manifest later in the month and this will be your focus in September. There will be a lot of emotional content to deal with so watch what takes place between now and the end of the month in matters that relate to education, publishing, religion or travel as one or all of these areas will go through major adjustments during September. Financially, keep within your budget and avoid the temptation to splash out on big-ticket items or rely on a payout that may be smaller than you expected.

AQUARIUS: Enjoy the fun, laughter or passion that has filled your life that a child, lover or creative pursuit has created in the past month or so. By the New Moon of the 20th a new angle will appear in an important relationship in which you share assets, resources or finances. September will be the month to focus on joint money matters or situations involved mortgages, taxes or insurances, claims and settlements. Mercury in this zone and a set of hairy aspects in mid-September will draw a very different picture to what you initially expected so it is vitally important that you set the stage for a great outcome in August. By the same token, you might be better off waiting until October when all the facts and figures have revealed themselves.

PISCES: How you communicate and what you say to others will be the focus in September and key issues are developing right now that will take up all of your mental energy next month. Agreements and pacts are very important so if there are major decisions with someone who holds the key to the success of these projects, try to get the details clear by August 18th or otherwise wait until early October to follow this particular line of enquiry. Like Gemini, Sag and Virgo, you will be under a lot of stress to complete a long-standing issue that finally reaches a culmination in mid-September. Once this happens you will feel as free as a bird despite the outcome because at least this situation is done and dusted.

July 2009

PLANET REPORT: July will be an unusual month because we have three eclipses occurring between now and early August as well as pairings of planets that blend well together to promote harmony. On one side of the fence, eclipses generally stir up changes that seemingly arrive without warning and therefore put us out of our comfort zone, particularly when they directly connect to points in our personal charts. They indicate that life will be erratic and unpredictable and are seen as omens that something is at a turning point. Because they are so much stronger than the usual new or full moons the effects can last for up to six months. There is subtle difference with this season of eclipses though because they are now shifting to a new series of signs – from mutable to cardinal – signs that are very active, immediate, physical and outwardly obvious. Life will happen quickly and suddenly during these periods. This shift to cardinal will mean that Cancer, Capricorn, Aries and Libra will feel the effects more strongly when they occur over the next two years. Breaking it down even further, for July’s eclipses people born between the 4th to the 8th and the 21st to the 24th of these signs will experience them even more directly. Having said that, Saturn and Uranus will give a huge helping hand to get through this period without too much stress; Saturn in particular will provide stability. There is a harmony in the way change happens and it’s almost as if we know that what is happening is actually good for us so we go with the flow of events. Also here to smooth things over are Venus and Mars in verbal Gemini from the 5th (Venus) and then the 12th (Mars) - this coupling will help to disperse the emotional build-up by bringing plenty of opportunity to talk in close relationships. In cerebral Gemini, their energy will be more intellectual than passionate making this is a great time to negotiate, share ideas or brainstorm with others. Two heads are definitely better than one now. Somehow, we understand things so much more than at other times and this helps to get the message across without too much drama (except around the 22nd when inhibitions take over.) The end of the month will be action-packed with lots of interesting events and people colouring the otherwise emotional month – with the eclipses occurring in the Moon’s own sign, Cancer, feelings will always be just below the surface. The Full Moon occurs on July 7th at 9:23pm in Capricorn (NZT)(lunar eclipse). Here we discover that emotions will tend to come from a calculated and strategic angle so we need to be careful with other people’s needs and feelings. We may reign in our reactions or mask our real feelings but by the New Moon of the 22nd at 2:26pm in Cancer (NZT) there will be an exciting set of events that allow expression and action. Busy Mercury will precede the Full Moon by moving through Cancer and setting the groundwork. This will incline our thinking patterns to lean towards emotions and feelings rather than logic. Take care to formulate words carefully. Jupiter and Neptune continue to move together creating an idealistic pair that will look for the good in any situation or relationships and it would be wise to double check everything you are involved in or with.

