August 22, 2019

Astrology Update for September 2019

Photo by Roksolana Zasiadko

The Sun has moved into earthy Virgo under the dominion of Mercury. Among other things, Mercury in Virgo stands for our ability to discriminate and organize, to take what is needed and discard the rest.
Enjoy reading your Sun, Moon and Rising signs for the solar month!

Your Sun, Moon and Rising Signs

For the time period beginning August 23, 2019 until September 23, 2019

Virgo, happy birthday to you!! Your solar month is brimming with positive energies, getting you off to a great start for the year. Your New Moon is on August 30 so write up your 2019-20 bucket list on this day – not only what you wish to achieve but also how you plan to go about it. Once you’ve written your list, cosmic energies rally to your aid. All the personal planets align in your sign during the first part of September to assist you in getting ahead, organizing your life and living your dream. Self-worth is high. My only advice is not to put anything worthy off until October.

Libra, money is coming to you after a long dry spell yet it’s not without strings attached. It feels as if the whole universe is conspiring to get you to be more organized, more efficient, and more committed…something you’ve been known to resist. How you deal with this demand depends largely on your state of mind. You may choose to buckle down and accept the discipline that detailed work requires – it’s really up to you. After September 14, you feel a shift of gears: there’s still pressure to perform but the mental strain lessens. Aim for your highest inner goals now, there’s no time to waste.

Scorpio, you made it through Leo season, and actually managed to let your hair down just a little – well done! The new solar month offers an easy flow of energy for you. This means one of two things: a) you end up doing very little because everything is cruising, or b) you make an effort to reach out to friends and siblings and find that this goes a long way. You begin to make new acquaintances and air old concerns. School and/or studying may also be important now. Your drive for independence is an increasing theme running in the background… how are you managing this?

Sagittarius, you’re more comfortable at home now than you can ever recall… yes, it is possible for you to enjoy your home and family while still retaining your independent spirit. Something positive is happening with one or both of your parents, which in turn affects you, and ushers in an optimistic feeling. Hold on to it! You have until the end of November to cruise a little and then it’s back to work for real for you. Deep down inside, you’re ready for a new challenge.

Capricorn, children and fun times are in the spotlight for you this solar month. Are children returning to the nest? Are you finally able to take a holiday with your kids? Whatever your circumstances, allow yourself some conscious relaxation time now and appreciate the events that have possibly delayed you since May this year. You’re now seeing the bigger picture. Don’t worry if things feel really slow at work this month, they’ll pick up again in the next cycle.

Aquarius, if you’re due for a teeth cleaning, dental work, or a routine bone scan, this is the opportune solar cycle to get it done. It’s also a great solar month to reorganize your daily schedule so that it’s more stream-lined and easier on you. Grocery deliveries courtesy of Amazon Prime/Wholefoods? You have a tremendous amount of practical energy and creative flow activating your life right now. Jot down your dreams upon wakening and carry a journal with you when you leave the house. Every idea has the potential to grow from seed to sapling now.

Pisces, relationships come into the spotlight this solar month. You yearn for a permanent partner or, if you’re married, for your partner to fulfill your deepest emotional needs. The truth is that you idealize your partner/your prospective partner and s/he has their own issues. Right now you may not be seeing what’s going on in your relationship clearly. Some good news concerning your home and/or career is what you really need to be focusing on right now.

Aries, you’re among friends this solar cycle yet you’re simultaneously focusing on your own development and self-actualization. What will it truly mean to be yourself and live out your potential? Inheritance or other people’s money makes its way to you by hook or by crook; it’s a great month to discuss joint finances and pool your resources.

Taurus, it’s a good solar month for long-distance travel and for broadening your mind with spiritual food for thought. Why not treat yourself to a book of the Persian sage Rumi’s poems? From August 23 to September 15 there’s a practical self-sufficiency about your actions that surprises even you – much can be accomplished so don’t hesitate to begin a new project. From September 15 onward you’re ready to switch modes and return to your more usual, placid self. But not for long!

Gemini, your career is in the spotlight this solar month. From August 23 there’s a definite shift at work which appears to be happening behind closed doors. The New Moon on August 30 is a good opportunity for you to network – again, behind the scenes, if this makes sense to you. Things seem to fall into place naturally as September begins. I encourage you to move forward now with any career moves until October 15: initiate, communicate and negotiate. By October’s end the tide is flowing in again for you – so ride the outward wave now!

Cancer, money and accolades from work are on your mind and you’re willing to stick your neck out to gain both. Just beware that you’re not seduced by the material world to the extent that you lose your head. Tune into your own inner wisdom, relying on friends and support groups for advice. Whatever you do during this solar cycle, it’s going to be noticed, so pay attention to your actions.

Leo, the expansion of your heart energy during the last solar cycle (July 23 – August 23) was almost too much to bear and you find yourself at an important junction now. What do you wish to keep in your life moving forward? What do you need to discard for once and for all because it’s perpetuating a destructive pattern? It’s hard to admit to self-undoing but right now there’s really no-one else to blame except you. By September 24, you’ve worked it through – may the Force be with you.

‘Girls talk to each other like men talk to each other. But girls have an eye for detail.’ —Amy Winehouse, Virgo

August 21, 2019

Astro-planner for September 2019

Photo by Brigitte Tohm

Dear Friends,

Enjoy the Astro-planner below for the new solar month!

The previous solar cycle, July 23 to August 23, was emotionally intense, as many of you experienced! The Sun-Venus alignment in Leo called upon our hearts to open – and much emotion was cleared.

We begin the new Virgo cycle with a more grounded energy and a calm ability to integrate the events of the last few weeks. Ask yourself which areas of your life do you wish to keep expanding, and which areas do you need to let go of? Where are your heart’s boundaries and when is enough, enough?

As always, don’t hesitate to email me your experiences as they relate to the information provided on my website. Astrology is an experiential art – it only has value through our experience of it and cannot be separated from the subject – you – who is living it!

May the Sun shine upon you,
Catherine

ASTRO-PLANNER FOR AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 23, 2019

(Dates according to Eastern Daylight Time calendar)

August 23: Sun moves into Virgo at 6:01 am, separating from Venus and applying to Mars. Virgos, only you know how intense August felt for you with the Sun travelling through your solar 12^th house. Now it’s time to begin your new year and get over those obstacles in your path. For all of us, there’s an easy flow of earth energy today so that means that with a little bit of effort much can be achieved

August 30: New Moon at 6 degrees of Virgo (6:37 am) with Mercury entering Virgo, and Venus and Mars in Virgo too. What can this abundance of Virgo energy offer us? Tap into earth energy which is helpful in separating the wheat from the chaff. See where your emotional investments have sapped your energy this past month. Discriminate between what is serving you and what is draining you. Start a fresh cycle with less emotional baggage which you can help release through a good spring cleaning spell. Ever noticed how scrubbing floors and cleaning windows really puts things into perspective?

August 30 – September 14: Mercury at home in Virgo, one of the signs it rules (Gemini is the other one). This is your time window to upgrade computer software or purchase new hardware for yourself or your company. There’s also a general shift from emotional/hearty/passionate to rational/cerebral/more mellow speech and communications. Putting things in order is favored now, as is song composition and play writing

September 14: Full Moon at 21 degrees of Pisces. It’s a Saturday night; my first instinct when looking at the full moon chart is to caution against excessive alcohol use/over-doing virtual reality/opening the floodgates to bare your soul. Our emotions usually wax full with the Moon and when Neptune is added to the mix, confusion escalates. Try creative or spiritual pursuits with a practical element if your evening allows

September 14: Venus moves into Libra, one of the signs she rules (the other is Taurus) just hours after Mercury has moved into Libra. Feel the adjustment from cerebral communications to a more diplomatic way of speaking, and increasing social awareness

September 16-17: Be more cautious than usual as you go about your days as there’s an alignment taking place which may result in difficulties and delays. A useful way to deal with these days is to internalize their energy. What in your life needs adjustment right now? Make this adjustment (to your attitude and outlook) internally. In this way, you channel the energy usefully

September 18: Saturn stations direct, ending its retrograde journey which began on April 30. This could indicate the start of things finally moving forward for your business, especially if you experienced a slowdown at the beginning of May. For those of you born January 3-11, you’re going to feel a shift this week. Take a few days to slow down and take care of your body. Stretch and restore. You’re ready to begin again

September 23: Sun moves into Libra

September 28: New Moon at 5 degrees of Libra

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PS: If you’re a long-time reader here, I’m sure you’ve noticed that I’ve started posting the updates earlier than the 1^st of the month. This is because the solar month does not sync to our current western world Gregorian calendar month.

Our Sun travels into a new zodiac sign between the 21^st and 23^rd of every month so this is when you may start to feel the energies shift. The Sun, Moon and Rising sign posts are relevant for one solar month (for example, from August 23 to September 23 this month), not for a regular calendar month. I continue to name them by month for clarity’s sake.
It’s fun to juggle several calendars at a time – solar, lunar, and Gregorian, for example. I find it opens up a new way of experiencing the construct of time. While world calendars change with the rise and fall of nations and religions, our earth’s cyclical journey around the Sun does not. Keeping this knowledge close, perhaps by watching the Sun rise or set each day, keeps a space in our lives which is not dominated by the clock.
Another easy way to try a different calendar perspective is to download an astrological lunar calendar app for your phone which displays the daily Moon’s phase, its zodiac sign and void-of-course periods for each day. Enjoy!

August 2, 2019

Awakening Healing through Therapeutic Listening

Tree Circle. Pic by Casey Horner

A Lesson from Ancient Greece

“We don’t know who we are until we hear ourselves speaking the story of our lives to someone we trust.”