ARIES: Lunar activity this month turns the wheel of fortune between the realms of home, family, property, parents and your past on one side and your career, trade, profession, parents or public standing on the other. There is a balancing act between these segments of your life this month. The lunar eclipse at Full Moon on the 7th will occur on the career side of the wheel bringing changes that have been building up for quite some time. Life will seem to happen suddenly but in reality you will probably be very aware that things were always likely to reach a head. Look back to late March for clues on what might transpire now. Rest assured that there is plenty of support from the rest of the cosmos that, while bringing lots of meetings or correspondence, will also give you a new structure to work with. The New Moon on the 22nd brings an unusual sense of freedom and fresh ways to express yourself. Around the 7th an opportunity will also appear to increase your earnings, savings or assets.

TAURUS: Make the most of Venus and Mars in your sign to put as much energy into personal endeavours as possible. From the 5th, Venus shifts into Gemini and Mars follows suit on the 12th. It’s quite rare but very sexy to have these two planets travelling together and when it is in one’s own sign, it signifies a time when things are more likely to work out when due diligence is applied. Miracles may not happen but certainly this is a good time to ground your life and make it authentic. After the 5th, the emphasis will be on money, security, earnings, possessions and your ability or capacity to save or increase your net worth so that life is more comfortable in the long run. There may be special letters or meetings now and it could be that a particular man or woman is central to your financial life and that discussions are already under way. The eclipses this month offer long term stability if you are willing to put in the effort.

GEMINI: Mercury moved into Cancer and into your financial sphere on the 4th so all those ideas that were floating around in June can now take root. You will certainly be filled with passion once Venus and Mars move into your sign from the 5th. Avoid doing anything that is spurred on by emotional attachment unless all the figures add up as the lunar activity is particularly turbulent. You will receive clues or signs of how viable a project is around the Full Moon of the 7th when a joint venture reaches a conclusion and by the New Moon it should be all systems go. There will be a sudden rush of events or energy to propel you into a new phase then. Change is in the air and you will discover the long term benefits of what takes place now over the next six months. July will be a very active, exciting month where you focus on personal issues such as your health and wellbeing or your immediate environment.

CANCER: Your ruler, the Moon, is involved in a series of eclipses this month making your feelings swell so that they lie just below the surface of your everyday interactions. Everything you do now will be tempered by how you feel and your reactions are likely to be quicker than usual. Try to count to ten and remember that Saturn offers very real avenues and connections that will help you to structure your thinking into constructive patterns with definite outcomes – patience is the name of the game. You may even enjoy the ideas or criticisms that an older person or someone who is born around December/January suggests. It is all about following the guidelines and testing and measuring. In about six months you will begin to see the fruits of what is taking place now.

LEO: Since your ruler the Sun is always involved with the New and Full Moon each month, July will be an exceptional month due to the lunar and solar eclipses that occur on the 7th and 22nd respectively. The Full Moon of the 7th falls in your sphere of work and health and indicates that changes that began about six months ago will come to a conclusion that will put you on a solid financial footing. The New Moon of the 22nd will illuminate a private part of yourself that will continue to grow over the next six months and you may find that you develop interests or relationships that you prefer to conduct in private. On the other hand, secrets may come to light now and what transpires will lead to new dreams that involve expanding your consciousness or gathering more experience.

VIRGO: With your ruler Mercury shifting into Cancer on the 4th, the focus shifts to friends from the past and your emotional attachments to groups, teams, bands and social networks. There is a great sense of camaraderie and feeling of belonging but it won’t be until the 22nd that you can move ahead with common goals or personal hopes and wishes. Events then may suddenly take off and you could be surprised at the unusual twists that occur. In the meantime, there are good times to be had with children, lovers or projects that require an element of luck or taking a punt. And something that began six months ago may reach a conclusion that brings personal stability and a greater sense of ease and confidence about what you are doing.