This quote by Bill George of Harvard Business School in Daniel Goleman’s book, Focus – The Hidden Driver of Excellence, goes to the heart of all counseling—to offer a safe space for the client to share his or her unique story, skillfully guided by the practitioner toward self-awareness and awakening.

The truth is stark—we don’t see or hear ourselves as others do. The very act of speaking the story of our lives within the therapeutic context can bring about an alchemical change which promotes healing and wellness. Time and again such consultations or sessions allow people’s lives to move forward – a better job, a healed relationship, a sense of renewed direction. How does this work? Why does speaking the story of our lives transform us?

A Legendary Healer

Let’s explore the Greek myth of the legendary healer and soothsayer, Melampus of Pylos, who was known to understand the language of animals. This myth can help us understand how the healing process works. One of the stories told is how he brought a king’s son back to health.

The king’s son was sick and no one knew why. Melampus was asked to find the cause of the illness so he slaughtered an ox and left the best pieces for the vultures and then listened carefully as they talked after gorging themselves: “I haven’t had a feast like this since the king last sacrificed to the gods! Do you remember how his little son was so frightened when he saw his father with a bloody knife in his hand? He started screaming and the king threw the threatening knife into a tree and ran to embrace him. The knife injured the tree spirit so she put a curse on the boy. He has been sick ever since!”

“Yes, look, the tree has grown over the rusty blade. If the king knew what we knew, he would pull the blade out of the tree and make a potion from the bark. His son would be healed if he drunk this rusty brew.” Melampus did as the birds said and thereby healed the prince.

The Healing Process

This myth emphasizes the notion of cause and effect, the karmic cycle that is set in motion by the king’s passionate action. In trying to protect his son, the king inadvertently harms a dryad, who in turn harms his son. This cycle is comparable to those who are suffering from low self-esteem bequeathed to them by an intolerant or abusive parent or individual. They can’t remember directly how they were damaged yet they’re still carrying the wound in the form of outdated and self-sabotaging behaviors – and in turn afflicting their own loved ones and perpetuating the cycle. How fascinating that the king’s intentions were good but ended up doing harm!

Secondly, the very act of listening attentively to the language of the animals reveals both the cause of the problem (why the son became ill) and the solution (how to make him well) to Melampus. Do we listen as attentively to the intuitive language of our body? Do we heed the wisdom of our primal self? Are the causes of our dis-ease (our work, relationship and health concerns) and their solutions closer than we realize?

Thirdly, the alchemy of transformation is pivotal in this tale. The blade has turned rusty over time in the injured tree, yet this affected part of the tree bark is the very part needed to make the brew to cure the king’s son. Over time, old mistakes, regrets and past traumas become enclosed in our hearts like the blade overgrown by bark. When we remove the blade through sharing our story, we can use our accumulated experience (the rust) together with understanding (the water element of the brew) to allow healing to take place. How fascinating that the perpetrator (the knife), the wounded (the tree), and the healer (the brew) have fused into a single entity!

We only can hear the hidden language of our hearts when we are in the presence of a trustworthy listener. The simple act of sharing our story within the therapeutic context can be powerfully awakening and healing.

_________________________________________________________________

This article first appeared in Natural Awakening Magazine, Lower Hudson Valley West Edition, December 28, 2014

July 23, 2019

Astrology Update for August 2019

Celebrate the Sun in Leo! Pic by Steve Halama

The Sun has moved into fiery Leo under dominion of the Sun. The Sun represents our core identity and our will, and rules the heart. Enjoy reading your Sun, Moon and Rising signs for August!

Your Sun, Moon and Rising Signs

For the time period beginning July 23, 2019 until August 23, 2019

Leo, happy birthday to you, dear friends! Your physical energy is heightened this month and you make good use of it! You find yourself in several unusual situations, and facing sudden changes of pace at work. Called to take decisive action wherever you find yourself, there really is no set pattern to your days. Stop trying to adjust to your new life because it’s not settling down any time soon. Getting enough sleep is important right now.

Virgo, you’re enjoying being out of your usual routine and a little hidden away from it all. Don’t try to push forward with any new plans or major decisions in August. Relax – September will be busy enough! It’s also your month for a financial review. Is there a deficit in the budget due to something you didn’t plan for or no-one saw coming? Not to worry too much, you’ll find a way to balance the books and will learn something important in the process!

Libra, creativity and hobbies continue to bring you much pleasure this month as you focus on learning, teaching, or both. There’s also a short trip on the cards involving pleasure. Money is a nagging theme that won’t go away – but there’s no immediate solution in sight. After August 22^nd, there’s a shift towards life’s more practical things.

Scorpio, you’re overcoming some major challenges at the moment as you push yourself to achieve your goals. Your physical body is taking some strain but you compensate for it with your steadfast focus and steely determination. Keep close to home and family this month, taking a moment each day to be grateful for where you’ve come from and what you’ve received.

Sagittarius, good fortune continues to smile on you! While things slow down a little financially you may nevertheless be given opportunities to make money, especially between August 7 and 23 – take them! If you have children, they welcome your attention, and you find yourself enjoying the time spent with them. Things put on the back burner in April come to the fore again in the second part of the month. Perhaps it’s your search for a deeper way of being.

Capricorn, make that checkup early on this month and attend to whatever’s been niggling at you for a while. It’s also a wonderful time to start exercising or to get back into your routine. Things have a way of escalating if you leave them too long so don’t neglect your health at the expense of your responsibilities to others. On the positive side, you’re really making progress with your long-term goals – keep at it, you’re amazing!

Aquarius, it’s your time to waltz with your partner… even though they tread on your toes! August sees you spending more time than usual with your significant other – be that personal or business – and trying to figure out the complexity of getting along while coping with the daily grind. And if you’re single, you may find this a good month to celebrate your status. All that glitters is not gold. Be open to receive insight into your true motivations around the Full Moon on August 15.

Pisces, obfuscation of some sort is being used by your partner to hide the truth of his or her financial dealings – take note. Once duly noted, you are entitled to have some fun this month. If you choose to turn a blind eye to whatever’s going on, the Full Moon on August 15 will bring it once again to your attention. You’re learning to discriminate what’s true from what’s not. Trust your gut; it never lies.

Aries, higher learning and educational enrichment are high on the cards this month as you find yourself drawn once again to study and travel. Your body feels healthy and energized and there’s much you can accomplish right now. Work on healing your past wounds through helping others to do the same – it’s what you’re here for, after all.

Taurus, your career is in the spotlight this month. It feels as if things you thought were immutable are suddenly up in the air. There is some self-sabotaging behavior that you have to acknowledge now in order to move forward. Idealistic dreaming about a Manhattan penthouse or a Malibu beach pad will not pay the rent. You want the finer things in life but more importantly you want security. What are you prepared to change in your behavior in order to receive it?

Gemini, while you feel like hiding under the covers with a good book or two, this is your month to move forward toward making your hopes a reality. Run things by your friends and listen carefully to their advice. Remember, qui n’avance pas, recule (‘If you don’t move forward, you’ll recede’). On August 23 at the 3^rd quarter Moon, be ready for action.

Cancer, you may be feeling a little confined as July draws to a close, or else you’re on a voluntary withdrawal from the usual hustle and bustle of life. Whether in the attic or practicing vipassana, make a conscious effort to open yourself to the pleasures that life has to offer. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it only takes a moment to be there and take it in. Love is nearer than you think.

“I always thought I should be treated like a star.” –Madonna, Leo

June 22, 2019

Astrology Update for July 2019

This is My Happy Place. Photo courtesy of Artem Beliaikin The Sun has moved into watery Cancer under dominion of the Moon. The Moon rules our moods, habits and instincts. Enjoy reading your Sun, Moon and Rising signs for July!

Your Sun, Moon and Rising Signs

For the time period beginning June 22, 2019 until July 23, 2019

Cancer, happy, happy birthday – the Sun is shining on you as I write! And there’s a jam-packed month ahead so don’t think about running for the hills just yet. You’re focused on taking the next step forward in your life even though emotionally you’re not quite sure if you’re ready. It looks like there’s very little choice really – you know you need to head out beyond your safely net, aka “home”. July 2 is your New Moon, so make your move!

Leo, it’s time to put your money where your mouth is. Finances and possessions come to the forefront this month as you try to figure things out. It could go either way – so make sure that you know how much you want or need – and keep your usually over-generous nature in check. Mercury and Mars moving into your sign in early July bring renewed vigor, the strong possibility of a short trip, and favorable business transactions.

Virgo, there’s correspondence to take care of this month; check in on your siblings while you’re at it. There’s time to hang out with your neighbors and express your views at the local meet-up. This is a good month to care for the environment in which you work – consider a do-it-yourself project or two now that the recent pressure in your life is alleviating. Onward!

Libra, you’re focused on home and family this month even though you still feel work energies pulling you. There’s the sense that family is becoming a broader concern for you of late, and that your spiritual life is deepening. Stay focused on your inner compass while you avoid the fairy dust being blown into your eyes. Try to see the bigger picture if something enticing is offered to you.

Scorpio, if you’ve been waiting for your romantic life to take a turn for the better, July is your month! Wait until after the 4^th, and then pursue your love with the grand gesture. If your passionate self is on hiatus right now, focus on the children in your life and on doing something that brings you unbridled joy. Life can be simple if you let go a little, right?

Sagittarius, being a subordinate does not come naturally to you. So you might feel a little uncomfortable during the last week of June when it seems as if increasingly mundane chores are your lot in life. Just get on with it. Use July fruitfully by scheduling your regular dental and medical checkups, and cleaning out obsolete paperwork. You want to be free, so lighten your load!