LIBRA: The Full Moon on the 7th brings to a conclusion projects, setups and events that began about six months ago in your life direction sphere. The New Moon of the 22nd will see something begin that will take six months to come to fruition in this area. Despite the lunar activity, your ruler, Venus, travels side by side with Mars so that any disruptions will be minimised and change can be followed through with ease. In your sphere of joint finances, assets and business, sudden breakthroughs will come early in the month leading to a lighter set of activities that involve travel, education, your philosophies and beliefs, or publishing by the end. A time when you feel curious about the world, you can learn so much from others who enter your sphere who have the knowledge, expertise or experience. Behind the scenes, there is good support, perhaps from benefactor or someone you have not been aware until now.

SCORPIO: Your ruler Mars has been moving with sexy Venus through your area of relationships bringing passion and strong feelings over the past month but now Venus moves ahead of Mars into Gemini and into your sphere of shared finances and property. In Gemini, delicate discussions that have been locked in a stalemate will begin to manifest in a physical way with payments coming through or agreements being reached with other people over loans or property. Taxes, insurance, claims or settlements are all part of this picture. The Full Moon of the 7th results in an ending to a situation that began six months ago within your travel, educational or philosophical area and some of you may find that the world of publishing or publicity will be in focus.

SAGITTARIUS: Your home, family and domestic life will be shaken up in a nice way towards the end of the month and what transpires then may hold subtle clues to the new 12-year cycle that will begin next January. This is a good time to set realistic goals in light of what financial issues arise with the Full Moon of the 7th, which will paint a very realistic picture of what you can work with in the coming months. This is a great time to develop new dreams for the future but try to keep them in context. A health issue may come to an end now and once Venus and then Mars move into your relationship zone, you will be more than willing to team up or cuddle up with someone who is intellectually alluring.

CAPRICORN: With the Full Moon falling in your sign and forming an eclipse on the 7th, this is an unusual month where abrupt change leads to stronger foundations. You may feel as if events are moving too fast but try to go with the flow by bringing a long-standing situation to a close – this is likely anyway. Stability and knowing which direction you are finally heading in will be the result. Saturn in your house of travel, education, dreams and beliefs gives you a clue as to what to look for in the larger picture of your life. Around the Full Moon there will be a sudden opportunity to move forward in a situation involving your home and family and this will require thinking and acting in a new way. In the second half of July work, health and your day to day routine will look brighter and be much more fun.

AQUARIUS: It won’t be until the Full Moon in August that a complete picture will form that will allow you to move forward in a personal situation that will bring intense interactions with others. The outcome will likely be a new set of structures if you are willing to conform to other people’s ideas, especially with regard to shared finances, property or business matters. By the New Moon of the 22nd this matter will be at the tail end of its current format and on the brink of change. There may be a surprising financial twist of events that could come out of sudden discussions or a turn in negotiations, but double check facts and figures to ensure that everything tallies up. There is room for error early in the month with oversights that lead to a false sense of security.

PISCES: You have reason to feel optimistic deep down inside with the lovely Jupiter/Neptune conjunction falling very close to your own sign. A new cycle of activity begins in January and with only six months left of a twelve-year era, you will certainly be aware that something is on the brink of change. Clues begin to emerge this month but you will need to be very aware of your inner life or what may be taking place behind the scenes; you may also encounter people or places from the past that put events into perspective so that you can put memories to rest. Lunar activity this month triggers off your hopes and dreams sector as well as highlighting friendships and your social activities and/or child-centred activities or situations. Despite changes that catch you off-guard there is a sense of stability underlying the unexpected behaviour or decisions.

June Astrology Forecast

With Venus travelling through sensual Taurus from the 6th, there is an emphasis on the senses - sight, sound, taste and touch. A great month for beginning activities and moving forward in practical matters that require deep roots.