Capricorn, you’re spending more time than usual with your partner or business partner this month. If you’re single, there’s someone in your close environment pushing your buttons. While it may feel at times as if your decisions are being opposed, there’s not much you can do to change this energy right now. Sometimes less really is more, and we need to have some of our power taken away in order to see the lighter side of life. If something or someone feels like a stone around your neck, let it go, let it go… my prescription for you this July is a dose of laughter every day.

Aquarius, things are changing very quickly this month, so keep an open mind – something you aspire to do but surprisingly struggle with when the chips are down. The month starts off on an introspective note then, at the first quarter Moon on July 9, things lighten up and you feel ready for a party! Celebrate life in all its forms; you’ve looked death in the face long ago and know that life and death are two sides of the same coin.

Pisces, hooray, your travel plans are in the bag! This month sees you flying off to a sunny place and you couldn’t be happier. You’re asked by the stars to check all domestic arrangements carefully before you go – don’t leave anything to chance – and to double-check your itinerary. It also won’t harm you to take any prescribed travel medications to protect against water-born parasites and to drink only filtered water on vacation. Check everything off your list and bon voyage, you’re good to go!

Aries, emotions have been all over the place during June but from July 4 onward they settle down for you, and your work takes precedence. You’re more productive than usual at the office – so make the most of it while it lasts. You may even be able to get your way easily at work now, much to your surprise. The full Moon eclipse on July 16 is most likely a low-energy time for you so clear the decks in advance and plan a couple of chill days.

Taurus, your contemplative phase is not entirely over yet, however, this month sees you connecting with your closest friends – on your own terms. There’s also a strong possibility that you’re going on a retreat with your spiritual group. This kind of endeavor is favored this month – somewhere quiet yet supportive. If retreats are not your thing, then head out into nature. You need time to process the rapid changes that are upon you.

Gemini, you’re known for your constant communication and ability to keep in touch with everyone in your life. This month, however, with so much activity having taken place around your birthday, you’re looking forward to some quiet time. Avoid power struggles with your partner by channeling your dramatic opinions into helping others who really desire it. Don’t neglect your creative projects.

“Family is the most important thing in the world.” –Princess Diana, Cancer

This is my happy place

June 22, 2019

Astro-planner for July 2019

Dear Friends,

Welcome to July’s Astro-planner, containing practical astro-lore for the entire month.

The Sun has moved into Cancer, a cardinal water sign, and we enter the start of the summer here in the northern hemisphere, while our friends in the southern hemisphere begin their winter. For those of us who live in New York State, we’re looking forward to a cessation of rain and some genuinely hot days. Huzzah!

For those of you new to my site, I welcome feedback of your first-hand astrological experiences in reference to this planner. Email me at info@GoshenAstrology.com.

Happy birthday to all of you who are celebrating this month!

May the Sun shine upon you,
Catherine

ASTRO-PLANNER FOR JULY 2019

July 2: New Moon at 10 degrees of Cancer with Mars switching signs into Leo. This new Moon is a total solar eclipse, a good time to lie low and have a break from your regular new Moon routine, especially as Mars is volatile, and is also squared by lightning-changer Uranus. Drink herbal tea and clean the windows. If it’s your birthday on this day, why not wait until the weekend to celebrate?

July 3: Venus moves into Cancer (where she’ll remain for most of the month) – inviting us to enjoy the sensual pleasures that home has to offer. I couldn’t think of a more apt Venus placement for America’s birthday on July 4, when so many families will be celebrating together, enjoying sunshine, swimming, and tasty home-cooked foods

July 7-31: Mercury will be retrograde – in other words, appearing to travel backwards in the sky from the vantage point of earth. My only advice is to use this period to catch up with yourself – you can get a lot done in this department, believe me. It’s also not the greatest time to purchase a new computer or a cellphone

July 11-12: Best planting days for my garden-loving readers, I know who you are! The Moon is in fertile Scorpio for all of July 11 and the morning of July 12 (EDT). Scorpio plantings bestow length, so are good for such plants as vines and runner beans.

As a general note, Scorpio gives length, Cancer gives strength, and Pisces gives root growth. So, for example, three successive Scorpio Moon waxing plantings produce long vines, three Cancer plantings produce medium vines, three Pisces plantings produce short vines.*

July 16: Full Moon at 24 degrees of Capricorn. A partial lunar eclipse, this full Moon is configured with Pluto and calls for watchfulness with regards to emotional expression. Eclipses do not function in the same way as ordinary lunations; they act like energetic bottlenecks and should be treated with caution. Somebody notify world leaders please!

July 22: Sun moves into Leo and is squared by Uranus until the month’s end – expect some action stations if you’re born around this time of the year! You have the power to overcome obstacles and move forward into a new space now

In general, July is a volatile month with its two eclipses and the personal planets predominantly in fire and water signs (picture the sizzling that happens when water meets fire). Fire is action and water is emotion.

Can we get the balance right so that there’s enough fire to create something new – without burning other people’s feelings in the process? And enough water to feel our way forward with sensitivity – without dousing the fire of action? Friction creates new possibilities when used with awareness. Enjoy July!

*Based on experiments by Charles R. Hook, Sr. (‘The Moon Sign Gardener’, 1942 AFA Yearbook, republished in ‘Today’s Astrologer’, AFA, September 24, 2014. Thank you Charles for all your hands-on research into gardening by the Moon)

Mandala by Catherine Goshen, Copyright GoshenAstrology 2019

May 25, 2019

Astrology Update for June 2019

Photograph courtesy of Fernando Brasil

The Sun has moved into airy Gemini ruled by changeable Mercury;
enjoy reading your Sun, Moon and Rising signs for June!

Your Sun, Moon and Rising Signs

For the time period beginning May 21, 2019 until June 21, 2019

Gemini, it’s your solar return… happy birthday to you! The end of May sees you wrapping up a long cycle and spending some days alone, which is exactly what’s called for right now. There’s artistically sensitive and spiritually creative energy flowing in for you this month – time spent accessing your inner god/goddess prepares the space for this. Your special New Moon, the time to set your intentions for your year, is on June 3 at 6:01 am EDT, so plan accordingly.

Cancer, this is the month when you work out the finances between you and your spouse/permanent partner. If you’re single, you’re still going to be dealing with managing your resources. For those of you investing your money, make sure it’s a legitimate venture and that you’re not giving your power away. Your self-worth and/or physical body may feel a little fragile right now; pay attention to this and rest when you can. Just lying horizontal for 10-15 minutes in the middle of each day will help your stars align! Your energy returns after the solstice on June 21.

Leo, you’ve been thinking lately about learning a new skill and now is a great time to set this plan in motion. Your creative juices are flowing and your energy levels are good to go. Don’t be surprised if there’s some local travel to boot; you love your car and have been known to spend days living in it! Relaxation time is essential in between the heavy stuff, so take it while you can.

Virgo, family roots come into focus this month as you find yourself either spending more time with your extended family or exploring your heritage through other means. Allow that which is subterranean – hidden deep within your subconscious – to emerge into the light of day, perhaps through a meaningful conversation with a parent or counselor surrounding your early years. Your home is an extension of who you are and where you come from; open the windows and let the breeze blow through.

Libra, spending time with children is high on the agenda as May comes to an end. If there are no children in sight, you finally find time for your favorite sideline enthusiasm. You’re feeling more private than usual so give yourself permission to say “no” to social gatherings, even if this is contrary to your usual response. Your adjustment day this month is at the first quarter moon on June 10 when your ruling planet switches signs; a good day to keep your calendar clear and be open to the flow.

Scorpio, this is the month to channel your energy into athletic pursuits – do whatever you do to keep fit but amp up the volume a little! Self-care for you so often involves the maintenance of a healthy body; when you are in good physical health, your mental health follows. Try out vibrant new summer recipes in the kitchen, bursting with the flavors of seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs and toasted nuts. The June 17 full moon is your signal to rest and relax for a couple of days.

Sagittarius, partnership comes alive this month for you. A new business partner comes on board, an old partner returns, or your spouse “comes back” to you after a period of a physical break or an emotional withdrawal. If there’s no chance of reconciliation, the separation is ultimately a positive one, and your focus now shifts easily to your future. You find yourself receptive to new ideas and open to travel plans. Let your arrow fly!

Capricorn, with Saturn travelling through your sign for a long while yet, structural changes and life milestones continue to occur. At times you feel pulverized by the forces at play, while at other times the sense of real growth lifts you up – it’s all about the gaining of wisdom through experience. This month sees you involved with your partner’s money and visiting your friends in their work space. Don’t be surprised if you meet up with acquaintances from your distant past.

Aquarius, the universe likes to get its point across clearly and this month we see a repeated emphasis on engaging with foreigners, extended travel plans, and/or higher education. Continue reading your philosophical books and keep an open mind while you deal with whatever mini crisis is currently pending. It’s a great month to tie up loose ends from April and pay down debt.

Pisces, your work plans are in the spotlight this month and you find yourself having to put your idea out there or present to the public. You’re feeling more expansive than last month but things are not developing as quickly as you’d like. You’ll have to wait until mid-August for genuine forward movement. Planetary patterns favor nonprofit ventures, and some form of volunteer work is worth the effort if you’re currently not working. Just remember to remove your rose-tinted spectacles before you step out!

Aries, this month sees you forming new alliances and spending time with friends. While this is a good thing, avoid over-emotionalism in groups, or bonding with those who wish to vent their emotions publicly. In your own back yard, ditch any resentment you may be nursing – it’s passé. Your best option is to keep it simple in June. Enjoy organizing your resources as you lay your plans for the future.