JUNE PLANET REPORT: A lively and interesting month where we can take a breather! As soon as June begins we find Mercury paused as it changes to forward direction in Taurus. Having been out of phase since May 7th, while this will certainly stimulate anything that has been delayed during this time, the sign of the Bull is a very slow-mover so progress will occur in its own good time. The Full Moon in Sag on the 8th at 06:13am squares Saturn reiterating that things will slowly take shape. Mars is also poised on the threshold of Taurus, ahead of Venus who moves into her own sign Taurus on the 6th. Even though Venus will remain here until July 5th, between the 6th and the 15th she will be in her own terms lending her potency to attending to the material side of life (from money and finance to sustenance, creature comforts and basic needs). As a health watch, we will need to be alert to sore throats, laryngitis and tonsillitis. Singing can give our voices a good workout! Once Mercury moves from the dense materialism of earthy Taurus and into thinking Gemini on the 14th, life will speed up. Two inner planets will occupy signs of dignity (meaning they will be in the signs that they govern) making the second half of June a great time to invest time, money and energy into the areas of life that are represented by these planets on an individual basis. The important Solstice also occurs on the 21st at 5:47pm when the Sun enters fertile Cancer, just before the most fertile New Moon of the year on the 23rd at 07:36am in Cancer. This combination will herald an in rush of intense cosmic energy that can be tapped into for the next quarter. In opposition to Pluto, the power of passion can make tremendous waves. Looking at the first part of June, life is always interesting when Mercury makes a station and it will be around this time when all that has taken place since April 23rd will start to fall into place. Hopefully the details have been sorted through and we have taken heed of what has come to light so that an appropriate course of action can be taken. After the 15th, the Gemini connection will mean that communication means everything. The written or spoken word becomes powerful so deal with facts carefully and whilst looking at everything from all sides is beneficial, try to remain focused rather scattered all over the place. Life happens in two’s and three’s, making everything seem like a multiple-choice quiz. Venus and Mars are the relating planets and because they move very closely together, the pacts and agreements we have with other people will need to be honoured, scrutinised or adjusted. When the crescent can be seen in the late June skies (29th) a new phase begins in the next quarter of the seasonal year. Activities can be started that will have very fertile beginnings.

ARIES: June is money month! From the 6th there will be three planets traversing this area of your chart. This suggests that it’s time to consolidate fiscal matters, ask for a raise, initiate projects, grow assets or pay back loans. You can also take satisfaction that it has been through your own blood, sweat and tears that results are now springing forth. For some Rams, a sibling, an aunt, uncle or neighbour may also play a part in what transpires now. Whatever the situation, communication is the key to everything and what you say in early June will have results or consequences in the second half of the month. Buying and selling is favoured at this time. Avoid pushing boulders uphill though and have patience as all good things take time; once Mercury zips into Gemini on the 14th, life will move along quickly. If you want to see something grow deep roots then diligence and thoroughness are the name of the game.

TAURUS: With your ruler Venus in her own sign from the 6th, you have everything going for you this month. Take the smooth, gracious way, going around challenging situations and people rather than confronting them. Mars in your sign will tend to bring out your assertive side leading to confrontations with people who have been in the background of your life. Curious revelations may take place but check facts as gossip can get out of hand. Venus will help in the form of a protective ally or simply because you are in a stronger position. Creativity may be at an all time high now and you may be attracted to activities that involve texture, colour, sound, taste or the arts. A sensual month, you could delight in buying new clothes or furnishings for your house or room. It’s the kind of month when you spot something in a shop window that leads to a whole revamp of your bedroom, lounge or wardrobe. Hopefully, you have already had time to come up with new concepts. The longer you take at anything, the more thorough and confident you will feel. There may be lots of financial paperwork to take care of from mid-June.