Taurus, you have stellar permission to retreat this month. Go on, hide under the covers, or take a nature hike; get out the paintbrushes and put the ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door. Withdrawal is a necessary part of life. Even when things are going well for you, you feel an inner calling to step out of the picture once in a while. With all the changes going on right now, some quiet contemplation is called for. Enjoy it.

‘When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.’
–John F Kennedy, Gemini

May 25, 2019

Astro-planner for June 2019

A spiritual morning bath, Varanasi, India. Pic courtesy of frank-holleman-524081-unsplash

Dear Friends,

The Sun has moved into Gemini and we enter the mutable part of the spring season in the northern hemisphere, where signs of summer alternate with true spring days. Happy birthday, Gemini!

We are moving gradually toward the longest day of the year, the summer solstice, when the Sun enters the sign of Cancer. Mark your calendars for June 21 and celebrate this solar event in your own meaningful way, bearing in mind that this is a holiday (holy day) older than organized Christianity. Ancient rites included festivities surrounding fertility, garland making with fresh flowers, and dances honoring the Sun, our life force.

The Astro-planner is below. The monthly updates for your sign are in the post above. Read for your Sun, your Moon, and your Rising sign (Ascendant) for the solar month. If you’re new to this monthly update, be welcome. Enjoy June!

May the Sun shine upon you,
Catherine

ASTRO-PLANNER FOR JUNE 2019

May 26: 3^rd Quarter Moon in Pisces: will you move forward willingly into the new direction offered to you? This is not the time to revert to outdated emotional behavior. Set away the party dresses and get real! (For my garden-loving readers: while Pisces is a fertile sign, when the moon is waning it is not the best time to plant for growth. Wait until a couple of days after the New Moon)

June 3: New Moon, with the Sun, Moon and Mercury all in Gemini – today or tomorrow is a good day for the start of a trip or to write something meaningful. As always, set your intentions for the month

June 5: Best planting day this month (and into the morning of June 6) with the waxing moon in fertile Cancer. Mercury also changes signs on June 5, moving into Cancer and into that prominent point of the zodiac where it’s important to be mindful of what you say as news travels fast. This is good day if you wish to advertise your business!

June 9: Venus leaves earthy Taurus and enters the airy realm of Gemini, where she’ll remain until early July. Friendship before love becomes important, as does the need for greater freedom within relationships

June 10: the 1^st Quarter Moon receives a tremendous amount of activation this month. The Moon is in Virgo and links to not only the Sun but to Mars, Jupiter, Neptune, the Nodes, Saturn and Pluto. When there is so much energy surrounding the Moon, which is tied to our bodies and all organic matter on earth, we need to pay special attention to how we feel and go through life on this day. Quarter moons so often invoke a struggle between two forces; the tension can be a wonderful kick-start as long as you have an outlet. Find one!

June 14: Mars opposition Saturn at 18 degrees of Cancer-Capricorn

June 17: Full Moon at 25 degrees of Sagittarius at 4:30 am EDT. Best party night this month will be Saturday, June 15

June 19: Mars opposition Pluto at 22 degrees of Cancer-Capricorn

June 21: The Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere and the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere. The Sun moves into zero degrees of Cancer; for us here this signifies the start of summer! The ingress chart promises much tension in Washington over the next three months… but that’s a discussion for another time and place. The only real change possible takes place within ourselves; so be the change you wish to see

April 28, 2019

Astro-planner for May 2019

Dear Friends,

Planetary alignments suggest we could all react less when confronted with explosive situations this May. Think of having your own internal pause button – possibly located near your mouth – which you press before you blurt out something reactive.

We are also asked to take time to process what’s going on in our daily lives instead of floating from one situation to the next as if on an endless treadmill. Try replaying your day as you prepare for bed. Cuiusvis hominis est errare, nullius nisi insipientis in errore perseverare.

With Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto retrograde, and Venus hooking up with lightning-changer Uranus, there’s an opportunity for deep introspection coupled with brilliant insight.

Enjoy May! The Astro-planner, as well as the Sun, Moon and Rising signs post, are below.

May the Sun shine upon you,
Catherine

ASTRO-PLANNER FOR MAY 2019

May 4: New Moon at 14 degrees of Taurus. Planetary alignments at this New Moon prod us to manifest our dreams. Heard this before somewhere? Yes, it’s a repeating message over the last few months as we are given several opportunities to bring into the material world our vision for our future. Set 10-30 minutes aside for planning your month ahead on this day and you won’t regret it. For Taurus Suns, this is your day to set your goals for the entire year

May 5: The Mars-Jupiter opposition which has been building becomes exact with Mars at 23 degrees of Gemini and Jupiter at 23 degrees of Sagittarius. Check your chart – do you have any personal planets or angles within a degree or two of either of these placements, or around 23 degrees of Virgo or Pisces, the other two mutable signs? This aspect indicates it’s an opportune time to bring your entrepreneurial spirit into the light. Negotiate with skill and sign that deal, giving birth to something new. This Mars-Jupiter aspect requires a certain intention and attitude of humility to operate with a successful outcome. Avoid conflict and strife, and keep your eye on the goal!

May 15: Venus moves into Taurus, one of the signs that she rules. When Venus is at home, it’s a favorable time to beautify your face and body, your home and garden, and to gather with friends for bountiful meals overflowing with fresh produce. Venus will be in Taurus until June 9

May 15-16: Mars moves into Cancer where he is said to be in his fall, and will be here until early July. This would be a period in which to avoid elective surgery if possible, as well as any behavior which tends toward the passive-aggressive. Find a healthy outlet for angry feelings and learn to laugh at yourself

May 18: Full Moon at 27 degrees of Scorpio, opposite the Sun and Mercury in Taurus. This full moon has the potential to be intense on a relationship and on a political level. Your highest vibe? Create something beautiful with water colors, with your instrument, or write a nature poem

May 21: Sun enters the sign of Gemini, the twins

Check out last month’s Astro-planner to read about Saturn and Pluto in their retrograde motion!

April 21, 2019

Astrology Update for May 2019

Photo by Andres Medecigo on Unsplash

The Sun has moved into earthy Taurus ruled by lady Venus;
enjoy reading your Sun, Moon and Rising signs for May!

Your Sun, Moon and Rising Signs

For the time period beginning April 21, 2019 until May 22, 2019

Taurus, I’m delighted to wish you many happy returns! While your birthday is always a time to usher in the new, this month is super-charged with the potential for unexpected changes and alternative perspectives. As a fixed, earth sign you’re usually comfortable maintaining the status quo; now is your time to embrace serendipity and allow yourself an adventure!

Gemini, it’s time to pay attention to your finances. Have you considered putting some money away for the future? This is the month to make that idea into a reality. You’ve just come out of period of feeling unsure about a lot of things; clarity is now dawning. Take action: by valuing your resources you value yourself.

Cancer, siblings are highlighted now, as well as connections from the past. Ever met someone for the first time and felt like you knew them already? Trust that feeling. It’s a great idea this month to take a day to recalibrate around the full moon on May 18. Mars is moving into your sign a couple of days before and you’ll certainly feel an energetic adjustment. Work in the yard, prepare a slow-cooking meal with care, or simply lie in the hammock and take nephograms.

Leo, it’s a good time to call up or to spend time with your dad. If this relationship needs healing, what are you waiting for? Unexpected breakthroughs in connection with your childhood roots are favored. This does not necessarily mean a happy reunion but rather that something fundamental can take place within you that changes everything.

Virgo, it’s a propitious time to focus on activities with your children and loved ones. Relax a little and plan something just for the fun of it! If you don’t have children, allow romance to blossom. When last did you enjoy dinner by candlelight? Your mind is finally clearing after months of living in a fog. Make the most of the opportunities offered to you!

Libra, you find yourself in the position of helper and server this month, having to put your own concerns aside for a while. The rewards are high, however, and include environments which favor the arts. Those of you born October 13-18 also have the opportunity to make superhuman efforts and achievements at work. Set your ambitions high and reach for the stars!

Scorpio, take a hard look at your closest relationships. It might be time to struggle against your secretive nature and tell your partner what you actually think of life, the universe, and… them, of course. Whether you’re brave enough to speak your mind or not, this month favors frank talk. If you’re single, take stock of your need for a partner. Are you prepared to risk revealing your soul and put yourself out there?

Sagittarius, it’s debt consolidation time! Timing suggests it’s better to look at what you owe now, rather than leave it for a few months down the line. You’re in a strong position to deal with things if you can just motivate yourself to care enough. If money comes your way, you know what to do with it.

Capricorn, finally you’re making time to study those alternative healing books next to your bed! Some of you may travel far, or to go on a meditative retreat. It’s not as though all the other things at work have stopped pulling at you, it’s just that you’ve realized some things are more important than what your boss thinks of your performance. Enjoy your new perspective!

Aquarius, your career is getting a lot of attention right now and it’s all positive. Act with confidence and cement your position. Sometimes the best way to help the greatest number of people is to get into a position of power. Overseas colleagues, foreign work environments and the law demand your focus.

Pisces, there’s a lot happening internally this month as you allow yourself to hope and plan for the future. Be careful, though, as things may not be what they seem. Ask an old and trusted friend for their opinion on matters of the heart, especially with regards to financial affairs. You’re too trusting to make decisions without sound advice.

Aries, you’re preoccupied with money and resources this month. That aside, your spiritual life is also demanding attention. It is said that suffering leads to awakening, and you’ve ever been a courageous one. So step out of your comfort zone by making time for your inner life: embrace the challenge!

‘I’m here to build something for the long-term. Anything else is a distraction.’
–Mark Zuckerberg, Taurus

Door image, courtesy of Andres Medecigo