GEMINI: Happy birthday Gemini! There are lots of nice little bundles of planets gathering during your solar month. In particular is Mercury your ruler turning to direct motion as soon as June begins. Whatever you are involved with will receive a power boost as Mercury revs his engines ready for takeoff. However, whilst the take-off might be quick, the actual journey of what you have been doing behind the scenes will be a slow and thorough one but it will be from now that you will gain understanding. And even though you find yourself thrust into all sorts of activities and situations that draw you out of yourself, whatever is taking place behind closed doors or in private will have greater drawing power. Mars and Venus, the relationship planets, are travelling hand in hand together through the confidential area of your chart bringing to light secrets and hidden matters. The New Moon of the 23rd augurs a very fertile window to plant new financial projects; however, wait until the crescent appears on the 27th to initiate.

CANCER: Your birthday year begins at the Solstice on June 21st at 5:47pm. Your annual New Moon follows shortly after on the 23rd but it will take until the 27th before life gets moving in new directions for the next quarter of the year. Look for the crescent in the sky for your cue. From the 6th Venus in your friendship and group zone highlights an important relationship that has been forming over the past few months, perhaps via your career or a parent or through a public event. You might have high hopes for this liaison and it is likely that you will spend quite a bit of time with this person during the next month, which gives you time to develop something meaningful and based on mutual needs. On another level, this is a great time to invest energy and resources into your hopes and wishes and personal dreams that are distinct from professional aims. From the 14th there are private discussions taking place or you may find you have lots of paperwork that requires solitude. This phase will help clear the decks for your birthday year.

LEO: A career issue or work relationship may require joining forces for a period of study or travel in June. While you may not feel comfortable with the disruption to your routine the time and energy you put in this month will lead to the setting down of roots in the professional arena for some. For others, interacting closely with a parent could lead to changes in your life direction or lifestyle. Mercury turning direct in this area as the month begins also suggests that changes are on the horizon and that these changes have been taking place since mid April. Working on the land, real estate or farming may be signified with the earthy planets currently moving through your professional sphere. Relationships of all kinds enter a period of review once Jupiter turns retrograde on the 15th. This signifies that it could be time to take a new tack in a situation that has been going along at an erratic pace but again time is of the essence and it may take until October to end up on the same page as each other.

VIRGO: Your ruler Mercury is on the turn making the beginning of June a busy time when all that has been taking place since mid-April comes together. In Taurus, you need to attend to tasks in a practical and orderly manner even when there seems to be an urgency to wrap up negotiations or contracts – it can’t hurt to give the finer details a double check. In your sphere of learning and long distances, you may return to a module of study that began earlier in the year or you may renew a connection with people at a distance. Publishing or publicity may also yield results now so hopefully you have everything in place and facts and statistics all worked out. From the 14th, career and life direction will become emphasised and again discussions and paperwork will be pronounced. The Full Moon of the 8th may bring a certain amount of frustration in the home zone or with a child or creative endeavour but by the New Moon a wish may be ready to come true. Wait until the 27th to get cracking on personal hopes for the future.

LIBRA: The emphasis is on shared finances, property and resources as June begins. You will find yourself working closely with someone who has a shared interest in a mortgage, tax, insurance, claim or settlement issue, and discussions and research should prove fruitful if you are prepared to be dogged and determined. It’s all about negotiating and budgeting and creating a practical base from which to increase or keep your money or assets. From the 14th, the emphasis shifts to the bigger picture in your life and you may be considering travelling or expanding public awareness of your product or skills. This is also a good time to research what is available educationally or to brush up on a subject that you have already undertaken. Refreshing your knowledge will certainly help to further your lifestyle. The New Moon of the 23rd is a fertile time to put energy into your career, parents, authority figures or general life direction.

SCORPIO: With such a big emphasis on your opposite sign Taurus, June is the month to join forces with someone whom you work with or is prominent in your everyday life. A partnership may be hand and this could prove very fertile if you can agree to a working pact between the 6th and the 15th when Venus will be particularly powerful. A sense of frustration may surround a friendship or group endeavour but try to rise up above the petty details and see the big picture. From the 14th, Mercury moves into his own sign Gemini and into your shared resources, assets and finances sector. This will be a time filled with discussions, forms and contracts and something that was on the verge of beginning in the first two weeks of May will now take better shape and you can spend the time from the 14th focussing on details. Keep your focus on the facts at hand as there will be a tendency to be get distracted by the many different opinions and advice that are on offer. The Full Moon of the 8th highlights secrets and activities that are going on in the background and there may be a sense of dismay or frustration but try to keep focussed on the bigger picture rather than getting too despondent. The New Moon of the 23rd highlights travel and education as well as your emotional life and how it connects to your belief system and by then you will have risen above the obstacles earlier in the month.

SAGITTARIUS: You may not achieve everything at breakneck speed at work, but joining forces with someone can certainly make life more pleasant. A nice working relationship may develop and you will be in good company. For others, an employee, tenant or tradesperson may become the rock that you depend upon to complete a task or project. With their practical nature, this person will ensure that a thorough job gets done but you will need to be patient since they take pride in using systems and going by the book. Take care with health this month. Sore throats and the neck area are vulnerable. Doing too much of a good thing can also make your system sluggish. Get out and about in the fresh air to clear your system. From the 15th there is a change of tide in the realm of siblings and neighbours, your communications and in any discussions. If you have been working on brilliant new concepts, a manuscript, an important letter, or if you need to research a large project this augurs a time when you will internalise your ideas and allow them to develop on an inner level. Your annual Full Moon occurs on the 8th highlights your career, a parent or life direction.

CAPRICORN: The Full Moon on the 8th highlights issues, people and places at a distance. Travel plans may tend to go awry due to a restrictive situation that will delay putting the big picture into place. For some of you, the same might be said for publishing ventures, importing, exporting or learning. For others, dreams or philosophical beliefs may throw you off kilter until you understand the reasoning behind what is taking place. On the other side of the cosmos, the realm of children, love, romance, your social life, and all the pleasant things that one does in their spare time will receive a powerful boost from Venus as she travels with Mars through this area. Some of you may be delighted with a pregnancy while others will delight in the progress or company of a child. Creatively, this is an excellent time to work diligently on artistic pursuits. Investments and speculation are also favoured but take care with advice and research your interests. This is the half way point of your solar year making this a great time to take stock. The New Moon of the 23rd will be significant for relationships and dealings with other people.

AQUARIUS: The home front is where all the action takes place for Water Bearers this month. With Mercury turning direct as June begins, a situation that has been delayed will slowly begin to make progress and by the 6th, there will be a visitor or family member who plays a starring role. Life can be fun now - you just need patience with the earthy, slow moving people around you. Property sales or renovations will move into a new phase so if you have been involved in negotiations or want to complete a sale, June is the month when this will happen. You will need to sort out finances though as the Full Moon of the 8th highlights money that is tied to other people, whether a finance company, current or ex-partner, inland revenue or credit card providers. There may be some aspect of your balance sheet that does not sit right. Look at the finer details and make sure everything is structured properly. This may be a time to consolidate and streamline projects that were put into action six months ago. From the 14th your house of pleasures, children, romance, investments and speculation are all favoured. Communication, research and your use of agile thinking are all very important then.

PISCES: Writing, research, communication, siblings, neighbours, short trips and your immediate environment are all highlighted in a positive sense this month. Life will move forward slowly but surely during the month of June. You will be able to focus properly on a property, domestic or family-related project that began in the first weeks of May from the 14th when Mercury moves back into this area. Jupiter, your ruler, turns retrograde on the 15th in the area of the hidden but since it is close to Neptune, a planet that inspires, you will realise just how much protection, support and internal resilience you truly have on your side despite the feelings that you are somehow set apart from your objectives. A time of magical thinking, you will become aware of people, attitudes or activities that you had not been previously. This will last until the end of 2009 and this special event will be related to your career, trade, a parent or your general life direction. By year end, you will literally be amazed at how much things have changed before your very eyes. Setbacks at the Full Moon on the 8th reveal what you need to restructure, reorganise or review.